Peter Forster, (c) Chariman of the St Andrews Links Trust presenting the Father & Son Trophy to Holger (l) and Louis (r) Peens of South Africa

Written by Sheelagh Walker, Operations Director, Old Course Experience

The 2010 Father & Son Tournament was an unfortunate victim of the volcanic ash cloud which disrupted flights in Europe to such an extent that the majority of teams were unable to make it to St Andrews. Only six overseas teams were able to attend and competed with the one local pair representing Scotland.

Despite the reduced numbers of competitors, I think I’d have to say this year’s event was OUTSTANDING! And for a number of reasons.......Firstly, we were all worried that the small numbers would mean less atmosphere, less competition and a pale shadow of former years. In fact, every single one of the participants started with a determination to make the best of things, and quite simply, that’s what happened. Fewer people meant everyone had the chance to get better acquainted. Those who had been here previously helped the event along with good humour and great golf. Those taking part for the first time enjoyed the banter and the competition if not the weather.

The Peens (South Africa) led on the first day on the New Course, but the Mortells (USA) gave them a bit of a scare on the second day at Crail. The Norvals (also from South Africa) chased hard each day, and the Van Oss’s were not far off the pace. The Foster’s won the final day, and held up the flag for Scotland. For the Plotkins and McGraths, winning the tournament wasn’t their main focus and they enjoyed their total experience of Scotland in the additional stops they made along the way. The leader board finished with Team Peens once again claiming the Title, with Team Norval & Team Mortell in joint 2nd spot.

The Whisky Tasting was held in the new Tasting Room in the Old Course Hotel, and it went down very well….with Kenny, our resident Whisky Expert taking a large volume of questions from the audience, some of whom had an excellent knowledge of the “Water of Life”. The Kilt Fitting was a bit different as we held it in a beautiful Suite in the hotel. Some great pictures of the evening are available on this site. Instead of one model, we had several, and Ben Van Oss took the prize for first dressed in the whole kilt outfit. He won a bottle of scotch for his trouble!

The final night took place at Charleton House, 300 yr old home of Lord St Clair of Charleton. He welcomed the smaller group into the house with a Pipe Band marching on the front lawn. For some in the group, there were a few shivers and moist eyes as the sound of the pipes reminded some of Scottish roots and others that Scotland is an ancient place and the game of golf steeped in the history and traditions of our little country. The beautiful dining room with it’s roaring log fire was a marvellous setting for the prize-giving Gala Dinner.

Lord St Clair’s welcome speech was elegantly informative and captivating. It’s hard to believe that so much important history is located in one place. It’s just unique.

Old Tom Morris followed Lord St Clair, and his stories of the beginning of the commercialisation of the game, and his own influence & passion are a markers in golf’s development.

As Old Tom’s ghost passed from the room, the wine flowed and the food was served. Once the prizes had been awarded the Lone Piper played and led us back to the coach in an all too quick end to the evening.

We hope, as we always do, to see all of you again. I know some of you will return but for those who cannot, thank you for sharing 5 days with us. It was a great pleasure For those who do want to return, just drop an email, and we’ll get it sorted out for you.

For details of the 2011 Tournament, which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary next year, please click HERE