WEST OF SCOTLAND RANKINGS WEEK 17 - 2020

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Are you wondering why the weekly MGRankings change when golf courses/clubs are currently closed and thus no competitive club counting events are being played? MGRanking is based on data compiled from a rolling 52 week cycle. This week the result data from Week 2019/17 is by data from Week 2020/17 which may not exist.

The full West of Scotland Counties MGRankings (Club and Player) are now available and may be viewed on your link to MyGolfRanking.net. (Full lists will be available next week)

Rank	MGR	Move	Player	Club	Points
1	47	5	Caroline King	Clober Ladies	1220
2	61	2	Jane Clark	Airdrie Ladies	1207
3	135	674	Audrey Thompson	Loudoun Gowf Ladies	1144
4	168	-9	Ashley Duffy	Clober Ladies	1129
5	341	114	Susan Rattray	Douglas Park Ladies	1083
6	458	-152	Jan Macnab	Ranfurly Castle GC Ladies	1064
7	468	-8	Katharine Hardman	Dunaverty Ladies	1063
8	503	2473	Liz Keohone	Loudoun Gowf Ladies	1057
9	530	996	Josephine Monaghan	Dumbarton Ladies	1053
10	544	243	Gillian Kennedy	Troon Welbeck Ladies	1051
11	596	2	Lorna Spencer	Largs Ladies	1043
12	627	7	Paula Galloway	Douglas Park Ladies	1038
13	629	2	Pauline Patrick	Irvine Ladies	1038
14	743	1152	Robina Gilbertson	Prestwick St Nicholas Ladies	1026
15	823	400	Jill Burgess	Hilton Park Ladies	1016
16	1042	-9	Amy Mcdonald	Bothwell Castle Ladies	998
17	1050	-11	Allison A Bell	Strathaven GC Ladies	998
18	1106	-13	Sarah Kemp	Helensburgh Ladies	992
19	1113	4	Heather Climson	East Renfrewshire Ladies	992
20	1226	1477	Joanne Sharp	Kilmarnock (Barassie) Ladies	984

AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Audrey Thompson (Loudoun Gowf) 1144 points

2 Liz Keohane (Loudoun Gowf) 1057

3 Gillian Kennedy (Troon Welbeck) 1051

4 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 1043

5 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 1038

6 Robina Gilbertson (Prestwick St Nicholas) 1026

7 Joanne Sharp (Kilmarnock (Barassie)) 984

8 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 966

9 Anne Burns (Loudoun Gowf) 951

10 Janet Harkness (Skelmorlie) 939

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Loudoun Gowf 894

2 Largs 873

3 Kilmarnock (Barassie) 831

T4 Prestwick St Nicholas, Troon Welbeck 828

6 Skelmorlie 804

7 Prestwick St Cuthbert 742

8 Girvan 727

9 Irvine 708

10 Brodick 447

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Caroline King (Clober) 1220 points

2 Ashley Duffy (Clober) 1129

3 Susan Rattray (Douglas Park) 1083

4 Katharine Hardman (Dunaverty) 1063

5 Josephine Monaghan (Dumbarton) 1053

6 Paula Galloway (Douglas Park) 1038

7 Jill Burgess (Hilton Park) 1016

8 Sarah Kemp (Helensburgh) 992

9 Gillian Morrison (Clober) 979

10 Margaret Mackinnon (Lochgilphead) 976

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS

1 Clober 1048

2 Palacerigg 857

3 Balmore 856

4 Douglas Park 842

5 Dunaverty 833

6 Dumbarton 785

T7 Blairmore & Strone, Lochgilphead 767

9 Helensburgh 750

10 Hilton Park 713

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Jane Clark Airdrie) 1207 points

T2 Allison Bell (Strathaven), Amy McDonald (Bothwell

Castle) 998

4 Ruth Hunter (Lanark) 968

5 Nichola Craig (Lanark) 961

6 Elaine Johnstone (Hamilton) 939

7 Emily Lowther (Kirkhill) 917

8 Abigail McCafferty (Airdrie) 897

9 Susan Halley (Strathaven) 896

10 Lisa Chan (Hamilton) 892

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Airdrie 888

2 Lanark 828

3 Kirkhill 802

4 Strathaven 789

5 Hamilton 781

6 Carnwath 767

7 Bothwell Castle 766

8 Langlands 742

9 Crow Wood 459

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Jan Macnab (Ranfurly Castle) 1064 points

2 Heather Climson (East Renfrewshire) 992

3 Denise Cowan (Ranfurly Castle) 980

4 Janette McCartney (Erskine) 962

5 Anabel Kane (Kilmacolm) 951

6 Sandra Reid (Renfrew) 915

7 Allison Murray (Ranfurly Castle) 913

8 Lynda Bradley (Kilmacolm) 889

T9 Mary Aitken (Erskine), Marion Munro (Ranfurly Castle) 863

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Erskine 871

2 Ranfurly Castle 849

3 Renfrew 826

4 Kilmacolm 731

5 Bonnyton 711

6 East Renfrewshire 662

7 Paisley 585

8 Earl of Mar 167

FIRST NEWSLETTER FROM KARIN SHARP AT SCOTTISH GOLF

Dear Member Clubs,
 
In my first newsletter since taking the lead at Scottish Golf, I wanted to offer a more detailed outline to our membership on decisions that have been made recently, and the strategy and rationale behind them. Making key decisions in such uncertain times is a challenge all businesses are facing and at Scottish Golf we have a responsibility to protect the organisation and all the clubs we represent. In such difficult circumstances, it was important that action was taken to deliver tangible offerings to all golf clubs. If ever the “one size fits all” theory is not ideal, it is now, but to act swiftly this is the model that has to be used. From a financial planning perspective, there were many uncertainties where robust information was required to ensure that responsible business decisions were made.
 
Decisions recently made: 

Events – Cancel all events for 2020

Rationale – The decision to cancel all events was not made lightly, or purely on the basis of when it would be possible to play a round of golf, or even run an event in the future. We had to take into consideration the full requirements to run a National Championship and the impact it would have, like:

• When would courses be open for Championship play? 
• Would it be fair to close a member’s course for up to a week and deny that membership their facility when they have been starved of golf for many weeks/months at a key time of the year? 
• Would it be safe for our staff and volunteers to run events?
• Where would the participants stay (would hotels, guest houses be open)? Once at the event, would clubhouses and restaurants be open for them to eat at? 
• When will normal playing conditions be achieved? We could be playing with upturned cups, no rakes for bunkers etc for some time post restrictions being lifted and we question whether National Championships should be contested under potentially restricted playing conditions?

We have been in touch with all of the 2020 Host Venue Clubs and given them first refusal to host the same event in the 2021 season. We continue to work through the logistics of this with the current and subsequent year venues but with staff furloughed both in clubs and at Scottish Golf, this process is going to take some time and we will provide further updates on the 2021 calendar in the coming months. 

Performance – Cancel the performance programme for the remainder of 2020 playing season

Rationale – Another decision not taken lightly, with many of the reasons for cancelling our own events also being relevant to performance activity, along with the additional key aspect of not knowing when international travel might be permitted. In taking an early decision in consultation with external funders to the performance programme and by making our position clear, it enabled us to redirect funds for golf club support.

Golf Club Financial Survey – To issue a short survey to all clubs

Rationale – This was the final key part in our planning to give us a clear picture on the facts behind the current landscape. Contrary to the thoughts of some, this was never intended as an intrusive survey, more to ensure we were basing decisions on facts as opposed to opinions. A personal thank you to all the clubs who completed this survey in such a timely manner.  Through recent work, and with sportscotland’s assistance, we are now also gaining a clearer understanding of the number of clubs impacted by possible grant restriction based on their rateable value. This will continue to be an ongoing discussion with Government for us.

What next?

Return to Golf – A topic that many have been asking about and one which we are actively engaging with many key partners to move forward. We have had positive discussion in the last few days with government (through key contacts in Active Scotland and sportscotland) and have their support in what is a planning phase. We are also collaborating with key industry partners to ensure that across GB&I we are developing a consistent approach that can be adopted when the time is right. It is highly likely that any return will be in phases, with single golfers or household groups in the first instance to ensure that the golf industry continues to adhere to government guidelines – within our clubs, we will have a mix of front line & key workers, along with vulnerable groups who have been shielding or self-isolating for lengthy periods and we must continue to ensure we can keep everyone safe. To be clear, we are very much in the planning phase to ensure that when the time is right, we are well placed and have the support of key partners to be able to move quickly to update clubs with detailed information as to what a phased return to golf will look like. In the meantime, whilst we remain in lockdown with the restrictions in place we must continue to stay home and save lives. 

Affiliation Fees – As you know our financial year runs from 1st October to 30th September, so the Coronavirus Pandemic impact on Golf Course closure happened just a few days short of 6 months into the current year. The Regulations of Scottish Golf state that all affiliation fees are in fact due by the end of January, but in recent years Scottish Golf moved this to the end of March to try and assist clubs with cash flow based on when a large portion of club membership fees fall due. For various reason as of today almost 40% of affiliation fees due to Scottish Golf remain unpaid. The payment due by date was informally extended to allow time for further internal discussion and we have made no representation to clubs chasing the outstanding balances at this time. On a more positive note, as of last week our membership reported an average of 75% of 2020 membership has already been renewed, 64% of Clubs have already applied for/received their Government Support Fund, and 76% have made use of Government Furlough. For clarity this is based on 135 clubs that responded.

Scottish Golf Support – With all of the above taken into consideration, we are now in a position to announce our plans to assist golf clubs from a financial perspective over the remaining 6 months of this financial year, and into our 2020/21 financial year. We are making an immediate commitment to our clubs that offers in excess of £575,000 of support by way of refund or rebate on affiliation fees. This equates to 50% reduction of the remaining 6 months of the financial year. We are also committing to interest free payment plans for any club that needs it for the 2019/20 financial year and the 2020/21 financial year. 

Summary of our commitment:

• All clubs can apply for a 25% refund on their total 2019/20 affiliation fee invoice. Clubs that have already paid can apply for a refund or carry over a credit to the 2020/21 invoice year.
• All clubs can apply for an interest free payment plan for both the 2019/20 period and the 2020/21 financial year. 
• Any club that elects not to take the 25% refund/discount, we will commit that value to a club support fund which will be used for clubs under considerable financial strain. The value of this fund will become clear once all refund applications have been processed and the outcome will be published.
• Scottish Golf will communicate the application process to all clubs within the next 14 days (noting it will be different for clubs who have paid, those who are adhering to committed payment plans and those clubs who have not communicated their intent). 

A final thought:
 
As a member organisation it is imperative that we all are considerate of each other and work as a collective. Here at Scottish Golf we have colleagues, with families, who work hard on behalf of the game in Scotland and whom we have looked to treat with fairness and respect. Some of those colleagues we have had to furlough – others continue to work supporting the membership through these challenging times. Like our member clubs, we have other fixed business expenses that we must pay, however we are in a fortunate position where the combination of reserves and reallocation of budget from events and performance activity have allowed us to take the financial decision to refund part of the affiliation fee. We recognise that some clubs will be struggling more than others in these challenging times, particularly those who don’t have reserves on which they can rely. 
 
If we commit to working together and supporting each other, golf can come out of this crisis in a stronger more unified way. I will do all that I can to support every club with the resources I have, but I also ask that clubs recognise that my limited team (13 since furlough) are working flat out to adapt to an ever-changing world. Following on from today, I will be in dialogue with the Areas and Counties to gain a clearer understanding of the challenges they are hearing of at a local level (many of these calls were scheduled at the end of last week), and I will also make myself available to assist our wider membership in any way that I can. 
 
Thank you and stay safe.
Karin Sharp
Chief Operating Officer

An Open Letter to the Scotsman Newspaper

An open letter to The Scotsman

Scottish Golf would like to address a number of comments made by The Scotsman newspaper in recent days following the departure of Scottish Golf’s CEO, Andrew McKinlay.

It has been indicated in one article that “it is edging close to being time for Scottish golf clubs to be contemplating rebellion.” We have spoken with, and had unprompted support of Scottish Golf’s strategy, vision and leadership from over 50 golf clubs and officials over the last 24 hours alone. This support varies from Club, Area and County representatives.

On social media, it was said that there is “no surprise to hear that Scottish Golf is now being reported to be in legal battles with software companies over its Venue Management System as this has been in the background for the past few months.” Scottish Golf can categorically deny any involvement in any “legal battles.”

Over the past 48 hours, Scottish Golf was not given the right to respond to any of the articles and allegations made towards them. This is despite the fact that we are always open to responding and working with colleagues in the media to address any requests that we receive. 

Allegations made about the Chair of Scottish Golf in editorial by The Scotsman are unfounded and unrepresentative of the truth. We believe the sentiment of which they have been written is on the verge of intimidation and harassment. Eleanor Cannon, who works on a voluntary basis, continues to have the full support of our Board. As an organisation we also continue to work with and have the support of the Government, R&A and sportscotland.

At Scottish Golf, we believe in open, honest and transparent communications at all times. It is our duty to support our member clubs during this difficult time and we remain committed to providing this help for golf clubs across the country.

Scottish Golf Board

SCOTTISH GOLF ZOOM MEETING - EPISODE 1

SCOTTISH GOLF  were delighted to welcome over 150 golf club officials from across Scotland to their first in a series of Zoom Panel Webinars. 

You can read more and catch up if you missed out 👉CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Also to see the recording of the Webinar -- 

Scottish Golf Zoom Panel Webinar - Episode 1 from Scottish Golf on Vimeo.

For all members of the Zoom Meeting - CLICK HERE

WHERE DOES SCOTTISH GOLF GO NOW - BY MARTIN DEMPSTER

Today's Articles in the Scotsman Newspaper
CLICK TO ENLARGE AND READ

Martin Dempster of the Scotsman  his article in todays paper is well worth reading - With Scottish Golf stumbling from one crisis to another and losing its third chief executive in four years - it is edging close for Scottish Golf Clubs to be contemplating a rebellion.

Subscribe to the Scotsman as you webmaster does to keep up to date with all Martin's Golf News

Scottish Golf Announces Leadership Change and Continuing Club Focus and Support

Following the statement yesterday that Scottish Golf CEO Andrew McKinlay has decided to leave the organisation, today they are announcing a number of key steps to ensure a sustainable future for Scottish Golf, along with targeted initiatives to support their 575 affiliated clubs through these extremely challenging times.

This month the governing body significantly reduced staffing numbers through utilisation of the Government furlough scheme. In addition, and in response to the global health crisis, they felt it sensible to take early decisive action and cancel all events and performance programmes for the remainder of the 2020 season enabling available resources to be reprioritised towards golf club support.

Eleanor Cannon, Chair of Scottish Golf said: “The Board and Executive Team have had to make very tough decisions in order to focus on ensuring we are in a sustainable position going forward when courses reopen. With many clubs feeling the financial strain, which in turn has had a knock-on effect on our income, we have prioritised expenditure accordingly. Now more than ever we need strong leadership backed up by robust actionable plans. I am very pleased to announce that The Board has invited Karin Sharp to lead the organisation with immediate effect, from her current role as Chief Operating Officer.

Karin has outstanding operational pedigree gained through various leadership roles within RBS where her career spanned 23 years, predominately in their Corporate & Commercial Banking Division. She joined Scottish Ladies Golfing Association in November 2013 as Chief Operating Officer and, following the amalgamation in 2015, has ultimately continued in the same role for Scottish Golf.”

Karin said: “In response to these unprecedented circumstances we have issued a short financial health check survey to our member clubs which seeks to gather key information, specifically around the impact of COVID-19 to golf club operations. This detail will directly contribute to, and significantly inform, our ongoing dialogue with Scottish Government in relation to the struggles faced by golf in Scotland. This information is crucial. To enable us to represent the situation accurately and effectively, I urge all clubs to complete the survey at the earliest opportunity. 

In addition, this Thursday we will host the first of our weekly support webinars, open to all member golf clubs. We have brought together experts from golf club management, finance, marketing and commercial disciplines that are on hand to offer advice on the significant challenges our clubs are currently facing.”

Karin will continue to be supported by Iain Forsyth the Scottish Golf Chief Commercial Officer. Iain has more than 30 years’ commercial leadership experience working in the golf industry. Both Karin and Iain have voluntarily decided to take a 20% pay cut for the foreseeable future.

Scottish Golf continues to be in active dialogue with Scottish Government, sportscotland and the R&A on the up to date guidance and advice relative to the current health and economic crisis

Karin Sharp takes over Scottish Golf reins with support from Iain Forsyth

By Martin Dempster - The Scotsman Newspaper 

Karin Sharp

Karin Sharp, the chief operating officer, has been handed the Scottish Golf reins following Andrew McKinlay's swift and shock departure as chief executive.

Sharp held the same position with the Scottish Ladies Golf Association from November 2013 before its amalgamation with the Scottish Golf Union in 2015.

In now taking over at the helm of the governing body, she will be supported by Iain Forsyth, the current chief commercial officer.

Both Sharp and Forsyth have "voluntarily decided" to take a 20 per cent pay cut for the foreseeable future.

Announcing the leadership change, Scottish Golf chair Eleanor Cannon said: “The Board and Executive Team have had to make very tough decisions in order to focus on ensuring we are in a sustainable position going forward when courses reopen.

"With many clubs feeling the financial strain, which in turn has had a knock-on effect on our income, we have prioritised expenditure accordingly.

"Now more than ever we need strong leadership backed up by robust actionable plans. I am very pleased to announce that The Board has invited Karin Sharp to lead the organisation with immediate effect, from her current role as Chief Operating Officer.

"Karin has outstanding operational pedigree gained through various leadership roles within RBS where her career spanned 23 years, predominately in their Corporate & Commercial Banking Division.

"She joined Scottish Ladies Golfing Association in November 2013 as Chief Operating Officer and, following the amalgamation in 2015, has ultimately continued in the same role for Scottish Golf.”

As revealed by The Scotsman earlier this week, Scottish Golf has asked its 550-odd member clubs to reveal sensitive financial information in a survey aimed at gauging the impact of courses being closed due to the COVID-19 crisis.

That decision was criticised by some club managers, but Sharp said the governing body is pushing ahead with its attempt to gather the information.

Sharp said: “In response to these unprecedented circumstances, we have issued a short financial health check survey to our member clubs which seeks to gather key information, specifically around the impact of COVID-19 to golf club operations.

"This detail will directly contribute to, and significantly inform, our ongoing dialogue with Scottish Government in relation to the struggles faced by golf in Scotland.

"This information is crucial. To enable us to represent the situation accurately and effectively, I urge all clubs to complete the survey at the earliest opportunity."

Scottish Golf shock as chief executive Andrew McKinlay steps aside

By Martin Dempster -- The Scotsman Newspaper

Scottish Golf has announced that chief executive Andrew McKinlay (pictured) has stepped down from the governing body. His shock departure, which comes as some member clubs fight for their survival during the coronavirus crisis, was announced in a statement.  

It read: "We are living in unprecedented times and, as we are all very well aware, sport has no immunity to the impact of COVID-19.

 "Scottish Golf, like all businesses and indeed golf clubs across the country, is having to assess its business model. "The governing body has had to make some very difficult decisions regarding income and expenditure, to ensure sustainability in the current circumstances.

 "To this end, our Chief Executive, Andrew McKinlay, has decided that he should step aside in order to help the organisation come through this situation. 
 "He leaves having worked with the team on a revised structure that will be fit for purpose when we emerge from the national lockdown." McKinlay, who previously worked for the SFA, was appointed as Blair Dodds' successor in February 2018 and took up the post three months later. 

 Eleanor Cannon, Scottish Golf Chair: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Andrew for his contribution to Scottish Golf over the past two years. He brought a wealth of experience to what can be a pressurised role. “He has helped take the organisation forward and has now taken a very difficult decision at this challenging time. I thank him for doing so and wish him the very best for the future.” McKinlay said: “It has been a privilege to lead this fantastic organisation and, I am grateful to Eleanor and the board for the opportunity. "Above all, I am indebted to the team at Scottish Golf for their commitment in implementing the objectives to take the game forward towards a sustainable and, indeed, prosperous future.”

SCOTTISH GOLF ZOOM MEETING TO SUPPORT CLUBS

Scottish Golf is delighted to launch a series of new Zoom Panel calls aimed at supporting golf club managers, senior staff and officials across the country with the first session set to take place on Thursday 23^rd April 2020 at 10.30am. 

Facilitated by Scottish Golf’s Club Business Manager, Iain Evans, these calls will support all delegates by bringing together an expert panel from across the golf industry to deliver a range of advice, guidance and best practice during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

The panel will answer pre-submitted questions from the audience to ensure that the most frequently asked questions for all of our golf clubs are covered. All affiliated golf clubs are invited to register for the session and those wishing to submit a question can do so on the registration form here.

Meet the Panel: 

David Roy CCM –  Club Manager – Crail Golfing Society

• David has worked at five clubs including proprietary, exclusive, urban and links. Previously a greenkeeper and immediate past President of CMAE. Presenter on the MDP programme, Board member of the Fife Golf Partnership.

Craig Boath – Links Superintendent – Carnoustie Golf Links

• Craig joined Carnoustie Golf Links straight from school working his way up through the ranks to Head Greenkeeper of the Championship Course where he oversaw The 147^thOpen Championship in 2018. Craig has since been appointed Links Superintendent.

Susie Fraser – Managing Director – Adeo Group

• Susie is a marketing and communications expert working as Managing Director at the award-winning agency, Adeo Group.

Alistair MacGregor – Chief executive Officer – Fife Golf Trust

• Established in 2011, Fife Golf Trust manages 7 public golf courses on behalf of Fife Council.

Bob Gunning – retired General Manager – Longniddry Golf Club, Treasurer – Scotland’s Golf Coast

• After a long career in banking, Bob took on the role of General Manager at Longniddry in 2005 and served there until he retired in August 2019. Bob is still involved in the golf industry through his role as Treasurer of Scotland’s Golf Coast and member of its Steering Group.

A reminder that you can sign up for this webinar and submit your questions for our panel of experts here. Please note that registration for our online webinar will close at 12 noon on Wednesday 22 April 2020.

DEATH OF SHEILA GENDERS - FERENEZE, HAGGS CASTLE AND WEST KILBRIDE

Haggs Castle Greenlees Trophy Winners - 1998
Sheila 4th from left back row

Sheila in 2010

It is with great sadness that I announce the death of past RLCGA County member Sheila Genders.

Sheila whose home club was Fereneze was also a Greenlees Trophy Team member for Haggs Castle playing along side many good players in that team at that time -- Aileen Wilson, Dorothea Hastings, Jennifer Mack, Janice Gardner (Paterson), Brenda Livingstone, Irene Rose, Carol Smith, Audrey Sturgess, Jennifer Graham, Evi Park, Isobel Pearson - to name but a few.
She was also member of West Kilbride GC

Glasgow Herald 

GENDERS - Sheila Peacefully at home, on Sunday 12th April 2020, Sheila Genders (Medical Social Worker & 
Distinguished Member of Fereneze Golf Club). Loving daughter of the late Sydney and Mary (Moira), honorary aunt to Harvie and Hunter Milligan and their families. 

Teasing times for Scottish golfers but too early for courses to reopen

Guilty as charged -- Your webmaster Carol
 out for a walk over Douglas Park GC !!

By Martin Dempster - Subscribe to the Scotsman Newspaper

Today's Scotsman Newspaper - Click to enlarge

Pictures flooding social media of courses looking resplendent are making this an even more frustrating period

What’s not helping, either, is social media being flooded with photographs of courses around the country looking resplendent. Taken either by green keepers as they carry out essential maintenance or club managers, they are merely having a teasing effect at the moment as golf clubs lie closed due to the ongoing threat caused by COVID-19.

Mike MacDonald, the switched-on and extremely welcoming club manager at Fortrose & Rosemarkie, posted a couple of videos on Twitter over the weekend showing the Black Isle course, with the gorse starting to bloom, in its full glory. “Just whetting our appetites,” said one person on seeing those clips, while another jokingly declared: “Please, I can’t take any more!”

Many felt the same, albeit in a totally different tone, about another short video that popped up on social media last week, this one showing what appeared to be a man and his son kicking a football back and forward in the middle of a green at West Kilbride on the Ayrshire coast as three others stood at the side and watched.

Equally infuriating was hearing a similar story about someone thinking it was acceptable to use the 18th green on the Championship Course at Carnoustie to do what was described as a “Joe Wicks’ training session”. Seriously? He was lucky, surely, not to have ended up where Jean Van de Velde wrote himself into folklore in the Barry Burn.

Four weeks into lockdown, it is no surprise to be hearing a good few people starting to ask if serious consideration should be given to those guidelines being relaxed in order to allow golf to be acceptable as a form of our permitted daily exercise. Wisconsin, where the Ryder Cup is due to be played in September, is allowing its courses to re-open later this week with restrictions in place, while Golf Australia announced on Friday that it is now satisfied that “golf can be played at minimal risk” under strict and specific safety protocols.

Pete Smith, a former Turnhouse member, moved to Australia in 2006 and currently plays his golf at Kogarah Golf Club in Sydney. There, in addition to social distancing, rakes being removed from bunkers and pieces of polyethylene foam stopping balls dropping into the bottom of holes, members have to arrive on a “just-in-time basis”, not more than 15 minutes before a booked round, then leave the club immediately afterwards. Under strict guidelines outlined by New South Wales Public Health officials, clubs face possible fines of up to Aus $55,000 for any breach of the protocols. 

“Here, the majority of golf is played in competitions, and our Wednesday and Thursday competitions are running as normal,” Smith told me. “We play in twos and tee-time intervals are a bit longer than usual. I still miss the chance to go and have a beer and a chat with my playing group at the end of the round, and other members, but being able to get out and play golf is definitely a highlight of the week when you are stuck indoors all day!

“I have not observed anyone break the social-distancing rules – and they are really easy to maintain on the golf course. My view here is golf provides a great source of exercise for many. For our older members, golf is often their main source of social interaction during the week and, whilst they can’t meet with all of their friends, they can at least enjoy company at a time that can be lonely for many people.”

Fellow Scot Craig Morrison, who has been in Perth since 2010 and is a member at Royal Perth, as well as Kilmacolm back home, is taking a different view despite golf also being an option for him at the moment. “There’s nothing better than getting on the course with your mates,” he admitted. “However, I haven’t played since Christmas and most of my regular playing partners, like me, have decided not to partake for the time being.”

Is it time for golf to be permitted again in Scotland? In my opinion, no. We are still in the grip of a pandemic, and as long as that daily exercise is only for an hour, there seems no point, even though a two-ball could get in a decent few holes in that time. Reopening courses would mean more people jumping back in cars and starting to travel around again. With another three-week lockdown having just been implemented, it’s too early for that.

Let’s be patient because there is a good chance that golf could well be something that is indeed part of a phased return to normality. Just don’t expect it to be what we were used to before the world was turned upside down. It goes without saying, of course, that you’ll need to look out those waterproofs because we all know what’s what’s going to happen when the courses are open again…

DOWN MEMORY LANE -- THE HELEN HOLM TROPHY SOME OLD PHOTOS

The Prize Winners in 2010 : Louise Kenney, Hannah Barwood, Nikki Foster,
Charlotte Ellis, Danielle McVeigh,Lauren Taylor, Leona Maguire & Rachel Jennings

The Helen Holm Trophy should have been on this weekend over Royal Troon and Troon Portland -- unfortunately has not happened -- thought I might start looking down memory lane -- 

Here are the 2010 and 2011 Helen Holm Trophies photos albums


CLICK HERE FOR THE 2010 ALBUM  
CLICK HERE FOR THE 2011 ALBUM

FOR SOME PAST REPORTS OVER THE LAST 13 YEARS -- CLICK HERE

- and the final day in 2011 when Eilidh Briggs and Pamela Pretswell were in contention -- Many players are now professionals

GOLF AT GULLANE WITH MAUREEN MADILL

Lesley Hope and Gillian Stewart (Photo courtesy of Maureen Madill)

Maureen Madill was up in Gullane in East Lothian for a few days and had met up with my old pal and sparring partner from Tour days, Gillian Stewart. 

Sue Penman drives off (Photo courtesy of Maureen Madill)

They had a game arranged with well-known, local golfing celebrity and current Gullane Ladies’ champion, Sue Penman and 1975 Scottish Ladies Champion Lesley Hope

To read the full story go to Maureen's Website ----> Madill Golf

WEST OF SCOTLAND MYGOLFRANKING - WEEK 15 - 2020

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Are you wondering why the weekly MGRankings change when golf courses/clubs are currently closed and thus no competitive club counting events are being played?

The MGRankings are based on data compiled from a rolling 52 week cycle. 

This week the result data from Week 2019/15 is dropped and replaced by data from Week 2020/15 which does not exist.

AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Gillian Kennedy (Troon Welbeck) 1051 points

2 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 1043

3 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 1032

4 Audrey Thompson (Loudoun Gowf) 1017

5 Joanne Sharp (Kilmarnock (Barassie)) 984

6 Liz Keohane (Loudoun Gowf) 969

7 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 966

8 Anne Burns (Loudoun Gowf) 951

9 Robina Gilbertson (Prestwick St Nicholas) 950

10 Janet Harkness (Skelmorlie) 926

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Loudoun Gowf 883

2 Largs 862

3 Troon Welbeck 834

4 Kilmarnock (Barassie) 831

5 Prestwick St Nicholas 816

6 Skelmorlie 811

7 Prestwick St Cuthbert 737

8 Girvan 722

9 Irvine 709

10 Brodick 447

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Caroline King (Clober) 1229 points

2 Ashley Duffy (Clober) 1093

3 Susan Rattray (Douglas Park) 1083

4 Katharine Hardman (Dunaverty) 1063

5 Paula Galloway (Douglas Park) 1038

6 Josephine Monaghan (Dumbarton) 995

7 Sarah Kemp (Helensburgh) 994

8 Gillian Morrison (Clober) 979

9 Susan Tyre (Blairmore & Strone 978

T10 Jill Burgess (Hilton Park), Enid Young (Balmore) 914

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS

1 Clober 1020

2 Balmore 881

3 Palacerigg 871

4 Douglas Park 865

5 Dumbarton 853

6 Dunaverty 833

7 Blairmore & Strone 818

8 Hilton Park 779

9 Helensburgh 762

10 Cardross 714

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Jane Clark Airdrie) 1207 points

2 Ruth Hunter (Lanark) 1011

T3 Allison Bell (Strathaven), Amy McDonald (Bothwell

Castle) 998

5 Nichola Craig (Lanark) 972

6 Elaine Johnstone (Hamilton) 961

7 Lynne Williamson (Kirkhill) 942

8 Emily Lowther (Kirkhill) 917

9 Abigail McCafferty (Airdrie) 897

10 Susan Halley (Strathaven) 896

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Kirkhill 914

2 Airdrie 888

3 Lanark 811

4 Strathaven 789

5 Carnwath 787

6 Hamilton 782

7 Bothwell Castle 769

8 Langlands 729

9 Crow Wood 459

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Jan Macnab (Ranfurly Castle) 1097 points

2 Heather Climson (East Renfrewshire) 992

3 Denise Cowan (Ranfurly Castle) 980

4 Anabel Kane (Kilmacolm) 951

5 Janette McCartney (Erskine) 929

6 Sandra Reid (Renfrew) 915

7 Allison Murray (Ranfurly Castle) 913

8 Nicky Stirup (Kilmacolm) 888

9 Patricia Briggs (Kilmacolm) 880

10Margaret Richardson (Erskine) 861

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

T1 Erskine, Ranfurly Castle 853

3 Renfrew 814

4 Kilmacolm 758

5 Bonnyton 676

6 East Renfrewshire 662

7 Paisley 585

8 Earl of Mar 167

PAST LADY CAPTAIN MOIRA KERR OF COWGLEN SENDS YOU A MESSAGE

A song from singer/songwriter Moira Kerr in isolation on Easter Sunday during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Moira wrote and sang all the songs for the BBC Scotland television series "WHERE EAGLES FLY" and featured on Pebble Mill, Gloria Hunniford, Brian Mathew etc.

TO GO TO MOIRA'S YOUTUBE DIRECTLY CLICK HERE

Kelsey MacDonald remains positive in shutdown

Relieved Scot puts frustration aside as she looks forward to getting back on course

• The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
• 9 Apr 2020
• STEVE SCOTT Twitter: @C_SScott

Kelsey MacDonald seemed poised for her breakthrough in professional golf just as the sporting world ground to a halt with the coronavirus pandemic, but the young Scot is definitely taking the positive side.

The 29-year-old from Nairn finished tied for fourth in the Investec South Africa Open, her best ever finish on the Ladies European Tour, but that was the last event before the shutters came down.

But, rather than be frustrated at having to down tools when her form was hot, Kelsey takes a broader view of what might have happened if the LET was still struggling on its own.

“The timing couldn’t have worked better for us, actually,” she said. “I’d hate to think of the position the Tour would have been in right now had the merger with the LPGA at the end of last year not happened.

“Mike Whan (LPGA commissioner) has done such an incredible job. There is probably going to be a little trough because of what’s happened, but hopefully in the next few years it’s going to be a tour that goes from strength to strength.

“If the merger hadn’t happened I think we would have been on our last legs. I’m grateful the timing has worked in our favour.”

That said, she finds now she’s restricted in her flat in Renfrew trying to work on her fitness and strength with a remote physical trainer, but unable to swing full out and properly.

“South Africa was brilliant, obviously getting tied fourth was my best performance to date. I was really happy with that,” she said.

“It’s just a bit gutting things have panned out this way, and it’s just a bit of a waiting game at the moment.

“I’ve got my putting mat, and I’m working on that, I have a routine and split my day into sections, but, although I can swing a club in the flat and I am doing a lot of mirror work, it’s never going to be the same.”

The next scheduled date for the LET is June 18-20 in France, but the big worry is the AIG Women’s British Open at Royal Troon on August 20-23, which was Kelsey’s main target for the year.

“We have not heard anything yet, from speaking with our players’ council representative or anyone. I think it would be quite difficult for them to have the women’s championship and not have the men’s. I don’t know how that would go down.

“My goal for the year was playing in the British Open, among other things.

“I haven’t played in a British Open yet but I’m sitting 10th in the order of merit at the moment and that gives me a good chance to play this year.”

A prolonged break won’t be a problem for Kelsey after she missed a long spell with illness a couple of years ago, but, like everyone else, she’s gunning to get going again.

“I feel I am probably mentally a lot stronger in comparison possibly with some other girls because I was in that position of having to graft and get back,” she said.

“To me, this is not a worry at the moment, I just have to keep doing what I’m doing and control what I can.

“I think when we come back everyone will have the complete golf bug and there will be a lot of positives from it.

“Fitness-wise, I can do a lot without having to think that it could have an impact on my golf the next day.

“I can have fitness goals that will put me in good stead at the end of the season or if we have to restart next year.”

WEST OF SCOTLAND INTER COUNTY MATCHES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED FOR 2020

2019 -Scottish County Champions
Ayrshire

Since our previous announcement cancelling some West of Scotland Competitions Scottish Golf have announced the cancellation of all their competitions including the County Finals. 
It is therefore with regret that the West Counties have decided to cancel this year's West Inter County Matches also. 
Hope you are keeping safe and well and that it won't be too long before we are back on the fairways again.

Jean MacIntyre - West of Scotland Secretary