Course of a Century 1896-1996

Challenge Cup

The competition for the Dufftown Challenge Cup began in 1964 and continued for 27 years. It started in an unusual way, Jock Brown, the Peterhead professional, had married into the Garrick family of Dufftown.

He was a good friend of the Elgin professional, Roy Phimister, and no doubt over a dram or two issued a challenge for a match to be played at Dufftown between Peterhead and Elgin. Moreover he suggested that each team could include their professional adopting what has now become the very popular format of Pro-Ams. Elgin had a very strong team with three top amateurs, Norman Grant, Ian Sinclair and Ian Rodger (presently Elgin professional). Peterhead in turn had a formidable side with Alan Middleton, and the Livingston brothers, Hugh and John.

A confident Peterhead team duly won the first match but Elgin were to turn the tables the following year. Other clubs took an interest in this unique competition and with more clubs joining in it was won by the Aberdeen Club, Hazelhead in 1966. They went on to be successful in 1969 and 1970. Winning teams in later years were Strathlene, Forres, Keith, Murcar, Grantown-on-Spey, Huntly, Duff House Royal, Nigg Bay and Dufftown. The most successful team by far was Elgin who were to win the trophy on ten occasions.

The roll call of players who competed over the years included some illustrious names. Among the professionals were Harry Bannerman, Cruden Bay, who played in the 1971 Ryder Cup; Peter Smith, Murcar, who later joined the European Tour; Bob Strachan, Duff House Royal, who was Scottish Champion of Champions in 1972 and from Forres, John Taylor and later Sandy Aird.

Among the top amateurs were Hugh Stewart, Forres, a Walker Cup player in 1971, 1973 and 1975; Sandy Pirie, Hazelhead, a Scottish Internationalist in the 1960s and 1970s; R M (Chanter) Grant, Caledonian, and Bryce Milne, Elgin.

The course record was always under threat during the competition and the professional record of 63 was set by Peter Smith, Murcar, and the amateur record of 62 by Ian Mclntosh, Moray. After the new 18 hole course was opened the professional record of 68 was set by Sandy Aird, Forres in 1990. Many a player had the record in their sights only to be caught out on one of the tight holes, particularly when trying to hit the 7th green at 313 yds with out of bounds close to the green. Members who followed the matches have many memories of brilliant shots and advice on how to play certain holes. Harry Bannerman played the Heathery Hut 145 yds, with an 8 iron aimed at the right edge of the green and drawing neatly into the heart of the green. Peter Smith also played an 8 iron at the last hole, downhill 197 yds dropping the ball just short of the green to the right, and the natural contours to bring it down perfectly to the holeside. On the new course Bob Strachan drove the dog-leg 17th 411 yds to hit the green, but then had to settle for 3 putts.

Perhaps the greatest appeal of the competition was the wonderful social atmosphere. The lady members earned a reputation for magnificent home baking and after a few drams a noisy evening was sure to follow. The Clubhouse would be filled with humour and song; who could forget the rapturous singing of Chanter who entertained the company in the small hours for many a year. Times were changing though and interest in the competition gradually waned, but for over 20 years it remained a unique competition with the course as always remaining the challenge.

Dufftown Challenge Cup

Presentaion of Dufftown Challenge Cup to Nigg Bay, Aberdeen, 1991.
Included also Jim Goodall, Peter Duncan, Mrs Norma Duncan and the
Dufftown Team: Jonathan Hanson, Gary England, David Smith, Colin Duncan.

Previous Page: Revival Once Again | Next Page: Full Course