Friday, 14 January 2011

Fixture List 2011 --- SLGA

The fixture list for the 2011 season is almost complete and can be found at the following link:

FIXTURE LIST 2011 (SLGA WEBSITE)

Please note - there have been corrections to the dates for the Girls' Home International Matches (3 - 5 August) and the Senior Ladies' Home International Matches (28 - 30 September) on this list.

Entry forms will be available to download from the SLGA web-site from early February.

Sunday, 9 January 2011

First Tournament in Florida for West of Scotland's Alyson McKechin

A women’s golf squad, headed by Scottish champion Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar),are currently taking part in three events on the women's amateur Orange Blossom Tour in Florida. Stirling University students who are on this trip along with Kelsey are: Rebecca Wilson, Jordana Graham, Eilidh Mackay, Harriet Beasley, Flore Lafaille
Two guest golfers are also part of the Stirling squad - Renfrewshire's Scottish Junior Internationalist Alyson McKechin (Elderslie), who intends to apply for a September 2011 entry place at Stirling, and English Curtis Cup player Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa).
The squad is competing in the following events: the Harder Hall Invitational, Sebring; the South Atlantic Championship, Ormond Beach; and the Doherty Championship match-play event at Fort Lauderdale.
The Stirling women's squad is accompanied by Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire's coach, Stirling graduate and former British amateur internationalist, Lesley Mackay who is now the Head Coach at Playsport in East Kilbride.
The first event which was completed yesterday was the the 56th annual Harder Hall Women’s Invitational and it had an outstanding beginning with record setting scores in the first round and ended with a most exciting finish with the top three players all having the opportunity to win in the last three holes.

CHAMPIONSHIP SCOREBOARD LEADERBOARD
Par 288 (4x72) Yardage 6,151.
1 Albrecht, Ashleigh J Murrieta, CA 63 74 69 72 278
2 Woods, Cheyenne Phoenix, AZ 67 69 70 73 279
3 Roig, Kyle Pembroke Pines, FL 67 73 68 73 281
T4 Clyburn, Holly England, 70 72 69 74 285
T4 Popson, Erica Davenport, FL 67 73 73 72 285
6 Maguire, Leona Ireland, 72 69 72 74 287

Scots:
MacDonald, Kelsey, 77 73 76 71 297
Graham, Jordana, 82 76 86 76 320
Wilson, Rebecca, 84 74 78 85 321
Watson, Rebecca, 82 74 86 82 324
McKechin Alyson , 84 78 80 84 326
Mackay, Eilidh, 86 84 85 81 336

To see all the results go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website

Thursday, 6 January 2011

SLGA / SGU Amalgamation Roadshows

The Amalgamation Roadshows postponed because of the snow have now been re-arranged and invitations sent to the affected clubs and counties. The new dates are:


Dunbartonshire & Argyll - 2.00 pm on Monday 10 January at Douglas Park Golf Club
Perth & Kinross - 2.00 pm on Tuesday 11 January at Blairgowrie Golf Club

It would be helpful if those planning to attend would confirm their attendance by email to secretary@slga.co.uk as soon as possible.

Sunday, 2 January 2011

2011 SLGA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Papers for the Annual General Meeting to be held in the Dewars Centre, Perth on Saturday 15 January 2011 have been sent out on, 20 December 2010. The following were enclosed in the mailing and may be accessed by clicking on the links:

Saturday, 1 January 2011

Sunday, 26 December 2010

Advertise your Unwanted Golf Gear


Dear Fellow Golfer

FREE service launched today. (click here).

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Advertise your 'Unwanted Golf Gear' on the happygolf.co.uk web site, which is the main web site in the UK and Ireland for Open Golf Competitions, Golf Weeks and Passport Schemes.

No commission or advertising charges. Unlimited text to describe your product, up to 6 images, and unlimited editing, all under your control.

Any golf related products can be advertised ie equipment new and old, clothing, books, games, memorabilia, accessories etc.

You may have a item of golf gear that you wish to giveaway to a good home, advertise free.

The Happygolf Team

Friday, 24 December 2010

Merry Christmas to all our Readers

1st Tee at Esporta Dougalston - Click to enlarge

1st Hole at Esporta Dougalston - Click to enlarge
To see your Christmas Card --- CLICK HERE

Sunday, 19 December 2010

Clare Queen had a 2 under par final round and makes the full European Tour for the Seventh time

Clare Queen, made it and can look forward to a seventh successive season on the Ladies European Tour. Rookie Carly Booth failed by the narrowest margin, one shot outside being involved in a play-off for the last of the 30 Category 8a memberships.
Clare, who is attached to The Carrick at Loch Lomond, tied for 16th place with scores of 74, 70, 77, 76 and 71. Her last round, under pressure after her third and fourth rounds had her slipping into the danger zone, for a 368 aggregate showed the former British girls champion still has what it takes. She will gain full access to all the events on the LET schedule for 2011.
Young Carly has had to settle for Category 9b membership which will give her a number of outings but not to the bigger events where she will be too far down the pecking order to get into them.
Many congratulations Clare


 CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE RESULTS

Saturday, 18 December 2010

Ladies European Tour -- Clare Queen needs one more good round in the Qualifying School

The European Tour Qualifying School has been held at La Manga Spain this week and after 4 rounds Clare Queen is on 297 - one shot inside the projected cut-off mark. She started well at La Manga with opening rouns of 74 and 70 for 144 but her third and fourth rounds of 77 and 76 have totalled nine shots worse - 153.
The Carrick at Loch Lomond player, a former British girls champion, just needs to keep her nerve in Sunday's crunch round and she can be back where she belongs for a seventh season on the LET.
Carly Booth from Comrie is one shot outside the leading 32 and ties at the moment with a 72-hole tally of 299 but she had a fourth-round of 71 which will give her some confidence for the showdown run. She had earlier scored 75, 75 and 78.
Pamela Feggans and Heather McCrae both missed the cut.

Friday, 17 December 2010

SLGA NAMES SQUADS FOR 2011

The Scottish Ladies Golfing Association has named the following players in selection and training squads for 2011:
National Women's Squad
Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm), Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), Laura Murray (Alford), Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle), Jane Turner (Craigielaw), Rachael Watton, Sally Watson (Elie and Earlsferry) (USA-based)
National Girls' Squad
Lesley Atkins (Gullane Ladies), Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm), Gabrielle MacDonald (Craigielaw), Hannah McCook (Abernethy), Rebecca McGeehan (Hummelbachaue, Germany), Alyson McKechin (Elderslie), Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies).
Scottish Golf Academy Year 2
Ailsa Bain (Peebles), Alison Goodwin (Glenbervie), Connie Jaffrey (West Kilbride), Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe), Tara McTaggart, Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies), Samantha Munro (Aberdour), Rachel Polson (Peterculter), Linsey Stevenson (Elie and Earlsferry), Eleanor Tunn (Reay), Eilidh Watson (Muckhart), Lauren Whyte (St Regulus), Clara Young (North Berwick).
Scottish Golf Academy Year 1
Katie McGarva (Troon Ladies), Eva O'Connor (Bothwell Castle), Emma Hale (Troon Ladies), Emma Greenlees (Dumfries and Galloway), Rachel Walker (Dumfries and Co), Chloe Goadby (St Regulus), Tegan Seivwright (Deeside), Kimberley Beveridge (Aboyne), Claire Gadsby (Crieff), Heather Munro (Monifieth), Sophie Maguire (St Regulus).

Heather Anderson Celebrates a "Big Birthday"

Heather Anderson (Troon Ladies and Caldwell) is 80 tomorrow. To read more go to the Renfrewshire County Website

Sunday, 12 December 2010

Friday, 10 December 2010

Kevin Craggs DVD - Christmas Special Offer

Click to enlarge

email Kevin at kevincraggs@btinternet.com to order a copy

Phoenix Hail Storm

What ya all moaning about - YOU just have some snow and it is a wee bit cold. Here is Florida we have frost!!!! but I ain't complaining!!!! yet!!!!!


A true golfer wouldn't let this stop him, however, locating the golf ball would be very difficult.

Thanks go to D&A's Jean Campbell for this one

2011 MOROCCO GOLF FESTIVAL

Request from Colin Farquharson, Tournament Director of the 2011 Morocco Golf Festival, to be played over five courses in the Marrakech area from October 8 to 15.
We had only four Scots in a total entry of 47 for the inaugural Morocco Golf Festival last October. Click Here to see the Prizes to be won
I would like to see many more from Scotland participating in the 2nd Festival and, to that end, I would be very grateful if you could print off THIS POSTER and display it on your club's men's and women's noticeboards.
Thank you in anticipation.

COLIN FARQUHARSON
Editor
Telephone 01224 869782

Friday, 3 December 2010

SLGA Amalgamation Roadshows Postponed

The SLGA's Amalgamation Roadshows scheduled for Tuesday 7 December at Douglas Park Golf Club and Thursday 9 December at Blairgowrie Golf Club have been postponed due to the weather. They will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

News From D&A's Jean Campbell from Florida

Click to enlarge
"Good Morning Everyone- well how are you doing with all the snow? 

I hope everyone in D&A, Milngavie, Bearsden, Hayston Golf Club, West of Scotland are surviving the cold weather ---  mind you, it is still a wee bit on the cool side in Florida !!!

luv Jean

The 200 Gong Shot

Thursday, 2 December 2010

Clare Queen qualifies at La Manga

Clare Queen (The Carrick on Loch Lomond),and Heather MacRae (Downfield) qualified comfortably today (Thursday) from the four-round Ladies European Tour pre-qualifying event to claim a place in the field at the Final Q School, also at La Manga, Spain, from December 15-20.
But fellow Scots Gemma Webster (Glasgow), Majorca-based amateur Lauren Mackin and Carnoustie's Katy McNicoll failed to figure among the 73 qualifiers.
Clare Queen finished eighth in the South-North group with scores of 73, 71, 75 and 71 for two-over-par 290, 13 shots behind the runaway winner of this section, Sweden's Caroline Hedwall.
To read the full report go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website

Sunday, 28 November 2010

Skelmorlie send in their Mail on Sunday news from Spain

 Skelmorlie GC  Players and Caddies    - The  Mail on Sunday Team - Click to enlarge
Sorry we are a few days late with our news, but as you heard from the victorious Murrayfield ladies, our short time in Spain was wonderful but very wet and we are still trying to dry our gear out!
 
Well we didn’t quite make it this time but the whole experience was amazing and has only made us more determined to try again next year. Firstly, we would like to formally congratulate Murrayfield on winning, especially in far from ideal conditions, against some tricky opposition and without the help of caddies. We were fortunate to have ladies from our club to caddy for us and they really proved their worth when the rain gods decided to vent their wrath on this normally dry and sunny part of Spain. The Mail on Sunday has been going to El Rompido for the past 8 years and this was the first rain in all that time!

Our gallant ladies, captain Kath Mackellar, Gillian Pollock, Aileen Donaldson, Janet Harkness and Alex Sargent fought bravely on both days, only narrowly missing out 2-3 on each occasion.
Alex won both her matches and even although we knew we had lost out on a third place on the Wednesday by the 17th hole, she played on gamely to seal her individual win on the 18th green. We would like to pay tribute to all our ladies, and three lovely gents, who paid their own way to Spain in order to either caddy for us or just to be there with encouragement and lots of patriotic flags, banners and mascot bears
.
As Norma said, the Mail on Sunday team were superb and treated us royally, so we feel we were winners in just reaching the final stages in Spain. It is an extremely well run competition and gave a small club like ours the opportunity to enjoy matchplay against more prestigious clubs and to make many new friends as a result.

We were overwhelmed by the number of Good Luck cards from many of the clubs we had beaten on the way to Spain and from clubs in our local area who had watched us progress over the past nine or so months.
We are far from despondent and have also been enjoying more than a few glasses of Fizz since our return, despite not winning. As I said before we can’t wait to start all over again in the early new year, and now we know what awaits in El Rompido next November, we will be trying even harder next time.
 Kind regards, Jenny McGee.

Milngavie Captain Anna shares her 2010 Greenlees Success

Click to enlarge
Milngavie Celebration Party - Click to enlarge
Buffet Supper - Click to enlarge

" Thought this might interest folk (apart from the Cathkin Braes team!!!!)
The Milngavie team held a fun filled celebration night at Captain Anna's house on Friday. The champagne flowed, the food was plentiful and delicious, and the laughter never stopped!!!!
Roll on 2011"

Cheers Anna Telfer

Thursday, 25 November 2010

Murrayfield are the Mail on Sunday Champions

Murrayfield Ladies  - The 2010 Mail on Sunday Classic Winners - Click to enlarge
Murrayfield Ladies have won the Mail on Sunday Classic!
Murrayfield beat Beau Desert (Staffordshire) 3 1/2-1 1/2 in the final - the 11th round of the national inter-club competition - at El Rompido, Huelva on Spain's Costa del Sol.
Scotland's other qualifiers for the last four - Skelmorlie Ladies from North Ayrshire - lost narrowly in the other semi-final. They were beaten 3-2 by Beau Desert.
Well done, Murrayfield! And well done Skelmorlie to reach the last four from such a huge, national entry.
Norma Richmond reports:
Murrayfield played their semi final match at El Rompido in the most amazingly foul weather - heavy, heavy rain, sodden ground, bunkers being pumped out, not helped by everyone saying that part of Spain gets only 30 days rain a year and it was all coming down when we were there!
After the dinner the previous evening the draw was made for the semi-finals and Murrayfield drew Wildwood GC from Surrey, and Skelmorlie drew Beau Desert from Staffordshire.
The Murrayfield team on the semi-final day was made up of Margaret Fergusson, Rosie Dennis, Lynn Wilson, Norma Richmond and Caroline Johnstone.
Our opponents all had caddies which, although we had decided not to have any, we slightly envied as they managed to keep things drier than we did. However, we beat Wildwood 5-0 which we were delighted about!
Beau Desert beat Skelmorlie 3-2 in the other semi-final.
The Murrayfield team for the final was: Margaret Fergusson, Ray Lynch, Lynn Wilson, Norma Richmond and Caroline Johnstone.
Our first two players, Margaret Fergusson (5 and 4) and Lynn Wilson (2 and 1) won their matches. Ray Lynch halved her match on the 18th, having fought back from two down on the 17th tee.
Norma Richmond lost 4 and 3 and Caroline Johnstone won 4 and 2 which clinched Murrayfield's overall victory 3 1/2 to 1 1/2.
As you can imagine were were absolutely thrilled and spent the rest of the day drinking champagne.
The team who won the men's Mail on Sunday title, the Vale of Glamorgan, very kindly presented us with a bottle of champagne, having already had the one produced by the Mail on Sunday organisers. We had a gala evening with the presentations - and turned into a very late, noisy night.
Thanks for the report -- Hopefully Skelmorlie will submit ther version

Wednesday, 24 November 2010

Cochrane Castle Christmas Fair

Click to enlarge
Want to buy some goodies for Christmas then Cochrane Castle golf club are having a Christmas fair this evening (Wednesday 24th November) starting at 7pm.

Sunday, 21 November 2010

SCOTTISH GOLF ACADEMY UNDER-16s WINTER SERIES - Event 2

In the girl's section of the Scottish Golf Academy Under-16s Winter Series 18-hole event at Strathmore Golf Centre, Alyth today (Sunday).Gabrielle McDonald (Craigielaw), winner of the girls' first event at The Glen at the end of October, figured in a three-way tie this time with Clara Young (North Berwick) and Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies).

GIRLS
Par 72
75 Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies), Gabrielle McDonald (Craigielaw), Clare Young (North Berwick).
76 Lesley Atkins (Gullane Ladies), Lauren Whyte (St Regulus), Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm).
79 Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies), Connie Jaffrey (West Kilbride).
80 Samantha Munro (Aberdour), Eilidh Watson (Muckhart).
81 Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe).
82 Hannah McCook (Abernethy), Katie McGarva (Troon Ladies).
83 Rachel Walker (Dumfries & Co), Lindsey Stevenson (Elie & Earlsferry), Heather Munro (Monifieth), Kimberley Beveridge (Aboyne).
84 Rachel Polson (Peterculter), Tara McTaggart (Minto).
87 Emma Greenlees (Dumfries & Galloway), Clare Gadsby (Crieff).
88 Eleanor Tunn (Reay).
89 Emma Hale (Troon Ladies), Tegan Seivwright (Deeside).
90 Sophie Maguire (St Regulus).
Withdrew: Eva O’Connor (Bothwell Castle), Chloe Goadby (St Regulus), Alison Goodwin (Glenbervie), Alyson McKechin (Elderslie).
The third Scottish Golf Academy Under-16s Winter Series event will be held at the Eden course, St Andrews on Sunday, February 6.

Skelmorlie and Murrayfield fly the Saltire in Spain!

FROM THE EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS WEBSITE
By MARTIN DEMPSTER
Murrayfield Golf Club women's team travel out to Spain tomorrow for the final stages of one of Britain's leading team tournaments.
They are flying the flag for Scotland along with Ayrshire's Skelmorlie in The Mail on Sunday Classic at El Rompido.
Caroline Johnstone (6 handicap), Ray Lynch (9), Norma Richmond (9), Rosie Dennis (11), Lynn Wilson (11) Margaret Fergusson (12) are representing Murrayfield.

TO READ THE EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS STORY IN FULL,PLEASE CLICK HERE

Friday, 19 November 2010



SGU Golfers e-newsletter
November 2010
Issue No 17

Welcome to the latest edition of the SGU e-bulletin.  This month we have launched the new-look 2011 Scottish Golf Dinner and tickets are now on sale...buy yours now to avoid disappointment! Also this month, a selection of cracking winter special offers from the SGU for golfers in Scotland as well as the latest news from the SGU on the hot topics in Scottish golf.
Guarantee Your Seat at the 2011 Scottish Golf Dinner
Tickets went on sale today for the XOS Scottish Golf Dinner 2011, taking place on Friday 18 February at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow. Hosted by BBC commentator Andrew Cotter with special guest appearances, the Ryder Cup trophy will also be in attendance on the night. Open to everyone, the event promises to be a great night out for you and your friends or club-mates or a fantastic opportunity for your company to entertain key clients.

Winter Golf Special Offers
We are delighted to bring you a great selection of Winter Special Offers on behalf of our clubs. Some of the fantastic deals you can snap up over the next few months include a Sunday four-ball at Peebles in the beautiful Borders for just £60, a round at the picturesque Aberdour on the Fife coast including dinner in the clubhouse for £17 or sample the delights of Ayrshire jewel Largs for just £20 per person.

Check out SGU TV
Why not visit our recently launched YouTube TV channel, featuring highlights from some of our major events last season including the Belhaven Best Club Handicap Championship Final from The Duke's, St Andrews where Ranfurly Castle claimed the glory. There's also a look behind the scenes with the SGU team and interviews with some of the rising stars of the Scottish game.
SGU and SLGA Club Seminars Hit the Road
Staff from the SGU and SLGA are out on the road this month delivering a series of ten regional club seminars, presenting to your club on the wide range of valuable services we provide. This year's roadshow has attracted a record number of clubs and delegates with great feedback and insight to help us improve our support to you.

Plan Your 2011 Golf Season
Already planning your 2011 golfing calendar? Visit SGU Golf Central, Scotland's most comprehensive and up-to-date golf directory, featuring hundreds of club opens for you to play in over the winter and into the new season. Some of the more popular opens sell-out quickly, so make sure you get your entry forms in now.
Governing Bodies Amalgamation Proposal Gathers Pace
Plans for a single governing body for amateur golf in Scotland have gathered pace with details of the formal proposal sent to Clubs, Areas and Counties recently unveiled. We welcome feedback from clubs and members so we'd like to hear from you.

Scottish Golf Card...The Perfect Stocking Filler!
Looking for some inspiration ahead of the Christmas shopping rush? The Scottish Golf Card, exclusively available to members of SGU and SLGA affiliated clubs, costs just £10 and offers 50% off green fees at over 140 participating courses for a full year. Buy a card for your golf fanatic loved ones today!

Get Your Game in Shape with webgolfcoach.com
If you are already eyeing up that elusive sub-par round or handicap match play title at your club next season then webgolfcoach.com with its innovative technology and selection of leading Scottish golf coaches gives you the chance to improve your swing over the winter from the comfort of your home.

Keep visiting scottishgolf.org for all the latest news, results, offers and information from the Scottish Golf Union.
The SGU Team
Questions or comments? E-mail us at sgu@scottishgolf.org or call 01334 466477

Tuesday, 16 November 2010

The Lanarkshire County AGM -- Pamela Pretswell is made an Honorary Member

Lanarkshire County Prizewinners - Click to enlarge
FROM JEAN MACINTYRE  --- 
To Read more of the AGM and see photographs then go to the Lanarkshire Website
At this week's annual general meeting of Lanarkshire Ladies County Golf Association Pamela Pretswell was awarded Honorary Membership of the Association. Captain Lesley Lloyd said of Pamela: "What a player! What a year! She represented GB and Ireland in the 36th Curtis Cup Match against the United States at Essex County Club, Massachusetts.
Was 6th in European Ladies Amateur Individual Championship
Was Runner Up in the Austrian Ladies Amateur Championship - (including a nine-birdie round of six-under-par 66)
Won the British Ladies Amateur Stroke Play Championshionship
Was SLGA Champion of Champions
Represented Scotland at European Ladies Team Championship, with Scotland winning the Bronze Medal
Represented Scotland at Ladies Home Internationals – Pamela holed the winning putt to ensure Scotland won the Home Internationals Matches for the first time in 19 years.
You have just heard what an outstanding year 2010 has been for Pamela Pretswell. Pamela was a top-ranked tennis junior, rubbing shoulders with Andy Murray and co at the age of 14.
However, she swapped tennis for golf  7 years ago and as they say the rest is history! To reach the top of the amateur game in such a short period of time is quite amazing and we are immensely proud to have her as one of our members. Not only is Pamela a fantastic golfer, she is in her Honours year at Glasgow University studying Business and Management and despite her very busy schedule (not to mention jet lag following the Curtis Cup) Pamela found time to come to Kilmacolm to caddy for the team!
Pamela, in recognition of your outstanding achievements, but in particular being selected to represent Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup and winning the British Open Strokeplay Championship I would ask you to accept Honorary membership of Lanarkshire Ladies’ County Golf Association."

Sunday, 14 November 2010

Equality and Amalgamation Issues for the future from the SLGA and SGU

Equality Issues -- Some up to date News from the Glasgow Herald.
Read all about by --- by clicking on the following link -- West Kilbride Golf Club News
The move to bring the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) and Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association (SLGA) together as a single governing body has gathered momentum with a formal proposal being delivered to each organisation’s members.
The proposal with details of the roles of Board members and committees and a covering letter from the Amalgamation Group Chair, Donald Turner may be accessed by clicking on the links.

The SGU and SLGA have delivered a formal proposal to member clubs, Areas and Counties this week outlining plans for amalgamation as a single governing body from 1 October 2011. Click Here to read more