The Bears in Shetland 
Monday, December 26, 2005
Friday, November 11, 2005
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Time then to look over the past 21 years of Bears’ activity. I sit in Hamar in Shetland, far from the thwack of club on ball, my Kilspindie Golf Club cap on as my muse. My memory, somewhat faulty, drifts back to 1980… the early years of Thatcher government…
1980. The first year of the Bears is a very distant memory. It was played on the Braids #1 by John, Duncan and Gordon. Robbo won with a 93. Others may remember something of this. We probably drove up there in Robbo’s old Mini, which was plenty spacious for our tiny wee bags and half sets of motley wooden woods and leather-gripped irons.
Being a three-some, it was decided to be the Three Bears Competition - and no trophy existed yet.Shortly afterwards, it was decided to purchase a trophy, a pewter mug with a list of all the Open Champions up to 1980. The idea was to add our names to it after this. The original trophy was later lost between a Cocktail Bar in George Street (Probably called ‘Raffles’ or ‘Dodgers’ or ‘Blooters’) and a Waverley Station Buffet, where the Bears saw Tommo off on his train back to the wild and windy Shetlands.
1981. The competition was greatly expanded, with three rounds in total over North Berwick (East), and two rounds in one day at….Ravelston. (Which is really 4 rounds as it’s a short 9-holer.) Robbo won, just, from the other two. Robbo’s totals: 89, 92, 93. How he scored higher round Ravelston compared to N. Berwick is beyond me, but he was one stroke below handicap there.
1982 These previous forays were in and around Edinburgh. In 1982, we took a big step forward with the advent of a holiday home in Crail, courtesy of D. Heal. It was also the first appearance of Dave Hillson. We went closer to the true home of golf with games at Balcomie, Elie and The Eden (St. Andrews).Robbo, I think, was victorious. Scores being 87, 90, 85, 8 under par. Still only three rounds played in late July.Playing a round at Elie is a tortuous process. First, you go there to put your name in the ballot; then you go back to see your tee-off time; then you go to play. It’s a rather snooty and exclusive place, although you could gain access to the clubhouse in later years and even get a plate of sandwiches.The green keeper’s periscope to check on the play at the first is worthy of note. On the off-course side, we quickly developed a one-person, one meal rota. Robbo’s speciality was usually chicken and sweet corn lasagne; Duncan’s was maybe pork with apricots; Dave’s was ?? and Gordon usually produced some kind of gargantuan fish in pastry or a curry which usually took several hours to prepare. By this time, other golfers were washed and changed but very weary. Filling their bellies at a late hour was a tactic by Gordon to (a) prevent them sleeping and (b) make them weary for the day ahead. It never usually worked tho’.As well as the ‘gowf’, tennis was often a feature. After 36 holes of golf, 3 sets of doubles was hard going but we did it. Sometimes putting and/or a fish supper in Ston Andraes or Crail was on the cards, followed by a game of Trivial Pursuit.
1983 Back to Crail, with a round at the New Course in St Andrews and a round at the Eden. Time in Crail was maybe short this week because the last round of the three was played at the Braids. Or was Dave late in returning from some exotic foreign holiday? Robbo’s total: 92, 87, 91 – level par, playing to handicap.A fair bit of sight seeing and different sports were tried then a days. Trips to Kellie Castle, the steam railway and bowls, cricket and tennis were regular features. We were not so obsessed with playing golf as we were in later years.
Time then to look over the past 21 years of Bears’ activity. I sit in Hamar in Shetland, far from the thwack of club on ball, my Kilspindie Golf Club cap on as my muse. My memory, somewhat faulty, drifts back to 1980… the early years of Thatcher government…
1980. The first year of the Bears is a very distant memory. It was played on the Braids #1 by John, Duncan and Gordon. Robbo won with a 93. Others may remember something of this. We probably drove up there in Robbo’s old Mini, which was plenty spacious for our tiny wee bags and half sets of motley wooden woods and leather-gripped irons.
Being a three-some, it was decided to be the Three Bears Competition - and no trophy existed yet.Shortly afterwards, it was decided to purchase a trophy, a pewter mug with a list of all the Open Champions up to 1980. The idea was to add our names to it after this. The original trophy was later lost between a Cocktail Bar in George Street (Probably called ‘Raffles’ or ‘Dodgers’ or ‘Blooters’) and a Waverley Station Buffet, where the Bears saw Tommo off on his train back to the wild and windy Shetlands.
1981. The competition was greatly expanded, with three rounds in total over North Berwick (East), and two rounds in one day at….Ravelston. (Which is really 4 rounds as it’s a short 9-holer.) Robbo won, just, from the other two. Robbo’s totals: 89, 92, 93. How he scored higher round Ravelston compared to N. Berwick is beyond me, but he was one stroke below handicap there.
1982 These previous forays were in and around Edinburgh. In 1982, we took a big step forward with the advent of a holiday home in Crail, courtesy of D. Heal. It was also the first appearance of Dave Hillson. We went closer to the true home of golf with games at Balcomie, Elie and The Eden (St. Andrews).Robbo, I think, was victorious. Scores being 87, 90, 85, 8 under par. Still only three rounds played in late July.Playing a round at Elie is a tortuous process. First, you go there to put your name in the ballot; then you go back to see your tee-off time; then you go to play. It’s a rather snooty and exclusive place, although you could gain access to the clubhouse in later years and even get a plate of sandwiches.The green keeper’s periscope to check on the play at the first is worthy of note. On the off-course side, we quickly developed a one-person, one meal rota. Robbo’s speciality was usually chicken and sweet corn lasagne; Duncan’s was maybe pork with apricots; Dave’s was ?? and Gordon usually produced some kind of gargantuan fish in pastry or a curry which usually took several hours to prepare. By this time, other golfers were washed and changed but very weary. Filling their bellies at a late hour was a tactic by Gordon to (a) prevent them sleeping and (b) make them weary for the day ahead. It never usually worked tho’.As well as the ‘gowf’, tennis was often a feature. After 36 holes of golf, 3 sets of doubles was hard going but we did it. Sometimes putting and/or a fish supper in Ston Andraes or Crail was on the cards, followed by a game of Trivial Pursuit.
1983 Back to Crail, with a round at the New Course in St Andrews and a round at the Eden. Time in Crail was maybe short this week because the last round of the three was played at the Braids. Or was Dave late in returning from some exotic foreign holiday? Robbo’s total: 92, 87, 91 – level par, playing to handicap.A fair bit of sight seeing and different sports were tried then a days. Trips to Kellie Castle, the steam railway and bowls, cricket and tennis were regular features. We were not so obsessed with playing golf as we were in later years.
THE SAME OLD STORY
1984 Lundin Links, Elie and North Berwick East
If memory serves, the first tee at Lundin Links was a nightmare, with Robbo nearly decapitating a seal with his drives and Tommo carrying balls high and wide out of bounds onto the 18th. Nerves and a high wind played their part. I think Tommo had a 14 on the first…
We settled down though. Robbo’s scores were 90, 91 and….78! at North Berwick. Stewards inquiry there. Robbo finished 11 under par.
It was on or after this year that a new handicapping system was devised where players handicaps went up or down in the first three rounds depending upon their score. This would be seen to favour someone who scored badly in rounds 1 and 2 but did well in later rounds…someone like Tommo.
1985 Five years of Robbo rule were about to come to an end. Again we started at Lundin Links, followed by two more rounds at Balcomie and a closing forth round, for the first time, at North Berwick. Robbo scored 94, 82, 93, 84 to be 7 under par – probably good enough to win in most years.
But with Tommo’s handicap going up exponentially to 32(!) he produced the round of his life at Balcomie to score 78 less 31 – net 47. This certainly put ‘the cat among the monkeys’ to coin that Unst phrase and so Tommo had a massive lead of over 30 shots going into the last round.
Robbo came close but Tommo clung on and so at North Berwick car park, the trophy was duly handed over. Robbo’s five-in-a-row was at an end.
1986 Another Bears epic, with two rounds at Balcomie (Crail) and then to Ladybank and home to Kilspindie, Dave’s home venue. The scoring at Balcomie was pretty good (Robbo 84, 81; Tommo 78, 67; Duncan 86, 75; Dave 80, 76).
Ladybank was another matter. Possibly one of the harder courses, the wind got up in the afternoon and scores soared, especially at the start. Scores on the first three holes: Robbo 7, 11, 4 = 22; Tommo 6, 7, 8 = 21; Dave 10, 11, 4 = 25; Duncan 7, 20, 7 = 34. (Duncan hit 5 drives in a row into the wood on the second). Worse was to befall Tommo however, with an 18 at the Par 5 seventh. Crouched in the bushes at the 7th with Gordon about to play his 15th shot, Duncan was heard to mutter the immortal words: “And what will the Master do now?”
The best and worst ball scores for Ladybank were 88 and 149. Definitely the worst ever Bears round. Dave and Robbo held it together later, Gordon and Duncan struggled. Final totals: Duncan 103, Tommo 101, Dave 87 and Robbo 82.
Shell-shocked, we returned to Kilspindie where Robbo shot a career best 76 to clinch the trophy, with Dave close behind. Back to the clubhouse with jackets and ties hastily donned for the presentation.
1987 A new name on the trophy this year, Dave. After many years, the trophy comes home to his house. Played over some hard courses – Lundin Links, Elie, Crail, and North Berwick, Dave’s steadier game and great last round clinched it for him.
Dave was 18 shots clear of his nearest rivals in a ‘who’s gonna come second’ competition.
1984 Lundin Links, Elie and North Berwick East
If memory serves, the first tee at Lundin Links was a nightmare, with Robbo nearly decapitating a seal with his drives and Tommo carrying balls high and wide out of bounds onto the 18th. Nerves and a high wind played their part. I think Tommo had a 14 on the first…
We settled down though. Robbo’s scores were 90, 91 and….78! at North Berwick. Stewards inquiry there. Robbo finished 11 under par.
It was on or after this year that a new handicapping system was devised where players handicaps went up or down in the first three rounds depending upon their score. This would be seen to favour someone who scored badly in rounds 1 and 2 but did well in later rounds…someone like Tommo.
1985 Five years of Robbo rule were about to come to an end. Again we started at Lundin Links, followed by two more rounds at Balcomie and a closing forth round, for the first time, at North Berwick. Robbo scored 94, 82, 93, 84 to be 7 under par – probably good enough to win in most years.
But with Tommo’s handicap going up exponentially to 32(!) he produced the round of his life at Balcomie to score 78 less 31 – net 47. This certainly put ‘the cat among the monkeys’ to coin that Unst phrase and so Tommo had a massive lead of over 30 shots going into the last round.
Robbo came close but Tommo clung on and so at North Berwick car park, the trophy was duly handed over. Robbo’s five-in-a-row was at an end.
1986 Another Bears epic, with two rounds at Balcomie (Crail) and then to Ladybank and home to Kilspindie, Dave’s home venue. The scoring at Balcomie was pretty good (Robbo 84, 81; Tommo 78, 67; Duncan 86, 75; Dave 80, 76).
Ladybank was another matter. Possibly one of the harder courses, the wind got up in the afternoon and scores soared, especially at the start. Scores on the first three holes: Robbo 7, 11, 4 = 22; Tommo 6, 7, 8 = 21; Dave 10, 11, 4 = 25; Duncan 7, 20, 7 = 34. (Duncan hit 5 drives in a row into the wood on the second). Worse was to befall Tommo however, with an 18 at the Par 5 seventh. Crouched in the bushes at the 7th with Gordon about to play his 15th shot, Duncan was heard to mutter the immortal words: “And what will the Master do now?”
The best and worst ball scores for Ladybank were 88 and 149. Definitely the worst ever Bears round. Dave and Robbo held it together later, Gordon and Duncan struggled. Final totals: Duncan 103, Tommo 101, Dave 87 and Robbo 82.
Shell-shocked, we returned to Kilspindie where Robbo shot a career best 76 to clinch the trophy, with Dave close behind. Back to the clubhouse with jackets and ties hastily donned for the presentation.
1987 A new name on the trophy this year, Dave. After many years, the trophy comes home to his house. Played over some hard courses – Lundin Links, Elie, Crail, and North Berwick, Dave’s steadier game and great last round clinched it for him.
Dave was 18 shots clear of his nearest rivals in a ‘who’s gonna come second’ competition.
ON FAMILIAR TERRITORY (and a new venture)
1988. Balcomie, Lundin Links, Elie and Newbattle.
The first day was close but Robbo edged ahead at Lundin Links and held on. Dave blew up over Elie whereas Tommo played very well (85 v 59) but Robbo held his own over his new home course of Newbattle and regained the trophy.
1989. The tenth year of the Bears and so a new venture. Put in Loadsamoney, go to a new part of Scotland. So off we went to the Caol House Hotel, just outside Strathpeffer, north of Inverness. The hotel was five-star, ‘Taste of Scotland’ and we’ve never eaten better. A great huntin’, shootin’ and fishin’ place with wall-to-wall Tories. Vast breakfasts, cocktails before dinner, drinks to drown an army. But we managed a lot of golf too, with free play all week on Strathpeffer and a golf ticket for other worthy courses in the area. We played on Tain, Fortrose, Strathpeffer and Royal Dornoch, all good or great courses.
We toured the area. We saw the Clootie Well, a visitor spot with loads of cloots and old y-fronts tied to trees (it reminded me of sharing a room with Robbo for a week, as it gradually becomes festooned with his smalls hanging on radiators, chairs, sinks, windowsills, etc.). Other sights: the Strathpeffer Spa; killer whales jumping out the water at Fortrose; salmon/trout nets on the beach there; and every day was rounded off by a slap up feed with Lord Snooty and his chums.
Robbo was disconcerted to see that the local Tory party met at the hotel every Tuesday night. As well as the Bears, we took part in the Strathpeffer Open, which was a good day out. But the drive across the valley on the first hole was a bit disconcerting for Tommo, whose start in the medal was 10, 9.
The first round at Fortrose was a 2+2 job, to speed up play. Four of us playing Stroke play seemed to take an age, so off went Duncan and Dave, with John and Gordon bringing up the rear. All went well until the 18th ‘Fiery Hilloch’ – and so it proved. Dave was stung by a bee and had to seek First Aid. He was also in semi-shock and spewing up. John and Gordon had finished, as did Duncan. We gave Dave some time to recover, which he did after a while, and he then finished off with a 5. (Tommo and Robbo had a 7 + a 6 respectively, so perhaps bee stings can have their advantages...) Robbo 74, Tommo 75, Dave 66 and Duncan 84.
Round 2 – Tain. A roasting hot day and the midges were out in force. All sorts of ideas were used to ward them off – towels, caps, water, midge repellent. We did just manage to get round. Scores were Robbo 72 (146); Tommo 71 (146); Duncan 73 (157); Dave 74 (140). Round 3 – Another tough course: Nairn West, used for the Walker Cup on occasions. We had quite a tough round and the course was quite busy but we finished. Tommo managed an 11 at the Par 3 hole – I think it involved lost balls into woods; Duncan had an 11 on the first, where it was quite windy. The scores were Robbo 83 (229), Tommo 86 (232), Duncan 88 (245) and Dave 63(!)(203).
Dave had played very steadily and so carried a well-earned 26 shot lead into the final round. Just enough to see him through, we suspected.
Played at Royal Dornoch, one of the best courses we’ve been on, the weather was very damp and misty. There was hardly another soul on the course, or so it seemed. Dave’s lead was never threatened and he finished with a 74 to take the Bears 10th Anniversary trophy. The scores were Dave on 74 (277), John on 80 (309), Tommo on 80 (312) and Duncan on 84 (329). Pretty respectable.
And so to another slap-up…
1990 A new improved Bears event with a novel addition ...photos! Back to Fife for the last time. The East Neuk was now jammed with foreign tourists on the St. Andrews trail. Green fees soared, bookings were hard to get. We played two rounds at Leven and then two at Balbirnie Park Country Club. We watched the Open qualifying at Leven too, and an American called…Gil something? .We also watched a rather grumpy Corey Pavin, if memory serves??
Dave 63, Duncan 77, John 74, Tommo 75. Scores on Leven 2 were Dave 76, Duncan 73, John 79, Tommo 81. Round 2 totals were Dave 139, Duncan 150, John 153 and Tommo 156.
Dave was well in the hunt at the half way stage. Tommo was struggling though. The last two rounds were at Balbirnie where we’d seen Lee Trevino arrive by helicopter in previous years (A helicopter would be useful to find Tommo’s ball on occasion). Balbirnie is heavily wooded and provided ample scope for a Teddy Bear’s picnic in the woods, for Tommo certainly. David kept it together again to claim victory:-
Duncan did very well getting within 6 shots of Dave at the end, with a closing 64.
1988. Balcomie, Lundin Links, Elie and Newbattle.
The first day was close but Robbo edged ahead at Lundin Links and held on. Dave blew up over Elie whereas Tommo played very well (85 v 59) but Robbo held his own over his new home course of Newbattle and regained the trophy.
1989. The tenth year of the Bears and so a new venture. Put in Loadsamoney, go to a new part of Scotland. So off we went to the Caol House Hotel, just outside Strathpeffer, north of Inverness. The hotel was five-star, ‘Taste of Scotland’ and we’ve never eaten better. A great huntin’, shootin’ and fishin’ place with wall-to-wall Tories. Vast breakfasts, cocktails before dinner, drinks to drown an army. But we managed a lot of golf too, with free play all week on Strathpeffer and a golf ticket for other worthy courses in the area. We played on Tain, Fortrose, Strathpeffer and Royal Dornoch, all good or great courses.
We toured the area. We saw the Clootie Well, a visitor spot with loads of cloots and old y-fronts tied to trees (it reminded me of sharing a room with Robbo for a week, as it gradually becomes festooned with his smalls hanging on radiators, chairs, sinks, windowsills, etc.). Other sights: the Strathpeffer Spa; killer whales jumping out the water at Fortrose; salmon/trout nets on the beach there; and every day was rounded off by a slap up feed with Lord Snooty and his chums.
Robbo was disconcerted to see that the local Tory party met at the hotel every Tuesday night. As well as the Bears, we took part in the Strathpeffer Open, which was a good day out. But the drive across the valley on the first hole was a bit disconcerting for Tommo, whose start in the medal was 10, 9.
The first round at Fortrose was a 2+2 job, to speed up play. Four of us playing Stroke play seemed to take an age, so off went Duncan and Dave, with John and Gordon bringing up the rear. All went well until the 18th ‘Fiery Hilloch’ – and so it proved. Dave was stung by a bee and had to seek First Aid. He was also in semi-shock and spewing up. John and Gordon had finished, as did Duncan. We gave Dave some time to recover, which he did after a while, and he then finished off with a 5. (Tommo and Robbo had a 7 + a 6 respectively, so perhaps bee stings can have their advantages...) Robbo 74, Tommo 75, Dave 66 and Duncan 84.
Round 2 – Tain. A roasting hot day and the midges were out in force. All sorts of ideas were used to ward them off – towels, caps, water, midge repellent. We did just manage to get round. Scores were Robbo 72 (146); Tommo 71 (146); Duncan 73 (157); Dave 74 (140). Round 3 – Another tough course: Nairn West, used for the Walker Cup on occasions. We had quite a tough round and the course was quite busy but we finished. Tommo managed an 11 at the Par 3 hole – I think it involved lost balls into woods; Duncan had an 11 on the first, where it was quite windy. The scores were Robbo 83 (229), Tommo 86 (232), Duncan 88 (245) and Dave 63(!)(203).
Dave had played very steadily and so carried a well-earned 26 shot lead into the final round. Just enough to see him through, we suspected.
Played at Royal Dornoch, one of the best courses we’ve been on, the weather was very damp and misty. There was hardly another soul on the course, or so it seemed. Dave’s lead was never threatened and he finished with a 74 to take the Bears 10th Anniversary trophy. The scores were Dave on 74 (277), John on 80 (309), Tommo on 80 (312) and Duncan on 84 (329). Pretty respectable.
And so to another slap-up…
1990 A new improved Bears event with a novel addition ...photos! Back to Fife for the last time. The East Neuk was now jammed with foreign tourists on the St. Andrews trail. Green fees soared, bookings were hard to get. We played two rounds at Leven and then two at Balbirnie Park Country Club. We watched the Open qualifying at Leven too, and an American called…Gil something? .We also watched a rather grumpy Corey Pavin, if memory serves??
Dave 63, Duncan 77, John 74, Tommo 75. Scores on Leven 2 were Dave 76, Duncan 73, John 79, Tommo 81. Round 2 totals were Dave 139, Duncan 150, John 153 and Tommo 156.
Dave was well in the hunt at the half way stage. Tommo was struggling though. The last two rounds were at Balbirnie where we’d seen Lee Trevino arrive by helicopter in previous years (A helicopter would be useful to find Tommo’s ball on occasion). Balbirnie is heavily wooded and provided ample scope for a Teddy Bear’s picnic in the woods, for Tommo certainly. David kept it together again to claim victory:-
Duncan did very well getting within 6 shots of Dave at the end, with a closing 64.
FAIRWAYS AND FOUL
1991 With the prospect of Dave’s mum’s house in the Spey area, we moved up there to try some quieter courses. Fife was being “discovered” by all sorts of strange people – Japanese, American, Dutch and German tourists complete with courtesy buses and block bookings. Bags and beer guts big enough to block a fairway so that was it- time for pastures new and a return to golf as it should be played, over quiet links where there was time to go a looking for Tommo’s wild drives. We also took advantage of the Moray ‘Golf Ticket’ and played Spey Bay, Hopeman, Buckie East and West, Strathlene, Buckpool, Cullen, Garmouth, Keith (a huge field!), Forres and Lossiemouth New.
Spey Bay was in pretty good nick and so we played there, Forres (x2) and Lossie. Quite testing. We played quite well at Spey Bay. Dave 66, Duncan 69, Tommo 71, Robbo 77. Duncan could have had a very good score but took a 9 on the 17th, Tugnet.
Forres was played in glorious sunshine – a memorable Bears day. Two rounds of stroke play was hard going and we had little time in-between rounds – 30 minutes maximum. The female starter showed no pity as we begged for more time and so that was it - off again in the sun with only a glass of iced orange and a sandwich to keep us going.
The closest competition for a while, with only 9 shots separating the Bears after three rounds (often there is a nine shot gap after nine holes!).
All to play for, then on the last day at Lossiemouth. Very gorsy – like a flat ‘braids’ with good quick greens. Despite a 10 on the Par 5 14th (‘Dinna Top’). Duncan played a very steady round otherwise and won comfortably with a 66.
Final round: Duncan 66, Dave 80, Tommo 72, John 81. Overall: Duncan 275, Gordon 289, John 296 and Dave 298. still close but a well deserved win for Duncan for the first time ever! Celebration in the streets of Viewforth. Duncan was the only Bear not to have previously won, proving that if you knock hard enough on the door, it will open….
1992 Spey Bay, Garmouth, Strathlene, Lossie.
Tommo got off to a bad start this year, with an 80 at Spey Bay. This included an 11 on the 2nd hole. Must have been a few drives into the gorse on that one. Scores: JR 68, Dave 75, Duncan 62, Gordon 80. John did well and Duncan had a brilliant round of gross 88. Handicap cut there, Mr. Secretary! Off to Garmouth for round 2 – more open parkland here, but a few traps for the unwary. Duncan again did well (63) leaving the rest in his wake (John 74, Gordon 79, Dave 84). At Strathlene, Duncan had another sub 70 total. (Handicap urgently needing checked!)
With one round left, Duncan was 20 shots clear. Unassailable? So it proved, with another sub 70 score of 68. Duncan 68 (260), Robbo 73 (285), Tommo (74) 308 and Dave 74 (310). He really had gotten a taste for that lil’ ol’ trophy, with what is the lowest net score in the Bears, beating Tommo’s outrageous 264 with a net of 42!
I think we repaired to a Chinese in Elgin to celebrate.....
1991 With the prospect of Dave’s mum’s house in the Spey area, we moved up there to try some quieter courses. Fife was being “discovered” by all sorts of strange people – Japanese, American, Dutch and German tourists complete with courtesy buses and block bookings. Bags and beer guts big enough to block a fairway so that was it- time for pastures new and a return to golf as it should be played, over quiet links where there was time to go a looking for Tommo’s wild drives. We also took advantage of the Moray ‘Golf Ticket’ and played Spey Bay, Hopeman, Buckie East and West, Strathlene, Buckpool, Cullen, Garmouth, Keith (a huge field!), Forres and Lossiemouth New.
Spey Bay was in pretty good nick and so we played there, Forres (x2) and Lossie. Quite testing. We played quite well at Spey Bay. Dave 66, Duncan 69, Tommo 71, Robbo 77. Duncan could have had a very good score but took a 9 on the 17th, Tugnet.
Forres was played in glorious sunshine – a memorable Bears day. Two rounds of stroke play was hard going and we had little time in-between rounds – 30 minutes maximum. The female starter showed no pity as we begged for more time and so that was it - off again in the sun with only a glass of iced orange and a sandwich to keep us going.
The closest competition for a while, with only 9 shots separating the Bears after three rounds (often there is a nine shot gap after nine holes!).
All to play for, then on the last day at Lossiemouth. Very gorsy – like a flat ‘braids’ with good quick greens. Despite a 10 on the Par 5 14th (‘Dinna Top’). Duncan played a very steady round otherwise and won comfortably with a 66.
Final round: Duncan 66, Dave 80, Tommo 72, John 81. Overall: Duncan 275, Gordon 289, John 296 and Dave 298. still close but a well deserved win for Duncan for the first time ever! Celebration in the streets of Viewforth. Duncan was the only Bear not to have previously won, proving that if you knock hard enough on the door, it will open….
1992 Spey Bay, Garmouth, Strathlene, Lossie.
Tommo got off to a bad start this year, with an 80 at Spey Bay. This included an 11 on the 2nd hole. Must have been a few drives into the gorse on that one. Scores: JR 68, Dave 75, Duncan 62, Gordon 80. John did well and Duncan had a brilliant round of gross 88. Handicap cut there, Mr. Secretary! Off to Garmouth for round 2 – more open parkland here, but a few traps for the unwary. Duncan again did well (63) leaving the rest in his wake (John 74, Gordon 79, Dave 84). At Strathlene, Duncan had another sub 70 total. (Handicap urgently needing checked!)
With one round left, Duncan was 20 shots clear. Unassailable? So it proved, with another sub 70 score of 68. Duncan 68 (260), Robbo 73 (285), Tommo (74) 308 and Dave 74 (310). He really had gotten a taste for that lil’ ol’ trophy, with what is the lowest net score in the Bears, beating Tommo’s outrageous 264 with a net of 42!
I think we repaired to a Chinese in Elgin to celebrate.....
HOLIDAYS IN THE SUN
1993 Spey Bay, Garmouth, Forres, Spey Bay.
To the chalet at Spey Bay where we had free play on the course for a week. Thus big savings on green fees. We played at Spey Bay first and last. I think this was the famous incident on the first hole where Tommo and Duncan played each other’s balls, Gordon doing so first, much to the amusement of the other two but not to the former as they incurred two shot penalties. Not a good start.
Duncan’s good round at Garmouth was slightly outdone by the 2 over 80 scores but Dave’s 72 at Forres and Robbo’s steady-ish scoring meant that, coming to the last round, things were very close (see 1991). Only 8 shots separated the players. And after 9 holes at Spey Bay, Dave had ‘made up the difference’ with a 39 to Tommo’s 51. With 11 shots difference in handicap, Dave was only 3 shots behind Tommo in real terms.
This seemed to galvanise Tommo into action and he matched Dave’s score coming in (40 shots) to hang onto his lead. Robbo and Duncan were not far behind either – 73 and 75.
1994. Elgin, Garmouth, Spey Bay(?), Lossiemouth. A
at Elgin, Duncan did best with a 71, followed by Dave (77), John (78) and Gordon (82).
On to Garmouth, where scoring was better, Gordon and Robbo both had 68’s, Duncan had 69 and Dave had 71. Much more sensible. I think this was the year Robbo went off in search of a Crane in the marshes mid-round. At Spey Bay, scores were Gordon 63, Dave and Duncan 68’s and Robbo 69. So with one round to go, the scores were
So going into the last, a close-ish finish in prospect with an 8 shot spread. Lossiemouth, as usual, separated Men from Bears but scores remained pretty steady and Duncan hung on to win, quite a close finish.
1993 Spey Bay, Garmouth, Forres, Spey Bay.
To the chalet at Spey Bay where we had free play on the course for a week. Thus big savings on green fees. We played at Spey Bay first and last. I think this was the famous incident on the first hole where Tommo and Duncan played each other’s balls, Gordon doing so first, much to the amusement of the other two but not to the former as they incurred two shot penalties. Not a good start.
Duncan’s good round at Garmouth was slightly outdone by the 2 over 80 scores but Dave’s 72 at Forres and Robbo’s steady-ish scoring meant that, coming to the last round, things were very close (see 1991). Only 8 shots separated the players. And after 9 holes at Spey Bay, Dave had ‘made up the difference’ with a 39 to Tommo’s 51. With 11 shots difference in handicap, Dave was only 3 shots behind Tommo in real terms.
This seemed to galvanise Tommo into action and he matched Dave’s score coming in (40 shots) to hang onto his lead. Robbo and Duncan were not far behind either – 73 and 75.
1994. Elgin, Garmouth, Spey Bay(?), Lossiemouth. A
at Elgin, Duncan did best with a 71, followed by Dave (77), John (78) and Gordon (82).
On to Garmouth, where scoring was better, Gordon and Robbo both had 68’s, Duncan had 69 and Dave had 71. Much more sensible. I think this was the year Robbo went off in search of a Crane in the marshes mid-round. At Spey Bay, scores were Gordon 63, Dave and Duncan 68’s and Robbo 69. So with one round to go, the scores were
So going into the last, a close-ish finish in prospect with an 8 shot spread. Lossiemouth, as usual, separated Men from Bears but scores remained pretty steady and Duncan hung on to win, quite a close finish.
EPISODE THREE - A NEW DAWN
1995. Garmouth, Elgin, Banff (Duffhouse Royal), Lossie.
Dave took a great leap forward from the word Go (or ‘Drive’ or ‘On the tee…’) with a 71 to the others: JR 79, D Bear 79, Tommo 82. Tommo contrived a 9 at the 2nd and a 10 at the infamous 17th hole, the Devil’s Elbow, a par 5 at this time. Not to be outdone, Duncan had an 11 there. And Robbo somehow managed a 10 at the 8th ‘Road’ hole that curves around the burn. (Total score at Devil’s Elbow 7+8+10+11=36, compared to a par of 20!)
Round 2, Elgin. Robbo did best here, 71, Duncan 76, Tommo 78 and Dave a (surprising) 82. Round 3 – Duffhouse Royal, for the first time. Quite an open parkland course, but still plenty to trip over. Duncan did amazingly well, with a 65. John 70, Gordon 73 and Dave 74.
Duncan and Robbo tied going into the last round! Drama! The scene was Lossiemouth New, not Duncan’s favourite, especially in the wind. A jittery start did not help – 10! at the first to Robbo’s par 4, wiping out the handicap difference and giving JR a 3 shot lead – in one hole. At the turn, Robbo was there in 42 gross, Duncan 56, his chance gone. But out on the rails, Dave had crept up, with an amazing 35 gross. He kept in touch all the way home and ended up drawing level – the first ever tied Bears!
Finishing Scores:- JR 293, Dave 293, Duncan 303, Gordon 322. (Tommo had three 8’s and a 10 on the back 9. A wonder he even got home at all!)
1996 Lossie, Garmouth, Elgin, Banff D.R.
After last season, decided to get Lossie out the way first. Play was a bit more sensible, certainly by Tommo who was 13 shots better, Dave 71, Robbo 73, Tommo 76, Duncan 88 mainly due to a 14!! at the 7th. When the wind gets going at Lossie, the gorse is nasty stuff.
Round 2, Garmouth, much better scoring: Dave 66, John and Duncan 71’s, Gordon a 72. Almost like real golfers (the par is 66).
At Elgin, Tommo led the way with a 71, Dave on 73 and John and Duncan a piece behind on 82 and 81 respectively. So, at the last round stage:-
Realistically, only Dave and Tommo were still in it. The last round was at Duff House Royal, Banff. Tommo was down at the turn 50-44 but pulled it back a little on the back with 74 to Dave’s 76. However, Dave’s hands were securely on the trophy. JR had a blistering 68, almost taking second place and Duncan 84. Dave 286, GT 293, Robbo 294, Duncan 324.
1995. Garmouth, Elgin, Banff (Duffhouse Royal), Lossie.
Dave took a great leap forward from the word Go (or ‘Drive’ or ‘On the tee…’) with a 71 to the others: JR 79, D Bear 79, Tommo 82. Tommo contrived a 9 at the 2nd and a 10 at the infamous 17th hole, the Devil’s Elbow, a par 5 at this time. Not to be outdone, Duncan had an 11 there. And Robbo somehow managed a 10 at the 8th ‘Road’ hole that curves around the burn. (Total score at Devil’s Elbow 7+8+10+11=36, compared to a par of 20!)
Round 2, Elgin. Robbo did best here, 71, Duncan 76, Tommo 78 and Dave a (surprising) 82. Round 3 – Duffhouse Royal, for the first time. Quite an open parkland course, but still plenty to trip over. Duncan did amazingly well, with a 65. John 70, Gordon 73 and Dave 74.
Duncan and Robbo tied going into the last round! Drama! The scene was Lossiemouth New, not Duncan’s favourite, especially in the wind. A jittery start did not help – 10! at the first to Robbo’s par 4, wiping out the handicap difference and giving JR a 3 shot lead – in one hole. At the turn, Robbo was there in 42 gross, Duncan 56, his chance gone. But out on the rails, Dave had crept up, with an amazing 35 gross. He kept in touch all the way home and ended up drawing level – the first ever tied Bears!
Finishing Scores:- JR 293, Dave 293, Duncan 303, Gordon 322. (Tommo had three 8’s and a 10 on the back 9. A wonder he even got home at all!)
1996 Lossie, Garmouth, Elgin, Banff D.R.
After last season, decided to get Lossie out the way first. Play was a bit more sensible, certainly by Tommo who was 13 shots better, Dave 71, Robbo 73, Tommo 76, Duncan 88 mainly due to a 14!! at the 7th. When the wind gets going at Lossie, the gorse is nasty stuff.
Round 2, Garmouth, much better scoring: Dave 66, John and Duncan 71’s, Gordon a 72. Almost like real golfers (the par is 66).
At Elgin, Tommo led the way with a 71, Dave on 73 and John and Duncan a piece behind on 82 and 81 respectively. So, at the last round stage:-
Realistically, only Dave and Tommo were still in it. The last round was at Duff House Royal, Banff. Tommo was down at the turn 50-44 but pulled it back a little on the back with 74 to Dave’s 76. However, Dave’s hands were securely on the trophy. JR had a blistering 68, almost taking second place and Duncan 84. Dave 286, GT 293, Robbo 294, Duncan 324.
FIT YOUNG MEN
1997 Huntly, Lossie, Duffhouse, Elgin.
Round 1, Huntly: Off to a wet and windy Huntly where we struggled round. Surprised the cards haven’t turned into papier mache. Scoring was actually very good! Dave 61(!), John 66, Tommo 62(!) and Duncan 68. The Par is 67, although it is quite a short course with quite a few shortish par 4’s! Arguably our best combined round.
Round 2, Lossie. Happy hunting ground (not) with scores higher, although Dave did very well on back 9 (35). Dave 65!, Gordon 78, John 72!, Duncan 84. This gave Dave a pretty big lead right away.
Round 3: Duffhouse, Dave again in control with a 69; John 71, Tommo 74 and Duncan 80. The last round was almost a formality with Dave so far ahead
Round 4: Elgin for the final round where Dave did not quite manage 4 sub 70 rounds. But a 74 was good enough for Dave, the scores were: Dave (74) 269, John (77) 286, Gordon (87) 299 and Duncan (80) 312.
Probably the biggest win ever in Bear’s history, in terms of winning margin. And was it the lowest four round total ever too? (Not quite – Duncan in 1992 260, Tommo in 1985 264). On the social side, this was the year we stayed in a self catering cottage in the Fishertown of Cullen. We’d moved along the coast from Spey Bay – the course there was really getting past it and wasn’t as good a deal as a result. From Cullen, we played the local course among the red buttes and we all played in the Annual competition there. Tommo thought he’d done quite well until he realised the maximum handicap was 18! And he was playing off 22.
It took us a while to find somewhere to eat on the last night. We’d driven around for miles before getting a Chinese takeaway from Fochabers.
1998, Nairn, Grantown, Elgin, Forres.
Fresh woods and pastures new – this time to log cabins in the wood outside Forres, near whisky trails and closer to Nairn and Grantown. A slightly dodgy Landlord, with an Adolf Hitler attitude but the cottage was fine, if a bit small in the bedroom department.
Round 1, Nairn Dunbar. A fine sunny day, but not a happy round for Tommo who careered from gorse to gorse most of the time (an 8, 7, 4, 12 start led to halves of 60 and 50….) This gave him a score of 90, highest ever Bears round apart from Ladybank ’86. There was a big spread of scores: Dave 69, John 76, Duncan 85, Tommo 90. Not our best, although good scoring by Dave and John. Bit of a scene with some bossy Club member who roared over “Do you realise you’re holding up the whole course?” Dave went over and pointed out the error of his ways and that we had already let a few folk through already…
Round 2, Grantown. A much more open course, suiting the bigger (and wilder) hitters. Much better scoring: Dave 67, Gordon 70, John and Duncan 72. The afternoon ‘bounce’ game was absolutely the wettest ever, with flooding and torrents closing several areas of the course even as we played them. We finished the game absolutely soaked through. Water was poured out of golf shoes and golf bags and the last hole was surrounded in water so much so that we abandoned the match.
Round 3, Elgin again, popular as much for it’s good food in the clubhouse and splendid changing and showering facilities. Tommo, Duncan and Dave all started brightly (43, 42, 41) and closing rounds were: Dave 71, Duncan 72, Gordon 73 and John 76. And so, going to the last, Dave looked to be in command, again!
Round 4 Forres: Dave blew any remaining opposition away with a 75 at Forres (par 70) – 37, 38 and won by a mile (284) from Robbo, Duncan and Gordon (296, 303, 309).
Catering this year was usually back at the ranch. I think we made it to Elgin for a ‘steak night’ – but this could have been the year before!
1999. With the 20th Bears looming, it was decided to have a ‘cheap year’ and save for the big one in 2000, The Millennium Bears Tournament!
So we used clubs around Edinburgh. Duncan was a member at Crail, Dave was a member at Kilspindie, John was a member at Newbattle, but changing to Kilspindie where a new course is going up next door (Craigielaw)
Round 4 was played at a new course just outside Edinburgh, King’s Acre. It was good – worth a return visit, but it was getting close to darkness when we played and it was almost pitch dark when we finished. The fateful hole was the 15th where Dave had a 14! and Tommo failed to finish – given a 20 as a conservative estimate. Robbo hung on in the half light with Tommo and Duncan going ahead as spotter to get the match completed. A good win for Robbo, who’d had a few lean years.
And soon to the new Millennium – what fate awaits the Bears?
1997 Huntly, Lossie, Duffhouse, Elgin.
Round 1, Huntly: Off to a wet and windy Huntly where we struggled round. Surprised the cards haven’t turned into papier mache. Scoring was actually very good! Dave 61(!), John 66, Tommo 62(!) and Duncan 68. The Par is 67, although it is quite a short course with quite a few shortish par 4’s! Arguably our best combined round.
Round 2, Lossie. Happy hunting ground (not) with scores higher, although Dave did very well on back 9 (35). Dave 65!, Gordon 78, John 72!, Duncan 84. This gave Dave a pretty big lead right away.
Round 3: Duffhouse, Dave again in control with a 69; John 71, Tommo 74 and Duncan 80. The last round was almost a formality with Dave so far ahead
Round 4: Elgin for the final round where Dave did not quite manage 4 sub 70 rounds. But a 74 was good enough for Dave, the scores were: Dave (74) 269, John (77) 286, Gordon (87) 299 and Duncan (80) 312.
Probably the biggest win ever in Bear’s history, in terms of winning margin. And was it the lowest four round total ever too? (Not quite – Duncan in 1992 260, Tommo in 1985 264). On the social side, this was the year we stayed in a self catering cottage in the Fishertown of Cullen. We’d moved along the coast from Spey Bay – the course there was really getting past it and wasn’t as good a deal as a result. From Cullen, we played the local course among the red buttes and we all played in the Annual competition there. Tommo thought he’d done quite well until he realised the maximum handicap was 18! And he was playing off 22.
It took us a while to find somewhere to eat on the last night. We’d driven around for miles before getting a Chinese takeaway from Fochabers.
1998, Nairn, Grantown, Elgin, Forres.
Fresh woods and pastures new – this time to log cabins in the wood outside Forres, near whisky trails and closer to Nairn and Grantown. A slightly dodgy Landlord, with an Adolf Hitler attitude but the cottage was fine, if a bit small in the bedroom department.
Round 1, Nairn Dunbar. A fine sunny day, but not a happy round for Tommo who careered from gorse to gorse most of the time (an 8, 7, 4, 12 start led to halves of 60 and 50….) This gave him a score of 90, highest ever Bears round apart from Ladybank ’86. There was a big spread of scores: Dave 69, John 76, Duncan 85, Tommo 90. Not our best, although good scoring by Dave and John. Bit of a scene with some bossy Club member who roared over “Do you realise you’re holding up the whole course?” Dave went over and pointed out the error of his ways and that we had already let a few folk through already…
Round 2, Grantown. A much more open course, suiting the bigger (and wilder) hitters. Much better scoring: Dave 67, Gordon 70, John and Duncan 72. The afternoon ‘bounce’ game was absolutely the wettest ever, with flooding and torrents closing several areas of the course even as we played them. We finished the game absolutely soaked through. Water was poured out of golf shoes and golf bags and the last hole was surrounded in water so much so that we abandoned the match.
Round 3, Elgin again, popular as much for it’s good food in the clubhouse and splendid changing and showering facilities. Tommo, Duncan and Dave all started brightly (43, 42, 41) and closing rounds were: Dave 71, Duncan 72, Gordon 73 and John 76. And so, going to the last, Dave looked to be in command, again!
Round 4 Forres: Dave blew any remaining opposition away with a 75 at Forres (par 70) – 37, 38 and won by a mile (284) from Robbo, Duncan and Gordon (296, 303, 309).
Catering this year was usually back at the ranch. I think we made it to Elgin for a ‘steak night’ – but this could have been the year before!
1999. With the 20th Bears looming, it was decided to have a ‘cheap year’ and save for the big one in 2000, The Millennium Bears Tournament!
So we used clubs around Edinburgh. Duncan was a member at Crail, Dave was a member at Kilspindie, John was a member at Newbattle, but changing to Kilspindie where a new course is going up next door (Craigielaw)
Round 4 was played at a new course just outside Edinburgh, King’s Acre. It was good – worth a return visit, but it was getting close to darkness when we played and it was almost pitch dark when we finished. The fateful hole was the 15th where Dave had a 14! and Tommo failed to finish – given a 20 as a conservative estimate. Robbo hung on in the half light with Tommo and Duncan going ahead as spotter to get the match completed. A good win for Robbo, who’d had a few lean years.
And soon to the new Millennium – what fate awaits the Bears?
ROLL OF HONOUR
Champions:
1980. J. Robertson
1981. J. Robertson
1982. J. Robertson
1983. J. Robertson
1984. J. Robertson
1985. G. Thomson
1986. J. Robertson
1987. D. Hillson
1988. J. Robertson
1989. D. Hillson
1990. D. Hillson
1991. D. Heal
1992. D. Heal
1993. G. Thomson
1994. D. Heal
1995. J. Robertson/D. Hillson - TIE
1996. D. Hillson
1997. D. Hillson
1998. D. Hillson
1999. J. Robertson
2000. ????
Champions:
1980. J. Robertson
1981. J. Robertson
1982. J. Robertson
1983. J. Robertson
1984. J. Robertson
1985. G. Thomson
1986. J. Robertson
1987. D. Hillson
1988. J. Robertson
1989. D. Hillson
1990. D. Hillson
1991. D. Heal
1992. D. Heal
1993. G. Thomson
1994. D. Heal
1995. J. Robertson/D. Hillson - TIE
1996. D. Hillson
1997. D. Hillson
1998. D. Hillson
1999. J. Robertson
2000. ????
THE WILDERNESS YEARS
2000 did not live up to expectations for reasons too tiresome to go into. Robbo, Dave, Gordon and Kevin Bowker set off for Ireland, playing around the Belfast Hilton course, frequented by glamorous air hostesses, and then over the border via the Walls of Derry and the Giants Causeway to Yeats country and County Sligo and the biggest and best breakfast known to man. We played Enniscrone and Ross’s Point and one other, although they were all quite busy.
However, the Bears gathered again in 2001 and played a shortened tournament of two rounds, one around the Roxburghe course in Kelso and one around Rosemount (Blairgowrie). Roxburghe was £60 for the day, plus a bit extra for golf buggies in the afternoon. A very good course and probably worth the big green fee, but quite a longish trip from Edinburgh which is why it’s probably not doing so well in terms of numbers. The golf buggies were a real hoot but not to be taken by Duncan. He preferred to go it alone on foot, dodging the careering buggies on occasion as they criss-crossed the fairways. The scoring was quite steady by all except Tommo who was desperately short of practice. Years of retreat to the Shetlands were starting to take their toll and he had a 12 at possibly the most scenic hole on the course, the par 5 9th along the Tweed, with the railway viaduct in the distance. Lovely weather and a fine meal at the clubhouse sitting out in the open.
Next day we travelled north from Edinburgh to play Rosemount and Lansdowne in a package deal. For £80 we had bacon rolls and tea, a Bears round on Rosemount, soup and sannies for lunch, a round on Lansdowne and then a slap up feed in the lounge overlooking the course with wine courtesy of this year’s victor, Robbo. Tommo had to be kitted out in borrowed togs, with the course still expecting golfers to change into a jacket, shirt and tie for dinner. A tiresome public school ritual but needs must I suppose…
2000 did not live up to expectations for reasons too tiresome to go into. Robbo, Dave, Gordon and Kevin Bowker set off for Ireland, playing around the Belfast Hilton course, frequented by glamorous air hostesses, and then over the border via the Walls of Derry and the Giants Causeway to Yeats country and County Sligo and the biggest and best breakfast known to man. We played Enniscrone and Ross’s Point and one other, although they were all quite busy.
However, the Bears gathered again in 2001 and played a shortened tournament of two rounds, one around the Roxburghe course in Kelso and one around Rosemount (Blairgowrie). Roxburghe was £60 for the day, plus a bit extra for golf buggies in the afternoon. A very good course and probably worth the big green fee, but quite a longish trip from Edinburgh which is why it’s probably not doing so well in terms of numbers. The golf buggies were a real hoot but not to be taken by Duncan. He preferred to go it alone on foot, dodging the careering buggies on occasion as they criss-crossed the fairways. The scoring was quite steady by all except Tommo who was desperately short of practice. Years of retreat to the Shetlands were starting to take their toll and he had a 12 at possibly the most scenic hole on the course, the par 5 9th along the Tweed, with the railway viaduct in the distance. Lovely weather and a fine meal at the clubhouse sitting out in the open.
Next day we travelled north from Edinburgh to play Rosemount and Lansdowne in a package deal. For £80 we had bacon rolls and tea, a Bears round on Rosemount, soup and sannies for lunch, a round on Lansdowne and then a slap up feed in the lounge overlooking the course with wine courtesy of this year’s victor, Robbo. Tommo had to be kitted out in borrowed togs, with the course still expecting golfers to change into a jacket, shirt and tie for dinner. A tiresome public school ritual but needs must I suppose…
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