MYGOLF RANKING - WEEK 22/2020

AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Robina Gilbertson (Prestwick St Nicholas) 1052 points

2 Liz Keohane (Loudoun Gowf) 1048

3 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 1043

4 Joanne Sharp (Kilmarnock (Barassie) 1030

5 Anne Burns (Loudoun Gowf) 1007

6 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 998

7 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 990

8 Gillian Kennedy (Troon Welbeck) 939

9 Janet Harkness (Skelmorlie) 932

10 Susan Dumigan (Prestwick St Nicholas) 919

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Largs 865

2 Prestwick St Nicholas 830

3 Loudoun Gowf 827

4 Skelmorlie 826

5 Troon Welbeck 777

6 Prestwick St Cuthbert 755

7 Irvine 742

8 Kilmarnock (Barassie) 722

9 Girvan 660

10 Brodick 356

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Caroline King (Clober) 1133 points

2 Margaret Mackinnon (Lochgilphead) 1073

3 Katharine Hardman (Dunaverty) 1016

4 Gillian Ross (Bearsden) 989

5 Gillian Morrison (Clober) 979

6 Jackie Lightfoot (Helensburgh) 971

7 Di Raitt (Dullatur) 977

8 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 959

9 Avril Leitch (Balmore) 955

10 Paula Galloway (Douglas Park) 938

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS

1 Clober 891

2 Bearsden 849

3 Dullatur 819

4 Balmore 808

5 Palacerigg 805

6 Dunaverty 803

7 Helensburgh 780

8 Lochgilphead 768

9 Douglas Park 731

10 Rothesay 653

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Jane Clark (Airdrie) 1245 points

2 Sharon McPeake (Cawder) 1147

3 J J Weir (Cawder) 1055

4 M A Seymour (Cathkin Braes) 1002

5 Edel Doherty (Cawder) 950

6 Susan Halley (Strathaven) 948

7 Catherine Gibson (Cathkin Braes 946

8 Nichola Craig (Lanark) 945

9 M A Stevenson (Cawder) 933

10 Sheila Fairbairn (Lanark) 919

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Cawder 905

2 Airdrie 895

3 Cathkin Braes 798

4 Lanark 796

5 Hamilton 779

6 Carnwath 766

7 Kirkhill 764

8 Strathaven 736

9 Langlands 727

10 Bothwell Castle 722

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Heather Climson (East Renfrewshire) 1116 points

2 Christine Wilson (Caldwell) 1069

3 Ann McKenzie (Old Course Ranfurly) 1018

4 Anabel Kane (Kilmacolm) 988

5 Sandra Reid (Renfrew) 920

6 Helen Abram (Ranfurly Castle) 911

7 Jennie Scott (Old Course Ranfurly) 853

8 Marion Downie (Old Course Ranfurly) 851

T9 Merope Dunlop & Maureen Taggart (both Old Course

Ranfurly) 833

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Old Course Ranfurly 835

2 Renfrew 786

3 Erskine 718

4 Caldwell 687

5 Bonnyton 668

6 Ranfurly Castle 666

7 East Renfrewshire 617

8 Kilmacolm 606

9 Cowglen 576

10 Paisley 572

MESSAGE

Wondering why MGRanking changes when no competitive club counting events have been played?

MGRanking is based on data compiled from a rolling 52 week cycle.

Your result data from Week 2019/22 is replaced by data from Week 2020/22.

SHELAGH QUINN HAS HER FIRST HOLE IN ONE

Shelagh Quinn

Congratulations to Shelagh Quinn on getting her first hole in one today at the 6th at Stirling Golf Club after playing golf for 60 years. 👏👏

Scottish golf clubs enjoy boost in membership

By Martin Dempster (The Scotsman)

Scottish golf clubs are enjoying a membership boost from the game being one of the outdoor activities included in the first phase of lockdown restrictions being eased, with some clubs gaining between 70-80 members and the demand at another seeing the return of a waiting list.

Dwindling memberships have been the norm for several years in the home of golf, with the latest KPMG Golf Participation Report for Europe revealing that the number of registered players in Scotland fell by 7,500 between 2017 and 2018 as the overall figure dropped to just over 180,000.

Several clubs, including Eastwood in Renfrewshire, Brunston Castle in Ayrshire, Mount Ellen in Lanarkshire and Lothianburn, Torphin Hill and Whitekirk in the Lothians, were forced to close as clubs struggled to convince golfers that membership still had a value at a time when the pay-and-play market had grown arms and legs.

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A similar fate could be in store, unfortunately, for some other clubs due to the financial damage caused by a nine-week coronavirus shutdown, but, in the first week of courses being reopen in Scotland, a fair number around the country are being galvanised on the back of a sudden and unexpected rise in membership applications.

“From last week, we have officially gone back to a waiting list,” reported Kenny Monaghan, the PGA pro at Stirling. “In the build up to us reopening on Friday, the secretary dropped off the best part of 20 new member packs that had come in over a 10-day period.

“This is my fifth year here and this is the third time now that we’ve had a waiting list in that time. The demand is definitely there for golf club membership at the moment, and I think that is being helped by most clubs deciding to go with members only initially for the restart and not allowing visitors for the time being.”

At Aberdour on the Fife coast, close to 70 membership applications have flooded in since the lockdown started in March, with a dozen or so deciding to take out membership as a direct result of walking on or close to the course for daily exercise.

“It’s a massive boost for the club, especially after losing 48 members at the end of last season across all the different categories,” admitted captain Steve David. “Of the 67 membership applications we’ve had, six or so are returning members who have possibly now got more time on their hands, but the largest cross section are the so-called ‘nomadic’ golfer who, probably as a result of changes due to the Covid-19 crisis, have decided to now join a local golf club.

“The vast majority took advantage of an offer we pushed over 10 days recently, £500 cash upfront for 12 months’ membership. What is interesting is the age group seems to be mostly under 50’s, including a fair number of even younger applicants.”

In Edinburgh, The Scotsman understands that Craigmillar Park, another club which earned admirers from people walking there when it was closed, has signed up 80 new members and has more in the pipeline, raising hopes that certain categories could be capped for the first time in more than 20 years.

Elsewhere, lots of other clubs seeing smaller but equally important increases in membership numbers. “It’s gone a little crazy,” said one club professional, who asked to remain anonymous. “If I’m honest, golf needed a break. It’s come back stronger and we are in great position going into the delayed start to the season.”

Brora, the first Scottish golf club to express fears that it “might not exist” beyond the Covid-19 closure of courses in the UK, has also attracted 80 new members, including seven individuals paying £10,000 each for a special Platinum Membership.

“It’s almost like the world now understands what we have here at Brora and people realised we have a club worth saving,” said president Andy Stewart of the Highlands club now being in a healthier financial position through raising a six-figure sum, mainly from nemberships but also advance tee bookings, merchandise sales and online donations.

“We were looking forward to a bumper year of visitor numbers, projected at £350,000, before the Covid-19 pandemic halted us in our tracks in March. With a dependence on visitor income, we have had to be creative in our thinking to drive new revenue and we have simply been overwhelmed with the love for us from across the world. It has just been incredible for all of us to realise just how well regarded the golf club is. It really has been fantastic.”

South of the Border, a straw poll of clubs contacted by England Golf in the first two weeks of courses reopening revealed that a minimum of 15 new members had been recruited on average. “It’s wonderful to hear of lapsed members returning to the game or newcomers embracing the fact that golf is one of the healthiest and safest sports around,” said chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson. “It’s great news that many core values of golf club membership – camaraderie, freedom to play and a sense of belonging – once again have new meaning!”

DOWN MEMORY LANE PHOTOGRAPHS

As this is Women's Golf Day I thought I would start to share an album that I will be adding to over time to try and find old photos and videos that have got hidden away over time -- The Album is called " DOWN MEMORY LANE" 

CLCK HERE TO REVEAL SOME OLD PHOTOS and then click on some of the links 

Golf clubs have a real opportunity to shape bright new future for game

By Martin Dempster ( The Scotsman )

Many clubs have attracted new members as other sports are off limits due to the pandemic

Credit where credit is due. Scottish Golf’s decision to recommend two balls as the main format for the sport resuming after being shut down for more than nine weeks due to the Covid-19 pandemic appears to be working a treat.

Put it this way, the two rounds 
I’ve been lucky to get in since the courses reopened around the country on Friday have easily been the best in terms of seeing a golf course flowing how it should for a long time.

One of those rounds was in the morning; the other in the afternoon. The first took two hours 
45 minutes, which included a short delay for a TV interview on the 17th tee, and the second was five minutes quicker.

On both occasions, we never even came close to finding ourselves on the same tee with the group in front and it was the same with the group behind. In a nutshell, the guidelines recommended by the governing body and then implemented by the clubs did exactly what was needed.

There is still a nervousness about being in a supermarket, either inside or out, and seeing someone wearing a face mask or gloves and also getting uncomfortably close to someone who doesn’t seem to bother about social distancing.

In contrast, that precious time on the golf course brought back a welcome bit of normality, even though there was no hanging about the club, either before or after the round, and things may be slightly different out on the course with funky contraptions to retrieve balls from the hole without touching the flagstick and no rakes in the bunkers.

It had been feared that only single players might be permitted at the start in Scotland, but there would have been absolutely no need for that given that social distancing almost happens naturally out on a golf course.

Yes, the odd person might not feel entirely comfortable at the moment being in the company of someone from another household, but, for most, the chance to be reunited with a golfing buddy is being enjoyed the length and breadth of the country.

By the looks of things, the pace of play at most courses was along the lines of what we enjoyed at Aberdour. “We had 202 golfers at Crail today,” reported David Roy, the club manager at Crail Golfing Society, of Friday’s traffic along the Fife coast, “and the last round was completed in exactly three hours. Just shows you what can be done with no course furniture (ball washers, seats etc are out of commission for the time being) and two balls most of the day.”

It begs the question, of course, about the current situation being an opportunity for clubs to do something that can have a real impact in terms of tackling the game’s biggest problem – slow play – when the green light is given for three and four balls to resume, as is now the case south of the Border.

That will happen soon enough in Scotland and, yes, of course, it’s what will not only make the majority of members happy as they can start getting back out again in their normal groups but also help 
clubs as pressure is eased on tee sheets.

However, here’s hoping that some of those clubs perhaps introduce, for example, two separate windows in a day – two hours at the start, say, and then two hours in the afternoon - when only two balls are allowed.

Make no mistake, golf has been presented with an unexpected opportunity out of an unfortunate set of circumstances. Lots of clubs have attracted new members, which, let’s face it, probably wouldn’t have happened if football, in particular, but also other pastimes hadn’t been shut down.

It’s a chance that needs to be grasped with both hands, so let’s see clubs use what is happening right now to shape the future of the game, one that shows the sport in a better light than has often been portrayed in recent years.

Admittedly helped by some glorious golfing weather over the past few days, clubs have reopened to golfers with smiles on their faces, and I know I am not alone in sensing a new positive vibe out on the golf course.

It’s a chance that needs to be grasped with both hands, so let’s see clubs use what is happening right now to shape the future of the game, one that shows the sport in a better light than has often been portrayed in recent years.

Admittedly helped by some glorious golfing weather over the past few days, clubs have reopened to golfers with smiles on their faces, and I know I am not alone in sensing a new positive vibe out on the golf course.

“There is a great buzz at the club just now,” observed Bob MacIntyre, the Scottish No 1, of how he has found things at Glencruitten in Oban over the past few days. “That is great to see and I just hope it 
continues.”

Paula Crichton has a hole in one at Douglas Park Golf Club on her 1st round after Lockdown

Paula on the 17th Green 

22 handicapper Paula Crichton had a HOLE IN ONE at the 17th Hole at Douglas Park Golf Club today.. This was Paula’s first game after Lockdown and her first hole in one. — Many Congratulations Paula.

Club Captain Iain Fergusson and Secretary Ann Scott welcomed everyone to the 1st day's play on Friday and were interviewed by Fiona Stalker of DriveTime -- BBC Radio Scotland. -- approx 35 minutes on

Alternatively Click here to get to the exact point of the interview 

Susan and Fiona Rattray - Photo Courtesy of Fiona Stalker

D&A’s County Team Player Fiona Rattray and her Mum Susan were one of the first to tee off on Friday.

MGRanking week 21 -- 2020 West of Scotland Counties

AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Gillian Kennedy (Troon Welbeck) 1064 points

2 Robina Gilbertson (Prestwick St Nicholas) 1057

3 Liz Keohane (Loudoun Gowf) 1048

4 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 1043

5 Joanne Sharp (Kilmarnock (Barassie) 1030

6 Anne Burns (Loudoun Gowf) 1007

7 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 998

8 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 990

9 Janet Harkness (Skelmorlie) 932

10 Christine Whitelaw (Largs) 923

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Largs 849

2 Loudoun Gowf 827

3 Skelmorlie 826

4 Prestwick St Nicholas 822

5 Troon Welbeck 796

6 Prestwick St Cuthbert 768

7 Kilmarnock (Barassie) 743

8 Irvine 717

9 Girvan 660

10 Brodick 356

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Caroline King (Clober) 1133 points

2 Margaret Mackinnon (Lochgilphead) 1073

3 Katharine Hardman (Dunaverty) 1014

4 Gillian Ross (Bearsden) 989

5 Gillian Morrison (Clober) 979

6 Jackie Lightfoot (Helensburgh) 971

7 Di Raitt (Dullatur) 968

8 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 959

9 Avril Leitch (Balmore) 955

10 Paula Galloway (Douglas Park) 938

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS

1 Clober 891

2 Dullatur 866

3 Bearsden 849

T4 Balmore & Dunaverty 808

6 Palacerigg 805

7 Helensburgh 786

8 Lochgilphead 768

9 Douglas Park 731
10 Rothesay 676

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Jane Clark (Airdrie) 1252 points

2 Sharon McPeake (Cawder) 1147

3 J J Weir (Cawder) 1065

4 M A Stevenson (Cawder) 1045

5 M A Seymour (Cathkin Braes) 1013 

6 Susan Halley (Strathaven) 964

7 Nichola Craig (Lanark) 955

T8 Catherine Gibson (Cathkin Braes) & Edel Doherty (Cawder) 946

10 Allison Bell (Strathaven) 942

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Cawder 901

2 Airdrie 897

3 Cathkin Braes 809 

4 Lanark 804

5 Hamilton 779

6 Carnwath 775

7 Kirkhill 764

8 Strathaven 744

9 Bothwell Castle 722 

10 Langlands 718

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Heather Climson (East Renfrewshire) 1116 points

2 Christine Wilson (Caldwell) 1084

3 Anabel Kane (Kilmacolm) 988

4 Ann McKenzie (Old Course Ranfurly) 986

5 Helen Abram (Ranfurly Castle) 920

6 Sandra Reid (Renfrew) 903

T7 Mary Aitken (Erskine) & Marion Downie (Old Course Ranfurly) 882

9 Jennie Scott (Old Course Ranfurly) 863

10 Merope Dunlop (Old Course Ranfurly) 839

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Old Course Ranfurly 838 

2 Renfrew 799

3 Caldwell 754

4 Erskine 751

5 Ranfurly Castle 741

6 Bonnyton 667

7 Cowglen 638

8 East Renfrewshire 617 

9 Kilmacolm 606

10 Paisley 572

MyGolfRanking Club Ranking - West of Scotland Counties – Week 2020/21

LADIES RANKINGS 
1 Jane Clark Airdrie 1252 
2 Sharon McPeake Cawder 1147 
3 Caroline King Clober 1133 
4 Heather Climson East Renfrewshire 1116 
5  Christine Wilson Caldwell 1084 
6 Margaret Mackinnon Lochgilphead 1073 
7  J J Weir Cawder 1065 
8 Gillian Kennedy Troon Welbeck 1064 
9 Robina Gilbertson Prestwick St Nicholas 1057 
10 Liz Keohone Loudoun Gowf 1048 
11 M A Stevenson Cawder 1045 
12 Lorna Spencer Largs 1043 
13 Joanne Sharp Kilmarnock (Barassie) 1030 
14 Anne Burns Loudoun Gowf 1007 
15 M A Seymour Cathkin Braes 1001 
16 Pauline Patrick Irvine 998 
17 Aileen Anderson Loudoun Gowf 990 
18 Gillian Ross Bearsden 989 
19 Anabel Kane Kilmacolm 988 
20 Katharine Hardman Dunaverty 983 

 RANKING LADIES CLUB POINTS 
1 Cawder 901 
2 Airdrie 897 
3 Clober 891 
4 Largs 865 
5 Bearsden 849 
6 Old Course Ranfurly 830 
7 Loudoun Gowf 827 
8 Prestwick St Nicholas 822 
9 Cathkin Braes 811 
10 Balmore 808 1
1 Dunaverty 806 
T12 Palacerigg 805 T12 Troon Welbeck 805 
14 Lanark 804 
15 Renfrew 799 1
16 Helensburgh 786 
17 Hamilton 779 
18 Carnwath 775 
T19 Lochgilphead 768 T19 Prestwick St Cuthbert 768 
21 Kirkhill 764 2
2 Caldwell 754 
23 Erskine 751 
24 Strathaven 744 
25 Kilmarnock (Barassie) 743

Are you wondering why the weekly MGRanking changes when golf courses/clubs are currently closed and no competitive club counting events are being played? MGRanking is based on data compiled from a rolling 52 week cycle. This week the result data from Week 2019/21 is replaced by data from Week 2020/21 which may not exist.

PAUL LAWRIE INTERVIEWED BY WHITECRAIGS PRO DAVID ORR and more than £12,000 RAISED

David Orr and Paul Lawrie

Whitecraigs GC Professional David Orr held his last Zoom Meeting tonight to Non Members and his guest speaker was the 1999 British Open Champion Paul Lawrie. An excellent session was enjoyed by many.

DAVID AND WIFE RONA ORR HAVE NOW GOT TO THEIR  £12,000 TARGET 
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE JUSTGIVING PAGE FOR DETAILS

Frequently asked questions in relation to the Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers on returning to Golf in Scotland

FROM THE SCOTTISH GOLF WEBSITE

Following the announcement that Golf Clubs can begin to prepare for a return to golf on 29 May 2020 at the earliest, subject to final confirmation by the First Minister by way of an update currently planned for 28 May, Scottish Golf has set up a new Frequently Asked Questions website page to support all Golf Clubs and Golfers in preparation for the return of golf. 

To access our new Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers on returning to Golf in Scotland, please click here. 

This page will continue to be updated on a regular basis to support everyone in the golfing community here in Scotland.

Golf to cash in on early return

From the Sunday Times

Golf has a “massive opportunity for growth” when it becomes one of the first sports to emerge from cold storage in Scotland amid phase one of the easing of lockdown restrictions.

That is the view of Karin Sharp, chief operating officer of Scottish Golf, who has played a key role in discussions that are set to see the Scottish government formally give golf’s return the green light this Thursday under strict social-distancing requirements.

“Golf has been recognised as a sport that can provide both physical and mental wellbeing. It’s played from young to old and covers such a wide part of the population,” said Sharp. “There’s a massive opportunity to attract new participants, not as a detriment to other sports but as a pastime that people could see as complementing their wider activity base.

“We’re hearing from our counterparts in England and Wales, who have been a bit ahead of us in reopening, and they’ve got many positive stories coming back from clubs around spikes in membership enquiries and conversion. There’s no reason that can’t be the case in Scotland too.”

Scottish Golf has advised clubs to gear up for reopening from May 29. Two-balls will be permitted between players from different households, and groups of up to four — from no more than two households — will be allowed at the discretion of clubs. The 2m social-distancing rules will still be in place, and there will be no touching of course fixtures and equipment. Travel restrictions are another reason that this is not simply a resumption of pre-coronavirus golfing life.

“Normal as we’ve all known and possibly taken for granted for many years, is definitely going to be different for a period of time. That length of time hasn’t really been quantified as yet,” said Sharp, who was COO of the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association before its 2015 merger with the Scottish Golf Union to form Scottish Golf.

“Golf does lend itself to being flexible, however, and a more casual approach to the game in the first instance is probably accepted. As a sport, we’re renowned for adhering to rules and etiquette and the information we’ve circulated has been positively received. It’s a framework that outlines guidelines but gives clubs enough flexibility to determine how that works for their own facility.”

Scottish Golf, which has stripped its own operations back to the bone, has offered clubs a 25 per cent refund or rebate on affiliation fees in a bid to ease a cash-flow crisis which the governing body’s research estimates has seen the average club suffer lost revenue of £20,000 per month in the shutdown.

“Gross that up across Scotland, and it’s £9 million-£10 million per month across the industry,” said Sharp. “Clubs have been better or worse off depending on when their membership renewal dates fell, while some clubs have been able to access government support. For many clubs, a combination of using furlough schemes, grants and membership renewals means they are well placed, but that’s not the picture across the piece.

“Travel restrictions and [the impact on] visitor revenue is a real fear for a lot of clubs, and not just the big trophy courses. A lot of the smaller, holiday destinations do not command green fees of massively significant value, but it’s still a big contributor to their annual revenue.

“The immediate impact may not be overly concerning in some areas, but that longer-term piece is where a lot of clubs have significant fear. Recovery is going to be fairly prolonged.”

Sharp stepped up to lead Scottish Golf in mid-April after the resignation of chief executive Andrew McKinlay. He was the third CEO to depart in four years, which has led to stinging criticism of chairwoman Eleanor Cannon.

Sharp, who suffered a suspected case of Covid-19 towards the end of March, acknowledges there is work to do in shoring up the governing body’s image, but insists the string of high-level departures is not symptomatic of a failing organisation. “Change is inevitable in all sectors and I don’t think any of that was anything to do with anything other than it being right for the individuals at the time. In terms of how we are perceived, relationships within any member organisation can often be difficult to properly gauge, but I do think it’s something we can and will do more on.

“Strong collaboration is vital for golf in Scotland to flourish. We need to make sure we’re communicating effectively so that everyone understands and is supportive of what we’re all trying to do to grow the game.

“There’s a massive opportunity for golf in attracting new participants, and every one of us, at every level, plays a part in shaping the opinions and perceptions of external individuals who are potential new or returning golfers. We need to take collective responsibility for the image of golf.”

Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers on returning to golf in Scotland

Following today’s announcement from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Golf is pleased to confirm that golf clubs in Scotland can begin to prepare for a return to golf on 29 May 2020 at the earliest, subject to final confirmation by the First Minister by way of an update currently planned for 28 May.  

Scottish Golf has worked with Scottish Government, Active Scotland, sportscotland, Health Protection Scotland, The PGA and key industry partners at every opportunity to produce a clear guide for all golf clubs and golfers in Scotland.

It should be noted that a final decision will be made by the First Minister on 28 May and if any changes to the current procedures are required to align with updates provided by Scottish Government then these will be shared with you as soon as they are known to ensure re-opening plans can be updated or adjusted accordingly.

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Download our Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers on returning to golf in Scotland 

Click here to download our Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers on returning to golf in Scotland

---

Playing golf following extension to exercise in Scotland 

Once golf has resumed, the following groupings will be permitted to play Golf in Scotland:

• Two Balls – may be from two households whilst maintaining physical distancing
• Groups up to 4 four players permitted at the discretion of the golf club (ensuring that only two households are represented in the group)

Scottish Golf would like to highlight that the Scottish Government continues to monitor its response to the COVID-19 outbreak closely and have not ruled out the re-introduction of restrictions which could see golf paused again if these guidelines are not being followed. 

It is therefore imperative that golf clubs take the necessary steps outlined prior to opening their courses for play and adhere to the guidelines detailed in our guide.

SCOTTISH GOLF BEEN GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT.

By Martin Dempster - The Scotsman 

Scottish golf courses will be given the green light reopen a week on Friday, subject to final confirmation by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon next Thursday. 

Confirmation about a planned reopening date for the 550-odd courses in the home of golf following an eight-week shut down due to the coronavirus was delivered by Scottish Golf.

It came a few hours after the First Minister had announced that golf, tennis bowls and angling had been included among the outdoor sports activities being allowed in phase one of the Scottish Government's lockdown route map

Play will be allowed in two balls, which may consist of people from different households, and also in groups of up to four but from only two households at the discretion of individual clubs.

Tee time intervals will also be at the discretion of the club while travel to the course should be within the local vicinity, noted as broadly around five miles in the Scottish Government's four-phase route map.

Casual play only is recommended in the first instance to allow all membership categories the opportunity for play while clubhouse facilities must remain closed for the time being.

The date has been set to allow clubs to prepare to welcome back members, but it needs to be rubber-stamped by Sturgeon when she delivers the next official review of the lockdown restrictions next Thursday.

In a letter to clubs, Scottish Golf's chief operating officer Karin Sharp said: "We have been working with sportscotland and the government to ensure that golf aligns with the guidelines laid out for phase one easing of the current lockdown restrictions. 

"Whilst I know that in many people’s eyes this should have been a straightforward process, it certainly has not been the case, but I am delighted that we now have the opportunity to share with you the guidelines for the safe return of golf across Scotland.

"There are aspects of the document that refer to direct government advice e.g travel restrictions, physical distancing, risk groups and any changes to those policies will be for clubs and individual golfers to ensure they are adhering to. 

"I must stress that these guidelines are shared with the assumption that there is no change made in the government’s stated position on easing of restrictions. 

"It should be noted that a final decision will be made by the First Minister on 28 May and if any changes to the current procedures are required to align with updates provided by Scottish Government then these will be shared with you as soon as they are known to ensure re-opening plans can be updated or adjusted accordingly."

Courses in Scotland have been closed since the lockdown restrictions were introduced on 23 March. But they have now been given the green light to fall in line with venues elsewhere in the UK and Ireland.

"Based on the above, if they choose to do so, clubs may now prepare their course and their membership for play to commence on 29 May," added Sharp, who took over the reins of the governing body last month following chief executive Andrew McKinlay's sudden departure. 

"I hope that in giving a week’s notice, this will give clubs time to finalise any local rules and activate their tee sheets. I have looked to give direction but not prescription, as I know that all clubs will want to do what is best for their members within the framework of the facilities or operational capacity that each club will have. 

"The Scottish Golf guidance has been prepared through our collaboration with the wider golf industry but has been reviewed by appropriate Scottish Government channels to give you a flexible but consistent framework with which to prepare your own club protocols."

Courses in England reopened last Wednesday while venues in Wales and on both sides of the border in Ireland resumed business this week.

"We have heard very encouraging stories from south of the border where some clubs have seen an immediate uplift in membership, as many courses have not been open to visitors given ongoing travel restrictions applying to exercise," said Sharp. 

"Clubs have a great opportunity to show value in being a member of a club, and all the preferential benefits this can bring. I am sure that the demand for tee-times will be high and I look forward to seeing and hearing of golf courses all over Scotland full of people enjoying the sport once again.

"I would like to thank all golfers who have shown great restrain over the last eight or nine weeks in conforming with the requests of the Scottish Government.

"The team here at Scottish Golf are firm in our belief that golf is a healthy sport that can be played giving due consideration to social distancing, whilst contributing to the improved health and mental wellbeing of many people across the country and we will continue to prioritise supporting clubs and the development of the game in Scotland."

SCOTTISH GOLF REPORT

MYGOLFRANKING - WEEK 20 -- 2020

IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Are you wondering why the weekly MGRanking changes when golf courses/clubs are currently closed and no competitive club counting events are being played?

MGRanking is based on data compiled from a rolling 52 week cycle.

This week the result data from Week 2019/20 is replaced by data from Week 2020/20 which may not exist.

AYRSHIRE
Gilbertson (Prestwick St Nicholas) & Gillian Kennedy (Troon Welbeck) 1057

3 Liz Keohane (Loudoun Gowf) 1048

4 Joanne Sharp (Kilmarnock (Barassie) 1047 
5 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 1043

6 Anne Burns (Loudoun Gowf) 1007

7 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 998

8 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 990

9 Janet Harkness (Skelmorlie) 932

10 Susan Dumigan (Prestwick St Nicholas) 919

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Largs 860

2 Loudoun Gowf 827

3 Skelmorlie 826

4 Prestwick St Nicholas 822 
5 Troon Welbeck 814

6 Prestwick St Cuthbert 773 
7 Kilmarnock (Barassie) 766 
8 Irvine 717

9 Girvan 678

10 Brodick 356

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Caroline King (Clober) 1196 points

2 Margaret Mackinnon (Lochgilphead) 1073

3 Katharine Hardman (Dunaverty) 983

4 Gillian Morrison (Clober) 979

5 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 959

6 Olive Spicer (Bearsden) 952

7 Gillian Ross (Bearsden) 948

8 Paula Galloway (Douglas Park) 938

9 Andrea Torrie (Bearsden) 932

T10 Gemma Canham (Helensburgh), Avril Leitch (Balmore) 931

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS

1 Clober 932

2 Bearsden 842

3 Dunaverty 806

4 Palacerigg 805 
5 Balmore 803

6 Helensburgh 794 
7 Lochgilphead 768 
8 Douglas Park 731 
9 Cardross 703 
10 Rothesay 676

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Jane Clark (Airdrie) 1252 points

2 Amy McDonald (Bothwell Castle) 1023

3 M A Seymour (Cathkin Braes) 1001

4 Elaine Johnstone (Hamilton) 979

T5 Allison Bell (Strathaven), Lisa Chan (Hamilton) & Susan Halley (Strathaven) 964

8 Nichola Craig (Lanark) 955

9 Lesley Watson (Cathkin Braes) 949

10 Catherine Gibson (Cathkin Braes) 946

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Airdrie 897

2 Hamilton 829

3 Cathkin Braes 811 
4 Lanark 804

5 Carnwath 775

6 Strathaven 767

7 Kirkhill 764

8 Bothwell Castle 737 
9 Langlands 705 
10 Crow Wood 355

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Heather Climson (East Renfrewshire) 1116 points 
2 Christine Wilson (Caldwell) 1036

3 Anabel Kane (Kilmacolm) 988

4 Ann McKenzie (Old Course Ranfurly) 957

5 Janette McCartney (Erskine) 915

6 Sandra Reid (Renfrew) 903

7 Mary Aitken (Erskine) 884

8 Marion Downie (Old Course Ranfurly) 882

9 Jan Macnab (Ranfurly Castle) 877

10 Jennie Scott (Old Course Ranfurly) 863

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Old Course Ranfurly 830 
2 Erskine 809

3 Renfrew 799

4 Caldwell 785

5 Ranfurly Castle 718

6 Cowglen 698

7 Bonnyton 667

8 East Renfrewshire 639 
9 Kilmacolm 627

10 Paisley 585