Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe) and Rachael Livingstone (Baberton) 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 was kind for this prestigious event, with none of the fog and mist that we had in recent days but a little wind to test the players.
Vice-Captain, Wendy Nicholson introduced the event on the first tee and gave some background to the competition. Wendy reminded the players that they were teeing off from the Yellow tees.
Louise and Rachael were competing not only for the Champion of Champions title, but also holder of the Antonio Vase, which was presented by Mrs D G Antonio to Dr M Norval (Dalmahoy) 51 years ago, in 1973!
Both players were Champions before and so were familiar with the format and the course. Rachael had Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) on her bag.
Mags Hobbins, Competition Secretary, refereed the match.
It was nip and tuck to begin with, with the match all square at the 6th. Rachael managed a nice 2 at the 5th, and both players had birdies on the par 5 6th.
Around the turn, Rachael pulled ahead and was 4 up by the 13th.
On the 11th, both players had to contend with squirrels, cyclists and aeroplanes while on the putting green but both were unperturbed and managed par 4s.
Then, on the 15th, Louise signalled a fight back in great style by holing out with her second shot from the fairway, and getting a hole back.
On the 16th, both players found fairway bunkers, and again Louise won the hole, with Rachael now 2up.
Rachael held out for a half on the 17th, winning 2 and 1, and the Champion of Champions 2024 title!
It was a fine exhibition of golf from both players, and well worth coming out to watch if you ever get the chance. Both played strong, steady golf with some great recoveries. Well done to both players for reaching the final and
congratulations to Rachael Livingstone, Champion of all Champions. 🏆
Many thanks to all the spectators who came out to support both players. A nice crowd had gathered by the end and it was appreciated by all of us!
After some refreshments, Kate McIntosh, presented the trophy to the new champion, Rachael. Rachael gave thanks to all those involved with the day.
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. Our respect and thanks to Chris Yeaman and his team for all their hard work and effort. Thanks also to the clubhouse staff who provided us with refreshments after the golf.
Here is a recap of the draw, in case you want to retrace the players route to the final – Champion of Champions 2024 Draw