The Big Match: Boat of Garten
On Friday 17th April, Dougie Spencer and Iain Gardner hosted the second fundraising event of their Big Match series with a golf day and whisky tasting hosted at Boat of Garten golf club. From this event, the duo exceeded their original £10,000 target with 2 months and two fundraising events to go! Read on and hear how the day went from Douglas’ point of view.
The match…
There was a real crackle of anticipation as the golfers sat down to coffee and bacon rolls, though many eschewed the coffee in favour of something longer and more thirst quenching. Introductions made, friendly rivalry and banter begun just before tee time. With more than a little doubt about what the Strathspey weather would throw at us, surprisingly most golfers still found room to ensure dehydration was not an issue.
Can Dougie’s Dribblers triumph against what looked like a very strong Wee Warriors team? Would Iain and the Tantallon boys pull back the series to all-square? Or, would local knowledge prove the deciding factor? The next six hours would have many twists and turns but eventually the Boat team showed a steely resolve with little mercy shown to their new found friends. Though it has to be recorded the copybook was properly blotted by Captain Spencer and his partner, Craig Howieson who were on the wrong end of sound beating.
Back to the clubhouse…
Into the Clubhouse to the enticing smells emanating from the kitchen. 58 plates of Millers of Speyside haggis with accompanying neeps and tatties went down like a James Grant birdie putt. Many thanks to all who were involved in satisfying the hunger of the golfers, but especially Mike Riddell for his Raffle prize and haggis from Millers.
Short introduction made and the stage was turned over to the Whisky Reverend, Graham Atkinson, who was awash with both whisky, kindly gifted to the cause and a razor sharp whisky knowledge. Having crossed Scotland from Glasgow to Dornoch, onto Islay and Loch Lomond every taste was catered for. No question went unanswered and many whisky-related anecdotes meant many happy imbibers left the Club lighter of wallet or purse. Thanks Graham.
The Result…
From a quick calculation it became clear the boys’ fundraising target was smashed with still 2 months and at least 15 auction lots to be grabbed. The day raised in excess of £3.4k, an amazingly generous amount.
Thanks to Boat of Garten Golf and Tennis Club who could not have been more supportive, waiving guest fees and giving us the run of the facilities.
Also a big thanks to all the other supporters of Friday for providing raffle and golf auction prizes, whisky & tasting glasses and help over the day. You know who you are.
Now the small matter of playing 100 holes in one day and ensuring the chat remains interesting over 19 or so hours. Roll on June 19th. Maybe Graham will assists with the weather by putting in a good word!
What’s next?
Dougie and Iain’s Big Math draws to a conclusion on 19th June where they will play 100 holes in a day. Donations for this event can be made to their JustGiving page here. There are also some fantastic prizes up for grabs in The Big Match silent auction which is still open for bidding. You can bid for a prize here.
A huge thank you to Iain and Dougie for their fantastic fundraising efforts so far. We’re looking forward to hearing about how the final challenge goes next month!