Congratultions and well done to Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) on becoming the 2009 Scottish Girls' Champion of Champions today at St. Andrews.
The 18 hole tournament for boys and girls was washed out by rain last November but today it was played in sunny conditions over The Duke's Course.
Alyson, who shot a 75, says she was helped by her "Champion's Feet" socks!
We all wish you continued success.
GIRLS FINAL RESULTS :
75 Alyson McKechin (Elderslie).
76 Rachel Watton (Mortonhall).
77 Rachel Hanlon (St Regulus).
78 Sammy Leslie (Westhill).
80 Lauren Whyte (St Regulus), Lesley Atkins (Minto).
84 Eilidh Watson (Muckhart).
85 Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies).
87 Tara MacTaggart (Minto).
88 Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe), Clara Young (North Berwick), Ailsa Bain (Peebles).
90 Alison Godwin (Glenbervie).
97 Rachel Irvine (Largs), Alexis Hutton (Falkirk Tryst).
98 Kirstin Scott (Milngavie).
104 Nicole Benson (Cawder).
Ladies Golf News in Scotland, the West of Scotland and Renfrewshire
Sunday 21 March 2010
Tuesday 16 March 2010
Off to Turkey -- Check out Gillian Kirkwood Website
Your webmaster is off to Turkey for a weeks golf. In case I am unable to keep up with any of the news then go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website
Sunday 14 March 2010
Open Day at Ranfurly Castle Golf Club
You can take advantage of the following at Ranfurly Castle's Open Day on Sunday 28th March 2010;
• £15 to play on day (normal round ticket £35).
• REDUCED entrance fee for full members - £250 for the first
10 new members and then £500 thereafter.
• NO joining fee for new members under the age of 30.
• FREE lesson voucher from our head PGA Professional,
Tom Eckford, when you join.
• OFFER AVAILABLE ONLY ON THE DAY BUT CAN BE BOOKED
IN ADVANCE FROM 18TH FEBRUARY 2010
To read more about it Click Here
• £15 to play on day (normal round ticket £35).
• REDUCED entrance fee for full members - £250 for the first
10 new members and then £500 thereafter.
• NO joining fee for new members under the age of 30.
• FREE lesson voucher from our head PGA Professional,
Tom Eckford, when you join.
• OFFER AVAILABLE ONLY ON THE DAY BUT CAN BE BOOKED
IN ADVANCE FROM 18TH FEBRUARY 2010
To read more about it Click Here
Saturday 13 March 2010
West of Scotland's Kylie Walker is now on the Pro' Tour
Kylie Walker, has the length off the tee required to make an impact as a tour professional (image by Cal Carson Golf Agency;).
Be patient, Catriona tells rookie pro Kylie Walker
FROM THE SCOTTISH HERALD WEBSITE --- By Richard Wilson
Kylie Walker will not feel out ?of place.
Since turning professional last December, she has already been invited to Catriona Matthew’s home in North Berwick, where they shared a conversation about life on the Ladies European Tour. By the time she tees off in her first tournament, in Morocco on Thursday, Walker will have caught up with other fellow Scots competing at the forefront of the women’s game.
Matthew’s advice was that only patience would be rewarded. Walker’s career has been compressed, having only taken up the sport seriously at 14 and now having qualified for the Tour at 23.
There was an accumulation of distinction. Last year, she won the St Rule Trophy for the second consecutive year, repeating the achievements of Matthew in 1993 and 1994.
Walker also won the 2008 Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association Order of Merit title, and she was the highest-placed British golfer at the Ladies European Tour's Qualifying School at La Manga, Spain in December.
There might have been a failed attempt at the January 2009 qualifying school, but even that is considered beneficial, as Walker believes she is now better equipped.
There is a bullishness to her, so when she considers what might be attainable in this first year, there is little reticence.
“I would love to do well right from the start and be contending,” she says. “I’m going into every tournament to win, but that might be unrealistic. But I played some Ladies Tour events before, as an amateur.”
With Carly Booth joining the Tour, and Krystle Caithness, another Scot, having enjoyed a successful rookie year in 2009, Walker is not short of support. Her older brother, Kris, will also caddie for her.
“Everybody in my family played,” Walker says. “My two sisters and brother are all older than me, so when my dad was making up the four-ball, I was always left behind. I guess that’s why it took until I was 14 before I started. Then I won the Scottish schoolgirls' title, which made me realise that I could still have moments of brilliance even with my handicap being high.”
Sponsorship and finance are pressures, so the first months of this year have been spent sorting out a website and seeking backers. Mostly, though, her time is spent looking forward. At the very least, Walker will play in the final qualifiers for the British Ladies Open in July. Having won the event last year, Matthew is an inspiration.
Walker spent last week in Dubai, where her brother and one of her sisters live. She worked on her short game and began focusing on what the coming months will bring. There are also long-term ambitions.
“If you’re going to be at the top, America’s the place to be, the best [golfers] in the world are there,” she says. “In the future, I’ll look to get out there to compete.”
+Kylie Walker was the first Scottish lady pro to say she would play on the new Xltec Pro Tour which tees off - with a Ladies section if enough enter - at Whitekirk Golf Club on March 25.
Friday 12 March 2010
Tait's Tour ready to welcome lady professionals with open arms!
By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Alan Tait, founder of the new Xltec Pro Tour in Scotland, has agreed to my suggestion that he makes room for female professionals in his six 36-hole event schedule which tees off at Whitekirk Golf Club, near North Berwick on March 25 and 26.
" We thought that as there is very little opportunity for our few lady professional golfers to play competitively in Scotland, why not get them involved as well. The more the merrier!" said Alan, director of golf at the Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel & Golf Resort.
"At the end of the day, the Xltec Tour is all about giving pros more opportunity to compete and this should include everyone. As long as we get a minimum of five girls entering each event, they can play for a separate, smaller prize-fund and I am sure they will be a breath of fresh air to the tour".
Tait and his organising colleagues are hoping that star amateurs-turned-rookie-pros Carly Booth and Kylie Walker (pictured above) will cut their teeth on the homespun tour before they have a go at the Ladies European Tour.
Others who might play are LET regulars Vikki Laing, Lynn Kenny and Krystle Caithness, WPGA assistant professional Heather MacRae as well as Clare Queen, Pamela Feggans, Jenna Wilson, Katy McNicoll, Gemma Webster, Kathryn Imrie, Karyn Burns, Lesley Mackay, Karyn Dallas, Katie Thomson, Nicola Meldrum, Michele Thomson, Cathy Panton-Lewis and Gillian Stewart.
There is always the chance that British Women's Open champion Catriona Matthew and fellow LPGA Tour members Janice Moodie and Mhairi McKay would put in an appearance when they are back in Scotland, if only for a short break.
Then there are established lady professionals, who have long since retired from the competitive side of the game, such as Muriel Thomson (Portlethen GC head professional) and Jane Connachan, who might welcome the chance to mix it with the younger brigade.
The possibilities are endless and it will be shame if the idea never gets off the ground because of apathy and lack of numbers.
It is hoped to interest WPGA female professionals based in the North and North-east of England for whom the journey north would not be as much a deterrent as it would be for those based in the south of England.
The female pros will have to pay a one-off joining fee of £40 plus a £50 entry fee for each 36-hole event plus a £10 administration fee per competition.
They will play off the LGU red tees at every venue and will be competiing against themselves, NOT the men.
Although the girls will be competing, in a sense, for their own money, it is hoped that as the tour gains publicity and becomes better known, companies or individuals may be persuaded to sponsor individual events.
While male pros have no inhibitions about playing for their own money, hence the success of satellite circuits such as the EuroPro Tour, where the entry fees are big to create worthwhile prize funds, female professionals are much harder to please ... and I talk from the experience of being Tournament Controller at the first two Hacienda del Alamo Women's February Festivals.
It remains to be seen if the female pros will be lukewarm about a lack of prizemoney up front for them at "Tait's Tour." I hope they take the longer-term view that the circuit, which will certainly need the players' support through its first season, could grow into a ladies' version of the Tartan Tour.
The schedule of events is:
March 25-26: Whitekirk, near North Berwick.
April 28-29: Hilton Park, near Glasgow.
May 25-26: Marriott Dalmahoy, near Edinburgh.
July 28-29: Westerwood, near Glasgow.
September 28-29: Spey Valley, Aviemore.
October 6-7 Dundonald Links, near Troon, Ayrshire.
+Entry forms and more information available by E-mailing Colin@scottishgolfview.com
Thursday 11 March 2010
Glasgow gets set to introduce 3,300 children to golf
The drive to give more Glasgow primary school children the opportunity to play golf accelerates this month with the city’s Active Schools Team training classroom teachers to deliver the national junior golf programme, clubgolf’s introductory game.
In 2009, 42 of Glasgow’s 170 schools introduced their 1260 of their Primary 5s to clubgolf’s introductory game, firstclubgolf, which employs modified equipment. Taught by school staff, supported by Active Schools Co-ordinators, it gives children an enjoyable introduction to the game.
That figure, 21 percent of the total P5 roll of 6000, is expected to rise by 2000 this year after clubgolf and Active Schools combined forces to buy 50 bags of firstclubgolf equipment for Glasgow schools.
“This is a big step up this year in terms of increasing the numbers of children who we will deliver clubgolf to,” said Active Schools Manager, Kay Cherrie.
“The difficulty in the past was that without firstclubgolf equipment in schools there was little point in the staff becoming trained to teach the game.
“This year we have been able to access the finance to buy 50 bags so two thirds of schools now have equipment. Half of the funding (£7500) has come from the Council and Education Services. clubgolf has matched this which has enabled us to buy 50 bags and make the big push.”
To ensure that staff in these schools are fully prepared to teach the game to children, Active Schools is running a series of training sessions this month. Eighty three teachers are being trained in three four-hour sessions. Active Schools Co-ordinators continue supporting staff once they begin delivering in their schools.
“The response from schools and teachers has been really good,” said Mrs Cherrie. “With support from Active Schools Co-ordinators, staff find clubgolf relatively easy to deliver.
“With the equipment and the lesson plans, it’s a readymade off the shelf activity that can be used in our schools, during curriculum time, circle time, after school and in holiday programmes.”
“Our Active Schools Co-ordinators will make sure the schools are fully supported and the children get a good experience from it.”
With higher numbers of children being introduced to the schools game more clubs and volunteer coaches will be needed to ensure they can progress.
Haggs Castle is the first private club in Glasgow to see the potential of signing up to clubgolf and will be organising training for its volunteer coaches this spring. The volunteers will link with their local schools to provide a pathway for the children to progress into junior and eventually senior golf.
Rob Eyton-Jones
clubgolf Media Manager
Official clubgolf website: http://www.clubgolfscotland.com/
Wednesday 10 March 2010
Alex Salmond's major announcement about £2million boost for Scottish amateur golf
First Minister Alex Salmond with a group including SLGA chairman Shona Malcolm, British Women's Open champion Catriona Matthew and Douglas Connon, chairman of the Scottish Golf Union Board, at North Berwick today when a major announcement about additional funding for Scottish amateur golf, particularly those who are turning professional., was made.
READ THE FULL STORY BY LOGGING ON TO Scottish Golf View
Monday 8 March 2010
Quality field building up for the 'Helen Holm'
This year's Helen Holm Scottish women's open amateur stroke-play championship is shaping to be one of the best - if the quality of the entries so far is any guide.
They include so far the 2009 champions of Scotland (Megan Briggs), England (Charlie Douglass) and Wales (Tara Davies).
The fact that the LGU selectors will be at the tournament and will be meeting on the evening of Sunday, April 25 to choose the Great Britain & Ireland team of eight for the Curtis Cup match at Essex County Club, Massachusetts in June could have something to do with it.
But the tournament is also pulling them in from places as far away as Russia.
Two rounds will be played over Troon Portland on Friday and Saturday, April 23 & 24 after which there will be a cut and the qualifiers (leading 66 players and ties) will play the final 18 holes over Royal Troon on the Sunday.
Entries close at noon on Monday, March 22. Handicap limit is 5.4.
Entry forms can be downloaded from the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association website: www.slga.co.uk.
THE FIELD SO FAR
(from the SLGA website)
1 Lucie Andre Mionnay France +2.7
2 Lesley Atkins Minto Scotland 2.8
3 Amy Boulden Maesdu Wales 0.4
4 Eilidh Briggs Kilmacolm Scotland 1.0
5 Megan Briggs Kilmacolm Scotland 0.3
6 Emma Brown Malton & Norton England +3.1
7 Ciara Butler Newlands Ireland 1.8
8 Holly Clyburn Woodhall Spa England +2
9 Charlotte Dalton Ladbrook Park England 0.9
10 Tara Davies Holyhead Wales 0.5
11 Charlie Douglass Brocket Hall England 0.8
12 Charlotte Ellis Minchinhampton England +1.6
13 Stephanie Evans Vale of Llangollen Wales 0.1
14 Bethany Garton Royal Lytham & St Annes England 2.1
15 Hannah Grant Enmore Park England 0.3
16 Becky Harries Haverfordwest Wales +0.2
17 Rachel Jennings Izaak Walton England +2.6
18 Louise Kenney Pitreavie Scotland +1.6
19 Samantha Leslie Westhill Scotland 2.5
20 Emelie Lundstrom Mosjo Sweden +1
21 Kelsey MacDonald Nairn Dunbar Scotland +1.9
22 Stephanie McEvoy Old Fold Manor England 3.2
23 Alyson McKechin Elderslie Scotland 2.8
24 Gillian Monteith Portpatrick Dunskey Scotland 0.0
25 Laura Murray Alford Scotland +1.2
26 Elizaveta Nikulina Moscow City Russia 3.4
27 Pamela Pretswell Bothwell Castle Scotland +2.7
28 Ann B Ramsay Kirriemuir Scotland 0.4
29 Emma Sheffield Newark England 0.6
30 Ailsa Summers Carnoustie Ladies Scotland 3.0
31 Lauren Taylor Woburn England +2.1
32 Rachael Taylor Hartl Golf Resort Germany 2.4
33 Jess Wilcox Blankney England 0.4
Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the report
They include so far the 2009 champions of Scotland (Megan Briggs), England (Charlie Douglass) and Wales (Tara Davies).
The fact that the LGU selectors will be at the tournament and will be meeting on the evening of Sunday, April 25 to choose the Great Britain & Ireland team of eight for the Curtis Cup match at Essex County Club, Massachusetts in June could have something to do with it.
But the tournament is also pulling them in from places as far away as Russia.
Two rounds will be played over Troon Portland on Friday and Saturday, April 23 & 24 after which there will be a cut and the qualifiers (leading 66 players and ties) will play the final 18 holes over Royal Troon on the Sunday.
Entries close at noon on Monday, March 22. Handicap limit is 5.4.
Entry forms can be downloaded from the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association website: www.slga.co.uk.
THE FIELD SO FAR
(from the SLGA website)
1 Lucie Andre Mionnay France +2.7
2 Lesley Atkins Minto Scotland 2.8
3 Amy Boulden Maesdu Wales 0.4
4 Eilidh Briggs Kilmacolm Scotland 1.0
5 Megan Briggs Kilmacolm Scotland 0.3
6 Emma Brown Malton & Norton England +3.1
7 Ciara Butler Newlands Ireland 1.8
8 Holly Clyburn Woodhall Spa England +2
9 Charlotte Dalton Ladbrook Park England 0.9
10 Tara Davies Holyhead Wales 0.5
11 Charlie Douglass Brocket Hall England 0.8
12 Charlotte Ellis Minchinhampton England +1.6
13 Stephanie Evans Vale of Llangollen Wales 0.1
14 Bethany Garton Royal Lytham & St Annes England 2.1
15 Hannah Grant Enmore Park England 0.3
16 Becky Harries Haverfordwest Wales +0.2
17 Rachel Jennings Izaak Walton England +2.6
18 Louise Kenney Pitreavie Scotland +1.6
19 Samantha Leslie Westhill Scotland 2.5
20 Emelie Lundstrom Mosjo Sweden +1
21 Kelsey MacDonald Nairn Dunbar Scotland +1.9
22 Stephanie McEvoy Old Fold Manor England 3.2
23 Alyson McKechin Elderslie Scotland 2.8
24 Gillian Monteith Portpatrick Dunskey Scotland 0.0
25 Laura Murray Alford Scotland +1.2
26 Elizaveta Nikulina Moscow City Russia 3.4
27 Pamela Pretswell Bothwell Castle Scotland +2.7
28 Ann B Ramsay Kirriemuir Scotland 0.4
29 Emma Sheffield Newark England 0.6
30 Ailsa Summers Carnoustie Ladies Scotland 3.0
31 Lauren Taylor Woburn England +2.1
32 Rachael Taylor Hartl Golf Resort Germany 2.4
33 Jess Wilcox Blankney England 0.4
Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the report
SLGA name teams for Stroke-Play tournaments
NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE SCOTTISH LADIES GOLFING ASSOCIATION
The SLGA is pleased to announce the following teams to represent Scotland:
SLGA Under 16 Open Stroke Play Championship, Strathmore Golf Centre, April 8-9:
Team 1: Lesley Atkins (Minto), Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies), Clara Young (North Berwick).
Team 2: Connie Jaffray (West Kilbride), Tara Mactaggart (Minto), Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies).
Reserves: 1 Linsey Stevenson (Elie & Earlsferry Ladies and Whitecraigs), 2 Lauren Whyte (St Regulus)
Helen Holm Scottish Open Stroke Play Championship, Troon, April 23-25:
Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle).
Reserves: 1 Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), 2 Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm)
Welsh Ladies' Open Amateur 54 Hole Stroke Play Championship, Southerndown Golf Club, May 1-2:
Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Laura Murray (Alford), Jane Turner (Craigielaw).
Travelling reserve: Rachael Watton (Mortonhall)
Irish Ladies' Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship, Newlands Golf Club, June 5-6:
Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm), Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Jane Turner (Craigielaw).
Travelling reserve: Laura Murray (Alford).
Reserve: Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar)
The SLGA is pleased to announce the following teams to represent Scotland:
SLGA Under 16 Open Stroke Play Championship, Strathmore Golf Centre, April 8-9:
Team 1: Lesley Atkins (Minto), Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies), Clara Young (North Berwick).
Team 2: Connie Jaffray (West Kilbride), Tara Mactaggart (Minto), Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies).
Reserves: 1 Linsey Stevenson (Elie & Earlsferry Ladies and Whitecraigs), 2 Lauren Whyte (St Regulus)
Helen Holm Scottish Open Stroke Play Championship, Troon, April 23-25:
Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle).
Reserves: 1 Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), 2 Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm)
Welsh Ladies' Open Amateur 54 Hole Stroke Play Championship, Southerndown Golf Club, May 1-2:
Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Laura Murray (Alford), Jane Turner (Craigielaw).
Travelling reserve: Rachael Watton (Mortonhall)
Irish Ladies' Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship, Newlands Golf Club, June 5-6:
Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm), Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Jane Turner (Craigielaw).
Travelling reserve: Laura Murray (Alford).
Reserve: Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar)
Friday 5 March 2010
West Vets -- Helen Faulds and Alex Glennie are selected for Scotltish Vets to play the Irish Vets
West Vets Captain Helen Faulds (Douglas Park) and Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) have both been selected to play for the Scottish Vets Team against an Irish select next month over Portmarnock Links.
To read the full team selection go to the West Vets Website
To read the full team selection go to the West Vets Website
Wednesday 3 March 2010
Renfrewshire County Centenary Book is launched
Carol Fell with the RLCGA Centenary Book - click to enlargeA coffee morning was held at Haggs Castle Golf Club to launch the Renfrewshire Ladies County Golf Association Centenary Book.
The first 100 pages of the book covers the 1st 100 years of County Golf in Renfrewshire and the second 100 pages covers all the events in last year's County Centenary Year both in Renfrewshire and around Scotland. There are over 400 photographs in the book which was Self Published by your webmaster Carol Fell
To read all about the morning's event go to the RLCGA Website
Monday 1 March 2010
Under 16 and Matchplay Foursomes Closing Dates
There is only one week left to get your entries in for the first major event on the Scottish Ladies’ 2010 calendar. The closing date for the Scottish Open Under 16’s is 12 noon on Monday 8th March.
Monday 8th March is also the closing date for the Scottish Matchplay Foursomes. Entry forms for this were sent out to the Handicap secretaries in the February Handicap mailing.
You can now find more information about the Under 16's Championship, including; venue details, entries received, and the card of the course on 'Championships' menu by on the SLCGA Website by CLICKING HERE
Draws and results will also appear here when available and information on the other Championships will be added in the coming weeks.
Monday 8th March is also the closing date for the Scottish Matchplay Foursomes. Entry forms for this were sent out to the Handicap secretaries in the February Handicap mailing.
You can now find more information about the Under 16's Championship, including; venue details, entries received, and the card of the course on 'Championships' menu by on the SLCGA Website by CLICKING HERE
Draws and results will also appear here when available and information on the other Championships will be added in the coming weeks.
Sunday 28 February 2010
Ladies Dinner and Social Evening at Douglas Park
The new Douglas Park Ladies Captain Ann O'Connell had a very successful dinner and Social Evening on Friday 19th February. Nevin McGhee was the speaker and singer. Eileen Hunter was the wonderful accompanist. The evening was geared around the title "This Genteel Abode"
Click on the pictures above to see an enlarged slideshow
New OnLine Issue of Scottish Club Golfer is available
Please visit this link to see the latest issue of Scottish Club Golfer online. Remember you can also read the latest golf news at http://www.scottishclubgolfer.com/ |
2010 LGU YEARBOOK
The start of season LGU mailing will be leaving St Andrews next week and will include your club's complimentary copy of the 2010 LGU Yearbook.
The yearbook contains results, future championship information and regulations. New for 2010, the book will contain a list of all clubs, and their names and addresses. Should you require your own personal copy, you may order one using the LGU SHOP.
You may wish to view an electronic preview online using the link below but note the list of golf clubs is not visible online.
2010 LGU ELECTRONIC ONLINE BOOK
The yearbook contains results, future championship information and regulations. New for 2010, the book will contain a list of all clubs, and their names and addresses. Should you require your own personal copy, you may order one using the LGU SHOP.
You may wish to view an electronic preview online using the link below but note the list of golf clubs is not visible online.
2010 LGU ELECTRONIC ONLINE BOOK
Saturday 27 February 2010
Training Sessions at Mearns Castle Golf Academy
If you haven't already heard . . . . . . FREE golf lessons and training are available for anyone of any age, with a serious health problem or disability, at the Mearns Castle Golf Academy on Saturday 10th April from 10:00am.
Anyone interested, whether they have played before or not, should return the attached form as soon as possible. Click on the following --- Scottish Disability Golf
Saturday 20 February 2010
February Medal -- Troon Portland
February Medal (SSS 73, CSS 74)Played 5th February
Silver:
Julie Will (19)75
Morven English (15) [acb] 76
Fiona Roger (14) 76
Bronze:
Julia Tulloch (24)74
Fiona Abbott (21)78
Silver:
Julie Will (19)75
Morven English (15) [acb] 76
Fiona Roger (14) 76
Bronze:
Julia Tulloch (24)74
Fiona Abbott (21)78
2010 Team Captains --- News Release Issued from the SLGA
Lesley Nicholson is hoping to make it third time lucky when she captains Scotland at the Women’s Home Internationals at Whitchurch, Cardiff in September.
Scotland finished third when Nicholson was a rookie captain at the Home Internationals in 2008 and, last year, the side narrowly lost out to Wales in a final day showdown for the title at Irvine Golf Club.
This year, Nicholson, a former Ladies’ European Tour professional, has also been appointed captain for the European Women's Team Championship at La Manga, in Spain in July.
The Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association has named the full list of Captains for the 2010 season and the Baberton pair of Karen Marshall and Pamela Williamson have also been handed double roles.
Marshall has been named captain of the Scottish team for both the girls’ home internationals (Bangor, Northern Ireland in August) and the Girls’ European Championship (Aalborg, Denmark, in July), while Pamela is in charge for September’s European Senior Team Championship (Berlin) and the senior home internationals (Sheringham).
Elaine Cuthill (Lanark) has been appointed captain of the Scottish side for the SLGA Under-16 championship, a tournament that marks the start of the domestic season at Strathmore in April.
Nicholson is looking forward to the challenges ahead. “We came very, very close to lifting the trophy at the Home Internationals last year and I think we have a great chance to do well in all competitions this year,” she said.
“We have lost Kylie Walker and Carly Booth to the professional ranks, but there are so many new players coming through. There is a lot of golf to be played before the teams are picked and the SLGA coach, Kevin Craggs, makes sure everyone is extremely focused.
The amateur side of the game has come on by leaps and bounds in Scotland in recent years and this is going to be a very exciting year.”
Scotland finished third when Nicholson was a rookie captain at the Home Internationals in 2008 and, last year, the side narrowly lost out to Wales in a final day showdown for the title at Irvine Golf Club.
This year, Nicholson, a former Ladies’ European Tour professional, has also been appointed captain for the European Women's Team Championship at La Manga, in Spain in July.
The Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association has named the full list of Captains for the 2010 season and the Baberton pair of Karen Marshall and Pamela Williamson have also been handed double roles.
Marshall has been named captain of the Scottish team for both the girls’ home internationals (Bangor, Northern Ireland in August) and the Girls’ European Championship (Aalborg, Denmark, in July), while Pamela is in charge for September’s European Senior Team Championship (Berlin) and the senior home internationals (Sheringham).
Elaine Cuthill (Lanark) has been appointed captain of the Scottish side for the SLGA Under-16 championship, a tournament that marks the start of the domestic season at Strathmore in April.
Nicholson is looking forward to the challenges ahead. “We came very, very close to lifting the trophy at the Home Internationals last year and I think we have a great chance to do well in all competitions this year,” she said.
“We have lost Kylie Walker and Carly Booth to the professional ranks, but there are so many new players coming through. There is a lot of golf to be played before the teams are picked and the SLGA coach, Kevin Craggs, makes sure everyone is extremely focused.
The amateur side of the game has come on by leaps and bounds in Scotland in recent years and this is going to be a very exciting year.”
Thursday 18 February 2010
Scottish Golf Show receives backing boost
With just under six weeks until this year's Scottish Golf Show gets underway, the three-day golf bonanza has received a major boost after securing the backing of both of Scottish golf's main governing bodies.
The Scottish Golf Union (SGU) and the Scottish Region of the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) have both confirmed their support of the annual golf season curtain-raiser.
The backing of both organisations is a major boost for the 2010 Scottish Golf Show as it prepares to take place from March 26-28 at the SECC in Glasgow.
Show organiser Tom Lovering welcomed the support and said: "The Scottish Golf Union and the Scottish Region of the Professional Golfers' Association do a fantastic job representing the amateur and professional realms of the game in Scotland. Therefore, we are hugely grateful to be offered their support, which I believe further underlines the high regard in which the Scottish Golf Show, now in its fifth year, is held.
"Their backing reinforces the strong belief held by all of us involved with the Scottish Golf Show that this year's event is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet and I would reiterate my call to all of those interested in attending to book their tickets now via our website, www.scottishgolfshow.com, in order to book their place at the show and take advantage of a superb ticket offer."
More Golf Show Latest News
Your chance to become a trick-shot king!
Fancy learning how to pull off some amazing trick shots? Then be sure to come along to this year's Scottish Golf Show, where trick-shot maestro Dave Edwards will be demonstrating the secrets behind some of the most popular shots in his repertoire.
Dave, whose incredible shows have left audiences dazzled at each of the previous four Scottish Golf Shows, will again be performing his incredible routine on all three days this year. However, as well as doing that, he'll be teaching some his tricks to show customers. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn some jaw-dropping new golf skills!
Children welcome at Scottish Golf Show
Don't forget, children are welcome at the Scottish Golf Show, too. All under-5s go free and there are reduced tickets available both for five to 15-year-olds and families when you book in advance. But that's not all: there will also be opportunities for kids to try out golf equipment, too! Jaxx Golf will have four bays reserved solely for the use of young golfers, who can test the company's latest clubs. On top of that, there will be 'junior only' areas at both the Explanar stand and the PGA teaching nets, too!
More details available at http://www.scottishgolfshow.com/
Golf Show Key Dates SECC Glasgow Friday, March 26th
9.30 am - 6.00pm Saturday, March 27th
9.30am - 5.30 pm Sunday, March 28th
9.30 am - 5.00 pm Special Advanced
Golf Show Ticket Offer Receive these FREE gifts for EVERY golf show ticket purchased in advanced. One FREE weekly passes to the Johnnie Walker Championship and Scottish Seniors Open.
Also a FREE bunkered Saltire driver headcover Click to find out more
Full List of Advanced
Ticket Prices Under 5's free Juniors (5-15 yrs) £8 Concession £8 Adult £10 Family Tickets £25 Family tickets: 2 adults, 2 children; Concession: students, OAPs & disabled Order Tickets Now Show sponsors and media
The Scottish Golf Union (SGU) and the Scottish Region of the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) have both confirmed their support of the annual golf season curtain-raiser.
The backing of both organisations is a major boost for the 2010 Scottish Golf Show as it prepares to take place from March 26-28 at the SECC in Glasgow.
Show organiser Tom Lovering welcomed the support and said: "The Scottish Golf Union and the Scottish Region of the Professional Golfers' Association do a fantastic job representing the amateur and professional realms of the game in Scotland. Therefore, we are hugely grateful to be offered their support, which I believe further underlines the high regard in which the Scottish Golf Show, now in its fifth year, is held.
"Their backing reinforces the strong belief held by all of us involved with the Scottish Golf Show that this year's event is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet and I would reiterate my call to all of those interested in attending to book their tickets now via our website, www.scottishgolfshow.com, in order to book their place at the show and take advantage of a superb ticket offer."
More Golf Show Latest News
Your chance to become a trick-shot king!
Fancy learning how to pull off some amazing trick shots? Then be sure to come along to this year's Scottish Golf Show, where trick-shot maestro Dave Edwards will be demonstrating the secrets behind some of the most popular shots in his repertoire.
Dave, whose incredible shows have left audiences dazzled at each of the previous four Scottish Golf Shows, will again be performing his incredible routine on all three days this year. However, as well as doing that, he'll be teaching some his tricks to show customers. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn some jaw-dropping new golf skills!
Children welcome at Scottish Golf Show
Don't forget, children are welcome at the Scottish Golf Show, too. All under-5s go free and there are reduced tickets available both for five to 15-year-olds and families when you book in advance. But that's not all: there will also be opportunities for kids to try out golf equipment, too! Jaxx Golf will have four bays reserved solely for the use of young golfers, who can test the company's latest clubs. On top of that, there will be 'junior only' areas at both the Explanar stand and the PGA teaching nets, too!
More details available at http://www.scottishgolfshow.com/
Golf Show Key Dates SECC Glasgow Friday, March 26th
9.30 am - 6.00pm Saturday, March 27th
9.30am - 5.30 pm Sunday, March 28th
9.30 am - 5.00 pm Special Advanced
Golf Show Ticket Offer Receive these FREE gifts for EVERY golf show ticket purchased in advanced. One FREE weekly passes to the Johnnie Walker Championship and Scottish Seniors Open.
Also a FREE bunkered Saltire driver headcover Click to find out more
Full List of Advanced
Ticket Prices Under 5's free Juniors (5-15 yrs) £8 Concession £8 Adult £10 Family Tickets £25 Family tickets: 2 adults, 2 children; Concession: students, OAPs & disabled Order Tickets Now Show sponsors and media
Wednesday 17 February 2010
SLGA SQUAD TRAINING IN SPAIN
From the SLGA Website
National Squad players West of Scotland players Megan Briggs, Eilidh Briggs and Alyson McKechin plus Gillian Monteith, Laura Murray, Gabrielle Macdonald, Kelsey Macdonald, Jane Turner, Rachael Watton and Rebecca Wilson have just returned from Desert Springs, Spain after attending a Warm weather training camp. The squad were fortunate to be accompanied by the Ricoh Women’s British Open winner, Catriona Matthew, who played and trained as part of the squad. This provided an excellent opportunity for our young players to gain from her experience. Catriona gave the girls great encouragement. The girls were extremely excited about Catriona travelling with them, something they will never forget.
Also, travelling with the squad were SLGA National Coach, Kevin Craggs, sportscotland Institute of Sport physiotherapist, Karen Young and SLGA Performance Director,Beth Paterson.
Desert Springs gave the players a chance to train in good conditions in preparation for the forthcoming season. The Golf Union of Wales was in Desert Springs at the same time and this gave the squad a chance to play a competitive match, which the Welsh won. The Welsh team had Walker Cup Captain and four times Walker Cup player, Nigel Edwards playing for them.
We are very grateful to our funding partners; the R & A and sportscotland who helped to fund this trip.
Saturday 13 February 2010
Clubgolf Vacancy in the West of Scotland
A vacancy has arisen for a clubgolf Regional Manager in the West of Scotland. To see the advertisement click here.
Thursday 11 February 2010
Brand New Scottish Golf Show Website 2010
|
Sunday 7 February 2010
NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY LGU
Ladies Golf Union launch new logo
Following the Annual General Meeting in Cardiff at the end of last month which resulted in the modernisation of the LGU’s operations and structure, a new corporate branding has been launched, with a simple logo aimed at projecting a fresh, modern identity while celebrating the organisation’s 117 years of tradition and history.
The new logo, reminiscent of the famous railway posters so familiar to golf fans, will be introduced at the LGU’s championships and matches throughout the season.
Shona Malcolm, CEO of the Ladies Golf Union, explained:
"The old logo has served the LGU well for the last ten years, but modern marketing and promotional activities demand a clean, visual logo with impact, which must be easy to read and readily identifiable. The new logo was developed with these objectives in mind.
"Early feedback on the change has been good, and in the promotional material which is being drafted, it is clear that the new LGU logo will stand out both on and off the golf course."
Friday 5 February 2010
SLGA Handicap Mailing to all Clubs
The 2010 Handicap Mailing addressed to Ladies Handicap Secretaries at clubs was posted on Thursday 4 February. It contains: - The 2010 Handicap Pack which includes the list of qualifying competitions for 2010 - A CONGU Manual - An order form for additional CONGU Manuals - An application form for a 9 hole course SSS - The entry form for the Scottish Match Play Foursomes
Thursday 4 February 2010
Tuesday 2 February 2010
SLGA Tournament Entry Forms
Entry forms for the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association's tournaments in 2010 are now available on the SLGA website.
Sunday 31 January 2010
Pamela Pretswell feels a "Little Rusty" due to poor weather and examinations
The 80th Portuguese women's open amateur championship, ended at Amendoeira Golf Resort on the Algarve today and Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle) , who was playing in her first competition since last September's Home Internationals, was bang in contention with a sub-par opening round of 71 and then gradually slipped down the field. She had been unable to produce consistent good golf because she was simply too rusty. Subsequent rounds of 74, 77 and 74 gave her a total of eight-over-par 296.
She admitted before she left for Portugal that a combination of studies for exams at Glasgow University and the severity of the Scottish winter which closed most courses for a long spell, had raised her enthusiasm for a game of golf but left her desperately short of match-practice.
Anna Arrese from Spain was the winner on a total of 283
She admitted before she left for Portugal that a combination of studies for exams at Glasgow University and the severity of the Scottish winter which closed most courses for a long spell, had raised her enthusiasm for a game of golf but left her desperately short of match-practice.
Anna Arrese from Spain was the winner on a total of 283
Friday 29 January 2010
SLGA Championships - Changes in 2010
FROM THE SLGA WEBSITE
The SLGA has announced the following changes to its 2010 Championships:
Girls’ (Close) Championship
The 36-hole qualifying stroke play for the Scottish Girls’ (Close) Championship at Eyemouth Golf Club will now be held over two days (July 13 & 14) with the final of the match play stages on the morning of Saturday, July 17.
Junior Open Stroke Play Championship
This 54-hole championship at Dunfermline Golf Club will now be played over three days from July 21-23.
Scottish Match Play Foursomes
The conditions for this competition have been revised with the handicap limit for the team dropped. Each club may enter a team of 2 or 3 players with individual handicaps of 35 or less.
SLGA Medal Regional Finals
The winners of the SLGA Silver and Bronze Medals at each club will be eligible to play in a Regional Final of their choice. Entries will be limited to 60 silver and 60 bronze players at each venue and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Entry forms will be sent to clubs with the annual mailing and the closing date for all the Regional Finals is Monday, April 26. In the event of a venue being oversubscribed players will be allocated their second choice.
Two silver and two bronze players from each of the six venues will qualify for the Grand Final at Crieff on Sunday, September 5.
Commenting on these changes, Fiona Cowan, Championship Director of the SLGA, said:
“These changes have been made in response to feedback from players. We believe that they will enhance the quality of our events and result in increased participation”
Full conditions for all SLGA Championships and other competitions are contained in the SLGA handbook. Entry forms will be available on the SLGA website from the beginning of February.
The SLGA has announced the following changes to its 2010 Championships:
Girls’ (Close) Championship
The 36-hole qualifying stroke play for the Scottish Girls’ (Close) Championship at Eyemouth Golf Club will now be held over two days (July 13 & 14) with the final of the match play stages on the morning of Saturday, July 17.
Junior Open Stroke Play Championship
This 54-hole championship at Dunfermline Golf Club will now be played over three days from July 21-23.
Scottish Match Play Foursomes
The conditions for this competition have been revised with the handicap limit for the team dropped. Each club may enter a team of 2 or 3 players with individual handicaps of 35 or less.
SLGA Medal Regional Finals
The winners of the SLGA Silver and Bronze Medals at each club will be eligible to play in a Regional Final of their choice. Entries will be limited to 60 silver and 60 bronze players at each venue and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Entry forms will be sent to clubs with the annual mailing and the closing date for all the Regional Finals is Monday, April 26. In the event of a venue being oversubscribed players will be allocated their second choice.
Two silver and two bronze players from each of the six venues will qualify for the Grand Final at Crieff on Sunday, September 5.
Commenting on these changes, Fiona Cowan, Championship Director of the SLGA, said:
“These changes have been made in response to feedback from players. We believe that they will enhance the quality of our events and result in increased participation”
Full conditions for all SLGA Championships and other competitions are contained in the SLGA handbook. Entry forms will be available on the SLGA website from the beginning of February.
Thursday 28 January 2010
Pamela does well in the 1st Round of the Portuguese Open Amateur Championship
West of Scotland's Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle) almost made it to the top of the class in today's first round of the Portuguese Womens' Open Amateur Golf Championship over the Oceanico O'Connor Jun course at the Amendoeira course on the Algarve.
Pamela had birdies at the par-4 second and two short holes on the home stretch, the 13th and 17th in halves of 36 and 35. Her round of 71 was in 2nd place behind Holly Clyburn (England)
Pamela had birdies at the par-4 second and two short holes on the home stretch, the 13th and 17th in halves of 36 and 35. Her round of 71 was in 2nd place behind Holly Clyburn (England)
Tuesday 26 January 2010
SLGA and SGU aim to amalgamate by end of 2011
NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE SCOTTISH GOLF UNION
Following Sunday’s (January 24) Scottish Golf Union annual general meeting, the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association and the Scottish Golf Union confirmed that they were formally considering an amalgamation, having been working increasingly closely together over recent years.
The men’s and ladies’ amateur golf governing bodies in Scotland already have a shared strategy, joint committees and shared staff in the form of Performance and Development Managers, as well as being partners on the national junior programme, clubgolf.
There is also a reciprocal arrangement whereby the respective Chairmen of the SLGA and SGU attend the Board meetings of each organisation. Given the increased level of co-operation, both Boards have agreed that amalgamation is the next logical step and jointly they have appointed Donald Turner as independent chair to lead a new working group.
Turner will oversee the consideration of all measures necessary to achieve amalgamation and will make recommendations to the respective organisations.Turner has a strong business and golf background, having been on the UK National Executive with accountants Ernst & Young and is the current captain of Shiskine Golf and Tennis Club on the Isle of Arran.
SGU Chairman, Douglas Connon, speaking at the AGM, said:“We are delighted that someone of Donald Turner’s skills and experience will assist us in this important process and are committed to ensuring we manage what is a significant proposed change as smoothly as possible.”
Connon’s counterpart at the SLGA, Shona Malcolm added:
“There has been invaluable progress in Scottish golf as a result of the two governing bodies working more closely together and it is now sensible to formalise this by amalgamating. This will undoubtedly bring even more benefits to Scottish golf and our member clubs.”
The new working group will be established over the next few weeks and consultation meetings will take place throughout the year with the aim of agreeing the necessary changes to achieve amalgamation by the end of 2011.
Following Sunday’s (January 24) Scottish Golf Union annual general meeting, the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association and the Scottish Golf Union confirmed that they were formally considering an amalgamation, having been working increasingly closely together over recent years.
The men’s and ladies’ amateur golf governing bodies in Scotland already have a shared strategy, joint committees and shared staff in the form of Performance and Development Managers, as well as being partners on the national junior programme, clubgolf.
There is also a reciprocal arrangement whereby the respective Chairmen of the SLGA and SGU attend the Board meetings of each organisation. Given the increased level of co-operation, both Boards have agreed that amalgamation is the next logical step and jointly they have appointed Donald Turner as independent chair to lead a new working group.
Turner will oversee the consideration of all measures necessary to achieve amalgamation and will make recommendations to the respective organisations.Turner has a strong business and golf background, having been on the UK National Executive with accountants Ernst & Young and is the current captain of Shiskine Golf and Tennis Club on the Isle of Arran.
SGU Chairman, Douglas Connon, speaking at the AGM, said:“We are delighted that someone of Donald Turner’s skills and experience will assist us in this important process and are committed to ensuring we manage what is a significant proposed change as smoothly as possible.”
Connon’s counterpart at the SLGA, Shona Malcolm added:
“There has been invaluable progress in Scottish golf as a result of the two governing bodies working more closely together and it is now sensible to formalise this by amalgamating. This will undoubtedly bring even more benefits to Scottish golf and our member clubs.”
The new working group will be established over the next few weeks and consultation meetings will take place throughout the year with the aim of agreeing the necessary changes to achieve amalgamation by the end of 2011.
Thursday 21 January 2010
Lauren Mackin is beaten by fellow Scot Jane Turner
Aberdeen's Robert Gordon University student Jane Turner (Craigielaw) beat fellow Scot Lauren Mackin (Ranfurly Castle) in Doherty-Jones Challenge Cup women's amateur match-play tournament, the third event on the Orange Blossom Tour, at Coral Ridge Country Club, Fort Lauderdale.
Lauren who now lives in Majorca was beaten by 5 and 4. To read the full report go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website
Lauren who now lives in Majorca was beaten by 5 and 4. To read the full report go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website
Wednesday 20 January 2010
Lauren Mackin meets Jane Turner in Florida in the last 16
Jane Turner (Craigielaw) now plays Majorca-based Scot Lauren Mackin (Ranfurly Castle) who was the leading European and fifth qualifier at Coral Ridge Country Club, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
This is the third event on Florida's Orange Blossom women's amateur tour.
To read the full results and report go to the
Gillian Kirkwood Website
This is the third event on Florida's Orange Blossom women's amateur tour.
To read the full results and report go to the
Gillian Kirkwood Website
Not enough clubs taking positive action to retain young players ... and attract new ones
FROM THE HERALD WEBSITE
By Douglas Lowe
The worm is turning, and what encourages Andy Salmon, development manager for both the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association, is the way a steady trickle of clubs are taking positive action to retain young players and attract new ones.
But he warns it is not happening quickly enough.
It is a familiar lament that clubs lose most of their juniors as soon as they turn 18. Much of that is to do with leaving the area for education or employment reasons, but there is also a significant cost factor that is behind what is believed to be a widespread dearth of club members in the 18-to-30 age-group.
It is not that these players do not exist. They are known to be out there, but, in what has become known as the nomadic way, they prefer to pay green fees to the huge outlay of joining fees and annual subscriptions.
“A lot of clubs see young players leave because of the jump in fees from a very low cost to full membership which can be five or six times what the junior membership was,” noted Salmon, “and as a result many clubs have introduced a stepped pricing structure up to age 30 such as at Old Ranfurly and West Kilbride.”
Effectively, this is a way of subsidising young players and that is turning the old culture on its head. It used to be that younger players were expected to keep annual subscriptions down for senior members but current demography and demand has shown such practices to be flawed.
“We have never said older golfers are bad or the enemy even though a lot of people perceived it that way last year,” assured Salmon. “We want to hang on to the older golfers but supplement them with this younger generation.”
The Single Equality Bill, currently going through parliament and due to come into force this year, moreover, might push clubs’ membership policies further down the line by insisting on equal rights and making it possible to offer discounts only to minorities such as the 18-to-30 group.
“We will be publishing detailed advice around that in the next few weeks and it will absolutely have implications for clubs in terms of how they treat men and women in a mixed club. There are also requirements around age discrimination and we will be advising clubs on whether it will still be permissible to offer discounted memberships for, say, over-65s,” he said.
In the meantime, the drive for members continues and reciprocal arrangements with other clubs are becoming a common way of adding value to memberships. In addition, the SGU’s golf card scheme, offering half-price green fees to golf club members, is now operating at 120 clubs.
Yet there are still strong signs of apathy and a sense of anxiety that the sleeping giant needs to be woken up before it is too late.
Of 580 Scottish clubs, only 127 responded to a survey relating to last year’s Golf Awareness Week – a project that will be repeated this year just after the Masters – and just 173 were represented at a series of roadshows in November and December.
Over the last five years, memberships are down by more than 10,000, and that is costing dearly the governing bodies who are in the process of raising annual per-capita levies, the SGU from £7.20 to £10 over a period of three years, and the SLGA from £13 to £14.
“There are some great examples of clubs generating between 40 and 120 new members on the back of a specific action like radio advertising, a joining fee offer, an open day and these kind of things,” said Salmon.
“We are greatly encouraged by that and we don’t want to paint a negative picture. I think things are heading in the right direction but more clubs could sit up and take a look.
“I believe clubs need three things. First, they need a strong leadership, and by that I mean a good secretary/manager to prioritise expenditure. Second, the golf course has to be right, and third, there has to be a marketing policy.
“All too often marketing – and the golf course as well to a lesser extent – are the first areas clubs look at in making savings. I don’t think that necessarily is the right thing. One or two clubs are even wondering whether the secretary/manager is someone they can do without. I would suggest that is not the way to go.”
A survey of 50 golfers who joined a club last year showed that the quality of the course was the top priority followed by a welcoming environment and then the cost, particularly joining fees which put off many people. A key argument for keeping them is to prevent golfers changing clubs every year at a whim, but it is a controversial device.
“I don’t buy the notion that you charge a joining fee to trap members to a golf club,” said Salmon.
“Marketing people will tell you that you trap people in a golf club by giving them value for money and one of the recent changes we have seen is the emergence of a customer service ethic.
“If you are in Glasgow, where all the clubs are full and charging a £1000 joining fee, then you would be daft not to charge one at your club. It is about doing what is right in your local marketplace and what is right for your business objectives, but I do think there is a trend away from joining fees.
“On the whole, I don’t think clubs are changing quickly enough, but it is not our position to be telling clubs what they should be doing and when they should be doing it. There is definitely a culture of positive change going on, but is it happening at all 580 clubs in Scotland? No, it is definitely not.
“I would like to think that in five years’ time we will be in a great place. There will be much more marketing, clubs will be more business-like and also by then we hope the economy will be in great shape. I am very optimistic.”
Official figures for Scottish golf club members over last five years
Men 187,769 (down 4.23%)
Women 35,388 (down 9.89%)
Boys 25,047 (down 5.98%)
Girls 2,964 (up 3.63%)
Notes: Early returns for current figures show a further 0.89% fall and are feared to drop further. Adult figures are inflated by an unknown number who are members of more than one club and junior numbers are estimated from figures provided voluntarily by around half of clubs
Top five reasons for new members joining clubs last year
70% - I like the course
36% - I was made to feel welcome
30% - No joining fee deal
26% - Annual fees more affordable than others
22% - Monthly payment plan available
GIVE US YOUR VIEWS
Are the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association doing enough to rescue our clubs?
Is the per-capita levy too high or too low?
Is your club committee the best in Scotland or does it have its collective head in the sand?
What is your solution to falling memberships?
Send your views to sportletters@theherald.co.uk
By Douglas Lowe
The worm is turning, and what encourages Andy Salmon, development manager for both the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association, is the way a steady trickle of clubs are taking positive action to retain young players and attract new ones.
But he warns it is not happening quickly enough.
It is a familiar lament that clubs lose most of their juniors as soon as they turn 18. Much of that is to do with leaving the area for education or employment reasons, but there is also a significant cost factor that is behind what is believed to be a widespread dearth of club members in the 18-to-30 age-group.
It is not that these players do not exist. They are known to be out there, but, in what has become known as the nomadic way, they prefer to pay green fees to the huge outlay of joining fees and annual subscriptions.
“A lot of clubs see young players leave because of the jump in fees from a very low cost to full membership which can be five or six times what the junior membership was,” noted Salmon, “and as a result many clubs have introduced a stepped pricing structure up to age 30 such as at Old Ranfurly and West Kilbride.”
Effectively, this is a way of subsidising young players and that is turning the old culture on its head. It used to be that younger players were expected to keep annual subscriptions down for senior members but current demography and demand has shown such practices to be flawed.
“We have never said older golfers are bad or the enemy even though a lot of people perceived it that way last year,” assured Salmon. “We want to hang on to the older golfers but supplement them with this younger generation.”
The Single Equality Bill, currently going through parliament and due to come into force this year, moreover, might push clubs’ membership policies further down the line by insisting on equal rights and making it possible to offer discounts only to minorities such as the 18-to-30 group.
“We will be publishing detailed advice around that in the next few weeks and it will absolutely have implications for clubs in terms of how they treat men and women in a mixed club. There are also requirements around age discrimination and we will be advising clubs on whether it will still be permissible to offer discounted memberships for, say, over-65s,” he said.
In the meantime, the drive for members continues and reciprocal arrangements with other clubs are becoming a common way of adding value to memberships. In addition, the SGU’s golf card scheme, offering half-price green fees to golf club members, is now operating at 120 clubs.
Yet there are still strong signs of apathy and a sense of anxiety that the sleeping giant needs to be woken up before it is too late.
Of 580 Scottish clubs, only 127 responded to a survey relating to last year’s Golf Awareness Week – a project that will be repeated this year just after the Masters – and just 173 were represented at a series of roadshows in November and December.
Over the last five years, memberships are down by more than 10,000, and that is costing dearly the governing bodies who are in the process of raising annual per-capita levies, the SGU from £7.20 to £10 over a period of three years, and the SLGA from £13 to £14.
“There are some great examples of clubs generating between 40 and 120 new members on the back of a specific action like radio advertising, a joining fee offer, an open day and these kind of things,” said Salmon.
“We are greatly encouraged by that and we don’t want to paint a negative picture. I think things are heading in the right direction but more clubs could sit up and take a look.
“I believe clubs need three things. First, they need a strong leadership, and by that I mean a good secretary/manager to prioritise expenditure. Second, the golf course has to be right, and third, there has to be a marketing policy.
“All too often marketing – and the golf course as well to a lesser extent – are the first areas clubs look at in making savings. I don’t think that necessarily is the right thing. One or two clubs are even wondering whether the secretary/manager is someone they can do without. I would suggest that is not the way to go.”
A survey of 50 golfers who joined a club last year showed that the quality of the course was the top priority followed by a welcoming environment and then the cost, particularly joining fees which put off many people. A key argument for keeping them is to prevent golfers changing clubs every year at a whim, but it is a controversial device.
“I don’t buy the notion that you charge a joining fee to trap members to a golf club,” said Salmon.
“Marketing people will tell you that you trap people in a golf club by giving them value for money and one of the recent changes we have seen is the emergence of a customer service ethic.
“If you are in Glasgow, where all the clubs are full and charging a £1000 joining fee, then you would be daft not to charge one at your club. It is about doing what is right in your local marketplace and what is right for your business objectives, but I do think there is a trend away from joining fees.
“On the whole, I don’t think clubs are changing quickly enough, but it is not our position to be telling clubs what they should be doing and when they should be doing it. There is definitely a culture of positive change going on, but is it happening at all 580 clubs in Scotland? No, it is definitely not.
“I would like to think that in five years’ time we will be in a great place. There will be much more marketing, clubs will be more business-like and also by then we hope the economy will be in great shape. I am very optimistic.”
Official figures for Scottish golf club members over last five years
Men 187,769 (down 4.23%)
Women 35,388 (down 9.89%)
Boys 25,047 (down 5.98%)
Girls 2,964 (up 3.63%)
Notes: Early returns for current figures show a further 0.89% fall and are feared to drop further. Adult figures are inflated by an unknown number who are members of more than one club and junior numbers are estimated from figures provided voluntarily by around half of clubs
Top five reasons for new members joining clubs last year
70% - I like the course
36% - I was made to feel welcome
30% - No joining fee deal
26% - Annual fees more affordable than others
22% - Monthly payment plan available
GIVE US YOUR VIEWS
Are the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association doing enough to rescue our clubs?
Is the per-capita levy too high or too low?
Is your club committee the best in Scotland or does it have its collective head in the sand?
What is your solution to falling memberships?
Send your views to sportletters@theherald.co.uk
January Madness at Mearns Castle Golf Academy
|
Monday 18 January 2010
GOLF TIMEBOMB -- What do you think ??
* Do you think seniors pay enough for their golf?
* Is your club doing enough to attract young people?
* Are equal rights a good thing?
* What is your solution to falling memberships?
To read more go to the Scottish Golf View Website
Send your views to sportletters@theherald.co.uk
* Is your club doing enough to attract young people?
* Are equal rights a good thing?
* What is your solution to falling memberships?
To read more go to the Scottish Golf View Website
Send your views to sportletters@theherald.co.uk
SLGA Board members for 2010 -- Know Who they Are
Back Row L to R: Winifred McCallum, Fiona Cowan, Sandy Bushby, Helen Cuthbertson, Janet Wake, Dawn Butchart, Lorna Bennett
Front Row: Lynne Terry, Douglas Connon (SGU Chairman in attendance), Shona Malcolm (SLGA Chairman), Emma Wilson (President), Beth Paterson
CLICK TO ENLARGE
No Golfing Photographs -- but SNOW SNOW SNOW
There has been little golf this winter and your webmaster has no golfing photos to show you. However, here are some wildlife photos from your webmaster's garden and some photos taken by your West of Scotland Greenlees Secretary Fiona Roger taken up in Boat of Garten. --- Give time to load and make sure your sound is turned on.
Also if you go to "FULL SCREEN" then press esc to come out of the full screen mode
Also if you go to "FULL SCREEN" then press esc to come out of the full screen mode
 |
 |
| Make a Smilebox slideshow |
Sunday 17 January 2010
Emma Wilson is the New President of the SLGA
Emma Wilson -- President of the SLGA - Click to enlarge
Past President Ethel Jack, D&A's Anne Byiers and Lanarkshire's Jean Macintyre - Click to enlargeThe Annual General Meeting of Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association Ltd took place on Saturday 16 January 2010 in the Gannochy Suite, Dewars Centre, Perth.
A record turn-out of 168 lady golfers attended this meeting and heard from Chairman Shona Malcolm that 2009 had been a memorable year for Scottish Ladies’ Golf, what with Catriona Matthew’s victory in the Ricoh Women’s British Open, the Senior Home International Team beating all three opponents on its way to a first- time win, and three Scots representing GB&I in the Vagliano Trophy match.
Catriona was elected as a Vice-President of the SLGA, and the Chairman was delighted to advise the meeting that the Open Champion would be demonstrating her support of Scottish ladies’ golf by attending the current squad’s forthcoming warm weather training in Spain.
The new President, former Chairman Emma Wilson, was elected and paid warm tribute to retiring President Ethel Jack, while the meeting also approved the appointment of new Board members Lorna Bennett, Dawn Butchart and Sandy Bushby. Proposals for the restructuring and modernisation of the Ladies’ Golf Union were agreed, and revised Rules and Regulations of the SLGA adopted.(See links below)
Finance Director Lynne Terry reported the concerning trend of falling lady membership numbers in golf clubs, and emphasised the SLGA’s ongoing determined efforts to raise interest and club participation in the ladies’ and girls’ game.
Notice, Agenda and Report of the Board of Directors
Proposed Revised Rules & Regulations
Documents relating to the resolution proposed by the Ladies' Golf Union are also available:
LGU Proposal for Reorganisation
LGU Draft Rules
LGUCL Articles of Association
Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the full report
Lauren Mackin in top 20 in Florida
In the South Atlantic Ladies Amateur stroke-play champonship - at Oceanside Country Club, Ormond Beach in Florida yesterday, Majorca-based Scot, Lauren Mackin, a member at Ranfurly Castle tied for 17th place with Scotland internationalist Louise Kenney (Pitreavie) on 307. Lauren had steady rounds of 79, 75, 75 and 78 and could be a contender for a first Scotland cap if she came back to her home land for the "Helen Holm" in April or the Scottish Ladies'(Close) Championship at Craigielaw in May, with the proviso, of course, that she did as well in either or both events.
To read the full report go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website
To read the full report go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website
Thursday 14 January 2010
Claire Hargan appointed SLGA's - Championship Manager
NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY SCOTTISH LADIES GOLFING ASSOCIATION
Claire Hargan, a former Scottish internationalist, has been appointed the new Championship Manager for the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association and will take up the post on January 18th.
To read more go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website
Claire Hargan, a former Scottish internationalist, has been appointed the new Championship Manager for the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association and will take up the post on January 18th.
To read more go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website
SLGA AGM 2010
The Annual General Meeting of Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association Ltd will take place at 11.00 am on Saturday 16 January 2010 in the Gannochy Suite, Dewars Centre, Perth.Papers for the meeting have been posted to clubs and are also available here:
Notice, Agenda and Report of the Board of Directors
Minutes of the 2009 AGM
Accounts to 30 September 2009
Proposed Revised Rules & Regulations
Documents relating to the resolution proposed by the Ladies' Golf Union are also available:
LGU Proposal for Reorganisation
LGU Draft Rules
LGUCL Articles of Association
Notice, Agenda and Report of the Board of Directors
Minutes of the 2009 AGM
Accounts to 30 September 2009
Proposed Revised Rules & Regulations
Documents relating to the resolution proposed by the Ladies' Golf Union are also available:
LGU Proposal for Reorganisation
LGU Draft Rules
LGUCL Articles of Association
Wednesday 13 January 2010
Lauren Mackin doing well in "The Sally"
Ranfurly Castle's Majorca-based Lauren Mackin is continuing her good form in the South Atlantic Ladies Amateur Championship - "The Sally" for short - after finishing third of the Europeans competing in last week's Harder Hall Women's Invitational, the first event on the Orange Blossom Women's Amateur Tour in Florida.
Lauren had a 79 today, which put her comfortably in among the leading returns.
To read the full report go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website
Lauren had a 79 today, which put her comfortably in among the leading returns.
To read the full report go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website
No Golf - Try this for some practice
This Should Drive You Crazy;
You May Become Addicted -
(Click On Putt)
PUTT
Thanks go to Anne Paton of Douglas Park Golf Club for that one
You May Become Addicted -
(Click On Putt)
PUTT
Thanks go to Anne Paton of Douglas Park Golf Club for that one
The Renfrewshire County Centenary Book
The Renfrewshire County Centenary Book can be Pre Ordered on the RLCGA Website. Although it is mainly about Renfrewshire there are many of the Events in 2009 that happened around the West of Scotland and Scotland that are included in this 200 page book. There are also lots of photographs from most of the events.
East Kilbride Clubhouse destroyed by fire
Firefighters have spent the night tackling a blaze which destroyed a golf clubhouse in south Lanarkshire.
They were called out to East Kilbride golf club at about 6p.m. last night (Tuesday) and are still at the scene. No-one was injured in the incident.
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said its crews were severely hampered by poor water supplies and strong winds.
An investigation to discover the cause of the blaze will be carried out by the police and fire service.
The road to the clubhouse in the Nerston area of the town was closed off.
To read the full report go to the Lanarkshire County Website
They were called out to East Kilbride golf club at about 6p.m. last night (Tuesday) and are still at the scene. No-one was injured in the incident.
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said its crews were severely hampered by poor water supplies and strong winds.
An investigation to discover the cause of the blaze will be carried out by the police and fire service.
The road to the clubhouse in the Nerston area of the town was closed off.
To read the full report go to the Lanarkshire County Website
Sunday 10 January 2010
Lauren Mackin does well in Florida
Majorca-based Lauren Mackin, who is still a Ranfurly Castle member was the third-best of the Europeans on 308 after the final round of The 55th Harder Hall Women's Invitational which was held at Harder Hall Country Club, Sebring, Florida this week.
Lauren Mackin (San Augustin, Spain & Ranfurly Castle) 74, 78, 78, 78, 308
To read the full report go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website
Lauren Mackin (San Augustin, Spain & Ranfurly Castle) 74, 78, 78, 78, 308
To read the full report go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website
Friday 1 January 2010
NEW SLGA PRESIDENT EMMA WILSON REMEMBERS WEST OF SCOTLAND GOLDEN GREATS
Emma Wilson, the new Scottish Ladies Golfing Association president, is a direct link with some of the country’s great women golfers of the 1930s and 1940s/
“I come originally from Lanark and came up through the West of Scotland Girls’ Golf Association, encouraged by names such as Helen Holm, Jean McCulloch, May Menzies and Irma Douglas,” says Emma who would reach county team standard as a player.
To Read more go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website
“I come originally from Lanark and came up through the West of Scotland Girls’ Golf Association, encouraged by names such as Helen Holm, Jean McCulloch, May Menzies and Irma Douglas,” says Emma who would reach county team standard as a player.
To Read more go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)