History of “the Dunny”
Since the Dunhill Cup was first held in 1985, a Dunhill event has been an ever-present in the home of golf for well over 30 years and is the only professional event held on the Old Course every year. The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship replaced the Dunhill Cup in 2001, with the format evolving, including a medal matchplay era, to the current unique multi-course, pro-am format. Past winners are essentially a “Who’s Who” of golfing legends. With a kaizen approach, the organisers seek to constantly improve the event year-on-year and the attention to detail is astonishing. From the massive stone clad (but temporary!) “Scottish Baronial Manor” constructed by the 18th tee, to the awe-inspiring fireworks display, everything is first class, and nothing is left to chance. Even the seemingly permanent scoring hut behind the 18th is installed only during this event.
In addition, the three courses used for the first three rounds (St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns), each have to be simultaneously setup for a professional tournament in terms of conditioning, officials, volunteers, catering and even multiple media centres. It’s an astonishing feat of organization.
Each player plays all three courses over the first three days, with the public admitted free. All are trying to reach the final day, held on the Old Course in front of large, knowledgeable galleries. Actor Matthew Goode hit the jackpot in his first appearance, in 2010, when he not only made the Sunday, but played in the final group with runner-up Danny Willitt. Sadly, Matthew hasn’t made the final day since, but no matter. “Coming here, it’s like a pilgrimage. I walked the course on the previous Sunday – because you can! – and I had tears in my eyes. This is just so special.”
