Martin Gilbert is set to become the Chair of Scottish Golf

 Martin Gilbert, one of Scotland’s best-known business figures, is set to become the chair of Scottish Golf, the national governing body of the sport in Scotland.

The Scottish Golf board has announced that Martin, who has actively supported golf in Scotland for over 20 years, will be presented as chair-elect at the AGM in March 2021, when Eleanor Cannon will step down after a six-year term as chair. 

 

Martin has been a prominent supporter of golf in Scotland for many years, firstly through Aberdeen Asset Management and latterly Aberdeen Standard Investments. Via his businesses he has also sponsored leading Scottish golfers including Open Championship winner Paul Lawrie, Women’s Open Championship winner Catriona Matthew and recent European Tour Winner, Robert MacIntyre. 
 

Eleanor Cannon said: “This is a tremendous coup for golf in Scotland and the entire board is delighted that Martin, whose passion and support for the sport are very widely known, has agreed to take on this role next year. 

 

“His achievements, both in business globally and in his role as the biggest supporter of Scottish Golf over the past two decades, speak for themselves and I am sure his dynamic approach will allow Scottish Golf to flourish. I am extremely pleased that our members and our sport will benefit from Martin’s guidance and undoubted love for golf in the years ahead.

 

Martin Gilbert said: “As many people know, golf has been a lifelong passion of mine and I’m hugely excited to be taking up this role in the Home of Golf. I commend Eleanor and her team for their sterling leadership of the new, amalgamated body since its inception in 2015. 

 

“The strategic direction that has been adopted by Scottish Golf is bold and exciting. I am very much looking forward to progressing this strategy and working closely with the board, the team and the membership in continuing to develop the game at all levels in Scotland.”

Saudi sweep’ joy boosts Michele Thomson

From The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire) 20 Nov 2020 

 Aberdeen’s Michele Thomson helped Denmark’ s Emily Pedersen complete a “Saudi sweep” after victory in both the team and individual events in the Saudi Ladies Team International. Pedersen, who won the Aramco Saudi Ladies International on Sunday, carded a final round of 67 at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club to finish two shots ahead of overnight leader Luna Sobron Galmes, Anne van Dam and Stephanie Kyriacou. 

That helped Pedersen’s group, which included Thomson and South Africa’s Casandra Hall, to win the team event by a shot, with Hall making a decisive birdie on the parfive 18th. Pedersen was ranked outside the world’s top 500 earlier this year but has now won three times since the end of August and has secured top spot in the season-long Race to Costa del Sol. 

“We did really well today, we complemented each other,” Pedersen said. “Today was the first day where we didn’t have a hole over par so I’m really happy that we got that done and it was a really clutch putt by Casandra on the last. 

“This has obviously been a strange year for all of us with Covid, everyone’ s saying it’s such a bad year and I’m here having the best year ever, so it’s a little weird but I’m just really happy.” Thomson, who won around £25,000, was selected by team captain Pedersen at the “draw party” earlier in the week. 

She said :“It’ s been unbelievable, I was absolutely delighted when I heard she’d picked me. “She is one of the best players I think I’ve ever played with and we just wanted to make some birdies out there. “Although I am about 10 years older than her, I have learnt a lot from her this week and I’ve gained a great friend this week.” 

Kyriacou chipped in for an eagle on the ninth, her final hole, to card a course record of 63 in the final round. Nairn’s Kelsey Macdonald finished top Scot in the individual event after rounds of 70, 70 and 71 for a five-under-par total. Alford’s Laura Murray and Thomson were both tied 68th on eight-over-par. 

COVID 19 -LOCAL AREA RULES -- UPDATE FROM SCOTTISH GOLF

FROM THE SCOTTISH GOLF WEBSITE 

Following our last communication on Tuesday 17th November, Scottish Golf is now in a position to provide all affiliated clubs with further guidance relating to the Scottish Government’s COVID protection levels by local area. 

With restrictions tightening across many parts of the country, we welcome the fact that on-course activity can continue across Scotland in compliance with local restrictions. In recognising the contribution of golf to the physical and mental health of our membership, we are most appreciative of the opportunity to keep the golf courses open and our golfing community benefiting from playing the game during these ongoing times of uncertainty.

We have been working with our partners at sportscotland and the Scottish Government to gain final sign-off on our latest version of our COVID-19 Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers which includes a new summary sheet detailing what golf activity can take place under each level of protection. This information should be used in conjunction with Scottish Golf’s main guidance and clubs should be aware that this guidance may be subject to further change. Should this happen, we will continue to keep all clubs informed. 

Through our ongoing work with The Scottish Government, MSPs on the Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee want to know more about the impact of COVID-19 and associated restrictions on sports clubs, sporting organisations and sports and leisure venues. Clubs are encouraged to complete a short survey which should take no more than 6-7 minutes to complete. Please note this survey closes on 7th December. 

It’s really important that the Committee capture as much insight and experience of the sector as possible to ensure MSPs have a full picture of the impact.

We know that these new restrictions are difficult, but it remains our shared responsibility to prioritise the health of our local communities by working together to follow the Government guidelines. In doing so, this will ensure that we continue to benefit from playing the game we love. We thank all of our clubs and golfers for continuing to play their part during these challenging times. 

We will continue to keep all clubs and tournament organisers updated via our dedicated COVID-19 webpage which can be accessed here. 

Kind regards,
Karin Sharp, Chief Operating Officer, Scottish Golf

Grace Crawford has a new Course Record over Longniddry

Grace Crawford from north Berwick  played in the ProDreamUSA UK Junior Open at Longniddry Golf Club in October and her score of 6 under  (66) in the last round last month has just been confirmed as the new ladies course record. Same course where she won the us kids golf European Championship when she was 8 years old!

Read more in the Scotsman Newspaper (26th October) on  ---- Rising star Grace Crawford follows in Catriona Matthew's footsteps at North Berwick

JENNIFER RANKINE IS THE NEW COURSE RECORD HOLDER OVER HAGGS CASTLE

It has been confirmed that  Jennifer Rankine is now the Haggs Castle Ladies Course Record holder with her 69 in the Tuesday Medal on the 18th August 2020 -- The previous record of 70 was held jointly by Claire Hargan and Adi Shamash

 

Thanks go to Neal Stewart for the update and photograph

COVID - 19 UPDATE FROM SCOTTISH GOLF

Following the First Ministers update in Parliament on Tuesday 10 November, Scottish Golf has been in further dialogue with our partners at sportscotland to gain further clarity on the current travel guidance in place. We are now able to provide the following updated travel guidance for all golf clubs below: 

 • You should avoid travel to other areas regardless of their level unless essential.

.• For exercise/sport – there is an exemption, however, it is limited: In Level 4, not permitted to drive outside your Local Authority area for exercise – you can cross boundaries in the process of exercising i.e if a golf course straddles two Local Authority area boundaries. 

 In Level 3 - You can travel anywhere within your local authority area to take part in sport. You may cross a local authority boundary by up to 5 miles if necessary, this includes where a golf course straddles two local authority areas. You can currently travel up to 5 miles into another local authority for sport where this is absolutely necessary and you cannot access the sport otherwise. 

If there is a more local option to play golf within your local authority area, this would be recommended as unnecessary travel is being actively discouraged.

 

 In Levels 0-2 - Adults should, where possible, minimise unnecessary travel between areas and not travel to a Level 3 or 4. It is important that we continue to show good adherence to the current guidance in place and Scottish Golf encourages all clubs and golfers to play their part in demonstrating that as a sport, we are acting responsibly and safely amidst the ongoing restrictions. 

 The current guidance for golf remains the same and is summarised below: 

 • On-course golf activities can continue under our current Phase 3 Guidance, with up to four players from four different households allowed to participate together. 

There are no changes to access to toilet facilities, locker rooms or professional shops which can continue to be utilised provided all appropriate measures, such as the use of face masks, increased sanitation are adhered to. 

• Clubhouses and sports facilities which provide catering and bar services, can operate providing they adhere to Scottish Government guidance appropriate to the protection level in which they are operating.

-- SOME KEY FEATURES OF THE SCOTTISH GOLF APP

With the new World Handicap System launching in Scotland on Monday, and more than 77,000 golfers now using the Scottish Golf App, over 400 golfers from across the country engaged with Scottish Golf’s latest Zoom Panel Call which focussed on showcasing some of the key features of the App, as well as answering some frequently asked questions. 

Hosted by Scottish Golf’s Club Business Manager, Iain Evans, golfers from across Scotland had the opportunity to hear from, and pose questions to, David Kernohan, Handicapping and Course Rating Officer at Scottish Golf, Gordon Crae from Gourock Golf Club and Joe Persh, Head of Development and Technology at OCS. -- Go to the Scottish Golf Website for More

Kylie Henry finishes with a flourish in Dubai -- A course record 63 !!

Kylie Henry -- Photo courtesy of the Ladies European Tour

Australia’s Minjee Lee captured her first LET title at the OMEGA Dubai Moonlight Classic with a clutch birdie putt from 20ft at the first extra hole to beat France’s Celine Boutier in a thrilling shoot-out under the Middle Eastern moonlight.

Tied at the top of the leaderboard in regulation at ten-under-par, just one shot ahead of overnight leader Caroline Hedwall, defending champion Nuria Iturrioz and Germany’s Laura Fuenfstueck, the pair could not be separated after Minjee posted a consistent round of 69 (-3) to Boutier’s 68 (-4).

Aside from the top of the leaderboard, Scotland’s Kelsey MacDonald finished strongly with a 68 to be in 8th position and West of Scotland's Kylie Henry had a day to remember, firing a course-record round of 63 to catapult herself from three-over-par to six-under-par and into the top ten. 

 Speaking about the round, Kylie said, “It’s my lowest stroke play round and It felt great. I hit it solid all round and was hitting it fairly close on most holes. The main highlight was the par 3 8th when I hit it to a foot with my 8 iron.” 

 She continued, “I’m just so delighted to be playing tournaments. I’m so grateful to everybody at the Tour who is working doubly hard and all our sponsors who’ve got us back up and running through this pandemic. It’s made us all remember how much we love the game and we’re really appreciating the opportunity to be out here competing for a living.”

Dubai-based Scot Alison Muirhead also finished in the top 20, signing off with a 70 for three-under.

CLICK HER FOR FINAL SCOREBOARD

MyGolfRanking -- West of Scotland Week 44 - 2020 - Final results

AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Luisa Gibson (Irvine) 1099 points

2 Arlene Sinclair (Irvine) 1037

3 Gillian Gowers (Loudoun Gowf) 1017

4 Audrey Thompson (Loudoun Gowf) 972 

5 Anne Burns (Loudoun Gowf) 967

6 Fran Hadden (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 959 

7 Liz Keohone (Loudoun Gowf) 947

8 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 945 

9 Margaret-Ann McCrorie (Irvine) 940 

10 Kelly McNee (Loudoun Gowf) 931 

11 Eileen Munro (Loudoun Gowf) 927 

12 Rona Walker (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 923 

13 Jan Flint (Troon Welbeck) 920

14 Robina Gilbertson (West Kilbride) 916 

15 Helen Craig (West Kilbride) 914

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS 

1 Loudoun Gowf 963

2 Largs 848

3 West Kilbride 844

4 Irvine 838

5 Kilmarnock (Barassie) 

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 1157 points 

2 Gayna McGreish (Balmore) 1117

3 Carol Maclarty (Taynuilt) 1103

4 Monica Stewart (Douglas Park) 1089 

5 Nicola Madden (Hilton Park) 1083

6 Gemma Canham (Helensburgh) 1052 

7 Andrea Torrie (Bearsden) 1026

8 Rhona Murison (Douglas Park) 1025 

9 Carrie Irvine (Bearsden) 1019

10 Barbara Walker (Bearsden) 1015 

11 Nichola Kidd (Dunaverty) 990

12 Carol Fell (Douglas Park) 976

13 Elspeth Mulholland (Hilton Park) 951 

14 Ailie Macbrayne (Dunaverty) 937 

15 Carol Bews (Helensburgh) 935

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS 

1 Balmore 990

2 Bearsden 883

3 Taynuilt 865

4 Douglas Park 860

5 Clober 848

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Madeleine Macgregor (Hamilton) 1327 points 

2 Megan Docherty (Bishopbriggs) 1173

3 Jackie Carty (Hollandbush) 1163

4 Anne-Marie Livingstone (Cawder) 1133

5 Yvonne Welsh (Playsport) 1095

6 Melissa Boyle (Cawder) 1075

7 Katie Graham (Hamilton) 1066

8 Jennifer Weir (Cawder) 1058

9 Lesley Watson (Cathkin Braes) 1046

10 Joy Mottram (Carnwath) 1042

11 Jan Kidd (Carluke) 1038

12 Susan Woodhouse (East Kilbride) 1035

13 Suzanne Woodman (Cathkin Braes) 1021 

14 Hayley McPherson (Bishopbriggs) 1014

15 Alice Brown (Bothwell Castle) 1002

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS 

1 Playsport 943

2 Bishopbriggs 931

3 Wishaw 921

4 Cawder 898

5 Carluke 897

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Isabell Donnelly (Gleddoch) 1150 points 

2 Lynn Forsyth (Paisley) 1061

3 Susan Morrow (Caldwell) 1060

4 Laura McGeachy (Haggs Castle) 1051

5 Susan Ramsay (Haggs Castle) 969

6 Jennifer Rankine (Haggs Castle) 968

7 Gillian Lavety (Old Course Ranfurly) 947

8 Birgit Clark (Old Course Ranfurly) 930

9 Moira Holt (Caldwell) 929

10 Ann McKenzie (Old Course Ranfurly) 927 

11 Sandra Bell (Old Course Ranfurly) 905 

12 Susan Ferguson (Caldwell) 903

13 Marion Downie (Old Course Ranfurly) 898 

14 Jennifer Owen (Old Course Ranfurly) 889 

15 Fiona Macphee (Old Course Ranfurly) 888

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES CLUBS 

1 Caldwell 926

2 Haggs Castle 920

3 Old Course Ranfurly 893

4 Paisley 834

5 Gleddoch 779

The last day for “counting competitions” for 2020 MGR Medals was 31 October.

Renfrewshire Ladies' County Pause their Winter Competition due to Scottish Golf -- Covid 19 Guidance 2nd November 2020

With the ever-changing situation regarding Covid-19, the Renfrewshire Ladies' County Golf Association committee have reviewed the latest travel guidance from both the Scottish Government and Scottish Golf in relation to their ongoing Winter 4 Ball Better Ball competition. 

Due to the travel restrictions in place, and members residing in different local authorities, they have taken the difficult decision to pause the competition. It is obviously disappointing to have to take this action, but they feel we are doing so to comply with the guidance and in the best interests of their members.  READ MORE 

FROM SCOTTISH GOLF WEBSITE YESTERDAY 

Scottish Golf is now in a position to provide all affiliated clubs with further guidance relating to the Scottish Government’s COVID protection levels by local area. The latest version of our COVID-19 Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers can be found on the Scottish Golf Website.The updated guidance is summarised as follows and unless otherwise stated are effective from yesterday 2nd November:

• On-course golf activities can continue under our current Phase 3 Guidance, with up to four players from four different households allowed to participate together. There are no changes to access to toilet facilities, locker rooms or professional shops which can continue to be utilised provided all appropriate measures, such as use of face masks, increased sanitation are adhered to.

• You should avoid travel to other areas regardless of their level unless essential.

• For exercise/sport – there is an exemption, however, it is limited:  

o In tier 4, not permitted to drive outside your Local Authority area for exercise – you can cross boundaries in the process of exercising i.e if a golf course straddles two Local Authority area boundaries. 

o In tier 3, you are permitted to travel around 5 miles for exercise. 

o In tier 2 & tier 1, you are permitted to travel freely for exercise within your own Local Authority area.
o U18s – can travel freely for exercise in Tiers 0-3. They should not travel in or out of a Tier 4 area.•  


All golfers should be aware of travel guidance outlined by the Scottish Government and this should always be followed.

• Clubhouses and sports facilities which provide catering and bar services, can operate providing they adhere to Scottish Government guidance appropriate to the protection level in which they are operating.


Once again, we would like to thank all of our clubs and golfers across Scotland for your continued co-operation and adherence to the current guidance and ask that you continue to play your part during these challenging times.

We will continue to keep all clubs and tournament organisers updated via our dedicated COVID-19 webpage on the Scottish Golf Website. 

Kind regards,
Karin Sharp, Chief Operating Officer, Scottish Golf

Top Ten in Central and East Scotland - MYGOLFRANKING

SCOTLAND CENTRAL LADIES

1 Madeleine Macgregor (Hamilton) 1327 points 

2 Alison Davidson (Stirling) 1222

3 Gillian Ping (Falkirk GC) 1181

4 Megan Docherty (Bishopbriggs) 1173

5 Jackie Carty (Hollandbush) 1163

6 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 1157

7 Hazel Hume (Tillicoultry) 1144

T8 Anne-Marie Livingstone (Cawder) 1133 & Ava Patterson (Tulliallan) 1133

10 Gayna McGreish (Balmore) 1117 

11 Jean Cosgrove (Falkirk Tryst) 1113 

12 Laura Bissett (Braehead) 1111

13 Yvonne Welsh (Playsport) 1095

14 Monica Stewart (Douglas Park) 1089 

15 Nicola Madden (Hilton Park) 1083

SCOTLAND CENTRAL LADIES CLUBS 

1 Tillicoultry 1026 points

2 Braehead 997

3 Balmore 990

4 Grangemouth 959

5 Playsport 943

SCOTLAND EAST LADIES

1 Lynn Cranston (Liberton) 1292 points

2 Colleen Stuart (St Regulus) 1265

3 Dianne Watson (Leven GS) 1213

4 Margaret Parr (Merchants of Edinburgh) 1191 

5 Nicky Graham (Baberton) 1184

6 Linda Boyle (Harburn) 1125

7 Mhairi Ferrol (Elie & Earlsferry Ladies) 1120

8 Karen Gloag (Gogarburn) 1118

9 Alicia Hay (Ladybank) 1117

10 Alyson Scrimgeour (Dundas Parks) 1105 

11 Jane Grubb (Edzell) 1097

12 Jane Tough (Edzell) 1092

13 Margaret Boitz (Scotscraig) 1091

14 Julie Taylor (Edzell) 1090

15 Susan Arbuckle (Panmure) 1081

SCOTLAND EAST LADIES CLUBS 

1 Gogarburn 960

2 Harburn 947

3 Edzell 945

4 Brechin 938

5 Dundas Parks 937