Cardrona Scramble 2026

A cinematic Scottish Borders setting, a condensed but seriously competitive field, and some superb scoring — the 2026 Cardrona Scramble delivered another memorable day in the Tweed Valley.

Course Highlights

Macdonald Cardrona Golf Course in Peebles is an acclaimed 18-hole, par-72 championship course stretching to 7,010 yards. Designed by Dave Thomas, it seamlessly blends parkland and moorland layouts, framed by the rolling Border Hills and the winding River Tweed. Nestled in the heart of the Tweed Valley, the course boasts cinematic backdrops of mature forests and rolling glens — the kind of setting that lifts every round.

The par-4 7th is a firm favourite and widely considered the signature hole. Measuring over 400 yards, it tests accuracy with a drive needing to avoid trees, bunkers, and uneven lies. True to Dave Thomas's design, the course features large, sculptured bunkers and demanding water hazards throughout. The par-3 5th in particular asks for immense precision, with water guarding both sides of the green.

Weather Conditions

Overcast skies with light winds and a few passing showers — pretty typical for a Scottish Borders day, and conditions that didn't ask too much of the field beyond keeping focused between the drops. Scoring conditions were largely friendly throughout.

Memorable Moments

On the opening day of the US Open and in the middle of the biggest ever World Cup, Golf Pairs added our own contribution to the memorable sporting occasions with the 2026 Cardrona Scramble. A condensed field of 16 teamsmade the trip to the Scottish Borders for what is always one of the most enjoyable days on the calendar.

It was an especially fun one for Ross Goodfellow (8.8), who managed to pick up prizes for both the Longest Drive on the 18th and Nearest the Pin on the 5th — a brilliant double-up, and the kind of day every player dreams about.

Tournament Highlights

The lowest net score of the day came from the team of John Anderson, Gary Galbraith, Chris Lindsay, and William Higginson (team handicap 15.3), who shot a stunning 67 for a net 51.7 — including 6 birdies and no bogeys. A genuinely flawless round.

Just edging into the runners-up spot were Barrie Melrose, Craig Hall, Ross Goodfellow, and Christopher Gillon(9.6), who finished with a brilliant gross 63 for a net 53.4 — racking up 9 birdies with no dropped shots along the way. An exceptional round in its own right, just narrowly pipped on net by the winning team.

The best gross round of the day, though, belonged to Craig Rendle, Craig Phaup, Michael Veitch, and Grant Fraser(6.0). Their team shot an outstanding 62, built on 8 birdies, an eagle, and no dropped shots — a true masterclass in low-handicap scramble golf.

Winners

Huge congratulations to John Anderson, Gary Galbraith, Chris Lindsay, and William Higginson on taking the top spot with a sensational net 51.7. A flawless effort.

Brilliantly played also by Barrie Melrose, Craig Hall, Ross Goodfellow, and Christopher Gillon in the runners-up spot — 9 birdies with no dropped shots is the kind of round that would have won most days.

And huge well played to Craig Rendle, Craig Phaup, Michael Veitch, and Grant Fraser for the best gross round of the day — a stunning 62 that any team would be proud of.

On the Course

Special prize honours both went to one player on the day:

• Longest Drive (18th) — Ross Goodfellow
• Nearest the Pin (5th) — Ross Goodfellow

A brilliant day for Ross — runners-up team finish and both individual prizes. Hard to top that.

A truly memorable day in the Scottish Borders. Thanks to all 16 teams who made the trip up, to Macdonald Cardrona Golf Course for hosting us so well, and huge congratulations once again to all our winners. Already looking forward to next year's Scramble.

Leaderboard can be found here.