HANNAH DARLING GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH - BBC ALBA INTERVIEW

Two-time Scottish Champion golfer Hannah Darling is going from strength to strength. With a 4 year scholarship at South Carolina on the horizon, the sky is the limit as she continues to develop her golf game.

Calling all Female Golfers!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FLYER

Are you a woman who has played golf at club level in Scotland between 1945 and 1995?

I am a PhD student working in collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University and the British Golf Museum on an oral history PhD project which explores women’s experiences of playing golf at club level in Scotland during the period 1945-1995.

I am looking for women golfers who have played golf at club level in Scotland between 1945 and 1995 to participate in my research project.

Interested in participating in an online questionnaire? --- Link to questionnaire

See my blog for more information on the project -- Link to blog

OR

Contact laurenbeatty@randa.org

Lauren Beatty

The R&A has provided an update on its plans for the AIG Women's Open, and it's good news for golf fans.

Sophia Popov the 2020 AIG Womens Open Champion

R&A 'hopeful' that AIG Women's Open will allow fans

The R&A has provided an update on its plans for the AIG Women's Open, and it's good news for golf fans. The 2020 AIG Women's Open was held behind closed doors over Royal Troon and without spectators last year, but following an announcement from the R&A, it looks like we might be able to go and watch the action in person this summer. 

 The 2021 staging of the major tournament is set for Carnoustie from August 19 to 22, where champion Sophia Popov will be hoping to retain her title. 

 On March 23rd  The R&A's Chief Executive, Martin Slumbers, issued a message to fans to update them on the governing bodies plans for the AIG Women's Open, which is one of the biggest and most important events, if not THE most important, on the women's tour.

 

 While he makes no promises due to the uncertain nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the over-arching message is that he is 'encouraged' that fans will be able to return this year. 

 AIG Women's Open update 

The open letter, addressed to golf fans, reads:

 "Dear fans, 

 Like many of you, we have been closely following the progress of the Scottish government’s roadmap and welcome the growing sense of optimism that measures can be eased in the weeks ahead. We share that positive sentiment and I would like to briefly update you on our plans for this year’s AIG Women’s Open, which will be played at Carnoustie from 19-22 August.

 

 Last year the AIG Women’s Open was the only major sporting event to be played in Scotland. This was incredibly important to the women athletes who competed and whose playing opportunities had been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. It was a fantastic championship with Sophia Popov’s fairy-tale win proving perseverance, belief and hard work are the markers of success. 

 However, one thing was missing – you, the fans. 

 Fans bring a whole other dimension to the AIG Women’s Open, from the cheers erupting across the course, to the nail-biting tension at the 72nd hole and the laughter, joy and camaraderie of celebrating the world’s best women golfers. 

You are what elevates a championship from memorable to truly special. We are greatly encouraged that we will be able to welcome fans at the AIG Women’s Open and I would like to assure you that we are working with the Scottish and UK governments, our health and safety advisers, agencies and our partners at AIG to progress our plans to ensure that everyone can enjoy the action at Carnoustie safely. 

 Nothing is certain with the COVID-19 pandemic but as the vaccine roll out continues at pace and the governments provide a clear framework for moving back toward normality, we believe that the AIG Women’s Open will provide fans with something wonderful to anticipate this summer. 

 Let’s look forward to the final putt being rolled in on the 72nd hole to a huge roar from fans at the 2021 AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie. Until then, thank you and stay safe. 

 Martin Slumbers Chief Executive, The R&A" 

 You can find out more about how to buy tickets at aigwomensopen.com. 

WEST OF SCOTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP AT COCHRANE CASTLE IN MAY - UPDATE

It is hoped that we will be able to hold the West of Scotland Championship which is scheduled for Sunday 9th May at Cochrane Castle.

Further information on entry and safety arrangements for COVID will be given later. 

Jean MacIntyre (West of Scotland Secretary)

MyGolfRanking — Week 11 — 2021

ABERDEENSHIRE WOMEN

1 Alyson Phillips (Oldmeldrum) 1213 points

2 Alison Stewart (Insch) 1136

3 Gillian Mackenzie (Banchory) 1129

4 Susan McInnes (Banchory) 1107

5 Alison Wilson (Strathlene Buckie) 1095

6 Carmen Griffiths (Aboyne) 1068

7 Jan Lyne (Oldmeldrum) 1040

8 Maureen McFarland (Newburgh-on-Ythan) 1036 

9 Fiona Pennie (Kemnay) 1019

10 Gail Christie (Banchory) 1014

T11 Eleanor Chadbourn (Kemnay) 981, Alison Hope (Newmachar) 981 &

Kim Paterson (Keith) 981

14 Sarah Jolley (Inchmarlo) 980

15 Rachel Mathieson (Hazlehead) 979

ABERDEENSHIRE WOMEN CLUBS 

1 Banchory 8552

2 Oldmeldrum 7768

3 Aboyne 7739

4 Kemnay 7637

5 Insch 7620

6 Stonehaven 7360

7 Strathlene Buckie 7294

T8 Deeside & Turriff 7269 

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL WOMEN

1 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 1157 points

2 Gayna McGreish (Balmore) 1117

3 Carol Maclarty (Taynuilt) 1103

4 Monica Stewart (Douglas Park) 1089 

5 Nicola Madden (Hilton Park) 1083

6 Gemma Canham (Helensburgh) 1052 

7 Margaret Jefferies (Milngavie) 1049

8 Barbara Walker (Bearsden) 1041

9 Rhona Murison (Douglas Park) 1025 

10 Nichola Kidd (Dunaverty) 990

11 Carol Fell (Douglas Park) 976

12 Elspeth Mulholland (Hilton Park) 951 

13 Pauline McMillan (Bearsden) 942 

14 Carol Bews (Helensburgh) 935 

15 Dagmar Taylor (Bearsden) 933

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL WOMEN CLUBS

1 Douglas Park 8276

2 Bearsden 7887 

3 Balmore 7860

4 Taynuilt 7773

5 Hilton Park 7702 

6 Helensburgh 6995 

7 Dunaverty 6984 

8 Milngavie 6834

FIFE WOMEN

1 Dianne Watson (Leven Ladies) 1137 points

2 Aileen Baker (St Regulus) 1135

3 Alicia Hay (Ladybank) 1125

4 Colleen Stuart (St Regulus) 1176 

5 Margaret Boitz (Scotscraig) 1070 

6 Alison Gray (Elmwood) 1062

7 Karen Valentine (Canmore) 1024 

8 Lorna Bennett (Ladybank) 991 

9 Linda Dyball (Pitreavie) 990

10 Joanna Daley (Aberdour) 985 

11 Gillian Crawford (Canmore) 968 

12 Alison Bain (Scotscraig) 963 

13 Millie Douglas (Thornton) 962 

14 Jill Wallace (Thornton) 957

15 Alison Anderson (St Regulus) 949

FIFE WOMEN CLUBS

1 Ladybank 8314

2 St Regulus 7908

3 Scotscraig 7836

4 Canmore 7295

5 Thornton 7249

6 Elie & Earlsferry 7103 

7 Dunfermline 6870 

8 Aberdour 6794

ANGUS WOMEN

1 Jane Grubb (Edzell) 1097 points

2 Jane Tough (Edzell) 1092

3 Julie Taylor (Edzell) 1090

4 Dawn Darling (Kirriemuir) 1048

5 Morag Nicol (Edzell) 1046

6 Alison Connelly (Edzell) 1019

7 Caroline Kelaher (Brechin) 1012

8 Jackie Brown (Monifieth) 1003

9 Sakuna Ramsay (Edzell) 996

10 Hilary Wallace (Panmure GC) 993 

11 Sarah Tough (Edzell) 991

12 Marie-Ann Turriff (Brechin) 986

13 Pamela Thomson (Edzell) 966

14 Sarah Mitchell (Edzell) 962

15 Anne Dougan (Ballumbie Castle) 946

ANGUS WOMEN CLUBS

1 Edzell 8860

2 Kirriemuir 7607

3 Panmure GC 7470

4 Grange & Broughty 7422 

5 Brechin 7252

6 Forfar 6638

7 Arbroath Artisan 6516 

8 Monifieth 6486

SCOTLAND CENTRAL WOMEN

1 Madeleine Macgregor (Hamilton) 1327 points

2 Gillian Ping (Falkirk GC) 1181

3 Megan Docherty (Bishopbriggs) 1173

4 Jackie Carty (Hollandbush) 1063

5 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 1057

6 Hazel Hume (Tillicoultry) 1044

T7 Anne-Marie Livingstone (Cawder) 1133 & Ava Patterson (Tulliallan) 1033

9 Alison Davidson (Stirling) 1119

10 Gayna McGreish (Balmore) 1117

11 Jean Cosgrove (Falkirk Tryst) 1113

12 Laura Bissett (Braehead) 1111

13 Monica Stewart (Douglas Park) 1089 

14 Nicola Madden (Hilton Park) 1083

15 Melissa Boyle (Cawder) 1075

SCOTLAND CENTRAL WOMEN CLUBS

1 Cawder 8440

2 Douglas Park 8276

3 Hamilton 7948

4 Bothwell Castle 7889

5 Bearsden 7887

6 Buchanan Castle 7884

7 Balmore 7860

T8 Braehead & Dunblane New 7794

SCOTLAND SOUTHWEST WOMEN

1 Isabell Donnelly (Gleddoch) 1150 points

2 Ann Robison (Powfoot) 1117

3 Luisa Gibson (Irvine) 1099

4 Lynn Forsyth (Paisley) 1061

5 Susan Morrow (Caldwell) 1060

6 Fiona Ker (Hirsel) 1057

7 Ellie Harkness (Lochmaben) 1054

8 Laura McGeachy (Haggs Castle) 1051

9 Sharon Paterson (Kelso) 1045

T10 Kerry Lockerbie (Crichton) 1042 & Arlene Sinclair (Irvine) 1042

12 Jean Gibson (Dumfries and County) 1036 

13 Mary Ross (Southerness) 1034

14 Kelly McNee (Loudoun Gowf) 1006

15 Sheila Swinnerton (Old Course Ranfurly) 995

SCOTLAND SOUTHWEST WOMEN CLUBS

1 Loudoun Gowf 8005 points 

2 Irvine 7909

3 Old Course Ranfurly 7892 

4 Crichton 7861

5 Dumfries and County 7630 

6 Kilmarnock (Barassie) 7587 

7 Haggs Castle 7469

8 Lochmaben 7423

MyGolfRanking Ayrshire and Lanarkshire -- Week 10 -- 2021

AYRSHIRE WOMEN

1 Luisa Gibson (Irvine) 1099 points

2 Arlene Sinclair (Irvine) 1042

3 Kelly McNee (Loudoun Gowf) 1006

4 Gillian Gowers (Loudoun Gowf) 978

5 Fran Hadden (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 959

6 Eileen Munro (Loudoun Gowf) 951

7 Audrey Thompson (Loudoun Gowf) 950

8 Margaret-Ann McCrorie (Irvine) 940

9 Anne Burns (Loudoun Gowf) 927

10 Sally Hamilton (Loudoun Gowf) 923

11 Rona Walker (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 914

12 Jennifer Linklater (Largs) 905

13 Joanne Sharp (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 897

14 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 896

15 Jan Flint (Troon Welbeck) 895

AYRSHIRE WOMEN CLUBS

1 Loudoun Gowf 8018

2 Irvine 7908

3 Kilmarnock (Barassie) 7587

4 Largs 7007

5 Prestwick St Nicholas 6663

6 West Kilbride 6588

7 Prestwick St Cuthbert 6490

8 Troon Welbeck 6236

LANARKSHIRE WOMEN

1 Madeleine Macgregor (Hamilton) 1327

2 Megan Docherty (Bishopbriggs) 1173

3 Jackie Carty (Hollandbush) 1163

4 Anne-Marie Livingstone (Cawder) 1133 

5 Melissa Boyle (Cawder) 1075

6 Katie Graham (Hamilton) 1066

7 Jennifer Weir (Cawder) 1058

8 Lesley Watson (Cathkin Braes) 1046

9 Jan Kidd (Carluke) 1038

10 Sudan Woodhouse (East Kilbride) 1035 

11 Yvonne Welsh (Playsport) 1030

12 Marie Kirk (Drumpellier) 1027

13 Suzanne Woodman (Cathkin Braes) 1021 

14 Hayley McPherson (Bishopbriggs) 1014 

15 Alice Brown (Bothwell Castle) 1002 

LANARKSHIRE WOMEN CLUBS

1 Playsport 940

2 Bishopbriggs 931 

3 Wishaw 921

4 Cawder 898

5 Carluke 897

6 Lanark 890

7 Colville Park 875 

8 Airdrie 874

Covid Guidelines --- Friday 12th March

 Following our latest COVID-19 update, we have worked with our partners at sportscotland and the Scottish Government to gain final approval on our updated guidance.

We have now achieved sign-off on our updated guidance which is available here.

Clubs should note that from Friday 12 March: 

• Golf courses with a designated COVID Officer can permit organised golf for members who live within the local authority area. Play can take place in four-balls with no restrictions on the number of households. 
   
• Golf courses without a designated COVID Officer, or where members are crossing a local authority boundary to play, can remain open for play with a maximum of four players from two households. 
   
• For groups over the age of 12, coaching should not exceed group sizes of 15. 
   
• For groups under the age of 12, coaching should not exceed group sizes of 30. 

Since our last update, we have received several queries relating to the new group numbers and limits. We wish to provide clubs with further clarity on this. 
 
The guidance to permit 4-ball play from 4 different households to members who live within the local authority area is in-line with new sport-specific guidance developed by sportscotland and the Scottish Government for organised sport. Cross-border travel from one local authority area to another for organised sport is not currently permitted.
 
Within the latest guidance, golf continues to be considered a form of informal exercise, where participants are permitted to travel up to five miles from their local authority boundary to take part. However, where this is the case, household limits of 4 people from 2 households apply.
 
Scottish Golf does not set the rules or parameters for these distinctions. However, we will continue to provide feedback on their practicalities for our member clubs. In comparison with most other sports across Scotland, we are in a unique and fortunate position to benefit from being identified as both organised sport and informal exercise at this time. 
 
We remind all clubs and golfers in Scotland that we remain in a privileged position, with courses across the country remaining open for play. Being able to benefit from playing golf should not be taken for granted, and we kindly ask that all clubs and golfers adhere to the latest guidance to ensure we can continue to make positive progress out of lockdown. 

Keep up to date on our latest COVID-19 updates here. 
 
Thank you for your continued co-operation and understanding. 

Kind Regards,
Karin Sharp, Chief Operating Officer, Scottish Golf

COVID UPDATE - SCOTTISH GOLF - 10th March 2021

Following the First Minister’s latest update on COVID-19 restrictions, Scottish Golf welcomes the news that we are continuing to progress through the road map out of lockdown.

Within an hour of the First Minister’s update, Scottish Golf submitted updated guidance to our partners at sportscotland and the Scottish Government. As has been the case throughout the pandemic, this final check can take some time as further details are considered and legislation published. 

These checks remain ongoing and must be complete before we can share a full updated version of our guidance to affiliated golf clubs for implementation across the country. However, we do appreciate that clubs require time to make operational changes ahead of any changes coming into place so we have provided this update until such time as we are given the green light to publish a full updated guidance grid.

Guidance previously allowed golfers to travel up to five miles outside their local authority area to take part in informal exercise using household rules. 

Yesterday’s announcement to allow organised sport will allow four-ball play with no restrictions on the number of households; however, this is only applicable to members who live within the golf club’s local authority area. 

Where golfers are required to travel up to five miles across a local authority boundary, players will be required to adhere to informal exercise guidance which is subject to household limits of 4 players from 2 households. 

Therefore, changes announced yesterday mean that from Friday 12 March:

• Golf courses with a designated COVID Officer can permit organised golf for members who live within the local authority area. Play can take place in four-balls with no restrictions on the number of households. 
   
• Golf courses without a designated COVID Officer, or where members are crossing a local authority boundary to play, can remain open for play with a maximum of four players from two households. 
   
• For groups over the age of 12, coaching should not exceed group sizes of 15. 
   
• For groups under the age of 12, coaching should not exceed group sizes of 30. 

We anticipate further guidance from our partners at sportscotland and the Scottish Government relating to children and young people. We will communicate these updates to all clubs as soon as possible.

We also look forward to a more substantive update from the First Minister next week relating to the return to a protection levels approach. That update is likely to include more details for clubhouses, retail and travel and will again be subject to the same sign-off process as outlined above.  

In the meantime, it is important to remind all golfers that they must remain close to home, travelling only for essential purposes in line with the current travel legislation. 

Keep up to date on all the latest COVID-19 updates on our dedicated webpage here.

Kind Regards,
Scottish Golf

OLD RANFURLY HONOUR THEIR MOST SUCCESSFUL LADY GOLFER - WILMA AITKEN

Wilma Leburn nee Aitken

 
International Woman’s Day was yesterday 8th March and to celebrate the day -  Old Ranfurly shared the achievements  of their most successful lady-Wilma (Aitken) Leburn

• Scottish Girls Champion 1975,1977
• Scottish U19 Stroke play 1977
• Scottish girl international 1975-1977
• Helen Holm Scottish Stroke Play Champion 1978,80,82
• Low Amateur Colgate European PGA 1978
• Scottish Girls Team Winners 1979
• Scottish International Team 1978-83, 1985
• British Ladies Championship runner up 1981
• GB Team V Europe 1981,83
• West of Scotland girls Champion 1975,77,78
• Scottish international team European Championship 1978,81,83
• Wentworth Scratch Trophy (course record 66) 1982
• West of Scotland Ladies Champion 1978-81
• British Girls Champion 1977
• Junior European Championship Winners 1980
• Carlsberg WPGA winner 1980
• World Record 9 consecutive birdies August 1981 🏆
• Runner up Scottish Ladies Championship 1981
• GB Team Spanish Championship 1981,82
• Curtis Cup GB v USA 1982
• Renfrewshire Ladies Champion 1978-82
• Old Ranfurly Champion 1975-84,87,88,91

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE EXTRACT FROM THE RLCGA CENTENARY BOOK (taken from the Old Ranfurly Centenary book in 2005 written by Drew McKenzie 

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

The Death of Lady Marjory MacSween - A golfing Tribute

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)

Just to say thanks to you all for contributing to this fantastic tribute to Mum - both in writing it and creating the stories themselves! 

 I remember Mum calling in after each round of the Renfewshire Ladies' County Championships with another scalp for team MacSween - one of the many things she did that continue to inspire me and her grandchildren. 

 These stories are so heartwarming to hear, and we're looking forward to more when we can all meet to celebrate Mum's life - hopefully in September.

KILMACOLM'S MEGAN BRIGGS IS INTERVIEWED ON BBC ALBA

 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

WEST VETS SPRING MEETING IS CANCELLED DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS

Following a West Vets Committee Meeting on Monday 1st March 2021 it was decided due to the current restrictions we are all in at the moment and also the uncertainty of what the next steps are, the decision was made to cancel the Spring Meeting at Lanark GC on the 7th April. 

At the moment, the rest of the Fixtures remain in place. CLICK HERE 

To read more go to the West Vets Website

World Handicap System (WHS) ZOOM PANEL MEETING

 With the first full season under the World Handicap System (WHS) approaching, our next Zoom Panel Call will provide club officials with everything they need to be ready.

Scottish Golf’s Handicapping and Course Rating team will answer some of the most frequently asked questions from clubs since WHS went live. They will also cover the key features and resources available, including: 

• WHS CDH Tools  
• CDH Number Management 
• WHS Competition Advice 
• Stroke Indices 
• Hive Learning 

You can find out more by accessing the WHS section on the Scottish Golf website.

The Zoom Panel Call takes place on Thursday 11th March at 3pm and attendees can submit their WHS questions when registering and our team will do their best to answer as many as possible.

Registration closes at 5pm on Wednesday 10th March and you will receive information regarding access to the call shortly after this time.

If you cannot attend, please do not worry, as we will record the session and make it available to watch online.

Book Your Place

Scottish Golf cancels first three national events in 2021 due to COVID restrictions

Scottish Golf has cancelled its first three 2021 national championships, all scheduled for April, because of the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.

The decision to call off the Scottish Boys’ Open, Scottish Girls’ Open and Scottish Women’s Open (Helen Holm) follows talks between the governing body, sportscotland and the Scottish Government.

Unlike elsewhere in the UK or Ireland, courses in Scotland are currently open. But, with restrictions still set to be in place in April, the events at Lundin, Longniddry and Royal Troon have all been scrapped.

“Following the latest update from the First Minister, and further discussions with our partners at sportscotland and the Scottish Government, it is with regret that Scottish Golf has taken the decision to cancel the hosting of our first three national championships,” said a statement. “To avoid creating additional pressure on tee-sheets at our host venues, and to give club members as much access to their course as possible, we will not be rescheduling these events.

“We will be in touch with everyone who has entered to issue a full refund in due course.”

The entire 2020 Scottish Golf schedule was scrapped because of the pandemic but the plan is to look at events individually going forward this year.

For national open events, a decision will be made at the closing date. For national closed events, it will be two weeks before the practice day and, for national club events, a call will be made one week before the start date.

Latest COVID-19 Update

 Following the First Minister's latest update on COVID-19 restrictions, please note that there is no change to the current position for golf. This means: 

• Golf courses can remain open for play with a maximum of two players from up to two households 
   
• Outdoor coaching will be restricted to 2 people (including the coach) for those 12 years or over. Under 12s do not count towards the number so a coach can take larger groups of up to 30 U12s

• Golfers must stay close to home, travel only for essential purposes (which includes golf as part of the permitted exercise activities) and in line with the new legislation 

The next update is not anticipated until mid-March. Should anything change, we will keep clubs up to date on our COVID-19 page  -- CLICK HERE

R&A -- PACE OF PLAY MANUAL AN INTERESTING READ

A practical guide that brings together a wide selection of solutions to pace of play issues, focussing on management practices, course set-up and player behaviour.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE R&A WEBSITE

STIRLINGHIRE & CLACKMANNAN GOLFERS of Week 6 - 2021

STIRLINGSHIRE & CLACKMANNAN WOMEN

1 Gillian Ping (Falkirk GC) 1181 points

2 Hazel Hume (Tillicoultry) 1144

3 Ava Patterson (Tulliallan) 1133

4 Alison Davidson (Stirling) 1119

5 Jean Cosgrove (Falkirk Tryst) 1113

6 Laura Bissett (Braehead) 1111

7 Lorna Brown (Dunblane New) 1070

8 Janice Bridgeman (Grangemouth) 1056 

9 Jean Leitch (Buchanan Castle) 1033

10 Lorna Buchanan (Buchanan Castle) 1031 

11 Melanie Dunsmore (Dunblane New) 1024 

12 C S M Goodwin (Glenbervie) 1023

13 Margaret Kenny (Tillicoultry) 1011

14 Lynn Parsler (Braehead) 1010

15 Olivia Borwick (Braehead) 996

STIRLINGSHIRE & CLACKMANNAN WOMEN CLUBS

1 Tillicoultry 1026

2 Braehead 997

3 Grangemouth 959 

4 Bridge of Allan 936 

5 Glenbervie 922

6 Buchanan Castle 897

ENTRIES OPEN FOR THE 2021 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

Entries Open For 2021 National Championships

Members of Scottish golf clubs can now enter Scottish Golf’s National Championships on the Scottish Golf App and Website. Golfers of all ages and abilities can choose to enter our events and play some of the top golf courses in Scotland such as Lundin, Royal Troon, Murcur Links, and Gullane No. 1 and No. 2.  Please share this information with your members, and, if you need more information, please click the link below.

Click For More Information

RENFREWSHIRE'S JENNIFER LYNAGH FROM CALDWELL SIGNS UP TO JOIN TEAMPRODREAM USA

A great way to start off the week with the announcement of TeamProDream latest signing as they welcome Scottish golfer 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Jennifer Lynagh to their class of 2023 roster!

A member Caldwell Golf Club, Jennifer became the first junior to win her Ladies Club Championship last year in an impressive season which saw her handicap come down from 15 to 8. 

She has played for the Renfrewshire Ladies County Junior team and is a former winner of the West of Scotland Championship handicap trophy, as well as being the first girl to win the Newton Shield Junior League with the Caldwell GC Junior Team.

Jennifer is a pupil at Saint Luke’s High School and would like to major in Aerospace Engineering. 

Her inspiration is Anne van Dam having watched her in action at the 2019 Solheim Cup

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT JENNIFER

GET THE RULES FROM CLAIRE HARGAN IN THE R&A RULES SKOOL OPEN

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE R&A WEBSITE  -- FOR THE QUESTIONS AND QUIZ AND ALSO WATCH THE VIDEO THERE  

SHAEEN AHMAD of BALMORE LADIES leads the Dunbartonshire & Argyll Ladies MGRanking Week 4 - 2021

 DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 1157 points

2 Gayna McGreish (Balmore) 1117

3 Carol Maclarty (Taynuilt) 1103

4 Monica Stewart (Douglas Park) 1089

5 Nicola Madden (Hilton Park) 1083

Gemma Canham (Helensburgh) 1052

7 Barbara Walker (Bearsden) 1050

8 Rhona Murison (Douglas Park) 1025

9 Nichola Kidd (Dunaverty) 990

10 Carol Fell (Douglas Park) 976

11 Elspeth Mulholland (Hilton Park) 951

12 Carol Bews (Helensburgh) 935

13 Justine Fulton (Hayston) 928

14 Pauline McMillan (Bearsden) 927

15 Anne Terry (Douglas Park) 925

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS

1 Balmore 990

2 Bearsden 869

3 Douglas Park 860

4 Taynuilt 853

5 Clober 848

6 Hilton Park 843

The MGRanking WEST OF SCOTLAND COUNTIES CLUB of Week 4 - 2021 is BALMORE LADIES.

WEST OF SCOTLAND COUNTIES GOLFERS

1 Madeleine Macgregor (Hamilton) 1327 points

2 Megan Docherty (Bishopbriggs) 1173

3 Jackie Carty (Hollandbush) 1163

4 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 1157

5 Isabell Donnelly (Gleddoch) 1150

6 Anne-Marie Livingstone (Cawder) 1133

7 Gayna McGreish (Balmore) 1117

8 Luisa Gibson (Irvine) 1099

9 Monica Stewart (Douglas Park) 1089

10 Nicola Madden (Hilton Park) 1083

11 Melissa Boyle (Cawder) 1075

12 Katie Graham (Hamilton) 1066

13 Lynn Forsyth (Paisley) 1061

14 Susan Morrow (Caldwell) 1060

15 Jennifer Weir (Cawder) 1058

16 Gemma Canham (Helensburgh) 1052

17 Barbara Walker (Bearsden) 1050

18 Lesley Watson (Cathkin Braes) 1046

19 Gillian Gowers (Loudoun Gowf) 1044

20 Jan Kidd (Carluke) 1038

WEST OF SCOTLAND COUNTIES CLUBS

1 Balmore 990 points

2 Loudoun Gowf 983

3 Playsport GC 940

4 Bishopbriggs 931

5 Caldwell 926

6 Wishaw 921

7 Cawder 898

8 Carluke 897

9 Old Course Ranfurly 893

10 Lanark 890

11 Colville Park 875

12 Airdrie 874

13 Bearsden 869

14 Largs 864

15 Bothwell Castle 862

16 Douglas Park 860

17 Clober 848

18 Hilton Park 843

19 Dullatur 840

20 Dunaverty 839