GET WELL MESSAGE FROM ABERDEENSHIRE CAPTAIN LORNA JOHNSON

Ann, June and Morag at the 2019 RLCGA Dinner

Your Webmaster has been keeping in touch with Past Aberdeenshire's Captain, Ann Smart, her good pal Morag Clapperton and Renfrewshire Past Captain June Lockhart -- We chat every Friday evening on "ZOOM" 

As Aberdeenshire's Captain Lorna Johnson said " For those who don' t know  - unfortunately Ann has been battling against lymphoma and I am very disappointed to tell you that her chemotherapy treatment to date has not been totally effective and, consequently, she has to have further treatment that will be specified soon."

"Given lockdown, social distancing, and isolation, Ann has faced an especially arduous time. Her attitude is always inspiring. I know that you will all join with me in sending her our very best wishes through the next stage of her journey to recovery."   --- READ MORE NEWS FROM THE ABERDEENSHIRE WEBSITE

2018 County Team Champions - Aberdeenshire

Ann of course was the Captain of the Winning 2018 Scottish County Team Championship in a close battle against Renfrewshire and everyone was delighted for Ann's team and their success that year - their last victory had been 1986  -- Read More

FOR FINAL DAY PHOTOS FROM KILMACOLM CLICK HERE FOR MEMORIES

Hopefully the next lot of treatment will be successful and you need to know Ann we are very much thinking about you, and hoping that you keep fighting this rotten disease Cx 

SUPPORT LIZ AND SALLY WHO ARE PLAYING 3 ROUNDS FOR ACS

For 14 years Loudoun Gowf has held an annual fundraiser for Ayrshire Cancer Support (ACS) . Due to Covid-19 this years event was cancelled. 

On the 6th July, Liz Keohone and Sally Hamilton have decided to play 3 rounds of gowf in one day at Loudoun Gowf. 

They are hoping to raise some much needed funds for this amazing Ayrshire charity, very close to both their hearts.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

My Golf Ranking - Week 23 - 2012

AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Robina Gilbertson (Prestwick St Nicholas) 1105 points 

2 Liz Keohane (Loudoun Gowf) 1048

3 Joanne Sharp (Kilmarnock (Barassie) 1046

4 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 1043

5 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 1037

6 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 981

7 Gillian Kennedy (Troon Welbeck) 939

8 Janet Harkness (Skelmorlie) 932

9 Susan Dumigan (Prestwick St Nicholas) 920 

10 Christine Whitelaw (Largs) 916

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Largs 869

2 Prestwick St Nicholas 827 

3 Skelmorlie 826

4 Loudoun Gowf 786

5 Troon Welbeck 777

6 Prestwick St Cuthbert 756 

7 Irvine 735

8 Kilmarnock (Barassie) 727 

9 Girvan 625

10 Brodick 356

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Caroline King (Clober) 1133 points

2 Gillian Morrison (Clober) 1076

3 Margaret Mackinnon (Lochgilphead) 1059 

4 Katharine Hardman (Dunaverty) 1016

5 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 985

6 Jackie Lightfoot (Helensburgh) 971

7 Gillian Ross (Bearsden) 947

8 Gemma Canham (Helensburgh) 918

9 Olive Spicer (Bearsden) 889

10 Deirdre Anderson (Dullatur) 874

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS

1 Clober 847

2 Bearsden 816

3 Dunaverty 811

4 Lochgilphead 803 

5 Helensburgh 752 

6 Balmore 743

7 Dullatur 704

8 Palacerigg 686

9 Douglas Park 637 

10 Machrihanish 571

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Sharon McPeake (Cawder) 1172 points 

2 Jane Clark (Airdrie) 1068

3 M A Seymour (Cathkin Braes) 1045

4 J J Weir (Cawder) 1017

5 Edel Doherty (Cawder) 970

6 Susan Halley (Strathaven) 948

7 Nichola Craig (Lanark) 945

8 M A Stevenson (Cawder) 933

9 Allison Bell (Strathaven) 916

10 Abigail McCafferty (Airdrie) 895

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Cawder 895

2 Airdrie 847

3 Lanark 790

4 Hamilton 779

5 East Kilbride 796 

6 Langlands 759 

7 Carnwath 745

8 Strathaven 736 

9 Cathkin Braes 730 

10 Kirkhill 680

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Heather Climson (East Renfrewshire) 1116 points 

2 Christine Wilson (Caldwell) 1069

3 Anabel Kane (Kilmacolm) 1066

4 G I Coles (Ralston) 968

5 Ann McKenzie (Old Course Ranfurly) 964

6 L McMillan (Ralston) 944

7 Sandra Reid (Renfrew) 920

8 Helen Abram (Ranfurly Castle) 911

9 Carolyn Clark (Ralston) 894

10 Fiona McPhee (Old Course Ranfurly) 833

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Ralston 954

2 Old Course Ranfurly 805 

3 Renfrew 786

4 Caldwell 687

5 Bonnyton 668

6 Ranfurly Castle 630

7 East Renfrewshire 617 

8 Erskine 601

9 Kilmacolm 597

10 Cowglen 576

Wondering why MyGolfRanking changed when no competitive club events were being played?

MyGolfRanking is based on data compiled from a rolling 52 week cycle. 

Your result data from Week 2019/23 is replaced with data from Week 2020/23.

Michele Thomson signs with Five Star Sports Agency

Michele and Paul Lawrie

5 Star Sports Agency is delighted that Ladies European Tour Professional, Michele Thomson  has signed to be represented by the Sports Management & Events company owned by Paul Lawrie.

“I’m really pleased to have come on board with 5Star. I’ve known Paul for a number of years, having previously been supported through his Foundation. I’ve also been attached to the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre for the last six months or so and it’s where I practise and play when not travelling and competing. It’ll be great to have the benefit of Paul’s experience both on and off the course. He’s seen all sides of the Pro game and knows exactly where we’re coming from as players. I also know most of my fellow 5Star clients and get along well with them so that’s great too.”

Michele joins the 5Star stable which, in addition to Paul, looks after European, Challenge Tour as well as Professionals on the LET Access and EuroPro Tours.

Michele is now looking forward to getting her season on the Ladies European Tour underway as soon as events can safely return and will have the full support and backing of Paul and the team at 5 Star Sports Agency when she does.

DRYBURGH Praises role model Rose for sponsoring new BRITISH Women’s Series

By Martin Dempster (The Scotsman) 

Gemma Dryburgh has heaped prizes on Justin Rose for standing up to women’s golf by sponsoring a new seven tournament series for women professionals. The opening event of the Justin Rose Ladies series will begin with a one day tournament on 18 June at Brockenhurst Manor in Hampshire, Rose’s home county.

The schedule also includes a trip to Royal St George’s, which had been due to host The Open in July before it was cancelled by the R&A due to the coronavirus crisis.

“I was so amazed when I heard the news Justin and [wife] Kate would be contributing to a series of events for us female professionals,” said Dryburgh, who holds cards for both the LPGA and LET but is waiting for those circuits to start up again.

“Liz Young, one of my fellow players, also deserves a big shout out as she came up with the initial idea of having an event at her home course and it sounds like things transpired from there once Kate and Justin heard about the event at Brockenhurst Manor.

It is such a good feeling to have such a high-profile player like Justin supporting us. It takes people like him to stand up for the women’s game to help move us forward and help people realise we have a great product and deserve more coverage and opportunities to show our skills.”

Dryburgh is hoping to play in the first four events in the series, which is set to be screened on Sky Sports Golf, and will be joined in the first one by Laura Davies. “Justin has always been a role model of mine,” added Dryburgh of the 2013 US Open champion and current Olympic champion.

“I was lucky enough to get a picture with him when I was at university as we used to volunteer at the PGA Tour event, the Zurich Classic, in New Orleans. Looking back on that moment now, it’s cool to think he’s now supporting these events that I’m going to be able to play in.”

Rose, who is believed to be contributing in the region of £35,000 as prize money, said he felt compelled to “step up and help” after reading about Liz Young and resident clubfitter Jason Macniven trying to run a ladies’ event at Brockenhurst Manor.

“I am sad that the Ladies European Tour has been suffering so badly and doesn’t really have a start date yet from what I know,” he said. “To me this seems somewhat unfair, my wife Kate and I felt there was an opportunity to step up and help.”

CURTIS CUP WEEK !

Curtis Cup  photos-- courtesy of the R&A 
Click to enlarge

The 41st Curtis Cup at Conwy, due to take place from 12-14 June, has been rescheduled to 2021 in agreement with the USGA. The revised dates will be advised in due course.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO FROM THE R&A

RHONA HAS HER FIRST HOLE IN ONE !!

Rhona has her 1st Hole In One

Was meant to play with Rhona Murison today at Douglas Park Golf Club -- I called off because it was pouring with rain -- 

Rhona decided to maybe have a go at 9 holes and the rain went off and she played 18 holes -- She had her first  HOLE IN ONE at the 3rd witnessed by players on the course
-- The rain went off and only started when she got back to the Car Park !!

Shows you should turn up at the 1st and make a decision then -- as often the weather has nothing to do with what it says -- 

Many congrats Rhona and gutted that I missed it 

CURTIS CUP MEMORIES - PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

Down Memory Lane Photos Curtis Cup 2008 and 2012

The 41st Curtis Cup which was due to be played at Conway in North Wales on 12 - 14 June has been rescheduled to 2021 in agreement with the USGA with revised dates to be fixed.

Apart from all the matches  many of the Past players and Captains meet up and play prior to the event. 

I have therefore added some photos and videos that give you a feel of this wonderful amateur event.

Mary McKenna and Tegwen Mathews were the Captains in 2008 and 2012

CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTO ALBUMS

YOU MAY VERY WELL FIND YOURSELF IN SOME  !!

If any one would like to share anymore to add to another album please contact me - EMAIL CAROL  and I will see what can be done 

THREATENING SCOTTISH GOLFERS WITH LAW IS A WAY OVER THE TOP !

By Martin Dempster:

 Golf, believe it or not, has been the cause of the closest thing to a disagreement in the Dempster household during lockdown. More specifically, my good lady and I have differing views on the guidance about travel in phase one of restrictions being eased being a “broad five miles”.

In fairness, Mrs Dempster works in childcare, where safety is paramount every step of the way, and is a stickler for rules, hence why she believes that particular guideline, initiated by the Scottish Government and endorsed by Scottish Golf, should be adhered to by everyone for the time being.

That is primarily because, as a family, we have followed the restrictions introduced on 23 March, staying strictly within our local boundary other than delivering shopping to a relative on the shielding list and, as a consequence, feeling we are doing our bit in stopping the spread of Covid-19.

I have been totally on board with that and still am, but, at the same time, I don’t see too many problems, if any, from golfers utilising the “flexibility” talked about by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and using their own “judgment” to enjoy being back out on the course.

In some cases, that “judgment” call has been to jump in a car in Edinburgh and head to East Lothian or travel from Glasgow to Ayrshire because that’s where they normally play, which, surely, can hardly make anyone feel as though they are committing a heinous crime.

Especially not when you take into account the fact that the journey has been made by an individual on his/her own and, for the majority of the time, has been spent out in the fresh air with only one other person in an environment where social distancing is natural.

Since courses in Scotland reopened a week past Friday after being closed for nine weeks due to the coronavirus, I have not heard a single voice of discontent about clubs failing to deliver “safe golf ” through measures drawn up by the R&A, which is testament to staff and committee members at every single club in the country.

As was required, Scotland’s golfers have responded to mandatory restrictions in terms of format, bookings etc in exactly the way the clubs and also Scottish Golf were looking for, giving the impression that, at the end of the first full week of reopening, it was all tickety boo.

Not so, apparently. While it wasn’t aimed directly at golf, a letter sent on Friday to the chief executives of sports governing bodies in Scotland totally changed the tone around that “broad five miles” recommendation for recreation.

Sent by Joe Fitzpatrick MSP, the Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, and Mel Young, chair of sportscotland, it acknowledged that the “majority” of people had, indeed, adhered to that guidance but also highlighted “evidence” of a minority travelling “significant distances unnecessarily”.

If people continue to make such journeys, the letter states, the Scottish Government “may have to put the restrictions on travel distance

“It’s a shame, really, that the focus from Joe Fitzpatrick and Mel Young about golf’s return is not about the positivity in the game at the moment. The nation’s golfers are generating a real buzz in the game”

Due to the majority of games at the moment being two balls and clubhouses remaining closed, golf clubs are not places where groups of any worrying size are congregating, and both clubs and golfers should be publicly applauded for that by the Scottish Government.

Yes, a few golfers may be travelling a bit further than others at the moment for a game, but threatening them with the law is not necessary. It is over the top, in fact, and it’s a shame, really, that the focus from Fitzpatrick, in particular, but also Young about golf ’s return is not about the positivity around the game at the moment.

Helped by mental health being improved enormously as a result of being back on courses, the nation’s golfers are generating a real buzz in the game, feeling proud to be part of it and no longer cringeing about the possibility of it being knocked from pillar to post.

That’s what we should be highlighting as opposed to nit-picking about someone travelling five miles or 25 miles to enjoy a hit out in the fresh air on a summer’s day, especially in the sport’s cradle.

Click to enlarge and read full article 

Justin Rose to sponsor British women's golf series

The Rose Ladies Series will include a tournament at Royal St George’s Golf Club, which would have hosted men at Open Championship in July

By Kate Rowan 7 June 2020 • (The Telegraph) 

Justin Rose and his wife Kate are to sponsor a series of women’s golf tournaments for British professionals starting on June 18.

There will be seven events on the Rose Ladies Series including a tournament at Royal St George’s Golf Club, which would have hosted the men at the Open Championship next month before it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It is understood that Rose, the 2013 US Open Champion and gold medallist at the Rio Olympics, is contributing £35,000 into the series as prize money, while all seven golf courses are giving up their facilities free of charge. All the tournaments will be played behind closed doors but Sky Sports will be broadcasting.

Last week the Sunday Telegraph revealed that golf would be the first women’s sport to return in Britain with the hosting of the Women’s Open at Brokenhurst Manor, a one-day event to be held on June 18. 

The tournament was the brainchild of Ladies European Tour player Liz Young and Jason MacNiven, who runs a custom club-fitting company at the Hampshire course. However, the event was without a sponsor and a broadcast partner. 

The Roses read about these efforts and were inspired to help as Justin felt it unfair that he will return to action on the PGA tour with the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Texas on Thursday, two months before his female counterparts can do so. 

The Evian Championship, which is a major, is due to be held between August 6 and 10 at the Evian Resort in the French Alps but not all LET players would be eligible to play. The LET and LPGA are expected to return in August.

“I am keenly aware that I now have the opportunity to go back to work and compete on the PGA Tour but this is not the same for the ladies and some junior tours as well,” said Rose, who also sponsors the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship. 

“I am sad that the Ladies’ European Tour has been suffering so badly. To me this seems somewhat unfair my wife Kate and I felt there was an opportunity to step up and help.

“The prize money is modest because it is me throwing in some money and then the ladies are paying an entry fee and being able to play for a pot. We wanted to give them the opportunity to play and to be ready for when the opportunities arise later in the summer.”

Other courses that have been signed up to host the JR Series are Bearwood Lakes Golf Club in Berkshire, JCB Golf and Country Club in Uttoxeter, Moor Park Golf Club and Buckinghamshire Golf Club

The Roses’ intervention has come at a time when women’s sport has been lagging behind the men in terms of re-opening in the UK with women’s football, rugby and netball leagues all cancelled with no imminent return date.

The cause is particularly close to Kate’s heart as she was a European champion gymnast. “I read about what Liz was trying to do and thought that Justin and I had to help”, said Kate.

“It is so important for the visibility of ladies’ golf that they can play at good courses and on TV because they need to be out there to both attract sponsors and keep their current sponsors happy as well as allowing more people to get to know who they are."  

SCOTTISH GOLF IS URGED TO REINFORCE TRAVEL ADVICE

The Scotsman

8 Jun 2020

By MARTIN DEMPSTER

Scottish Golf has been urged to reinforce guidelines for recommended travel in phase one of lockdown restrictions being eased after a warning that the “broad five miles” could become law.

The message was delivered to the chief executives of all the sports governing bodies in Scotland in a letter from Joe Fitzpatrick MSP, the Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, and Mel Young, chair of sportscotland.

They have acknowledged that the “majority” of people had adhered to the guidance to not travel more than five miles since golf was among the sports allowed to return, with courses reopening a week past Friday. But the letter also highlights “evidence” of a minority not abiding by the guidelines and travelling “significant distances unnecessarily”.

The letter adds: “If people continue to make journeys which risk spreading the virus, we may have to put the restrictions on travel distance into law.

“This is something we do not want to do, but may have to if we think it is necessary for the collective safety and wellbeing of everyone.

“We ask that you reinforce this with your clubs and members as a matter of urgency.”

£7m R&A funding will filter down to golf clubs but is ‘not a rescue package’

By Martin Dempster ( The Scotsman) 

All home nations are receiving a share based on number of clubs in each country

The R&A has said its recently-launched £7 million Covid-19 Fund is not a “rescue package” but, at the same time, is looking for national associations to use it to support clubs through a “difficult period”.

Since it was unveiled just over a fortnight ago, the fund has been “very well received” by national associations and other affiliated bodies in Great Britain and Ireland as it aims to help golf deal with the impact of the pandemic.

The R&A has set out guidelines about how the fund should be used by the likes of Scottish Golf and the other home unions, with the process for it filtering into clubs currently being finalised.

“A small number of national associations have been in touch so far, with more anticipated, and, following collective discussion with the home nations, they are now working on their plans and proposals,” a spokesperson for the R&A told The Scotsman.

“The funding will be spent where it can have the most impact. Within GB&I, each home nation is receiving a share based on the number of golf courses in their country. The process is already underway and, within the four home nations, we would reasonably expect grants to be reaching clubs by mid-summer.”

While courses around the UK and Ireland have now reopened, they all suffered a significant loss of revenue just as the new season was about to swing into action.

A number of clubs are now enjoying a boost in membership due to golf being one of the first outdoor sports activities to be allowed as lockdown restrictions are eased, but many still face an uncertain future.

“We don’t see this as a rescue package and haven’t described it as such,” added the spokesperson in reply to being asked if it was hoped the fund can make the difference in some clubs surviving a nine-week closure.

“But we do expect the funds to be allocated in ways to support clubs through what has been and will be a difficult period. Funds will be allocated by our affiliates where they believe the money will have the most impact.”

Martin Slumbers, the R&A’s chief executive, described the club scene as the “bedrock of our sport” when the fund was launched, adding the governing body had a “responsibility to do what we can to help in such a crisis”.

That is why the fund is being aimed at clubs facing “serious financial difficulties”, though, at the same time associations are being encouraged to use it for “other activities key to the future of the sport”.

Asked to expand on that, the spokesperson said: “As well as supporting golf clubs, we hope some of the funding will be spent on initiatives which we believe will help golf longer term. These include more clubs signing up to The R&A Women in Golf Charter, encouraging family play, ready golf, shorter forms of play and more.”

Scottish Golf said it will provide an update to member clubs about how it aims to utilise the fund as soon as the nuts and bolts are in place.

“Having welcomed the funding package for clubs affected by Covid-19, we are now in the process of developing an application framework that aligns to the overarching criteria of the fund and will update all affiliated clubs here in Scotland of the next steps, outlining how and when applications can be made, before the end of the month,” said 
a statement.

Meantime Scottish Golf’s AGM which was postponed in March as the coronavirus started to hit, has been rescheduled for 25th June, when it will be conducted via video and audio conference call. 

MYGOLF RANKING - WEEK 22/2020

AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Robina Gilbertson (Prestwick St Nicholas) 1052 points

2 Liz Keohane (Loudoun Gowf) 1048

3 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 1043

4 Joanne Sharp (Kilmarnock (Barassie) 1030

5 Anne Burns (Loudoun Gowf) 1007

6 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 998

7 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 990

8 Gillian Kennedy (Troon Welbeck) 939

9 Janet Harkness (Skelmorlie) 932

10 Susan Dumigan (Prestwick St Nicholas) 919

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Largs 865

2 Prestwick St Nicholas 830

3 Loudoun Gowf 827

4 Skelmorlie 826

5 Troon Welbeck 777

6 Prestwick St Cuthbert 755

7 Irvine 742

8 Kilmarnock (Barassie) 722

9 Girvan 660

10 Brodick 356

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Caroline King (Clober) 1133 points

2 Margaret Mackinnon (Lochgilphead) 1073

3 Katharine Hardman (Dunaverty) 1016

4 Gillian Ross (Bearsden) 989

5 Gillian Morrison (Clober) 979

6 Jackie Lightfoot (Helensburgh) 971

7 Di Raitt (Dullatur) 977

8 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 959

9 Avril Leitch (Balmore) 955

10 Paula Galloway (Douglas Park) 938

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS

1 Clober 891

2 Bearsden 849

3 Dullatur 819

4 Balmore 808

5 Palacerigg 805

6 Dunaverty 803

7 Helensburgh 780

8 Lochgilphead 768

9 Douglas Park 731

10 Rothesay 653

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Jane Clark (Airdrie) 1245 points

2 Sharon McPeake (Cawder) 1147

3 J J Weir (Cawder) 1055

4 M A Seymour (Cathkin Braes) 1002

5 Edel Doherty (Cawder) 950

6 Susan Halley (Strathaven) 948

7 Catherine Gibson (Cathkin Braes 946

8 Nichola Craig (Lanark) 945

9 M A Stevenson (Cawder) 933

10 Sheila Fairbairn (Lanark) 919

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Cawder 905

2 Airdrie 895

3 Cathkin Braes 798

4 Lanark 796

5 Hamilton 779

6 Carnwath 766

7 Kirkhill 764

8 Strathaven 736

9 Langlands 727

10 Bothwell Castle 722

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Heather Climson (East Renfrewshire) 1116 points

2 Christine Wilson (Caldwell) 1069

3 Ann McKenzie (Old Course Ranfurly) 1018

4 Anabel Kane (Kilmacolm) 988

5 Sandra Reid (Renfrew) 920

6 Helen Abram (Ranfurly Castle) 911

7 Jennie Scott (Old Course Ranfurly) 853

8 Marion Downie (Old Course Ranfurly) 851

T9 Merope Dunlop & Maureen Taggart (both Old Course

Ranfurly) 833

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Old Course Ranfurly 835

2 Renfrew 786

3 Erskine 718

4 Caldwell 687

5 Bonnyton 668

6 Ranfurly Castle 666

7 East Renfrewshire 617

8 Kilmacolm 606

9 Cowglen 576

10 Paisley 572

MESSAGE

Wondering why MGRanking changes when no competitive club counting events have been played?

MGRanking is based on data compiled from a rolling 52 week cycle.

Your result data from Week 2019/22 is replaced by data from Week 2020/22.

SHELAGH QUINN HAS HER FIRST HOLE IN ONE

Shelagh Quinn

Congratulations to Shelagh Quinn on getting her first hole in one today at the 6th at Stirling Golf Club after playing golf for 60 years. 👏👏

Scottish golf clubs enjoy boost in membership

By Martin Dempster (The Scotsman)

Scottish golf clubs are enjoying a membership boost from the game being one of the outdoor activities included in the first phase of lockdown restrictions being eased, with some clubs gaining between 70-80 members and the demand at another seeing the return of a waiting list.

Dwindling memberships have been the norm for several years in the home of golf, with the latest KPMG Golf Participation Report for Europe revealing that the number of registered players in Scotland fell by 7,500 between 2017 and 2018 as the overall figure dropped to just over 180,000.

Several clubs, including Eastwood in Renfrewshire, Brunston Castle in Ayrshire, Mount Ellen in Lanarkshire and Lothianburn, Torphin Hill and Whitekirk in the Lothians, were forced to close as clubs struggled to convince golfers that membership still had a value at a time when the pay-and-play market had grown arms and legs.

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A similar fate could be in store, unfortunately, for some other clubs due to the financial damage caused by a nine-week coronavirus shutdown, but, in the first week of courses being reopen in Scotland, a fair number around the country are being galvanised on the back of a sudden and unexpected rise in membership applications.

“From last week, we have officially gone back to a waiting list,” reported Kenny Monaghan, the PGA pro at Stirling. “In the build up to us reopening on Friday, the secretary dropped off the best part of 20 new member packs that had come in over a 10-day period.

“This is my fifth year here and this is the third time now that we’ve had a waiting list in that time. The demand is definitely there for golf club membership at the moment, and I think that is being helped by most clubs deciding to go with members only initially for the restart and not allowing visitors for the time being.”

At Aberdour on the Fife coast, close to 70 membership applications have flooded in since the lockdown started in March, with a dozen or so deciding to take out membership as a direct result of walking on or close to the course for daily exercise.

“It’s a massive boost for the club, especially after losing 48 members at the end of last season across all the different categories,” admitted captain Steve David. “Of the 67 membership applications we’ve had, six or so are returning members who have possibly now got more time on their hands, but the largest cross section are the so-called ‘nomadic’ golfer who, probably as a result of changes due to the Covid-19 crisis, have decided to now join a local golf club.

“The vast majority took advantage of an offer we pushed over 10 days recently, £500 cash upfront for 12 months’ membership. What is interesting is the age group seems to be mostly under 50’s, including a fair number of even younger applicants.”

In Edinburgh, The Scotsman understands that Craigmillar Park, another club which earned admirers from people walking there when it was closed, has signed up 80 new members and has more in the pipeline, raising hopes that certain categories could be capped for the first time in more than 20 years.

Elsewhere, lots of other clubs seeing smaller but equally important increases in membership numbers. “It’s gone a little crazy,” said one club professional, who asked to remain anonymous. “If I’m honest, golf needed a break. It’s come back stronger and we are in great position going into the delayed start to the season.”

Brora, the first Scottish golf club to express fears that it “might not exist” beyond the Covid-19 closure of courses in the UK, has also attracted 80 new members, including seven individuals paying £10,000 each for a special Platinum Membership.

“It’s almost like the world now understands what we have here at Brora and people realised we have a club worth saving,” said president Andy Stewart of the Highlands club now being in a healthier financial position through raising a six-figure sum, mainly from nemberships but also advance tee bookings, merchandise sales and online donations.

“We were looking forward to a bumper year of visitor numbers, projected at £350,000, before the Covid-19 pandemic halted us in our tracks in March. With a dependence on visitor income, we have had to be creative in our thinking to drive new revenue and we have simply been overwhelmed with the love for us from across the world. It has just been incredible for all of us to realise just how well regarded the golf club is. It really has been fantastic.”

South of the Border, a straw poll of clubs contacted by England Golf in the first two weeks of courses reopening revealed that a minimum of 15 new members had been recruited on average. “It’s wonderful to hear of lapsed members returning to the game or newcomers embracing the fact that golf is one of the healthiest and safest sports around,” said chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson. “It’s great news that many core values of golf club membership – camaraderie, freedom to play and a sense of belonging – once again have new meaning!”

DOWN MEMORY LANE PHOTOGRAPHS

As this is Women's Golf Day I thought I would start to share an album that I will be adding to over time to try and find old photos and videos that have got hidden away over time -- The Album is called " DOWN MEMORY LANE" 

CLCK HERE TO REVEAL SOME OLD PHOTOS and then click on some of the links 

Golf clubs have a real opportunity to shape bright new future for game

By Martin Dempster ( The Scotsman )

Many clubs have attracted new members as other sports are off limits due to the pandemic

Credit where credit is due. Scottish Golf’s decision to recommend two balls as the main format for the sport resuming after being shut down for more than nine weeks due to the Covid-19 pandemic appears to be working a treat.

Put it this way, the two rounds 
I’ve been lucky to get in since the courses reopened around the country on Friday have easily been the best in terms of seeing a golf course flowing how it should for a long time.

One of those rounds was in the morning; the other in the afternoon. The first took two hours 
45 minutes, which included a short delay for a TV interview on the 17th tee, and the second was five minutes quicker.

On both occasions, we never even came close to finding ourselves on the same tee with the group in front and it was the same with the group behind. In a nutshell, the guidelines recommended by the governing body and then implemented by the clubs did exactly what was needed.

There is still a nervousness about being in a supermarket, either inside or out, and seeing someone wearing a face mask or gloves and also getting uncomfortably close to someone who doesn’t seem to bother about social distancing.

In contrast, that precious time on the golf course brought back a welcome bit of normality, even though there was no hanging about the club, either before or after the round, and things may be slightly different out on the course with funky contraptions to retrieve balls from the hole without touching the flagstick and no rakes in the bunkers.

It had been feared that only single players might be permitted at the start in Scotland, but there would have been absolutely no need for that given that social distancing almost happens naturally out on a golf course.

Yes, the odd person might not feel entirely comfortable at the moment being in the company of someone from another household, but, for most, the chance to be reunited with a golfing buddy is being enjoyed the length and breadth of the country.

By the looks of things, the pace of play at most courses was along the lines of what we enjoyed at Aberdour. “We had 202 golfers at Crail today,” reported David Roy, the club manager at Crail Golfing Society, of Friday’s traffic along the Fife coast, “and the last round was completed in exactly three hours. Just shows you what can be done with no course furniture (ball washers, seats etc are out of commission for the time being) and two balls most of the day.”

It begs the question, of course, about the current situation being an opportunity for clubs to do something that can have a real impact in terms of tackling the game’s biggest problem – slow play – when the green light is given for three and four balls to resume, as is now the case south of the Border.

That will happen soon enough in Scotland and, yes, of course, it’s what will not only make the majority of members happy as they can start getting back out again in their normal groups but also help 
clubs as pressure is eased on tee sheets.

However, here’s hoping that some of those clubs perhaps introduce, for example, two separate windows in a day – two hours at the start, say, and then two hours in the afternoon - when only two balls are allowed.

Make no mistake, golf has been presented with an unexpected opportunity out of an unfortunate set of circumstances. Lots of clubs have attracted new members, which, let’s face it, probably wouldn’t have happened if football, in particular, but also other pastimes hadn’t been shut down.

It’s a chance that needs to be grasped with both hands, so let’s see clubs use what is happening right now to shape the future of the game, one that shows the sport in a better light than has often been portrayed in recent years.

Admittedly helped by some glorious golfing weather over the past few days, clubs have reopened to golfers with smiles on their faces, and I know I am not alone in sensing a new positive vibe out on the golf course.

It’s a chance that needs to be grasped with both hands, so let’s see clubs use what is happening right now to shape the future of the game, one that shows the sport in a better light than has often been portrayed in recent years.

Admittedly helped by some glorious golfing weather over the past few days, clubs have reopened to golfers with smiles on their faces, and I know I am not alone in sensing a new positive vibe out on the golf course.

“There is a great buzz at the club just now,” observed Bob MacIntyre, the Scottish No 1, of how he has found things at Glencruitten in Oban over the past few days. “That is great to see and I just hope it 
continues.”