The OHGS Scottish Regional Meeting was held at Muirfield this year (2015) and brilliantly organised by Archie Pleydell-Bouverie who lives in nearby North Berwick. Despite some unavoidable late drop outs the meeting was well attended and took the format of a ten per side foursomes match against Muirfield.

Muirfield traditionally plays 36 hole matches with a well-oiled lunch in between. The matches are usually played level with a local variation on the Sunningdale rule if the match becomes unbalanced. It is normally the side with most “Kummel-proof” swing which prevails.
Although each foursome tried its best to win there was no record kept of the actual scores and so no overall winner was declared. This was entirely appropriate as the main purpose was to enjoy competitive golf with like-minded individuals. And we were privileged to enjoy their company at a club dinner that evening at which we received the most excellent service. Being the longest day we were able to have a putting competition before the port was served.

Archie, who runs an agency for those wishing to stay in and enjoy what Scotland has to offer (www.privatehousestays.com) did a great job for those who travelled up for the event. He suggested the best forms of travel, arranged for pick-ups from train stations or airports, and organised golf for those who arrived early. And he arranged bed and breakfast accommodation within walking distance of his home as well as having some people to stay at his house.

He then arranged a nine-hole evening contest at the short course at North Berwick which was duly won by our President, Jeffrey Bonas. After that he gave a barbeque at his home overlooking the 16th at North Berwick for all those staying nearby, followed by the second day play at the US Open on TV.

The next morning a huge taxi arrived and took us all to Muirfield for the whole day, picking us up again at 10:30 that evening so nobody had to worry about drink driving. Anyone who wished to play golf the next day had games arranged at North Berwick, Muirfield and Rennaisance giving plenty of time to travel South in the afternoon.

It is likely that we will repeat the event next year which will undoubtedly prove very popular following the success of this year’s event.