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Winter League preview - Day 1 - Introduction

Posted on 6 Jan '25 by Dave Hayden II

Get ready to gear up for fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments on the course, because the highly anticipated Winter Leagues are making their grand return!

After receiving a wave of kind words last year, I've decided to dust off my crystal ball and bring back my Winter League preview for the 2025 season. Over the next few days, I'll be serving up write-ups for each group, so prepare yourself for another round of my impressively average insights! Last year was a bit of a struggle, I only managed to correctly predict five out of the eight teams that made it to the knockout stages. Not exactly the stuff of legends! But hey, much like the teams I misjudged last year, I'm crossing my fingers for a significant upgrade this time around!

The Winter Leagues are a delightful celebration that beautifully balances competition with togetherness. This is that enchanting time of year when even the most laid-back players suddenly tap into their competitive spirit, donning their game faces and ready to give it their all. It's a unique atmosphere where friendships are strengthened through spirited rivalry and every shot taken is laced with a mix of determination and camaraderie.

And let's not overlook the amusing sight of our gentlemen competitors, desperately trying to navigate the tricky winter course while also hoping to avoid any slip-ups, that could unexpectedly lead to defeat at the hands of their female counterparts! As the leagues unfold, expect plenty of laughter, some friendly banter and a few surprises along the way.

The landscape of the leagues has undergone a facelift in 2025, with a handful of familiar faces missing and a quartet of fresh teams joining the fray. This shift translates to a reduction in the overall number of teams, now standing at a total of sixteen. These teams are made up of sixty-four players spanning a diverse age spectrum, from the youthful nineteen-year-olds to the seasoned veterans of eighty years young. These competitors not only face off against one another, but must also grapple with the unpredictable forces of nature, as they vie for supremacy in the Winter Leagues.

The field is led by last year's cream of the crop, defending champions the Tractormen. While they were one of the outsiders last season, they will return as one of the fancied teams this time around. Barely a year has passed since they ploughed their way through the field and harvested the title. Now they set their sights on becoming the first team since the legendary Diggers (2018 & 2019) to achieve the coveted feat of back-to-back championships.

The Philipos, last year's heartbroken finalists, are also back for another shot at glory in the 2025 season. Haunted by the ghosts of Maria's agonising missed putt in last year's final, they're hell-bent on exorcising those demons and hoisting the coveted Winter League trophy for the second time.

In the never-ending saga of the sporting world, we have two teams that seem to have a penchant for making the semi-finals their permanent residence. Having been eliminated at the semi-final stage in 2023 and again in 2024, the Dream Team and Flynn's Fliers, the perennial bridesmaids of the league, have once again graced us with their presence, ensuring that the semi-final curse remains firmly in place. It's like watching a broken record on repeat, but hey, at least they're consistent, right?

But let's not forget the other contenders in this chilly extravaganza. While we've already covered former winners the Tractormen (2024), Philipos (2016) and the Dream Team (2005 & 2012), this year's field also contains another two former winners that could give them a run for their money. Paddy's Pirates are fresh off their 2023 Winter League triumph and the McCann Cans are here to prove that their 2020 victory was no fluke. Of the five previous winners, the Tractormen and McCann Cans are the only teams with the same line-up as the year in which they won.

In addition to our usual suspects, we're rolling out the red carpet for four fresh teams: the Celts, Heffos, Misfits and Unknowns! Let's give them a frosty Winter League welcome! With their sparkling enthusiasm, we're in for quite a show. Will they become the tasty appetisers for our seasoned pros, or will they pull off a shocking upset and leave everyone scratching their heads? Only time will tell!

While it's heart-warming to welcome new teams into the fold, there's also a bittersweet tinge to this year's line-up as we reflect on those we'll miss. The Poppys, a beloved fixture in the Winter League, will be absent this season, leaving a noticeable void. Although Fionna Langan and Andy Fitzgerald have found a fresh start with the Misfits, the absence of Terry O'Shaughnessy and Peter Anderson will be felt on the course, but we hope to see them in the bar cheering on the other teams. While it seems we may have bid farewell to the Poppys, we hold onto hope that Rooney's Rogues are merely taking a break and will make a triumphant return next year. Their spirit has enriched our league and we eagerly anticipate their comeback.

So get ready, everyone! As we dive headfirst into a frosty fiesta where egos collide like snowflakes and fashion statements might leave you questioning your life choices. While the pitch and putt may not win any awards, we can assure you that our laughter will echo louder than a snowplough on a Monday morning. Expect plenty of shenanigans that will keep your spirits toasty long after the ice has melted!