Ladies Golf News in Scotland, the West of Scotland and Renfrewshire
The 2021 Jamboree commences today Monday 14th June at 10 am at Cardross Golf Club.
Monday 14th
10.00. D&A v Lanarkshire
12.00. Ayrshire v Renfrewshire
Tuesday 15th
10.00. Renfrewshire v D&A
12.00. Lanarkshire v Ayrshire
Wednesday 16th
10.00. Ayrshire v D&A
12.00. Lanarkshire v Renfrewshire
Ayrshire and Renfrewshire are the joint winners of the Kennedy Salver at the West Junior Inter County Matches on Sunday at a very warm and sunny Irvine Golf Club.
D&A were 3rd and Lanarkshire 4th
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| Ayrshire and Renfrewshire - Joint Winners Photo courtesy of Gillian Kyle |
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| Renfrewshire Kennedy Salver Team Photo courtesy of Gillian Kyle |
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| L to R Susan Woodhouse(Taylor White missing) and Jan and Alison Macnab Photo courtesy of Jean MacIntyre |
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| L to R - Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Photo courtesy of Jean MacIntyre |
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| Sara McCorkell |
Laura McGeachy (Haggs Castle), Roisin Black (Gleddoch Resorts Ltd) and Susan Halley (Strathaven) also qualified for the Grand Final after carding net scores four over par 76 but there was disappointment for Patricia Crook (Southerness), Jane Richardson (Kirkcudbright), Joan Walker (Balfron Golf Society) and another Williamwood member Gillian McLeod who lost out in a card countback on the same score.
“It’s great to get to the Grand Final because I was at St Andrews University years ago but never got the chance to play the Duke’s course,” a delighted McCorkell said.
“I was first out in the morning and when I finished I thought I’d probably miss out by a couple of shots so it was a bit of a surprise to find out I’d won.
“There’s no doubt local knowledge helped a bit,” she added. “I holed a tricky birdie putt from about eight feet on the 13th but then went through a bit of an iffy patch before finishing with two pars.
“I’m looking forward to the Grand Final already.”
The Scottish Medal Finals West was the second of six Regional Finals with six men and six women at each event qualifying for the Grand Final at The Duke’s, St Andrews, in August.
View Medal Final West Leaderboard.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO SCOTTISH GOLF WEBSITE FOR FULL MEN AND LADIES RESULTS
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| Julie Wilson - 2021 West of Scotland Champion (photo courtesy of Jean MacIntyre) |
With a field of over 40 participants and the weather better than predicted, it turned out, for some, a very close competition.
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| Megan and Julie - Photo courtesy of Jean MacIntyre |
D&A'S Lorna McClymont (Milngavie) was a close third with a gross 76.
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| Jodie Graham - Photo courtesy of Jean MacIntyre |
She won the Handicap Trophy and Prize with her net 73 with a better inward half from Renfrewshire's June Lockhart (Douglas Park) Julie Wilson (Williamwood) and Rosie Maguire ( Pollok Golf Club) and also was a member of the winning Lanarkshire Junior team.
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| Eilidh Briggs, Megan Briggs and Jennifer Rankin Winning Team - Renfrewshire Photo courtesy of Jean MacIntyre |
The Junior Team Trophy was won with a score of 148 (and a better inward half) by Lanarkshire’s Jodie Graham, Lindsay Main and Neve Marshall over Renfrewshire’s Jennifer Lynagh, Rosie Maguire and Ava Graham. The trophy is decided by the best two net scores from three.
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| Wilma Leburn nee Aitken |
It is with great sadness that I have to announce the sudden death of Lady Marjory MacSween (nee Brown) who was well known to many in the West of Scotland golfing circles and beyond.
Marjory was brought up in Strathaven, attended Hamilton Academy and was School Captain. Although she was very sporty and was Captain of the hockey team, she was also very clever and went on to study medicine at Glasgow University.
It was there that she met Roddy MacSween a fellow medical student and married him in 1961.
Marjory became a dermatologist and like her husband was a fine golfer, and supported him in all his professional activities.
She also had a great love of Kintyre with the MacSween cottage in Southend which they restored from an old ruined cottage.
She had a special friendship with Scotland’s Belle Robertson (Dunaverty, Troon Ladies and Dunbartonshire and Argyll Ladies' County Golf Association), Jennifer Mack (Renfrewshire Ladies’ County Golf Association) and also with Isabel Crawford (SLGA and Ayrshire Ladies’ County Golf Association) who all had known her for many years and enjoyed holidays down in Southend, Kintyre.
She had a very interesting life and had many friends world-wide. She was devoted to her husband and son Gordon and daughter Ruth - all golfers of course! - and to her five grandchildren 2 in Canada and 3 in England.
She was a member of Dunaverty, The Ladies Golf Club Troon, Past member of East Renfrewshire Golf Club where she was Ladies’ Captain in 1985 and Strathaven Golf Club where she was Ladies' Captain in 1976
She was also an active past member of Renfrewshire Ladies’ County Golf Association.
She played in the West of Scotland Greenlees Team, a past Greenlees Team Captain
and a Past Ladies’ Captain of Dunaverty.
She won many trophies and her biggest highlight of her golfing career was reaching the final of the Renfrewshire Ladies’ County Championship in 1999 played over Whitecraigs Golf Club. She played Donna Jackson on that day and although she lost was amazed and so very proud to have made such an achievement.
From the RLCGA General Meeting Minutes (3rd November 1999).
The Captain’s AGM Report stated:
The Championship was played at Whitecraigs amidst snow storms. Dr Marjory MacSween stormed her way to the final beating shell-shocked county team members on the way. In the final against Donna Jackson, Donna played like a true champion but credit goes to Marjory who did not go down without a fight.
Some Tributes
Jennifer Mack (Haggs Castle, Troon Ladies, Dunaverty)
Marjory and I first met in the late 50's when we were both holidaying in Southend, Kintyre. Marjory's father Dr Brown had a caravan just over the wall from Jock McVicar's house. Jock has been a close friend of the family for many years.
Isabel Crawford was also a regular at that time as she had relations living in Southend. I then found myself working for Marjory in the mid 60's when she was in the Dermatology Department of the Western Infirmary. I admired her enormously as she seemed to cope with so many things and was super-efficient in all aspects of her life. Over the years we played countless games of golf over Dunaverty, a course very dear to both of us. Marjory was a very down to earth person and a wonderful source of information about so many things. She was great at telling a story and it was always interspersed with humour.
She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren who so loved spending time with their 'Granny Mac'!
In the words of her daughter in law, she was so bright, bubbly, caring and never complained in spite of her many health issues.
She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.’.
Sallie Harkness (Haggs Castle, Troon Ladies)
Marjory joined the Saturday (old) Girls playing at Troon and we also would play on Wednesdays. If the weather was poor we usually went for lunch at Parklands or Loks or the Orchard Park. Marjory was great company whether on the golf course or at the lunch table. She loved Troon but was before a member at East Renfrewshire Golf Club
In recent years Marjory was attending the Victoria for regular blood transfusions but she did not let her illness get her down and continued with golf when she could. She was still driving her car, busy in the kitchen and garden and keeping in touch via the internet using FaceTime, Zoom and e-mails.
It’s hard to believe that she is no longer with us for her departure was very sudden. We all miss her for we shall not see her like again.
Isabel Crawford (Ayrshire Ladies’ County Golf Association)
I had known Marjory for over 60 years!
We holidayed at Southend in July, Marjory in August … her caravan was always parked at the end of Dunaverty beach to be near Angus and Jean MacVicar (their son Jock, became the long-time renowned Scottish Daily Express golf journalist)
They were great friends and Marjory and her sister Anne were often to be found in Achnamara for a wee bit of home baking while their father fished in the local rivers and lochs.
It was really that association that encouraged both Marjory and Roddy to play golf.
It was Angus MacVicar who encouraged Marjory to play and they had many keenly fought rounds over Dunaverty.
Marjory loved Southend and thoroughly enjoyed being there with her family … she was a very welcoming hostess, extremely kind to many local events and to villagers and took pleasure in keeping up with all village news and gossip !
Her zest for life, her lovely sense of fun and humour, and her keen interest in folk in Kintyre made her a popular semi local !
Her influence will be felt in this part of the world for many years
Carol Fell (Renfrewshire Ladies’ County Golf Association)
I met Marjory through East Renfrewshire Golf Club and playing County Golf.
Roddy’s end of life care in 2015 was in Mearnskirk Hospital in Newton Mearns as was my mothers. Marjory and I used to chat on numerous occasions and even at these sad times she did make me laugh. I remember one day looking out of Mum’s bedroom window and seeing Marjory’s daughter Ruth and her new husband on their wedding day, the sun shining and all the family sitting with Roddy out in the hospital gardens — It was such a special day for them all.
She was a very special person and will be missed by so many including all those from RLCGA that knew her so well
Anne Jamieson (Strathaven Golf Club Ladies Section) - Marjory joined as member in 1956 and was Ladies' Captain on 1976. She played in our annual Past Captains’ Competition until a few years ago and regular visited the club with her sister Anne until lockdown. She will be fondly remembered by those who all knew her.
Donna Jackson (RLCGA and Troon Ladies)
Marjory was a lovely lady, and so sorry to hear the sad news — and I do remember that County Championship final at Whitecraigs played in the snow — which brought it all back !! Always enjoyed a wee chat when down at Troon playing on a Saturday with the Saturday Girls.
From the Glasgow Herald Isabel Dawson said -- We remember her with real affection, it is only a few weeks since she addressed the haggis for us at our Lunch and Social Club for people living with dementia, using the Burns book presented to her mother at Glasgow High School 100 years ago. Marjory had been a committed volunteer at the club for many years. As we remembered her it was with thankfulness for the fun and laughter she brought into our lives
GLASGOW HERALD --- MACSWEEN - Lady Marjory With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Lady Marjory MacSween. Wife of the late Professor Sir Roddy MacSween, irreplaceable mother of Ruth and Gordon, mother-in-law to Graeme and Jo, beloved Granny Mac to grandchildren Ben, Tess, Jamie, Sammy and Alex, she will be missed by all. She was a true force of nature in her time, and those who knew her will miss her joie de vivre, her soup, her baking, and her general enthusiasm for all things, especially family, friends, golf, and garden. Determined, strong, competitive, witty, and sharp as a tac to the end, her legendary putt-sinking, card-sharpening and crossword-solving skills and her utterly indomitable spirit will live on for some time, we suspect. A fitting Celebration of Life will be held at a later date - Ruth and Gordon will confirm when lock down allows
CLICK HERE TO PRINT OR DOWNLOAD THIS TRIBUTE
From Gordon MacSween (Son)
This week in the 360 studio, Iona Ballantyne is joined by Netball Scotland CEO, Claire Nelson, who catches up with former Scotland women’s Amateur champion golfer Megan Briggs. -- She chats about her golfing career to date and her future role as Kilmacolm Golf Club Captain in 2022.
The episode also comes at a great time in run up to international Women's Day --
To view the whole video -- CLICK HERE
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!!
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| Heather, Wendy and Aileen |
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| Home Internationals 1955 - Scottish Team Nan Blair (2nd from Right - back row) - All names in photo within the link in the Album below |
Nan was a member of Erskine GC and then Ranfurly 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.