GBT2024 Final

Dundonald Links

🏌️‍♂️🌟 GBT2024 Tour Final: Dundonald Drama Unfolds🌟🏌️‍♂️

The prestigious GBT2024 Tour Final at Dundonald Links the showdown of the year!

The GBT2024 Tour Final at Dundonald Links promised action, banter, and a bit of chaos—and boy, did it deliver.

From sunrise to sunset, we had everything: perfect weather, epic kilts, and a final showdown worthy of a Hollywood script

The Caddie Draw – A Night of Drama

The much-anticipated caddie draw took place at the legendary 3idiots Indian restaurant—where things got heated (and not just from the curry).

The tradition that adds an exciting twist to the proceedings. The draw unfolded based on the standing in the Order of Merit, pairing the finalists with their caddies for the upcoming challenge, but with a twist as this year the players picked the caddies!

Steve and Rory? Laughter guaranteed. Chris with Mark, the silent assassin? The smart money was looking that way. But when Martin picked Tim, the room buzzed—after all, it’s been nine years in the making for that partnership to finally pay off! Robin, who picked Mike, both new faces to the GBT Tour Final, but definately not here to just make up the numbers..  

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The Warming Up (And Warming Hearts)

It all began with the practice round, where whispers of Steve Critchley being on the range for hours were confirmed (rumour has it he was practising his ‘kilt swing’). Caddies were hard at work making sure everything from water bottles to emergency bananas were locked and loaded. By the end of it, the scores went straight to Teknobu Tiger for a forecast—spoiler alert: it was as clear as the Scottish mist!

The stage is set at none other than the iconic Dundonald Links.

The caddie draw complete, the finalists embarked on a practice round, accompanied by their caddies. This crucial day allowed them to strategise, discussing tee shots, green speeds, and course nuances.

The day wasn’t just about practice; it also featured a side competition where the best-scoring pair would claim victory.

GBT2024 Tour Final at Dundonal Links: Unforgettable Moments on Day 2 🌟

The spirit of camaraderie and friendly banter continued off the golf course as the finalists gathered for a delightful Indian banquet and a few well-deserved beers. Conversations around the table buzzed with discussions on each player’s performance, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of amateur golf where one day can differ vastly from the next.

The practice round kicked off with Steve Critchley launching the first shot, setting the tone for what would be a day full of challenges and laughs. The two groups—Steve, Rory, Martin, and Tim leading, followed by Chris, Mark, Robin, and Mike—took on the iconic Dundonald Links for the first time, and what a course it is! The immaculate fairways offered a stunning backdrop, but it was the greens that stole the show. Slick, sloped, and devilishly fast, they were a true test for even the most seasoned ball strikers.

Amidst the laughter and banter, there were some dazzling shots mixed in with those ‘oops’ moments we’d all rather forget (like Steve’s miraculous ability to find the original ball, only to lose the provisional!). Martin Rayner, however, emerged victorious as the individual winner, with him and Tim clinching the pairs’ side bet, showing they were in formidable form. Heading into the final, they seemed like the pair to beat—but in amateur golf, anything can happen. The big question: can they keep their cool and seal the deal when it really counts? The tension is building… and we can’t wait for the drama to unfold!

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GBT2023_Dundonald_Practice_Organising Mark-Di
GBT2023_Dundonald_Practice_Steve-Rory Debate
GBT2023_Dundonald_Practice_Finalists Martin-Robin Preparing

The GBT2024 Final

 Tee-Off Drama – Swinging into Glory

The final with a 11am tee-off and a slight breeze off the Firth of Clyde, the tension was as high as Steve’s kilt on the 18th from the previous day. Every swing mattered, and as they moved through the course, all four finalists led at some stage. It was nip and tuck until the 16th, with all four still in it. Martin and Robin tied on 31, Steve and Chris breathing down their necks on 30—talk about pressure!

Challenges and Triumphs on the Course

Navigating The final round at Dundonald Links was a true test of grit, with each player battling not only the course but also its notorious bunkers, swift undulating greens, and the ever-threatening gorse. Robin found himself nestled deep in the gorse, adding some drama to his round, while Chris faced a relentless challenge from the bunkers, particularly on the 9th. But in a stunning turnaround, he pitched out from the sand on the 15th, landing a glorious 4-pointer that brought him roaring back into contention.

As they approached the final holes, every swing and misstep highlighted the formidable nature of Dundonald, pushing each finalist to their limit. It was a round filled with laughter, frustration, and brilliant recoveries that underscored just how unpredictable—and thrilling—amateur golf can be.

The final holes saw Martin stay calm while others found their nerves tested. With Tim’s steadying advice, Martin held on and clinched victory by one point, making history as the only double winner on the GBT Tour. The crowd went wild, the applause was loud, and we all cheered for what was truly a GBT Tour classic!

Results and Congratulations – The Moment of Glory

The presentation was nothing short of majestic—our 10-Year Celebration table looked stunning, featuring the ultimate prize: a Tag Heuer watch and, of course, those all-important bragging rights.

A huge congratulations to Martin Rayner for holding his nerve under immense pressure (must’ve been the chocolate stash in his bag). Thanks to the finalists for putting on an incredible show and to all our members and guests for being part of the GBT journey.

An essential aspect that elevated Martin’s stellar performance at the GBT2024 Tour Final was the exceptional teamwork with his caddie, Tim Roberts. Their collaboration mirrored the strategic partnerships often witnessed in the boardroom, emphasizing shared goals, trust, and effective communication.

This partnership extends beyond the golf course, serving as a testament to the interconnected worlds of golf and business. For a deeper dive into the significance of the player-caddie dynamic and its parallels with business success, explore our blog post here and discover how the right partnership can make all the difference in achieving victory, whether on the fairway or in the boardroom.

Stay tuned for more highlights and view the GBT2024 Final Video below and the crowning of the GBT2024 Tour Champion! 

Relive the excitement and drama of the GBT2024 Tour Final at Dundonald Links by watching our Day 1 and Tour Final highlight videos! From the nail-biting moments and incredible shots to those classic “oops” moments that had everyone laughing, these videos capture the highs and lows of a truly unforgettable tournament. Dive in, enjoy the action, and get a taste of what the GBT Tour is all about. Don’t miss out—click play and join us on the fairways!
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