Saturday, 1 December 2007

Clare Queen to take part in the Indian Ladies Masters

Clare Queen(The Carrick at Cameron House) with caddy Karyn Burns (Mearns Castle Golf Academy) left today for Bangalore. Clare is the only Scottish Professional taking part in the Indian Ladies Masters (the first Ladies European Tour event on the sub-continent) from 5th to 8th December.

Amateurs, Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle) and Michel Thomson (McDonald Ellon) will be joining Clare.

Sunday, 25 November 2007

Haciendo Del Alamo Women's Winter Festival now has a Silver (Division) Lining

Just to keep you up to speed with the Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Golf Festival.
I have had some feedback that the handicap limit of nine was stopping some ladies coming in groups with their friends because not all of them had as low a handicap as that.
With that in mind, I have raised the handicap limit to 20, i.e. Silver Division players only as well as Lady Professionals.
To Read all about it click on this link Alamo Winter Festival
Regards
Colin Farquharson
Tournament Controller

Friday, 23 November 2007

The Rules of Golf 2008 - 2011

The R & A and the United States Golf Association have worked closely for more than fifty years to produce a uniform code of rules so that wherever golf is played the same laws apply. Every four years these two governing bodies, after consultation with golf authorities worldwide, agree any changes that they consider will make the Rules of Golf fairer and easier to understand.

New rules come into force on 1st January 2008. Four million copies of the ‘Rules of Golf’, sponsored by Rolex, will be printed in English. The new rules will also be printed, under licence, in twenty-five other languages. Rule books will be distributed free of charge to golf clubs and may be ordered on the R&A Website
‘Decisions on the Rules of Golf 2006 – 2007’ becomes obsolete and is replaced by the new 2008 – 2009 edition. This book is invaluable not only for Rules Officials but also for all those involved in the administration of the game (e.g. club committees). It may be purchased from the above website or from high street or on-line booksellers.

Many members will have read in the press recently that there are to be changes to 28 of the 34 rules but there is no cause for alarm. ‘Rules of Golf 2008 –2011’ contains a new ‘Quick Guide to the Rules of Golf". This is excellent and should certainly make players feel more at ease with their rule books. Many rules have simply been re-worded in order to make them easier to understand. One example is the term ‘reasonable evidence’ that was used previously used in several rules. This was difficult to interpret and has been changed to ‘known or virtually certain’ which is much clearer.

One significant change relates to hazards. Until now the rules did not giver a player the opportunity to lift a ball from a hazard in order to identify it and therefore there was no penalty for playing a wrong ball either from a bunker or from a water hazard. The restriction on identifying a ball in a hazard has been removed (Rule 12 – 2) and the exemption from penalty for playing a wrong ball from a bunker or water hazard has also been removed (Rule 15 – 3). The result is that the penalty for playing a wrong ball anywhere on the course is now loss of hole in match play or a two stroke penalty in stroke play. In stroke play the mistake must of course be corrected in order to avoid disqualification.

Several other changes are to penalties rather than to actual rules and in every case the change favours the player. When a ball in motion is stopped or deflected by the player, her partner, or either of their caddies or equipment the penalty has been reduced from loss of hole in match play and a two stroke penalty in stroke play to one stroke in either form of play (Rule 19 – 2). This is a very welcome change. Many members will have been in the situation where the ball re-bounds off the face of a bunker and it is impossible to move quickly enough to avoid being struck by it!

Until now a flagstick that had been removed and placed on the ground was not allowed to be moved whilst a ball was in motion. This left players in a ‘catch 22’ situation. Moving the flagstick in case a ball in motion struck it incurred a penalty under one rule (Rule 1- 2). Leaving it on the ground to be struck by the ball incurred a penalty under another rule (Rule 17 – 3). This situation has been resolved. A flagstick, whether attended, removed or held up may now be moved when a ball is in motion (Rule 24 – 1).

On the putting green it is sometimes very difficult to avoid standing on another player’s line without standing astride the line of one’s own putt which is of course not allowed (Rule 16 –1e). An ‘exception’ to this rule has been added to allow inadvertent standing astride the line of putt or doing so in order to avoid another player’s line.

The penalty for carrying, but not using, a non-conforming club has been reduced from disqualification to, in stroke play, a penalty of two strokes per hole at which a breach occurred, with a maximum penalty of four strokes per round. In match play the state of the match is adjusted by one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred with a maximum penalty of two holes per round (Rule 4 – 1). This is now the same penalty as that for carrying more than fourteen clubs (Rule 4 – 4).

The penalty for using a non-conforming club remains disqualification. The R & A announced four years ago that from 1st January 2008 all drivers must have a conforming clubhead and ensured that this was well publicised. Sufficient warning was given to allow players plenty of time to check and, if necessary, change their drivers. This rule applies to all golfers of all abilities and in all forms of play. The required specifications are set out in Appendix II, 5c of the new rule book and detailed lists of conforming and non-conforming driver heads may be found on the R & A website. In club golf it is the responsibility of each player to check that her equipment conforms to the Rules of Golf. Players taking part in County or National events should also check as to whether the Conditions of Competition include the Driving Club Condition. If so any driver used must be on the R & A’s ‘List of Conforming Driver Heads’. For more detailed information refer to the R & A website and in particular their ‘Frequently asked questions’ on this topic.

Space does not permit me to mention, let alone explain, every single rule change but I have highlighted those most likely to crop up in the normal course of play. For more detailed information refer to the R & A website and to ‘Principle Changes introduced in the 2008 code’ which you will find on page 6 in your new rule book. Always remember that the Rules of Golf exist to make the game fair for all players. The more familiar you become with the rules the more you will enjoy your golf.

Jenny McGahan
R & A qualified Rules Official
November 2007

Thanks Jenny for all the information

Wednesday, 21 November 2007

GLENMUIR IS SUPPORTING HACIENDA DEL ALAMO WOMEN'S WINTER GOLF FESTIVAL

Do you know anyone who is a good enough player to enter? Tell them about the February 10-23, six-competition programme at the five-star Murcia golf resort with excellent practice facilities in sunny southern Spain.
Open to Lady professionals and amateurs with a handicap of nine or under.
E-mail Tournament Controller Colin Farquharson at colin@scottishgolfview.com if you want to know more.

Advertising-- No Golf News

Still No Golf News --- So How about looking at one of the top best website adverts for 2007 Click Here
Nothing to do with Golf but it will make you laugh !!

Sunday, 18 November 2007

Prizegiving and Cheese and Wine -- Douglas Park


The Main 2007 Prizegiving was held at Douglas Park Golf Club this afternoon after a light Cheese and Wine reception. Here are a few smiling faces that you may recognise that received their trophies. The Ladies Annual Meeting is held in January when all the prizewinners will receive their awards
To see enlargements of the photos above CLICK HERE

Thursday, 15 November 2007

CONGU Unified Handicap System 2008 -2011

The Council of National Golf Unions has published the CONGU® UHS (Unified Handicap System) 2008-2011 manual which is the result of substantial voluntary work of the Council Members during the last four years.

The Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) is the governing body for handicapping matters in Great Britain & Ireland and is comprised of members from the men’s and ladies’ Golf Unions/Associations in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales with additional representatives from The R&A and the LGU.

The UHS 2004-2007 manual included, for the first time, a unified approach for handicapping men and ladies under the same system. The 2008 UHS has built on this success and has been expanded to include a number of new concepts. These include Supplementary Scores, Nine Hole Handicap Competitions, a separate CSS calculation for “Home” and “Away” players in Open Competitions and assistance for handicap committees in carrying out the time consuming Annual Handicap Review (AHR). The manual has been totally revised to make it more user friendly to clubs and their members by placing the clauses in a more logical order and adding explanations to relevant clauses (in a blue shaded area) to clarify the system.

The section on Supplementary Scores has been included to assist golfers who, for whatever reason, play in few or no competitions each year, by allowing them to return cards outside competitions for handicap purposes. At the discretion of affiliated clubs, a limited number of Nine-Hole qualifying competitions may be run and such scores shall be used to adjust handicaps. This option is designed to attract more players into the Unified Handicapping System.


Common sense has always suggested that in Open Competitions, the ‘Away’ player is often at a disadvantage compared to the ‘Home’ player and subsequent statistical analysis showed this to be on average between one and two shots. Since this unfairly affects adjustments of handicaps, there will now be a separate Competition Scratch Score for ‘Home’ and ‘Away’ players to take account of this factor and to provide a more equitable basis for handicap alterations.

The CONGU® website – www.congu.com – is being updated to explain the changes and also to answer many queries about the UHS. The “Myths and Misconceptions” and “Frequently Asked Questions” sections should be of particular interest to the club golfer. All the constituent Unions/Associations websites have links to the CONGU® website.

CONGU believes that the revised manual and the incorporation of the new concepts will assist in meeting the demands of the modern game and the changing needs of club members.

Saturday, 10 November 2007

Douglas Park's Maureen Rennie meets Alex Salmond



Maureen Rennie, Past Captain of Douglas Park met First Minister Alex Salmond recently at Boat of Garton. Maureen wished him good luck in the Commonwealth Games Bid.
Yesterday, Glasgow won the bid and are to host the games in 2014.
However, to see what really was said by Alex to Maureen then Click on this link

Italian Evening at Douglas Park

The Ladies Table - click to enlarge
Bunny and Avril -- click to enlarge
An Italian evening was held at Douglas Park Golf Club last night and Captain Janet Dow decided to have a ladies table only. As you can see from the smiles and laughter a good evening was had by all --- especially Avril Berry who just thought the wining and dining was just great. Click on the photos to see an enlargement

Thursday, 8 November 2007

November Stableford - Ranfurly Castle

Played over 15 holes 7/11/07 16 entries
Silver - P McKenzie (13) 26 pts, V Howe (17) 24 pts
Bronze - H Abram (25) 28 pts, M Reid (23) 27 pts

Tuesday, 6 November 2007

Jenna Wilson wins the 2007 SLGA Order of Merit Award

Scottish champion Jenna Wilson from Strathaven has bowed out of the amateur ranks as winner of the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association Order of Merit women's title for the second year in a row.
Jenna, who has turned professional since graduating from the recent Ladies European Tour Qualifying School, averaged a score of 1.80 UNDER the CSS in the 10 designated tournaments.
She won by the narrowest of margins - one-fifth of a stroke - from Michele Thomson, the Aberdeenshire champion and winner of the SLGA Order of Merit girls' title last year.
They were the only two players to have a minus CSS average.
Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle) was 4th with a score of 0.7 OVER the CSS, and Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) was 6th with a score of 0.9 OVER the CSS.
To see all the final totals FINAL SLGA LADIES RANKINGS FOR 2007

Carly Booth (Comrie) finished No 1 in the SLGA girls’ rankings for 2007 with the outstanding average score of 4.17 under CSS in six designated tournaments.
No other girl had an average score under CSS.
Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle) finished third with +0.33.Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) was 6th with +3.83 and sister Eilidh was 7th with +4.00 OVER the CSS. To see all the final totals
FINAL SLGA GIRLS RANKINGS FOR 2007
(To increase the magnification of the page click on the + sign)

Luxury Villa Hacienda Del Alamo golf resort

I understand that Hacienda Del Alamo golf resort in Murcia is due to host the Women's Golf Festival in February 2008.
Should it be of any interest to you or the participants, I have a 4 bed 4 bath luxury villa on Hacienda overlooking the par 3 12th hole. Full details can be found on www.luxury-golf-villa.com
The price per week will be 1000 Euros (£670), and at the moment is still available. This price is discounted from the usual amount. The villa really is beautiful and one of the best on Hacienda.
I will be happy to answer any questions you may have should you wish to make contact.

Kind Regards
Angela Howells
Tel: 07967 147761 or 07787 511867

Monday, 5 November 2007

Guy Fawkes Day -- Your own PC Fireworks display


When finished viewing -- click on the small thumbnails below to see a few different displays.

Sunday, 4 November 2007

County Finals 2008 --- Accomodation Recommendation

Inchmarlo Advert --- click to enlarge
News for all County Captains : Colin Farquharson was wondering how the West Division go about booking accommodation for their representatives at the Scottish county finals but in 2008 at Inchmarlo Golf Centre, Banchory, there are brand new villas/apartments available within the estate.
Colin and his wife were given a conducted tour of the accommodation last weekend. It is excellent and works out per head cheaper than a hotel. Self-catering facilities available but it is only about two drivers away from the main restaurant/clubhouse at the driving range/nine-hole course first tee, so eating "out" is no problem.
Colin says he is not on any commission !! Anyhow it sounds good --- Click on the advert to read more. Could be good for whoever is representing the West of Scotland whether it is Ayrshire, D&A, Lanarkshire or Renfrewshire

Saturday, 3 November 2007

Coffee Morning raises £705 for Breast Cancer Care Scotland --- Douglas Park

The Main Coffee Morning Prizewinners
80 ladies attended the annual Coffee Morning and enjoyed the committee’s home baking. Many thanks to everyone for their donations to the raffle
The Raffle which was in aid of Breast Cancer Care Scotland made £705.
Janet Dow the Ladies Captain would like to thank Colin Cruickshank from the Edrington Group for the Grouse Whisky – Glasses and Ginger Beer.
Thanks are due to The Grosvenor Hotel The Green Welly Stop TyndrumBooly Mardys, Paperino’s and Ben Bansal & Bhopinder Purewal for their very generous donations.

She would also like to thank the committee for all their hard work

The Main Prizewinners were:
Mary Pollock: Afternoon Tea at Gleneagles
Ella Morton: Dinner for 2 at the Grovenor Hotel
Pat Kennedy: Voucher for £50 for the Green Wellie Shop Tyndrum
Gillian Beattie: Lunch for 4 at Booly Mardys
Irene McLelland: Voucher for Paperino's
Lorna Neilson:£40 Voucher for Pro Shop
Margaret Brown: £40 Voucher for Pro Shop


Click on the Raffle Ticket Photograph below to see some more photographs from the event. Give Time to load and make sure your sound is turned on (Broadband users only --- sorry)

Click to play DP Coffee Morning photos
Slide shows and scrapbooks - Powered by Smilebox
Make a slide show, scrapbook or ecard



To hear a few words from Captain Janet Dow click on the Play control (Altho' it says £700 raised at the end of the short film -- it really was £705 !!)


Friday, 2 November 2007

Message from Colin Farquharson

Carol,
I hear on the grapevine that we may be getting a group of Welsh seniors at the Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Golf Festival (Feb 10 to 23).
Are there enough single-figure handicappers in the West Vets' ranks to mount some opposition? Click on the Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Golf Festival link to read all about the fantastic golfing holiday you can go on

Thursday, 1 November 2007

West Vets AGM

The Prizewinners at the 2007 West Vets AGM
The West Vets AGM was held today at Cowglen Golf Club. Helen Faulds (Douglas Park), Jennifer Mack (Haggs Castle), Anna Telfer (Milngavie), Maureen Rennie (Douglas Park), Mary Irving (Ranfurly Castle) Janice Paterson (Drumpellier) and Cathy Morton (Eastwood)were the main prizewinners for the year. To read all about it and see some Photographs go to WEST VETS WEBSITE

Wednesday, 31 October 2007

The R&A Publishes revisions to the Rules of Golf Book

The R&A, golf’s world rules and development body and organiser of The Open Championship, today publishes revisions to the world’s most widely read rule book, The Rules of Golf, and extends its sponsorship arrangement with Rolex to 2012.
Golf has 34 playing rules and in 2008, 28 have been amended to a greater or lesser extent. All changes are agreed, jointly, by The R&A and the United States Golf Association, and can be characterised as improving clarity or reducing penalties to ensure that they are proportionate. They are effective from 1 January 2008.
Of the more significant changes, the most likely to be encountered by golfers in regular play are: revised Rule 12-2 allowing a player to lift a ball in a bunker or water hazard for identification purposes. There is a consequential change to Rule 15-3, which introduces a penalty for playing the wrong ball in these circumstances.
Revised Rule 4-1 reduces the penalty for carrying, but not using, a non-conforming club from disqualification to, in stroke play, a penalty of two strokes per hole, with a maximum penalty of four strokes per round.
In match play, the state of the match is adjusted by deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred, with a maximum penalty of two holes per round.
Revised Rule 19-2 reduces the penalty for the accidental deflection of the ball by the player, his partner, their caddies or equipment to one penalty stroke in both match and stroke play.
Commenting on the revisions to The Rules of Golf, R&A Director of Rules and Equipment Standards, David Rickman said:
“We always aim to make the Rules readily accessible to golfers worldwide and the simpler, clearer language of the 2008 edition is designed to make them easier for players to use.”
“The introduction of a Quick Guide to The Rules at the front of the Rule book will, we hope, encourage players to carry a Rule book with them on the course and to refer to it, when necessary."
Rolex sponsored the 30th revision of the Rules of Golf in 2004 and have renewed their commitment to supporting the publication through to 2012.
The R&A is planning to produce 4 million copies of the rule book in English while Golf Unions affiliated to The R&A, reproduce the Rules of Golf under license in more than twenty five other languages, ranging from Arabic to Thai.
Companion publications to The R&A Rules of Golf, Decisions on the Rules of Golf 2008 - 2009 and Golf Rules Illustrated 2008 are published next month (November 2007) by Hamlyn and are available from The R&A, high street and online bookstores.

Copies of the new R&A Rules of Golf will be distributed free of charge to golf clubs around the world and can be requested or downloaded from The R&A website: R&A Website

LATEST NEWS:- Haciendo Del Alamo Women's Winter Golf Festival

Six competitions at one venue over two weeks
HACIENDA DEL ALAMO WOMEN'S WINTER GOLF FESTIVAL, Murcia, Spain February 10-23
LATEST NEWS:
Message from Clare Queen (The Carrick at Cameron House), leading home-based Scot in the 2007 Ladies European Tour money table (41st with 49,169 Euros)
Hi Colin,
Not sure if I will be able to manage this time. I plan to go to Australia and at the moment wouldn't return until the 13th of February. However, I may be able to play the second week. Will let you know if I can. Good luck with the Festival.
Clare Queen
If you want details of how to enter and where to stay at the Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Festival (rememember two separate prize lists: cash for the Lady Professionals; vouchers for the Lady Amateurs, maximum handicap (9), E-mail Tournament Controller Colin Farquharson at colin@scottishgolfview.com
Remember Budget airline prices can go up every week. Don't delay. Enter now. Book your accommodation and your flights.
For all other details go to Haciendo Del Almino --- More Info and to read about the initial advert about the Golf Winter Festival go to Winter Golf Festival at Haciendo Del Almino

Happy Halloween to all our readers

CLICK ON THE PHOTO OF YOUR WEBMASTER CAROL TO SEE YOUR CARD
Your Webmaster Carol Fell would like to wish you all a Happy Halloween and thank all of you who sent me a copy of their Glasgow Herald golf club results and any news reports through out the season.
This new West of Scotland Site has been fairly popular over its first summer months with nearly 17,000 visitors since March 2007 when it was introduced.
Although the season has come to the end, any snippets of news would be gratefully received eg Coffee Mornings, Winter Results, Prizegivings, AGM'S, Christmas Parties, Births, Marriages, Holidays --- In fact any news at all from your Golf Club or from yourself would help to keep this website going over the winter.
To keep Carol (pictured above) in the HOT NEWS SPOT then click on the email link on the RHS of this webpage and send her your news.
In the meantime click on the picture above and you will see your Halloween Card (make sure your sound is turned on)

Sunday, 28 October 2007

Haciendo Del Almino Womens Winter Festival -- More Infornation

Colin Farquharson (Tournament Controller) is starting to get feedback from those interested in participating in the inaugural Hacienda del Alamo Women’s Winter Golf Festival at the five-star Murcia golf resort from February 10 to 23, 2008.
Some of the questions he has been fielding, include:
1 Can a lady professional enter with a group of lady amateurs. Answer: Certainly, as long as the lady amateurs have single-figure handicaps. Getting together as a group to travel and enter cuts down the cost per head of renting a villa at Hacienda del Alamo.
2 Does a competitor have to stay at Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort to be able to play in the events. Answer: Not necessarily but those not staying a Hacenda del Alamo would have to rent a car or spend money on daily taxi trips.
3 Is there a minimum or maximum age limit. Answer: Definitely not. We have had an inquiry on behalf of a 12-year-old girl (handicap 2) who would travel with her father. No problem there. The only requirement is a single-figure handicap. Lady senior golfers most welcome.
4 Does a competitor have to play in every event? Answer: No. If anyone wants to practise most of the time - or bask in the Murcia sunshine - and perhaps only play in one event a week, that's OK with us.
5
Can competitors come for only one week? Answer: Yes. First or second week only attendance is OK. But the charge for free use of the practice facilities is 55 Euros whether you stay for one week or two.
6 Can a competitor make the trip with her husband/partner/boyfriend? Answer: Yes. The male could caddie if he wanted to. If he wanted to use the golf facilities, he would have to pay the going rate.
7 Which airlines have flights to Murcia Airport (15min away as opposed to Alicante Airprt, 60min)? Answer: Flybe, Easyjet, Monarch, Jet2.com and Ryanair. Airports of departure include: SCOTLAND: Edinburgh, Prestwick. NORTHERN IRELAND: Belfast. ENGLAND: Birmingham, Blackpool, Bristol, East Midlands, Gatwick, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton. IRELAND: Dublin, Shannon.
8 What’s the approximate all-in cost for one person’s flights, accommodation, practice facilities, tournament entry fees, food and taxis to and from Murcia Airport? Answer:
Very, very difficult to answer that one but an amateur golfer flying from Prestwick could do the fortnight for approximately £482 + food. For a professional from Prestwick, I estimate that £544 + food would cover the fortnight. You could do it for less because these bottom-line figures are based on staying at a Hacienda del Alamo villa for 16 nights.
There is no outward Ryanair flight from Prestwick on Saturday, February 9 which means the player would have to fly on Friday, February 8 if she wanted to utilise Sunday, February 10 as a practice day for the 36-hole event on the Monday-Tuesday.
That would mean booking villa accommodation for 16 nights. Alternatively, the player would fly out on Sunday, February 10 and skip the practice day. This would reduce the villa accommodation to 14 nights if coming home on Sunday, February 24. That would also reduce the overall costs.
Here are the relevant Ryanair flights from Prestwick:

PRESTWICK-MURCIA

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Dep Prestwick 16.55, Arr Murcia 20.55. Cost: £49.99

SUNDAY, FEBRURY 9
No Prestwick-Murcia flights.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Dep Prestwick 16.55, Arr Murcia 20.55. Cost £19.99

MURCIA-PRESTWICK

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Dep Murcia 21.20, Arr Prestwick 23.20. Cost £19.99.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Dept Murcia 21.20. Arr Prestwick 23.20. Cost £19.99

ACCOMMODATION AT HACIENDA DEL ALAMO GOLF RESORT
(See http://www.clubmurcia.com/)
1 Bed, 1 Bath Villa: from 35 Euros per day (two adults sharing: 18 Euros each per day).
2 Bed, 2 Bath Villa: from 50 Euros per day (four adults sharing: 13 Euros each per day).
3 Bed, 3 Bath Villa: from 65 Euros per day (six adults sharing: 11 Euros each per day).
4 Bed, 4 Bath Villa: from 100 Euros per day (eight adults sharing: 13 Euros each per day).

If flying to Murcia on Friday, February 8 and returning Sunday, February 24: 16 nights at 50 Euros per night for 2 Bed, 2 Bath villa. Cost 800 Euros (four adults sharing: 200
Euros each),

SUMMARY OF PRECEDING INFO

FLIGHTS: £69.98 or 95 Euros.
ACCOMMODATION: 200 Euros.
RANGE, PRACTICE FEE: 55 Euros.
AMATEUR ENTRY FEES: 305 (for six events)
PROFESSIONAL ENTRY FEES: 390 Euros (for six events)
FOOD: ???

POSSIBLE ALL-IN COST FOR 16 NIGHT STAY (excluding food)

AMATEUR PLAYER: 655 Euros (£482 approx).
PROFESSIONAL: 740 Euros (£544 approx).

If you have any queries you feel would be best answered by the Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort staff, there is a toll free telephone number from UK and Ireland: 08000 820000

A brief recap on the Hacienda del Alamo Women’s Winter Festival programme (open to lady professionals and lady amateurs with single-figure handicaps)

SUNDAY, FEB 10. Free practice round over Hacienda del Alamo championship course.
MONDAY, FEB 11. First round of 36-hole stroke-play tournament. Entry fee: professionals – 70 Euros; amateurs – 55 Euros.
TUESDAY, FEB 12. Second round of 36-hole tournament.
WEDNESDAY, FEB 13. Free day. Possibility of 18-hole competition at another course.
THURSDAY, FEB 14. One-round competition. Entry fee: professionals 55 Euros; amateurs: 42 Euros.
FRIDAY, FEB 15. Free day.
SATURDAY, FEB 16. One-round team event (field to include some invited guests).
Entry fee: professionals 70 Euros; amateurs – 55 Euros.
SUNDAY, FEB 17. Free practice round over Hacienda del Alamo championship course.
FEB 18 to 23: Same as first week’s programme.

ADDITIONAL CHARGE
A payment of 55 Euros per head will entitle each competitor to two free practice rounds over the championship course, free balls on the driving range and use of the short-game practice facilities for the 14 days. This one-off charge will be payable at the Tournament Desk when checking in on Sunday, February 10 or Sunday, February 17.

PRIZES.
There will be two prize lists – one for the professionals (cash) and one for the amateurs (vouchers). If enough senior players enter, there will be senior prizes.

ACCOMMODATION
It will be a lot cheaper for an individual if she gets together with fellow-players to make a booking for four, five or six sharing a villa at Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort.
Log on to Club Marcia and scroll down the home page. In the left-hand column you will see HOTELS & RENTALS. Click on “Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort” and you will see the rental accommodation choices.
Alternatively, Rentals and Accomodation Contacts are primary Hacienda del Alamo accommodation contacts
Hacienda del Alamo website. is the general Hacienda del Alamo website
Hacienda del Alamo golf site is the Golf Club.
Hacienda del Alamo’s Golf Desk for E-mails is golfers@hdagolf.com.
The REFERENCE to be quoted when making bookings at competitors’ rates is: MWLT.hda.

NOTIFY ENTRIES BY E-MAIL TO COLIN FARQUHARSON
Notification of entry to tournaments, certainly the 36-hole competitions, should be E-mailed in advance to Tournament Controller, Colin Farquharson at Colin@scottishgolfview.com, giving names of competitors, whether amateur or professional, handicaps where appropriate and contact telephone number.

Friday, 26 October 2007

Jenna Wilson gains a top 30 card for Next Seasons Euro Tour

Congratulations to Scottish amateur champion Jenna Wilson (Strathaven) - who has probably joined the professional ranks forthwith after winning joint 23rd ranking at the Ladies European Tour Final Qualifying School at Le Fonti Golf Club, near Bologna in Italy today.
That means the 23-year-old from Strathaven will be able to play in any LET event she wants to play in on the 2008 Tour.
Jenna showed she's made of the right stuff with a magnificent final round of four-under-par 68 for a 72-hole total of two-under-par 286.
At the start of the day, having survived the third-round cut with nothing to spare, she faced an uphill task to improve her position into the top 30 in the final standings.
But she responded with her best golf of the week which augurs well for her future professional career.
Over the first three rounds, Jenna had one eagle and five birdies. Over the first 15 holes of her final round, she had seventh birdies and was actually seven under par for the day with three to play, having birdied the second, third, fourth, seventh (out in 32), 13th, 14th and 15th.
She bogeyed the last three holes but, by that time, she had done enough to secure her place on next year's Ladies European Tour.
Worth noting that Jenna was one of 10 amateurs to gain the top 30 cards.
EVERYONE IN THE WEST OF SCOTLAND SENDS OUR VERY BEST CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU JENNA ON A WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE AND WISH YOU ALL THE BEST FOR THE FUTURE

Thanks go to Gillian Kirkwood for the report

Thursday, 25 October 2007

Jenna Wilson qualifies for the Ladies European Tour

Scottish amateur champion Jenna Wilson (Stathaven) made it by the skin of her teeth into the fourth and final round of the Ladies European Tour Final Qualifying School. A third round of 74 gave her a 54-hole tally of two-over-par 218, which was the limit mark for qualifying for the final day.
But the most important thing is that the Strathaven player has guaranteed herself a place on the Ladies European Tour next season. She will gain entry to more tournaments in 2008 if she can come up with a very good final round to jump from joint 46th into the top 30.
As predicted, Thursday was "moving day" with many players producing their best round of the three so far to climb up the standings. So that's why Jenna, also she improved by a shot on her second-round 75, actually lost ground because a lot of players surged past her.
She started with a birdie 2 but then shed shots at each of the third, fourth, fifth and eighth to be out in three-over-par 39 - her worst of the week against the par of 36.
A birdie at the 11th gave her the encouragement she needed. Although Jenna bogeyed the 12th, a birdie at the 15th was vital. She needed at least to par the last three holes to stay on the right side of the cut and, to her credit, the Scot stood up to the test of nerve, more than golf, to come home in one-under-par 35.
Perhaps the most surprising non-qualifier was Melissa Reid, the Chevin, Derby girl who won the Helen Holm Scottish women's stroke-play in April at Troon, the St Rule Trophy in June and was the leading amateur in the Ricoh Women's British Open over the Old Course in mid-summer.
Thanks go to Gillian Kirkwood for the report

Tuesday, 23 October 2007

2008 HACIENDA DEL ALAMO WOMEN'S WINTER GOLF FESTIVAL


OPEN TO LADY PROFESSIONALS & LADY AMATEURS WITH SINGLE-FIGURE HANDICAPS.



February 10 to 23 at Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort, Murcia, Spain
Hope you can come to Hacienda del Alamo for the above event which offers you a minimum of six competitions plus unlimited use of the five-star golf resort's driving range and short-game facilities for 14 days.
They say that Murcia is the warmest place in Spain during the month of February. I am taking their word for it.
To read all final details with regard to the above event which is planned as a "stepping stone" to the inaugural 2009 Murcia Ladies Open Developmental Tour, open to lady professionals & single-figure lady amateurs, from early January to late February/early March in 2009. CLICK HERE
Details of how to book accommodation at Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort for February 10 to 23, 2008 are now included in the attachment which also indicates that the Hacienda del Alamo management are providing free practice rounds, free use of the of short-game practice facilities and free balls on the driving range for a one-off payment of 55 Euros, to be paid when checking in at the Tournament Desk on either the first or second Sunday of the Festival programme.
The payment covers the whole of the programme and is a bargain when one considers what the normal charges are for green fees, range balls and using the practice facilities.
Remember no tournament entry fees have to be paid until you check in at the Tournament Desk but it would be appreciated if competitors could E-mail Tournament Controller Colin Farquharson at Colin@scotttishgolfview.com the date of their arrival at Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort.
If you have any queries at any time, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please spread the word among your friends, professional and amateur. Accommodation costs a lot less individually if up to six share a villa. See attachment.
ENTER EARLY TO AVOID BEING DISAPPOINTED
COLIN FARQUHARSON
Tournament Controller
Hacienda del Alamo Women's Golf Festival
February 10-23, 2008

Monday, 22 October 2007

Anne Laing and Fraser Hutchison are the 2007 Scottish Mixed Foursomes Champions

Anne Laing and Fraser Hutchison Winners of the 2007 Scottish Mixed Foursomes
Anne Laing (Vale of Leven) won the Scottish mixed foursomes title in partnership with a fellow Elmwood College, Cupar lecturer, Fraser Hutchison, a member at Burntisland Golf Club at Deer Park Golf Club yesterday
They had a gross score of 73 to win by one shot from two pairs. They were 18-year-old Scotland international Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) and clubmate Matthew Clark, as well as the Baberton husband-and-wife combination of Douglas and Fiona Hunter.Matthew and Megan took the second scratch prize with the better inward half while the Hunters had the consolation of winning the best net score award with a score of 70 ½ off 3 ½.
Runners-up were Lorraine Campbell and Iain Campbell, both from the Cardross club. They had a net 74 off a handicap of three.
Twenty-five couples played in the championship which was washed out on its original scheduled date of Sunday, September 16.
Leading scratch
73 Anne Laing (Vale of Leven) & Fraser Hutchison (Burntisland).
74 Megan Briggs & Matthew Clark (Kilmacolm) (better inward half), Fiona Hunter & Douglas Hunter (Baberton).
Leading handicap
Fiona Hunter & Douglas Hunter (Baberton) (3 ½) 70 ½.
Lorraine Campbell & Iain Campbell (Cardross) (3) 74.

Thanks go to SLGA's Fiona Farquharson for the photograph

Saturday, 20 October 2007

Jenna Wilson qualifies for Ladies European Tour Final qualifying School

Scottish amateur champion Jenna Wilson was the only Scot at this week's LET Q School Pre-Qualifier to make it through to the Final Q School at Le Fonti Golf Club, Italy next week.
Jenna, from Strathaven, sagged a little bit in the third round with a 75 but her first two rounds of 69 stood her in good stead and she qualified in joint 19th place on three-under-par 213 of the 28 players who qualified with totals of one-under-par 215 or better.

Thursday, 18 October 2007

Joke Time - No Golfing News at the moment so here is some banking news

The knock on effect from the US sub-prime fiasco is being severely felt in the Japanese market and shows no sign of letting up. In the last seven days Origami Bank has folded, Sumo Bank has gone belly up and Bonsai Bank has announced plans to cutback some of its branches. Yesterday it was annoounced that Karaoke Bank is up for sale and more than likely will go for a song.
Today shares in Kamikaze Bank were suspended after they nose-dived and 500 back office staff at Karate Bank also got the chop. Analysts report that there is something fishy going on at Sushi Bank and the staff fear they may get a raw deal

Thanks go to Enid Young (Balmore) for that one

Wednesday, 17 October 2007

D&A Juniors win against Ayrshire

Ayrshire Girls
D&A Girls
Ayrshire girls played a friendly match against Dunbartonshire and Argyll girls on Sunday 14th October at Routenburn Golf Course, Largs. D&A won by 4 matches to 2
Click on photo to see an enlargement

Tuesday, 16 October 2007

Patrick Trophy Presentation and Dinner

Patrick Trophy Presentation --- click to enlarge
It was the turn of Douglas Park Golf Club to host the annual Elizabeth Ogilvie League / Patrick Trophy Dinner on Thursday 11th October. 58 ladies from Bishopbriggs, Cawder, Hayston, Hilton Park , Kirkintilloch and Lenzie enjoyed good food, wine and good company. After the meal there was a quiz which proved a real test for the memory! This was followed by the presentation of the trophy. There were joint winners this year, Hayston and Lenzie. The Patrick Trophy was presented by the Hon President of the Elizabeth Ogilvie League, Joan Lawrie, to Margaret Scanlon, Lady Captain from Lenzie and Sarah Barr, lady captain from Hayston
To see some Photographs taken by Douglas Park's Lindsay McLean CLICK HERE

Sunday, 14 October 2007

Claire Hargan is the SLGA Champion of Champions

Claire Hargan (Mortonhall),the Midlothian county champion, won the SLGA Champion of Champions' tournament with a two-under-par round of 75 at Glasgow Gailes today.
Alison Davidson (Stirling), the Stirling & Clackmannan county title-holder was runner-up with a 78 and Jane Turner (Mortonhall), the East of Scotland champion, was third with a 79.
FINAL SCOREBOARD
Par 77. CSS 77
75 Claire Hargan (Mortonhall).
78 Alison Davidson (Stirling).
79 Jane Turner (Mortonhall).
80 Kathleen Sutherland (Royal Montrose).
83 Lorna Bennett (Ladybank).
84 Fiona Lockhart (Fife), Alexandra Bushby (Strathmore).
86 Lindsey Kirkwood (Dumfries-shire), Jill Meldrum (Dullatur).
88 Heather Anderson (Downfield).
90 Lesley Hendry (Routenburn).
97 Gillian Monteith (Galloway).
Withdrew: Laura Walker (Nairn Dunbar), Phillipa Costello (Borders), Jenny Milne (Northern Counties).
Also missing Megan Briggs (Renfrewshire) and Pamela Pretswell (Lanarkshire) who were playing in the GB&I Select Team v Junior GB&I Team Training Match.