UPDATED Team for match v Innerleithen

SENIORS’ MATCH

v  Innerleithen

Home Thursday

25^th April 2024

Allocated pairs

1. Ken Davey(20.2)/Dave Forsyth(20.8)

2. Jim Cleland(17.6)/Andy Tucker(21.5

3. Ian Tate(16.5)/Jim Douglas(23.7)

4. Tommy Forbes(14.8)/Brian Taylor(25.8)

5. Alex Stavert(14.2)/Malcolm Bruce(27.3)

6. George Hirst(11.6)/Keith Ackerman(29.9)

Reserves:   Brian Robson(22.5), Bill Hardcastle(17.4)

Tea & Coffee from 0930hrs

Lunch after match.

Note: If unable to play, please contact Dave Forsyth on 07969818590

First match of the season v Innerleithen

SENIORS’ MATCH

v  Innerleithen

Home Thursday

25^th April 2024

Allocated pairs

1. Stuart Pender(6.3)/Keith Ackerman(29.9)

2. Kenny Scott(11.7)/Brian Taylor(25.8)

3. Alex Stavert(14.2)/Jim Douglas(23.7)

4. Tommy Forbes(14.8)/Andy Tucker(21.5)

5. Ian Tate((16.5)/Dave Forsyth(20.6)

6. Jim Cleland(17.6)/Ken Davey(20.2)

Reserves:  Simon Dryden(11.1), Brian Robson(22.5), Bill Hardcastle(17.4)

Tea & Coffee from 0930hrs

Lunch after match.

Note: If unable to play, please contact Dave Forsyth on 07969818590

April matches

Well gents after the opening events on Saturday and Sunday plus a senior stableford on Tuesday 26 March the 2024 summer golf season is well under way. Hopefully after a fairly wet and windy winter the temperatures will pick up, the rain will disappear and the course will dry out to give us all a bit more run on our golf shots. Just a reminder that the seniors have 2 matches during April albeit near the end of the month - Innerleithen Thursday 25th April(Home) and North Berwick Tuesday 30 April(Home) both with first tee times of 10.30. Watch out for availability sheets on the senior noticeboard about a month in advance and then team sheets about 2 weeks in advance of the match.

Arrangements for the upcoming season

Senior's matches are played between Peebles and other nearby golf clubs as friendlies. I have taken over from Simon Dryden as senior captain and so am responsible for organising these matches over the next two years.

A list of the fixtures for these matches can be found in a variety of places - 1) online at the Peebles Golf Club site in the members section - seniors fixtures or 2) under seniors - seniors matches - blog or 3) on the Senior noticeboard in the clubhouse. I will put up sheets on the noticeboard as regards requesting availability for each match then followed by a team sheet and match details. I will also message people who are playing in a match and put a copy of the team and match details on the Blog page. After each match the result will be put on the Blog and on the noticeboard.

Senior’s matches are open to all members aged 55 and over. There is a £12 fee for each match (home or away), which always includes a coffee/tea beforehand (and typically a bacon roll too), plus lunch afterwards. Matches are 6 x four ball better balls, usually from the yellow tees, with players receiving 90% of the difference between the lowest course handicapper in each group. Reserves for a previous match get priority for the next match they are available for. It is a good way of playing at other local courses and meeting and chatting to other golfers.

Dave Forsyth - Seniors’ Team Captain

Introducing the new captain of the Seniors’ Team - Dave Forsyth

Senior Team Fixtures 2024

Innerleithen. Home Thursday 25 April

North Berwick Home Tuesday 30 April

Minto Home Tuesday 21 May

Torwoodlee Away Tuesday 4 June

Longniddry Home Thursday 13 June

Carnwath. Away Friday 21 June

Broomieknowe Away Tuesday 2 July

Torwoodlee Home Thursday 11 July

Craigielaw Home Thursday 25 July

West Linton Away Thursday 22 August

Carnwath Home Tuesday 27 August

Minto Away Thursday 12 September

Glencorse Away Thursday 19 Sept

Longniddry Away Thursday 3 October

North Berwick Away Wednesday 9 October

Team Photo v Torwoodlee - September 26th 2019

Back Row L-R Vic Roberts, Roger Scott, Sam Walker, Ian Stewart, Grant Bowie, George Cunningham, Ian Tate and David Wright.

Middle Row Tom Litster and Brian Robson

Front Row Keith Dunn and Jim Lyle

The Peebles team returns to winning ways!

Following the away defeat, earlier in the season, the Peebles Seniors’ Team was determined to return to winning ways in the return match against Torwoodlee.

In game 1, the home pair of Brian Robson and David Wright led by example and demonstrated excellent teamwork in the 4BBB format. They gave their opponents little room for manoeuvre and reached the turn 5 holes to the good. They continued their imperious form into the back nine and closed the game out on the 13th green.

Sam Walker and Ian Stewart were ahead in their game but were pegged back to all square on the 17th. A nervy trip down the 18th failed to separate the teams and the match ended all square.

Tom Litster and Roger Scott had a ding dong battle in game 3. The home pair called upon all their experience however and eventually ran out worthy winners by one hole. Vic Roberts and Jim Lyle weren’t quite as fortunate in game 4. They found themselves 3 down with 4 holes to play and despite heroically winning the 15th and 16th holes, they halved both the 17th and 18th to lose out by one hole.

With the overall match score in the balance, Peebles needed a strong finish to secure the win. Once again, there was a very close encounter in game 5. Keith Dunn and George Cunningham were taken all the way by their opponents but they handled the pressure well and secured a 1 up victory. Things were not so close in the final game with Ian Tate and Grant Bowie being in control throughout. They completed a comprehensive 4&3 win on the 14th green.

So, Peebles once again demonstrated the magnificent home form that gave the team such an impressive start to the season by running out winners by 4 and a half points to 1 and a half points.

Despite the recent inclement weather the course was in magnificent condition - a real testament to the skills and hard work of our green keeping team. The new caterers provided an excellent meal after the match which was enjoyed by all the players.

The final match of the season will be at North Berwick on the 16th October.

A close call at Minto

The Peebles Seniors’ Team was once again on the road as they visited Minto. Following some indifferent form of late, the players were determined to get back to winning ways. Despite their best efforts they once again fell agonisingly short.

In game one, captain Brian Robson and Neil Byers played well and managed to secure half a point with a well deserved draw. The visitors went one better in game 2 when Paul Harrison and Ian Tate snatched a one hole victory.

In game 3, Alister Lambie and Ian JD Stewart matched their opponents for most of the encounter but eventually went down 2&1. Things were even closer in game 4 where the experienced pair of Grant Bowie and Roger Scott kept things very tight. Despite having opportunities to secure the win, the spoils were shared.

It was nip and tuck in game 5 where Vic Roberts and Geoff Lawson lost by the narrowest of margins. A win in game 6 would have secured a draw in the overall match score but Sam Walker ( who suffered his first defeat of the season ) and George Hirst found their opponents too hot to handle.

So, despite some very close games, Peebles were edged out by 4 points to 2.

Next week, Peebles entertain Torwoodlee in the rearranged match that was postponed earlier in the season. The Peebles team have an impressive home record this season and will be hoping to once again demonstrate that it really is ‘fortress Peebles’.

Carnwath - a game of 2 halves.

They say that football is a “funny old game” but golf can be equally so. Peebles Seniors’ entertained Carnwath earlier in the season and enjoyed an emphatic victory by 5 and a half points to a half point.

The away fixture took place last Friday. First out were Brian Robson and David Wright and although they played well they were just edged out by the home pair. In match 2 debutant Simon Dryden and George Cunningham suffered a similar fate.

In the third game Tom Litster and Roger Scott thought they were heading for a draw before one of their opponents chipped in for a birdie and subsequently won the game. Ian JD Stewart and George Hirst went down fighting in game 4 and when Ian Tate and Geoff Lawson lost Game 5, a whitewash looked likely.

Bryan Taylor and Vic Roberts had other ideas though and they won game 6 to give the Peebles Team a vital point.

The match result was therefore Carnwath 5 points - Peebles 1 point. However over the 2 legs the Peebles team amassed 6 and half points to Carnwath’s 5 and a half points.

Honours even at West Linton

The Seniors’ team travelled to neighbours West Linton hoping for a change in fortune following a run of 3 defeats away from home.

Captain Brian Robson and his playing partner Jim Clelland led by example and quickly built up a commanding 4 hole lead. They maintained their momentum with some very good teamwork and closed the game out early by winning 5&4.

Things did not go according to plan for Gordon Fisher and Brian Taylor in game 2. The Peebles pair failed to master the blustery conditions and surrendered early at the 11th hole.

In game 3, Sandy Wood and Alister Lambie held a one hole lead for most of the back 9 before winning the last hole to win 2 up.

It looked as if honours would be even in game 4 as the Peebles pair of Ian JD Stewart and Ian Tate lined up all square going down the last. However a missed putt on the 18th gave victory to the West Linton pair by the narrowest of margins.

David Wright and Sam Walker didn’t have the best of starts in game 5 and they soon found themselves 2 down. However the Peebles pair battled back and got their noses in front. They maintained their one hole lead until the last where they secured a 2 hole victory.

With the Peebles team now holding the advantage in the match it was down to Keith Dunn and Paul Harrison to see if an away victory could be secured. After a bright start their one hole advantage turned into a deficit and they eventually went down by 5&4.

It wasn’t the result that Peebles wanted but the hard fought 3-3 draw halted the recent run of defeats. The West Linton course presented very well and the blustery conditions didn’t prevent a very enjoyable and friendly encounter.

The next match is away to Carnwath on Friday 6th September.

A close match at Glencorse

The Peebles Seniors’ Team travelled up the road to Penicuik hoping that winning form would return against Glencorse GC.

Things started brightly for the away team. In game 1, captain Brian Robson and his partner, Paul Harrison were 3 down after 11 holes but they managed to reduce the deficit to one down with one to play. A spectacular birdie for Brian on the 18th meant the game was halved.

In game 2, Ian JD Stewart and Sam Walker were in imperious form and ran out winners by 4&3.

However, games 3 and 4 proved critical to the overall match result. Debutant George Hirst and his partner Alister Lambie matched their opponents for most of the encounter but unfortunately lost by 2&1. George Cunningham and Ian Stewart enjoyed a bright start and were one up with seventeen to play! They kept the game close enough but eventually went down by 3&2.

Game 5, involving David Wright and Stevie Matthews was a rollercoaster affair. Going 2 down early on the Peebles pair got back to all square at the turn thanks to David managing to birdie holes 8 and 9. They continued to combine well and were 4 up with 6 to play. 3 birdies in the last 6 holes for the Glencorse pair resulted in the game being halved.

Peebles had to win the last game for a share of the spoils in the match but the Glencorse pair proved too strong for the Peebles partnership of Jim Lyle and Ken Davey who went down by 6&4.

So, the overall match result was Glencorse 4 - Peebles 2. Once again it was a great day out on a course which was very well presented. The weather even behaved itself and everyone enjoyed a delicious meal after the match.

All we have to do is improve our form away from home. Our next chance will be next week at West Linton.

Away match v Innerleithen

The Peebles team travelled to Innerleithen hopeful that they would be able to repeat the home victory they enjoyed over their local rivals earlier in the season.

In game one, Brian Robson and Sam Walker lost the first hole but recovered quickly to lead by 3 holes. Home player, Jim Pendreigh then turned on the style with his putter and the Peebles pair again found themselves one down. Brian and Sam drew level at the 15th and the game remained all square through to the 18th.

Keith Dunn and Jim Lyle found the opposition too hot to handle in game 2. Despite a brave performance they lost their game 5&4.

Performance of the day came from Peebles pair Grant Bowie and Ian Stewart. They found themselves 4 down at one stage but battled back and won the game on the 18th green. Grant almost achieved an ace at the 10th when his tee shot rattled the pin and ran a few feet past.

In game 4 Geoff Lawson and George Cunningham were 2 up after 8 holes but they lost their momentum in the closing holes and eventually went down by 3&1.

David Wright and Ian Tate had previously played together 3 times and had enjoyed wins on each occasion. Today’s match provided them with a much sterner challenge. The Innerleithen pair were on top form and their ‘birdie fest’ ensured the Peebles pair went down 5&4.

In game 6 Gordon Fisher and Brian Taylor also found themselves up against it from the start and eventually went down by 5&3.

In the end, the home team ran out winners by 4 and a half points to 1 and a half points.

The weather conditions were challenging to say the least with numerous heavy showers throughout the match. However the match was played in a very good spirit and both teams enjoyed a very tasty lunch afterwards at the Corner House.

Peebles go down fighting at Torwoodlee

The Peebles Seniors’ Team travelled to Torwoodlee full of hope that they would preserve their winning streak. However, things did not go according to plan. 

Brian Robson and Geoff Lawson had a tough match, especially when their opponents rolled in a 25 ft birdie putt on the opening hole. The rest of the match was very even but eventually the Peebles pair succumbed to a 2 & 1 defeat.

Jim Lyle and Ken Davey were 3 down at the turn and managed to fight back and halved the match.

Tom Litster and Andy Tucker had a difficult match which was mostly even but the Torwoodlee pair ran out 2 & 1 winners.

David McKean and Roger Scott got off to a slow start and were 2 down after 2 and 4 down at the turn. However they got back to 2 down. A nett birdie as a result of a deadly chip from the opposition put them 3 down. Although David and Roger managed to half the 16 th their opponents ran out 3 & 2 winners.

Gordon Fisher, who was nursing a broken toe, and David Wright had a good start to their match and were 2 up after 7 holes. However their opponents hit a purple patch in the middle of the round and won 4 holes in a row. Eventually the Torwoodlee pair won 3 & 2, thanks mainly to some deadly putting. 

Paul Harrison and Brian Taylor had a good match but were 2 down with 3 holes to play. However, a ‘never say die’ approach by the Peebles pair resulted in a worthy half with a storming finish. 

 Despite some good play the Peebles team was beaten 5 - 1, the first defeat this season. 

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Home v Longniddry. Another nail biter and another victory!

Following the cancellation of our match against Torwoodlee on 13 June the Senior team were back in action against Longniddry who were keen to avenge the defeat back in February. First out for Peebles were Brian Robson and the evergreen Tom Litster. A net birdie on the 1st hole meant that Peebles got off to a good start. This continued during the match and Peebles were never behind and won the match 3 & 2 at the 16 th. 

Second out for Peebles were Ian Tate and Jim Lyle. Despite playing some good golf they were up against Ewan Robertson, a 5 handicap golfer whose excellent play was too good for them and lost the game at the 18 th ( 2 down ).

Next out for Peebles were Andy Tucker and George Cunningham. They had a ding dong battle and the match was halved at the 18th thanks to Andy sinking an 8 ft put.

Ken Davey and Alan Jackson were next out for Peebles and had a difficult game which they finished at the 17th for a 2 & 1 victory.

Fifth pair out for Peebles were Vic Roberts and Brian Taylor. The Longniddry pair were just too good for Vic and Brian and the Peebles pair lost 3 & 1 at the 17th.

Last pair out for Peebles were Sam Walker and Paul Harrison. With the match being tied after 5 games you could have cut the tension with a knife as we waited in the restaurant for the last match to come in. Sam and Paul had played well and won their match at the 15 th for a 4 & 3 victory which meant that Peebles had won the match 3.5 - 2.5

Peebles v Minto

Conditions were good following earlier rain.

Brian Robson and Geoff Lawson opened for Peebles and were up against 5 & 10 handicappers Iain Oliver and David Howden. Geoff and Brian played out of their skins to go ahead by 3 holes at the 7th after Brian had birdied the 7th. Iain birdied the 8th and Peebles were 2 ahead at the turn. All square after 11 holes. Eventually Peebles won 3 & 1 after Brian parred the 16 th and 17 th holes.

Next out were Brian Taylor and Keith Dunn. Play was fairly even over the front nine but Brian & Keith came on to a game on the back nine and eventually the match ended at the 15 th with a 4 & 3 win for the Peebles team.

Third out for Peebles were Alan Frain and George Cunningham. A fairly competitive match took place with Minto high handicapper Eddie Berridge using his strokes well. The match went to the 18 th hole with Minto holing the final put to win the match.

Ian Tate and And Tucker were next out for Peebles. They were both in great form and it was unlucky 13 th hole for the Minto pair as Ian and Andy finished the match and won 7 & 5.

Next out for Peebles were experienced pair Tom Litster and Roger Scott. They were 3 holes up after 5 and never looked back. If it had not been for the deadly putting of the Minto pair the match would have finished earlier but eventually Tom and Roger ran out 4 & 3 winners at the 15 th hole.

Last match out had Peebles pairing Ian J D Stewart and Jim Lyle. This was a very even match with the Peebles pair being behind in the earlier part of the match but managing to forge ahead and winning 2 & 1 at the 17 th hole.

Peebles kept up their home winning run with a 5 - 1 victory.

Peebles v Broomieknowe- May 21st. The winning run continues!

The ‘earlier than normal ‘ tee off time caught out  a number of the Peebles players as the team prepared for the home match against Broomieknowe. After a few phone calls and a hastily rearranged starting order, the match commenced in warm dry conditions on a beautifully presented course.

In match one, the home pair of Keith Dunn and Ken Davey played excellent golf and their better ball gross score of 76 ensured that they enjoyed a 6&5 victory. - the biggest winning margin of the day.

Match two also saw Paul Harrison and Neil Byers in charge from the start and despite some mid- round resistance from the Broomieknowe pair the home side closed the match out on the 13th to win by 5&4.

Match three was a much closer affair. David Wright and Ian Tate were one up at the turn, due largely to Ian’s deadly putting. The home pair were coasting when they went 3 up at the 13th. However Broomieknowe pegged them back and only David’s nervy 5 foot putt on the 18th ensured a 1up victory. 

Sam Walker and George Cunningham had the closest match of the day. With the teams being all square after 17 holes, the home team won the last to ensure a one hole victory.

Jim Cleland and Andy Tucker were both in fine form in match 5 and they had no trouble whatsoever in overcoming their opponents. They, too, closed their match out on the 13th green to achieve a 5&4 victory.

Team Captain, Brian Robson and his partner Alan Frain had a rather inauspicious start to their match. They lost the first hole after Alan pushed his tee shot out of bounds. However the home pair quickly settled down and found their rhythm to also achieve a 5&4 victory. 

So, once again the Peebles Seniors’ team was victorious on their home course with the final score being Peebles 6 - Broomieknowe 0. 

Peebles v North Berwick

With captain Brian Robson away for a walking holiday in the Scottish Highlands, it fell to David Wright to captain the Peebles Seniors’ team in the home match against North Berwick. The Peebles team had won their previous 3 outings this season so the pressure was on to maintain this unbeaten run!

The opening match saw David Wright and Ian Tate against local worthy Drew Lowe and his partner Jim Mansell. The home players were 2 up at the turn and after halving the 10th, David and Ian surged ahead by winning the 11th, 12th and 13th holes to assume ‘dormie’ status. A reversal at the 14th took the match to the 15th where Ian closed out the game to give the home team a 4&3 victory.

Match 2 was a very close affair. Debutant Paul Harrison and seasoned campaigner Geoff Lawson were coasting to victory, being 3 up at one stage. The North Berwick players pegged them back however and the match went down the last with the Peebles players holding a one hole advantage. Victory was not to be had for Paul and Geoff however as the away team won the last hole to halve the match.

In match 3, Sam Walker partnered another debutant. Ian  Mitchell. After 5 holes, with the match all square, the home pair found their form and won hole after hole to eventually achieve the biggest win of the day by 7&5.

The second biggest margin of victory was achieved by the North Berwick pair in match 4. Despite their best efforts, Ian Stewart and George Cunningham went down 5&4 to their opponents.

Match 5 was also a very tense affair. Keith Dunn and Grant Bowie were one up at the turn but couldn’t press home their advantage on the back 9. Eventually the North Berwick players nudged ahead and won the match by one hole.

With the overall score in the match being 2.5 points each, it fell to the last group to determine which team would take the spoils. Both captains waited nervously in the clubhouse to see which way things would go. 

Jim Lyle and Roger Scott, for the home team, didn’t disappoint. They played very well together and were in control for all of their match. A 3&2 victory in match 6 ensured that the Peebles team maintained their winning start to the season.

Final Score: Peebles 3.5 points - North Berwick 2.5 points.

The match against North Berwick was, as always, played in a great spirit of friendship and both teams enjoyed their golf on a beautifully presented golf course.

Peebles continue their winning streak after a close match with Innerleithen

As St Boswell’s were unable to raise a team, a hastily arranged match with Innerleithen took place.

A close match was eventually won by Peebles by 4 points to 2.

Opening for Peebles were Brian Robson and Ken Davey. Following a pretty even 9 holes the Peebles pair were 1 down at the turn. Innerleithen pair Patrick and Ian had a whirlwind start to the back nine and were 4 up after 12 holes. Ken instigated a comeback with a birdie on the 13th and eventually the match was all square after 17 holes.The 18th hole went to the wire with Patrick sinking a 12 ft putt to keep the match all square.

Next match out for Peebles were Brian Taylor and Jim Lyle. Their opponents were playing well and after a hard fought match Peebles were eventually beaten at the 15 th 5 & 3

The 3rd match involved Vic Roberts and Ian Stewart. Vic and Ian were playing well and had the best result of the day with a 5 & 4 victory. This was a good win for Ian as he is also a member of Innerleithen golf club. Andrew Waddell , now playing for Innerleithen, had the best hole of this match with an eagle on the 13 th hole. He drove the green and went on to sink a long putt.

Next out were Gordon Fisher and Jim Cleland. Both teams were very even and the match ended all square after 18 holes.

Keith Dunn and Ian J D Stewart were next out for Peebles. With Keith playing a prominent part, helped by Ian , they recorded a hard fought 3 & 2 victory. As Keith is also a member of Innerleithen golf club he was pleased to get this victory over his buddies.

Playing in the final match for Peebles were David Wright and Alan Frain. Front nine was pretty even with David and Alan being 1 up at the turn. They went on to win the 10 th, 11 th and 12th which gave them a good cushion and they eventually ran out 3 & 2 winners at the 16 th hole.

Footnote:   We hope to keep this fixture in our Senior Programme.

A return match at Innerleithen will take place on Tue 06 Aug.

Emphatic victory against Carnwath

The first home match of the season was against Carnwath on Tue 09 April.

Opening for Peebles were Brian Robson and Ian Tate. They got off to a good start by winning the 1st two holes with Brian getting a rare par on the 2nd hole.

Ian was in good form and was outdriving his 8 handicap opponent , much to his opponent’s dismay!

Peebles went 3up before Carnwath fought back to find themselves only 1 hole down after producing a birdie at the 13th. However, another rare par for Brian on the 14th allowed Peebles to go 2 ahead. The 15th hole was halved and Carnwath won the 16th which meant that Peebles were 1 up going up the 17th. The Peebles pair had a net birdie on the 17th and this was enough to win the match.

Next out were Keith Dunn and George Cunningham who also had an 8 handicap opponent. They had a great battle and Keith kept them in the match with some great holes. George also weighed in with a 2 on the 12th hole. Eventually the match finished all square on the 18th.

Ian Stewart ( Innerleithen Ian ) and Roger Scott were next out. Ian probably played his best golf on the front nine and Roger came into the game in the latter stages. Roger parred the 14th and ensured that the match finished after 15 holes with Peebles winning 4 & 3.

In match 4 Jim Cleland and Andy Tucker  played together for the 1st time. They had a ding dong battle but eventually won the match by being 1 up after 18 holes.

Old hands Geoff Lawson and Brian Taylor were next out. They eventually managed to win 2 & 1 thanks to a couple of holes won by Geoff by chipping straight into the hole.

The final match saw debutant Alan Frain paired with the experienced Vic Roberts. Both Alan and Vic were on fire. Highlight of the match was an eagle at the 11th hole for Alan. Not far behind was a birdie for Vic at the 14 hole which resulted in them winning 6 & 4.

Once again we were delighted to welcome the Carnwath Seniors’ Team and we look forward to the away match later in the season.

The overall match result: :  Peebles won by 5.5 points to 0.5 points.