2023

The Squires made a return to the East Lothian region, after the highly successful ST16 at Gullane. This time, there were different courses in the line up, including the flagship North Berwick West Links, Kilspindie and The Glen GC all lying in wait.

Unfortunately there were some set-backs in the run-in to and during ST23, including an accommodation change a dramatic last-minute golf course closure, but this didn't spoil the event.

There were also some pull-outs this year, which couldn't be helped but Rossco 2 stepped in to play 1 game at Kilspindie to bolster the Jocks. Carlo had to leave a day early so missed the final round. This meant 11 players day 1, 12 day 2 and then 10 on the final day - a head-wrecking mathematical conundrum with Collie's new scoring App malfunctioning badly.

The lads were all set to stay at the Ducks Inn, Aberlady but received word that the establishment was closing on 1st October. This resulted in a move to the Best Western King's Manor in Portobello, not ideal due to additional travel but good that a decent alternative venue could be secured at short notice.

An additional pre-ST hit has been the recent order of the day and the 'Dunbar 4' Colin, Baz, Boothy & Stee were fresh off a Wednesday practice round a little further down the coast.

First round was the majestic North Berwick West Links and the lads congregated for lunch in the old clubhouse. A quick warm up and the lads set off praying that the poor weather forecast was wrong. NB is a classic old, quirky figure-of-8 out and in course with many famous holes down the closing stretch, including the Pit, Perfection, Redan, Gate, the monstrous Coffin bunker on 17 and the stunning 18th. Despite a heavy shower for 4 holes on the front 9, the weather was kind to the lads.

Scoring was low round the West Links, with 7 scores 36 and over. Gordie prevailed as the Day 1 winner with a superb +2 (40pts) to pick up his third Squires major. Other notables were Scotty who only finished 1 shot back, Squire and Stee who shot 38pts.

First night was in the Hotel, a decent dinner had but about as much atmosphere as a morgue! The boys made it their own however and a new quiz was born with the lads reeling off golfers by nationality in a game of last man standing.

Day 2 was Kilspindie and the sun was shining, however a stiff 20-25mph wind swept the links making this short course a lot harder. Kilspindie is a stunning little course, 18 holes of sea views and many driveable par 4s but the Squires came away eagle-less!  Again the scoring was good and it was Kev who won the day with 37pts to pick up his second major, 10 years after his first! Boothy finished second on 36pts only a shot back with Squire also on the same tally but losing out on a poorer last 6.

The lads spent the evening in the Omelie Tavern in Joppa summarising the tales of the day and discussing the ST24 venue lol.

It soon became apparent that day 3 was going to be a washout so a contingency option needed to be explored. The Squires' congregated at breakfast on Saturday morning and received the confirmation that The Glen was closed. Colin was quickly on the case and explored other options and the Squires secured tee times at Gullane 3 but also knowing that it would be the most challenging 18 holes of their lives. 

The lads rocked up after aqua-planing along the A198 and got ready for the battle in the plush new Gullane 2 and 3 Clubhouse. Full waterproofs, Mac Wets, Bag covers and double-hats were donned as the Squires set off on the treacherous task ahead.

It was a day for gathering as many stableford points as possible given the strong wind and rain. Despite this however, the scoring was very decent and quite unbelievably it was Gordie to picked up his 2nd major of the weekend and also 2nd at Gullane 3! 

Squire collected his 2nd Squires' Trophy in 3 years but only by 1 point after a solid 31pts round Gullane 3. This gave him a total of 105, to tie the highest 3 round score which was first achieved by Colin in ST19.

Colin prevailed as green jacket winner, but only after 3 rounds. Gordie was day 1 winner and Squire managed to grasp it after 2 rounds before handing it over.

This was the 2nd contesting of the Squires' Seniors but only 2 participants this year in Pricey and Carlo. It was held over 2 days only given Carlo had to leave - and it was Pricey who won for the 2nd year running, by 6 shots.

Dinner at the club was the order of the day once again and the prizes were dished out to the winners.

Final night was back to the Ormelie Tavern to watch the match with Ireland easing past Scotland in the World Cup final group match. More pints and chat to top off a wonderful weekend. Back to the King's Manor to gatecrash the wedding party only to realise they were all tucked up in bed by 1am! 

Another fantastic trip, thanks to all the lads for making ST23.