Carol -- It was lovely to finally meet you at the service.
I can't remember a time when I haven't heard Mum mention you and it was so good to put a face to the name.
I really appreciate you taking time to come to the service and would like to use this blog to pass on my thanks to all those involved in the Renfrewshire Ladies County Golf Association, West Vets and beyond who attended the service or sent cards, messages and flowers - these have genuinely meant the world to me and its been a real comfort to know so many other people thought mum was pretty special.
I would also like to mention those who stood down at Caldwell Golf Club for the cortege passing. Coming over the bridge and along the road to see all the ladies gathered took my breath away. It was both unexpected and wonderful. - Mum would have LOVED that so much.
I have spent the day trying to find the words to express what an amazing scene that was and there really isn't any to do it justice -- so if its ok I'll just say THANK YOU
A bit like the Pharaoh's, Mum was sent off with the essentials for the after life - best golf jumper, shoes, glove, scorecard, pencil, marker tee and skip !
Those that knew her knew she was terrible for always looking to change her clubs so I'm expecting she'll get a new celestial set. I hope you and everyone have a lovely Christmas and wish you all the best for the coming year.
The photo I took of the flag at half mast down at Caldwell GC on the way home from the service. I thought it summed the day up really well.
There has been a change of plan for Heather Anderson's Funeral due to Covid.
The hearse will leave from Heather's home in Uplawmoor at 9.50am on Friday 26th November.
It will travel down the village main street towards Cadwell GC -- (some of you may wish to pay your respects by standing at the roadside) The cortege will go slowly past the Golf Club going towards Irvine.
There will be a service at 10.30am at Holmbridge Crematorium, Irvine ( KA11 4EF) to which all are invited.
The service will also be streamed and the code will be listed on the Crematorium website.
For clarification, there will not be a service at Caldwell Parish Church.
After the service at the crematorium, Lesley has invited all to meet up at the Uplawmoor Hotel from 11.45am onwards. -- CLICK HERE FOR THE OBITUARY
Heather at the Scottish Seniors Championship in 2004
It is with much sadness that I have to announce the death of Heather Anderson (Caldwell GC and Troon Ladies) on the 8th November 2021 a month short of her 91st birthday.
Heather was Scottish Champion in 1969 and in the Vagliano Team in that year. She was also theRenfrewshire County Champion 9 times, and aScottish Ladies Internationalistin 1964, 1965, 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971.
Her good friend -- Renfrewshire Counties' Liz Hale from Caldwell Golf Club wrote
Heather took up golf at the age of 17. Her passion, up until this point had been horse riding however, after a serious horse riding accident at the Royal Highland Show, her parents managed to persuade her to sell her horses. She was then left with a choice on whether to take up badminton or golf. Golf won.
Heather joined Caldwell Golf Club, aged 17 and in the same year, competed and won the Paisley Grammar School Championship. By 1948, Heather had a handicap and started playing in the Medals at Caldwell GC which were played on Saturday afternoons after the gents. It was during this time that Heather met Ian, her future husband.
Heather partnered a number of accomplished golfers during her career including Findlay Black (who holds the record scorecard at Caldwell GC) - playing in the final of the Daily Mail Medal Foursomes at Gleneagles and Margaret Sharp at Troon Portland and at Caldwell GC with many successes. Heather also performed with style, most notably at the Highland Open Championship, Pitlochrie, where she donned trousers, shirt, cap and glove – all in the Anderson tartan. A competitor was overheard saying; ‘My God, it’s a bag of pipes she should be playing!’.
By 1958, Heather was a scratch golfer and was chosen to play for the Renfrewshire Team which she continued to do over a span of 32 years.
In 1964, Heather’s international career took off.
Heather played for Scotland in the Home Internationals in Sweden and France. She led the team in the European Championship and then two months later, Scotland won the Home International at Western Gailes. This was when Heather defeated the National Champion of England, of Ireland and of Wales, finishing the series with 100% success and earning the honour of being asked to play for Great Britain and Ireland.
Heather’s most memorable win, of course, was at West Kilbride when she won the
Scottish Ladies’ Championship in 1969. There was a gold Medal but no prize money at that time and her daughter Lesley was seen to be building sand castles in the bunker to celebrate her victory !!
However, history was made when Heather was presented with a replica owned by the late Jean McCulloch of West Kilbride. Jean had, in her earlier years, won the Scottish title on three occasions between 1913 and 1928 and it was this last replica that Heather regraded as one of her most treasured possessions.
In 1980, Heather turned professional, only the second lady professional in Scotland, at that time and then reinstated in 1985 to the amateur ranks.
In the same year, Heather received an Honourable Membership at Caldwell GC.
Heather was Ladies Caldwell GC Champion (19 times) as well as winning many other trophies. She was our current Ladies President. -- She was truly an inspiration to us all!
Since her 80th birthday in 2010 Heather still managed to play golf up until about 2016 and featured throughout the last decade with various achievements --
In 2013 She entered a competition through 'How Did I do' . It was to tell a story about a memory of the 'Open'.
Heather's memory told about the time when her young daughter, Lesley, had approached Gary Player and asked for his autograph for her Mum. He was delighted to give this. At which point Lesley asked 'Would you like me to get my Mum's autograph now to give to you ?
This story made Heather one of the prize winners -- and to top it all she was informed she could bring a friend - and her friend invited was Liz Hale
A round of golf at Muirfield (with Caddy) on Thursday 20th June, just before the closing of the course to perpare for the Open.
2 nights stay at the McDonald Marine Hotel in North Berwick . (Taxi to the Course included)
Golf Clinic With Darren Clark followed by Buffet Lunch.
Dinner on Thursday Evening with 'Q and A session' with Darren Clark.
They both had a marvellous day -- the Marine was comfortable, friendly and good food. The clinic with Darren Clark was really informative and interesting - driving and short game- always something relevant you remember to take away with you.
This was followed by a wonderful buffet lunch in the Clubhouse before going out for our round of golf.
We were put into ten teams of four. As Heather and Liz were the only two ladies it was funny to see the expressions on the faces of the two Irish gentlemen who had been landed with us. They were great to play with.
The weather was good, sunshine and they each had a caddy. Heather played well which made the game enjoyable for her and Darren Clark played 2 holes with their team.
It was a great experience to play the course and made watching The Open itself more interesting.
After the game they returned to the Hotel where there was a prizegiving dinner with Darren Clark hosting a question and answer session. The men were given ties with the Claret Jug embroidered on it while Heather and Liz were each given a lovely silver brooch of the Claret Jug -- Nice keepsake.
A really enjoyable experience - a well deserved experience for Heather to add to all her very many golfing achievements. She was quite sad to come away from Muirfield.
In 2014 she was first Commonwealth Games baton bearer in her home town of Uplawmoor in East Renfrewshire. The BBC reported that -- Heather has long been an active member of the community and has been involved with the local council, the church board and the church choir. She is also an accomplished golfer, and won the Scottish Ladies Championship in 1969
It was an early start for Heather as she had to be there for 6.15am!! The carrying of the torch was at 7.30am and the rain held off. All TV cameras and eyes on Heather in her blue and white uniform as she carried the torch about 400 yards before handing it on. Quite an honour and a day to remember for Heather. Half the village turned out to see her and we were all given a lovely breakfast in the local hall afterwards. Heather had her hair done the day before and the first thing she asked her daughter on the the morning of the event was -'Is my hair alright?' She did well!!
Heather played in the West Vets Summer Meeting in 2016 over her Home course Caldwell with your webmaster Carol Fell who was so impressed with her still wonderful swing -- SO EASY!!
Heather, Wendy and Aileen
Later that year she was then awarded Honorary Membership of the West Vets at the 2016 AGM alongside Aileen Wilson to join Wendy Cameron as the 3 Honorary Members. --
Liz Hale said today "Heather fought bravely for the last year but died peacefully at home which is what she would have wanted. Her daughter Lesley looked after her very well ".
"Before her illness, Heather was always ready for a coffee and chat and enjoyed going down to Troon to catch up with her long term golf 'pals' there.
A long and successful career with a swing that was 'easy and consistent'. Not many golfers go off golfing in Portugal in their mid eighties!
She was the oracle at Caldwell and a respected and much liked lady President of the Club - She will be missed at Caldwell and missed in her very much loved village of Uplawmoor."
Heather’s funeral will be on Friday 26th November.
There will be a video / streaming of the service . I think these are usually on the website for a few days. A code is required which I shall send to you as soon as I have it.
Lesley has asked for no flowers but possible to make a donation to Hessilhead - Wild Life Rescue at Beith Liz Hale
TO READ A THANK YOU FROM HEATHERS DAUGHTER LESLEY -- CLICK HERE
Finally a happy memory from 2009 -- a toast to the County ! -- Much laughter and hilarity -- Rest in peace Heather
Katie Graham from Hamilton booked her place in the last four after beating top seed Robyn Fowlie in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Girls’ Amateur Championship at Strathaven.
Graham secured a convincing 4 & 3 victory over Royal Troon’s Freya Russell in the morning but then had to come from behind to claim a last gasp victory over Forfar’s Fowlie on the 19th hole.
Graham’s opponent in the last four is Isla McDonald-O’Brien from Shrewsbury who also had to go to the 19th hole in the morning before beating Hazlehead’s Rachel Mathieson and then defeated Ruby Watt from the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre 4 & 2 in the last eight.
In the other semi-final Aboyne’s Carmen Griffiths will face Alice Webb who plays out of Parkstone in Dorset who won against Jennifer Lynagh from Caldwell Golf Club by 2&1
Griffiths had a straightforward 8 & 7 victory over Strathmore’s Kirsten Miller in the first round but then had a much tougher test against Rachel Foster from Prestwick St Nicholas after lunch.
Foster reached the quarter finals of the recent Scottish Women’s Amateur Championship at Gullane where she lost to eventual champion Chloe Goadby and against Griffiths she led all the way until her opponent drew level on the 15th and then went ahead for the first time in the match on the 18th hole.
The semi-finals of the concurrent net match play competition will see Elderslie’s Ava Graham face Strathaven member Lindsay Main and Paisley’s Katie Dunne goes up against Lucie Barclay from Kilmacolm.
RLCGA Junior Jennifer Lynagh had a great day at Caldwell yesterday to round off a great week of superb golf golf by becoming the first girl to win the Junior Club Championship in the clubs history.
A great way to start off the week with the announcement of TeamProDreamlatest signing as they welcome Scottish golfer 🏴 Jennifer Lynagh to their class of 2023 roster!
A member Caldwell Golf Club, Jennifer became the first junior to win her Ladies Club Championship last year in an impressive season which saw her handicap come down from 15 to 8.
She has played for the Renfrewshire Ladies County Junior team and is a former winner of the West of Scotland Championship handicap trophy, as well as being the first girl to win the Newton Shield Junior League with the Caldwell GC Junior Team.
Jennifer is a pupil at Saint Luke’s High School and would like to major in Aerospace Engineering.
Her inspiration is Anne van Dam having watched her in action at the 2019 Solheim Cup
Heather was Scottish Champion in 1969 and in the Vagliano Team in that year. She was also the Renfrewshire County Champion 9 times, and a Scottish Ladies Internationalist in 1964, 1965, 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971.
10 years ago we wished Heather a Happy 80th Birthday and at that time her life story featured in the RLCGA County Centenary Book -- courtesy of Colin Farquharson (pages 36 - 38)
Now, her very good friend Renfrewshire Counties Liz Hale from Caldwell Golf Club has written a very nice tribute to her for her 90th birthday in 2020 which I am delighted to share --
Heather took up golf at the age of 17. Her passion, up until this point had been horse riding however, after a serious horse riding accident at the Royal Highland Show, her parents managed to persuade her to sell her horses. She was then left with a choice on whether to take up badminton or golf. Golf won.
Heather joined Caldwell Golf Club, aged 17 and in the same year, competed and won the Paisley Grammar School Championship. By 1948, Heather had a handicap and started playing in the Medals at Caldwell GC which were played on Saturday afternoons after the gents. It was during this time that Heather met Ian, her future husband.
Heather partnered a number of accomplished golfers during her career including Findlay Black (who holds the record scorecard at Caldwell GC) - playing in the final of the Daily Mail Medal Foursomes at Gleneagles and Margaret Sharp at Troon Portland and at Caldwell GC with many successes. Heather also performed with style, most notably at the Highland Open Championship, Pitlochrie, where she donned trousers, shirt, cap and glove – all in the Anderson tartan. A competitor was overheard saying; ‘My God, it’s a bag of pipes she should be playing!’.
By 1958, Heather was a scratch golfer and was chosen to play for the Renfrewshire Team which she continued to do over a span of 32 years.
In 1964, Heather’s international career took off.
Heather played for Scotland in the Home Internationals in Sweden and France. She led the team in the European Championship and then two months later, Scotland won the Home International at Western Gailes. This was when Heather defeated the National Champion of England, of Ireland and of Wales, finishing the series with 100% success and earning the honour of being asked to play for Great Britain and Ireland.
Heather’s most memorable win, of course, was at West Kilbride when she won the
Scottish Ladies’ Championship in 1969. There was a gold Medal but no prize money at that time.
However, history was made when Heather was presented with a replica owned by the late Jean McCulloch of West Kilbride. Jean had, in her earlier years, won the Scottish title on three occasions between 1913 and 1928 and it was this last replica that Heather now regards as one of her most treasured possessions.
In 1980, Heather turned professional, only the second lady professional in Scotland, at that time and then reinstated in 1985 to the amateur ranks.
In the same year, Heather received an Honourable Membership at Caldwell GC. Heather is a Ladies Caldwell GC Champion (20 times) as well as winning many other trophies. She is our current Ladies President. Heather is truly an inspiration to us all!
Since her 80th Heather still managed to play golf up until about 2016 and featured throughout the last decade with various achievements --
In 2013 She entered a competition through 'How did I do' . It was to tell a story about a memory of the 'Open'.
Heather's memory told about the time when her young daughter, Lesley, had approached Gary Player and asked for his autograph for her Mum. He was delighted to give this. At which point Lesley asked 'Would you like me to get my Mum's autograph now to give to you ?
This story made Heather one of the prize winners -- and to top it all she was informed she could bring a friend - and her friend invited was Liz Hale
A round of golf at Muirfield (with Caddy) on Thursday 20th June, just before the closing of the course to perpare for the Open.
2 nights stay at the McDonald Marine Hotel in North Berwick . (Taxi to the Course included)
Golf Clinic With Darren Clark followed by Buffet Lunch.
Dinner on Thursday Evening with 'Q and A session' with Darren Clark.
They both had a marvellous day -- the Marine was comfortable, friendly and good food. The clinic with Darren Clark was really informative and interesting - driving and short game- always something relevant you remember to take away with you.
This was followed by a wonderful buffet lunch in the Clubhouse before going out for our round of golf.
We were put into ten teams of four. As Heather and Liz were the only two ladies it was funny to see the expressions on the faces of the two Irish gentlemen who had been landed with us. They were great to play with.
The weather was good, sunshine and they each had a caddy. Heather played well which made the game enjoyable for her and Darren Clark played 2 holes with their team.
It was a great experience to play the course and made watching The Open itself more interesting.
After the game they returned to the Hotel where there was a prizegiving dinner with Darren Clark hosting a question and answer session. The men were given ties with the Claret Jug embroidered on it while Heather and Liz were each given a lovely silver brooch of the Claret Jug -- Nice keepsake.
A really enjoyable experience - a well deserved experience for Heather to add to all her very many golfing achievements. She was quite sad to come away from Muirfield.
In 2014 she was first Commonwealth Games baton bearer in her home town of Uplawmoor in East Renfrewshire. The BBC reported that -- Heather has long been an active member of the community and has been involved with the local council, the church board and the church choir. She is also an accomplished golfer, and won the Scottish Ladies Championship in 1969
It was an early start for Heather as she had to be there for 6.15am!! The carrying of the torch was at 7.30am and the rain held off. All TV cameras and eyes on Heather in her blue and white uniform as she carried the torch about 400 yards before handing it on. Quite an honour and a day to remember for Heather. Half the village turned out to see her and we were all given a lovely breakfast in the local hall afterwards. Heather had her hair done the day before and the first thing she asked her daughter on the the morning of the event was -'Is my hair alright?' She did well!!
Heather played in the West Vets Summer Meeting in 2016 over her Home course Caldwell with your webmaster who was so impressed with her still wonderful swing -- SO EASY!!
Heather, Wendy and Aileen
Later that year she was then awarded Honorary Membership of the West Vets at the 2016 AGM alongside Aileen Wilson - West Vets now have 3 honorary Members - Wendy Cameron being the 3rd - she was awarded the title in 2010
Thereafter, Heather has suffered poor health and been in and out of hospital -- She has however attended many events at Caldwell Golf Club and well looked after by her daughter Lesley.
Unfortunately she has had fall recently and has broken her hip and is back in hospital. She hopes to get home for Christmas.
We all wish Heather a Happy BIG Birthday and a speedy recovery -- and finally your webmaster Carol had wished she could have baked cake for you Heather !!
The Caldwell Club Championship was played yesterday (1st August) after the best 2 qualifying scores were taken from 3 medals played over the last three Wednesday's in July Up and coming Renfrewshire County Junior Jennifer Lynagh the 2019 West of Scotland Bronze Champion and West of Scotland 2019 Handicap Trophy Winner reached the final with her best 2 gross scores which included a Gross 78 - 12 net 66 (6 under PAR!) -- Fantastic score.
In the final she played Liz Hale and won 4&3 and became the first Junior to ever win the Ladies' Championship Jennifer said " I was up against her and it was a great match" --"Liz has supported me a lot since I joined the club and I am so grateful for everything she’s done for me" A name for the future to follow -- Jennifer had a handicap of 35 in 2018 and his now down to 11 -- Well done Jennifer
Lto R - Megan Docherty, Luisa Gibson, Helen Convery (Captain of the Ladies Golf Club Troon) Neve Marshall and Jennifer Lynagh
The West Girls Championship was played today over Troon Portland. Prize winners were presented their trophies by the Ladies Golf Club Captain Helen Convery.
The Championship Semi Final results : Megan Docherty (Bishopbriggs) beat Sophie Murphy (Clydebank and District) 3&2 Luisa Gibson (Irvine) beat Rachel Foster (Prestwick St Nicholas) 3&1
Paisley GC Medal Results
CSS 74 Scratch - Luisa Gibson 84 Silver Nett 1st Sophie Murphy (Clydebank and District) 75 2nd Katy Hill (78) Bronze Nett 1st Jennifer Lynagh (Caldwell) 66 2nd Neve Marshall (78) Well done girls and many thanks to Paisley Golf Club for their continued support of the West of Scotland Girls Thanks go to Fiona Scott for the results
43 couples played yesterday at Cathcart Castle Golf Club in the Renfrewshire Ladies County Foursomes qualifier.
Scratch award Carol McNally and Alyson McGinnigle
From the RLCGA Competition Page and the News Page Carol McNally (Williamwood) and Alyson McGinnigle (Cowglen) had the best scratch of the day with a 78 and Lorraine Morris and Gill Unick(Williamwood) the top Handicap prize with a net 72. Leading Scores (Scratch) 1: A. McGinnigle (Cowglen) and C. McNally (Williamwood) 78 2: D. Jackson (Troon Ladies) L. Stewart (Greenburn) 80 3: J. Wilson and G. McLeod (Williamwood) 84 bih 4: L. Morris and G. Unick (Williamwood) 84 Leading Scores (Handicap) 1: L. Morris and G. Unick (Williamwood) 72 2: A. McGinnigle (Cowglen) and C. McNally (Williamwood) 72.5 3: S. Reid (Kilmacolm) and B. Lyle (Whitecraigs) 73.5 4: E. Hale and L.Anderson (Caldwell) 74 5: S. Back (Douglas Park) and M. Bryce (Gleddoch) 74.5 6: V. Crawford and L. Ellery (East Renfrewshire) 75.5 7: A. Barclay and C. Spy (East Renfrewshire) 76 8: A. Judge and S. Smyth (Ranfurly Castle) 76.5 CLICK HERE for all the Inter County final qualifiers for the 6th June at Cardross Golf Club and also the Commonwealth Spoon Finalist for the 2nd September at Pollok Golf Club From some photos for the day --- CLICK HERE
Ella McGrath and Carmen Griffiths Photo courtesy of David McGrath
Girls Scratch (Played over Montrose 1562 Medal course) 1 Carmen Griffiths (Aboyne ) 74 (bl6) 2 Lorna McClymont (Milngavie) 74 3 Grace Crawford Gullane Golf Club 78
Click here for all scores
Ella McGrath - Photo courtesy of David McGrath
Stableford (Played over the Montrose Broomfield course) 1 Ella McGrath (Caldwell) 37 41 2 Maisie Witt (Bathgate) 34 41 3 Ruby Watt ( Paul Lawrie) Golf Centre
20 40 Click Here for all the scores Report when available
