With team captain, Dave Forsyth sustaining a prematch injury, the Peebles Seniors’ Team went into the third match of the season without it’s leader but determined to continue the winning start to the campaign.
Each match was closely contested but unfortunately Minto ran out winners by 3 and a half points to 2 and a half. As always, the match was played in a very good spirit and we look forward to the return match at Minto later in the season.
SENIORS’ MATCH
v Torwoodlee
Away Tuesday
4th June 2024
Allocated pairs
1. Dave Forsyth(18.8)/Keith Ackerman(29.7)
2. Ian Campbell(12.4)/Alister Lambie(23.6)
3. Geoff Lawson(14.3)/Brian Taylor(25.4)
4. Tommy Forbes(15.2)/George Cunningham(28.2)
5. Stevie Matthews(20.8)/Mike Rowse(30.7)
6. John Cairns(21.1)/John Varney(38.4)
Reserves: Nil
Tea & Coffee from 0930hrs
Lunch after match.
Note: If unable to play, please contact Dave Forsyth on 07969818590
SENIORS’ MATCH
v Minto
Home Tuesday
21st May 2024
Allocated pairs
1. Ken Davey(20.2)/Dave Forsyth(18.8)
2. Jim Cleland(16.8)/Andy Tucker(21.5)
3. Ian Tate(16.6)/Jim Douglas(23.8)
4. Tommy Forbes(15.3)/Brian Taylor(25.8)
5. Alex Stavert(12.9)/George Cunningham(28.2)
6. Ian Campbell(12.2)/Keith Ackerman(29.9)
Reserves: Alister Lambie(23.6), John Varney(38.4)
Tea & Coffee from 0930hrs
Lunch after match.
Note: If unable to play, please contact Dave Forsyth on 07969818590
An Emphatic Win at Home to North Berwick
The weather was a bit dull and overcast at the start of this match against North Berwick but brightened up as it progressed - more so for the home side than the visiting team. Everybody involved again enjoyed the company of those they played with and the comments about the state of the course and the catering were all positive.
Results - Match 1 Peebles won 4&2, Match 2 Peebles won 8&7, Match 3 Peebles won 6&4, Match 4 Peebles won 5&4, Match 5 Peebles won 2&1, Match 6 Peebles won 8&7- overall score Peebles 6 North Berwick 0. However I am sure North Berwick relish changing that scoreline in the return fixture on Wednesday 9th October in North Berwick.
The next match is again at Home against Minto with the team for that match going up on the noticeboard next week when the availability sheet for Torwoodlee (Away) on Tuesday June 4th will also be posted.
Many thanks to everyone who played in the opening match against Innerleithen especially those who filled in at the last moment (George and Malcolm). The weather was good despite a chilly wind and even hailstones for a few minutes at one stage. Everybody enjoyed the company of their playing partners both during and after the match. The catering was excellent and the course had dried up considerably with more run on the fairways than of late.
Results Match 1 was all square, Match 2 Peebles won 4&3, Match 3 Peebles won 5&4 (but Innerleithen only had 1 player unfortunately), Match 4 Peebles won 2&1, Match 5 Peebles won 4&3. Match 6 was all square - overall Peebles won 5:1.
We look forward to playing Innerleithen next year at Innerleithen although efforts might be made to return this fixture to a Home and Away in the same year and maybe even investigating the possibility of playing a return match this year - watch this space.
The next match is on Tuesday 30 April against North Berwick in Peebles and there is one change with B Robson replacing A Stavert.
Also the availability sheet for the Minto match in Peebles on Tuesday 21 May is on the noticeboard.
SENIORS’ MATCH
v North Berwick
Home Tuesday
30th April 2024
Allocated pairs
1. Ian Tate(16.5)/Dave Forsyth(20.7)
2. I Campbell(11.5)/K Ackerman(29.9)
3. B Taylor(25.8)/J Varney(38.4)
4. K Scott(11.7)/G Cunningham(28.2)
5. D Wright(9.3)/A Stavert(14.2)
6. J Cleland(17.6)/K Davey(20.2)
Reserve: B Robson(22.5)
Tea & Coffee from 0930hrs
Lunch after match.
Note: If unable to play, please contact Dave Forsyth on 07969818590
SENIORS’ MATCH
v Innerleithen
Home Thursday
25th April 2024
Allocated pairs
1. Ken Davey(20.2)/Dave Forsyth(20.8)
2. Jim Cleland(17.6)/Andy Tucker(21.5
3. Ian Tate(16.5)/Jim Douglas(23.7)
4. Tommy Forbes(14.8)/Brian Taylor(25.8)
5. Alex Stavert(14.2)/Malcolm Bruce(27.3)
6. George Hirst(11.6)/Keith Ackerman(29.9)
Reserves: Brian Robson(22.5), Bill Hardcastle(17.4)
Tea & Coffee from 0930hrs
Lunch after match.
Note: If unable to play, please contact Dave Forsyth on 07969818590
SENIORS’ MATCH
v Innerleithen
Home Thursday
25th April 2024
Allocated pairs
1. Stuart Pender(6.3)/Keith Ackerman(29.9)
2. Kenny Scott(11.7)/Brian Taylor(25.8)
3. Alex Stavert(14.2)/Jim Douglas(23.7)
4. Tommy Forbes(14.8)/Andy Tucker(21.5)
5. Ian Tate((16.5)/Dave Forsyth(20.6)
6. Jim Cleland(17.6)/Ken Davey(20.2)
Reserves: Simon Dryden(11.1), Brian Robson(22.5), Bill Hardcastle(17.4)
Tea & Coffee from 0930hrs
Lunch after match.
Note: If unable to play, please contact Dave Forsyth on 07969818590
Well gents after the opening events on Saturday and Sunday plus a senior stableford on Tuesday 26 March the 2024 summer golf season is well under way. Hopefully after a fairly wet and windy winter the temperatures will pick up, the rain will disappear and the course will dry out to give us all a bit more run on our golf shots. Just a reminder that the seniors have 2 matches during April albeit near the end of the month - Innerleithen Thursday 25th April(Home) and North Berwick Tuesday 30 April(Home) both with first tee times of 10.30. Watch out for availability sheets on the senior noticeboard about a month in advance and then team sheets about 2 weeks in advance of the match.
Senior's matches are played between Peebles and other nearby golf clubs as friendlies. I have taken over from Simon Dryden as senior captain and so am responsible for organising these matches over the next two years.
A list of the fixtures for these matches can be found in a variety of places - 1) online at the Peebles Golf Club site in the members section - seniors fixtures or 2) under seniors - seniors matches - blog or 3) on the Senior noticeboard in the clubhouse. I will put up sheets on the noticeboard as regards requesting availability for each match then followed by a team sheet and match details. I will also message people who are playing in a match and put a copy of the team and match details on the Blog page. After each match the result will be put on the Blog and on the noticeboard.
Senior’s matches are open to all members aged 55 and over. There is a £12 fee for each match (home or away), which always includes a coffee/tea beforehand (and typically a bacon roll too), plus lunch afterwards. Matches are 6 x four ball better balls, usually from the yellow tees, with players receiving 90% of the difference between the lowest course handicapper in each group. Reserves for a previous match get priority for the next match they are available for. It is a good way of playing at other local courses and meeting and chatting to other golfers.
Dave Forsyth - Seniors’ Team Captain
Innerleithen. Home Thursday 25 April
North Berwick Home Tuesday 30 April
Minto Home Tuesday 21 May
Torwoodlee Away Tuesday 4 June
Longniddry Home Thursday 13 June
Carnwath. Away Friday 21 June
Broomieknowe Away Tuesday 2 July
Torwoodlee Home Thursday 11 July
Craigielaw Home Thursday 25 July
West Linton Away Thursday 22 August
Carnwath Home Tuesday 27 August
Minto Away Thursday 12 September
Glencorse Away Thursday 19 Sept
Longniddry Away Thursday 3 October
North Berwick Away Wednesday 9 October
Back Row L-R Vic Roberts, Roger Scott, Sam Walker, Ian Stewart, Grant Bowie, George Cunningham, Ian Tate and David Wright.
Middle Row Tom Litster and Brian Robson
Front Row Keith Dunn and Jim Lyle
Following the away defeat, earlier in the season, the Peebles Seniors’ Team was determined to return to winning ways in the return match against Torwoodlee.
In game 1, the home pair of Brian Robson and David Wright led by example and demonstrated excellent teamwork in the 4BBB format. They gave their opponents little room for manoeuvre and reached the turn 5 holes to the good. They continued their imperious form into the back nine and closed the game out on the 13th green.
Sam Walker and Ian Stewart were ahead in their game but were pegged back to all square on the 17th. A nervy trip down the 18th failed to separate the teams and the match ended all square.
Tom Litster and Roger Scott had a ding dong battle in game 3. The home pair called upon all their experience however and eventually ran out worthy winners by one hole. Vic Roberts and Jim Lyle weren’t quite as fortunate in game 4. They found themselves 3 down with 4 holes to play and despite heroically winning the 15th and 16th holes, they halved both the 17th and 18th to lose out by one hole.
With the overall match score in the balance, Peebles needed a strong finish to secure the win. Once again, there was a very close encounter in game 5. Keith Dunn and George Cunningham were taken all the way by their opponents but they handled the pressure well and secured a 1 up victory. Things were not so close in the final game with Ian Tate and Grant Bowie being in control throughout. They completed a comprehensive 4&3 win on the 14th green.
So, Peebles once again demonstrated the magnificent home form that gave the team such an impressive start to the season by running out winners by 4 and a half points to 1 and a half points.
Despite the recent inclement weather the course was in magnificent condition - a real testament to the skills and hard work of our green keeping team. The new caterers provided an excellent meal after the match which was enjoyed by all the players.
The final match of the season will be at North Berwick on the 16th October.
The Peebles Seniors’ Team was once again on the road as they visited Minto. Following some indifferent form of late, the players were determined to get back to winning ways. Despite their best efforts they once again fell agonisingly short.
In game one, captain Brian Robson and Neil Byers played well and managed to secure half a point with a well deserved draw. The visitors went one better in game 2 when Paul Harrison and Ian Tate snatched a one hole victory.
In game 3, Alister Lambie and Ian JD Stewart matched their opponents for most of the encounter but eventually went down 2&1. Things were even closer in game 4 where the experienced pair of Grant Bowie and Roger Scott kept things very tight. Despite having opportunities to secure the win, the spoils were shared.
It was nip and tuck in game 5 where Vic Roberts and Geoff Lawson lost by the narrowest of margins. A win in game 6 would have secured a draw in the overall match score but Sam Walker ( who suffered his first defeat of the season ) and George Hirst found their opponents too hot to handle.
So, despite some very close games, Peebles were edged out by 4 points to 2.
Next week, Peebles entertain Torwoodlee in the rearranged match that was postponed earlier in the season. The Peebles team have an impressive home record this season and will be hoping to once again demonstrate that it really is ‘fortress Peebles’.
They say that football is a “funny old game” but golf can be equally so. Peebles Seniors’ entertained Carnwath earlier in the season and enjoyed an emphatic victory by 5 and a half points to a half point.
The away fixture took place last Friday. First out were Brian Robson and David Wright and although they played well they were just edged out by the home pair. In match 2 debutant Simon Dryden and George Cunningham suffered a similar fate.
In the third game Tom Litster and Roger Scott thought they were heading for a draw before one of their opponents chipped in for a birdie and subsequently won the game. Ian JD Stewart and George Hirst went down fighting in game 4 and when Ian Tate and Geoff Lawson lost Game 5, a whitewash looked likely.
Bryan Taylor and Vic Roberts had other ideas though and they won game 6 to give the Peebles Team a vital point.
The match result was therefore Carnwath 5 points - Peebles 1 point. However over the 2 legs the Peebles team amassed 6 and half points to Carnwath’s 5 and a half points.
The Seniors’ team travelled to neighbours West Linton hoping for a change in fortune following a run of 3 defeats away from home.
Captain Brian Robson and his playing partner Jim Clelland led by example and quickly built up a commanding 4 hole lead. They maintained their momentum with some very good teamwork and closed the game out early by winning 5&4.
Things did not go according to plan for Gordon Fisher and Brian Taylor in game 2. The Peebles pair failed to master the blustery conditions and surrendered early at the 11th hole.
In game 3, Sandy Wood and Alister Lambie held a one hole lead for most of the back 9 before winning the last hole to win 2 up.
It looked as if honours would be even in game 4 as the Peebles pair of Ian JD Stewart and Ian Tate lined up all square going down the last. However a missed putt on the 18th gave victory to the West Linton pair by the narrowest of margins.
David Wright and Sam Walker didn’t have the best of starts in game 5 and they soon found themselves 2 down. However the Peebles pair battled back and got their noses in front. They maintained their one hole lead until the last where they secured a 2 hole victory.
With the Peebles team now holding the advantage in the match it was down to Keith Dunn and Paul Harrison to see if an away victory could be secured. After a bright start their one hole advantage turned into a deficit and they eventually went down by 5&4.
It wasn’t the result that Peebles wanted but the hard fought 3-3 draw halted the recent run of defeats. The West Linton course presented very well and the blustery conditions didn’t prevent a very enjoyable and friendly encounter.
The next match is away to Carnwath on Friday 6th September.
The Peebles Seniors’ Team travelled up the road to Penicuik hoping that winning form would return against Glencorse GC.
Things started brightly for the away team. In game 1, captain Brian Robson and his partner, Paul Harrison were 3 down after 11 holes but they managed to reduce the deficit to one down with one to play. A spectacular birdie for Brian on the 18th meant the game was halved.
In game 2, Ian JD Stewart and Sam Walker were in imperious form and ran out winners by 4&3.
However, games 3 and 4 proved critical to the overall match result. Debutant George Hirst and his partner Alister Lambie matched their opponents for most of the encounter but unfortunately lost by 2&1. George Cunningham and Ian Stewart enjoyed a bright start and were one up with seventeen to play! They kept the game close enough but eventually went down by 3&2.
Game 5, involving David Wright and Stevie Matthews was a rollercoaster affair. Going 2 down early on the Peebles pair got back to all square at the turn thanks to David managing to birdie holes 8 and 9. They continued to combine well and were 4 up with 6 to play. 3 birdies in the last 6 holes for the Glencorse pair resulted in the game being halved.
Peebles had to win the last game for a share of the spoils in the match but the Glencorse pair proved too strong for the Peebles partnership of Jim Lyle and Ken Davey who went down by 6&4.
So, the overall match result was Glencorse 4 - Peebles 2. Once again it was a great day out on a course which was very well presented. The weather even behaved itself and everyone enjoyed a delicious meal after the match.
All we have to do is improve our form away from home. Our next chance will be next week at West Linton.
The Peebles team travelled to Innerleithen hopeful that they would be able to repeat the home victory they enjoyed over their local rivals earlier in the season.
In game one, Brian Robson and Sam Walker lost the first hole but recovered quickly to lead by 3 holes. Home player, Jim Pendreigh then turned on the style with his putter and the Peebles pair again found themselves one down. Brian and Sam drew level at the 15th and the game remained all square through to the 18th.
Keith Dunn and Jim Lyle found the opposition too hot to handle in game 2. Despite a brave performance they lost their game 5&4.
Performance of the day came from Peebles pair Grant Bowie and Ian Stewart. They found themselves 4 down at one stage but battled back and won the game on the 18th green. Grant almost achieved an ace at the 10th when his tee shot rattled the pin and ran a few feet past.
In game 4 Geoff Lawson and George Cunningham were 2 up after 8 holes but they lost their momentum in the closing holes and eventually went down by 3&1.
David Wright and Ian Tate had previously played together 3 times and had enjoyed wins on each occasion. Today’s match provided them with a much sterner challenge. The Innerleithen pair were on top form and their ‘birdie fest’ ensured the Peebles pair went down 5&4.
In game 6 Gordon Fisher and Brian Taylor also found themselves up against it from the start and eventually went down by 5&3.
In the end, the home team ran out winners by 4 and a half points to 1 and a half points.
The weather conditions were challenging to say the least with numerous heavy showers throughout the match. However the match was played in a very good spirit and both teams enjoyed a very tasty lunch afterwards at the Corner House.
The Peebles Seniors’ Team travelled to Torwoodlee full of hope that they would preserve their winning streak. However, things did not go according to plan.
Brian Robson and Geoff Lawson had a tough match, especially when their opponents rolled in a 25 ft birdie putt on the opening hole. The rest of the match was very even but eventually the Peebles pair succumbed to a 2 & 1 defeat.
Jim Lyle and Ken Davey were 3 down at the turn and managed to fight back and halved the match.
Tom Litster and Andy Tucker had a difficult match which was mostly even but the Torwoodlee pair ran out 2 & 1 winners.
David McKean and Roger Scott got off to a slow start and were 2 down after 2 and 4 down at the turn. However they got back to 2 down. A nett birdie as a result of a deadly chip from the opposition put them 3 down. Although David and Roger managed to half the 16 th their opponents ran out 3 & 2 winners.
Gordon Fisher, who was nursing a broken toe, and David Wright had a good start to their match and were 2 up after 7 holes. However their opponents hit a purple patch in the middle of the round and won 4 holes in a row. Eventually the Torwoodlee pair won 3 & 2, thanks mainly to some deadly putting.
Paul Harrison and Brian Taylor had a good match but were 2 down with 3 holes to play. However, a ‘never say die’ approach by the Peebles pair resulted in a worthy half with a storming finish.
Despite some good play the Peebles team was beaten 5 - 1, the first defeat this season.
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