Character Groups
Golf is like a drug. It is so habit forming that most wouldn't know what to do with their leisure time if it weren't spent out on the course. Golfers enjoy themselves immensely despite their angry outbursts or their regular bouts of depression when nothing seems to go right but they continue to fork out annual subscriptions and green fees to stretch tempers to the limit knocking that little white ball about. Yet at times we enjoy that run of success that leaves us walking on air.
Old habits 'die hard' particularly in this great social game which can lead to club members playing in the same four ball week in week out or perhaps being over particular about who they play with to the detriment of new members being unable to get a game particularly on Saturday’s when most club weekly competitions are played. Such a situation still prevails in some of the clubs at Carnoustie but over the years Dalhousie members themselves have developed larger playing groups within our club whilst still complying with the rules of the links tee time ballot system in order that all our club members who wish to play can be accommodated. It has to be said however that in the early development of such larger character groups an element of “closed shop” attitude still prevailed which fortunately has been eliminated and does not exist within our club today.
The character groups within our club: -
The Seniors (Also known as the 'Ironclads') - They play most of their competitions and eleven annual interclub matches midweek and have an annual outing to another golf course where the Kennedy Cup, Reg Neish Cup and the Tanner Trophy are contested.
See also Senior Golfers on Notice Board
The 12 O'clockers (Also known as the 'High Nooners') They were a group who golfed together for many years mainly in the 60's, 70's and early 80's teeing off around Noon. This group which no longer exists played many challenge matches with the latest group to be formed, 'The 10 - O'clockers' who are still active today. From our records Honours appear to have been about even in these matches. Early members and notable characters of this group of club members were: - David Torrie, Fred Buik, David Anderson, Bill Masson, Mac Ross, Denis Paterson, John Calder, Alastair Duncan, Bill Bell, Douglas Paton, Jim Morrison, Gordon Ellis, Bob Hood, and Hugh Grant.
The 10 O'clockers were formed in May, 1976 essentially to promote and ensure that any of the club members who turned up to play in Saturday competitions did get a game provided tee times allocated to the group could accommodate them and the system has worked well in practice and encouraged members to play in the weekly competitions. The founder members of this character group who first played together on Saturday 15th May, 1976 were : - Stuart Gearty, Arthur Coleman, John Catlow, Hugh Davidson, Norman Egan, George Murdoch, Ivor McIntyre, David Glen, and Willie Winton. Pat Robb and Gordon Adam were early additions that same year although there have been many changes and additions since. Of the original group only Stuart and Arthur continue to play.
The 10 O'clockers along with the Seniors continue to form the backbone of the playing membership of the club.
