EILIDH SHARES 3rd PLACE IN PORTUGAL AFTER ROUND 3

Stirling student Eilidh Briggs has moved into a share of third place with one round to go in the Portuguese women's open amateur championship at Montado Golf Resort, on the Costa Azul, south of Lisbon.
But Briggs and English youngster Inci Mehmet who is also on the one-under 215 mark look to have too big a leeway to make up on the joint leaders over Saturday's fourth and final round.
Two Spanish players, Luna Sobron, beaten in the final of the British women's open amateur championship last year, and Silvia Banon Ibanez have surged five shots clear of the field on six-under 210.
Kilmacolm's Briggs has had rounds of 73, 71 and 71 and, with five players on 215, she faces tough competition even to finish third, which would be a very good achievement.
Scottish champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) had her best score yet, a two-under 70 after a pair of 74s and her 218 tally has her in joint 10th position.
St Andrews' Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) also hit good form for the first time in Portugal with a 71, a mark improvement on her earlier efforts of 76 and 81. She is on 228.

PORTUGUESE WOMEN'S OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Montago Golf Resort, Costa Azul.
LEADING THIRD-ROUND SCORES
Par 216 (3x72)
210 Luna Sobron (Spa) 71 68 68, Silvia Banon Ibanez (Spa) 69 69 72
215 Eilidh Briggs (Sco) 73 74 71, Inci Mehmet (Eng) 70 71 74, Emma O'Driscoll (Ire) 73 74 68, Virginia Elena Carta (Ita) 72 69 74, Natalia Escuriola Martinez (Spa) 74 70 71
OTHER SCOTTISH SCORES
218 Alyson McKechin (Sco) 74 74 70
228 Lauren Whyte (Sco) 76 81 71

EILIDH BRIGGS SHARING FIFTH PLACE AT HALFWAY IN PORTUGAL

Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) moved up to a share of fifth place at the halfway stage of the Portuguese women's open amateur championship with a one-under-par 71 at Montado Golf Resort.
That put the Stirling PE student on level par 144 - six shots behind the leader by three, Spain's Silvia Banon Ibanez who has had a pair of 69s.
Kilmacolm member Eilidh birdied two long holes - the second and 17th - and two short holes - the eighth and 12tyh. She bogeyed the third, 13th and 15th.
Scottish champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) repeated her first-day 74 for 148 and a share of 13th place.
The Paisley player birdied the fifth and 17th but bogeyed the seventh, eighth, 16th and 18th.]
Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) slumped to an 81 for joint 47th place on 157.

PORTUGUESE WOMEN'S OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Montado Golf Resort
LEADING SECOND-ROUND SCORES
Par 144 (2x72) Length 5,474 metres
138 Silvia Banon Ibanex (Spa) 69 69
141 Virginia Elena Carta (Ita) 72 69, Inci Mehmet (Eng) 70 71
142 Luna Sobron (Spa) 74 68
144 Eilidh Briggs (Sco) 73 71, Natalia Escuriola Martinez (Spa) 74 70
145 Gabriella Cowley (Eng) 71 74

SELECTED SCORES
146 Bethan Popel (Eng) 72 74 (T8)
147 Lucy Goddard (Eng) 73 74, Emma O'Driscoll (Ire) 73 74 (T10)
148 Annabel Dimmock (Eng) 78 70, Paula Grant (Ire) 77 71, Alyson McKechin(Sco) 74 74 (T13).
149 Sarah-Jane Boyd (Eng) 76 73, Olivia Cowan (Ger) 78 71 (T17)
151 Mary Doyle (Ire) 78 73, Chloe Rogers (Eng) 76 75 (T22)
152 Becky Harries (Wal) 76 76, Rochelle Morris (Eng) 77 75 (T27)
156 Chloe Williams (Wal) 78 78 (T45)
157 Emma Allen (Eng) 78 69, Lauren Whyte (Sco) 76 81, Charlotte Austwick (Eng) 78 79 (T47)

KYLE WALKER HAS A TOP TEN FINISH IN AUSTRALIA

Frenchwoman Joanna Klatten fired a dazzling course record nine-under-par 63 closing round to win the Bing Lee Fujitsu General Women's NSW Open by three strokes.
The 28-year-old, who finished at 16-under-par, made nine birdies in a flawless display around on the Oatlands golf course, Sydney to triumph from Canberra's Nikki Campbell (66) with England's Hannah Burke (68) and South Australian Stephanie Na (70) a shot further back in a tie for third.

West of Scotland's Kylie Walker, following up a maiden pro win in the previous ALPG event, achieved a top 10 finish with rounds of 70, 67 and 70 for nine-under 207 and a share of ninth place.
Sally Watson had her best round of the three, a four-under-68, for a total of 209 and joint 13th place.
Vikki Laing had scores of 74, 71 and 72 for joint 20th place on 212.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 216 (3x72) Players from Australia unless stated
200 Joanna Klatten (France) 70 67 63
203 Nikki Campbell 68 69 66
204 Hannah Burke (England) 68 68 68, Stephanie Na 68 66 70
205 MinJee Lee (am) 68 71 66, Kristie Smith 65 70 70, Lindsey Wright 70 64 71
206 Yan Jing (China) (am) 69 69 68

SELECTED OTHER SCORES
207 Kylie Walker (Scotland) 70 67 70 (T9)
209 Sally Watson (Scotland) 70 71 68 (T13)
211 Laura Davies (England) 69 70 72 (19th)
212 Felicity Johnson (England) 68 74 70, Liz Young (England) 71 70 71 (T20)
217 Becky Brewerton (Wales) 72 73 72, Vikki Laing (Scotland) 74 71 72 (T43)
218 Trish Johnson (England) 72 73 73 (T53)

GET YOUR OPEN DAY COMPETITIONS FOR 2014

The happygolf.co.uk - wee yellow book is on sale.

84 pages packed with details to enter over 2,200 open golf competitions throughout Scotland.

Books cost £5.00 including postage and can be purchased by following this link.

SLGA ANNOUNCE INTERNATIONAL TEAM CAPTAINS

The Scottish Ladies Golfing Association has appointed the following team captains for the 2014 season:
Under-16s championship: Susan Wood
Home internationals: Karen Marshall
Girls’ Home Internationals: Laura Walker
Senior Home Internationals Anna Telfer
European girls’ team championship: Susan Wood
European women's team championship: Elaine Cuthill
European Senior Ladies’ Team Championship: Anna Telfer
European Young Masters: Laura Walker.

KYLIE WALKER SCORES FIRST PRO WIN IN NEW SOUTH WALES FOR $3750 PRIZE

Kylie with her "Big Cheque"

From the Australian Lady Pro Website

West of Scotland’s Kylie Walker fired a flawless round of seven-under-par, 67 to win the Renault Ladies Pro-am at Castle Hill Country Club, New South Wales today.
It was the 27-year-old Glasgow-born player's first professional win, having left the amateur ranks at the end of December 2009 - and understandably she was delighted, not least with the Aussie $3,500 first prize.
“That was really good, I loved it. We had a really enjoyable day, I had great playing partners," said Kylie, who is attached to The Carrick on Loch Lomond Golf Club.
She is now looking forward to playing Oatlands this week in the Bing Lee Fujitsu General Women’s NSW Open and then in New Zealand and up at RACV Royal Pines.
It looked like Swede Dani Holmqvist was going to go back to back with victories after going out in the calmer morning conditions and posting a very credible five-under-par to hold the clubhouse lead.
The wind got up for the afternoon field. However, Kylie Walker handled the conditions perfectly and seemed to thrive in the wind, it was indeed an impressive round of golf.
The 27-year-old took advantage of her length and birdied four out of the five par 5’s. She started on the par 3, 17th hole and got off to a solid start with two birdies in her first three holes. She then posted back-to-back birdies on the 4th and 5th holes to be four-under-par thru her first seven holes.
The former Scottish schoolgirls champion then parred the next two holes before she recorded another birdie on the short par 4 8th. She holed another two more birdie putts on the 10th and 13th holes to complete her fantastic round.

NANCY IS HONOURED FOR PLAYING IN THE RANFURLY CASTLE GREENLEES TEAM FOR 6 DECADES !!

Fiona Roger, Nancy MacGadie and Carol Fell with some of the Ranfurly Castle Greenlees Team

The West of Scotland Scratch League Trophy Greenlees Trophy was introduced in 1931. Ten teams played in one division - Troon, Prestwick St. Nicholas, Douglas Park, Paisley, Drumpellier, Sandyhills, Kilmacolm, Ranfurly Castle, Cathkin Braes and Cardross. At the end of the season Troon and Prestwick St. Nicholas both had 62 points, they had a play off over Western Gailes and Prestwick St Nicholas won by one match. Mrs Greenlees, on behalf of her husband who donated the trophy, presented it to Prestwick. --- In 2014 there are now 3 divisions with 9 teams with 9 players in each team.
Ranfurly Castle has only ever won this prestigious Trophy once and that was in 2004 but have managed to stay in the 1st Division since the late 1970's which is put down to the strength and depth of the whole team. --

Nancy MacGadie was presented with a beautiful bracelet at their Ladies AGM on 16th January 2014 in recognition of her dedication and loyalty to Ranfurly Golf Club. She first played for Ranfurly Castle's Greenlees Team in 1964 and is still playing in the team and winning -- a fantastic achievement to have played in 6 decades. 

Fiona Roger and Carol Fell were also given a mention as to both having played in 5 decades with Carol being the only player out of all the Greenlees Teams to have always played in the 1st division since that time.

PAMELA PRETSWELL FINISHES IN SIXTH PLACE IN AUSTRALIA

Swede Dani Holmqvist, captured her first Australian LPG title yesterday, the Mount Broughton Classic presented by McGills Transport at the New South Wales venue.
The talented Swede fired impressive consecutive rounds of five-under-par 67 on the challenging layout to finish at 10-under-par 144 and two shots clear of the field. She won a cheque for 7,500
Scotland's Pamela Pretswell (69-70), shared sixth on 139 and earned 1,875 Australian dollars each
Kylie Walker had scores of 74-73 for joint 34th place on 147. She earned 277.50.
Vikki Laing, the third Scot in the field, finished out of the money - so too did Laura Davies (150) - with rounds of 78 and 77 for 155.
The next stop in the Club Car Series is the Renault Ladies Pro-am at Castle Hill Country Club in Sydney.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 144 (2x72) Players from Australia unless stated. Prize money in Australian dollars
134 Daniela Holmqvist (Sweden) 70 66 (7,500)
136 Sarah Kemp 70 66 (5,000)
137 Trish Johnson (England) 70 67, Joanna Klatten (France) 67 70 (3,250 each).
138 Stacey Keating 69 69 (2,500)
139 Pamela Pretswell (Scotland) 69 70, Rebecca Artis 69 70, Frances Bondad 72 69, Marta Silva (Spa) 69 70 (1,875 each).
140 Lauren Hibbert 71 69 (1,400)
141 Hannah Burke (England) 68 73, Nikki Campbell 70 71, Rebecca Codd 68 73, Stephanie Na 71 70 (1,150 each)

SELECTED TOTALS
144 Felicity Johnson (England) 71 73 (T24) (437.50)
147 Kylie Walker (Scotland) 74 73, Liz Young (England) 73 74 (T34) (277.50 each).
150 Laura Davies (England) 75 75 (T44)
155 Vikki Laing (Scotland) 78 77 (T55)

SLGA AGM -- HAGGS CASTLE'S AUDREY STURGESS IS THE NEW SLGA FINANCE DIRECTOR AND OLD RANFURLY'S MARILYN MUIR JOINS THE BOARD.

The three new vice-presidents elected at today's Scottish Ladies Golfing Association annual general meeting in Perth - (left to right): Joan Marshall, Margaret MacNaughtan and Emma Wilson.


REPORT BY GILLIAN KIRKWOOD
Beth Paterson, Chairman of the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, opened the 2014 SLGA Annual General Meeting by welcoming a packed house to the Gannochy Suite in the Dewars Centre, Perth on Saturday.
During her report of the 2013 activities, she announced that a proposal on the amalgamation of the two amateur governing bodies for golf in Scotland, viz. the SLGA and the Scottish Golf Union, would be announced soon. Minutes of meetings of the Amalgamation committee can be found on the ON THIS LINK AT THE SLGA WEBSITE
Once again Beth reported on the steady decline in player numbers within Scotland.
"Membership figures show that between 2004 and 2013 we have lost a total of 44,376 playing members (17.4%). This comprises 37,193 adult playing members nationally – a 16.5% decrease. Of these 9,547 are female (26.9% decline) and 27,646 male (14.6% decline) "
Both organisations having been working hard to address this issue, with their joint objective… the Scottish Golf Strategy….
More Golfers - More Members - Stronger Clubs - Winning Golfers - Outstanding Championships - Excellent Governance - Strong Partnerships.
The first three elements of the Strategy are overseen by the Scottish Golf Development committee. Recognising that stronger club facilities are key to attracting golfers as members, in 2013 the SLGA contributed to the salaries of the three Scottish Golf Development Officers, who are central to the delivery of support to Scottish golf clubs.
Finance Director Pamela Malton took the audience through the SLGA accounts, and reported a very small profit of £10,000.
The decline in membership, and therefore subscriptions, has been the major topic in SLGA finances over the last few years. Managing the business with a declining income stream is difficult in any circumstances, and the SLGA is grateful to the grants and sponsorship it gets from SportsScotland, the R and A, Aberdeen Asset Management and others to keep it's head above water.
Pamela said "Throughout all activities of the SLGA, the Board and staff continue to keep costs as low as possible while working to maintain, or if possible raise, the standard of services provided. Costs inevitably have risen, but are still contained within income, due to the huge amount of work done by volunteers. The Board is very appreciative of all the time and effort contributed by volunteers.
No increase in subscription was proposed. Subscriptions have remained static now for six years. If necessary the SLGA intends to dip into its reserves if a deficit occurs.
A proposal to remove the minimum subscription of £75 per club as it is felt that this is unduly penal to clubs with very small numbers of ladies was approved later in the meeting.
Lorna Bennett, SLGA representative on the Ladies Golf Union, gave a report on the LGU activities throughout 2013.
Scots had not fared particularly well in LGU events, with no Scots in the Vagliano Team and only one, Fiona Liddell, in the U16 Junior Vagliano team. Nine Scots played in the British Amateur Championship in Wales with Jess Meek and Rachel Watton the only two qualifiers for the match play stages.
Gemma Dryburgh had perhaps the best result of the Scot in a LGU tournament when she finished runner-up to China's Jing Yan at Prestwick in the British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship.
The 38th Curtis Cup - the biennial contest between teams from Great Britain and Ireland and the USA will be played at St. Louis Country Club, Missouri, USA, from June 6 to 8, 2014

Margaret MacNaughtan, the outgoing President, nominated Janet Brown,  from Melrose as her successor, a proposal widely welcomed by the audience.
Unfortunately, Janet could not be there as she is in Australia, visiting her family. Margaret read out Janet's apology and how much she recognised the great honour bestowed upon her.
Joan Marshall, Emma Wilson and Margaret MacNaughtan were nominated as Vice-Presidents.

Marilyn Muir

Audrey Sturgess

Other changes in personnel were:
Audrey Sturgess (Haggs Castle) takes over from Pamela Malton as Finance Director and
Marilyn Muir (Old Ranfurly) steps in to complete Audrey's term of office on the Board of Directors.

Mary Richardson comes in as East Division director. Dawn Butchart retired and June McEwan replaces her as the Directors' nominee.
Laura McLardy comes in as North Division Selector.
The meeting finished with a vote of thanks from Midlothian Captain, Sheila Stuart.

EILIDH BRIGGS IS TOP SCOT IN " THE SALLY"

Brooke Mackenzie Henderson, the 16-year-old World No 6 female amateur from Smith Falls, near Ottawa, Ontario, added another title to her impressive CV with a four-stroke victory in "The Sally" - South Atlantic Amateur Championship - on a day of high winds and cool temperatures at Oceanside Country Club, Ormond Beach in Florida.
Seventeen-year-old England international Annabel Dimmock (Wentworth), with Scot Kelsey MacDonald, a former winner on this Orange Blossom Tour before she turned pro last year, acting as her caddie, finished a gallant runner-up, four shots behind Henderson who also won the girls' Junior Orange Bowl at Coral Gables, Florida over the Festive period.
Stirling P.E. student Eilidh Briggs ( Kilmacolm) finished 10th on 304 with scores of 73, 78, 77 and a closing 76 which had birdies at the second and 10th but a double bogey 6 at the 11th in an inward 39.
St Andrews' Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) made the top 10 - joint 17th - with an 80 for 313. Like Briggs, a past Scottish U18 champion, Lauren had a triple bogey 8 at the long seventh and a double bogey 7 at the long 12th but deserves credit for covering the last six holes in one-under-par with five straight pars and a birdie at the 18th.
Ranfurly Castle's Iona Stephen finished her 4th round with a 77 to finish in 23rd place and Peterculter's Rachel Polson, a student at Florida Tech, signed off with an 82 for 31st place on 319.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 288 (4x72)
285 Brooke Mackenzie Henderson (Canada) 67 76 70 72.
289 Annabel Dimmock (England) 70 75 71 73
297 Chloe Williams (Wales) 75 69 70 83, Clara Teixeira (Brazil) 77 74 72 74.
298 Ashley Holder (USA) 75 74 75 74, Katie Mitchell (USA) 75 75 73 74
300 Shannon Aubert (France) 74 76 74 76.
302 Dree Fausnaugh (USA) 76 78 71 77
303 Meghan Stasi (USA) 74 82 72 75
304 Eilidh Briggs (Scotland) 73 78 77 76

SELECTED TOTALS
313 Lauren Whyte (Scotland) 77 82 74 80 (T17)
316 Iona Stephen (Scotland) 80 80 79 77 (T23)
317 Chloe Rogers (England) 78 82 75 82 (T26)
319 Rachel Polson (Scotland) 75 85 77 82 (31st)
323 Hannah McCook (Scotland) 80 82 83 78 (T34)
324 Georgia Gilling (England) 76 81 81 86 (36th)
333 Hannah Robb (Scotland) 84 90 76 83 (44th)
337 Jordana Graham (Scotland) 85 82 79 91 (T47)
Withdrew: Sammy Fuller (England) 86 wd, Tara Mactaggart (Scotland) 81 83 wd

LAUREN WHYTE AND EILIDH BRIGGS ARE BEST SCOTS AT THE 59th HARDER HALL INVITATIONAL

Four-time USGA Women’s Mid-Amateur Champion Meghan Stasi of Oakland Park, Florida broke clear of the field with a final round of two-under-par 70 for a one-over-par 289 total in warm but windy conditions to win the 59th Harder Hall Invitational by the runaway margin of eight strokes at the Harder Hall Country Club, Sebring in Florida yesterday.
In sixth place was former Scottish girls U18 champion Lauren Whyte from the St Regulus Club, St Andrews followed by Stirling student Eilidh Briggs from Kilmacolm who shot an 80 in the last round to make the top 20 ... in 19th place.
Scot Iona Stephen, a Ranfurly Castle GC member, finished on 316 after a final round of 83
Stirling student Hannah McCook from Nethy Brige closed on 324 with an 83.
The final two Scottish Stirling students, Tara Mactaggart from Minto and Jordana Graham from Southerness finished on 334, and 344 respectively.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS - Par 288 (4x72)
Players from USA unless stated

289 Meghan Stasi 73 72 74 70
297 Hannah Pietila 76 67 76 78, Emmy Martin 76 67 76 78
299 Kristina Merkle 75 72 76 76
302 India Clyburn (England) 72 77 73 80
303 Lauren Whyte (Scotland) 73 76 76 78, Emma Pietila 81 75 75 72
304 Isabelle Lendl 79 78 69 78
305 Lauren Coughlin 80 75 70 80, Minami Levonowich 76 79 77 73
306 Chloe Williams (Wales) 75 74 79 78, Sammy Fuller (England) 73 79 77 77, Ali Cowan 76 77 77 76
307 Hally Leadbetter (England) 75 78 74 80, Annabel Dimmock (England) 80 73 77 77
308 August Kim 80 77 70 81, Briana Mao 78 79 74 77, Cecily Overbey 7t 78 79 76
309 Eilidh Briggs (Scotland) 74 78 77 80.
310 Cristine McQuiston 79 73 78 80, Chloe Rogers (England) 76 78 77 70.

SELECTED SCOTTISH FINAL TOTALS
316 Iona Stephen (Scotland) 77 79 77 83
324 Hannah McCook (Scotland) 81 79 81 83.
334 Tara Mactaggart 82 85 83 84
344 Jordana Graham (Scotland) 89 84 85 86

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS

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SEASON GREETINGS TO ALL IN THE OUR WEBSITE READERS

Merry Christmas from Ranfurly Castle

Merry Christmas from Douglas Park

Merry Christmas from Gleddoch

SEASON GREETINGS TO ALL OUR READERS

SLGA Office Disruption

The SLGA is now in the process of relocating from Perth to Edinburgh so there will be unavoidable disruption to telephone and email service for the next 5-6 days. They apologise for any inconvenience caused. Posted Friday 6th December.

SLGA DRAFT CALENDAR FOR 2014

JANUARY
18 Annual General Meeting 11am (Dewars Centre, Perth)

APRIL
5 - 6 Irish Under 18 Open Stroke Play Championship (Roganstown GC)
Date pending: SVLGA v Ireland
10 - 11 SLGA Under 16 Open Stroke Play Championship (Strathmore)
25 - 27 Helen Holm Scottish Open Stroke Play Championship (Portland and Old Course, Troon)

MAY
3 - 4 Welsh Ladies' Open Amateur 54 Hole Stroke Play Championship (Prestatyn TBC)
4 West of Scotland Championship (Windyhill)
12 SLGA Regional Medal Final (Kemnay)
20 - 24 100th Scottish Ladies' (Close) Amateur Championship (Prestwick)
24 - 25 Irish Ladies' Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship (Douglas)
25 Munross Trophy 36-hole (Montrose).
31 - 1 June St Rule Trophy 54-hole(Two rounds New Course, Saturday; One round Old Course, Sunday: St Andrews)
31 - 1 June Girls' Inter-Division Matches (Glenisla TBC)

JUNE
6 - 8 38th Curtis Cup (St Louis, Missouri, USA)
8 Adult and Girl Foursomes (venue TBC)
12 SLGA Regional Medal Final (Kirkcaldy)
16 Paul Lawrie Foundation Scottish Schools' Championship (Murrayshall)
16 SLGA Regional Medal Final (Lochmaben)
16 - 18 West Division Inter-County Matches (Haggs Castle)
24 - 28 Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship (Royal St George's, Sandwich, Kent).
21 - 23 North Division Inter-County Matches (Pitlochry)
23 - 25 East Division Inter-County Matches (North Berwick)
24 - 25 Faldo Series Scottish Qualifier (Panmure)
28 - 30 South Division Inter-County Matches (Torwoodlee)

JULY
1 - 4 Scottish Senior Ladies' (Close) Amateur Championship (Elgin)
3 - 6 English Women's Open Mid Amateur Championship (Bath)
7 - 9 North of Scotland Women's Championship (Montrose)
8 - 12 European Girls' Team Championship (Golf Resort Skalica)
8 - 12 European Ladies' Team Championship (Ljubljana)
10 - 13 Ricoh Womens' British Open Championship (Royal Birkdale, Lancashire)
15 - 19 Scottish Girls' (Close) Amateur Championship (Dumfries and County)
23 - 25 Scottish Ladies' Under-21 Open Stroke Play Championship (Alloa)
23 - 26 European Ladies' Individual Championship (Estonia)
24 - 26 European Young Masters (Hamburg, Germany)
27 Mackie Bowl (Gullane)

AUGUST
1 SLGA Regional Medal Final (Haggs Castle TBC)
4 - 7 St Andrews Junior Ladies Tournament
5 - 7 English Open Stroke Play Championship (Tandridge
6 - 8 Girls' Home International Matches (Donabate GC, Co Dublin)
10 - 11 Scottish Girls' and Boys' Under 14 Championships (Bothwell Castle)
TBC SLGA Regional Medal Final (Minto)
11 - 15 Strathtyrum Tournament (St Andrews)
11 - 15 Girls' British Open Amateur Championship (Massereene, Belfast)
TBC - SVLGA Jambore
TBC - North of Scotland Girls' Championships
18 - SLGA Regional Medal Final (Forres TBC)
20 - 22 Ladies' British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship (Asburnham, South Wales)
21 County Golf Open Meeting
22 Barnardos Grand Final - Scotland (Arbroath TBC)
TBC - Total International Junior Championship (Brussels, Belgium)
30 Scottish Ladies' Foursomes (Auchterarder)

SEPTEMBER

TBC - South of Scotland Championship

2 - 6 European Senior Ladies' Team Championship
3 Commonwealth Spoons (Ladybank TBC)
3 - 6 Espirito Santo World Team Championship (Japan)
7 SLGA Grand Medal Final (King James VI, Perth)
TBC - SSGA Match v English Schools
9 - 11 Duke of York Young Champions Trophy (Royal Aberdeen)
14 Scottish Golf Open Amateur Mixed Foursomes (Dunfermline)
TBC - Scottish Veteran Ladies' Championship
16 - 18 Senior Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship (Royal Dornoch)
17 - 19 Ladies' Home International Matches (Aberdovey, West Wales)
19 - 21 Scottish County Finals (Hilton Park TBC)
30 - 2 October Seniors' Home International Matches (Huddersfield)

OCTOBER
5 East of Scotland Championship (Falkirk Tryst)
11 Junior Champion of Champions (The Duke's, St Andrews)
12 SLGA Champion of Champions (Glasgow Gales)

SLGA to move from Perth to Edinburgh

The Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association is relocating from Perth to Edinburgh. After nine years at The Den on Dundee Road, the governing body will be based at Caledonia House, Sportscotland’s Offices at South Gyle.

A number of sport’s governing bodies are already situated at the offices at 1 Redheughs Rigg and the SLGA will be joining them next month. The switch will take place over the weekend of December 6-9.

COUNTY AGM'S --- NEW CAPTAINS TAKE OVER

Back Row: Sylvia Muir, Eleanor Watson, Ann Grant, Margaret McGregor, Jenny McGee, Kath McKellar Front Row: Liz Keohone, Connie Jaffrey (County Champion), Sheila Adam 

Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Association leading prizewinners during the 2013 season pictured at the annual general meeting and prizegiving held at West Kilbride Golf Club yesterday. 

Sheila Adam has taken up office as County Captain and Liz Keohone is her Vice-Captain.

D&A   AGM and Prizegiving was held on Wednesday 30th October at Douglas Park Golf Club. There was a good turnout of members inspite of the weather conditions in the early evening. President, Lana Macdonald, presented the prizes to the successful winners this year. Carol Sim (Balmore) took over as County Captain from Alisoun Fairbairn. 

Karen Maxwell (Milngavie) was appointed as the new Vice Captain

The RLCGA AGM was held on Wednesday 6th November at Haggs Castle Golf Club.
Gillian McGinlay (Cochrane Castle) is the new Captain of Renfrewshire taking over from Maureen Woodhead (Gourock). Gillian Kyle (East Renfrewshire) is the new Vice Captain.

The 2013 Scottish Champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) was awarded Honorary Membership

GO TO THE RENFREWSHIRE COUNTY WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS

 Lanarkshire is still to hold their AGM

GREENLEES TROPHY LUNCH AND PRESENTATION

Milngavie -- Greenlees Trophy Winners

Loudoun Gowf , Milngavie, Lenzie and Douglas Park
Divisional Trophy Winners

The Greenlees Trophy Lunch and Presentation of Trophies was held today at Bothwell Castle Golf Club. Most Clubs were represented and were treated to a beautiful lunch.
Greenlees Secretary Anne Dunn chaired the lunch and thanks go to Lynda Smith (Douglas Park) and Sheena McDonald (Milngavie) who in the absence of your webmaster and controller of the Greenlees Result Grid took some photographs. Click on the small thumbnail below to see more. (Then slideshow)

2013 Greenlees Lunch and Presentation

After the lunch Anne Dunn this is what she said ---

"It seem a shame to spoil such a lovely lunch by my having to speak but there are some things which must be said. I would like to thank Bothwell Castle, on your behalf, for a lovely lunch and a very welcome glass of wine on arrival. One of the nice things about the Greenlees Lunch is that you get to visit other clubs – even if it is only one every 27years!!
Before I get on to the main item on the Agenda may I remind everyone about the Fixture Meeting which will be held here on Tuesday 19th November at 10:00 for 10:30. At that meeting we will be welcoming a new team to our competition – namely Ayr Bellisle. It is exciting to have another club joining us. It is against the trend of many competitions which are struggling to get competitors that teams want to join the Greenlees. It says a lot for the reputation of the competition and the friendliness of the participating members.
Now to the main part of the afternoon – the Presentation of prizes. I would like to invite the Lady Captain of Bothwell to do the honours.
The winner of Division 1 is, for the fifth time in succession, Milngavie.
This year they won with 52 points – not however a record as Haggs Castle won with 52 ½ in 2008 albeit Division Three . Congratulations girls I think we will have to find a way of handicapping you to give the rest a chance.
The runners-up were Loudoun. Congratulations – your third year in the competition and after winning the 3rd Division then the 2nd Division you are now the runners-up on the 1st. Perhaps you will knock Milngavie off their perch next year.
Division 2 has a return winner in Douglas Park. Welcome back to Division 1 next year.
Prestwick St Nicholas were the runners-up in Division 2 – much to the relief of Kilmacolm!!

The Third Division winners were Lenzie. Congratulations to them. The runners-up being Hilton Park.
We have had a wonderful season this year and the competition has gone very smoothly. I wish you all well next year both those who will remain in the same Divisions and those who will have new opponents.
I hope you all have a safe journey home and look forward to seeing you at the meeting in November"

FINAL RESULTS

Division 1: Milngavie --- Greenlees Trophy Winners
Loudoun Gowf -- Runners Up

Relegated ; Whitecraigs and Haggs Castle






Division 2 Winners : Douglas Park
Runners Up : Prestwick St Nicholas

Relegated Bothwell Castle and Cardross







Division 3 Winners : Lenzie
Runners Up Hilton Park

CONNIE JAFFREY WINS 2013 SLGA GIRLS' ORDER OF MERIT

SLGA NEWS RELEASE

Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) is the deserved winner of the 2013 Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association’s Girls’ Order of Merit. In a season highlighted by her win in the Scottish Girls’ Championship at Ranfurly Castle in July, she also claimed the Scottish Schools’ and Ayrshire County titles.
In addition, the 17-year-old played for Scotland in the Girls’ European and Girls’ Home International Championships and then topped the lot by making her senior Scotland debut at the Home Internationals at Scotscraig in September.
Jaffrey accumulated 2,645 points and just held off the challenge from Clara Young (North Berwick), who marked her season by reaching the final of the Scottish Ladies’ Amateur Championship at Longniddry in May.
Heather Munro (Monifieth), another who made her senior Scotland debut at Scotscraig, was third. Tara Mactaggart (Minto), the beaten finalist in the Scottish Girls’ Championship, finished in fourth place.
Jaffrey could reflect on a terrific 2013. “Winning the Scottish Girls’ Championship was my goal at the start of the season and it’s been a great overall year,” said the teenager who is now in her sixth and final year at Kilwinning Academy.
Next year, she aims to go to the US on a golf scholarship and it could be another step towards making golf her career.
Before then, she has another season in the junior ranks and will be able to defend the Scottish Girls’ Championship at Dumfries and County next July.

2013 SLGA Girls’ Order of Merit
Top ten
1 Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) 2645
2 Clara Young (North Berwick) 2155
3 Heather Munro (Monifieth) 2040
3 Tara Mactaggart (Minto) 1845
5 Nicola Robertson (Dunblane New) 1610
6 Eilidh Watson (Muckhart) 1520
7 Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) 1445
8 Danielle Ker (The Roxburghe) 1200
9 Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne) 1115
10 Emily Dalgetty (Glencorse) 1110

WEST OF SCOTLAND'S CHAMPION MEGAN BRIGGS WINS THE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

FROM THE SLGA WEBSITE

Left to right: Sammy Leslie, Megan Briggs and Ailsa Summers - Courtesy of the SLGA

West of Scotland Champion Megan Briggs continued the recent dominance of the Briggs family at the Champion of Champions by winning (Sunday 20th October) over Glasgow Gailes after her younger sister Eilidh had won the event for the previous two seasons.
On a day that saw some heavy showers mixed with bursts of sunshine a field of 11 players were competing in the season ending event and Megan with a score of 72, five shots under the CSS of 77, proved too strong for the quality field which included the current Scottish Champion Alyson McKechin and Girls Champion Connie Jaffrey.

WINNER:  Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) 72
SECOND:  Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies) 75
THIRD:  Sammy Leslie (Westhill) 78
CSS 77

EILIDH BRIGGS WINS SLGA ORDER OF MERIT AWARD

NEWS RELEASE FROM SCOTTISH LADIES GOLFING ASSOCIATION

Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) won the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association’s Girls’ Order of Merit three years in a row from 2009. After an impressive list of results, she has been crowned this season’s Senior Order of Merit winner.
Eilidh collected 2075 points to finish ahead of Scottish Ladies’ Amateur Champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) with Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies) in third place. Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) – Eildih’s older sister – was fourth.
“I was delighted with the year,” said Eildih, a Stirling University physical education student. “I was consistent all season and really performed in the big events.
“I had top 15 finishes in the Scottish, Welsh and Irish Opens and not many players do that. I had the chance to win a couple of times and I learned a lot from the year. It was good that my form didn’t go up and down. It was steady throughout.”
In her third year at Stirling, the 20-year-old is grateful for the help she receives from the University. “It is tough trying to do everything, but I love the fact that I am adding to my education while my golf is still improving,” she said. “Everyone at Stirling helps me to combine both.”
A member of the Home International team at Scotscraig – as was Megan – Eilidh was disappointed that Scotland finished with the wooden spoon, but she could be proud of a personal haul of two foursomes wins and two singles points.
“We had a very new, young team and a lot of the matches were very close (Scotland drew with Ireland) so there were encouraging signs, she pointed out. “Also, a lot of our players are in the US so were unavailable.”
With another two years of study at University, Eilidh is not looking too far ahead. But golf definitely features in her future plans. “My goal is to get a GB and Ireland cap and finish my degree before making any serious decisions about my golf,” she added. “This year has been very good and I just want to keep getting better.”

2013 Order of Merit top ten

1 Eilidh Briggs Kilmacolm 2075 points
2 Alyson McKechin Elderslie 1613
3 Ailsa Summers Carnoustie Ladies 1520
4 Megan Briggs Kilmacolm 1410
5 Clara Young North Berwick 1335
6 Jessica Meek Carnoustie Ladies 1100
7 Jane Turner Craigielaw 1065
8 Lauren Whyte St Regulus 970
9 Rachel Polson Peterculter 880
10 Hannah Scott Broomieknowe 770

SGU DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS

CONNIE IS 3RD IN THE JUNIOR CHAMPIONS OF CHAMPIONS

Connie Jaffrey, Lauren Whyte and Nicola Robertson - Photo Courtesy of the SLGA

Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) came out on top of a quality field yesterday (Sunday 13th October 2013), at the Girls' Junior Champion of Champions held at The Dukes course.  
Conditions were less than favourable with a strong cold wind and heavy showers making it very difficult, however the field made up of National Champions, County Champions and Internationalists battled the course and Lauren pipped team mate Nicola Robertson (Dunblane New) by 1 shot to win the title with an impressive 73.  
National Girls' Champion Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) was 3 shots back with a 76.

CONNIE JAFFREY WINS THE WEST GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP

L to R -- Bronze Semi Finalists  Jennifer, Bethany, Niamh and Heather,
Championship Semi Finalists -- Kirsten, Alex, Kate and Connie
Photo courtesy of Allison Bell

The WOS Girls Championship Semi finals and Final were played yesterday over Troon Ladies Portland.
In the Semi Final Scottish Under 18 Champion Connie Jaffrey beat Alex Qayum (Ranfurly Castle) and Kirsten Brown (Strathaven) beat Katie McGarva (Troon Ladies).
In the Bonze Champion Ship Semi Finals Jennifer Rankine (Haggs Castle) beat Bethany Crawford (Erskine)  and Niamh Kinney (Erskine) beat Laura Mushet (Elderslie)

WEST OF SCOTLAND GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS 2013
Champion: Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) Runner-up: Kirsten Brown (Strathaven)
Bronze Champion : Jennifer Rankine (Haggs Castle) Runner-up: Niamh Kinney (Erskine)

GREENLEES LUNCH AND PRESENTATION

Greenlees Lunch and Presentation of Trophies -- Note sent to all Greenlees Club Captains

Congratulations to everybody who took part this year particularly the :

Winners of Division 1 - Milngavie

Runners-up                   Loudoun

Winners of Division 2 - Douglas Park

Runners-up                   Prestwick St Nicholas

Winners of Division 3 - Lenzie

Runners-up                   Hilton Park

The lunch will be held this year at Bothwell Castle Golf Club on Tuesday, 22 October at 1230 for 1300.   The cost of the lunch will be £15 payable on the day either by cash or cheque made out to Bothwell Castle Golf Club.  
Bothwell Castle have kindly donated a glass of wine prior to the lunch.

Could you please reply to me as to whether your club will be represented, at the moment only two members from each club, and whether you have any special dietary requirements
.

 Subscriptions for next season are due, £15 with cheques made payable to Greenlees Trophy.

Anne Dunn (Greenlees Secretary)

BETH ALLEN WINS THE LADIES TOUR EVENT DRUMPELLIER

Becky Brewerton, Vikki Laing, Carol Fell (Winner of the best Net)  and Beth Allen (The Tournament Winner)

Solheim Cup player Becky Brewerton from Wales made her debut on the Paul Lawrie Scottish Ladies Open Tour at Drumpellier Golf Club today.
But it was another Ladies European Tour player, American Beth Allen who won the top prize of £750 with a one-under-par round of 71.
Beth won by a single shot from another who has LET experience, Kiran Matharu from Leeds. Kiran's 72 earned her £600 and she is fast regaining the confidence that made her a Curtis Cup player in her amateur days.
Another past Curtis Cup amateur, Michele Thomson from Ellon, finished third on 74 and earned £500.
Brewerton finished outwith the money list with an 80.
Ranfurly Castle amateur Carol Fell almost had a hole in one at the fifth.
Playing off a handicap of nine, Carol did well to get round in a gross 81 and she won the golf balls prize with a net 72.
Gemma Webster, who has come on to her game in the past week or two, had the longest drive of the day at the designated hole.
The inaugural Paul Lawrie Ladies Open Tour ends next week with an 18-hole competition at Craigielaw next Wednesday, followed by the 36-hole Tour Championship over the Marriott Dalmahoy East and West Courses on Thursday and Friday next week.

DRUMPELLIER SCORES
Par 72 (Yellow Tees)
71 Beth Allen (£750)
72 Kiran Matharu (£600)
74 Michele Thomson (£500)
75 Heather Stirling, Gemma Webster (£325 each)
76 Lisa Shervill (£190).
77 Daisy Dyer (£105), Charlotte Austwick (am) (£105 voucher)
78 Laura Murray, Vikki Laing.
79 Martine Pow
80 Becky Brewerton, Emma Fairnie.
81 Jane Turner, Carol Fell (am)
82 Karyn Burns
84 Nichola Ferguson (am)
89 Eileen Cooper (am)

Carol Fell, who is also a member of Douglas Park Golf Club, looks back on the Drumpellier day from an amateur's point of view.
"I was about 6 inches away from a hole in one at the fifth. Played all the short holes well. Got another 2 at the seventh -- about a 18 inches away. At the next short hole the 12th -- should have had another 2 - missed a 2ft putt and had a 3 and then at the 14th missed the green - chipped on and sank the putt for a 3 -- So the short holes were good!
"Beth Allen played really well and I enjoyed watching her game. Delighted to win a dozen golf balls for the best net -- should keep me going!"

NOTE FROM COLIN FARQUHARSON: Carol Fell only played in the Paul Lawrie Tour event as a personal favour because we were short of entries. So nice to see that she did not go away empty-handed from Drumpellier.

Report by Colin Farquharson

CLICK HERE TO SEE SOME PHOTOS

CHARLOTTE BEATS THE LADY PROS IN PAUL LAWRIE EVENT AT HAGGS CASTLE

Yorkshire amateur Charlotte Austwick (Fulford) showed a field of female professionals a clean pair of heels in todays (Monday) Paul Lawrie Golf Centre Scottish Ladies Open Tour 18-hole event at Haggs Castle Golf Club, Glasgow.
Charlotte, who has her sights set on reaching the Ladies European Tour after a year of gaining tournament experience as a full-time amateur, shot a two-over-par 74 to win the maximum prize permitted under the Rules of Amateur Status, a voucher to the value of £500.
Charlotte birdied the fourth and 16th and had bogeys at the sixth, seventh, eighth and 10th in halves of 38 and 36.
Runners-up on 75 were two former Curtis Cup players, Michele Thomson from Ellon and Kiran Matharu from Leeds, and another GB and I international as an amateur, Lisa Shervill, who is English but lives in West Kilbride.
Surprisingly, Heather Stirling and Katy McNicoll, leading players in most of the Paul Lawrie Tour events todate, had a joint off day and finished out of the money.
Heather had a 78 and Katy and 80.
Katy led the Tour Order of Merit going into this event and it will be interesting to see if the top of the order has changed.
The Paul Lawrie Ladies Tour moves on to Drumpellier Golf Club on Tuesday when Solheim Cup player Becky Brewerton makes her debut.
Late entries will be accepted by contacting Tour Director Nicola Melville.
Spectators will be made most welcome.
LEADING SCRATCH SCORES
Par 72
74 Charlotte Austwick (Fulford) (am) (£500 amateur voucher)
75 Lisa Shervill, Michele Thomson, Kiran Matharu (£450 each)
76 Emma Fairnie, Gemma Webster, Martine Pow (£300 each).
77 Daisy Dyer £100.
78 Jane Turner, Heather Stirling
79 Laura Murray
80 Katy McNicoll, Karyn Burns
84 Nichola Ferguson (am)
91 Jennifer Rankine (am)
98 Alexandra Duffy (am)

OFFICIAL PRIZE LIST
Charlotte Austwick (a) 74 £500 voucher
Lisa Shervill 75 £450
Michele Thomson 75 £450
Kiran Matharu 75 £450
Emma Fairnie 76 £300
Gemma Webster 76 £300
Martine Pow 76 £300
Daisy Dyer 77 £100
Jane Turner 78
Heather Stirling 78
Laura Murray 79
Katy McNicoll 80
Karyn Burns 80
Nichola Ferguson (a) 84
Jennifer Rankine (a) 91
Alexandra Duffy (a) 98

Winner of putter (Charlotte cannot accept because she won the maximum amateur voucher prize): Michele Thomson 75 on countback with Lisa Shervill and Kiran Matharu

Best net amateur goes to Nichola Ferguson (Milngavie) (2) 82 on countback with Jennifer Rankine (Haggs Castle) (9) 82
Long drive goes to Lisa Shervill

 Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the report

MURRAYFIELD PAIR WIN SLGA ADULT AND GIRL FOURSOMES

Caroline and Rachel Steedman (Murrayfield) had the best overall Stableford points score of 40, playing off a combined handicap of 18, in yesterday's (Sunday) SLGA adult and girl foursomes at Baberton Golf Club, Edinburgh.

 Category leaders: Class 1 (handicaps 0-11) - Jim and Heather Laing (Glencorse) (8) 37; Alasdair and Anna Mackenzie (Crail GS) (11) 34.
Class 2 (handicaps 12-18) - Alan and Abbi Kidd (Lenzie ) (12) 36; Neville (Glasgow) and Kate Prentice (Lenzie) (15) 35.
Class 3 (19-36) - Barry (Pollok) and Zoe Cuthbertson (Mearns Castle) (19_ 31; Colin and Caitlin (Turner) (Baberton) (19) 30.
Class 4 (no handicap - Karen and Ella Marshall (Baberton) (19) 36; Catherine and Alison Malcolm (Prestwick St Nicholas) (20) 35.

WEST GIRLS ALEX AND MOLLIE HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY WITH THE RYDER CUP CAPTAINS

Sixteen golfing youngsters from around Scotland were given a dream call-up to play alongside 2014 Ryder Cup captains Tom Watson and Paul McGinley in a unique challenge at Gleneagles.

 The keen young golfers, all of whom are part of the Scottish Golf Development Centre programme, were selected to represent their regions over the PGA Centenary Course on 23 September to mark one year to go until the 40th Ryder Cup Match.

Douglas Park's Junior Alex Mennie  was one of those young players selected  as was Strathaven's Mollie Richmond

Tom Watson and Alex Mennie

Tom lines up the putt for Alex

High Fives !!

 There was an early high-five for Douglas Park's Alex Mennie, who takes part in the  Development Centre coaching under Club Golf Scotland at World of Golf in Clydebank.
 She teed off in front of a huge crowd on the first hole but held herself together with a few nerve-calming tips from her captain Tom Watson, even going on to hole a very tricky putt, indeed.

 "It was amazing. It was definitely one of the best experience of my life. I will never experience anything like this again.

 "It was actually okay being off the first tee. Tom Watson was very calming and taught me how to deal with nerves by taking deep breaths, so he was really good. I’m usually quite a nervous person but he showed me how to deal with them, which was great, so I wasn’t nervous at all. I just thought, everyone is here to watch you, so just enjoy the moment.

 "The putt that I sunk was one of the best that I have holed to date. They weren’t going in on the practice green, so to hole it in front of everyone was great."

All 8 boys and 8 girls with Paul McGinlay and Tom Watson

Molly Richmond of Strathaven Golf Club also played in the match on the Centenary Course at Gleneagles playing with Ryder Cup Captains Paul McGinley and Tom Watson. 
Eight girls and eight boys from all over Scotland played two holes each and Molly was in Captain Watson’s team  
Molly was also interviewed by Dougie Donnelly and listed Lanarkshire’s win of the Kennedy Salver as the highlight of her golfing year so far. At the par three tenth hole the girls played in Paul McGinley's team and the boys with Tom Watson in a competition to see who could hit the ball closer to the pin than their respective captains. Molly was one of four girls to beat Paul McGinley winning herself four tickets for the Thursday Practice Day and Opening Ceremony.

Molly with Tom Watson

ALEX GLENNIE IS RUNNER UP IN THE SCOTTISH VETS MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

Alex and Alison
photo courtesy of Heather Anderson

Alison Bartlett (Royal Dornoch) is the new Scottish Veteran Ladies Golf Association match-play champion.
Alison winner of the Highland Vets' title earlier in the season, beat Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie), the West champion, by 5 and 4 in the final over Blairgowrie Golf Club's Lansdowne course this yesterday.
Alex won the first hole to be one up on the second tee but that was as good as it got for the Ayrshire senior.
Alison, playing par golf, reached the turn in an approximate 36 shots and had established a five-hole lead.
Alex came back into the game after the turn but ran out of holes in the end.
Alison was winning the Scottish Veterans' Title for the first time. The championship is contested by the eight divisional title winners and this is the first year that Alison had been Highland vets' championship.
In the morning's semi-finals, Bartlett had a birdie at the last to win by one hole against Linda Dyball (Midland) and Alex Glennie won by 3 and 2 against Susan Arbuckle
Results:
SEMI-FINALS -
A Bartlett (Highland) beat L Dyball (Midland) by 1 hole.
Alex Glennie (West)  beat S Arbuckle (Northern) 3 and 2

FINAL - Alison Bartlett beat Alex Glennie 5 and 4.