Neil Moncur, a scratch handicap member of The Carnoustie Golf Club, is the first-ever winner of The Carnoustie Golf Links Match Play Championship after defeating Pauline Stewart (2up) in the final 18-hole match.
The season-long event was introduced in 2021 and embraced all of the great attributes about modern-day golf. The introduction of the new World Handicap System (WHS) provided a clear structure for mixed-gender and mixed-tee competitions and The Carnoustie Match Play Championship capitalised on these changes to create a competition that allowed all golfers to participate in a friendly knockout event.
After winning the final match, Neil commented that “the event was a great opportunity to meet other season tickets holders who I wouldn’t have played with otherwise, and test myself across different ages, genders and skill levels. With it being a match play event it maintained my interest from April right through to October, and it was great to have another opportunity to play competitive yet friendly golf over a championship venue.”
Keir McNicoll, PGA Head Professional, said he was delighted with the success of the inaugural event. “To have such a closely contested final between low handicap and high handicap golfers, playing from different tees, was brilliant. Golf is an inclusive game and with the new WHS in place, it allows competitions like The Carnoustie Match Play Championship to be competitive and compelling for all golfers.”
The event will return next season and again will be open to all amateur Season Ticket Holders with a handicap index of 54.0 or below. Entry will be available from 1st March 2022.