Crail take on rest of the world
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A unique, world wide golf tournament is to be held this Saturday which pits the members of Crail Golfing Society against golfers all over the world.
Conceived as one of the major events being held this year to celebrate the Society’s 225th anniversary, the match also emphasises the global reach of the Society’s membership.
“In the match, each member plays against a non member, either on one of our two courses here at Crail or on any course in the world,” said Crail Golfing Society captain Ian Dickson. “The results from each match will be totalled up to see which side has won the most matches. Obviously, we are hoping for a Crail victory!”
So far, over 100 matches – involving over 200 golfers – have been arranged, with 65 taking place on the Society’s Crail courses and over 40 on golf courses on all five continents across the world. Members in countries such as Japan, Australia, USA, Canada, South Africa and many in Europe, have joined in the celebrations.
“The names of all the members and their opponents taking part in what is a historic match for the Society, will be permanently displayed in the clubhouse,” said Mr Dickson.
One member on active service as a pilot in Iraq is taking part, while another is arranging to play his match on what is probably the most dangerous course in the world, at Kabul Golf Club in Afghanistan.
The top match at Crail will see the current Royal and Ancient Golf Club captain, Group Captain Sir Patrick Hine, and his partner, R&A Honorary Professional Jim Farmer, take on Society captain Ian Dickson and club professional Graeme Lennie over Balcomie Links.
In September, a further celebratory event, the Society’s first Open Day, will be held, and to round off the 225th year, a Society dinner for all members will be held in November.
Crail Golfing Society is the seventh oldest golf club in the world, having been formed in 1786, and has 1400 members at home and abroad. The Society now has two courses, Balcomie Links, laid out in 1895 by the old master himself Tom Morris, and Craighead Links, which was designed by the 2009 Golf Course Architect of the Year Gil Hanse and opened in 1998.
