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| RLCGA AGM AND PRIZEGIVING |
SOME PHOTOS FROM THE EVENING -- COURTESY OF FIONA ARMOUR
RLCGA Website -- www.rlcga.co.uk
60 ladies attended the 110th RLCGA AGM which was held at Haggs Castle Golf Club last night -- the 6th November 2019.
Captain June Lockhart opened the meeting by welcoming Honorary Life President Wendy Cameron, Honorary President Pearl Orr, Honorary Members and all the Ladies to the 110th AGM of Renfrewshire Ladies' County Golf Association, and thank them all for their presence tonight.
She then said "Before we pass on to the business of the evening, I must record our sadness at the passing of 2 of our well known members from the past
"In February, Mae Noble died aged 90. Mae was in the County Team from 1966-1988, played 7 times for Scottish Vets, was Haggs Castle Champion 8 times, Erskine Champion 13 times and won the Scottish Ladies Foursomes in 1967 with Aileen Wilson."
"Then in September the County lost one of its great characters in Rosemary Dykes - a Past County Captain, chairman of the LGU Executive Council, Honorary Member and Honorary President of the County and an SLGA Vice President."
"The funerals were very well represented by the County and it was a privilege to attend to pass on our condolences to both families."
Secretary Carol McNally intimated that there were 46 apologies
The minutes of the meeting held on November, 2018, had already been distributed and also on the website. They were taken as read and were proposed and seconded.
With no matters arising the following reports were read out --
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| Treasurer -- Tracy Masterton |
TREASURER REPORT -- The report was read out by treasurer Tracy Masterton and the full report will be available in the 2019 AGM minutes.
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| Secretary - Carol McNally |
SECRETARY REPORT -- Carol McNally
Yet another extremely enjoyable year for me as Renfrewshire Ladies Secretary. I do hope you all enjoyed your golfing year both at your own Clubs and with The County. I'd like to report a snap shot of the year as follows:-
My thanks to our Membership Secretary Sandra Macdougall for the following information-
Our membership seems quite solid with 217 members of which 23 are junior girls; 12 Honorary members; 14 non-playing members; and delighted to report 3 new members. This keeps our figures relatively comparable to last year.
Foursomes: Cathcart Castle in April
Following on from last year’s trial of the new format of starting our season with foursomes definitely seems a success.
43 teams participated over a rather lovely Spring day.
43 teams participated over a rather lovely Spring day.
Scratch winners were Carol McNally Williamwood and Alyson McGinnigle Cowglen with gross 78.
Donna Jackson Troon Ladies and Liz Stewart of Greenburn were second with 80.
Gill Unick and Lorraine Morris both of Williamwood won the handicap with nett 72. Carol and Alyson in second place and Susan Reid and Barbara Lyle both of Kilmacolm were third (only 1.5 shots between 1st and 3rd).
Donna Jackson Troon Ladies and Liz Stewart of Greenburn were second with 80.
Gill Unick and Lorraine Morris both of Williamwood won the handicap with nett 72. Carol and Alyson in second place and Susan Reid and Barbara Lyle both of Kilmacolm were third (only 1.5 shots between 1st and 3rd).
This Competititon is used as a qualifying platform for Inter County Foursomes and Commonwealth Spoons.
Spring Meeting at Cochrane Castle
Whilst last year we had 36 players, this year only 8 and only 4 played all 18 holes. It was a horrendous day with the call offs coming in fast and furious.
Scratch & Div 1 Winner – Jan Macnab Ranfurly Castle
Div 1 Runner Up – Liz Hale Caldwell
Div 1 3rd – Jennifer Mack Haggs Castle
June
Inter County Foursomes at Cardross
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| Valerie Crawford Linda Ellery (Handicap Winners) and Alyson McGinnigle and Carol McNally (Scratch Winners) |
2 scratch and 4 nett pairings represented Renfrewshire on a rather wet and cold day.
Renfrewshire performed well on the day with Carol and Alyson winning the scratch by 7 shots (no one was more surprised than us!) and Linda Ellery and Val Crawford of East Renfrewshire winning the handicap. Interesting comment made on the day by Helensburgh lady “the thing about Cardross is..... There's a lot of grass at Cardross!
Cardross is hosting next year's Jamboree, wonder if there will be even more grass by then!
Cardross is hosting next year's Jamboree, wonder if there will be even more grass by then!
June Medal at Old Ranfurly
Last year 23 players, this year 35. It was an extremely windy day and scoring was on the higher side!
Scratch & Division 1 Winner – Jan Macnab Ranfurly Castle Div 1 Runner Up – Allison Murray Old Ranfurly
Div 2 Winner – Fiona Armour Renfrew
Div 2 Runner Up– Linda Anderson Old Ranfurly
Medal Finals Winner Maureen Woodhead: Gourock
July Medal at Williamwood. Last year 25 ladies played in this medal, this year we had 40.
Scratch winner – Julie Wilson, Williamwood
Div 1 Winner – Anne Judge, Ranfurly Castle
Div 1 Runner Up – Carol Fell, Douglas Park
Div 2 Winner - Marion Munro, Ranfurly Castle
Div 2 Runner Up – Julie Scott, Troon Wellbeck
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| Sandra with her Hole in One |
Special mention to Vice Captain Sandra Littlejohn for carding a hole in one on the day. Many congratulations Sandra, who was heard saying..... I then went to pieces! Long round for Sandra then as her hole in one was at the second!
August medal at Whitecraigs. Last year's medal had 33 players, however this year we were down to 25 with extremely heavy conditions.
Scratch and Div 1 Winner - Orla Rooney, Cowglen
Div 1 Runner Up – Liz Hale, Caldwell
Div 2 Winner – Julie Scott, Troon Wellbeck Div 2 Runner Up – Carol Anderson, Pollok
The Greensomes was played this year at Cowglen. An increase on numbers as this year 30 couples took part with last year 22.
Winners: Brenda Duthie, Cathcart Castle and Stella Bowie, Kilmacolm Runners Up - Captain June and Shirley Back Gleddoch
And so to our last competition of the season.
The triam. Held this year at Greenock. A drop in numbers from 39 last year to 30 this year.
The triam. Held this year at Greenock. A drop in numbers from 39 last year to 30 this year.
Winners- Margaret Gray, Old Ranfurly/Jan Macnab, Ranfurly Castle/ Morag Turner, Kilmacolm
Runners-up: Merope Dunlop, Old Ranfurly/Susan Ferguson,Caldwell/ Chris Fowler, Cowglen
Very kindly Mo Neilson and Cath Forbes of Greenock organised a raffle on the day for County funds. A wonderful £123 was generated on the day. Many thanks indeed ladies.
Now, to the announcement of courses for season 2020.
April 27th: Foursomes at Elderslie
May 6-8th: Championship at Ranfurly Castle
May 28th: Spring Meeting at Bonnyton
June 30th: Medal at Kilmacolm
July 10th: Medal at Cathcart Castle
August 14th: Medal at East Renfrewshire
August 24th: Greensomes at Cochrane Castle
September 15th: Triam at Gleddoch
We shall again have evening reservations at our Spring Meeting; June and July Medals.
Other noteable events for 2020 -
The month of June is a very busy time.......
May 10th: West Championship at Cochrane Castle
Inter County Foursomes TBA
May 10th: West Championship at Cochrane Castle
Inter County Foursomes TBA
June 15th - 17th: Jamboree at Cardross
Kennedy Salver at Irvine Bogside TBA
Also, do remember next year the Scottish Senior Women’s Open Championship is being held in Renfrewshire County as Pollok Golf Club are hosting this prestigious event.
Here's hoping home advantage plays well!
West of Scotland Working Group Forum
This forum at the moment meets twice per year and I attend as representative of our County. As mentioned at last year's AGM it is of more value to Clubs than Counties, and the Minutes of most recent meeting can be read on our web site.
That being said, some points to mention are - Scottish Golf are their disappointment of the uptake of the Women Into Golf Charter with only 18 Clubs committed to date. They are hoping to improve on this during this year.
A Golf Sixes League has been launched with very high interest. For further information ladies, please view Scottish Golf web site.
Now, before I pass to Maureen Mitchell for her course rating update, I'd like to thank all of you for your continued support to Renfrewshire County and indeed for your support to me. I very much look forward to next season with you all. Thank you ladies.That being said, some points to mention are - Scottish Golf are their disappointment of the uptake of the Women Into Golf Charter with only 18 Clubs committed to date. They are hoping to improve on this during this year.
A Golf Sixes League has been launched with very high interest. For further information ladies, please view Scottish Golf web site.
Captain June then called upon Maureen Mitchell from Old Ranfurly to present her update on course rating
COURSE RATING REPORT - Maureen Mitchell
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| Maureen Mitchell |
I would like to update you on the course rating progress this year. Fortunately Renfrewshire is up to date with rating our courses as we only managed to rate 6 courses with only 1 in Renfrewshire.
As some counties do not have many raters, we are often asked to help out. As I am sure you will understand, it is not easy to arrange 5 people and a course to agree on a date then organise suitable weather!
My team managed 3 courses – Loch Lomond, Millport & Whinhill (Greenock) We nearly managed Port Glasgow but had to cancel 3 times due to very heavy rain, gale force winds and very wet slippery paths & fairways.
The team of 3 ladies from East Renfrewshire – Linda Ellery, Carole Spy & Liz Munro – also rated 3 courses – Lenzie, Balmore and Vale of Leven.
Unfortunately, Carole had an accident at Vale of Leven when she was hit by a wayward ball on her face beside her eye despite having on her safety helmet and this required her to have a hospital visit. Hopefully it has not put her off rating as we need her and that she will be raring to go again in the spring.
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| Baillie does some course rating !! |
Sometimes we are asked about what we do when we are rating. Apart from a lot of measuring, there are many other considerations eg when there are burns on courses. If we discover that a landing zone comes in or beside a burn this could result in a ‘forced layup’. However, if we find that your landing zone is over the burn by 10 yards but you choose not to take the risk, then it is called a ‘layup by choice’.
I decided to take my rescue dog with us to Whinhill – his first outing to a course. At one hole there was a burn in front of the green – the 2 men had reached the green but Marilyn Muir and I were still measuring the fairway when Baillie decided to join the men. If you have ever been perplexed as to what to do to get over a burn, have a look at the photograph above of my wee dog trying to solve the problem – you will appreciate the look on his face !
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| Gillian Kyle |
She was very organised and the girls enjoyed their sessions which were both outdoors on the practice ground and indoors using the simulator. Myself, Clair Barclay, Liz Hale, Lynda Bradley and Gill McLeod organised 5 sessions for the younger girls over the winter too-at Gourock’s fabulous indoor facility, Cowglen’s covered bays and clubhouse and at Caldwell outside with Mark Loftus, their Pro.
Our sessions at Kilmacolm and Williamwood were unfortunately cancelled due to poor weather although Gill ran a Texas Scramble for 10 girls at the end of June where we met more new faces.
KENNEDY SALVER
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| Renfrewshire County Juniors - Win the 2019 Kennedy Salver |
All girls entered into the Renfrewshire spirit wearing their team outfits accessorised with pink hair ribbons. Unfortunately D&A had to withdraw as they only have 1 girl with a handicap atm so after a bit of expert Maths from Clair, we reorganised the draw.
The girls got off to a great start and had 3 points after the Foursomes in the morning. They came out even stronger after lunch and won every single match in the afternoon. They had all practised hard together at Paisley in the winter with Claire-Marie and had managed some practice rounds at East Renfrewshire so they really deserved their victory.
It has been great to see them get to know each other better during our meetings and become good friends. I thank them all for making a great effort this year with their golf.
CAMPBELL CLOCK AND JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
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| Campbell Clock winner Orla Rooney [Cowglen] with Whitecraigs Lady Captain Helen Daye |
These were played at Whitecraigs GC on Sunday August 25th - 9 girls played 18 holes on a rather wet course but with decent overhead conditions. Orla Rooney won the Championship scoring a gross 77 and as that also produced the most Stableford points, she also won the Campbell Clock.
Jennifer Lynagh was 2nd with 37 points over Ava Graham from Paisley by the bih.
8 girls played 8 holes with Tammi Grady of Caldwell winning and Lucie Barclay of Kilmacolm runner up. 4 girls played on the Par 3 course with Maisie Cunniffe the winner and Maya Clark runner up-both Whitecraigs. -- READ MORE
My thanks go to Clair for organising the day so well and to all the helpers on the day without whom it would not have been possible.
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| Rosie McGuire, Hannah Carson and Ava Graham |
Ava Graham (now Elderslie) helped out D&A by making up their team and played with Tara Mactaggart, an elite Scottish player.
Although the girls were not prizewinners, they had a fabulous day, especially as the weather was calm and dry -- READ MORE
In summary, we have met around 36 different girls this year who have taken part in 1 event or another.
15 of them now have a current CONGU handicap. They are from a variety of different clubs and while there are many other girls who are just enjoying playing at their own clubs, please encourage them to join in with our events if possible.
I’m sure they would find us all very friendly. Once handicaps have been attained, they will be made very welcome at all West Girls events too.
8 of our girls are members (out of their 25) and enjoyed successes in the West Girls’ medals and matches.
Details are on their website.
Here are some of the girls’ achievements this past season that I know of…
Orla Rooney (Cowglen) - handicap now 9.
Won RLCGA Junior Championship and Campbell Clock
Won RLCGA August Medal
Played in Cowglen Junior and Greenlees teams as well as West Girls team
In SG Development Academy-year 2.
Sophie Kyle (East Renfrewshire) - handicap now 9.
Captain of West Girls and East Renfrewshire Juniors
Played in East Renfrewshire Junior and Greenlees teams as well as West Girls team
She is a member of the Scottish Young Persons Golf Panel who meet 2-3 times a year to provide valuable insights and a better understanding of young people and society today. The Panel gives the young people a platform to voice their opinions about sport, its barriers and what can be done to improve this.
Sophie has been working in a smaller group on a paper looking a mental health and what benefits golf may have here.
She has also been very lucky and been a guest at the Solheim Cup and Scottish Open where she interviewed Justin Thomas. (with just 30 minutes warning!) - See Video above
Jennifer Lynagh ( Caldwell) - handicap now 15.
Caldwell Junior Team-won every match in Newton Shield League Fereneze Junior Team-won every match in Fleming Watson League Millennium Trophy at Whitecraigs - won U15 9 hole team event
West Girls-1st bronze in 2 medals and 1st silver in another to gain a place in the Bronze Championship which she won comfortably on October 6th at Troon.
Played in several West Girls matches
West of Scotland Championship at Sandyhills -1st Handicap overall and part of winning Junior Team with Orla and Aaliyah.
Runner up in RLCGA Junior Championship and Campbell Clock Scottish Junior Team Championship at Barassie representing Caldwell-2nd placed girl
Ella McGrath (Caldwell) - handicap now 34
Won SG Development medal at Montrose in March
Played in Caldwell Newton Shield team winning 3 out of 4 matches Reserve for RLCGA team at Kennedy Salver
Qualified for Junior Flag Tour finals With Mia Thyne from Caldwell, Was best girls team at Dumfries and County in Stanley Morrison Trophy and 3rdgirl overall
In SG Development Academy-year 1 Scottish Junior Team Championship at Barassie representing Caldwell
Lauren Agnew(Williamwood) -handicap now 19.
Eastwood Junior Team in Fleming Watson matches (now a member of Williamwood)
Won West Girls nett silver medals at Troon and Cawder
Played in West Girls matches
Runner up in Williamwood Girls Scratch Final
Ava Graham (Elderslie) -handicap now 34.
Runner up in St Leonard’s under 11’s on Balgove Course
Qualified for Junior Flag Tour finals at Carnoustie
Runner up in u15’s Schools Invitational at Murrayfield GC
3rd in Campbell Clock
In SG Golf Development Academy-year 1.
There may be many other achievements but if the girls don’t tell me or Carol Fell doesn’t know, then I don’t know of them.
Apologies to them!
This winter, as Claire-Marie has moved from Paisley to work for Paul Lawrie, we are hoping to host 5 x 2 hour sessions and sharing ourselves in a few venues. -- 2 sessions before Christmas are for those with handicaps and the 3 after are for all girls that we know who are involved in Renfrewshire clubs.
We plan to use Fairways Golf Arena in Coatbridge plus the facilities at Caldwell, Kilmacolm and Cowglen golf clubs and I will again be ably assisted by Clair Barclay, Liz Hale and Lynda Bradley.
Clair will then take over the running of any summer events-normally a match vs another county, the Kennedy Salver and then the Campbell Clock with Championship.
In summary, we have a great, growing group of girls who seem really keen about golf so please keep looking forthem and any new girls at your own clubs and let us know of any more future stars out there. Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank June, Sandra and Pearl for coming along to support our events and to the great junior team of Clair, Lynda, Liz and Gill for all their help and enthusiasm last season.
QUESTIONAIRE REPORT - FIONA ARMOUR
Results Secretary Fiona Armour had compiled a survey for all members to fill in relating to - member participation in competitions; if there was interest in different formats; communication; competition booking; members hub; and the use of communication mediums -- So far she had 87 responses which have been very informative and she would still be taking in more after the AGM from members who wished to fill in a paper copy
She thanked everyone who had taken time-out to participate in the survey. She also thanked Sandra Littlejohn and Committee member, Julie Wilson for assisting with compiling the survey and printing off the hard copies. CLICK HERE FOR FIONA'S REPORT
CAPTAINS REPORT - JUNE LOCKHART
The year started off extremely well at the end of January, with a most successful Beetle Drive Fundraiser achieving a magnificent £1,750.
READ MORE
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| Captain June and guest Speaker Karen Maxwell |
Then in March, 60 ladies attended our Biennial County Dinner where speaker Karen Maxwell certainly put a different slant on the Circle of Life !
As usual, Haggs Castle GC was an ideal venue for both events so we can't thank them enough for being such valuable supporters of the County. My sincere thanks to all who attended but in particular to members of the Committee in both the lead up to the events, on the day and afterwards, especially Carol McNally as well as Fiona Armour and Carol Fell for their incredible record of photos and videos.
READ MORE TO SEE THE 110 YEARS CELEBRATION EVENING
12 players were invited to be part of the Winter Training Squad – Eilidh and Megan Briggs, Jennifer Rankine, Gillian Kyle, Donna Jackson, Julie Wilson, Liz Stewart, Alyson McGinnigle, Emma Kennedy, Carol Whyte, Katrina Milne and Romy Erskine. However later, due to illness and other commitments for some, we thank Gillian McGinlay and Denise Cowan for taking part on occasions.
The Winter Training Programme had to undergo a big change this year due to closure of the Glasgow Indoor Centre.
However a 2 hour indoor session was organised with Graeme Bell at Nerston GC in East Kilbride in February, then 8 players had a practice match in March at Ladybank v Fife, thanks to Lorna Bennet, where the girls won 3-1.
A second match was organised at Gleddoch GC in April against a team of low handicap County members, with 'constraints' applied thanks to advice from Karyn Burns. It ended up being so challenging to the Squad that the County Members won, though the format was a better exercise than playing a Gents/Juniors Boys Team. We give thanks to both Clubs for allowing us to have courtesy of their courses -  |
| Sheila and Jan, Captain June and Marion and Anne |
The Winter Foursomes Final took place at Pollok GC between Jan McNab (Ranfurly Castle ) partnering Sheila Shaw (Caldwell) against Marion Munro and Anne Judge of Ranfurly Castle. The day was dry but bitterly cold, and all 4 players deserve great credit for an extremely close match where it finished on the 4th extra hole with Marion and Anne emerging victorious. Thanks go to Pollok GC for use of their course and to Sandra Littlejohn for taking over as referee for the last 4 extra holes, before I caught another dose of pneumonia. - READ MORE
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| Beth Paterson (Peggy Clark Trophy) , Gillian Kyle 20019 Champion and Morag Little (Irvine Trophy) |
The Championship at Paisley GC was moved to May this year and although we still couldn't control the weather, the course was in very good condition. However 46 ladies played on the Wednesday morning despite the Baltic temperature, when Alyson McGinnigle of Cowglen had the lowest gross score of 77, whilst Beth Paterson of Eastwood had the lowest nett score of 72 thus winning the Peggy Clark Trophy.
Fortunately as the days passed, the weather improved with Finals Day seeing sunshine, when Morag Little (Whitecraigs) beat Vice Captain Sandra Littlejohn (Erskine) in the Irvine Trophy. In the Championship there were some great matches over the 2 knockout days where the Final itself was contested by Alyson McGinnigle (Cowglen) and Gillian Kyle (East Renfrewshire). Most of the holes were closely fought but Gillian pulled away in the back nine to win at the 16th – a worthy Champion. We were hugely indebted to Paisley GC for the use of their course and Clubhouse facilities, and to Sandra Littlejohn for her organisation of the event.
Again thanks go to Cochrane Castle for giving us such a good deal on the golf and food.
On Sunday 19th May the West Championship was held at Sandyhills, and we're glad to say that Renfrewshire had a clean sweep for the 2nd year in a row. Megan Briggs successfully defended the Championship with a 72 and Julie Wilson was 3rd with a 77.
The team of Megan, Donna Jackson and Alyson McGinnigle won the Team Trophy, and the Junior Team of Jennifer Lynagh, Aaliyah Sandhu and Orla Rooney won the Junior Trophy.
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| Jennifer Lynagh |
Renfrewshire has always supported this event well, so hopefully we can continue to do so, especially as we are hosting it next season at Cochrane Castle. READ WEBSITE REPORT
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| RLCGA's Sandra McDougall and Fiona Armour |
Also on the 23rd May, the County was well represented on Finals Day for the West Vets at Renfrew. Donna Jackson was runner-up to defending Champion Lesley Lloyd of Lanarkshire.
The Handicap Final for the Stewart Trophy was won by Fiona Armour by beating Sandra McDougall (Kilmacolm)
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| Sandra and Donna |
In the Scottish Seniors at Edzell in June, Renfrewshire had great success. In the Championship, Liz Stewart and Donna Jackson won through to the Matchplay rounds, and Donna was runner-up in the Final itself, where she pushed defending Champion Elaine Moffatt to the 17th green.
As both Donna and Sandra played 6 competitive rounds in 4 days (and a practice round before that !), they did Renfrewshire proud in both their level of play and their stamina. - Click here for full report
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| 2019 County Team |
The County Team for the Jamboree in June was Jennifer Rankine, Gillian Kyle, Donna Jackson, Liz Stewart, Alyson McGinnigle, Julie Wilson, Carol Whyte and Gillian McGinlay, and they looked forward to playing the historic links.
Unfortunately the weather conditions were brutal during the 1st day and some of the 2nd, with gusts of up to 40 mph. We started well v Lanarkshire with a 2-1 win in the Foursomes, but lost the Singles to lose 5-4 overall.
We unfortunately had to agree to half Jennifer Rankine's game after only 2 holes, due to her witnessing and trying to help in the near tragic accident involving Referee Jean McIntyre.
Jean's buggy somersaulted into a deep bunker and she required to be cut out by the Emergency Services. However this sort of incident puts things into perspective and I'm glad to say Jean is recovering well.
On day 2 the girls did their best against a very strong Ayrshire Team but lost 6-3.
For day 3 we lost the services of Gillian Kyle for the Foursomes due to a leg injury, but we managed to halve the match v D & A and finished third.
As I said, Ayrshire were very strong and I'm glad to say they were also too strong for the other 3 Scottish Finalists at Peebles, so congratulations to them as Scottish County Champions for 2019.
However once again, many thanks to our faithful band of caddies organised brilliantly by Marilyn Muir, and to our supporters who did us proud despite the conditions.
For full report CLICK HERE
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| Jan Macnab -2019 Rosebowl Winner |
On September 15th at Gleddoch GC, the County Rosebowl Final was contested between Jan Macnab (Ranfurly Castle) and Linda McDougall (Greenock).
They played some wonderful golf despite the wind being a factor at times. Jan was 3 up after nine, then Linda hit a superb burst of 3 birdies (including one at the 452 yard 11th !)
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However Jan continued to play steady golf to record a 3 & 1 victory. - Click here for report and results
Other notable achievements
Congratulations go to Eilidh Briggs who was selected for the Scottish Team in the European Ladies Team Championship in Italy, where they finished 6th overall.
Megan Briggs was Captain of the Scottish Under 18 Girls for the Home Internationals at Downfield in early August. She also won the West of Scotland Championship for the 6th time at Sandyhills and also broke her own course record at Kilmacolm with a gross 66 in July.
In April, Gillian Kyle and Donna Jackson were in the victorious Scottish Vets Team v Irish Vets in the Mary McKenna Trophy at Troon Portland. Donna, Gillian and Liz Stewart were selected to play for the Scottish Vets in their Annual Jamboree at Northamptonshire County, and Donna was also chosen for the Scottish Seniors Team at the Home Internationals in County Sligo in October.
In the Scottish Vets Meeting at Blairgowrie, Gillian Kyle won the best scratch and nett scores to win the Lyon Picture and Patrick Rosebowl. Gillian and Chris Fowler combined with Lanarkshire's May Hughes to win the Lyon Trophy for the West for the best 3 nett scores.
Jennifer Rankine reached the semi-finals of the Rosebowl at the Scottish Amateur Championships at Kilmarnock Barassie in June. Carol Whyte won the St Andrews Ladies Jubilee Open in July, and
Sandra Littlejohn had a hole-in-one at Williamwood in the July medal as did Donna Jackson at Williamwood in a Greenlees Match.
Scottish Golf Update
In December 2018, Sandra Littlejohn, Carol Fell and I attended the SG Conference in Edinburgh, where new CEO Andrew McKinlay provided details of strategies to try and safeguard Golf's future, that of clubs and across the spectrum of the grassroots game.
Central to their plans is a new digital management system for clubs and individuals, and to understand it all, please look up the report on Carol Fell Golf.
It would appear SG is resigned to acknowledging that Amalgamation is not ideal for most Counties – for the near future anyway. However a questionnaire was also issued which we completed with the help of the Squad. In this they were obviously pushing to combine the Scottish County Finals with the Gents Area Finals at the same venue and on the same weekend.
Our response was a big 'No' but with good reasons given. In a later email, it appeared they were still pushing for this, but in September came the good news that they were leaving the Counties as they were for 2020 at least.
The Training Grant is now called the Investment Fund, and though I did an honest bid (ie not asking for the maximum £1,500), I was immediately contacted by Karin Sharp of SG who gave us the maximum as several other organisations were sitting on far more money than we were and had no qualms about claiming the maximum.
Now before drawing my report and my Captaincy to a close, I'd like to thank all the office bearers and Committee members for such tremendous support. Renfrewshire is so, so lucky in having such hard working Committee members and I'm sure this will continue under Sandra's Captaincy.
In particular, I'd like to thank Marilyn Muir for being such a faultless Caddy Mistress, Linda Ellery for her work on clothing and Sandra Macdougall for being so unflappable as Membership Secretary. Gillian Kyle and her team have nurtured a lovely, keen group of Juniors and have developed a coaching programme 2nd to none. Fiona Armour has worked tirelessly not only with the Questionnaire but in producing a 'fools guide' for coping with ballot duties and draws. She has also combined with Carol Fell to produce some wonderful pictures and videos of our events.
Throughout, Tracy Masterton has been an invaluable Treasurer – never flustered and always smiling, despite my inadequacies with money and receipts !
Carol McNally as Secretary has played a huge part in my 2 years. She has worked hard throughout and has a skill for achieving a first class ambience at important events such as the Jamboree Dinner and our County Dinner.
Thanks to Past President Jennifer Mack and now to President Pearl Orr for their invaluable experience, advice and fun. I owe Carol Fell so much gratitude for her help over the last few years , and, along with Fiona Armour recently, she has developed a website that is the envy of all the other Counties, as well as her most informative Carol Fell Golf website.
I'd like to thank all those who played in the County Team during this time. You were a pleasure to deal with, and your commitment to the cause was 2nd to none – though your choral skills at our bonding session last year needed a bit of work !
We also have a large number of very loyal County members, and hopefully this also will continue in the coming years despite the difficulties facing the game of golf.
Sandra Littlejohn and I have had a very busy, challenging 2 years, particularly with Scottish Golf and all the dramas that ensued. There have been highs and lows, and on a couple of occasions only we know how close we sailed to the wind – but nobody seemed to notice. You are very hard working and I know you have the County at heart so you will be an excellent Captain. I hope you have as much enjoyment as I have had, so it is with great pleasure that I present you with your Captain's Badge.
At this point Sandra was given her Captains badge and there was much hilarity as she was given much help to make sure she got it put round her neck with assistance of June and Gillian !!
Donna then said a few words to say how honoured she was to take on the role of Vice Captain after being a member of the County for so long and hoped to be able to follow the excellent Captains we have had over the years.
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| THE CAPTAINS BADGE PRESENTATION !! |
At this point Sandra was given her Captains badge and there was much hilarity as she was given much help to make sure she got it put round her neck with assistance of June and Gillian !!
Sandra then said "Given the history of Renfrewshire Ladies County Golf Association, I’m extremely honoured to be your next Captain although it is with much trepidation that I take on this role."
"June has been a wonderful Captain these past two years and although she admits to being a techno-phobe her progress in this area has been amazing – we can no longer say “if June can do it” everyone else will manage!! Sorry June – that’s not really true."
"Over the past two years you’ve helped me a great deal and I’ll miss, in particular, all our trips to Stirling to yet another Scottish Golf meeting."
"The important thing now is to present you with your Past Captain’s badge and a small gift in appreciation of all your hard work. I’m sure as you take a breather from all your golf duties over these past few years, Molly (and Iain) will be delighted to have you at home more often."
It now gives me great pleasure to introduce your new Vice Captain:
She was a late starter to golf – starting at 8 years of age!!
She’s represented Scotland at girls, ladies and senior level.
Wendy Cameron was the County Captain when she first played in the County Team. She crashed her car on the way to her first county match at Gourock but, thankfully, she made it in time for the singles.
Since then she has gone on to play in the Renfrewshire County Team for an amazing 36 times and played on 3 winning county final teams.
She’s been County Champion 11 times (and if that’s wrong Carol (Fell) don’t blame me!!).
I’m sure you’ve all guessed by now, my Vice Captain is Donna Jackson.
Thank you so much Donna for agreeing to take on this role and would now like you to come up and receive your Vice Captain’s badge and take your seat at the top table.
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| Past Present and Future Captains June, Sandra and Donna |
Office Bearers:
Wendy Cameron continues as our Honorary Life President, so we thank her for that.
Pearl Orr continues as Honorary President and, again, we thank her for that.
Carol McNally has agreed to continue as Honorary Secretary. As June mentioned earlier, Carol puts in a power of work behind the scenes and for that we are all extremely grateful.
Tracy Masterton will continue as Honorary Treasurer. Another valuable member of the County Committee who quietly gets on with the work in hand.
Gillian Kyle will continue as our Child Protection Officer.
In addition to this role, Gillian (along with Clair Barclay) has agreed to continue as Junior Convenor.
Gillian and Clair, together with Lynda Bradley, Liz Hale and Gill McLeod are doing a superb job encouraging young girls into county golf.
Sandra MacDougall will continue as our Membership Secretary.
Fiona Armour will continue as Results Secretary.
Linda Ellery will continue with our County Clothing. As in past years, Linda will display clothing items at the most important events such as County Championship and Foursomes. However, you can view the items on the website and email her at all times.
Liz Stewart and Marilyn Muir retire from the committee and I’d like to thank them both for all their hard work over the past 3 years. Marilyn has, however, agreed to continue as our Caddy Master for the 2020 Jamboree.
I’d like to welcome our two new committee members Marianne McKelvie and Brenda Conway who I’m sure both will be valuable assets.
Important Dates
The Fixtures for next season are on the back of the Agenda and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at these events.
There will also be a Beetle Drive on Sunday, 2 February 2020, at Haggs Castle from 2.00 to 5.00 pm.
This is an excellent opportunity to catch-up with everyone prior to the 2020 golf season beginning.
At present we are strong in our County Team, in our enthusiastic Committee and in our Members, but it would put us in an even stronger position if we could encourage more members so that we can say we represent as many lady golfers in Renfrewshire as possible.
With no AOCB the meeting finished with the presentation of Prizes by President Pearl Orr
Finally a Vote of Thanks was given by County Champion Gillian Kyle
The date for the 111th AGM is at Haggs Castle - Wednesday 7th November 2020 at 7:30pm
