Club Championship and Seniors finals

The 2025 Station Masters GC Championship final and Seniors final both took place in slightly breezy conditions over the Buddon Course on Saturday. Club Championship finalists Mick Turnbull and four times reigning champion Cameron Goodlad, fought a very close match with the lead changing hands throughout. A rare missed putt for Cameron at the 14th followed by a great birdie for Mick at the 16th saw him going 2 up. Mick went on to seal a 2 and 1 win on the 17th. Fantastic golf from both players.

Earlier in the day, Ali Dennis and Dave Stewart had teed-off in the final of the Senior’s Championship. With the match all-square after 9 holes, it looked as if this one would go the distance. Dave had other ideas however and went on to win comfortably 4 and 3.

The remaining match schedule is:

• Handicap final: Paul Burkitt v Ali Dennis – TBA
• Fourball final: George Strathdee/Keith Chalmers v Lee Thomson/Fraser Crawford – Friday 12th September 4.15pm
• Greensomes final: Lee Thomson/Fraser Crawford v Gary Neave/Euan Downie Sunday 21st September 3.00pm ish
• Foursomes final: Lee Thomson/Robert Reynolds v Dave Stewart/Garry Fraser – Thursday 25th September from 4pm

The Station Masters GC first ever Pro/Am Texas Scramble took place last week over the Buddon Course. Expertly organised by Captain Andy Gilbride, the competition comprised 6 teams of 3, each joined for 3 holes by Carnoustie Links pro Dan Morris, who supported the teams as they played and provided great advice to all along the way. The winning team was Dave Meek, Pauline Stewart and Kevin Bonnar. Runners-up were Alex King, Alan Clemence and Keith Chalmers. Nearest the pin was Keith Chalmers and longest drive was Jamie Turnbull.

Many thanks to Dan for all his help.

This year’s Station Masters GC annual Texas Scramble fell victim to incessant rainfall generated by storm ‘Henk’, resulting in the closure of all courses at the Links. The competition however was quickly re-located to the sunny climes of the Monterey Peninsula at Pebble Beach, courtesy of the sims at Carnoustie Performance Centre in Links House. 8 teams enjoyed the dry, warm conditions before heading along to HQ for our usual ‘games’ afternoon of darts and dominoes.

The winning team captain at Pebble Beach 2023 was Pete Coutie (capt) and John Jeans, along with ringers David Morton and Craig Saunders.

Meanwhile at the Station Bar, following a quick bite to eat comprising local delicacy of peh, beans and chips courtesy of the Station Hotel, the darts and dominoes competitions were closely contested with Garry Fraser and Dave Stewart winning the darts (eventually) and the Mortons triumphant in the bones.

A great day out despite the weather.

*Check out more pics on ‘Latest News in Pictures’ above

A sell-out crowd of members and friends enjoyed a great night last week at the Station Masters GC latest ‘Goods Causes Gig’ in the Station Hotel where local band Franco kept the dance floor rockin all evening with their fantastic range of music.

The sum of £800 was raised on the evening for Carnoustie Memories, a community-based group managed and led by volunteers for the benefit of people who are living with dementia or memory loss. The group’s key aim is to re-connect members with either their sport of choice or a wide range of music through Golf Memories, Football Action and Singing with Friends. For further information contact Lorraine Young at: lyoung37@btinternet.com

Over the years, the Station Masters has raised over £6000 for local good causes and we were delighted to welcome Carnoustie Memories’ Lorraine Young and Archie Leiper at the Station Hotel to pick up our latest donation.

Still some tickets left for our Charity Gig on 4th March. Please get in touch if you fancy a great nite out.

Last week, six hardy teams braved the pretty dire elements for our Annual Texas Scramble over the Buddon Course before retiring to the warmth of HQ for a bite to eat followed by the usual games afternoon of darts and dominoes.

On the golf course, the 2022 winning team (by some margin) was Dave Ritchie (captain); John Jeans; Stan Shepherd and Pete Coutie. Later in the club, following the local delicacy of peh, beans and chips, Ali Dennis and Scott McIlravey defeated Garry Fraser and Dave Stewart in the closely-fought darts final. Meanwhile in the dominoes final, favourites Alan Clark and Jim Simpson were surprisingly defeated by Club Captain Andy Gilbride and Bobby Garland.

Many thanks to all who turned out in such poor weather conditions, to Trevor for the pics, and to the Station Hotel for the lovely meal.

Check the Latest News in Pictures tab for more fotos

The Committee recently held a get-together and presentation for our 2022 Station Masters Club Champions in the Station Hotel.

Club Champion, Cameron Goodlad; Seniors Champion, Iain Burnett and Foursomes winners, Bobby Garland and Andy Gilbride all enjoyed a lovely meal and a few beverages with the added bonus of World Cup football on the telly! Unfortunately, double champion Gary Neave (Handicap and Fourball) and his partner Euan Downie (Fourball) couldn’t make it on the evening.

Congatulations to all our Club Champions!

*Check out more pics on Latest News in Pictures tab

The Station Masters GC Club Champions for the 2022 season are:

Arthur Christieson Club Champion – Cameron Goodlad

Dave McNicoll Handicap Champion – Gary Neave

Country Cup Seniors Champion – Iain Burnett

Enfield Fourball – Gary Neave and Euan Downie

Dunbar Foursomes – Andy Gilbride and Bobby Garland

Pringle Trophy 2022

The 2022 Pringle Trophy team event took place over the Buddon Course last Sunday. The best 2 of 4 net scores competition saw the Station Masters GC team finish 2nd behind the Carnoustie Ladies GC following a countback. Well done to our competitors and thanks to the Links for the post-match hospitality.

The Station Masters GC team comprising Keith Chalmers, Ali Dennis, Bobby Garland and Tony Coffield secured a fantastic win in this year’s Gary Player Salver competition over the Burnside course last Sunday.

The annual competition is a 4 player, best 2 of 4 net scores team event and is open to all Carnoustie clubs associated with Carnoustie Golf Links.

The final scores for participating teams were: New Taymouth GC (132), Dalhousie GC (131), Caledonia GC (129), Mercantile GC (128), Carnoustie Ladies GC (127) Carnoustie GC (125) and Station Masters GC (116).

Many thanks to Keir and the Carnoustie Golf Links Development Team for staging the event and congratulations to our team on their remarkable win!

Station Masters GC Champion, Cameron Goodlad, came back from 2 down after 7 to lift the Carnoustie Links Championship trophy this afternoon when he defeated Scott Graham by one hole, in what turned out to be a closely fought final.

Many congratulations to Cameron on a fantastic achievement, from all at the Club.

Station Masters GC Club Champion, Cameron Goodlad progressed to the Match Play stage of the Craws Nest Tassie tournament at Carnoustie Golf Links on Tuesday, having qualified T33 with a scratch 151 over the Championship (80) followed by the Burnside (71).

Yesterday, Cameron was drawn against Carl Lund from Saujana GCC, Kuala Lumpur in what turned out to be an exciting, closely fought tussle that went all the way to the 17th, where a greenside bunker finally put paid to his challenge.

Congratulations to Cameron from all at the Station Masters GC, in what turned out to be a fantastic Tassie debut.

Craig Boath, Carnoustie Golf Links’ very own Course Superintendent (or Heid Greenkeeper to you and me), tee’d up this week with the big boys at this year’s Dunhill Links event. The tournament, is now in it’s 20th year and a firm favourite with both Professional and Amateur golfers from around the world. Craig’s playing partner for the week was European Tour professional David Law from Aberdeen, who is attached to the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre. The duo started off the competition on Thursday at Kingsbarns with an excellent 7 under par, followed the next day with a 3 under par over a blustery Old Course. Their final round at a wet and windy Carnoustie finished at 1 under, giving them a total score of 11 under, unfortunately not quite good enough to qualify for the last day at St Andrews. Craig said afterwards that he had thoroughly enjoyed a memorable week despite having serious reservations over his choice of caddie!

The Station Masters GC inaugural Pairs Competition took place last Sunday over the Buddon course. Twelve teams competed in the 2 ball, better ball event that saw the pairing of Lee Bowen and Dave Stewart triumph with a nett 59 closely follwed in second place by Ally Nicoll and Alan Clements with a nett 60. After the match, the teams headed back to the Station Hotel for the prize-giving followed by a lovely meal and some light refreshment! A great day out, brilliantly organised by Brian and Dave Morton, (with a little help from our Secretary).

* Check out some more pics at Latest News in pictures

The annual Station Masters Gc versus Mercantile GC over the Burnside course ended with an emphatic 4 matches to 1 win for our ten-man team. After the match, both teams retired to The Rookery, where the Mercantile players provided an excellent meal. Following all the restrictions in place last season, everyone agreed it was great to be back playing friendly, competition golf. Many thanks to the Mercantile for a very enjoyable day.

Hole-in-one for Masters member

Station Masters GC member Keith Chalmers shot his first ever hole-in-one last Wednesday at the 16th on the Championship course. Keith, who described his 3 hybrid tee-shot as ‘lucky’, was playing with George Strathdee, Graham Elrick, and Mike Reasbeck. Perhaps the fact that Keith didn’t have to ‘stand his hand’ after the match as his playing companions all had to rush off to work, seems pretty ‘lucky’ to us! Keith said that his hole-in-one was made even more special because it was achieved on one of his grand-daughter’s first birthdays! Congratulations Keith, from all at the Club.

The final of the Station Masters GC Handicap Championship was held over the Buddon Course last Saturday. Dave Morton over-powered Norman Reid 4&3 to become the new Handicap Champion 2021 and winner of the Dave McNicoll Trophy. Dave’s superb form this season has seen him also reach the Final of the scratch Club Championship against Cameron Goodlad, while Keith Chalmers takes on Alan Clark in the Seniors Final, both due to be played over the next couple of weeks.

Hole-in-one for former Club Champion

Former Club Champion, Lee Bowen hit a fantastic hole-in-one at the 151 yard, 16th hole on the Burnside yesterday. Lee went on to record a gross 69, despite scoring a double-bogie immediately after, at the following hole! Congratulations from all at the Club.

This year’s Winter Trophy took place on Saturday over the Buddon Course under very different conditions from normal. The combined challenge of the on-going pandemic coupled with the iminent start of the season under new WHS rules, made for an interesting trial-run for future competition play. On the day, experience came to the fore when veteran Neil Holland pipped Club Captain Andy Gilbride to win on a count-back with a nett 66. The new season starts on Friday 26th March and restrictions permitting, we hope to continue with our usual weekly sweepies on all three courses and monthly medals over the Buddon.

Yesterday saw our two remaining Club competition finals take place over the Buddon course. First up in the morning was the Dave McNicoll Handicap Championship final between Club Captain, Andy Gilbride and the on-form Alan Clements. With both competitors playing off 9, it promised to be a exciting, close-fought encounter. In the event however, the youthful(ish) Alan over-powered a rather jaded Andy, running-out the winner by 5 and 3.

Handicap Champion, Alan Clements Country Cup finalists, Peter Gordon and Dave Stewart

In the afternoon, reigning Seniors champion, Peter Gordon, took on last season’s Handicap champion, Dave Stewart, in final of the Seniors Country Cup. The evenly-contested match went all the way with Dave eventually winning on the 18th.

Congratulations to our new Champions, Alan and Dave and many thanks to all our members who took part in the Club Competitions under very difficult conditions this year. Hopefully next year will see us back to the ‘new normal’!

Alex King wins 2020 Station Masters Club Championship

Alex King over-powered reigning Club Champion Lee Bowen, winning by 4 and 2 in yesterday’s final to secure the Arthur Christieson Trophy. In a thrilling encounter over a blustery Buddon course, both players played excellent golf throughout and after the match, a delighted Alex said, “It was a great match, best golf I’ve played in a long time“. Lee commended Alex on his performance saying, “he played fantastic and I’m just happy I managed to take him to 16!”.

Congratulations to our new new Club Champion, Alex, from all the members at the Station Masters Golf Club.

Alex and Lee at the 1st tee with match referee, Marnie

Jessica wins 2020 Missouri Mid-Am Championship

Station Masters GC member and former Club Champion, Jess Meek returned to form with a fantastic MGA Mid-Am Championship win at the Old Kinderhook GC, Missouri last week, scoring an excellent three round total of 209 (70-71-68). Jess graduated from the University of Missouri in 2017 having spent four years playing for the renowned Mizzou Tigers women’s golf team where her final year stroke average ranked the 9th lowest in Mizzou Women’s golf history. She spent last summer back home in Carnoustie, the only caddie to frequently use the Southern 2nd person plural pronoun y’all in conversation with her clients, before returning to the US earlier this year to complete her Masters in Business Administration at William Woods University, Fulton, Missouri. Jess has just accepted the post of assistant golf coach at the university where the pandemic has put on hold on everything, however she is looking forward to coaching re-starting in mid-August. She intends to spend the rest of the summer completing her school work and playing golf – alright for some! Best wishes Jess, from all at the Station Masters GC.

Ali bags a hole-in-one on the ‘Return of Golf’

Station Masters member and local restaurateur, Ali Khorramshah bagged his first-ever hole-in-one at the 171 yard, par 3 on the Buddon Course last Friday, the first day that golf was permitted following the easing of Lockdown restrictions. Ali’s playing partner on the day, Paul Coffield said of his friend’s achievement, “I was privileged to witness such a sporting rarity.”  A delighted Ali said, “It’s fantastic to finally get a hole-in-one but what makes it even better is that Andy Gilbride still doesn’t have one after all these years of trying!” Well done Ali, from all at The Station Masters GC (including Gilbride)!

Record entry for Annual Texas Scramble

The Station Masters GC annual Texas Scramble traditionally held the day after Boxing Day, gives members and guests an opportunity to blow away the cobwebs and get some much needed exercise after the usual over-indulgence of food, drink and rubbish TV. This year, a record entry of fourteen teams braved the rather unfavourable conditions over the Buddon course before retiring to HQ for a bite to eat followed by the usual games afternoon of darts and dominoes. In the golf, all the teams amazingly finished within six points of each-other and eventual runners-up were the team of Connor, Byres, Miller and Stark. Winners of the 2019 competition were Graeme Duncan, Craig Saunders, Sandy Norrie and Craig Boath.

In the afternoon, the indoor games for a change, ran seamlessly due to the expert organisation of the committee. Everyone behaved in an unusally sporting manner and even Capt. Holland managed to not fall-out with anyone! Winners of the closely-fought darts competition were Lee Bowen and Adair Simpson. Unfortunately, for some reason, we can’t remember who won the Bones – will try and find out! Anyway, thanks to all the teams who entered, even the team (who shall remain nameless – you can check them out in the Latest News in Pictures section) that took one look at the weather and headed for the boozer instead. Thanks to the Station Hotel for the stovies.

Victory for Station Masters team

The Station Masters played host to Letham Grange GC for our annual match over the Buddon Course last Sunday. The home side comprising Alex King and Craig Oliphant; Arthur Smith and Stewart Hunter; Peter Phinn and Alan Clements; Gordon Smart and Derek Phinn, eventually ran out winners by 2 and a half matches to 1 and a half in a closely fought competition. After the match, the teams enjoyed a meal in the Station Hotel where the Letham Grange Shield was presented by their captain, Bob White.

Spring outing kicks-off new season

Twenty two hardy souls took to the Links last Sunday on a rather cold, bracing spring day for the first outing of the new playing season. The team match ended in a draw with acting captain Coutie’s team taking the honours by recording more holes-up on the day (mainly thanks to the Vice-captain Simpson / Clements pairing going down by 10 holes!). Winner of the stroke play singles and recipient of the prestigious ‘Yellow Jecket’ was seasoned campaigner Matt Edmond, who despite still recovering from recent knee replacement surgery, managed to cuff everyone else in the field. The Doherty family monopolised all the other prizes with George winning the longest drive and Audrey picking-up nearest the pin and the highest gross score awards.

Autumn Outing signals end of busy season for Club

Brilliant sunshine greeted the competitors in our final outing of this season over the Buddon course. Once again, the Captain’s team managed by Sec Coutie, emerged victorious over Capt. Simpson’s Vice Captains team, in what turned out to be a ‘whitewash’ by 6 matches to nil. Individual winner on the day and recipient of the ‘Prestigious Yellow Jecket’ was George Anderson who travelled down from his base at Kintore specially for the event. Runner-up was the sprightly Alan Clark. The match was followed by a lovely meal and one or two ‘refreshments’ at the Station Hotel. This season has seen a busy time for many of our members when over twenty volunteers worked in shifts to marshal the Practice Ground grandstand, widely acknowledged (by Hole Controller Muir and his Assistant Controller Simpson) to be the best organised and most efficient team on the course that week. Our Club Championships were obviously disrupted by the Championship preparations etc but our competitors managed to work their ties round this, so thanks to everyone for being so accommodating. Current Club Champion Sandy Norrie brilliantly retained the Arthur Christieson Trophy after fighting his way to the final and former Handicap Champion Dave Meek overcame Rik Fulton to win the Dave McNicoll Cup once again.

*Further report on all competitions and winners to follow shortly

• Check out more photos – click on Latest News in Pictures

George Doherty picks up coveted Yellow Jecket

You won’t believe this …. we forgot to post this article when the Masters Spring Outing actually took place on April 1st! To be more accurate, I forgot – only a month late tho. And before you all start … it’s not an April Fool, George really did win! Anyway – a smaller than normal contingent turned up for the first outing of the new season, which was great because there wasn’t the usual moaning from those drawn to play in the final two or three groups. The excellent sunny weather produced a closely-fought contest with Nor Reid (AKA Tracker Man) coming a close 3rd and newcomer Craig Oliphant runner-up to the fantastic (on-the-day) Och George. After the golf it was back to HQ for the usual meal, courtesy of the Station Hotel followed by one or two soft drinks and the prize-giving. Other winners on the day were Dani Van Wyck – longest drive, Sec. Coutie – Nearest the Pin and Country Member, Bobby Brown – bringing up the rear! Oh yes, just remembered Stan Shepherd (AKA The Village Idiot) received a special prize of an Easter Bunny chocolate egg cos it was his birthday. A good day had by all – and apologies if we have the prize winners wrong. It was so long ago that no-one can remember who won what! Check-out more photos on Latest News in Pictures.

* Membership fees are now due. If you haven’t already done so, could you please ‘dig deep’ and either send your hard-earned cash to Brian Morton or drop into the box at the end of the Station Hotel bar. If for any reason you’re not re-joining, please let us know asap.

* Entry sheets for all the annual Club competitions are now posted on the notice-board at HQ. Please get your names up asap – all comps cost £1 per competition to enter (please put entry fee in envelope in box at end of the bar).

The scratch Club Championship qualifying takes place at the end of April / beginning of May. You must play 2 qualifying rounds out of 3 weekends, Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Only 1 round to be played per weekend. Qualifying dates are:

20th – 22nd April, 27th – 29th April and 4th – 6th May inclusive.

The Winter Trophy takes place over the first weekend in March. 1 strokeplay round (full handicap) to be played Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd or Sunday 4th March. If you don’t have a current handicap we’re afraid you will have to play off scratch!

If your existing handicap has expired or you don’t have a current handicap, you can still enter for the  annual Club competitions but must submit 3 cards when the the playing season commences in April, before your first competition tie is due to be played.

As with ALL competitions, you must register before you commence your round by texting 07812593669 with your name, competition name and tee-off time.

Hope this all makes sense. Let us know if you have any queries.

Record turn-out for annual Christmas Scramble

The final outing of 2017, the Station Masters GC annual Christmas texas scramble, attracted a record entry of 10 teams over the Buddon last Wednesday where a lovely sunny, but slightly chilly day greeted the eclectic mix of competitors to the famous Links. A very closely contested tournament saw the extremely popular team of Captain Simpson, Secretary Coutie, former Pro Steve Logan and the venerable John Jeans claim the coveted top-spot with a score of 55.1. Runners-up on the day with a creditable 57.2 were the proficient Martin Connor and his team comprising Kenny Stark, Graham Byars and John Miller. All competitors headed back to HQ after the match for the traditional fare of peh, chips and beans courtesy of mine-host Andy Mackenzie. The post-lunch games-day provided the customary competitive entertainment with all the usual suspects adding to the organiser’s stress! Winners eventually were unbelievably Craig Saunders and Neil Holland (darts), Pete Coutie and Brian Smith (bones) and Graham Byars and John Miller (pool). Thanks to the lovely Marnie for presenting the prizes. A great day out and only 3 months till the start of a very busy season!

• For more pics check-out Latest News in Pictures

Bruce touches base in Carnoustie

Long-standing Masters member, USPGA professional Bruce Wilmott, paid a flying visit to his old stomping ground last week to spend some time with his mum Pat and dad Alex, and catch-up with a few of his former Carnoustie buddies. Despite rumours to the contrary, the get-together organised at HQ by Bruce’s former colleague on the ‘milk’, Rod Soutar,  was a very well-behaved event at which no alcoholic drink whatsoever was consumed! Bruce was brought up in Carnoustie before heading ‘across the pond’ in 1983 where he became the 5th Wilmott to teach golf in the States. He is currently the Head Teaching Pro at McInnis Park Golf Centre in San Rafael, near San Francisco.

Members and guests turnout for Prize-giving

Members of the Station Masters GC and guests headed along to the Station Hotel last Friday evening for the Club’s Annual Dinner and Presentation of Trophies. Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Mr John Knox who along with guest speakers Donald Archibald and Donald Pearson provided the audience with a fantastic evening of entertainment. Main prize-winners this season were Sandy Norrie – Club Champion, Iain Burnett – Handicap Champion and Senior Champion, Jim Fulton and Rik Fulton – Fourball winners, David Keith and Gordon Whiting – Greensomes winners, Dale Martin and Darren Halley – Foursomes winners, Pete Coutie – Winter Trophy and Sandy Norrie – Kiwi Shield.

Sandy Norrie is Station Masters Club Champion 2017

This year’s Club Championship final produced a closely fought match over the Buddon with Sandy Norrie narrowly defeating David Morton by 1 hole. Sandy, playing in his 2nd consecutive Championship final saw off Garry Clark and Iain Burnett en-route, while former Club Champion David defeated Danie Van Wyk and Dale Martin to reach the final. Congratulations to Sandy!

Meanwhile …

Belhaven Captain and Secretaries Qualifying

Club Captain Jim Simpson and Secretary Pete Coutie travelled through to Dunblane Golf Club for the regional qualifying round of the Belhaven Captains and Secretaries annual competition. Unfortunately, neither player was on the best of form, with the Captain particularly pathetic! Needless to say, on this occasion they failed to qualify. The pair however enjoyed a great day out and a lovely meal after the match courtesy of Belhaven.

Sandy Norrie wins Kiwi Shield

A small but enthusiastic group of members headed up the coast to Arbroath links for the annual away-day outing last Friday. A couple of heavy down-pours failed to put off Sandy Norrie as he romped to victory with 30 something points (can’t remember now). Sandy also picked-up a bottle of wine for nearest the pin at the 7th. Captain Simpson brilliantly won the longest drive competition, out-driving Sec. Coutie by at least 50 yards. Thanks to Arbroath GC for their hospitality.

Big turnout for first event of 2017 season

A sunny spring day greeted members as they assembled at the new temporary Links complex for the annual spring outing that heralds the start of the new golfing season. A closely fought contest saw Captain Campbell’s team narrowly defeat Vice Captain Simpson’s set of hackers by 3 and a half matches to 2 and a half. If we ignore the number of holes up, (22 to 9) then it was extremely close! On the day, Secretary Coutie deputised for Capt. Campbell who was suffering from a bout of old-age. Winner of the strokeplay competition and recipient of the prestigious Yellow Jecket, was the young(ish) David Morton (again!). Runner-up was fomer Club pro Steve Logan, with Darren Halley in third place. After the match, competitors retired to the Station Hotel for a lovely meal followed by the traditional prize-giving. Apart from Coutie going on and on about what a great stand-in captain he was, everyone had a most enjoyable day out.

Check-out Latest News in Pictures for more exciting pics!

Masters Annual Texas Scramble 2016

The Station Masters GC annual Texas Scramble took place, as usual, over the Buddon Links on Tuesday 27th December. Seven teams comprising twenty-seven golfers, managed to escape the the clutches of their lovely wives, mistresses, girlfriends, boyfriends, sheep or whatever, for at least a few hours on a sunny day at the end of December. A closely-fought scramble saw the holders retain their title with an incredible (some would call it ‘unbelievable’) score of 48.1 over 17 holes. The extremely popular winning team of Muir, Soutar, Holland and Mann managed to eclipse runners-up Clark, Clark Jnr, Low and Bricknell by some 4 shots. Following the golf, the competitors retired to HQ at the Station Bar for a lovely traditional snack of peh, chips and beans followed by our darts, dominoes and pool GAMES DAY which produced no controversy whatsoever! Many thanks to all who took part and to Andy at the Station for lunch.

p.s. – for all the controversy and gossip, check-out LATEST NEWS IN PICTURES soon

A Very Merry Christmas

and

A Happy New Year

to all our members, friends and supporters

Station Masters turn-out for annual awards ceremony

The Station Masters GC Annual Awards presentation took place last week at the Station Hotel, Carnoustie. Master of Ceremonies for the evening was local raconteur John Knox.  The Club Champion this year and winner of the Arthur Christieson Trophy is Andy Gilbride. The Dave McNicoll Cup winner is Handicap Champion, Stewart Hunter Jnr. Other major trophy winners are Iain Burnett (Senior champion), Robbie Murray and Elaine Jewson (Fourball champions) Martin Coull and Stewart Hunter Jnr. (Foursomes champions) and for the 2^nd year in a row, Arthur Smith and Norman Reid (Greensomes champions). Highly amusing guest speakers Bob Carswell and Peter Gordon rounded-off a fantastic evening.

• Check-out Latest News in Pictures for more pics from the Dinner

Sandy Norrie wins Autumn Outing

The Station Masters GC Autumn Outing was held yesterday over the Burnside in brilliant sunshine. Captain Campbell’s team narrowly defeated Vice Captain Simpson’s team by 3 and a half matches to 2 and a half. Sandy Norrie came out on top with a fantastic nett 64, picking-up the prestigious Yellow Jecket, the Masters Trophy and a voucher for £30. Second with a nett 66 was the popular Alan Clark who won a voucher for £20. Andy Gilbride, Danie Van Wyk and Capt Simpson came joint 3rd with nett 67s. After the match, the competitors retired to the Station Hotel where a lovely meal awaited them, followed by a evening of banter watching the Ryder Cup action with a bunch of noisy visiting golfers from across the pond. Despite the result, a great time was had by all.

*Check-out more photos on ‘Latest News in Pictures’

Gilbride narrowly fails to make cut

Club Champion Andy Gilbride narrowly failed to make the cut for this year’s Maulesbank tournament after shooting nett 75s in both qualifying rounds over the Buddon and Championship courses. One or two minor errors saw Gilbride drop 7 shots over the final four holes of the Championship, putting paid to his chances of qualifying. Andy however, now goes forward into the 1st round of the Consolation Cup which tees-off today over the Championship.

Qualifying Round 1 tomorrow

Newly crowned Club Champion Andy Gilbride tees-off tomorrow at 9.07 0ver the Buddon Course in the 1st round of the annual Craws Nest Tassie tournament. The Station Masters GC representative will play his second qualifying round over the Championship course on Tuesday. All qualifiers then enter into a Matchplay draw for either the Craws Nest Tassie or the Maulesbank competitions. We wish the best of luck to Andy for the tournament!

Blustery conditions for Club Championship

Andy Gilbride is the new Station Masters GC Club Champion after narrowly defeating Sandy Norrie over the Buddon this afternoon. Both players had to deal with increasingly blustery conditions during an extremely close-fought contest that saw Andy take the title on the 18th hole. Andy now goes forward to represent the Station Masters GC in the annual ‘Craws Nest Tassie’ tournament that begins on September 12th. Well done to both players!

Former agriculturalist Norman Reid (aka Greentractorman or Farmer Giles) blew away all opposition to claim the Kiwi Shield for the first time at the Station Masters GC annual

away-day outing at Alyth. A rather dreich start to the day gave way to excellent golfing conditions, sadly not reflected in much of the scoring. The best team on the day comprised Gordon Smart, Captain Neil Holland and Gordon Smart. Peter Phinn won the longest drive challenge and Aaron Smart was nearest the pin. Competitors were treated to a fantastic buffet lunch after the match where Stan Shepherd won the ‘eating as much pudding as possible’ competition, before returning to HQ in Carnoustie for some light refreshment. A great day out, surprisingly well organised by Sec. Coutie.

* Check out more pics at Latest News in Pictures

Away-day outing

This season’s outing is booked for Alyth Golf Course on Friday June 10th. The cost is £40 and includes coffee and bacon roll, a round of golf on the famous course and late lunch thereafter. Meet at the course 9.30am. First tee-off time is 10.35.

Please add your name to the notice on the board at HQ and pay a deposit of £10 to Pete Coutie asap.

First outing of the 2016 Season over the Buddon

The usual bunch of dedicated, hardy souls took to the greensward on Sunday for our first Station Masters GC outing of the season. In a closely fought competition the Captain’s team (overseen on the day by Nor Reid) narrowly overcame the Vice Captain’s team, led by Peter Coutie. Dave Rutherford finished 3rd, with aforementioned Nor Reid finishing 2nd. Masters Champion and winner of the prestigious yellow jacket for the third time was the popular Alan Clark. Nearest the pin was Brian Morton and Garry Clark recorded the longest drive. Players retired to the Station Hotel after the match for traditional liquid refreshments and delicious meal.

Entry forms for all this season’s Club Competitions are now displayed on the Notice Board at HQ. Closing date for entries is the end of March so you have another couple of weeks to get your name up. If you don’t yet have a handicap or require to update an existing handicap, you must submit the requisite 3 cards as soon as possible after the season commences (April 1st) to enable us to issue you with a current ‘official’ handicap. You can still enter for any competition as long as you have a current handicap in place before playing your first tie.

We’ve had to change the date of our Spring Outing – it’s now on April 10th, with the 1st tee-off time 12.30pm. The tournament is open to all members and guests and the entry fee is £10 per person which covers prizes and a meal after the match. If you can’t make the meal, the cost is £5. There’s an entry form on the board now and the competition is limited to 8 tee-times (32 players), so get your name up quickly!!

Not long now to the start of the season so get these clubs polished-up!

Check-out the main changes to the Rules for the forth-coming season:

Summary of R & A rule changes from January 1^st 2016

Among the most significant of the changes in the 2016 edition of the Rules are the following:

• Withdrawal of Rule on Ball Moving After Address – Rule 18-2b (Ball Moving After Address) has been withdrawn. This means that if a ball at rest moves after the player addresses it, the player is no longer automatically deemed to have caused the ball to move. A one-stroke penalty under Rule 18-2 will be applied only when the facts show that the player has caused the ball to move.
• Limited Exception to Disqualification Penalty for Submission of Incorrect Score Card – A new exception has been introduced to Rule 6-6d (Wrong Score for Hole) to provide that a player is not disqualified for returning a lower score for a hole than actually taken as a result of failing to include penalty strokes that the player did not know were incurred before returning the score card. Instead, the player incurs the penalty under the Rule that was breached and must add an additional penalty of two strokes for the score card error. In all other cases in which a player returns a score for any hole lower than actually taken, the penalty will continue to be disqualification.
• Modification of Penalty for a Single Impermissible Use of Artificial Devices or Equipment – The penalty for a player’s first breach of Rule 14-3 (Artificial Devices, Unusual Equipment and Abnormal Use of Equipment) during the round has been reduced from disqualification to loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play. The penalty for any subsequent breach of Rule 14-3 will continue to be disqualification.
• Prohibition on Anchoring the Club While Making a Stroke – As announced in May 2013, the new Rule 14-1b (Anchoring the Club) prohibits anchoring the club either “directly” or by use of an “anchor point” in making a stroke. The penalty is loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play.

The full list of amendments can be accessed at: http://www.randa.org/RulesEquipment/Rules/2016-Rules-Updates

New bridges at the 18th near completion

Two new stone-built bridges crossing the Barry Burn at the Championship 18th hole are close to completion. The bridges are similar in design to the ‘John Imlay’ bridges at the 10th which were donated in 2011 by the American businessman and philanthropist who tragically died last year from a massive heart attack.

Masters Champions 2015

The Station Masters 10th Anniversary Dinner and Presentation of Prizes was held last week at HQ. Members and guests gathered to acknowledge the endeavours of our Champions for 2015 and indulge in a spot of fine food and wine. Master of Ceremonies Elliot Davie presided seamlessly over the evening and local lads Rodger Brunton and John Knox had the audience rolling in the isles with their usual brand of wit and repartee. Unfortunately, a strike by Lufthansa meant that Club Champion David Morton failed to make it back from Germany in time for the presentation, but dad Brian picked up the Arthur Christieson trophy on his behalf from Club President Evelyn Christieson who revealed poignantly it had been 63 years to the day that she and Arthur had been married. Captain Jim Simpson collected the Dave McNicoll Handicap trophy on behalf of winner Elaine Jewson, who is currently spending the winter in South Africa. (It’s all right for some – as they say)! 10 years ago, trophies for our four-ball and foursomes competitions were donated by members Matt Edmund and Arliss Rhind who were on hand to make presentations to the winners. Arthur Smith picked up the Enfield Trophy from Arliss and Matt presented the Dunbar Cup to Brian Morton. Norman Reid picked up the The Country Members Cup, donated by country member Graeme McGee. The Greensomes tournament, now in its 2nd year, was won by Nor Reid and Arthur Smith who were presented with the George Anderson Cup, newly donated by Rab Low. Honourary Captain Walter Campbell presented the remainder of the trophies. A fine time was had by all and a fitting end to another successful season.

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Masters Autumn Outing over the Burnside

The Station Masters Autumn Outing took place over the Burnside Course last Sunday. An enthusiastic bunch of 28 members and guests turned-out in brilliant sunshine for the annual event. Captain Campbell’s team of jammie getts narrowly defeated the valiant Vice Captain Simpson’s team. Winner of the prestigious ‘Yellow Jecket’ was the youngish Dave Rutherford, with Martin Connor coming a close 2nd. Arthur Smith had the best scratch score. Nearest the pin was Danie Van Wyck and newcomer Nic Toshner had the longest drive. John Gamack was astounded to win the ‘Geordie Duncanson Most Improved Player’ trophy – so was everyone else!

Thanks to everyone who donated prizes and to the Station Hotel for a lovely meal.

Photos to follow – unfortunately

Station Masters Autumn Outing / Annual Good Causes Gig 

This year’s Autumn Outing takes place over the Burnside Course on Sunday 27th September, first tee-off time 1.00pm. There is an entry sheet on the noticeboard at HQ so please get your names down asap to allow us to fix make the draw. Cost of entry is £10 per head which includes a lovely post-match meal.

The Annual Good Causes Gig is on Saturday October 3rd in the Station Function Lounge, 8 til late. Local favourites ‘Lucky to be Here’ will provide the entertainment and this year all proceeds are to go to the Carnoustie and District Youth Brass Band. Tickets are only £6 per head and include something nice to eat. 

Caledonia beckons to Elliot

Vice Captain Elliot Davie has this week, taken-up the appointment as Captain of the Caledonia Golf Club, following his selection at their latest AGM. It has been mutually agreed that Elliot will step-down from the Committee of the Station Masters GC following the recognition that his new role could potentially result in a ‘conflict of interest’ as both Clubs move forward in the future. Elliot has been massively instrumental in the development of the Station Masters GC, from our inception some 10 years ago to the successful Club we are today and we gratefully acknowledge and thank him for all his hard work over the years. We are delighted that Elliot will still remain an active member of our Club as he sets about his new challenge and we wish him all the best. By all accounts – it will be challenging!

Masters duo qualify for Belhaven final

Captain Jim Simpson and Match Secretary Andy Gilbride headed to Montrose Links on Tuesday for the qualifying round of the Belhaven Best Captains and Secretaries 2015 Championship. 40 teams from all over Scotland took to the famous Links in what turned out to be a closely-fought tournament where the top eight teams qualified. Under clear blue, sunny skies, the dynamic duo of Simpson and Gilbride finished their better-ball round with a nett 3 under par 68, securing 4th place for the Station Masters. The final will be played at Cruden Bay in October.

Drumoig hosts 2015 Masters Away-day Outing

A smaller-than-normal contingent packed their bags and headed across the great divide of the River Tay to Drumoig Golf Course in the Kingdom of Fife. The 10-strong team of regular worthies took advantage of a window in the wet and windy weather of recent days to compete for the prestigious ‘Kiwi Shield’, donated by Graham Bell, serial visitor to our shores. Worthy winner was the ever-popular, Andy Gilbride. Team prize went to the fantastic trio of Martin Connor, Derek Phinn and Jim Simpson. Nearest the pin was Derek Phinn and Longest Drive was (him again) Andy Gilbride. Brian Morton picked the winner in the draw so won a bottle of wine -(it should be noted that he wasn’t really a winner, simply the recipient of good fortune in a game of chance!). The members enjoyed a great day’s golf followed by a lovely meal before retiring to HQ to watch Andy Murray competing for ‘Great Britainshire’ in the French Open. All-in-all a good day out – mildy ruined when Murray got stuffed the following day by Djokovic!

Steve Logan pulls out of Club competitions

Former Club Pro Steve Logan has pulled out of this year’s Club competitions citing ‘pressure of work’ as his excuse reason. Logan, who has recently taken up a new position, said “I never realised just how stressful and demanding this line of work can be”. As the deadline for the 1st round ties draws near, Logan leaves long-term partner, former Vice Captain, Captain Holland in the lurch. Under the ‘Rules’ however, as long as no ties have been played, substitute partners are allowed and word has filter through to Station Masters HQ that Captain Holland has surprisingly managed to find a new partner at the 11th hour. The identity of Holland’s partner remains shrouded in mystery as he explained “My new partner is a long-standing Club member with impeccable credentials and a fantastic track-record. I will confirm their identity as soon as possible”. Mmm – the plot thickens. We all wait with bated breath!!

Former Club Champion wins Spring Outing

Former Club Champion, Iain Burnett saw off the rest of the field with a nett 67 in this year’s Masters Spring Outing over the Buddon on Sunday, only hours ahead of Jordan Spieth winning that other minor competition with the same name from across the ‘pond’. Iain picked-up the prestigious Yellow Jecket, the Masters Trophy and a voucher for £30. Arthur Smith narrowly claimed 2nd place on a 3-way count-back from veteran campaigner Alan Clark in 3rd with Secretary Coutie back in 4th. All had nett 71s. Roy Purdom was nearest the pin at the 4th and longest drive at the 16th, (surprise surprise) was David Morton. John Gamack picked up the George Duncanson Trophy for the most improved player and the accolade of the ‘worst player’ on the day along with the famous ‘beg of tetties’ went to Dave Ritchie. The winning team was Vice Captain Simpson’s Team who trounced Captain Campbell’s duffers by 3 matches to 2 and too many holes up to mention. After the golf, the members retired to the sanctity of HQ for a lovely meal and one or two refreshments. All-in-all a very pleasant start to the season.

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New season ‘kicks-off’ with Masters Spring Outing

The draw for the Spring Outing took place in the Clubhouse this evening (Sunday 5th April). As usual, the draw was carried out under strict independent scrutiny – on this occasion by the enigmatic James Hiney. For the full draw and relevant information please click on the link below:

Masters spring teams 2015

Coutie cleans-up in Winter competitions – handicap under review!

Club Secretary Peter Coutie has once again triumphed in the Winter eclectic competition over the Buddon. The cold weather specialist pipped Master Mariner and curler extraordinaire, John Jeans by one point, 45 to 46. Terry Convery ran out a close 3rd with a score of 47.5.

Not content with the Eclectic, Coutie also triumphed in this year’s Winter Trophy with a nett score of 123 over two rounds from Arthur Smith in 2nd place with 133 and Stewart Hunter 3rd with 142. Needless to say, Coutie’s handicap will be closely scrutinised from now on!

Arthur Smith won the Burnside Eclectic and sole entrant Sandy Norrie would have found it difficult to lose the Championship competition!

Well done to all those who took part, especially the Club Captain.

Club Competition entries

Entries for this season’s Club Competitions are now requested. Sheets have been posted in the Bar at HQ so please get your names up as soon as possible. Entry fee is £1 per person per competition – very simple but you would be amazed how many entrants ‘forget’ to pay!! You have until the end of March to enter. Please note, this year’s Club Championship will be seeded so there’s no excuse for not entering. Competitions open to all. Country Members Cup entrants must be over 55 at 1st April 2015.

Not long now ’til the start of the season!

Steve Logan coughs up

Former pro Steve Logan has finally stopped procrastinating and paid his membership fees! Logan, once a revered authority on the finer points of the game we all know and love, had steadfastly refused to pay his annual Club fee until he had been served with the appropriate notice. This week however, he was forced to concede that his good friend and playing partner, Mr Muir had failed to deliver the notice to him timeously, as agreed (see Reader’s Letters Page). Secretary Coutie graciously accepted Logan’s fees at HQ yesterday evening, witnessed by the impartial Mr John Burnett. However, on closer inspection of the contents of Mr Logan’s deposit, it was discovered that the full amount may allegedly not have been forthcoming… Investigations into the circumstances surrounding this anomaly continue apace.

 *The Committee would like to point out that at this stage, Mr Logan is not suspected of any impropriety. The fact that Mr Coutie suddenly found enough money to buy a round is currently being investigated. No stone will be left unturned!!

Keep tuned for the next instalment …

Committee take decisive action

The winning team in last month’s Texas Scramble comprising Doherty, Fulton, Burke and Reid has been relegated to last place following a Committee investigation into alleged duplicitous behaviour on the part of their team marker. Runners-up on the day and new

undisputed winners Gilbride, Meek, Shepherd and Anderson have been elevated to the top spot. Suspicion fell on Reid and co. immediately they were announced as winners, when shouts of “how the **** did they manage to win?” were clearly audible from other competitors assembled in the Club. Unfortunately, no official complaints, moans or queries were received within the allocated 20 second time period so the Committee were powerless to review the submitted scorecards at that stage. Following sustained grumbles since the tournament from certain discontented competitors and a thorough Committee investigation, it transpired that Nor Reid (aka Greentractorman or ‘the cheatin teuchter’) had only recorded scores for 15 holes, not 16 as required under the rules. The scorecards had been checked and collated by serial organiser and adder-upper, Brian Morton who, when questioned said, “when it became clear that me and David weren’t going to win again, I may not have paid as much attention to the other cards as I should have”.  Meantime, when put on the spot, a rather sheepish Nor Reid, not used to figures (apart from those of young eastern-european berry-pickers), said “Ye ken, I didna mean te cheat. Its like plooin a field …. efter one dreel, ye kinda loose coont! I tak fill respon, repsonsib, repsonbi, blame fir the mistack, ye ken”.

Having reviewed all the evidence it is the decision of the Committee that Reid’s incompetence was a genuine mistake. The team of Doherty, Fulton, Burke and Reid are relegated to last place and they keep what was the first prize of a bottle of wine which is now classified as a ‘booby prize’. The new winners Meek, Gilbride, Shepherd and Anderson retain the re-classified 2nd prize, now the first prize of a lovely box of Milk Tray. For the record, the teams of Soutar, Lawson, Muir and Mann and Norrie, Low, Simpson W and Fox finished joint 3rd.

Morton is cleared of negligence due to being in shock at the time because he and David hadn’t won anything.

The other five teams who took part in the competition were reported to have commented, “who cares? … it’s the taking part that counts”.

See you all in December for the annual Texas Scramble 2015!!

Frosty conditions for Annual Texas Scramble

The 2014 Station Masters annual Texas Scramble got off to a frosty start on the Monday after Christmas. A full compliment of 8 teams braved the cold to compete for the accolade of Masters Texas Scramble champions. The team comprising former pro Steve Logan, Dez Muir, Rodney Soutar and former Walker Cup player and pro Lindsay Mann came a creditable 3rd. Mizzou Tiger Jess Meek, thespian Andy Gilbride, pig farmer George Anderson and annoying person Stan Shepherd came 2nd. The winning team on the day (unbelievably) comprised Jim Fulton, Norman Reid, another thespian George Doherty and US University golf coach Stuart Burke. The teams retired to the Station Hotel for a slap-up lunch of peh, beans and chips courtesy of Ivor, followed by one or two drinks and an enjoyable games afternoon of pool and dominoes. Darts had to be withdrawn from the itinerary when it was discovered the dart board had disappeared, believed pinched. In a closely-fought Pool tournament, father and son duo Alan and Garry Clark narrowly defeated Andy Gilbride and Jess Meek in the final whilst the sylph-like Pete Coutie lifted the Bones title (can’t remember who he cuffed in the final). All-in-all a good days competition!! CHECK OUT LATEST NEWS IN PICTURES FOR MORE FOTOS     

Mortons ‘clean-up’ at Awards Dinner

This year’s Annual Dinner and Presentation of Prizes saw the awards dominated by father and son pairing Brian and David Morton. For the second season in a row, David picked up the Arthur Christieson Trophy as Scratch Club Champion. Handicap Champion this season and winner of the Dave McNicoll Cup is former Club Champion Iain Burnett. Brian and David Morton picked up the Enfield Cup (Fourball), the Dunbar Cup (Foursomes) and the inaugural Greensomes tournament award. Dave Meek is this year’s Senior Champion and recipient of the Country Members Cup. The Winter Trophy was picked up by Stewart Hunter and the Kiwi Shield, competed for at our annual away-day tournament was won by Andy Gilbride.

Vice Captain Elliot Davie, once again kept a firm but highly amusing grip on proceedings and guest speaker Bob Valentine, a former top flight national and international football referee, regaled our members and guests with numerous tales from his long career on (and off) the pitch. Representatives of the Caledonia, Carnoustie, Dalhousie, Mercantile golf clubs and Panmure Business Club joined members for a highly entertaining evening.