SLGA MEDAL GRAND FINAL SCORES AT CRIEFF

Whitecraigs' Janet Livingston and Gale Livingston (Clydebank and District) won the Silver and Bronze Divisions at the SLGA's Medal Grand Final at Crieff Golf Club today .
The Grand Final was contested by 26 qualifiers from a nationwide entry of more than 400.
Leading net scores (par 74, CSS 74)
SILVER - Gale Davidson (Clydebank and Dist) (7) 75 (better inward half); Audrey Thompson (Loudon Gowf) (3) 75; Pat Magill (Newton Stewart) (9) 76.
BRONZE - Janet Livingston (Whitecraigs) (24) 71; Elaine Hill (Grantown on Spey) (19) 75 (bih); Jackie MacFadyen (Linlithgow) (18) 75.

HAYSTON MIXED FOURSOMES

There are still a few places left for Hayston Mixed Foursomes on Sunday 16th September.  If you would like to play contact Christine Main on 0141 578 3803.

COUNTY FINAL TEAMS

The County Finals will take place at Montrose Links from 21-23 September 2012. Montrose Links, who are celebrating 450 Years of Golf this year, will play host to the reigning County Champions Midlothian along with Angus, Dumfriesshire and Renfrewshire. The finals are played over three days with 3 foursomes and 6 singles each day, last year the final days play at Dumfries & County Golf Club was restricted to just the 6 singles due to extreme weather conditions. The teams who have been selected to represent their counties and play in this years finals are below.

Angus Captain Mary Summers                                  Dumfriesshire Captain Sheila Townsley
Jemma Chalmers Monifieth                                        Jordana Graham Southerness
Jessica Meek Carnoustie Ladies                                  Wilma Graham Southerness
Heather Munro Monifieth                                            Emma Greenlees Dumfries & County
Claire Penman Carnoustie Caledonia                          Linda Jack Dumfries & Galloway
Ann Ramsay Kirriemuir                                              Lindsey Kirkwood Powfoot
Ashley Smith Monifieth                                              Diane Macdonald Dumfries & County
Ailsa Summers Carnoustie Ladies                               Katie McCracken Powfoot
Rebecca Wilson Monifieth                                          Rachel Walker Dumfries & County

Midlothian Captain Mary Richardson                   Renfrewshire Captain Maureen Woodhead
Louise Fraser Kingsknowe                                     Megan Briggs Kilmacolm
Claire Hargan Cardross                                           Donna Jackson Cochrane Castle
Gabrielle Macdonald Craigielaw                             Gillian Kyle East Renfrewshire
Karen Marshall Baberton                                        Alyson McKechin Elderslie
Kate McIntosh Broomieknowe                                Iona Stephen Ranfurly Castle
Wendy Nicholson Broomieknowe                           Linsey Stevenson Whitecraigs
Hannah Scott Broomieknowe                                   Liz Stewart Greenburn
Jane Turner Craigielaw                                             Carol Whyte Windyhill

IONA STEPHEN WINS THE RENFREWSHIRE COUNTY ROSEBOWL

Anne Aitken and Iona Stephen - (Photo Courtesy of Maureen Woodhead)

Iona Stephen (Ranfurly Castle) beat Anne Aitken (Eastwood) 4 and 3 in the Renfrewshire County Rosebowl today. The final was played over Haggs Castle Golf Course. To read the full report go the Renfrewshire County Website ---- CLICK HERE

SCOTLAND LOSE TO IRELAND ON THE FINAL DAY OF THE HOME INTERNATIONALS

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Colin@scottishgolfview.com
Begorrah! Scotland somehow managed to snatch defeat by Ireland from the jaws of victory on the final day of the Women's Home Internationals at Cork Golf Club on the sunny southern coast of Ireland.
Playing the other pointless team with only the wooden spoon at stake, Scotland made a 3-0 clean sweep of the foursomes against Ireland and looked set for their first match win in the series since they won the title in 2010
It was not to be. The Scots, who had been a shade unlucky to lose to England on Wednesday, went completely off the boil in the afternoon singles.
There were ominous signs early on that Scotland were heading for defeat, despite their 3-0 lunchtime lead.
The Fighting Irish were soon leading in all six ties and in most of them the Irish just kept on increasing their advantage.
Kelsey MacDonald and Rachael Watton, who had scored memorable wins against the English, lost their singles within 15 and 16 holes respectively against the Irish.
There were also defeats for Scottish champion Laura Murray, Eilidh Briggs and Alyson McKechin, who played with a bandage and other dressing on her badly blistered left foot.
Only 16-year-old adult international debutante, 16-year-old Lauren Whyte from the St Regulus club, St Andrews could hold her head high at the finish.
She was Scotland's lone afternoon winner in the team's shambles of a singles performance against the Irish. Lauren beat Lucy Simpson by 2 and 1.
And so Scotland, for the second year in a row, finished last of four.
Next year the Women's Home Internationals will be held at Scotscraig GC, Fife.
In the title decider between the teams that had both beaten Scotland and Ireland, England retained the championship by the narrowest of margins.
They drew with Wales 4 1/2-4 1/2 for both teams to finished with 2 1/2 match points.
The tie-breaker was individual games won and that went in favour of England by 18 1/2-16 1/2.
Their 9-0 win over Ireland on the opening day proved decisive in the end.

WOMEN'S HOME INTERNATIONALS
Cork Golf Club, Ireland
Day 3
SCOTLAND 4, IRELAND 5
Foursomes - Kelsey MacDonald and Rachael Watton beat Mary Dowling and Jessica Carty 5 and 3, Alyson McKechin and Lauren Whyte beat Gillian O'Leary and Sarah Cunningham 2 and 1, Eilidh Briggs and Jane Turner beat Deirdre Smith and Chloe Ryan 2 and 1 (3-0).
Singles - MacDonald lost to Dowling 4 and 3, Laura Murray lost to Ryan 4 and 2, Watton lost to Carty 3 and 2, Whyte bt Lucy Simpson 2 and 1, Briggs lost to Smith 5 and 4, McKechin lost to Maria Dunne 6 and 4 (1-5)

WALES 4 1/2, ENGLAND 4 1/2
Foursomes - Amy Boulden and Becky Harries lost to Georgia Hall and Emily Taylor 4 and 2, Chloe Williams and Katie Bradbury bt Holly Clyburn and Bronte Law 2 and 1, Gemma Bradbury and Jess Evans halved with Alexandra Peters and Kelly Tidy (1 1/2-1 1/2).
Singles - Boulden bt Tidy 3 and 1, Williams lost to Hall 2 and 1, Katie Bradbury bt Taylor 1 hole, Gemma Bradbury lost to Clyburn 6 and 4, Evans lost to Amber Ratcliffe 3 and 2, Harries bt Law 4 and 3 (3-3).

HOW THEY FINISHED
1st England 2 1/2 pt (Games won 18 1/2)
2nd Wales 2 1/2 pt (Games won 16 1/2)
*England retained the title on the tie-breaking individual games won rule.

3rd Ireland 1pt
4th Scotland 0 pt

Next year's Women's Home Internationals will be played at Scotscraig GC, Fife from September 11 to 13.

Renfrewshire County Medal is played in a Hurricane

The Renfrewshire County Medal was played over Paisley Bushes today in the most atrocious conditions. The overall winner was Lindsay Mathie from Windyhill.

Scratch Winner: Carol Whyte (Windyhill) 84

Scratch - 12 handicap :
1st            Lindsay Mathie (Windyhill)  85(10) 75
2nd           Marion Stewart (Kilmacolm)  89 (11) 78
3rd            Denise Cowan (Ranfurly Castle) 85 (6) 79

13+ Handicap and Upwards
1st             Barbara Lyle (Whitecraigs)  99(19) 80
2nd            Maureen Cook (Lochwinnoch) 95 (13) 82
3rd            Evelyn Forrest (Bonnyton) 102 (19) 83

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT FROM THE RENFREWSHIRE COUNTY WEBSITE

SCOTS SENIOR WOMEN TENTH IN SWITZERLAND

Tain's Mary Smith and Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) were Scotland's joint lowest scorers in the stroke-play qualifying rounds of the European senior women's amateur team championship at Lugano Golf Club, Switzerland today.
The Scots finished 10th place with a total of 814, 50 shots behind the leading team, France and 39 behind second-placed England.
Scotland's scores were:
160 Mary Smith (Tain) 78 82, Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) 80 80.
164 Lorna Bennett (Ladybank) 82 82
166 Fiona de Vries (St Rule) 82 84
167 Heather Anderson (Blairgowrie) 86 81, Alison Bartlett (Royal Dornoch) 86 81

LEADING TOTALS
764 FRANCE 378 386
775 ENGLAND 378 397
783 ITALY 388 384
OTHER TOTALS
799 IRELAND 400 399 (7th)
814 SCOTLAND 408 406 (10th)

SCOTLAND LOSE TO ENGLAND ON DAY 2 OF THE HOME INTERNATIONALS

SCOTS MISSED CHANCE TO BEAT ENGLAND -- By COLIN FARQUHARSON

England will meet Wales in the title decider at the Women's Home Internationals at Cork Golf Club, Ireland tomorrow.
They are the only two teams with 100 per cent records at the end of the first two days.
Scotland and Ireland, both without a win, will play for the wooden spoon.
And yet the Scots, beaten 6-3 by Wales on Day 1, were on the verge of victory against the star-studded England team before they lost 5-4 after a nail-biting final hour's play.
"We were so near to pulling off a great win," said Scotland skipper Fiona Norris.
"I couldn't play Alyson McKechin whose left foot and heel are badly blistered. We might have won had she been fit but all credit to the girls who did play against England.
"There were some excellent individual victories. Kelsey MacDonald beat Georgia Hall, No 4 in the world, by one hole and Rachael Watton beat Curtis Cup player Holly Clyburn by 6 and 5.
"I had to play both our youngsters, Rachel Walker and Lauren Whyte, in the singles and they did their best."
In fact, Scotland and England were tied at 3 1/2 pt apiece with only two games to finish - and in these games Lauren Whyte was all square against Amber Ratcliffe after 12 holes and Jane Turner was one up after 11 against Curtis Cup player Bronte Law.
Turner lost the 16th, 17th and 18th to go down by two holes to Law while Whyte had to settle for a square match after losing the last hole to a brilliant up and down from a bad lie off the green by Ratcliffe.
Wales beat Ireland 6-3 in the other match.

WOMEN'S HOME INTERNATIONALS
Cork Golf Club, Little Island

Day 2
ENGLAND 5, SCOTLAND 4
Foursomes - Georgia Hall and Emily Taylor halved with Kelsey MacDonald and Rachael Watton
Kelly Tidy and Alexandra Peters beat Laura Murray and Alyson McKechin 7 and 5
Holly Clyburn and Bronte Law lost to Eilidh Briggs and Jane Turner 3 and 2 (1 1/2-1 1/2)

Singles - Hall lost to MacDonald 1 hole,
Tidy beat Briggs 3 and 1
Clyburn lost to Watton 6 and 5
Taylor beat Rachel Walker 7 and 5
Amber Ratcliffe halved with Lauren Whyte
Law beat Turner 2 holes (3 1/2-2 1/2)

IRELAND 3, WALES 6
Foursomes - Mary Dowling and Jessica Carty lost to Amy Boulden and Becky Harries 2 and 1
Gillian O'Leary and Sarah Cunningham lost to Chloe Williams and Katie Bradbury 2 holes,
Deirdre Smith and Chloe Ryan beat Katherine O'Connor and Samantha Birks 2 and 1 (2-1)
Singles - Dowling halved with Boulden
O'Leary lost to Williams 6 and 4
Lucy Simpson lost to Katie Bradbury 5 amd 4
Maria Dunne beat Birks, 2 and 1
Carty halved with Jess Evans
Ryan lost to Harries 6 and 4 (2-4)

FINAL MATCHES ON THURSDAY
08.30 and 13.10 Scotland v Ireland
09.00 and 14.10 England v Wales

Ayrshire Girls' Centenary Trophy

Photographs Courtesy of June Kerr

10 girls competed in the Centenary Trophy played over the Kintyre Course at Turnberry on Sunday.   There was a reasonable wind blowing but plenty of sunshine making conditions lovely for this beautiful part of the Ayrshire coastline.   Emma Paterson (Loudoun) who recently won the Ayrshire Girls' St. Nicholas Trophy, completed the double by taking the Centenary Trophy with 41 points in this stableford competition.   Results below:-

Silver              1st   Lauren Gilbert (Largs)           39 points
                      2nd  Rachel Irvine (Largs)            35 points
                      3rd   Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies)  34 points

Bronze            1st   Emma Paterson (Loudoun)        41 points  -  Trophy Winner
                      2nd  Louise Duncan (West Kilbride)   40 points
                      3rd  Fiona Campbell (Bentinck Ladies)  25 points

The Pre-Handicap girls played the 9 hole Arran Course - results are as follows:-

1st    Rachel Hart (Troon Ladies)           48 bih
2nd   Emily McAlpine (West Kilbride)      48
3rd   Alison Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas)  59

Putting Competition winner was Alison Malcolm

Thanks go to June Kerr for the report and photographs

DAY ONE DISAPPOINTMENT FOR SCOTLAND AND IRELAND AT CORK

Fiona Norris -- Scotland Team Captain -- Courtesy of Colin Farquharson

Report by Colin Farquharson
Scotland and Ireland made disappointing starts to the Women's Home International matches at a bright and breezy Cork golf course in southern Ireland today
The Scots were beaten 6-3 by Wales. Last year, at Hillside, Scotland lost "only" 5-4 to the Welsh.
Ireland, thrashed 8-1 12 months ago by England, were on the receiving end of an even worse defeat at Cork ... whitewashed 9-0 by the defending champions.
The morning foursomes had ended with the promise of better things to come as Kelsey MacDonald and Rachael Watton birdied the last to salvage a square match and a share of the spoils with Wales at 1 1/2pt each.
Laura Murray (Alford) and Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) had secured the one morning Scottish win by two holes over Curtis Cup player Amy Boulden and Becky Harries.
But the afternoon singles were a huge disappointment for the Scots' supporters.
Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) lost by 3 and 2 to Amy Boulden but, to be fair, Eilidh had a match-play tiger by the tail. Amy had five birdies on the outward half and was three up at the turn.
Chloe Williams trimmed Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) by 4 and 2. The Welsh youngster won four holes on the outward half and just when Kelsey was mounting a late surge, Williams conjured up an eagle 3 at the 15th to go back to three up.
Alyson McKechin had halved match with Katie Bradbury in a tight contest in which there was never more than a hole in it either way.
Scottish U18 girls champion Lauren Whyte (St Regulus), making her adult team debut for Scotland, lost by one hole to Gemma Bradbury after being three up on the eighth tee.
Young Lauren was still one up with two to play but her opponent staged a smash-and-grab victory by winning the 17th and 18th holes.
Scottish champion Laura Murray went down by 2 and 1 to Samantha Birks. Laura was three down at the turn but fought her way back to all square after 13 but Birks won the 14th and 15th and held on for victory.
Jane Turner (Craigielaw), playing the anchor role for the Scots, did her job with the only singles victory. She beat former Welsh champion Becky Harries by 4 and 3 after winning four of the first six holes.
Things can only get better for Scotland - or can they? They play the rampant England in their next match.

WALES 6, SCOTLAND 3
Foursomes - Amy Boulden and Becky Harries lost to Laura Murray and Alyson McKechin 2 holes, Chloe Williams and Katie Bradbury beat Eilidh Briggs and Jane Turner 3 and 1, Katherin O'Connor and Samantha Birks halved with Kelsey MacDonald and Rachael Watton (1 1/2-1 1/2)
SINGLES - Boulden beat Briggs 3 and 2, Williams bt MacDonald 4 and 2, Katie Bradbury halved with McKechin, Gemma Bradbury beat Lauren Whyte 1 hole, Birks beat Murray 2 and 1, Harries lost to Turner 4 and 3 (4 1/2-1 1/2)

IRELAND 0, ENGLAND 9
FOURSOMES - Gillian O'Leary and Sarah Cunningham lost to Kelly Tidy and Alexandra Peters 4 and 3, Mary Dowling and Jessica Carty lost to Georgia Hall and Emily Taylor 3 and 1, Deirdre Smith and Chloe Ryan lost to Holly Clyburn and Bronte Law 4 and 3 (0-3)
SINGLES - Maria Dunne lost to Tidy 8 and 7, Carty lost to Hall 3 and 1, Lucy Simpson lost to Amber Ratcliffe 3 and 1, O'Leary lost to Clyburn 3 and 2, Smith lost to Peters 2 and 1, Cunningham lost to Taylor 4 and 3 (0-6)
WEDNESDAY'S MATCHES
England v Scotland, Ireland v Wales.

SOUTHSIDE LEAGUE UPDATE

It's been an interesting week for South Side League. The weather, as you know, has been pretty awful and has resulted in more rearrangements. Matches have also had to be curtailed to 15 holes but even then are still finishing in the dark!

Sadly, East Renfrewshire have been unable to field a team and have withdrawn from the league with 3 games unplayed.

The standings to date are thus:

Whitecraigs 26.5 points from 7 matches
Cowglen 26.5 from 8
Eastwood 26 from 8
Bonnyton 25 from 8
Williamwood 23 from 7
Cathcart Castle 23 from 8
Haggs Castle 21.5 from 8
Kirkhill 13 from 6
East Renfrewshire 10 from 8
Thanks go to Lesley Giblin (SSL Secretary) for the report and update

EUROPEAN SENIOR'S TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP -- DAY 1

The European Ladies' Team Championship is taking place at Lugano in Switzerland from 4th to 8th September.  Helen Faulds (Douglas Park) is Captain of the team who are representing Scotland at this Team Championship. West of Scotland player Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) is in the team

The Team representing Scotland:
Heather Anderson  (Blairgowrie)
Lorna Bennett  (Ladybank)
Alison Bartlett  (Royal Dornoch)
Alex Glennie  (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Mary Smith  (Tain)
Fiona de Vries  (St Rule)

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW HOW SCOTLAND ARE DOING. --- 5 scores out of 6 to count (2 rounds) to qualify for the Matchplay stages. Click on the country to see how the individuals are scoring

In what was a tricky conditions, plus rain in the morning, Scotland have finished in 11th position after day 1. The best 5 scores out of 6 to count
Mary Smith had the best score today with a 78.  Eight Teams go through to the first flight Match play stages.

Home Internationals begin tomorrow

Scottish Team -- Courtesy of Colin Farqharson

Report by Colin Farquharson
Scotland skipper -- Lanarkshire's Fiona Norris has relied on her six most experienced players for the opening foursomes against Wales on Day 1 of the Women's Home Internationals at Cork Golf Club, Ireland.
Scottish champion Laura Murray (Alford) and Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) will be the lead-off pair.
Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) and Craigielaw's Jane Turner are the second pairing.
Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) and Denver University student Rachael Watton (Mortonhall) form a strong-looking third string.
Scottish girls chamion Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) and Rachel Walker (Dumfries and Co) are the new caps in the squad. They will get their chance, no doubt, later in the three-day tournament.
"We've had some good practice work so I am hoping we can get off to a good start over what looks like a good match-play course," said Fiona.
Cork golf course was a good enough test of golf to stage the Irish Open at one time but the infrastructure is not there to stage a big tournament in the 21st Century.
England are the hot favourites with World No 4 Georgia Hall and three Curtis Cup players, Holly Clyburn, Bronte Law and Kelly Tidy in their line-up.
First-day matches:
WALES v SCOTLAND
FOURSOMES
8.30 Amy Boulden and Becky Harries v Laura Murray and Alyson McKechin.
8.40 Chloe Williams and Katie Bradbury v Eilidh Briggs and Jane Turner.
8.50 Katherine O'Connor and Samantha Birks v Kelsey MacDonald and Rachael Watton.
IRELAND v ENGLAND
FOURSOMES
9.00 Gillian O'Leary and Sarah Cunningham v Kelly Tidy and Alexandra Peters.
9.10 Mary Dowling and Jessica Carty v Georgia Hall and Emily Taylor.
9.20 Deirdre Smith and Chloe Ryan v Holly Clyburn and Bronte Law.

LANARKSHIRE'S JENNY POTTER AND SUSAN WOOD WIN THE SCOTTISH FOURSOMES TITLE

The Scottish Ladies' Foursomes took place at Muckhart Golf Club on Sunday 2nd September over the Naemoor/Cowden course.  30 couples took part for the Stroke Play title,  Jenny Potter (Cathkin Braes) and Susan Wood (Drumpellier) had the best Scratch Score of 81 on a day when conditions were heavy under foot and preffered lies were in play.  Alison Houston (Milnathort) and Val Purdie (Braehead) had were the best Nett with a 73.  The Winners of the Stroke Play title and Champions for 2012 were Stirling Golf Club, Alison Davidson and Patricia Chillas.
CLICK HERE TO SEE LIST OF PRIZEWINNERS

Also playing yesterday were the Semi-Finals and Final of the Scottish Match Play Foursomes which consisted of teams from Muckhart, Erskine, Williamwood and Carnoustie Caledonia.  Carnoustie Caledonia and Muckhart won through to the Final in the morning session and went on to compete for the title in the afternoon.  Muckhart, with home, advantage took a comanding lead being 5up at the turn but Carnoustie fought back and managed to take the game to the 16th with the Muckhart team, consisting of Laura Walker and Louise Woodburn, winning by 4&2.
CLICK HERE FOR MATCH PLAY RESULTS

TRISH WILSON TO SUCCEED GILLIAN KIRKWOOD AS LGU CHAIRMAN

NEWS RELEASE FROM LGU

The Ladies’ Golf Union (“LGU”) is pleased to announce that Mrs Trish Wilson (England) will succeed Mrs Gillian Kirkwood as Chairman at the Annual General Meeting to be held on February 23, 2013 in Dublin.

An experienced administrator, Trish (pictured) previously served as Chairman of the LGU in 2008, and was instrumental in initiating the modernisation of the organisation. 

Part of that project saw the role of Chairman being redefined, and the term of office being extended from one to three years. Mrs Kirkwood steps down on completion of her three year term of office, after ably guiding the LGU through the implementation of its new business model.

Trish Wilson brings a wealth of golf knowledge and experience to the role of Chairman. 

A past LGU Councillor, English Selector, and Captain of both Club and County, she is also a highly experienced Rules Official having refereed at top professional and amateur events, including The Open Championship, the Ricoh Women’s British Open, the US Women’s Open and this year’s Curtis Cup match at Nairn in Scotland. 

Trish is currently the LGU’s representative on the RandA’s Rules of Golf Committee.

Trish says: “The role of Chairman has changed significantly from my previous time in post, and is much more business focussed and strategic than it used to be. I look forward to the challenge of leading the Executive Council of the LGU and the Board of its operational subsidiary, LGU Championships Limited.”

Acutely aware of the challenges facing ladies’ golf, Trish brings a quiet determination to protecting the legacy of the LGU, promoting the game and further developing the organisation as a strong voice for ladies’ golf. 

She says: “The LGU is world renowned for the high standard of the championships and international matches it hosts, and the focus has to be on continuing to develop and improve our events, both on and off the golf course. 

"The GB and I victory in this year’s Curtis Cup at Nairn gave ladies’ golf a huge boost and I would hope the LGU can capitalise on this to promote the game to new participants and supporters.

"The LGU has a major role to play in encouraging golf at all levels and working in collaboration with other organisations, both in golf and outwith the sport, in the best interests of the game.   

"The world of golf is constantly changing, and the aim will be to keep on top of these changes and make the best of the opportunities arising from them as the LGU works towards its stated goal of becoming financially self-sufficient.

"I look forward to working with my fellow Directors and the executive team over the coming years.”

TEGWEN MATHEWS IS GOING TO CAPTAIN THE CURTIS CUP TEAM AGAIN

From the LGU Press Release
Tegwen Matthews, the Captain of the Great Britain & Ireland Curtis Cup team that scored an historic victory over the USA at Nairn this year, will lead the 2014 team when it defends the trophy on American soil.

The first International Team Captain from Wales, Tegwen proved to be an inspirational and popular leader, and relishes the chance to motivate her team for the 38th Curtis Cup, which will be hosted at the St Louis Country Club, Missouri, in June 2014.

No mean player herself, having been on four successive Curtis Cup teams between 1974 and 1980, Tegwen used that experience and the experience of four years as team manager to Past Captain Mary McKenna MBE, to inspire her team to the first GB&I victory in the biennial match since 1996. She also led the GB&I team to a win in the Astor Trophy Tournament at Fairhaven Golf Club last year, which included victory over a New Zealand team led by the world’s number one amateur Lydia Ko.

Matthews will also captain the Great Britain & Ireland team which takes on the Continent of Europe in the Vagliano Trophy match in June 2013 at Chantilly Golf Club in France.

On being invited to continue as International Team Captain, Tegwen said “I am thrilled, honoured and excited to be invited to be Captain of the GB & I International Ladies Team for a further 2 years. Following our historic Curtis Cup win at Nairn, I would dearly love to raise the bar even higher, by winning back the Vagliano Trophy at Chantilly and retaining the Curtis Cup in St Louis on American soil. Both tough calls, but winning is a habit and I will be doing everything in my power to keep that habit well and truly alive. With many of the Curtis Cup team turning professional, I am sure both teams will look very different, but I know there are a lot of girls waiting in the wings, desperate for the chance, not just to play for GB & I, but to be part of a winning GB & I team. My job is to harness that desire and make the dream a reality.”

The LGU has also announced Scotland’s Elaine Farquharson-Black as Captain of the Junior Vagliano Trophy team, to be played at the same time and venue as the Vagliano Trophy itself. Introduced in 2010, the junior match involves teams of six youngsters, aged 16 and under, going head to head in four sets of matches over a two day period. All six play in two sets of three foursomes and two sets of six singles matches.

Elaine, a solicitor in practice in Aberdeen, played both Curtis Cup and Vagliano Trophy matches on two occasions, having been on winning teams for the Vagliano Trophy in 1989 and 1991and the Curtis Cup at Hoylake in 1992. She was also a member of the winning GB&I team in the Astor (formerly the Commonwealth) Trophy in 1991. The mother of two young boys, she is enthusiastic about her new role as Captain.

Elaine said “Attending this year’s Curtis Cup in Nairn brought back many warm memories for me of representing my country and I am honoured to be asked to Captain the Junior Vagliano team. The match is a wonderful opportunity for our young players embarking on their international careers. I was fortunate to play under several inspirational captains and I hope that I can use my own experiences to help the next generation of golfers develop. I am also looking forward to working with and learning from Tegwen, who led the Curtis Cup team so magnificently at Nairn.”

Anna Hubbard, Wales, a very experienced and successful team manager who supported Tegwen at the Curtis Cup, will be manager to both Captains at Chantilly next year.

West of Scotland's County Team Champions Name their Team.

Iona Stephen -Photograph  Courtesy of Colin Farquharson

The team selected to represent Renfrewshire and the West Division in the Scottish County Finals at Montrose 21 - 23 September is;

Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm)
Donna Jackson (Cochrane Castle)
Gillian Kyle (East Renfrewshire)
Alyson McKechin (Elderslie)
Iona Stephen (Ranfurly Castle)
Linsey Stevenson (Whitecraigs)
Liz Stewart (Greenburn)
Carol Whyte (Windyhill).

Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) is unable to play as she is heading to Turkey to represent Scotland in the World Amateur Team Championship.
Iona Stephen (Ranfurly Castle) who took up golf just over a year ago and now has managed to reduce her handicap down to 4 has been selected as her replacement.  - To read the full report go to the Gillian Kirkwood website

All in the West of Scotland wish the team every success

GLASGOW INDOOR GOLF ACADEMY DEAL THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER

Dear Golfer

 As part of our goal to promote junior golf we are offering customers a fantastic deal throughout the whole of September. For only £8 an adult and up to 2 children can enjoy a 60 minute practice session at weekends. You can practice on both the range and short game areas and as always the practice balls are included in the price. Call us on 0141 429 8622 or visit our website at www.indoorgolfacademies.co.uk for more details of the facilities on offer at the Glasgow Golf Centre.

 Glasgow Golf Centre

FREE Junior practice sessions on Saturday & Sunday mornings throughout September.

During September any adult paying for 60 minutes practice on Saturdays and Sundays between 9am and 12pm can bring up to 2 children, up to age 16, for FREE.

All practice balls are included and hire clubs are available on request.

Emma Hale wins the Nancy Chisholm Trophy at West Kilbride

Some of the Prizewinners - Courtesy of June Kerr

The West Kilbride Girls' Open attracted a good entry from several clubs around the West and South of Scotland, and on a lovely afternoon scoring was very good.   The best scratch, and winner of the Nancy Chisholm Trophy, was Emma Hale (Troon Ladies) who recorded a 2 over par 75.   Local girl Louise Duncan playing off 24 had a net 67 to win the Kandy Bar Cup.   The CSS reduced to 72.  Details as follows:-

Scratch:     Emma Hale (Troon Ladies)   75     Winner of Nancy Chisholm Trophy

Silver Handicap:   1st  Rachel McClelland (Milngavie)    88 (17)  71
                          2nd  Lauren Gilbert (Largs)              88 (16)  72
                          3rd  Jillian Farrell (Cardross)            88 (15)  73 bih
                          4th  Charlotte McCluskey (Whitecraigs) 92 (19)  73

Bronze Handicap:  1st  Louise Duncan (West Kilbride)    91 (24)  67   Winner of Kandy Bar Cup
                           2nd Bekki Allan (West Kilbride)        107 (33) 74
                           3rd  Naimh Kinney (Erskine)            101 (25) 76

Kirsten Brown, Mirren Fraser and Louise Duncan all won Nearest the Pin Prizes

The Pre-handicap competition for the June Kerr Cup was won by Emily McAlpine (West Kilbride) 

Thanks go to June Kerr for the report and photograph 

FOUR SCOTS CLEAR FIRST OPEN HURDLE

Four Scots - Lynn Kenny (Archerfield Links), Claire Queen (Carrick at Loch Lomond), Heather MacRae (Gleneagles) and Nairn Dunbar amateur Kelsey MacDonald - were among the 30 qualifiers at today's (Monday) Ricoh Women's British Open pre-qualifying competition over 18 holes at The Berkshire Golf Club. Kenny and Queen shot one-over-par 73s in a blustery wind, MacRae and MacDonald made it on the limit mark of 74. Kenny (37-36) had double bogeys at the short first and 12th but compensated with birdies at the long sixth, seventh, 11th, long 16th and 17th. Queen (35-38) also had two double bogeys, at the short first and short 10th but an eagle 3 at the sixth and birdies at the second, seventh and 16th carried her through. MacDonald (37-37) had birdies at the long third and long 11th. MacRae (37-37) had two birdies and three bogeys in her first seven holes but settled to cover the last 11 holes with 10 pars and a bogey at the 15th. Scots who missed out were Katy McNicoll (Carnoustie) and Pamela Feggans (Patna, Ayrshire) on 77, amateur Laura Murray (Alford) on 78 and Vikkie Laing (Musselburgh) on 79. Scottish women's amateur champion Murray did "an Adam Scott." She was out in 35 and only one over par with five to play ... but she ran up a triple bogey 7 at the 14th and a double bogey 6 at the 18th to miss out by four. US-based Janice Moodie - a surprise name among the entries - did not show up. Seventeen-year-old Lancashire lass Emily Taylor (Hillside), the English girls champion and winner of the Under-18s title at last week's British women's open amateur stroke-play at Shandon Park, Belfast, was the leading qualifier with a five-under-par 67. The final qualifying competition will be at Caldy Golf Club on the Wirral, not far away from the championship venue of Royal Liverpool Golf Club's Hoylake links, on Monday, September 10, four days before the women's pro major starts. QUALIFIERS Par 72 67 Emily Taylor (Hillside) (am) 68 Tania Elosegui (Spa). 70 Lisa Sorensen (Den) 71 Hannah Ralph (Eng) 72 Perrine Delacour (Fra) (am), Charlotte Ellis (Eng), Martina Migliori (Ita), Ashleigh Greenham (Eng) (am), Monja Maetzler (Swi) (am), Rachel Bell (Eng), Nicole Whitmore (Eng) (am), Charlotte Leathem (Eng) (am) 73 Lynn Kenny (Archerfield Links), Viva Schlasberg (Sw), Aiko Ueno (Jap), Jin Yan (China (Am), Charlotte Thompson (Eng) (am), Becky Harries (Haverfordwest) (am), Clare Queen (Carrick at Loch Lomond), Henrietta Zuel (Eng), Charlotte Wild (Mere) (am), Lynnette Brooky (NZ), Alexandra Peters (Notts Ladies) (am), Chloe Williams (Wrexham) (am), Charlie Douglass (Eng). 74 Laure Sibille (Fra), Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) (am), Kimberly Crooks (Eng), Heather MacRae (Gleneagles), Sophie Sandolo (Ita). SCOTS WHO MISSED THE CUT 77 Katy McNicoll (Carnoustie), Pamela Feggans (Patna, Ayrshire). 78 Laura Murray (Alford) 79 Vikki Laing (Musselburgh). No show - Janice Moodie. TO VIEW ALL THE SCORES - CLICK HERE