| Pitlochry GC 99th Anniversary
Raising £3,500 (so far) for Macmillan Cancer Support, and celebrating the 99th anniversary of The Pitlochry Golf Club, Andy Burrows (vice-Captain), Stephen Carruthers (ex-Captain and Club Champion), David Downie (Captain), and Mark Pirie (Club Professional) - pictured below from left - set off from the first tee at Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Club in the dim light at 4.00am, on Tuesday 24 June.
 Two and a half hours later, in the pleasant morning sunshine, we were greeted at the side of the 18th green by the Robert Baldie (Club Secretary), and by Ron Burnett, who generously furnished us with filled rolls to eat en route to our next course at Strathtay, where we started at 7.00am, and finished at 8.15am.
A quick run along to Aberfeldy, and we were on course there by 8.30 am, and when we finished at 11.00am, having then played 45 holes, we were well ahead of our schedule. There was no room for complacency though - I think we feared that if we stopped for a rest, we wouldn’t get going again - so on to Taymouth Castle, teeing off there at 11.30am, finishing at 2.10pm.
Across the river to Kenmore, and started there at 2.30pm, finishing at 4.00pm, before the drive back to Blair Atholl starting there at 5.00pm, and finishing at 6.15pm.
Homeward bound, we arrived at Pitlochry, and after talking briefly with well-wishers, we set off (in the first real rain of the day), at 6.45pm. We hadn’t really had any problems all day in terms of fatigue, and the strain that we were all expecting as we headed around Pitlochry (after having previously played 81 holes) never really materialised - quite surprising when we think that we had been up since 3.00am, and had carried our clubs around every one of the seven courses.
The weather however wasn’t going to let us off lightly. The rain increased steadily and by the time we reached the 10th tee, we were in full wet weather gear, and the light was fading fast. By the time we reached the 16th, now accompanied by a lone supporter in the shape of Club President, Dougal Spaven, the wind was also blowing up. Spurred on by some supplies left on the tee by Michael Lang (playing ahead of us), we wouldn’t be denied however, and at 9.20pm, we walked off the 18th tee with a certain sense of achievement - thanks to all who turned out to welcome us home.
In the Macmillan competition (best two stableford scores over 72 holes), we amassed a very credible 331 points, but more importantly, raised a lot of money - thanks to all who contributed and for those who didn’t - the fundraising runs until the end of August. Contact Mark at the Pro Shop on 01796 472792, or donate online at www.justgiving.com/pitlochry99
The day was greatly assisted by the following:
• Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club, Strathtay Golf Club, Aberfeldy Golf Club, Taymouth Castle Golf Club, Kenmore Golf Club, Blair Atholl Golf Club, as well as Pitlochry - all of the courses were most hospitable, and a great advert for golf in Highland Perthshire.
• Srixon for supplying gloves, hats and golf balls (which some used more than others!)
• CJ Lang Foodservices for food and drink.
• Murray Gollan at the Atholl Leisure Centre for doing his best to make us fit for the event
• The various media outlets which help promote our efforts
• John Dunlop in the Pitlochry clubhouse for the welcome refreshments at the end of the day!
And yes, we are planning on playing 100 holes for our Centenary next year!
by David Downie
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