Ayrshire Girls' Centenary Trophy

Photographs Courtesy of June Kerr

10 girls competed in the Centenary Trophy played over the Kintyre Course at Turnberry on Sunday.   There was a reasonable wind blowing but plenty of sunshine making conditions lovely for this beautiful part of the Ayrshire coastline.   Emma Paterson (Loudoun) who recently won the Ayrshire Girls' St. Nicholas Trophy, completed the double by taking the Centenary Trophy with 41 points in this stableford competition.   Results below:-

Silver              1st   Lauren Gilbert (Largs)           39 points
                      2nd  Rachel Irvine (Largs)            35 points
                      3rd   Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies)  34 points

Bronze            1st   Emma Paterson (Loudoun)        41 points  -  Trophy Winner
                      2nd  Louise Duncan (West Kilbride)   40 points
                      3rd  Fiona Campbell (Bentinck Ladies)  25 points

The Pre-Handicap girls played the 9 hole Arran Course - results are as follows:-

1st    Rachel Hart (Troon Ladies)           48 bih
2nd   Emily McAlpine (West Kilbride)      48
3rd   Alison Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas)  59

Putting Competition winner was Alison Malcolm

Thanks go to June Kerr for the report and photographs

DAY ONE DISAPPOINTMENT FOR SCOTLAND AND IRELAND AT CORK

Fiona Norris -- Scotland Team Captain -- Courtesy of Colin Farquharson

Report by Colin Farquharson
Scotland and Ireland made disappointing starts to the Women's Home International matches at a bright and breezy Cork golf course in southern Ireland today
The Scots were beaten 6-3 by Wales. Last year, at Hillside, Scotland lost "only" 5-4 to the Welsh.
Ireland, thrashed 8-1 12 months ago by England, were on the receiving end of an even worse defeat at Cork ... whitewashed 9-0 by the defending champions.
The morning foursomes had ended with the promise of better things to come as Kelsey MacDonald and Rachael Watton birdied the last to salvage a square match and a share of the spoils with Wales at 1 1/2pt each.
Laura Murray (Alford) and Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) had secured the one morning Scottish win by two holes over Curtis Cup player Amy Boulden and Becky Harries.
But the afternoon singles were a huge disappointment for the Scots' supporters.
Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) lost by 3 and 2 to Amy Boulden but, to be fair, Eilidh had a match-play tiger by the tail. Amy had five birdies on the outward half and was three up at the turn.
Chloe Williams trimmed Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) by 4 and 2. The Welsh youngster won four holes on the outward half and just when Kelsey was mounting a late surge, Williams conjured up an eagle 3 at the 15th to go back to three up.
Alyson McKechin had halved match with Katie Bradbury in a tight contest in which there was never more than a hole in it either way.
Scottish U18 girls champion Lauren Whyte (St Regulus), making her adult team debut for Scotland, lost by one hole to Gemma Bradbury after being three up on the eighth tee.
Young Lauren was still one up with two to play but her opponent staged a smash-and-grab victory by winning the 17th and 18th holes.
Scottish champion Laura Murray went down by 2 and 1 to Samantha Birks. Laura was three down at the turn but fought her way back to all square after 13 but Birks won the 14th and 15th and held on for victory.
Jane Turner (Craigielaw), playing the anchor role for the Scots, did her job with the only singles victory. She beat former Welsh champion Becky Harries by 4 and 3 after winning four of the first six holes.
Things can only get better for Scotland - or can they? They play the rampant England in their next match.

WALES 6, SCOTLAND 3
Foursomes - Amy Boulden and Becky Harries lost to Laura Murray and Alyson McKechin 2 holes, Chloe Williams and Katie Bradbury beat Eilidh Briggs and Jane Turner 3 and 1, Katherin O'Connor and Samantha Birks halved with Kelsey MacDonald and Rachael Watton (1 1/2-1 1/2)
SINGLES - Boulden beat Briggs 3 and 2, Williams bt MacDonald 4 and 2, Katie Bradbury halved with McKechin, Gemma Bradbury beat Lauren Whyte 1 hole, Birks beat Murray 2 and 1, Harries lost to Turner 4 and 3 (4 1/2-1 1/2)

IRELAND 0, ENGLAND 9
FOURSOMES - Gillian O'Leary and Sarah Cunningham lost to Kelly Tidy and Alexandra Peters 4 and 3, Mary Dowling and Jessica Carty lost to Georgia Hall and Emily Taylor 3 and 1, Deirdre Smith and Chloe Ryan lost to Holly Clyburn and Bronte Law 4 and 3 (0-3)
SINGLES - Maria Dunne lost to Tidy 8 and 7, Carty lost to Hall 3 and 1, Lucy Simpson lost to Amber Ratcliffe 3 and 1, O'Leary lost to Clyburn 3 and 2, Smith lost to Peters 2 and 1, Cunningham lost to Taylor 4 and 3 (0-6)
WEDNESDAY'S MATCHES
England v Scotland, Ireland v Wales.

SOUTHSIDE LEAGUE UPDATE

It's been an interesting week for South Side League. The weather, as you know, has been pretty awful and has resulted in more rearrangements. Matches have also had to be curtailed to 15 holes but even then are still finishing in the dark!

Sadly, East Renfrewshire have been unable to field a team and have withdrawn from the league with 3 games unplayed.

The standings to date are thus:

Whitecraigs 26.5 points from 7 matches
Cowglen 26.5 from 8
Eastwood 26 from 8
Bonnyton 25 from 8
Williamwood 23 from 7
Cathcart Castle 23 from 8
Haggs Castle 21.5 from 8
Kirkhill 13 from 6
East Renfrewshire 10 from 8
Thanks go to Lesley Giblin (SSL Secretary) for the report and update

EUROPEAN SENIOR'S TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP -- DAY 1

The European Ladies' Team Championship is taking place at Lugano in Switzerland from 4th to 8th September.  Helen Faulds (Douglas Park) is Captain of the team who are representing Scotland at this Team Championship. West of Scotland player Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) is in the team

The Team representing Scotland:
Heather Anderson  (Blairgowrie)
Lorna Bennett  (Ladybank)
Alison Bartlett  (Royal Dornoch)
Alex Glennie  (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Mary Smith  (Tain)
Fiona de Vries  (St Rule)

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW HOW SCOTLAND ARE DOING. --- 5 scores out of 6 to count (2 rounds) to qualify for the Matchplay stages. Click on the country to see how the individuals are scoring

In what was a tricky conditions, plus rain in the morning, Scotland have finished in 11th position after day 1. The best 5 scores out of 6 to count
Mary Smith had the best score today with a 78.  Eight Teams go through to the first flight Match play stages.

Home Internationals begin tomorrow

Scottish Team -- Courtesy of Colin Farqharson

Report by Colin Farquharson
Scotland skipper -- Lanarkshire's Fiona Norris has relied on her six most experienced players for the opening foursomes against Wales on Day 1 of the Women's Home Internationals at Cork Golf Club, Ireland.
Scottish champion Laura Murray (Alford) and Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) will be the lead-off pair.
Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) and Craigielaw's Jane Turner are the second pairing.
Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) and Denver University student Rachael Watton (Mortonhall) form a strong-looking third string.
Scottish girls chamion Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) and Rachel Walker (Dumfries and Co) are the new caps in the squad. They will get their chance, no doubt, later in the three-day tournament.
"We've had some good practice work so I am hoping we can get off to a good start over what looks like a good match-play course," said Fiona.
Cork golf course was a good enough test of golf to stage the Irish Open at one time but the infrastructure is not there to stage a big tournament in the 21st Century.
England are the hot favourites with World No 4 Georgia Hall and three Curtis Cup players, Holly Clyburn, Bronte Law and Kelly Tidy in their line-up.
First-day matches:
WALES v SCOTLAND
FOURSOMES
8.30 Amy Boulden and Becky Harries v Laura Murray and Alyson McKechin.
8.40 Chloe Williams and Katie Bradbury v Eilidh Briggs and Jane Turner.
8.50 Katherine O'Connor and Samantha Birks v Kelsey MacDonald and Rachael Watton.
IRELAND v ENGLAND
FOURSOMES
9.00 Gillian O'Leary and Sarah Cunningham v Kelly Tidy and Alexandra Peters.
9.10 Mary Dowling and Jessica Carty v Georgia Hall and Emily Taylor.
9.20 Deirdre Smith and Chloe Ryan v Holly Clyburn and Bronte Law.

LANARKSHIRE'S JENNY POTTER AND SUSAN WOOD WIN THE SCOTTISH FOURSOMES TITLE

The Scottish Ladies' Foursomes took place at Muckhart Golf Club on Sunday 2nd September over the Naemoor/Cowden course.  30 couples took part for the Stroke Play title,  Jenny Potter (Cathkin Braes) and Susan Wood (Drumpellier) had the best Scratch Score of 81 on a day when conditions were heavy under foot and preffered lies were in play.  Alison Houston (Milnathort) and Val Purdie (Braehead) had were the best Nett with a 73.  The Winners of the Stroke Play title and Champions for 2012 were Stirling Golf Club, Alison Davidson and Patricia Chillas.
CLICK HERE TO SEE LIST OF PRIZEWINNERS

Also playing yesterday were the Semi-Finals and Final of the Scottish Match Play Foursomes which consisted of teams from Muckhart, Erskine, Williamwood and Carnoustie Caledonia.  Carnoustie Caledonia and Muckhart won through to the Final in the morning session and went on to compete for the title in the afternoon.  Muckhart, with home, advantage took a comanding lead being 5up at the turn but Carnoustie fought back and managed to take the game to the 16th with the Muckhart team, consisting of Laura Walker and Louise Woodburn, winning by 4&2.
CLICK HERE FOR MATCH PLAY RESULTS

TRISH WILSON TO SUCCEED GILLIAN KIRKWOOD AS LGU CHAIRMAN

NEWS RELEASE FROM LGU

The Ladies’ Golf Union (“LGU”) is pleased to announce that Mrs Trish Wilson (England) will succeed Mrs Gillian Kirkwood as Chairman at the Annual General Meeting to be held on February 23, 2013 in Dublin.

An experienced administrator, Trish (pictured) previously served as Chairman of the LGU in 2008, and was instrumental in initiating the modernisation of the organisation. 

Part of that project saw the role of Chairman being redefined, and the term of office being extended from one to three years. Mrs Kirkwood steps down on completion of her three year term of office, after ably guiding the LGU through the implementation of its new business model.

Trish Wilson brings a wealth of golf knowledge and experience to the role of Chairman. 

A past LGU Councillor, English Selector, and Captain of both Club and County, she is also a highly experienced Rules Official having refereed at top professional and amateur events, including The Open Championship, the Ricoh Women’s British Open, the US Women’s Open and this year’s Curtis Cup match at Nairn in Scotland. 

Trish is currently the LGU’s representative on the RandA’s Rules of Golf Committee.

Trish says: “The role of Chairman has changed significantly from my previous time in post, and is much more business focussed and strategic than it used to be. I look forward to the challenge of leading the Executive Council of the LGU and the Board of its operational subsidiary, LGU Championships Limited.”

Acutely aware of the challenges facing ladies’ golf, Trish brings a quiet determination to protecting the legacy of the LGU, promoting the game and further developing the organisation as a strong voice for ladies’ golf. 

She says: “The LGU is world renowned for the high standard of the championships and international matches it hosts, and the focus has to be on continuing to develop and improve our events, both on and off the golf course. 

"The GB and I victory in this year’s Curtis Cup at Nairn gave ladies’ golf a huge boost and I would hope the LGU can capitalise on this to promote the game to new participants and supporters.

"The LGU has a major role to play in encouraging golf at all levels and working in collaboration with other organisations, both in golf and outwith the sport, in the best interests of the game.   

"The world of golf is constantly changing, and the aim will be to keep on top of these changes and make the best of the opportunities arising from them as the LGU works towards its stated goal of becoming financially self-sufficient.

"I look forward to working with my fellow Directors and the executive team over the coming years.”

TEGWEN MATHEWS IS GOING TO CAPTAIN THE CURTIS CUP TEAM AGAIN

From the LGU Press Release
Tegwen Matthews, the Captain of the Great Britain & Ireland Curtis Cup team that scored an historic victory over the USA at Nairn this year, will lead the 2014 team when it defends the trophy on American soil.

The first International Team Captain from Wales, Tegwen proved to be an inspirational and popular leader, and relishes the chance to motivate her team for the 38th Curtis Cup, which will be hosted at the St Louis Country Club, Missouri, in June 2014.

No mean player herself, having been on four successive Curtis Cup teams between 1974 and 1980, Tegwen used that experience and the experience of four years as team manager to Past Captain Mary McKenna MBE, to inspire her team to the first GB&I victory in the biennial match since 1996. She also led the GB&I team to a win in the Astor Trophy Tournament at Fairhaven Golf Club last year, which included victory over a New Zealand team led by the world’s number one amateur Lydia Ko.

Matthews will also captain the Great Britain & Ireland team which takes on the Continent of Europe in the Vagliano Trophy match in June 2013 at Chantilly Golf Club in France.

On being invited to continue as International Team Captain, Tegwen said “I am thrilled, honoured and excited to be invited to be Captain of the GB & I International Ladies Team for a further 2 years. Following our historic Curtis Cup win at Nairn, I would dearly love to raise the bar even higher, by winning back the Vagliano Trophy at Chantilly and retaining the Curtis Cup in St Louis on American soil. Both tough calls, but winning is a habit and I will be doing everything in my power to keep that habit well and truly alive. With many of the Curtis Cup team turning professional, I am sure both teams will look very different, but I know there are a lot of girls waiting in the wings, desperate for the chance, not just to play for GB & I, but to be part of a winning GB & I team. My job is to harness that desire and make the dream a reality.”

The LGU has also announced Scotland’s Elaine Farquharson-Black as Captain of the Junior Vagliano Trophy team, to be played at the same time and venue as the Vagliano Trophy itself. Introduced in 2010, the junior match involves teams of six youngsters, aged 16 and under, going head to head in four sets of matches over a two day period. All six play in two sets of three foursomes and two sets of six singles matches.

Elaine, a solicitor in practice in Aberdeen, played both Curtis Cup and Vagliano Trophy matches on two occasions, having been on winning teams for the Vagliano Trophy in 1989 and 1991and the Curtis Cup at Hoylake in 1992. She was also a member of the winning GB&I team in the Astor (formerly the Commonwealth) Trophy in 1991. The mother of two young boys, she is enthusiastic about her new role as Captain.

Elaine said “Attending this year’s Curtis Cup in Nairn brought back many warm memories for me of representing my country and I am honoured to be asked to Captain the Junior Vagliano team. The match is a wonderful opportunity for our young players embarking on their international careers. I was fortunate to play under several inspirational captains and I hope that I can use my own experiences to help the next generation of golfers develop. I am also looking forward to working with and learning from Tegwen, who led the Curtis Cup team so magnificently at Nairn.”

Anna Hubbard, Wales, a very experienced and successful team manager who supported Tegwen at the Curtis Cup, will be manager to both Captains at Chantilly next year.

West of Scotland's County Team Champions Name their Team.

Iona Stephen -Photograph  Courtesy of Colin Farquharson

The team selected to represent Renfrewshire and the West Division in the Scottish County Finals at Montrose 21 - 23 September is;

Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm)
Donna Jackson (Cochrane Castle)
Gillian Kyle (East Renfrewshire)
Alyson McKechin (Elderslie)
Iona Stephen (Ranfurly Castle)
Linsey Stevenson (Whitecraigs)
Liz Stewart (Greenburn)
Carol Whyte (Windyhill).

Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) is unable to play as she is heading to Turkey to represent Scotland in the World Amateur Team Championship.
Iona Stephen (Ranfurly Castle) who took up golf just over a year ago and now has managed to reduce her handicap down to 4 has been selected as her replacement.  - To read the full report go to the Gillian Kirkwood website

All in the West of Scotland wish the team every success

GLASGOW INDOOR GOLF ACADEMY DEAL THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER

Dear Golfer

 As part of our goal to promote junior golf we are offering customers a fantastic deal throughout the whole of September. For only £8 an adult and up to 2 children can enjoy a 60 minute practice session at weekends. You can practice on both the range and short game areas and as always the practice balls are included in the price. Call us on 0141 429 8622 or visit our website at www.indoorgolfacademies.co.uk for more details of the facilities on offer at the Glasgow Golf Centre.

 Glasgow Golf Centre

FREE Junior practice sessions on Saturday & Sunday mornings throughout September.

During September any adult paying for 60 minutes practice on Saturdays and Sundays between 9am and 12pm can bring up to 2 children, up to age 16, for FREE.

All practice balls are included and hire clubs are available on request.

Emma Hale wins the Nancy Chisholm Trophy at West Kilbride

Some of the Prizewinners - Courtesy of June Kerr

The West Kilbride Girls' Open attracted a good entry from several clubs around the West and South of Scotland, and on a lovely afternoon scoring was very good.   The best scratch, and winner of the Nancy Chisholm Trophy, was Emma Hale (Troon Ladies) who recorded a 2 over par 75.   Local girl Louise Duncan playing off 24 had a net 67 to win the Kandy Bar Cup.   The CSS reduced to 72.  Details as follows:-

Scratch:     Emma Hale (Troon Ladies)   75     Winner of Nancy Chisholm Trophy

Silver Handicap:   1st  Rachel McClelland (Milngavie)    88 (17)  71
                          2nd  Lauren Gilbert (Largs)              88 (16)  72
                          3rd  Jillian Farrell (Cardross)            88 (15)  73 bih
                          4th  Charlotte McCluskey (Whitecraigs) 92 (19)  73

Bronze Handicap:  1st  Louise Duncan (West Kilbride)    91 (24)  67   Winner of Kandy Bar Cup
                           2nd Bekki Allan (West Kilbride)        107 (33) 74
                           3rd  Naimh Kinney (Erskine)            101 (25) 76

Kirsten Brown, Mirren Fraser and Louise Duncan all won Nearest the Pin Prizes

The Pre-handicap competition for the June Kerr Cup was won by Emily McAlpine (West Kilbride) 

Thanks go to June Kerr for the report and photograph 

FOUR SCOTS CLEAR FIRST OPEN HURDLE

Four Scots - Lynn Kenny (Archerfield Links), Claire Queen (Carrick at Loch Lomond), Heather MacRae (Gleneagles) and Nairn Dunbar amateur Kelsey MacDonald - were among the 30 qualifiers at today's (Monday) Ricoh Women's British Open pre-qualifying competition over 18 holes at The Berkshire Golf Club. Kenny and Queen shot one-over-par 73s in a blustery wind, MacRae and MacDonald made it on the limit mark of 74. Kenny (37-36) had double bogeys at the short first and 12th but compensated with birdies at the long sixth, seventh, 11th, long 16th and 17th. Queen (35-38) also had two double bogeys, at the short first and short 10th but an eagle 3 at the sixth and birdies at the second, seventh and 16th carried her through. MacDonald (37-37) had birdies at the long third and long 11th. MacRae (37-37) had two birdies and three bogeys in her first seven holes but settled to cover the last 11 holes with 10 pars and a bogey at the 15th. Scots who missed out were Katy McNicoll (Carnoustie) and Pamela Feggans (Patna, Ayrshire) on 77, amateur Laura Murray (Alford) on 78 and Vikkie Laing (Musselburgh) on 79. Scottish women's amateur champion Murray did "an Adam Scott." She was out in 35 and only one over par with five to play ... but she ran up a triple bogey 7 at the 14th and a double bogey 6 at the 18th to miss out by four. US-based Janice Moodie - a surprise name among the entries - did not show up. Seventeen-year-old Lancashire lass Emily Taylor (Hillside), the English girls champion and winner of the Under-18s title at last week's British women's open amateur stroke-play at Shandon Park, Belfast, was the leading qualifier with a five-under-par 67. The final qualifying competition will be at Caldy Golf Club on the Wirral, not far away from the championship venue of Royal Liverpool Golf Club's Hoylake links, on Monday, September 10, four days before the women's pro major starts. QUALIFIERS Par 72 67 Emily Taylor (Hillside) (am) 68 Tania Elosegui (Spa). 70 Lisa Sorensen (Den) 71 Hannah Ralph (Eng) 72 Perrine Delacour (Fra) (am), Charlotte Ellis (Eng), Martina Migliori (Ita), Ashleigh Greenham (Eng) (am), Monja Maetzler (Swi) (am), Rachel Bell (Eng), Nicole Whitmore (Eng) (am), Charlotte Leathem (Eng) (am) 73 Lynn Kenny (Archerfield Links), Viva Schlasberg (Sw), Aiko Ueno (Jap), Jin Yan (China (Am), Charlotte Thompson (Eng) (am), Becky Harries (Haverfordwest) (am), Clare Queen (Carrick at Loch Lomond), Henrietta Zuel (Eng), Charlotte Wild (Mere) (am), Lynnette Brooky (NZ), Alexandra Peters (Notts Ladies) (am), Chloe Williams (Wrexham) (am), Charlie Douglass (Eng). 74 Laure Sibille (Fra), Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) (am), Kimberly Crooks (Eng), Heather MacRae (Gleneagles), Sophie Sandolo (Ita). SCOTS WHO MISSED THE CUT 77 Katy McNicoll (Carnoustie), Pamela Feggans (Patna, Ayrshire). 78 Laura Murray (Alford) 79 Vikki Laing (Musselburgh). No show - Janice Moodie. TO VIEW ALL THE SCORES - CLICK HERE

WEST OF SCOTLAND CLUB CHAMPIONS 2012

Helen Faulds - Triple Club Champion with Caddy Emma Wilson and Elie Captain Susie Robertson
Photograph courtesy of Anne Dunlop

ARE YOU A 2012 CLUB CHAMPION -- PLEASE email Carol at --- webmaster@rlcga.com and I will start the West of Scotland 2012 list ---

Balmore - Carol Sim
Bearsden - Helen Faulds
Douglas Park - Helen Faulds
Dullater - Jill Meldrum
Elie and Earlsferry -- Helen Faulds
Erskine -- Michele McGregor
Haggs Castle - Aileen Wilson
Hilton Park - Aileen Baker
Helensburgh - Lynn McCathie
Kilmacolm - Megan Briggs
Gourock - Maureen Woodhead
Old Ranfurly - Birgit Clark

AILEEN WILSON IS HAGGS CASTLE CHAMPION FOR THE 23RD TIME

The Haggs Castle Championship Finals were held yesterday on an extremely soggy course playing it's full length due to our so-called Scottish summer. The final was between many times Champion and past Scottish Champion Aileen Wilson and 2010 Champion Nicky Henderson. The final was an exciting match which Aileen led by 3 up after 12 holes. Nicky produced a great fight back winning, the 14th, the 15th with a birdie 3 and the 17th to leave all to play for down the 18th.

Both players had putts for 4 on the last green - Aileen holed a great putt to put pressure on Nicky to follow suit and take the match into extra holes. Unfortunately Nicky just missed leaving Aileen as Champion for the 23rd time. Aileen was delighted to win the Championship again - her last success being in 2006 and her first win coming in 1966.

Thanks go to Neal Stewart for the report and photographs

BRITISH WOMEN'S OPEN AMATEUR STROKE-PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

BRITISH WOMEN'S OPEN AMATEUR STROKE-PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
Shandon Park GC, Belfast

FINAL TOTALS
Par 288 (4x72) SSS 76
294 Sarah-Jane Boyd (Truro) 69 73 77 75
296 Amy Boulden (Conwy) 70 74 74 78
297 Kelly Tidy (Royal Birkdale) 77 78 71 71
298 Emily Taylor (Hillside) 76 74 76 72, Alexandra Peters (Notts Ladies) 74 74 78 72, Bronte Law (Bramhall) 71 76 77 74
299 Amber Ratcliffe (Royal Cromer) 74 70 81 74
301 Jing Yan (China) 76 76 75 74, Jane Turner (Craigielaw) 76 75 77 73, Paula Grant (Lisburn) 76 73 75 77
302 Noora Tamminen (Finland) 77 77 74 74
303 Sophie Madden (West Essex) 74 76 80 73
306 Charlotte Thompson (Channels) 75 73 81 77
307 Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) 77 75 78 77
308 Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) 80 72 78 78
310 Nicole Whitmore (Woburn) 79 76 78 77, Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) 78 76 77 79, Katie Bradbury (Cottrell Park) 78 76 81 75, Becky Harries (Haverfordwest) 75 78 80 77
311 Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw) 75 80 78 78, Jean O'DriscoIl (Muskerry) 78 77 78 78
312 Maria Dunne (Skerries) 76 78 82 76
313 Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies) 78 82 75 78, Daisy Dyer (Chigwell) 77 78 79 79, Clara Young (North Berwick) 79 75 79 80
315 Gillian O'Leary (Cork) 77 79 75 84, Amy Farrell (Moate) 76 76 84 79
316 Laura Murray (Alford) 82 79 77 78, Kerry Smith (Waterlooville) 81 78 81 76, Kelsey Coey (Clandeboye) 79 78 82 77
317 Shelby Smart (Knowle) 76 82 78 81, Mary Dowling (New Ross) 76 81 74 86, Deirdre Smith (Co Louth) 78 75 81 83
318 Lena Weichselgartner (Germany) 83 76 77 82
319 Jacqueline Sneddon (Alyth) 85 76 81 77
320 Alice Spani-Molella (Royal Mid-Surrey) 78 83 81 78
322 Olivia Mehaffey (Royal Co Down) 82 76 82 82
325 Laura Grant (Lisburn) 72 83 82 88
332 Gillian Brooks (Woking) 82 76 89 85

NINE SCOTS MAKE THE CUT IN THE BRITISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP IN BELFAST

Nine of the 12 Scottish entries survived the halfway cut in the British women's open amateur stroke-play golf championship at Shandon Park Golf Club, Belfast today.
West of Scotland's Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) and Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) both played well today. Eilidh improved from an 80 to a 72 within 24 hours and is joint 11th with Alyson who had a 75 to finish on 152.
Iona Stephen (Ranfurly Castle) who only took up golf last year had a creditable 84 today to add to her 82 yesterday and missed the cut. A double bogey and triple bogey in the inward half ruined her chances of making Friday's 36 holes. -- The cut for the top 40 players was on 161.

BRITISH WOMEN'S OPEN AMATEUR STROKE-PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
Shandon Park GC, Belfast
QUALIFIERS FOR FINAL TWO ROUNDS
Par 144 (2x72) SS 76 CSS 76 76
142 Sarah-Jane Boyd (Truro) 69 73
144 Amber Ratcliffe (Royal Cromer) 74 70, Amy Boulden (Conwy) 70 74
147 Bronte Law (Bramhall) 71 76
148 Charlotte Thompson (Channels) 75 73, Alexandra Peters (Notts Ladies) 74 74
149 Paula Grant (Lisburn) 76 73
150 Sophie Madden (West Essex) 74 76, Emily Taylor (Hillside) 76 76
151 Jane Turner (Craigielaw) 76 75
152 Amy Farrell (Moate) 76 76, Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) 80 72, Jing Yan (China) 76 76, Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) 77 75
153 Deirdre Smith (Co Louth) 78 75, Becky Harries (Haverfordwest) 75 78
154 Maria Dunne (Skerries) 76 78, Katy Bradbury (Cottrell Park) 78 76, Clara Young (North Berwick) 79 75, Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) 78 76, Noora Tamminen (Finland) 77 77
155 Nicole Whitmore (Woburn) 79 76, Daisy Dyer (Chigwell) 77 78, Jean O'Driscoll (Muskerry) 78 77,
Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw) 75 80, Laura Grant (Lisburn) 72 83, Kelly Tidy (Royal Birkdale) 75 73
156 Gillian O'Leary (Cork) 77 79
157 Kelsey Coey (Clandeboye) 79 78, Mary Dowling (New Ross) 76 81
158 Gillian Brooks (Woking) 82 76, Olivia Mehaffey (Royal Co Down) 82 76, Shelby Smart (Knowle) 76 82
159 Lena Weichselgartner (Germany) 83 76, Kerry Smith (Waterlooville) 81 78
160 Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies) 78 82
161 Jessica Carty (Holywood) 83 78, Jacqueline Sneddon (Alyth) 85 76, Laura Murray (Alford) 82 79,
Alice Spani-Molella (Royal Mid-Surrey) 78 83
DID NOT QUALIFY
162 Hannah McCook (Grantown-on-Spey) 85 77, Olivia Winning (Rotherham) 82 80, Samantha Giles (St Mellion) 85 77
163 Charlotte Austwick (Fulford) 82 81, Sinead Sexton (Lahinch) 77 86
164 Noelle Beijer (Netherlands) 82 81
165 Bethan Popel (Long Ashton) 77 88, Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies) 83 82, Charlie Field (Bishops Stortford) 82 83, Sara Rees-Evans (Penhros) 87 78
166 Iona Stephen (Ranfurly Castle) 82 84, Gemma Bradbury (Cottrell Park) 85 81
167 Louise Mernagh (Woodenbridge) 82 85
168 Anna Courtney (St Annes) 86 82
169 Zoe Allen (Lurgan) 85 84, Jenny Young (Shandon Park) 83 86, Elizabeth Richards (Hagley) 88 81
171 Bhavi Shah (Kenya) 87 84
172 Sarah Winter (Royal Belfast) 87 85
173 Anja Lundberg (Germany) 87 86, Sheila Quigley (Camberley Heath) 91 82

CRAIGIELAW PAIR LEAD SCOTS IN BELFAST

Gabrielle Macdonald and Jane Turner headed the 12 Scots at the end of the first round of the 72-hole British women's open amateur stroke-play golf championship at Shandon Park Golf Club, Belfast today.
Gabrielle shot a three-over-par 75 and Jane a 76 to be six and seven shots respectively behind the surprise leader, 20-year-old Cornwall county champion Sarah-Jane Boyd whose three-under 69 featured by far the best inward half of the day - five-under-par 30.
Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) was the third-best Scot on the day with a 77 .
West of Scotland's Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) and Iona Stephen (Kilmacolm) finished on 80 and 82 respectively.
BRITISH WOMEN'S OPEN AMATEUR STROKE-PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
Shandon Park GC, Belfast
FIRST ROUND
Par 72. SS76
69 Sarah-Jane Boyd (Truro)
70 Amy Boulden (Conwy)
71 Bronte Law (Bramhall).
72 Laura Grant (Lisburn).
74 Alexandra Peters (Notts Ladies), Amber Ratcliffe (Royal Cromer), Sophie Madden (West Essex)
75 Charlotte Thompson (Channels), Becky Harries (Haverfordwest), Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw)
76 Mary Dowling (New Ross), Emily Taylor (Hillside), Shelby Smart (Knowle), Maria Dunne (Skerries), Amy Farrell (Moate), Jing Yan (China), Jane Turner (Craigielaw), Paula Grant (Lisburn)
77 Bethan Popel (Long Ashton), Noora Tamminem (Finland), Kelly Tidy (Royal Birkdale), Alyson McKechin (Elderslie), Gillian O'Leary (Cork), Sinead Sexton (Lahinch), Daisy Dyer (Chigwell)
78 Alice Spani-Molella (Royal Mid-Surrey), Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies), Deirdre Smith (Co Louth), Jean O'Driscoll (Muskerry), Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), Katie Bradbury (Cottrell Park)
79 Nicole Whitmore (Woburn), Kelsey Coey (Clandeboye), Clara Young (North Berwick).
80 Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm).
81 Kerry Smith (Waterlooville),
82 Noelle Beijer (Net), Charlie Field (Bishops Stotford), Louise Mernagh (Woodenbridge), Iona Stephen (Ranfurly Castle), Gillian Brooks (Woking), Olivia Mehaffey (Royal Co Down), Olivia Winning (Rotherham), Charlotte Austwick (Fulford), Laura Murray (Alford).
83 Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies), Jenny Young (Shandon Park), Jessica Carty (Holywood), Lena Weichselgartner (Ger)
85 Samantha Giles (St Mellion), Hannah McCook (Grantown on Spey), Zoe Allen (Lurgan), Jacqueline Sneddon (Alyth), Gemma Bradbury (Cottrell Park).
86 Anna Courtney (St Anne's)
87 Bhavi Shah (Kenya), Anja Lundberg (Ger), Sara Rees-Evans (Penrhos), Sarah Winter (Royal Belfast).
88 Elizabeth Richards (Hagley)
91 Sheila Quigley (Camberley Heath).

NR Helen McCarthy (Shandon Park).
+The leading 40 and ties at the end of Thursday's second round will qualify for Friday's third and fourth rounds.

INTERNATIONAL TEAM EVENT
after one round (best two scores count daily)
145 WALES (A Boulden 70, B Harries 75, G Bradbury 85)
147 ENGLAND (E Taylor 76, B Lawr 71 (C Hull, the third member of the England team withdrew from the tournament before it started).
156 SCOTLAND (J Turner 76, E Briggs 80, L Murray 82)

SOUTHSIDE LEAGUE UPDATE

Williamwood 23 points - 7 games
Eastwood 23 - 7 games
Bonnyton 22.5 - 7 games
Cowglen 22.5 - 7 games
Whitecraigs 20.5 - 6 games
Haggs Castle 19.5 - 7 games
Cathcart Castle 17 - 5 games
East Renfrewshire 10 - 5 games
Kirkhill 10 - 5 games

The usual suspects take the lead but it looks like being a close run thing.

Thanks go to League Secretary Lesley Giblin for the update

12 Scottish Players taking part in the British Amateur Championship

The British Amateur Championship begins tomorrow (Wednesday) at SHANDON PARK GC, BELFAST
Scottish entry of 12 players
The "Tartan Army" teeing off in Belfast tomorrow are: Ailsa Summers and Jessica Meek (both Carnoustie Ladies), Jacqueline Sneddon (Alyth), Gabrielle MacDonald and Jane Turner (both Craigielaw), Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), Laura Murray (Alford), Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm), Hannah McCook (Grantown on Spey), Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) and Clara Young (North Berwick) and Iona Stephen (Ranfurly Castle).
There will be a cut after Thursday's second round to the leading 40 and ties who will play the final two rounds on Friday.

SCOTLAND TEAMS NAMED BY THE SLGA

Teenagers Lauren Whyte (St Regulus), the Scottish U18 girls match-play champion, and Rachael Walker (Dumfries and County) gain their first full caps for Scotland in the team named by the SLGA for the Women's Home Internationals at Cork GC, Ireland from September 4 to 6.
Compared with last year's team, which did not win a match at Hillside, Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Megan Briggs (Kilmalcolm), Pamela Pretswell (Hamilton) and Rebecca Wilson (Grange) are replaced by Whyte, Walker, Laura Murray (Alford) and Rachael Watton (Mortonhall).
Watton, a student at Denver University and a winner on the US college circuit, is being released by her college to play for Scotland. She played in the winning Scotland team at Whitchurch, Cardiff two years ago, as did Laura Murray who lost her place last year.
The team, under the captaincy of Fiona Norris (Hamilton), is:
Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm), Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), Alyson McKechin (Elderslie), Laura Murray (Alford), Jane Turner (Craigielaw), Rachel Walker (Dumfries and County), Rachael Watton (Mortonhall), Lauren Whyte (St Regulus).

SCOTLAND TRIO FOR WORLD TEAM
CHAMPIONSHIPS IN TURKEY

Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm), Laura Murray (Alford) and Stanford University, California student Sally Watson (Elie and Earlsferry Ladies) have been selected to represent Scotland in the women's world amateur team championship for the Espirito Santo Trophy at Antalya, Turkey from September 27 to 30.

SCOTLAND TEAM FOR SENIOR WOMEN'S
HOME INTERNATIONALS AT ELIE

The Scotland team, under the captaincy of Helen Faulds (Douglas Park), for the Senior Women's Home Internationals at Elie and Earlsferry Golf Club, Fife from October 2 to 4 is:
Heather Anderson (Blairgowrie), Alison Bartlett (Royal Dornoch), Lorna Bennett (Ladybank), Fiona de Vries (St Rule), May Hughes (Lanark), Anne Ryan (Tain) and Mary Smith (Tain).


- Carol -- Posted using her iPad

HELEN FAULDS IS A TRIPLE CHAMPION AGAIN !!

Helen Faulds in 2009 when she last won all 3 Championships

Scottish Seniors' Captain and Scottish Vets Captain Helen Faulds (Douglas Park)  beat Linsey Stevenson in the final of the Club Championship in Elie this afternoon and managed to repeat the hatrick this year  for a second time. She is again the Champion of Bearsden, Douglas Park and Elie. 
Helen was a triple Champion in 2009 and it is a fantastic achievement to do it yet again.
Past SLGA President Emma Wilson was her caddy and apart from Helen who said she played her best golf today this year she said that Emma was certainly a great help to her.
WELL DONE HELEN 

Three Scots finish in the to six in Denmark

NEWS RELEASE FROM LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR
By BETHAN CUTLER
Sweden's Antonella Cvitan picked up her first victory on the LET Access Series, winning the Samso Ladies Open after a one-hole play-off against young Danish amateur Nicole Broch Larsen today
The pair tied on three under par 213 after 54 holes at Samso Golf Club, Denmark and Cvitan won with a par on the first extra hole after Broch Larsen hit her tee shot out of bounds.
Scots Pamela Pretswell and Pamela Feggans moved up into a share of third on one under par while Frenchwoman Marion Ricordeau finished alone in fifth on level par and retained her position as the leader of the LETAS order of merit.
Katy McNicoll (Carnoustie), who had been first or joint second through the first two rounds, finished sixth.
Final Leading scores:
213 - Antonella Cvitan (SWE) 70 73 70, Nicole Broch Larsen (DNK) 70 70 73 (Cvitan won with par on first play-off hole).
215 - Pamela Pretswell (SCO) 72 72 71, Pamela Feggans (SCO) 77 70 68
216 - Marion Ricordeau (FRA) 70 74 72
217 - Katy McNicoll (SCO) 69 74 74
218 - Corie Hou (AUS) 69 74 75
220 - Ana Larraneta (ESP) 73 74 73

Pamela Pretswell in 5th Place in Denmark after Round 2

Carnoustie's Katy McNicoll slipped out of a share of the lead into joint second place with a 74 for one-under-par 143 in the Samso Women's Open golf tournament at Samso Golf Club, Denmark today (Friday).
McNicoll had been joint leader overnight on the 69 mark with Australia Corrie Hou who also had a 74 second time round.
New leader is Danish amateur Nicole Broch Larsen with a pair of 70s for 140 and a three-shot advantage going into the third and last round.
Pamela Prestswell from Hamilton repeated her opening 72 for 144 and a share of fifth place.
Pamela Feggans from Patna, Ayrshire is joint 10th on 147 after shaving seven shots off her first round effort of 77.
Glasgow's Gemma Webster is back in joint 42nd place on 160 (83-77).

SAMSO WOMEN'S OPEN - Samso GC, Denmark
LEADING SECOND-ROUND SCORES
Par 144 (2x72)
140 Nicole Broch Larsen (Den) (am) 70 70
143 Katy McNicoll (Sco) 69 74, Antonella Cvitan (Swe) 70 73, Corie Hou (Aus) 69 74.
SELECTED SCORES
144 Pamela Pretswell (Sco) 72 72 (T5)
147 Pamela Feggans (Sco) 77 70 (T10).
151 Tracey Boyes (Eng) 77 74 (T25)
152 Tara Delaney (Ire) 75 77 (T29).
160 Gemma Webster (Sco) 83 77 (T42).
ends

Pamela is 7th after her First Round in Denmark

Carnoustie's Katy McNicoll shot one of the lowest rounds of her fledgling pro career to share the first-round lead in the Samso Women's Open at Samso Golf Club, Denmark today (Thursday). Katy had four birdies and one bogey for a three-under-par 69 to share the pole position with Corie Hou from Australia in cool and wet conditions Pamela Pretswell from Hamilton was in joint seventh place with a 72. Pamela Feggans from Patna, Ayshire had a 77 to share 25th place overnight. Glasgow's Gemma Webster had an 83 to be joint 46th. SAMSO WOMEN'S OPEN Samso Golf Club, Denmark. First round leaders Par 72 69 K McNicoll (Sco), C Hou 70 N Broch Larsen (Den) (am), M Ricordeau (Fra), A Cvitan (Swe), M Christiansen (Den) Other scores: 72 P Pretswell (Sco) (T7) 75 T Delaney (Ire) (T15) 77 P Feggans (Sco), T Boyes (Eng) (T25) 83 G Webster (Sco) (T46)

Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the report

NO SCOTS LEFT IN BRITISH GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP

Scotland started the match-play stages of the British girls golf championship at Tenby in South Wales with five players among the 64 qualifiers. The first round saw four of them make an early exit, leaving Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) the lone survivor in the last 32.
But, having played very well in dreadful conditions of wind and rain to record a 6 and 4 win over the No 12 qualifier, Nanna Madsen (Denmark), Connie did not reach the same standards when the rain ceased but the wind got even stronger in the late afternoon.
She was beaten 5 and 4 by Ashleigh Greenham (West Essex) after being three down at the turn.
To read more go to the Kirkwood Golf Website

SKELMORLIE OPEN DAY

There are still places left for SKELMORLIE OPEN GREENSOME on SUNDAY 9th SEPTEMBER .
£12 per couple.
Contact CATH STEVENSON on 01475 521253 for a tee time.

Irene Papworth
Ladies' Captain – Skelmorlie Golf Club
01475 520371

WEST KILBRIDE GIRLS' OPEN

There are still a few places available for the Girls' Open at West Kilbride on Saturday, 25th August. Tee times from 3.00 p.m. Scratch prize for the Nancy Chisholm Trophy, Handicap prizes in Silver and Bronze Divisions with the overall winner receiving the Kandy Bar Cup and a Pre-handicap competition for the June Kerr trophy. Entry form can be downloaded from The West Kilbride Golf Club Website and should be sent to the office as soon as possible or alternatively CLICK HERE for your form

Troon's Connie Jaffrey makes the cut at the British Girls

FIVE SCOTS GIRLS SURVIVE IN THE BRITISH
Thanks go to COLIN FARQUHARSON for the report

 Five Scots out of 10 starters have made it through among the 64 qualifiers for the match-play stages of the British girls open amateur golf championship at the links of Tenby Golf Club in South Wales.
Germany-based Rebecca McGeehan was the surprise top Scot, thanks to a splendid secoSnd-round of 71, one under par, for an aggregate of 147, which saw her claim No 4 seed status behind the No 1 qualifier, Perrine Delacour from Paris (72-71 for 143).
Seventeen-year-old Rebecca birdied the long first, the long with and the 11th and then, after bogeying the 12th, held her round together on a beautiful sunny and warm afternoon with six solid pars to finish.
Jess Meek, 18, from Carnoustie had an eagle 3 at the 14th on her way to a 73 for 152 and a creditable 10th place among the qualifiers.
Clara Young (North Berwick), still only 15, made it through with ease on 154 despite a second-round 79 in which she was seven over par after only six holes.
Scotland's other qualifiers were national Under-18s champion Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) on 158 (81-77) and Connie Jaffrey (Troon) on 159 (85-74).
The cut to 64 qualifiers fell at 160 so Connie made it with a stroke to spare. 
 
BRITISH GIRLS OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Tenby GC, South Wales
QUALIFIERS FOR MATCH-PLAY
Par 144 (2x72)
143 Perrine Delacour (Fra) 72 71
145 Lelsie Cloots (Bel) 73 72
146 Jing Yan (China) 72 74
147 Rebecca McGeehan (Ger) 76 71
OTHER SCOTS QUALIFIERS
152 Jess Meek (Carnoustie) 79 73
154 Clara Young (North Berwick) 75 79
158 Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) 81 77
159 Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) 85 74.
MISSED THE CUT (160 and better qualified)
165 Lesley Atkins (Gullane Ladies) 76 89
169 Rachel Walker (Dumfries and Co) 83 86, Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe) 85 84
173 Fiona Liddell (Ger) 85 88.
 

SOUTHSIDE LEAGUE UPDATE

I think the rain is still taking it's toll but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Wiliamwood 23 points/played 7
Bonnyton 22.5 points/played 7
Cowglen 22.5 points/played 7
Eastwood 20.5 ponts/played 6
Haggs Castle 19.5 ponts/played 7
Whitecraigs 17 ponts/played 5
Cathcart Castle 17 points/played 5
East Ren 10 points/played 5
Kirkhill 10 points/played 5

Thanks go to League Secretary Lesley Giblin for all the results.

British Girls Championship -- 1st Round

BRITISH GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP
Tenby GC, South Wales.
First qualifying round
Par 72 Yardage 6267yd
70 Josephine Farrando (Fra).
72 Perrine Delacour (Fra), Jing Yan (China)
73 Sophia P Zeeb (Ger), Leslie Cloots (Belgium), Natalia Escuriola (Spa).
74 Nuria Iturrios (Spa), Marta P Samartin (Spa).
75 Clara Young (North Berwick), Anyssia Herbaut (France), Leonie Harm (Germany), Claudia Chemin (France), Quirine Eijkenboom (Germany), Jess Evans (Newport).
76 Chloe Williams (Wrexham), Chiara Mertens (Germany) Nanna Madsen (Denmark), Lesley Atkins (Gullane Ladies), Rebecca McGeehan (Germany), Kyra Horlock (Broadstone), Ana Sanjuan (Spain), Camille Richelle (Belgium), Marta Martin (Spain).
SELECTED SCORES
77 Amber Ratcliffe (Royal Cromer)
78 Georgia Hall (Remedy Oak).
79 Jess Meek (Carnoustie Ladies)
80 Shelby Smart (Knowle)
81 Lauren Whyte (St Regulus).
83 Rachel Walker (Dumfries and Co).
84 Brogan Townend (Pleasington)
85 Fiona Liddell (Ger), Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies), Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe).
87 Gabriella Cowley (West Essex)
Disqualified - Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies), Melissa Nicol (Moor Hall).

Read the full report at the Kirkwood Website