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| The AGM begins |
RLCGA Website -- www.rlcga.co.uk
Over 60 ladies attended the 109th RLCGA AGM which was held at Haggs Castle Golf Club last night -- the 7th November 2018.
Captain June Lockhart welcomed Honorary Life President Wendy Cameron, Honorary President Jennifer Mack and all the committee and members to the AGM.
She opened by saying "We thank you for such a large turn out, as it has been a very successful year for the County" She then said "I would like to record our sadness at the sudden death in March of Whitecraigs Professional Alastair Forrow, who was always keen to help the County.
In April there was then the sudden death of Maggie White of Ralston GC, who after returning from holiday with close friends Morag and Bill Key. Maggie had been a member Renfrewshire for many years, and she'll be sadly missed
However on a happier note, I have to inform you of the incredible progress made by Heather Anderson of Caldwell. After 8 and ½ months in hospital with no improvement in sight, she returned home and through the efforts of her daughter Lesley, she has visited friends at Troon Portland and even travelled to Ireland.
Secretary Carol McNally intimated that there were 57 apologies
The minutes of the meeting held on November, 2017, had already been distributed and also on the website. They were taken as read and were proposed and seconded.
There was one matter arising - Last year, Captain Gillian intimated the passing of Anne Morgan of Whitecraigs GC in July 2017, a Past Captain, Player and Hon. President of the County. However, Past Captain Christeen Finlayson would like me to mention her formerly as Anne MacLeod, as more members would recognise that name. - She thanked Christeen for this.
The following reports were then read out -
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| Treasurer - Tracy Masterton |
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| Secretary Carol McNally |
SECRETARIES REPORT -- Carol McNally
She said what an enjoyable year it had been for her as Renfrewshire Ladies Secretary and was delighted to have met and got to know even more members this year.
She then thanked Membership Secretary Sandra Macdougall for the following information
Our membership seems quite solid with 216 members of which 21 are juniors at close of this season. We have received 2 resignations, however, delighted to report 8 new members. This keeps our figures relatively comparable to last year.
She then read out out the prizewinners this year -- CLICK HERE and congratulated all the prizewinners and said a couple of the medals had clashed with other events.
She then announced the courses for 2019 which are all the fixture cards which are available for up lift this evening and asked for someone from each club to take away their clubs allocation this evening.
We shall again have evening reservations at our Spring Meeting; June and July medals.
Fixture List : Will be updated on the web (asap)
Foursomes at Cathcart Castle - April 29th
Championship at Paisley - May 8th - 10th
Spring Meeting at Cochrane Castle - 31st May
June Medal - Old Ranfurly - 21st June
July Medal at Williamwood - 8th July
August Medal at Whitecraigs - 7th August
August Greensomes at Cowglen - 28th August
September Triam at Greenock - 17th September
Other noteable events –
West Championship at Sandyhills - 19th May
Inter County Foursomes at Cardross - 6th June
Jamboree at Prestwick GC - 17th - 19th June
Kennedy Salver at East Renfrewshire 10th June
Commonwealth Spoons at Pollok Monday 2nd September
She also announced that in 2020 Pollok will host the Scottish Senior Women’s Open Championship. This will be the first time in over 20 years this prestigious event comes to Renfrewshire.
West of Scotland Working Group Forum
Scottish Golf over the past year has put a strenuous effort in trying to make the establishment more transparent and indeed more approachable. To that end, earlier this year four regional working group forums were established: North/South/East/West.
These forums are made up of a variety of people: Areas and Counties Representatives; Club Managers and Council Courses personnel. Truly a mixed bag.
There has so far been two meetings for each region of which I have attended both West meetings in order to represent Renfrewshire Ladies.
To be honest, it is probably more worthwhile for the club representatives to attend as it is useful as a sharing platform, however, it is always useful for our County to be seen and indeed heard when required!
Rather than go through details this evening you will find copy Minutes of the most recent meeting by Clicking Here
She then concluded her report for 2018 and thanked everyone for their continued support
Captain June then called upon Maureen Mitchell from Old Ranfurly to present her update on course rating
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| Maureen Mitchell |
COURSE RATING REPORT - Maureen Mitchell
I would like to update you on the progress of the rating of courses in Renfrewshire during 2018.
Marilyn Muir and myself along with the Renfrewshire Men’s team have managed to rate 6 courses this year ----- Mearns Castle, Mar Hall, Kilmacolm, Haggs Castle, Douglas Park and Clober.
As I reported last year, 3 ladies from East Renfrewshire – Linda Ellery, Carole Spy and Elizabeth Munro – have formed a second Renfrewshire team and have successfully rated another 5 courses ----- Bishopbriggs, Sandyhills, Cawder, Cawder Keir and Milngavie.
Altogether 11 courses – not as many as we might have wished but, believe it or not, we could not rate during the lovely sunny spell as the grass and rough were not growing normally and they do affect rating.
I could see some of you thinking that several of these courses are not actually in Renfrewshire and you are correct. However Glasgow and several other Counties do not have any lady raters, so our teams have been involved in these other courses.
Unfortunately, Scottish Golf is not planning any more Rating Seminars as next year’s seminars will be looking at the new Golf Rules and World Wide Handicapping.
However, it would be great if we could get a team together from D & A so if any of you could persuade any friends from other courses to volunteer, please ask them to contact me.
Renfrewshire is still one of the best counties in Scotland for being up to date with its rating programme and on behalf of Scottish Golf Ltd. I would like to say a big thank you to the ladies who give up a lot of their time to ensure that our Standard Scratch Scores are kept successfully up to date and therefore handicapping is kept accurate.
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| Junior Secretary - Gillian Kyle |
JUNIOR REPORT - Gillian Kyle
The Junior convenors of most of our clubs met at the end of last November to discuss girls’ golf. It was reassuring to learn that we all have similar issues- Lots of girls are having lessons and having fun playing a few holes but not quite committing to gaining a handicap but it’s a slow process and we need to have patience. We don’t want to put them off.
12 girls with handicaps ranging from 11-36 were invited to take part in winter coaching in early 2018. This included 7x 1.5hour sessions with Karyn Burns at the Glasgow Indoor Golf Centre plus 2 joint sessions with the seniors. This all proved very successful as the girls really began to get to know each other well which was great to see. We charged each girl £30 and the rest was subsidised by Scottish Golf.
Our opponents in our matches this year were D&A but unfortunately they were struggling for numbers so we had a mini match with 7 Renfrewshire and 3 D&A girls with the younger girls playing Greensomes at Caldwell GC. My thanks go to Liz Hale for helping on the day. Unfortunately their numbers did not improve and we didn’t have a return away match in the autumn.
Several girls have played the West Girls medals and matches. - Orla Rooney from Cowglen won 2nd bronze at Glasgow Gailes, 2nd silver at Troon Portland and 1st silver at Milngavie and Paisley. She qualified for their Championship but lost to Lorna McClymont, the eventual winner. Jennifer Lynagh won 1st bronze at Glasgow Gailes and Paisley.
Sophie Kyle, Emily Crusher and Orla played in West Girls matches during the year. Numbers are generally low in the West Girls but I feel Renfrewshire was well represented. Sophie will be the 2019 West Girls Captain.
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| Kennedy Salver Team L o R Romy Erskine, Emily Crusher, Orla Rooney, Sophie Kyle, Jennifer Lynagh, Hannah Carson and Aaliyah Sandhu |
We took part in the Kennedy Salver at Hamilton GC on June 25th.
Our team was Hannah Carson, Emily Crusher, Romy Erskine, Sophie Kyle, Jennifer Lynagh, Orla Rooney and Aaliyah Sandhu.
The event was complicated as D&A could only field 4 players. Our girls were also disadvantaged as they have all had their handicaps reduced and were often giving many shots on an unfamiliar course.
Results:
Winners Lanarkshire-
R up Ayrshire
3rd Renfrewshire
4th D&A
2 of our 4somes lost on the 17th and 3 of the singles were very close-1 half and 2 losses on 17th or 18th
It is our turn to host the event next year and I propose to have it at East Ren on June 10th so hopefully we will have a better result there.
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| Romy Erskine (RLCGA Junior Champion), Lauren Agnew (Campbell Clock) RLCGA Captain presents the Trophies The Campbell Clock Entrants with County Officials |
Campbell Clock Report 2018. 22 girls who are members of Renfrewshire clubs, took part in our annual competitions at Whitecraigs Golf Club on Sunday 26th August. (7 with a handicap, 6 played 8 holes and 9 played on the Par 3 course.)
The weather had been appalling in the morning but with an improving forecast and crossed fingers, all went ahead,
The Junior Championship was held alongside the Campbell Clock this year as a 1 round strokeplay competition as it is increasing difficult to get the girls together! Kilmacolm, Caldwell, East Renfrewshire, Cowglen, Haggs Castle and Eastwood were all represented. We are indebted to Whitecraigs GC for giving us the courtesy of their courses once again and to their Lady Captain, Rosemary Dobson who assisted on the day and presented some of the prizes. All the helpers were very much appreciated and delighted that they were not soaked this year. Our thanks also go to Clair Barclay who donated kindly golf balls for the goodie bags.
Results: Par 3 competitors: 1st Lucie Barclay (Kilmacolm) 39 (best last 2)
8 Hole competitors: 1st Mia Thyne (Caldwell)
Campbell Clock: 1st Lauren Agnew (Eastwood) 37 points bih
Championship- Romy Erskine Gross 83
There is no ‘Scottish Champion of Champions’ this year (junior or adult) but Romy will receive 50 points for the Girls’ OOM.
The 2019 Campbell Clock will take place on Sunday August 25th, again at Whitecraigs.
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| Jennifer and Orla |
Orla and Jennifer represented Renfrewshire at Kingsbarns last Sunday in a Scottish Golf Girls’ initiative. 1 silver and 1 bronze player from each County could attend and the format was a better ball stableford. Orla and Jennifer were 6th on the day, although that was only 2 shots behind 2nd place. They received a coaching session from Heather Macrae and thoroughly enjoyed the whole day.
Girls’ achievements that I know of :
Orla Rooney reduced handicap from 24 to 14
Jennifer Lynagh from 35 to 23
Lauren Agnew from 31 to 21 Romy Erskine from 11 to 6
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| Romy Erskine Scottish Girls handicap Matchplay Champion |
Sophie Kyle won the East Renfrewshire Ladies Championship and Jennifer Rankine - the Haggs Castle Ladies Championship.
Orla has joined the SG Development Programme and Romy has a place in the Performance Academy.
Looking ahead to next season: SG would like us to participate in some kind of Development coaching programme so I have met with Gillian Paton of SG then Claire-Marie Macaulay of Paisley GC to discuss winter coaching for all our Renfrewshire girls. We hope to have 4 sessions (6 hours) for 12-14 girls with handicaps at Paisley, using their new indoor facility if terrible weather.
SG have suggested a charge of £30/head so I feel I need to offer more than the 4 sessions at Paisley for that price.
The new facilities at Gourock look worth a visit and with clubs like Cowglen, Caldwell, Kilmacolm and Williamwood offering their facilities, hopefully we will be able to have 4 additional sessions.
I would like to include the younger enthusiastic girls in these additional sessions too and Liz Hale, Lynda Bradley, Clair Barclay and Gill McLeod have all offered their services which is fantastic as it is great to spread the load and use different ideas and talents.
I am really delighted that Clair Barclay is going to come onboard next season to assist with the juniors-especially the younger ones as this is our future. Clair herself was a keen junior just a few years ago and has a very talented 9 year old so she is the perfect person for the job.
Finally. I’d like to thank everyone who supported the girls in any way last season but especially President Jennifer, Captain June and Vice Captain Sandra who attended many coaching days and other events throughout the season.
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| Captain June |
CAPTAINS REPORT - JUNE LOCKHART
The year began with County Squad Coaching at the Indoor Golf Centre at Kinning Park, with 4 sessions throughout January, February and the beginning of March.
This was followed by a session at the par 3 course at Whitecraigs and finally a session at Troon Portland, all under the supervision of Karyn Burns. Unfortunately as the Indoor Centre has now closed, we are in the throes of working on a new plan for this Winter.
On Sunday 4th of February, we held a most successful Beetle Drive Fundraiser at Haggs Castle G C 88 ladies participated and, along with donations, £1,503 was raised. A huge thanks to all who worked before, during and after the event, as Fiona Armour and Carol Fell captured the wonderful atmosphere through photographs and video.
We shall be having another Beetle Drive here on Sunday 27th January, as fundraising will have to be an annual event for reasons to be explained later, so please keep that date free in your diaries.
The Winter Foursomes Final took place at Elderslie GC on Easter Monday, where Alyson McGinnigle (Cowglen) and Carol McNally (Williamwood) won 3 & 2 over East Renfrewshire pairing of Linda Ellery and Elizabeth Munro. The conditions were Baltic, so everyone deserved a medal.
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| Eilidh Briggs - 2018 County Champion |
Eilidh went on to win the Championship Final, but Gillian Kyle (East Renfrewshire) pushed her hard in the front nine, where both had several birdies. However Eilidh pulled away in the second nine to win 4 & 3.
Winner of the Handicap Final for the Irvine Trophy was Jan McNab (Ranfurly Castle) who beat Morag Little (Whitecraigs) in an exciting game, which finished on the 18th green.
We were hugely indebted to Haggs Gents Niall Stewart and George Crawford for their help over the 3 days, and to Sandra Littlejohn for organising the event.
The Past Captains' Lunch was attended by 13 ladies on Finals Day, and thanks to most of them who braved the weather and ground conditions to follow the Final. PHOTOS AND VIDEO
Also in April, another Caddies Match with some of the Team took place at Cochrane Castle, and the winning team consisted of Megan Briggs, Morag Turner and Sandra Macdougall. We are aiming for a repeat of this event at Cochrane Castle again in April next year. -
In early May, the County Foursomes took place at Pollok and the scratch prize was won by Donna Jackson and Liz Stewart, with Carol McNally and Alyson McGinnigle winning the handicap prize. These 2 pairings qualified for the Inter-County Foursomes at Prestwick St Nicholas along with Julie Wilson and Lesley Robertson, as well as Morag Little and Jennifer MacGregor. READ WEB REPORT
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| West of Scotland Championship Top - L to R - Megan Briggs and Megan and Alyson McGinnigle Bottom - L to R : Emily Crusher and Roma Erskine and Donna, Jackson Megan and Gillian Kyle |
However as Alyson had won a scratch prize by coming 3rd, Renfrewshire's Junior Emily Crusher won the Handicap Voucher as she was 2nd to Alyson, which was a great achievement.
Our team of Megan Briggs, Gillian Kyle and Donna Jackson won the Team Trophy, and the Junior Team Trophy was won by Emily Crusher (Eastwood) and Romy Erskine (Kilmacolm), so it truly was a great day. - READ WEB REPORT
One thing to mention is that next year's Championship handicap limit will increase to 20, in order to increase more entries, especially Juniors.
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| County Jamboree Winners Renfrewshire L to R :Jennifer, Donna, Alyson, Julie, Jen, June, Sandra, Gillian, Emma, Carol and Liz |
They put in a tremendous performance over the 3 days where the Match v Lanarkshire was halved on Day 1, they beat D & A 6-3 on Day 2 and on Day 3 we beat Ayrshire 5-4 in a thrilling finish, where it was only decided on the 17th green in the last match.
I cannot speak highly enough of the team's efforts and their team spirit, although Sandra and I would never have gone near a blood pressure machine !
However so many people were involved in hosting the event. Marilyn Muir organised her caddies brilliantly, Sandra Littlejohn liaised with Erskine GC which helped a great deal, Maureen Mitchell supplied us with beautiful flower arrangements for the Dinner, but we were hugely indebted to Carol McNally for all her organisation leading up to the event and in particular during the 3 days – she duly completed her apprenticeship as a sports journalist ! - CLICK HERE FOR REPORT ON RLCGA WEBSITE
The photographs by Fiona Armour were indeed very professional, and the website albums by Carol Fell were fantastic. CLICK HERE
Finally County members turned up in large numbers to support, so Renfrewshire really showed its true colours, so we thank you all.
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| Emma receives her team badge |
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| County Rosebowl June Lockhart (Captain) Jennifer Graham, Carol McNally, Anne Judge Sally Smyth and Sandra Littlejohn (Vice Captain) |
The County Rosebowl Final in late August took place at Cathcart Castle, where Anne Judge (Ranfurly Castle) beat Carol McNally (Williamwood) on the 16th green. Both played some great golf, and thanks go to Sandra Littlejohn for acting as referee. Rosebowl Qualifiers and Results
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| Carol and Alyson with the Commonwealth Spoons |
This is the 4th time that Renfrewshire have won the Commonwealth Spoons - CLICK HERE
1973 -- A Mickel and Mrs Tomison (Cathcart Castle)
1996 - Moyra Gordon and Pamela MacKenzie (Ranfurly Castle)
2001 - Anabel Kane and Moira Hogg (Old Ranfurly)
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| Renfrewshire County are Scottish County Team Runners Up |
Now the County Finals at Kilmacolm GC. The team was Eilidh Briggs, Megan Briggs, Jennifer Rankine, Gillian Kyle, Donna Jackson, Liz Stewart, Alyson McGinnigle and Emma Kennedy, with Carol Whyte as Reserve. In the weeks leading up to the event, Emma sustained a foot injury which meant she had to withdraw, and she has since had an operation to rectify the problem, so we wish her all the best in her recuperation. However Carol came to the rescue to fill in, and the team contested the Finals with a full squad and Julie Wilson acting as Reserve.
On Day 1 v Midlothian, after losing the Foursomes, the team rallied to win the Singles 5-1 to win the Match 5.5 to 3.5. On Day 2, the team beat Dumfriesshire 6.5 to 2.5 so setting up an exciting Day 3 v a very strong Aberdeenshire team. After losing the Foursomes in the morning, they fought back in the Singles, where some incredible golf was played. However this time they couldn't quite pull it off, and lost by an agonising half a point on countback, though we did win the Trophy for coming 2nd.
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| Aberdeenshire 2018 County Team Champions |
Once again, we thank Marilyn and her Caddies and all the many supporters who turned out – even from the other West Counties. As before, our photographers on the course (Carol Fell and Fiona Armour) produced a wonderful set of albums for the website. -- CLICK HERE
However a huge thanks goes to Kilmacolm Golf Club, who hosted the event superbly, especially the ladies who worked tirelessly throughout. In particular, thanks to Jane McDonald (Club Captain) and Sara Bishop (Lady Captain). -
I met up with Ann Smart, Captain of Aberdeenshire, on visiting Aberdeen at the weekend, and she reported that everyone from their area (players, officials and supporters) were bowled over by how well the Finals were run, so take a bow Kilmacolm GC.
However I would really like to say a huge 'thank you' to the Team players both at Erskine and Kilmacolm. Their commitment throughout and 'never-say-die' spirit was fantastic. REPORT ON THE RLCGA WEBSITE
Now for individual achievements.
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| Winning Scottish Home International Team - Photo courtesy of the R&A Eilidh fourth from left |
Eilidh Briggs – In early April, she won the Whittington Trophy at Whittington Heath GC by 3 strokes after finishing 9th the week before at Delamere GC – both prestigious English Amateur Events, as well as finishing 13th at the Irish Womens Amateur Open. Following that she won the County Championships here at Haggs Castle.
She played for Scotland in the European Team Championships at Murhof GC in Austria and then was part of the winning Scottish Team at the Home Internationals at Ballybunion in Ireland – the first time in 8 years, when sister Megan was part of the Team. -- CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
Jennifer Rankine – In April, Jennifer was in the U18 Scottish Squad and had a hole-in-one at the Irish Under 18 Girls Open (on Friday 13th !), and was part of the Scottish Girls Team which played in the European Team Championship in Sweden. She was in the Stirling University Scholarship Team which took part in the Slovenian Ladies Amateur Open, and came 4th in the Stephen Gallacher Golf Foundation Trophy at Cardrona GC. She also played for the Scottish Girls Team in the Home Internationals at Ballybunion, and although they finished 4th, Jennifer won 2 and a half points out of 4.
Gillian Kyle – In March, she was given Honorary Membership of East Renfrewshire GC, and in April she played for the Scottish Vets in the Mary McKenna Trophy in Ireland and in the Vets Jamboree at Hexham in August. She also played in the Scottish Seniors Team at the European Team Championships in Belgium in September, and in the Home Internationals in October at Burnham and Barrow GC.
Liz Stewart was Runner-Up in the West Vets Championship Final, and played for the Scottish Vets in the Jamboree at Hexham.
Megan Briggs won the West of Scotland Championship for the 5th time at Balmore GC and we congratulate her on her recent marriage to Iain Scolefield.
At the Scottish Championships at Elie, Jennifer Rankine qualified after 2 rounds but was narrowly defeated in the 1st round of Matchplay. Gillian Kyle and Emma Kennedy were also narrowly defeated in the 1st round of Matchplay for the Clark Trophy.
After a very successful season, Alyson McGinnigle was awarded the prestigious Jack Murray Trophy at Cowglen GC, a Trophy rarely awarded to a lady golfer.
Although mentioned in Gillian's Junior Report, I must also congratulate Romy Erskine for having such a superb season by winning the U 18 Scottish Handicap Championship, and reducing her handicap from 11 to 5 in the month of July. She also came a gallant 2nd to Megan in the Kilmacolm Championship.
Mention has to be made of Maureen Woodhead (Gourock GC). A Past Captain and Team player for Renfrewshire, she won the Gourock Championship for the 25th time. We may not see her much in the future as she moves to a new base in the Lake District with husband Neil, so we wish her all the best.
Now, on behalf of the County, I would like to thank all the courses which have granted us courtesy for all Competitions and Matches throughout the season. We certainly do appreciate it, and that is why we encourage players to partake of the Catering in order to support the Clubs.
ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS
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| Jennifer receives her photograph gift |
We're delighted to say that Wendy Cameron continues as our Honorary Life President, so we thank her for that. Although being the Instigator of reducing the President's term of office from 5 to 3 years, Jennifer Mack agreed to stay on an extra year in light of us hosting the Jamboree. Jennifer has been a tremendous support to both Gillian and myself, and her entertainment value at Social Events can never be matched. So on leaving office, we would like to present her with this gift of a collection of photos from the website.
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| Jennifer, new President Pearl and Captain June |
And now I'd like to announce our new President. -- This Lady has a long background of golfing achievements -
- Irish Girls Champion in 1962
- Ulster Ladies Inter Provincial Team Member,
- Curtis Cup Training Team Scheme 1967,
- Played for Ireland in the Home Internationals in 1971,
- New Maiden GC Surrey Sarawak (Borneo) Ladies Open Champion 1984
- Brunei Ladies Open Champion Runner Up 1984
- Miri GC Sarawak Ladies Champion1984
- Paisley Golf Club Champion
- Haggs Castle Lades Champion
- Renfrewshire County Team member from 1987-1999
- Scottish County Foursomes Champion with Dorothea Hastings
- Won the Inter-County Foursomes Scratch on numerous occasions with Donna Jackson,
- Captain of Renfrewshire County 2001 - 2003
- Captain of Cochrane Castle
For many years afterwards was the most dedicated caddy for Renfrewshire. She and husband Johnny have been ever present supporters at Jamborees and County Finals, and I am of course referring to Pearl Orr.
We're delighted to say that both Carol McNally and Tracy Masterton are continuing as Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer respectively, and as always we thank them for their work.
Gillian Kyle will continue as Junior Convenor as well as Child Protection Officer. She has done a great job in building up a core of Juniors, so we are really indebted to her for that.
Sandra Macdougall will continue as Membership Secretary, and Fiona Armour, although technically off Committee, will continue as Results Secretary.
Linda Ellery is due to come off Committee, but will continue to be our 'Clothing Saleswoman'. She has been most competent and conscientious, and we can't but thank her for her hard work.
Apart from items being displayed at the most important meetings, the range can be viewed on the website.
Liz Stewart and Marilyn Muir have another year each, so that leaves 2 places to be filled.
I would like to propose Julie Wilson (Williamwood) and Elaine Munn (East Renfrewshire) Now it has been agreed that Julie Wilson is elected, she must be the quickest on record to be given a job – she has agreed to to be responsible for accepting Winter Foursomes Results !!
AOCB
Captain June then gave a further report on Scottish Golf since the last AGM
SCOTTISH GOLF UPDATE
Last November, Sandra and I attended a SG Meeting at Stirling, where we chose the 1st of 2 dates offered. This went reasonably well despite some gentlemen being controversial, and with their emails afterwards. Apparently at the other Meeting, the fur was flying, so we dodged that experience !
In December, we attended the Day Conference in Edinburgh, where Stewart Darling painted a gloomy picture if we did nothing in golf. This can still be seen on the website, so I strongly recommend you listen to it. In February the Committee met up with Eleanor Cannon, where she certainly answered all our questions about the affiliation fee increase and the amalgamation topic.
In March we attended the SG AGM at Dalmahoy, where the affiliation fee increase was rejected. It transpired that 1 or 2 Areas had enforced their Constitution Articles where Proxy votes determined how their 10 votes should be cast, despite those present wishing to vote for the increase.
In May, I attended a Meeting at Auchterarder for Counties only, and the day after the Jamboree, Sandra and I were invited by Derek McGlynn (Renfrewshire President) to meet up with all Area Club Reps to meet with the new CEO for SG, Andrew McKinlay, who certainly seemed less dictatorial and more willing to listen than the previous CEO, Blane Dodds.
Finally Sandra attended the General Meeting on the 4th of October to revisit the affiliation fee increase, and this was eventually passed, with a majority vote of 60.2%. As I was returning from holiday that day, we couldn't risk registering me to vote, in case of a late flight.
The main points of all these Meetings were as follows.
- SG has no legal influence on Areas/Counties re. Amalgamation. Only 1 County so far has amalgamated (N. Counties) as they gained far more money by making every lady golfer pay a small fee. However Renfrewshire would gain less than ½ what we collect as subscriptions, as is the case with several other Counties.
- At the AGM in March, Eleanor Cannon admitted that such amalgamation is not feasible or desired by most Counties. Although this issue seems to have been put to bed, it is possible that some sort of change may come about in the roles of the Areas/Counties, but that is no time soon.
- 4 Regional Forums have been set up (N,S,E & W) where volunteers from Clubs, Areas & Counties meet up every few months, and our Representative is Carol McNally. This is primarily to answer the criticism that since SLGA/SGU Amalgamation, there have been few occasions for people to meet with SG. Also it allows examples of best practice to be aired.
- After County Committee discussion on 2 occasions, we unanimously voted to back the increase in Affiliation Fee from £11.25 to £14.50 which will take effect from Jan. 2019 and will be frozen till 2022. We also agreed to support the calling of the GM in October to revisit this.
- One aim of SG is to look at the anomaly of Counties each having 10 votes, as it means Counties have 22% voting power but only 10-13% of lady club golfers. In the future, they wish to aim for 1 member 1 vote.
- It may be that Training Grants will be appreciably curtailed and the County Finalists will not receive any contribution towards expenses. SG has 3 main aims for the future – to increase membership by 20% (especially women and juniors), work on more sponsorship and to tackle contribution by nomadic golfers.
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| Vice Captain - Sandra Littlejohn |
Vice Captain Sandra Littlejohn then took over and said as June had already mentioned in point 1 above the only county to amalgamate was Northern Counties and no other are, counties had amalgamated.
By making every lady golfer pay a small fee works for Northern Counties but Renfrewshire, however would gain less than half of what we currently collect if we went down a similar path as is the case with several other counties.
As you can imagine, the subject of more inclusiveness amongst lady golfers and county golf was raised and discussed during all the various debates regarding amalgamation..
With this in mind, Renfrewshire Ladies County Golf Association is now seeking for your approval to increase our entry handicap limit from 24 to 30 and thereby making county golf assessable to more lady golfers.
The increase does not affect the CSS. as it currently stands category 4 goes up to 28 and category 5 from 29 - 36. The number of Category 5 players and their scores are not counted when working out the percentage in their buffer zone.
For your information - Ayrshire, D&A plus Lanarkshire have all at recent AGM's increased their entry limit to 32, 30 and 32 respectively.
The following Counties have advised us of their limits:
- Aberdeenshire 35
- Angus 35
- Borders 54
- Dumbriesshire 36
- East Lothian 35
- Fife 36
- Galloway 36
- Perth and Kinross 28
- Stirling and Clackmannan 35
From the entry limits set by various counties, the committee feel that Renfrewshire now require to address our current position and seek approval to the proposed changes i.e. Increase our entry from 24 to 30 --
The vote was taken by the members and was carried unanimously
Important Dates and Final Remarks
The Beetle Drive has been booked for Sunday, 27th January 2019 and the Biennial Dinner on Thursday 21st March – both events here at Haggs Castle GC. I have already organised a speaker and a little entertainment for the Dinner, so it would be great to have a good turnout for both events.
PRESENTATION OF PRIZES
The meeting finished with the presentation of Prizes by Jennifer Mack the outgoing President.
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| A delighted Fiona and Carol with their Glenmuir County Webmaster Jackets |
A final presentation was made to delighted Webmasters / Photographers Carol Fell and Fiona Armour for all their hard work with the new RLCGA Website which was intimated earlier still had problems but hopefully over the winter can be resolved.
Finally a Vote of Thanks was given by County Champion Eilidh Briggs.
The date for the 110th AGM is Wednesday 6th November 2019 at 7:30pm
