Gemma Dryburgh secures one of the final invitations to the Ladies Scottish Open

By Martin Dempster (The Scotsman)  

Scottish No 1 Gemma Dryburgh has secured one of the final invitations for next month’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open along with the first Nigerian player to hold a card on the Ladies European Tour

 Dryburgh, a recent back-to-back winner on the Rose Ladies Series, is delighted to be playing in the event, which takes place at The Renaissance Club on 13-16 August. 

 At the same venue last year, the Aberdonian produced a brilliant second-round effort in appalling conditions only to miss the cut by a shot after the weather improved dramatically for the afternoon starters. 

 “Huge thanks to Aberdeen Standard Investments and VisitScotland for giving me this opportunity,” said Dryburgh, who joins Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew in securing an invitation for the LPGA/LET co-sanctioned event. 
 “I would have hated not being able to play in what is one of my favourite events of the year, especially when I have been playing so well lately. “I know that Aberdeen Standard Investments, Visit Scotland and IMG have had to work really hard to put all the health and safety protocols in place to ensure the tournament can go ahead and we are all very grateful and excited to get back to The Renaissance Club.” 

 Dryburgh’s inclusion takes the home contingent to seven, joining Matthew, Carly Booth, Kelsey Macdonald, Kylie Henry, Michele Thomson and Alison Muirhead. 

READ MORE IN THE SCOTSMAN

ANN SMART IS AWARDED HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP BY BANCHORY GOLF CLUB

Ann Smart with her winning Aberdeenshire Team in 2018 at Kilmacolm
Click to enlarge

Banchory Golf Club is delighted to report that the Management Committee have recently recognised the significant contributions of  by Ann Smart and has awarded her Honorary Life Membership of the club. 

Ann retired from her role of Secretary at the end of the 2019 playing season and not only served the club loyally in her employment, but represented the club in numerous capacities including roles at county and national levels. 

Ann was also a past Management Committee member, a multiple Ladies Champion and Ladies Captain 2006 - 2007. As those that know Ann will attest it was not what she did for the club that is to her credit but the manner in which she did so, showing a love and enthusiasm for the game at all times.

Many congratulations Ann -- so very very well deserved 

As many will know from a previous post reported in  June - Click Here ---  Ann has been battling against lymphoma and is starting her second round of treatment tomorrow (27th July) -- Banchory's Morag Clapperton,  RLCGA Past captain June Lockhart and myself chat on zoom every Friday  and what an inspiration she is fighting this horrible disease. We all do have have great laughs with past stories on the golf course,  quizzes  and much more -- Good Luck Ann and hope to be back on the chat at the end of this week and get that game of golf eventually.  

Grace Crawford is 3rd in Under 16 Faldo series

This week Grace Crawford (North Berwick) played in the Faldo Series at Slaley Hall which was her first big tournament of the year. She came third in the U16 girls and fifth overall. She said “I am a bit  competition rusty but I got better each round and I’m really looking forward to the next tournament “

Under 16's 
1 218 -7 Zara Naughton (ENG) (a) Ponteland G.C. 74 70 74  
2 223 -2 Rachel Gourley (ENG) (a) Arcot Hall G.C. 73 73 77  
3 232 +7 Grace Crawford (SCO) (a) North Berwick G.C. 80 77 75  
Other Scots 
7 238 +13 Katie Graham (SCO) (a) Royal Troon G.C. 78 83 77  
10 247 +22 Freya Russell (SCO) (a) Royal Troon G.C. 81 81 85 
19 273 +48 Jodie Graham (SCO) (a) Royal Troon G.C. 89 90 94 

Rachael Foster (Prestwick St Nicholas) was the leading Scot in the Under 21's section 

UNDER 21's 
1 215 -10 Rosie Belsham (ENG) (a) Whitley Bay G.C. 70 72 73  
2 235 +10 Julia Kerrigan (ENG) (a) Hendon G.C. 76 78 81 
3 236 +11 Ella Mason (ENG) (a) Ely City G.C. 76 77 83 
4 237 +12 Anna Wills (ENG) (a) West Sussex G.C. 83 73 81  
5 238 +13 Mia Eales Smith (ENG) (a) Lindrick G.C. 84 77 77  
6= 239 +14  Rachel Foster (SCO) (a) Prestwick St Nicholas G.C. 79 79 81 

Other Scots
11= 249 +24 Eilidh Henderson (SCO) (a) Loretto School G.C. 77 89 83
14 261 +36 Orla O Leary (SCO) (a) Torwoodlee G.C. 86 89 86  
15 270 +45 Natalie Fowler (SCO) (a) Bathgate G.C. 89 91 90  

See Full results - CLICK HERE 

Georgia Hall wins the 5th Event of the Justin Rose Series

After a couple of runner-up spots Georgia Hall is finally off the mark in the Rose Ladies Series.

It was a rollercoaster round at Bearwood Lakes for the former Women’s British Open champion, who holed four birdies and three bogeys in the opening 13, before parring her way home for a 1-under 71 that proved to be enough.

Meghan MacLaren, who won the second event at Moor Park, was in a six-strong group tied-2nd at level par.

Scot Heather MacRae finished tied in 34th place

LEADERBOARD

To read more -- CLICK HERE

WEST OF SCOTLAND MYGOLFRANKING - WEEK 29 - 2020

AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 1110 points 
2 Janet Harkness (Skelmorlie) 1071

3 Liz Keohone (Loudoun Gowf) 1039

4 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 1028

5 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 990

6 Susan Dumigan (Prestwick St Nicholas) 955 

7 Gillian Kennedy (Troon Welbeck) 928

8 Sheena Hope (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 913 

9 Joanne Sharp (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 879 

10 Jean Capes (Largs) 862

11 Mhairi Macnamee (Loudoun Gowf) 856 

12 Alison Powell (Largs) 846

13 Annette Toal (Loudoun Gowf) 828

14 Anne Burns (Loudoun Gowf) 807

15 Christine Whitelaw (Largs) 801

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Largs 848

2 Loudoun Gowf 773

3 Prestwick St Nicholas 762 

4 Skelmorlie 745

5 Troon Welbeck 738

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 1170 points 

2 Heidi Mullen (Clober) 1093

3 Andrea Torrie (Bearsden) 1085

4 Carol Maclarty (Taynuilt) 1003

5 Jackie Lightfoot (Helensburgh) 996

6 Gillian Ross (Bearsden) 880

7 Ailie MacBrayne (Dunaverty) 879

8 Katharine Hardman (Dunaverty) 875

9 Olive Spicer (Bearsden) 880

T10 Gemma Canham (Helensburgh) 841 & Margaret Mackinnon (Lochgilphead) 841 

12 Sandra McLean (Hayston) 840

13 Jane Tait (Bearsden) 836

14 Paula Galloway (Douglas Park) 831 

15 Lindsay Garrett (Dunaverty) 828

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS

1 Clober 887

2 Bearsden 819 

3 Dunaverty 805 

4 Taynuilt 798

5 Helensburgh 758

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Sharon McPeake (Cawder) 1126 points 

2 Nichola Craig (Lanark) 1090

3 Emma Williamson (East Kilbride) 1073 

4 Catrina Pickard (Wishaw) 1057

5 Marjorie Seymour (Cathkin Braes) 1036 

6 Jackie Ross (Airdrie) 1005

7 Karen Charnley (Wishaw) 995

8 Joyce Chalmers (East Kilbride) 972

9 Anne-Marie Livingstone (Cawder) 945 

10 Madeleine Macgregor (Hamilton) 943 

11 Margaret Wright (Carluke) 922

12 Jackie Carty (Hollandbush) 918

13 Elizabeth Holmes (Carnwath) 916 

14 Edel Doherty (Cawder) 888

15 Moray Meechan (East Kilbride) 881

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Wishaw 861 

T2 Carluke 852 & Cawder 852

4 East Kilbride 823 

5 Airdrie 819

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Ann McKenzie (Old Course Ranfurly) 1189 points 

2 Sandra Reid (Renfrew) 943

3 Susan Ramsay (Haggs Castle) 913

4 Sandra Bell (Old Course Ranfurly) 898

5 Fiona McPhee (Old Course Ranfurly) 891

6 Laura McGeachy (Haggs Castle) 854

7 Jennie Scott (Old Course Ranfurly) 844

8 Suzanne Smith (Old Course Ranfurly) 812

9 Elizabeth Russell (Ralston) 776

10 Marion Downie (Old Course Ranfurly) 750

11 Margo Maxwell (Old Course Ranfurly) 739 

12 Stephanie Watson (Old Course Ranfurly) 713 

13 Heather Climson (East Renfrewshire) 702

14 Christine Wilson (Caldwell) 693

15 Eileen Maclean (Ralston) 692

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Old Course Ranfurly 815 

2 Renfrew 677

3 Ralston 659

4 Haggs Castle 641

5 Bonnyton 584

AIG extends sponsorship by two years

AIG has extended its title sponsorship of the Women’s Open by two years until 2025.

Under the new agreement, the championship has dropped the word “British” from its name as part of a rebrand undertaken by the R&A and AIG.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said: “The R&A and AIG share a long-term vision for the AIG Women’s Open. We are fortunate to have such a committed partner in supporting women’s golf.

“The AIG Women’s Open is a global championship and its new name reflects its growing stature and broadening international appeal. Together with AIG, we are determined to accelerate the progress we have made in women’s golf.

“The AIG Women’s Open is the perfect showcase for these highly skilled athletes to demonstrate how good they are and inspire more girls and women to take up golf.”

England’s Georgia Hall, who won the title in 2018, said: “I am so grateful that AIG has continued to support women’s golf, particularly in the face of a pandemic. It shows their dedication and support of us as athletes, which we greatly appreciate.”

The AIG Women’s Open will be played at Royal Troon from August 20-23.

2020 SCOTTISH OPEN AT THE RENAISSANCE CLUB NORTH BERWICK

The 2020 Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open is on track to take place next month, Aug 13 – 16 at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, marking a return of professional women’s golf to Scotland for the first time since Europe’s remarkable triumph in the 2019 Solheim Cup last September. 

 The tournament is set to go ahead without spectators as a made for TV event following close consultation and collaboration with the Scottish Government, Aberdeen Standard Investments, VisitScotland, the LPGA and the LET, fully adhering to internationally recognised COVID-19 protocol and subject to necessary formal approvals of athlete quarantine exemptions. 

The decision to move forward with the 2020 Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open has been taken only once organisers and stakeholders could ensure delivery of an event with all relevant safeguarding and protocols in place. 

The tournament has a robust operational plan, which has been established with medical and health and safety specialists to make sure that all appropriate measures are in place that meet the high standards required by the Scottish Government as well as adhering to all WHO guidelines. 

 Scotland’s Catriona Matthew, an Aberdeen Standard Investments ambassador, said: “We are all happy to hear that women’s golf will be getting back underway in Scotland and especially grateful to Aberdeen Standard Investments and VisitScotland for working so hard to make this happen and putting all the necessary COVID-19 related practices in place and for being so supportive of the women’s tours.” 
 The victorious 2019 Solheim Cup Captain continued, “With men’s professional golf back playing, it is important that we are able to follow suit, so this is really excellent news for the women’s game and I am delighted to be preparing for my national open in just over a month’s time.” 

Jill Maxwell of Aberdeen Standard Investments added, “The decision to proceed with the tournament as lockdown measures begin to ease has not been taken lightly. The safety and wellbeing of everyone onsite is the top priority and as title sponsor, Aberdeen Standard Investments will remain part of ongoing discussions with the event organisers to monitor the situation and react accordingly should the situation change. We felt it important to honour our commitment to this event to help provide a vital boost to Scotland’s events sector. We want to show our support through tournament initiatives that will help local communities and charities and lastly our continued involvement in the LSO for a 12th year underpins our commitment to equality by supporting women’s sport. We hope this news brings some joy back to sports fans who will be able to tune in on TV and various social channels.”

LIZ KEOHONE AND SALLY HAMILTON RAISE A FANTASTIC £10,005 FOR AYRSHIRE CANCER SUPPORT

There are not many things make Sally Hamilton and Liz Keohone speechless but this is one of them.

Yesterday they were more than delighted to announce that they had raised £10,005 for Ayrshire Cancer Support

They would like to say that they could not have done this without the help of a few special friends, family and sponsors.

Particular thanks to Hoody from Home for donating 3 auction meals, raising an amazing £700.

Our food and drinks sponsors John Gall and John Paton, who kept us fed and watered throughout the day.

Barry O'Rourke for the golf balls, glad to say we used the same ball for 3 rounds

Loudoun Gowf Club for the use of the course and particular thanks to Loudoun Greenkeepers for the course set up

Thank you to everyone who donated, walked the course with us, caddied and helped out on the day.

Lots of Love Liz and Sal 

SCOTTISH U18 GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP - RANFURLY CASTLE - DOWN MEMORY LANE PHOTOS ---

Ayrshire's June Kerr and 2013 Champion Connie Jaffrey

Down Memory Lane - 2013 SLGA U-18 Scottish Championship over Ranfurly Castle - 
Connie Jaffrey the champion and Tara MacTaggart Runner Up
Emma Greenlees (Ansley Reid Salver ) 

MATCHPLAY PHOTOS --- CLICK HERE
STROKEPLAY PHOTOS - CLICK HERE

Warning is issued over ban on open competitions

Scottish Golf has warned that it is ready to take action if current advice about open competitions not being permitted due to Covid-19 restrictions is ignored.

The message was delivered by Karin Sharp, the governing body’s chief operating officer, on the 17th July in an email to member clubs

Since courses re-opened in Scotland at the end of May, club competitions have started to resume with Scottish Golf’s approval.

But, even having now moved into phase 3 of the lockdown restrictions being eased by the Scottish Government, there is still no return for open events in sight.

Earlier this week, it emerged that one Scottish club was in the process of refunding more than £6,000 in fees for two opens that have had to be cancelled later this month.

“Following continued discussions with the Government during the transition into Phase 3, our guidance on open competitions has had to remain the same, in that these cannot be played at present,” said Sharp in her email.

“During the easing of lockdown restrictions, golf has been, and continues to be, viewed as an extension to exercise, not a return to sport.

“This is consistent across the sport sector in Scotland and it is imperative that all golf clubs follow the current rules regarding competitions that are in effect.

“Golf is a game that prides itself on sporting integrity and, as the national governing body, we must again emphasise that we all have a role to play in maintaining the integrity of the game and, if necessary, applying sanctions to any organisation found to be in breach of the ruling on running open competitions.

“This is not something we would wish to see and would encourage all clubs to familiarise themselves with the current guidance and take appropriate action to ensure that all guidelines are being met.”

HEATHER MACRAE IS LATEST SCOT TO SHINE IN ROSE LADIES SERIES AS GEMMA DRYBURGH TAKES OFF ON THE LPGA TOUR

Heather MacRae said she was delighted to become the latest Scot to shine in the company of major winners and Solheim Cup starts on the new Rose Ladies Series in England.

On her debut, the Dunblane woman finished in a tie for second behind England's Gabriella Cowley last weeks event at JCB Golf and Country Club in Staffordshire.

MacRae, who won a battle with cancer last year, shot a one-under-par 71 as she produced a brave bid to complete a Scottish hat-trick after Gemma Dryburgh's back-to-back wins over the previous fortnight.

"It was really nice to have a good result in such a strong field," admitted MacRae. "It’s difficult to know what to expect after such a long break.

"But my coach, Craig Lee, kept telling me I was swinging really well and playing well, so that gave me some confidence, too."

The reigning Women's PGA champion was level-par through 10 holes before reeling off three birdies in a row but had to settle for one-under after dropping shots at the 16th and 18th.

Scots Kylie Henry and Michele Thomson tied in 18th place

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SCOREBOARD 

Gemma Dryburgh was an absentee on this occasion, has headed off to the US earlier in the week to prepare for the LPGA Tour restarting at the end of the month.

It was a difficult decision. After back-to back wins, including an historic success in the first professional women’s event to be staged at Royal St George’s, Gemma Dryburgh was sorely tempted to stay in the UK to try to remain at the top of the Rose Ladies Series order of merit over the next few weeks.

The 27-year-old could have been based at home playing in four events leading up to a grand final at Wentworth and, in the process, not really be worrying too much about the world’s ongoing fight with the coronavirus. Instead, she jumped on a plane to the US earlier in the week and is now under a two-week quarantine in a country where the pandemic is really spiking.

Dryburgh has crossed the Atlantic for the LPGA Tour’s restart with two events in Ohio, the Drive On Championship taking place in Toledo from 31 July-2 August then the Marathon Classic in Sylvania on 6-9 August. 
They are being followed by a ‘Scottish Swing’ involving the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open and the AIG Women’s British Open at The Renaissance Club and Royal Troon respectively.

WEST OF SCOTLAND MYGOLF RANKINGS - WEEK 28 - 2020

AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 1089 points

2 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 1079 

3 Janet Harkness (Skelmorlie) 1071

4 Gillian Kennedy (Troon Welbeck) 1040 

5 Liz Keohone (Loudoun Gowf) 1039

6 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 1021

7 Anne Burns (Loudoun Gowf) 932

8 Susan Dumigan (Prestwick St Nicholas) 917 

9 Sheena Hope (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 913 

10 Jean Capes (Largs) 860

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Largs 869

2 Skelmorlie 842

3 Loudoun Gowf 798

4 Prestwick St Nicholas 773 

5 Troon Welbeck 765

6 Irvine 720

7 Kilmarnock (Barassie) 688 

8 West Kilbride 669

9 Prestwick St Cuthbert 591 

10 Girvan 351

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 1222 points 

2 Heidi Mullen (Clober) 1093

3 Andrea Torrie (Bearsden) 1085

4 Carol Maclarty (Taynuilt) 1043

5 Jackie Lightfoot (Helensburgh) 1035 

6 Katharine Hardman (Dunaverty) 910 

7 Gemma Canham (Helensburgh) 903 

8 Gillian Ross (Bearsden) 880

9 Sandra McLean (Hayston) 866

10 Deirdre Anderson (Dullatur) 864

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS

1 Clober 905

T2 Bearsden 817 & Taynuilt 817

4 Dunaverty 792

5 Helensburgh 763 

6 Dullatur 753

7 Lochgilphead 749 

8 Hayston 720

9 Balmore 714

10 Machrihanish 581

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Sharon McPeake (Cawder) 1252 points 

2 Nichola Craig (Lanark) 1078

3 Marjorie Seymour (Cathkin Braes) 1066 

4 Catrina Pickard (Wishaw) 1060

5 Jane Clark (Airdrie) 1030

6 Anne Morrison (Carluke) 1009

7 Joyce Chalmers (East Kilbride) 988

8 Emma Williamson (East Kilbride) 985

9 Karen Charnley (Wishaw) 969

10 Vivienne Nisbet (Bothwell Castle) 965

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Wishaw 876

2 Carluke 868

3 Cawder 835

4 East Kilbride 815 

5 Airdrie 778

6 Hamilton 744

7 Hollandbush 730 

8 Carnwath 724

9 Langlands 690 

10 Cathkin Braes 689

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Ann McKenzie (Old Course Ranfurly) 1092 points

2 Sandra Reid (Renfrew) 943

3 Fiona McPhee (Old Course Ranfurly) 824

4 Suzanne Smith (Old Course Ranfurly) 801

5 Sandra Bell (Old Course Ranfurly) 797

6 Susan Ramsay (Haggs Castle) 789

7 Jennie Scott (Old Course Ranfurly) 788

8 Lisbeth Pow (Ralston) 715

9 Heather Climson (East Renfrewshire) 702

10 Lillian McMillan (Ralston) 689

RANKING 

1 Old Course Ranfurly 734

2 Renfrew 677

3 Ralston 639

4 Bonnyton 555

5 East Renfrewshire 540

6 Haggs Castle 509

7 Caldwell 486

8 Kilmacolm 472

9 Erskine 429

10 Cowglen 388

41st CURTIS CUP AT WILL NOW BE PLAYED IN AUGUST 2021

The R&A and the USGA have agreed that the 41^st Curtis Cup between Great Britain and Ireland and the United States of America will now be played at Conwy from 26-28 August 2021. 

Following cancellation of the match this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the biennial encounter was initially rescheduled to take place from 3-5 September 2021. With an increasingly crowded calendar, this meant it would have overlapped with the week of the Solheim Cup.

Duncan Weir, Executive Director – Golf Development and Amateur Championships at The R&A, said, “We have listened to the feedback we received about the rescheduled dates for the Curtis Cup in 2021 and looked again at the schedule. We have moved the match forward by a week and introduced a Saturday finish to enable it to slot in ahead of the Solheim Cup. 

We are grateful for the assistance we have received from the USGA and hope this will offer the best outcome for the players of both teams. We look forward very much to welcoming them to Conwy in August next year.”

GREENLEES TROPHY 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AT EAST RENFREWSHIRE POSTPONED TO 2021

As you are all aware, life is not normal at the moment so it is with regret that I am writing to say that after discussion with Valerie Crawford, East Renfrewshire Greenlees’ Secretary, we have decided to call off our Anniversary Lunch on 1st September.

.

We feel that we cannot make plans with any certainty either about catering arrangements or clubhouse facilities so East Renfrewshire would rather we abandoned our plans for this year.

However, they are willing to hold the event for us in 2021. 

As we have not played any matches this year, we are not really celebrating 80 years of golf and next year now seems quite appropriate.

I hope you agree with us that under the current circumstances, this seems a sensible decision to take.

I am still hoping that one of you will volunteer to come onto our sub-committee to look at perhaps making some changes to our Constitution.

Hope you are all enjoying your golf.

Regards

Maureen Mitchell - West of Scotland Greenlees Secretary. 

MEMORIES OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Also with all the fixtures cancelled this year it is hoped that the matches will be able to be played next year on the current days of the fixtures and only the dates needing to be changed  --- SEE 2020 FIXTURE LISTS

PAST D&A CAPTAIN JENNIFER KINLOCH HAS DIED

West of Scotland County Jamboree 2010
County Captain's front row - L to R  Jennifer Kinloch, Lesley Lloyd,
Trish Brown and Alex Glennie 

It is with regret that I announce the sad passing of D&A's Past Captain Jennifer Kinloch on Tuesday 7th July.

Jennifer was a member of Cardross Golf Club for 47 years and was Captain of  Dunbarton and Argyll Ladies’ County Golf Association in 2010- 2011 

She was very interested in progressing the talents and opportunities for Junior Girls and was instrumental in allowing Junior Girls to play in the Cardross Club Championship. 

Her daughter Jill is a golf club professional in Germany.

Fourballs to return at Scottish golf courses but wait goes on for opens

By Martin Dempster (The Scotsman) 

Fourballs have been given the green light to return at Scottish golf courses from today as part of phase three of the Covid-19 restrictions being lifted.

But clubs have also been advised that there “remains no change” for competitive golf for the time being, meaning open events are still not permissible.

The announcements were made in Scottish Golf ’s updated guidelines following First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announcing the move into phase three of lockdown restrictions being eased. Phase one, which was implemented when courses reopened at the end of May, involved twoballs mainly, though two people from the same household were allowed to play in a threeball.

Normal threeballs were then given the green light at the start of phase two and now groups of up to four golfers with no restrictions on the number of households has been rubber-stamped by Scottish Golf.

That change coincides with face masks being required by golfers from today when entering a professional’s shop, with the new guidelines also including the go ahead for clubs to offer indoor hospitality from Wednesday, subject to maintaining physical distancing and appropriate hygiene routines.

While club competitions have already restarted with various safety measures in place, the wait goes on for open events to be given the thumbs up.

“At this time, there remains no change in stance on the playing of competitive golf, with only club competition permitted despite the relaxation of travel restrictions,” said Karin Sharp, Scottish Golf’s chief operating officer, in her latest update to clubs.

“All clubs are asked to continue to respect the government position in this regard and not seek to jeopardise the image or trust in the golfing community by overlooking this key aspect that is applicable across all amateur sports that are currently operating.”

The current guidance on competition from sportscotland and the Scottish Government states that “travel to a competition out with your normal club/venue of play is not permitted”.

Fraser Dunlop, sportscotland’s chief operating officer, said: “It is a positive step for sport that public health guidelines for daily exercise have been extended further as part of the Scottish Government’s route map through the pandemic.

“While this is good news, it is not a return to sport as we know it and the most pressing priority remains public health and wellbeing.

“As such, it is crucial that participants, and everyone connected with sport in Scotland, continue to play their part by adhering to the latest government guidance and the advice issued by the governing body of each sport to ensure the safety of all those involved.”

Gemma Dryburgh keeps her cool to claim back to back victories

By Danny Law (Press and Journal)

Aberdeen’s Gemma Dryburgh made it back-to-back wins on the Rose Ladies Series by claiming victory in the first ever women’s professional golf tournament held at Royal St George’s. 

The 27-year-old had described last week’s success at the Buckinghamshire as the best of her professional career.

And Dryburgh’s fine form continued as she edged out playing partners Georgia Hall and Charley Hull in windy conditions in Kent.

She held her nerve over the closing stretch to card a one-under-par 69 and win the top prize of £5,000.

Dryburgh, Hall and Hull were all one under through 15 before Hall bogeyed the 16th while Hull birdied to move clear at the summit.

Hull then finished bogey-bogey, which included a missed four-foot putt at the last that would have taken the tournament to a play-off.

Pars on 17 and 18 were enough for Dryburgh to claim the title and another major confidence boost ahead of returning to LPGA and LET Tour action.

Dryburgh said: “I bogeyed the first unfortunately, but after that I was really consistent.

“The last two holes were playing very long and I was hitting 3-wood into the last two, so it was playing very tough and I was glad to get the win in the end.”

AIG Womens British Open to be played in 2020

The R&A confirmed today that it intends to play the AIG Women’s British Open at Royal Troon from 20-23 August without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It will be the first women’s Major Championship to be played this year and will be broadcast globally to more than 11 million fans.

Step forward for women’s golf

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “The AIG Women’s British Open is important to the success of women’s professional golf. We have been working closely with our title sponsor AIG, Visit Scotland, Royal Troon and our key advisors to find a way for the Championship to be played safely this year.

“We believe that playing the AIG Women’s British Open is a significant step for players whose playing opportunities have been severely impacted this year. As they compete to be the 2020 champion in historic circumstances, these athletes will continue to inspire golfers and sports fans around the world, who will be closely following events from Royal Troon on TV and social media.” 

AIG supportive of women’s golf

Peter Zaffino, President & Global Chief Operating Officer, AIG, commented, “As part of our commitment to supporting women in business and society, AIG proudly stands as allies with the world-class field of diverse women golfers who will have an opportunity to compete before a global audience. 

“We appreciate the collaborative efforts of The R&A, the United Kingdom and Scottish Governments to implement the necessary health and safety protocols that will allow the 2020 AIG Women’s British Open to be played under safe and responsible conditions.”

The return of women’s professional golf

Fiona Hyslop, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture, said, “Scotland is the home of golf and so it is fitting that we are on course to host golf’s first Major of 2020, the AIG Women’s British Open. This is only possible thanks to the dedication of The R&A in working with the Scottish Government and other partners to develop comprehensive plans to allow for an event of this stature to take place, set against the most challenging of circumstances. 

“I’m especially pleased that we are able to support the return of women’s professional golf, underlining our commitment to equality across both sport and society. Ayrshire’s magnificent coastline will present an outstanding backdrop for the Championship, providing inspiration not only for those watching and dreaming of Scotland worldwide but those here in Scotland who will be excited to see the return of major events and championship golf.”

Nigel Huddleston, UK Sports Minister said, “It's fantastic news that the AIG Women’s British Open will be going ahead this summer and broadcast to millions of fans around the world.

“Getting elite women’s sports back safely remains a top priority – we're working hard to ensure we don't lose any of the great momentum that has built up in recent years.”

Field composition

The field will be comprised of the leading players from the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings as well as recognising successful players from recent tournaments staged on the world’s leading Tours. Pre-qualifying and Final Qualifying events for the Championship have unfortunately been cancelled based on health and safety advice. 

Health and safety protocols

The Championship will enforce strict health and safety protocols including the creation of a bio secure zone. Only personnel essential to the Championship’s onsite operations, namely players, caddies, officials, and staging staff, will be inside the zone with their movements for the week limited to the golf course and designated secure hotel.   

All personnel will be required to return a negative Covid-19 test from an authorised testing centre and will be subject to further daily temperature checks and rigorous protocols designed to maintain the integrity of the zone and the health of those within it. 

The R&A will continue to monitor the pandemic conditions and work closely with the Scottish and UK governments and the health authorities to ensure the Championship is staged safely.

Updated Phase 2 Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers in Scotland

Following the First Minister's update yesterday, Scottish Golf issued an updated Phase 2 Guidance as Scotland continues to transition through its route map out of lockdown, and details can be found by going to  SCOTTISH GOLF WEBSITE

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE GUIDELINES

GEMMA DRYBURGH WINS THE LATEST JUSTIN ROSE LADIES SERIES

Gemma Dryburgh

By Martin Dempster

Gemma Dryburgh set up a double family celebration as she won the latest Rose Ladies Series event, beating a star-studded field at The Buckinghamshire.

The 27-year-old Scot stormed home in four under par as she recovered from a poor start to card a three-under 69, winning by a shot from English pair Georgia Hall and Cara Gainer.

Dryburgh’s success came on the same day her parents celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary and her dad John was on caddying duties.

“I’m very happy and there will be lots of drinks tonight,” admitted Dryburgh, who was born in Aberdeen but now lives at Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire."

As well as Hall, the field included Charley Hull and Bronte Law, all members of last year’s Solheim Cup side at Gleneagles. “It is definitely the best win of my pro career,” added Dryburgh.

Read full story in The Scotsman Newspaper

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE SCORES

World's oldest golf society in Edinburgh welcomes new lady members

Eight women in first batch at historic Royal Burgess 

Seven of the new lady members at Royal Burgess Golfing Society were welcomed at the Barnton club today by captain Bill Mattocks. 

History was made in Edinburgh yesterday  as one of the oldest golf clubs in the world welcomed its first batch of new lady members. 

Royal Burgess Golfing Society, which was founded in 1735, has added eight ladies to its membership ranks in the first instance. 

To read more  Click Here to go to the Scotsman Newspaper

DOWN MEM0RY LANE- LAURA SHARES A LOVELY MEMORY

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Aberdeenshire's Laura McLardy (Duff House Royal) shared a lovely memory on facebook 
She said "I think this makes me officially old. 25 years ago today that I got down to scratch- hard to believe it’s so long ago. One of my better golfing moments."

£685,000 made available to Scottish Clubs as part of R&A COVID-19 Support Fund

As part of a club support package funded by the R&A, Scottish Golf are pleased to announce that £685,000 will be made available to affiliated Scottish Golf clubs who have been affected financially by COVID-19. 

Scottish Golf, on behalf of our member clubs, are extremely grateful to the R&A for providing financial support to the golf industry. The grants will be made available via two separate allocations; the COVID-19 Fixed Costs Grant and the Club Relief Fund.

Details of the two funds are outlined below, and applications are welcomed from all affiliated Scottish Golf clubs:

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE