SCOTTISH GOLF E BULLETIN

This months Scottish Golf e Bulletin is now available. CLICK HERE to read more

SGU Club e-bulletin

Read the Latest Committee Update The February issue of Committee Update is now available to download and circulate to your committee members. The latest copy features advice on Membership Marketing, details of the SGU’s new ground-breaking new Employment Law and Health & Safety partnership with Xact and information on new Child Protection legislation.  >>Find out more

Important Update on Equality Act - Please Read The SGU and SLGA are encouraging clubs to read the following important update on age provisions within the Equality Act 2010.  The Equality and Human Rights Commission has confirmed that this will now NOT be coming into force in April 2012.  Full details of this update can be found in the Advice Note (6th Edition) linked below.   >>Find out more

SGUpdate – The Magazine for your Members A digital copy of SGUpdate – our A5 mini magazine designed for members of affiliated golf clubs – has now been published on the SGU website and available for you to distribute within your next members e-mailing, with sample text included. Printed copies will also be sent out shortly in quantities based on your club’s requirements.  >>Find out more

Take Part in our Bulk Purchasing for Clubs Survey We have commissioned consultancy firm Grant Thornton to conduct a feasibility study to analyse how the collective power bulk buying power of Scotland’s golf clubs may be able to save clubs money in key purchasing areas, including utilities and other commonly used services. Please take 10 minutes to complete the survey using the link below - the closing date is Friday 24 February and all information provided will be treated anonymously.  >>Find out more

Entries now open for the Belhaven Best Captains & Secretaries Championship Book your club’s place in this hugely popular event now! There are five Regional Finals to choose from, the first of which takes place at Crail GS on Tuesday 3 April. Entries are being accepted on a first come first served basis, with the leading eight Captains and Secretaries pairings in each region winning a place in September’s Final. >>Find out more

First 100 Clubs Uploaded to Live CDH The first 100 clubs in Scotland have been uploaded to the live Centralised Database of Handicaps (CDH) system. Providing major improvements for clubs in the administration of handicaps, we are working to register as many clubs on the CDH for the beginning of the new season. All clubs are reminded to upload handicap data once you receive the 2012 software. >>Click here to logon to CDH

Sign Up for our Management Training Course The SGU and SLGA are staging the second Scottish Golf Club Management Training course (Level One) from 12 to 16 March at the Stirling Management Centre with a limited number of places still available. This popular comprehensive course provides managers with the most up-to-date education in the industry with excellent feedback from those who attended last year.  >>Find out more

Enjoy a Night to Remember at the Scottish Golf Awards One of Scotland’s most celebrated golfers Sam Torrance will be the special guest at this year’s Annodata Scottish Golf Awards, taking place on Friday 23 March at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow. Join host Andrew Cotter for a fantastic evening of entertainment with tables of 10 available for £700 or individual tickets at £75 per person.  >>Find out more

SGU & SLGA National Championship Entry Forms Now Available Entries for Scotland’s male and female national amateur championships in 2012 are now open with entry forms available to download on the SGU and SLGA websites. >>Click here to download SGU entry forms >>Click here to download SLGA entry forms

Encourage your Club’s Talented Youngsters to play the Scottish Hydro Junior Tour A new open entry system is now in place for the Scottish Hydro Junior Tour, with three fantastic events taking place at Gullane, The Roxburghe and Rowallan Castle, changing from the previous invite basis. Encourage your club’s best youngsters to take part with entry forms now available from the SGU website. >>Find out more >>Click here to download Junior Tour entry forms

Keep visiting scottishgolf.org for all the latest news, results, offers and information from the Scottish Golf Union.  THE SGU TEAM

Pawl Lawrie on Sky Sports

Read the latest news in Scottish Club Golfer

Latest Issue Online Now  SCOTLAND'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER FOR AMATEUR GOLF The latest edition of Scottish Club Golfer is now available to read for free online. You can read some of the biggest headlines from issue 53 below. Alternatively, go straight to the homepage        Read More Stinky pond solved! One of Scotland's finest links golf courses has successfully managed to put an end to a rather unsavoury smell emanating from a pond on one of its two golf courses. Read More Machrie Hotel is sold It has been a long wait but the deal for one of Scotland's most popular golfing venues has finally gone through - and the move sees one of the country's most experienced golf directors come on board as a result. Read More Pitlochry to invest £200k on upgrade Officials at Pitlochry Golf Course have unveiled a £200,000 'centre of excellence' blueprint that will give the course the finest facilities in Highland Perthshire. Read More Amateur champ Law targets tour After becoming the first multiple winner of the Scottish Amateur Championship since Charlie Green in 1983, David Law has set his sights squarely upon earning a place on the European Tour next year. Read More 'Plush' clubhouse for East Kilbride The members of East Kilbride Golf Club are now enjoying the benefits of a plush, brand-new clubhouse - 18 months after its predecessor was destroyed by fire. Read More Clubs urged to use turbines Struggling golf courses in Ireland who need to find ways to meet their operating costs are being pushed in the direction of wind turbines. Read More Old Course up to £150 Golf fans keen on finally making that lifelong pilgrimage to the world-famous Old Course at St Andrews next year can breath a sigh of relief - because the St Andrews Links Trust has increased the green fee for the world's most famous golf course by just £10. Read More To register for Scottish Club Golfer Online Edition please go to www.scottishclubgolfer.com

SGU and SLGA Golf Survey

The SGU and SLGA are inviting golfers to take part in a comprehensive Scottish Golf Player Survey to help them gain an insight into the playing habits of golfers across Scotland, with everyone who completes the questionnaire being entered into a draw to win a TaylorMade golf bag.

Questions include the frequency of your golf, both playing and practising, your thoughts on your club’s facilities and what you’d like to see improved at your golf club.

To find out more and take part in the Survey go to the Scottish Golf Union Website

SGU Golfers E-bulletin - July 2011

CLICK HERE to read this months issue of the SGU E - Bulletin

New Issue of Scottish Club Golfer Online

SGU BOARD DELEGATION TO MEET WITH AREAS TO PROGRESS AMALGAMATION DISCUSSIONS

The Scottish Golf Union Board has appointed three of its Directors to meet with its 16 Area Associations to ascertain the reasons behind the recent rejection of its proposal for amalgamation with the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association.

Directors Gordon Murray, Maurice Shields and Iain Harvey will form the group to meet with representatives of the Areas who last month voted 10 – 6 against the formation of a single governing body for amateur golf in Scotland.

Douglas Connon, Chairman of the Scottish Golf Union, said: “While the amalgamation proposal was rejected, we are encouraged that there is overwhelming support for the principle of amalgamation and a commitment from our shareholders to find a solution to achieve amalgamation.”

“The Board has invited three Directors to find out what those who voted against amalgamation regarded as unacceptable and importantly what key issues need further consideration to help achieve an agreement going forward.” he added.

The three Directors will undertake this task with the objective of reporting back to the SGU Board by the end of July. Thereafter, the Board will consider the best way forward in consultation with counterparts at the SLGA.

Shareholders representing the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association had previously voted 93% in favour of the amalgamation proposals, while a poll of 295 of the SGU’s affiliated clubs supported the proposed changes by an 89.2% majority.

SGU AREAS VOTE 10-6 AGAINST AMALGAMATION WITH SLGA

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE SCOTTISH GOLF UNION
This evening (May 26) the Scottish Golf Union held a Special Meeting with the sole purpose of considering the amalgamation (with the SLGA) proposal. This proposal has been widely consulted upon with Areas, Counties and Clubs. The proposal was approved at the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association’s Special Meeting yesterday (May 25).
The Scottish Golf Union’s shareholders, comprising the sixteen Area Associations, voted 10 to 6 against the amalgamation proposal. This means the proposal in its current format has not received the required level of support by our shareholders and therefore amalgamation cannot proceed at this stage
The Scottish Golf Union Board is disappointed with the outcome of the Areas’ vote. The Board believes that the vote is contrary to the wishes of the majority of clubs they represent, which saw 263 affiliated clubs (89.2%) approve the amalgamation proposal from the 295 clubs (51%) that formally responded with their views.
The amalgamation proposal has also been strongly supported by the amateur game’s other key stakeholders, including the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association and its members (Clubs and Counties), major funders sportscotland and other commercial sponsors and partners.
The Scottish Golf Union’s commitment to supporting clubs, together with developing talent and growing the game, remains at the heart of our activities and we will continue to strengthen relationships with clubs to deliver against this strategy. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all clubs for their assistance and patience during this lengthy process.
The Scottish Golf Union Board believes that this result is a setback for the future development and governance of Scottish amateur golf. However, the Board takes heart from the fact that all 16 Areas have consistently reaffirmed their support for amalgamation and a commitment to finding a way to achieve amalgamation working with the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association.
The Board will continue to act in the best interests of Scottish golf and will meet on June 6 to consider how we can progress this important matter.
Ross Duncan
SGU Marketing, Media and Sponsorship Manager

New Issue of Scottish Club Golfer Online

Monty's Maggie Appeal

It was announced last week that both governing bodies will adopt the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation as their official charity partner, while a new event is being launched which will see Monty lining up alongside eighty club golfers at The Carrick on Loch Lomond in September.To find out more on how to take part log on to Scottish Golf Website.
The video below is of Colin Montgomerie talking to the SGU at Archerfield for the launch of this new initiative between the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation and the SGU and SLGA. He also shares his thoughts and memories of the amateur game.

Alyson McKechin is in top 25 after 2 Rounds in Wales and is now trying to improve in Round 2

West of Scotland's Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) is tied in 18th place after 2 rounds in the Welsh Open Strokeplay played over Tenby Golf Course today. 81, 78 (CSS 77, 76)
Eilidh Briggs from Kilmacolm retired in the first round.
Your webmaster contacted Eilidh and this is what she said --
"I have had a back injury all winter and I tried to hit a shot out of a bunker where my feet were outside it and I felt my back go..I played the next few holes and it was just getting tighter and its a long season ahead"
Your Webmaster replied " Sorry Eilidh to hear of the problem. Quite right to chuck it and make sure you are ok for the rest of the season. Good Luck and have a speedy recovery"
Scottish Scores after 2 rounds:
Hannah McCook (Grantown on Spey), 81,76 = 157
Alyson McKechin (Elderslie), 81 ,78 - 159
Jane Turner (Craigielaw), 78, 81 = 159
Rachael Watton (Mortonhall), 80, 80 = 160
Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), 83,82 = 165
Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw) 90, 77 = 167
Rebecca Wilson (Grange), 82,86 = 168
Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), Withdrawn
Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm), Retired

To see all the scores  Click Here  --- SSS 76 (Round 1 CSS 77) (Round 2 CSS 76)

New Issue of Scottish Club Golfer Online

Clubs Supporting National Drive to Attract New Members

Clubs across Scotland are gearing up to take part in Scottish Golf Awareness Week (10 -17 April) as part of the SGU and SLGA’s national campaign to attract more members to golf clubs.

Click on this link to go to the SCOTTISH GOLF WEBSITE

SOME NEWS FROM THE SGU

Andrew Cotter took time out from putting his voice to the SGU's membership campaign to talk about Scottish Golf, the Masters and a few other things.

Want to see more videos from the SGU then CLICK HERE

Final Proposals for the SLGA/ SGU Amalgamation

Following the consultation process with clubs, counties and associations the final proposal for amalgamation of the SLGA and SGU has been published. This proposal will be voted on at an SLGA EGM at the Bell Library in Perth on Wednesday 25th May at 12 noon.

To read more click on the following link

SLGA-SGU amalgamation

SGU update - Annual Newsletter

SGUpdate is the SGU annual newsletter, keeping clubs and members informed of the Scottish Golf Union’s wide range of activities, projects and events over the past year has been sent out to members via clubs over the winter.

The latest SGUpdate contains various special features including: What We Are Doing for Golfers and Golf Clubs in Scotland plus the Centralised Database of Handicaps (CDH)
Click on the following link to see the latest feature online
SGU update Magazine --- Page 10 for the CDH report

Latest Issue of the Scottish Club Golfer

Scottish Golf Awards Dinner --- The Ladies are Winners

The Scottish Team Award

Eilidh Briggs (SLGA Girls Order of Merit)

Lelsey MacDonald (SLGA Ladies Order of Merit Award)

The Scottish Golf Awards Dinner was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Friday Evening

Many Congraulations go to Renfrewshire's 2010 County Champion Eilidh Briggs (SLGA Girls Order of Merit Winner), Kelsey MacDonald (SLGA Ladies Order of Merit Winner) and to Lesley Nicholson's all conquering Scotland Home International Team that won the Team of the Year Award. -- The team included West of Scotland's Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle) and Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm).

The Scottish European Senior Women's Championship Team captained by Pam Williamson was also in the running for the Team award, along with the Scotland Boy's Home International team who beat England for the first time in 13 yeras and the North East Men's Team that won their first Scottish Area Team Championship since 1992.

Colin Montgomerie and Paul Lawrie were both awarded LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
My thanks go to the SLGA for inviting your webmaster to the dinner which was absolutely fantastic.

Click Here and then click on slideshow to see larger picture and download a favourite

Amalgamation Roadshows

Invitations and booking forms (to be returned to the SGU Office at The Dukes by 31 January) have been sent to clubs and counties for the second round of roadshows on the proposed amalgamation of the SLGA and SGU. These will take place at the following venues:

Ladybank GC on Wednesday 16 February at 6.30 pm
Downfield GC on Thursday 17 February at 6.30 pm
Kilmarnock (Barassie) GC on Monday 21 February at 6.30 pm
Turnhouse GC on Wednesday 23 February at 6.30 pm
Dullatur GC on Thursday 24 February at 6.30 pm
Stranraer GC on Monday 28 February at 6.30 pm
Murcar Links GC on Wednesday 2 March at 6.30 pm
Loch Ness GC on Thursday 3 March at 11.00 am
Hilton Park GC on Monday 7 March at 6.30 pm
Haggs Castle GC on Tuesday 8 March at 6.30 pm

Places are limited to 4 per club (men and women) and 2 per county.