Lost ball had crest of the US President
New trophy inspired by lucky find
Members of the Royal Perth Golfing Society will tee-up at their annual tour this year with the chance to bag a unique new trophy.
The introduction of the CIC Trophy has added extra prestige to what is sure to be a competitive few days of golf in the Czech Republic.
An interesting tale centres around the name of the prize, which is abbreviated from Commander in Chief and was introduced by former golf secretary of the club Andrew Christie.
“Finding a golf ball during the course of a round is not an uncommon experience,” he explained to the Perthshire Advertiser.
“Finding one with the crest of the President of the US, however, is quite another thing.
“The year was 2005 – during the G8 Summit at Gleneagles – and the place Strathmore Golf Centre during a Royal Perth Golfing Society competition.
“This found ball from Strathmore was the inspiration for the trophy.
“The principal trophy played for on tour over three rounds is the Biarritz Trophy.
“Over the years, however, more and more players have suggested two rounds only, so on retirement as golf secretary, I decided to present the club with a trophy for this purpose.”
Sculpted by local artist Fanny Lam Christie, the bronze trophy depicts an eagle at the point of taking off into the sky with a surge of energy.
Christie, a golfer herself, understands the challenge of recording an eagle – a score of two-under-par on a single hole – and used this as inspiration for the piece of work. She also wanted to celebrate the fact that the eagle population in the UK has recently reached a sustainable level of 500 breeding pairs.
Golfers from the Royal Perth Golfing Society will seek to card plenty of eagles and birdies when they pitch up at the Royal Marianske in late May.
Captain of the RPGS, Bill Duncan, was thrilled to receive the unique trophy which is housed at the club’s private premises at 1 Atholl Crescent.
“The club is delighted to accept such a prestigious trophy for competition on our annual golf tour,” Duncan told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“The story behind the trophy is
Bill Duncan, Andrew Christie and Fanny Lam Christie fascinating and I am sure that all members on the trip will be determined to take the prize home with them.
“My thanks go to Fanny Lam Christie for sculpting this fine piece of work and to Andrew Christie for presenting the trophy. The club tour is always a special occasion – and this one is sure to be the same.”