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Golf Club MembershipWe wish to encourage Merchistonian of all ages and abilities to tale part in the Golf Club. As you can see from the Fixture List, we have a full calendar of events and we have an active membership of both young and not-so young! If you would like more information about the Club, please contact the Secretary, Graeme Scott, Tree Tops, 12 Seatoun Place, Lower Largo, Leven, Fife, KY8 6BL (Tel: 01333 329186) or e-mail at graemercscott@aol.com
Key dates:-Link to Fixtures in 2010...
2009 MeetingsAutumn Meeting - Saturday 12th September 2009 Basking in an Indian Summer, Elie was looking it best. Having benefited from the summer rain, the course was in excellent condition, more ‘parkland’ than ‘links’. Numbers were down on previous years- many regulars were taking a late holiday, harvesting was still underway and anniversaries and birthday celebrations clashed- but that did not spoil the enjoyment of the event and we were pleased to see more of the ‘young’ taking part.
Glenalmond v Fettes v Merchiston,
Panmure - 23 August 2009 Much debate was held over bacon rolls and coffee as to how the match should be played. The idea was that each school should play against both other schools but the instructions for this were not understood (or perhaps not listened to). There were, therefore, heated discussions all over the course. The rain was light as we set off, got heavier at the turn, developed into a downpour before easing back to a light shower as we approached the clubhouse. Our top pairing only managed a half with GLenalmond whilst losing to Fettes. Things then began to look better as the second pair of D. Clark and Morrison won both matches. Sadly their efforts were not to be repeated with only one more win from the last three pairings by Hannay and Murray. At lunch things did not look too bad. We were down 2½ to 1½ to Glenalmond and 3 to 2 to Fettes. There was a real confidence we could lunch well and put out strong groupings in the afternoon to overturn the scores. As we settled down to coffee a quiet rebellion started to brew. Martin Stein took much persuasion to take to the course due to the inclement weather. Having reluctantly agreed he retired to the locker rooms only to return minutes later. He told everyone prepared to listen that the heavens had opened and that golf was not an option. This announcement turned the passive nature of the dissenters into an altogether more formidable voice. Sadly the match was abandoned and people trooped off home to surprise wives and family by their somewhat early return. There is general consensus that the format was good and should, with minor adjustments, be replayed next year. Hopefully we will find the sun is prepared to shine.
Cyril Gray- Worpleston: 25-27 June 2009 After a 2/1 win over Blundels, lost 3/0 to Merchant Taylors. Team: Alistair Duncan, Michael Grint, Andrew Haddow, Jimmy Scade, Morison Zuill and Stewart Zuill.
Match v School, Muirfield : Sunday 14 June 2009 Merchistonians: Nick Blair, Alan Brown, Bobby Burt, Malcolm Gourlay, Barrie Laird, John Rigg School: Keith Biggart, Ross Crummey, James Fisher, James Henderson, Craig Lumsden, Tom McPherson Result: 1.5/1.5
Cross Border Challenge: 12 June 2009
Some long par fours, deep bunkers, unforgiving rough and a fair amount of water made scoring difficult for many but Drew Mole overcame the odds by returning a stableford score of 37 and a nett 71, winning the Merchiston Shield. His nearest challenge came from Ronald Young with 31. When the average scores for each team were calculated, the team from the English side of the border just managed to regain the Ascham House Trophy by an average score of 27.5 to the Scottish score of 26.9. This was, the eleventh year of the meeting but it is only the fourth time that the cup has gone south of the border.
East v West Glorious weather, the course in splendid condition and we were well looked after by the Club. Both East and West on 1.5 points at lunch but in the afternoon the East prevailed to win by 3.5 to 2.5. East: Charles Abram, Iain Brechin, Graham Fisher, Kenneth Fisher, Bill Peterkin, Ian Wilson West: Graham Dickie, Bill Hannay, Graham Hardie (pm), James Hardie (am), Keith Nicholson (pm), Robert McColl, Graeme Scott, Donald Thomson (am)
Grafton Morish Qualifying, Royal Burgess, 8th May 2009 Merchiston scored 83 points at Barnton in strong blustery winds on Friday afternoon. The pairings were Burt & Lawson RP (23 pts), McKean & Mair (30) and Simpson & Rolland (30). Our playing partners, Robert Gordons, only scored 65 total, but the next two schools in were Loretto (31+30+26=87) and Heriots (85). Only four qualified from the nine schools playing and we were now third out of the first four to finish and getting nervous. Watsons and Glasgow Accies were next. Graham Brown and his partner were first pair for Watsons and scored a terrific 33, but their 2nd and 3rd pairs faltered and they totalled 80. However Glasgow Accies scored 85 so we were clinging on by fingernails.
Scottish Wayfarers Spring Meeting, Muirfield, 25th/26th April 2009 Team: Charles Abram, Ian Ballantine, Alan Caithness, Barry Laird, Robin Lawson, Bill Peterkin and Morison Zuill.
Halford Hewitt Cup 2-5 April 2009
This years Hewitt was disappointing after all the considerable preparation by the players. Drawn at Deal in the 1st Round against Loretto, we knew this was a tough opener having met them in the Stenhouse Quaich in March. Loretto played the steadier golf in the tricky conditions with each side winning 2 games by 3/2 and 6/5,and that left the outcome down to the number 1 pairs. We were 1 down after 16 and in good position off our drive, with Loretto in soft rough and looking favourites to square the game - however the Loretto Captain played a superb shot onto the green, while we took 3 to get down from the fringe. And so to The Plate held at nearby Princes. We accounted for a useful Harrovian side to the tune of 2.5 to 0.5 in the 3 pair format but sadly fell to Rossall by the same margin. As usual we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Royal Hotel but will be looking for better results next year. Team - Charlie Simpson Michael Rolland, Martin Stein Harry Thomson, Chris Cowan
SPRING MEETING : 8 MARCH 2009
Graeme Scott
Merchistonians v Lorettonians - Sunday 15 March 2009 at Prestwick Beautiful early Spring weather greeted the teams gathering at around 8.30am at Prestwick, plus a light to medium strength wind to make the rough on the course look a very magnetic attraction indeed for most of our party! This, taking into account the recent 'haircut ' and removal of some of the dreaded gorse bushes around the course. Unfortunately we were one man short in our team line up because of an unfortunate very late call off. John Ker drew the short straw in the morning and Graham Fisher volunteered in the afternoon to play alone against the opposition pairings. At lunch the score was 2-2 after a keenly contested series of matches. In the afternoon by the end of play the overall score was a halved match. One for the record books;- A great day, playing 2 rounds of the ever challenging historic links with fabulous food and fine wines supplied byclub steward /chef extraordinaire David Bennett -and his team of young ladies. A halved match seemed somehow the right result! Campbell McLaren
STENHOUSE QUAICH – Elie The first tournament of the year was a fruitful one and Merchistonians won after a royal battle throughout the two days by 7 holes up over Fettes. Saturday was a beautiful day with lightish winds and the course was in superb condition with fast greens. We beat The Academy 16 holes up, and won against Loretto 2 holes up after a fine 5 holes up victory by fourth pair Chris Smith and Ollie Stephen. In the afternoon against Glenalmond the Club escaped with a halved match which allowed them to attend the Dinner ahead of Fettes by 10 holes, both teams recording 2 wins and 1 half. Sunday was a very windy day and play proved extremely hazardous for all shots. The Club were head to head against Fettes, their nearest challengers and honours were shared with 1 loss, 2 halves and a gusty win by Niall Ballantyne and David Morrison bringing up the rear. No change as the Club faced Strathallan and Fettes confronted The Academy. Fettes playing in front overhauled their opponents by 10 holes negating the Club’s holes up advantage – so any victory would see the Club through which they managed in fine style, against a plucky team. Well done to all the team – every hole counted and everyone played their part in very difficult conditions. Congratulations to our Captain, Campbell McLaren and his team on their 13th victory in the tournaments 26 year history. Many thanks to Golf House Club, Elie for continuing to host the Wayfarers and providing all the teams with such excellent facilities, not to mention fine lunches and a superb Dinner on the Saturday night. TEAM: Niall Ballantyne, Chris Cowan, Dougie Cowan, Robert Forman, David Morrison, Michael Rolland, Charlie Simpson, Chris Smith, Martin Stein, Ollie Stephen, Robin Watt and Morison Zuill. Results: 1st – Merchiston - 3 Wins, 2 Halves, 25 Holes Up 2nd – Fettes – 3 Wins, 2 Halves, 18 Holes Up FROM THE NINETEENTH HOLEMessage from the CaptainI took over from Bill Peterkin as Captain of the Merchistonian Golf Club at the Autumn Meeting at Elie in September 2007. I am honoured to have been elected and will do my best to further the interests of the Club aver the next two years. I would like to do what I can to enable us to bring former pupils of Merchiston closer together with each other, no matter what their golfing aspirations or handicaps may be, by encouraging social golfing activities, all as outlined by Graeme Scott, our secretary, in the detailed fixture list of social fixtures, inter-school matchers and competitive events in the calendar. Thanks Graeme for all your input and terrific contribution to the Club. Thanks also to the team selectors who carry out the sometimes thankless task of team selection for the matches. Let us all enjoy our common heritage.
I do hope you will invite some new members to join our unique club.
The Merchistonian Golf Club had an outstanding year in 2006-07. All of us, both young and old, are proud of the commitment and outstanding work put in by the team selectors and the players. We won the Stenhouse Quaich last year and were fierce competitors at the Halford Hewitt tournament, but it was not our turn to win, even ij typical Scottish weather at Deal- high winds, rain and mist! I am pleased to say that Morison Zuill has agreed to come out of retirement to assist Stuart Briggs and to team select and encourage our committed squad of players- well done. Merchiston has always been a centre of excellence in many sports. The friendships formed in our golf club are lifelong.
I would also like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Bill Peterkin, whose years of office were marked with great dedication to the Club and School alike. Bill has been a faithful supporter of Club events and has guided the Club with a steady hand and great sense of humour during his term in office. I hope I can, in some way, try to emulate his achievement.
On a sad note, it is with regret that I have to advise you of the death of Guthrie Wilson, a former Captain of the Club. I am sure you will join me in sending our condolences to his family.
Campbell McLaren Captain Results Meetings2008 Meetings
Merchistonian Autumn Meeting The meteorological and financial depressions cleared for the day and the scores reflected the benign weather and the good condition of the course. There are however still those among us who think the holes are getting longer and the greens smaller!
With a CSS of 70 for the day and a handicap of 5, Ricky Cowan had an excellent gross score of 70 and won t
The Club looked after us very well. The catering was first class, both the quality of the food and the standard of the service.
Graeme Scott
Cross Border Challenge: Goswick Links - 13th June 2008
As ever the competition, between those living on the English and Scottish sides of the border, was scored on stableford points, with the winning team having the better average score. After a narrow win for the south, last year, a determined northern team just managed to regain the Ascham House Cup by 29 points to the south’s 28.25. Steady scoring by Graeme Scott with 35 points and John Aitchison with 33 gave the team a sound footing while the backing of the rest secured success. From the south, David Robertson’s 38 points was the best on the day and it also gave him the Merchiston Shield for the best nett score of 73, beating Graeme Scott by one shot. The longest drive was won by Hugh Bain and nearest the pin, on the 15th green was won by Alan Christie with a shot that left a putt of about ten feet.
F David Robertson Above: John Burm Gordon Taylor, Neil Kilpatrick and Graeme Scott Left:Hugh Bain, Donald Bain and Malcolm Gourlay More photos from Goswick Links...
Scottish Wayfarers Senior Team Over 50's, 10th and 11th May 2008, Scratch Foursomes at Prestwick Golf Club The Scottish Wayfarers is a golfing society nowadays. In bygone days it fielded rugby,cricket and squash teams etc; to play against the schools,consisting of Edinburgh Accies, Fettes, Glenalmond, Loretto, Merchiston and Strathallan. The Scottish Wayfarers met for their Annual meeting at Prestwick on in the most idillic of conditions. Sunshine,blue skies and a light breeze. All participants gathered around midday. Saturday's golf started with a Stableford competition and the best teams qualified to play on Sunday - in a scratch knockout competition for the trophy. This after a sumptuous luncheon. The last two teams played for the wooden spoon on Sunday morning. The bad news first. Merchiston lost to Edinburgh Accies to retain the wooden spoon! We went down 2 matches to one -Zuill and McLaren - the only winners, although the other two matches went to the wire. We were hindered by call-off's from some of our originally selected team members who were low handicappers.To survive and do well in a scratch competition like this one, we have to field asstrong a group of players that we can lay our hands on. Not to be. Fettes went on to beat Strathallan and Glenalmond beat Loretto in the semi-final . In the final Fettes beat Glenalmond in another action packed 'duel in the sun' on Sunday afternoon to lift the trophy . Prestwick Golf Club provided a splendid dinner for us all on Saturday evening in their classic, long table dining room. A fabulous venue steeped in golfing history. The Merchistonian team comprised Stuart Briggs, Morison Zuill, Peter Lawrence, Bill Hannay, Bill Peterkin, Douglas Buchanan and the Captain. All together a fabulous weekend of golf, socialising and networking!
Grafton Morrish, Royal Burgess - Friday 9 May 2008 The Grafton Morrish competition attracted a field of 11 schools to the Scottish regional qualifying at Barton, who were competing for 5 places in the final 32 next autumn. Merchistonian Golf Club was represented by Sir Peter Burt & Robin Lawson, John McKean and Charlie Simpson, and Chris Cowan & Martin Stein. The latter were our star pair with 35 gross stableford points, but the three couple total of 88 points missed out on qualification for the finals in Norfolk by just one point. Dollar, Heriots, and Loretto were among those successful.
Merchistonians v Lorettonians, Sunday 27 April 2008 at Muirfield On a perfect day for golf, and a competitive team, with handicaps ranging from 3 to 19, we got off to a flier and came into lunch 4 games up. Needless to say, lunch tasted that much better! In the afternoon we managed to stay ahead to win by 2.5 to 1.5, giving us an overall victory of 6.5 to 1.5. Well done to all - our first victory since 2000. Team consisted of Roger Baird, Colin Barbour, Stuart Briggs, Alan Caithness, Bill Hannay, Bill Peterkin, David Robertson and Chris Smith
Halford Hewitt Cup.10 - 13 April 2008 at Deal/Sandwich After last year's Quarter Final we were hoping to go further. We were welcomed to idyllic conditions for practice, but the usual breezes followed us into the competition proper. Drawn at Sandwich (the 6th time in 9 years) we disposed of Cranleigh 4.5 to 0.5 in the 1st Round then overcame a plucky Felsted side by 3.5 to 1.5. We were in a confident mood for the 3rd Round versus Harrow who had paired their five experienced players with five youngsters. Circumstances worked against us in that Chris Cowan's back gave in on the practice ground within minutes of his tee off time. The Harrovians kindly allowed us to bring in a replacement but we were understandably unable to alter either the pairings or the team order - this made a considerable difference to our chances. Martin Stein and Michael Rolland lost to their strongest pair playing at One. Dougie Cowan and his new partner Morison Zuill played very well but were overcome at the 15th,so it was down to the final 3 pairs to produce the points. At 3 Charlie Simpson and Andrew Lawson finally won on the 19th after their opponents came back from 3 down - only a brilliant putt by Andrew on 18 kept them alive. John McKean and Logan Mair playing ever more tidy golf closed out the 4th game 3/2.Back markers Harry Thomson and Ricky Cowan were in the hot seat and did very well to battle back from 3 down at the 12th to All square after the 17th through deft chipping and putting, only to be thwarted at the 18th by a steady 5 up 18 against the strong breeze. A case of "what might have been" but Harrow must be congratulated on reaching the Semi Finals. It is worth noting that during the event, Charlie Simpson played his 25th game, Martin Stein in his 50th and the ever green Morison Zuill his 118th,only 47 years after his first .Also Chris, Dougie and Ricky Cowan became only the second set of brothers to represent their School in Hewitt history, Congratulations to all six!
Team consisted of Chris Cowan, Dougie Cowan, Ricky Cowan, Andrew Lawson, John McKean, Logan Mair, Michael Rolland, Charlie Simpson, Martin Stein, Harry Thomson and Morison Zuill.
Stuart Briggs
Stenhouse Quaich 29/30 March 2008 at Elie The closeness of Easter made team selection hard for all teams, however it was a more closely fought tussle than usual, with ourselves being squeezed out of a third consecutive victory. On Saturday morning we played Glenalmond and Fettes. Both were tight matches with a Tie being registered against Glenalmond and an extraordinary win over Fettes by dint of a 10 up victory from Chris Smith and Quentin Dunlop. In the afternoon we recorded another narrow win over Loretto of + 2. Sunday morning was somewhat of a catastrophe - suffice to say we should not have lost to the Strathallians, who took advantage of our poor play. We finished on a higher note with a win over The Academy, but to no avail as we discovered Loretto had won the Quaich for the first time in 17 years - well done to them. Results
Team consisted of Stuart Briggs, Chris Cowan, Dougie Cowan, Ricky Cowan, Quentin Dunlop, Dave Hutchison, Campbell McLaren, David Morrison, Charlie Simpson, Chris Smith, Martin Stein, Donald Thomson, Harry Thomson and Morison Zuill.
Spring Meeting - Sunday 9 March 2008 Our successful Spring Meeting took place on Gullane No.3. 18 attended and Martin Stein won both the Medal and Stableford competitions.
2007 meetings
Match v School Muirfield - 17th June 2007
Merchistonians: Roger Baird, Hamish Ballantyne, Alan Brown, Sandy Corstorphine, Malcolm Gourlay, John Harvey Rigg Merchistonians won 2.5:0.5
Old Glenalmond Panmure - 29th July 2007
During conversations prior to the fixture, all members contacted suggested the Merchistonians need to learn how to lunch. Although in the last two years we have crept away with a tight victory, we have always lost the afternoon matches. We are all talk and no substance! The morning ended halved at 2.5: 2.5 but we only managed to win one match after lunch, losing overall by 3.5 to 6.5. Harry Thomson and Ken Fisher were the only Merchistonians not to lose a match. Harry only played in the morning and had to rush home without anything to eat. Ken did however make a pretty good effort at trying to lose in the morning along with the writer.We lost a four stroke lead, followed by a dormie three position, only to halve the match. This was not uncommon throughout the day as strong leads crumbled to narrow victories or even defeat. Old Glenalmond, having suffered two straight defeats, were determined to avoid the hat-trick and wheeled out a Halford-Hewittesque team. Merchistonians, as always, had a much more sociable mix of players, notably Hamish Wilson who agreed to play in the afternoon although only eligible as a Merchistonian by two months. Thanks to all who turned out for an enjoyable day at Panmure. Next year we shall have a lunch practice the week before!
Ian Wilson
Halford Hewitt Reunion
At our Autumn Meeting in Elie last September, a Reunion of the 1987 Halford Hewitt Winning Team was held alongside the Annual Dinner. The Captain of that team, Alan Mickel, headed up a table of likely looking lads, some wearing better then others, but all just as competitive, vociferous and confident as 20 year’s ago! Those who joined the Captain, in their original pairings, were:- Chris Cowan/ Robin Lawson, Graeme Barclay/John McMillan, Barry Laird/ Morison Zuill, Stuart Briggs/ Donald Thomson. Unfortunately top couple Harry Thomson and Stewart Zuill were unable to attend but were not forgotten, and the late Alasdair MacLaren was remembered for his part in this outstanding victory. It was a splendid night of reminiscing and hilarity. Hopefully it won’t be long before a fourth victory in the competition is recorded- 20 years is too long! Many thanks go to John MacMillan for his superb organisational and persuasive skills in getting so many of us there.
Stuart Briggs
Old Sedberghians Prestwick - 14th October 2007
Team: Iain Brechin, Stuart Briggs, Ken Fisher, Graham Hardie, Bill Peterkin, Sandy Robertson Result: Merchistonians 3.5: Old Sedberghians 4.5
On a dry day, by lunchtime Merchistonians had established a lead of 2.5:1.5. Clearly this was considered a secure lead as we relaxed and enjoyed the excellent hospitality to the full. Unfortunately Sedberghians saved their best for the afternoon winning 3 of the 4 matches to win overall. As the return fixture is on 13 th April 2008 at Muirfield with its own brand of excellent hospitality, I would be interested to hear from any Merchistonian, golfing, Trappist monks!
Ian Ballantine
Representative Competitions Stenhouse Quaich: Elie - 17th/18th March 2007
We were delighted to win this trophy for the second year in succession. The wind was blowing at gale force on both days which made golf very difficult, but the team rose to the occasion and triumphed. There was a Dinner on the Saturday night which was well attended and very good.
TEAMS Saturday: Stuart Briggs, Chris Cowan, Ricky Cowan, Euan Douglas, Michael Rolland, Chris Smith, Martin Stein, Harry Thomson Sunday: Stuart Briggs, Dougie Cowan, Euan Douglas, David Morrison, Michael Rolland, Charlie Simpson, Chris Smith, Martin Stein RESULT. 1st Merchistonians. Won Halved Lost Holes up 3 1 1 32 2nd Edinburgh Academicals Won Halved Lost Holes up 3 1 1 11 3rd Loretto 4th Fettes 5th Glenalmond 6th Strathallan.
It was a fine effort and it was most encouraging to have so many good young players involved. My thanks go to Stuart Briggs and Chris Cowan for putting the team together. There was the usual Medal Competition on Saturday. Three Merchistonians were the only entrants. Graeme Scott won with a commendable gross 90 in the conditions. Bill Peterkin won the handicap with a net 83 as Graeme was not allowed to claim both prizes. Campbell McLaren was a close third. The Medal was still with last year’s winner. Nobody could remember who he was so we came away empty handed! Glenalmond fielded a very handsome female and our Secretary got quite excited!
Bill Peterkin
Halford Hewitt Deal - 29th March to 1st April 2007
We had a good run in this important competition, being knocked out in the quarter finals by Epsom who lost in the final to Watsons. In the first round we beat Cheltenham 3/2.In the second we beat Haileybury 3/2 with Ricky Cowan and Euan Douglas having a dramatic win at the 21 st hole. Ricky holed a 15 footer at the 20 th hole to keep the match alive and then hit a wedge dead from 50yds out of the rough. We beat Whitgift 4/1 in the third round and lost 3 1/2 to 1 ½ to Epsom. The weather was unusually kind for the Hewitt, but there was a strong wind blowing throughout the week.
THE TEAM. Colin Briggs, Euan Douglas, Ricky Cowan, David Hutchison, Michael Rolland, Charlie Simpson, Gavin Spencer, Martin Stein.
It was a splendid effort by all and it is encouraging that we have a good sized pool of strong and young players to draw on. Campbell Mclaren joined us on Friday and the Zuill Brothers were present on Friday and Saturday. Their support was greatly appreciated. My thanks go to Stuart Briggs and Chris Cowan for their wise counsel. The week was huge fun with much hilarity and laughter throughout. Things look good for next year.
Bill Peterkin.
Queen Elizabeth Royal Burgess - 21st to 24th September 2007
Lost in the 2nd round to Glasgow Accies having beaten previous winners, Hutchesons in the 1st.
Thanks to Bill Peterkin At our Autumn Meeting held at Elie last September, Bill Peterkin demitted office after two most enjoyable and energetic years as Captain of the Golf Club. Bill has devoted much time to both the representative and social events. Representative-wise, Bill’s teams have won the Stenhouse Quaich twice, narrowly lost a Queen Elizabeth semi-final and reached the quarter final in the Halford Hewitt in 2007. From the Club’s perspective, his enthusiasm, humour and unique style of leadership has ensured that he leaves the Club in great heart, with more members involving themselves in Club activities than ever before. Thank you, Bill, on behalf of the Club for a most successful Captaincy.
Stuart Briggs |
The Cross Border Challenge, which took place at The Roxburghe Golf Club, near Kelso, in June, was blessed, for once, with perfect weather. The warm, still air and blue skies, enhanced the picturesque border countryside through which the course meanders. The dozen who took advantage of the opportunity to play at this challenging venue were welcomed by the Merchistonian Golf Club Captain, Campbell McLaren and his partner Olivia, even though Campbell was unable to take part because of an injury. 
Despite damaging his back, early in the round, the prize for the longest drive was won by Alan Christie while Gordon Taylor was nearest the pin on the par 3, eighth hole. Representing the north side of the border were John Aitchison, Alan Christie, Malcolm Gourlay, Neil Kilpatrick, Drew Mole, Sandy Robertson, Graeme Scott and Ronald Young. And from the south were John Burn, David Robertson, Chris Storey and Gordon Taylor. In 2010 the contest will return south to the very different but equally challenging course at Goswick links.
Spring had not sprung! Arctic conditions welcomed us to Gullane. A covering of snow closed the course during the morning but melted in time for us to tee off, leaving only a gale force wind and sub-zero temperatures to contend with. However the true Merchistonian spirit was in evidence and 22 hardy souls ventured out onto the links. Balls and caddy cars had a will of their own but all 22 returned safely although some visited neighbouring courses on the way while others opted for an early bath. In spite of everything, there were however some excellent scores. Harry Thomson won the Spring Medal with a very creditable gross 74 and Charlie Simpson was runner up with 77. Alan Caithness won the 
Merchistonian Medal stableford competition with 34 points closely followed by Harry Thomson on 33. Bill Peterkin, Kenneth Fisher and Alan Caithness won the team prize. The meteorological conditions could not be laid at the door of Gullane Golf Club who, as always, provided us with a course in fine condition, attentive service and good food. My thanks to them and all who supported the event.
The 2008 Autumn Meeting was held at Elie on Saturday 13 September.
he Gold Medal. Just as impressively Charles Abram, who must be playing more golf since retiring as Chairman of the Merchiston Board of Governors, carded an impressive net 64 to win the Silver Medal. Euan Douglas, Robin Lawson, Robert McColl and David W Mitchell also featured as trophy winners.
55 in all took part and we were glad to welcome wives, partners, Andrew and Barbara Hunter and two of the boys from School. Ways of encouraging younger Merchistonians to take part are being seriously considered and any ideas will be welcomed.
Goswick Links is situated just to the south of Berwick upon Tweed and, as a qualifying course for this year’s Open Championship, proved to be a good test of golf for the eleven contenders, who had travelled from as far as Cumbria to the south and Perthshire to the north to play in the Cross Border Challenge. Conditions were near perfect as the teams drove from the first tee, with light clouds and a moderate breeze.
The Scottish team was: John Aitchison, Donald Bain, Alan Christie Malcolm Gourlay, Neil Kilpatrick and Graeme Scott and for the English: Hugh Bain, John Burn, Peter Milne, David Robertson and Gordon Taylor. Next year, when we return to compete north of the border where I hope we can attract more than one Merchistonian below the age of 60!
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