Player Profiles

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Graeme Meade

 

Handicap 7. Rookie year in 2005 and what a debut. Became the champion at the first attempt marginally winning on a countback. Has maintained his form and is the tours number 1 player after only three years. Expect a handicap adjustment for next year!

 

Bob Reilly

Handicap 9. Made his first appearance at Fraserburgh in 2000 and was one of the early favourites until the 1st tee. He has a wonderful short game...unfortunately it is off the tee. Could have been a real contender in seasons 2001 - 2006 if he'd followed the advice from Scottish Slimmers, but he misread the advice and followed the 'Aitkens' diet. Used to be known as 'Big Bob' but is now refered to as 'Round Bob'. Has a habit of sharing the contents of his stomach and is a 'scratch' spewer - he is the original member of the Rogues Gallery. He achieved his ambition in 2007 by winning The Quaich at Kinross and has risen up the rankings to number 2 on the tour.

 

Phil Sinclair

Handicap 5. The 'King of Culter' is a two-time winner of the Quaich winning the prestigious trophy at Turriff in 1999 and again in 2006 at Deer Park. Widely recognised as the man to beat, he has supported this tournament since its fruition in 1996. It was during this glory period when he was at his peak, not only winning the Quaich but adding three Peterculter Club Championships to his list of honours. Surprisingly has only been in the top 10 on 4 occasions, peaking at number 1 in 2006. Tends to warm-up for the event in Southern Spain. Currently ranked number 3 on the tour.

 

Nick McLeod

Handicap 25. Another regular tour member who always looks the part and talks a good game. Claims he does not like the game but has a knack of performing well during the pressure of competition golf and with a hangover. The best wood in his bag is still the pencil, despite now weilding a 'Calloway' driver. Remarkably he has consistently been in the top 10 over the last six years and has now risen to number 4 in the tour.

 

Rod Phillips

Handicap 14. Scratch drinker. Started the outings in 1996 to celebrate his 30th birthday and has the unenviable tag of "Best player to have never won a major". Currently ranked number 5 on the tour.

 

Dod Gray

 

Handicap 12. An ever present member of the tour, who is desperate to win the trophy. If he hits the ball right, it's a slice. If it goes left, it's a hook. If it goes straight, it's a miracle. He's the outing treasurer - ie the kitty organiser in charge of maintaining the stock of beer and nips in the clubhouse, and for the carry-out for the journey home. Improving form over the last couple of events has raised his ranking to number 6 on the tour.

 

Steve McGrath

 

Handicap 8. Another stalwart of the tour having a 100% attendance record. With a bit more practice could become a scratch drinker. He is also a major sponsor of the outing. Overall, not a bad guy, even though he is a supporter of the Sons of Satan. Another nearly man consistantly in the top 4, but has missed out on the coveted number 1 spot three times. Another who's form is dipping since becoming a father and he is now currently ranked 7th in the tour.

 

Nick Frost

 

Handicap 16. Rookie year in 2002 and Wee Frosty made a great challenge for the trophy. Is using the Dunsmuir philosophy of 'buying the best' to improve his game, which appears to be working. Consistant player who has not finished out of the top three in the last few years. He became the tours number 1 player in 2005 narrowly missing out on the championship on a count-back. An enforced extra-ordinary handicap committee meeting was held before the 2006 event to adjust this bandits' handicap! Entered the Rogues Gallery in 2006 but claimed it was Bobs fault that he spewed. Expecting a dip in form now that he is married. Currently ranked number 8.

 

Stewart McBain

 

Handicap 6. Winner in his rookie year in 2001 at Strathmore Golf Centre. He is still coming to terms with having to fill the Quaich with Drambuie and watch everyone else drink the contents - it has been suspected that he threw the tournament in 2002. Also known as 'Hubble' he was awarded a massive clothing sponsorship from Shore Porters after winning in 2001. Another scratch drinker but a high handicapper when it comes to style. Currently ranked 9 on the tour.

 

Rod Phillips Snr

 

Handicap 9. Former number 1 player on the tour and the first 'Two-Time' Winner, triumphing at Royal Tarlair in 1997, during the monsoon outing when only five players completed the round, and at Glenisla in 2002. Some golfers fantasize about playing a three-ball with Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus - there are times when he'd rather play with Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder. He is now an official member of The 5th Major Senior Tour. Has never been out of the top 10 but has slipped to number 10 on the tour.

 

Iain Sellar

 

Handicap 16. Hits a good ball for one so small. The only man on the tour with a sawn off putter. The fashion police have been after him for years. Also known on the tour as The Hobbit or the Crazy Frog (particularly when he's had a few). A couple of steady displays elevated him to his highest ranking of number 9, but has resorted to type over the last couple of years, currently ranked 11. Another 'scratch' spewer and a member of the Rogues Gallery.

 

Jim Wright 

 

Handicap 18. Rookie year in 2005. A commendable performance after admitting to be overawed in the drinking prowess of the seasoned tour members. Witnesses suggest that he wastes alot of great shots on the practise swing. A top sponsor of the event and is currently ranked 12 on the tour.

 

Ian Trotter

 

Handicap 28. The drunkest man at Strathmore 2001. Has always wondered how he got back to his hotel room. He once went for a lesson and the reason the golf pro told him to keep his head down was so Ian couldn't see him laughing. Winner of the 1st putting competition at Fraserburgh in 1999. He is now an official member of The 5th Major Senior Tour. Currently ranked 13 on the tour.

 

George Christie

 

Handicap 13. Rookie year in 2006 at Deer Park. Showed his age when he graced the 'New Year' type sing-song in the bar with really auld tunes. Won the Inaugaral Nick McLeod Indoor Putting competition by sinking a 30m putt over a ramp, through an obstacle and into the beer mug. Moved up the rankings in 2007 and is currently ranked 14 on the tour order of merit.

 

Dave Cunningham

 

Handicap 20.  He has two swings - a beautiful practice and a choked-up one, with which he hits the ball. Without doubt the tallest man to ever grace a golf course. Won the championship in 1998 at Royal Tarlair with a marvellous 41 points. Generally seen as the sensible one on the tour but has the unenviable task of looking after The Hobbit/Crazy Frog. Big D slipped down the rankings having missed the 2004 event and is currently ranked 15 on the tour.

 

John Murray

 

Handicap 35. Rookie year in 2001 at Strathmore. Claimed he was still getting used to his new clubs, but he was just as shite with his old ones. He is however a top class drinker who is always available to give lessons. Rumoured to be getting fit at the health club, but he is only there for 'perv' value. Experimented with a ladies handicap for 2005 but it made no difference, scoring 21 points. Currently ranked 16 on the tour.

 

Iain Ritchie

 

Handicap 14. The Millennium Champion winning at Fraserburgh. Enjoyed a rich vain of form in 2000 by becoming club champion at Newburgh G.C. and competing in the "Evening Express" sponsored Champion of Champions tournament. He was knocked out in the first round after refusing the services of his caddie. He relinquished the title of being the Ian Baker-Finch of the tour, by becoming the champion for the second time at Piperdam 2003, and has the record of being the longest serving No.1 player - 3 years. However, he hit a low point in 2005 when he entered the Rogues Gallery and the Baker-Finch days are returning as he has now slumped to number 17 in the tour order of merit.

 

Gary Wood

 

Handicap 5. Rookie year in 2007. Soon got into the swing of things - 10 minutes into the journey and the first beer was finished. Continued at a steady pace throughout the weekend. On the day of the 5th Major, a damp day, he spent an extraordinary amout of money in the club shop buying a waterproof jacket as he forgot to take the one his wife bought him. Ann, if you're reading this, it cost him a fortune. Entered the Rogues Gallery at the fiorst attempt when he disgraced himself on the journey home. Fortunately he was alert enough to dispose his bag of sick into the nearest waste bucket at the station. Currently ranked 18 on the tour order of merit.

 

Bernie Duncan

Handicap 28. Rookie year in 2005. Suffers from standing too close to the ball after he has hit it. Broke into the top 20 in 2007 and is ranked 19 on the tour.

 

Jim McCombie

 

Handicap 8. A great joiner and not a bad player. Has missed only one event when he tried his luck on the Spanish Tour. He consistently finishes in the top end of the leader board. Another scratch drinker and a winner of the putting competition at Strathmore in 2001 and is the undisputed champion of Buzz. It was once mentioned that he could improve his chances of winning if he turned up sober. In 2004 he finally turned up sober, winning the event with a new record stableford score of 42. He is currently ranked number 20 on the tour.

 

Andy Buchan

 

Handicap 35. Certainly gets his moneys worth. Hasn't yet grasped the concept that the lowest score is the winner. Doesn't really have a handicap, it's more like a permanent disability. Continually jockeying for position at the lower end of the rankings. Now in his 40's he is preparing for the seniors tour. Required new shoes after being sick all over the ones he was wearing at the after match party in 2003. Scored his highest stableford score at Piperdam 2003 but blew it in 2004, equaling the lowest score of 14 points in 2004. Experimented with a ladies handicap for 2005 but, like John Murray, it made no difference, scoring 15 points. He is currently ranked joint 21st on the tour.

 

Gavin Bain

 

Handicap 18. A rookie in 2004 and came in 4th place. He caused a right stooshie with his golf handicap, but proved to be a good genuine low handicap drinker. He is now unofficially the Tours' Legal advisor. Currently ranked 22 on the tour after missing out the last two events.

 

Niall Ritchie

 

Handicap 16. Made his debut in 2002 and was so keen to make a challenge he bought a new set of Calloways. He later decided that he was a better drinker than a golfer, but he is crap at Buzz. Took a conscious decision to stay sober in 2005 to look after his brother 'Ritchie the Younger' - very wise...... Consistant performances raised him to number 8 on the tour but having missed the last two events has dropped to number 23.

 

Graham Moir

 

Handicap 5. A steady player who in his rookie year in 2004 made it into the top ten. Was full of beans on the bus journey home and was 'gaun up the toon'. However, once back in Aberdeen, decided that a taxi home was a better option. Currently ranked number 24 on the tour after having a 'mare in 2005 and missing out in the last two years.

 

Derek Wood

 

Handicap . Rookie year in 2006 at Deer Park. Used his hockey ability to great effect until the drink 'kicked in'. Missed out on the 2007 event due to some sort of wedding? Future invites have now to be sent to his new wife. Currently ranked 25 on the order of merit.

 

Ian Dunsmuir

 

Handicap 21. If having the best gear available meant you could succeed at this game then Ian would kick Tigers arse every time. Best finish came in 1997 at Royal Tarlair when he finished 2nd. However, don't be fooled by that lofty position, as 12 players walked in after 8 holes due to the inclement weather, and Ian scraped 2nd place on a count-back. He once broke 90 and was so delighted that after a couple of drams in the clubhouse to celebrate he forgot to play the back nine. Holds the record for the lowest stableford score (14) and is currently ranked 26 on the tour. Is in danger of losing his Tour Card.

 

Bob Gardiner

 

Handicap 15.  Always trying to improve his game and has now resorted to the Atkins diet method. However, like Mr Reilly, he tends to follow the Aitkens diet.  He is now known as 'Big Bob' due to Bob Reilly actually being bigger! He'd consider giving up golf if he didn't have so many sweaters. Missed out on the event since 2005 and has slipped down the rankings and is currently ranked 27 on the tour. Is in danger of losing his Tour Card.

 

Gary Phillips

 

Handicap 32. Holds the record for the highest Stableford score on one hole during the Strathmore 2001 event. He scored five points at a par 4, the nearest we have had to a hole in one. Superb at hitting the woods, but has great difficulty in getting out of them. Returned to the tour in 2004 after missing out in 2003 due to injury but further injury has prevented him from playing since. Currently ranked 28 in the tour.

 

Alan Brown

 

Handicap 11. Winner in 1996 at the inaugural tournament at Keith G.C. A high handicap drinker who should enrole in a couple of training sessions with John Murray prior to attending the events. A steady player who should have been at all the outings but injury and work have prevented his quest for the double. An improved performance in 2003 saw his drinking handicap being slashed for 2004. Currently ranked 29 in the tour having missed the last four events. Is in danger of losing his Tour Card.

 

Andy Rose

 

Handicap 28. It is just as well he is an accountant. Adding up his scorecard with a calculator would test the resilience of any Duracell battery. Such is the state of his game, he can only improve. Played by far his best tournament in 2003 but has since slipped to number 30 in the rankings after missing the last four events. and is in danger of losing is Tour Card.

 

Cammy McLean

 

Handicap 23. Made his debut in 2000 amid controversy in his claimed handicap. However, after a promising start we were left wondering if 23 was for the first 9 holes. Missed the Glenisla event due to a 'bad back', but this excuse will not result in a handicap increase. A good performance in 2003 shot him up the rankings to number 10 but since emigrating to Baku, he has slipped to 31.

 

Craig Wiggins

 

Handicap 13. Fancies himself as a big hitting golfer. Always looks the part, especially on the practice swing. He hits a mean ball, but not always in the right direction. He used to go to the driving range to practice driving without slicing, but now goes to practice slicing without swearing. He has slipped out of the tour rankings after missing all of the events since 2003 and is currently ranked at 32. Is in danger of losing his Tour Card.

 

Dave Thain

 

Handicap 20. During a tour in Ireland, Dave set the record for the shortest ever tee shot - 6 feet. At the same time he set the record for the largest divot ever see from a tee area. His swing is so bad he looks like a caveman killing his lunch. Missed the event in 2003 due to drunkeness and missed the 2004 event due to killing his mothers cat. Emigrated to Australia and has now slipped out of the rankings.

 

Bruce Taylor

 

Handicap 26. The only man to play with Titleist shuttlecocks. Lack of distance is blamed on "weak wrists" . Hard to believe as he has the largest stash of mags/videos. He has retired from the tour, initially through injury (strained ligaments in his wrist), and has now slipped out of the rankings.

 

Sandy Skinner

Handicap 23. He never set the heather alight in any of the outings. Only has one problem - he stands too close to the ball after he's hit it. Enjoys a good drink. Has retired from the event and has slipped out of the rankings.

 

Jim Sinclair

Handicap 14. A big hitter. He looks like his brother Phil, but he has a bigger belly. Emigrated and now graces the Australian tour, all-be-it the Pub Tour.

 

Shaun McCombie

Handicap 9. His one and only 5th Major, making his debut in 2002 and kept up the McCombie tradition of turning up 'steaming'. Fell out of the taxi at the station and was sick in the gutter! Jim was so proud.

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