Carol and Alyson reach the finals of the Renfrewshire Winter Foursomes

Click to Enlarge to read results

Home players  Carol McNally and Alyson McGinnigle (Williamwood) played the Whitecraigs pairing of Lorna Boyd and Linda Hay in the RLCGA Winter Foursomes Semi Final a couple of weeks ago. 

For a January day the weather and course were extremely favourable. 

 The home team took an early lead over the first several holes but with a magnificent Golden Ferret by Lorna the game sat at Williamwood 3 up playing 6th which was halved in birdies. 

After halving 7th; Whitecraigs' ladies won 8th hole and Williamwood 9th. 
The toughest hole on the course was halved. Williamwood won par 3 11th followed by Whitecraigs winning the tricky 12th. 

 After Williamwood winning 13th and the long 14th being halved this meant home duo dormie 4. Good drive by Alyson set up par and a win on 15th green. 

 A really friendly game in great County spirit.

Carol and Alyson now meet the winners of the other semi final between Alison Murray and Lesley Robertson (Ranfurly Castle) and Morag Key (Ralston) and Anita McMillan (Erskine)

DEATH OF LANARKSHIRE'S BETTY STEWART

From the Lanarkshire County Website

It is with much sadness that Lanarkshire Ladies' County Golf Association announce the death of Past Captain Betty McCormack. 

Betty had been ill for many years and had been resident in a nursing home. 

She was a very good golfer and was a regular member of the LLCGA team for many years. 
She won the championship in 1963, 1967, 1978 and runner up in 1964,1969, 1974 and 1980. 

Betty's funeral will take place on Monday at 10am at Maryhill Crematorium.

SVLGA TEAM SELECTED FOR THE MARY MCKENNA TROPHY

The SVLGA and Captain Karen Ballantyne are delighted to announce the team who will be travelling to Dublin to play against the Irish Seniors at the Roganstown Course on Sunday 29th and Monday 30th March.  

We will be taking the Mary McKenna Perpetual Trophy back to Ireland and we do hope it will be making the return journey with us on the Monday.

The team is:

Alison Davidson Midland

Karen Ferguson-Sneddon East

Donna Jackson West

Gillian Kyle West

Lesley Lloyd West

Lorna Mckinlay Midland

Elaine Moffat Midland

Sheena Wood Northern

Reserve:

Jennifer Bryans East

Particular congratulations to 'baby vet' Karen Ferguson-Sneddon (pictured above) who turned 50 at the end of 2019 and will be making her debut in the event.  Karen is pictured here after her impressive win at the East of Scotland Championship last year.

WENDY CAMERON IS CELEBRATING A BIG BIRTHDAY

Wendy with RLCGA Captain Sandra Littlejohn - Photo courtesy of Fiona Armour

Many congratulations go to Wendy Cameron -- RLCGA'S Honorary President and West Vets Honorary President 

Wendy is celebrating a very Big Birthday today.  
A joint card has been sent to her by email Click here for her Birthday Card  - 
If using a mobile phone (turn to landscape or on a PC click on the small square at the bottom right to get full screen)

Wendy would like you to know that she is still having an active life and wants to prove it to you all !! -- Click Here

 MESSAGE FROM WENDY

Click to enlarge

AMY BOULDEN WINS Q SCHOOL AND ALISON MUIRHEAD FINISHES 3RD

Photograph - Courtesy of the European Ladies Tour

Amy Boulden will return to the Ladies European Tour in 2020 after winning Qualifying School at La Manga Club by three strokes from Magdalena Simmermacher and Alison Muirhead. 

Boulden, the 2014 LET Rookie of the Year, closed the Final Stage with a round of five-under-par 68 on the South Course for a 90-hole total of 351, 10-under-par. 

Alison Muirhead, who topped the field in Pre-Qualifying at La Manga, which was her first tournament as professional, ended with a 71 to take the third card. 

The 21-year-old Scot, who lives in Dubai, said: “It feels amazing. I never expected this to be the outcome. To do last week and this week and finish first and second, I’m really pleased. It’s been a long two weeks and I’m excited for the tour and feel like I’m ready to be playing. 
Today, I didn’t have my A game, but I kept it together and sunk some big putts, which gave me a lot of confidence coming into the last five holes. 
Amy played spectacularly and it was amazing to watch and be part of it.” 

Alice Hewson from Hertfordshire in England took the final spot in Category 5c in fifth place on five-under-par.

(After the Final Round, the top five players are eligible for LET Membership in Category 5c. 
Players from the 6th to the 20th position are eligible for Membership in Category 8a. 
Players who have made the 72-hole cut to the leading 60 and ties and finished in position 21st and below, are ranked according to score and are eligible for Membership in Category 9b. 
Players that fail to make the cut after 72 holes, are eligible for LET membership in Category 12a and will be ranked in final score order)

To read the full report go to the Ladies European Tour Website

FINAL SCOREBOARD

TARTAN CHEER AT TROON LADIES

Top  Left: Sheila Pickles and Rosie Muir
Top Right: Julie Neal and Julie Tulloch
Bottom Left: Some of the Committee
Bottom Right: Helen Convery (Captain)

On Friday 24th January, 68 Troon Ladies played in their annual 9 hole Tartan Greensomes followed by the traditional lunch of haggis, neeps & tatties. 

Captain Helen Convery presented prizes to the Front 9 winners - Julie Neal & Julia Tulloch and the Back winners - Rosie Muir and Sheila Pickles.

Thanks go to Gillian Kyle for the report and photographs 

SCOT ALISON MUIRHEAD SHARES THE LEAD AFTER 4 ROUNDS AT THE LET QUALIFYING SCHOOL

Alison Muirhead - Photo Courtesy of the Ladies European Tour

Amy Boulden and Alison Muirhead share the lead heading into the final round of LET Qualifying School at La Manga Club in Murcia.

 The leaders are tied on five-under-par 283 after four rounds, including two rounds on the North and South Courses respectively. 

After a tough third round of 77 on the North Course, co-leader Muirhead was delighted to bounce back with a bogey-free three-under-par round of 70 on the South. 
The 21-year-old Scot said: “It was really steady today and I enjoyed it. The conditions altered during the round so it was good to keep it steady and hit a lot of greens. 
I just kept lipping out for birdie, so it was very nice to see the ball rolling close today and to bounce back, especially after yesterday. 

I’m very pleased. “I’m feeling really good heading into tomorrow. It’s obviously another day, but I feel like my putter is working well. I didn’t hole as many putts today, but you obviously save them for the next day, so I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”

To read the full report go to the Ladies European Tour Website

CLICK HERE FOR SCOREBOARD AFTER 4 ROUNDS

Unfortunately none of the other Scots made the final Cut.
Hannah McCook and Heather Macrae missed the final cut by 3 shots. Rachael Taylor and Gabrielle Macdonald were the other 2. 

MUIRHEAD STORMS CLEAR IN SPAIN AFTER ROUND 2

Alison Muirhead

From the Ladies European Tour Website

The Ladies European Tour Qualifying School got underway at La Manga Club yesterday (Wednesday 22nd January) in somewhat benign conditions in comparison to what had been experienced over the previous couple of days, with Storm Gloria causing destruction at the resort in Cartagena, Spain.

Alison Muirhead, who last week won the Pre-Qualifier event for the Final Stage of Ladies European Tour Qualifying School, continued her impressive form firing a superb six-under-par 67 around the South Course at La Manga Club in Cartagena, Spain.

As the sun finally came out, Muirhead’s game warmed up and she rolled in seven birdies on the way to posting the round of the day, to open up a five shot lead after two rounds. The 21-year-old from Scotland was delighted: 

“I am really enjoying La Manga Club. The South Course was playing really good today, it was playing long and the greens were in superb condition. 

Scottish Scores after Round 2 

 -8 Alison Muirhead (1st)
+ 6 Hannah McCook (T68)

+ 8 Heather Macrae (T82)

+10 Rachael Taylor (T95)

+11 Gabrielle MacDonald (T102)

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SCOREBOARD

RENFREWSHIRE JUNIOR COACHING AND FUN PRACTICE AT FAIRWAYS INDOOR GOLF ARENA

15 Renfrewshire girls took part in a fun practice session on Sunday morning at a rather chilly Fairways Indoor Golf Arena in Coatbridge.

Most of them were young & quite new to golf but keen to get their handicaps when the season begins. 

It was great to meet some new faces which is encouraging for the future of golf. They rotated round 3 different stations to practice full shots, chipping & putting. 

Many thanks go to the "coaches" of the day- Sandra Littlejohn , Donna Jackson and Liz Stewart and Bobby Rushford & his staff at Fairways.

Thanks go to Gillian Kyle for the report and photos.

NOMINATE A 15-17 YEAR OLD FEMALE GOLFER FROM SCOTLAND TO GO TO ARCHERFIELD

Archerfield Golf Club

From Lorne Kelly

As many people know, for the past three years I have been working with the Congaree Global Golf Initiative, an amazing program that helps high potential, but financially disadvantaged young people achieve their dream of playing college golf. 

Each summer, dozens of students get the opportunity to travel to one of the most incredible courses in America to learn the skills needed to reach their athletic and academic potential. 

This year, we’re also excited to add an additional CGGI camp at ARCHERFIELD, Scotland to help more students in Europe. 

WE ARE ACTIVELY LOOKING FOR GIRLS FROM  SCOTLAND and would appreciate any recommendations. 

If you know of a deserving high school golfer who would be a good fit, please reach out for details on how to nominate them for the program. 
My email address is lornekelly100@gmail.com or by all means PM me -- CLOSING DATE 22ND JANUARY 2020 FOR NOMINATIONS

You can learn more about CGGI and Congaree Foundation play the video below

ALISON MUIRHEAD MAKES MAGIC MOVE AT LA MANGA

Alison Muirhead

From the Ladies European Tour Website 

Scotland’s Alison Muirhead took control of the Pre-Qualifier for the 2020 LET season after firing a sensational career best seven-under-par 64 over the North Course at La Manga Club in Cartagena, Spain.

The 21-year-old from Scotland moved to nine-under-par and opened up a five shot lead heading into the final round. A delighted Muirfield reflected: “I started pretty slow on the front nine and made the turn in one-under-par. Ironically, on my back nine the wind picked up but so did my game.

“I birdied the tenth hole and it really gave me momentum. The highlight of my round came at the par-5 12th hole which I eagled. I hit a superb four iron from 225 yards and rolled in a 25 foot putt. Coming down the stretch I played some excellent golf and rolled in four more birdies.”

Alison, was born in Johannesburg and currently lives in Dubai where she practices at Jumeirah Golf Estates. She added on a memorable day in Spain: “The North Course is a tough test and has some narrow tee shots. I have been working hard on my game and I am so happy to shoot my best ever score when it really matters. There is still a lot of golf to be played but this has given me a lot of confidence. My Mum is here watching and I’m sure will be ecstatic for me.”

Scotland's Heather Macrae finished in 16th place and Hannah McCook just made the cut tied 58th.

Kimberley Beveridge and Heather Stirling missed the cut

The top 60 players and ties will make it through to final stage of Qualifying which will be played over the North and South courses 22nd – 26th September.  

FINAL SCOREBOARD

HAGGS CASTLE LADIES OPEN DAY - TRI AM

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR ENTRY FORM 
CLICK HERE TO ENTER ON LINE 

WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM INTRODUCTION

KARYN BURNS 18 DAY PUTTING CHALLENGE

It’s BACK following popular demand......The Putting Challenge!  Once you sign up you can take part via Facebook OR email.  You will receive DAILY instructions on your task from the 27th January until 15th February.  

All you need is a decent putting surface at home (carpet or putting mat) OR of course you can use the drills at the place where you practice most, indoor OR outdoor! 

You will need another few things to complete the practices and drills.....see the picture above!

£45 for 18 Days of Practices and Drills that -- 
WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER PUTTER!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE or email Karyn 

GET INTO GOLF WORKSHOPS

To support clubs, Scottish Golf are delivering a series of free-to-attend Get into Golf workshops in 2020, giving Clubs insight into what the Get into Golf programme is as well as how your club can introduce new people to the game.

At the workshops, you will be able to learn from other Clubs who have been involved with Get into Golf and understand how it has helped them to increase female membership, create an inclusive environment, introduce flexible or social memberships and much more.

These workshops are free-to-attend for all affiliated Scottish Golf Clubs and a full list of where, when and how to book a place at your local workshop can be found below:

Click Here to Read More at Scottish Golf. 

Disabled get access to new facilities

The Scottish Disability Golf & Curling charity, will launch its second HUB later this month at the Elmwood Golf Club near Cupar, where golfers from as far afield as England and Northern Ireland will help tee-off the new project.

PGA Students from Elmwood’s College, representatives of the Elmwood Golfing Society and SDGC members , will provide some tips and tuition for existing golfing and new members with disabilities on Friday 31 January from 10:00. 

An “SDGC HUB” is a recognised club/facility that has a positive record on encouraging people with a disability to come and enjoy the game. Appropriate access, friendly and helpful staff and qualified instructors with experience of delivering coaching to a range of disabilities, which ultimately creates a positive environment and experience for our members.

Jim Gales, the Secretary of the charity said, “Funding, which helped to establish Scotland’s first disability hub  in St Andrews earlier this month, has come from Trusts and Foundations across the UK and each HUB session can include lessons, putting and other golf practice facilities, as well as the most important social side of the game, with members mixing with PGA Professionals, Coaches and our volunteers.”

More on the SDGC can be found at -- by clicking here 

Scottish Disability Golf & Curling is a Registered Scottish Charity SC 041000

LOOKING GOOD FOR GOLF -- CLOSING DOWN SALE - FIND YOURSELF A BARGAIN

Click to enlarge

CLICK HERE TO GO TO WEBSITE 

PHONE SARAH AS SHE STILL HAS LOTS MORE AT HOME 

HANDICAP (CDH) TRANSITION TO NEW SOFTWARE PROVIDER

As preparation for the 2020 golf season continues, Scottish Golf would like to inform you that the Central Database for Handicaps (CDH) will transition to a new software provider over the coming days. 

While disruption is expected to be minimal, golf clubs will experience some changes at interface over the next 10 days. A user guide for the new CDH with information on credentials for accessing the new system will be issued to you in due course. 

Should you have any urgent queries, please do not hesitate to get in contact by emailing handicapping@scottishgolf.org or calling 0131 339 3987. 

Kind regards,
Scottish Golf Handicapping Team

Tweet from ClubSystems 

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TROON LADIES OPEN DAY ENTRY FORM

The Ladies Golf Club,  -- Troon Ladies’ Open Day Tri-am (over the 18-hole Portland Course) Friday 29th May 2020

  CLICK HERE FOR ENTRY FORM

As of the 14th January the entry list is now full up and any further entries will be added to a reserve list.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR GOLFERS AND READERS

CLICK HERE TO SEE YOUR NEW YEAR CARD 
Hope you all have a good golfing season in 2020 and the weather is kind !!

Your Webmaster Carol

 Please send me your stories and a photo if you have it - to keep this website going as I know there is a lot of news out there that is not being reported and I need your help.

Click on the link above that says email your news

Catriona Matthew - has been made an OBE

Catriona Matthew (Getty Images)

Scottish golfer Catriona Matthew, who captained Team Europe to Solheim Cup victory over the US, has been appointed an OBE in the New Year Honours list

The 50-year-old has been recognised for services to golf, 10 years after becoming an MBE. 

Catriona, who grew up in North Berwick was absolutely delighted when she opened her post to find the news that she was to receive the honour. 

She said it was "quite a surprise" and she was "very excited" to get the recognition for her achievements. 
 "It's a huge honour for myself, for the team and for woman's golf", she added. --- She said the victory on "home soil" had been "very special". 

 Her family are looking forward to travelling down to Buckingham Palace to see her receive the honour.

SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM SCOTTISH GOLF

On behalf of the whole team at Scottish Golf, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support throughout 2019.

We hope you have a fantastic time during the Christmas break and send our best wishes to you all for the New Year and 2020 golf season!

Seasons Greeting from Douglas Park Golf Club

Douglas Park in the Snow

Over 80 Douglas Park ladies attended their Christmas lunch this month in what is a busy schedule for the catering staff with approximately a 1000 lunches this year !

Ladies Captain Denise Macnaughton welcomed everyone and there was much festivities, laughter and fun with a big singing input again by the GetIntoGolf Girls. 

Hole in One at The East Renfrewshire Christmas Turkey Trot and £560 Raised for the Glasgow Care Foundation

East Renfrewshire Ladies

The Ladies of East Renfrewshire held their Turkey Trot and Christmas lunch on Wednesday 11th December. Although the weather could only be described as frightful, 5 ladies set out to play 9 holes from the blue tees. Adding in a tee shot using the bendy driver made for a more enjoyable round that could have been hoped for.

East Renfrewshire Captain -- Carole Spy presents
Eileen Ferguson (left photo) and Vi Fraser (right photo)
with their prizes

The high spot of the morning was definitely a hole in one by Eileen Ferguson at the 13th.

Eileen has obviously settled well into playing at East Ren by also winning the longest drive with the bendy driver and being part of the winning team.

With at Tri-am score of 45 points the winning team was Eileen Ferguson, Vi Fraser and Janet Stevens.

The overall winner of the Turkey Trot with 21 points (BIH) was Vi Fraser.

The Christmas lunch was attended by 49 ladies plus one gentleman. Chris Steward (Chairman of the Glasgow Care Foundation) joined us to explain the work the charity does to alleviate some of the problems of poverty in Glasgow. The Ladies were delighted to be able to present Chris with a cheque for £560.

Before sitting down for lunch Janet challenged us to some left handed putting and indoor chipping. Perhaps some for practice is required.

A very tasty meal was enjoyed by everyone along with a quiz,some singing and a great deal of Christmas cheer.

Merry Christmas 

Carole Spy (Ladies Captain)

SCOTTISH GOLF UPDATE ON THE WHS IMPLEMENTATION - SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS

Since our last communication, Scottish Golf have met with a number of Golf Clubs through various meetings and regional forums. A key topic of discussion was about the upcoming implementation of the World Handicap System (WHS) in 2020.

A common piece of feedback was about the proposed solution from Scottish Golf to push handicap/scoring data from the WHS system to Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) in order for them to continue administering club competitions and publish results. However, ISVs were concerned about the technical challenges this presented and some Golf Clubs preferred a solution that supported continued use of recently purchased ISV software / hardware products.

As the national governing body, it is our duty to work in the best interest of our affiliated clubs and the end users. With this in mind the decision has been taken to allow accredited ISVs access to pull player handicaps from the Central Database of Handicaps (CDH) for competition purposes only. This solves the technical challenges raised and supports some Golf Club’s requests to continue using their current system.

It is, however, important to note that Scottish Golf are the only authorised body responsible for affiliated members’ handicaps and therefore all competition scores must be sent to the WHS CDH for handicap processing. Any golfer can review their handicap record via the Scottish Golf platform on any of the following available sources: Scottish Golf App, Scottish Golf iPad, or Scottish Golf website. 

No ISV will be licensed to present any handicap data to affiliated members via any other source. 

The above covers competition results only and where it comes to General Play scores being submitted for handicapping purposes, members will need to use a Scottish Golf iPad supplied to Clubs free of charge (i) by Scottish Golf or via the Scottish Golf App. General play scoring is a new requirement under WHS that means any golfer can submit a score for handicapping at any golf club on any day as long as they have pre-registered their intent prior to submitting a score. This will ensure that players get a consistent interface when entering general play scores as they travel around the country.

We would like to thank all clubs who have contributed to this process, and we look forward to the implementation of WHS in November 2020.

(i) These iPads are optional for all affiliated clubs. 

CLARE QUEEN TELLS YOU WHAT THE SCOTTISH GOLF PERFORMANCE ACADEMY IS ABOUT.

CLICK HERE FOR MOR INFORMATION

Clare Queen is responsible for all Performance activity within the Scottish Golf strategy, leading the development and implementation of all training and competition programmes. 

THE COWGLEN LADIES WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY CHRISTMAS

On Friday was Cowglen Ladies held their  Christmas lunch and the choir, professionally coached by Moira Kerr, was in action! 

The Ladies of Cowglen wish all your readers a Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2020 

Thanks go to Sue Fordydyce for the video

Nominations Sought for Scottish Golf Junior Vice-President

Do you know someone at your Club, County or Area who would be deserving of the role of Scottish Golf Junior Vice-President? 

Scottish Golf are seeking nominations for a rewarding role within our Presidential team to represent Scottish Golf in an ambassadorial capacity at various events and functions over the next 3 years. 

Ideal candidates should have made a significant contribution to the game at the grass roots and have had a positive impact on golf, either locally within their own community, or at regional or national level. 
To find out more information on the nomination process, please CLICK HERE

CHANGE OF DATES FOR THE 2020 SCOTTISH VETS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Blairgowrie

The date of the Senior Home Internationals has been changed, and now clashes with the Monday of the Blairgowrie weekend (Monday 21st September 2020)  

The SVLGA Championship has now therefore been scheduled to the following weekend - Sunday 27th and Monday 28th September- to be played over Lansdowne at Blairgowrie. 

Tee times are similar to previous years. The quarter finals will be played from 1pm on Sunday 27th, the semi-finals from 9am on Monday 28th and the Final at 1pm on Monday 28th.

The SVLGA Committee Meeting will take place on Sunday 20th September at 6pm in the Blairgowrie Clubhouse, the Patrick Rosebowl will be played on Monday 21st September, the AGM and Prizegiving will be at 7.30pm on Monday 21st, and the Beddows Quaich will be played on Tuesday 22nd September -- As notified previously.  

JEAN MACINTYRE RECEIVES HONORARY MEMBERSHIP OF STRATHAVEN GOLF CLUB

Jean - photo courtesy of Strathaven GC - Click to enlarge

At Strathaven Golf Club A.G.M. last night, Jean Macintyre was presented with Honorary Membership. 

This very worthy honour was presented to mark Jean’s contributions to golf in our own club, Lanarkshire Ladies County Golf Association,  West Of Scotland Ladies and The Scottish Golf Competition Committee as well as her Grade 3 R&A refereeing duties at national and international levels .

This is added to her Honorary Membership of Lanarkshire County that she received last month

Well done and many congratulations Jean.