JOIN THE PROS AT IRVINE BOGSIDE IN OCTOBER - STILL TIME

In March 2020 there was a post about the ladies proam that Julie Walker is running at Irvine Bogside on the 6^th October.  This week, Julie got confirmation form the PGA that they are happy to support the event,

-- CLICK HERE ---- to read more from the original post

 

The website is here www.ladiesproam.com

The entry form can be downloaded here   https://ladiesproam.com/enter-your-team/

 

There is a page on the PGA website https://pgagbi.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/pgagbi20/event/pgagbi20822/index.htm

MORE INFO

The UK’s first ladies-only Pro-Am is back for the third year running, and this time it’s heading to The Irvine Golf Club in Ayrshire on Tuesday October 6.

We know many of you were disappointed not to be able to head to the AIG Women's Open at Royal Troon this year, but this Scottish jaunt could be the next best thing.

Designed to let you experience some light-hearted team competition (and also win some fabulous team and individual prizes), the teams consistent of three amateurs and one professional.

Don’t know a female pro who would be up for it?

Well never fear, the organisers will find someone suitable to partner you up with. All you need to provide is yourself and two pals.

Entry is £255 per team of three amateurs and £30 per pro; this includes tea or coffee on arrival and a post-comp lunch, too.

Many teams have already signed up from across the UK, but there’s still time to gather your team before registration closes on September 18. To enter simply follow the link HERE. 

If you’re travelling from far away, well why not turn it into an excuse for a once-in-a-lifetime Scottish golf holiday with the girls?

The organisers have secured a special rate for Ladies Pro-Am players at the charming Riverside Lodge Hotel in Irvine, and also reserved tee times especially for the Pro-Am teams as nearby courses Glasgow Gailes on Monday October 5 and Kilmarnock Barassie on Wednesday October 7.

A few days away with friends, playing golf, winning prizes (hopefully) 

To find out more email julie@ladiesproam.com or visit ladiesproam.com.

Germany's Aline Krauter wins the 117th Women's Amateur Championship

Germany’s Aline Krauter held her nerve to claim the biggest title of her career after winning the 117th Women’s Amateur Championship at West Lancashire.

The 20-year-old fought back from three down after the opening four holes to defeat Englishwoman Annabell Fuller, 18, by one-hole in a dramatic 18-hole final. It continued feel good success for German golf after Sophia Popov’s AIG Women’s Open triumph last weekend.

On links land along the River Mersey, Krauter – ranked 71st on the World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®) – emerged victorious from an international field of almost 100 players at the renowned venue.

Exciting chances

Krauter can now look forward to exciting opportunities, with exemptions into the AIG Women’s Open and, traditionally, the US Women’s Open, The Evian Championship and Augusta National Women's Amateur Championship.

She joins a roll of honour that includes former Women’s Amateur victors including Anna Nordqvist (2008), Georgia Hall (2013), Céline Boutier (2015), Leona Maguire (2017) and her German countrywoman, Leonie Harm (2018).

Krauter said, “It’s my biggest win, 100 per cent. I won the German Girls in 2016 and then I’ve played decently in some college tournaments in the US but not been close in one.

“I felt under control out there. I’m not sure what did the trick, but I was quite unphased on the course which I think helped me in the wind and the conditions. It was so fun to play in the final.

Breezy conditions

In her semi-final, Krauter who had beaten Scotland's Hannah Darling in the first round lost the opening hole to defending champion Emily Toy (who had beaten Scotland's Chloe Goadby in the 2nd round at the 20th hole ) but then reeled off three birdies in four holes to lead two up after six. Toy, who was seeking to become the first player to retain the title since Louise Stahle in 2005, again showed the battling instincts which have typified her week to level at the turn. They exchanged holes at the 11th and 13th, before Krauter secured match-winning birdies at the 15thand 16th to win 2&1.

Despite the sunshine, the breezy conditions remained a challenge and Fuller certainly adjusted to the conditions as she raced to a three-up lead after five holes against fellow 18-year-old Emilie Alba Paltrinieri, the 2016 Girls’ Amateur champion. 

Paltrinieri clawed a hole back at the 6th but Fuller then reeled off four holes in a row, helped by back-to-back birdies at the 7th and 8th, to go six up after 10 holes. Paltrinieri arrowed an approach to three feet at the short 12th to keep her hopes alive, but Fuller ended proceedings with a half at the 14th to seal a 5&4 success.

It represented another notable success for Fuller after defeating another Italian player, the world number five Alessia Nobilio, in the quarter-finals.

Final scores from the final can be found here.

Read the full report  From the R&A Website 

The championship, which was safely played as a closed-door event this week due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is contested next year at Kilmarnock (Barassie) in Ayrshire, Scotland from 8 – 12 June.

Chloe Goadby loses out to defending champion at the 20th hole

English duo Emily Toy and Annabell Fuller produced incredible finishes on a dramatic day at the 117th Women’s Amateur Championship to reach the semi-finals.

On a fantastic Friday at West Lancashire, defending champion Toy and former Curtis Cup player Fuller joined Aline Krauter from Germany and Italy’s Emile Alba Paltrinieri in the last four.

Toy, who only qualified on the cut mark from stroke play qualifying, built on her impressive victories on Thursday with two nail-biting successes after extra holes. In her morning last-16 tie with Scot Chloe Goadby, Toy dug deep to win the 18th after Goadby found the water off the tee. The pair halved the 19th with birdies, before Toy delivered another to claim a memorable success at the 20th

More heroics from the Carlyon Bay member came in the afternoon. The 22-year-old, who is bidding to become the first player to defend the Women’s Amateur title since 2005, was four down after 10 holes to Lithuania’s Gilė Bitė Starkutė. Again, she refused to be defeated and took the match to extra time after winning the 18th with a superb up-and-down and then emerged victorious at the 19th, her 39th hole of the day. It was tough luck on Starkutė, who had beaten another English player, in-form Emily Price, 3&2 in the last-16.

Hannah Darling the other Scot in the last 16 lost 3&2 in the morning to Aline Krauter (Germany) who won in the afternoon and now meets Emily Toy in the semi finals tomorrow

To read the full report go to the R&A WEBSITE

 For Matchplay results - CLICK HERE

HANNAH DARLING AND CHLOE GOADBY PROGRESS TO THE LAST 16 OF THE BRITISH

England’s Emily Toy maintained her bid to successfully defend the Women’s Amateur Championship after reaching the last-16 at West Lancashire.

Draw for the last 16 

Scotland’s Hannah Darling, 17, the Girls’ Under-16 Open Champion in 2018, ended the hopes of the leading qualifier Leth-Nissen in the afternoon with a one-hole victory.

Darling said, “It feels good to reach the last-16. I was just solid out there today. In both matches I think I was two down after three, so I’m just really proud of how I ground it out and stuck in there. It’s the type of golf course where anything can happen. I wouldn’t say it is a course you can go low on, you have to grind it out and scramble.

 It’s my first time in the Women’s Amateur, but it’s match play and I’ve done well in those events in the past so I just have to keep it going. I’m probably younger than most people out there but as my dad says, age has nothing to do it with it, and it’s about performing.” 

The only other Scot to reach the last 16 was Chloe Goadby (St Regulus) 

There was disappointment for Scotland’s Hazel MacGarvie as she exited at the last-64 stage as did Clara Young, Jasmine Mackintosh, Lorna McClymont 

Penelope Brown ( Auchterarder) made it to the 2nd round by winning her first round tie at the 23rd !!

READ THE FULL REPORT FROM THE R&A WEBSITE

MATCHPLAY LIVE SCORING 

DOWN MEMORY LANE FROM WEST KILBRIDE -- RAIN RAIN AND MORE RAIN !!

Looking out the window this afternoon on yet another awful day - with last week the AIG Women's Open at Royal Troon and this week the British Women's Strokepay Championship at West Lancashire -- it reminded me a bit about the bad weather!!! 

 So looking down Memory Lane -- Here is the 2010 British Seniors Strokeplay Championship at West Kilbride and the weather wasn't much better there either !! 

 Bev New from Lansdown, Somerset, was the 2010 Senior British ladies’ open amateur champion. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2010 PHOTOS FROM WEST KILBRIDE GC

Have a wee look at the video below !!!!

Seven Scots Qualify for the British Amateur Matchplay Championship

At the renowned venue in the north-west, the English trio of Emily Price, Rosie Belsham and Isabelle Simpson were joined by Carolina Melgrati from Italy and Denmark’s Amalie Leth-Nissen in signing for one-under-par rounds of 71 in the Women's Amateur Championship Qualifier

From a starting field of almost 100 competitors aged from 13 to 57, the quintet led the top 64 players into the match play stage.

With stroke play qualifying reduced to one round after Tuesday’s inclement weather, play was delayed a further hour on Wednesday morning due to strong winds. West Lancashire, hosting the championship for the first time, was then blessed with far more favourable conditions. 

7 Scots have qualified for the Matchplay which starts tomorrow including West of Scotland's  Hazel MacGarvie (Royal Troon) and Lorna McClymont (Milngavie) the 2019 D&A County Champion 

LEADERBOARD 

Scottish Players - Matchplay Qualifiers (and position in draw) 

10 Clara Young (North Berwick) 73

16 Hazel MacGarvie (Royal Troon) 73

33 Hannah Darling ( Broomieknowe)  75

37 Jasmine Mackintosh (Murcar Links) 75

43 Lorna McClymont (Milngavie) 76

44 Chloe Goadby (St Regulus) 76 

46 Penny Brown (Auchterarder) 76

MATCHPLAY DRAW

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