2022

Due to the success of ST21, the ST22 destination was decided only week later, and it was to be Machrihanish, a venue called out by many as a preferred destination. And that it would likely be a once in a lifetime trip given the remoteness of the Mull of Kintyre.

It was to be the most anticipated trip to date, the Squires forum chirping almost 24 hours a day in the 6 months lead up. Accommodation was the historic Ugadale Hotel and the accompanying cottages, with the Squires occupying 4 deluxe cottages.

Five Squires who missed ST21 and hadn’t participated since Carnoustie made their return and it was great to have Bazza, Big Al’, Boycey, Matt and Scotty back to the fold. Unfortunately, Gordie and Kevski missed out this time due to more pressing commitments!

And so the time arrived, with completely unpredictable weather off the Atlantic - the hours spent by the Squires checking weather forecasts weeks ahead was all in vain. Although not cold, the lads would need to battle strong winds and some heavy rain showers.

The Squires’ made their way to Scotland in many different ways, most deciding that an early arrival was the way forward. Allan, Baz, Boothy, Boycey, Colin & Pricey headed to Campbeltown on Wednesday and stayed the night before. Bazza, Scotty picked up Rossco and Matt who had stopped over for a work trip to Dublin the preceding days. Robbo, Squire and Stee headed up the road Thursday morning after 18 at Whitecraigs the day before. Carlo made a heroic solo trip arriving after midnight on the Thursday for day 2 on Friday.

It didn’t help matters that the A83 road was closed and the lads having to negotiate a convoy arrangement along the precarious Old Military Road on the way round to Arrochar and down to the Mull of Kintyre.

The 8 Scots to 6 Paddies Ryder mismatch was rectified by the addition of 2 weasel's to even up things.

First round was Machrihanish Dunes, which lay at the end of a dirt track past an old farm road next to Campbeltown Airport. An underwhelming entrance with a small golf shack welcomed the Squires but it was clear that a stunning piece of linksland lay in wait.

The lads congregated; a welcome malt was sipped while a bad squall passed overhead - then the lads made their way to the first tee to kick off ST22. Day 1 was the yellow tees, a chance to go low and post something decent. And go low they did, with Ireland and Scotland strongmen Baz and Bazza both posting an incredible 38 points. It was Baz who prevailed with a best back 6, the first time a major had been decided with such a tight countback. Robbo sat 1 shot back on 37 proving that things were close at the top.

Scotland took command in the Ryder contest opening up a 5-3 lead.

Machrihanish Dunes was given mixed reviews by the Squires, maybe let down by the unkempt greens, which we later understood was due to a recent change in Greenkeepers. This did not detract from what is a superb layout with no weak holes and some phenomenal views.

Special mention has to go to Matt, who lashed a driver on the Par 4 4th into 6 feet before draining the putt for eagle! The first eagle in 5 years and what was the only 2 scored the entire weekend! Congrats big man, your badge is well deserved – join the club!

Day 2 was again Mach Dunes and the lads decided that an additional test was required moving a step back to the white tees. Stee Daly won the major of the day, shooting a superb 32pts, more than making up for his poor start on Thursday. Squire finished 2 back on 30, with Colin and Baz a further 2 back. 

The Squires' Trophy standings after 2 days saw Baz shoot 28 to sit on 66pts and take a 3 shot lead from Squire and Robbo (63), Colin sat a further 3 shots back, with Scotty in 5th place on 57 and Pricey and Bazza tied 6th, 10 back on 56pts.

Ryder day 2 was a similar story to the first round with the Scots winning by the same score 5-3 to take a 10-6 commanding lead.

If that wasn’t enough golf, a few Squires headed down to Dunaverty for lunch before a 4 ball of Baz, Colin, Matt and Squire headed out to play an eclectic mix of 9 holes before returning back to Machrihanish for dinner. Dunaverty is a stunning spot, a quirky, short little seaside course with square greens and views of Northern Ireland.

And so to the final day and Machrihanish Old, again off the whites – mixed weather made things tricky for the Squires as they negotiated the daunting opening hole (‘’the best opening hole in golf’’). It has to be said that the front 9 at Mach Old is maybe as good as it gets, with maybe the hardest set of par 3s you’ve ever seen. The back nine, while still a good test doesn’t quite match the front nine, but it has to be said this is a fantastic golf course.

From 10 shots back and from the man missing from the first tee photo, Pricey starts off extremely hot going out in 23 points, possibly a Squires record (to be verified).  As the final group arrived at the 10th tee there was astonishment at Priceys’s front 9 tally as he jumped into 2nd place with 9 to play and the realisation from Baz that 5 shots had been eroded from his 10-shot buffer.

As the back 9 unfolded, the drama continued, the likes which may never be seen again in a Squires Trophy finale. Pricey ended up coming home in 16 for 39pts. Baz followed up an outward 9 of 18 with 11 back for 29pts to sit level with Pricey on a total of 95pts. Given a better final round, Pricey won both the day’s Major and Squires’ Trophy to cap a phenomenal win. Congrats squire!

On to the Ryder and much was to be done by Ireland to come back from 4 behind.  It wasn’t to be as the Scots yet again won the day 5-3 to secure a 15-9 win and their first Ryder win since 2018. Well done Rossco who was the only Scot to win all 3 matches, deservedly securing the Paddywhacker Pewter.

The Squires descended on the Machrinahish Golf Club’s new clubhouse for the final evening’s meal and drinks to round off a tremendous 3 days’ golf.

And it wouldn’t end there and the crew retired to the Committee Cottage to enjoy the prizegiving and a celebratory malt to conclude the weekend.

Thanks to everyone for making ST22 yet another cracking event.

Squire