75th CRUDEN BAY CHALLENGE CUP NEXT WEEK

FROM ROBBIE STEWART
PGA Director of Golf
Cruden Bay Golf Club

Our four-day men's open tournament next week - Tuesday to Friday - is the 75th playing for the Challenge Cup. There are still some places available for late entries by calling me on 01779 812285. The entry fee is £60 which guarantees four rounds of golf.

Below is an excerpt from our most recent members’ newsletter about this years’ event:-

75th Challenge Cup

The Challenge Cup has been in existence in one format or another for over a century, having been first played in 1901. Since that time the competition has been a prominent fixture on the north-east golfing calendar. There have been some breaks in continuity at the times of the World Wars, in the aftermath of the closure and demolition of the grand hotel in the 1950s and finally during the period of 1964 to 1977.

Among the most notable names engraved on the trophy is that of Harry Bannerman, our former club professional and Ryder Cup player who prior to leaving the amateur ranks was the winner in 1963 whilst a member at Murcar Links.

In recent years the club has had almost a monopoly on the winning front thanks in the main to Laurie Phillips and Michael Buchan. Last year Laurie became the first player to win the trophy five years in a row and in doing so became the player who has won the Challenge Cup most often with a total of six victories. Once again he will be hoping to mount a successful defence of his title but faces stiff competition from a number of contenders.

Expect to see the following players in contention - current club champion Stewart McCulloch, Hawklaw Tankard winner Mark Christie, Chris Gilbert, Sam Strachan

(Inverallochy) and the dark horses Alan Duff and Dom King. With the course in such fine condition and a top quality field all we need is good weather to ensure that we have another fascinating four day Challenge Cup.

Email: secretary@crudenbaygolfclub.co.uk

http://www.crudenbaygolfclub.co.uk/