New online issue of Scottish Club Golfer is now available

Remember you can also read the latest golf news at http://www.scottishclubgolfer.com/

SGU NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

SGU NEWSLETTER --- CLICK ON THIS LINK TO READ ALL ABOUT THE NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER ---

2009/2010 Winter Tee Time Offers
Scottish Golf Card
SGU 2009 National Handicap Audit
SGU Golf Central- 2010 Open Competitions
Employment Matters
SEMINARS
FOR ALL THE FULL INFORMATION GO TO THE SCOTTISH GOLF WEBSITE

Lanarkshire County AGM

Back row: J Macintyre, C Smith, I Cooper, M Hughes, J Lees, J Glass, S Wood, J Scott, A Duffy, S Williamson, A Lloyd, R Rankin
Front row: Past captain May Hughes, captain Lesley Lloyd, champion Fiona Norris, vice-captain Fiona Scott.

Some of the prizewinners -- Courtesy of Jean MacIntyre - click to enlarge

Lanarkshire Ladies County Golf Association held their AGM and Prizegiving at Cambuslang GC last night when Lesley Lloyd was installed as the new captain, Fiona Scott as vice-captain and Anne Prentice as honorary president.

To read the full report go to the Lanarkshire County Website
To see who are now on the Lanarkshire County Committee Click Here

GET YOUR HAPPY GOLF FIXTURE BOOKLET

Dear Fellow Golfer
Happygolf-Ladies, a pocket size (A6) publication packed with details to enter over 2200 Ladies open golf competitions in Scotland, North of England, Midlands and Wales and the South of England.
Competitions include Scratch, Handicap, Greensomes, Texas Scrambles and Teams.
Booklets cost £4.00 including postage and packaging with proceeds going to Breast Cancer Research. Go to www.happygolf.co.ukto read all about it.

2010 LGU championship entries are now open

There will be no play-offs to decide the precise number of qualifiers for the match-play stages of next year’s Ladies British Open Amateur Championship at Ganton Golf Club and also the Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship at Royal Belfast Golf Club.

Instead, a card countback will be used as the means of deciding all qualifying places. Play-offs have been known to last for hours, on occasion finishing in darkness and then restarting the following day. This did nothing to help the smooth running of the tournaments and players often incurred additional costs and travel delay while they waited to see if they would be involved.

The Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship will be held at the Yorkshire venue from June 22 to 26, beginning only nine days after the conclusion of the Curtis Cup match at Essex County Club, Massachusetts (June 11 to 13). Spain’s Azahara Munoz, winner of the title at Royal St David’s Golf Club, Harlech this year, has since turned professional and already won an event on the Ladies’ European Tour.

The handicap limit for the Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship, to be played at the prestigious Northern Ireland venue from August 9 to 13, is being reduced from 9.4 to 8.4 in recognition of the fact that the general standard of play among the entrants for the Under-18 years’ championship is improving every year.

There will be a total ban on caddies at the Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship. Previously, the ban covered only a golf professional, relative or guardian acting as a caddie in this tournament. Caddies will continue to be permitted at the Girls’ International Matches which will be hosted by Bangor Golf Club, Northern Ireland, from August 4 to 6 however the restriction on a golf professional, relative or guardian acting as a caddie will remain in place.

The Ricoh Women’s British Open Championship has another Lancashire venue, Royal Birkdale Golf Club, from July 29 to August 1.
The pre-qualifying will be held over The Berkshire Golf Club’s Blue Course on July 12 and the final qualifying at Hillside Golf Club, Southport a fortnight later on July 26.

Wales will have two main events on the LGU 2010 calendar.
The Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship will be played at Tenby Golf Club, Pembrokeshire from August 18 to 20, and Wales, champions at Wrexham in 2008 and Irvine in 2009, will be seeking an historic hat-trick of titles when the Home Internationals are played on home soil at Whitchurch Golf Club from September 8 to 10.

Scotland plays host to the Senior Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship at West Kilbride Golf Club, Ayrshire from September 14 to 16. Scotland’s defence of the Sue Johnson Trophy in the Senior International Matches will take place at Sheringham Golf Club, Norfolk from September 28 to 30.

Entries for all tournaments are now available online via ENTRY FORMS

2010 Events

June 22-26: Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship at Ganton GC, England
August 4-6: Girls’ International Matches at Bangor GC, Northern Ireland.
August 9-13: Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship at Royal Belfast GC, Northern Ireland.
August 18-20: Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke-play Championship at Tenby GC, Wales.
September 8-10: Home International Matches at Whitchurch GC, Cardiff, Wales.
September 14-16: Senior Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship at West Kilbride GC, Ayrshire, Scotland.
September 28-30: Senior International Matches at Sheringham GC, Norfolk, England.

From the LGU Website

Kylie and Pamela are ranked 12 & 13 by European Golf Association

Photos courtesy of Cal Carson Agency - Click to enlarge

Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle) pictured right and Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle) pictured left are Nos 12 and 13 in the final European Golf Association women's amateur rankings of 2009.
Lucie Andre of France is ranked No 1.
Danielle McVeigh from Northern Ireland, winner of the British women's open amateur stroke-play championship at Royal Aberdeen in August, is the leading British or Irish player. She is No 3.
TOP TWENTY
1 Lucie Andre (France).
2 Marieke Nivard (Netherlands).
3 Danielle McVeigh (Ireland).
4 Carlota Ciganda (Spain).
5 Caroline Masson (Germany).
6 Lara Katzy (Germany).
7 Hannah Barwood (England).
8 Rosanna Crepiatt (France).
9 Klara Spilkova (Czech Republic)
10 Marion Ricordeau (France).
11 *Caroline Hedwall (Spain).
12 Kylie Walker (Scotland).
13 Pamela Pretswell (Scotland).
14 Pia Halbig (Germany).
15 Rhian Wyn Thomas (Wales).
16 Nicola Rossler (Germany).
17 Mireia Prat (Spain).
18 Marina Kotnik (Austria).
19 Charlie Douglass (England).
20 Rachel Jennings (England).
*Caroline Hedwall is now a professional.

The 2009 West Vets AGM is held at Cowglen Golf Club

The West Vets AGM was held at Cowglen Golf Club today.
To read all about it go to the West Vets Website and to see some photos Click Here

Megan and Carol are given Honorary Membership by Renfrewshire Ladies' County Golf Association

Megan Briggs (2009 Scottish Champion) and Carol Fell ( Outstanding Services to County Golf) - Click to enlarge

Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) and Carol Fell Ranfurly Castle were both awarded with Honorary Membership of Renfrewshire Ladies' County Golf Association at their 100th AGM held at Haggs Castle Golf Club on Wednesday 4th November.

To read all about the AGM --- GO TO the Renfrewshire County Website

To see some videos and photos from the AGM ----- CLICK HERE

West of Scotland's Eilidh Briggs wins SLGA Girls' Order of Merit

West of Scotland's Eilidh Briggs, (Kilmacolm) whose older sister Megan won the Scottish women's amateur golf championship in May, has won the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association girls' order of merit. She totalled 2,285pt, winning by over 500pt from Rachael Watton (Mortonhall) with Lesley Atkins (Minto) third with 1300.
Gabrielle MacDonald (Craigielaw) was fourth with 1120.

Leading final points totals

1 Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) 2,285pt
2 Rachael Watton (Mortonhall) 1,720
3 Lesley Atkins (Minto) 1,300.
4 Gabrielle MacDonald (Craigielaw) 1,120.
5 Sammy Vass (Tain) 1,090.
6 Rachel Hanlon (St Regulus) 1,015.
7 Carly Booth (Comrie) 955.
8 Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies) 890.
9 Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) 850.
10 Hannah McCook (Abernethy) 845.
11 Sophie Alexander (Deeside) 840.

Nancy Chisholm receives her M.B.E. from the Queen

Bill Chisholm and daughters, Lindsey and Susan, were in the audience at Buckingham Palace to see Nancy receive the MBE from HRH The Queen at an Investiture ceremony on the 15th October.

Nancy, a past chairman of the LGU, and a past President of the SLGA, was awarded the honour for services to golf in the Queens Birthday Honours list.

Nancy said "We had the most wonderful day filled with exciting memories meeting interesting people, enjoying new sights, exploring new territories in glorious sunshine and having the thrill of speaking a few words of golf with the Queen!
Never thought it would be such a grand experience."

Well done Nancy!
Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the report

Junior Champion of Champions tournament abandoned

The Scottish junior champion of champions' golf tournament at The Duke's course, St Andrews today was abandoned after 1hr 20min play today because persistent rain had flooded the greens.
Scottish Golf Union tournament director Euan Mordaunt is hoping the reschedule the 18-hole tournament for leading boys and girls for the spring of 2010.

D&A County AGM - Margaret Johnson is made an Honorary Member and their Centenary Book is now on sale

D&A County held their AGM on Wednesday 28th October at Douglas Park Golf Club.

After what can only be described a most successful Centenary Year Kay McColl the Centenary Captain handed over the captaincy to Jennifer Kinloch.

The new Vice Captain is Alisoun Fairbairn

The D&A County Centenary book produced by Margaret Johnson (Cardross) and Jean Campbell (Hayston) was on sale on the evening.

The book has been two and a half years of their lives with Jean constantly driving to and from Cardross to Margaret's house to assist in the development of the book.

Margaret has been a member of D&A County since 1974 and was a Committee Member for eight years under five captains, the last 5 of these years as Honorary Secretary.
She was absolutely thrilled with the Honorary Membership that was bestowed upon her for all her research and efforts in producing an most excellent record over the past 100 years of golf in Dunbarton and Argyll.

Many Congratulations to you Margaret from all in the West of Scotland

The D&A Centenary Book -- Click on the cover to see an enlargement

For those would like a copy of this terrific book (Cost £10) please contact Kay McColl

Happy Halloween to all our Readers !!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Some 2010 Fixtures for your Diary

Looking to fill out your 2010 Golfing Diary then click on the following link at Kirkwood Golf for some of the dates for next year
(Click on the Month heading for the info)

2010 Ladies British Championships News Updates

NO PLAY-OFFS AT 2010 LADIES' BRITISH OPEN AMATEUR AND GIRLS' BRITISH OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY LADIES GOLF UNION
There will be no play-offs to decide the precise number of qualifiers for the match-play stages of next year’s Ladies British Open Amateur Championship at Ganton Golf Club and also the Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship at Royal Belfast Golf Club.
Instead, a card countback will be used as the means of deciding all qualifying places. Play-offs have been known to last for hours, on occasion finishing in darkness and the restarting the following day. This did nothing to help the smooth running of the tournaments and players often incurred additional costs and travel delay while they waited to see if they would be involved.
The Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship will be held at the Yorkshire venue from June 22 to 26, beginning only nine days after the conclusion of the Curtis Cup match at Essex County Club, Massachusetts (June 11 to 13).
Spain’s Azahara Munoz, winner of the title at Royal St David’s Golf Club, Harlech this year, has since turned professional and already won an event on the Ladies’ European Tour.
The handicap limit for the Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship, to be played at the prestigious Northern Ireland venue from August 9 to 13, is being reduced from 9.4 to 8.4 in recognition of the fact that the general standard of play among the entrants for the Under-18 years’ championship is improving every year.
There will be a total ban on caddies at the Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship. Previously, the ban covered only a golf professional, relative or guardian acting as a caddie in this tournament.
Caddies will continue to be permitted at the Girls’ International Matches which will be hosted by Bangor Golf Club, Northern Ireland , from August 4 to 6 and the restriction on a golf professional, relative or guardian acting as a caddie will remain in place.
The Ricoh Women’s British Open Championship has another Lancashire venue, Royal Birkdale Golf Club, from July 29 to August 1.
The pre-qualifying will be held over The Berkshire Golf Club’s Blue Course on July 12 and the final qualifying at Hillside Golf Club, Southport a fortnight later on July 26.
Wales will have two main events on the LGU 2010 calendar.
The Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship will be played at Tenby Golf Club, Pembrokeshire from August 18 to 20, and Wales , champions at Wrexham in 2008 and Irvine in 2009, will be seeking an historic hat-trick of titles when the Home Internationals are played on home soil at Whitchurch Golf Club from September 8 to 10.
Scotland plays host to the Senior Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship at West Kilbride Golf Club, Ayrshire from September 14 to 16.
Scotland’s defence of the Sue Johnson Trophy in the Senior International Matches will take place at Sheringham Golf Club, Norfolk from September 28 to 30.
Entries for all tournaments are now available online via the LGU website at www.lgu.org.

2010 LGU FIXTURES, VENUES

June 11-13: Curtis Cup: United States v Great Britain & Ireland at Essex County Club, Massachusetts, United States.
June 22-26: Ladies’ British open amateur championship at Ganton GC, Yorkshire , England.
July 12: Ricoh Women’s British Open Pre-qualifying at The Berkshire GC (blue course), England .
July 26: Ricoh Women’s British Open Final Qualifying at Hillside GC, Southport, Lancashire , England .

July 29-August 1: Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Birkdale GC, Lancashire , England.

August 4-6: Girls’ International Matches at Bangor GC, Northern Ireland .
August 9-13: Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship at Royal Belfast GC, Northern Ireland . August 18-20: Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke-play Championship at Tenby GC, Wales .
September 8-10: Home International Matches at Whitchurch GC, Cardiff , Wales .

September 14-16: Senior Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship at West Kilbride GC, Ayrshire , Scotland .
September 28-30: Senior International Matches at Sheringham GC, Norfolk , England

The Greenlees Winners -- A few Words !!

Kylie Walker is Second in the SLGA Order of Merit Awards

Congratulations to West of Scotland's Kylie Walker who finished second in this year's SLGA Ladies Order of Merit as shown below.
1.Louise Kenney (Pitreavie) 3090pts 2.Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle) 2740 3.Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle) 2455 4. Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) 2375 5.Laura Murray (Alford) 2120 6.Carly Booth (Comrie) 1788 7. Jane Turner (Craigielaw) 1613 8.Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) 1398 9.Ann Ramsay (Kirriemuir) 1255 10.Katy McNicoll (Carnoustie) 1140.

2009 Greenlees Trophy Presentation and Lunch

Anna Telfer (Milngavie), Helen Robertson (Douglas Park), Jennifer Graham (Haggs Castle) 

and Joanna Scott (Cathkin Braes) Click to enlarge

Click Here to see some photographs from the lunch and presentation

The 2009 Greenlees Lunch and Prizegiving was held at Troon Ladies Portland today Fiona Roger who took over as Greenlees secretary at the beginning of the 2008 season explained to those present last year, the participating clubs, in alphabetical order, host the annual lunch, and with 28 clubs in the 3 Divisions of the league it doesn’t come around too often. That is why she found it a bit of a coincidence that in 2008 the hosts were Ranfurly Castle, her home club and here in 2009 it is being held in Troon where she is lucky enough to have been a member since 2000. 

Before 2000, she had enjoyed many happy Greenlees matches here and from the day she became a member she had enjoyed friendship,a wonderful golf course, and the very occasional good round of golf always in good company. 

 Fiona then thanked Frances Henderson (the Troon Ladies Captain) on behalf of all the teams in the league, for her very kind hospitality today – our glass of wine , the delicious lunch and to Carol and all her staff in the kitchen, for all their hard work behind the scenes as well as in the dining room. Fiona also thanked the ‘flower girls’ Gilly MacRae and Eleanor Bremner for, as always, making the clubhouse look so welcoming. Last but not least, to Rosemary Donaldson, Troon Greenlees Secretary, who has coordinated today's lunch. 

 She also gave a special thank you to Carol Fell who gives so much time and effort to golf in the West of Scotland - her contribution is enormous. Within the Greenlees league she has been her ‘right hand lady’ - Fiona hoped she was improving her computer skills but doubted it ! 

Carol works with her to ensure that all the Greenlees information is correct and accurate on the web - what we both think and hope is a that it is real benefit to all the clubs in the league. Fiona then got down to the real business of the day. 

She hope all the clubs had enjoyed the seasons matches. The latter part of the season was not easy for anyone. The weather played havoc with a lot of matches but she thanked everyone for managing to rearrange not only one but sometimes two fixtures. 

 Fiona then read out a quote that she had found in a typed note from the year 1936. To those teams who feel they are fighting an uphill battle might it be suggested that they take encouragement from the thought that all the leading clubs have at one time or another suffered defeat from each club in turn. And also because some clubs are not quite so strong as others at present, young players are always coming on and newcomers arriving, (not so much the case in 2009) not to mention all the faithful team members who turn out for all the matches and are more experienced with each effort. 

She then went on to say ---- Cochrane Castle have had an extremely difficult year and she had every sympathy with Donna who has worked tirlessly over the years, playing in - and running their team. Unfortunately the rules meant that their match results this season became null and void and they will play in the 3rd division next year. They are determined not to give up the Greenlees team and hopefully along with everyone here wish them a happier and more successful 2010 season. 

Turnberry, sadly are not going to manage to participate in season 2010. Fiona had received a very nice letter from Sylvia Kemp which she then read out. Carol Fell and Fiona had been talking about the wonderful matches that they played against Turnberry over the Ailsa course in the 90's. Carol remembers playing her best golf under sunny skies twice against Fiona Mackay with Mhairi Mackay, probably aged 13 at the time, powering the ball in the game behind her, a wonderful afternoon tea always followed. Turnberry had their 1 greenlees trophy win in 1992. She hoped that in years to come we will again have the pleasure of them participating in the leagues. 

 Fiona then asked Frances to present the trophies to todays winners. Winners of the Greenlees trophy for 2009 by the slimmest of margins - half a point - are Milngavie. Well done ……… Division 3 winners in 2007…………. Division 2 winners in 2008 ……… and now in 2009 top of the pile. 

The Greenlees Trophy, donated by Mr Greenlees, was first presented and played for in 1931. since that first year…… when it was won by Prestwick St Nicholas, Milngavie have been winners on 7 other occasions 

 The Urn --- first presented in 2000 for Division 1 runners up. Cathkin Braes……well done…so near and yet so far………half a point 

Mrs Greenlees decided that their should be a trophy for Division 2 winners and so it was presented for the first time in 1954. The winners that year were Ranfurly Castle. the 2009 winners are Douglas Park

Division 3 shield is considerably younger than the other two trophies and was first played for in 1984……………………The winners that year were Gourock. this years winners by a considerable margin are Haggs Castle. 

 Finally Fiona finished with a quote -- Most golfers prepare for disaster -- a good golfer prepares for success 

Whatever division you play in next year may you have a lot of success, camaraderie and most importantly - ENJOY 

FINAL RESULTS: 

Division 1 : Milngavie 44.5 Winners Cathkin Braes 44 Runner Up Troon 41.5 Kilmarnock Barassie 40 Ranfurly Castle 38 Kilmacolm 32.5 West Kilbride 30.5 Hilton Park 26.5 Relegated Prestwick St Nicholas 26.5 Relegated 

 Division 2: Douglas Park 40 Winners Cardross 36.5 Runners Up Whitecraigs 35.5 Williamwood 32.5 Bothwell Castle 30 Erskine 27.5 Eastwood 25.5 Old Ranfurly 24.5 Relegated Cochrane Castle 0 Relegated 

Division 3: Haggs Castle 57.5 Winners Lanark 49.5 Runners Up Largs 47 East Renfrewshire 45 Greenock 44 Cawder 36.5 Cowglen 36 Lenzie 34 Cathcart Castle 33 Turnberry 20.5

Eilidh Briggs is the 2009 Renfrewshire Ladies County Junior Champion

Eilidh Briggs and Alyson McKechin - Click to enlarge

Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) won the Junior RLCGA Championship yesterday played over Old Ranfurly Golf Course against Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) in what can only be described -- horrendous conditions !!
To read the full report go to the Renfrewshire Ladies' County Golf Website

Ranfurly Castle Final Swing

Played 21/9/09 10 Entries
SSS 73 CSS 76 R/O
Silver Winner Marion Munro 79 (12)
Runner Up Anne Judge 81 (7)
Bronze Winner Marilyn Mirner 77 (32)
Runner Up Margaret Parrott 80 (21)