Ian Rowbotham

Co-founder and ever present at The Banff, Ian has won the Trophy outright on 6 occasions and had 1 shared victory in 2018, in what was widely recognised as the ‘Greatest comeback ever’ at The Banff (going from 8th on D1, to tie the lead on the 18th hole of D3). Permanent Committee member and Chief Organiser of the tournament, Ian’s ambition is to win the trophy in each decade from his 30’s onwards.

Current H’cap: 18

1st Banff: 2000

Most recent win: 2018 (shared)

James Robertson

Current Champion, Co-founder and also ever present at The Banff. James’ win in Banff was his 4th overall (with 1 Putney Travel Medal win). Only the second back-to-back winner in the ‘modern era’ (post 2011). Permanent Committee member and Chief Invitation Co-Ordinator, James has ambitions to expand The Banff’s field beyond the current 8 players.

James has been coming to Banff, the town, since 1967.

Current H’cap: 23

1st Banff: 2000

Most recent win: 2021

Al Thomas

With 7 wins to his name from 14 appearances, Al has been the most successful golfer to date at The Banff. His runaway series of success was curtailed when the Handicap Committee cut him from 12 to 8 in 2014, since when the rest of the field have stood more of a chance. Always a competitor.

Current H’cap: 8

1st Banff: 2006

Most recent win: 2017

Charlie Panton

Winner on one occasion in 2009 (with 1 medal win in 2018), Charlie is famed for his use of the ‘mashie niblick’ around the greens and steady play from the tee. Has secured the role of Preferred Travel Consultant for The Banff and is widely credited with keeping the tournament going in the Covid affected 2020 season. 

Current H’cap: 25

1st Banff: 2008

Most recent win: 2009

Martin "Dickerboy" Dickson

The only regular on the Tour without a win (unless you count the one-off Summer Banff of 2015, which we don’t). Despite often starting well, always being straight and true off the tee, and occasionally winning a day (verification needed), the inconsistency of the high-handicapper always seems to get the better of him.

Current H’cap: 26

1st Banff: 2011

Most recent win: Still waiting

Richard "Tricky Dickie" Simmons

Winner in his rookie season of 2011, Richard felt the wrath of the Handicap Committee and has been playing catch-up ever since. A pretty reliable short game and three runners up spots in his other 9 appearances suggest he definitely has another win in him though.

Current H’cap: 20

1st Banff: 2011

Most recent win: 2011

John "Trotty" Trott

After his first appearance in 2013, John made steady progress to eventually take the trophy in 2016. A further shared victory in 2018 sees his name etched on the auld trophy twice. He also has 2 wins to his name on the Putney Medal, which makes him the best loser (or something...). Renowned for his huge drives from the tee which occasionally land on the course, John is always one for the handicappers to keep an eye on.

Current H’cap: 20

1st Banff: 2013

Most recent win: 2018 (shared)

Shannen "Firestarter" Warham

Relative newcomer to The Banff, Shannen made his first appearance in 2015 (where his Aussieness aroused the suspicion of the Handicap Committee, starting him on 24, before pushing him out to a more realistic 28 after D1). He’s since had a rollercoaster ride on the performance graph, going from 8th place on his first outing to second, back to 8th (twice), then eventual winner in 2019 (h'cap: 28). Bound to be a thorn in the side of the Handicap Committee for years to come...

Current H’cap: 24

1st Banff: 2019

Most recent win: 2019