2021 Results

ST21 was a long time coming, with a postponement from 2020 due to COVID-19. The Squires were long overdue a get together and desperate to get back on the Squires trail given the success of the previous years’ events. This year Pricey was host and he arranged a tough challenge over 3 great courses - starting at one of the original Squires’ venues Castlerock, and then on to his home club Ballyliffin which boasts 2 championship tracks in the Old Links and the notoriously difficult Glashedy Links. The Squires' accommodation this year was 3 nights at the Ballyliffin Hotel.

The 11 participating Squires made their way to Castlerock Golf Club in Co. Derry from various locations; Carlo from Portugal, Squire and Gordie from Glasgow via Belfast International, Kevski from London into Knock and the 6-strong Dublin contingent including new man Simeon (aka "Boothy"). It was only a short hop for Pricey and after gathering for lunch in the clubhouse and a quick pint he kicked things off with a lovely touch on the first tee, handing out a wee dram to each of the Squires.

The format this year was as per previous years but the Ryder took a bit of a twist. There were 3 singles ties each day with the Irish and Scottish individual opponents in the same on course group and best Stableford score deciding the match – much like the old Dunhill Cup format. Given the odd number of players, the 6th Irishman took on the Scots weasel ‘Monty’ in the pub with Monty’s 18 hole score derived from a contribution of all the other Scots scores - and a roll of the dice deciding which Scotsman’s score counted on a hole-per-hole basis! The captains, Baz and Colin decided their team order and it was revealed ahead of play – a surprise to the others.

Castlerock provided a tough challenge with strong showers and a stiff breeze asking some tough questions of the Squires. Its a highly rated links and full of character, with some of the Squires returning to where it all began in 2006. Starting in the town, the course follows the railway line out before turning and meandering back through the dunes. Colin began as he left off at Carnoustie but relied on a strong back nine to pick up the Castlerock major with 31pts; 2pts clear of Gordie, for his third major and also becomes the first man to complete the Squires Major Grand Slam! Congratulations sir.

Ireland made a good start in the Ryder taking a narrow lead over the visitors 3½ - 2½ pts.

The lads grabbed a quick stout and hit the road to base camp, the Ballyliffin Hotel then Clonmany village for a few pints at Tolands ("11 Guinness please" the typical order of the weekend) with Shane the perfect landlord as the Squires had the pub to themselves for some pool and darts.

Pricey managed to tee up local man Ger who chauffered the Squires with his mini bus and trailer, providing an ideal, and fantastic shuttle service to and from the Hotel to Ballyliffin Golf Club and Clonmany.

Ballyliffin Old Links was the day 2 track, only a 5 minute spin from the Hotel, the Squires hoping for a more favourable day of weather. The grass driving range and practice facilities at Ballyliffin are second to none and the lads were well prepared as they hit the 1st tee. 18 quality holes lay ahead of the Squires and a tough wind and brutal rough made it another tricky test with Stableford scores fairly low for a second day running. Robbo, now back playing regular links action at Rush GC played solidly and to everyone’s delight claimed his first major at the 20th attempt to become the oldest Squires major winner at 49 years, 104 days! Robbo shot 32pts to win by 2 from Colin for what was the highest Stableford score of the weekend. 

Colin, on 61pts, took a solid 4 stroke lead from Robbo (57pts) after 2 rounds in the Squires’ Trophy standings, with Pricey and Squire (both 56pts) a further shot back. Scotland had a very strong session in the Ryder winning 4-2 on the day to take a 1 point lead 6½ - 5½ pts. and only needing 3 wins from the final 6 Saturday singles matches to regain the cup. Ireland only needed 3½ pts. to retain.

Friday night was more lively than the lads bargained for with a game of ''Disco Bingo'' in Tolands and some superb on stage guitar solos from Kev and Carlo. Then it was another pub game, this time ''Take Your Pick'' and some of the lads won some dosh which went into more rounds and a feast of malts!

On to Ballyliffin Glashedy (‘the beast’) for the final day and climax of the Squires competitions. It was gold tees for the lads, one set forward from the tips, a very stern test at almost 6,800 yards and a change in wind direction from the previous day. A surprise was in show for the lads at the turn with a welcome glass of malt – thanks Robbo. Scoring was nip and tuck but Baz shot an excellent 19 on the front 9 to take a 1 stroke lead from Rossco as the lads battled for the final major of the weekend. Squire made inroads with two 2s but couldn’t catch the St Anne's man who finally picked up his first Squires major; much to his relief given the relentless jibes from fellow first major winner Robbo who had collected his first a day earlier aha.

The Squires’ Trophy itself turned into the most incredible contest with Colin starting the day 4 shots ahead of Robbo, 5 shots ahead of Squire and Pricey with Baz 2 shots further back. At the turn things had changed dramatically with Baz gaining 7 shots on the leader to stand level with Colin! Squire also made up ground and sat 2 strokes back after nine. A birdie blitz from Squire with 3 in 8 holes helped him amass enough points to level with Colin after 18 while Baz faltered but only finishing 1 shot back. The Squire picked up his first Squires Trophy on best last round.

The Ryder finish was yet another dramatic climax - the Jocks with one hand on the trophy on the 18th tee at Glashedy and just needing to finish well to secure the win. Ireland had other ideas with Pricey and Carlo finishing strongly to oust Rossco and Robbo to tie the match 8½ - 8½ with one final match to be decided in the clubhouse; Baz v Monty! Given’s Baz’s earlier major win, a Scots miracle was needed with the dice but it wasn’t to be and Ireland secured the win, their 5th in 8 years. Well done lads!

And so the final evening and back to Clonmany, the Paddies hoisting a malt filled Ryder trophy aloft as the lads rejoiced and mingled with locals in Tolands, MacTams and the Square Bar. The quiet little village later resembled a mixture of the West End in San Antonio, Ibiza and a scene from Fast and Furious, with the street full of revellers and revving hot hatches. From there it was onto a local wedding back at the hotel - more stout and malt. A new ritual was established over the final evening with the selection of the next year’s Ryder captains. Stee and Robbo were the 2 lucky men appointed by their team members and will lead the Scots and Paddies into the ST22 Ryder!

The weekend couldn’t have been concluded without a wee visit to Pricey’s gaff on Sunday morning - most of the Squires made the short hop from the hotel for a welcome cup of tea before heading back home.

Well done to all the winners and to each of the participants who hopefully agree that ST21 was very much up there with the best trips to-date. See you at ST22!

Slainte, The Squire