2003 - Murray Reid

The first time is always special. As was the fist time winning “the Cup”. The cup that is not to be confused with the Claret Jug that for those uneducated in the history of golf is the winning trophy for the British Open. The Cup that every mollymookian strives for, the cup that adorns the mantelpieces of only those skilled enough to perform on the weekend in September.

Of course there is more to winning than just the cup, there is of course “The Jacket” Again not to be confused with that bland Green Jacket that the winner of some golf tournament in Augusta receives but a treasured article of clothing that is not worn by the winner but that which consumes the player talented enough to stand alone at the end of day 2 on that Sunday afternoon. In the nine years of the cup there have been eight winners, how you ask, well that will come later.

This year saw the invitation for the first time since 1998 of two further “outsiders”, Rodney Cocks & Colin McGuinness. These renegades had mercilessly badgered the host for an invite to this most prestigious of events until for his own sanity he gave in to their wishes. They were put on probation for three years, & the books have now been sealed shut to any further outsiders, with male offspring of current invitees the only additions to the field from now on.

Blood relative Neil Pearson also earned a start, being a newcomer to this addictive game.

With the Gray young guns Dr Andy & Professor Timothy rejoining this year’s event, a Melbourne Cup size field of 20 lined up on that last Saturday in September.

Over the years we have had winners who were struck down with injury (MP) and his broken collarbone, would be golfers that took advantage of the handicapping system (SM), winners who won because everyone else was dumbfounded that a Barrett could play golf, perennial runners up who would stop at nothing to win (PMcG) but once these could-have-been champions fell by the wayside finally some good golfing was rewarded with NF and JP winning the cup and the cream remained at the top for the 2003 year.

The weekend started as every moolymook cup weekend starts with beer and pizzas on Friday night followed by cards that generally included would-be friends dreaming up some way to “sting” fellow golfers, but who was it that had the last laugh.

Saturday arrived and as David Fitz would attest some were awoken with images they would rather not be permanently burned into their memories. But after the usual BBQ brekkie and footy game it was off to the Course and the start of a memorable two rounds.

While not normally renowned as a quick starter on the Saturday I was able to put together a round of 31 pts, which got me into the last group on Sunday. 2 behind JB and equal with Col McG. Starting on a handicap of 13 and moving to 17 on Sunday gave me a psychological advantage but I still had to give JB 2 pts start and 19 shots on handicap

As the day passed JB lost track of how close he was and eventually faded with 29 pts and Col McG posted a respectable 30 pts. Out of the pack came “5-Iron” with 42 points to secure second place But with the driver working and some precision iron play including the NTP on the 14th I was able to record 39 pts and walk away with the cup, the jacket and one of my life’s ambitions achieved.

Bring on 2004.

Written by Murray Reid