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Scotland Tour 2010
The Dickdo's went on tour to North Berwick from the 31st of May until the 4th of June. Two teams were selected - Team Dunlop captained by John Dunlop with Chris Perkins, Tim and Alex Metcalfe, Dave Swales and Paul Rider with sub David Balmforth; Team McCarney captained by Martin McCarney with Wayne Greenwood, Jonathan Robinson, John Hamilton, Matthew Pearson and tour organiser Phil Pearson. The teams gathered on day one and each player was presented with a selection of golf balls, tee markers and hats in team colours. The team captains produced a bag full of "See You Jimmy" hats and wigs and it was decided the losing team each day would wear the hats the following morning on the first tee - a sudden fear was introduced to the tense anticipation of the week ahead.
Day One began at The Glen Golf Club North Berwick. With superb views over the Firth of Forth, the three rival pairings battled their way around the excellent course in glorious conditions. On the Par 3 13th hole, Matt Pearson hit a wedge from a blind tee onto the green below but was surprised not to see his ball after descending the steep hill. After several minutes searching the rough and surrounding beach Matt feared his ball was lost, that was until someone lifted the flag from the hole to discover Matt's ball nestled at the bottom of the cup. A first hole in one for Matt and a subsequent celebration which left his cash reserves severely depleted. The day ended with a win for each team and one drawn match. All square after day one, but then a nasty surprise for the Dunlop team after it was decided that they were deemed the losing side by one hole and were forced to wear the "See You Jimmy" hats the following day.
Day Two moved to the nearby Dunbar Golf Club. After a brief threat of showers the weather improved dramatically and Team McCarney went on to win the day. One up to Team McCarney and a repeat display of Scottish fashion for Team Dunlop.
Midweek and a rest from the team competition and a resumption of the traditional Wednesday Dickdo format on the fabulous West Course at North Berwick Golf Club. Kitted in their bright pink shirts the twelve Dickdo's made a startling vision on the first tee, much to the amusement of the official starter and other golfers. After a blustery opening six or seven holes the weather turned decidedly Mediterranean and a rare opportunity on a normally very difficult course to post decent scores. A magnificent eagle on the last hole from Dave Swales gave his side the winning score.
Day Four and the match moves to Kilspindie Golf Club. Both the weather and the competition were now heating up significantly and the arrival of Dave Balmforth, to replace Paul Rider who had to leave due to a prior engagement in Portugal, meant a change of tactics for Team Dunlop. Paul had been playing particularly well in the previous two matches and Dave did not let his side down. Team Dunlop win one match with the two others drawn. All square going into the final day and a change of models for the "See You Jimmy" headgear.
The Final Day and, with bodies succumbing to fatigue from both on and off course activities, both teams were digging deep into their reserves. Gullane 2 was the venue for the last match of the week and both the course and the weather were stunning. The first match in managed a draw with Team McCarney winning match two, all square with the last match approaching the final green. Team Dunlop were one up with Dave Swales out of the hole and Phil Pearson unable to card a four. This left Jonathan Robinson and Chris Perkins the only two players left to play with JR virtually stone dead 18 inches from the hole. A very tricky 4 foot down hill putt for a four and a match win and championship half was there for the taking. Five days, five courses, twelve team matches and the competition came down to the final putt on the final day. Under extreme pressure from the viewing teams Chris could not quite convert the putt and, with JR's putt conceded, the spoils of victory went to Team McCarney.
In the clubhouse both team captains thanked Phil Pearson on behalf of all the players for organising a superb week of golf on fantastic courses in perfect conditions. Well done to Phil who was presented with a bottle of 18 year old malt whisky from everyone there in appreciation of his efforts and, more importantly, to encourage him to repeat his efforts next year.
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