FIONA NORRIS IS AWARDED THE SPORTS COUNCIL AWARD FOR SERVICES TO SPORT

At the South Lanarkshire Sports Award evening on Monday 26th March in the Banqueting Hall of the Council Offices in Hamilton Fiona Norris received the Sport Scotland and Association of Local Sports Councils award for services to sport.

SCOTTISH GOLF E BULLETIN

This months Scottish Golf e Bulletin is now available. CLICK HERE to read more

PAMELA PRETSWELL IS SELECTED TO PLAY IN THE CURTIS CUP TEAM

West of Scotland's Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle )has been selected to play in the Curtis Cup Team versus USA at Nairn Golf Club from 8 to 10 June. Congratulations Pamela.
Charlie Hull has been selected in spite of missing the trial at Nairn last week.

TEAM
AMY BOULDEN (Conwy GC). Age 18
HOLLY CLYBURN (Woodhall Spa GC ). Age 20
CHARLEY HULL (Woburn GC). Age 16
BRONTE LAW (Bramhall GC ). Age 17
LEONA MAGUIRE (Slieve Russell GC). Age 17
PAMELA PRETSWELL (Bothwell Castle GC). Age 22
KELLY TIDY (Royal Birkdale GC). Age 20
STEPHANIE MEADOW (Royal Portrush GC). Age 20

TEAM CAPTAIN
TEGWEN MATTHEWS (Wales).

TEAM MANAGER
ANNA HUBBARD (Wales)

RESERVES
1 LISA MAGUIRE (Slieve Russell GC). Age 17
2 GEORGIA HALL (Remedy Oak GC). Age 15
3 BECKY HARRIES (Haverfordwest GC). Age 23
4 KELSEY MacDONALD (Nairn Dunbar GC).

YOUR WEBMASTER IS AWAY ON HOLIDAY

KELSEY AND PAMELA - COURTESY OF
COLIN FARQHARSON

Your Webmaster is going on holiday tomorrow (Monday) to the USA (Myrtle Beach) and will be at the Masters in Augusta after that.
The Curtis Cup team GB and I team of eight to be chosen tomorrow (Monday) and announced Tuesday noon for June 8-10 37th Curtis Cup match against the United States at Nairn GC. However I will be on a plane at the time of the announcement -- Keep up to date with all the news on the Curtis Cup Facebook Page and the LGU Website and the Gillian Kirkwood Website
I may not be able to keep you up to date with news over the next 3 weeks. However with the links above I am sure you will all keep track of what is going on.
On the 5th of April -- CLICK HERE to go to the West Vets Website to see Helen Faulds who is in the same trip Celebrating her Ruby Wedding Anniversary !

Douglas Park, Erskine, Hilton Park ,Ranfurly Castle and Skemorlie progress to Round 4 of the Mail on Sunday

Erskine Golf Club was the first West of Scotland Club to progrees to the 4th round of the Mail on Sunday. They beat Dumbarton Golf Club at home 3-2
This was followed by Ranfurly Castle who beat Caldwell 4.5 - 0.5 at Ranfurly Castle.
Skemorlie the 2010 winners are also through to the 4th round. They beat West Kilbride 4-1.
Hilton Park played yesterday (Saturday 24th) Result Hilton Park 3 Windyhill 2
Douglas Park played Clober today and won 4-1 to also progress to the 4th round
TO READ ALL THE RESULTS SO FAR -- CLICK HERE

Louise Kenney, Eilidh Briggs, Sam Torrance and Megan Briggs with the Ryder Cup

Congratulations go to  West of Scotland's Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) who was awarded the SLGA Order of Merit award at Friday nights memorable 2012 Annodata Scottish Golf Awards.
Louise Kenney, the 2011 Scottish Ladies Champion was the SLGA Order of Merit Winner.

The full list of award winners reads as follows:

•    Team of the Year – Fife
•    Scottish Amateur Golfer of the Year – Michael Stewart
•    SLGA Girls Order of Merit – Eilidh Briggs
•    SGU Boys Order of Merit – Greig Marchbank
•    RBS Junior Club of the Year – Dundas Parks Golf Club (Lothians)
•    SGU Seniors Order of Merit – Bob Stewart
•    SLGA Order of Merit – Louise Kenney
•    The Adam Hunter Award – Euan Walker
•    SGU Men’s Order of Merit – James White
•    RBS Junior Golf Volunteer of the Year – Iain Holt (Turnhouse Golf Club, Lothians)
•    Scottish Golf Player of the Year – David Law
•    Lifetime Achievement Award – Sam Torrance

CURTIS CUP SELECTION TRIAL SINGLES AT NAIRN SUNDAY MORNING

Ryder Cup , Walker Cup, Solheim Cup, Curtis Cup 

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Colin@scottishgolfview.com
G B and I team captain Tegwen Matthews has paired off the 12 players at this weekend's Curtis Cup selection trial at Nairn Golf Club as follows for Sunday morning:

8.30 Kelsey MacDonald v Leona Maguire.
8.40 Holly Clyburn v Kelly Tidy
8.50 Pamela Pretswell v Stephanie Meadow
9.00 Georgia Hall v Amy Boulden.
9.10 Lisa Maguire v Chloe Williams
9.20 Bronte Law v Becky Harries.

Spectators will be admitted free of charge.

The matches that were played earlier today (results not being released)
MORNING FOURSOMES
Bronte Law and Leona Maguire v Georgia Maguire and Becky Harries.
Kelly Tidy and Stephanie Meadow v Pamela Pretswell and Chloe Williams.
Kelsey MacDonald and Holly Clyburn v Amy Boulden and Lisa Maguire.

AFTERNOON FOUR-BALLS
Boulden and Tidy v Pretswell and Harries.
Law and Clyburn v Leona Maguire and MacDonald
Meadow and Hall v Lisa Maguire and Williams.

There will be no matches on Sunday afternoon which will be devoted to skill tests.
British champion Lauren Taylor is still recovering from a neck injury and but is in attendance although not playing. Her place was taken by Junior Vagliano Trophy player Chloe Williams (Wrexham).
Jeff Collington, who works out yardages for the Ladies European Tour, has been at Nairn this weekend and he is giving the players the benefit of his knowledge in that direction. Jeff was also a former caddie on the LET.
Former LET players Gillian Stewart and Christine Langford are on hand to give the GB and I squad members short game tips and also the psychological side of the game,
"We have a very strong support team," said captain Matthews.
Stephanie Meadows is leaving early on Sunday afternoon to catch a plane back to the University of Alabama who gave her special permission to attend the selection trial. Not all American universities are so co-operative.
The players - and the public - will not know the team until it is announced on the Ladies Golf Union website - www.lgu.org - at 12 noon on Tuesday.

Ayrshire County Winter Foursomes Final - Kath and Jenny are winners

Kath McKellar & Jenny McGee (Skelmorlie) and Ann McGillivray & Mara Lindsay (Prestwick, St. Nicholas)

The Ayrshire County Winter Foursomes final was played on Wednesday at West Kilbride Golf Club in dry but cold and blustery conditions. At times some excellent golf was executed by both pairings but Kath McKellar and  Jenny McGee from Skelmorlie  began to edge ahead on the back nine and finally beat Mara Lindsay & Ann McGillvray from Prestwick St Nicholas on the 15th winning 4&3.

CURTIS CUP FINAL SELECTION IS THIS WEEKEND

GB and I team captain Tegwen Matthews with the 13 players on hand for the Curtis Cup selection trial at Nairn Golf Club this week. Junior Vagliano Trophy player Chloe Williams (Wrexham) has been called in as a substitute for Lauren Taylor (Woburn), the 17-year-old British champion. Lauren injured herself last month and is not yet fit enough to play full shots but the LGU thought it was important that she went to Nairn to play her part in the team bonding and to listen to what captain Matthews has to say.
This weekend's schedule at Nairn Golf Club - to which spectators are welcome to attend free of charge:
SATURDAY - 8am - Three foursomes.
SATURDAY - 1.30pm - Three four-balls.
SUNDAY - 8.30am - Six singles.
SUNDAY - 2pm - Short game tests.
The GB and I team of eight for the June 8-10 match against the United States will be selected on Monday and released via the LGU website (http://www.lgu.org/) at 12 noon precisely on Tuesday.

THE LONGEST DAY CHALLENGE -- TO SUPPORT MACMILLAN CANCER

The Longest Day Golf Challenge
We need hard guys and strong women to take on the toughest battle in golf. 1 day. 4 rounds. 72 holes. Think you can do it? If so, then show your stamina this summer by taking in the Longest Day Golf Challenge to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. What’s more, the top four teams will be invited to play for the challenge trophy in Europe this October. Up for it? What's next? Assemble a team of up to four heroes and fly over tomacmillan.org.uk/golf to register. We’ll then send your Team Captain a welcome pack, including guidelines, sponsor forms and your scorecard. Choose a date. The longest day of the year is 21 June, but if you can’t play then, there will be enough daylight between May and August. Book your tee times. Will you play all four rounds on one course, or will you spread them out between two or more? Make giving support easy with a sponsorship page atjustgiving.com/macmillanevents. And why not see if your employer(s) will match any donations you raise? Let everyone know about the challenge. Pop posters up in your club, post sponsorship details on social media sites and contact the local press. ‘The Macmillan Longest Day Golf Challenge has been a genuinely rewarding experience and we’d recommend it to anyone. Qualifying for the finals in Portugal was an unexpected surprise, but it proved an amazing end to an extraordinary journey.’ James Lewis Tempus Est Ludendi – Longest Day Golf Challenge Winners 2011 Shooting for the big prizeFour teams will be invited to play for the Longest Day Golf Challenge trophy Boavista Golf Resort in October 2012. Finalists will be decided by looking at both scores and sponsorship, so the more you raise the better chance you have of qualifying. We’ll let finalists know during the week beginning 10 September.What happened in 2011? Last year’s challenge was the most successful yet, with 335 teams across the UK raising an amazing £393,000. Because of this support, we were able to help even more people affected by cancer with services like our benefits advisers, nurses, information centres and more. If someone is facing the toughest fight of their life, the Macmillan team will be in their corner every step of the way. You can help us provide our wide range of services by signing up today for the Longest Day Golf Challenge. So, assemble your A-team and be a hero for those affected at macmillan.org.uk/golf.The Macmillan Golf Team Looking for other ways to support us? Why not get your whole club involved in the Big Golf Drive this August? Seemacmillan.org.uk/biggolfdrive for more information. Supported by:
Fundraising » Get Involved »

JOB VACANCY WITH THE LGU

The Ladies’ Golf Union (“LGU”) is the encompassing body for ladies’ amateur golf throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Through its subsidiary company, LGU Championships Limited, it is specifically responsible for the delivery of national and international championships including British Championships, Home International matches, International matches including the Curtis Cup, and the Ricoh Women’s British Open.
Applications are currently being invited for the following positions (CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW) primarily based in St Andrews, but with some necessity for travel.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

World Golf Rankings -- Pamela is 62nd

Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle) is now 62nd in the Women's World Amateur Golf Rankings. The two girls from New Zealand, Lydia Ko and Cecilia Cho are first and second. The leading British player is Charley Hull, England, in 7th place.

Amateur Golf is now in the Global Golf Post -- Read about our Scottish Amateur Ladies

Dear Golfer, Your March 19, 2012 issue of Global Golf Post is now available.  Please click here to view this week's issue. In this week's issue: Gear: RocketBallz Generating Lots Of Buzz, 7 Gear: Ecco Biom Hybrid Blends Classic And Casual, 8 Lewine Mair: Manassero Not Driven To Drive, Just To Win, 10 Brian Hewitt: Looking Out For Number Ones, 14 Great Britain And Ireland Amateur Preview, 23 Know a friend who might like Global Golf Post? Email him/her this link: http://globalgolfpost.com/uki TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE SCOTTISH LADIES AMATEUR PAGE-CLICK HERE

The D&A County Winter Foursomes Final

Alisoun Fairbairn and Claire Harper

D&A Captain Alisoun Fairbairn and Claire Harper beat Anne Cumberland and Norma Choat in the Final, 3 & 2, played at Balmore yesterday (Saturday 17th March). It was an excellent match, Alisoun and Claire were 3 up after 8. Anne and Norma pulled back to 1 down after 13 but Alisoun and Claire picked up again and won on the 16th.
Thanks go to D&A Vice Captain Carol Sim for the report and photograph

HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY .

Scottish Vets Captain Helen Faulds (West) and Vice Captain Noreen Fenton (East) are looking forward to playing in the Mary McKenna Trophy next month in Ireland. West Vet Mae Hughes (Lanark) and East Vet Lorna Bennett who are in the team are seen here all celebrating St Patrick's Day

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

To see them all celebrating again go to the West Vets Website

The Irish Select Team at Hilton Templepatrick GC Belfast, on Sunday 14th and Monday 15th April 2012.

Elaine Allison (Midland)
Heather Anderson (Midland)
Karen Ballantyne (East)
Alison Bartlett (Highland)
Lorna Bennett (East)
May Hughes (West)
Mary Smith (Highland)
Linda Urquhart (Northern)

Reserves
Anne Ryan (Highland)
Jill Harrison (Northern)
Alex Glennie (West)

EIlidh Briggs wins the 3rd Scottish University Order of Merit Award at Dundonald

The 3rd Scottish Universities Order of Merit golt tournament event ended at a cold, wet and very windy Dundonald Links yesterday (Friday) with a clean sweep for Stirling University students in all four competitions.
In the men's event, Jack McDonald struck a highly credible 78 in the conditions for a total of 223 (9 over par) to pip Scottish international Graeme Robertson by two shots.
Robertson, who took 71 shots (1 under par) in an incredible morning's golf, fell foul of the tournament referee (after a lengthy and conisdered discussion) for having taken a number of preferred lies in contravention of the tournament conditions; finally signing for a score of 79 and second place.
Dewi Merckx, also from Stirling, who had led after the first two rounds struggled in the conditions to a score of 80, just ahead of Fairmont winner Chris Harkins (Strathclyde) who, like Robertson, had to add penalties to his score before signing his card.
Stirling I captured the men's team prize - McDonald and Robertson being joined in a 10-shot triumph by former Order of Merit winners David Booth and Zander Culverwell.
In the women's event, Stirling's Eilidh Briggs continues to dominate the Scottish Order of Merit events with scores of 74, 78, 81 for a total of 233 to win by 14 shots.
At the Scottish Universities Championships at Moray Golf Club in ten days time, Eilidh will have the unrivalled opportunity to complete a season's "Grand Slam" of the four Scottish student women's Order of Merit events - the )first time this will have been achieved.
Along with Becka Wilson and Harriet Beasley, Eilidh also picked up the women's team prize.

MEN'S LEADERBOARD
1 Jack Mcdonald (Stirling) 73 72 78 223
2 Graeme Robertson (Stirling) 72 74 79 225
3 Dewi Merckx (Stirling) 71 74 80 225
4 Chris Harkins (Strathclyde) 75 74 77 226
5 Nick McAndrew (Aberdeen) 77 76 75 228
6 Don McAndrew (RGU) 80 74 77 231
7 Matthias Eggenberger (Stirling) 74 79 79 232
8 Lee Fuller (Northumbria) 83 72 79 234
9 David Booth (Stirling) 77 80 78 235
10 Jack Lampkin (Northumbria)  76 79 81 236


WOMEN'S SCOREBOARD

1 Eilidh Briggs (Stirling) 74 78 81 233
2 Becka Wilson (Stirling) 81 83 83 247
3 Jane Turner (RGU) 85 79 85 249
4 Gabrielle Macdonald (St Andrews) 82 85 83 250
5 Hannah McCook (Stirling) 86 84 82 252
6 Sam Munro (UHI) 84 81 87 252
7 Harriet Beasley (Stirling) 83 80 95 258
8 Jordanna Graham (Stirling) 85 84 95 264
9 Zhana Tarasko (St Andrews) 89 85 174
10 Alisa Theunis (St Andrews) 89 92 181
11 Mhairi McKay (Stirling) 94 90 184

Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the report

DOUGLAS PARK EAGLE MIXED FOURSOMES CELEBRATES IT'S 40th ANNIVERSARY

The Douglas Park "Eagle" Open Mixed Foursomes celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2012.
The unique and impressive bronze eagle trophy, designed by Mr F. Malcolm Robertson of Glasgow School of Art in reference to the Roman Eagle emblem of the Club,  was commissioned by and presented to the Club by Past Captain John and Past Ladies' Captain Jean Watson in 1972. One of the pioneering events of its kind, the tournament continues to attract competitors from far and wide. In order to retain this interest and in celebration of the tournament's special birthday, the prize fund has been substantially enhanced.
There is a £1000 prize fund READ MORE

Entry Forms can be obtained ----- BY CLICKING HERE
Jim Fergusson
Tournament Convener

PAMELA HEADS FOR NAIRN FROM FRANCE WITH CONFIDENCE

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Colin@scottishgolfview.com
Despite slipping from third to joint seventh over the final round, Hamilton-based Pamela Pretswell will head to Nairn for next week's Curtis Cup selection trial full of confidence that she can impress the GB and I selectors enough to be named for the June 8-10 match against the United States.
Pretswell, who played in the 2010 Curtis Cup match in the States and was the only amateur in the field, had rounds of 71, 73 and 76 for a total of one-over-par 220 in the Terre Blanche Ladies Open, a Ladies European Tour developmental circuit event, at the Terre Blanche Golf Resort in Provence, southern France.
She had three birdies on the front nine but none after the turn to offset three further bogeys.
Carnoustie's Katy McNicoll finished joint 15th with scores of 74-75-74 for 223. She birdied three of the last five holes and is beginning to find her feet as a tour pro.
Heather MacRae (Gleneagles) had scores of 77-74-80 for 231 and 27th place. Winner was France's Marion Ricordeau with scores of 70-73-68 for an eight-under-par total of 211 over the par-73 course. She won by three shots from the overnight leader, Australian Rebecca Flood (72-69-73 for 214).

 FINAL TOTALS
Par 219 (3x73)
211 Marion Ricordeau (Fra) 70 73 68.
214 Rebecca Flood (Australia) 72 69 73.
215 Caroline Afonso (Fra) 72 73 70.
217 Julie Maisongrosse (Fra) 75 71 71

 SELECTED TOTALS
220 Pamela Pretswell (Sco) 71 73 76,(T7).
223 Katy McNicoll (Sco) 74 75 74 (T15).
231 Heather MacRae (Sco) 77 74 80 (27th).

TO VIEW ALL THE FINAL TOTALS

CLICK HERE

Pamela does well in the 2nd Round in France

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Colin@scottishgolfview.com
Curtis Cup team place contender Pamela Pretswell goes into Friday's final round of the Terre Blanche Ladies Open - a Ladies European Tour Access Series event - in the south of France in third place, only three shots behind the Aussie leader, Rebecca Flood.
Pamela, in good nick for next week's GB and I selection trial at Nairn, added a par-73 today to her opening 71 with birdies at the first, seventh and 18th being cancelled out by bogeys at the second, third and 14th.
The Bothwell Castle GC amateur's total of two-under 144 is three behind Flood (72-69) and one in arrears of second-placed Marion Ricordeau (France) (70-73). Katy McNicoll (Carnoustie) is lying joint 15th with 74-75 for 149 - two strokes ahead of Heather MacRae (Gleneagles) (77-74) in joint 21st place.
Gemma Webster from Glasgow shot 83-79 for 162 - 10 shots above the cut for the final round.
LEADING SECOND-ROUND TOTALS
 Par 146 (2x73)
141 Rebecca Flood (Aus) 72 69.
143 Marion Ricordeau (Fra) 70 73.
144 Pamela Pretswell (Sco) (am) 71 73.

SELECTED SCORES
148 Hannah Ralph (Eng) 72 76 (T10)
149 Katy McNicoll (Sco) 74 75 (T15).
151 Heather MacRae (Sco) 77 74, Danielle McVeigh (Ire) 77 74 (T21).
152 Tara Delaney (Ire) 77 75 (T27)

MISSED THE CUT (152 or better qualified)
155 Martina Gillen (Ire) 74 81, Henrietta Zuel (Eng) 79 76.
161 Lindsay Brown (Eng) (am) 79 82.
162 Gemma Webster (Sco) 83 79.
171 Lauren Blease (Eng) 84 87.
172 Joanne Clingan (Eng) 85 87.
Labels: Amateur Ladies, Pro Ladies

CLARE- MARIE MACAULAY IS MADE AN HONORARY MEMBER OF FERENEZE

Many congratulations go to Clare-Marie Macaulay (nee Carlton) who has just been made an Honorary Member of Fereneze. She was absolutely delighted to accept the award
When Clare- Marie was 12 years old, Renfrewshire's Junior Secretary, Leslie Campbell, who was in charge of the Renfrewshire girls, started her playing in junior matches and also got her involved in the West of Scotland Girls. The West of Scotland Girls' Association encouraged her to play in as many competitions as possible. In 2003, she played in her first Renfrewshire Ladies' County competition - the County Championship at Caldwell Golf Club - and competed in one of the best matches ther ever was. She played Donna Jackson in the final and fortunately won at the 23rd hole in horrendous weather conditions. She said "It was a great honour to win the County Championship and also to play against one of the best players Renfrewshire has ever produced." Also in that year she achieved her first Scotland under 18 cap in the Home Internationals and then again in 2005. She also won numerous tournaments including the LGU Challenge Bowl and Wallace Williamson Bowl in 2009 at Stirling and the Mackie Bowl at Gullane also in 2009.
Clare - Marie is now currently working full time at Play Sport Golf.

Pamela Pretswell is playing in a French Pro Ladies Open and is in 4th Place after The First Round

The first round took place today of the season-opening Terre Blanche Ladies Open on the Ladies European Tour Access Series.
LEADING FIRST-ROUND SCORES
Par 73
70 Marion Ricordeau (Fra), Valentine Derrey (Fra), Vica Schlasberg (Swe)
71 Pamela Pretswell (Sco) (am), Ana Larraneta (Spain).
SELECTED SCORES
74 Katy McNicoll (Sco) (T13).
77 Danielle McVeigh (Ire), Tara Delaney (Ire), Heather MacRae (Sco) (T33).
79 Lindsay Brown (Eng) (am), Henrietta Zuel (Eng) (T46).
83 Gemma Webster (Sco) (T61).
84 Lauren Blease (Eng) (am) (T64)
85 Joanne Clingan (Eng) (T68)

TEE TIMES FOR SCOTTISH UNDER-16 GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP AT STRATHMORE

FROM THE SCOTTISH LADIES GOLFING ASSOCIATION WEBSITE

There has been a large entry for the 2012 SLGA Under-16s Championship with 127 entries received for only 102 places. Players with exact handicaps of 14.1 and above have been balloted out.

To view the draw for the first round of the 36-hole stroke-play tournament at Strathmore Golf Centre, Alyth --- CLICK HERE

For the second-round draw ----CLICK HERE

SLGA NAME INTERNATIONAL TEAM CAPTAINS FOR 2012 SEASON

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE SLGA
Fiona Norris (Hamilton) has been reappointed captain of the Scotland team for the Women's Home Internationals at Cork Golf Club, Ireland in September, and she is delighted to be leading the side over a course that ranks among her personal favourites.
“My husband, Patrick, is from Ireland and his family live about an hour from the course and I’m also friendly with Clare Coughlan, who is a member of Cork and is going to captain the Irish side this year,” explained Norris, a former international player and GB and Ireland team manager.
“Every time I visit my in-laws I try and have a game at Cork so I know it really well. It will be a really good test for the girls and a great place to try and repeat our win of two years ago.”
Norris was in charge at Hillside last year when Scotland lost all three matches, but she is confident the experience will have helped the youngsters coming through.
“Eilidh Briggs and Alyson McKechin were two teenagers who did well last year and we can also draw on experience of Louise Kenney, Kelsey MacDonald and Pamela Pretswell,” Norris added.
Elaine Cuthill, a member at Lanark but currently based in the Netherlands, has been named captain for the European girls’ team championships in Germany in July, and for the girls’ home internationals at Radyr in Wales the following month.
“I have captained the Under-16s for the past two years and I am extremely honoured and excited to be stepping up to the under-18s,” said Cuthill, who has a three-year Dutch placement as a member of Heineken’s marketing team. “I know I am going to be working with a talented and dedicated group of girls who will do Scotland proud in 2012.”
Laura Walker (Nairn Dunbar) is the new captain of the Scotland Under-16 team, while Helen Faulds (Douglas Park) will again skipper the Senior team for the European senior team championships in Lugano, Switzerland in September and at the Senior Women's Home Internationals at Elie and Earlsferry in October.

Dramatic D&A County Lunch is a great Success

D&A ALL STARS -- CLICK TO ENLARGE

Approximately 100 ladies from D&A Ladies' County Golf Association attended a lunch at Douglas Park Golf Club yesterday. Captain Alisoun Fairbairn chaired the event. D&A's Curtis Cup Ambassador Helen Macgregor gave a very good presentation on the forthcoming event at Nairn in June and Vice Captain Carol Sim organised an excellent golfing quiz and raffle.
Post lunch entertainment was then given by some County Stars which added to the enjoyment of the day. Renfrewshire's Carol Fell was invited to the lunch as a guest -- She was delighted to attend and enjoyed everyone's friendly company and banter.
To see some of the D&A Dramatic Society at work -- click on the video below. See if you can guess who are the performers -- if not you will need to watch it until the end !!

SCOTTISH WOMEN'S INTER-CLUB MATCH-PLAY FOURSOMES DRAW

A record number of 84 clubs has entered this year's Scottish women's inter-club match-play foursomes. A total of 44 clubs have received byes into the second round.

Draw for first-round ties, to be played by Sunday, April 15, is:

Newburgh-on-Ythan v Longside
Portlethen v Longside
Blairgowrie v Taymouth Castle
Crieff v Strathmore
Downfield v Camperdown
Ladies Panmure Barry v Letham Grange
Kinross v Dunblane New
Ladybank v Kinghorn
Linlithgow v Bridge of Allan
Muckhart v Alyth
Stirling v Tillicoultry
Cawder v East Kilbride
Haggs Castle v Gleddoch
Helensburgh v Windyhill
Irvine v West Kilbride
Kilmacolm v Caldwell
Ladies Golf Club Troon v Largs
Duddingston v Baberton
Turnhouse v Merchants of Edinburgh
Dumfries and Galloway v Crichton

+The semi-finals and final will be played at Muckhart GC on Sunday, September 2.

ANNA HUBBARD APPOINTED CURTIS CUP TEAM MANAGER

LADIES GOLF UNION PRESS RELEASE

Anna Hubbard, from Aberystwyth on the west coast of Wales, has been named by the Ladies’ Golf Union as the manager of the Great Britain and Ireland team for the 37th Curtis Cup match against the United States at The Nairn Golf Club, Scotland from June 8 to 10, 2012.
Anna fills the gap left by the recent death of Sue Turner, also from Wales, and maintains the all-Wales team leadership with Tegwen Matthews, the Team Captain.
"It's a great honour for me to accept this privileged position of team manager for the Curtis Cup. I shall strive to fulfill the highest standards set by my predecessor, Sue Turner, who will be dearly missed by all," said Anna.
Anna Hubbard played county standard golf for 25 years and was Mid-Wales county champion three times and runner-up on four other occasions.
She has been a member of Borth and Ynyslas Golf Club for 57 years.
"My most memorable golfing experience was acting as the Wales team manager when Sue Turner was captain and led them to the Women's Home Internationals title two years in a row - at Wrexham in 2008 and Irvine in 2009," said Anna.
An all-round sports enthusiast all her life, Anna represented her county at athletics, hockey, netball, badminton and golf and was an athletics under-18 Welsh international for two years.
When not golfing, Anna says she likes "Kayaking, boating, travelling, motor caravanning, walking, managing golf teams and spending fun time with our grand children."
Anna and her husband Kai once sailed around South America and she has backpacked around South America and New Zealand.
"I was one of the first women crew members for the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Service, which I enjoyed for over 15 years," said Anna.
Anna and Kai have three children - Bryn (47), Alun (42) and Sian (37).
Mary McKenna, who captained the GB and I team at the 2008 and 2010 Curtis Cup matches and played in nine Curtis Cup matches between 1970 and 1986, has accepted an invitation from the LGU to be a team advisor.

West of Scotland Championships -- Get your Entry Form

The West of Scotland 36 Hole Stroke play Championship is on Sunday 6th May 2012 at Renfrew Golf Club. The 2011 Championship was won by Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm).
To get your entry form CLICK HERE

WINDYHILL LADIES START THEIR SEASON WITH A FUN DAY

Pat Porter, Claire Smith, Anne Laing, Myra Baker

Ann MacDonald, Carol Whyte, Elaine Robb, Sandra Chudleigh

Moira Revie, Laura McGeachy, Katrina Milne, Tracy Masterton

Windyhill Ladies gathered yesterday, Saturday 3rd March, for their Start of Season Fun Day. To enter in to the spirit all the ladies turned up with a fun hat/wig to wear and teed off in truly comical style. Despite the rather damp conditions underfoot the sun made a welcome appearance and most ladies managed to get round dry! The main competition was won by Tracy Masterton and Katrina Milne with Florence Kay and Mairi Miller the 9 hole winners.
Following a hearty dinner the ladies then competed in the alternative 2012 Olympics consisting of rhythmic gymnastics, a scooter relay and a head to head hoolahoop challenge. Well done to all the competitors for completing their events in true Windyhill style - with laughter and gusto!
A great day was had by all - roll on the first competition and lots more fun days!

Thanks go to Windyhill Ladies Captain Lindsay Mathie for the report and photographs

KYLIE MAKES THE CUT IN THE WORLD LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP IN CHINA

Kylie Walker had a second-round 70 for a 36-hole tally of 145 in the World Ladies Championship in China to qualify for the Final Round. She then had a had a final round of 76 to finish in 42nd place
Clare Queen and Carly Booth did not make the last round cut.. However Carly who was Kylie's Team partner representing Scotland had a great round of 67 in the final round to help Scotland move up to 10th place in the Team event

Go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website to read all the details of round 2

TO SEE ALL THE SCORES    CLICK HERE

Scotland finished in 10th place in the Team event (Kylie Walker and Carly Booth)
To read the full report go to the GIllian Kirkwood Website for the final report

PAMELA LOSES IN THE QUARTER FINALS IN SPAIN

By COLIN FARQHARSON
Colin@scottishgolfview.com
Wrexham teenager Chloe Williams won through to the semi-finals in the Spanish women's amateur international championship but Pamela Pretswell from Hamilton was beaten in this morning's round of the last eight at El Valle Golf Club, Murcia in the south-east of the country.
Chloe,a Junior Vagliano Trophy player for GB and I at Royal Porthcawl last June after losing to Bronte Law in a play-off for the Scottish Under-16 girls championship at Strathmore, had a marvellous win this morning over the rising French star Celine Boutier.
Celine was beaten finalist in last year's British girls open amateur championship at Gullane (where Chloe lost in the last 32 to Georgia Hall) and is ranked No 53 in the Women's World Amateur Rankings, compared with Chloe who is No 766 in the WAGR.
But it was Williams who triumped in this morning's quarter-final by one hole.
Chloe was twice down on the outward half, hving lost the third and the eight but won the fourth and halved the short sixth in birdie 2s.
The Welsh player changed the course of the match with winning birdies at the 10th and 11th to go into a one-hole lead.
The 12th was halved in birdie 2s.
Boutier squared the match with a birdie at the 15th but Williams won the short 15th with a par to regain a one-hole lead and halves at the last three holes saw Chloe run out a one-hole winner.
She then played Karolin Lampert of Germany in the semi-finals and lost in a closely contested match by 2&1
Pamela Pretswell, ranked No 66 in the WAGR, lost by 2 and 1 to Spain's Silvia Banon. The Scot did not play to the best of her capabilities and was two down after seven holes, having lost the third with a bogey 6, the fifth with a bogey and the seventh with another bogey sixth before conceding the eighth to fall three behind.
Pretswell had the proverbial mountain to climb after losing the 10th to a birdie to go four down. She claimed her first birdie of the match to win the 11th and halved the short 12th in birdie 2s.
Pretswell lost the 14th with a double bogey 6 to go four down wityh four to play. She staged a fighting finish by winning the short 15th with a par and the long 16th with a birdie 4 to get back to two down with two to play but a half at the 17th saw Banon go through to a semi-final meeting with I Nieuwenhuis of the Netherlands.

QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS
K Lampert (Germany) beat A Olarra (Spain) 1 hole.
C Williams (Wales) beat C Boutier (France) 1 hole.
S Banon (Spain) beat Pamela Pretswell (Scotland) 2 and 1.
I Nieuwenhuis (Netherlands) beat E Pentilla (Finland) 3 and 2.

SEMI-FINALS
K Lampert (Germany) beat C Williams (Wales) 2 and 1.
I Nieuwenhuis (Netherlands) beat S Banon (Spain) 6 and 5.

Final
K Lampert (Germany) beat I Nieuwenhuis (Netherlands) 4 and 3

PAMELA PRETSWELL ONLY BRIT IN SPANISH QUARTER-FINALS

PAMELA PRETSWELL .. Two wins while Curtis Cup team rivals lost. Image by Cal Carson Golf Agency

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Colin@scottishgolfview.com

Hamilton's Pamela Pretswell, No 66 in the latest Women's World Amaeur Rankings list, is the only British player through to the quarter-finals of the Spanish women's amateur international golf championship at El Valle Golf Club, Murcia.

In this morning's first round, Bothwell Castle GC member Pamela, 11th of the 32 match-play qualifiers, beat Emilee Taylor from Lincolnshire by 2 and 1. The Curtis Cup Scot, a former Swiss amateur championship winner, followed up her win over Emilee by beating Quirine Eijkenboom (Germany) by two holes.

Charley Hull (Woburn), the No 2 seed who has gone up one place to No 8 in the World Amateur Rankings this week, lost by 3 and 1 in the second round to Emily Pentilla (Finland). The surprise defeat of the Spanish No 1 seed in the morning by the last of the 32 qualifiers, made Charley, on paper at least, the title favourite but she was mastered by her Finnish opponent.

Curtis Cup team contenders Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa) (WAGR No 32) and Amy Boulden (Conwy) (WAGR No 40) - they are going to Nairn later this month for the three-day selection trial (as is Pamela Pretswell), lost their first-round ties.

English Under-15 girls champion Gabriella Cowley (West Essex) and Chloe Williams (Wrexham) went out in the second round.

SECOND-ROUND RESULTS

Top half of draw

A Olarra (Spain) beat A Provot (France) at 19th.

K Lampert (Germany) beat A Sanjuan (Spain) 1 hole.

C Boutier (France) beat G Cowley (England) 2 and 1.

O Hullert (Norway) beat C Williams (Wales) 1 hole.

Bottom half of draw

S Banon (Spain) beat T Caballer (Spain) 4 and 3.

P Pretswell (Scotland) beat Q Eijenboom (Germany) 2 holes.

I Nieuwenhuis (Netherlands) beat H Lee (Spain) 1 hole.

E Pentilla (Finland) beat  C Hull (England) 3 and 1.

 

TO VIEW ALL THE MATCH-PLAY RESULTS

CLICK HERE

D&A's Jean Campbell from Hayston --- Some Family News

Jean Campbell

D&A's Jean Campbell (Hayston) known for her great sense of humour and golfing talents has just sent me a note about an article seen in today's Glasgow Herald about her very talented table tennis husband --To read more click on the link below ---

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE FROM THE GLASGOW HERALD NEWSPAPER

--- Is it not just like the thing that they don't mention ME!!!!!!!!! I am the one who has trailed all over the world watching and of course giving advice when required.

p.s. come to think about it - he has never asked me for advice!!!!

Jean

Pamela wins through to the last 16 in Spain

No 2 seed Charley Hull (Woburn) marched into the last 16 of the Spanish women's amateur international championship at El Valle GC, Murcia this morning - but Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa) and Amy Boulden (Conway), two players strongly tipped to be in the GB and I Curtis Cup line-up at Nairn in June were beaten.

Scotland's Pamela Pretswell made progress as did Wales' Chloe Williams England's Under-15s champion from last year, Gabriella Cowley

Shock first-round result was the exit of the leading qualifier, Spain's Natalia Escuriola Martinez. She was beaten by the last of the 32 qualifiers for the match-play stages, Ana Olarra, also of Spain.

SELECTED FIRST ROUND RESULTS
(Seeding number in brackets)
A Olara (Spain) (32) beat Natalia Escuriola Martinez (Spain) (1).
Karolin Lampert (Germany) (24) beat Amy Boulden (Conwy, Wales) (9) 4 and 3.
Ana Sanjuan (Spain) (25) beat Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa, England) (8) 3 and 2.
Gabriella Cowley (West Essex, England) (21) beat Clara Baena (Spain) (12) 2 holes.
Chloe Williams (Wrexham, Wales) (13) beat Laura Gomez (Spain) (20) 3 and 2.
Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle, Scotland) (11) beat Emilee Taylor (Holme Hall, Lincolnshire, England) (22) 3 and 1.
Charley Hull (Woburn, England) (2) bt Jessica Vasilic (Spain) (31) 5 and 3.

Pamela Pretswell qualifies in 11th place in the Spanish Women's Amateur International Golf Championship

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Colin@scottishgolfview.com 

Controversial Charley Hull, only 15 but ranked No 9 female amateur in the world, showed her undoubted class by claiming the No 2 seed spot with a five-under-par tally of 137 in the qualifying rounds of the Spanish women's amateur international golf championship at El Valle Golf Club, Murcia today.

Kettering-based Woburn wonder girl Charley, holder of the English and Welsh women's open amateur stroke-play titles, shot 68 and a five-birdie 69 to finish one shot behind leading match-play qualifier Natalia Escuriola Martinez (66-70).

There have been no developments since the Ladies Golf Union offered to help her make arrangements to leave the Nairn Curtis Cup selection trial early on Sunday, March 25 so that she could fly to California for the Nabisco Kraft LPGA major event.

Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa), Amy Boulden (Conwy) and Pamela Pretswell, who have all committed to playing in the Nairn three-day trial, all did well in the Spanish qualifying.

Clyburn, who played in the 2010 Curtis Cup match in the States, and Boulden finished joint seventh in the stroke-play section of this championship on one-under-par 141, Holly 71-70, Amy 70-71.

Bothwell Castle's Pamela Pretswell, who also played in the 2010 Curtis Cup match in America, qualified in joint 11th place with 72 and 70 for level par 142. Pamela finished off with 12 straight pars after birdied the second and third and bogeying the short sixth.

No other Scots got inside the qualifying mark of 148 (only one of the five on that mark made it) which reduced the field of 95 to 32 for the match-play. Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies) (79-76) and Jane Turner (Craigielaw) (80-75) finished on 155. Hannah McCook (Grantown-on-Spey) totalled 158 with scores of 83 and 75 while Rebecca Wilson (Grange, Monifieth) finished on 173 with rounds of 85-88. 

LEADING MATCH-PLAY QUALIFIERS

 Par 142 (2x71)

136 Natalia Escuriola Martinez (Spa) 66 70.

137 Charley Hull (Eng) 68 69.

139 Isabel Gabsa (Spa) 72 67, Celine Boutier (Fra) 67 72, Chloe Leurquin (Fra) 67 72.

SELECTED SCORES

141 Holly Clyburn (Eng) 71 70, Amy Boulden (Wal) 70 71 (T7).

142 Pamela Pretswell (Sco) 72 70 (T11).

143 Chloe Williams (Wal) 75 68 (T13).

146 Gabriella Cowley (Eng) 74 72, Emilee Taylor (Eng) 73 73 (T19).

FAILED TO QUALIFY 

151 Nicole Whitmore (Eng) 78 73 (T49).

152 Jess Wilcox (Eng) 74 78 (T54).

154 Rachel Drummond (Eng) 80 74, Meghan MacLaren (Eng) 79 75 (T63).

155 Ailsa Summers (Sco) 79 76, Jane Turner (Sco) 80 75, Katherine O'Connor (Wal) 73 82, Becky Harries (Wal) 76 79 (T71).

158 Hannah McCook (Sco) 83 75 (T79).

173 Rebecca Wilson (Sco) 85 88 (93rd).

TO FIND OUT WHO PLAYS WHOM IN THE MATCH-PLAY DRAW ON THE SPANISH FEDERATION WEBSITE

CLICK HERE