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