Report by Jay Cookson, Captain

The team arrived on the Sunday to a very wet Aberdeen. The only hope was that the weather would be kinder for the rest of the week. We awoke on the Monday to more rain and arrived at the golf club only to find that the course was closed. The green staff were hopeful that they would get the course open at some point in the day. However, the rain kept coming and we didn’t get a practice round. The team felt at an immediate disadvantage as the Scotts had a competition at the course only a few weeks before and were familiar with the layout.   The pairings were announced in time old fashion; in the bar, and the gauntlet was down.

On the first morning, we had the usual team photos and there was also a minutes silence for Duncan Bickerton, with everyone wearing black ribbons in remembrance of one of the nicest people blind golf has ever known.

The first day began with great anticipation. Unfortunately, the day didn’t go as planned and we came out of the day 4 ½ to 1 ½ down.  The mood was a little deflated as the team had high hopes. I tried to reassure everyone that we were always up against it, playing a course for the first time in foursomes, the hardest format in golf.   The pairings were decided for the next day and, you guessed it, announced in the bar. This day couldn’t have gone better. WE WON THE DAY 6 TO 0. I was like a dog with 2 tails and made a point of hugging every member of the team. I’m not sure that they all enjoyed this, but I tend to get carried away when excited and very proud. This day was made very special watching the last group come up the 18th. Andy Sellers, Martyn  Wright  and Roy McKnight with Bill Chamberlain had been down most of the round and Andy’s second shot to 18 was very special, to around 25 foot from the pin with his favourite rescue club, resulting in them winning the hole and the match. They all got an extra big hug. This put us 7 ½ to 4 ½ up going into the singles.

I ran through many different combinations for the order of play and finally settled on the one I thought would give an even balance in the 12 matches. Surprise, surprise the pairings were announced in the bar. The excitement was growing and I think the team were quietly confident.

I had a very good match with Mike Mayo and tried to keep focused on my game and not worry about what everyone else was doing. I’m very pleased to say that I managed to win and this enabled me to get out on the course to support the rest of the team. I can tell you that this was probably the most nerve racking hour or two that I have ever experienced. When Simon’s match finished to give us the necessary points, it was brilliant. The team was thrilled. I phoned home to give them the good news and when my daughter shrieked  down the phone with excitement, I have to be honest,  a few tears welled in my eyes and even down my cheeks. This was the proudest moment I have experienced in blind golf.

The Scotts were gracious in defeat and of course, vowed to win the cup back next year. We will have to see about that, won’t we?   I would like to take this opportunity to thank every member of the team who played so well and like a true team  all week. It was an absolute pleasure to be the captain of this team and to go to Scotland and win, was just fantastic. I thank you all for such a good few days.

I look forward to the new season and I wish everyone a great Christmas and a happy new year.

Day 1 - Foursomes

Day 2 - Fourball

Day 3 - Singles