Former Scottish Women’s Amateur champion Megan Briggs is set to become just the second lady captain of Kilmacolm in the Renfrewshire club’s 130-year history.
Briggs, who landed her national title triumph at Southerness in 2009, was recently appointed by Rene Kleyweg as his vice-captain and will take over the main post in 2022.
The Glasgow solicitor will join Jane Macdonald, who held the position in 2016, as the club’s only lady captains, with Romy Erskine, a Scottish Girls’ international, also set to take up the junior captaincy next year.
“I see Megan embodying how we want to be seen,” said Kleyweg. “Here we have a professional in her early 30s as captain of our club. Inclusive, progressive, friendly.
“We want to help people see golf as a game for all ages and that for clubs like Kilmacolm it is more about leggings on the golf course than blazers in the clubhouse.”
Briggs will follow in the footsteps of Andrew Farmer, a former Scottish international who won both the British and Scottish Mid-Amateur Championships, in taking up the role
“I think she will help build on the ‘one club’ message that Andrew focussed on in 2019 and that I hope I will maintain this year,” added Kleyweg. “More mixed medals on a Saturday, previous men’s competitions opening up to all, captain and pro in the evenings but also the mornings to encourage all ages and genders to play etc.
“Just having more and more ladies playing on a Saturday morning and being comfortable doing so. It is also great to see honorary members putting time and effort into the club.”
In addition to Briggs - her sister Eilidh, a former Scottish Girls’ champion and Curtis Cup player, too - and Farmer, current Scotland men’s captain Matt Clark has also done his bit in flying the Kilmacolm flag on the amateur circuit.
“Matt put time in a few years ago as greens convenor and Megan now,” said Kleyweg. "Maybe this, in turn, will help encourage clubs to promote what their elite players are up to, something which members have previously taken pride in and enjoyed following.”
Though out of use at the moment due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the club recently opened a two-bay indoor studio, which has replaced the old dining room.
It is hoped the imminent launch of a new £150 Ladies’ Academy, with a three-month membership, which includes a half set of clubs and a fortnightly clinic with the club’s new professional, Stuart Roberts, will help boost an already healthy ladies’ section.
“Like many clubs, we have seen a jump in our membership, but what is amazing is how this has continued since the end of the normal playing season,” said Kleyweg.
“What we need to do post-Covid is broaden the audience for the studio. The studio may not appeal to all members, but it has already helped bring in new members.”
The club also recently announced the appointment of James McMurdo as the new head greenkeeper. He was at Prestwick for 20 years and had risen to No 2 there when he left to go down south to Tadmarton Heath in Oxfordshire.Also returning north of the border to be his right-hand man is Johnny Caldwell, a Greenock boy who is heading home from The Wisley in Surrey.
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 !!
It is with great sadness that I announce the death ofRenfrewshire Ladies’ County Member Nan Blair (nee Menzies)
Nan was a member of Erskine GC and thenRanfurly Castle GC and was one of the longest serving members of the County having joined in 1950 (70 years ago)
Nan, daughter of Alec Menzies who was a Scottish International golfer himself was selected to play in the Home Internationals at Royal Portrush after winning the RLCGA County Championship over Erskine in 1955 in devastating style, when she beat the West of Scotland Champion May Drummond of Paisley by 7 and 6.
In 1956 Miss Bettie Hendry (D&A) gave Nan Blair’s mother Mrs May Menzies £250 to start the West of Scotland Girls' Association.
May Menzies was the first Chairman and she was assisted by Miss Jean McCulloch (West Kilbride), Irma Douglas (Wishaw), Mrs Nell McLean and Mrs Jean Buchanan (both Ranfurly Castle) and Mrs Helen Lyon (East Renfrewshire) - Together they formed the first committee of the WOSGGA.
What insight these ladies had and because of them the association has been able to provide support and encouragement for girl golfers throughout the West of Scotland. There have been hundreds of members over the years -- some of whom have gone on to make golf their career and are well known names in the world of professional golf -- Mhairi MacKay, Janice Moodie and many more
Nan often relegated her golf to holiday golf, because of her Medical University examinations. However, intensive practice brought her game to its peak which made that year a very memorable one
She was part of the Renfrewshire Team which, in 1954, at Gleneagles won the Scottish County Finals for the first time. She was also in the winning teams in 1956 at Elie and and 1957 at Balgownie
She was then selected as Captain of the Scottish Girls’ team at the British Girls Championship at Troon Portland in 1966 - Nan who was a GP then retired and lived in Bridge of Weir where she very much enjoyed art and music
When the County had their Centenary Celebrations in 2009 Nan took pride of place with RLCGA to cut the Centenary Cake with Centenary Captain Christeen Finlayson and the other longest serving member Heather Anderson. -- See Video
We send her daughters Judith and Jane and all her family our deepest condolences
BLAIR - Nan Aged 87 years, died peacefully at Elderslie Nursing Home on Monday 30th November 2020, beloved wife of Donald, proud mother of Judith and Jane and adoring grandmother of Hannah and Rory, retired GP to many in Bridge of Weir and Houston, friend to many more. Due to current restrictions, the funeral will be private at Woodside Crematorium on Monday 14th December at 11.30am. The family would be grateful for any donations in place of flowers to Alzheimer's UK.
East Fife Annual Sporting Awards 2020 - Elaine Moffat won the 'Masters' category for her golfing achievements in 2019/20.
This category was sponsored by St Andrews Community Council.
Elaine is the current Scottish Women's Senior Champion (2018 and 2019) beating West of Scotland's Donna Jackson in the 2019 final
Letter that Elaine received:
'On behalf of the EFSC Executive Committee I am writing to congratulate you all on being shortlisted for the EFSC Sports Awards 2020. We are very sorry not to be able to present these in person, but we are delighted to be able to write to you with the results'.
Congratulations to winner Elaine Moffat and runners up Bill Duff and Miriam Rennet.
With thanks to Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council for supporting this award
With the ever-changing situation regarding Covid-19, the Renfrewshire Ladies' County Golf Association committee have reviewed the latest travel guidance from both the Scottish Government and Scottish Golf in relation to their ongoing Winter 4 Ball Better Ball competition.
Due to the travel restrictions in place, and members residing in different local authorities, they have taken the difficult decision to pause the competition. It is obviously disappointing to have to take this action, but they feel we are doing so to comply with the guidance and in the best interests of their members. READ MORE
Scottish Golf is now in a position to provide all affiliated clubs with further guidance relating to the Scottish Government’s COVID protection levels by local area. The latest version of our COVID-19 Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers can be found on the Scottish Golf Website.The updated guidance is summarised as follows and unless otherwise stated are effective fromyesterday 2nd November:
• On-course golf activities can continue under our current Phase 3 Guidance, with up to four players from four different households allowed to participate together. There are no changes to access to toilet facilities, locker rooms or professional shops which can continue to be utilised provided all appropriate measures, such as use of face masks, increased sanitation are adhered to.
• You should avoid travel to other areas regardless of their level unless essential.
• For exercise/sport – there is an exemption, however, it is limited:
o In tier 4, not permitted to drive outside your Local Authority area for exercise – you can cross boundaries in the process of exercising i.e if a golf course straddles two Local Authority area boundaries.
o In tier 3, you are permitted to travel around 5 miles for exercise.
o In tier 2 & tier 1, you are permitted to travel freely for exercise within your own Local Authority area. o U18s – can travel freely for exercise in Tiers 0-3. They should not travel in or out of a Tier 4 area.•
All golfers should be aware of travel guidance outlined by the Scottish Government and this should always be followed.
• Clubhouses and sports facilities which provide catering and bar services, can operate providing they adhere to Scottish Government guidance appropriate to the protection level in which they are operating.
Once again, we would like to thank all of our clubs and golfers across Scotland for your continued co-operation and adherence to the current guidance and ask that you continue to play your part during these challenging times.
We will continue to keep all clubs and tournament organisers updated via our dedicated COVID-19 webpage on the Scottish Golf Website.
Kind regards, Karin Sharp, Chief Operating Officer, Scottish Golf
Freya Russell, Royal Troon, is the new Ayrshire girls champion after an impressive performance at Darley on Saturday 17th October on a lovely Autumn day.
Runner up in the championship was Katie Ronnie, Royal Troon.
Congratulations to 17 year old Rachel Mathieson (pictured above) from Hazelhead on breaking the ladies course record at Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club last month as she won the Junior European Open Qualifying event. Her 2 under par 70 beat the old course record of 73 that had stood since 2003.
The previous ladies’ record holders were Ros Dunsmuir and Sheena Wood (both 2003), Donna Pocock (2008) and Lynda Carnie (2013).
The teenager is now set to fly out to the Alcaidesa Links Resort in Cadiz to play in the 28th Junior European Open 2020 Champions Week Finals in February.
The round earned Rachel a scratch six-shot success over Megan Docherty, of Bishopbriggs, and a net 66 off her handicap of four.
Newburgh captain Jonathan Dobson said: “We’re delighted to congratulate Rachel on her fantastic score. Our members have set some pretty high standards and it’s brilliant to see young players, like Rachel, raising the bar even higher.
“We’re also pleased to see her qualify and wish her the best of luck.
“It’s fantastic to see Scottish juniors competing in international events and I’m sure this will be an inspiration to other young north-east players.”
Terrific debut win for Lanarkshire’s Katie Graham who lined up for Redland Cougars in her first ever USA college event and took home the Individual Title !
Katie was -4 after 9 holes in round 2 when the heavens opened and play was a abandoned and her first round level par was enough to seal her first win in college golf. Redlands also room the team event to make it a double
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Well done Katie amazing achievement at only 16 years of age
Congratulations go to Renfrewshire's former County Team player Denise Cowan who won the Ranfurly Castle Club Championship on Sunday beating Jan Macnab in the Final - To read the full report go to the Ranfurly Castle Ladies Blog
Fiona and Shirley (photo courtesy of Alison McGinnigle)
Also that day the Douglas Park Golf Club held their finals day with D&A county team member Fiona Rattray putting on a display of great golf to beat Renfrewshire's Shirley Back -- (Poor Shirley got stung at the side of her eye at the 3rd green by a wasp but I believe all is ok now.)
Helen and June
The Douglas Park Ladies Senior Championship (over 70's) was a very close encounter between Past RLCGA County CaptainJune Lockhart and Helen Robertson. This was a very friendly and close battle with Helen managing to win on the 18th
No spectators were allowed to watch these matches so no more photos as I was a caddy in the Seniors Match !! -- However here is a short video at the end with Ladies Vice Captain Paula Galloway presenting the Seniors Trophy at the end.
At the renowned venue in the north-west, the English trio of Emily Price, Rosie Belsham and Isabelle Simpson were joined by Carolina Melgrati from Italy and Denmark’s Amalie Leth-Nissen in signing for one-under-par rounds of 71 in the Women's Amateur Championship Qualifier
From a starting field of almost 100 competitors aged from 13 to 57, the quintet led the top 64 players into the match play stage.
With stroke play qualifying reduced to one round after Tuesday’s inclement weather, play was delayed a further hour on Wednesday morning due to strong winds. West Lancashire, hosting the championship for the first time, was then blessed with far more favourable conditions.
7 Scots have qualified for the Matchplay which starts tomorrow including West of Scotland's Hazel MacGarvie (Royal Troon) and Lorna McClymont (Milngavie) the 2019 D&A County Champion
The East Lothian County Flag flew over Muirfield yesterday for the first time since the memorable day of our Spring Meeting in 2017. This time it was for the Babe Zaharias Competition and yet again the main topic of conversation was the weather.
155 players had come from all over the UK to experience the wonderful Muirfield course and to take in the fabulous East Lothian scenery, sadly there was little of that to be seen as heavy mist shrouded the course.
The Babe Zaharias Trophy shone some light on the scene as it was looking magnificent since its trip to the jewellers to be re-silvered.
Congratulations to Karen Marshall, (pictured above) winner of the Babe Zaharias Trophy, and to Kay Lannin, winner of the Ultraplast Trophy. Well done to all who took part and battled the elements at Muirfield!
A big thank you to all the lovely messages and cards I have received on the honorary membership at Banchory Golf Club. Golf has been a great part of my life. Offices held at club leading to national and county selection, junior county golf seeing a young Laura Murray and Michele Thomson progress through all the ranks and now really successful Professional golfers. Convincing Michele to give up the footie ! -- Then of course Aberdeenshire County Captainand that great Scottish Win with a great bunch of girls and not forgetting my back up team. To get honorary membership is the icing on the cake. There are a lot of famous names on that list and I’m very proud to be on it even though not for the same talent ! Banchory is a great club and the members make it. Thank you. Ann Smart In case you missed the news -- READ FURTHER DOWN
Ann Smart with her winning Aberdeenshire Team in 2018 at Kilmacolm
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Banchory Golf Club is delighted to report that the Management Committee have recently recognised the significant contributions of by Ann Smart and has awarded her Honorary Life Membership of the club. Ann retired from her role of Secretary at the end of the 2019 playing season and not only served the club loyally in her employment, but represented the club in numerous capacities including roles at county and national levels. Ann was also a past Management Committee member, a multiple Ladies Champion and Ladies Captain 2006 - 2007. As those that know Ann will attest it was not what she did for the club that is to her credit but the manner in which she did so, showing a love and enthusiasm for the game at all times. Many congratulations Ann -- so very very well deserved As many will know from a previous post reported in June - Click Here --- Ann has been battling against lymphoma and is starting her second round of treatment tomorrow (27th July) -- Banchory's Morag Clapperton, RLCGA Past captain June Lockhart and myself chat on zoom every Friday and what an inspiration she is fighting this horrible disease. We all do have have great laughs with past stories on the golf course, quizzes and much more -- Good Luck Ann and hope to be back on the chat at the end of this week and get that game of golf eventually.
West of Scotland County Jamboree 2010 County Captain's front row - L to R Jennifer Kinloch, Lesley Lloyd, Trish Brown and Alex Glennie
It is with regret that I announce the sad passing of D&A's Past Captain Jennifer Kinloch on Tuesday 7th July. Jennifer was a member of Cardross Golf Club for 47 years and wasCaptain of Dunbarton and Argyll Ladies’ County Golf Association in 2010- 2011
She was very interested in progressing the talents and opportunities for Junior Girls and was instrumental in allowing Junior Girls to play in the Cardross Club Championship. Her daughter Jill is a golf club professional in Germany.
Aberdeenshire's Laura McLardy (Duff House Royal) shared a lovely memory on facebook She said "I think this makes me officially old. 25 years ago today that I got down to scratch- hard to believe it’s so long ago. One of my better golfing moments."
Many congratulations go to the current President and Past Ayrshire County Captain Sheila Adams who had a Hole in One at the 17th Hole yesterday at her home course Loudoun Gowf.
