MYGOLFRANKING - West of Scotland Week 34 - 2030

AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Gillian Gowers (Loudoun Gowf) 1124 points 

2 Luisa Gibson (Irvine) 1019

3 June Dempster (Prestwick St Nicholas) 1016

4 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 1004 

5 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 981

6 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 980

7 Audrey Thompson (Loudoun Gowf) 976

8 Sheena Hope (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 975 

9 Liz Keohone (Loudoun Gowf) 960

10 Susan Dumigan (Prestwick St Nicholas) 931 

11 Janet Harkness (Skelmorlie) 928

12 Alison Powell (Largs) 927

13 Arlene Sinclair (Irvine) 912

14 Rona Walker (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 901 

15 Jean Capes (Largs) 881

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS 

1 Largs 867

2 Loudoun Gowf 848

3 Prestwick St Nicholas 824 

4 Irvine 817

5 Kilmarnock (Barassie) 751

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES 

1 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 1254 points 

2 Carol Maclarty (Taynuilt) 1104

3 Andrea Torrie (Bearsden) 1086

4 Heidi Mullen (Clober) 1067

5 Morag McFarlane (Balmore) 1042

6 Justine Fulton (Hayston) 1021

7 Tracy McColgan (Hilton Park) 991

8 Gemma Canham (Helensburgh) 982 

9 Jackie Lightfoot (Helensburgh) 954 

10 Ailie MacBrayne (Dunaverty) 947 

11 Alicia Wilson (Clober) 905

12 Marcia Stirling (Dullatur) 894

13 Gillian Ross (Bearsden) 884

14 Karen McIlvaney (Hilton Park) 881 

15 Susan Ferguson (Clober) 874

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS 

1 Clober 890

2 Taynuilt 851

3 Dullatur 840

4 Bearsden 829

5 Balmore 823

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Anne-Marie Livingstone (Cawder) 1162 points 

2 Jackie Carty (Hollandbush) 1095

3 Nichola Craig (Lanark) 1067

4 Jennifer Weir (Cawder) 1065

5 Catrina Pickard (Wishaw) 1019

6 Margaret Wright (Carluke) 1015

7 Jackie Ross (Airdrie) 992

8 Jane Clark (Airdrie) 990

9 Annyse Ewing (Carluke) 965

10 Ruth Hunter (Lanark) 949

11 Karen Charnley (Wishaw) 942

12 Joyce Chalmers (East Kilbride) 921

13 Katie Graham (Hamilton) 916

14 Edel Doherty (Cawder) 908

15 Madeleine Macgregor (Hamilton) 905

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS 

1 Wishaw 934

2 Airdrie 908

3 Carluke 893

4 Cawder 883 

5 Bishopbriggs 

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Laura McGeachy (Haggs Castle) 1106 points

2 Fiona Macphee (Old Course Ranfurly) 963

3 Susan Ramsay (Haggs Castle) 962

4 Stephanie Watson (Old Course Ranfurly) 960 

5 Ann McKenzie (Old Course Ranfurly) 941

6 Birgit Clark (Old Course Ranfurly) 917

7 Sandra Bell (Old Course Ranfurly) 865

8 Lynn Forsyth (Paisley) 854

9 Elizabeth Russell (Ralston) 838

10 Charmaine Morton (Old Course Ranfurly) 832 

11 Jennie Scott (Old Course Ranfurly) 819

12 Marion Downie (Old Course Ranfurly) 800 

13 Sheila Swinnerton (Old Course Ranfurly) 795 

14 Gillian Lavety (Old Course Ranfurly) 794 

15 Suzanne Smith (Old Course Ranfurly) 777

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES CLUBS 

1 Old Course Ranfurly 869

2 Haggs Castle 766

3 Ralston 663

4 Paisley 635

5 Caldwell 603

LIVE SCORING FROM THE WOMEN'S BRITISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

CLICK HERE

LANARKSHIRE'S KATIE GRAHAM IS OFF TO OAKLAHOMA

Good luck to Katie Graham (pictured above) who is travelling to Oaklahoma today to begin her golf scholarship. 

Everyone at Hamilton Golf Club, the West of Scotland  and Scotland sends their best wishes and we hope you have an amazing experience in America. 

FIRST ROUND OF THE WOMENS AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP IS ABANDONED

The first round of stroke play qualifying at The Amateur Championship and The Women’s Amateur Championship has been abandoned. 

The start of play was delayed by two hours this morning due to inclement weather.  Following a second suspension of play this afternoon at both courses, Royal Birkdale for the men and West Lancashire for the women, the decision was made to cancel the first round and all scores from today. 

A cut in both championships will now be made after one round of stroke play qualifying to be played tomorrow (Wednesday 26 August). The top 64 players and ties will go through to the match play stage of The Amateur Championship. The top 64 players will progress to match play at The Women’s Amateur Championship. 

Tee times for Wednesday 26 August are now available at www.randa.org

Debbie Pern’s appointment as club manager of Deeside Golf Club

By her own admission, Debbie Pern’s appointment as club manager of Deeside Golf Club in Scotland 17 years ago was probably seen as a bold move.

In an industry dominated by men, Pern was one of the first women in her role, but fast forward to 2020 and Deeside’s “risk” has paid off in spades, with turnover soaring and Pern herself becoming a leading light for other females to follow.

“I think the captain and council at the time probably took a risk in taking me on,” she says. “However, I was very passionate and my gender doesn’t influence any decisions that I make.

“I think in general manager positions, it makes absolutely no difference at all whether you’re female or male. We’re all passionate about the job we do and we get the same results if we’re driven.”

In the last ten years a handful of other golf clubs across Scotland have recruited female managers, and Pern believes the trend will continue as clubs recognize the benefits of having a diverse management team.

“I think the next generation coming through will see many, many more female general managers,” she continues.

“Mostly I see a difference in Europe and particularly going over to America. Some of the top clubs in America are now run by female general managers, which is fantastic.

“I think the global industry would hugely benefit from more female club managers. We bring a completely new dynamic to the whole ethos of what golf clubs are about.”

And Pern’s influence, combined with her expertise in hospitality, has brought success to Deeside.

“When I joined, the F&B operation was virtually non-existent. They were serving tins of macaroni to the members and thought it was acceptable,” she says.

“We’ve gone from a turnover of £70,000 up to about £450,000. I’ve created completely new kitchen and front of house teams, and my passion for working at the coal face has really helped.

“I think food and beverage in the golf industry is not given high enough profile. There’s not enough investment, creativity or rebuilding of the social aspect of it.”

Pern is a shining example and wants others to follow.

“I would encourage any female to get into golf club management,” she says. “It’s the best job in the world

PLAY THE FOLLOWING VIDEO --

Updated COVID-19 Guidance Issued to Scottish Golf Clubs

Following the First Minister’s update on Thursday 20 August, Scottish Golf is now in a position to provide all Clubs with an updated version of our Phase 3 Guidance for all Golf Clubs and Golfers. 

The following changes are effective:

From Monday 24 August: 

• Outdoor coaching activity in groups of up to 30 will be permitted. 

From Monday 31 August:  

• Access to indoor locker rooms and storage areas is permitted for the dropping off and collection of sports equipment or clothing.  The golf club should ensure mitigating actions are put in place to minimise the risk of virus transmission including physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures. 
   
• Indoor Driving Ranges may re-open and facilities should ensure mitigating actions are put in place to minimise the risk of virus transmission including physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures. 

Scottish Golf will continue to keep all clubs and tournament organisers updated via our dedicated COVID-19 webpage which can be accessed here. 

We would once again like to thank all of our clubs and gofers across Scotland for your continued co-operation. It is important we continue to play our part in adhering to the latest guidance in place. 

SOPHIA POPOV FROM GERMANY CELEBRATES A REMARKABLE VICTORY AT ROYAL TROON

Sophia Popov (pictured above) held her nerve superbly under immense pressure to record a life-changing win in the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon.

Three clear at the start of play on Sunday, world number 304 Popov could have been forgiven for feeling tense as she chased her maiden main-tour victory, not least when she bogeyed the first after finding a fairway bunker off the tee.

However, the 27-year-old bounced back superbly by birdieing three of the next four holes and she duly remained at the head of the field for the entire final round, ultimately signing for a 68 to triumph by two at seven under. The only other blemish on her card came when she played cautiously and sensibly on her way to a five at the par-4 18th, knowing she could afford to double-bogey and still win.

The champion’s accomplished performance was typified by the way she kicked ahead with the winning post in sight, recording back-to-back birdies on the 15th and 16th to effectively end the hopes of her rivals.

Having come into this event without an LPGA Tour card, Germany’s first female major winner can now celebrate a remarkable victory and a prize of $675,000 that comfortably dwarfs her previous career earnings.

Catriona Matthew finished  and Michele Thomson both had 5 over par 76's to finish T59th and 74th respectively  -- To read the full report go to AEG WEBSITE

Full Leaderboard from the AIG Women's Open from Royal Troon - Click Here

DAY 4 -- LIVE SCORING AND WATCH THE GOLF FROM ROYAL TROON

Full Leaderboard from the AIG Women's Open from Royal Troon - Click Here

Watch on Sky Sports on You Tube Live  afternoon session begins at 2pm if you don't have Sky Sports  - Day 4

‘Women allowed in the clubhouse now, but it shouldn’t have taken until 2020’

Mel Reid on golfs slow pace of change by Martin Dempster 

A welcome wind of change has blown through Royal Troon. Just ask Mel Reid, who wasn’t even allowed in the clubhouse when she won twice as an amateur at the Ayrshire venue but is now among those making history in the AIG Women’s Open

After carding a third-round 68 to surge up the leaderboard in the first staging of the event at a club that had no women members until around four years ago, the English player recalled her back-to-back wins in the Helen Holm Trophy in 2006 and 2007. The final round of that tournament is played over Royal Troon and Reid, inset, one of the most vocal players in the game over inequality in golf, has enjoyed seeing how the club has dusted off its dinosaur image along with a number of others in Scotland in recent years on her return this week.

“Women weren’t allowed in the clubhouse when I played here,” she recalled “It’s a huge step forward that we are playing here this week and we’ve got Muirfield [announced as the 2022 venue earlier this week] on the rota as well now, which is another huge step forward. 

It’s what we deserve. It shouldn’t have taken until 2020 for people to realise that, but we want to play these great golf courses like the men and really test our skills and show the world how good we are.”

Reid, a six-time LET winner, has been encouraged to hear Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood and Tony Finau all show support for the women’s game recently but added: “We need more voices like that because it is important that people know the standard of women’s professional golf is really good. We need them to talk about us and it’s great to see that happening.”

Down Memory Lane -- Helen Holm 2010 and 2011

Sophia Popov will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon

Sophia Popov will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon, after putting together a faultless third round highlighted by a moment of breathtaking brilliance.

World number 304 Popov, whose only previous appearance in this championship came as an amateur back in 2011, was the only player in the field not to drop a shot on Saturday as she carded a four-under 67 – the joint-lowest round of the week - to reach four under.

Past Champion Catriona Matthew saw her hopes of another AIG Women’s Open title fade as she  carded a 74 to sit on eight over.

Scot Michele Thomson carded an 80 today which included 5 bogeys and 2 double bogeys to finish on +17

To read the full report go to the AIG WEBSITE

BIG THANKYOU FROM AYRSHIRE CANCER SUPPORT

Liz and Sally present their cheque 

Huge thanks from Ayrshire Cancer Support to super fundraisers Sally Hamilton & Liz Keohone who both smashed their 'Golfathon challenge' at Loudoun Gowf Club and raised a staggering £10,280!!  WELL DONE LADIES 👏🏻

Could you play 3 rounds in one day? 

Tee off here: bit.ly/3fQ91Yc ⛳️

CATRIONA MATTHEW AND MICHELE THOMSON MAKE THE HALF WAY CUT AT ROYAL TROON

On another blustery day on the Ayrshire links, accompanied by heavy rain showers, the 32-year-old Swede Dani Holmqvist defied the weather conditions with a one under-par 70 that included four birdies and three bogeys to claim a second round lead in the AIG Women's Open at Royal Troon

Holmqvist is the only player under par at the halfway stage of the first women’s major championship of the year, having only qualified via last week’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open.

The Swede, who has fought back to fitness after a golf cart crash in 2018, sits at one under par, a stroke clear of American Austin Ernst and Sophia Popov from Germany.

A five-strong group of players share fourth place on one over. That quintet is comprised of Minjee Lee, Jasmine Suwannapura, Lydia Ko, Emily Kristine Pedersen and Lindsey Weaver, who is impressing without the use of a caddie.

The cut fell at +9 with Scot Catriona Matthew finishing on +5 and Michele Thomson on +8

SCOTS:

+5 C Matthew

+8 M Thomson

Missed Cut

+11C Booth

+12 K Henry

+14 G Dryburgh

SCOTTISH GOLF HANDICAP ZOOM PANEL MEETING

From the Scottish Golf Website. 

Over 200 delegates from golf clubs across Scotland took part in Scottish Golf’s latest Zoom Panel Call aimed at supporting clubs with preparing for the implementation of WHS on 2 November 2020. 

On the call, David Kernohan and Adam Phillips from Scottish Golf’s Handicapping and Course Rating Team presented a 15-minute presentation about the transition, education and implementation of WHS in Scotland. They also answered questions submitted by delegates and a full list of FAQ’s can now be accessed here.

To catch up on the full 30-minute Zoom Panel Call in full, please click here. 

Scottish Golf’s Handicapping and Course Rating Officer, David Kernohan, said, “It was really pleasing to see so many clubs represented on today’s WHS Zoom Panel Call and we would like to thank everyone who attended the session. 

“As we continue to move towards the implementation date of 2 November, it is important that clubs are aware of the key changes and how this will impact the processing of handicaps and their members. 

“Today’s session allowed us to cover a number of key topics as we continue our ongoing programme of club education on WHS and all clubs will be able to engage in further discussion on our new Hive Learning platform.”

For clubs looking to register for Hive Learning, please click here. Clubs can also access our WHS Readiness Guide here.

Catriona Matthew rolls back the years in Round 1 of the AIG Women's Open

 

Scotland’s Catriona Matthew rolled back the years on the links, but it is American Amy Olson who leads after the opening round of the AIG Women’s Open.

At a blustery Royal Troon, with gusts that rose to 40mph on occasions, Olson emerged late in the day to reach four under par with an excellent 67 at the first women’s major of the year.

Olson carded five birdies and just one dropped shot in a fine display of links golf. The 28-year-old, who has posted two top-10 finishes in majors, holds a three-stroke lead over fellow American Marina Alex and Germany’s Sophia Popov. 

Fifty-year-old Catriona Matthew rolled back the years on Thursday with a superb round of 71 at Royal Troon in the AIG Women’s Open.

Europe's Solheim Cup captain, who won this championship in 2009 at Royal Lytham & St Annes, carded four birdies and four bogeys in a level-par round that left her comfortably inside the top 10 on a day when gusting winds made low scoring difficult.

“I played well, I drove the ball well,” Matthew said. “I don't think I missed a fairway today, which gives you just the opportunity to try and hit the greens.

“Going out was obviously super long, going back out into the wind, and then coming back downwind sometimes isn't that easy, either, it was such a strong wind.”

Matthew, who would become the oldest major champion of all time if she were to win this week, was in control with her long game on Thursday, and credits shot commitment for her accuracy off the tee.

Leaderboard 

 -4 A Olsen (USA)

-1 S Popov (Germany), M Alex (USA)

SCOTS:

Even C Matthew

+2 M Thomson

+3 G Dryburgh

+7 K Henry

+9 C Booth

Full Leaderboard - Click Here

MYGOLFRANKING - WEST OF SCOTLAND WEEK 33 / 2020

 AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 1099 points

2 Janet Harkness (Skelmorlie) 1041

3 Liz Keohone (Loudoun Gowf) 1035

4 Luisa Gibson (Irvine) 1019

5 June Dempster (Prestwick St Nicholas) 1016

6 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 999

7 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 980

8 Sheena Hope (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 975

9 Alison Powell (Largs) 968

10 Arlene Sinclair (Irvine) 962

11 Susan Dumigan (Prestwick St Nicholas) 931

12 Rona Walker (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 901

13 Joanne Sharp (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 884

14 Jean Capes (Largs) 871

15 Jane Gillen (West Kilbride) 863

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Largs 877

2 Irvine 839

3 Prestwick St Nicholas 824

T4 Loudoun Gowf 800 &West Kilbride 800

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 1254 points

2 Andrea Torrie (Bearsden) 1086

3 Heidi Mullen (Clober) 1067

4 Morag McFarlane (Balmore) 1042

5 Tracy McColgan (Hilton Park) 991

6 Gemma Canham (Helensburgh) 982

7 Jackie Lightfoot (Helensburgh) 974

8 Carol Maclarty (Taynuilt) 967

9 Ailie MacBrayne (Dunaverty) 947

10 Alicia Wilson (Clober) 905

11 Marcia Stirling (Dullatur) 894

12 Gillian Ross (Bearsden) 884

13 Karen McIlvaney (Hilton Park) 881

14 Susan Ferguson (Clober) 874

15 Margaret Mackinnon (Lochgilphead) 871

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS

1 Clober 890

2 Dullatur 842

3 Bearsden 829

4 Balmore 823

5 Dunaverty 813

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Nichola Craig (Lanark) 1181 points

2 Anne-Marie Livingstone (Cawder) 1120

3 Catrina Pickard (Wishaw) 1112

4 Jackie Carty (Hollandbush) 1095

5 Margaret Wright (Carluke) 1082

6 Jennifer Weir (Cawder) 987

7 Marjorie Seymour (Cathkin Braes) 969

T8 Katie Graham (Hamilton) 916 &

Jackie Ross (Airdrie) 916

10 Winnie Lee (Cawder) 911

11 Lesley Watson (Cathkin Braes) 908

12 Madeleine Macgregor (Hamilton) 905

13 Emily McKeown (Bishopbriggs) 891

14 Karen Conachan (Colville Park) 890

15 Karen Charnley (Wishaw) 886

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Wishaw 885

2 Carluke 854

3 Airdrie 850

4 Cawder 836

5 Bishopbriggs 831

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Laura McGeachy (Haggs Castle) 1117 points

2 Ann McKenzie (Old Course Ranfurly) 1095

3 Charmaine Morton (Old Course Ranfurly) 1013

4 Susan Ramsay (Haggs Castle) 983

5 Fiona Macphee (Old Course Ranfurly) 918

6 Stephanie Watson (Old Course Ranfurly) 891

7 Sandra Bell (Old Course Ranfurly) 875

8 Linda Anderson (Old Course Ranfurly) 867

9 Jennie Scott (Old Course Ranfurly) 864

10 Birgit Clark (Old Course Ranfurly) 862

11 Lynn Forsyth (Paisley) 854

12 Elizabeth Russell (Ralston) 838

13 Marion Downie (Old Course Ranfurly) 825

T14 Suzanne Smith (Old Course Ranfurly) 782 &

Sheila Swinnerton (Old Course Ranfurly) 782

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Old Course Ranfurly 899

2 Haggs Castle 773

3 Ralston 698

4 Caldwell 636

5 Paisley 635

FAMILY AFFAIR FOR KILMACOLM AND ERSKINE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Megan and Eilidh Briggs

Megan 2020 Kilmacolm Champion

The Kilmacolm Club Championship was played last Sunday with the Briggs sisters contending the final again 

Megan the 2009 Scottish Champion and Eilidh the 2014 Curtis Cup player had a terrific match with  Megan coming out the victor to win the title for the 17th time !!

The Erskine Club Championship Finals was played at the weekend ! 

A double win for RLCGA's Janette McCartney and partner Ronnie Clark (pictured above)

Ronnie - Past Scottish Seniors Champion has been a member of the Scottish Seniors Team team for the last few years, during which time they won the Senior Men’s European Amateur Team and Home International Championships

He is the current Captain of the Scottish Seniors Men's Team 2020

Many congrats to all

WATCH THE AIG WOMEN’S OPEN AT ROYAL TROON ON YOU TUBE

Live AIG Women’s Open Championship  will be found on You Tube  --  it starts at 10:30am this morning - you will then find the schedules from there on. Also if you want to keep up to date download the excellent AIG Women’s Open app from the Apple or Google Play App stores 

Follow your Scottish Players like Catriona Matthew Kylie Henry, Michele Thomson, Gemma Dryburgh, Carly Booth and the full field including last weeks Scottish Ladies Open Champion Stacey Lewis 

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW ON YOU TUBE

LIVE SCORING 

NEXT SESSION 3PM 

KAREN MARSHALL WINS THE BABE ZAHARIAS TROPHY AT MUIRFIELD

The East Lothian County Flag flew over Muirfield yesterday for the first time since the memorable day of our Spring Meeting in 2017. This time it was for the Babe Zaharias Competition and yet again the main topic of conversation was the weather. 

155 players had come from all over the UK to experience the wonderful Muirfield course and to take in the fabulous East Lothian scenery, sadly there was little of that to be seen as heavy mist shrouded the course. 

The Babe Zaharias Trophy shone some light on the scene as it was looking magnificent since its trip to the jewellers to be re-silvered.

Congratulations to Karen Marshall, (pictured above) winner of the Babe Zaharias Trophy, and to Kay Lannin, winner of the Ultraplast Trophy. Well done to all who took part and battled the elements at Muirfield! 

The Babe Zaharias Trophy 

Scratch

Winner Karen Marshall (Baberton) 77

Second Karen Ferguson-Snedden (Mortonhall) 81

Third Tara Mactaggart (Minto) 82 bih

The Ultraplast Trophy 

Handicap

Winner Kay Lannin (Craigielaw) net 76 bih

Second Susan Rennie (Longniddry) 76

Third Diane Watson (Leven) 78

CLICK HERE FOR GROSS  SCORES

READ THE FULL REPORT ON THE EAST LOTHIANS WEBSITE

HOW TO WATCH THE WOMEN’S OPEN - SKY SPORTS YOUTUBE CHANNEL

The 2020 AIG Women's Open is kicking off tomorrow (August 20) at Royal Troon.

And while we know that many of you are gutted you can't be there in person, luckily there are various ways you can watch at home.

This includes the option to watch for FREE on the Sky Sports YouTube Channel.

Thursday August 20

LIVE - 10.30am to 1.30pm - Sky Sports Golf, Sky Sports Mix, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports YouTube channel

LIVE - 3pm to 6pm - Sky Sports Golf, Sky Sports Mix, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports YouTube channel

HIGHLIGHTS - 10pm onwards - BBC Red Button One

HIGHLIGHTS - 11.30pm onwards - BBC 2

Friday August 21

HIGHLIGHTS - 6am to 7am - Sky Sports Golf 

HIGHLIGHTS - 9.30am to 10.30am - Sky Sports Golf

LIVE - 10.30am to 1.30pm - Sky Sports Golf, Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports YouTube channel

LIVE - 3pm to 6pm - Sky Sports Golf, Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports YouTube channel

HIGHLIGHTS - 11.20pm onwards - BBC Two

Saturday August 22 

HIGHLIGHTS - 6am to 7am - Sky Sports Golf 

HIGHLIGHTS - 9am to 10am - Sky Sports Golf

LIVE - 2pm to 7pm -  Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports YouTube channel

HIGHLIGHTS - 4.30pm to 5.30pm - Sky Sports Golf

HIGHLIGHTS - 10pm onwards - Red Button One

HIGHLIGHTS - 11.45pm - BBC Two

Sunday August 23

HIGHLIGHTS - 6am to 11am - Sky Sports Golf

LIVE - 1pm to 6pm - Sky Sports Golf, Sky Sports Mix, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports YouTube channel

HIGHLIGHTS - 9pm onwards - Red Button One

HIGHLIGHTS - 11.55pm - BBC Two

For more information and start times visit www.aigwomensopen.com.

BBC ‘insult to women’

Marginalised: Georgia Hall enjoys a practice round yesterday ahead of the Women’s Open, which is being shown late every night on the BBC

• The Daily Telegraph
• 19 Aug 2020
• By James Corrigan GOLF CORRESPONDENT at Royal Troon

The BBC has been accused of not taking women’s golf seriously after it was revealed highlights of the Women’s Open at Royal Troon will be broadcast after midnight, with the final-round wrap-up starting at 11.55pm. Former world No1 Lee Westwood called the time slot for the first female major of the season “the graveyard shift” and an insult.

Lee Westwood has added his voice to the outcry at the BBC’S attitude to the Women’s Open here this week, declaring that the TV highlights from Royal Troon have been consigned “to the graveyard shift”.

The majority of BBC Two’s coverage of the first female major of the season will be broadcast after midnight, with the final-round wrap-up starting at 11.55pm.

At least fans who do not subscribe to Sky Sports – which screens all four days live – will be able to use the red button to watch the hourlong programme at 9pm on Sunday.

But, unlike last year, in the first three rounds this, according to yesterday’s published listings, will not be an option. That is because the BBC has elected instead to feature the World Seniors Snooker Championship on the red platform. This has left Westwood, among many, baffled, if not appalled.

“I can’t actually believe it – that is disappointing,” Westwood said when contacted by The Daily Telegraph. “I know BBC TV has been turning its back on golf for years – this is the first time in 55 years that it will not screen one day of live golf from any event, anywhere – but if you have the rights to one of the biggest events, in global terms, that will happen in Britain this summer, then why not put on the highlights at a watchable time, not after the graveyard shift has started?

“It’s an insult and it makes no sense, as there are loads of the British up there in the rankings [Charley Hull, Bronte Law, Georgia Hall and Jodi Ewart Shadoff are in the world’s top 65]. They deserve better.”

By speaking out, Westwood is following the lead of countryman Justin Rose, another former world No1, who, in the midst of the pandemic in June, stepped up and did his bit to help out Britain’s female professionals by setting up the Rose Ladies Series, an eight-event mini circuit that gave players such as Hull and Hall somewhere to play. Rose was answering the long-made call for a big-name male golfer to stand up for their women counterparts in their fight for greater recognition to address the huge disparity at the elite end of the sport.

“It was great what Justin and Kate [Rose’s wife] did with their series and I agree that it is time the men do whatever they can to share the spotlight,” Westwood said. “But things like these BBC highlights going out so late does the cause no good whatsoever.”

Kate Rose concurs, but is hopeful the corporation will still make a late about-turn and it is understood that the BBC could announce a climbdown today with the news that the highlights will appear earlier on the red button for the first three days, once the veterans’ snooker event concludes at 10pm.

“It is incredibly disappointing that the BBC is planning to screen the country’s premiere female golf tournament at such a late time that very few adults will stay up to watch it, let alone children – tomorrow’s potential stars,” she said.

“The BBC is doing such a fine job promoting women in sports that it would be incredibly depressing to see women in golf overlooked in this way.

“Once it has been pointed out that this week is actually Women and Girls in Golf Week, I have every faith that the BBC will correct this oversight. Given the recent success of the Rose Ladies Series, it is increasingly clear that proper TV coverage is essential to reflect the enormous surge in interest that the game of golf has attracted this summer.

“BBC One and BBC Two and BBC Four seem to show endless repeats and it begs the question why the BBC seems to be so unwilling to show a prime women’s sport event at an hour when people wish to watch it?”

The BBC maintains its commitment to the sport despite its budget cuts, but Meg Maclaren, the Englishwoman who goes for her first major success here on the Ayrshire coast, sums up the general despondency here.

“It is depressing,” the two-time Ladies European Tour winner, said. “This is one of the greatest opportunities women’s golf has been given to shine a light in what’s been an incredibly dark time. There are only positives to come out of bringing that to an engaged and ready audience and to continue to find excuses when there aren’t any is yet another slap in the face for women’s golf.”