Scottish Golf Annual Review 2020

Douglas Park GC (See Video below)
Lynn Hain and  Morag Thomson

A year unlike any other! The Story of 2020 for Scottish Golf. - 

The Review, available download below, reports a 6.1% rise in club membership and also showcases the extensive work carried out by Scottish Golf during the COVID-19 pandemic to support our clubs in Scotland.

Karin Sharp, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Golf, said, "2020 was an incredibly tough year, but one in which we delivered significant improvements in our focused services to our members. 2021 will be about continuing to build on these improvements and to support our affiliated clubs no matter what happens."

Download their annual review at Scottish Golf -- good to see a few faces we know - Orla Rooney (Cowglen), Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) and Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie)

Video -- Karen Ballantyne (Scottish Vets), Joanne Sharp (Captain Ayrshire LCGA) and other Lady Senior Golfers

Megan Docherty wins the Stephen Gallacher Vase at Cardrona Golf Club

 On 10th and 11th October the Stephen Gallacher Foundation Vase Event was held at the Macdonald Cardrona GC, Peebles:

 Many congratulations go to Megan Docherty (Bishopbriggs) who won by 1 shot from Grace Crawford (North Berwick)

LEADERBOARD

1 MEGAN DOCHERTY (BISHOPBRIGGS) 80 75 - 155
2 GRACE CRAWFORD (NORTH BERWICK) 79 77 - 156
3 FREYA RUSSELL (ROYAL TROON) 80 80 -  160
4 RACHEL MATHIESON (HAZLEHEAD) 80 82 - 162
5 OLRLA ROONEY(COWGLEN) 81 83 -  164
6 ROBYN FOWLIE (EDZELL) 82 84 -  166
7 SOPHIE MURPHY (GLASGOW GOLF CLUB) 79 88 -  167

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE RESULTS

ORLA ROONEY IS THE FIRST GIRL TO WIN THE JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP AT COWGLEN

Orla Rooney - Cowglen Junior Champion

Orla Rooney won the 2020 Cowglen Junior Championship yesterday. The final was  played over 36 holes and she was 7 up after 18 holes and went on the win 10 & 8  against Sean Smith to become the first Girl to win the Junior Title.

She said "I am absolutely thrilled to be the first Girl in the Club's history to win the juniors title" - in fact she added "I'm buzzing !!"

Orla won the 2019 Renfrewshire Ladies' Junior County Champion and now has handicap of 7

THE COWGLEN LADIES WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY CHRISTMAS

On Friday was Cowglen Ladies held their  Christmas lunch and the choir, professionally coached by Moira Kerr, was in action! 

The Ladies of Cowglen wish all your readers a Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2020 

Thanks go to Sue Fordydyce for the video

SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR THE WEST VETS

Chris Fowler, Honorary President Wendy Cameron, Gillian Kyle
and Vice Captain May Hughes

Captain Chris Fowler gave a warm welcome to the 56 ladies who attended the 51st AGM and Prizegiving of the West Vets which was held on Thursday 7th November 2019 at 2.00pm in Cowglen Golf Club.

It has been a very successful season for many of its members and some West of Scotland players achieving International awards during the season -- Donna Jackson (The Ladies Golf Club Troon), Gillian Kyle (East Renfrewshire), Lesley Lloyd (Hayston), Liz Stewart (Greenburn)

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE WEST VETS WEBSITE for the full 2019 report

Past PGA Pro John McTear from Cowglen has died

From The Glasgow Herald 

McTEAR JOHN of South Beach, Troon, on 14th September 2019, aged 70, at the Ayr Hospice. Heartfelt thanks to caring staff. John, a former golf professional, was the dearly loved husband of Alison and a cherished friend to so many. Private funeral, at John's request.

John took up golf after being inspired by watching Arnold Palmer as he marched to victory at the 1962 Open Championship at Troon. He hen Scottish boys' championship trophy  at North Berwick in 1966

He competed for Scotland at amateur level and then competed on The European Tour for five years before spending 21 years as the club professional at Cowglen Golf Club. 

John was deeply interested in golf memorabilia and has a fine collection at his home. 

He had a total of five top ten finishes on the Seniors Tour, with his best performances coming at the Lawrence Batley tournament where he finished tied for fifth and the STC Bovis Lend Lease European Invitational where he was tied for sixth. 
During 2001, John also won the prestigious PGA Senior Club Professional title for the first time, succeeding Jim Rhodes as the champion. 

He was married to Alison who is a past member of Haggs Castle and currently a member of the Ladies Golf Club Troon and we send her our deepest sympathy.

RLCGA Junior Member Orla Rooney wins the Renfrewshire County August Medal

Orla Rooney - Winner of the RLCGA August County Medal

RLCGA Junior Member Orla Rooney (Cowglen) scored an excellent nett 70 (gross 81) over Whitecraigs Golf Course today in the August County Medal. 

She had the best Scratch and best nett score of the day. 

Liz Hale (Caldwell GC) was 2nd in Div. 1 with a nett 77. 

Julie Scott

Julie Scott (Troon Wellbeck GC) won Div. 2 with a nett 76.

For the full report go to the RLCGA WEBSITE 

RESULTS:

SSS 72 CSS 75 

Scratch: Orla Rooney (Cowglen) 81

Scratch - 12 Hcp: 
1st: Orla Rooney (Cowglen) 81 (11) 70

2nd: Liz Hale (Cowglen) 89 (12) 77 (bih)

3rd: Jan Macnab (Ranfurly Castle) 87 (10) 77 

Hcp 13 + 
1st: Julie Scott (Troon Welbeck))  89 (13) 76 (bih)

2nd: Carol Anderson (Earlsferry Thistle Golf Club)   92 (16) 76 (bih)
3rd: Joy McLeod (Ranfurly Castle) 98 (22) 76 

CLICK HERE FOR A FEW MORE PHOTOS --

MEGAN BRIGGS WINS THE WEST OF SCOTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE 6TH TIME

Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) successfully defended the West Championship with a score of 72 at Sandyhills Golf Club today.

Megan Briggs

Results:

1st Scratch (Champion) Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) 72

2nd Scratch Fiona Norris (Hamilton)  75

3rd Scratch Julie Wilson (Williamwood) 77 BIH

Handicap Winner Jennifer Lynagh (Caldwell Golf Club) 65

Senior Team Winners :

Renfrewshire Team: Megan Briggs ( Kilmacolm ) 72, Donna Jackson (Troon Ladies) 79, Alyson McGinnigle (Cowglen) 78

Junior Team Winners 

Renfrewshire Junior Team : (best 2 handicap) Orla Rooney (Cowglen) 78, Jennifer Lynagh (Caldwell) 65, Aaliyah Sandu (Haggs Castle) 70

Fiona Norris, Megan Briggs and Julie Wilson

Winning Renfrewshire Team - Donna, Alyson and Megan

Jennifer Lynagh (Caldwell)  -- Winning Junior 

Aaliyah Sandu - Haggs Castle

Orla Rooney - Cowglen 

Many thanks go to Jean MacIntyre for the results and photographs from the Lanarkshire Website  -- Also some photos of all the competitors 

CLICK HERE - photos courtesy of Jean MacIntyre

Competition Result West Of Scotland Championship (19/05/2019) 
(CSS: 72 PAR: 74) -- Strokeplay Sandyhills (Red Tee) 

LEADING SCRATCH SCORES :

Megan Briggs	72
Fiona Norris	75
Julie Wilson	77
Eva O'Connor	77
Susan McGrenaghan	77
Liz Stewart	78
Alyson McGinnigle	78
Donna Jackson	79
Katie Graham	79
Alyson Hendry	80
Luisa Gibson (jnr)	81
Carol Whyte	81
Janice Paterson	81

LEADING HANDICAP SCORES:

1 Jennifer Lynagh (Caldwell) 85 (20) 65 
2 Aaliyah Sandhu (Haggs Castle) 84 (14) 70 
3 Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm)  72 (1) 71 
4 Leah Bryce (Sandyhills) 82 (10) 72 
5 Eva O'Connor  (Bothwell Castle) 77 (5) 72 
6 Julie Wilson  (Williamwood) 77 (4) 73 
7 Susan McGrenaghan (Hayston) 77 (4) 73 
8 Fiona Norris (Hamilton) 75 (2) 73 

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE SCORES

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER -- ALYSON MCGINNIGLE LEADS THE WAY

From the RLCGA Website

Alyson McGinnigle

On a very cold, windy  and damp day at Paisley Golf Club today Alyson McGinnigle from Cowglen had the best score of the day 77 in the Renfrewshire Ladies' County Championship qualifier 

Beth Paterson

Beth Paterson (Eastwood) was the winner of the handicap award with a 2 under par 72

LEADING SCORES ( SSS 74, CSS 75)

1 Alyson McGinnigle (Cowglen) 77
2 Gillian Kyle (East Renfrewshire) 78
3 Carol Whyte (Milngavie) 78
4 Lesley Robertson (Ranfurly Castle) 78
5 Beth Paterson (Eastwood) 80
6 Jennifer Rankine (Haggs Castle)  80
7 Donna Jackson (Troon Ladies) 82
8 Gillian McLeod (Williamwood) 82


Championship Knock out draw 9th May am
Alyson McGinnigle (Cowglen) v Fiona Armour (Renfrew)
Liz Stewart (Greenburn) v Fiona Cameron (Cowglen)
Beth Paterson (Eastwood) v Shirley Back (Douglas Park)
Jennifer Rankine (Haggs Castle) v Chris Fowler (Cowglen)
Gillian Kyle (East Renfrewshire) v Jan Macnab (Ranfurly Castle) 
Gillian Mcleod (Williamwood) v Denise Cowan (Ranfurly Castle) Carol Whyte (Milngavie) v Julie Wilson ( Williamwood)
Donna Jackson (Troon) v Gillian McGinlay (Troon Ladies)

Irvine Trophy Handicap Matchplay

Linda Ellery (East Renfrewshire) v Sheila Shaw (Caldwell)
Sandra Littlejohn (Erskine) v Marion Stewart ( Kilmacolm)
Lesley Anderson (Caldwell) v Morag Little (Whitecraigs)
Anita McMillan (Erskine) v Liz Hale (Caldwell)

Go to the RLCGA -- Results page

RENFREWSHIRE COUNTY FOURSOMES QUALIFIERS

Overall winners Gill Unick and Lorraine Morris

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

Dr Katrina Douglas Golf Psychology Workshop at Cowglen Golf Club

Alyson McGinnigle (Vice Captain)  Moira Kerr (Captain) , 
Katrina Douglas and Sue Fordyce

Cowglen Golf Club held a Golf Psychology Women and  Golf Workshop today set up by Cowglen's  Sue Fordyce. 

Captain Moir Kerr welcomed Katrina to the workshop and reminded us of the fact that Katrina won the British Ladies Amateur in 1982 and played in the 1982 Great Britain & Ireland Curtis Cup team.
She then played professionally on the Ladies European Tour, where she won eight times and was a member of the 1992 European Solheim Cup team.


Katrina introduced herself and told us that that when  her father who was a very good footballer, stopped playing football he started playing golf. 

During her school holidays he lured her younger sister and her to the Normandy driving range in Renfrew and at  the range his friend, an international golfer himself (Cowglen's own Gordon Cosh) invited the girls hit some shots and gave them both their first lesson. 

 ‘It’s a shame Kitrina didn’t play when she was younger,’ he said to my father, ‘I think she could have been quite good.’  -- She was 17 at this time !

That comment set her father’s cogs turning and a few days later he put the following proposition to her: 
‘Would you like to leave school and play golf for a year? If you don’t like it you can return and complete your A-levels. 

If you like it, but aren’t very good, you can continue with your A-levels. But if you like it, and become good, no one can stop you, you are your own boss and you can always complete your studies later in life.’ -- READ MORE

Katrina did leave school and she had a wonderful golfing career - reaching the top.

Once her competitive career was over, Katrina became a BBC Sport Online golf columnist and in 2004 she was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Achievement psychology of international women golfers at the University of Bristol.

Kitrina is presently a Women and Golf magazine columnist 

The workshop was then held with great interaction with all who were present -- a break for lunch was provided by Cowglen GC  which was excellent 

We had discussions of all aspects of visualisation, feel, concentration, and attention to detail with the aim to make us feel more confident, focused and to be better prepared for the season ahead.
We even had to draw elephants at one point which was really difficult for many !!

Carol and Alyson drawing Elephants, Noting down our various thoughts
and bottom right your webmaster trying to explain her pre shot routine 

It was a great Workshop which everyone enjoyed. 
Finally thanks were given to Sue, Moira, Alyson and all at Cowglen and of course to Katrina.

 Looking to run a workshop at your club  -- Contact Katrina  by email - CLICK HERE

KITRINA DOUGLAS GOLF PSYCHOLOGY WORKSHOP AT COWGLEN GOLF CLUB

• Do you wonder why you make silly mistakes on the golf course?

• Perhaps you’ve never been able to stay calm teeing off in front of the clubhouse or when you get called through a group? 

• Maybe you are one of those golfers whose score plummets if your playing partner says something like “Oh, you played really well on the front nine”

• Has your handicap stuck?

• Do you have a ‘bogey’ hole or hazard that catches you out every time you’re playing well?

• Do you have goals and ambitions for your golf that seem to get thwarted each year?

• Would you like to change?

These are just a few of the issues to be addressed during Women & Golf Workshops.

The aim is to help you feel more confident, focused and be better prepared for your golf and the coming season. 

Dr Kitrina Douglas will show you how it is possible to climb some of the mountains you didn’t think you could climb, whatever your age, handicap or skill level.

If the answer is YES to any of the above ! 

- Then why not come along to Cowglen Golf Club on Sunday 10th March 2019 - 10am - 2:30pm

Cost £30 includes tea/coffee and lunchtime finger buffet

Please apply to Sue Fordyce at sue.fordyce54@gmail.com

Kitrina is a Women and Golf magazine columnist and former tour player. The Workshop aims to improve confidence, concentration and motivation, reduce anxiety and fear.

WEST VETS 50TH AGM CELEBRATES WITH A CAKE !!

Past Captain - June Lockhart, Present Captain - Chris Fowler and
Future Captain May Hughes

The 50th West Vets AGM was held at Cowglen Golf Club this afternoon. -- CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS

June Lockhart (Gleddoch) completed her 2 years as captain and Chris Fowler (Cowglen)  is now the new Captain with May Hughes (Lanark) the Vice Captain.

Mary and Chris

Donna Jackson, Gillian Kyle, Liz Stewart and Lorrain Campbell

Carol Fell, Chris Fowler, May Hughes  and Sandra Macdougall

The West Vets have new gilets which have been a great success and thanks to Mary Wylie and Chris Fowler they have been selling well.

The prizegiving followed the AGM and the fantastic Celebration cake made by Liz Keohone (Loudoun Gowff)

TO READ MORE GO TO THE WEST VETS WEBSITE

RENFREWSHIRE COUNTY WINTER FOURSOMES -- EAST RENFREWSHIRE PAIR DEFEAT THE 2017 TITLE HOLDERS

Gillian Kyle and Carole Spy (East Renfrewshire) played against the 2017 RLCGA Winter Foursomes Champions-Alyson McGinnigle (Cowglen) and Carol McNally (Williamwood) -  in beautiful autumn sunshine on Friday 26th October at Cowglen GC. 

The away pairing appreciated the 5 shots they were receiving and used most of them wisely. 

The front 9 finished all square despite Alyson and Carol being 1up 3 times. Gillian and Carole were the steadier pair at the beginning of the back 9 and were 2up after 12 holes but good pars at the tricky 13th and 14th  by the “home” pair, saw the match squared once again. The away couple won the 15th with a tidy 4 then with the 16th halved in 3s, they were 1up with 2 to play. 

Both couples got a 5 at the long 17th but with a shot being given there, the match was won 2&1 by the East Renfrewshire pairing. 

Cowglen was in fantastic condition and preferred lies were hardly required at all. (There was too much chat to remember to take a photo!)

CLICK HERE  for the current results

Thanks go to Gillian Kyle for the report

GREENLEES TROPHY PRESENTATION AND LUNCH

Winners Division 3 (Sylvia Muir )- Ayr Bellisle ,  Greenlees Champions (Annie Howie) - Troon, 2nd Division Winners (Gillian McLeod) Williamwood and West Kilbride ( Helen Craig) - Runners Up Division 1

The Annual Greenlees Lunch took place today, 18 October, at Cowglen Golf Club.
This was attended by 51 ladies representing 22 clubs and 5 Clubs sent apologies.

Greenlees Secretary Maureen Mitchell (Old Ranfurly) opened the proceedings by welcoming everyone to the 78th Anniversary Year of the Greenlees Trophy.
She stated that it was unfortunate that our club members had been reduced as Cawder Golf Club had withdrawn from the league.

She took the opportunity to remind the club secretaries that their lists of  players and the Greenlees fee were now due if they had not already sent them in.

She then introduced the top table guests -  Pat Lunney, the Lady Captain of Cowglen, who welcomed everyone on behalf of the Club. 
She then introduced Carol Fell and thanked her for setting up and keeping all the Greenlees results together and enabling everyone to be able to keep up to date with the league positions on the web.

Cowglen Golf Club Organisers --
Sue Fordyce, Moira Kerr, Pam Harvey, Pat Lunney and Pam Mather

Next introduction was that of  Cowglen's Greenlees Secretary Pam Mather who had organised the lunch arrangements.
She had  a band of helpers to assist the proceedings and the tables were named after some of the holes on the course --

PLATEAU: Lanark and Lenzie
GLEN : Top Table (Ranfurly Castle and Old Ranfurly)
SOUTHVIEW: Cathcart Castle, Cathkin Braes, Ayr Bellisle and Douglas Park
BRAEFACE: Prestwick St Nicholas, Kilmacolm, Eastwood and Whitecraigs
RACECOURSE: Milngavie, West Kilbride, Hilton Park, Williamwood
BANGORSHILL: Troon, East Renfrewshire and Greenock
BEECHES: Cardross, Loudoun, Cowglen and Bothwell


Pam said grace and the ladies were then served an excellent lunch.  

Lots of pleasant chatter could be heard and it was obvious that everyone was enjoying catching up with old friends.

After coffee was served, Maureen invited the Captain Pat to present the trophies to the winning teams.
Division 3 was won by Ayr Bellisle with Williamwood winners of Division 2.
The runners up in Division 1 were West Kilbride who were  beaten by the overall winners - Troon. Troon's Greenlees Secretary, Annie Howie then made a short speech and  a vote of thanks for all the hospitality received from Cowglen and thanked Maureen and her helpers for organising a very successful lunch.

Cowglen Captain Pat and "Greenlees Webmaster " Carol were presented with beautiful flower displays from the top table that Maureen had made.

Maureen then concluded by wishing everyone a safe journey home.

To get a feel for the day - Click on the following link

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS FROM THE DAY

 

If you would like a printout of the results for your Club noticeboard -- CLICK HERE

Division 1 Winners Troon (Ros Prior, Annie Howie, Jane Finnie)
 Runners Up (Aileen Donaldson and Helen Craig) West Kilbride

Division 1
Troon Ladies  45 - Greenlees Trophy Winners 2018
West Kilbride 41- Greenlees Trophy Runners Up
Haggs Castle 31.5  - Relegated to Division 2
Loudoun Gowf 28 - Relegated to Division 2

Division 2 Winners Williamwood, Runners Up Douglas Park
L to R: Susan Griffin (DP) Gillian McLeod and Lorraine Morris (W) and Lynda Smith (DP)

Division 2 
Williamwood 55 - Division 2 Winners
Douglas Park 41.5 - Division 2 Runners Up
Hilton Park 26 - Relegated to Division 3
Largs 24.5 - Relegated to Division 3

Division 3 - Winners Ayr Bellisle, Runners Up East Renfrewshire
L to R - Audrey Barclay (ER), Sylvia Muir and Elspeth Dewar (Ayr) Dale Reid (ER)

Division 3 
Ayr Bellisle 36 - Division 3 Winners
East Renfrewshire 34.5 - Division 3 Runners Up

To read some of the history of the GREENLEES TROPHY -- CLICK HERE

LINDA McDOUGALL WINS GREENOCK LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE 20TH TIME !!

Congratulations go to Linda McDougall who won the Greenock Ladies Championship for a record 20th time by beating Dorothy Fisher at the weekend. Conditions were blustery and there were several heavy showers before the sun broke through mid afternoon.

Linda broke the record in 2015 which had been held by Kathleen McNeil  a past president of Renfrewshire Ladies County Golf Association, the Ladies Golf Union and Scottish Ladies Golf Association. -- CLICK HERE to read more

Also that day Renfrewshire County Team player Alyson McGinnigle  played immacualate golf to defeat Fiona Cameron  in the final of Cowglen Golf Club Ladies Championship 

- Well done Alyson 


Have you won a Championship -- send in your news and photo if possible and it will be posted on this website - email Carol