The Fifty Fifth playing of the DALKEITH CUP took place yesterday on a beautiful spring day (Sunday October 11),with a capacity field of sixty four players (thirty two pairs). We are most grateful for the generosity of TONY COWAN and KRYSTYNA KNOTTNERUS who spnsored this year’s MIXED FOUR BALL COMBINED STABLEFORD EVENT – the type of event that has in past years led to fractured relationships.
The event itself was named after our neighbouring suburb of Dalkeith – so a little bit of trivia to start with-;
“The suburb of Dalkeith derives its name from an estate of 320 acres taken up in 1831 by Adam Armstrong. He named it Dalkeith Farm after the district near Edinburgh from which he had migrated in 1829”
Today’s field included past winners – Gavin and Grace Furness (2007), Steve and Patricia Noske(2013), Gary and Veni Tang(2015), Mara Pritchard and Paul Jenkins(2017), and the 2018 and 2019 winners, trying to make it three in a row, Marg Doyle and Joe Alexander. Thirty one other pairs were out to see their reign come to an end.
As usual there were some excellent individual scores but not all of those scores were complimented by their partner’s. However, there were a few combinations where both players played very well.
Ultimately the winners were Nikki and Fred Wehr with an outstanding score of 80 points – with each player having 40 points. What a turnaround from the previous year where they had 51 points, ran last and were determined to make amends for that performance – and that they did – in “Spades”.
It is safe to say that daylight was second – the sponsors, who are on the improve after finishing third in 2019. It may be their turn in 2021.
For quite some time the leader board showed that Krystyna and Tony could win with 73 points. A 25 foot downhill breaking putt holed by Krystyna on the last hole looked as though it would be the winning putt until the final two cards were submitted, one of which was the Wehr’s.
With both Nikki and Fred each having 40 points it is difficult to suggest that one player played better than the other.
Remembering they started from the 4th hole where there combined total was a meagre one point, they looked anything like winners. However, Nikki’s six 3 pointers in succession from the 13th to the 18th followed by Fred’s two 3 pointers and a 4 pointer from the 1st to the 3rd certainly helped the cause. If it had been a 4 Ball Better Ball format, they would have had 28 points for their final nine holes and 54 points overall – not bad.
After that effort it is little wonder that no one else really had a chance.
As already noted, Tony Cowan and Krystyna Knottnerus were the runners up with an excellent 73 points.
Kath Fordham and Gerard Saueracker came third after a blistering finish where they had seven points on their final hole.
The defending Champions Marg Doyle and Joe Alexander finished a very creditable sixth and were the best of the previous winners.
Thanks to the course staff, who as usual presented a course in excellent order and a challenge to all players. Thanks to our house staff and John in the kitchen for looking after everyone in the evening and to the Pro Shop staff for their help on the day.
So, in conclusion congratulations to our 2020 Dalkeith Cup Winners NICKI and FRED WEHR and thanks to TONY COWAN and KRYSTYNA KNOTTNERUS for their sponsorship of the day.
We sincerely hope that after today all players will continue their friendly golfing partnerships and who knows in 2021 Michael and Ingrid Bruce may emulate the performance of the Wehr’s.
2020 Dalkeith Cup Cup Prize List
From – Greg Fitzhardinge
