LINZI AND LAUREN LEADING SCOTS AT LA MANGA Q SCHOOL OPENER

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Colin@scottishgolfview.com

Pamela Pretswell

Top Scots at the end of the first day of the Ladies European Tour School pre-qualifying competition at La Manga, Spain today (Sunday) were Linzi Morton, the 2001 Scottish women's amateur champion from Tulliallan, and Majorca-based youngster Lauren Mackin.
Morton's pro career has never got off the ground over the past decade due to a wrist injury in the first instance. But she has earned enough money as a professional caddie at the Old Course and other St Andrews Links Trust courses to have another go at making it through to the Ladies European Tour.
There are just over 200 competitors in the first pre-qualifier, being contested by two groups from which the leading 35 and ties in both at the end of 72 holes will go on to next week's four-round Final Stage, also at La Manga.
Morton is lying ninth in Group B after a par-matching 73 at the tougher La Manga South Course.
She had a roller-coaster round with five birdies, one double bogey and three bogeys.
Mackin is joint 14th in Group A after a one-over-par 72 at the "easier" La Manga North Course. Originally from Renfrewshire, Lauren had three birdies and four bogeys, a dropped shot at her last hole, the ninth, costing her the satisfaction of a par round.
At this venue, Clare Queen had a 74 which put her in joint 29th position but Pamela Feggans is well outside the qualifying zone already with a 75 for a share of 43rd place.
At La Manga South, Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle), retaining her amateur status until she sees how she fares at Q School, had a 76 to be joint 30th.
Gemma Webster from Glasgow is joint 60th after a 79 which included two double bogeys.
Heather MacRae (Gleneagles Hotel) looked only a shadow of the player who won the British women's amateur stroke play title at Nairn in 2005 as she returned an eight-over 81 which also included two double bogeys.
Nicola Melville required 46 blows for the inward half in compiling an 85 which leaves her an uphill struggle from joint 96th position.
LEADING FIRST-ROUND SCORES

LA MANGA NORTH
Par 71
68 Lucy Williams (Eng), Jodi Ewart (Eng).
69 Charlie Douglass (Eng)
70 Ashley Knoll (US), Amelia Lewis (US).
71 Alessandra Averna (Ita) (am), Maria Verchenova (Rus), Celtine Palomar (Fra), Esther Choe (US), Jennie Lee (US), Kim Ulander (Swe).
Scottish scores
72 Lauren Mackin.
74 Clare Queen.
75 Pamela Feggans

+Top 35 and ties after four rounds to qualify for Final Stage.

LA MANGA SOUTH
Par 73
69 Chrisje de Vries (Net), Anne Scott (Eng).
72 Elin Emanuelsson (Swe), Antonella Vitan (Swe), Sarah Jones (Wal), Mirfeia Prat (Spa) (am), Caroline Bon (NZ), Mary Mattson (US).
Scottish scores
73 Linzi Morton (T9).
76 Pamela Pretswell (T30).
79 Gemma Webster (T60).
81 Heather MacRae (TT74)

85 Nicola Melville (T96).

West of Scotland's Eilidh Briggs playing in the Orange Blossom Trail

West of Scoltland's Eilidh Briggs is representing Stirling University on the Orange Blossom Trail in Florida this month.
She has completed the first competition at the Harder Hall Invitational.
Kettering-based Charley Hull, No 10 in the Women's World Amateur Rankings, is off and running for what promises to be another wonderful season for the 15-year-old Woburn GC member.
Starting the final round of the Harder Hall Women's Invitational two shots behind 16-year-old, World No 8 Ariya Jutanugarn from Bangkok), Charley, as we have come to expect, rose to the occasion with a closing round of three-under-par 69 which took her past Ariya down the home straight and on to a two-shot victory with a six-under-par total of 282 - and that over a Sebring, Florida course which had been toughened up since last year with the addition of quite a few bunkers.
The "Harder Hall" was started in 1956 and the winners' roll is studded with names of girls who have gone on to win fame and fortune - but it is believed that Charley Hull is the youngest ever winner. She will have her 16th birthday on March 20. She is certainly the first winner to hail from Europe.

Hull, winner of the last match-play event on the 2011 Orange Blossom Tour before she went on to win the Welsh and English women's amateur stroke-play titles and be beaten in the English women's match-play final, can be considered a certainty to be chosen for the GB and I team of eight for the Curtis Cup match against the Americans at Nairn GC from June 8-10.
She played for GB and I in the Junior Vagliano Trophy match at Royal Porthcawl last June but this will be her first full GB and I cap.

Scotland's Kelsey MacDonald fared worst of the three GB and I Curtis Cup team contenders in the Harder Hall Invitational.
The 21-year-old Stirling student and Nairn Dunbar GC member finished a disappointing 31st on 23-over-par 311 - 29 shots behind Charley Hull and 16 behind Holly Clyburn.
Kelsey had started brightly enough to be in joint seventh place with a first-round 75 but she gradually slipped down the field with subsequent rounds of 81, 75 and 80.
The tournament probably came just a bit early for MacDonald. Hull had been warming up in Majorca while Clyburn finished fourth in last week's Dixie Women's Amateur elsewhere in Florida.
Kelsey usually steps up the pace in the second event of the Florida circuit, the South Atlantic Ladies championship (known as the "Sally") over four rounds, starting at Oceanside Country Club on Tuesday (January 10).
MacDonald still outshone the rest of her Stirling team-mates at Harder Hall.
Rebecca Wilson (Grange, Monfieith) finished on 327 (84-81-79-83), Scottish girls' match-play champion Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) 328 (82-82-83-81), Harriet Beasley (Woburn) 335 (81-86-83-85), Jordana Graham (Southerness) 335 (89-80-83-83) and Mhairi McKay (West Kilbride) 371 (97-89-92-83).


HARDER HALL COUNTRY CLUB, SEBRING, FLORIDA
FINAL TOTALS
Par 288 (4x72). Yardage 6151

1 Hull, Charley ENGLAND 70 74 69 69 282
2 Jutanugarn, Ariya THAILAND 72 72 67 73 284
3 Jutanugarn, Moriya THAILAND 75 71 68 71 285
4 Delacour, Perrine FRANCE 76 74 70 69 289
T5 Clyburn, Holly ENGLAND 73 76 74 72 295
T5 Roig, Kyle PEMBROKE PINES, FL 72 72 75 76 295

SELECTED TOTALS
31 Macdonald, Kelsey SCOTLAND 75 81 75 80 311
Hally Leadbetter ENGLAND 76 86 74 85 321
India Clyburn ENGLAND 78 82 81 81 322
Rebecca Wilson SCOTLAND 84 81 79 83 327
Eilidh Briggs SCOTLAND 82 82 83 81 328
Jordana Graham SCOTLAND 89 80 83 83 335
Harriet Beasley ENGLAND 81 86 83 85 335
Carol Semple Thompson US 83 84 88 83 338
Mhairi McKay SCOTLAND 97 89 92 93 371

Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the report

Happy New Year to all our West of Scotland Website Readers

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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS

YOUR WEBMASTER WISHES ALL OUR READERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS -

NEW 2012 GOLF RULES

A Guide to the Rules on Clubs and Balls Guidelines to interpret the Rules relating to the design and manufacture of golf clubs and balls.
.CLICK HERE to read more.

Douglas Park Ladies Wish Everyone a Merry Christmas

94 Ladies attended the Douglas Park Christmas Lunch today -- with good company,good food, fun and many songs
Click on the Picture below, make sure your sound is turned on and please give it time to load.

Kylie, Clare and Lynn all falter in the last round at Dubai

LEXI (16) YOUNGEST PRO WINNER ON LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR

FROM BETHAN CUTLER
Ladies European Tour Media Manager
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: American Lexi Thompson, 16, became the youngest professional golfer to win on the Ladies European Tour when she captured the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters by four shots at Emirates Golf Club today.
Aged 16 years, 10 months, 8 days, she became the second youngest ever Ladies European Tour event winner after South Korean Amy Yang, who was aged 16 years, 6 months, 8 days, when she won the ANZ Ladies Masters in Australia as an amateur, in 2006. 

FINAL TOTALS
Par 288 (4x72)
273 Alexis Thompson (US) 70 66 70 67
277 Lee-Anne Pace (SAf) 69 72 67 69
278 Sophie Gustafson (SWE) 71 67 69 71
279 Becky Morgan (WAL) 70 69 70 70, Stacy Lee Bregman (SAf) 68 73 68 70, Pernilla Lindberg (SWE) 72 68 68 71
281 Alison Walshe (US) 70 74 68 69, Julieta Granada (PAR) 68 71 70 72 282 - Georgina Simpson (ENG) 72 70 73 67, Florentyna Parker (ENG) 72 70 71 69, Caroline Hedwall (SWE) 75 69 68 70
283 Lydia Hall (WAL) 72 74 69 68, Christel Boeljon (NL) 69 72 73 69, Sara Brown (USA) 71 71 72 69, Margherita Rigon (ITA) 70 68 74 71, Michelle Wie (USA) 73 67 71 72
284 Louise Larsson (SWE) 71 69 77 67, Minea Blomqvist (FIN) 68 73 75 68, Louise Stahle (SWE) 72 70 71 71, Linda Wessberg (SWE) 68 73 71 72, Carlota Ciganda (ESP) 71 72 69 72
285 Dewi Claire Schreefel (NL) 74 69 73 69, Melissa Reid (ENG) 72 71 72 70, Lotta Wahlin (SWE) 66 74 74 71
286 - Anna Nordqvist (SWE) 75 72 68 71, Veronica Zorzi (ITA) 74 70 68 74
287 Carmen Alonso (ESP) 73 73 70 71, Nikki Garrett (AUS) 72 75 69 71, Liebelei Elena Lawrence (LU) 70 72 70 75
288 Tandi Cuningham (SAf) 69 78 72 69, Becky Brewerton (WAL) 67 75 76 70, Sophie Giquel-Bettan (FRA) 70 74 74 70, Anne-Lise Caudal (FRA) 72 72 72 72, Elisabeth Esterl (GER) 70 71 74 73, Beth Allen (USA) 69 72 72 75, Diana Luna (ITA) 69 73 71 75
289 Rebecca Flood (AUS) 74 73 73 69, Malene Jorgensen (DEN) 72 74 72 71, Hannah Jun (USA) 73 70 72 74, Giulia Sergas (ITA) 75 69 71 74, Kylie Walker (SCO) 72 70 72 75, Maria Verchenova (RUS) 69 74 69 77
290 Lorie Kane (CAN) 74 70 73 73, Caroline Westrup (SWE) 70 76 70 74, Carin Koch (SWE) 73 73 69 75
291 Marianne Skarpnord (NOR) 76 70 73 72, Jaclyn Sweeney (USA) 69 74 74 74 292 Klara Spilkova (CZE) 72 75 74 71, Christina Kim (USA) 73 74 71 74
293 Kim Welch (USA) 73 74 74 72, Lynnette Brooky (NZ) 71 72 77 73, Sophie Sandolo (ITA) 72 73 74 74, Cassandra Kirkland (FRA) 70 76 72 75, Rebecca Codd (IRE) 73 73 72 75, Kaisa Ruuttila (FIN) 71 72 74 76, Karen Lunn (AUS) 70 73 74 76, Nontaya Srisawang (THA) 74 69 71 79
294 Stacey Keating (AUS) 70 77 74 73, Caroline Afonso (FRA) 70 74 72 78
295 Tania Elosegui (ESP) 73 74 73 75 296 - Jenni Kuosa (FIN) 72 75 74 75, Clare Queen (SCO) 74 70 74 78, Julie Maisongrosse (FRA) 69 76 72 79 297 - Ursula Wikstrom (FIN) 72 73 78 74, Jade Schaeffer (FRA) 74 72 75 76, Rachel Jennings (ENG) 71 76 74 76
300 Lynn Kenny (SCO) 73 74 74 79

Kylie Walker is doing well in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Lexi Thompson of the United States says that she will just ‘have fun and relax’ as she goes in pursuit of her second professional title at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters on Saturday.
The 16-year-old, from Coral Springs in Florida birdied the 18th hole at Emirates Golf Club today to move a stroke ahead of the field going into the final round.

West of Scotland's Kylie Walker had another par round today to remain 2 under after the 3 rounds. Clare Queen and Lynn Kenny both had 2 over par rounds today. The other Scot in the field Vikki Laing did not make the cut
THIRD-ROUND SCOREBOARD
Par 216 (3x72)
206 Alexis Thompson (US) 70 66 70
207 Sophie Gustafson (SWE) 71 67 69
208 Lee-Anne Pace (SAf) 69 72 67 , Pernilla Lindberg (SWE) 72 68 68
209 Stacy Lee Bregman (SAf) 68 73 68 , Becky Morgan (WAL) 70 69 70 , Julieta Granada (PAR) 68 71 70
211 Michelle Wie (US) 73 67 71
212 Alison Walshe (US) 70 74 68 , Veronica Zorzi (ITA) 74 70 68 , Caroline Hedwall (SWE) 75 69 68 , Carlota Ciganda (ESP) 71 72 69 , Maria Verchenova (RUS) 69 74 69 , Liebelei Elena Lawrence (LU) 70 72 70 , Linda Wessberg (SWE) 68 73 71 , Margherita Rigon (ITA) 70 68 74
213 Louise Stahle (SWE) 72 70 71 , Florentyna Parker (ENG) 72 70 71 , Diana Luna (ITA) 69 73 71 , Beth Allen (USA) 69 72 72
214 Nontaya Srisawang (THA) 74 69 71, Kylie Walker (SCO) 72 70 72 , Sara Brown (US) 71 71 72 , Christel Boeljon (NL) 69 72 73 , Lotta Wahlin (SWE) 66 74 74
215 Anna Nordqvist (SWE) 75 72 68 , Lydia Hall (WAL) 72 74 69 , Carin Koch (SWE) 73 73 69 , Giulia Sergas (ITA) 75 69 71 , Hannah Jun (US) 73 70 72 , Melissa Reid (ENG) 72 71 72 , Georgina Simpson (ENG) 72 70 73 , Elisabeth Esterl (GER) 70 71 74
Other Scots:
217 Clare Queen (SCO) 74 70 74
221 Lynn Kenny (SCO) 73 74 74,

Message from D&A's Jean Campbell from Florida

Jean is the one on the left 

 Camilo Villegas reads his putt

This was how I appeared on tv last Friday!!!!
John and I went with our German friends to the Franklin Templeton Shootout at Tiburon Golf Club at the Ritz Carlton resort in Naples, this was us at the 18th and enjoyed the day - Scotty McCarron was taking the mickey out of Camilo Villegas who as you know is one for spreadeagling himself along the ground to read a putt - so Scotty lay on his back and when he got up - he did hole out. Later, the four of them came to a golf clinic which Norman hosted - they showed us all sorts of shots, questions were invited and the kids were made very welcome and encouraged to ask questions, they then had about ten youngsters aged 10 - 16 who then showed us what they could do and boy it was impressive - professional golfers in the making. I did of course take one of the free hats and got Norman, Fowler and McCarron to sign it - Rickie Fowler asked me if I would like a game but I am far to busy to fit a game into MY busy schedule!!!!

There was the usual stalls for all sorts of things and in one of the places, I took part in a putting competition and for holing three putts in a row - got a head cover - they did take a picture and you could choose whatever background - the US OPEN or St. Andrews - I chose the Scottish venue! We then went into Naples and had dinner on 5th Avenue so a nice finish to the day.

THANKS FOR YOUR NEWS JEAN -- AND DELIGHTED TO SEE YOU ARE NOW A TV STAR !!

Kylie Walker does well in the India Open

Caroline Hedwall notched the fourth win of her rookie season on the Ladies European Tour with a closing 69 at the Hero Women’s Indian Open today.
The 22-year-old Swede had five birdies and two bogeys in her final round at DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon, New Delhi, to finish with a winning score of 12 under 204 - two ahead of Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum.
Many Congrats go to West Of Scotland's Kylie Walker who finished well up the field
Leading Final Scores
Par 216 (3x72)
204 Caroline Hedwall (SWE) 67 68 69
206 Pornanong Phatlum (THA) 67 69 70
208 Becky Morgan (WAL) 70 69 69
209 Lee-Anne Pace (SA) 69 72 68, Linda Wessberg (SWE) 70 66 73 
Scottish Scores:
215 Vikki Laing (SCO) 69 70 76 
217  Kylie Walker (SCO) 70 73 74 ,
219  Carly Booth (SCO) 75 73 72 , 
222 Lynn Kenny (SCO) 72 76 74,
To read the full report go the the Gillian Kirkwood Website 

Milngavie have their Greenlees Team Party

A fun evening was held at Captain Anna Telfer's house on Friday, December 2nd to celebrate their (3 in a row) success in winning the Greenlees Trophy in 2011.
After a delicious buffet - everyone brought a dish - and lots of toasts with champagne, the laughter continued with games and quizzes.
Roll on 2012!!

A slideshow by Smilebox

Thanks go to Team Captain Anna Telfer for the photographs

Moira Thomson Funeral Arrangements

Moira's funeral will be at 2pm on Wednesday 30th November at Mortonhall Crematorium.

All friends are welcome afterwards at the Nether Abbey Hotel, Dirleton Avenue, North Berwick to join the family in a celebration of Moira's life.

May Hughes receives Honorary Membership at the Lanarkshire County AGM

Lanarkshire Ladies County Golf Association's leading prizewinners after the annual meeting and presentation or prizes at Cambuslang Golf Club last night. County champion Rachael Taylor who lives in Germany could not be present. Pictures by courtesy of Jean Macintyre.

LANARKSHIRE HONOURS MAY HUGHES

Long-playing Lanark Golf Club member May Hughes received Honorary Membership of the county at the AGM. This was the speech given by county captain Lesley Lloyd when making the presentation:

"May Hughes has been a member of LLCGA since 1979 and played for the County Team between 1983 and 2010. May was selected for this year’s team but decided it was time to hang up her red jersey. 

During that time, especially in the 1980s and early 1990s, Lanarkshire were a very successful team and May was part of a winning team that qualified for and won the Scottish County Finals on 4 occasions.   

May was County Champion in 1993, 2003 & 2004 and runner-up on 3 other occasions.  As well as being a very successful golfer, May served on Committee from 1996-99 and she was County Captain in 2008 and 2009 in our Centenary Year. 

Since becoming eligible for Seniors and Vets golf May has twice been West of Scotland Vets Champion in 2008 and 2010, was runner up in the Scottish Vets Championship in 2010, represented the Scottish Vets Team on five occasions and this year represented Scotland in the Senior Home International Matches. 

May, in recognition of your outstanding contribution and commitment to Lanarkshire Ladies County Golf Association over many years I would ask you to accept Honorary membership of our Association."

To read the full report go to the Lanarkshire County Website

An Evening in the Memory of Jean Watson

Belle Robertson and John Watson

John Watson and his family held an evening in memory of his mother Jean Watson who died earlier this year at the age of 88. Approximately 100 guests attended the evening on Saturday 19th November. The guests included former Curtis Cup Players Belle Robertson and Wilma Leburn (Aitken), many D&A Past Captains and members from Douglas Park Golf Club.
John, Susan (Jean's daughter) and D&A and Douglas Park's Elinor Grant all recounted their happy memories.

Jean Watson who had been six times Lady Champion of Douglas Park Golf Club, Douglas Park's Ladies Captain in 1965, D&A County Captain 1973 - 74 and on many occasions a member of the D&A County Team. She was the winner of the West of Scotland Ladies Veteran's Championship in 1974, 1978,1979,1983,and 1984 and finalist in the Scottish Ladies Veterans Championship in 1979. For 30 years she performed the duties of Handicap Secretary to the Ladies Section.
In 1965 Jean won the LGU Gold Medal for Scotland at Gleneagles. She was Captain of the Scottish Ladies' Veteran Golf Association in 1985 and 1986 and Jean played for the Scottish Vets for 10 years between 1976 and 1986.
In recognition of her many playing successes, her service to the Club, and the honour she brought by her membership of the Scottish and National ruling bodies, Jean was elected an Honorary Member in 1979.
To see some photographs from the evening Click on the small thumbnail below

Jean Watson

The video below is of John Watson and Elinor Grant (Bunny) giving their tributes to Jean.
Go to your Webmaster's Video Channel to see some of the other videos

Pamela finishes in the top 20 in the Murcia Open at La Manga

After both shooting 70 in the final round of the Murcia Ladies Open to finish at five under par 214, the defending champion Julie Tvede from Denmark and Spain’s Carlota Ciganda played off on the Sunday Morning with Ciganda being the winner.
Heather MacRae (Gleneagles) was the top Scot, finishing T9 on 223 with scores of 76, 70 and 77. She had a double bogey 6 at the 15th for the second successive day. Heather's take-home pay amounted to 675 Euros.
British amateur international Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle), who entered the tournament because it was being played over La Manga's South Course which is the same one that will be used for January's LET Qualifying School, finished one shot behind Heather but T17 was her final position after rounds of 73, 75 and 76. She had a birdie 3 at the 14th in the final round. The same hole cost her a double bogey 6 in the first round.
LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 219 (3x73)
214 Carlota Ciganda (Spain) 68 76 70, Julie Tvede (Denmark) 72 70 70 (Ciganda bt Tvede in play-off completed Sunday morning). Ciganda 3,062 Euros; Tvede 1,902 Euros).
217 Maria Beautell (Spain) 72 74 71 (1,342 Euros).
218 Daisy Nielsen (Denmark) (am) 71 72 74.

SCOTS' TOTALS
223 Heather MacRae 76 70 77 (T9) (675 Euros)
224 Pamela Pretswell (am) 73 75 76 (T17)

MISSED THE CUT (153 or better qualified for the final round)
159 Katy McNicoll 73 86.
164 Pamela Feggans 76 86.

DEATH OF MOIRA THOMSON (61) SHOCKS SCOTTISH GOLF

By Gillian Kirkwood

It is with huge regret that I report the death of Moira Thomson (nee Dewar) at the young age of 61.   
She died this morning (19th November) at the Western General Hospital.   I am sure all who read this will be as shocked as I am at the speed in which her illness took her.   It has been only 13 weeks since her diagnosis,  and she fought a courageous battle to the end.
Moira won the Scottish Girls Championship at Dalmahoy in 1968.   Starting out as a County player for Midlothian, and then a stalwart of the East Lothian County team,  she really came into her own on reaching the age for seniors golf,  and was a regular Scottish Senior International player for over 10 years.   
She worked very hard on her golf in these latter years,  and gained the respect of her international colleagues as a strong match player.  She thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of senior golf and her  friends at Gullane will miss her in their regular Saturday game.
Our heartfelt sympathies go to her husband Alastair, her daughter Claire and son Andrew, her sister Anne and their families.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

To read more go to the EAST VETS WEBSITE -- Some memories from recent times are seen in the photos below CLICK HERE for larger photos

MURCIA LADIES OPEN PLAY SUSPENDED: SCOTS IN TOP TEN

The second round of the 54-hole Murcia Ladies Open over the South Course, La Manga will be completed early Saturday morning after electrical storms in the south-east region of Spain forced a suspension of play this afternoon.
Heather MacRae (Gleneagles) and amateur international Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle) will have nine holes to complete before going out again for the third and final round.
They are both two over par overall, Pamela Pretswell, playing the second nine first, dropped three shots over her first three holes. MacRae started badly but birdied the fourth, sixth and eighth before play was halted.
Ayrshire's Pamela Feggans also has nine holes to complete but, having run up a quadruple bogey 8 at the third and taken 44 shots for the first nine to be 12 over par overall, she has little chance of surving the cut, forecast to be at four-over 150.
Carnoustie's Katy McNicoll was one of the few to complete her second round and she had a disastrous 83 with one triple boge3y and two double bogeys to be joint 66th on 159.
Danish amateur Daisy Nielsen, with nine holes to play, leads at three under par by one shot from Danielle McVeigh (Ireland), also halfway through her second round, with overnight leader Carlota Ciganda (Spain) one under par with six holes to play.

TO VIEW ALL THE SCORES ON THE LET ACCESS SERIES WEBSITE

CLICK HERE

Autumn Mailing --- FROM THE SLGA

From the SLGA WEBSITE
The SLGA Autumn Mailing to clubs was posted on 16 November 2011.
It contains a letter from the Chairman, Shona Malcolm, a conditions of competition checklist, the mailing update form and the 2012 subscription form.  --- CLICK ON THE LINKS

Seminars on handicapping and the Rules of Golf will be held between 6 December 2011 and 19 January 2012 at locations round the country. An invitation and booking form, for a maximum of 4 attendees per club (ladies and Men), are also in the pack.

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club - Special Temporary Winter Membership

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club are inviting golfers to their club for the period up till 15th March 2012 as  a  Temporary Winter Member. Any golfer who then decides to join their club will be credited the cost of the Temporary Membership. The Glasgow Herald ran an article on Golf Clubs on Wednesday 16th November where their initiative was feature. If you are considering giving Golf at the Castle as a trial then the cost for the four months is only  £200 and fully credited to next years subscription / entry fee if they take up membership. Read more at - Ranfurly Castle Website

MERGER BETWEEN EWGA AND EGU COMES INTO EFFECT ON JAN 1

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE ENGLISH WOMEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION
The merger of the English Golf Union (EGU) and the English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) was approved yesterday at simultaneous general meetings of both organisations.
The merger will come into effect on January 1 and will create England Golf, one national governing body to represent all amateur golfers in England.
The merger proposal was approved by 86 per cent of the voting members of the EGU, meeting at its headquarters in Woodhall Spa; and by 100 per cent of the voting members of the EWGA, meeting at the National Motor Cycle Museum at Solihull. Both organisations had to approve the proposal by a majority of at least 75 per cent for it to be successful.
The decision was immediately hailed as a triumph for golf and a vital step forward for the game.
Sylvia Perrins, EWGA Interim Chairman, and Nigel Evans, the EGU Chairman, said: “This merger is in the best interests of golf and we are delighted that it has been given overwhelming support by our members. We look forward to a new era and to realising our vision for the future.
“England Golf will speak with one voice and send out the powerful, modern message that golf is a game for all, for men and women, boys and girls.
“A unified organisation, which promotes both the men’s and women’s game, will be more attractive to new golfers, will help us to grow the game, will be more appealing to commercial partners and sponsors and will mean we can be more cost effective.”
The merger vote followed a long period of consultation and preparation, which began in 2009 when a steering group was formed of members of both organisations.
Following lengthy discussions, and the involvement of ten working groups, the proposal was produced and ratified by the Boards of both organisations before being put to the voting members.
Key points of the merger
• The headquarters of England Golf will initially be at the National Golf Centre at Woodhall Spa. The EWGA offices in Edgbaston will continue in use until at least October 2012.
• The counties will continue to be the voting members. Counties will be encouraged to merge their Unions and Associations, but this will not be mandatory.
• The Board of England Golf will initially include 10 stakeholder non-executive directors, six nominated by the EGU and four women nominated by the EWGA. One of these 10 will be nominated as Chairman.
• The first sole President of England Golf will be a woman. The President will be supported by the immediate Past President and the President-Elect. One of these three will always be a woman.
• Club golf will go on, from day-to-day, as it does now, but members will benefit from the positive perceptions created by the merger and by the better support available for clubs.
• All the championships and tournaments currently run by the EWGA and the EGU will continue.
• The regional and group structures of the two organisations will continue to run competitions. The decision-making role of the EWGA regional committees will end.
• Affiliation fees for men and women will be harmonised and will be equal by January 1, 2014. Women will continue to pay an additional subscription to the Ladies Golf Union.
Lyndsey Hewison
Press and PR Officer
EWGA

Rules Officials are needed

The SLGA are seeking candidates to train as Rules Officials. They are looking for those who have already passed the SGU Rules Exam or people interested in sitting this exam. This involves a two day course with an exam at the end and which involves a cost. This would allow someone to officiate at club or county level and she may be asked to assist at Scottish events.
Those who have successfully passed the SGU exam, at the invitation of the SLGA, may be put forward to sit the more advanced R&A exam. The SLGA fund this exam.
If you are interested in having your name put forward please contact Carol Fell by 30th November.

Shiskine November 12 Hole Medal

November 12 hole Medal (SSS 44, CSS 46)

Pat Adamson (10) 46
Sheila Gray (10) 47
Sally Brookes (12) 48
Best Scratch Player: Pat Adamson Score: 56

November Winter Stableford results from Largs Golf Club

Winter Medal Wednesday Stableford - Ladies (SSS 73, CSS 73) --- 2nd November 2011

Jan Dow (24) 25
Doris Corkindale (28) 23
Margaret Brown (28) 21


Winter Medal Saturday Stableford - Ladies (SSS 73, CSS 73) --- 5th November 2011

Rachel Irvine (12) 38
Christine Whitelaw (10) 26
Lauren Gilbert (19) 24

The Ladies Golf Club Troon -- 9 Hole Stableford and November Medal

9 Hole Stableford -- Played 1st November 2011

Julie Mackie (8) 16
Gillian Macpherson (9) 15
Morag Holm (9) 13
Sue Fraser (13) 14
Norma Gorman (15) 20
E Jane Thomson (12) 17

November Medal (SSS 73) -- Played 4th November 2011

Player Net score
Silver: Anne Howie (18) 72 ; Elaine Munn (8) 73; Anne Mackellar (15) [acb] 75
Bronze: Anne Gilchirst (24) 76; Margaret Quin (22) [acb] 78; Shirley McGill (34) 78
Best Scratch Player; Elaine Munn 84

WEST OF SCOTLAND'S MHAIRI McKAY INDUCTED INTO STANFORD UNI HALL OF FAME

From the Kirkwood Golf Website

Mhairi McKay was tonight (California time) being inducted into the Stanford University Athletic Hall of Fame.
The following article is from the Stanford University website:
STANFORD, California - A native of Glasgow, Scotland, Mhairi McKay was the first international golfer to be offered in scholarship at Stanford. A three-time first team All-America selection for the Cardinal in 1994, '96 and '97, McKay helped Stanford to three Top-5 finishes at the NCAA Championships before going on to enjoy a successful career on the LPGA Tour.
As a professional, McKay represented Europe on two Solheim Cup teams, claimed her first professional victory at the 2003 AAMI Australian Women's Open and enjoyed three Top-10 finishes at the U.S. Women's Open.
GoStanford.com recently caught up with Mhairi to get her thoughts on her selection to Stanford's Athletic Hall of Fame, her favourite memories from her years on The Farm, her Scottish roots, her LPGA career and more.
What are some of your thoughts about being selected to Stanford's Athletic Hall Fame?
When the phone call came from the athletic department informing me of my selection for the Hall of Fame I remember just being completely stunned and taken aback. Such an honour I had given no thought to. Obviously I was aware of the great Stanford golfers already inducted, Mickey Wright, Tom Watson, Tiger Woods to name but a few; their stratospheric achievements have been an inspiration to me throughout my career. Following in their footsteps is very surreal, flattering and humbling.
The timing of the call came at a particular poignant moment for my family. We had just been evacuated the previous day from our home in Los Alamos, New Mexico, because of the Los Conchas forest fire. At the time we worried as the fire came within 1.5 miles of our home so the call was blessed relief and cause for celebration.
You were the first international player to be offered a scholarship to play golf at Stanford. What were some of the factors that pointed you to The Farm?
I have so many people to thank for their part in my Stanford scholarship all the way from Glasgow, Scotland. Firstly, my parent's close friends, Charlie and Joyce Scott, from our golf club in Glasgow were responsible for making initial contact with Tim Baldwin the then-women's golf coach after a round of golf at the university course. After that chance meeting, Coach Baldwin made contact with me and before I knew it my father and I were headed to the States (our first ever visit to USA) on a recruitment trip to check out Stanford and another prestigious university.
Ironically, the weather was very un-Californian, actually quite Scottish! Not that that bothered me, I was simply in awe of this amazing campus, Palm Drive, the Quad, the people associated with the university, driving range and golf course you could just fall out of bed on to, not forgetting all the other amazing sports facilities. I went to class with one of the girls on the team - psych with Professor Zimbardo - who lectured on his infamous Stanford Prison experiment. This sure doesn't happen in Scotland and how could all this incredible activity happen in one small place? I was overcome, yet in heaven!
The coach from the second university tried hard when I arrived there a few days later, but I already had my heart set on Stanford. Really there was no decision!
But I can't thank Tim Baldwin enough for taking the chance on a wee girl from Scotland whom he'd never seen swing a club! Who does that? Hence, I feel this honour is as much to do with Coach Baldwin giving me the opportunity of a lifetime.

TO READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE, INCLUDING MHAIRI'S MEMORIES OF TIGER WOODS,

CLICK HERE

West Renfrewshire AGM and Presentation of Trophies

The West Renfrewshire League AGM and Presentation of Trophies was held at Ranfurly Castle Golf Club this evening Wednesday 9 November.
18 ladies attended with tea being provided at the beginning of the evening. The business was completed promptly which included an agreement to allow the use of Sky Caddies in matches. This allowed the representatives a chance to mix and also to put some provisional dates in the 2012 playing diary.
The Divisional Trophies were presented to the winning Clubs by Ranfurly Castle's Lady Captain Karin Mackenzie

Sue Lyon (Ranfurly Castle) Division 1 Winners

Division 2 Winners Silvanna Middleton (Renfrew)

Division 3 Winners Rena Simpson (Kilmacolm)

Final Results:
Division 1: Ranfurly Castle and Gleddoch were level on points and games won. Ranfurly Castle were confirmed as the winners after a count back of "holes up".
Division 2: Winners: Renfrew, Runners up: Caldwell.
Division 3: Kilmacolm and Gourock were joint leaders with Kilmacolm the winners as they had won the most games.

Thanks go to Ranfurly Castle's Agnes Williamson for the photographs

THE NATURAL LAWS OF GOLF ONLY A TRUE GOLFER WILL UNDERSTAND THESE

Thanks go to Ann Wallace (Prestwick St Nicholas) for this one.

1. Don't buy a putter until you've had a chance to throw it.

2. Never try to keep more than 300 separate thoughts in your mind during your swing.

3. When your shot has to carry over a water hazard, you can either hit one more club or two more balls.

4. If you're afraid a full shot might reach the green while the foursome ahead of you is still
putting out, you have two options: you can immediately shank a lay-up or you can wait until the green is clear and top a ball halfway there.

5. The less skilled the player, the more likely he is to share his ideas about the golf swing.

6. No matter how bad you are playing, it is always possible to play worse.

7. The inevitable result of any golf lesson is the instant elimination of the one critical unconscious motion that allowed you to compensate for all of your many other error.

8. Everyone replaces his divot after a perfect approach shot.

9. A golf match is a test of your skill against your opponents' luck.

10. It is surprisingly easy to hole a fifty foot putt; for a 10.

11. Counting on your opponent to inform you when he breaks a rule is like expecting him to make fun of his own haircut.

12. Nonchalant putts count the same as chalant putts.

13. It's not a gimme if you're still 5 feet away.

14. The shortest distance between any two points on a golf course is a straight line that passes directly through the center of a very large tree.

15. You can hit a two acre fairway 10% of the time and a two inch branch 90% of the time.

16. If you really want to get better at golf, go back and take it up at a much earlier age.

17. Since bad shots come in groups of three, a fourth bad shot is actually the beginning of the next group of three.

18. When you look up, causing an awful shot, you will always look down again at exactly the moment when you ought to start watching the ball if you ever want to see it again.

19. Every time a golfer makes a birdie, he must subsequently make two triple bogeys to restore the fundamental equilibrium of the universe.

20. If you want to hit a 7 iron as far as Tiger Woods does, simply try to lay up just short of a water hazard.

21. To calculate the speed of a player's downswing, multiply the speed of his back-swing by his handicap; I.e., back-swing 20 mph , handicap 15, downswing = 300 mph.

22. There are two things you can learn by stopping your back-swing at the top and checking the position of your hands: how many hands you have, and which one is wearing the glove.

23. Hazards attract; fairways repel. Keep this in mind.

24. A ball you can see in the rough from 50 yards away is not yours.

25. If there is a ball on the fringe and a ball in the bunker, your ball is in the bunker. If both balls are in the bunker, yours is in the footprint.

26. It's easier to get up at 6:00 AM to play golf than at 10:00 to mow the lawn.

27. A good drive on the 18th hole has stopped many a golfer from giving up the game.

28. Golf is the perfect thing to do on Sunday because you always end up having to pray a lot.

29. A good golf partner is one who's always slightly worse than you are....that's why I get so many calls to play with friends.

30. If there's a storm rolling in, you'll be having the game of your life.

31. Golf balls are like eggs. They're white. They're sold by the dozen. And you need to buy fresh ones each week.

32. It's amazing how a golfer who never helps out around the house will replace his divots, repair his ball marks, and rake his sand traps.

33. If your opponent has trouble remembering whether he shot a six or a seven, he probably shot an eight (or worse).

34. It takes longer to learn to be a good golfer than it does to become a brain surgeon. On the other hand, you don't get to ride around on a cart, drink beer, eat hot dogs and fart, if you’re performing Brain Surgery!!!!

Milngavie Golf Club Junior Prize giving -- Megan Adair wins her 1st Trophy

Megan Adair

There is a trophy for the best Junior girl on Juniors Day at Milngavie Golf Club. Megan Adair, who is  Jill Foggo's 14 year old niece, won the Carol Dougan trophy at today's Junior Prizegiving.
Megan is still a relative beginner so it was nice for her to win her first trophy and hopefully this will encourage her for the future.
WELL DONE MEGAN AND THANKS JILL FOR YOUR NEWS

West Vets AGM -- A successful year

West Vets Captain Fiona Roger and Vice Captain Anna Telfer
Scottish Vets Captain and Senior Home International Captain - Helen Faulds

On Thursday 3rd November the West Vets AGM was held at Cowglen Golf Club. West Vets Captain Fiona Roger (Ranfurly Castle) chaired the meeting and gave an excellent report on a very successful 2011 season. May Hughes (Lanark) and Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) also both gave reports on the Mary McKenna Trophy and the Annual Vets Jamboree respectively. Scottish Vets Captain Helen Faulds (pictured above) showed off the new colours for the Scottish Vets team
The prize giving took place at the end of the meeting
To read the full report go to the West Vets Website

County AGMS - RLCGA AND D&A

Some RLCGA Prizewinners

Renfrewshire Ladies County Golf Association held their Annual General Meeting and Prizegiving last Wednesday - 2nd November at Haggs Castle Golf Club.
Wendy Cameron was announced as their new Honorary Life President , Maureen Woodhead (Captain) and Gillian McGinlay (Vice Captain)

To read the full RLCGA AGM report, see photographs and the full prizewinners list --- GO TO THE RLCGA WEBSITE   --   then click on Home and the bottom of that post to get all there posts

Some D&A prizewinners - Click to enlarge

D&A held their AGM the previous Wednesday and Alisoun Fairbairn (Troon) was appointed as Captain with Carol Sim (Balmore) her new Vice captain

Ayrshire and Lanarkshire County AGM's are still to take place