THE DUNHILL

Tournaments are always known by one name to the pros on tour. In Europe, there’s Qatar, the Scottish, French, Wentworth, and the Belfry, to name a few. In the US, you have Pebble, Torrey, Memorial, Bay Hill… okay, that’s two words… Colonial, and so on. Saying the full name wastes time and energy, and everyone knows which event you mean with just one anyway.

Take the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, or simply, the Dunhill. It just finished yesterday and, as my wife and I do every year, we watch it as late as possible before the couch gets too comfortable.

The Dunhill was a favourite of ours, and I was fortunate to play it in both formats.

It was originally known as the Alfred Dunhill Cup, where countries sent teams of three to go head-to-head in medal match play on the Old Course at St Andrews. I remember watching it in the ’80s, seeing Greg Norman, Graham Marsh, David Graham, Rodger Davis, Wayne Grady and more representing Australia, along with a host of international stars representing their countries.

2000 was the final year of the format, and I donned the green and gold alongside Peter O’Malley and Stephen Leaney. I’d played the Open earlier that year for the first time and immediately fell in love with the course and the town of St Andrews.

We took down the USA then Japan before being beaten 2–1 by Argentina. I held my own, winning all three matches, but that’s the way this game goes sometimes.

The following year, it shifted to its existing pro-am format, played over three courses: the Old Course, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns. Amateurs from across the globe tee it up that include successful businesspeople, celebrities from the film and sporting worlds, and the odd parent of a tour pro.

I had some great partners and pairings over the years. One year it was cricketing legends Steve Waugh (my partner) and Ian Botham, plus Ian Woosnam, making up a memorable fourball. Some fascinating stories were told over those three days, trust me!

Another year, I was partnered with John O’Hurley, aka J. Peterman, Elaine’s boss from the hit TV show Seinfeld. I can still hear his famous catchphrase, “Elaine!!” ringing in my ears. My wife Alana and parents were there that year and commented that not only was John a cracking guy, but his flamboyant silver hair seemed immune to the gusting 50km/h winds throughout the three days.

Then there was an American businessman, Michael Fitzpatrick, who I’ve since stayed in touch with and has become a close friend. After a wonderful few days playing with Michael, he said to look him up and come stay if I ever made it to the US for their version of the Dunhill… the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Little did I know he lived on the 13th hole at Pebble Beach. So, when I eventually took up his offer and rocked up at his house, it was a pleasant surprise, to say the least. It also turned out Michael was a member of Cypress Point and suggested we play there before the tournament.

Hard to say no, really 🤷‍♂️

Each year, when the Dunhill rolls around, it reminds me of the incredible times Alana and I had at the tournament. The golf courses, the town of St Andrews, the people all wandering the streets in the evening sharing their tales of woe and glory on the links.

It also reaffirms that golf is the only sport where amateurs and professionals can play together in a tournament.

And there’s no finer exponent of that than the Dunhill.