Showing posts with label Pro' Golf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pro' Golf. Show all posts

Sunday, 16 January 2022

Troon Rookie Hazel MacGarvie set for DIY approach on the Ladies European Tour


Those of you who keep an eye on the amateur golf scene may recall the name Pia Babnik. She was the Slovenian 15-year-old who romped to victory in the 2019 Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open at Royal Troon and left the rest of the field so far behind, they may as well have been playing in the 2018 edition of the championship.

Babnik subsequently turned pro and, at just 17, won on the Ladies European Tour last season as she enjoyed the kind of explosive rise you’d get from the launch pad at Cape Canaveral.

For Troon rookie Hazel MacGarvie, the exploits of Babnik, and all those other youthful talents who have made big impressions on the women’s circuit, have been particularly eye-opening.
MacGarvie is the latest Scot to join the Ladies European Tour, having earned her card at December’s qualifying school. Far from being intimidated by the daunting standards set by the likes of Babnik, however, the 22-year old is inspired.

“There are so many young girls coming through and winning and it shows what is possible,” said MacGarvie. “It’s not players who have been on tour for 10 years. It’s girls coming straight from the amateur game, going out there and really making a name for themselves. It’s great to see.”
MacGarvie, who burnished her own impressive amateur career by joining decorated names such as 
Catriona Matthew and Annika Sorenstam on the St Rule Trophy, decided to make the pro plunge a few weeks before the q-school process got underway.
Some may have viewed that as a bit of a gamble. She could, after all, have entered q-school as an amateur to see how she fared but MacGarvie was eager to start a new chapter.

“I’d played amateur golf for a long time and I wanted a fresh challenge, whether that was pro golf or some other job” said MacGarvie, who was given a taste of the professional life with a couple of outings on
Paul Lawrie’s Tartan Pro Tour.
“I’d played some of Paul’s events and thought, ‘you know what, I may as well do it and try to give myself a chance to earn some money’. Getting my card at q-school justifies the decision.”

Negotiating nine rounds of the qualifying school rigmarole is not for the faint-hearted but, amid an anguish-laden atmosphere that just about leaves the debris of nibbled fingernails scattered on the greens, MacGarvie stood firm. Well, apart from a late shoogle.
“I double-bogeyed my final hole and walked off thinking ‘I’ve just bottled this coming down the 18th’,” she said of a slip that, mercifully, didn’t prove costly in the final analysis. “I had no idea at the time I could make a double bogey and still be safe.”

With that prized card tucked safely in her pocket, MacGarvie is now facing up to the reality of being a tour player. “I don’t have a management company or any sponsors just now so it’s a bit of a do-it-myself approach at the moment,” she said. “It’s quite eye-opening. Going from the amateur game, where you are well supported, suddenly you are on your own. The early season events on the tour are in Asia and Africa and I think they may be difficult for me financially. I’m going to wait until the European swing and kick on from there.”

A graduate of Stirling University, MacGarvie’s golfing education began as an eager four-year-old. As a teenager, meanwhile, she got the opportunity to play alongside Ryder Cup player Thomas Pieters over her home course of Royal Troon prior to that year’s Open. There was a slight hitch.
“It was on the same day as my school maths exam so it was perhaps not my best decision to play golf,” said the former Vagliano Trophy player with a reflective chuckle.
“But we played early in the morning. And I passed my exam by the skin of my teeth.”

Having made the grade in the stern q-school examination, MacGarvie is now relishing the prospect of a 2022 campaign full of new opportunities and experiences on the tour.
“It’s a combination of nerves and anticipation,” she said. “I don’t feel any different to when I was an amateur golfer at the moment but I’m sure it will kick in when I get to my first event and think, ‘wait a minute, this is my job now’.”

Wednesday, 22 December 2021

HAZEL MACGARVIE SECURES HER LET CARD FOR 2022


Many congratulations go to Hazel MacGarvie (Royal Troon) who has secured her LET card at her first attempt at Q School at La Manga after  turning Professional only 2 months earlier.

The other Scot to gain her card was Laura Beveridge (nee Murray)

Hannah McCook, Clara Young,  Jane Turner, Heather MacRae, Rahael Taylor, and Tara Mactaggart were unsuccessful

Read the full report from Martin Dempster (The Scotsman)

Thursday, 16 December 2021

Jane Turner tames La Manga wind in solid start to LET Q-School final

Jane Turner took up where she’d left off in the pre-qualifier in making a solid start in the LET Q-School final but some of her fellow Scottish card hopefuls were quickly blown off course at windy La Manga. She had a one under par 70 
 
“It was pretty windy out there today,” said Turner, a two-time British Universities’ champion. “We got quite lucky because it was forecast to rain and we got that one heavy shower which only lasted a couple of minutes

Hazel MacGarvie was next best among the Scots with a two-over 73, followed by Clara Young, Rahael Taylor and Hannah McCook as they all signed for 74s.

Heather MacRae had to settle for a 77, leaving her with work to do along with Tara Mactaggart (80) and Laura Murray (82).

For full scoreboard —- CLICK HERE

Monday, 13 December 2021

Jane Turner leads six Scots into LET Q-School final at La Manga

By Martin Dempster  The Scotsman -- CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT

Jane Turner took pride of place by finishing in the top 10 in the pre-qualifier at La Manga yesterday as six Scots progressed to the LET Q-School final at the same venue.

 
It was mission accomplished for Turner in her first competitive outing since June due to a shoulder injury as she ended up among just nine players to finish in red figures after 72 holes at the Murcia venue.
The two-time British Universities’ champion was joined in clearing the first hurdle in the annual LET card battle by Hazel MacGarvie, Hannah McCook, Clara Young, Tara Mactaggart and Rachael Taylor.

“Today was just very consistent,” said Turner of following her third-round 66 on Saturday on the North Course with a closing bogey-free two-under 71 on the South Course to finish eighth among 75 qualifiers on three-under.

McCook (71) and MacGarvie (74) finished alongside each other, just missing out on the top 20 on four-over, one ahead of Young (74).
Facing the most pressure among the Scots, Mactaggart signed off with a gutsy 72 to end up in a tie for 60th on 10-over in a group that also included Taylor (77).


Sunday, 26 September 2021

West of Scotland’s Kylie Henry is Runner up in the Lacoste Ladies Open in France

Celine Boutier is the 2021 Lacoste Ladies Open de France champion after securing victory in the most dramatic of fashions at Golf Club du Medoc on the 18th September

The two-time Solheim Cup winner kept her nerve on a frantic final day in Bordeaux, before sinking a fantastic birdie putt on the last to take victory by a single shot ahead of Scotland’s Kylie Henry. 

 It wasn’t to be for Henry, who performed valiantly throughout the three days in Bordeaux – with just one bogey in her last 36 holes – but she was pleased with her performance in France nonetheless. “I’m really happy with how I played, I feel like I hit a lot of good shots on the back nine but I just didn’t manage to make any birdies,” Henry said. “Second place isn’t what you dream of but I’m still really happy because it is a good result and I’m happy to be back in contention. 

To read the full report go to the Ladies European Tour Website —->>>>
CLICK HERE

Thursday, 23 September 2021

Gemma Dryburgh becomes Women & Golf Tour Ambassador

Gemma Dryburgh - Photo Courtesy of the LET

Today Women and Golf are excited to announce that Scotland’s highest-ranked female golfer, Gemma Dryburgh has become a Women & Golf Tour Ambassador.

Our mission at Women & Golf is to promote all levels of women’s golf and we are keen to have a stable of Ambassadors who reflect the diverse nature of our sport from grassroots to the elite end of the game. The aim is to follow their life in golf and hear first-hand from them what it is like to be part of a sport that we all love.

We will be following Gemma’s progress over the rest of the season and into 2022 as she heads back onto the LPGA Tour. This is her fourth season on the LPGA and she has had a strong return to the States, after events in Europe over the summer, finishing tied eighth at the Portland Classic. She is now heading to Arkansas and the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G.

CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK AND  ----->>> READ MORE  

Sunday, 15 August 2021

Kelsey MacDonald is top Scot at Dumbarnie and secures AIG Women's Open spot

Kelsey MacDonald

Kelsey MacDonald had suffered hurt and disappointment in the past in her bid to play in the AIG Women’s Open for the first time, but her tears were joyous ones on this occasion.

Capping a brilliant effort on home soil, the 30-year-old from Nairn closed with a two-under 70 in the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open at Dumbarnie Links to finish with a seven-under 281 total.

That earned her a share of 15th spot in the £1.1 million event, and won the Jock MacVicar Leading Scot Trophy, created to honour legendary golf journalist Jock MacVicar who passed away earlier this year aged 83.

It was arguably the most impressive performance of MacDonald’s career, earning a bonus she richly deserved by securing one of five spots up for grabs in next week’s AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie.

MacDonald finished nine shots ahead of Michele Thomson after the first-round leader closed with a 69 for two-over, with Carly Booth, the third home player to make the cut, a shot further back after a 70.

Ryann and Kelsey
Photograph by Tristan Jones 

Ryann O’Toole (USA) 
is the 2021 Trust Open Women’s Scottish Open champion after producing a round of the highest calibre to finish top of the pile at Dumbarnie Links and claim her maiden win on the LPGA and LET. 

To read the full report go to the Ladies European Website


Saturday, 21 November 2020

Saudi sweep’ joy boosts Michele Thomson


From The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire) 20 Nov 2020
 

 Aberdeen’s Michele Thomson helped Denmark’ s Emily Pedersen complete a “Saudi sweep” after victory in both the team and individual events in the Saudi Ladies Team International. Pedersen, who won the Aramco Saudi Ladies International on Sunday, carded a final round of 67 at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club to finish two shots ahead of overnight leader Luna Sobron Galmes, Anne van Dam and Stephanie Kyriacou. 

That helped Pedersen’s group, which included Thomson and South Africa’s Casandra Hall, to win the team event by a shot, with Hall making a decisive birdie on the parfive 18th. Pedersen was ranked outside the world’s top 500 earlier this year but has now won three times since the end of August and has secured top spot in the season-long Race to Costa del Sol. 

“We did really well today, we complemented each other,” Pedersen said. “Today was the first day where we didn’t have a hole over par so I’m really happy that we got that done and it was a really clutch putt by Casandra on the last. 
“This has obviously been a strange year for all of us with Covid, everyone’ s saying it’s such a bad year and I’m here having the best year ever, so it’s a little weird but I’m just really happy.” Thomson, who won around £25,000, was selected by team captain Pedersen at the “draw party” earlier in the week. 

She said :“It’ s been unbelievable, I was absolutely delighted when I heard she’d picked me. “She is one of the best players I think I’ve ever played with and we just wanted to make some birdies out there. “Although I am about 10 years older than her, I have learnt a lot from her this week and I’ve gained a great friend this week.” 

Kyriacou chipped in for an eagle on the ninth, her final hole, to card a course record of 63 in the final round. Nairn’s Kelsey Macdonald finished top Scot in the individual event after rounds of 70, 70 and 71 for a five-under-par total. Alford’s Laura Murray and Thomson were both tied 68th on eight-over-par. 

Saturday, 7 November 2020

Kylie Henry finishes with a flourish in Dubai -- A course record 63 !!

Kylie Henry -- Photo courtesy of the Ladies European Tour

Australia’s Minjee Lee captured her first LET title at the OMEGA Dubai Moonlight Classic with a clutch birdie putt from 20ft at the first extra hole to beat France’s Celine Boutier in a thrilling shoot-out under the Middle Eastern moonlight.

Tied at the top of the leaderboard in regulation at ten-under-par, just one shot ahead of overnight leader Caroline Hedwall, defending champion Nuria Iturrioz and Germany’s Laura Fuenfstueck, the pair could not be separated after Minjee posted a consistent round of 69 (-3) to Boutier’s 68 (-4).

Aside from the top of the leaderboard, Scotland’s Kelsey MacDonald finished strongly with a 68 to be in 8th position and West of Scotland's Kylie Henry had a day to remember, firing a course-record round of 63 to catapult herself from three-over-par to six-under-par and into the top ten. 

 Speaking about the round, Kylie said, “It’s my lowest stroke play round and It felt great. I hit it solid all round and was hitting it fairly close on most holes. The main highlight was the par 3 8th when I hit it to a foot with my 8 iron.” 

 She continued, “I’m just so delighted to be playing tournaments. I’m so grateful to everybody at the Tour who is working doubly hard and all our sponsors who’ve got us back up and running through this pandemic. It’s made us all remember how much we love the game and we’re really appreciating the opportunity to be out here competing for a living.”

Dubai-based Scot Alison Muirhead also finished in the top 20, signing off with a 70 for three-under.


Tuesday, 13 October 2020

Scottish golfing couple go head-to-head in title battle at Loch Lomond


Bragging rights were on the line in the Henry household last weekend, when LET player Kylie Henry and husband Scott, a Challenge Tour card holder, went head-to-head in a title battle. 
 
The final was played over 18 holes at Loch Lomond in the Big Johnsons Tour Matchplay, an event set up this year by John Henry, Scott's younger brother, to provide a playing opportunity for home-based pros in a Covid-hit season. 

 Kylie, a two-time LET winner, beat former Walker Cup player Michael Stewart at Mar Hall in her semi-final, while Scott defeated Sean Lawrie on his home patch at Portlethan. 

 The final was an exceedingly close affair with Scott winning at the 19th !!

Sunday, 20 September 2020

KYLIE WALKER TIES SIXTH IN FRANCE

Sweden’s Julia Engstrom produced a final round 72 (+1) last week to win her second LET title of the season, with a narrow one-shot victory from home favourite Celine Herbin and Argentinian Magdalena Simmermacherat the 2020 Lacoste Ladies Open De France.

FULL REPORT

With rounds of 73-69-69 for -2 total, Scotland’s Kylie Henry finished T6 in Lacoste Ladies Open de France, won by Swede Julia Engstrom on -7 
For the full result  —- CLICK HERE

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

HEATHER MACRAE WINS THE PGA WPGA CHAMPIONSHIP


 Heather MacRae
 (pictured above) won the PGA WPGA Championship for the 2nd year in a row 
today and 3rd time in all. 
The Scot posted a 36-hole score of 3-under at Kedleston Park to finish a shot clear of Keely  Chiericato & 2 ahead of Alison Nicholas 


Full scores --- CLICK HERE

Tuesday, 1 September 2020

JOIN THE PROS AT IRVINE BOGSIDE IN OCTOBER - STILL TIME


In March 2020 there was a post about the
ladies proam that Julie Walker is running at Irvine Bogside on the 6th October.  This week, Julie got confirmation form the PGA that they are happy to support the event,


-- CLICK HERE ---- to read more from the original post

 

The website is here www.ladiesproam.com

The entry form can be downloaded here   https://ladiesproam.com/enter-your-team/

 

There is a page on the PGA website https://pgagbi.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/pgagbi20/event/pgagbi20822/index.htm


MORE INFO

The UK’s first ladies-only Pro-Am is back for the third year running, and this time it’s heading to The Irvine Golf Club in Ayrshire on Tuesday October 6.

We know many of you were disappointed not to be able to head to the AIG Women's Open at Royal Troon this year, but this Scottish jaunt could be the next best thing.

Designed to let you experience some light-hearted team competition (and also win some fabulous team and individual prizes), the teams consistent of three amateurs and one professional.

Don’t know a female pro who would be up for it?

Well never fear, the organisers will find someone suitable to partner you up with. All you need to provide is yourself and two pals.

Entry is £255 per team of three amateurs and £30 per pro; this includes tea or coffee on arrival and a post-comp lunch, too.

Many teams have already signed up from across the UK, but there’s still time to gather your team before registration closes on September 18. To enter simply follow the link HERE

If you’re travelling from far away, well why not turn it into an excuse for a once-in-a-lifetime Scottish golf holiday with the girls?

The organisers have secured a special rate for Ladies Pro-Am players at the charming Riverside Lodge Hotel in Irvine, and also reserved tee times especially for the Pro-Am teams as nearby courses Glasgow Gailes on Monday October 5 and Kilmarnock Barassie on Wednesday October 7.

A few days away with friends, playing golf, winning prizes (hopefully) 

To find out more email julie@ladiesproam.com or visit ladiesproam.com.

Sunday, 23 August 2020

SOPHIA POPOV FROM GERMANY CELEBRATES A REMARKABLE VICTORY AT ROYAL TROON


Sophia Popov (pictured above) held her nerve superbly under immense pressure to record a life-changing win in the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon.

Three clear at the start of play on Sunday, world number 304 Popov could have been forgiven for feeling tense as she chased her maiden main-tour victory, not least when she bogeyed the first after finding a fairway bunker off the tee.

However, the 27-year-old bounced back superbly by birdieing three of the next four holes and she duly remained at the head of the field for the entire final round, ultimately signing for a 68 to triumph by two at seven under. The only other blemish on her card came when she played cautiously and sensibly on her way to a five at the par-4 18th, knowing she could afford to double-bogey and still win.

The champion’s accomplished performance was typified by the way she kicked ahead with the winning post in sight, recording back-to-back birdies on the 15th and 16th to effectively end the hopes of her rivals.

Having come into this event without an LPGA Tour card, Germany’s first female major winner can now celebrate a remarkable victory and a prize of $675,000 that comfortably dwarfs her previous career earnings.

Catriona Matthew finished  and Michele Thomson both had 5 over par 76's to finish T59th and 74th respectively  -- To read the full report go to AEG WEBSITE

Full Leaderboard from the AIG Women's Open from Royal Troon - Click Here

DAY 4 -- LIVE SCORING AND WATCH THE GOLF FROM ROYAL TROON


Full Leaderboard from the AIG Women's Open from Royal Troon - Click Here

Watch on Sky Sports on You Tube Live  afternoon session begins at 2pm if you don't have Sky Sports  - Day 4

Saturday, 22 August 2020

Sophia Popov will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon

Sophia Popov will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon, after putting together a faultless third round highlighted by a moment of breathtaking brilliance.

World number 304 Popov, whose only previous appearance in this championship came as an amateur back in 2011, was the only player in the field not to drop a shot on Saturday as she carded a four-under 67 – the joint-lowest round of the week - to reach four under.

Past Champion Catriona Matthew saw her hopes of another AIG Women’s Open title fade as she  carded a 74 to sit on eight over.

Scot Michele Thomson carded an 80 today which included 5 bogeys and 2 double bogeys to finish on +17

To read the full report go to the AIG WEBSITE

Thursday, 20 August 2020

Catriona Matthew rolls back the years in Round 1 of the AIG Women's Open

 


Scotland’s Catriona Matthew rolled back the years on the links, but it is American Amy Olson who leads after the opening round of the AIG Women’s Open.

At a blustery Royal Troon, with gusts that rose to 40mph on occasions, Olson emerged late in the day to reach four under par with an excellent 67 at the first women’s major of the year.

Olson carded five birdies and just one dropped shot in a fine display of links golf. The 28-year-old, who has posted two top-10 finishes in majors, holds a three-stroke lead over fellow American Marina Alex and Germany’s Sophia Popov. 


Fifty-year-old Catriona Matthew rolled back the years on Thursday with a superb round of 71 at Royal Troon in the AIG Women’s Open.

Europe's Solheim Cup captain, who won this championship in 2009 at Royal Lytham & St Annes, carded four birdies and four bogeys in a level-par round that left her comfortably inside the top 10 on a day when gusting winds made low scoring difficult.


“I played well, I drove the ball well,” Matthew said. “I don't think I missed a fairway today, which gives you just the opportunity to try and hit the greens.


“Going out was obviously super long, going back out into the wind, and then coming back downwind sometimes isn't that easy, either, it was such a strong wind.”


Matthew, who would become the oldest major champion of all time if she were to win this week, was in control with her long game on Thursday, and credits shot commitment for her accuracy off the tee.


Leaderboard 

 -4 A Olsen (USA)

-1 S Popov (Germany), M Alex (USA)


SCOTS:

Even C Matthew

+2 M Thomson

+3 G Dryburgh

+7 K Henry

+9 C Booth


Full Leaderboard - Click Here


Saturday, 15 August 2020

Kylie Henry cards a 69 on day 3 of the Scottish Open

Stacy Lewis reckons The Renaissance Club has a “major feel” to it this week. So, too, does the leaderboard in the $1.5 million Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open. Spaniard Azahara Munoz is out in front heading into the final round but has some big guns breathing down her neck at the East Lothian venue. 

Lewis, a Women’s Open winner at St Andrews in 2013, is just one shot back. Lydia Ko, a two-time major champion, is also lurking ominously, as is Danielle Kang, who is bidding for a third Sunday success on the trot after back-to-back wins in Ohio following the LPGA Tour’s restart after the Covid-19 lockdown.

Helped by knocking in a 30-footer for an eagle-2 at the 13th, West of Scotland’s Kylie Henry carded a 69 for two-over to sit in a tie for 24th, giving her a chance to secure one of the 21 spots up for grabs in this week’s AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon. Gemma Dryburgh, who is already in that field, and Michele Thomson are on four-over and 13-over respectively.

LIVE SCORING FROM THE SCOTTISH LADIES OPEN

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE SCORING --- SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST

Friday, 14 August 2020

Day 2 of the Scottish Ladies Open - 3 Scots make the cut

At the halfway stage of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open, Spain’s Azahara Munoz and American major winner Stacy Lewis lead by one stroke from America’s Jennifer Song and an international chasing pack at five-under-par. 

On a benign day by links standards, Renaissance Golf Club appeared to offer up more favorable weather conditions for the field, but these were combatted by a few more difficult pins as well the well documented thick rough, which ensured that only 15 players broke par. As it stands, only 12 players are under par for the tournament.

Three of the seven Scottish players competing this week made the cut with Gemma Dryburgh highest placed heading into the weekend in T35 on 2-over-par. Kylie Henry 4 over par and Michele Thomson 5 over par sit in T53 and T62 respectively. 

Michele had a great 2 under par 69 today to add to her 78 yesterday to just make the cut 

70 players made the halfway cut at five-over-par.