Caroline Steedman (Murrayfield) and Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) emerged as Champion of Champions finalists and we welcomed them to The Royal Burgess Golfing Society today for their final match.
Both players arrived warmed up and ready to go and the weather couldn’t have been better for this prestigious event, with the sun shining through the clouds and very little wind.
Captain, Isla McCrone introduced the event on the first tee and thanked all the spectators for coming out to support the finalists.
Caroline and Kate were competing not only for the Champion of Champions title, but also holder of the Antonia Vase, which was presented by Mrs D G Antonio to Dr M Norval (Dalmahoy) 50 years ago, in 1973!
This was a new experience for Caroline, who had made it to her first Champion of Champions final. Kate had been in the final once before. So whatever the outcome, we were going to have a new Champion 😊 It was a family affair with Caroline’s son, Cameron, on her bag and Kate’s mum, Caroline, on her bag.
Ian Melville, PGA and Scottish Golf refer and Burgess member, got the proceedings underway, reminding the players they were teeing off from the White tees, which extended the course from the women’s usual 5704 yards to 6158 yards. Four of the Par 4s were over 400 yards which would usually be a Par 5 for ladies, presenting a great challenge to the players as they battled it out. Ian also formally refereed the match.
Kate came out strongly winning the first three holes par, birdie, par. Caroline got one back with a great birdie at the Par3 5th hole but immediately gave it away, taking two to get out of the green side bunker at the 6th. The next three holes were halved with Caroline making back to back sandy pars at the 8th and 9th. Kate remained 3 up at the turn.
The 10th was halved in birdies, quickly followed by another birdie from Kate at 11th – 4up. Caroline conceded the 12th but came back with a great tee shot at the Par3 13th, narrowly missing her birdie putt. Kate caught the green side bunker with her tee shot, hit it long out of the bunker and then canned her putt to match Caroline’s par. Kate still 5 up. Caroline kept the pressure on winning 14th with a par. Kate was on the 15th in regulation and Caroline had to make her putt for the 4 but missed and the match was over. Kate wins 5&3 and her first Champion of Champions title!
Both played strong, steady golf with some great recoveries but Kate’s putting gave her the edge on the day. Well done to both players for reaching the final and
congratulations to Kate McIntosh, Champion of all Champions. 🏆
Many thanks to all the spectators who came out to support both players. You were few in number but greatly appreciated by is all!
Grateful thanks to The Royal Burgess Golfing Society for their continued support of this event and their generosity in providing courtesy tee times for both the final and practice round for each finalist.
The course is always presented in great condition for the final and today was no exception. We’ve had a season of very dry and then wet weather, with a lot of significant downpours, making any green keepers’ jobs difficult. So, our respect and thanks to Chris Yeaman and his team for all their hard work and effort.