A wonderful interlude was spent over 3 days 16th – 18th June by as many as 16 OH golfers on East Lothian’s aptly named ‘Golf Coast’. The centrepiece being a day at Muirfield on the Saturday kindly organised locally by Archie Pleydell-Bouverie with assistance from Will North, Neil Scaife and James Amies from the South.
Neil Scaife being presented with the Claret Jug
A day at that world famous links certainly lived up to all expectations, 2 rounds of foursomes plus a singles being played by 22 golfers, some of whom were locals and not all OH’s drafted in by Archie to help with guidance around such a challenging course, as well as reducing the costs for us visitors. Despite the near perfect conditions – bright sun and mild breeze – scoring was by no means distinguished, but this did not detract from the overall enjoyment of such a memorable day. Perhaps it was the excellent lunch in the clubhouse and the anticipation of participating in a formal dinner as well that drew attention away from more rhythmic swings and accurate putting across those fiendish greens!
Neil Scaife with the claret jug
More golf was played either side of the Muirfield day, with a round for us visitors to compete for the Claret Jug at the brilliant West Links of North Berwick on the Friday afternoon, when much fun was had on a seaside course full of character and features simply not experienced elsewhere – a stone wall featuring on 2 holes, and some remarkable blind dips and hills around homecoming greens. Neil had arranged this round, being a country member able to guide us through some of the trickier aspects of this great course, and most deservedly won the Claret Jug which was presented at the Muirfield dinner. See photos ! Archie kindly organised a barbecue at his house very conveniently opposite the 16th green, in the evening, which was much appreciated and enjoyed too.
A third event was enjoyed on the Sunday morning, by the 8 remaining OH’s who had survived Muirfield’s hospitality the previous evening, a round at nearby Luffness New GC, yet another cracking links among the dozen or so that line that section of coast in close proximity, and of course another club in Neil’s burgeoning portfolio of memberships. Neil and I re-partnered to restore some pride by avenging our defeat at N. Berwick by Jerome Wilcox and Adam Webb, to our great satisfaction, chiefly due to Neil’s excellent play it has to be said. Some of those playing were able to stay on for a magnificent lunch that club is noted for, while others had to think about heading home to the South.
All in all a great success due to the much appreciated warm hospitality of local friends and club members, and good to see OH golf in fair shape over the border.
Stephen Bois – Captain.
