Tuesday 8 April 2014

D&A COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

D&A Results

County Championship Semi Finals - Wed 9 April
  • 9.00  Nichola Ferguson v Lorraine Campbell
  • 9.08  Anne Laing v Aileen Baker
QUARTER FINALS
  • Nichola Ferguson bt Laura McGeachy   4/2
  • Lorraine Campbell bt Davina Lavery    5/4
  • Anne Laing bt Anna Telfer  4/3
  • Aileen Baker bt Sheila Steele 4/3

 1st ROUND
  • Nichola Ferguson v Lori Macdonald         Nichola won at 19th
  • 9.08  Lynn McColl v Laura McGeachy                Laura won 5/3
  • 9.16  Davina Lavery v Isobel Harvey                    Davina won 2/1
  • 9.24  Kay McColl v Lorraine Campbell                Lorraine won 7/6
  • 9.32  Anne Laing v Helen Faulds                          Anne won 5/4
  • 9.40  Linda Moffat v Anna Telfer                         Anna won 7/5
  • 9.48  Sheila Steele v Karen Maxwell                    Sheila won 4/2
  • 9.56  Fiona McLean v Aileen Baker                     Aileen won 4/3

Monday 7 April 2014

NICHOLA FERGUSON IS THE LEADING QUALIFIER IN THE D&A COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

The D&A county Championship qualifier was played today over Hayston Golf Course in extremely wet conditions at Hayston Golf club. 76 ladies played and the following qualified for match play tomorrow.
Results: SSS. 71. CSS. 74.
76 -  Nichola Ferguson (Milngavie)
77 - Aileen Baker. (Hilton Park)        
80 - Anne Laing. (Vale of Leven)
83 - Lorraine Campbell  (Cardross) , Davina Larery. (Milngavie), Anna Telfer. (Milngavie)
84 - Sheila Steele (Buchanan Castle)
85 - Laura McGeachy (Haggs Castle), Lynn McColl (Milngavie)
86 - Karen Maxwell (Milngavie)
88 - Linda Moffat. (Helensburgh)
91 - Isobel Harvey. (St Rules)
92 - Kay McColl. (Hilton Park) , Helen Faulds. (Douglas Park)
93 - Fiona McLean. (Hilton Park)
94 - Lori MacDonald. (Cardross)
 Bronze Section:
98 -  Lynne MacDonald. (Cardross)
99 - Eleanor Fenner. (Hilton Park)
101 - Zoe Kemp. (Helensburgh)
102 - Mandy Allen. (Milngavie)

Matchplay 1st Round tomorrow is as follows
COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2014 
9.00 Nichola Ferguson v Lori Macdonald
9.08 Lynn McColl v Laura McGeachy
9.16 Davina Lavery v Isobel Harvey
9.24 Kay McColl v Lorraine Campbell
9.32 Anne Laing v Helen Faulds
9.40 Linda Moffat v Anna Telfer
9.48 Sheila Steele v Karen Maxwell
9.56 Fiona McLean v Aileen Baker
 Bronze
10.04 Lynne MacDonald v Mandy Allen
10.12 Eleanor Fenner v Zoe Kemp

WEST OF SCOTLAND'S CONNIE JAFFREY IS 3RD IN THE IRISH U18 GIRLS OPEN STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

Heather Munro, Clara Young and Connie Jaffrey
Olivia Mehaffey (Royal Co. Down Ladies) retained the Irish U18 girls open stroke-play championship with five strokes to spare at Roganstown Golf and Country Club yesterday (Sunday). In testing conditions Olivia had rounds of 69, 71 and 74 for a one-over-par aggregate of 210.
Scots Clara Young (North Berwick) and Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) finished second and third. Clara shot 73, 75 and 71 for 219 - five shots behind the winner. Connie had scores of 75, 73 and 74 for 222.

IRISH U18 GIRLS OPEN STROKE PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
Roganston Golf Club.
Par 213 (3x71) CSS 73 73 75
214 Olivia Mehaffey (IRE) 69 71 74
219 Clara Young (SCO) 73 75 71
222 Connie Jaffrey (SCO) 75 73 74
222 Marina Hedlund (SWE) 73 73 76
223 Megan Jenkins (ENG) 74 70 79
225 Mary Doyle (The Heath) 73 72 80
International Team Award 
Winners Ireland:(Mary Doyle, Julie McCarthy, Olivia Mehaffey)
Runners up Scotland: Connie Jaffrey, Heather Munro, Clara Young

WEST OF SCOTLAND'S ELIDH BRIGGS IS RUNNER UP IN THE R&A FOUNDATION SCHOLARS TOURNAMENT

Stirling students Jack McDonald and Eilidh Briggs both had to settle for the runner-up spots in a dramatic finish to the 54-hole R and A Foundation Scholars golf tournament over the Eden and Old Courses at St Andrews on Sunday.
Eilidh Briggs lost at the second hole of a women's title play-off to the defending champion, Paula Grant (University of Ulster), who is also the Irish women's amateur champion.
Four shots dropped over the first seven holes on the Old Course - including a double bogey 6 at the sixth - cost Stirling University's Jack McDonald victory in men's tournament.
McDonald, who had scored 69 and 65 over the Eden Course on Monday, could do no better than a closing two-over-par 74 over the Old Course for a four under par total of 212 for the 54-hole tournament contested by 60 student golfers from the UK, Ireland and some Continental countries.
All the competitors in this event receive financial assistance from the R and A to play competitively as amateurs while completing their studies.

In the women's event Paula Grant, joint overnight leader with Ailsa Summers (St Andrews), finished in a tie with Eilidh Briggs on seven under par 215 while Ailsa dropped down to join fourth place after a closing 81 for 219.
The Irish player had a pair of 69s over the Eden Course on Monday and a one-over-par 77 off the womens tees on the Old Course.
Eilidh, a physical education student and a member at Kilmacolm GC, had scores of 72, 68 and 75.
Eilidh birdied the first, second, ninth, 13th and 14th in her final round over the Old Course but bogeys at the fifth, 11th, 12th and 16th cost her victory the regulation 54 holes.
Paula had bogeys at the sixth, seventh and 11th but birdies at the 10th and 14th enabled her
to share the No 1 spot after 54 holes.
Then the Irish champion prevailed at the second extra hole of a sudden death playoff

R AND A FOUNDATION SCHOLARS' TOURNAMENT
St Andrews.
First two rounds, Eden Course; Third round, Old Course
FINAL TOTALS (LEADING SCORES)
MEN
Par 212 (70, 70, 72)
207 Louis Tomlinson (Myerscough) 67 69 71
208 Jack McDonald (Stirling) 69 65 74
209 Henry Tomlinson (Stirling) 66 73 70, Andrew Wilson (Northumbria) 66 66 77.
210 Filippo Campigli (Italy) 66 66 78, Gary Hurley (NUI Maynooth) 69 68 73, Mathias Eggenberger (Stirling) 65 71 74
211 Tiarnan McLarnon (Ulster) 66 70 75, Alex Culverwell (Stirling) 69 69 73
212 Oliver Roberts (Stirliing) 71 70 71, Ryan McKinstray (Queens, Belfast) 70 68 74
213 Shane McGlynn (Dublin City) 73 69 71, Cormac Sharvin (Stirling) 71 65 77
214 Sean 71 7(Myerscough) 73 67 74, Conor James Wilson (Plymouth 72 70 72, Craig Chalmers (Strathclyde) 67 71 76, Dewi Merckx (Stirling) 69 69 76
215 William Russell (Ulster) 71 67 77
216 James Ashman (Central Lancs) 73 72 71, Jacopo Jori (Italy) 71 73 72
217 Robert Mackay (Sheffield Haslam) 70 66 82
218 Angus Carrick (Stirling) 72 72 74, Daniel Rosevear (Plymouth) 72 71 75, Chris Johnson (Exeter) 70 70 78, Matthew Hayes (Northumbria) 70 66 82

WOMEN'S TOTALS
Par 222 (73, 73, 76)
215 Eilidh Briggs (Stirling) 72 68 75, Paula Grant (Ulster) 69 69 77 (Paula won sudden death play-off at second extra hole)
217 Sinead Sexton (NUI Maynooth) 69 73 75
219 Amy Farrell (Dublin City) 68 77 74, Ailsa Summers (St Andrews) 66 72 81
220 Emma Driscoll (UC Dublin) 75 71 74, Alessandria Braida (Italy) 71 70 79
222 Miranda Brain (St Andrews) 70 69 83
223 Ami Storey (Northumbria) 71 70 82
224 Chloe Ryan (UC Dublin) 72 74 78
225 Melissa McMahon (Buckinghamshire New) 71 76 78
229 Anyssia Herbaut (France) 73 72 84, Katie Bradbury (Exeter) 72 71 86
233 Emma Newlove (Exeter) 73 75 85
234 Brabara Borin (Italy) 76 73 85

Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the report

Friday 4 April 2014

RANFURLY CASTLE LADIES FASION SHOW RAISES £707 FOR CHAS


Mary Craig shows off an outfit
A fabulous fashion show was enjoyed by approximately 120 ladies from every corner of the West of Scotland .
The Club's Pro Tom Eckford and wife Sarah produced an evening to remember with their very own loquascious, garrulous and often outrageous compere Paul Morrell leading the show.

George Clooney !!

Lorraine Morrell
The beautiful and often elegant ladies outfits were modelled by Ranfurly Castle's Linda, Fiona, Anne, Mary, Lorraine, Joanne, Nicola and Lauren - famous modelling names in the world of haute couture. Showing the Gents wear at its very best were Pro's David and Andrew assisted by lesser personalities - David Beckham and George Clooney.

Ranfurly Castle's Charity Fashion Show was a great success and thanks must go to all who took part and everyone who contributed to a real feel good evening.


The total raised for CHAS was the superb total of £707 and there was much laughter and fun as you can see from the short video.

WEST OF SCOTLAND'S AMATEURS ALYSON AND NICOLA PLAYING IN THE FIRST 2014 LADIES TARTAN TOUR EVENT

PAUL LAWRIE LADIES TARTAN TOUR TEE TIMES FOR FIRST 2014 EVENT

Round 1: Fairmont St. Andrews - Torrance Course - APRIL 14th 2014

Tee Times 
12:30:  Gemma Webster, Emilee Taylor
12:40 :Kiran Matharu, Vikki Laing
12:50 : Heather Stirling, Michele Thomson, Jenny Potter (a)
1:00 Daisy Dyer-Breierley, Pamela Feggans, Amy Boulden
1:10 :Emma Fairnie, Trish Johnson, Laura Murray
1:20 : Georgina Snow, Nicola Ferguson (a), Kirstin Scott
1:30: Jane Turner, Jess Wilcox, Katy McNicoll
1:40: Becky Brewerton, Lauren Whyte (a)
1:50: Heather MacRae, Charlotte Austwick
2:00: Alyson McKechin (a), Martine Pow, Sally Watson
2:10 : Carly Booth, Tracey Boyes, India Clyburn (a)

SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP

100th Playing of the Scottish Championship

Calling all Silver Division golfers! Your National Championship needs you. This year is the 100th playing of the Scottish Ladies (Close) Amateur Championship from 20th -24th May; it is being played at the site of the first Open Championship, Prestwick Golf Club. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a minimum of 3 rounds on one of the finest links courses in the world for only £45. The closing date for entries is 12noon Thursday 17th April 2014 you can enter online now on the SLGA website www.slga.co.uk

Thursday 3 April 2014

GET YOUR MACKIE ROSEBOWL ENTRY FORM

MACKIE BOWL OVER 36 HOLES AT GULLANE ON JULY 27
The Mackie Bowl will be held on Sunday 27 July 2014. This is a SLGA Order of Merit Event played over 36 holes on Gullane No.1 course.
Entry forms are available for downloading from the SLGA website as are many of the other entry forms.

AYRSHIRE GIRLS SPRING MEDAL

Pre-Handicap girls after the prize-giving.
Scoring was good in season's opener for Ayrshire Girls. Played over Seafield on a bright but very windy afternoon, the winner was Lauren Gilbert (Largs) with a net 67 and runner-up Louise Duncan (West Kilbride) on 69. SSS 69 as was the CSS on the day.

6 girls played 10 holes in the Pre-Handicap competition, results are as follows:-
10-11 years 12 years and over
1st Rachel Foster (Turnberry) 53 Samantha McKay (Loudoun) 58
2nd Kathryn Muir (Troon) 74 Olivia Dunscombe (North Gailes) 60
3rd Hannah Fulton (North Gailes) 78 Rebecca Hale (North Gailes) 64

Saturday 29 March 2014

MILNGAVIE PAST CAPTAIN ANNA TELFER INTERVIEWED ON THE RADIO

Past Milngavie Club Captain Anna Telfer gave an excellent interview on BBC Radio -- Wednesday 26th March -- you have 6 days to hear the interview -- starts about the 9 minute mark. Well done Anna -- you were brilliant.
CLICK HERE to listen

She then was on the radio with LGU Chief Executive -- Shona Malcolm on Saturday 29th March -- Go to about 19 minutes to hear them both -- CLICK HERE

Thursday 27 March 2014

GET YOUR WEST OF SCOTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP ENTRY FORM

The 2014 West of Scotland Championship is over Windyhill Golf Club on Sunday 4th May



CLICK HERE to get your entry form

Wednesday 26 March 2014

AYRSHIRE COUNTY WINTER FOURSOMES WINNERS

The final of the Ayrshire Winter Foursomes took place over Irvine Golf Club.
Jess Blackwood and Janette Stewart defeated Sandra Wright and Irene Papworth at the 20th hole. It was a very good game played in a friendly and competitive manner.


Tuesday 25 March 2014

D&A COUNTY FOURSOMES

PLAYED OVER DOUGLAS PARK GOLF CLUB – MONDAY 24 MARCH

INTER COUNTY FOURSOMES
Scratch:
L. Campbell & L. McGeachy 81/75.5
A. Baker & I. Harvey 87/79.5

Handicap:
C. Dingwall & P. Ross 90/72
C. Sim & F. Cowan 93/75.5
O. Spicer & M. Cochrane 98/76.5
E. Grant & M. Myers 90/77

COMMONWEALTH SPOONS QUALIFIERS
C. Dingwall & P. Ross 90/72
L. Campbell & L. McGeachy 81/75.5
C. Sim & F. Cowan 93/75.5
O. Spicer & M. Cochrane 98/76.5

Saturday 15 March 2014

PAUL LAWRIE LADIES ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN

The entry lists for the PGA in Scotland's five 36-hole stroke-play tournaments that make up the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre Ladies Tartan Tour ARE NOW OPEN!
Each event will have a prizefund of £6,000.
Entry is open to any lady professional and to all female amateurs with single-figure handicaps.
PGA professionals will be able enter just as they would any other PGA event, i.e. by going onto
www.pga.info , then the Scottish Region section and logging into BlueGolf using their normal details.
Direct link to entry page: --- CLICK HERE
Non-PGA pros and amateurs will need to pay an annual Tour membership fee.
This will be £70 for a non-PGA professional, which will cover all five competitions, and £40 for an amateur Tour membership fee.
Non-PGA professionals and amateurs can enter events by phoning the PGA in Scotland office at
Gleneagles on 01764 661840. The tournament entry fee is the same for professionals and amateurs - £75 per event.
Amateurs will be limited under the Rules of Amateur Status to a maximum prize to the value of
£500.
The 2014 Paul Lawrie GC Ladies Tartan Tour schedule is:
APRIL
14-15 Fairmont St Andrews (Torrance Course)
MAY
8-9 Murcar Links, Aberdeen.
JUNE
18-19 Dundonald Links, Ayrshire.
JULY
25-26 Macdonald Cardrona, Peebles.
SEPTEMBER
10-11 Marriott Dalmahoy, Edinburgh (Tour Championship)

Queries to PGA in Scotland Office
Tel: 01764 661 840

Tournament Director Nicola Melville
nicola@ladiestartantour.co.uk


GREENOCK OPEN DAY -- GET YOUR ENTRY FORM

Ladies’ Open Greensome
Sunday 1st June, 2014

Starting Times available from 0930 – 13.30 hrs.
Meals/Snacks available all day.

Entry fee £16 per couple and SAE (by 5th May, 2014 - no refund if cancelled after this date).
(Cheques made payable to Greenock Golf Club Ladies’ Section)


Friday 14 March 2014

ALEX GLENNIE AND MAY HUGHES ARE SELECTED FOR THE SCOTTISH VETS TEAM

The Scottish Vets team selected to play in the annual match against an Irish Senior Select in the Mary McKenna Perpetual Trophy is as follows:

Alison Bartlett (Highland)
Lorna Bennett (Midland)
Fiona de Vries (Midland)
Alex Glennie (West)
May Hughes (West)
Anne Ryan (Highland)
Mary Smith (Highland)
Sheena Wood (North)
Captain Noreen Fenton
Vice-Captain Kathleen Sutherland
Non-travelling Reserves Margaret Tough, Linda Dyball both Midland

The match will be held April 13/14 at Donnabate Golf Club in Dublin which is the home club of golfing legend Mary McKenna


The following is the Irish Seniors Team to play the Scottish Vets at Donabate Golf Club on 13th & 14th April

Susanne Corcoran (Portumna)
Pat Doran (Donabate)
Sheena McElroy (Grange)
Helen Jones (Royal Portrush)
Gertie McMullen (The Island)
Carol Wickham (Laytown & Bettystown)
Mary MacLaren (Wellingborough)
Violet McBride (Belvoir Park)

Captain, Mary Madden (Ballinasloe GC)

The Irish Seniors Golf Society are celebrating their 20th year and the 15th year of the match against Scotland. We are marking this occasion with a Celebration Dinner on the Sunday evening of the match. Pat Doran and myself are looking forward to welcoming both Teams to "our" Club. We would especially love to welcome any Scottish supporters who would like to join us for the occasion.

Mary Mc
Mary A McKenna

Sunday 2 March 2014

DOUGLAS PARK GOLF CLUB SOCIAL EVENING SUCCESS

The Wonderful Douglas Park Staff
Douglas Park GC Staff
Maggie with Sarah Perricone and Moira Kerr
Sarah Perricone, Maggie Rutherford (Captain) and Moira Kerr


The Douglas Park Ladies’ Annual Dinner took place on Friday the 21st February. Over 80 ladies enjoyed a glass of Kir Royale on arrival and were entertained and fascinated by a young Paul Donaldson, with his card tricks.
Moira Kerr played the guitar and amused the audience with her witty anecdotes and Sarah Perricone charmed them with her beautiful violin music. The finale was Moira, appearing as Madame Fifi La Monde, with her ‘Oooh Lala’ outfit of a French beret, fish-net stockings, tight skirt and cigarette holder – what a hoot! The staff (pictured above) , in their Bistro-style outfits, and Moses (or rather ‘Dooglass’), in his ‘Garcon’ outfit with his onions round his neck, completed the ‘look’.
Maggie Rutherford the Lady Captain ran this successful social evening.

 Click  on the following links to see more.
 Douglas Park Ladies Social Evening Video
 Some Photos from the Evenings Event -- Click on the RHS small down arrow and then slideshow

PAMELA PRETSWELL MAKES HER DEBUT IN THE WORLD LADIES CHAMPIONSHIPS

Pamela Pretswell and Carly Booth will be Scotland's pairing in the Mission Hills World Ladies Championship at Mission Hills Haikou, on the paradise island of Hainan, China, from March 6 to 9. It will be Carly's third consecutive appearance in the team tournament. West of Scotland's Pamela Pretswell will be making her debut.

Saturday 1 March 2014

WEST OF SCOTLAND'S CONNIE JAFFREY AND EILIDH BRIGGS ARE SCOTTISH GOLF AWARD WINNERS

The full list of winners from the 2014 Scottish Golf Awards Amateur Golfer of the Year : James Ross SGU Seniors Order of merit : Lindsay Blair Shot of the Year : Phil Mickelson SLGA Girls Order of Merit : Connie Jaffrey SGU Boy's Order of Merit : Ewen Ferguson SLGA Ladies Order of Merit : Eilidh Briggs SGU Men's Order of Merit : Jack McDonald Adam Hunter Award : Robert MacIntyre Team of the Year : University of Stirling Junior Club of the Year : Fortrose & Rosemarkie Volunteer of the Year : Liz Taylor Player of the Year : Catriona Matthew Lifetime Achievement Award : Bernard Gallacher

Friday 28 February 2014

ALL THREE SCOTS LOSE IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE SPANISH MATCHPLAY

Scotland's three qualifiers for the match-play stages all fell at the first hurdle today at the Spanish women's amateur golf championship at El Saler Golf Club
Paula Grant, the sixth seed from Ireland, won by 2 and 1 against Lauren Whyte from St Andrews, the No 27 qualifier.
Scottish champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie), the No 21 qualifier, went down by 3 and 2 to the 12th qualifier, Italy's V Carta.
Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm), the 26th qualifier, lost by 5 and 4 to the seventh seed, A Olarra (Spain).

FIRST-ROUND RESULTS
N Madsen (Denmark) beat A Meyssonier (France) 4 and 3.
A Herbaut (France) beat N Escuriola (Spain) 3 and 2.
L Migneaux (France) beat S Banon (Spain) 3 and 2.
C Ryan (Ireland) beat B Amoros (Spain) 8 and 7.
D Weber (Netherlands) beat A Carnet (France) 1 hole
V Carta (Italy) beat A McKechin (Scotland) 3 and 2.
A Dimmock (England) beat M Martin (Spain) 2 and 1.
M Veysseyre (France) beat A Valenzuela (Switzerland) 1 hole
S Aubert (France) beat C Ofrecio (Spain) 5 and 4.
K Metraux (Switzerland) beat E Pedersen (Denmark) at 19th.
A Van Dam (Netherlands) bear C Sanjuan (Spain) 3 and 2.
P Grant (Ireland) beat L Whyte (Scotland) 2 and 1.
A Olarra (Spain) beat E Briggs (Scotland) 5 and 4.
A Peters (Englan) beat L Sobron (Spain) at 19th.
G Cowley (England) beat M Wolde (Norway) 3 and 2.
L Strom (Sweden) beat V Martinez (Spain) 3 and 1.

WEST OF SCOTLAND'S ALYSON MCKECHIN AND EILIDH BRIGGS QUALIFY FOR SPANISH MATCHPLAY STAGES

All three Scots in the field - national champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie), Kilmacolm's Eilidh Briggs, and Lauren Whyte (St Andrews) - figured among the 32 qualifiers for the match-play stages of the Spanish women's amateur golf championship at El Saler Golf Club.
Alyson made it through in 21st place on 155 (78-77)
Eilidh (77-79) and Lauren Whyte (77-79) both finishing the stroke-play qualifying on the 156 mark. Eilidh was named the No 26 qualifier and Lauren the 27th.
It was a Scandinavian 1-2 at the top of the qualifying list with Nanna Koerstx Madsen (Denmark) earning the No 1 berth with a level par tally of 144 (69-75) ahead of the No 2 seed, Sweden's Linea Strom (74-71).
Ireland have two qualifiers in Paula Grant (78-72 for 150) and Chloe Ryan (77-74 for 151).
England have three in Curtis Cup selection contenders Gabriella Cowley (78-75 for 153) and Annabel Dimmock (77-77 for 154) as well as Alexandra Peters (79-77).

Tuesday 4 February 2014

Ladies Tartan Tour 2014 - Official Announcement

The PGA in Scotland will be a trail-blazer in 2014 when it takes the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre Ladies Tartan Tour under its umbrella.
It will be the first of the PGA's seven regions to run both men's and women's professional circuits from its headquarters at Gleneagles.
It is a feather in the cap of Brian Mair, appointed PGA in Scotland secretary last year, to lead the way forward. He said:
"The PGA in Scotland is committed to providing all our Members with professional, competitive playing opportunities throughout the country and we very much look forward to supporting Ladies golf during 2014 and beyond.
"This represents an important step in our quest to promote the game to all sectors of the community and to reach as wide an audience as possible".
The PLGC Ladies Tartan Tour Director is PGA teaching professional and qualified Rules Referee Nicola Melville. She cut her teeth on the inaugural Paul Lawrie domestic circuit last year when she also worked as a referee on the PGA EuroPro Tour.
Said Nicola:
"We are delighted to have the sponsorship from the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre again and look forward to working with the PGA in Scotland to support ladies golf in Scotland"
Said Paul Lawrie:
“We’re very happy to continue our support from 2013 of what was formerly the Scottish Ladies Open Tour. The new schedule and improved structure will mean some strong venues and the chance for the ladies to play for very healthy prizefunds.
"By supporting the Ladies Tartan Tour we are effectively mirroring the support we offer to their male counterparts. Hopefully it can provide an effective training ground where the girls can get used to the rigour of competition and help prepare them for the next step.”
The tour is open to all female professionals and amateurs with single-figure handicaps. It is not restricted to Scottish-based players.
There will be five 36-hole stroke-play tournaments, each over two days, at high profile Scottish venues - Fairmont St Andrews, Murcar Links, Dundonald Links, Macdonald Cardrona and Marriott Dalmahoy.
Each will have a prizefund of £6,000.
The first event will be held at Fairmont St Andrews in April and the last - the Tour Championship - at Marriott Dalmahoy in September when Heather MacRae, a Gleneagles Hotel staff pro, will be defending the handsome trophy, donated by Aberdeen hotel owner Stewart Spence.
Paul Lawrie has been instrumental in the Ladies Tartan Tour switching its emphasis from one-round to 36-hole events.
"We want to provide a platform for the lady pros and amateurs to prepare for the day when they tackle the Q School and beyond by getting them used to playing two-round tournaments," said Paul.
"Nothing wrong with 18-hole events but a different mindset is required by a player for competitions over two rounds or more. That is one of the reasons why I started the Paul Lawrie Invitational at Deeside on the men's Tartan Tour which is dominated by one-day pro-ams."
A total of 82 competitors, including some from the Continent and England, played on the only Scotland-based lady pro and leading amateur circuit in its first season. The hope is that more lady pros and low-handicap amateurs, keen to gain experience of competing at this level, from outwith Scotland will be attracted North of the Border by the 2014 schedule.

FACTS AND FIGURES

TITLE: Paul Lawrie Golf Centre Ladies' Tartan Tour.
In association with the PGA in Scotland

FORMAT: Five x 36-hole stroke-play tournaments, each over two days.
Open to all female professionals and amateurs with a single-figure handicaps

Tournament entry fee: £75 per event.

PGA members will be able to enter directly through the PGA in Scotland website but not
for the time being until the procedure is set up
and in place, ready to function.
Other players will need to phone the PGA in Scotland office at Gleneagles on
01764 661840 (ENTRIES OPEN SOON).

Membership of the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre Ladies Tartan Tour
PGA Professionals: No fee
Non-PGA Professionals: £70
Amateurs: £40

Schedule (all 36-hole events)

Prizefunds: £6,000 per tournament

APRIL
14-15: Fairmont St Andrews
MAY
8-9: Murcar Links
JUNE
18-19: Dundonald Links
JULY
25-26: Macdonald Cardrona
SEPTEMBER
10-11: Marriot Dalmahoy (Tour Championship)

Saturday 1 February 2014

WEST OF SCOTLAND'S EILIDH AND ALYSON FINISH WELL IN PORTUGAL

Stirling Universities and West of Scotland's Eilidh Briggs faded from a joint third position at the start of play to finish tied seventh in the Portuguese women's open amateur golf championship over 72 holes at Montado Golf Resort, Costa Azul.
It was the toughest day of the four for scoring as Eilidh explained:
"There was about a two-club wind for most of the round and due to the way the course is positioned it was usually a tough cross wind.
The Kilmacolm GC member had rounds 73, 71, 71 and 77 for a four-over-par total of 292, the same aggregate as Annabel Dimmock (Wentworth) (78-70-70-74) who did so well on the recent Florida Orange Blossom Tour where she finished runner-up in "The Sally" and won the Jones-Doherty Challenge Cup match-play tournament.
Briggs, Dimmock and Ireland's Mary Doyle (78-73-72-69) finished seven shots behind the winner, Spain's Silvia Banon Ibanez.
Scottish champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) tied for 11th place on 293 with scores of 74, 74, 70 and 75.
On the same mark were England's Bethan Popel (72-74-71-76) and Ireland's Emma O'Driscoll (73-74-68-78).
Irish close champion Paula Grant finished 15th on 295 with rounds of 77, 71, 72 and 75.
St Andrews' Lauren Whyte (St Regulus), the third Scot in the international field, finished joint 33rd on 304 with rounds of 76, 81, 71 and 76.

PORTUGUESE WOMEN'S OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Montado Golf Resort, Costa Azul.
LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 288 (4x72)
285 Silvia Banon Ibanez (Spa) 69 69 72 75
286 Gabriella Cowley (Eng) 71 74 74 70
287 Natalia Escuriola Martinez (Spa) 74 70 71 72
288 Inci Mehmet (Eng) 70 71 74 73
289 Luna Sobron (Spa) 74 68 68 79, Virginia Elena Carta (Ita) 72 69 74 74

SELECTED TOTALS
292 Annabel Dimmock (Eng) 78 70 70 74, Eilidh Briggs (Sco) 73 71 71 77, Mary Doyle (Ire) 78 73 72 69 (T7)
293 Alyson McKechin (Sco) 74 74 70 75, Emma O'Driscoll (Ire) 73 74 68 78, Bethan Popel (Eng) 72 74 71 76 (T11)
295 Paula Grant (Ire) 77 71 72 75 (15th)
296 Chloe Williams (Wal) 78 78 68 72 (T16)
298 Sarah-Jane Boyd (Eng) 76 73 74 75 (T19)
300 Rochelle Morris (Eng) 77 75 70 78 (T23)
302 Lucy Goddard (Eng) 73 74 78 77, Olivia Mehaffey (Ire) 73 80 73 76 (T26)
304 Lauren Whyte (Sco) 76 81 71 76 (T33)
308 Becky Harries (Wal) 76 76 78 78 (T40)

Friday 31 January 2014

EILIDH SHARES 3rd PLACE IN PORTUGAL AFTER ROUND 3

Stirling student Eilidh Briggs has moved into a share of third place with one round to go in the Portuguese women's open amateur championship at Montado Golf Resort, on the Costa Azul, south of Lisbon.
But Briggs and English youngster Inci Mehmet who is also on the one-under 215 mark look to have too big a leeway to make up on the joint leaders over Saturday's fourth and final round.
Two Spanish players, Luna Sobron, beaten in the final of the British women's open amateur championship last year, and Silvia Banon Ibanez have surged five shots clear of the field on six-under 210.
Kilmacolm's Briggs has had rounds of 73, 71 and 71 and, with five players on 215, she faces tough competition even to finish third, which would be a very good achievement.
Scottish champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) had her best score yet, a two-under 70 after a pair of 74s and her 218 tally has her in joint 10th position.
St Andrews' Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) also hit good form for the first time in Portugal with a 71, a mark improvement on her earlier efforts of 76 and 81. She is on 228.

PORTUGUESE WOMEN'S OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Montago Golf Resort, Costa Azul.
LEADING THIRD-ROUND SCORES
Par 216 (3x72)
210 Luna Sobron (Spa) 71 68 68, Silvia Banon Ibanez (Spa) 69 69 72
215 Eilidh Briggs (Sco) 73 74 71, Inci Mehmet (Eng) 70 71 74, Emma O'Driscoll (Ire) 73 74 68, Virginia Elena Carta (Ita) 72 69 74, Natalia Escuriola Martinez (Spa) 74 70 71
OTHER SCOTTISH SCORES
218 Alyson McKechin (Sco) 74 74 70
228 Lauren Whyte (Sco) 76 81 71

Thursday 30 January 2014

EILIDH BRIGGS SHARING FIFTH PLACE AT HALFWAY IN PORTUGAL

Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) moved up to a share of fifth place at the halfway stage of the Portuguese women's open amateur championship with a one-under-par 71 at Montado Golf Resort.
That put the Stirling PE student on level par 144 - six shots behind the leader by three, Spain's Silvia Banon Ibanez who has had a pair of 69s.
Kilmacolm member Eilidh birdied two long holes - the second and 17th - and two short holes - the eighth and 12tyh. She bogeyed the third, 13th and 15th.
Scottish champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) repeated her first-day 74 for 148 and a share of 13th place.
The Paisley player birdied the fifth and 17th but bogeyed the seventh, eighth, 16th and 18th.]
Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) slumped to an 81 for joint 47th place on 157.

PORTUGUESE WOMEN'S OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Montado Golf Resort
LEADING SECOND-ROUND SCORES
Par 144 (2x72) Length 5,474 metres
138 Silvia Banon Ibanex (Spa) 69 69
141 Virginia Elena Carta (Ita) 72 69, Inci Mehmet (Eng) 70 71
142 Luna Sobron (Spa) 74 68
144 Eilidh Briggs (Sco) 73 71, Natalia Escuriola Martinez (Spa) 74 70
145 Gabriella Cowley (Eng) 71 74

SELECTED SCORES
146 Bethan Popel (Eng) 72 74 (T8)
147 Lucy Goddard (Eng) 73 74, Emma O'Driscoll (Ire) 73 74 (T10)
148 Annabel Dimmock (Eng) 78 70, Paula Grant (Ire) 77 71, Alyson McKechin(Sco) 74 74 (T13).
149 Sarah-Jane Boyd (Eng) 76 73, Olivia Cowan (Ger) 78 71 (T17)
151 Mary Doyle (Ire) 78 73, Chloe Rogers (Eng) 76 75 (T22)
152 Becky Harries (Wal) 76 76, Rochelle Morris (Eng) 77 75 (T27)
156 Chloe Williams (Wal) 78 78 (T45)
157 Emma Allen (Eng) 78 69, Lauren Whyte (Sco) 76 81, Charlotte Austwick (Eng) 78 79 (T47)

Sunday 26 January 2014

KYLE WALKER HAS A TOP TEN FINISH IN AUSTRALIA

Frenchwoman Joanna Klatten fired a dazzling course record nine-under-par 63 closing round to win the Bing Lee Fujitsu General Women's NSW Open by three strokes.
The 28-year-old, who finished at 16-under-par, made nine birdies in a flawless display around on the Oatlands golf course, Sydney to triumph from Canberra's Nikki Campbell (66) with England's Hannah Burke (68) and South Australian Stephanie Na (70) a shot further back in a tie for third.

West of Scotland's Kylie Walker, following up a maiden pro win in the previous ALPG event, achieved a top 10 finish with rounds of 70, 67 and 70 for nine-under 207 and a share of ninth place.
Sally Watson had her best round of the three, a four-under-68, for a total of 209 and joint 13th place.
Vikki Laing had scores of 74, 71 and 72 for joint 20th place on 212.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 216 (3x72) Players from Australia unless stated
200 Joanna Klatten (France) 70 67 63
203 Nikki Campbell 68 69 66
204 Hannah Burke (England) 68 68 68, Stephanie Na 68 66 70
205 MinJee Lee (am) 68 71 66, Kristie Smith 65 70 70, Lindsey Wright 70 64 71
206 Yan Jing (China) (am) 69 69 68

SELECTED OTHER SCORES
207 Kylie Walker (Scotland) 70 67 70 (T9)
209 Sally Watson (Scotland) 70 71 68 (T13)
211 Laura Davies (England) 69 70 72 (19th)
212 Felicity Johnson (England) 68 74 70, Liz Young (England) 71 70 71 (T20)
217 Becky Brewerton (Wales) 72 73 72, Vikki Laing (Scotland) 74 71 72 (T43)
218 Trish Johnson (England) 72 73 73 (T53)

Saturday 25 January 2014

GET YOUR OPEN DAY COMPETITIONS FOR 2014

The happygolf.co.uk - wee yellow book is on sale.

84 pages packed with details to enter over 2,200 open golf competitions throughout Scotland.

Books cost £5.00 including postage and can be purchased by following this link.

Friday 24 January 2014

SLGA ANNOUNCE INTERNATIONAL TEAM CAPTAINS

The Scottish Ladies Golfing Association has appointed the following team captains for the 2014 season:
Under-16s championship: Susan Wood
Home internationals: Karen Marshall
Girls’ Home Internationals: Laura Walker
Senior Home Internationals Anna Telfer
European girls’ team championship: Susan Wood
European women's team championship: Elaine Cuthill
European Senior Ladies’ Team Championship: Anna Telfer
European Young Masters: Laura Walker.

Monday 20 January 2014

KYLIE WALKER SCORES FIRST PRO WIN IN NEW SOUTH WALES FOR $3750 PRIZE

Kylie with her "Big Cheque"
From the Australian Lady Pro Website

West of Scotland’s Kylie Walker fired a flawless round of seven-under-par, 67 to win the Renault Ladies Pro-am at Castle Hill Country Club, New South Wales today.
It was the 27-year-old Glasgow-born player's first professional win, having left the amateur ranks at the end of December 2009 - and understandably she was delighted, not least with the Aussie $3,500 first prize.
“That was really good, I loved it. We had a really enjoyable day, I had great playing partners," said Kylie, who is attached to The Carrick on Loch Lomond Golf Club.
She is now looking forward to playing Oatlands this week in the Bing Lee Fujitsu General Women’s NSW Open and then in New Zealand and up at RACV Royal Pines.
It looked like Swede Dani Holmqvist was going to go back to back with victories after going out in the calmer morning conditions and posting a very credible five-under-par to hold the clubhouse lead.
The wind got up for the afternoon field. However, Kylie Walker handled the conditions perfectly and seemed to thrive in the wind, it was indeed an impressive round of golf.
The 27-year-old took advantage of her length and birdied four out of the five par 5’s. She started on the par 3, 17th hole and got off to a solid start with two birdies in her first three holes. She then posted back-to-back birdies on the 4th and 5th holes to be four-under-par thru her first seven holes.
The former Scottish schoolgirls champion then parred the next two holes before she recorded another birdie on the short par 4 8th. She holed another two more birdie putts on the 10th and 13th holes to complete her fantastic round.

NANCY IS HONOURED FOR PLAYING IN THE RANFURLY CASTLE GREENLEES TEAM FOR 6 DECADES !!

Fiona Roger, Nancy MacGadie and Carol Fell with some of the Ranfurly Castle Greenlees Team
The West of Scotland Scratch League Trophy Greenlees Trophy was introduced in 1931. Ten teams played in one division - Troon, Prestwick St. Nicholas, Douglas Park, Paisley, Drumpellier, Sandyhills, Kilmacolm, Ranfurly Castle, Cathkin Braes and Cardross. At the end of the season Troon and Prestwick St. Nicholas both had 62 points, they had a play off over Western Gailes and Prestwick St Nicholas won by one match. Mrs Greenlees, on behalf of her husband who donated the trophy, presented it to Prestwick. --- In 2014 there are now 3 divisions with 9 teams with 9 players in each team.
Ranfurly Castle has only ever won this prestigious Trophy once and that was in 2004 but have managed to stay in the 1st Division since the late 1970's which is put down to the strength and depth of the whole team. --

Nancy MacGadie was presented with a beautiful bracelet at their Ladies AGM on 16th January 2014 in recognition of her dedication and loyalty to Ranfurly Golf Club. She first played for Ranfurly Castle's Greenlees Team in 1964 and is still playing in the team and winning -- a fantastic achievement to have played in 6 decades. 
Fiona Roger and Carol Fell were also given a mention as to both having played in 5 decades with Carol being the only player out of all the Greenlees Teams to have always played in the 1st division since that time.

PAMELA PRETSWELL FINISHES IN SIXTH PLACE IN AUSTRALIA

Swede Dani Holmqvist, captured her first Australian LPG title yesterday, the Mount Broughton Classic presented by McGills Transport at the New South Wales venue.
The talented Swede fired impressive consecutive rounds of five-under-par 67 on the challenging layout to finish at 10-under-par 144 and two shots clear of the field. She won a cheque for 7,500
Scotland's Pamela Pretswell (69-70), shared sixth on 139 and earned 1,875 Australian dollars each
Kylie Walker had scores of 74-73 for joint 34th place on 147. She earned 277.50.
Vikki Laing, the third Scot in the field, finished out of the money - so too did Laura Davies (150) - with rounds of 78 and 77 for 155.
The next stop in the Club Car Series is the Renault Ladies Pro-am at Castle Hill Country Club in Sydney.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 144 (2x72) Players from Australia unless stated. Prize money in Australian dollars
134 Daniela Holmqvist (Sweden) 70 66 (7,500)
136 Sarah Kemp 70 66 (5,000)
137 Trish Johnson (England) 70 67, Joanna Klatten (France) 67 70 (3,250 each).
138 Stacey Keating 69 69 (2,500)
139 Pamela Pretswell (Scotland) 69 70, Rebecca Artis 69 70, Frances Bondad 72 69, Marta Silva (Spa) 69 70 (1,875 each).
140 Lauren Hibbert 71 69 (1,400)
141 Hannah Burke (England) 68 73, Nikki Campbell 70 71, Rebecca Codd 68 73, Stephanie Na 71 70 (1,150 each)

SELECTED TOTALS
144 Felicity Johnson (England) 71 73 (T24) (437.50)
147 Kylie Walker (Scotland) 74 73, Liz Young (England) 73 74 (T34) (277.50 each).
150 Laura Davies (England) 75 75 (T44)
155 Vikki Laing (Scotland) 78 77 (T55)




Sunday 19 January 2014

SLGA AGM -- HAGGS CASTLE'S AUDREY STURGESS IS THE NEW SLGA FINANCE DIRECTOR AND OLD RANFURLY'S MARILYN MUIR JOINS THE BOARD.

The three new vice-presidents elected at today's Scottish Ladies Golfing Association annual general meeting in Perth - (left to right): Joan Marshall, Margaret MacNaughtan and Emma Wilson.


REPORT BY GILLIAN KIRKWOOD
Beth Paterson, Chairman of the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, opened the 2014 SLGA Annual General Meeting by welcoming a packed house to the Gannochy Suite in the Dewars Centre, Perth on Saturday.
During her report of the 2013 activities, she announced that a proposal on the amalgamation of the two amateur governing bodies for golf in Scotland, viz. the SLGA and the Scottish Golf Union, would be announced soon. Minutes of meetings of the Amalgamation committee can be found on the ON THIS LINK AT THE SLGA WEBSITE
Once again Beth reported on the steady decline in player numbers within Scotland.
"Membership figures show that between 2004 and 2013 we have lost a total of 44,376 playing members (17.4%). This comprises 37,193 adult playing members nationally – a 16.5% decrease. Of these 9,547 are female (26.9% decline) and 27,646 male (14.6% decline) "
Both organisations having been working hard to address this issue, with their joint objective… the Scottish Golf Strategy….
More Golfers - More Members - Stronger Clubs - Winning Golfers - Outstanding Championships - Excellent Governance - Strong Partnerships.
The first three elements of the Strategy are overseen by the Scottish Golf Development committee. Recognising that stronger club facilities are key to attracting golfers as members, in 2013 the SLGA contributed to the salaries of the three Scottish Golf Development Officers, who are central to the delivery of support to Scottish golf clubs.
Finance Director Pamela Malton took the audience through the SLGA accounts, and reported a very small profit of £10,000.
The decline in membership, and therefore subscriptions, has been the major topic in SLGA finances over the last few years. Managing the business with a declining income stream is difficult in any circumstances, and the SLGA is grateful to the grants and sponsorship it gets from SportsScotland, the R and A, Aberdeen Asset Management and others to keep it's head above water.
Pamela said "Throughout all activities of the SLGA, the Board and staff continue to keep costs as low as possible while working to maintain, or if possible raise, the standard of services provided. Costs inevitably have risen, but are still contained within income, due to the huge amount of work done by volunteers. The Board is very appreciative of all the time and effort contributed by volunteers.
No increase in subscription was proposed. Subscriptions have remained static now for six years. If necessary the SLGA intends to dip into its reserves if a deficit occurs.
A proposal to remove the minimum subscription of £75 per club as it is felt that this is unduly penal to clubs with very small numbers of ladies was approved later in the meeting.
Lorna Bennett, SLGA representative on the Ladies Golf Union, gave a report on the LGU activities throughout 2013.
Scots had not fared particularly well in LGU events, with no Scots in the Vagliano Team and only one, Fiona Liddell, in the U16 Junior Vagliano team. Nine Scots played in the British Amateur Championship in Wales with Jess Meek and Rachel Watton the only two qualifiers for the match play stages.
Gemma Dryburgh had perhaps the best result of the Scot in a LGU tournament when she finished runner-up to China's Jing Yan at Prestwick in the British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship.
The 38th Curtis Cup - the biennial contest between teams from Great Britain and Ireland and the USA will be played at St. Louis Country Club, Missouri, USA, from June 6 to 8, 2014

Margaret MacNaughtan, the outgoing President, nominated Janet Brown,  from Melrose as her successor, a proposal widely welcomed by the audience.
Unfortunately, Janet could not be there as she is in Australia, visiting her family. Margaret read out Janet's apology and how much she recognised the great honour bestowed upon her.
Joan Marshall, Emma Wilson and Margaret MacNaughtan were nominated as Vice-Presidents.
Marilyn Muir
Audrey Sturgess




















Other changes in personnel were:
Audrey Sturgess (Haggs Castle) takes over from Pamela Malton as Finance Director and
Marilyn Muir (Old Ranfurly) steps in to complete Audrey's term of office on the Board of Directors.

Mary Richardson comes in as East Division director. Dawn Butchart retired and June McEwan replaces her as the Directors' nominee.
Laura McLardy comes in as North Division Selector.
The meeting finished with a vote of thanks from Midlothian Captain, Sheila Stuart.

EILIDH BRIGGS IS TOP SCOT IN " THE SALLY"

Brooke Mackenzie Henderson, the 16-year-old World No 6 female amateur from Smith Falls, near Ottawa, Ontario, added another title to her impressive CV with a four-stroke victory in "The Sally" - South Atlantic Amateur Championship - on a day of high winds and cool temperatures at Oceanside Country Club, Ormond Beach in Florida.
Seventeen-year-old England international Annabel Dimmock (Wentworth), with Scot Kelsey MacDonald, a former winner on this Orange Blossom Tour before she turned pro last year, acting as her caddie, finished a gallant runner-up, four shots behind Henderson who also won the girls' Junior Orange Bowl at Coral Gables, Florida over the Festive period.
Stirling P.E. student Eilidh Briggs ( Kilmacolm) finished 10th on 304 with scores of 73, 78, 77 and a closing 76 which had birdies at the second and 10th but a double bogey 6 at the 11th in an inward 39.
St Andrews' Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) made the top 10 - joint 17th - with an 80 for 313. Like Briggs, a past Scottish U18 champion, Lauren had a triple bogey 8 at the long seventh and a double bogey 7 at the long 12th but deserves credit for covering the last six holes in one-under-par with five straight pars and a birdie at the 18th.
Ranfurly Castle's Iona Stephen finished her 4th round with a 77 to finish in 23rd place and Peterculter's Rachel Polson, a student at Florida Tech, signed off with an 82 for 31st place on 319.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 288 (4x72)
285 Brooke Mackenzie Henderson (Canada) 67 76 70 72.
289 Annabel Dimmock (England) 70 75 71 73
297 Chloe Williams (Wales) 75 69 70 83, Clara Teixeira (Brazil) 77 74 72 74.
298 Ashley Holder (USA) 75 74 75 74, Katie Mitchell (USA) 75 75 73 74
300 Shannon Aubert (France) 74 76 74 76.
302 Dree Fausnaugh (USA) 76 78 71 77
303 Meghan Stasi (USA) 74 82 72 75
304 Eilidh Briggs (Scotland) 73 78 77 76

SELECTED TOTALS
313 Lauren Whyte (Scotland) 77 82 74 80 (T17)
316 Iona Stephen (Scotland) 80 80 79 77 (T23)
317 Chloe Rogers (England) 78 82 75 82 (T26)
319 Rachel Polson (Scotland) 75 85 77 82 (31st)
323 Hannah McCook (Scotland) 80 82 83 78 (T34)
324 Georgia Gilling (England) 76 81 81 86 (36th)
333 Hannah Robb (Scotland) 84 90 76 83 (44th)
337 Jordana Graham (Scotland) 85 82 79 91 (T47)
Withdrew: Sammy Fuller (England) 86 wd, Tara Mactaggart (Scotland) 81 83 wd

Sunday 12 January 2014

LAUREN WHYTE AND EILIDH BRIGGS ARE BEST SCOTS AT THE 59th HARDER HALL INVITATIONAL

Four-time USGA Women’s Mid-Amateur Champion Meghan Stasi of Oakland Park, Florida broke clear of the field with a final round of two-under-par 70 for a one-over-par 289 total in warm but windy conditions to win the 59th Harder Hall Invitational by the runaway margin of eight strokes at the Harder Hall Country Club, Sebring in Florida yesterday.
In sixth place was former Scottish girls U18 champion Lauren Whyte from the St Regulus Club, St Andrews followed by Stirling student Eilidh Briggs from Kilmacolm who shot an 80 in the last round to make the top 20 ... in 19th place.
Scot Iona Stephen, a Ranfurly Castle GC member, finished on 316 after a final round of 83
Stirling student Hannah McCook from Nethy Brige closed on 324 with an 83.
The final two Scottish Stirling students, Tara Mactaggart from Minto and Jordana Graham from Southerness finished on 334, and 344 respectively.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS - Par 288 (4x72)
Players from USA unless stated

289 Meghan Stasi 73 72 74 70
297 Hannah Pietila 76 67 76 78, Emmy Martin 76 67 76 78
299 Kristina Merkle 75 72 76 76
302 India Clyburn (England) 72 77 73 80
303 Lauren Whyte (Scotland) 73 76 76 78, Emma Pietila 81 75 75 72
304 Isabelle Lendl 79 78 69 78
305 Lauren Coughlin 80 75 70 80, Minami Levonowich 76 79 77 73
306 Chloe Williams (Wales) 75 74 79 78, Sammy Fuller (England) 73 79 77 77, Ali Cowan 76 77 77 76
307 Hally Leadbetter (England) 75 78 74 80, Annabel Dimmock (England) 80 73 77 77
308 August Kim 80 77 70 81, Briana Mao 78 79 74 77, Cecily Overbey 7t 78 79 76
309 Eilidh Briggs (Scotland) 74 78 77 80.
310 Cristine McQuiston 79 73 78 80, Chloe Rogers (England) 76 78 77 70.

SELECTED SCOTTISH FINAL TOTALS
316 Iona Stephen (Scotland) 77 79 77 83
324 Hannah McCook (Scotland) 81 79 81 83.
334 Tara Mactaggart 82 85 83 84
344 Jordana Graham (Scotland) 89 84 85 86


Tuesday 24 December 2013

SEASON GREETINGS TO ALL IN THE OUR WEBSITE READERS

Merry Christmas from Ranfurly Castle


Merry Christmas from Douglas Park

Merry Christmas from Gleddoch

SEASON GREETINGS TO ALL OUR READERS



Sunday 8 December 2013

SLGA Office Disruption

The SLGA is now in the process of relocating from Perth to Edinburgh so there will be unavoidable disruption to telephone and email service for the next 5-6 days. They apologise for any inconvenience caused. Posted Friday 6th December.

Monday 25 November 2013

SLGA DRAFT CALENDAR FOR 2014

JANUARY
18 Annual General Meeting 11am (Dewars Centre, Perth)

APRIL
5 - 6 Irish Under 18 Open Stroke Play Championship (Roganstown GC)
Date pending: SVLGA v Ireland
10 - 11 SLGA Under 16 Open Stroke Play Championship (Strathmore)
25 - 27 Helen Holm Scottish Open Stroke Play Championship (Portland and Old Course, Troon)

MAY
3 - 4 Welsh Ladies' Open Amateur 54 Hole Stroke Play Championship (Prestatyn TBC)
4 West of Scotland Championship (Windyhill)
12 SLGA Regional Medal Final (Kemnay)
20 - 24 100th Scottish Ladies' (Close) Amateur Championship (Prestwick)
24 - 25 Irish Ladies' Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship (Douglas)
25 Munross Trophy 36-hole (Montrose).
31 - 1 June St Rule Trophy 54-hole(Two rounds New Course, Saturday; One round Old Course, Sunday: St Andrews)
31 - 1 June Girls' Inter-Division Matches (Glenisla TBC)

JUNE
6 - 8 38th Curtis Cup (St Louis, Missouri, USA)
8 Adult and Girl Foursomes (venue TBC)
12 SLGA Regional Medal Final (Kirkcaldy)
16 Paul Lawrie Foundation Scottish Schools' Championship (Murrayshall)
16 SLGA Regional Medal Final (Lochmaben)
16 - 18 West Division Inter-County Matches (Haggs Castle)
24 - 28 Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship (Royal St George's, Sandwich, Kent).
21 - 23 North Division Inter-County Matches (Pitlochry)
23 - 25 East Division Inter-County Matches (North Berwick)
24 - 25 Faldo Series Scottish Qualifier (Panmure)
28 - 30 South Division Inter-County Matches (Torwoodlee)

JULY
1 - 4 Scottish Senior Ladies' (Close) Amateur Championship (Elgin)
3 - 6 English Women's Open Mid Amateur Championship (Bath)
7 - 9 North of Scotland Women's Championship (Montrose)
8 - 12 European Girls' Team Championship (Golf Resort Skalica)
8 - 12 European Ladies' Team Championship (Ljubljana)
10 - 13 Ricoh Womens' British Open Championship (Royal Birkdale, Lancashire)
15 - 19 Scottish Girls' (Close) Amateur Championship (Dumfries and County)
23 - 25 Scottish Ladies' Under-21 Open Stroke Play Championship (Alloa)
23 - 26 European Ladies' Individual Championship (Estonia)
24 - 26 European Young Masters (Hamburg, Germany)
27 Mackie Bowl (Gullane)

AUGUST
1 SLGA Regional Medal Final (Haggs Castle TBC)
4 - 7 St Andrews Junior Ladies Tournament
5 - 7 English Open Stroke Play Championship (Tandridge
6 - 8 Girls' Home International Matches (Donabate GC, Co Dublin)
10 - 11 Scottish Girls' and Boys' Under 14 Championships (Bothwell Castle)
TBC SLGA Regional Medal Final (Minto)
11 - 15 Strathtyrum Tournament (St Andrews)
11 - 15 Girls' British Open Amateur Championship (Massereene, Belfast)
TBC - SVLGA Jambore
TBC - North of Scotland Girls' Championships
18 - SLGA Regional Medal Final (Forres TBC)
20 - 22 Ladies' British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship (Asburnham, South Wales)
21 County Golf Open Meeting
22 Barnardos Grand Final - Scotland (Arbroath TBC)
TBC - Total International Junior Championship (Brussels, Belgium)
30 Scottish Ladies' Foursomes (Auchterarder)

SEPTEMBER

TBC - South of Scotland Championship

2 - 6 European Senior Ladies' Team Championship
3 Commonwealth Spoons (Ladybank TBC)
3 - 6 Espirito Santo World Team Championship (Japan)
7 SLGA Grand Medal Final (King James VI, Perth)
TBC - SSGA Match v English Schools
9 - 11 Duke of York Young Champions Trophy (Royal Aberdeen)
14 Scottish Golf Open Amateur Mixed Foursomes (Dunfermline)
TBC - Scottish Veteran Ladies' Championship
16 - 18 Senior Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship (Royal Dornoch)
17 - 19 Ladies' Home International Matches (Aberdovey, West Wales)
19 - 21 Scottish County Finals (Hilton Park TBC)
30 - 2 October Seniors' Home International Matches (Huddersfield)

OCTOBER
5 East of Scotland Championship (Falkirk Tryst)
11 Junior Champion of Champions (The Duke's, St Andrews)
12 SLGA Champion of Champions (Glasgow Gales)

Wednesday 13 November 2013

SLGA to move from Perth to Edinburgh

The Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association is relocating from Perth to Edinburgh. After nine years at The Den on Dundee Road, the governing body will be based at Caledonia House, Sportscotland’s Offices at South Gyle.
A number of sport’s governing bodies are already situated at the offices at 1 Redheughs Rigg and the SLGA will be joining them next month. The switch will take place over the weekend of December 6-9.

COUNTY AGM'S --- NEW CAPTAINS TAKE OVER

Back Row: Sylvia Muir, Eleanor Watson, Ann Grant, Margaret McGregor, Jenny McGee, Kath McKellar Front Row: Liz Keohone, Connie Jaffrey (County Champion), Sheila Adam 
Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Association leading prizewinners during the 2013 season pictured at the annual general meeting and prizegiving held at West Kilbride Golf Club yesterday. 

Sheila Adam has taken up office as County Captain and Liz Keohone is her Vice-Captain.

D&A   AGM and Prizegiving was held on Wednesday 30th October at Douglas Park Golf Club. There was a good turnout of members inspite of the weather conditions in the early evening. President, Lana Macdonald, presented the prizes to the successful winners this year. Carol Sim (Balmore) took over as County Captain from Alisoun Fairbairn. 
Karen Maxwell (Milngavie) was appointed as the new Vice Captain

The RLCGA AGM was held on Wednesday 6th November at Haggs Castle Golf Club.
Gillian McGinlay (Cochrane Castle) is the new Captain of Renfrewshire taking over from Maureen Woodhead (Gourock). Gillian Kyle (East Renfrewshire) is the new Vice Captain.

The 2013 Scottish Champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) was awarded Honorary Membership

GO TO THE RENFREWSHIRE COUNTY WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS

 Lanarkshire is still to hold their AGM

Tuesday 22 October 2013

GREENLEES TROPHY LUNCH AND PRESENTATION

Milngavie -- Greenlees Trophy Winners
Loudoun Gowf , Milngavie, Lenzie and Douglas Park
Divisional Trophy Winners
The Greenlees Trophy Lunch and Presentation of Trophies was held today at Bothwell Castle Golf Club. Most Clubs were represented and were treated to a beautiful lunch.
Greenlees Secretary Anne Dunn chaired the lunch and thanks go to Lynda Smith (Douglas Park) and Sheena McDonald (Milngavie) who in the absence of your webmaster and controller of the Greenlees Result Grid took some photographs. Click on the small thumbnail below to see more. (Then slideshow)
2013 Greenlees Lunch and Presentation
After the lunch Anne Dunn this is what she said ---

"It seem a shame to spoil such a lovely lunch by my having to speak but there are some things which must be said. I would like to thank Bothwell Castle, on your behalf, for a lovely lunch and a very welcome glass of wine on arrival. One of the nice things about the Greenlees Lunch is that you get to visit other clubs – even if it is only one every 27years!!
Before I get on to the main item on the Agenda may I remind everyone about the Fixture Meeting which will be held here on Tuesday 19th November at 10:00 for 10:30. At that meeting we will be welcoming a new team to our competition – namely Ayr Bellisle. It is exciting to have another club joining us. It is against the trend of many competitions which are struggling to get competitors that teams want to join the Greenlees. It says a lot for the reputation of the competition and the friendliness of the participating members.
Now to the main part of the afternoon – the Presentation of prizes. I would like to invite the Lady Captain of Bothwell to do the honours.
The winner of Division 1 is, for the fifth time in succession, Milngavie.
This year they won with 52 points – not however a record as Haggs Castle won with 52 ½ in 2008 albeit Division Three . Congratulations girls I think we will have to find a way of handicapping you to give the rest a chance.
The runners-up were Loudoun. Congratulations – your third year in the competition and after winning the 3rd Division then the 2nd Division you are now the runners-up on the 1st. Perhaps you will knock Milngavie off their perch next year.
Division 2 has a return winner in Douglas Park. Welcome back to Division 1 next year.
Prestwick St Nicholas were the runners-up in Division 2 – much to the relief of Kilmacolm!!

The Third Division winners were Lenzie. Congratulations to them. The runners-up being Hilton Park.
We have had a wonderful season this year and the competition has gone very smoothly. I wish you all well next year both those who will remain in the same Divisions and those who will have new opponents.
I hope you all have a safe journey home and look forward to seeing you at the meeting in November"

FINAL RESULTS





Division 1: Milngavie --- Greenlees Trophy Winners
Loudoun Gowf -- Runners Up

Relegated ; Whitecraigs and Haggs Castle






Division 2 Winners : Douglas Park
Runners Up : Prestwick St Nicholas

Relegated Bothwell Castle and Cardross







Division 3 Winners : Lenzie
Runners Up Hilton Park

CONNIE JAFFREY WINS 2013 SLGA GIRLS' ORDER OF MERIT

SLGA NEWS RELEASE

Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) is the deserved winner of the 2013 Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association’s Girls’ Order of Merit. In a season highlighted by her win in the Scottish Girls’ Championship at Ranfurly Castle in July, she also claimed the Scottish Schools’ and Ayrshire County titles.
In addition, the 17-year-old played for Scotland in the Girls’ European and Girls’ Home International Championships and then topped the lot by making her senior Scotland debut at the Home Internationals at Scotscraig in September.
Jaffrey accumulated 2,645 points and just held off the challenge from Clara Young (North Berwick), who marked her season by reaching the final of the Scottish Ladies’ Amateur Championship at Longniddry in May.
Heather Munro (Monifieth), another who made her senior Scotland debut at Scotscraig, was third. Tara Mactaggart (Minto), the beaten finalist in the Scottish Girls’ Championship, finished in fourth place.
Jaffrey could reflect on a terrific 2013. “Winning the Scottish Girls’ Championship was my goal at the start of the season and it’s been a great overall year,” said the teenager who is now in her sixth and final year at Kilwinning Academy.
Next year, she aims to go to the US on a golf scholarship and it could be another step towards making golf her career.
Before then, she has another season in the junior ranks and will be able to defend the Scottish Girls’ Championship at Dumfries and County next July.

2013 SLGA Girls’ Order of Merit
Top ten
1 Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) 2645
2 Clara Young (North Berwick) 2155
3 Heather Munro (Monifieth) 2040
3 Tara Mactaggart (Minto) 1845
5 Nicola Robertson (Dunblane New) 1610
6 Eilidh Watson (Muckhart) 1520
7 Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) 1445
8 Danielle Ker (The Roxburghe) 1200
9 Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne) 1115
10 Emily Dalgetty (Glencorse) 1110

Monday 21 October 2013

WEST OF SCOTLAND'S CHAMPION MEGAN BRIGGS WINS THE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

FROM THE SLGA WEBSITE
Left to right: Sammy Leslie, Megan Briggs and Ailsa Summers - Courtesy of the SLGA
West of Scotland Champion Megan Briggs continued the recent dominance of the Briggs family at the Champion of Champions by winning (Sunday 20th October) over Glasgow Gailes after her younger sister Eilidh had won the event for the previous two seasons.
On a day that saw some heavy showers mixed with bursts of sunshine a field of 11 players were competing in the season ending event and Megan with a score of 72, five shots under the CSS of 77, proved too strong for the quality field which included the current Scottish Champion Alyson McKechin and Girls Champion Connie Jaffrey.

WINNER:  Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) 72
SECOND:  Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies) 75
THIRD:  Sammy Leslie (Westhill) 78
CSS 77

Friday 18 October 2013

EILIDH BRIGGS WINS SLGA ORDER OF MERIT AWARD

NEWS RELEASE FROM SCOTTISH LADIES GOLFING ASSOCIATION

Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) won the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association’s Girls’ Order of Merit three years in a row from 2009. After an impressive list of results, she has been crowned this season’s Senior Order of Merit winner.
Eilidh collected 2075 points to finish ahead of Scottish Ladies’ Amateur Champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) with Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies) in third place. Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) – Eildih’s older sister – was fourth.
“I was delighted with the year,” said Eildih, a Stirling University physical education student. “I was consistent all season and really performed in the big events.
“I had top 15 finishes in the Scottish, Welsh and Irish Opens and not many players do that. I had the chance to win a couple of times and I learned a lot from the year. It was good that my form didn’t go up and down. It was steady throughout.”
In her third year at Stirling, the 20-year-old is grateful for the help she receives from the University. “It is tough trying to do everything, but I love the fact that I am adding to my education while my golf is still improving,” she said. “Everyone at Stirling helps me to combine both.”
A member of the Home International team at Scotscraig – as was Megan – Eilidh was disappointed that Scotland finished with the wooden spoon, but she could be proud of a personal haul of two foursomes wins and two singles points.
“We had a very new, young team and a lot of the matches were very close (Scotland drew with Ireland) so there were encouraging signs, she pointed out. “Also, a lot of our players are in the US so were unavailable.”
With another two years of study at University, Eilidh is not looking too far ahead. But golf definitely features in her future plans. “My goal is to get a GB and Ireland cap and finish my degree before making any serious decisions about my golf,” she added. “This year has been very good and I just want to keep getting better.”

2013 Order of Merit top ten

1 Eilidh Briggs Kilmacolm 2075 points
2 Alyson McKechin Elderslie 1613
3 Ailsa Summers Carnoustie Ladies 1520
4 Megan Briggs Kilmacolm 1410
5 Clara Young North Berwick 1335
6 Jessica Meek Carnoustie Ladies 1100
7 Jane Turner Craigielaw 1065
8 Lauren Whyte St Regulus 970
9 Rachel Polson Peterculter 880
10 Hannah Scott Broomieknowe 770

Monday 14 October 2013

CONNIE IS 3RD IN THE JUNIOR CHAMPIONS OF CHAMPIONS

Connie Jaffrey, Lauren Whyte and Nicola Robertson - Photo Courtesy of the SLGA
Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) came out on top of a quality field yesterday (Sunday 13th October 2013), at the Girls' Junior Champion of Champions held at The Dukes course.  
Conditions were less than favourable with a strong cold wind and heavy showers making it very difficult, however the field made up of National Champions, County Champions and Internationalists battled the course and Lauren pipped team mate Nicola Robertson (Dunblane New) by 1 shot to win the title with an impressive 73.  
National Girls' Champion Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) was 3 shots back with a 76.

Monday 7 October 2013

CONNIE JAFFREY WINS THE WEST GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP

L to R -- Bronze Semi Finalists  Jennifer, Bethany, Niamh and Heather,
Championship Semi Finalists -- Kirsten, Alex, Kate and Connie
Photo courtesy of Allison Bell
The WOS Girls Championship Semi finals and Final were played yesterday over Troon Ladies Portland.
In the Semi Final Scottish Under 18 Champion Connie Jaffrey beat Alex Qayum (Ranfurly Castle) and Kirsten Brown (Strathaven) beat Katie McGarva (Troon Ladies).
In the Bonze Champion Ship Semi Finals Jennifer Rankine (Haggs Castle) beat Bethany Crawford (Erskine)  and Niamh Kinney (Erskine) beat Laura Mushet (Elderslie)

WEST OF SCOTLAND GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS 2013
Champion: Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) Runner-up: Kirsten Brown (Strathaven)
Bronze Champion : Jennifer Rankine (Haggs Castle) Runner-up: Niamh Kinney (Erskine)

Thursday 3 October 2013

GREENLEES LUNCH AND PRESENTATION


Greenlees Lunch and Presentation of Trophies -- Note sent to all Greenlees Club Captains

Congratulations to everybody who took part this year particularly the :
Winners of Division 1 - Milngavie
Runners-up                   Loudoun
Winners of Division 2 - Douglas Park
Runners-up                   Prestwick St Nicholas
Winners of Division 3 - Lenzie
Runners-up                   Hilton Park

The lunch will be held this year at Bothwell Castle Golf Club on Tuesday, 22 October at 1230 for 1300.   The cost of the lunch will be £15 payable on the day either by cash or cheque made out to Bothwell Castle Golf Club.  
Bothwell Castle have kindly donated a glass of wine prior to the lunch.

Could you please reply to me as to whether your club will be represented, at the moment only two members from each club, and whether you have any special dietary requirements
.
 Subscriptions for next season are due, £15 with cheques made payable to Greenlees Trophy.

Anne Dunn (Greenlees Secretary)

Tuesday 1 October 2013

BETH ALLEN WINS THE LADIES TOUR EVENT DRUMPELLIER

Becky Brewerton, Vikki Laing, Carol Fell (Winner of the best Net)  and Beth Allen (The Tournament Winner)
Solheim Cup player Becky Brewerton from Wales made her debut on the Paul Lawrie Scottish Ladies Open Tour at Drumpellier Golf Club today.
But it was another Ladies European Tour player, American Beth Allen who won the top prize of £750 with a one-under-par round of 71.
Beth won by a single shot from another who has LET experience, Kiran Matharu from Leeds. Kiran's 72 earned her £600 and she is fast regaining the confidence that made her a Curtis Cup player in her amateur days.
Another past Curtis Cup amateur, Michele Thomson from Ellon, finished third on 74 and earned £500.
Brewerton finished outwith the money list with an 80.
Ranfurly Castle amateur Carol Fell almost had a hole in one at the fifth.
Playing off a handicap of nine, Carol did well to get round in a gross 81 and she won the golf balls prize with a net 72.
Gemma Webster, who has come on to her game in the past week or two, had the longest drive of the day at the designated hole.
The inaugural Paul Lawrie Ladies Open Tour ends next week with an 18-hole competition at Craigielaw next Wednesday, followed by the 36-hole Tour Championship over the Marriott Dalmahoy East and West Courses on Thursday and Friday next week.

DRUMPELLIER SCORES
Par 72 (Yellow Tees)
71 Beth Allen (£750)
72 Kiran Matharu (£600)
74 Michele Thomson (£500)
75 Heather Stirling, Gemma Webster (£325 each)
76 Lisa Shervill (£190).
77 Daisy Dyer (£105), Charlotte Austwick (am) (£105 voucher)
78 Laura Murray, Vikki Laing.
79 Martine Pow
80 Becky Brewerton, Emma Fairnie.
81 Jane Turner, Carol Fell (am)
82 Karyn Burns
84 Nichola Ferguson (am)
89 Eileen Cooper (am)

Carol Fell, who is also a member of Douglas Park Golf Club, looks back on the Drumpellier day from an amateur's point of view.
"I was about 6 inches away from a hole in one at the fifth. Played all the short holes well. Got another 2 at the seventh -- about a 18 inches away. At the next short hole the 12th -- should have had another 2 - missed a 2ft putt and had a 3 and then at the 14th missed the green - chipped on and sank the putt for a 3 -- So the short holes were good!
"Beth Allen played really well and I enjoyed watching her game. Delighted to win a dozen golf balls for the best net -- should keep me going!"

NOTE FROM COLIN FARQUHARSON: Carol Fell only played in the Paul Lawrie Tour event as a personal favour because we were short of entries. So nice to see that she did not go away empty-handed from Drumpellier.

Report by Colin Farquharson

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