Aberdeen Standard Investments Continue to Boost Scottish Golf

Left to Right: Andrew McKinlay, Gemma Batty, Sam Locke, Chloe Goadby, Darren Howie 

The new Chief Executive of Scottish Golf, Andrew McKinlay, joined the country’s World Amateur Team Championship hopefuls on his first day in office to announce a continuation of the enduring partnership with Aberdeen Standard Investments [ASI]. 
McKinlay’s first official duty was to announce the new two-year deal with ASI, which will continue their support of Scotland’s leading men’s and women’s amateurs. 

Aberdeen Asset Management – before their merger with Standard Life Investments last August – became the former Scottish Golf Union’s first national team sponsors back in 2007, when the likes of Richie Ramsay and Scott Henry were coming through the amateur ranks. 
Their continued support is a timely boost as Scottish Golf seeks to grow its commercial revenue. Kelsey MacDonald and Team Scotland Amateurs The partnership between Scottish Golf and ASI will enable the country’s most promising amateur players to benefit from a range of support services through the company’s sponsorship of a number of Tour professionals, from potential masterclass opportunities, to advice, knowledge sharing and personal insight. 

McKinlay, who joins Scottish Golf from his role as Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive of the Scottish FA, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Aberdeen Standard Investments for their ongoing support and commitment to our national amateur teams. As one of Scottish Golf’s longest-standing partnerships, they are integral to the future success of our most talented amateur players, notwithstanding their wider investment in the game for more than a decade. 

“I am pleased to get started in my new role with such a positive announcement. As we all know, there is much work to be done at Scottish Golf to grow participation in grassroots golf through increased investment and support to our members. Partnerships like the one we have cultivated with Aberdeen Standard Investments will be integral to achieving that aim. The hard work starts here and it is a challenge I am looking forward to immensely.” 

Leading Scotland international amateurs Gemma Batty, Chloe Goadby, Darren Howie and Sam Locke were also present at the launch, alongside Aberdeen Standard Investments Global Golf Ambassador and Ladies European Tour player, Kelsey MacDonald.

To read more go to the ScottishGolf Website

Jacqueline Cameron top seed in Angus women's county championship

Alyth's Jacqueline Cameron headed by four strokes the qualifiers for the match-play stages of the Angus women's county championship at  Montrose Links. 

LEADING QUALIFIERS

74 Jacqueline Cameron (Alyth) 

78 Jane Grubb (Montrose Mercantile) 

81 Susan Sneddon (Forfar) (bih)

Match-play ties at the same venue on Saturday:

SCRATCH

13:58 1 Jacqueline Cameron (Alyth) v 8 Frances Millar (Carnoustie Caledonia).

14:06 4 Jodie Taylor (Downfield) v 5 Ann Ramsay (Kirriemuir).

14:14 3 Doreen Leask (Montrose Mercantile) v 6 Dawn Dargie (Monifieth Grange).

14:22 2 Jackie Brown (Monifieth) v 7 Sakuna Ramsay (Edzell).

HANDICAP

14:30 1 Anne Keddie (Panmure Barry) bye (No 8 qualifier unavailable)

14:38 4 Louise Graham (Carnoustie Ladies) v 5 Carol Littlewood (Montrose Caledonia).

14:46 3 Agnes Freeman (Panmure Barry) v 6 Elizabeth Cole (Royal Montrose).

14:54 2 Jan Ord (Forfar) v 7 Marion Duthie (Panmure Barry).

+Semi-finals and finals on Sunday.

STEPHEN GALLACHER FOUNDATION VASE (UNDER 18 GIRLS)

CARDRONA GOLF CLUB, PEEBLES SATURDAY 9TH - SUNDAY 1Oth JUNE - 54 HOLES

The entries close on Thursday 10th May. 54 HOLES 
The maximum handicap for entry is 30.4 
For more details and to enter visit our website Stephen Gallacher Foundation Website 

Any queries please contact me as soon as possible

Kind regards 
Scott Knowles (Manager) https://www.sgfoundation.co.uk/
Mobile 07786540614

Tara wins Borders title for fourth year in a row

Tara Mactaggart (Minto), pictured, has won the Border women's county championship for the fourth year in a row.
In yesterday's final at The Roxburghe she beat Julie Birdsall 4 and 3. 

The bronze championship was won by Olivia O'Leary with 38 Stableford points. 

SCRATCH CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS FIRST ROUND 
T Mactaggart bt C Howden 7 and 5. 
G Lithgow bt C Purves 3 and 1. 
R McGuille bt D Richards 2 holes 
S Cuthbertson bt O O'Leary 1 hole 
Byes: M Pow, S Paterson, J Birdsall, L Wilson 

QUARTER-FINALS 
Mactaggart bt Pow 2 and 1. 
Paterson bt Lithgow 5 and 4. 
Birdsall bt McGuille 6 and 5 
Wilson bt Cuthbertson 4 and 3. 

SEMI-FINALS 
Mactaggart bt Paterson 6 and 5. 
Birdsall bt Wilson 4 and 3. 

FINAL 
Mactaggart bt Birdsall 4 and 3.

CARA THOMPSON WINS NORTHERN COUNTIES TITLE FOR EIGHTH TIME 

Left to right: Liz Munro (President of Northern Counties), handicap champion 15-year-old Iona Reid (Nairn Dunbar), scratch champion Cara Thompson (Royal Dornoch) and Meg Sievwright, secretary of Northern Counties Ladies GA. Picture by Robin Wilson 

By Colin Farquharson

Cara Thompson beat Royal Dornoch clubmate Alison Bartlett 2 and 1 in this afternoon's Northern Counties women's championship final at Inverness Golf Club. 
It is the eighth time Cara has won the title - one short of the record nine times set by Isobel McIntosh (Inverness) but the first time she has won the championship when Inverness has been the venue. 

Thompson was one up at the turn after losing the first to a birdie but winning the seventh and ninth. Bartlett three-putted the 11th and 12th to lose both holes and go three down. 
Thompson was bunkered to lost the 13th but maintained her two-hole lead to the end with a series of halves. 
Iona Reid, 15-year-old Nairn Dunbar junior member, won the handicap title by beating Linda Wheeler (Forres) 6 and 4. Iona plays off 24 and Linda 15. Reid lost the first but won five holes in a row from the third and was three up at the turn. The Nairn Dunbar youngster clinched victory by winning the 11th, 13th and 14th. 

MATCH-PLAY RESULTS SCRATCH 
QUARTER-FINALS 
Caitlin Boa (Royal Dornoch ) bt Kerri Harper (Nairn) at 22nd 
Cara Thompson (Royal Dornoch) bt Sandy Jackson (Royal Dornoch) 1 hole. 
Ellie Doherty (Moray) bt Steph Cloverly (Wick) 5 and 4. 
Alison Bartlett (Royal Dornoch) bt June Nicol (Inverness) 4 and 3 

SEMI-FINALS 
Thompson bt Boa 1 hole. 
Bartlett bt Doherty 2 and 1. 

FINAL 
Thompson bt Bartlett 2 and 1. 

 HANDICAP QUARTER-FINALS 
Debbie Bethune (Royal Dornoch) (21) bt Linda Wood (Forres) (22) 4 and 3 
Linda Wheeler (Forres) (15) bt Emma Borthwick (Nairn Dunbar) (12) 6 and 4 
Iona Reid (Nairn Dunbar) (24) bt Sarah Westwood (Elgin) (8) 5 and 4 
Susan McVicar (Nairn) (9) bt Deidre MacAngus (Wick) (7) 2 holes 

 SEMI-FINALS 
Wheeler bt Bethune 2 holes 
Reid bt McVicar 4 and 2 

FINAL 
Reid bt Wheeler 6 and 4.

Carmen Griffiths at 14 is the youngest Aberdeenshire Women's County Champion

By COLIN FARQUHARSON 

Aboyne's Carmen Griffiths became the youngest ever winner of the Aberdeenshire women's county golf championship at Banchory Golf Club today (Sunday). 
The 14-year-old dominated the tournament by heading the match-play qualifiers and then progressing smoothly to the final in which she beat four times former champion Sammy Leslie (Murcar Links) by 3 and 1. 
Griffiths had to show her fighting qualities in the final. She was three down after only four holes but had reduced her deficit to one hole at the turn. 
The younger player squared the match by winning the 13th and took the lead for the first time with a birdie at the 14th. 
Griffiths now had the upper hand. She went two up at the 15th and clinched victory with a birdie 3 at the 17th. 

Griffiths, born on November 23, 2003, is 14 years, five months old. The previous youngest champion was Shannon McWilliam, born on August 8, 1999, which made her 14 years nine months old when she won the title in May 2013. 

Michelle Finnie, who plays off 11 at Aberdeen Ladies, won the handicap final by 5 and 4 against Vikki Neish (Murcar Links) (16) 

ABERDEENSHIRE WOMEN'S COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP Banchory Golf Club 

SCRATCH FIRST ROUND 
C Griffiths (Aboyne) bt L Tough (Auchmill) 7 and 6. 
S Wood (Aberdeen Ladies) bt G Mackenzie (Banchory) 3 and 1.
V Thom (Kemnay) bt F Pennie (Kemnay) 6 and 5. 
C Prouse (Hazlehead) bt K Stalker (Cruden Bay) 3 and 1. 
F Campbell (McDonald Ellon) bt G Christie (Banchory) 3 and 2. 
S Leslie (Murcar Links) bt C Wilson (Murcar Links) at 19th. 
R Polson (Kemnay) bt K Guthrie (Inverurie) 3 and 2. 
J Lees (Westhill) bt S Macleod (Deeside) 4 and 3. 

QUARTER-FINALS 
Griffiths bt Wood 2 and 1 
Thom bt Prouse 2 holes 
Leslie bt Campbell 1 hole 
Lees bt Polson 2 and 1 

SEMI-FINALS 
Griffiths bt Thom 4 and 3. 
Leslie bt Lees 4 and 2.

FINAL 
Griffiths bt Leslie 3 and 1 

HANDICAP QUARTER-FINALS 
P Fraser (Peterculter) (14) bt C Eakin (Aboyne) (16) 3 and 1. 
V Neish (Murcar Links) (16) bt M Adam (Hazlehead) (10) 6 and 4. 
M Finnie (Aberdeen Ladies) (11) bt S Davies (Aboyne) (16) 2 and 1. 
E Whyte (Aberdeen Ladies) (6) bt L Mutch (Meldrum House) (26) 2 and 1. 

SEMI-FINALS 
Neish bt Fraser 4 and 3. Finnie bt Whyte 6 and 5. 

FINAL 
Finnie bt Neish 5 and 4.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO MONTAGE OF FINAL FROM DAVE COWE

East Renfrewshire Golf Club Open Days 

East Renfrewshire Golf Club have their Ladies Open Day Tri Am on the Thursday 7th June Click Here for Entry Form 

The Mixed Foursomes is on Sunday 10th June -- Click Here for Entry Form

Hannah McCook beats Curtis Cup player Sophie Lamb in play-off for Welsh open title

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Grantown on Spey's Hannah McCook beat England's Curtis Cup player Sophie Lamb (Clitheroe) at the first hole of a sudden-death play-off to win the Welsh women's open amateur stroke-play championship at Aberdovey Golf Club.
Both players had 54-hole totals of seven-under 212, finishing six strokes ahead of the three players who shared third place on 218,
Scot Chloe Goadby, another English Curtis Cup selection Lily May Humphreys and Thalia Kirby (Harleyford).

McCook, pictured, overnight leader by two shots, was pegged back by Lamb over the outward half of the final round, Hannah taking 34 shots to Sophie's 32. McCook then birdied the 10th, 12th and 13th to regain the lead but opened the door again for her rival by taking a double bogey 6 at the 14th and bogeying the 18th, coming home in 37 for a 71. Lamb birdieing the 10th and 14th. Her only bogey of the round came at the 11th in halves of 32 and 37 for a 69. But McCook prevailed in a sudden death play-off for one of the best wins of her amateur career. 

Scotland 1 (Hannah McCook, Shannon McWilliam, and Chloe Goadby) tied with England 1 (Georgia Price, Lily May Humphreys and Sophie Lamb) for the team championship. 

Both teams totalled 430. 
Placings: 
430 Scotland 1, England 1. 
436 England 2. 440 Scotland 2 
443 Ireland 1 
445 Wales 1 452 Wales 2 

 LEADING FINAL TOTALS AT ABERDOVEY Par 219 (3x73) SSS 77. CSS 76 76 

212 H McCook (Grantown on Spey) 71 70 71, S Lamb (Clitheroe) 69 74 69 (McCook won sudden death play-off at first extra hole). 
218 Chloe Goadby (St Regulus) 73 74 73, L M Humphreys (Stoke by Nayland) 74 74 70, T Kirby (Harleyford) 76 71 71. 
221 B-J Smith (Woodhall Spa) 74 75 72, P Grant (Lisburn) 73 75 73. 

 OTHER SCOTS' TOTALS 
224 E Briggs (Kilmacolm) 73 76 75 (T10) 
225 S McWilliam (Aboyne) 74 74 77, J Mackintosh (Hazlehead) 74 74 77 (T14) 
234 J Saxton (Muckhart) 74 82 78 (T38) 

 MISSED CUT (159 and better qualified) 161 K Beveridge (Aboyne) 84 77.
FULL SCOREBOARD 

West Kilbride's Louise Duncan wins the Fairhaven trophy

The annual Fairhaven Trophies and Fairhaven Nations Cup, a 72-hole Open International Scratch Championship, for boys and girls aged 18 or under, at Fairhaven Golf Club from Friday 4th May to Sunday 6th May 2018.
 Louise Duncan (West Kilbride) won by 2 shots 
To read more go to the Scottish Golf View Website

FINAL SCORES

West of Scotland Championship

The Draw for the 2018 West of Scotland Championship at Balmore Golf Club on Sunday 13th May has now been done

Time	Name	Club	County
9.15	Megan Briggs Louise Duncan	Kilmacolm West Kilbride	Renfrewshire Ayrshire
9:22	Donna Jackson Lorna McCLymont Lesley Lloyd	Ladies GC Troon Milngavie Hayston	Renfrewshire D&A Lanarkshire
9.31	Gillian Kyle Susan McGrenaghan Fiona Rattray	East Renfrewshire Hayston Douglas Park	Renfrewshire Lanarkshire D&A
9:40	Katie Scott Liz Stewart Laura McGeachy	Strathaven Greenburn Haggs Castle	Lanarkshire Renfrewshire D&A
9.49	Alyson Hendry Alyson McGinnigle Lorraine Campbell	Hamilton Cowglen Cardross	Lanarkshire Renfrewshire D&A
9.58	Carol Whyte Ruth Hunter Julie Wilson	Milngavie Lanark Williamwood	Renfrewshire Lanarkshire Renfrewshire
10:07	Sara McCorkell Fiona Scott Emma Kennedy	Williamwood Bothwell Castle Paisley	Renfrewshire Lanarkshire Renfrewshire
10.16	Patricia Davidson Lori Macdonald Fiona MacPhee	Erskine Cardross Old Course Ranfurly	Renfrewshire D&A Renfrewshire
10.25	Shirley Back Justine Fulton Gill McLeod	Gleddoch Hayston Williamwood	Renfrewshire Lanarkshire Renfrewshire
10.34	Anabel Kane Vicky Hendren Christine Fowler	Kilmacolm Cardross Cowglen	Renfrewshire D&A Renfrewshire
10.43	Romy Erskine Emma Thomson Tracy Masterton	Kilmacolm Loudoun Milngavie	Renfrewshire Ayrshire Renfrewshire
10.52	Emily Crusher Ann Shanks Elaine Robb	Eastwood Dumbarton Milngavie	Renfrewshire D&A Renfrewshire

Please arrive early in case of changes to times. 
Catering is available from 8am. 
Should you need to withdraw from the competition please contact 07706421244

Jane Turner makes leading 10 to be top Scot in Switzerland LET Access Series event 

 Spanish players Noemi Jimenez and Elia Folch finished first and second in the LET Access Series 54-hole tournament that ended at Gams-Werdenberg Golf Club, Switzerland today (Sunday). Jimenez finished on 12-under 204 with scores of 69, 69 and 66. Folch shot 68, 70 and 67 for 205. 

Jane Turner from West Linton made the top 10 with scores of 71, 69 and 70 for six-under 210 and joint ninth place. 
Laura Murray (Kippie Lodge) from Alford shot 69, 72 and 72 for 213 and a share of 22nd place. 
Kelsey Macdonald from Nairn finished joint 36th on level par 216 with rounds of 69, 75 and 72. 

 LET ACCESS SERIES VP BANK LADIES OPEN Gams-Werdenberg GC, Switzerland 

LEADING FINAL TOTALS Par 216 (3x72) 
204 N Jimenez (Spn) 69 69 66 
205 E Folch (Spn) 68 70 67 
207 A Provot (Fra) 62 75 70 

 SCOTS' TOTALS 
210 J Turner 71 69 70 (T9) 
213 L Murray 69 72 72 (T22) 
216 K Macdonald 69 75 72 (T36) 
 MISSED CUT 
145 H MacRae 75 70

Ladies Tri Am and Mixed Greensomes Open Days 

Caldwell Golf Club Mixed Greensomes Open Day - Sunday 3rd June

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR ENTRY FORM

Ladies Open Tri - Am  Monday 11th June 
CLICK HERE FOR ENTRY FORM

Jane, Laura and Kelsey beat the cut in Switzerland but Heather misses by one 

Three Scots - Jane Turner, Laura Murray and Kelsey Macdonald - survived the second-round cut at the LETAS Access Series tournament in Switzerland.  

However, Heather MacRae missed out by one shot. 

Chloe Leurquin (Belgium) leads on 134 with scores of 66 and 68. Four players share second place on 137. 

SCOTS' SCORES 
140 J Turner 71 69 (T20) 
141 L Murray 69 72 (T26) 
144 K Macdonald 69 75 (T46) 

MISSED THE CUT (144 and better qualified) 
145 H MacRae 75 70 

 TO VIEW ALL THE SCORES CLICK HERE

Carmen Griffiths (14) through to Aberdeenshire semi-Final

By Colin Farquharson 

Aboyne's 14-year-old junior member Carmen Griffiths has followed up her gaining of the top match-play seed berth by reaching Sunday morning's semi-finals in the Aberdeenshire women's county golf championship at Banchory.
She had a gritty 2 and 1 win over five times county champion Sheena Wood (Aberdeen Ladies) to reach the last four and will now play Vikki Thom  (Kemnay) in the first semi-final. The other tie will be contested by four times championship winner Sammy Leslie (Murcar Links) and Julie Lees (Westhill), the No 2 seed.
The handicap championship final will be between Vicki Neish (Murcar Links), who plays off 16, and Michelle Finnie, an 11-handicapper at Aberdeen Ladies. 


RESULTS
SCRATCH
First round
C Griffiths (Aboyne) bt L Tough (Auchmill) 7 and 6.
S Wood (Aberdeen Ladies) bt G Mackenzie (Banchory) 3 and 1.
V Thom (Kemnay) bt F Pennie (Kemnay) 6 and 5.
C Prouse (Hazlehead) bt K Stalker (Cruden Bay) 3 and 1.

F Campbell (McDonald Ellon) bt G Christie (Banchory) 3 and 2.
S Leslie (Murcar Links) bt C Wilson (Murcar Links) at 19th.
R Polson (Kemnay) bt K Guthrie (Inverurie) 3 and 2.
J Lees (Westhill) bt S Macleod (Deeside) 4 and 3.

QUARTER-FINALS
Griffiths bt Wood 2 and 1
Thom bt Prouse 2 holes
Leslie bt Campbell 1 hole
Lees bt Polson 2 and 1

SUNDAY SEMI-FINALS
9.30 Griffiths v Thom
9.40 Leslie v Lees

FINAL@ 2.30pm

HANDICAP
Quarter-finals
P Fraser (Peterculter) (14) bt C Eakin (Aboyne) (16) 3 and 1.
V Neish (Murcar Links) (16) bt M Adam (Hazlehead) (10) 6 and 4.
M Finnie (Aberdeen Ladies) (11) bt S Davies (Aboyne) (16) 2 and 1.
E Whyte (Aberdeen Ladies) (6) bt L Mutch (Meldrum House) (26) 2 and 1.
Semi-finals
Neish bt Fraser 4 and 3.
Finnie bt Whyte 6 and 5.

Hannah McCook leads after 2nd round of the Welsh Open Amateur Championship

Scots are well the fore after two rounds of the Welsh women's open amateur stroke-play championship at Aberdovey Golf Club.

Hannah McCook (Grantown on Spey) leads the field by two strokes with scores of 71 and 70 for a five-under-par tally of 141.

Chloe Goadby (St Regulus) from St Andrews is in third place with scores of 70 and 74 for 144.

Gemma Batty (West Linton) is joint fifth on 147 with scores of 73 and 74.

WELSH WOMEN'S OPEN AMATEUR STROKE-PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
Aberdovey Golf Club. SECOND ROUND LEADERBOARD
par 146 (2x73) SSS 77 CSS 76 (Rd 1)
141 Hannah McCook (Grantown on Spey) 71 70
143 Sophie Lamb (Clitheroe) 69 74.
144 Chloe Goadby (St Regulus) 70 74
146 D Harry (The Vale) 73 73
147 T Kirby (Harleyford) 76 71, G Batty (West Linton) 73 74, C McGinty (Knowle) 71 76
148 S McWilliam (Aboyne) 74 74, L M Humphreys (Stoke by Nayland) 74 74, G Price (Bude and N Cornwall) 74 74, P Grant (Lisburn) 73 75.

SELECTED SCORES
149 F Tynan (Minchinhampton) 76 73, E Briggs (Kilmacolm) 73 76 (T12)
155 J Mackintosh (Hazlehead) 76 79 (T34)
156 J Saxton (Muckhart) 74 82 (T39)

MISSED THE CUT (159 and better qualified)
161 K Beveridge (Aboyne) 84 77.

TO VIEW ALL THE SCORES - CLICK HERE

Chloe Goadby is leading Scot after Round 1 of the Welsh stroke-play 

Curtis Cup selection Sophie Lamb leads the quality field at the end of the first round of the Welsh women's open amateur stroke-play championship at Aberdovey Golf Club. She shot a four-under-par 69 to lead by one from Chloe Goadby (St Regulus) and Emily Toy (Carlyon Bay). 

Hannah McCook (Grantown on Spey) is joint fourth overnight with a 71 while Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) is also in the top 10 with a par-matching 73. 

Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne), also a member of the GB and I team for the Curtis Cup match in New York State next month, had a disappointing round of 74. She was going well with only 34 shots to the turn but then had a double bogey 6 at the 14th and another 6 at the 15th to come home in 40 and share 15th place 

WELSH WOMEN'S OPEN AMATEUR STROKE PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP ABERDOVEY GOLF CLUB. 

LEADERBOARD par 73. SSS 77. CSS 76 

69 S Lamb (Clitheroe) 
70 C Goadby (St Regulus), E Toy (Carlyon Bay) 
71 H McCook (Grantown on Spey), C McGinty (Knowle) 
72 A Collis (Letchworth), L E Jones (Wrexham) 
73 E Briggs (Kilmacolm), P Grant (Lisburn), H Llewellyn (The Valey), L Hillier (Newport, Gwent), D Harrey (The Vale), M Lewis (St George's Hill). 

OTHER SCOTS: 
74 J Saxton (Muckhart), S McWilliam (Aboyne). 
76 J Mackintosh (Hazlehead) (T29) 
84 K Beveridge (Aboyne) (T60)

TO VIEW ALL THE SCORES CLICK HERE

Kelsey Macdonald  and Laura Murray in top 20 in Switzerland 

Kelsey Macdonald from Nairn and Alford's Laura Murray (Kippie Lodge) were sharing 16th place in a field of 132 players at the end of the first day of the LET Access Series' tournament, the VP Bank Ladies Open, at Gams-Werdenberg Golf Club, Switzerland.
They both shot three-under-par 69s to be seven behind the French leader, Arian Provot.

LEADERBOARD
par 72
62 A Provot (Fra)
63 C Alonso (Spn)
66 C Leurquin (Ger)

SCOTS' SCORES
69 K Macdonald, L Murray (T16)
71 J Turner (T35)
75 H MacRae (T88)

Master the Bellied Wedge -- Tip of the day from Maureen Madill

Curtis Cup players turn out for Welsh stroke-play

By Colin Farquharson

Four players selected to play for GB and I in next month's Curtis Cup match at Quaker Reid have entered the Welsh women's open amateur stroke-play championship at Aberdovey from May 4 to 6,

They are Paula Grant (Lisburn, Ireland), Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne, Scotland), and the England pair, Lily May Humphreys and Sophie Lamb.

The Welsh tournament, won by another Curtis Cup player, Olivia Mehaffey (Royal Co Down Ladies) in 2015 and 2016, is a 54 hole stroke play event.  

Alongside Grant, four other Irish will compete at the event, which takes place a week before the Irish Open Stroke Play Championship at Co. Louth. European Universities champion Shannon Burke (Ballinrobe) will be joined by Georgia Carr (Milltown), Elisa Corcoran (Grange) and Canice Screene (Hermitage).

Apart from Shannon McWilliam, seven Scots have also entered:

Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm), Jasmine Mackintosh (Hazlehead), Jennifer Saxton (Muckhart), Hannah McCook (Grantown on Spey), Chloe Goadby (St Regulus), Gemma Batty (West Linton) and Kimberley Beveridge (Aboyne).

DRAW:  Link to Tee Times

FULL SCORING (available from May 4^th)

JENNY POTTER PGA AWARD VIDEO

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire Inter County Foursomes Qualifier

Renfrewshire Ladies'  County Golf Association is holding their  West of Scotland  Inter County Foursomes Qualifier at Pollok Golf Club  on Wednesday 9th May. 
CLICK HERE to see the draw.

To read more information go to the CLUB NEWS Section of the new RLCGA Website 

The draw for the Lanarkshire Inter County foursomes Qualifying Round at Shotts Golf Club on Tuesday 8th May -- CLICK HERE FOR DRAW 

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

With just over three weeks until the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) come into force, Scottish Golf hope your club is taking the necessary steps to ensure full compliance by the deadline of 25 May 2018. 

 If your club would benefit from support please access our online help via the link below, or contact your Regional Club Development Officer.

To read more go to the Scottish Golf Website

West Vets Team Selections

The team to play East Vets for the Elise Duncan Trophy at Kilmacolm on Tuesday 19th June is as follows : 

 Gillian Kyle (East Renfrewshire), Donna Jackson (Cochrane Castle), Liz Stewart (Greenburn), Lesley Lloyd (Hayston), Roz Purdom (Prestwick St Nicholas), Janice Paterson (Drumpellier), Robina Gilbertson (Prestwick St Nicholas), Lorraine Campbell (Cardross) and May Hughes (Lanark).

The team to play Midlands Vets for the Mid West Trophy at Cochrane Castle on Thursday 7th June ( for handicaps 10 and above ) is as follows : 

Helen Faulds (Douglas Park), Chris Fowler (Cowglen), Lynn McColl (The Carrick), Anabel Kane (Kilmacolm), Caroline King (Clober), Carol Fell (Ranfurly Castle) and Liz Hale (Caldwell). 


  To read more go to the West Vets Website

HIGHEST AMATEUR ACCOLADE AS SHANNON SELECTED FOR CURTIS CUP 

Aboyne Golf Club is celebrating after one of its leading lady golfers achieved the highest amateur accolade by being selected for the Great Britain & Ireland Curtis Cup team to play against the USA in New York in June. 

Shannon McWilliam (pictured above)  an 18-year old former pupil at Aboyne Academy who lives in Torphins, is the only Scottish girl selected for the 8-strong GB&I team which is captained for the second time by Elaine Farquharson-Black of Deeside. 

The 40th Curtis Cup Match will be contested 8-10th June at Quaker Ridge Golf Club, in Scarsdale, New York. GB&I will defend the historic trophy after securing a win at Dun Laoghaire in Ireland two years ago. 

Shannon said “I am absolutely honoured and over the moon to have been selected for the 2018 Curtis Cup. This has been my dream since I started playing golf at the age of 4. I could not have got to where I am today without the support of my family and friends, my coach Andrew Locke, Scottish Golf, Paul Lawrie Foundation, and of course Aboyne Golf Club and its members who have shown me such fantastic support and encouragement. I am so excited”. 

Lady Captain at Aboyne Liz Taylor said “ The Ladies section, which incorporates our juniors through to our senior lady members, are thrilled with Shannon's selection. This is the culmination of many years of dedication to her sport traveling the length and breadth of the UK to establish her credentials and compete in top ranking competitions. We hope to use Shannon's fantastic success to further develop all our juniors especially the girls at Aboyne.” 

Liz added, “Shannon follows in the prestigious footsteps of honorary member Jeanette Wright who represented the club four times in the Curtis Cup and daughter Pamela Wright who turned professional and went on to be Vice-Captain in the Solheim Cup. 

Club President Justin Grant said “Aboyne has a long history of producing excellent young players who go on to represent the Club at the highest national and indeed international level. As a club we are incredibly proud of Shannon, she has worked so hard over the last few years, supported by her parents Steve and Julie and elder brother Lewis, and richly deserves this call up. She is a fantastic ambassador for the game and her success has no doubt encouraged many other youngsters in the area to try out the game of golf. 

Everyone associated with the club are absolutely thrilled for her. I am sure she will do us proud". 

Gillian Paton wins the East Fife County Championship

The Final of the East Fife Championship was contested by new member, -- the 2017 Angus County Champion - Gillian Paton (St. Regulus) and former champion, Elaine Moffat (St. Regulus). 

Some super golf was played in the final and Gillian emerging the Champion by the winning margin of 3&2 - the difference between the two being Gillian's birdies coming at the right time of the round at the 12th and 15th. 

 In the Handicap Final, Ann Shepherd (Lochgelly) defeated another new member, Jude Allardice (Ladybank) by 2&1 in a very close match. 

To read more go to the East Fife Website

Gabrielle MacDonald wins Midlothian County Title at Baberton 

Gabrielle is pictured with her father who caddied for her. 

Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw), a past winner of the Scottish title, has won the Midlothian women's county championship at Baberton. 
She beat Kate Rorke (Kingsknowe) by 6 and 5 in the final. 
Gail Joughin (Comiston) beat Liz Calder (Turnhouse) 2 and 1 in the "B" Championship final.

RESULTS:

QUARTER-FINALS 
Kate Rorke (Kingsknowe) bt Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe) 4 and 3. 
Jennifer Bryans (Harburn) bt Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) 4 and 3. 
Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe) bt Debbie Hay-Smith (Murrayfield) 3 and 1.
Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw) bt Caroline Steedman (Murrayfield) 5 and 4. 

SEMI-FINALS 
Rorke bt Bryans 4 and 2. 
Macdonald bt Scott 2 holes. 

FINAL 
Macdonald bt Rorke 6 and 5. 

 "B" CHAMPIONSHIP  SEMI-FINALS 

Gail Joughin (Comiston) bt Laura Reekie (Baberton) 4 and 3. 
Liz Calder (Turnhouse) bt Celia McIntyre (Craigmillar Park) 8 and 6. 

FINAL
 Joughin bt Calder 2 and 1.

Kimberley Beveridge wins Aberdeenshire County Open Meeting

Kimberley Beveridge (Aboyne) was the winning score at Aberdeenshire County Open at Ballater  on Friday 27th April with a 71 followed by Sheena Wood (Aberdeen) 77

CLICK HERE FOR THE RESULTS

The Royal Deeside Classic 

A 72-hole Stableford event for both Ladies and Gentlemen played over four majestic courses, Aboyne, Ballater, Banchory and Braemar with prizes for each round and for the full event. Surely this is an ideal golfing holiday. 

A free day has been included to allow you to visit the many places of interest and scenic beauty which abound on Royal Deeside or, alternatively, this year we have arranged an optional day at Peterculter Golf Club. 

 Eating and drinking in Royal Deeside is a gastronomic delight with something for every taste, inclination and budget. 

The very best of Scottish fare is presented along with Continental and Eastern cooking.

GET YOUR ENTRY FORM HERE

Renfrewshire Girls play D&A Girls at Caldwell Golf Club

Despite depleted numbers due to exam pressures, the Renfrewshire and D&A girls had a very enjoyable afternoon together at Caldwell GC.
The sun shone for most of the afternoon which was a pleasant change.

 Match 1: Orla Rooney (Cowglen) and Jennifer Lynagh (Caldwell) played 9 holes each against Sophie Murphy (Clydebank).

 Match 2: Lauren Agnew (Eastwood) and Zara Thomson (Williamwood) played 9 holes each against Eilidh (Clydebank). 

It was pleasing to see that the winter coaching had been worthwhile with some lovely golf being played. 

Liz Hale from Caldwell kindly organised a Greensomes over 9 holes for the younger girls who have yet to gain a handicap. 

Lucie Barclay (Kilmacolm) and Ella McGrath (Caldwell) played against Mia Thyne (Caldwell), and Lily (Clydebank). 

The girls played very well and enjoyed the different format. 

 All the girls enjoyed drinks and a snack after their game and we thank Liz very much indeed for arranging courtesy of Caldwell for them. 

Renfrewshire look forward to a return match with D&A in the autumn.

  Report and photos from RLCGA Junior Convenor Gillian Kyle

Scotland’s Hannah Darling holed a closing 40-foot birdie putt to seal a dramatic victory in the inaugural Girls Under 16 Open Championship at Fulford.

From the R&A Website

Ireland’s Beth Coulter had looked set for a wire-to-wire victory in York, leading by a stroke with the par-5 18th to play, only to go out of bounds after her second shot hit a tree leading to a triple bogey.

Darling had applied the pressure after a closing two-under-par round of 72, only one of two players to post under par on a breezy final day, had given her the clubhouse lead on a total of four-under-par. In challenging conditions, the 14-year-old fired four birdies in the last ten holes to make a surge up the leaderboard.

The Broomieknowe player looked on as Coulter’s hopes ended in disappointment after signing off for final round of 78 to finish two strokes back on two-under-par and land Darling another championship win to add to the three domestic titles she claimed in 2017.

Darling overjoyed

“I’m so happy,” said Darling. “All my Scottish squad is here, so to do it with them here, I couldn’t be happier. I’ve had good performances in the last few weeks but to come here and win is so good.

“I felt for Beth at the last when she went out of bounds. It’s not nice to see a competitor do that, especially one you are quite close to on the leaderboard.

“The competition has been amazing. The R&A have done an amazing job as have the Fulford Golf Club and the green staff to keep the course in such good condition. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and lowering my one handicap.”

Grace Crawford (Gullane) finished second in the Under-12s section with scores of 80, 77 and 79 for a total of 236 - one shot behind the category winner, Rosie Bee Kim (Buckinghamshire) who had scores of 81, 73 and 81 for 235.

R and A UNDER-16 GIRLS OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Fulford Golf Club, Yorkshire
LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 222 (3x74) SSS 74 CSS 73 73 74
218 H Darling (Broomieknowe) 74 72 72
220 B Coulter (Kirkistown Castle) 69 73 78.
222 E Moosman (Switzerland) 76 69 77
223 F Tynan (Minchinhampton) 71 76 76, K Hiltunen (Finland) 74 70 79
224 R Gyliner (Swe) 76 75 73, E Gower (Chateau des Vigiers) 74 75 75, C Cattaneo (Ita) 75 72 77

Scots' scores:
228 C Griffiths (Aboyne) 78 76 74 (T14)
236 G Crawford (Gullane) 80 77 79 (T25)
237 R Foster (Prestwick St Nicholas) 77 85 75, E Henderson (Loretto) 80 75 82 (T29)
240 E Hynd (Elmwood) 76 86 78 (T37)
245 A McKay (Crail) 83 82 80 (T51)
247 P Wilson (Burntisland) 84 85 78 (T57)

TO VIEW ALL THE FINAL TOTALS
CLICK HERE

Jennifer Potter named female PGA Assistant of the year 

From the LET website

A PGA Assistant who completed her training at Scotland’s exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club has attributed the support from her two bosses as key to her winning a prestigious award.

 Jennifer Potter, who began her training to become a PGA Professional at Cawder Golf Club before moving to Loch Lomond, has been named Female PGA Assistant of the Year.
 In recognition of her achievement, Potter was presented with the Beverly Lewis Trophy and cheque for £1,750 from award sponsor the Ladies European Tour (LET) by PGA captain John Heggarty at the PGA Graduation Ceremony held at the University of Birmingham.
In addition to her cheque from the LET, Potter received £700 from Titleist, sponsors of the Year 3 Awards.

Commenting on her success, the 28-year-old Scot had no hesitation in thanking the head pro at Cawder where she spent three years, and the director of golf at Loch Lomond.

 She said: “My bosses, who are both PGA pros, have played a huge part in guiding me through the course. Initially it was Gordon Stewart at Cawder and for the last few months it was Guy Redford at Loch Lomond.” 

Potter fell in love with golf from the day she started playing when she was 10-years-old. However, her ambitions to follow a career in the game took a detour when she studied geography with a view to becoming a teacher. But the topography of golf courses and coaching the game proved irresistible and she embarked on The PGA’s three-year training programme.

 “I’ve always loved golf and wanted to have a future in it, especially coaching,” she said. “But once on the course I discovered there was so much more to it than either playing or coaching – business, custom-fitting, repairing clubs.
 “Then there’s the prospect of running your own business in golf, which is exciting. And running a large one would be pretty cool as well.

 “So it’s been a good decision and it’s privilege and honour to qualify as a PGA pro and win this award.”who began her training to become a PGA Professional at Cawder Golf Club before moving to Loch Lomond, has been named Female PGA Assistant of the Year. 

 Scotland's Connie Jaffrey Receives Individual Bid for NCAA Regional

From the K- State Website 

After senior Connie Jaffrey was announced as an individual qualifier to the NCAA Regional in Madison, Wisconsin, K-State women's golf head coach Kristi Knight wrapped up an interview with a simple summary of Wednesday. 
 "It's a good day for K-State golf," Knight said, as K-State's women will be represented in the postseason for the fourth-straight year, tying the program's longest such stretch. 

 Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) held no nerves as she sat down to watch Wednesday's NCAA Women's Selection Show on the Golf Channel. K-State women's lone senior, with two tournament titles in her final campaign alone, felt confident the "best golfing performance" of her career would leave her playing in an NCAA Regional somewhere. 

 "The coaches were pretty confident, which made me pretty confident to see my name up there," Jaffrey said. After about an hour of waiting for the individual qualifiers to pop up, Jaffrey finally saw what she expected. She was chosen as the top individual qualifier for the Madison Regional, where she will play the University Ridge Golf Course on May 7-9.

 “It's always a good feeling when you go to Regionals," she said. "It's what you worked for." Jaffrey extends K-State's streak of being represented in the postseason to four years, tying the program's longest run of NCAA appearances from 2001-04. 

 "It's not easy to get in as an individual and it's not easy to get in as a team," Knight said. "I'm just really proud of Connie. She's just had a really solid year. She's just played extremely well. Over the course of a long season, spread out over two semesters, she did a great job. I'm really happy for her and really proud of her." 

 A native of Scotland, Jaffrey said she takes pride in keeping K-State's name involved in NCAA's postseason. She hopes it can lead to more in the future. "I'm always proud and honored to represent K-State. I do feel as though I'm part of the family. That is K-State's motto. We are a family, so I definitely think that's important, bringing them and representing my college in regionals," she said. 

"It means that our program's strong, it definitely gets our name out there and hopefully more players will be encouraged to come to K-State." 

 While at K-State, Jaffrey said she's taken her putting to another level. This season, she's focused more on her ball striking to gain consistency all over the course. Both are evident in her 72.48 stroke average, which is nearly two strokes lower than her career-best average and is on pace to break the single-season school record set by her former teammate, Madison Talley. 

 More than anything, however, Jaffrey said the biggest difference this season has been how she's mentally approached it. "It's been a happy environment for me," she said. 

"For my senior year I just wanted to go out with a bang, so I was less worried, less stressed, and just kind of had a bit more fun playing tournaments and putting no pressure on myself. I definitely think having more fun and enjoying it has made me perform better."

R and A U16 Girls Open at Fulford Leading Scot Hannah Darling in fourth place with a round to go

 By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Broomieknowe's Hannah Darling, the leading Scot at the inaugural R and A Under-16s Girls Open at Fulford Golf Club, has four strokes to make up on leader Beth Coulter from Northern Ireland over Sunday's final 18 holes at the Yorkshire venue. 

Darling is in fourth place after rounds of 74 and 72 for a tally of two-under 146 over a par-74 lay-out. Her second round was a mixed bag of an eagle 3 at the par-5 fourth, birdies at the ninth, long 11th and 16th, offset by a double bogey 7 at the sixth and a bogey at the eighth in halves of 37 and 35. 

Coulter could not match her opening 69 on her second circuit but a 73 for 142 was good enough to see her lead by two from Finland's Kertuu Hiltunen (74-70). 

 SECOND - ROUND LEADING SCORES Par 148 (2x74) SSS 74 CSS 73 73 

142 B Coulter (Kirkistown Castle, N Ireland) 69 73. 
144 K Hiltunen (Finland) 74 70 145 E Moosman (Switz) 76 69 
146 H Darling (Broomieknowe) 74 72  

 OTHER SCOTS' SCORES 

154 C Griffiths (Aboyne) 78,76
155  E Henderson (Loretto) 80 75
157 G Crawford (Gullane) 80 77
162 R Foster (Prestwick St Nicholas) 77 86, E Hynd (Elmwood) 76 86 (T47) 
165 A McKay (Crail) 83 82 (60th) 169 P Wilson (Burntisland) 84 85 (T74) Field of 90 players. 

 TO VIEW ALL THE SCORES CLICK HERE

ALSO CLICK HERE FOR THE UNDER 12's  -- Grace Crawford from Gullane is in 2nd place

Angus County -- Commonwealth Spoons Ballumbie Castle GC 

Played on 24th April 2018

1. Angela Crabb (Panmure) and Deirdre Moffat (Arbroath) 77.5 (BIH) 
2. Frances Millar (Carnoustie Caledonia) and Louise Graham 77.5 
3. Sheila Bradley (Kirriemuir)  and Frances Martin 78 ( Kirriemuir) 

First and second couples qualify for the Final at Stirling Golf Club on the 3rd of September 2018. Sheila Bradley and Frances Martin were the only pairing to have a Magic 2

Greenlees Trophy Matches have started

The 2018 West of Scotland Greenlees Trophy Matches are now underway with the 2015 holders of the title Kilmarnock Barassie winning their first match against Troon Ladies.

Cathkin Braes the defending 2017 Champions will have their first match on the 21st May.

 To read some of the history of the Greenlees Trophy CLICK HERE

You will find all the match results for all 3 divisions by clicking on this link or at the top of the Carol Fell Golf Website

The West of Scotland Championship

The West of Scotland Championship will be played at Balmore Golf Club on Sunday 13th May from 8.30 am. The handicap limit is 15.
To view and if you wish, to download a copy of the entry form please click on the following link: CLICK HERE 
To enter online please click on the following link: CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE ENTRY
Methods of forwarding the £10 entry fee will be forwarded to you by e mail.

Shannon McWilliam is selected for the 2018 Curtis Cup team

The R&A today announced the Great Britain and Ireland team to face the United States in the 40th Curtis Cup match which will be played at Quaker Ridge, New York from 8-10 June.

 GB&I will defend the historic trophy after securing an 11½-8½ win over the United States at Dun Laoghaire in Ireland two years ago.
 Great Britain and Ireland team
 An eight-player team and one non-travelling reserve have been selected for the 2018 match with five players from England featuring alongside two Irishwomen and one Scot.

 The GB&I team includes 16-year-old Lily May Humphreys who won the 2018 Helen Holm Championship at Royal Troon last week to add to the Girls British Open Amateur Championship and English Women’s Amateur Championship titles she won last year.

Olivia Mehaffey and Alice Hewson will make their second appearances for GB&I in the Curtis Cup after featuring in the winning side at Dun Laoghaire in 2016.

 One Scot has been selected - 18 year old Shannon McWilliam from Aboyne (pictured above)

The full team to face the United States: 

India Clyburn (21, Woodhall Spa, England) 
Lily May Humphreys (16, Stoke-by-Nayland, England) 
Annabell Fuller (15, Roehampton, England) 
Sophie Lamb (20, Clitheroe, England) 
Paula Grant (24, Lisburn, Ireland) 
Shannon McWilliam (18, Aboyne, Scotland) 
Alice Hewson (20, Berkhamsted, England) 
Olivia Mehaffey (20, Royal County Down Ladies, Ireland)

 To read more go to the  Scottish Golf View Website

Kirsten Brown wins the 2018 Lanarkshire County Championship 

Susan Wood and Kirsten Brown -- Photo Courtesy of Jean MacIntyre

In dry but very windy conditions at Lanark Golf Club this afternoon Kirsten Brown (Strathaven) beat Susan Wood (Drumpellier) 4 & 3 to win the Lanarkshire County Championship for a second year in a row and retained the Maitland Trophy. 

1st Round 
Susan Wood beat Jennifer Wiles 
Lesley Lloyd beat Angela Devine 
A Hendry w/o from L Niall
Ruth Hunter beat Joan Allan 
Fiona Norris beat Anne Cameron 
Justine Fulton beat Susan McGrenaghan 
May Hughes beat Elaine Morris 
Kirsten Brown beat Marie Scott 

Quarter Final 
Susan Wood (Drumpellier) beat Lesley Lloyd (Hayston) 2&1 
Alyson Hendry ( Hamilton ) beat Ruth Hunter (Lanark) 4&3 
Justine Fulton (Hayston) beat Fiona Norris ( Hamilton) 1 up 
Kirsten Brown (Strathaven) beat May Hughes (Lanark) 6&5

Semi Final  
Susan Wood beat Alyson Hendry 3&2 
Kirsten Brown beat Justine Fulton 1up

Final
Kirsten Brown beat Susan Wood  4&3

D&A County News -- Championship and Winter Foursomes Finals 

D&A Championship took place at Cardross Golf Club on 9-11 April and was won by Lorna McClymont (Milngavie). She beat Lori Macdonald (Cardross) by 5/4. The Bronze Championship won by Rae Strang (Cardross) who beat Barbara Cunningham (Hilton Park) on the 18th. 

 The Winter Foursomes was (eventually) concluded after quite a number of rescheduled matches over the course of the latter rounds which were all weather and snow related.

The final was contested by Lorraine Campbell (Cardross) and Laura McGeachy (Haggs) against Lynne Macdonald (Cardross) and Rae Strang (Cardross) and Lorraine and Laura won 4&3

The match was played over the Clober Golf Course on Saturday 14th April. 
Captain Anne Colthart refereed both finals

Thanks go to Lorraine Campbell for the report and photographs by Jenny Gough 

Scottish Women's Amateur Championship --   Enter Now

The Scottish Women's Amateur Championship returns to Elie for the first time since 1975 with the opportunity to enjoy five days of golf on Fife's glorious East Neuk from 5 - 9 June. 

This historic national event, first played in 1903, is the pinnacle of the women's amateur game in Scotland, with fun, friendship and competition on one of the country's most enjoyable links courses. Elie is less than an hour's drive from Edinburgh, Perth and Dundee and is located just 12 miles from St Andrews. 

At £50 entry fee, you are guaranteed three rounds including your practice round, with the top-32 qualifying for the top flight match play stages, and the next 16 players earning a place in the Clark Rosebowl. 

Or, you can simply enjoy two rounds of stroke play if you opt not to compete in the match play stages later in the week. 

Entries close on Monday 7 May with a handicap limit of 20.

 CLICK HERE TO ENTER