04/12/2004
The 2004 GrumAndy Cup is to be played over Dubai's Montgomerie Links on 12 December 2004. Mr Tait Will be looking for a return to the kind of form that saw him lift his only title to date, an impressive 5 & 4 demolition of Mr Cochrane over the challenging Stromness course in 2002. Bookies favourite Mr C goes into this years challenge on top form having comprehensively drawn with his ageing father over the taxing Rosemount wee course in August and will be anticipating a triumphant return to Puddledub with the famous pewterware.
It has been rumoured that the contestants' wives have been denied access to the UAE (by the contestants) and it remains to be seen if this lack of responsible supervision will have any impact on the quality of golf. Sponsorship and hospitality is provided by the five star Dubai Shangri La. Watch this space for pre match wind up and results.
11/08/2004
Arrived safe and well in Dubai. Spent yesterday waiting Mr T's arrival by getting to grips with the city. It's very spread out, but taxis are cheap and a combination of striking buildings and the Lonely planet maps make for relatively easy navigation. Nobody seems to give a shit about speeding so going into town can be an adventure in itself. Andy jetted in in style having been upgraded to a first class bed by our sponsors Cathay Pacific, ensuring he arrived in top condition. A bottle of McAllan had to be arsed to reverse this unfair situation, and duly was. We have now surfaced and are heading off into town. The hotel is fantastic! More to follow-----
15/08/2004
It's all over for another year and the cup is safely ensconced back at Puddledub. Andy put up a brave fight, but to no avail. A strong start from G had him 3 up after 3 holes but Mr T fought back bravely and it was all square at the turn. The 10th was also won by Andy to put him 1 up, and it was at this point that G decided to stop arsing about with his Big Bertha and reverted to the tried and tested 4 iron off the tee. This sensible (and some might say girlie) move proved decisive and at the 16th a 20 footer was charged into the hole to take the title 4 & 2. The course was beautiful, if a little immature, and will only improve with age. It was forgiving of the odd wayward shot with wide fairways and responsive greens. There was also a lot of water which we managed to avoid most of the time and it boasts the largest single green in the world in the middle of a lake. G was the only one of four to hit it and still contrived to take 5 - monty python putting. We were also very fortunate with our playing partners . Chris and Rob are based in Singapore and London respectively and had rendezvoused in Dubai for a weekends golf (whoever heard of such madness). They were excellent company and played, and drank, at a similar level. A few civilised beers on the terrace and it was off back into the city for more fine dining and general tom japery. A huge thank you to the management and staff of the Shangri La who provided impeccable service and I'm sure had to tolerate a fair amount of drunken gibberish. Thanks also to all our loyal fans who pack the virtual galleries every year - the organising committee appreciate your support. Over and out.
Previous results
1998 Grum, 2nd extra hole, Rosemount
1999 Grum, 2&1, Taymouth Castle
2000 Grum, 9&8, Rosemount wee course
2001 Grum, 2&1, Hong Kong
2002 Andy, 5&4, Stromness
2003 Grum, 3&2, Rosemount