This competition - the first of each year - is named after the traditional East Lothian "Hansel Monday" which was the local New Year public holiday up to the 19th century. On that day it was traditional for golfers from all around East Lothian to play a round at the links in the Aberlady / Gullane area. The last such competition in the 19th century was played at Kilspindie Links in 1894. The event was resurrected in 1994 by Aberlady Golf Club and has been played since then as the first competition of the New Year on the first Sunday of the year.
The trophy is a fine old "niblick" golf club, presented by Brian "beastie" Thorburn, which is played for by teams of three golfers, the best two Stableford scores an each hole counting towards the aggregate team score.
The winners in 2005 were the team of Neil Adam, Stephen Allan, and David Tait, who retained the trophy they won in 2004.
Here are a selection of the photos taken at the event. The players were welcomed at the 9th tee with refreshments provided by some of the wives. Hence the delight on the golfers' faces!
As you can see, there are a variety of styles on display.