The Curse of the Castle Course has struck Team Scotland

Slicer sporting a "Full Stookie"

Practice has started for Team Scotland's defence of the Quaich, and today the venue was the Castle Course in St. Andrews.
Douglas "Slicer" Brown, Ross "Rosco" MacCallum and Ian "Big Man" MacCallum teed it up unaware of the drama to come.  After an opening birdie and a big tee shot at the second, Slicer took a real heider as the threesome left the tee box.  The damp conditions and a heavy Friday night conspired to deal a nasty fall for Slicer. 

Despite it being clear that Slicer had sustained a serious injury, the match continued.  However, after 4 minutes, having not played his second shot, Slicer forfeited the match and the ensuing fiver to the Brothers MacCallum.

The hospital trip confirmed everyone's worst fears, and Slicer faces a lengthy time on the sidelines as surgeons had to reattach his quadriceps to his knee.  While it's too early to rule Slicer out of Quaich 2018, he must be listed as "doubtful".  Slicer tallied two and a half points in Austin and is seen as critical to Scotland's 2018 Quaich defence.

News of Slicer's misstep sent shock waves through the Scottish fan base.  "I cannae believe it!"  cried one young fan.   All fans of the Quaich wish Slicer a speedy recovery from this setback.

Team USA Commences Training For Quaich 2018

Goombay and Swayze in the rain in Florida

Just twelve weeks removed from a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Scots in Austin in October, Team USA gathered in south Florida this week to begin practicing for the Quaich rematch in Scotland in 2018.  The mood was decidedly somber as Team USA continue to collectively lick its wounds after losing the Quaich for the first time on home soil.

"We're not dwelling on last year," said Eric "Swayze" Silagy, refusing to comment on his own inept 1 - 3 performance in Austin.  "We're focused on 2018."

Mother Nature provided ideal practice conditions, including a full day of rain where the Americans could break out the rain suits and rain-grip gloves that will be so essential across the pond next year.

"I hope the Scots are enjoying their time with the Quaich," said a confident USA Captain Chris "Guvna" Hughes.  "Because it ain't gonna last long."