The Blackford Matchplay

The Blackford Matchplay

 

 

 

The random draw has been made for the annual Blackford Matchplay Championship 2025.  There are 57 entrants organised around 25 First Round matches with 7 lucky players getting a bye into Round 2. 

There are some juicy ties evident in the draw: our current Champion (Neil Straton) will be challenged by a rejuvinated Eric Turnbull (the bionic man); our captain (Lawrence Dickson) is up against Angus Richardson; Paul Murray-Smith will be taking on Roger Mew (previous Champion).  There could be carnage at the first hurdle! 
The first round of matches must be completed by Sunday, 29th June.
The Odd numbered players are the Challengers whose task is to contact the player immediately below their own entry and supply: 3 dates, a course and a tee choice.  Each Match is to be played by the dates shown at the top of the column and this only works if players actively progress their matches within the given timeframe. Please note that the Challenger should make the first move but if that does not happen, for whatever reason, the other player must initiate contact and ensure that the match takes place within the timeframe.
All competitors should ensure that they keep their WHS handicaps as up-to-date as possible so that it reflects their current form.

Rules of play

  • Straightforward match play contest using the official WHS handicaps for each player, modified by the slope adjustment for the course and tees chosen.  The lowest handicapped player goes to zero and the full stroke difference is awarded to the higher handicapped player. The first named has initial choice of course, and matches are not to be played at an Outing;
  • We encourage both players to not be shy in making contact to arrange the match. The first named is the official challenger, which will  be taken into account in the event of an adjudication regarding any tie;
  • All results to by email please: jeffpreston@sky.com.

2025 Matchplay Round 3 – completed

Gentlemen of Blackford, The last result is in, and we now know our magnificent 8 Quarter-finalists - please see the attached revised draw. All the games were tightly contested with many going to the last hole and several continuing to sudden death. Bill Savage is...

Round 3

Gentlemen of Blackford, Firstly, let me apologise for the delay in sending out the latest draw for this year's Matchplay.  There have been several delayed matches that have prevented its' publication - indeed there is still 1 outstanding tie that requires an immediate...

2025 Matchplay Round 1 – completed

Well done to all of you who managed to fit your matches within the set deadline - we are off to a good start.  The commentaries that accompanied the results told of: terrible starts, great comebacks, close ties and many matches that went down to the wire. As...