The 2024 Tennant Cup
15th & 16th June 2024
The oldest Open Amateur Strokeplay Trophy in the World, keeps on writing history into the annuals of Glasgow Golf Club. At the weekend a small group of us were lucky enough to witness a fantastic climax to the grand old tournament.
Our two Course Managers Brian (Gailes) & Paul (Killermont) had presented both courses in fantastic condition, receiving the plaudits of all these elite golfers - many commenting ‘the best they had played’. A combination of little wind over the weekend and the recent wet weather had meant more receptive greens than normal and therefore set up both courses for low scoring.
After two rounds at Gailes in mostly kind sunny conditions the field had been cut to 40, qualifying score being 151. The leader Harvey Broadfoot 139 (-3). Of our own players, Lewis Irvine recent winner of the Edward Trophy lay in second (-2), Lachlan Reynolds was handily placed at (+2), John Laurie and young Charlie Greaves had also made the cut. Indeed just six shots covered the first 19 players.
In the two rounds at Killermont on Sunday, 40% of the field returned par or better, the best being initially 66. A 66 from Charlie Greaves’ fourth round, left him on a very respectable 291 (+9).
Ben Carberry who missed out in last year’s play-off, shot 66 then 67 (278 (-2)) propelling him into an uncomfortable wait as leader in the Clubhouse. Ben was beaten in last years play-off - Deja-Vu?
Whispers came in that something special was happening out on the course between contenders Ben Murray and Jamie Roberts playing together - After 3 rounds Ben (a/s) and Jamie (-1).
At the Turn: Ben was out in 30 (Total -5) and Jamie 32 (Total -4).
Their Back Nine Highlights:
10th Ben (Birdie) Jamie (Bogey); 13th Both Birdie; 14th &15th Jamie Birdies; 17th Both Birdie.
They stood on the 18th Tee - Competition Totals Ben (-8) and Jamie (-7)
Both Drove over the Road. Both Wedged to 16 &15ft respectfully. Ben was first to putt - for the Tennant Cup and also, although he didn’t know it, a new course record 61. Never in doubt he stroked it in. Jamie stepped up to the plate and followed him in for a terrific 63, unbelievably not good enough.
Ben was the 2024 Tennant Cup winner and a bonus new course record 61, sadly usurping our own Neil Macrae.
“This was the biggest win in my Amateur career”, Ben revealed in his acceptance speech.
Some have commented that the quality of player is not the same as the players ‘back in the day’.
Well the great names on the board will be nodding in appreciation at the two young men that fought out a fantastic and extraordinary finale to this years Tennant Cup. Ben Murray’s name will join them as a very worthy winner.
THE RETURN
BEN MURRAY (PORTLETHEN GC) 273 (-9)
JAMIE ROBERTS (MUCKHART GC) 274 (-8)
ALEXANDER FARMER (KILMACOLM GC) 278 (-4)
BEN CARBERRY (FALKIRK GC) 278 (-4)
BRODIE CUNNINGHAM (BOTHWELL CASTLE GC) 279 (-3)
GEORGE CANNON (GLENBERVIE GC) 279 (-3)
Click here to view more from the day
Our two Course Managers Brian (Gailes) & Paul (Killermont) had presented both courses in fantastic condition, receiving the plaudits of all these elite golfers - many commenting ‘the best they had played’. A combination of little wind over the weekend and the recent wet weather had meant more receptive greens than normal and therefore set up both courses for low scoring.
After two rounds at Gailes in mostly kind sunny conditions the field had been cut to 40, qualifying score being 151. The leader Harvey Broadfoot 139 (-3). Of our own players, Lewis Irvine recent winner of the Edward Trophy lay in second (-2), Lachlan Reynolds was handily placed at (+2), John Laurie and young Charlie Greaves had also made the cut. Indeed just six shots covered the first 19 players.
In the two rounds at Killermont on Sunday, 40% of the field returned par or better, the best being initially 66. A 66 from Charlie Greaves’ fourth round, left him on a very respectable 291 (+9).
Ben Carberry who missed out in last year’s play-off, shot 66 then 67 (278 (-2)) propelling him into an uncomfortable wait as leader in the Clubhouse. Ben was beaten in last years play-off - Deja-Vu?
Whispers came in that something special was happening out on the course between contenders Ben Murray and Jamie Roberts playing together - After 3 rounds Ben (a/s) and Jamie (-1).
At the Turn: Ben was out in 30 (Total -5) and Jamie 32 (Total -4).
Their Back Nine Highlights:
10th Ben (Birdie) Jamie (Bogey); 13th Both Birdie; 14th &15th Jamie Birdies; 17th Both Birdie.
They stood on the 18th Tee - Competition Totals Ben (-8) and Jamie (-7)
Both Drove over the Road. Both Wedged to 16 &15ft respectfully. Ben was first to putt - for the Tennant Cup and also, although he didn’t know it, a new course record 61. Never in doubt he stroked it in. Jamie stepped up to the plate and followed him in for a terrific 63, unbelievably not good enough.
Ben was the 2024 Tennant Cup winner and a bonus new course record 61, sadly usurping our own Neil Macrae.
“This was the biggest win in my Amateur career”, Ben revealed in his acceptance speech.
Some have commented that the quality of player is not the same as the players ‘back in the day’.
Well the great names on the board will be nodding in appreciation at the two young men that fought out a fantastic and extraordinary finale to this years Tennant Cup. Ben Murray’s name will join them as a very worthy winner.
THE RETURN
BEN MURRAY (PORTLETHEN GC) 273 (-9)
JAMIE ROBERTS (MUCKHART GC) 274 (-8)
ALEXANDER FARMER (KILMACOLM GC) 278 (-4)
BEN CARBERRY (FALKIRK GC) 278 (-4)
BRODIE CUNNINGHAM (BOTHWELL CASTLE GC) 279 (-3)
GEORGE CANNON (GLENBERVIE GC) 279 (-3)
Click here to view more from the day