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'
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
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
To read the full team selection go to the West Vets Website
Wednesday 3 March 2010
Renfrewshire County Centenary Book is launched
A 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
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 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
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
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
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
Thursday 11 February 2010
Brand New Scottish Golf Show Website 2010
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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
Thursday 4 February 2010
Tuesday 2 February 2010
SLGA Tournament Entry Forms
Sunday 31 January 2010
Pamela Pretswell feels a "Little Rusty" due to poor weather and examinations
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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Monday 18 January 2010
GOLF TIMEBOMB -- What do you think ??
* 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
No Golfing Photographs -- but SNOW SNOW SNOW
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
Past President Ethel Jack, D&A's Anne Byiers and Lanarkshire's Jean Macintyre - Click to enlarge
The 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
To read the full report go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website
Thursday 14 January 2010
Claire Hargan appointed SLGA's - Championship Manager
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
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"
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
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
East Kilbride Clubhouse destroyed by fire
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
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
“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
Thursday 31 December 2009
CHANGES to the DECISIONS on the RULES OF GOLF
From January 1, no relief allowed from divot hole or repaired divot hole
By RON MENZIES
As usual, half way through the four-year life of an edition of The Rules of Golf, the R&A has published a new Decisions Book. This contains some 30 new decisions and amended versions of further 49 revised decisions which come into effect on January 1, 2010.
Many of these merit detailed consideration only by serious students of the rules, budding referees and quiz masters and require a thorough knowledge to understand their complexity. However, there is one change that will require immediate action by many club committees and the awareness of all golfers.
New decision 33-8/34 now removes the authority for a committee to make a local rule “providing relief without penalty from a divot hole or a repaired divot hole (i.e. filled with sand or seed mix).”
At least half the golf clubs in Scotland have such a local rule and these must be withdrawn immediately before any qualifying competitions for handicap purposes can be played.
Such a local rule contravenes Rule 13-1 which states that a ball must be played as it lies and has generally not been used in professional and major amateur competitions.
It is often mistakenly believed that this rule protects the golf course. If relief is given or indeed demanded from a seeded divot hole, a second divot hole is created and requires repair, leaving two seeded divots holes.
If the ball is played from the original hole it may require repair but only one hole remains.
Saturday 26 December 2009
Friday 25 December 2009
Thursday 24 December 2009
Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire County Officials have fun in the snow !!
Lanarkshire County Website
Renfrewshire County Website
Christmas Greeetings from D&A County
Season Greetings to all our Readers -- From all the West of Scotland Counties
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE
Wednesday 23 December 2009
Death of Past SLGA Secretary Mary Greig
Tuesday 22 December 2009
Catriona Matthew becomes a vice-president of the SLGA and Emma Wilson is named as the new SLGA President
Emma Wilson has been named as the new SLGA president, taking over from Ethel Jack who is retiring after three years in the post.
Emma for those who don't know her can be seen collecting lots of money for Breast Cancer last year --- Go to the West Vets Website to read more. She is a Past Chairman of the SLGA and is currently Captain of Midlands Vets
Kylie and Carly both turn PRO
Long-hitting Kylie, who first came to the fore as winner of the Scottish schoolgirls title in her teens, finished joint eighth on six-under-par 286, clinching her place with a splendid third-round, five-under-par 68 over the South Course.
Carly finished with her worst round of the four, a one-over-par 74, but had already paved the way for a 14th place finish on three-under 289.
Clare Queen (The Carrick on Loch Lomond) retained her LET playing status but only in Category 10a, which puts her down the pecking order for entry to tournaments in 2010.
TO READ THE FULL REPORT GO TO THE GILLIAN KIRKWOOD WEBSITE
Saturday 19 December 2009
The rain (and snow) in Spain stays mainly at La Manga!
MURCIA, SOUTH-EAST SPAIN – Saturday’s play at Final Qualifying School has been washed out due to heavy rain and snow. The bunkers on La Manga Club's South Course were full of water and fairways were wet, with temperatures extremely low.
Play has been rescheduled to start at 8.30am on Sunday, with the last tee time at 10.40am. After the completion of round two, the third round will begin at 14.00 (2pm) on Sunday and play will continue until darkness falls.
Friday 18 December 2009
Kylie continues her good form at La Manga
Clare Queen (The Carrick on Loch Lomond) and Ayrshire's Pamela Feggans both had 73's
To read the full report go to the Gillian Kirkwood Website
Thursday 17 December 2009
Kylie Qualifies for the the Final European Tour's Final Qualifying Event
Both Scots, still amateurs, had three steady rounds with Kylie scoring 72, 72 and 73 for two-over-par 217 while Carly had rounds of 74, 73 and 74 for six-over 221.
Wednesday 16 December 2009
Kylie still on course at the Pro Qualifying School
But the third Scot in the field, Carnoustie's Katy McNicoll, a professional unless Kylie and Carly who are still amateurs, failed to figure among the leading 70 players after today's second round and has been eliminated.
The leading 50 and ties after the Stage 1 third round, being played on Thursday instead of today after the opening day was abandoned because of bad weather, will go forward to join the exempt players in the four-round Final Qualifying tournament at La Manga from Friday through to Monday.
Kylie, currently joint 10th, repeated her first-day 72 and is on level par 144 - four shots behind the joint leaders, Spain's Maria Hernandez, who followed up a 71 with a 69 for 140, and Australian Kristie Smith, daughter of a professional. Smith shot 69 and 71 to hit the four-under-par mark.
Sunday 13 December 2009
Monday 7 December 2009
The West of Scotland Centenary Captains get Introduced --- 2009 Review
At last I have managed to upload the video from the Renfrewshire Centenary Dinner in February 2009. This section of the video is of Christeen Finlayson the RLCGA Centenary Captain introducing the other County Captains Kay McColl -- (D&A), Nora McCrossan (Ayrshire) and May Hughes - (Lanarkshire).
To read more go to the Renfrewshire Ladies County Golf Association Website
Barclays Scottish Open gets into the Festive Spirit
Scottish golf fans looking for the ideal Christmas present have the chance to save over 25% on tickets to next summer's Barclays Scottish Open.
Advance tickets are now on sale for Scotland's National Open that will once again be staged at the magnificent Loch Lomond Golf Club from July 8-11. As one of the Europe's premier golfing events, The Barclays Scottish Open is expected to draw many of the game's superstar names to the bonnie banks.
Reductions of around 25% are available on all tickets purchased before December 18, 2009 at http://www.europeantourtickets.com/
Adult season tickets, which guarantee entry to Loch Lomond Golf Club for the full week of The 2010 Barclays Scottish Open, are on offer at a pre-Christmas price of £55, saving £20 on the gate price during the week of the Championship.
Any one day adult passes can be purchased at the pre-Christmas price of £23, a saving of £7 on the gate price. Significant savings are also on offer for senior citizen, disabled and unaccompanied junior tickets, full details of which can also be found at http://www.europeantourtickets.com/
When booking pre-Christmas tickets, customers will also be given the opportunity to reserve a grandstand seat overlooking 18th green for £10 per day. Corporate hospitality packages are also available from only £225 + vat.
Last year, Germany's Martin Kaymer cemented his status as one of golf's emerging superstars by taking The Barclays Scottish Open title, following in the footsteps of former champions such as Angel Carbrera, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Colin Montgomerie and Lee Westwood.
For further details of the Pre-Christmas Barclays Scottish Open ticket offer and other events on The European Tour, please visit The European Tour Website or telephone: +44 800 023 2557; fax +44 141 887 0223. Please send postal enquiries to European Tour Tickets, Mirren Court Three, 123 Renfrew Court Three, Paisley, PA3 4EA or email: tickets@europeantour.com
Sunday 6 December 2009
Here's a nice little thing for Christmas from the Daily Telegraph.
Thanks go to Ann Wallace -- West Girls for that one - Give Time to load
Saturday 5 December 2009
The Four Nations Golf Challenge
Ever dreamed of playing for your country? Now it's possible!
Have you ever noticed the difference in the behaviour of the world’s top golfers when they play in the Ryder Cup?
The noticeable difference in the Ryder Cup is … PASSION!
Now YOU have the opportunity to experience this passion, by representing your country in the Four Nations Golf Challenge. This inaugural and unique Matchplay golf tournament will appeal to all members of affiliated golf clubs and will determine the champion amateur golf Nation in the UK’s Golfing Empire represented by England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
All you need to enter is a golfing partner who will help you to qualify through a 4 ball better ball Match Play Regional group and one day Final Qualifying. Then, you will both meet your other 10 team members in the October 2010 International Grand Final.
The International Grand Final will be held from 17th to 20th October, 2010 at The Oxfordshire, a PGA Championship course which has previously hosted the Anderson Consulting World Matchplay, the Ladies English Open and the Benson and Hedges International Open; the latter boasting an enviable list of winners such as Colin Montgomery, Bernhard Langer and Darren Clarke.
All finalists will enjoy 3 nights’ accommodation at The Oxfordshire’s new luxury hotel & spa, including a Welcome Reception, all meals, practice facilities and the Presentation Dinner where they will collect their INTERNATIONAL CAP and lots of other goodies.
An entry fee of just £20 each will confirm your place in the Regional Match Play qualifiers which will commence in May 2010.
Simply click Here to access further details and to register you and your partner
Friday 4 December 2009
Christmas Wishes from Tiger Woods --- Apologies !!
Apologies -- but thanks to a few readers who have sent in this "photo" --- Click on the picture to see more -- Christmas Wishes !!!
Plus here are a few Jokes !
Crouching Tiger, hidden hydrant"
What does Tiger Woods have in common with baby seals?
They both get clubbed by Norwegians.
That’s the first time Tiger Woods has failed to drive 300 yards
Tiger Woods crashed into a fire hydrant and a tree ... he couldn't decide between a wood and an iron.
Perhaps Tiger should have used a driver
I find it's a nightmare driving at 2.05am: sometimes you can't see the Woods for the trees.
Tiger's wife went for him after he scored a birdie.
What was the second worst part of Tiger's car accident? The police found the driver in the trunk.
What were Tiger Woods and his wife doing out at 2.30 in the morning? They went clubbing.
What’s the difference between a car and a golf ball? Tiger can drive a ball 400 yards.
Get your Gift Vouchers from Playsport Golf in East Kilbride
Vouchers are available for specific lessons options with members of our PGA Coaching Centre Team with some great options including our...
To read more go to the Renfrewshire Ladies' County Website
Tuesday 1 December 2009
Mearns Castle Christmas Special
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Monday 30 November 2009
New online issue of Scottish Club Golfer is now available
Remember you can also read the latest golf news at http://www.scottishclubgolfer.com/ |
Friday 20 November 2009
SGU NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER
2009/2010 Winter Tee Time Offers
Scottish Golf Card
SGU 2009 National Handicap Audit
SGU Golf Central- 2010 Open Competitions
Employment Matters
SEMINARS
FOR ALL THE FULL INFORMATION GO TO THE SCOTTISH GOLF WEBSITE
Tuesday 17 November 2009
Lanarkshire County AGM
Front row: Past captain May Hughes, captain Lesley Lloyd, champion Fiona Norris, vice-captain Fiona Scott.
Lanarkshire Ladies County Golf Association held their AGM and Prizegiving at Cambuslang GC last night when Lesley Lloyd was installed as the new captain, Fiona Scott as vice-captain and Anne Prentice as honorary president.
To read the full report go to the Lanarkshire County Website
To see who are now on the Lanarkshire County Committee Click Here
Monday 16 November 2009
GET YOUR HAPPY GOLF FIXTURE BOOKLET
Dear Fellow Golfer
Happygolf-Ladies, a pocket size (A6) publication packed with details to enter over 2200 Ladies open golf competitions in Scotland, North of England, Midlands and Wales and the South of England.
Competitions include Scratch, Handicap, Greensomes, Texas Scrambles and Teams.
Booklets cost £4.00 including postage and packaging with proceeds going to Breast Cancer Research. Go to www.happygolf.co.ukto read all about it.
Wednesday 11 November 2009
2010 LGU championship entries are now open
Instead, a card countback will be used as the means of deciding all qualifying places. Play-offs have been known to last for hours, on occasion finishing in darkness and then restarting the following day. This did nothing to help the smooth running of the tournaments and players often incurred additional costs and travel delay while they waited to see if they would be involved.
The Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship will be held at the Yorkshire venue from June 22 to 26, beginning only nine days after the conclusion of the Curtis Cup match at Essex County Club, Massachusetts (June 11 to 13). Spain’s Azahara Munoz, winner of the title at Royal St David’s Golf Club, Harlech this year, has since turned professional and already won an event on the Ladies’ European Tour.
The handicap limit for the Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship, to be played at the prestigious Northern Ireland venue from August 9 to 13, is being reduced from 9.4 to 8.4 in recognition of the fact that the general standard of play among the entrants for the Under-18 years’ championship is improving every year.
There will be a total ban on caddies at the Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship. Previously, the ban covered only a golf professional, relative or guardian acting as a caddie in this tournament. Caddies will continue to be permitted at the Girls’ International Matches which will be hosted by Bangor Golf Club, Northern Ireland, from August 4 to 6 however the restriction on a golf professional, relative or guardian acting as a caddie will remain in place.
The Ricoh Women’s British Open Championship has another Lancashire venue, Royal Birkdale Golf Club, from July 29 to August 1.
The pre-qualifying will be held over The Berkshire Golf Club’s Blue Course on July 12 and the final qualifying at Hillside Golf Club, Southport a fortnight later on July 26.
Wales will have two main events on the LGU 2010 calendar.
The Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship will be played at Tenby Golf Club, Pembrokeshire from August 18 to 20, and Wales, champions at Wrexham in 2008 and Irvine in 2009, will be seeking an historic hat-trick of titles when the Home Internationals are played on home soil at Whitchurch Golf Club from September 8 to 10.
Scotland plays host to the Senior Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship at West Kilbride Golf Club, Ayrshire from September 14 to 16. Scotland’s defence of the Sue Johnson Trophy in the Senior International Matches will take place at Sheringham Golf Club, Norfolk from September 28 to 30.
Entries for all tournaments are now available online via ENTRY FORMS
2010 Events
June 22-26: Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship at Ganton GC, England
August 4-6: Girls’ International Matches at Bangor GC, Northern Ireland.
August 9-13: Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship at Royal Belfast GC, Northern Ireland.
August 18-20: Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke-play Championship at Tenby GC, Wales.
September 8-10: Home International Matches at Whitchurch GC, Cardiff, Wales.
September 14-16: Senior Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship at West Kilbride GC, Ayrshire, Scotland.
September 28-30: Senior International Matches at Sheringham GC, Norfolk, England.
From the LGU Website
Monday 9 November 2009
Kylie and Pamela are ranked 12 & 13 by European Golf Association
Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle) pictured right and Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle) pictured left are Nos 12 and 13 in the final European Golf Association women's amateur rankings of 2009.
Lucie Andre of France is ranked No 1.
Danielle McVeigh from Northern Ireland, winner of the British women's open amateur stroke-play championship at Royal Aberdeen in August, is the leading British or Irish player. She is No 3.
TOP TWENTY
1 Lucie Andre (France).
2 Marieke Nivard (Netherlands).
3 Danielle McVeigh (Ireland).
4 Carlota Ciganda (Spain).
5 Caroline Masson (Germany).
6 Lara Katzy (Germany).
7 Hannah Barwood (England).
8 Rosanna Crepiatt (France).
9 Klara Spilkova (Czech Republic)
10 Marion Ricordeau (France).
11 *Caroline Hedwall (Spain).
12 Kylie Walker (Scotland).
13 Pamela Pretswell (Scotland).
14 Pia Halbig (Germany).
15 Rhian Wyn Thomas (Wales).
16 Nicola Rossler (Germany).
17 Mireia Prat (Spain).
18 Marina Kotnik (Austria).
19 Charlie Douglass (England).
20 Rachel Jennings (England).
*Caroline Hedwall is now a professional.
Thursday 5 November 2009
The 2009 West Vets AGM is held at Cowglen Golf Club
To read all about it go to the West Vets Website and to see some photos Click Here
Megan and Carol are given Honorary Membership by Renfrewshire Ladies' County Golf Association
Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) and Carol Fell Ranfurly Castle were both awarded with Honorary Membership of Renfrewshire Ladies' County Golf Association at their 100th AGM held at Haggs Castle Golf Club on Wednesday 4th November.
To read all about the AGM --- GO TO the Renfrewshire County Website
To see some videos and photos from the AGM ----- CLICK HERE
Monday 2 November 2009
West of Scotland's Eilidh Briggs wins SLGA Girls' Order of Merit
West of Scotland's Eilidh Briggs, (Kilmacolm) whose older sister Megan won the Scottish women's amateur golf championship in May, has won the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association girls' order of merit. She totalled 2,285pt, winning by over 500pt from Rachael Watton (Mortonhall) with Lesley Atkins (Minto) third with 1300.
Gabrielle MacDonald (Craigielaw) was fourth with 1120.
Leading final points totals
1 Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) 2,285pt
2 Rachael Watton (Mortonhall) 1,720
3 Lesley Atkins (Minto) 1,300.
4 Gabrielle MacDonald (Craigielaw) 1,120.
5 Sammy Vass (Tain) 1,090.
6 Rachel Hanlon (St Regulus) 1,015.
7 Carly Booth (Comrie) 955.
8 Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies) 890.
9 Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) 850.
10 Hannah McCook (Abernethy) 845.
11 Sophie Alexander (Deeside) 840.
Sunday 1 November 2009
Nancy Chisholm receives her M.B.E. from the Queen
Nancy, a past chairman of the LGU, and a past President of the SLGA, was awarded the honour for services to golf in the Queens Birthday Honours list.
Nancy said "We had the most wonderful day filled with exciting memories meeting interesting people, enjoying new sights, exploring new territories in glorious sunshine and having the thrill of speaking a few words of golf with the Queen!
Never thought it would be such a grand experience."
Well done Nancy!
Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the report
Junior Champion of Champions tournament abandoned
Scottish Golf Union tournament director Euan Mordaunt is hoping the reschedule the 18-hole tournament for leading boys and girls for the spring of 2010.
D&A County AGM - Margaret Johnson is made an Honorary Member and their Centenary Book is now on sale
Margaret has been a member of D&A County since 1974 and was a Committee Member for eight years under five captains, the last 5 of these years as Honorary Secretary.
She was absolutely thrilled with the Honorary Membership that was bestowed upon her for all her research and efforts in producing an most excellent record over the past 100 years of golf in Dunbarton and Argyll.
Many Congratulations to you Margaret from all in the West of Scotland
The D&A Centenary Book -- Click on the cover to see an enlargement
Saturday 31 October 2009
Friday 30 October 2009
Some 2010 Fixtures for your Diary
(Click on the Month heading for the info)