Monday 7 April 2008

BBC -- Could you be the Sport Mastermind Champion

Sport Mastermind -- The Chair
The BBC is currently working with their production team for a new format Sport Mastermind; ---- a high profile sports questions show. They are currently in the early stages of production and in the process of finding contributors to appear on the programme. They have already received a lot of interest from men wanting to be contestants, however they have yet to receive applications from female sports enthusiasts. Subsequently, they are targeting womens sports groups such as yourselves.

The BBC is looking for contestants to take part in the quiz show Sport Mastermind, presented by Des Lynam
To become a contestant (Applicants must be aged 18 or over)

Email: BBC Sport Mastermind

Apply Online: www.bbc.co.uk/entertainment/mastermind

Or send an SAE to:

Sport Mastermind Applications, Room 4012, BBC Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester. M60 1SJ

Help at the European Girls Team Championship at Murcar

Click on European Girls' Team Championship Poster to enlarge
2008 will be another exciting year for ladies' and girls golf in Scotland as the Cutis Cup match against the USA comes to the Old Course St Andrews from 30th May to 1st June. This will closely be followed by the Ladies British Open Amateur Championship at North Berwick 11-15th June. In July (8-12) we shall be hosting the European Girls' Team Championship at Murcar Links(See Poster on left)
In August the Girls Home International matches are at Panmure Barry (5-7) where our team will be seeking a third victory on a row. The following week, from the 11th to the 15th, the Girls' British Open Amateur Championship will be held at Monifieth.
Pat Wilson (Chairman of the SLGA) hopes as many of you as possible will be able to attend these events to support the Scottish players who will be competing.

CLICK HERE to see what helpers are needed for the European Girls' Team Championship

Saturday 5 April 2008

Barbara Biggart does well in the French Seniors

Barbara Biggart (Kilmacolm) was 44th in the TROPHEE SIMONE THION DE LA CHAUMES at Chantaco Golf Club France yesterday. There was a wealth of talent in the field which included Scots Professional Cathy Paton Lewis who was 3rd in the event which was won by Comstock Rica of the Netherlands.
Cecilia Mourgue d'Algue of France had the best amateur score.
Fiona Roger (Ranfurly Castle) caddied for Curtis Cup Captain Mary McKenna (Ireland)in the final round and Mary's 79 earned her 20th place in a field of approximately 110 players
To see all the final results
CLICK HERE

Here is a link to the "translated" French Website French Website

Spring Chicken Texas Scramble - Douglas Park Golf Club

Played on Friday 4th April:
Winners: Anne Paton, Norma Gray, Janet Dalglish with a combined nett score of 69.2
Runners Up: Norma Campbell, Edith Monachan, Denise MacNaughton with a combined nett score of 69.4
There were 42 entries and a funky chicken fun fun day was certainly well organised by Douglas Park's Vice Captain. --- Gladys Speedie !

Thursday 3 April 2008

Mail on Sunday Match at Whitecraigs Golf Club

Douglas Park Mail on Sunday Team --- Click to enlarge
Whitecraigs Golf Club Mail on Sunday Team
The 3rd round tie between Whitecraigs Golf Club and Douglas Park Golf Club turned out to be a very exciting match today.

The Whitecraigs team of Julie Dickson, Hazel Hamilton, Linda Stevenson, Sandra Gilchrist and Gillian Gibb and the Douglas Park Team of Carol Fell, Bunny Grant, Lynda Smith, Helen Robertson and Helen Faulds ended up with a 2.5/2.5 draw.

The final match had to go up the 19th for the decider and Helen Faulds who was the anchor player for Douglas Park managed to clinch the tie.

A wonderful after match "lunch" was had by all the players and apart from a few exhausted players who had to carry their bags-- including your webmaster (knees are knackered!!) a good day was had by all

Click on photos above for enlargements

The French Seniors

Fiona Roger (Ranfurly Castle) and Barbara Biggart (Kilmacolm) are in France playing in Le Trophée Simone Thion de la Chaume 2008 au golf Chantaco de Saint Jean de Luz.
I don't have much info at the moment but I do know that Fiona played with Curtis Cup Captain Mary McKenna in the practice round which she said was a delight to see such great golf and the weather has been wet. There are about 110 entrants and Cathy Panton Lewis had a 71 in the first round. --- There are some professionals playing. Barbara had an 82 and Fiona 90 ---(Fiona is the highest handicapper in the field -- 12handicap) She is about 70th. The top 60 after today's round will play in the final round.
If I get any more news I will post the details

Wednesday 2 April 2008

Social Evening at Ranfurly Castle


A very enjoyable evening was held at Ranfurly Castle last night. Mary Hardie who is the Captain of Ranfurly Castle invited Marilyn Bevin a trained demonstrator who does the flowers at Dundonald and Loch Lomond Golf clubs to be her guest speaker.
Marilyn and her assistant Sylvia braved the awful weather and arrived with a most interesting stock of flowers and greenery. Marilyn created six wonderful arrangements while amusing us all with anecdotes of her life as florist at Lomond Castle Golf club. The arrangements were raffled in aid of The Maggie Centers and Vickie Rennie, Rosemary Reedie, Morag Cunningham, Lois Brown, Liz Bowie and Margaret Parrott were the lucky winners.

Sunday 30 March 2008

Jenna Wilson receives the SLGA'S Order of Merit Award

Scottish Amateur Champion Jenna Wilson was presented with the SLGA’s Ladies Order of Merit award, in front of a sell out crowd at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow on Friday 28 March.

The Scottish Golf Dinner, sponsored by Dunfermline Building Society for the first time and hosted by BBC Sports Presenter Dougie Donnelly, celebrated the many successes of Scottish leading amateurs during the 2007 season.

Jenna, from Strathaven, whose solid performances last year saw her earn her card for the European Tour, received her award from fellow Tour professional Lynn Kenny.

Thanks go to Gillian Kirkwood for the report

Saturday 29 March 2008

D & A County Results --- Message for Handicap Secretaries

This is a message from D&A county, apologising to all handicap secretaries who may have received some results in the last week through Club Systems 2000. It was a test run that inadvertently got publushed to howdidido and you may have received some scores. PLEASE DO IGNORE THEM --- Just put them in the bin
Please note the 1st County Medal which is the Championship Qualifier at Douglas Park is on Monday 14th April.
These results will be the 1st D&A Away scores that will be returned after the completion of that qualifying round.

Friday 28 March 2008

Old Ranfurly's Open Day --- Greensomes

SGU Golf Central Logo
Old Ranfurly's Open Day is on Thursday 3rd July 2008. The event is following its traditional format of greensomes with the tombola stall and variety of sponsored holes.
To get your entry form through Golf Central Click Here

Alternatively you can use this Entry Form

See more at Old Ranfurly's Website

Junior Open Day at Buchanan Castle Golf Club

Buchanan Castle Golf Club, which joined forces with the national junior golf programme, clubgolf, this year to encourage children and their families to play golf, is holding an Open Day for juniors this Sunday (30 March) between 11am and 4pm
To read all about it go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website

LGU March Medal - Eastwood Golf Club

Played 25/3/08 SSS 72 CSS 75 entries 14
Silver
F Bennett (17) 71
C Morton (9) 73
Bronze
L Black (21) 77
M Fraser (34) 81 bih
Scratch C Morton 82

Wednesday 26 March 2008

The 2008 HSBC Wee Wonders Championships


Calling all players that took part in the 2007 Tee’s Off in Scotland Initiative!!
The 2008 HSBC Wee Wonders Championships are here!!

Don’t forget to sign up for this year’s Competition!!

There are 16 Local Qualifiers across Scotland, split between the 2 regions – Scotland North and Scotland South.
A total of 40 new Local Qualifiers for 2008 making 119 venues across the UK and Ireland ----
West of Scotland Venues are North Gailes Country Club 26/05/2008 Irvine, and The Ladies Golf Club Troon 01/06/2008 Troon


Proportional Qualifying – Gives more players the chance to progress from their Local Qualifier through to their Regional Final

Grand Final at St Andrews, Scotland – Now using both the 18 Hole Championship Strathtyrum course and the Balgove Par 3 course

Launch of MySport Junior Golf – a fun and interactive way to stay in touch with friends, post your scores, and pick up tips from the world’s top golfers

To register, go to www.hsbcweewonders.com and sign up today, or pick up an entry form from your local HSBC Branch.

With over 2,000 players already registered, Local Qualifiers are filling up fast so make sure you sign up for your Scottish Local Qualifier in the UK’s largest open golf competition for 5-12 year olds.

Click Here for a poster

Tuesday 25 March 2008

Sunday 23 March 2008

Greensomes Stableford -- Douglas Park Golf Club

Greensomes Competition Played Friday 21st March 2008
Entries 14 couples
1st S. Mitchell & E. Monachan 36pts
2nd H. Faulds & J. McIlwraith 33pts
3rd C.Fell & J. Brechin 32pts

Thursday 20 March 2008

March Medal - Ranfurly Castle

Played 19/3/2008 9 entries SSS 73 CSS 73
Scratch Winner Carol Fell 90
Silver Winner Carol Fell (10) 80
Bronze Winner Mary Irving (21) 75
R/UP Linda MacDougall (36) 75

Wednesday 19 March 2008

West of Scotland Ladies' Close Championship - May, 2008

At a meeting of the West of Scotland Captains yesterday it was agreed that the The West of Scotland Ladies' Close Championship to be held on Sunday, 18th May, 2008, at Haggs Castle Golf Club be postponed due to the Womens' 10K Run taking place on that date. It is hoped to reschedule the event in October - details to follow soon.

Tuesday 18 March 2008

Coffee Morning at Whitecraigs raises £328

Mary Hood, Elaine Johnstone and Christeen Finlayson - Click to enlarge
Whitecraigs Golf Club held a Coffee morning on the 21st February.

They had speakers and raised £328 for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.

From Left to Right: Mary Hood -- Gent's Captain's wife, Elaine Johnstone from the Secretary's office at Whitecraigs and RLCGA Captain Christeen Finlayson --- Click to enlarge the photo

Thanks go to Alison Finlayson for the news

Monday 17 March 2008

D&A Committee Meeting

D & A Captain Kay McColl and Vice-captain Jennifer Kinloch held a committee meeting at Hilton Park today.
Dorothy Horsfield,Frances Livingston, Hon. President Lesley Mackiggan, Iris Keywood, Helen MacGregor,Suzanne Cadden,Ann Colthart,Anne Byiers, Liz Skinner, Claire Harper and Lynn Mitchell were all there. Lorna Cragie was missing

Thanks go to D&A's Webmaster Jean Campbell for the photograph and report

Happy St Patrick's Day to all our Irish Readers








Saturday 15 March 2008

Stableford Competition - Douglas Park Golf Club

Played 9th & 14th March, Entries 20, SSS 72 (Non Qualifier)
One division: 1st J.McIlwraith (19) 38pts 2nd G.Evans (26) 37pts

Friday 14 March 2008

D & A County Dinner at Douglas Park Golf Club

Jennifer Kinloch, Kay McColl, Jenny McGahan and Douglas Park Vice Captain Gladys Speedie
D&A Captain Kay McColl welcomed the ladies to what proved to be a most enjoyable evening. Thanks must go to the catering and bar staff at Douglas Park Golf Club for the excellent food and service (even though our table did not get any rolls and we tried to get a double brandy instead!!!) £400 was raised by the raffle and this money goes to our Juniors - many thanks to those who donated prizes.
The floral decorations on the tables is well worth mentioning and thanks go to the lady who did all this hard work.
The Guest Speaker was the very well known Jenny McGahan and she proved to be informative and entertaining, telling us of various things that she has experienced while on duty and how at a very young age she was brought up talking about golf and golf rules.

I did like her story about the two Irish men playing a match - they got round to the 12th hole and discovered that their drives had landed side by side and they were not sure which ball was which - they had NOT marked the ball). After much discussion Mick told Paddy that he would just play the yellow ball and he could play the white one!!!

Jenny also told us of playing in a mixed foursomes at Douglas Park, she was not happy with how she had played and apologised to her partner and told him that she had never played quite so badly. He told her that he did not realise that she had played before!!!!! Obviously a very good sense of humour since he is now her husband!!

Another good story about Belle Robertson playing with Anne Laing at Douglas Park - when Anne was just coming through as a top player - Belle drives off at the 4th tee (dog-leg) she has used her three wood and is in perfect position - she then tells Anne that when she was her age, she would have used her driver and cut out the dog-leg. Anne duly takes out her driver and plays a great drive which ends up in the trees - she looks at Belle and Belle then tells her that when she was her age there were NO trees!!

Lots of interesting things to do with being a referee - hours of boredom interspersed with moments of Sheer Panic - she also told us about attending the Rule School at St. Andrews and of all the interesting people she has met - one American invited Jenny and her husband to Augusta - so this Rule School at St. Andrews sounds like a very good place to be.

Well done Jenny, I can assure you that listening to you was a lot better than watching paint dry!!!
The evening finished with Vice Captain Jennifer Kinloch giving a most amusing vote of thanks.

Thanks go to D&A Webmaster Jean Campbell for the report

Thursday 13 March 2008

Whitecraigs Ladies Dinner Success


108 ladies attended the Whitecraigs Golf Club annual dinner on Tuesday 11th March 2008. Alison Finlay who is this years Lady Captain invited Grainne Crawford to be her guest speaker
Grainne is a kind of motivational speaker and she really entertained us well, Alison said.
She talked a lot about visualising how we wanted to play the game so we played better golf. She was very funny and everybody really enjoyed the night.

She is co-director of a company called Well Connected Life Ltd. Her role involves working within organisations to create a well business ethos. Her business helps people to achieve balance in both their business and private lives using fun, knowledge, tools and techniques that really ROCK
A good evening was had by all ---- Click on the slideshow with your mouse to get the ladies names in the photos

Thanks go to Alison for the photos and news

Sunday 9 March 2008

3 Clubs & A Putter - Douglas Park Golf Club

Played 7th March 2008. Entries 17
One Division Winner - A.Miller Runner Up - G. Speedie

Friday 7 March 2008

The Fells and Faulds win the Texas Scramble at Vilamoura

Bobby, Carol, Gordon amd Helen - Click to enlarge
Just to let you all know we are having a great time in Portugal. Played Millenium on Tuesday and the Old Course on Wednesday. Today (Friday) the Fells and the Faulds won the Texas Scramble at Pinhal with a gross 66 net 62.7. It was the best they have ever done and were delighted with their success. The runners up from the South of England had a net 63.3. Tomorrow its off to the Victoria Course.
Weather has been fantastic

Sunday 2 March 2008

Happy Mothers Day to all our Readers and your Webmaster is off on holiday

It's Mothers Day and your webmaster is off to Portugal for a week's holiday with husband Gordon and Bobby and Helen Faulds. There could be some serious golf competition over the week and with all the bad weather we have been having and lack of practice, it could be a little tricky. --- However with Helen as my partner I'm sure I should not get too worried about our opposition !!!

I WILL TRY TO CHECK UP ON ANY NEWS WHILE I AM AWAY AND REPORT IF I CAN --- HOWEVER, I APOLOGISE NOW IF THERE IS A GAP FOR A WEEK ---- I NEED A FEW MORE BLOGGERS TO KEEP THE WEBSITE GOING !!

In the meantime "HAPPY MOTHERS DAY" to any of you Mums out there and from me to my Mum -- "The Best in The World !" Click on the link below
Click to play Mothers Day
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Make a free ecard - it's easy!

Saturday 1 March 2008

Death of Mrs Toni Moffat

Toni Moffat presents the Prizes at the 2007 Scottish Seniors --- Click to enlarge

Sad news to report today with regard to Mrs J L (Tony) Moffat of Aberdeen Ladies. It is understood she was found dead at her home in Aberdeen on Thursday.
A vice-president of the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association, Tony was Aberdeenshire Ladies County Golf Association president from 1992-1993 and was one of the leading figures on the club and county golf scene for several decades.
She won the Aberdeenshire title in 1955 at Murcar and again in 1958 at Balgownie. She was beaten finalist five times - 1971 by Mrs Audrey Henderson at Hazlehead, 1974 by Mrs D Robertson at Cruden Bay, 1978 by Annette Laing at Peterhead, 1982 by Pamela Wright at Hazlehead and in 1983 by Elaine Farquharson at Aboyne. She was also a semi-finalist in 1973 and 1976.
Mrs Moffat was an Aberdeenshire county team player for many years. She was a member of the very strong Shire team that won the Scottish county championship for the first time at Elie in 1971 and also the following year when they made a successful defence of the title in the finals at Cruden Bay.
She was still holding down a place in the county line-up in the 1980s.
Tony was also a prominent figure in seniors and veterans' golf. Her name will be perpetuated in several championship trophies she presented. She was a past president of the Scottish Veteran Ladies Golf Association and the current president of the Northern Division of the SVLGA.
The picture above is of Toni with the winners at the 2007 Scottish Seniors Strokeplay Prizrgiving at Glenbervie --- click to enlarge
Thanks go to Gillian Kirkwood for the news

Is it Spring Yet !!

I was wondering....



Is it SPRING yet?

Thanks go to Jean Campbell (D&A) for that one

Friday 29 February 2008

Kylie loses in 1st round of the Matchplay Stages in Spain

England's Kerry Smith and Breanne Loucks from Wales are the only British players to survive the first day of match-play in the Spanish women's open amateur golf championship at La Reserva Golf Club, Cadiz today (Friday).
Michelle Thomson from Ellon, 15th of the 32 qualifiers and chasing a place in the GB&I Curtis Cup team to be named next week, won her opening tie by one hole against Spaniard Sonia Cologan but lost by 4 and 3 in the afternoon to the No 2 seed from Germany, Caroline Masson.
Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle), who qualified in 20th position, was beaten 6 and 5 in the first round by 13th qualifier Kerry Smith (England)
Collated results

SPANISH WOMEN'S OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
La Reserva G C, Cadiz.
First round
C Ciganda (Spa) bt L Stempfle (Ger) 6 and 5.
N Jimenez (Spa) b t J Hedwall (Swe) 2 and 1.
S James (Eng) bt L Gonzalez-Escallon (Spa) 1 hole.
A Zwanck (Spa) bt B Buendia (Spa) 2 hooles.
C Hedwall (Spa) bt S Popov (Ger) at 20th.
L Mar (Spa) bt L Andre (Fra) 5 and 3.
K Smith (Eng) bt K Walker (Sco) 6 and 5.
I Boineau (Fra) bt C Patussi (Ita) 3 and 2.
A Goumard (Fra) bt A Vilatte (Fra) 3 and 2.
R Connor (Eng) bt J Jansson (Swe) 2 and 1.
L Henriksson (Fin) bt H Aitchison (Eng) 1 hole.
E Alonso (Fra) bt A Bonetti (Fra) 1 hole.
A Urchegui (Spa) bt M Ricordeau (Fra) 2 and 1.
B Loucks (Wal) bt L Larsson (Swe) 3 and 1.
M Thomson (Sco) bt S Cologan (Spa) 1 hole.
C Masson (Ger) bt C Herbin (Fra) 3 and 2.

SECOND ROUND - Ciganda bt Jimenez 8 and 7, Zwanck bt James 3 and 2, C Hedwall bt Mar 5 and 3, Smith bt Boineau 3 and 2, Goumard bt Connor 2 holes, Henriksson bt Alonso 4 and 3, Loucks bt Urchegui 6 and 4, Masson bt Thomson 4 and 3.
Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the report

Thursday 28 February 2008

Lochwinnoch Open Day -- The Glenhead Trophy

Lochwinnoch Ladies’ Open Day for The Glenhead Trophy is on Saturday 26th July 2008
Format: Stableford
Entry fee: £8
Prize list:
􀂃 The Glenhead Trophy
􀂃 Scratch and handicap prizes
􀂃 Longest drives
􀂃 Nearest the pins
􀂃 Team prize – Team prize – enter a team of 6 or more to qualify
􀂃 and other individual prizes
Catering:
Snacks and meals available all day
To enter:
Please send a completed entry form with entry fee to:
􀀍 Ladies’ Open Day, Lochwinnoch Golf Club,Burnfoot Road, Lochwinnoch PA12 4AN
􀀋 Contact Lorraine McLatchie on 01505 814131
􀀛 Email admin@lochwinnochgolf.co.uk
CLICK HERE FOR THE OPEN DAY POSTER

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR ENTRY FORM

Kylie Walker qualifies for the matchplay stages in Spain

Michele Thomson (McDonald Ellon) and Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle) were among the 32 qualifiers for the match-play stages from a starting field of 99 in the Spanish women's open amateur golf championship for the Queen's Cup at La Reserva Golf Club, Cadiz today.
In windy conditions for the second qualifying round, Curtis Cup team candidate Michele actually improved by one shot on the first day with a 76 for 153 to be the 15th seed with a first-round tie against the 18th qualifier, Sonia Cologan (Spain).
Kylie went back from an opening 74 to an 80 but her total of 154 gave her 20th place in the match-play draw. She will play England's experienced international, Kerry Smith, the Waterlooville chef, in the first round.
Rachel Connor, daughter of the Scots-born Manchester Golf Club professional, qualified with a 76 for 153. She will play Josephine Jansson (Sweden).
Other Brits who qualified were Breanne Loucks (Wales), Holly Aitchison (England) and Kerry Smith (England), all on 152, and Sian James (England) on 155.
Rachael Livingstone (Musselburgh Old) and Jane Turner (Mortonhall) missed the cut (two on 157 got through, five on the same mark did not). Rachael had a repeat 81 for 162 while Jane had an 81 for 167.
Bad news for the GB&I Curtis Cup team selectors who meet next week to choose the eight to face the United States over the Old Course, St Andrews at the end of May was that only three of their Elite Squad - Thomson, Loucks and Smith - made it through while some of the players regarded as near-certainties for selection failed to qualify in Spain - Liz Bennett (157 but eliminated on a second-round comparison), Naomi Edwards (158) and Florentyna Parker (159).

MATCH-PLAY QUALIFIERS
Par 144 (2 x 72)
140 C Ciganda (Spa) 69 71.
143 C Masson (Ger) 75 68.
145 A Goumard (Fra) 73 72.
156 I Boineau (Fra) 74 72.
149 C Hedwall (Swe) 78 71.
150 E Alonso (Fra) 77 73, A Urchegui (Spa) 74 76.
151 B Buendia (Spa) 77 74, L Gonzalez-Escallon (Bel) 73 78.
152 B Loucks (Wal) 77 75, H Aitchison (Eng) 76 76, L Mar (Spa) 75 77, K Smith (Eng) 75 77.
153 R Connor (Eng) 77 76, M Thomson (Sco) 77 76, N Jimenez (Spa) 75 78, J Hedwall (Swe) 74 79.
154 S Cologan (Spa) 77 77, J Jansson (Swe) 74 80, K Walker (Sco) 74 80, L Andre (Fra) 74 80.
155 L Henriksson (Fin) 78 77, L Larsson (Swe) 76 79, S James (Eng) 76 79, A Zwanck (Spa) 76 79.
156 M Ricordeau (Fra) 79 77, A Bonetti (Fra) 76 80, S Popov (Ger) 75 81, C Patussi (Ita) 75 81, A Vilatte (Fra) 73 83.
157 C Herbin (Fra) 81 76, L Stempfle (Ger) 80 77 (better second rounds).

MATCH-PLAY QUARTERS
Ciganda v Stempfle, Jimenez v J Hedwall, Gonzalez-Escallon v James, Buendia v Swanck.
C Hedwall v Popov, Mar v Andre, Smith v Walker, Boineau v Patussi.
Goumard v Vilatte, Connor v Jansson, Aitchison v Henriksson, Alonso v Bonetti.
Urchegui v Ricordeau, Loucks v Larsson, Thomson v Cologan, Masson v Herbin.

Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the report

Wednesday 27 February 2008

Spanish Amateur Open- Kylie Walker does well in the 1st Round

This week's Spanish women's open amateur golf championship at La Reserva, Cadiz is the last chance for the LGU's Elite Squad to impress the GB&I selectors before the Curtis Cup team of eight is chosen next week for the match against the Americans over the Old Course, St Andrews at the end of May.
But all the Curtis Cup aspirants trailed behind 21-year-old former Scottish schoolgirls champion Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle), - not a member of the Elite Squad - in today's first round. Kylie shot a two-over-par 74 to be sharing fifth place behind the Spanish wonder girl, Carlota Ciganda.
It would be wrong to class this as a flash in the pan performance by Miss Walker because she played very well in the Portuguese women's open amateur championship two or three weeks ago when she finished joint seventh.
Ciganda, one of the world's top-rated female amateurs with a handicap of +5.4, won the British women's open amateur championship at Alwoodley, Leeds last June and she was a runaway winner of the recent Portuguese women's open amateur title.
Today the slim 17-year-old, who will have her pick of the top American colleges for a golf scholarship in the autumn, set a cracking pace over a course only she seemed to find comparatively easy.
Carlota, from the bull-run Spanish city of Pamplona, had a four-under-par round of 69 to open up a four-stroke lead from one Spanish and two French competitors on 73.
England's Kerry Smith, who is one of the LGU Elite Squad, led the rest of the Brits in the field of 99, all of whom had to have at least a handicap of scratch before they could get into the championship. She had a 75.
Michele Thomson from McDonald Ellon, who gave Carlota Ciganda her toughest tie in last summer's "British" - she lost on the 18th green, had a 77. Michele finished third behind Ciganda and Florentyna Parker in the "Portuguese" and has had some intensive one-on-one coaching from Neil Marr since then.
Other Scots' scores were an 81 by Rachael Livingstone (Musselburgh Old) and an 86 by Jane Turner (Mortonhall).

Leader Board (first day)
1 .- Carlota Ciganda (Spain) 69
2 .- Alexandra Vilatte (France) 73
+ .- Goumard Audrey (France) 73
+ .- Laura Gonzalez-Escallón (Belgium) 73
5 .- Ane Urchegui (Spain) 74
+ .- Isabelle Boineau (France) 74
+ .- Lucie Andre (France) 74
+ .- Jacqueline Hedwell (Sweden) 74
+ .- Josephine Jansson (Sweden) 74
+ .- Kylie Walker (Scotland)74
Click Here to See Today's Complete Results

Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the report

Tuesday 26 February 2008

SLGA Entry Forms

Looking for your entry forms for all the official SLGA events for 2008 --- Go to the SLGA Website

Sunday 24 February 2008

Milngavie Golf Club Duo are Champions of D&A County

Helen Burnet, Kay McColl,Katy MacAuley
Katy MacAuley and Anna Telfer
Anna Telfer and Katy MacAulay(pictured left) of Milngavie GC captured the first trophy of the season when they won the Dunbartonshire and Argyll Ladies County Winter Foursomes on Sunday February 24th.
The competition runs from October through to March and Katy and Anna have played 4 rounds on different courses in all kinds of weather.
The final was played over the 'neutral' course of Cardross and their opponents were Kay McColl and Helen Burnet of Hilton Park (pictured above with Katy and Anna)
Anna said 'Our hearts sank when we realised that we were to be playing to 18 winter greens as we had to give 12 shots. However, we pitched and putted really well and that was the key factor in the very wet conditions.'
The final result was a 6 and 5 victory to the Milngavie pair.

SLGA Squad lose at Dunbar

A SLGA squad took on the Dunbar Men's League team over a very cold and windswept Dunbar links today. The format was four-ball, better-ball, with the girls playing from the white tees. They received two strokes (the difference in the SSSs)
With the wind at their backs on the outward half, it was up to the girls to build up a lead as after the turn it was quite a battle against the elements, and a struggle to get any length.

Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle) and Laura Murray (Alford) were the only members of SLGA squad to record a win when they beat Michael Creasey and John Archibald by 4&3.
The Northern Counties combination of Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) and Sammy Vass (Tain) halved with Stephen Easingwood and Darren Kilfara.
Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) and Rebecca Wilson (Monifeith) lost by 4&2 to Tam Caldwell and Ali Thomson.
Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) and Gillian Monteith (Portpatrick Dunskey) lost by 4&3 to Scott Knowles and Stephen Simmants.
Alexandra Bushby (Strathmore) and Emma Fairnie (Dunbar) lost by 4&3 to Brian Reid and Gary Queen
Thanks go to Gillian Kirkwood for the report

Friday 22 February 2008

County Medals run as Open Days with different CSS for Home and Away Players

This is just some information for the Counties (only) that are using Club 2000 software to run their Competitions. At the SLGA AGM I enquired if a County Medal would be the classified the same as an Open Day for the calculation of a different CSS for the home players and away players and the answer was YES. Since then we were informed at the handicap seminars that by ticking a visitors box this would allow your record to be changed. However on trying this it still did not work. I have since then emailed Glyn Roberts (Head of Club 2000) and this was his reply last week
With regard to your query above, we have discussed this with SLGA and SGU (amongst others) and we have agreed with the various unions that we will enable County sections to change the Visitor marker when amending records. Whilst we have coded this, we haven't yet released it. I think we probably will release the next build later this week though. All users who are connected will automatically get the update. The next build will be v10.2 build 7, so keep an eye on the version details in the lower left corner of the splash screen when launching the software. Once it changes to build 7 you should be able to amend a record and alter the Visitor check box quite easliy. This update was done this week
I have since checked it out and all works well ---- Hopefully we will never need to use this ruling since it is unlikely that a County Medal will have 20 or more "HOME" players playing --- although it is possible.

Sunday 17 February 2008

Volunteer for the Ladies Scottish Open at The Carrick

Mrs Lynn Mitchell 46 Queen Victoria Drive Glasgow. G14 9DJ. Tel. 0141 954 9427 07711 340897 (Mob)
Email lynn.mitchell1@ntlworld.com

The Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open The Carrick at Cameron House 1st – 3rd May 2008
A very Happy New Year for 2008 to everyone! I am delighted to tell you that it has been officially announced that there will be a repeat of the Ladies Scottish Open at the Carrick both under new sponsorship and earlier in the season.
Once again I have been asked to put together a team of volunteers to undertake a wide range of duties. In its inaugural year at the Carrick, I was extremely grateful for all your support and assistance throughout the bad weather and long shifts. However this year I hope to adopt a three-shift system. In order to organise this I do need as many volunteers as possible. So if you know of any others who might be interested, please let me know and I can send them details. The duties are as follows:
a) Static Greenside Scorers at every third hole exit, to take the scores from the players and relay them to Score Control. There will be no walking scorers, except possibly for the last 4-6 matches on the Saturday.
b) Ladies to operate the 6 Leader Boards around the golf course.
c) Ladies to operate the Main Score Board in the tented village.
d) Score Board Carriers. There is the possibility of having some carry boards with the games this year (a gasp of horror!). However it has been suggested that the boards be strapped onto a pull or battery trolley, which means we “wheel” rather than carry them! Those walking with games will have the opportunity to see the golf played by our top European and American players.

If you are interested in helping this year, I attach a form (See link at the end of this article) for you to indicate - Which duties/slots you would like to cover (I promise to work on shorter shifts) and Information I need concerning uniform sizes (please tell me both your lady’s and comparable gent’s size e.g. size 14 / gents M)
Please return the form to me at the above address as soon as possible but no later than 10th February. If unable to help, a nil response would be appreciated.

I look forward to hearing from you.

With kind regards,
Lynn Mitchell, Chief Scorer.

I thought you might like to get the update on the Ladies Scottish Open. Lots of positive improvements on site since last years' tournament:

1. New practice putting green being constructed on the site of last year's tented village.
2. New practice area around the ground by the 2nd hole green and 3rd hole Tee under construction.
3. The tented village (possibly the site of our score control, Ray's Tent) will be situated where the practise nets were last year.
4. And a BIG BONUS! There will be parking on site in the field on the right hand side of the driveway into the Carrick. I.e. between the security manned gate and road. NO PARK AND RIDE! This area should take about 400 cars.

Volunteer Form

Saturday 16 February 2008

Spanish Seniors - Final Result

CLASIFICACIÓN FINAL
1.- Viveca Hoff (SWE) 153 (74+79)
2.- Marina Buscaini (ITA) 155 (78+77)
3.- Christina Birke (SWE) 158 (84+74)
4- CATALINA CASTILLEJO (ESP) 159 (77+82)
5.- VICKY PERTIERRA (ESP) 161 (79+82)

Scottish Scores:
Pam Williamson 80 85 165 11th
Janice Paterson 83 87 170 22nd
Noreen Fenton 82 89 171 30th
Helen Faulds 86 86 172 33rd
Heather Anderson 86 87 173 35th
Maureen Richmond 87 88 175 42nd
Barbara Biggart 89 91 180 50th
Janette McCartney 103 92 195 71st
Jennifer Mack 89, NR 79th

Report from Helen Faulds;
As you can imagine the course was pretty difficult with flags tucked in behind huge bunkers and over water. It made me play very negative which doesn’t get good scores.
Weather was disappointing but still managed to enjoy it. Jen not well at all and had a few early nights. Hopefully she will get sorted now she is home.

Past Captain's Coffee Morning at Douglas Park

Some Douglas Park Past Captains --- Click to enlargeBecause of an unavoidable change of date at fairly short notice, the numbers at the Lady Past Captains coffee morning were down this year.
Nevertheless everyone attending enjoyed themselves ,and hopefully next year the date will remain unchanged and bring the numbers back to normal.
Thanks go to Past Captain Pearl Slane for the report and the photograph (click to enlarge)

Thursday 14 February 2008

Difficult Day in Round 1 of the Spanish Seniors (Individual Event)

In a day where the poor weather played its part, the Swedish player Viveca Hoff, the lowest handicapper of all the entrants (1.1) was round in 74 today (3 over par) in the Singles Event of the Spanish Seniors played over Golf Park Mallorca today.
Pamela Williamson (Baberton) was the best Scot with a round of 80
The 2nd and final round will be played tomorrow.

LEADER BOARD (first day)

1 .- Viveca Hoff (SWE) 74
2 .- CATALINA CASTILLEJO (ESP) 77
3 .- Navy Buscaini (ITA) 78
4 .- VICKY PERTIERRA (ESP) 79
+ .- Diane Williams (CAN) 79

Scottish Scores:
6th =. Pamela Williamson (Baberton) 80
11th=. Noreen Fenton (Merchants of Edinburgh) 82
15th =. Janice Paterson (Drumpellier) 83
34th =. Heather Anderson (Downfield), Helen Faulds (Douglas Park) 86
41st =. Maureen Richmond (Liverpool and Kilmacolm) 87
45th =. Jennifer Mack (Haggs Castle), Barbara Biggart (Kilmacolm) 89
80th=. Janette McCartney (Erskine) 103

To see all the scores from today CLICK HERE

Happy Valentines Day to all our Readers








Wednesday 13 February 2008

Helen Faulds (Douglas Park) and Noreen Fenton are 7th in Spain

Congraulations go to Pam Williamson (Baberton) and her Canadian partner Diane Williams who were 5th = in the Spanish "Doubles" after the foursomes round played today. West of Scotland Vets Champion Helen Faulds ( Douglas Park) partnered by Noreen Fenton (Merchants of Edinburgh) were a very creditable 7th out of a field of many well known Senior golfers
The Spanish partnership of Marta Estany and Vicky Pertierra won the Spanish International Women's Doubles Senior Championship at Golf Park in Mallorca, by beating the Swedish partnership of Viveca Hoff and Brigitta Ljung
The Spaniards who won the event last year at Bonalba Golf & Spa (Alicante), had a second round of 78 strokes (6 over par), three less than their opponents. Subsequently, the play-off was awarded by virtue of the best 2nd round.

Final Positions
1 .- VICKY PERTIERRA / MARTA ESTANY (ESP) 150 (72 +78) (win play-off)
2.-Viveca Hoff / Brigitta Ljung (SWE) 150 (69 +81)
3 .- François Colmant / Giovanna Foglia (ITA) 151 (72 +79)
+ .- Christina Birke / Anki Hermanson (SWE) 151 (70 +81)

Scottish Scores:

5= Pam Williamson (Baberton) and Diane Williams (Canada) 153 (73+80)
7. - Helen Faulds (Douglas Park) and Noreen Fenton (Merchants of Edinburgh) 154 (73+81)
19 - Barbara Biggart (Kilmacolm) and Maureen Richmond (Liverpool) 164 (77+87)
23 - Jennifer Mack (Haggs Castle) and Janice Paterson (Drumpellier) 168 (78+90)
25 - Heather Anderson (Downfield) and Janette McCartney (Erskine) 169 (77 +92)

TO SEE THE FULL LIST OF RESULTS CLICK HERE

TO SEE THE FINAL HANDICAP POSITIONS CLICK HERE

Tuesday 12 February 2008

Helen Faulds and Noreen Fenton the best Scots after the Fourball Round in the Spanish Seniors

Helen Faulds (Douglas Park)and Noreen Fenton (Merchants of Edinburgh) were the best placed Scots alongside Pam Williamson (Baberton),Diane Williams (Canada) after todays Spanish Seniors fourball round at Golf Park Mallorca.

Leader Board (first day)
1-Viveca Hoff / Brigitta Ljung (SWE) 69
2- Christina Birke / Anki Hermanson (SWE) 70
3- VICKY PERTIERRA / MARTA ESTANY (ESP) 72

Scottish Scores:
Helen Faulds (Douglas Park)and Noreen Fenton (Merchants of Edinburgh) 73
Pam Williamson (Baberton),Diane Williams (Canada) 73
Janette McCartney (Erskine), Heather Anderson (Downfield), 77
Barbara Biggart (Kilmacolm), Maureen Richmond (Royal Liverpool --- Kilmacolm), 77
Jennifer Mack (Haggs Castle), Janice Paterson (Drumpellier), 78
The conditions were rather cold to say the least and apparently the weather forcast is for rain tomorrow.
Unfortunately Jennifer Mack (Haggs Castle)who has not been well with a virus and is playing with Janice Paterson (Drumpellier)managed to just struggle round. --- Hope you feel better tomorrow Jen

Monday 11 February 2008

More from the Spanish Seniors

The Spanish Seniors at the Majorcan Golf Park Golf Club is the venue, from 12th to 15th February,
The competition begins with the -"Doubles" from the 12th and 13th February - where the Spaniards Marta Estany and Vicky Pertierra will defend their title.
Both were pushed last year at Bonalba Golf & Spa (Alicante) in tight battle with the Madrid Cristina Marsans and Beatriz Ramirez de Haro and the Scottish partnership of Barbara Biggart and Maureen Richmond.
These three partnerships are the favourites
The last two days of play -14th and 15th February - will be the singles event.

Click on the following link for the list of entrants for the "Doubles"
Click on the following link for the list of entrants for the Singles

Friday 8 February 2008

2008 Spanish Seniors

Maureen Richmond (Royal Liverpool), who was runner up in the 2007 Spanish Seniors and with partner Barbara Biggart (Kilmacolm) was 3rd in the "doubles", fly out to Majorca this Sunday to play in the 2008 event. This years event will be held at Golf Park de Mallorca Golf Course from February 12th - 15th.
Entrants and partnerships for the "doubles" competition for this years 2008 Spanish Seniors are:
Helen Faulds (Douglas Park), Noreen Fenton (Merchants of Edinburgh),
Jennifer Mack (Haggs Castle), Janice Paterson (Drumpellier),
Barbara Biggart (Kilmacolm), Maureen Richmond (Royal Liverpool --- Kilmacolm),
Janette McCartney (Erskine), Heather Anderson (Downfield),
Pam Williamson (Baberton),Diane Williams (Canada)

Thursday 7 February 2008

February Stableford -- Ranfurly Castle

Silver: R Ogilvie (17) 27 pts, V Howe (17) 26 pts
Bronze: P Wilson (36) 25 pts, J Dickie (36) 20 pts
(Played Wednesday 6th February 2008 over 15 holes)

Megan Briggs and Pamela Pretswell receive Foundation Bursary Funding

The R&A has announced that a record number of 91 students will, this year, receive Foundation Bursary funding. Individual bursaries range in size from £500 to £3,000.
Students from Belgium, Iceland, Italy, New Zealand and Zambia are amongst those awarded bursaries, which are intended to enable golfers to combine their studies with competitive play.
The R&A’s total annual spend on university golf currently exceeds £320,000 and includes grants to support golf programmes at 12 universities in Great Britain and Ireland.
The Old and Eden Courses in St Andrews will provide the venues for The R&A bursars’ tournament in April. For the first time, World Amateur Golf Ranking points are at stake in this event and the winning male student will gain an automatic place in Europe’s 2008 Palmer Cup team to play against the United States of America at Glasgow Gailes at the end of June. In the women’s event, the winner will be offered a place in the field at one of the LET’s tournaments this season.
LIST OF WEST OF SCOTLAND BURSARS
Name-Place of Study-Home Golf Club


Megan Briggs-Strathclyde-Kilmacolm.
Pamela Pretswell-Glasgow-Bothwell Castle

Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for this Press Release Report

Wednesday 6 February 2008

Handicap Seminars at Haggs Castle and East Kilbride Golf Club

Over 250 representatives (both Men and Women) from Golf Clubs in the West of Scotland have attended seminars in the rules and regulations regarding maintaining and administering the new 2008 Unified Handicapping System for 2008.
The seminars were held at East Kilbride Golf Club in January and Haggs Castle Golf Club today and both venues had the comprehensive presentation of the new changes incorporated in the new manual.
Thanks go to Lynne Terry (SLCGA) and Kevin Weir (SGU) for their excellent presentation

Tuesday 5 February 2008

Shona Malcolm becomes Interim Chief Executive Officer on the LGU

Shona MalcolmShona Malcolm will take the reins at the Ladies’ Golf Union in St Andrews as Interim Chief Executive Officer until 30 September 2008.
Ms Malcolm, pictured left, a Chartered Accountant, has been a Scottish Councillor on the LGU for the last year, and will take charge on a part time consultancy basis, taking responsibility at a crucial time in the implementation of the LGU Business Plan.
Her immediate priority will be to develop a project plan for, and drive the delivery of, the Business Plan, with specific early emphasis on governance and staffing structures.
Shona, an R&A qualified referee, has been involved in golf administration for many years, having served as Honorary Treasurer of the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association (“SLGA”) for the five years to 2001 and more recently as Chair of the SLGA’s Business Development Group and the Scottish “One Plan for Golf” steering group. She is also involved in Scotland’s junior golf strategy as a Clubgolf board member.
Shona said, “I am delighted to take on this challenging role at what is a particularly exciting time for the LGU. I look forward to working with all the staff at St. Andrews to move the LGU forward in line with the approved Business Plan and to maintain and indeed strengthen the collective voice for women and girls golf.”
Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the Press Release Report

Monday 28 January 2008

Douglas Park Ladies Section AGM

From Left to Right Past Captain Janet Dow, Captain Gillian Beattie and Vice Captain Gladys Speedie --- Click to enlarge
The Ladies Section of Douglas Park Golf Club held their AGM and annual Prize Giving at the Club on Saturday 26th January 2008. Past Captain, Mrs Janet Dow, presented the incoming Lady Captain, Dr. Gillian Beattie, with her Captains Brooch. Ms. Gladys Speedie is the new Vice Captain of the Ladies Section.

Carol Fell 2007 Douglas Park Champion --- click to enlarge
The 2007 Club Champion, Mrs Carol Fell (pictured above) was presented with the Championship Cup.
The Douglas Park Golf Club 2007 Main Prizewinners --- Click to enlarge
Mrs Anne Fergusson, Champion Runner Up, and the other 2007 trophy winners joined Carol on the steps of the Club for the group photo.
Click on the photos to see enlargements

Friday 25 January 2008

Never Lie about your handicap

A businessman was attending a conference in Africa. He had a free day and wanted to play a round of golf. He was directed to a lovely golf course nearby which bordered on the jungle. After a short trip, he arrived at the course and asked the pro if he could get on.
"Sure," said the Pro, "What's your handicap?" Not wanting to admit that he had an 18 handicap, he decided to cut it a bit. "Well, it's 16," Jason said, "But what's the relevance since I'll be playing alone?"
"It's very important for us to know," said the pro, who then called a caddy. "Go out with this gentleman," said the pro, "his handicap is 16."
Jason was very surprised at this constant reference to his handicap. The caddy picked up Jason's bag and a large rifle; again the businessman was surprised but decided to ask no questions.
They arrived on the 1st hole, a par 4. "Please avoid those trees on the left," said the caddy. Needless to say, Jason duck-hooked his ball into the trees. He found his ball and was about to punch it out when he heard the loud crack of the rifle and a large snake fell dead from a tree above his head. The caddy stood next to him with the rifle smoking in his hand.
"That's the mamba, the most poisonous snake in all Africa. You're lucky I was here with you."
After taking a bogey, they moved to the 2nd hole, a par 5.
"Avoid those bushes on the right," says the caddy. Of course, Jason's ball went straight into the bushes. As he went to pick up his ball, he heard the loud crack of the caddy's rifle once more and a huge lion fell dead at his feet. "I've saved your life again," said the caddy.
The 3rd hole was a par 3 with a lake in front of the green. Jason's ball came up just short of the green and rolled back to the edge of the water. To take a shot, he had to stand with one foot in the lake. As he was about to swing, a large crocodile emerged from the water, and bit off most of his right leg.
As he fell to the ground bleeding and in great pain, he saw the caddy with the rifle propped at his side, looking on unconcernedly. "Why didn't you kill it?" asked the man incredulously.
"I'm sorry, sir," said the caddy, "this hole is stroke 17 ...you don't get a shot here."
That's why you should never lie about your handicap

Thanks go to Carol Whyte (Windyhill) for that one
Want some more Jokes Click Here

Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Golf Festival

Please note that the dates for the 2009 Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Golf Festival in Murcia, Spain have already been set: February 11 to 24th

PRESS RELEASE FROM COLIN FARQUHARSON, CAL CARSON GOLF AGENCY
LEAGUE OF NATIONS ENTRY FOR FIRST HACIENDA DEL ALAMO WOMEN'S WINTER FESTIVAL

The inaugural Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Festival - February 10 to 23, 2008 - has attracted an entry of 50 golfers from a wide area.
Thirteen of them are professionals from Argentina, Belgium, England, Ireland, Scotland, Spain and Wales.
The professionals include Danielle Masters from Kent, who partnered Trish Johnson as England's team of two in the Women's World Cup of Golf in South Africa earlier this month
When she was an amateur Danielle played for Great Britain & Ireland in the Curtis Cup matches against the United States, as did Ireland's Claire Coughlan and Martina Gillen, other pro contestants at the Festival.
Scotland's Jenna Wilson, now a professional but still the reigning Scottish women's amateur champion, is among the entrants from the "Home of Golf."
Thirty-two entrants are amateurs from Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales plus one "local," Vicki Smith from the Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort.
There was no minimum or maximum age limit on the entries and the ages range from 12-year-old Amber Ratcliffe (Royal Cromer) and 13-year-old Meghan MacLaren (Wellingborough) to some senior (over-50) ladies.
There were also some entrants with very low handicaps, such as the two Scots, Emily Ogilvy (Auchterarder) and Michele Thomson (Ellon) who both play off +1 and are members of the Scotland women's amateur international team.
Michele, in fact, has a chance of being selected for the GB&I team for this year's Curtis Cup match over the Old Course, St Andrews at the end of May.
Six events make up the Festival programme from February 11 to 23 – two 36-hole competitions, two 18-hole stableford events and two Saturday pro-ams which will Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort residents.

"I think this could be the start of something big," said director of golf Billy Sim whose long-time friendship with fellow Scot and golf writer Colin Farquharson, the tournament organiser, led to their often discussed idea of a Women's Golf Festival coming off the drawing board and into reality in February 2008.

ENTRIES
PROFESSIONALS
Claire COUGHLAN (Ireland)
Tracey CRAIK (Scotland)
Lauren DIGGLE (Wales).
Martina GILLEN (Ireland)
Nicky LUMB (England)
Maria MARTIN LOPEZ (Spain).
Danielle MASTERS (England)
Natasha MORGAN (Wales)
Jacqueline PECOITZ (Argentina).
Marian RIORDAN (Ireland).
Katie THOMSON (Scotland).
Lien WILLEMS (Belgium).
Jenna WILSON (Scotland).

AMATEURS
Orla BARRY (Galway) handicap 5.
Lisa BARTON (Coventry) handicap 2
Jane BINNING (Frilford Heath) handicap 2.
Anna CARLING (Vale of Glamorgan) handicap 4.
Sarah CARTY (The Island, Dublin) handicap 4.
Kimberley CROOKS (Saltburn by the Sea) handicap scratch. Age 16.
Charlotte DALTON (Ladbrook Park) handicap 3. Age 18
Azimina DESMOND (Hollywood Lakes, Ireland) handicap 11. Senior.
Cara EASTON (Dalmahoy) handicap 8. Age 15.
Mandy EASTON (Dalmahoy) handicap 5.
Marion GEOGHEGAN (Navan) handicap 13.
Kate EVANS (Frilford Heath) handicap 7.
Rebecca GEE (Wellingborough) handicap 5. Age 16.
Annie GOWING (Frilford Heath) handicap 5.
Tara GRIBBEN (Warrenpoint) handicap 5. Age 16.
Eveleen HIGGINS (Laytown/Bettystown) handicap 13. Senior.
Gemma JENNINGS (Navan) handicap 12.
Mary McAREE (Navan) handicap 20.
Judy McCAIRNS (Frilford Heath) handicap 9. Senior.
Kirsten MacCALLUM (McDonald Ellon) handicap 20. Age 14.
Lauren MacCALLUM (McDonald Ellon) handicap 7. Age 17.
Mary MacLAREN (Wellingborough) handicap 4.
Meghan MacLAREN (Wellingborough) handicap 7. Age 13.
Caroline MURPHY (Grange, Dublin) handicap 9. Age 17.
Emma O'DRISCOLL (Ballybunion). Handicap 5. Age 15.
Emily OGILVY (Auchterarder) handicap +1.
Karen OGILVY (Auchterarder) handicap 16.
Amber RATCLIFFE (Royal Cromer) handicap 18. Age 12.
Carla REYNOLDS (Seapoint) handicap 5. Age 16.
Paula REYNOLDS (Seapoint) handicap 19.
Margaret ROONEY (Navan) handicap 20.
Philomena SHEERAN (Navan) handicap 20.
Vicki SMITH (Hacienda del Alamo) handicap 5.
Ami STOREY (Ponteland) handicap scratch.
Rhian Wyn THOMAS (Vale of Glamorgan) handicap 1.
Michele THOMSON (McDonald Ellon) handicap +1. .
Jane WHIRISKEY (Galway). Handicap 13.

Thursday 24 January 2008

Burns Night in your home or at the Golf Club


Can I do this at home?It's not often I give advice to folk about what to do behind closed doors – but you certainly can have fun in organising your own Burns supper. Here are ten steps to a great night for anything from four to forty folk:
Welcome your guests with a glass of Speyside malt whisky;
Say Grace before enjoying a starter of Scottish smoked salmon with a crisp white wine;
Address the Haggis (feel free to read to it – don't be shy!) and try it with mashed potatoes and turnips (and a wee bit more of that malt if there's any left!);
Serve a simple main course of Scottish steak with chips and peas, washed down by a nice ordinary Claret;
Round it off with a rich Scotch Trifle or some fine Scottish Cheeses;
Get a friend to speak for a few light hearted minutes and then lead everyone in toasting 'The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns';
Choose a poem (try 'To a Mouse') and pass the book round the guests with everyone reading one verse;
Enjoy the fellowship of your friends around the table;
Sing 'Auld Lang Syne' with a stiff glass of Islay malt as a nightcap!
Do it again next year!
Come and join in! Don't forget that Burns loved a party, so we owe it to him to make it a good one.
Alternatively all you golfers may be going to a Burns Supper or have been at one at your own Golf Club. Here are a few at Douglas Park Golf Club last weekend at their "early" Burns Supper singing a couple of songs

Here is a good article in the Glasgow Herald Today if you happen to be giving a "The Reply for the Lassies" Toast to the Lassies by Ruth Wishart in today's Glasgow Herald

Tuesday 22 January 2008

Handicap Seminar at Haggs Castle or East Kilbride

The SLGA and SGU are running a series of regional handicapping seminars for all those involved at golf clubs in maintaining and administering handicaps. The seminars will include an overview of the CONGU UHS and a comprehensive presentation of the new changes incorporated in the new manual. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. For a booking form click here

Monday 21 January 2008

The Board of the SLGA 2008

The 2008 SLGA Board of Directors - click to enlarge

The Board of SLGA Ltd 2008
Back Row: Shona Malcolm, Sheila Pickles, Gillian Kirkwood
Middle Row: Winifred MacCallum, Pamela MacKenzie, Beth Paterson,
Liz Miskimmin, Helen Cuthbertson, Lynne Terry
Front Row: Pat Wilson (Chairman), Ethel Jack (President), Janet Wake (Vice Chairman)

Thanks go to Gillian Kirkwood for the Photograph

Saturday 19 January 2008

Beth Paterson and Jenny McGahan elected at SLGA AGM

RLCGA Past Captain Beth Paterson
The SLGA AGM took place yesterday at the Quality Station Hotel Perth.
SLGA's Chairman Margaret McNaughton's informative annual report was followed by the Finance Director Lynne Terry's detailed accounts annual review. The annual report of the Scottish representatives on the Executive Council of the LGU was then given by Gillian Kirkwood

Ethel Jack was elected as President for the second year and
RLCGA's Past Captain Beth Paterson (Eastwood ) pictured above was elected on to the board by the SLGA to replace Margaret MacNaughton who retires by expiry of her term of office.
Jenny McGahan
Jenny McGahan (Douglas Park) was appointed as Deputy to Gillian Kirkwood and Shona Malcolm as Scottish Representatives on the Executive Council of the Ladies' Golf Union
Three changes to the Regulations regarding County Golf were approved by large margins, and, after a clear and concise explanation of the SLGA Business Plan by Shona Malcolm , the new Rules and Regulations for SLGA Ltd were also approved.
Subscriptions for playing members of clubs will increase in 2009 will increase by 50p to £13.

Mrs Pat Wilson was then elected to be the new Chairman of the SLGA.
Isabel Crawford is re appointed as a West Division Selector

Carol Fell (Ranfurly Castle and Douglas Park) asked the board in the "any competent business" section, if County Medals were the same as Open Days for the new Congu regulation. The answer was given as yes and she said that this was impossible to administer unless you used the Home Clubs handicap computer where the competition was being played at and not use the county laptop. The SLGA said they would look into the matter and Carol has sent a report to the SLGA as requested by the new Chairman Pat Wilson. This report includes an explanation of the problem and a couple of suggestions on how to solve this issue.

The meeting closed with an entertaining vote of thanks from Helen Faulds (Douglas Park)

Friday 18 January 2008

Mary Hardie is the new Ranfurly Castle Captain

Helen Abram, Mary Hardie and Mary Craig -- Click to enlarge
A very successful AGM and prizegiving was held in the clubhouse on Thursday 17th January.
Mary Hardie was duly elected as our new Lady Captain. She welcomed Helen Abram as Vice Captain and Sheila Gray, Sheila Biggart and Eileen Walker as new committee members.
The AGM was followed by our usual prizegiving.
Carol Fell, Ranfurly Castle's Ladies Champion, thanked the committee for all their work throughout the year.

Thursday 17 January 2008

Book a Group Day at Mearns Golf Academy


Do you want to get a group of friends together for a day out? Or are you looking for a family-friendly post-Christmas activity? Perhaps you want to schmooze some clients? Then come to Mearns Castle Golf Academy for a weather-proof event suitable for beginners through to advanced golfers.
To read more then click on the following link Mearns Castle Golf Academy

Wednesday 9 January 2008

SLGA Annual General Meeting

The SLGA AGM will be held on Saturday 19 January 2008 at 11.00 a.m. in the ballroom of the Quality Station Hotel in Perth. All the papers for the meeting were posted to clubs and counties on Wednesday 19 December.

Thursday 3 January 2008

News from Jean Campbell -- D&A Webmaster

Jean Campbell in Florida
Good Morning - or afternoon and a very happy new year to you all. We arrived here on the 5th November and it feels like a few days ago - we certainly cannot complain about the weather as this is the second time we have seen some real rain (we have had the very odd sprinkle) and Florida badly needs it.
We were told last night on the news that it is the driest it has been for more than ten years (at this time of year) and all sorts of warning were given about the use of fireworks and there was certainly plenty of them last night. We dined outside as usual and watched these fireworks coming from all over the place - then things were quiet until midnight and then the sky was lit up again and it was very nice to see. John as usual went off to bed - I like to watch the tv programme from Times Square and managed to stay awake until midnight.

Where we play golf, there are a few lakes on the course and they are so low and they have recently introduced a ban on watering of gardens - I think it is only one day a week - so this rain is so badly needed and honestly since I ain't going anywhere, I hope it rains all day long. John has been busy playing table tennis and won a couple of medals in the state championship - he has recently started playing on a Thursday night at a club in Fort Myers and the standard there is higher than the club we go to in Sarasota. The sports centre where it is held is quite a place - only two years old and just super - since I go with him as the driver!! - we both joined this place at a cost of $5 each and don't have to pay anything when we go - wish they had this sort of facility in Scotland as surely it would encourage youngsters to take part - when it is almost free!!! There is one huge area which can be used for all kinds of sports with seating and also a dividing wall and then so many other smaller rooms for a variety of activities including a computer class!!! The school which is right next to this place was built at the same time and a couple of weeks ago when we arrived we saw crowds going into the school and I found out that there was a musical concert and in I went and again was impressed with the facilities - the programme started with the youngest musicians playing fairly easy but good tunes and then on to the next group - there was a group of older singers and they joined with the school choir to sing a few numbers. We also had a girl dancing - I was just so impressed with the talent on show and all those instruments - great to see. The concert was held in a huge hall and again it had all sorts of facilities for various sports and a stage - I was sorry I was unable to wait until the end of the concert.

We have been playing golf (of course) although probably not as much as we have in the past - my golf has been a bit mixed until the last couple of times that I have played, I don't know what I am doing BUT I wish I could parcel it up and bring it home - yesterday John played his best golf since arriving and this made it more enjoyable for MEEEEE!!! We shall see what I do next time I am out.

There is a law here that dogs must be kept on a lead - we arrived home a few weeks ago - drove into the garage and then heard this awful noise across the road where there is vacant lots and then onto a canal - the dog from two houses along was attacking a heron!!! The owner was screaming at her dog and we saw the heron get up and it was making such a noise and flapping its wings - it eventually limped into the bushes but it was not nice to see. We have since received a letter from this woman saying that her dog did not touch the heron!!! She wants us to speak to her about this - but we will not have anything to do with her - we both know what we saw. These people also own two maccaws and the noise from these birds is not acceptable - if I lived next door I would pop in and slit their throats!!!!!!
Well it is still raining and it is now time to give my fingers a well earned rest!!!

Loved you dancing in your Santa outfit Carol - my sister did one for me as an elf!!! I am thinking of working on the routine for the county dinner!!!##

Best Wishes for a good and healthy 2008

Heron Defences improved in Bearsden Glasgow

Having had a few fish taken on Hogmanay (we think) --- Still not got a proper head count, we have improved our defences - so this morning when we had another visit from "Henry" the heron he was not so lucky !!
Any chance of some "Golfing" News now or will I have to set up a Bird Website !!! Please Email me your news by clicking on the link on the RHS of this webpage

Tuesday 1 January 2008

Hazel wishes you all a Happy New Year

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New Year Celebrations at Douglas Park Golf Club

Here is a short video of the bringing in of the New Year. It is also Past Captain Helen Robertson's birthday today -- so a cake was produced as well. Sorry the video is so dark but the lighting was poor.

Monday 31 December 2007

It's the end of 2007 --- Happy New Year










Click here to Ring in the New Year

Heron Attack in Bearsden Glasgow


Nothing to do with golf ---- Your Webmaster Carol and husband Gordon had a visitor in their garden on Hogmanay. To all friends who like birds as well as golf I thought you would like to see this

Sunday 16 December 2007

Merry Christmas to all our West of Scotland Readers









Carol -- your Webmaster has a link to her Christmas Card to all readers of this website Carol's Christmas Card

Pat Walker (Captain of the West Vets) sends her Christmas wishes on the West Vets Website

Friday 14 December 2007

Christmas Lunches at Douglas Park

Two Christmas Lunches were held at Douglas Park Golf club today Friday 14th and Sunday 10th -- . Thanks go to Clark Nelson who added to the musical entertainment on the Sunday and at short notice to Caroline Hanlon who played the piano on that day.
Click on the video below (not very good -- but if gives the jist !!) and the smileybox to see some photos and you may recognise a few faces -- Gladys Speedie, Helen Faulds and Olive MacKay to name a few of the Carol singers !!
Perhaps the singing was better in 2005 !!!
Click on this link; Video of DP Christmas Lunch Singing in 2005



To see some photos from both lunches (over 100 ladies) then click on the play button below
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Thursday 13 December 2007

The Christmas Cracker Competition - Ranfurly Castle


32 ladies played in the Christmas Cracker yesterday morning in what can only be described as WET !
Alison Robertson and Pamela Mackenzie were the winners of the 9 hole Greensomes and Lois Brown won a prize for having the best hat.
A glass of mulled wine helped to warm everyone up at the end and there was plenty of chat and much hilarity!
To see enlargements of the photos go to Ranfurly Castle Christmas Cracker Winners

Saturday 8 December 2007

Clare Queen and Kyle Walker are the top Scots in India

Clare Queen (The Carrick at Cameron House) earned 2,070 Euos for a share of 28th place on 295. Clare had rounds of 75, 72, 73 and 75. In her final round, she took a long time to get going with bogeys at the second, fifth, ninth and 10th. Her first birdie came at the 11th but she bogeyed the 12th before birdieing the long 15th for halves of 39 and 36.
Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle), with Michele Thomson (McDonald Ellon), playing on special invitations for amateurs, took the chance to turn in arguably her best performance of the season.
Kylie had scores of 77, 73, 72 and 75 for nine-over-par 297 and a share of 35th position, not bad at all among professional company. Kylie bogeyed the second, third and fourth but birdied the fifth and long seventh before a bogey at the eighth saw her turne in two-over-par 38. Another birdie at the long 10th helped to offset the damage of a double-bogey 6 at the long par-4 16th in halves of 38 and 37.
Had she been playing as a professional, Kylie would have won 1,590 Euros.
FINAL TOTALS
Par 288 (4 x 72)
281 G Nocera (France) 69 69 72 71 (30,000 Euros).
282 V Lagoutte-Clement (France) 72 75 66 68 (20,300 Euros).
284 Lisa Hall (England) 72 73 70 69 (14,000 Euros).
285 L Wahlin (Sweden) 69 75 72 69 (10,800 Euros).
286 T Plucksataporn (Thailand) 72 71 74 69 (8,480 Euros).
287 K-M Juul (Denmark) 73 73 70 71, T Johnson (England) 73 70 72 72, M Prieto (Spain) 73 70 72 72 (6,000 Euros each).
288 S Arricau (France) 72 73 76 67, L Davies (England) 77 74 67 70, M Eberl (Germany) 76 71 68 73 (4,053 Euros each).
289 M Beautell (Spain) 77 70 70 72 (3,440 Euros).
290 M Rigon (Italy) 73 72 72 73, Becky Brewerton (Wales) 76 70 71 73 (3,150 Euros each).
Other totals:
293 J Head (England) 77 71 73 72 (jt 20th) (2,520 Euros).
294 R Coakley (Ireland) 73 76 73 72, S Walker (England) 70 75 72 77 (jt 23rd) (2,310 Euros each).
295 K Matharu (England) 76 73 73 73, C Queen (The Carrick at Cameron House) 75 72 73 75 (jt 28th) (2,070 Euros each).
296 D Masters (England) 77 76 70 73 (jt 32nd) (1,860 Euros).
297 K Walker (Buchanan Castle) (amateur) 77 73 72 75 (jt 35th).
300 Lydia Hall (Wales) 76 75 74 75 (jt 44th) (1,220 Euros).
301 F More (England) 78 74 72 77, H Kavanagh (Ireland) 78 74 72 77 (1,080 Euros each).
303 F Johnson (England) 78 75 76 74, N C Booth (England) 73 76 77 77 (jt 51st) (940 Euros each).
304 C Coughlan (Ireland) 79 77 74 74 (jt 54th) (840 Euros).
306 K S Taylor (England) 76 77 79 74 (jt 57th) (720 Euros).
307 K Taylor (England) 75 78 74 80 (jt 60th) (640 Euros).
311 S Heath (England) 74 79 79 79 (63rd) (600 Euros).
314 M Thomson (McDonald Ellon) (amateur) 82 69 75 78.
318 G Simpson (England) 82 77 80 79, J Clingan (England) 76 78 84 80 (jt 66th) (570 Euros each).

Friday 7 December 2007

Clare Queen is leading Scot after 3 rounds in India

Clare Queen is the leading Scot in joint 19th place with scores of 75, 72 and 73 for 220. She had two birdies in her Friday round - at the fifth and 15th but took the edge off a potentially good score with a cluster of late bogeys, at the 14th, 16th and 17th for 38 home.
Buchanan Castle amateur Kylie Walker, has recovered some of her best form of the year in distant India. She is in joint 29th place in a field of 71 with scores of 77, 73 and 72 for 222 - the same mark as former Curtis Cup player Kiran Matharu and Irish-Australian Rebecca Coakley.
Kylie did very well indeed to shake off the mind-blowing effects of a double-bogey 5 at the short third followed by a bogey at the fourth.
She then was five under par for the next six holes - vintage Walker indeed! - with birdies at the fifth, sixth, eighth, ninth and 10th.
Late bogeys, at the 14th and 17th, saw her home in 37 after getting to the turn in 35

THIRD-ROUND TOTALS

Par 216 (3 x 72)

210 G Nocera (France) 69 69 72.
213 V Lagoutte-Clement (France) 72 75 66.
215 M Eberl (Germany) 76 71 68, Lisa Hall (England) 72 73 70, M Prieto (Spain) 73 70 72, T Johnson(England) 73 70 72.
216 K-M Juul (Denmark) 73 73 70, L Wahlin (Sweden) 69 75 72.
217 M Beautell (Spain) 77 70 70, B Brewerton (Wales) 76 70 71, S Walker (England) 70 75 72, M Rigon (Italy) 73 72 72, E Steinberger (Austria) 74 70 73, T Plucksataporn (Thailand) 72 71 74.
218 L Davies (England) 77 74 67, V Zorzi (Italy) 75 71 72, Bo Ri Lee (Korea) 71 72 75.
219 L Kreutz (France) 75 74 70.
220 A B Sanchez (Spain) 72 76 72, J Schaeffer (France) 74 74 72, C Queen (The Carrick at Cameron House) 75 72 73 (jt 19th).
Other scores:
221 J Head (England) 77 71 73 (jt 22nd).
222 K Walker (Buchanan Castle) (amateur) 77 73 72, K Matharu (England) 76 73 73, R Coakley (Ireland) 73 76 73 (jt 29th of 77 players).

Thursday 6 December 2007

Milngavie Ladies have a very successful 2007 Season

The Greenlees Team - 2007

Ladies teams at Milngavie Golf Club have had an extremely successful season in 2007. They have a Scratch team that plays in the Greenlees League - open to all clubs in the West of Scotland. This year, Milngavie won the 3rd Division with a record 57 points and are therefore promoted to the 2nd Division.


Allander Team -- 2007

Their second team plays in the Allander League, which is a handicap league that is played in the evenings. Milngavie GC retained their title in this competition and have won this trophy 7 times in the last 9 years. (Ladies participating in these teams range in age from 15 to 70+)


The Greenlees and Allander Teams from Milngavie Golf Club Here are both teams together

Clare Queen is top Scot in 1st Round of Indian Ladies Master

Clare Queen 75 (The Carrick at Cameron House).... Kylie Walker 77 (Buchanan Castle)... Michele Thomson 82 (McDonald Ellon).
That's the "Scotland" scores from the first round of the Indian Ladies Masters at the Eagleton Resort, Bangalore
There is a three-way tie for the lead at three-under-par 69, featuring Lotta Wahlin (Sweden), Gwladys Nocera (France) and Anna Tybring (Sweden)

Stirling win the Mail on Sunday Classic

All the teams in the West of Scotland that played in the Mail on Sunday congratulate Stirling Golf Club on their tremendous victory last Saturday at El Rompido in Spain The Stirling Mail on Sunday Winners
Champagne corks popped as Stirling at last became Mail on Sunday Classic champions, a title they thought they might never win.
Third-placed team in 2001, losing finalists in 2005, they finally
became champions after a 4-1 win over Marriott Meon Valley at
the sun-bathed El Rompido course in Spain.
In the semi final, Stirling defeated Mere 3 ½-1 ½ after Fiona Campbell led the team out against their lowest golfer – a four-handicap county player. Fiona played excellent golf and lost narrowly at the 16th. Tricia Chillas and Elaine Allison managed to secure wins at the 15th and the Stirling team then required one point to reach the final.
Alison Davidson, playing the Mere captain, was two up at the 16th where she hit a magnificent tee shot to the short hole where she was conceded her birdie putt to put the Stirling team through.
In the final, two of the Stirling team got off to a fast start. Elaine built up an early lead against 12-handicapper Jenny Readman and Shelagh Quinn found herself five up at the 12th against their budding young professional player, two-handicapper Katie Thompson. Shelagh finished the match at the 13th with a 6 and 5 win.
In contrast Alison got off to a poor start and was four holes down to Tracey Boyes, who narrowly failed to win her Ladies European Tour card last month. In typical style, Alison fought back strongly to square her match at the turn.
Vicki Stevenson, playing Lauren Davis (9), was two up playing the 16th. She knew how important it was to seal the match as she had to concede strokes at both the 17th and 18th holes. Her shot to the green found the fringe of the green and she had a great chip and putt to secure her par and gain the second point.
Elaine was dormie at the 15th hole and her par 4 secured the elusive title and Stirling became the first Scottish team to win the event.
Alison and Tricia had slender leads at this point but still had to concede strokes at the final holes. With the match won, all of the remaining players on the course agreed to halved matches so that the
Celebrations could begin.
Meon Valley were magnanimous in defeat and acknowledged the quality of Stirling’s victory. Captain Kathy Estcourt said: ‘We were playing a team on a mission. Stirling were just unbeatable today.’
Former Curtis Cup star and past British and Scottish champion, Alison Davidson said: "I just cannot tell you what this means for the team, for the club and for me. I’ve played in some pretty big matches in my career, but when you can go out to play with your friends for your club, there just isn’t a feeling like it.
"I would like to thank the supporters who made the trip to cheer us on. We all had a great time. I would also like to thank Stirling Golf Club and the members for their support and best wishes. Finally, a big thankyou to Guardian Systems for generously sponsoring the uniform for players and supporters – it was greatly appreciated."
Thanks go to Gillian Kirkwood for the report

Tuesday 4 December 2007

LGU pre match practice for Curtis Cup Squad

Eight members of the LGU Squad will assemble in St Andrews this weekend, 6-9 December, for pre match practice, ahead of selection for the 2008 Curtis Cup, which will be played for the first time over the Old Course, St Andrews, 30 May - 1 June. To read all about it click on this link LGU Newsletter

Saturday 1 December 2007

Clare Queen to take part in the Indian Ladies Masters

Clare Queen(The Carrick at Cameron House) with caddy Karyn Burns (Mearns Castle Golf Academy) left today for Bangalore. Clare is the only Scottish Professional taking part in the Indian Ladies Masters (the first Ladies European Tour event on the sub-continent) from 5th to 8th December.

Amateurs, Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle) and Michel Thomson (McDonald Ellon) will be joining Clare.