Page 74 - RSDG Year of 2023

72 EAGLE AND CARBINE
GOLF
Capt T McCann
What a year 2023 has been a full return to a normal golfing calendar. Our bi-annual events (which turned out to be 3 this year) with the regimental family started off the year with our fixture at Greenburn golf course this was the delayed event from September 2022, although everyone was still out of practice from the winter there was still some impressive golf being played. 10 regimental players were in attendance even with regimental ranges being conducted. A great event to start the year.
The Moncrief shield returned at the end of May, so each Sqn 4-person team took to the challenging Drumoig golf course to battle it out. Played as a pair better ball and with 3⁄4 handicap per team did not dampen the overall scoring, way too many 40 pointers scored that day. The format will be changed for next year as there are quite a few bandits out there. The win was taken by A Sqn who played well. For next year we will supply SSgt Andy Stewart with the calculator he requires to get the scores correct, eventually we got there.
With the regiment gearing up preparations for Ex Wessex storm in Oct the regimental players got in the practice required when possible, to get back into the swing of things. July seen the regimental hosting taking place at Kinross GC, the course was in immaculate condition, and we were lucky enough to have the Commanding Officer in attendance to support although he managed a third place in Div 3. Cpl Eddie Miller ran out as regimental champion a fine round of golf for steady Eddie. The one that no-one wants (most golf ) once again was won by MTWO Mark Hallam he was presented with a nice new shield as the previous trophy had seen better days much like Mark that day.
The regiment took part in 51X team event held at Dalmahoy Golf Club the West course in Edinburgh the course was fantastic and the greens true. It was a challenging day with sunshine splitting the trees and being hot which as we are all too familiar is not the great Scottish weather we expect.
The team played well and managed to come away with third overall so a good day all round.
With depleting numbers in camp due to ongoing training, leave and exercise meant that this year our engagement with the AGA(S) events was not as good as it should have been. Looking forward to 2024 we are hoping that we can get a full calendar although on readiness we should be able to support more.
September’s final association event took place at Deer Park with a great turn out with 33 golfers taking part. The association held event seen Billy Raitt crowned as association champion so a massive congratulations to him for a fine round of golf. Alex Agnew was the longest hitter of the day with a massive drive to take the longest drive trophy.
The regiment had the delight of hosting the RAC Corp team in Leuchars. As one of their events got cancelled it was decided that this would be a 2-day points scoring event. The first day seen us play on familiar ground at Drumoig golf course in the team event and the Corp team taking a comfortable lead into day 2. The single was played on Scottcraig golf course unfamiliar ground for many, and I must say a tough golf course. The regimental team played well and ran out victors of the singles notably Eddie Miller beating the Corp captain. The overall event finished in a tie at 6-6 which looked unlikely after day 1.
Overall, a busy year of golf and here is hoping to the same next year. I would like to thank Billy Raitt, SSgt Ryan Humpries and Cpl Eddie Miller and their teams for the organisation of the events through the year it is greatly appreciated by all who take part. A special mention goes to Cpl Eddie Miller who recorded his first hole in one at Balburnie Park GC, we all know how difficult it is to achieve.