Blind golfer Mike helps bring home Auld Enemies Cup

Sep 11 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

TOP county golfer Mike Mayo played a major role as Scotland won the 21st Blind Golf International against England in Cornwall last week.

All players in the Scotland team, with Edinburgh golfers Peter Philip and Sam Sloan as captain and vice-captain, respectively, were on top form during the event at the China Fleet Club in Saltash from September 1-4 and Lanarkshire’s Mike certainly played his part in the impressive win for the Scots team.

Scotland led the competition from the start, taking the foursomes day 4.5 to 1.5, and after the four-ball better-ball on day two they enjoyed a comprehensive 9-3 lead over their English rivals.

By the end of the singles on day three, Scotland had won the event by 15.5 to 8.5 and the ‘Auld Enemies Cup’ was coming back home.

Hollandbush golfer Mike, of Lesmahagow, said it was a tremendous tournament for the Scottish golfers.

He continued: “There were lots of tears, hugs and of course a few wee drams at the end of the tournament play!

“We had all worked hard as a team and thanks to captain Peter and vice-captain Sam, the job was done.

“But the biggest thanks must go to our caddies and guides because without them we could not have played.

“They gave up their own time on a voluntary basis, after using their own holiday entitlement from work, so thanks a million to them!”

The Scottish Blind Golf Society (SNGS) is a charity aimed at helping to support blind and visually-impaired golfers and allow them to enjoy a better quality in life, living with a disability such as blindness.

SBGS will hold the 2009 British Blind Open and the Scotland v England international at Hamilton Golf Club in June and September, respectively.

SCOTLAND THE BRAVE: blind golfer Mike Mayo and caddy Bill Routledge show off the ‘Auld Enemies’ Cup after helping Scotland to defeat England in Cornwall last week.