Following a gap of three years the Scottish Wayfarers reconvened this year and for the first time at Panmure. The fixture was traditionally played at Muirfield and Prestwick in alternate years, however due to difficulties in agreeing weekend fixtures at these Clubs, the West venue switched to Western Gailes in 2017 and the East venue has now switched to Panmure.

Unfortunately Edinburgh Academy failed to raise a team due to call-offs and it was left to the remaining five schools to compete in the Saturday pm Stableford to decide the semi-final places. Defending champions Glenalmond led the way in a gusting to 35mph afternoon wind, returning the leading Stableford team score (three pairs foursomes) of 74 points, after a countback with Fettes. Merchiston and Loretto filled the remaining places with Strathallan receiving the wooden spoon (Edinburgh Academy being ineligible)!

In Sunday morning’s semis played in some sunshine with only a 15-20mph wind, Glenalmond beat Loretto 3-0 and Merchiston beat Fettes by the same margin. In the afternoon Merchiston proved too strong for the Glenalmond team with some fine golf in the strengthening wind, taking back the Hugh Price Cup. One Merchiston pair started 2,4,3 (against par of 4,5,4) to be only one up.

Final result (OGs first):

1.       Sandy Gray and Stephen Titterington lost to Harry Thomson and Chris Cowan 3/2

2.       Jim Patrick and Niall Booker lost to David Hutchison and Logan Mair 1 hole

3.       John Laird and Mike Everett lost to Donald Thomson and Guthrie Batchelor 2/1

Stephen Titterington replaced Ben Gray who played on the Saturday.

The weekend was considered a huge success with good camaraderie amongst the players and Panmure were the perfect hosts. The wine bottle count threatened the highest Saturday stableford score – always a fair barometer of a social success!

Jim Patrick, 26.4.22