As golfing fans prepare to watch the Ryder Cup to be played in Scotland, golfers from across the UK are about to play in an equally-gripping tournament a few miles away – the Scottish Golf Pairs Challenge.
As golfing fans all over the world prepare to watch the Ryder Cup being played in Scotland, golfers from across the UK are about to play in an equally-gripping tournament only a few miles away – the Scottish Golf Pairs Challenge.
This highly-competitive tournament, which is a precursor to the forthcoming Carnoustie Country Festival of Golf, will be played on five of Carnoustie Country’s finest inland courses from 1-5 September, 2014.
“The Scottish Golf Pairs Challenge is played over the courses at Kirriemuir, Alyth, Strathmore, Glenisla and Blairgowrie Rosemount, host venue for the 2014 Junior Ryder Cup,” explained Norman Dyce, one of the organisers of the Scottish Golf Pairs Challenge.
The Scottish Golf Pairs Challenge is a four-ball better-ball strokeplay, with entries open to gents, ladies and mixed pairs. This five day tournament, which has a reputation for being very sociable and friendly, is open to amateur golfers of all abilities, with a maximum handicap of 24 for gents and 32 for ladies.
“This is the fourth year we have held this tournament and our format - fourball better ball with the strokeplay element – provides competitors with enjoyment and fun without the pressure of playing for their handicap. We’ve also changed the format slightly this year so that, on the last day of the tournament, the field will play in score order, just as they do in professional golf tournaments.
“This means that the leaders will go out last, adding a wee bit of tension, excitement and an extra edge – and we also hope that the earlier starters will stay and watch the leaders as they ‘come down the stretch’.”
So far, almost 60 golfers have entered the Scottish Golf Pairs Challenge, with golfers travelling from as far as Hampshire, Northamptonshire and Cheshire, as well as many golfers from closer to home, including pairs from West Lothian and Ayrshire.
The winners of last year’s scratch competition, Allyn Dick from Kingsknowe Golf Club near Edinburgh and Gregor Suttie from Shotts Golf Club, are returning to defend their title.
“In fact, 18 pairs who have signed up for this year’s Scottish Golf Pairs Challenge are repeat customers. This tournament certainly hits the spot with a lot of golfers, who appreciate being able to play in a corner of Scotland with a long and illustrious golfing history – without breaking the bank,” continued Norman, who added that entry fees are £250 per pair.
Entries close on 27 August, 2014 and, at the moment, there are still places available.
“As there’s a wide range of local accommodation providers available within the vicinity of the courses involved, including several offering ‘stay and play’ packages, this tournament is an excellent opportunity to experience golf in Carnoustie Country. And if any pairs of local golfers fancy a Golfing Staycation – this is your chance!”
For more information please visit www.scottishgolfpairs.co.uk
To find out more about Carnoustie Country’s 30 golf courses within a 40-minute drive of Carnoustie Championship and Carnoustie Country Festival of Golf 2014, visit www.carnoustiecountry.com
Photograph Caption: Blairgowrie Rosemount, one of the Carnoustie Country courses hosting the Scottish Golf Pairs Challenge 2014.
Photograph Credit: Photo courtesy of www.carnoustiecountry.com
