Some 2010 Fixtures for your Diary

Looking to fill out your 2010 Golfing Diary then click on the following link at Kirkwood Golf for some of the dates for next year
(Click on the Month heading for the info)

2010 Ladies British Championships News Updates

NO PLAY-OFFS AT 2010 LADIES' BRITISH OPEN AMATEUR AND GIRLS' BRITISH OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY LADIES GOLF UNION
There will be no play-offs to decide the precise number of qualifiers for the match-play stages of next year’s Ladies British Open Amateur Championship at Ganton Golf Club and also the Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship at Royal Belfast Golf Club.
Instead, a card countback will be used as the means of deciding all qualifying places. Play-offs have been known to last for hours, on occasion finishing in darkness and the restarting the following day. This did nothing to help the smooth running of the tournaments and players often incurred additional costs and travel delay while they waited to see if they would be involved.
The Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship will be held at the Yorkshire venue from June 22 to 26, beginning only nine days after the conclusion of the Curtis Cup match at Essex County Club, Massachusetts (June 11 to 13).
Spain’s Azahara Munoz, winner of the title at Royal St David’s Golf Club, Harlech this year, has since turned professional and already won an event on the Ladies’ European Tour.
The handicap limit for the Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship, to be played at the prestigious Northern Ireland venue from August 9 to 13, is being reduced from 9.4 to 8.4 in recognition of the fact that the general standard of play among the entrants for the Under-18 years’ championship is improving every year.
There will be a total ban on caddies at the Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship. Previously, the ban covered only a golf professional, relative or guardian acting as a caddie in this tournament.
Caddies will continue to be permitted at the Girls’ International Matches which will be hosted by Bangor Golf Club, Northern Ireland , from August 4 to 6 and the restriction on a golf professional, relative or guardian acting as a caddie will remain in place.
The Ricoh Women’s British Open Championship has another Lancashire venue, Royal Birkdale Golf Club, from July 29 to August 1.
The pre-qualifying will be held over The Berkshire Golf Club’s Blue Course on July 12 and the final qualifying at Hillside Golf Club, Southport a fortnight later on July 26.
Wales will have two main events on the LGU 2010 calendar.
The Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship will be played at Tenby Golf Club, Pembrokeshire from August 18 to 20, and Wales , champions at Wrexham in 2008 and Irvine in 2009, will be seeking an historic hat-trick of titles when the Home Internationals are played on home soil at Whitchurch Golf Club from September 8 to 10.
Scotland plays host to the Senior Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship at West Kilbride Golf Club, Ayrshire from September 14 to 16.
Scotland’s defence of the Sue Johnson Trophy in the Senior International Matches will take place at Sheringham Golf Club, Norfolk from September 28 to 30.
Entries for all tournaments are now available online via the LGU website at www.lgu.org.

2010 LGU FIXTURES, VENUES

June 11-13: Curtis Cup: United States v Great Britain & Ireland at Essex County Club, Massachusetts, United States.
June 22-26: Ladies’ British open amateur championship at Ganton GC, Yorkshire , England.
July 12: Ricoh Women’s British Open Pre-qualifying at The Berkshire GC (blue course), England .
July 26: Ricoh Women’s British Open Final Qualifying at Hillside GC, Southport, Lancashire , England .

July 29-August 1: Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Birkdale GC, Lancashire , England.

August 4-6: Girls’ International Matches at Bangor GC, Northern Ireland .
August 9-13: Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship at Royal Belfast GC, Northern Ireland . August 18-20: Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke-play Championship at Tenby GC, Wales .
September 8-10: Home International Matches at Whitchurch GC, Cardiff , Wales .

September 14-16: Senior Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship at West Kilbride GC, Ayrshire , Scotland .
September 28-30: Senior International Matches at Sheringham GC, Norfolk , England

The Greenlees Winners -- A few Words !!

Kylie Walker is Second in the SLGA Order of Merit Awards

Congratulations to West of Scotland's Kylie Walker who finished second in this year's SLGA Ladies Order of Merit as shown below.
1.Louise Kenney (Pitreavie) 3090pts 2.Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle) 2740 3.Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle) 2455 4. Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) 2375 5.Laura Murray (Alford) 2120 6.Carly Booth (Comrie) 1788 7. Jane Turner (Craigielaw) 1613 8.Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) 1398 9.Ann Ramsay (Kirriemuir) 1255 10.Katy McNicoll (Carnoustie) 1140.

2009 Greenlees Trophy Presentation and Lunch

Anna Telfer (Milngavie), Helen Robertson (Douglas Park), Jennifer Graham (Haggs Castle) 

and Joanna Scott (Cathkin Braes) Click to enlarge

Click Here to see some photographs from the lunch and presentation

The 2009 Greenlees Lunch and Prizegiving was held at Troon Ladies Portland today Fiona Roger who took over as Greenlees secretary at the beginning of the 2008 season explained to those present last year, the participating clubs, in alphabetical order, host the annual lunch, and with 28 clubs in the 3 Divisions of the league it doesn’t come around too often. That is why she found it a bit of a coincidence that in 2008 the hosts were Ranfurly Castle, her home club and here in 2009 it is being held in Troon where she is lucky enough to have been a member since 2000. 

Before 2000, she had enjoyed many happy Greenlees matches here and from the day she became a member she had enjoyed friendship,a wonderful golf course, and the very occasional good round of golf always in good company. 

 Fiona then thanked Frances Henderson (the Troon Ladies Captain) on behalf of all the teams in the league, for her very kind hospitality today – our glass of wine , the delicious lunch and to Carol and all her staff in the kitchen, for all their hard work behind the scenes as well as in the dining room. Fiona also thanked the ‘flower girls’ Gilly MacRae and Eleanor Bremner for, as always, making the clubhouse look so welcoming. Last but not least, to Rosemary Donaldson, Troon Greenlees Secretary, who has coordinated today's lunch. 

 She also gave a special thank you to Carol Fell who gives so much time and effort to golf in the West of Scotland - her contribution is enormous. Within the Greenlees league she has been her ‘right hand lady’ - Fiona hoped she was improving her computer skills but doubted it ! 

Carol works with her to ensure that all the Greenlees information is correct and accurate on the web - what we both think and hope is a that it is real benefit to all the clubs in the league. Fiona then got down to the real business of the day. 

She hope all the clubs had enjoyed the seasons matches. The latter part of the season was not easy for anyone. The weather played havoc with a lot of matches but she thanked everyone for managing to rearrange not only one but sometimes two fixtures. 

 Fiona then read out a quote that she had found in a typed note from the year 1936. To those teams who feel they are fighting an uphill battle might it be suggested that they take encouragement from the thought that all the leading clubs have at one time or another suffered defeat from each club in turn. And also because some clubs are not quite so strong as others at present, young players are always coming on and newcomers arriving, (not so much the case in 2009) not to mention all the faithful team members who turn out for all the matches and are more experienced with each effort. 

She then went on to say ---- Cochrane Castle have had an extremely difficult year and she had every sympathy with Donna who has worked tirlessly over the years, playing in - and running their team. Unfortunately the rules meant that their match results this season became null and void and they will play in the 3rd division next year. They are determined not to give up the Greenlees team and hopefully along with everyone here wish them a happier and more successful 2010 season. 

Turnberry, sadly are not going to manage to participate in season 2010. Fiona had received a very nice letter from Sylvia Kemp which she then read out. Carol Fell and Fiona had been talking about the wonderful matches that they played against Turnberry over the Ailsa course in the 90's. Carol remembers playing her best golf under sunny skies twice against Fiona Mackay with Mhairi Mackay, probably aged 13 at the time, powering the ball in the game behind her, a wonderful afternoon tea always followed. Turnberry had their 1 greenlees trophy win in 1992. She hoped that in years to come we will again have the pleasure of them participating in the leagues. 

 Fiona then asked Frances to present the trophies to todays winners. Winners of the Greenlees trophy for 2009 by the slimmest of margins - half a point - are Milngavie. Well done ……… Division 3 winners in 2007…………. Division 2 winners in 2008 ……… and now in 2009 top of the pile. 

The Greenlees Trophy, donated by Mr Greenlees, was first presented and played for in 1931. since that first year…… when it was won by Prestwick St Nicholas, Milngavie have been winners on 7 other occasions 

 The Urn --- first presented in 2000 for Division 1 runners up. Cathkin Braes……well done…so near and yet so far………half a point 

Mrs Greenlees decided that their should be a trophy for Division 2 winners and so it was presented for the first time in 1954. The winners that year were Ranfurly Castle. the 2009 winners are Douglas Park

Division 3 shield is considerably younger than the other two trophies and was first played for in 1984……………………The winners that year were Gourock. this years winners by a considerable margin are Haggs Castle. 

 Finally Fiona finished with a quote -- Most golfers prepare for disaster -- a good golfer prepares for success 

Whatever division you play in next year may you have a lot of success, camaraderie and most importantly - ENJOY 

FINAL RESULTS: 

Division 1 : Milngavie 44.5 Winners Cathkin Braes 44 Runner Up Troon 41.5 Kilmarnock Barassie 40 Ranfurly Castle 38 Kilmacolm 32.5 West Kilbride 30.5 Hilton Park 26.5 Relegated Prestwick St Nicholas 26.5 Relegated 

 Division 2: Douglas Park 40 Winners Cardross 36.5 Runners Up Whitecraigs 35.5 Williamwood 32.5 Bothwell Castle 30 Erskine 27.5 Eastwood 25.5 Old Ranfurly 24.5 Relegated Cochrane Castle 0 Relegated 

Division 3: Haggs Castle 57.5 Winners Lanark 49.5 Runners Up Largs 47 East Renfrewshire 45 Greenock 44 Cawder 36.5 Cowglen 36 Lenzie 34 Cathcart Castle 33 Turnberry 20.5

Eilidh Briggs is the 2009 Renfrewshire Ladies County Junior Champion

Eilidh Briggs and Alyson McKechin - Click to enlarge

Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) won the Junior RLCGA Championship yesterday played over Old Ranfurly Golf Course against Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) in what can only be described -- horrendous conditions !!
To read the full report go to the Renfrewshire Ladies' County Golf Website

Ranfurly Castle Final Swing

Played 21/9/09 10 Entries
SSS 73 CSS 76 R/O
Silver Winner Marion Munro 79 (12)
Runner Up Anne Judge 81 (7)
Bronze Winner Marilyn Mirner 77 (32)
Runner Up Margaret Parrott 80 (21)

Milngavie Greenlees Captain --- Anna Telfer -- Celebrates a "Big Birthday"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA

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Patrick Trophy -- Diamond Dinner Celebration

Click on the slideshow above for bigger photos

In 1949, in an attempt to be able to play good competitive golf after working hours, two ladies, Miss Elizabeth Ogilvie from Kirkintilloch Golf Club and Miss Patrick from Bishopbriggs Golf Club began what is now known as The Patrick Trophy League solely for working women in and around the Dunbartonshire district.

The League consists of 7 teams: Bishopbriggs, Cawder, Douglas Park, Hayston, Hilton Park, Kirkintilloch and Lenzie.

60 years later, in keeping with tradition, all games are still played after work within a two month period to make best use of evening light.

To celebrate this occasion, we held a Diamond Celebration Dinner, hosted this year by Hilton Park Golf Club.
It was a very happy evening and making it even more special was the attendance of some the older ladies who were former players. One lady from Lenzie Golf Club, Mrs Rutherford, told our table she remembers playing in the very first match. She is now in her 90’s and unable to play but she still harbours a passion for the game.

After the death of Miss Ogilvie in 1999, (Miss Patrick had pre deceased her), it was decided that an Honorary President be appointed for a 2 year period.

Isabella Gardiner, from Douglas Park Golf Club, had the honour of becoming the first Honorary President.

Cheryl MacDonald, the current Honorary President from Lenzie Golf Club, is pictured in the slideshow cutting the cake before the meal was served.

While our tables were a mix of competitors, all rivalry was set aside with friendship and camaraderie the game plan for the evening.

Lindsay McLean
PTL Secretary

Thanks go to Anne Paton and Lindsay Mclean (Douglas Park) for the photographs and Lindsay for the report

Eilidh Briggs is the 2009 West of Scotland Girls Champion

The final of the West of Scotland Girls' Championship was played yesterday (Friday 16th October)

The main Championship final and the Bronze Championship were both played over Troon Portland on a beautiful autumn day and the golf certainly matched the weather.

Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) defended her title by beating Mhairi McKay (West Kilbride) by 4&3. This was a very friendly match and both girls played under their handicaps sharing 8 birdies over the 15 holes played!

In the Bronze final Jorden Ferrie (Kirkintilloch) winner on Thursday of the D&A Centenary Stableford over the Carrick Golf Course sealed her 4&2 victory over Grace Mackie (Troon Ladies) with a birdie 2 at the 16th hole.
Again the golf was of a high standard with both girls playing below their handicaps.

Many thanks to those who came along to spectate and, in particular, to the Captain, Vice Captain and Ladies of Troon Golf Club for their continued support and generous hospitality

Results:
Eilidh Briggs beat Mhairi MacKay 4 and 3 and is now the 2009 champion.
Jorden Ferrie beat Grace Mackie 4 and 2 in the Bronze Championship.

To read more about all the West Girls go to the West of Scotland Girls Website

Thanks go to Ann Wallace for the report and Photograph

D&A Centenary Stableford - Played over the Carrick

The Carrick Golf Club - the 14th Hole - Tappit Doon - Click to enlarge

On a glorious autumn day, with the sun shining and showing Scotland and Loch Lomond at their best D&A Centenary Competition, was played over the Carrick Golf Club today. Unfortunately the greens at the Carrick are undergoing their end of season tining and sanding, so this understandably made putting more difficult.

D&A Captain with Jorden Ferrie - Centenary Winner

Silver:
1st: Jorden Ferrie (Kirkintilloch) 33 points (BIH)
2nd: Laura McGeachy (Windyhill) 33 points
3rd: Helen Robertson (Douglas Park) 32 points
Bronze:
1st: Patricia Simpson (Hilton Park) 31 points
2nd: Fiona MacFarlane (Kirkintilloch) 29 points
3rd: Jennifer Kinloch (Buchanan Castle) 28 points

Best first nine holes Patricia Richmond (Douglas Park) 17 points
Best back nine Olive MacKay (Douglas Park) tied with Margaret Mason (Cardross)

Novelty prize : Guess the Total Number of Lost Balls. Liz Thomson (Cowal) guessed 94, the actual number was 95!!!

SLGA Winter Training Squads

The SLGA has announced the following squads for their winter training programme.

SLGA NATIONAL PERFORMANCE SQUAD
Carly Booth (Comrie), Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm), Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), Laura Murray (Alford), Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle), Jane Turner (Craigielaw), Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle)

SLGA NATIONAL PERFORMANCE SQUAD B
Lesley Atkins (Minto), Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm), Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw), Alyson McKechin (Elderslie), Gillian Monteith (Portpatrick Dunskey), Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies), Rachael Watton (Mortonhall), Rebecca Wilson (Monifieth)

SCOTTISH GOLF ACADEMY PROGRAMME
Ailsa Bain (Peebles), Alison Goodwin (Glenbervie), Connie Jaffrey (West Kilbride), Tara Mactaggart (Minto), Hannah McCook (Abernethy), Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe), Mhairi McKay (West Kilbride), Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies), Jill Meldrum (Dullatur), Samantha Munro (Aberdour), Rachel Polson (Peterculter), Linsey Stevenson (Elie & Earlsferry Ladies), Eleanor Tunn (Reay), Eilidh Watson (Muckhart), Lauren Whyte (St Regulus), Clara Young (North Berwick)

SLGA DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION PROGRAMME
Kimberley Beveridge (Aboyne), Rosie Everett (Kilspindie), Jorden Ferrie (Kilsyth), Emma Greenlees (Dumfries & Galloway), Emma Hale (Troon Bentinck Ladies), Shannen McGuire (Canmore), Hannah Robb (Strathmore), Nicola Roberston (Dunblane), Tegan Seivwright (Deeside), Catherine Small (Craigielaw), Rachel Walker (Crichton), Tiffiny Wood (Glenbervie)

Emma Kennedy is the 2009 Janice Moodie Trophy Winner

13 year old Emma Kennedy from Paisley Golf Club won the rescheduled Janice Moodie Trophy at Windyhill today.
Emma scored 100 less her handicap of 31 for a net 69, and won by two strokes from Scottish Junior Internationalist Rachael Watton (Mortonhall) who had a net 71 off a handicap of 2. Rachel won the 15-21 Age group prize from fellow internationalist Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) who had 75 less 1 net 74.
Alexandra Duffy (Cathkin Braes) won the 11-14 Age group category with 102 less 27 net 75.

Unfortunately due to the reschedlued date the number of competitiors in the 2009 Janice Moodie Trophy played at Windyhill Golf Club yesterday was somewhat reduced.
However the competion still managed to attract a high quality field with a number of the girls playing the course for the first time. The organisers hope to see all the competitiors return next season when hopefully they will have better weather to play on the original date.
Played 14th October 2009, Par 72 CSS 74
Results:
Emma Kennedy, Paisley aged 13 100-31=69 : Winner of Janice Moodie Trophy
Rachel Watton, Mortonhall 73-2=71 : Winner of 15-21 Age Group
Eilidh Briggs, Kilmacolm 75-1=74
Alexandra Duffy, Cathkin Braes 102-27=75: Winner of 11-14 Age Group
Gabrielle MacDonald, Craigielaw 78-3=75
Mhairi Mckay , West Kilbride 83-8=75
Rachel Irvine, Largs 93-18=75
Nichola Ferguson, Clober 82-5=77
Samantha Cowan, Cochrane Castle 93-15=78
Connie Jaffray, West Kilbride 89-9=80
Laura Craig, Cochrane Castle 131-21=110

Thanks go to Carol Whyte for the report

The Mark Scott Leadership for Life Charity Golf Day - The Mack Maidens have a great day out

Back Row L to R: Fiona Roger and Barbara Biggart

Front Row: L to R: Jennifer Mack and Carol Fell - Click to enlarge

Jennifer Mack (Haggs Castle) Barbara Biggart (Gullane) Fiona Roger (Ranfurly Castle) and Carol Fell (Ranfurly Castle) had a fantastic day at Prestwick Golf Club today playing as a team in the Mark Scott Foundation Day.

Although the event was mainly played by Mens Teams -- the Mack "Fair" Maidens were awarded the best Ladies Team prize as seen above. -- Click on the under lined link below to read more about the Mark Scott Foundation

The Mark Scott Foundation was formed in 1996 in memory of Mark Scott, a 16-year-old Glasgow schoolboy who was murdered in an unprovoked sectarian attack on his way home from a football match. The idea for the Foundation came from Mark’s family and school friends, and charitable status was achieved in 1997.

The Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award is a joint venture between The Mark Scott Foundation and The Outward Bound Trust, the latter being responsible for the delivery of the programme. It commenced in 1997 with 12 participants; in the current year 200 youngsters, drawn from around 60 schools in central Scotland, are taking part, and over 1000 have now completed the Programme.

The main objectives of the Foundation are to develop the leadership skills of young people aged between 16 and 18, to address sectarianism, racism and territorialism in a subtle manner, and to deliver projects which benefit local communities.

These objectives are achieved by:

· Participating in a 5-day residential course run by Outward Bound at their centre at Loch Eil.

· Dividing participants into clusters of 12 from different but adjacent schools

· Helping participants to identify and deliver a community based project, which includes fundraising. Projects include taking youngsters from a special needs school on courses, designing and painting a mural in an operation waiting room at Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley, and providing games equipment for a children’s ward in that hospital.

Finally, successful participants receive an Award at a ceremony in Glasgow.

A few quotations from participants:
“It was at that moment that I started to believe in myself."
Victoria Renton, St Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, Participant 2004/5
It was “a once in a lifetime opportunity…. On the Outward Bound week I was sharing a dorm with people from other schools I would never have met or spoken to before, from all backgrounds, and we all became friends…. we were in it together, sharing amazing experiences that we may never get the chance to do again.”
Adam Lloyd - James Young High School 2006/7
"Mark Scott is not just Leadership for Life, it's friendship for life".
Megan Swanson and Amina Rafiq, Holyrood Secondary School, Participants, 2006/7

Click Here to see the West Of Scotland Championship earlier this year at Prestwick in which Jennifer Mack played in.

WINDTAMER KYLIE IS CHAMP OF CHAMPIONS

Kylie Walker with the Champions Cup - Photo by Fiona Farquharson (SLGA) - Click to enlarge

GOLF COPY AND SCORES --CREDIT CAL CARSON GOLF AGENCY

Buchanan Castle's Kylie Walker, the Dunbartonshire & Argyll title-holder, won the Scottish Ladies Golfing Assocaition's season-ending Champion of Champions' tournament at a very windy Glasgow Golf Club's Gailes links course in Ayrshire today (Sunday).
Kylie's strength off the tee enabled her to battle her way through the tough conditions to win with a five-over-par score of 80, which matched the CSS on the day.
She had one shot to spare at the finish from Angus county champion Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies), Cara Gruber (Royal Dornoch), the Northern Counties title-winner, and Claire Hargan, the Midlothian champion. Ailsa's best inward half of the trio earned her second prize with Cara placed third
Fife champion Louise Kenney was unable to play because she had an operation to remove her appendix a few days ago.
West of Scotland champion Pamela Pretswell pulled out because of bad back.

SLGA CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TOURNAMENT
Glasgow Golf Club Gailes links, Ayrshire
SCORES
(qualifying titles in brackets)
Par 75m CSS 80.
80 Kylie Walker (Dunbartonshire & Argyll).
81 Ailsa Summers (Angus) better inward half, Cara Gruber (Northern Counties), Claire Hargan (Midlothian).
83 Lesley Hendry (Ayrshire).
84 Lesley Atkins (Borders), Sara Mathieson (Aberdeenshire).
85 Claire MacDonald (East of Scotland), Gillian Monteith (Galloway).
86 Lorna Bennett (Scottish veterans), Megan Briggs (Renfrewshire and Scottish Champion).
87 Ailsa Bain (Scottish girls).
95 Jordana Graham (Dumfries-shire).
NR Carol Muir (Perth & Kinross).
Withdrew: Louise Kenney (Fife), Pamela Pretswell (West of Scotland).

Golf becomes an Olympic Sport

From the R&A WEBSITE --- SEE THE R&A VIDEO --- CLICK HERE
After an absence of more than a century, golf will return as an Olympic sport in 2016 along with rugby sevens following their approval by the International Olympic Committee membership during the IOC’s 121st Session.

They will be part of the Olympic Programme in Rio de Janeiro, which last week was selected as the host city for 2016 Games by the IOC. Golf was last an Olympic sport at the 1904 Games in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, when the United States and Canada were the only two competing countries.

“We are elated that the IOC membership has accepted golf as an Olympic sport, and look forward to seeing the world’s best golfers compete for gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro,” said Ty Votaw, Executive Director of the International Golf Federation Olympic Golf Committee, which has coordinated golf’s Olympic bid. “We thank the IOC for its support, and also congratulate rugby sevens for its inclusion in the 2016 Games.”

Votaw and Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A and joint secretary of the International Golf Federation, were accompanied by professionals Padraig Harrington of Ireland, Michelle Wie of the United States and Suzann Pettersen of Norway, as well as 16-year-old (British) Amateur Champion Matteo Manassero of Italy, for a final presentation to the IOC prior to the vote.

“We are extremely grateful that Padraig, Michelle, Suzann and Matteo were able to join us to help communicate the genuine interest world-class players of all ages share in golf becoming an Olympic sport,” Dawson said.

Golf and rugby sevens were recommended for the Olympic Programme by the IOC Executive Board in August following an extensive review process involving seven sports that were vying to be added to the 2016 Olympic Games. Although they emerged as the finalists, both sports still required final approval today by a majority of votes cast by the members of the IOC.

“In addition to those golfers who will have an opportunity to compete as Olympic athletes, we are excited for the national golf federations that will reap the benefits from today’s decision in terms of growth and support within their countries,” Dawson said. “This is a very significant day for golf.”

Leading up to today’s final vote, golf and rugby sevens emerged from a year-long evaluation that included formal presentations by the seven sports, the submission of a Detailed Questionnaire and responses to questions raised by both the IOC Programme Commission and the IOC Executive Board. The IOC Executive Board announced its recommendation of two sports following a meeting in Berlin, Germany on August 13.

“We strongly believed that golf deserved to be added to the Olympic Programme and felt that we presented a compelling case to the IOC,” Votaw said. “We have received unprecedented support from international golf organisations throughout this process, as well as from the world’s top-ranked men and women players, which was critical to our success. We also stressed the universal nature of golf, with 60 million people playing the sport in more than 120 countries.”

Based on player feedback, the IGF has proposed a format of 72-hole individual stroke play for both men and women. In case of a tie for either first, second or third place, a three-hole playoff is recommended to determine the medal winner(s).

The IGF also has recommended an Olympic field of 60 players for each of the men's and women's competition, using the Official World Golf Rankings as a method of determining eligibility. The top-15 world-ranked players would be eligible for the Olympics, regardless of the number of players from a given country.

Beyond the top-15, players would be eligible based on the world rankings, with a maximum of two eligible players from each country that does not already have two or more players among the top-15.

Current world rankings from both the men’s and women’s games show that at least 30 countries would be represented in both the men’s and women’s competitions, from all continents, under this proposal.

Medal 12 - Douglas Park Golf Club

Played 10th October 2009, SSS 72, CSS 72
Silver:
Carol Fell 81 (10) 71
Helen Faulds 82 (5) 77
Maggie Rutherford 97 (16) 81
Bronze:
Joyce Ferguson 104 (31) 73
Sarah Dorward 103 (29) 74
Gina Rennie 96 (22) 74
Scratch: Carol Fell 81

October Medal - Ranfurly Castle

Played Wed 7 Oct 2009 25 Entries SSS 73 ,CSS-76
Silver Winner: Pamela MacKenzie (13) 76 bih
Runner-Up: Anne Judge (7) 76
Bronze Winner: Marilynn Muirhead (24) 74
Runner-Up: Marilyn Mirner (32) 78
Scratch: Anne Judge 83

BUCHANAN CASTLE GOLF CLUB - OPEN DAY

Come along and join us on our OPEN DAYS
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th October
11 am until 3 pm
There will be Special Deals on the following Membership
Adult • Junior •Academy • Clubhouse
TRY OUT:
· 18 Hole Course*
· 6 Hole Academy Course*
· Driving Range
· Short game Areas
· Putting Green
·
MEET THE PROFESSIONALS:
· PGA Professional Coaching- Individual and Group Coaching
· Children’s Tuition (CLUBGOLF )
·
RELAX IN THE “NEW LOOK” CLUBHOUSE:
· Refreshments available
· See “What’s On”
· Junior’s Room with games

*Telephone 01360 660330 to book golf Telephone 01360 660307 for enquiries

Greenlees Trophy 2009 -- The Final Results

Anna Telfer - Milngavie Greenlees Team Captain has a lot to smile about -- Click to enlarge

The 2009 Greenlees Trophy matches are now complete. I know for some of the teams it has been a problem with so many postponed matches due to the very poor weather conditions in the second half of the summer. Thank you to all the secretaries who, one way or another, have managed to reschedule matches not only once but sometimes twice. At one stage I could see them being carried forward into October.

Many congratulations to Milngavie, promoted to Division 2 in 2007 and then to Division 1 in 2008 and now in 2009 winning the Greenlees Trophy by the narrowest of margins from Cathkin Braes. It was so close - only half a point seperated them! The Division 2 winners are Douglas Park who, along with Cardross, will be promoted to Division 1 for season 2010. Haggs Castle win Division 3 and will be promoted along with Lanark into Division 2. Well done to them all.

A lot of you will know that Cochrane Castle have had a very difficult season and were unable, not through lack of effort, to field complete teams for their last two matches. As such it was necessary to nullify their season's matches, as per the rules, and they will drop to Division 3 next year. We hope that season 2010 will be a better season for them.

To all the teams who have participated in the Greenlees League this year, I hope that you have enjoyed your matches. Competitiveness is always the priority but hopefully they are also enjoyed for the friendship and rivarly between the clubs.

The Ladies Club, Troon will host the lunch for the presentation of trophies and I look forward to seeing those of you who will be there.

FINAL RESULTS
Division 1 :
Milngavie 44.5 Winners
Cathkin Braes 44 Runner Up
Troon 41.5
Kilmarnock Barassie 40
Ranfurly Castle 38
Kilmacolm 32.5
West Kilbride 30.5
Hilton Park 26.5 Relegated
Prestwick St Nicholas 26.5 Relegated

Division 2:
Douglas Park 40 Winners
Cardross 36.5 Runners Up
Whitecraigs 35.5
Williamwood 32.5
Bothwell Castle 30
Erskine 27.5
Eastwood 25.5
Old Ranfurly 24.5 Relegated
Cochrane Castle 0 Relegated

Division 3:
Haggs Castle 57.5 Winners
Lanark 49.5 Runners Up
Largs 47
East Renfrewshire 45
Greenock 44
Cawder 36.5
Cowglen 36
Lenzie 34
Cathcart Castle 33
Turnberry 20.5

Fiona Roger - West of Scotland Greenlees Secretary

SLGA Advertisement --- Championship Manager

The Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association Limited is the governing body for ladies’ and girls’ amateur golf in Scotland. Applications are invited for the following position which will be based in Perth.
CHAMPIONSHIP MANAGER (Full Time)

To read all the details go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website

Ayrshire Junior Girls win against Lanarkshire Girls

The Lanarkshire Junior Girls team played Ayrshire at Carluke Golf Club yesterday. In contrast to Saturday when the West Girls Championship Final was postoned due to the high winds and rain they had lovely sunshine. It was a close match with Ayrshire winning 4 - 3.
To read the full report and see some photographs go to the Lanarkshire County Website

Kylie Walker's second attempt fails to qualify for the LPGA Tour

Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle) has failed in her second attempt in a matter of weeks to qualify for the LPGA Tour Final Qualifying School at Daytona Beach, Florida from December 2 to 6. In her first attempt at a California venue, Kylie was well in the running to figure among the qualifiers but had a disappointing last round. This time, in this week's second and final Sectional Qualifier at Venice, Florida, Kylie was never in the hunt with scores of 75, 75 , 77 and 77 for 16-over-par 304- eight shots over the dividing line between qualifiers and non-qualifiers

Janice Moodie at the Navistar LPGA Classic

Day 1:
Glasgow's Janice Moodie played some of her best golf ever - anywhere - as she shot a flawless eight-under-par 64 to take a one-stroke lead over 14-year-old Alexis Thompson at the end of the first day of the Navistar LPGA Classic, with Michelle Wie and top-ranked Lorena Ochoa two strokes back at Prattville, Alabama.
To read the full report go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website
Day 2
Overnight leader Janice Moodie, after a flawless opening round of 64, matched the par of 72 but so high is the standard of play in these events that the Scot dropped down to joint seventh on 136 alongside Michelle Wie and three others.
To read the Day 2 report Click Here
Day 3:
LEADIND THIRD ROUND TOTALS
Par 216 (3x72)
200 Lorena Ochoa (Mexico) 66 68 66.
203 Sandra Gal (Germany) 68 69 66.
204 Janice Moodie (Scotland) 64 72 68, Brittany Lang (US) 68 68 68.
Selected scores:
206 Laura Davies (England) 69 65 72 (jt 8th).
216 Mhairi McKay (Scotland) 73 71 72 (jt 71st).
Day 4:
FINAL TOTALS
Par 288 (4x72)
270 Lorena Ochoa (Mex) 66 68 66 70
274 Michelle Wie 66 70 72 66, Brittany Lang 68 68 68 70
275 Yani Tseng (Tai) 71 63 71 70, Janice Moodie (Sco) 64 72 68 71
276 Beth Bader 70 69 70 67, Maria Hjorth (Swe) 69 68 68 71

West Girls Championship is BLOWN AWAY

We tried hard to run the 2 Championships today and even sent out 8 girls on to a wet and windy course at Troon Portland when the Dunhill had already been cancelled at St Andrews.

By lunchtime we had our finalists decided but the weather was too severe to send them out for a further 18 holes so I will tell you the finalists who are likely to play their matches at the end of the school October week.

Main Championship : Eilidh Briggs from Kilmacolm plays Mhairi MacKay from West Kilbride.

Bronze Championship: Jorden Ferrie of Kirkintilloch plays Grace Mackie of Troon ladies

Thanks go to Irene Stewart for the report

Book Now for SGU & SLGA Club Seminars -- Check with your Home Club

The SGU and SLGA are inviting club secretaries and committee members to attend their series of forthcoming seminars which will take place at nine venues across the country in November and early December.

The West of Scotland Seminar Schedule is listed below:

* Haggs Castle, Tuesday 1 December
* Kilmarnock (Barassie), Thursday 3 December
* Dullatur, Tuesday 8 December

To read more CLICK HERE

2010 Happy Golf Competition Booklets

Dear Fellow Golfer
The happygolf.co.uk web site had 13,942 open golf competitions and 316 golf weeks in 2009, making it the main web site in the UK and Ireland for Open Golf Competitions and Golf Weeks.

2010 Competition Booklets
Orders are being taken for our 4 regional booklets, Scotland, North of England, Midlands and Wales, South East/West of England. These include Gents, Ladies, Seniors, Mixed and Junior open golf competitions for 2010. To purchase booklets (click here).

2010 Golf Club Entries
Open golf competitions for 2010 are being added to the web site as they become available.

If your golf club's 2010 open golf competitions and/or golf week do not appear on our web site please complete our on line questionnaire (click here).

Inclusion on our web site and in our regional booklets is FREE.

Regards
Elizabeth S Miller
Managing Director
01383 620200

2009 Greenlees Trophy Update

To see all the the final totals for each division click on the following link
2009 GREENLEES TOTALS

Click on the following link for some past results and pictures since 2003 ------ PAST GREENLEES TROPHY WINNERS

Scotland Seniors Win the Home Internationals for the First Time

Scotland captain Pamela Williamson holds the Sue Johnson Trophy, won by Scotland for the first time. - Click to enlarge (Image Courtesy of the LGU)

Back row (left to right): Noreen Fenton (Dunbar), Kathleen Sutherland (Royal Montrose), Fiona Hunter (Baberton), Moira Thomson (Gullane Ladies), Fiona De Vries (St Rule), team manager Janet Wake.
Front row (l to r): Mary Smith (Tain), Pamela Williamson (Baberton), Heather Anderson (Alyth)
.

READ THE SCOTTISH REPORT (COLIN FARQUHARSON) FROM THE GILLIAN KIRKWOOD WEBSITE

This is the LGU ReportScotland made no mistake on the final day of the Senior Ladies' Home International Matches at Newport Golf Club, Wales.

Having first beaten Ireland and then England, the Scots won the title and the Sue Johnson Trophy for the first time, completing a 100 per cent winning record through the three days by beating last year’s winners, Wales, 5 ½-2 ½ today.

England, trailing 2-1 after the foursomes, rallied to draw 4-4 with Ireland and finished with 1 1/2pt, to be runners-up ahead of Wales (1pt) and Ireland (1/2pt).

Skipper Pam Williamson’s Scotland team showed no last-day nerves as they captured the morning foursomes by 2 ½ to ½ against Wales to make their task in the five afternoon singles that much easier.

They began the afternoon play needing only 1 ½ pt for a draw which would have been enough to clinch the over-50s team championship but instead the Scots had three singles winners in Heather Anderson, who beat the Senior British champion Vicki Thomas by one hole, Fiona De Vries, who beat Pamela Valentine by 5 and 3, ending the series with a perfect 6points from six matches, and Mary Smith who beat Jane Rees by 4 and 3 for her fifth point in six outings.

Anderson v Thomas was a game of two halves – the Scot had the better of the first nine, the Welsh player not losing a hole after the turn. Anderson birdied the second and the fifth on her way to a three-hole lead after eight holes.

That was as good as it got for the Scot. Thomas won the 11th and 15th to be only one down on the 16th tee. But Smith managed to halve the last three holes for a win she will remember.

Kathleen Sutherland, who came into the Scotland team only last week when star player Lorna Bennett had to withdraw for domestic reasons, lost her 100 per cent winning record when she lost by 4 and 2 to Ann Lewis.

Lewis birdied the seventh to go one up and also won the eighth before Sutherland birdied the ninth to get back to one down. The Welsh player promptly birdied the 10th to regain a two-hole lead which Sutherland cut back to one hole by winning the 11th.

The exchange of holes continued at the 12th which Lewis won to regain a two-hole lead. Lewis wrapped up a 4 and 2 victory by winning the 15th and 16th.

Fiona De Vries won the second, third and fourth against Valentine and stretched her lead to six holes after 11, having birdied the 10th. Valentine did birdie the 14th but that only cut her deficit to four holes and Fiona clinched her sixth victory in three days by winning the 15th for a 5 and 3 success.

That raised Scotland ’s points on the day to 4 ½, which meant they had won the match, whatever the outcome of the ties still to finish.

Mary Smith made it 5 1/2pt in the bag when she beat Jane Rees by 4 and 3. After the third and fourth holes were exchanged, Smith won the sixth to take a lead she did not relinquish.

The Scot won the eighth to go two up, lost the ninth but then won the 11th, 13th and 14th to surge four holes to the good. A half at the next ended the contest.

Wales got their second singles win, thanks to Jean O’Connor, who beat Moira Thomson by 5 and 4. O’Connor took a stranglehold on the outcome by winning the first, third, seventh, eighth and 10th for a five-hole lead. She even birdied the 12th to regain that advantage after the Scot had scored her only success at the 11th. Halves at the 13th and 14th ended the match.

Results:

SCOTLAND 5 1/2, WALES 2 1/2
Foursomes: H Anderson & F Hunter halved with V Thomas & J O'Connor; M Smith & M Thomson bt J Doleman & J Rees 3 and 2; F De Vries & N Fenton bt A Lewis & D Richards 4 and 2 (2 ½- ½).
Singles: Anderson bt Thomas 1 hole, K Sutherland lost to Lewis 4 and 2, De Vries bt P Valentine 4 and 3, Smith bt Rees 4 and 3, Thomson lost to O'Connor 5 and 4 (3-2)

IRELAND 4, ENGLAND 4
Foursomes; R Brennan & V McBride lost to C Quinn & S Dye 2 and 1; H Jones & P Doran bt J Ashmore & J Melville 3 and 1; S McElroy & P O'Gorman bt R Adams & P Parker 1 hole (2-1).
Singles: M Henderson lost to Melville 5 and 4, Doran lost to Dye 3 and 1, McElroy bt Ashmore 5 and 4, Jones bt Parker 6 and 5, McBride lost to Newton 5 and 4 (2-3).

HOW THEY FINISHED
Scotland 3 wins (3pt).
England 1 win, 1 draw (1 1/2pt).
Wales 1 win (1pt).
Ireland 1 draw (1/2pt).

INDIVIDUAL SCOTS' RECORDS AT NEWPORT
Fiona De Vries (St Rule) 6pt out of 6 (six wins).
Mary Smith (Tain) 5pt out of 6 (five wins).
Moira Thomson (Gullane Ladies) 3 1/2pt out of 6 (three wins and a halved match).
Noreen Fenton (Dunbar) 3pt out of 3 (three foursomes wins).
Heather Anderson (Alyth) 2pt out of 6 (one win, two halves).
Kathleen Sutherland (Royal Montrose) 2pt out of 3 (played singles only: two wins).
Fiona Hunter (Baberton) 1/2pt out of 3 (one halved match

LIVE SCORING FROM THE SENIOR HOME INTERNATIONALS