West of Scotland My Golf Ranking -- Week 30 -- 2020

AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 1082 points

2 Janet Harkness (Skelmorlie) 1041

3 Liz Keohone (Loudoun Gowf) 1035

4 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 1021

5 Susan Dumigan (Prestwick St Nicholas) 1001

6 Alison Powell (Largs) 968

7 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 958

8 Sheena Hope (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 952

9 Rona Walker (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 901

10 Jean Capes (Largs) 896

11 Anne Burns (Loudoun Gowf) 869

12 Jane Gillen (West Kilbride) 852

T13 Aileen Donaldson (West Kilbride) 839 &

Margaret White (Prestwick St Nicholas) 839

15 Joanne Sharp (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 836

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Largs 898

T2 Loudoun Gowf 807 &

Prestwick St Nicholas 807

4 West Kilbride 797

5 Irvine 787

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 1254 points

2 Heidi Mullen (Clober) 1067

3 Morag McFarlane (Balmore) 1042

4 Carol Maclarty (Taynuilt) 1015

5 Jackie Lightfoot (Helensburgh) 972

6 Ailie MacBrayne (Dunaverty) 947

7 Carol Bell (Helensburgh) 940

8 Andrea Torrie (Bearsden) 934

9 Alicia Wilson (Clober) 905

10 Marcia Stirling (Dullatur) 894

11 Gemma Canham (Helensburgh) 892

12 Gillian Ross (Bearsden) 877

13 Margaret Mackinnon (Lochgilphead) 871

14 Deirdre Anderson (Dullatur) 858

15 Ina Cameron (Bearsden) 854

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS

1 Clober 900

2 Dullatur 842

T3 Balmore 823 & Dunaverty 823

5 Bearsden 820

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Nichola Craig (Lanark) 1181 points

2 Catrina Pickard (Wishaw) 1104

3 Marjorie Seymour (Cathkin Braes) 1091

4 Sharon McPeake (Cawder) 1008

5 Anne-Marie Livingstone (Cawder) 1007

6 Jennifer Weir (Cawder) 988

7 Anna Turner (Carluke) 966

8 Karen Charnley (Wishaw) 948

9 Jane Clark (Airdrie) 943

10 Jackie Carty (Hollandbush) 918

T11 Katie Graham (Hamilton) 916 &

Jackie Ross (Airdrie) 916

T13 Madeleine Macgregor (Hamilton) 905 &

Moray Meechan (East Kilbride) 905

15 Karen Conachan (Colville Park) 890

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Wishaw 918

2 Carluke 859

3 Airdrie 852

4 Cawder 837

5 Colville Park 801

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Ann McKenzie (Old Course Ranfurly) 1113 points

2 Stephanie Watson (Old Course Ranfurly) 930

3 Sandra Bell (Old Course Ranfurly) 915

4 Birgit Clark (Old Course Ranfurly) 902

5 Fiona McPhee (Old Course Ranfurly) 892

6 Susan Ramsay (Haggs Castle) 889

7 Suzanne Smith (Old Course Ranfurly) 871

8 Jennie Scott (Old Course Ranfurly) 867

9 Sandra Reid (Renfrew) 855

10 Laura McGeachy (Haggs Castle) 854

11 Margo Maxwell (Old Course Ranfurly) 846

12 Charmaine Morton (Old Course Ranfurly) 793

13 Elizabeth Russell (Ralston) 776

14 Valerie Mackinnon (Old Course Ranfurly) 725

15 Marion Downie (Old Course Ranfurly) 713

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Old Course Ranfurly 885

2 Haggs Castle 637

3 Ralston 595

4 Bonnyton 584

5 Renfrew 565

ORLA ROONEY IS THE FIRST GIRL TO WIN THE JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP AT COWGLEN

Orla Rooney - Cowglen Junior Champion

Orla Rooney won the 2020 Cowglen Junior Championship yesterday. The final was  played over 36 holes and she was 7 up after 18 holes and went on the win 10 & 8  against Sean Smith to become the first Girl to win the Junior Title.

She said "I am absolutely thrilled to be the first Girl in the Club's history to win the juniors title" - in fact she added "I'm buzzing !!"

Orla won the 2019 Renfrewshire Ladies' Junior County Champion and now has handicap of 7

Gemma Dryburgh records first career-best display on LPGA Tour

By Martin Dempster

Gemma Dryburgh finished joint-sixth in the LPGA Drive On Championship at Inverness Golf Club in Toledo, Ohio 

Scottish No 1 Gemma Dryburgh vindicated her pre-event confidence by recording a career-best performance on the LPGA Tour in the US circuit's restart after its coronavirus shutdown. 

The 27-year-old finished joint-sixth behind American Danielle Kang in the LPGA Drive On Championship at Inverness Golf Club in Toledo, Ohio, to pick up a cheque for just over $25,000.

JENNIFER LYNAGH IS THE FIRST JUNIOR TO WIN THE CALDWELL LADIES CHAMPION

The Caldwell Club Championship was played yesterday (1st August) after the best 2 qualifying scores were taken from 3 medals played over the last three Wednesday's in July 

Up and coming Renfrewshire County Junior Jennifer Lynagh  the 2019 West of Scotland Bronze Champion and West of Scotland 2019 Handicap Trophy Winner reached the final with her best 2 gross scores which included a Gross 78 - 12 net 66 (6 under PAR!) -- Fantastic score.

In the final she played Liz Hale and won 4&3 and became the first Junior to ever win the Ladies' Championship

Jennifer said " I was up against her and it was a great match" --"Liz has supported me a lot since I joined the club and I am so grateful for everything she’s done for me"

A name for the future to follow -- Jennifer had a handicap of 35 in 2018  and his now down to 11 -- Well done Jennifer 

KYLIE HENRY TIES IN 2ND PLACE IN THE JUSTIN ROSE SERIES - GEORGIA HALL WINS AGAIN

Georgia Hall showed her class at the Shire to win her second straight Rose Ladies Series event.

Hall rolled in seven birdies and two bogeys for a 5-under 67 and a three-shot win over Liz Young and Kylie Henry(Scotland)

Her record in the series now reads 2nd-2nd-2nd-1st-1st.

	Pos.	Player	To Par Gross	Total Gross
	1	Georgia Hall	-5	67
	T2	Elizabeth Young	-2	70
	T2	Kylie Henry	-2	70
	T4	Becky Morgan	-1	71
	T4	Charley Hull	-1	71
	T4	Hannah Burke	-1	71

CLICK HERE FOR ALL SCORES

SKELMORLIE'S JANET HARKNESS HAS A HOLE IN ONE

Janet Harkness - Hole in One Certificate

Many congratulations go to Janet Harkness seen in the above photo after  receiving her Certificate for scoring a lovely Hole in One on the 16th at Skelmorlie Golf Club during a Stableford Competition on Wednesday 29th July.

Well done Janet and thanks go to Fiona Agnew for the news and photograph.

Scottish Golf says Phase 3 guidance ‘remains unchanged’

Scottish Golf have issued a statement regarding the position of Open Competitions which are still not permitted in the traditional manner. 
The statement does however seem to indicate that, by definition, if the format is a non qualifying round, and complies with all other COVID-19 regulations, then other formats of play involving visitors is permitted. 
 This seems to leave a loophole open to clubs and societies to generally hold events provided they are not qualifying events for handicap purposes. 

 The full Scottish Golf statement reads:- Following the First Minister’s update today, we wish to inform all clubs that there are no further easing of restrictions directly relevant to golf clubs or their operations and as a result, our Phase 3 guidance remains unchanged at this time. 
 However, following an increased volume of enquiries and growing confusion across the membership, we wish to take this opportunity to clarify Scottish Golf’s position on Open Competitions. 

 The definition of an Open Competition concerning the current route map out of lockdown is “a qualifying round of golf played at a venue away from a player’s home club.” 

Any other format of play that takes place by visitors to golf clubs is permitted provided that all related COVID-19 regulations including travel restrictions, sanitation protocols and physical distancing protocols are met, along with industry-specific guidance being adhered to both on and off the course.

 We continue to respect and follow the guidance issued by the Scottish Government and will continue to work with them to contain the spread of the virus to save lives. 

 We urge all our member clubs to continue with the current guidance but can assure our members that we will continue to make representations on behalf of our clubs to Government in the strongest possible way to bring about change.

We will continue to keep all member clubs appraised of any changes to guidance and as always clubs should note that restrictions may be re-introduced if anything changes on a local or national basis. 

 To keep up to date with all of the latest COVID-19 guidance for golf in Scotland, people should visit Scottish Golf's dedicated web page. 

Kind regards, The Scottish Golf Team

READ MORE IN THE SCOTSMAN NEWSPAPER

MYGOLFRANKING - WEEK 30 - 2020

AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 1088 points 

2 Janet Harkness (Skelmorlie) 1041

3 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 1028

4 Liz Keohone (Loudoun Gowf) 1021 

5 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 968

6 Sheena Hope (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 957

7 Alison Powell (Largs) 952

T8 Susan Dumigan (Prestwick St Nicholas) 926 & Margaret White (Prestwick St Nicholas) 926 

10 Anne Burns (Loudoun Gowf) 906

11 Joanne Sharp (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 879 

12 Jean Capes (Largs) 865

13 Jane Gillen (West Kilbride) 852

14 Aileen Donaldson (West Kilbride) 839

15 Mhairi Macnamee (Loudoun Gowf) 835

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Largs 872

2 Loudoun Gowf 818

3 Prestwick St Nicholas 817 

4 West Kilbride 717

5 Irvine 747

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Heidi Mullen (Clober) 1093 points

2 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 1070

3 Carol Maclarty (Taynuilt) 1023

4 Jackie Lightfoot (Helensburgh) 974

5 Carol Bell (Helensburgh) 940

6 Andrea Torrie (Bearsden) 934

7 Gemma Canham (Helensburgh) 892

8 Karen McIlvaney (Hilton Park) 876

9 Ailie MacBrayne (Dunaverty) 868

10 Gillian Ross (Bearsden) 865

11 Ina Cameron (Bearsden) 854

12 Olive Spicer (Bearsden) 850

13 Margaret Mackinnon (Lochgilphead) 845

14 Deirdre Anderson (Dullatur) 844

15 Katharine Hardman (Dunaverty) 831

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS

1 Clober 880

2 Bearsden 822

3 Dunaverty 805

4 Helensburgh 801

5 Taynuilt 79

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Nichola Craig (Lanark) 1183 points

2 Catrina Pickard (Wishaw) 1104

3 Marjorie Seymour (Cathkin Braes) 1047

4 Sharon McPeake (Cawder) 1033

5 Karen Charnley (Wishaw) 978

6 Joyce Chalmers (East Kilbride) 970

7 Anna Turner (Carluke) 966

8 Anne-Marie Livingstone (Cawder) 945

9 Madeleine Macgregor (Hamilton) 943

10 Edel Doherty (Cawder) 937

T11 Jackie Carty (Hollandbush) 918 &

Elizabeth Holmes (Carnwath) 918

13 Katie Graham (Hamilton) 916

14 Jennifer Weir (Cawder) 913

15 Karen Conachan (Colville Park) 890

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Wishaw 931

2 Carluke 859

3 Cawder 845

4 East Kilbride 807

5 Colville Park 801

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Ann McKenzie (Old Course Ranfurly) 1113 points

2 Stephanie Watson (Old Course Ranfurly) 930

3 Sandra Bell (Old Course Ranfurly) 915

4 Birgit Clark (Old Course Ranfurly) 902

5 Fiona McPhee (Old Course Ranfurly) 892

6 Susan Ramsay (Haggs Castle) 889

7 Suzanne Smith (Old Course Ranfurly) 871

8 Jennie Scott (Old Course Ranfurly) 867

9 Sandra Reid (Renfrew) 855

10 Laura McGeachy (Haggs Castle) 854

11 Margo Maxwell (Old Course Ranfurly) 846

12 Charmaine Morton (Old Course Ranfurly) 793

13 Elizabeth Russell (Ralston) 776

14 Valerie Mackinnon (Old Course Ranfurly) 725

15 Marion Downie (Old Course Ranfurly) 713

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Old Course Ranfurly 885

2 Haggs Castle 637

3 Ralston 595

4 Bonnyton 584

5 Renfrew 565

Big thank you from Aberdeenshire’s Ann Smart

A big thank you to all the lovely messages and cards I have received on the honorary membership at Banchory Golf Club. 

Golf has been a great part of my life. Offices held at club leading to national and county selection, junior county golf seeing a young Laura Murray and Michele Thomson progress through all the ranks and now really successful Professional golfers. 
Convincing Michele to give up the footie !  -- 

Then of course Aberdeenshire County Captain and that great Scottish Win with a great bunch of girls and not forgetting my back up team. 

To get honorary membership is the icing on the cake. 

There are a lot of famous names on that list and I’m very proud to be on it even though not for the same talent ! 

Banchory is a great club and the members make it. 

Thank you. 
Ann Smart

In case you missed the news -- READ FURTHER DOWN 

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

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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.