England reclaimed the Auld Enemies Cup, a team event inspired by The Ryder Cup and contested between 24 of the best pan-disabled golfers from Scotland and England, after a hotly fought contest at former European Challenge Tour venue Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa, Peebles.
The resort’s Championship Golf Course, designed by four-time Ryder Cup golfer Dave Thomas, provided the stage for the three-day competition, a traditional match-play format consisting of foursomes, fourballs and singles, with the England team claiming the trophy with a 15.5 – 8.5 victory.
Graeme Robertson, Captain of the England team, said: “It’s great to win, especially as it was much closer than the scoreboard would suggest, with quite a few of the games going down the 18th hole.
“The event is a real victory for disabled golf and it was great to see individuals with different abilities/disabilities, ages and parts of the country coming together over the three days to enjoy a game we all love, with Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa providing a great test of golf for the competition.”
Teams made up of the best 12 players selected from each country’s Order of Merit and represented by all disability categories and ages, including ex-servicemen, amputees, blind golfers and stroke survivors, contest the event, created and sponsored by Scottish Disability Golf.
James Gales MBE, Secretary of the Scottish Disability Golf Partnership, said: “The Auld Enemies Cup has gone from strength-to-strength and the support of Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa, with both its excellent facilities and helpful, knowledgeable staff, has been pivotal to this year’s success.”
Jeff Mills, National Golf Business Development Manager at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, said: “All five of the Macdonald Hotels & Resort golf venues are dedicated to making the game accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ability or handicap and we’d like to congratulate the England team on its victory.
“It has been a pleasure to welcome all of the participants taking part in this year’s Auld Enemies Cup and I hope the event continues to raise the profile of disabled golf in the wider golfing community.”
The 2016 Auld Enemies Cup is the fifth time the contest has been held between the countries, with the England team currently three – two ahead.
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk