IRISH SENIORS WIN AGAINST THE SCOTTISH VETS

The Irish Team and the Scottish Vets

FROM COLIN FARQUHARSON

Ireland seniors beat the Scottish Vets 9-3 at Donabate, Dublin today in the annual women's match for the Mary McKenna Trophy.
The Irish led 3-1 from the first-day foursomes and clinched overall victory by taking the singles 6-2.

FOURSOMES (3-1
Irish names first
Suzanne Corcoran and Mary McLaren bt Sheena Wood and Mary Smith 1 hole
Gertie McMullen and Violet McBride bt Lorna Bennett and Fiona De Vries I hole
Sheena McIlroy and Carol Wickham bt May Hughes and Anne Ryan 2 and 1
Pat Doran and Helen Jones lost to Alison Bartlett and Alex Glennie 4 and 3

SINGLES (6-2)
Pat Doran lost to Fiona De Vries 2 and 1.
Violet McBride bt May Hughes 3 and 2.
Gertie Mcjullen bt Lorna Bennett 4 and 3.
Carol Wickham bt Alex Glennie 2 holes
Sheena McElroy bt Alison Bartlett 2 and 1.
Helen Jones lost to Sheena Wood 1 hole
Mary McLaren halved with Mary Smith
Suzanne Corcoran halved with Ann Ryan.

TOP SEED LINZI ALLAN WINS AYRSHIRE TITLE FOR FIRST TIME

Linzi Allan - 2014 Ayrshire County Champion

Top qualifier Linzi Allan (West Kilbride) defeated last years winner, Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies), on the 18th hole to win her first Ayrshire Ladies county title. The final was played over Glasgow Golf Club, Gailes Links in the best playing conditions of the week.

It was a close game with the first 3 holes being halved in pars. The first birdie came with a 2 from Connie at the short 6th where she went one ahead. The game was squared at the next with a par from Linzi who then went on to sink a 30 foot putt for birdie on the 9th to turn 1 up. Winning 2 of the next 5 holes Linzi was then 3 up and a half in 3's at the 15th left her dormie. Defending champion Connie then produced a par and a birdie to take the match to the 18th hole. Both girls were in the greenside bunker in 2 and made good recoveries but Linzi's par putt was good enough to secure the title.

LINZI ALLAN THROUGH TO LAST FOUR IN THE AYRSHIRE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

Top seed Linzi Allan (West Kilbride) reached the semi-finals of the Ayrshire women's county golf championship with a 2 and 1 win over Lauren Gilbert (Largs) at a chilly Glasgow Gailes Golf Club today.
Her opponent in Thursday morning's semi-finals will be Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) at 5 and 3 winner over Pauline Patrick (Irvine) in the round of the last eight.
The other semi-final will feature defending champion and 2013 Scottish girls champon Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) and Catherine Malcolm (Prestwick St Cuthbert)

TODAY'S RESULTS

FIRST ROUND
Linzi Allan (West Kilbride) beat Liz Keohone (Loudoun) 2 and 1
Lauren Gilbert (Largs) beat Jenny Linklater (Largs) 3 and 1.
Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Sheila Adams (Loudoun) 4 and 2.
Pauline Patrick (Irvine) beat Lesley Barker (Kilmarnock Barassie) 6 and 5.
Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) beat Margaret White (Prestwick St Nicholas) 8 and 7
Jane Finnie (Troon Ladies) beat Sharon Lambie (Kilmarnock Barassie) 2 and 1.
Debbie Watt (Ayr Belleisle) beat Alex Sargent (Skelmorlie) 2 and 1.
Catherine Malcolm (Prestwick St Cuthbert) bear Rachel Irvine (Largs) 3 and 2.

QUARTER-FINALS
Allan beat Gilbert 2 and 1.
Glennie beat Patrick 5 and 3.
Jaffrey beat Finnie 4 and 3.
Malcolm beat Watt 6 and 5.

NICHOLA FERGUSON BEATS ANNE LAING IN FINAL OF D&A COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

D&A County Captain Carol Sim presents Nichola Ferguson with the County Championship Trophy

Milngavie's Nichola Ferguson, the leading qualifier for the match-play stages, today (Wednesday) won the Dunbartonshire and Argyll women's county golf championship at Hayston Golf Club.
She beat the No 3 seed and past Scottish champion, Anne Laing (Vale of Leven) by 4 and 3 in the final.

RESULTS

SEMI-FINALS
Nichola Ferguson (Milngavie) bear Lorraine Campbell (Cardross) 2 and 1.
Anne Laing (Vale of Leven) beat Aileen Baker (Hilton Park) 2 and 1.
FINAL
Nichola Ferguson beat Anne Laing 4 and 3.

BRONZE FINAL
Zoe Kemp (Helensburgh) beat Lynne McDonald (Cardross) 5 and 3 and 1.

To see some photos of from the day CLICK HERE -- Courtesy of Lorraine Campbell

LINZI ALLAN TOP SEED FOR AYRSHIRE COUNTY MATCH-PLAY STAGES

FROM ANN WALLACE
Ayrshire LCGA secretary
Ayrshire ladies championship qualifier took place today at Glasgow Gailes Golf Club. Conditions were tricky with a strong wind and some squally showers.
The best scratch score was returned by Linzi Allan from West Kilbride who shot a very impressive level par 71.
Second qualifier was Catherine Malcolm (Prestwick St Cuthbert) with a 76 and reigning champion Connie Jaffrey shot a 77 to lie third.
Best net score of 66 came from Margaret White of Prestwick St Nicholas who shot an excellent 87 playing off a handicap of 21.

MATCH-PLAY QUALIFIERS
Linzi Allan, West Kilbride - 71
Catherine Malcolm, Prestwick St Cuthbert - 76
Connie Jaffrey, Troon Ladies - 77
Pauline Patrick, Irvine - 79
Alex Glennie, Barassie - 80
Jane Finnie, Troon Ladies - 80
Debbie Watt, Belleisle - 83
Jenny Linklater, Largs - 84
Lauren Gilbert, Largs - 84
Alex Sargent, Skelmorlie - 84
Sharon Lambie, Barassie - 86
Sheila Adams, Loudoun - 86
Lesley Barker, Barassie - 87
Margaret White, Prestwick St Nicholas - 87
Rachel Irvine, Largs - 88
Liz Keohone, Loudoun - 89 bih
WEDNESDAY MATCH-PLAY
0900 L Allan v L Keohone
0908 L Gilbert v J Linklater
0915 A Glennie v S Adams
0923 L Barker v P Patrick
0930 C Jaffrey v M White
0937 S Lambie v J Finnie
0945 D Watt v A Sargent
0952 R Irvine v C Malcolm

D&A COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

D&A Results

County Championship Semi Finals - Wed 9 April

• 9.00  Nichola Ferguson v Lorraine Campbell
• 9.08  Anne Laing v Aileen Baker

QUARTER FINALS

• Nichola Ferguson bt Laura McGeachy   4/2
• Lorraine Campbell bt Davina Lavery    5/4
• Anne Laing bt Anna Telfer  4/3
• Aileen Baker bt Sheila Steele 4/3

 1st ROUND

• Nichola Ferguson v Lori Macdonald         Nichola won at 19th
• 9.08  Lynn McColl v Laura McGeachy                Laura won 5/3
• 9.16  Davina Lavery v Isobel Harvey                    Davina won 2/1
• 9.24  Kay McColl v Lorraine Campbell                Lorraine won 7/6
• 9.32  Anne Laing v Helen Faulds                          Anne won 5/4
• 9.40  Linda Moffat v Anna Telfer                         Anna won 7/5
• 9.48  Sheila Steele v Karen Maxwell                    Sheila won 4/2
• 9.56  Fiona McLean v Aileen Baker                     Aileen won 4/3

NICHOLA FERGUSON IS THE LEADING QUALIFIER IN THE D&A COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

The D&A county Championship qualifier was played today over Hayston Golf Course in extremely wet conditions at Hayston Golf club. 76 ladies played and the following qualified for match play tomorrow.
Results: SSS. 71. CSS. 74.
76 -  Nichola Ferguson (Milngavie)
77 - Aileen Baker. (Hilton Park)        
80 - Anne Laing. (Vale of Leven)
83 - Lorraine Campbell  (Cardross) , Davina Larery. (Milngavie), Anna Telfer. (Milngavie)
84 - Sheila Steele (Buchanan Castle)
85 - Laura McGeachy (Haggs Castle), Lynn McColl (Milngavie)
86 - Karen Maxwell (Milngavie)
88 - Linda Moffat. (Helensburgh)
91 - Isobel Harvey. (St Rules)
92 - Kay McColl. (Hilton Park) , Helen Faulds. (Douglas Park)
93 - Fiona McLean. (Hilton Park)
94 - Lori MacDonald. (Cardross)
 Bronze Section:
98 -  Lynne MacDonald. (Cardross)
99 - Eleanor Fenner. (Hilton Park)
101 - Zoe Kemp. (Helensburgh)
102 - Mandy Allen. (Milngavie)

Matchplay 1st Round tomorrow is as follows
COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2014 
9.00 Nichola Ferguson v Lori Macdonald
9.08 Lynn McColl v Laura McGeachy
9.16 Davina Lavery v Isobel Harvey
9.24 Kay McColl v Lorraine Campbell
9.32 Anne Laing v Helen Faulds
9.40 Linda Moffat v Anna Telfer
9.48 Sheila Steele v Karen Maxwell
9.56 Fiona McLean v Aileen Baker
 Bronze
10.04 Lynne MacDonald v Mandy Allen
10.12 Eleanor Fenner v Zoe Kemp

WEST OF SCOTLAND'S CONNIE JAFFREY IS 3RD IN THE IRISH U18 GIRLS OPEN STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

Heather Munro, Clara Young and Connie Jaffrey

Olivia Mehaffey (Royal Co. Down Ladies) retained the Irish U18 girls open stroke-play championship with five strokes to spare at Roganstown Golf and Country Club yesterday (Sunday). In testing conditions Olivia had rounds of 69, 71 and 74 for a one-over-par aggregate of 210.
Scots Clara Young (North Berwick) and Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) finished second and third. Clara shot 73, 75 and 71 for 219 - five shots behind the winner. Connie had scores of 75, 73 and 74 for 222.

IRISH U18 GIRLS OPEN STROKE PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
Roganston Golf Club.
Par 213 (3x71) CSS 73 73 75

214 Olivia Mehaffey (IRE) 69 71 74
219 Clara Young (SCO) 73 75 71
222 Connie Jaffrey (SCO) 75 73 74
222 Marina Hedlund (SWE) 73 73 76
223 Megan Jenkins (ENG) 74 70 79
225 Mary Doyle (The Heath) 73 72 80

International Team Award 
Winners Ireland:(Mary Doyle, Julie McCarthy, Olivia Mehaffey)
Runners up Scotland: Connie Jaffrey, Heather Munro, Clara Young

WEST OF SCOTLAND'S ELIDH BRIGGS IS RUNNER UP IN THE R&A FOUNDATION SCHOLARS TOURNAMENT

Stirling students Jack McDonald and Eilidh Briggs both had to settle for the runner-up spots in a dramatic finish to the 54-hole R and A Foundation Scholars golf tournament over the Eden and Old Courses at St Andrews on Sunday.
Eilidh Briggs lost at the second hole of a women's title play-off to the defending champion, Paula Grant (University of Ulster), who is also the Irish women's amateur champion.
Four shots dropped over the first seven holes on the Old Course - including a double bogey 6 at the sixth - cost Stirling University's Jack McDonald victory in men's tournament.
McDonald, who had scored 69 and 65 over the Eden Course on Monday, could do no better than a closing two-over-par 74 over the Old Course for a four under par total of 212 for the 54-hole tournament contested by 60 student golfers from the UK, Ireland and some Continental countries.
All the competitors in this event receive financial assistance from the R and A to play competitively as amateurs while completing their studies.

In the women's event Paula Grant, joint overnight leader with Ailsa Summers (St Andrews), finished in a tie with Eilidh Briggs on seven under par 215 while Ailsa dropped down to join fourth place after a closing 81 for 219.
The Irish player had a pair of 69s over the Eden Course on Monday and a one-over-par 77 off the womens tees on the Old Course.
Eilidh, a physical education student and a member at Kilmacolm GC, had scores of 72, 68 and 75.
Eilidh birdied the first, second, ninth, 13th and 14th in her final round over the Old Course but bogeys at the fifth, 11th, 12th and 16th cost her victory the regulation 54 holes.
Paula had bogeys at the sixth, seventh and 11th but birdies at the 10th and 14th enabled her
to share the No 1 spot after 54 holes.
Then the Irish champion prevailed at the second extra hole of a sudden death playoff

R AND A FOUNDATION SCHOLARS' TOURNAMENT
St Andrews.
First two rounds, Eden Course; Third round, Old Course
FINAL TOTALS (LEADING SCORES)
MEN
Par 212 (70, 70, 72)
207 Louis Tomlinson (Myerscough) 67 69 71
208 Jack McDonald (Stirling) 69 65 74
209 Henry Tomlinson (Stirling) 66 73 70, Andrew Wilson (Northumbria) 66 66 77.
210 Filippo Campigli (Italy) 66 66 78, Gary Hurley (NUI Maynooth) 69 68 73, Mathias Eggenberger (Stirling) 65 71 74
211 Tiarnan McLarnon (Ulster) 66 70 75, Alex Culverwell (Stirling) 69 69 73
212 Oliver Roberts (Stirliing) 71 70 71, Ryan McKinstray (Queens, Belfast) 70 68 74
213 Shane McGlynn (Dublin City) 73 69 71, Cormac Sharvin (Stirling) 71 65 77
214 Sean 71 7(Myerscough) 73 67 74, Conor James Wilson (Plymouth 72 70 72, Craig Chalmers (Strathclyde) 67 71 76, Dewi Merckx (Stirling) 69 69 76
215 William Russell (Ulster) 71 67 77
216 James Ashman (Central Lancs) 73 72 71, Jacopo Jori (Italy) 71 73 72
217 Robert Mackay (Sheffield Haslam) 70 66 82
218 Angus Carrick (Stirling) 72 72 74, Daniel Rosevear (Plymouth) 72 71 75, Chris Johnson (Exeter) 70 70 78, Matthew Hayes (Northumbria) 70 66 82

WOMEN'S TOTALS
Par 222 (73, 73, 76)
215 Eilidh Briggs (Stirling) 72 68 75, Paula Grant (Ulster) 69 69 77 (Paula won sudden death play-off at second extra hole)
217 Sinead Sexton (NUI Maynooth) 69 73 75
219 Amy Farrell (Dublin City) 68 77 74, Ailsa Summers (St Andrews) 66 72 81
220 Emma Driscoll (UC Dublin) 75 71 74, Alessandria Braida (Italy) 71 70 79
222 Miranda Brain (St Andrews) 70 69 83
223 Ami Storey (Northumbria) 71 70 82
224 Chloe Ryan (UC Dublin) 72 74 78
225 Melissa McMahon (Buckinghamshire New) 71 76 78
229 Anyssia Herbaut (France) 73 72 84, Katie Bradbury (Exeter) 72 71 86
233 Emma Newlove (Exeter) 73 75 85
234 Brabara Borin (Italy) 76 73 85

Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the report

RANFURLY CASTLE LADIES FASION SHOW RAISES £707 FOR CHAS

Mary Craig shows off an outfit

A fabulous fashion show was enjoyed by approximately 120 ladies from every corner of the West of Scotland .
The Club's Pro Tom Eckford and wife Sarah produced an evening to remember with their very own loquascious, garrulous and often outrageous compere Paul Morrell leading the show.

George Clooney !!

Lorraine Morrell

The beautiful and often elegant ladies outfits were modelled by Ranfurly Castle's Linda, Fiona, Anne, Mary, Lorraine, Joanne, Nicola and Lauren - famous modelling names in the world of haute couture. Showing the Gents wear at its very best were Pro's David and Andrew assisted by lesser personalities - David Beckham and George Clooney.

Ranfurly Castle's Charity Fashion Show was a great success and thanks must go to all who took part and everyone who contributed to a real feel good evening.

The total raised for CHAS was the superb total of £707 and there was much laughter and fun as you can see from the short video.

WEST OF SCOTLAND'S AMATEURS ALYSON AND NICOLA PLAYING IN THE FIRST 2014 LADIES TARTAN TOUR EVENT

PAUL LAWRIE LADIES TARTAN TOUR TEE TIMES FOR FIRST 2014 EVENT

Round 1: Fairmont St. Andrews - Torrance Course - APRIL 14th 2014

Tee Times 
12:30:  Gemma Webster, Emilee Taylor
12:40 :Kiran Matharu, Vikki Laing
12:50 : Heather Stirling, Michele Thomson, Jenny Potter (a)
1:00 Daisy Dyer-Breierley, Pamela Feggans, Amy Boulden
1:10 :Emma Fairnie, Trish Johnson, Laura Murray
1:20 : Georgina Snow, Nicola Ferguson (a), Kirstin Scott
1:30: Jane Turner, Jess Wilcox, Katy McNicoll
1:40: Becky Brewerton, Lauren Whyte (a)
1:50: Heather MacRae, Charlotte Austwick
2:00: Alyson McKechin (a), Martine Pow, Sally Watson
2:10 : Carly Booth, Tracey Boyes, India Clyburn (a)

SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP

100th Playing of the Scottish Championship

Calling all Silver Division golfers! Your National Championship needs you. This year is the 100th playing of the Scottish Ladies (Close) Amateur Championship from 20th -24th May; it is being played at the site of the first Open Championship, Prestwick Golf Club. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a minimum of 3 rounds on one of the finest links courses in the world for only £45. The closing date for entries is 12noon Thursday 17th April 2014 you can enter online now on the SLGA website www.slga.co.uk

GET YOUR MACKIE ROSEBOWL ENTRY FORM

MACKIE BOWL OVER 36 HOLES AT GULLANE ON JULY 27
The Mackie Bowl will be held on Sunday 27 July 2014. This is a SLGA Order of Merit Event played over 36 holes on Gullane No.1 course.
Entry forms are available for downloading from the SLGA website as are many of the other entry forms.

AYRSHIRE GIRLS SPRING MEDAL

Pre-Handicap girls after the prize-giving.

Scoring was good in season's opener for Ayrshire Girls. Played over Seafield on a bright but very windy afternoon, the winner was Lauren Gilbert (Largs) with a net 67 and runner-up Louise Duncan (West Kilbride) on 69. SSS 69 as was the CSS on the day.

6 girls played 10 holes in the Pre-Handicap competition, results are as follows:-
10-11 years 12 years and over
1st Rachel Foster (Turnberry) 53 Samantha McKay (Loudoun) 58
2nd Kathryn Muir (Troon) 74 Olivia Dunscombe (North Gailes) 60
3rd Hannah Fulton (North Gailes) 78 Rebecca Hale (North Gailes) 64

MILNGAVIE PAST CAPTAIN ANNA TELFER INTERVIEWED ON THE RADIO

Past Milngavie Club Captain Anna Telfer gave an excellent interview on BBC Radio -- Wednesday 26th March -- you have 6 days to hear the interview -- starts about the 9 minute mark. Well done Anna -- you were brilliant.
CLICK HERE to listen

She then was on the radio with LGU Chief Executive -- Shona Malcolm on Saturday 29th March -- Go to about 19 minutes to hear them both -- CLICK HERE

GET YOUR WEST OF SCOTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP ENTRY FORM

The 2014 West of Scotland Championship is over Windyhill Golf Club on Sunday 4th May



CLICK HERE to get your entry form

AYRSHIRE COUNTY WINTER FOURSOMES WINNERS

The final of the Ayrshire Winter Foursomes took place over Irvine Golf Club.
Jess Blackwood and Janette Stewart defeated Sandra Wright and Irene Papworth at the 20th hole. It was a very good game played in a friendly and competitive manner.

D&A COUNTY FOURSOMES

PLAYED OVER DOUGLAS PARK GOLF CLUB – MONDAY 24 MARCH

INTER COUNTY FOURSOMES
Scratch:
L. Campbell & L. McGeachy 81/75.5
A. Baker & I. Harvey 87/79.5

Handicap:
C. Dingwall & P. Ross 90/72
C. Sim & F. Cowan 93/75.5
O. Spicer & M. Cochrane 98/76.5
E. Grant & M. Myers 90/77

COMMONWEALTH SPOONS QUALIFIERS
C. Dingwall & P. Ross 90/72
L. Campbell & L. McGeachy 81/75.5
C. Sim & F. Cowan 93/75.5
O. Spicer & M. Cochrane 98/76.5

PAUL LAWRIE LADIES ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN

The entry lists for the PGA in Scotland's five 36-hole stroke-play tournaments that make up the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre Ladies Tartan Tour ARE NOW OPEN!
Each event will have a prizefund of £6,000.
Entry is open to any lady professional and to all female amateurs with single-figure handicaps.
PGA professionals will be able enter just as they would any other PGA event, i.e. by going onto
www.pga.info , then the Scottish Region section and logging into BlueGolf using their normal details.
Direct link to entry page: --- CLICK HERE
Non-PGA pros and amateurs will need to pay an annual Tour membership fee.
This will be £70 for a non-PGA professional, which will cover all five competitions, and £40 for an amateur Tour membership fee.
Non-PGA professionals and amateurs can enter events by phoning the PGA in Scotland office at
Gleneagles on 01764 661840. The tournament entry fee is the same for professionals and amateurs - £75 per event.
Amateurs will be limited under the Rules of Amateur Status to a maximum prize to the value of
£500.
The 2014 Paul Lawrie GC Ladies Tartan Tour schedule is:
APRIL
14-15 Fairmont St Andrews (Torrance Course)
MAY
8-9 Murcar Links, Aberdeen.
JUNE
18-19 Dundonald Links, Ayrshire.
JULY
25-26 Macdonald Cardrona, Peebles.
SEPTEMBER
10-11 Marriott Dalmahoy, Edinburgh (Tour Championship)

Queries to PGA in Scotland Office
Tel: 01764 661 840

Tournament Director Nicola Melville
nicola@ladiestartantour.co.uk

GREENOCK OPEN DAY -- GET YOUR ENTRY FORM

Ladies’ Open Greensome

Sunday 1st June, 2014

Starting Times available from 0930 – 13.30 hrs.

Meals/Snacks available all day.

Entry fee £16 per couple and SAE (by 5th May, 2014 - no refund if cancelled after this date).

(Cheques made payable to Greenock Golf Club Ladies’ Section)

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR ENTRY FORM

ALEX GLENNIE AND MAY HUGHES ARE SELECTED FOR THE SCOTTISH VETS TEAM

The Scottish Vets team selected to play in the annual match against an Irish Senior Select in the Mary McKenna Perpetual Trophy is as follows:

Alison Bartlett (Highland)
Lorna Bennett (Midland)
Fiona de Vries (Midland)
Alex Glennie (West)
May Hughes (West)
Anne Ryan (Highland)
Mary Smith (Highland)
Sheena Wood (North)
Captain Noreen Fenton
Vice-Captain Kathleen Sutherland
Non-travelling Reserves Margaret Tough, Linda Dyball both Midland

The match will be held April 13/14 at Donnabate Golf Club in Dublin which is the home club of golfing legend Mary McKenna


The following is the Irish Seniors Team to play the Scottish Vets at Donabate Golf Club on 13th & 14th April

Susanne Corcoran (Portumna)
Pat Doran (Donabate)
Sheena McElroy (Grange)
Helen Jones (Royal Portrush)
Gertie McMullen (The Island)
Carol Wickham (Laytown & Bettystown)
Mary MacLaren (Wellingborough)
Violet McBride (Belvoir Park)

Captain, Mary Madden (Ballinasloe GC)

The Irish Seniors Golf Society are celebrating their 20th year and the 15th year of the match against Scotland. We are marking this occasion with a Celebration Dinner on the Sunday evening of the match. Pat Doran and myself are looking forward to welcoming both Teams to "our" Club. We would especially love to welcome any Scottish supporters who would like to join us for the occasion.

Mary Mc
Mary A McKenna

LADIES CHARITY FASHION SHOW

View it in your browser -

DOUGLAS PARK GOLF CLUB SOCIAL EVENING SUCCESS

Douglas Park GC Staff

Sarah Perricone, Maggie Rutherford (Captain) and Moira Kerr

The Douglas Park Ladies’ Annual Dinner took place on Friday the 21^st February. Over 80 ladies enjoyed a glass of Kir Royale on arrival and were entertained and fascinated by a young Paul Donaldson, with his card tricks.
Moira Kerr played the guitar and amused the audience with her witty anecdotes and Sarah Perricone charmed them with her beautiful violin music. The finale was Moira, appearing as Madame Fifi La Monde, with her ‘Oooh Lala’ outfit of a French beret, fish-net stockings, tight skirt and cigarette holder – what a hoot! The staff (pictured above) , in their Bistro-style outfits, and Moses (or rather ‘Dooglass’), in his ‘Garcon’ outfit with his onions round his neck, completed the ‘look’.
Maggie Rutherford the Lady Captain ran this successful social evening.

 Click  on the following links to see more.
 Douglas Park Ladies Social Evening Video
 Some Photos from the Evenings Event -- Click on the RHS small down arrow and then slideshow

PAMELA PRETSWELL MAKES HER DEBUT IN THE WORLD LADIES CHAMPIONSHIPS

Pamela Pretswell and Carly Booth will be Scotland's pairing in the Mission Hills World Ladies Championship at Mission Hills Haikou, on the paradise island of Hainan, China, from March 6 to 9. It will be Carly's third consecutive appearance in the team tournament. West of Scotland's Pamela Pretswell will be making her debut.

WEST OF SCOTLAND'S CONNIE JAFFREY AND EILIDH BRIGGS ARE SCOTTISH GOLF AWARD WINNERS

The full list of winners from the 2014 Scottish Golf Awards Amateur Golfer of the Year : James Ross SGU Seniors Order of merit : Lindsay Blair Shot of the Year : Phil Mickelson SLGA Girls Order of Merit : Connie Jaffrey SGU Boy's Order of Merit : Ewen Ferguson SLGA Ladies Order of Merit : Eilidh Briggs SGU Men's Order of Merit : Jack McDonald Adam Hunter Award : Robert MacIntyre Team of the Year : University of Stirling Junior Club of the Year : Fortrose & Rosemarkie Volunteer of the Year : Liz Taylor Player of the Year : Catriona Matthew Lifetime Achievement Award : Bernard Gallacher

ALL THREE SCOTS LOSE IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE SPANISH MATCHPLAY

Scotland's three qualifiers for the match-play stages all fell at the first hurdle today at the Spanish women's amateur golf championship at El Saler Golf Club
Paula Grant, the sixth seed from Ireland, won by 2 and 1 against Lauren Whyte from St Andrews, the No 27 qualifier.
Scottish champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie), the No 21 qualifier, went down by 3 and 2 to the 12th qualifier, Italy's V Carta.
Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm), the 26th qualifier, lost by 5 and 4 to the seventh seed, A Olarra (Spain).

FIRST-ROUND RESULTS
N Madsen (Denmark) beat A Meyssonier (France) 4 and 3.
A Herbaut (France) beat N Escuriola (Spain) 3 and 2.
L Migneaux (France) beat S Banon (Spain) 3 and 2.
C Ryan (Ireland) beat B Amoros (Spain) 8 and 7.
D Weber (Netherlands) beat A Carnet (France) 1 hole
V Carta (Italy) beat A McKechin (Scotland) 3 and 2.
A Dimmock (England) beat M Martin (Spain) 2 and 1.
M Veysseyre (France) beat A Valenzuela (Switzerland) 1 hole
S Aubert (France) beat C Ofrecio (Spain) 5 and 4.
K Metraux (Switzerland) beat E Pedersen (Denmark) at 19th.
A Van Dam (Netherlands) bear C Sanjuan (Spain) 3 and 2.
P Grant (Ireland) beat L Whyte (Scotland) 2 and 1.
A Olarra (Spain) beat E Briggs (Scotland) 5 and 4.
A Peters (Englan) beat L Sobron (Spain) at 19th.
G Cowley (England) beat M Wolde (Norway) 3 and 2.
L Strom (Sweden) beat V Martinez (Spain) 3 and 1.

WEST OF SCOTLAND'S ALYSON MCKECHIN AND EILIDH BRIGGS QUALIFY FOR SPANISH MATCHPLAY STAGES

All three Scots in the field - national champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie), Kilmacolm's Eilidh Briggs, and Lauren Whyte (St Andrews) - figured among the 32 qualifiers for the match-play stages of the Spanish women's amateur golf championship at El Saler Golf Club.
Alyson made it through in 21st place on 155 (78-77)
Eilidh (77-79) and Lauren Whyte (77-79) both finishing the stroke-play qualifying on the 156 mark. Eilidh was named the No 26 qualifier and Lauren the 27th.
It was a Scandinavian 1-2 at the top of the qualifying list with Nanna Koerstx Madsen (Denmark) earning the No 1 berth with a level par tally of 144 (69-75) ahead of the No 2 seed, Sweden's Linea Strom (74-71).
Ireland have two qualifiers in Paula Grant (78-72 for 150) and Chloe Ryan (77-74 for 151).
England have three in Curtis Cup selection contenders Gabriella Cowley (78-75 for 153) and Annabel Dimmock (77-77 for 154) as well as Alexandra Peters (79-77).

Ladies Tartan Tour 2014 - Official Announcement

The PGA in Scotland will be a trail-blazer in 2014 when it takes the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre Ladies Tartan Tour under its umbrella.
It will be the first of the PGA's seven regions to run both men's and women's professional circuits from its headquarters at Gleneagles.
It is a feather in the cap of Brian Mair, appointed PGA in Scotland secretary last year, to lead the way forward. He said:
"The PGA in Scotland is committed to providing all our Members with professional, competitive playing opportunities throughout the country and we very much look forward to supporting Ladies golf during 2014 and beyond.
"This represents an important step in our quest to promote the game to all sectors of the community and to reach as wide an audience as possible".
The PLGC Ladies Tartan Tour Director is PGA teaching professional and qualified Rules Referee Nicola Melville. She cut her teeth on the inaugural Paul Lawrie domestic circuit last year when she also worked as a referee on the PGA EuroPro Tour.
Said Nicola:
"We are delighted to have the sponsorship from the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre again and look forward to working with the PGA in Scotland to support ladies golf in Scotland"
Said Paul Lawrie:
“We’re very happy to continue our support from 2013 of what was formerly the Scottish Ladies Open Tour. The new schedule and improved structure will mean some strong venues and the chance for the ladies to play for very healthy prizefunds.
"By supporting the Ladies Tartan Tour we are effectively mirroring the support we offer to their male counterparts. Hopefully it can provide an effective training ground where the girls can get used to the rigour of competition and help prepare them for the next step.”
The tour is open to all female professionals and amateurs with single-figure handicaps. It is not restricted to Scottish-based players.
There will be five 36-hole stroke-play tournaments, each over two days, at high profile Scottish venues - Fairmont St Andrews, Murcar Links, Dundonald Links, Macdonald Cardrona and Marriott Dalmahoy.
Each will have a prizefund of £6,000.
The first event will be held at Fairmont St Andrews in April and the last - the Tour Championship - at Marriott Dalmahoy in September when Heather MacRae, a Gleneagles Hotel staff pro, will be defending the handsome trophy, donated by Aberdeen hotel owner Stewart Spence.
Paul Lawrie has been instrumental in the Ladies Tartan Tour switching its emphasis from one-round to 36-hole events.
"We want to provide a platform for the lady pros and amateurs to prepare for the day when they tackle the Q School and beyond by getting them used to playing two-round tournaments," said Paul.
"Nothing wrong with 18-hole events but a different mindset is required by a player for competitions over two rounds or more. That is one of the reasons why I started the Paul Lawrie Invitational at Deeside on the men's Tartan Tour which is dominated by one-day pro-ams."
A total of 82 competitors, including some from the Continent and England, played on the only Scotland-based lady pro and leading amateur circuit in its first season. The hope is that more lady pros and low-handicap amateurs, keen to gain experience of competing at this level, from outwith Scotland will be attracted North of the Border by the 2014 schedule.

FACTS AND FIGURES

TITLE: Paul Lawrie Golf Centre Ladies' Tartan Tour.
In association with the PGA in Scotland

FORMAT: Five x 36-hole stroke-play tournaments, each over two days.
Open to all female professionals and amateurs with a single-figure handicaps

Tournament entry fee: £75 per event.

PGA members will be able to enter directly through the PGA in Scotland website but not
for the time being until the procedure is set up
and in place, ready to function.
Other players will need to phone the PGA in Scotland office at Gleneagles on
01764 661840 (ENTRIES OPEN SOON).

Membership of the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre Ladies Tartan Tour
PGA Professionals: No fee
Non-PGA Professionals: £70
Amateurs: £40

Schedule (all 36-hole events)

Prizefunds: £6,000 per tournament

APRIL
14-15: Fairmont St Andrews
MAY
8-9: Murcar Links
JUNE
18-19: Dundonald Links
JULY
25-26: Macdonald Cardrona
SEPTEMBER
10-11: Marriot Dalmahoy (Tour Championship)

WEST OF SCOTLAND'S EILIDH AND ALYSON FINISH WELL IN PORTUGAL

Stirling Universities and West of Scotland's Eilidh Briggs faded from a joint third position at the start of play to finish tied seventh in the Portuguese women's open amateur golf championship over 72 holes at Montado Golf Resort, Costa Azul.
It was the toughest day of the four for scoring as Eilidh explained:
"There was about a two-club wind for most of the round and due to the way the course is positioned it was usually a tough cross wind.
The Kilmacolm GC member had rounds 73, 71, 71 and 77 for a four-over-par total of 292, the same aggregate as Annabel Dimmock (Wentworth) (78-70-70-74) who did so well on the recent Florida Orange Blossom Tour where she finished runner-up in "The Sally" and won the Jones-Doherty Challenge Cup match-play tournament.
Briggs, Dimmock and Ireland's Mary Doyle (78-73-72-69) finished seven shots behind the winner, Spain's Silvia Banon Ibanez.
Scottish champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) tied for 11th place on 293 with scores of 74, 74, 70 and 75.
On the same mark were England's Bethan Popel (72-74-71-76) and Ireland's Emma O'Driscoll (73-74-68-78).
Irish close champion Paula Grant finished 15th on 295 with rounds of 77, 71, 72 and 75.
St Andrews' Lauren Whyte (St Regulus), the third Scot in the international field, finished joint 33rd on 304 with rounds of 76, 81, 71 and 76.

PORTUGUESE WOMEN'S OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Montado Golf Resort, Costa Azul.
LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 288 (4x72)
285 Silvia Banon Ibanez (Spa) 69 69 72 75
286 Gabriella Cowley (Eng) 71 74 74 70
287 Natalia Escuriola Martinez (Spa) 74 70 71 72
288 Inci Mehmet (Eng) 70 71 74 73
289 Luna Sobron (Spa) 74 68 68 79, Virginia Elena Carta (Ita) 72 69 74 74

SELECTED TOTALS
292 Annabel Dimmock (Eng) 78 70 70 74, Eilidh Briggs (Sco) 73 71 71 77, Mary Doyle (Ire) 78 73 72 69 (T7)
293 Alyson McKechin (Sco) 74 74 70 75, Emma O'Driscoll (Ire) 73 74 68 78, Bethan Popel (Eng) 72 74 71 76 (T11)
295 Paula Grant (Ire) 77 71 72 75 (15th)
296 Chloe Williams (Wal) 78 78 68 72 (T16)
298 Sarah-Jane Boyd (Eng) 76 73 74 75 (T19)
300 Rochelle Morris (Eng) 77 75 70 78 (T23)
302 Lucy Goddard (Eng) 73 74 78 77, Olivia Mehaffey (Ire) 73 80 73 76 (T26)
304 Lauren Whyte (Sco) 76 81 71 76 (T33)
308 Becky Harries (Wal) 76 76 78 78 (T40)

EILIDH SHARES 3rd PLACE IN PORTUGAL AFTER ROUND 3

Stirling student Eilidh Briggs has moved into a share of third place with one round to go in the Portuguese women's open amateur championship at Montado Golf Resort, on the Costa Azul, south of Lisbon.
But Briggs and English youngster Inci Mehmet who is also on the one-under 215 mark look to have too big a leeway to make up on the joint leaders over Saturday's fourth and final round.
Two Spanish players, Luna Sobron, beaten in the final of the British women's open amateur championship last year, and Silvia Banon Ibanez have surged five shots clear of the field on six-under 210.
Kilmacolm's Briggs has had rounds of 73, 71 and 71 and, with five players on 215, she faces tough competition even to finish third, which would be a very good achievement.
Scottish champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) had her best score yet, a two-under 70 after a pair of 74s and her 218 tally has her in joint 10th position.
St Andrews' Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) also hit good form for the first time in Portugal with a 71, a mark improvement on her earlier efforts of 76 and 81. She is on 228.

PORTUGUESE WOMEN'S OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Montago Golf Resort, Costa Azul.
LEADING THIRD-ROUND SCORES
Par 216 (3x72)
210 Luna Sobron (Spa) 71 68 68, Silvia Banon Ibanez (Spa) 69 69 72
215 Eilidh Briggs (Sco) 73 74 71, Inci Mehmet (Eng) 70 71 74, Emma O'Driscoll (Ire) 73 74 68, Virginia Elena Carta (Ita) 72 69 74, Natalia Escuriola Martinez (Spa) 74 70 71
OTHER SCOTTISH SCORES
218 Alyson McKechin (Sco) 74 74 70
228 Lauren Whyte (Sco) 76 81 71