Six-time winner encourages golfers to 'enjoy everything about Dispatch Trophy'

Six-time winner Allyn Dick has urged teams to enter this year’s Dispatch Trophy and “enjoy everything” about the historic event at the Braids.

The 124th edition of the Edinburgh Evening News takes place on May 18, 19, 21, 23 and 25 and will once again be run by Edinburgh Leisure.

Dick got his hands on the trophy on no less than five occasions as a Carrickvale player before adding another gold medal last year as Duddingston made a winning debut.

“Outstanding win, especially in Duddy's full debut in the event,” recalled Dick, a two-time Lothians champion. “The quality of teams we faced all the way through is testament to not only our victory but how clubs are now embracing the competition following the rule change a few years back.”

That was in reference to the tournament being opened up to course-owning clubs, with Mortonhall having already taken advantage by claiming the trophy in both 2018 and 2019.

“We had some very tasty matches,” added Dick, “none more so than against Silverknowes who, in my opinion, have always been the benchmark during Dispatch week.

“Jamie Duguid and myself were six under par after 18 holes yet lost two down to Graham Robertson and Keih Reilly, who showed there’s life in that old dog yet (laughing).”

In the final, Dick, Duguid, David Miller and Connor Scott teamed up to beat three-time winners Heriot’s 4&2 over the double foursomes, with Gary Thomson and Ben Alexander both playing in earlier rounds through a six-man squad rule now being in place.

“Obviously from a personal point, winning a sixth gold medal and joining those Silverknowes guys on that total was incredibly special as I think six is the tournament record,” said Dick.

“All six of us played our part throughout the week, a real team effort and I'm really looking forward to being back there this year to try and defend our title

It's a wonderful event on a very very special golf course and I’d strongly encourage as many teams to enter and enjoy everything about Dispatch week.”

The entry fee is £80 and teams can click here to be part of the 2024 event https://forms.office.com/e/37g3PmMshs