YOUTH RULES THE DAY AT THE 2008 EGAN CUP, SCOTLAND CELEBRATES

YOUTH RULES THE DAY AT THE 2008 EGAN CUP, SCOTLAND CELEBRATES

Associated Press, NOTTAWASAGA, Ontario – Irish eyes were not smiling as youth ruled the day at the Egan Cup Championship held recently at the Nottawasaga Inn north of Toronto.

Doug Robertson fired a sizzling 3 under par 70 (adjusted), on way to his first Egan Cup Championship. After a dominant performance on the opening hole, the McGuires in the foursome (Gerry, Pat, Steve) could sense that the die was cast. There would be no repeat for Gerry McGuire, as the 2007 Cup Champ was left to pick up the pieces and regroup for the 2009 campaign.

At the post-game press conference, when the foursome reconvened, a clearly discombobulated Gerry McGuire was heard to say “My confidence is at rather a low ebb at the moment. My golf has gotten so bad, I've had to have my ball retriever re-gripped.” Steve McGuire remarked “I spend so much time in the woods these days, I can tell you which plants are edible.” Pat McGuire added “This season, the only time I hit a couple of balls cleanly was outside the clubhouse - when I accidentally stepped on a rake.”

For his part, Robertson was elated with the victory. “The competition was stiff and the conditions were harsh....but I’m obviously pleased with the result. “ Robertson acknowledged taking strength of purpose from a very special woman, the Cup’s namesake, May McGuire ne: Egan. He recognizes the unique responsibilities of being the Cup holder noting, “If you are given a chance to be a role model, I think you should always take it because you can influence a person's life in a positive light, and that's what I want to do. That's what it's all about.” Later, during the press conference when Robertson assumed the microphone was off, he was heard to say “....it was like taking candy from a baby....”

The Cup returned to Scotland this past week and the streets of Edinburgh were closed to accommodate the parade. Pandemonium was the name of the day as a near riot ensued (see attached). A motion is before the Scottish Parliament to declare a national holiday in honour of Robertson’s considerable achievement. The motion is expected to receive all party endorsement.

The Egan Cup resumes in next August at a location to be announced in the near future.

P.S. Click the picture for a larger view and notice the 2008 Champ (on top of the double decker bus) proudly holding the Cup.