Kirkcaldy to stage its very own Ryder Cup

It’s the return of the Millennium Cup – the biennial tournament staged alternately between teams from Dunnikier Park and Kirkcaldy Golf Club, with this year’s action taking place tomorrow on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday at Balwearie.

The event was launched in 2000 to celebrate the new millennium and has evolved into the biggest golf tournament in Kirkcaldy.

Historically, the series could not be more finely poised, with five wins each going into the 11th contest.

Each side has four home wins and one away victory to its credit, with Dunnikier Park triumphant last time.

The competition has become a leading symbol of sporting spirit and friendly rivalry in the town, with a strong competitive edge on the course.

A scratch competition, it gives an all-too-rare opportunity for low handicappers in both clubs to show their mettle and aim for qualification.

The format exactly reflects that of the Ryder Cup, with two teams of 12 players competing for points across foursomes, fourballs and singles matches.

Understandable restrictions forced by the COVID lockdown meant the organisational stages were a lot more complicated than normal – but both clubs have absorbed a lot of the changes forced on them by the pandemic regulations to keep the organisation smooth and efficient.

Greig Peden, vice-captain at Dunnikier Park, said: “It’s probably a welcome distraction from everything that’s gone on in the background.

“It’s quite a positive thing that it has gone ahead, so it’s given everyone something to focus on.”

Kirkcaldy captain Kevin Blyth said the occasion had grown over the years and there weren’t many events on the fixture calendar for the lower handicap players, so the clubs were always keen for them to try to make the team and be involved.

Both clubs would be submitting very strong teams and there was perhaps an extra incentive to win this year, and gain a slight advantage, with the series level so far.

The teams knew each other well, said Kevin, and, although Dunnikier Park won last time out, Kirkcaldy were not fearful of them and had their own very capable players.

The event started very competitively 20 years ago but the camaraderie had changed since then and the respective clubs enjoyed very good relations.

“It’s a good laugh,” said Kevin. “We take it seriously and we want to win – and it is competitive – but it’s good.”

A sprinkling of county players and national players were involved, added Kevin, while some players had given up competing in bigger events to take part in the Millennium Cup.

“That is testament to how good a contest it is,” he added.