LORNA MCCLYMONT WINS THE R&A FOUNDATION SCHOLARS TOURNAMENT AT ST ANDREWS

Aled Greville and Lorna McClymont - Photo courtesy of the R&A

Scotland’s Lorna McClymont and Welshman Aled Greville produced impressive final round displays to claim success in The R&A Foundation Scholars Tournament in St Andrews. 

While McClymont held her nerve to defeat countrywoman Chloe Goadby at the second extra hole of a play-off and win the women’s event, Greville surged through the men’s field with a closing 65 on his first ever round on the Old Course. 

McClymont (Milngavie) representing nearby SRUC Elmwood, and University of Birmingham student Greville came out on top in the two-day World Amateur Golf Ranking™ counting event, featuring 60 men and women students representing 24 universities from across the world. 

By virtue of their respective victories, both players achieved automatic spots in the International Team to face the United States of America in the 2019 Arnold Palmer Cup match being played at Alotian, Arkansas from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 June. 

Biggest ever win McClymont shared the overnight lead with Goadby (University of Stirling and a local member at St Regulus Ladies) after the opening 36 holes over the Eden Course and they couldn’t be separated after three-under-par rounds of 73 on the Old Course to post eight-under-par totals. 

It was McClymont, 18, who went on to achieve the biggest win of her career to date, making an up and down from the Valley of Sin at the 18th, the second hole of overtime, while Goadby bogeyed. 

She said, “It feels amazing, I’m struggling for words. I knew it would be tight the whole way around, with Nicola (Slater) as well, as she had a good front nine. 
 “I just tried to enjoy the play-off and thankfully managed to get up and down on the last. I’m in the Scottish Golf Academy and hope to keep progressing.” 

 Sparkling golf Jasmine MacKintosh (Robert Gordon University) and Nicola Slater (University of Stirling) shared third place on six-under-par.

WOMEN
Par 222 (Eden Course x 2, Old Course x 1)
214 L McClymont (Milngavie) 72 69 73, C Goadby (St Regulus Ladies) 70 71 73 (play-off)
216 J Mackintosh (Hazlehead) 74 68 74, N Slater (Lindrick) 71 71 74
219 P Brown (Worthing) 73 71 75, EM Laws (Norway) 69 73 77
220 C Casey (Hermitage) 73 74 73
221 H MacGarvie (Royal Troon) 75 70 76
225 E Toy (Carlyon Bay) 75 74 75
226 L Van Veggel (Maastricht) 78 70 78
227 R Thompson (Cork) 81 72 74, K Napoleaova (Pysely) 73 76 78
230 B-J Smith(Woodhall Spa) 74 76 80, M Dowling (Lucan) 73 76 81
231 F Clark (S Staffs) 78 75 78.

SELECTED TOTALS
238 J Rankine (Haggs Castle) 82 82 74
250 M M Richmond (Strathaven) 82 76 92

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE RESULTS

READ MORE ON THE R&A WEBSITE

D&A INTER COUNTY FOURSOMES AND COMMONWEALTH SPOONS QUALIFIER OVER VALE OF LEVEN

The D&A Inter County Foursomes and Commonwealth Spoons Qualifier was played yesterday over Vale of Leven  

INTERCOUNTY FOURSOMES QUALIFIERS 

SCRATCH  
1st: Sheila Steele &Margaret Stewart (Hilton Park)   83 
2nd: Gemma Canham & Katy Rodgers (Helensburgh)   85 
3rd: Caroline King & Carol Gibbons (Clober)  87

HANDICAP:
1st: Margaret Jefferies & Margaret Grant (Milngavie) 95 (19) 76 bih 
2nd: Fiona Cowan & Morag McFarlane (Balmore)  96 (20) 76 
3rd: Lois Connell & Lana MacDonald (Milngavie & Hilton Park)     91 (14.5) 76.5 

COMMON WEALTH SPOONS QUALIFIERS 

1st: Sheila Steel & Margaret Stewart Hilton Park 83 (10) 73 
2nd: Caroline King & Carol Gibbons Clober 87 (13.5) 73.5 
3rd: Margaret Jefferies & Margaret Grant (Milngavie) 95 (19) 76 bih 
4th: Fiona Cowan & Morag McFarlane (Balmore) 96 (20) 76

For reserves -- GO TO THE D&A WEBSITE 

CHLOE AND LORNA SHARE WOMEN'S LEAD AFTER 36 HOLES IN R&A FOUNDATION SCHOLARS TOURNAMENT

By Colin Farqharson

Chloe Goadby (St Regulus Ladies), a student at Stirling University, and Lorna McClymont (SRUC Elmwood) share the 36-hole lead in the R and A Foundation Scholars' women's tournament.

Chloe posted the clubhouse target of 141 with rounds of 70 and 71 over the Eden course. The final round will be over the Old Course at St Andrews.

Goadby's  efforts were highlighted by an eagle 3 at the second hole in her opening 18 holes.
In the final group of the day, Milngavie's McClymont  joined Goadby at the summit after a superb four-under-par 69 in the afternoon.

Hope for biggest career win
“I gave up a few chances out there, but there were some tough pin positions, so I couldn’t get too greedy,” Goadby, 21, said. “I played steadily, just didn’t hole many putts so I felt as though I could have been a few shots better, but I’ll certainly take five under for the day.
“It’s nice to be in my home town. I don’t get to play the Eden Course much these days, as obviously I’m at university. I like it, I grew up on it. It’s now good to get the chance to play the Old Course tomorrow. I’m excited for that as I’ve not played it in a while. Hopefully the putts will drop.”

McClymont, 18, making her debut in the event, added, “It’s great to be sharing the lead, especially as my second round included a double bogey at the 14^th.
“I won the Scottish School Girls last year, but winning tomorrow would be the biggest win of my career so far, definitely.”

The pair sits one-stroke clear of a trio of players, Aberdeen's Jasmine MacKintosh (Robert Gordon University), Nicola Slater (University of Stirling) and Norway’s Emily Michelle Laws (University of Stirling).
Mackintosh had scores of 74 and 68 - her second round being the lowest of the day in the women's tournament. She had five birdies in halves of 35-33.

WOMEN'S LEADING SECOND ROUND TOTALS
141 C Goadby (St Regulus Ladies) 70 71, L McClymont (Milngavie) 72 69.
142 J Mackintosh (Hazlehead) 74 68, N Slater (Lindrick) 71 71
144 P Brown (Worthing) 73 71
145 H MacGarvie (Royal Troon) 75 70
147 C Casey (Hermitage) 73 74
148 L Van Veggel (Maastricht) 78 70
149 E Toy (Carlyon Bay) 75 74, M Dowling (Lucan) 73 76, K Napoleaova (Loreta Pysely) 73 76
150 B-J Smith (Woodhall Spa) 74 76
153 F Clark (South Staffs) 78 75
158 M Richmond (Strathaven)
164 J Rankine (Haggs Castle) 82 82

WEST GIRLS MEDAL AT GLASGOW GAILES - RACHAEL FOSTER HAS LEADING SCRATCH

The West Girls’ Medal was held today at Glasgow Gailes in the cold and rain. 

Results: CSS 71

Scratch : Rachel Foster (Prestwick St Nicholas) 75 

1st Silver Nett : Katy Hill (Prestwick St. Cuthberts) (10) 70 
2nd Silver Nett: Megan Docherty (Bishopbriggs) (6) 71 

1st Bronze Nett: Jennifer Lynagh ( Caldwell) (23) 70 
2nd Bronze Nett : Neve Marshall (Cathkin Braes) (28) 80

SCOTTISH VETS WIN THE MARY MCKENNA TROPHY

Scottish Vets Winning Team 

It was a thrilling day at Troon Portland today when the Scottish Vets team set out in freezing conditions to try to ensure they continued the previous day’s winning ways. 

They were well aware that a 2 point lead was a very narrow margin when there were 8 points at stake for the Mary McKenna Trophy. Even in the testing conditions there were strong performances on both sides. Click Here for the four ball report

Full results:
Lesley Lloyd halved with Carol Wickham 
Elaine Moffat lost to Catherine Reilly - 1 down
Gillian Kyle beat Pat Dorian 2&1
Donna Jackson beat Mary McLaren 4 &3
Alison Davidson beat Margaret McAuliffe 3&2
Lorna McKinlay lost to Suzanne Corcoran 4&3
Sheena Wood lost to Gertie McMullen 1 down
Frances Millar lost to Alison Taylor 4&3

Final result: Scotland 6 1/2 Ireland 5 1/2

Scottish and Irish Vets Teams

Over the two days, everyone played a vital part in this win but it would be remiss of us not to mention that Lesley Lloyd halved her match after being 2 down with 2 to play, against Carol Wickham , who is considered one of the strongest Irish players. 

So if you spend your time trying to hit the ball further - stop now and practise your short game. Lesley’s accuracy around the greens was key. 

Many thanks to Troon Ladies who worked hard to help make this event a success. 

SLVGA President Maureen McKerrow handing the trophy over to Team Captain Ellie Whyte.

Thanks go to Vice Captain Karen Ballantyne for report and photographs.  -- CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS

Scott and Kylie Henry - the first husband and wife golfers to compete against each other

By Martin Dempster (The Scotsman) 

They fell in love through golf and now Kylie and Scott 
Henry are set to earn a place in the record books in the game – as the first wife and husband to compete against each other in a professional tournament.

The historic occasion will take place later this week when the pair tee up in the ground-breaking Jordan Mixed Open as players from three separate golf circuits – the Ladies European Tour, Challenge Tour and Staysure Tour – lock horns in the same event.

“It is a new concept, so it is quite exciting to be in the first group of players to play in this event,” said Scott Henry, who competes on the Challenge Tour, the second-tier circuit in Europe.

The two Glaswegians were both amateur stars when they first met and have spurred each other on over the years, sharing highs from respective success and also lows from tough spells. 

“We got to know each other through the Scottish Institute of Sport, having been involved in squads when we were teenagers,” said Mrs Henry, a two-time winner on the Ladies European Tour. 

“To be honest, I probably tried to hide how competitive I was at the start when we’d be out playing practice rounds at home, but I quickly discovered that, when you play with guy golfers who are good, it sparks an extra competitive edge. 

“It really excites when me when I play against the guys because I feel it helps me take my game to another level. It is always good fun – and really good fun when you beat them.”

In a bid to try to create a level playing field, the 54-hole event in Jordan will see the three sets of players tackle the same course but from different tees. Mr Henry will face a test measuring 7,152 yards whereas Mrs Henry will be playing over 6,139 yards.

“You are never really going to come up with an exact formula for an event like this,” said Mr Henry, a winner on the Challenge Tour in 2012. “But the way they are doing it with different tees is about as close as you could come up with and it is going to be fun.”

A lot of the time the pair are thousands of miles apart when they are playing on their respective tours, so this event is a nice change as they play for the bragging rights in the Henry household.

“We’ve not quite settled on it yet,” said Mrs Henry, laughing of a likely side bet. 

“Scott has always been so supportive of me. I feel lucky in that respect and next week is going to be enjoyable for us being at the same tournament.

“Quite a few of Scott’s friends are going to be there and quite a few of my friends, too, so it is going to be a fun week.”

While a place in the record books is nice, it would be even better, of course, if they both walked away with a healthy cheque in the £300,000 event next weekend. 

“Professional sport is tough. It is stressful,” said Scott. “The travelling can be hard, especially if you are not on a good run, which I certainly haven’t been on lately. But it never puts a strain between us. We met through golf, but we are not together because of golf.”

ABOYNE GOLF CLUB OPEN DAYS

Aberdeenshire Ladies' County Golf Association is holding their annual Lyon Foursomes Trophy this year at Aboyne Golf Club. 

Aboyne also got a few more Open Days this year  -- CLICK HERE FOR MORE

SCOTLAND VETS WIN ON DAY 1 OF THE MARY MCKENNA TROPHY

Ellie Whyte (SVLGA Captain), Elaine Moffat, Donna Jackson, Lorna McKinlay,
Gillian Kyle, Sheena Wood, Alison Davidson, Frances Millar and Lesley Lloyd

Irish Vets Team

On a spectacular day at Troon Portland, the Scottish Vets team were on great form. 
First couple out were always in control with a better ball of around 5 under par. The remaining three matches were all down at some point but stuck to their game plan producing some great birdies, resulting in no losses for the team. 

Results : Fourball match -- Scottish names first

Elaine Moffat and Lorna McKinlay beat  v Gertie McMullen and Catherine Reilly 4 & 3

Gillian Kyle and Frances Millar beat  Suzanne Corcoran and Alison Taylor 2 holes.

Sheena Wood and Donna Jackson  halved  Pat Doran and Margaret McCauliffe

Alison Davidson and Lesley Lloyd halved  Carol Wickham and Mary MacLaren 

Overall scores Scotland 3 Ireland 1 

Singles draw for tomorrow 

Many thanks to those who came out to support us and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow. 

⛳️ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ⛳️

Thanks go to SVLGA Vice Captain Karen Ballantyne for the report and photos.

EILIDH BRIGGS IS LEADING SCOT IN THE LEVERET TROPHY AT FORMBY

Eilidh Briggs

Emily Slater (Cog Magog GC) won the Leveret Trophy at Formby Ladies yesterday. 

Renfrewshire County Champion Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) was the top Scot who tied in 7th position. 

Gemma Batty(West Linton), Louise Duncan (West Kilbride) and Lorna McClymont (Milngavie) finished in 13th, 18th and 20th position respectively.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE SCORES

LADIES PRO AM AT DUNBLANE GOLF CLUB

LET Pro Heather MacRae is hosting a Ladies Only ProAm at Dunblane New Golf Club the week of the Solheim Cup.  

She is excited for what will be an amazing day celebrating women and girls golf and getting us all ready for the exciting week that will follow at Gleneagles.  

Please get in touch if you wish to enter a team or enquire about sponsorship opportunities 

SCOTTISH VETS TEAM PREPARE FOR THE MARY MCKENNA TROPHY MATCH

Scottish Vets Captain Ellie Whyte and her team are at Troon Portland Course today in preparation for their match against the Irish Senior Ladies for The Mary McKenna Perpetual Trophy. 

The team is :

Alison Davidson MIDLAND

Donna Jackson WEST

Gillian Kyle WEST

Lesley Lloyd WEST

Lorna McKinlay MIDLAND

Frances Millar NORTHERN

Elaine Moffat MIDLAND

Sheena Wood NORTHERN

Reserve Liz Stewart WEST

The format on Sunday 31st March, 10am - 10.30 am will be Fourball Better Ball.

On Monday 1st April, teeing off 9am - 10 am there will be 8 Singles matches.

With so many quality golfers in both teams, the golf will be of the highest standard. 

We would encourage supporters to attend especially as the Scottish team includes three Troon Lady members. 

Wear something purple if you can !

MIRREN FRASER WINS THE SCOTTISH STUDENTS WOMEN’S MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

Stirling's Mirren Fraser shows off the trophy after winning the Scottish Students Women's Matchplay Championship in Lossiemouth

By Martin Dempster

Stirling’s Mirren Fraser won the Scottish Students Women’s Match Play Championship at Moray Golf Club.

She was a worthy champion, too, after ending team-mate Chloe Goadby’s bid for a title double.

Mirren beat Goadby at the 19th in the morning semi-finals before claiming a two-hole win over Nicola Slater by two holes in the 18-hole title decider in Lossiemouth.

In a last-four line up consisting entirely of Stirling players, Slater beat Emily Laws 2&1 in the other semi-final.

To read the full report go to the Scottish Golf View Website

ON THE DANCE FLOOR - NEW FREE WOMEN'S GOLF PODCAST

 Fun, informative golf chat focusing mainly on the Women's Tour. Behind the ropes insight with Emma Dodds, LET/LPGA Pro Beth Allen and other players. Birds with balls, mics and banter.

 CLICK HERE FOR EPISODE 1 with guests Becky Morgan from Wales and Scots Hannah McCook and Michele Thomson.

Read all about it at Scottish Golf

ENID YOUNG AND FIONA COWAN WIN THE D&A WINTER FOURSOMES FINAL

The final of the D & A Winter Foursomes was played on Sunday at Clober Golf Club. 

The match was played in exceedingly blustery conditions with  Enid Young and Fiona Cowan (Balmore ) winning against  Norma Choat and Anne Cumberland (Hilton Park) 5&4

To see more photos and full report go to the  D&A WEBSITE

SCOTTISH STUDENTS' INDIVIDUAL MATCH-PLAY

The female students started their individual match-play tournament yesterday in which the semi-finals will be staged this morning over the Moray club's New Course followed by the final over the Old Course in the afternoon.
RESULTS
FIRST ROUND
Georgina Hirst (St Andrews) bt Cassie Kneen (St Andrews) 3 and 2.
Mirren Fraser (Stirling) bt Jennifer Rankine (Stirling) 2 and 1.
Emily Laws (Stirling) bt Fern Clark (St Andrews) 5 and 4.
Nicola Slater (Stirling) bt Rachel Thompson (Stirling) 1 hole.
QUARTER-FINALS
Chloe Goadby (Stirling) bt Hirst 3 and 2
Fraser bt Caitlin Boa (UHI) 2 holes.
Laws bt Penny Brown (Stirling) 4 and 3.
Slater bt Susan Woodhouse (Strathclyde) 2 and 1

Chloe Goadby wins Scottish student women's title by 8 strokes at Lossiemouth

Chloe Goadby

By Colin Farquarson

Chloe Goadby, a native of St Andrews but a student at Stirling University, yesterday won the Scottish students women's golf championship by eight strokes at Lossiemouth. 

Chloe had scores of 76, 75, 67 and 76 for a total of two-over par 294 over the Moray Golf Club Old and New Courses. 

Runner-up was Lorna McClymont (SRC) with scores of 82, 70, 69 and 81 for an aggregate of 303. 

One-time leader Penny Brown (Stirling) finishes third on 303, two shots ahead of Jasmine Mackintosh. 

Stirling 1, with a total of 300, won the women's team event by 14 shots from SRUC 1. 

WOMEN'S FINAL TOTALS par 292 (4x73) 294 

C Goadby (Stirling) 76 75 67 76 302 
L McClymont (SRC) 82 70 69 81 303 
P Brown (Stirling) 77 73 74 79 305 
J Macintosh (RGU) 82 73 70 80 309 
A Hammer (St Andrews) 86 71 73 79 312 
S Woodhouse (Strathclyde) 86 75 70 81 314 
C Boa (UHI) 83 74 77 80 317 
M Fraser (Stirling) 81 76 78 82 318 
M Patzeltova (SRC) 90 72 78 86 

WOMEN'S FINAL TEAM TOTALS 
300 Stirling 1 
314 SRUC 1 
316 St Andrews 1 
325 Stirling 2 
332 Stirling 3 
337 St Andrews 2

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

WIN A WEEKEND SPRING BREAK ON BEAUTIFUL ROYAL DEESIDE

Aboyne Golf Club have teamed up with the Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Craigendarroch Lodges to offer up to four golfers the chance to win a fabulous weekend spring golf break on beautiful Royal Deeside, Scotland over the period 24-26th May 2019.

The prize includes unlimited golf at Aboyne which is the oldest club on Royal Deeside: Home to the 2018 R&A Ladies Coronation Foursomes Area Finals together with hosting the Scottish Golf Men’s North-East Open last season.  www.aboynegolfclub.co.uk

The prize also includes complimentary entry to our Open Mixed Foursomes competition on Sunday 26th May should you wish to play. 

Enjoy a 3-night FREE stay in one of the fully furnished lodges on the fabulous Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Craigendarroch resort for the nights 24-26th May.

Craigendarroch Lodges offers the luxury and privacy of your own self-catering holiday home with resort amenities on your doorstep.  Make full use of the on-site Country Club offering extensive leisure facilities.  The lodges have all been designed for pure enjoyment — with room to relax, to soak up the panoramic splendour of Royal Deeside, and enjoy the seclusion and privacy of your own home from home.  www.higvc.co.uk

Terms & Conditions of the competition

Can be found on the Aboyne Golf Club website 

How to enter?

To enter the competition, click on this link  CLICK HERE

MIDLOTHIAN WIN AGAINST LANARKSHIRE IN FRIENDLY MATCH

The format was again foursomes with 5 pairings playing off scratch, which included 2 juniors playing against 2 Lanarkshire juniors. 

  RESULTS - Lanarkshire names first

Game 1: Eva O’Connor & Katie Scott  bt  Karen Ferguson-Snedden &Louise Fraser  2 up 
Game 2 : Justine Fulton & Ruth Hunter lost to Hilary Laughland &; Jennifer Bryans(Midlothian) 3/2  
Game 3:  Fiona Norris & May Hughes lost  Caroline Steedman & Alison McBride 2/1 
Game 4: Alison Hendry & Lesley Lloyd lost to  Carys Irvine & Rachael Livingstone 1up 
Game 5 : Jennifer Reilly & Leah Bryce lost to Mollaidh Nicholson/ & Lucy Morrison 4/3 

Lanarkshire 1 Midlothian 4

Go to the Lanarkshire Website for report

Go to Midlothian website for report

FRIENDLY MATCH BETWEEN FIFE AND RENFREWSHIRE

Megan Briggs, Carol Whyte, Susan Jackson and Elaine Moffatt

A friendly match of 8 players a side between Renfrewshire and Fife Counties took place yesterday where Fife Captain Lorna Bennett had very kindly arranged the match at Ladybank GC. 

 The course was in very good condition for this time of year, and despite the howling wind, the sun shone and there was no rain. 

The top game saw Fife's Elaine Moffat and Susan Jackson narrowly beat Renfrewshire's  Megan Briggs and Carol Whyte on the 17th  and Renfrewshire won the other 3 games. 

Results : Renfrewshire Names first
Match 1: Megan Briggs and Carol Whyte lost 2&1 to Susan Jackson and Elaine Moffat
Match 2:  Julie Wilson and Alyson McGinnigle beat Lorna McKinlay and Brogan Clark 3&1
Match 3 : Gillian Kyle and Romy Erskine beat Lynn Newton and Lorraine Morrow 5&4
Match 4: Donna Jackson and Liz Stewart beat Linda Dyball and Laura Aitken 3&2
Fife 1 Renfrewshire 3

 To top off the day, the team enjoyed a lovely meal in the Clubhouse, so all in all it was an excellent start to the season. 

Our thanks go to Captain Lorna Bennet, Vice Captain Elsie Hutcheon and all involved at Ladybank GC. 

 Report by June Lockhart (Captain RLCGA) 

CLICK HERE FOR SOME PHOTOS -- Courtesy of June Lockhart

From the Fife Counties Website
From the Renfrewshire County Website

RENFREWSHIRE COUNTY CELEBRATE 110 YEARS AT THEIR ANNIVERSARY DINNER

Guests Ann Smart (Aberdeenshire County Captain) and
Morag Clapperton (Past Captain Aberdeenshire LGA)

60 Renfrewshire County Ladies, and some guests, had a memorable Dinner on Thursday evening at Haggs Castle G.C., and were treated to a ‘Welcome’ drink of Prosecco to celebrate their 110th Anniversary.
However we were sorry to hear of Past Captain Pamela Mackenzie’s accident in preparing for the event, and we wish her a speedy recovery.  
Haggs Castle G.C. was the perfect venue, with a lovely meal and excellent service. 

The meal was preceded by a wonderful toast from Centenary Past Captain Christeen Finlayson 

She said " It gives me great pleasure to stand here to propose a Toast to the Renfrewshire Ladies County Golf Association In its 110th Year. It seems like no time since we were at the Glynhill hotel, celebrating our Centenary!"

"It is very encouraging to see 63 ladies here tonight and 17 Out of 22 Renfrewshire golf clubs are represented. Our Association has been guided, and our standards kept high over the past ten years by captains Trish Brown, Maureen Woodhead, Gillian McGinlay, Gillian Kyle and our 110th Captain, June Lockhart. "

"It goes without saying, they have been ably assisted by the long-serving Honorary Life President, Wendy Cameron, and Honorary Past presidents Eileen Gibb and Jennifer Mack along with many committee Members who have given generously of their time and knowledge."

"With great enthusiasm, I did look through the all the Minutes of the past ten years, but you will be happy to Know - if not estatic! -  that as so much has happened I will only mention a very few highlights - for example ---- We were the Scottish County Champions in 2010 and 2017, Megan Briggs was the Scottish Ladies Champion in 2009, followed by Alyson McKechin in 2013, and, of course, Eilidh Briggs played in the Curtis Cup in St. Louis, America, in 2014." 
  

"I must congratulate all our talented and dedicated players who have kept Renfrewshire’s name in the fore- front of ladies amateur golf, and I have no doubt that by the time our annual general meeting comes around on the 5th of November, there will be additional feats to be added to their success. This also applies to the future of our junior golf members who will carry the baton on into our 120th celebration".

She finally wished the Renfrewshire Ladies County Golf Association continued warm friendship and every success for the future and she asked the Ladies,  to be upstanding and join her in a toast to our association - affectionately known as the R.L.C.G.A.

RLCGA President - Pearl Orr

This was then followed by a Grace from President Pearl Orr. The second half of the evening saw Julie Wilson receive some Bombay Gin on account of sitting on the ‘lucky seat’, and then came our very entertaining speech from the inimitable Karen Maxwell, Past Captain of D & A. Part of her speech certainly put a new slant on the ‘Cycle of Life’!! 

The musical part of the evening began with a visit from  Parisienne Fifi Lemonde ( aka Moira Kerr) then some more entertainment from the songstress to complete an excellent evening. 

 Vice Captain Sandra Littlejohn ended the evening with a Vote of Thanks, where special mention was made of our 2 Carols – Carol McNally for her efforts in making the Hall appear extra special and welcoming, and Carol Fell for her skills in allowing us to sign up online, the make up of the table menu cards and taking photographs and videos throughout. (See photos and Videos at end of this post)

RLCGA Captain June Lockhart and Past D&A Captain Karen Maxwell

Finally many thanks to all who attended the event, and here’s hoping the Dinner has been the precursor of a very enjoyable and successful season in 2019. 

 June Lockhart (RLCGA Captain)

PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS

 Click on the links below for some videos 

Video 1 - Christeen Finlayson and June Lockhart (Introduction)
Video 2 - Karen Maxwell - The Cycle of Life !!
Video 3 - Karen Maxwell tells a few more Jokes
Video 4 - A selection of songs by Moira Kerr
Video 5 - Final song and Vote of thanks by Vice Captain Sandra Littlejohn

Clare-Marie Macaulay believes Solheim Cup can be a real game changer

By Nick Rodger (The Glasgow Herald)

Back in ye olden times, recreational opportunities for the bairns were pretty limited. If you weren’t wiping soot off your face after 12 hours in a chimney then you were running up and down a cobbled street like something out of a Hovis advert.

These days, of course, there are more distractions than you can shake a stick at. And yes, there are probably even classes in stick shoogling. Getting the young ‘uns into sticks of a golfing kind has been Clare-Marie Macaulay’s all-consuming passion for a few years now and her sterling work with the juniors at Paisley Golf Club continues to bear fruit.

In this age of swipe-and-scroll gadgetry, prising a younger generation away from the instant gratification of their handheld thingymebobs almost requires the hydraulic jaws of life.

“That’s the tough thing, but all I can do is make it as much fun as possible,” said Macaulay of an enthusiastic approach which has certainly breathed new life into Paisley’s junior scene. “I’ve been here for about six years and there was nothing much in place when I started. The lack of juniors was an eye-opener.

“I remember my first morning class, we had four turning up. But we started it anyway and they came for four weeks. We got it up to eight and then eight in each class and it grew from there and we started our Junior Academy. The junior membership at the club is now maybe 60 to 70.”

Getting the children hooked early into a game that can be enjoyed – and often endured – for the rest of their lives is the key for Macaulay who works alongside her brother, Paisley club pro Andy Carlton, in this family affair.

“We trialled a session for three and four-year-olds and ended up getting over 30 turning up,” she added of her Golf Tots programme. “I was quite taken aback. We opened a performance studio up which allows us to coach in the winter. They have all the trackman technology and the virtual courses. They love it. I’m not sure what they’ll think when we actually go outside, mind you.”

With its ageing demographic and declining membership figures, it’s easy to find downbeat statistics about golf in the game’s cradle that can be about as uplifting as reading a court summons.

There is plenty of good work being done at clubs throughout the country, though, and Macaulay prefers to adopt a more optimistic outlook.

“People who are non-golfers tend to see it as not very cool,” she said. “But we have been in schools round Paisley just to give kids the chance. You ask them at the end of a lesson ‘is that better than you expected?’ The response is usually ‘yes’.

“I talk to the girls who come to us and say my best pals are my golf pals.

If you get to play in events as you develop, then you’ll be with your friends all the time and they’ll grow to become lifelong friends. That’s the great thing about golf.

“It’s maybe too late for some clubs but I am a bit more optimistic about the future than I was. There are more initiatives, there are more female PGA pros going about too. People are trying. We need to be more positive.”

With the Solheim Cup coming to Glen­eagles later this year, Macaulay, who also helps run a Junior Golf Tour which has grown to incorporate 23 events, is hoping the women’s transatlantic team showpiece between Europe and the USA can act as a springboard for participation.

“I don’t think we can underplay the importance of the Solheim Cup,” she declared.

“We need to get as many juniors to that as possible. I remember the last time it was in Scotland, I was maybe 11 or 12, and I thought it was amazing.

“Youngsters will go to that and realise that golf is not old and boring. These are fashionable young girls who are great at their sport. The Solheim Cup is a huge opportunity for us.”

For more information on Clare-Marie Macaulay's junior tour, go to www.juniorflagchallenge.co.uk 

From your Webmaster -- Many congrats Clare - Marie on your success 
RLCGA is playing their County Championship over Paisley this year. Clare - Marie won the County Championship in 2003 Taken from the Archives -- CLICK HERE 

GABRIELLE MACDONALD GIVES US AN INSIGHT TO THE SUNSHINE TOUR 2019

While Gabrielle MacDonald was waiting at the airport yesterday to come home to Scotland she decided to write a blog about her time on the SUNSHINE AFRICAN LADIES TOUR 🇿🇦☀️

For those who fancy a wee read: CLICK HERE

KATY HILL WINS THE AYRSHIRE JUNIOR SPRING SALVER

Ayrshire Vice Captain Joanne Sharp, trophy Winner Katy Hill and Junior Girls

Ten girls braved the elements at Troon Fullarton yesterday morning to contest the Ayrshire Junior Spring Salver. 
Four pre-handicappers played 7 holes and in the 18 hole competition for the salver there were some great scores with the winner, on the better inward half, being Katy Hill (Turnberry) playing off a handicap of 10 with a nett 61 

First silver was Freya Russell (Royal Troon)  nett 62 
First bronze was Louise Milligan (Irvine GC) nett 61 
Second bronze was Katie Ronnie (Kilmarnock Barassie) nett 69

To read more and see more photographs go to the Ayrshire County Website 

WEST OF SCOTLAND GIRLS HAVE A FUN DAY AT THE NEW FAIRWAYS INDOOR GOLF ARENA

West Girls 

The West of Scotland Girls had a fun day yesterday at the new Fairways Indoor Golf Arena. 

Allison Bell gave thanks to Bobby Rushford for the coaching session. 
Well done to the eighteen present and future West Girls. Great start to the 2019 season!!

Please Note -- The West Girls website has a new address -http://www.wsgga.btck.co.uk (The link is also on the LHS side of this website or in the website links on a mobile phone)

KILMARNOCK BARASSIE PARTNERSHIP WIN THE AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY WINTER FOURSOMES

Audrey Thomson, Liz Keohone, Marion Hamilton and Liz Fitzpatrick

The Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Association winter foursomes final was played at a breezy West Kilbride today

The final was between Audrey Thomson and Liz Keohone (Loudoun Gowf) and Marion Hamilton and Liz Fitzpatrick (Kilmarnock Barassie) 

It was a very close game all the way with the 12th being the turning point in the game and into the wind all the way home. 

Liz and Minnie capitalised on their shots and sealed the win on the 16th 3&2 

Well done to all for reaching the final

Audrey, Liz , Marion and Liz on the 1st tee at West Kilbride

Thanks go to ALCGA Captain Liz Wilson for the report and photographs.

Top-five finishes for Michele Thomson and Carly Booth in South

By Martin Dempster ((The Scotsman) 

Plucky last-day performances earned top-five finishes for Scottish pair Michele Thomson and Carly Booth in the Investec South African Women’s Open in Cape Town.

As Indian rookie Diksha Dagar pipped home player Lee-Anne Pace for the title at Westlake Golf Club, Thomson finished joint-third, with Booth a shot behind in a share of fifth position.

It was Thomson’s best effort on the Ladies European Tour since the 31-year-old Aberdonian finished second in the Hero Women’s Indian Open in 2017.

She opened the final round with seven straight pars before producing a burst of four birdies in six holes around the turn to close within two of overnight leader Pace.

Thomson then parred the last five holes as she signed off with a bogey-free effort, finishing two shots behind Dagar who overtook Pace thanks to a closing 69.

Booth, who started the day alongside Thomson on one-over, matched Dagar’s effort, covering the last six holes in three-under to maintain her recent good run of form.

The 26-year-old, a two-time LET winner, finished fourth in the Canberra Classic a fortnight ago then claimed a share of 12th along with Thomson in last week’s New South Wales Open.

A closing 70 earned Kelsey Macdonald a top-20 finish as she tied for 18th on four-over, three shots ahead of Kylie Henry, who ended up on three-over following the same final-day score.

CLICK HERE FOR FINAL SCORES

Stirling students Penny and Jordan wire-to-wire winners at Western Gailes

By BEN PHILIP

The 14^th West of Scotland Trophy students' golf tournament came to a close on Friday with two wire-to-wire winners in Stirling’s Penny Brown and Jordan Sundborg.

Once again Western Gailes was beset by atrocious conditions, the final day proving possibly even windier than the first two. This brought to a close the perfect storm of weather throughout the competition and in which every player’s performance was to be commended.

Brown (pictured right) started the day with a six'-shot lead over team-mate Hazel MacGarvie and extended that lead with a par at the first. However, a double bogey 6 at the 4^th, coupled with MacGarvie’s birdie at the sixth cut the gap to four strokes 

That would prove to be as close as Hazel got as back-to-back bogeys saw both players turn in 41. Two birdies on the back nine from Penny closed the door on the competition and only a double bogey on 18 prevented her from being the only player to shoot in the 70s each day, a back nine of 39 seeing her sign for an 80. Her final score of 235 gave her an eight-shot winning margin.

To read more and see the Men’s results go to the  Scottish View Website