Local win over Auld Enemy

A team of disabled Scottish golfers claimed victory over an English team in a competition in Perth.

The Phoenix Cup saw 12 players from each team battle it out in traditional match play formats, such as fourball and foursomes and took the cup on the third day by 12-6.

The group took the title after a three days of competition at Murrayshall.

While the Scottish team has won other international Phoenix formats, it had never won at home.

English captain Ian Halliwell said: “This was a great opportunity to compete in a much-coveted competition, to play at a wonderful venue in Murrayshall but primarily to let people know that having a disability is not a barrier to playing golf.

“We would have loved to give the Scots a better run for their money but we can’t always have things all our own way.”

Jim Thomson, the Scottish captain, added: “We thought we had a strong team on paper but it’s one thing to theorise and you can never tell how individuals will gel or not during a competition.

“The first day was more of a struggle against the elements but we had them on day two by taking five of the six available points and halving the last.

“A great competition and a result to relish.”

The Scottish team was comprised of golfers from across the country, including Fife and the west coast.