MONIFIETH GOLF Club marked its 150th anniversary yesterday in a specially-arranged match—with a twist—against Panmure Golf Club, Barry.

The players’ rounds were made up of 18 holes from both courses, with each playing 12 holes of their “home” club before concluding their round on the adjoining links.

It was the first time this format had been attempted by the two neighbouring clubs.

In all 64 golfers braved the sodden conditions to play on the unique occasion, one of a number of anniversary events organised by the Monifieth vice-captain and former Walker Cup player Ian Hutcheon.

He said, “The day has gone very well and I would like to thank everybody who turned up and played, especially given the weather.

“I think that’s an indication of how much people were looking forward to it and it says a lot about the good relationship the two clubs have.

“Given the enjoyment people have got out of the day, it may be that we look at making the fixture an annual event.”

He also thanked the secretary of Panmure Golf Club, Charles Phillip, for his help with the event.

The two clubs share a lot of common history.

Panmure was formed at Monifieth in 1845 and in 1899, with a number of clubs there and the links suffering from congestion, the Panmure club moved to Barry.

Monifieth Golf Club is the oldest of the four golf clubs still playing on the links. It was formed in 1858 by artisans from the local foundry.

Monifieth and Panmure have retained strong ties and yesterday’s match was seen as an important reminder of the clubs’ shared past.

The match was followed by a dinner hosted by Panmure Golf Club out of gratitude for Monifieth’s commitment to their own 150th anniversary celebrations in 1995.

Amongst those in attendance was the Earl of Dalhousie, who is president of the Barry club and whose forebears owned the land on which the course is now situated.

Next month a 150-a-side match will be held over the Monifieth medal course.

The celebrations conclude with a dinner-dance at the Carnoustie Hotel on September 13.