Warning is issued over ban on open competitions

Scottish Golf has warned that it is ready to take action if current advice about open competitions not being permitted due to Covid-19 restrictions is ignored.

The message was delivered by Karin Sharp, the governing body’s chief operating officer, on the 17th July in an email to member clubs

Since courses re-opened in Scotland at the end of May, club competitions have started to resume with Scottish Golf’s approval.

But, even having now moved into phase 3 of the lockdown restrictions being eased by the Scottish Government, there is still no return for open events in sight.

Earlier this week, it emerged that one Scottish club was in the process of refunding more than £6,000 in fees for two opens that have had to be cancelled later this month.

“Following continued discussions with the Government during the transition into Phase 3, our guidance on open competitions has had to remain the same, in that these cannot be played at present,” said Sharp in her email.

“During the easing of lockdown restrictions, golf has been, and continues to be, viewed as an extension to exercise, not a return to sport.

“This is consistent across the sport sector in Scotland and it is imperative that all golf clubs follow the current rules regarding competitions that are in effect.

“Golf is a game that prides itself on sporting integrity and, as the national governing body, we must again emphasise that we all have a role to play in maintaining the integrity of the game and, if necessary, applying sanctions to any organisation found to be in breach of the ruling on running open competitions.

“This is not something we would wish to see and would encourage all clubs to familiarise themselves with the current guidance and take appropriate action to ensure that all guidelines are being met.”

HEATHER MACRAE IS LATEST SCOT TO SHINE IN ROSE LADIES SERIES AS GEMMA DRYBURGH TAKES OFF ON THE LPGA TOUR

Heather MacRae said she was delighted to become the latest Scot to shine in the company of major winners and Solheim Cup starts on the new Rose Ladies Series in England.

On her debut, the Dunblane woman finished in a tie for second behind England's Gabriella Cowley last weeks event at JCB Golf and Country Club in Staffordshire.

MacRae, who won a battle with cancer last year, shot a one-under-par 71 as she produced a brave bid to complete a Scottish hat-trick after Gemma Dryburgh's back-to-back wins over the previous fortnight.

"It was really nice to have a good result in such a strong field," admitted MacRae. "It’s difficult to know what to expect after such a long break.

"But my coach, Craig Lee, kept telling me I was swinging really well and playing well, so that gave me some confidence, too."

The reigning Women's PGA champion was level-par through 10 holes before reeling off three birdies in a row but had to settle for one-under after dropping shots at the 16th and 18th.

Scots Kylie Henry and Michele Thomson tied in 18th place

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SCOREBOARD 

Gemma Dryburgh was an absentee on this occasion, has headed off to the US earlier in the week to prepare for the LPGA Tour restarting at the end of the month.

It was a difficult decision. After back-to back wins, including an historic success in the first professional women’s event to be staged at Royal St George’s, Gemma Dryburgh was sorely tempted to stay in the UK to try to remain at the top of the Rose Ladies Series order of merit over the next few weeks.

The 27-year-old could have been based at home playing in four events leading up to a grand final at Wentworth and, in the process, not really be worrying too much about the world’s ongoing fight with the coronavirus. Instead, she jumped on a plane to the US earlier in the week and is now under a two-week quarantine in a country where the pandemic is really spiking.

Dryburgh has crossed the Atlantic for the LPGA Tour’s restart with two events in Ohio, the Drive On Championship taking place in Toledo from 31 July-2 August then the Marathon Classic in Sylvania on 6-9 August. 
They are being followed by a ‘Scottish Swing’ involving the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open and the AIG Women’s British Open at The Renaissance Club and Royal Troon respectively.

WEST OF SCOTLAND MYGOLF RANKINGS - WEEK 28 - 2020

AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 1089 points

2 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 1079 

3 Janet Harkness (Skelmorlie) 1071

4 Gillian Kennedy (Troon Welbeck) 1040 

5 Liz Keohone (Loudoun Gowf) 1039

6 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 1021

7 Anne Burns (Loudoun Gowf) 932

8 Susan Dumigan (Prestwick St Nicholas) 917 

9 Sheena Hope (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 913 

10 Jean Capes (Largs) 860

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Largs 869

2 Skelmorlie 842

3 Loudoun Gowf 798

4 Prestwick St Nicholas 773 

5 Troon Welbeck 765

6 Irvine 720

7 Kilmarnock (Barassie) 688 

8 West Kilbride 669

9 Prestwick St Cuthbert 591 

10 Girvan 351

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 1222 points 

2 Heidi Mullen (Clober) 1093

3 Andrea Torrie (Bearsden) 1085

4 Carol Maclarty (Taynuilt) 1043

5 Jackie Lightfoot (Helensburgh) 1035 

6 Katharine Hardman (Dunaverty) 910 

7 Gemma Canham (Helensburgh) 903 

8 Gillian Ross (Bearsden) 880

9 Sandra McLean (Hayston) 866

10 Deirdre Anderson (Dullatur) 864

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS

1 Clober 905

T2 Bearsden 817 & Taynuilt 817

4 Dunaverty 792

5 Helensburgh 763 

6 Dullatur 753

7 Lochgilphead 749 

8 Hayston 720

9 Balmore 714

10 Machrihanish 581

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Sharon McPeake (Cawder) 1252 points 

2 Nichola Craig (Lanark) 1078

3 Marjorie Seymour (Cathkin Braes) 1066 

4 Catrina Pickard (Wishaw) 1060

5 Jane Clark (Airdrie) 1030

6 Anne Morrison (Carluke) 1009

7 Joyce Chalmers (East Kilbride) 988

8 Emma Williamson (East Kilbride) 985

9 Karen Charnley (Wishaw) 969

10 Vivienne Nisbet (Bothwell Castle) 965

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Wishaw 876

2 Carluke 868

3 Cawder 835

4 East Kilbride 815 

5 Airdrie 778

6 Hamilton 744

7 Hollandbush 730 

8 Carnwath 724

9 Langlands 690 

10 Cathkin Braes 689

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Ann McKenzie (Old Course Ranfurly) 1092 points

2 Sandra Reid (Renfrew) 943

3 Fiona McPhee (Old Course Ranfurly) 824

4 Suzanne Smith (Old Course Ranfurly) 801

5 Sandra Bell (Old Course Ranfurly) 797

6 Susan Ramsay (Haggs Castle) 789

7 Jennie Scott (Old Course Ranfurly) 788

8 Lisbeth Pow (Ralston) 715

9 Heather Climson (East Renfrewshire) 702

10 Lillian McMillan (Ralston) 689

RANKING 

1 Old Course Ranfurly 734

2 Renfrew 677

3 Ralston 639

4 Bonnyton 555

5 East Renfrewshire 540

6 Haggs Castle 509

7 Caldwell 486

8 Kilmacolm 472

9 Erskine 429

10 Cowglen 388

41st CURTIS CUP AT WILL NOW BE PLAYED IN AUGUST 2021

The R&A and the USGA have agreed that the 41^st Curtis Cup between Great Britain and Ireland and the United States of America will now be played at Conwy from 26-28 August 2021. 

Following cancellation of the match this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the biennial encounter was initially rescheduled to take place from 3-5 September 2021. With an increasingly crowded calendar, this meant it would have overlapped with the week of the Solheim Cup.

Duncan Weir, Executive Director – Golf Development and Amateur Championships at The R&A, said, “We have listened to the feedback we received about the rescheduled dates for the Curtis Cup in 2021 and looked again at the schedule. We have moved the match forward by a week and introduced a Saturday finish to enable it to slot in ahead of the Solheim Cup. 

We are grateful for the assistance we have received from the USGA and hope this will offer the best outcome for the players of both teams. We look forward very much to welcoming them to Conwy in August next year.”

GREENLEES TROPHY 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AT EAST RENFREWSHIRE POSTPONED TO 2021

As you are all aware, life is not normal at the moment so it is with regret that I am writing to say that after discussion with Valerie Crawford, East Renfrewshire Greenlees’ Secretary, we have decided to call off our Anniversary Lunch on 1st September.

.

We feel that we cannot make plans with any certainty either about catering arrangements or clubhouse facilities so East Renfrewshire would rather we abandoned our plans for this year.

However, they are willing to hold the event for us in 2021. 

As we have not played any matches this year, we are not really celebrating 80 years of golf and next year now seems quite appropriate.

I hope you agree with us that under the current circumstances, this seems a sensible decision to take.

I am still hoping that one of you will volunteer to come onto our sub-committee to look at perhaps making some changes to our Constitution.

Hope you are all enjoying your golf.

Regards

Maureen Mitchell - West of Scotland Greenlees Secretary. 

MEMORIES OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Also with all the fixtures cancelled this year it is hoped that the matches will be able to be played next year on the current days of the fixtures and only the dates needing to be changed  --- SEE 2020 FIXTURE LISTS

PAST D&A CAPTAIN JENNIFER KINLOCH HAS DIED

West of Scotland County Jamboree 2010
County Captain's front row - L to R  Jennifer Kinloch, Lesley Lloyd,
Trish Brown and Alex Glennie 

It is with regret that I announce the sad passing of D&A's Past Captain Jennifer Kinloch on Tuesday 7th July.

Jennifer was a member of Cardross Golf Club for 47 years and was Captain of  Dunbarton and Argyll Ladies’ County Golf Association in 2010- 2011 

She was very interested in progressing the talents and opportunities for Junior Girls and was instrumental in allowing Junior Girls to play in the Cardross Club Championship. 

Her daughter Jill is a golf club professional in Germany.

Fourballs to return at Scottish golf courses but wait goes on for opens

By Martin Dempster (The Scotsman) 

Fourballs have been given the green light to return at Scottish golf courses from today as part of phase three of the Covid-19 restrictions being lifted.

But clubs have also been advised that there “remains no change” for competitive golf for the time being, meaning open events are still not permissible.

The announcements were made in Scottish Golf ’s updated guidelines following First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announcing the move into phase three of lockdown restrictions being eased. Phase one, which was implemented when courses reopened at the end of May, involved twoballs mainly, though two people from the same household were allowed to play in a threeball.

Normal threeballs were then given the green light at the start of phase two and now groups of up to four golfers with no restrictions on the number of households has been rubber-stamped by Scottish Golf.

That change coincides with face masks being required by golfers from today when entering a professional’s shop, with the new guidelines also including the go ahead for clubs to offer indoor hospitality from Wednesday, subject to maintaining physical distancing and appropriate hygiene routines.

While club competitions have already restarted with various safety measures in place, the wait goes on for open events to be given the thumbs up.

“At this time, there remains no change in stance on the playing of competitive golf, with only club competition permitted despite the relaxation of travel restrictions,” said Karin Sharp, Scottish Golf’s chief operating officer, in her latest update to clubs.

“All clubs are asked to continue to respect the government position in this regard and not seek to jeopardise the image or trust in the golfing community by overlooking this key aspect that is applicable across all amateur sports that are currently operating.”

The current guidance on competition from sportscotland and the Scottish Government states that “travel to a competition out with your normal club/venue of play is not permitted”.

Fraser Dunlop, sportscotland’s chief operating officer, said: “It is a positive step for sport that public health guidelines for daily exercise have been extended further as part of the Scottish Government’s route map through the pandemic.

“While this is good news, it is not a return to sport as we know it and the most pressing priority remains public health and wellbeing.

“As such, it is crucial that participants, and everyone connected with sport in Scotland, continue to play their part by adhering to the latest government guidance and the advice issued by the governing body of each sport to ensure the safety of all those involved.”

Gemma Dryburgh keeps her cool to claim back to back victories

By Danny Law (Press and Journal)

Aberdeen’s Gemma Dryburgh made it back-to-back wins on the Rose Ladies Series by claiming victory in the first ever women’s professional golf tournament held at Royal St George’s. 

The 27-year-old had described last week’s success at the Buckinghamshire as the best of her professional career.

And Dryburgh’s fine form continued as she edged out playing partners Georgia Hall and Charley Hull in windy conditions in Kent.

She held her nerve over the closing stretch to card a one-under-par 69 and win the top prize of £5,000.

Dryburgh, Hall and Hull were all one under through 15 before Hall bogeyed the 16th while Hull birdied to move clear at the summit.

Hull then finished bogey-bogey, which included a missed four-foot putt at the last that would have taken the tournament to a play-off.

Pars on 17 and 18 were enough for Dryburgh to claim the title and another major confidence boost ahead of returning to LPGA and LET Tour action.

Dryburgh said: “I bogeyed the first unfortunately, but after that I was really consistent.

“The last two holes were playing very long and I was hitting 3-wood into the last two, so it was playing very tough and I was glad to get the win in the end.”

AIG Womens British Open to be played in 2020

The R&A confirmed today that it intends to play the AIG Women’s British Open at Royal Troon from 20-23 August without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It will be the first women’s Major Championship to be played this year and will be broadcast globally to more than 11 million fans.

Step forward for women’s golf

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “The AIG Women’s British Open is important to the success of women’s professional golf. We have been working closely with our title sponsor AIG, Visit Scotland, Royal Troon and our key advisors to find a way for the Championship to be played safely this year.

“We believe that playing the AIG Women’s British Open is a significant step for players whose playing opportunities have been severely impacted this year. As they compete to be the 2020 champion in historic circumstances, these athletes will continue to inspire golfers and sports fans around the world, who will be closely following events from Royal Troon on TV and social media.” 

AIG supportive of women’s golf

Peter Zaffino, President & Global Chief Operating Officer, AIG, commented, “As part of our commitment to supporting women in business and society, AIG proudly stands as allies with the world-class field of diverse women golfers who will have an opportunity to compete before a global audience. 

“We appreciate the collaborative efforts of The R&A, the United Kingdom and Scottish Governments to implement the necessary health and safety protocols that will allow the 2020 AIG Women’s British Open to be played under safe and responsible conditions.”

The return of women’s professional golf

Fiona Hyslop, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture, said, “Scotland is the home of golf and so it is fitting that we are on course to host golf’s first Major of 2020, the AIG Women’s British Open. This is only possible thanks to the dedication of The R&A in working with the Scottish Government and other partners to develop comprehensive plans to allow for an event of this stature to take place, set against the most challenging of circumstances. 

“I’m especially pleased that we are able to support the return of women’s professional golf, underlining our commitment to equality across both sport and society. Ayrshire’s magnificent coastline will present an outstanding backdrop for the Championship, providing inspiration not only for those watching and dreaming of Scotland worldwide but those here in Scotland who will be excited to see the return of major events and championship golf.”

Nigel Huddleston, UK Sports Minister said, “It's fantastic news that the AIG Women’s British Open will be going ahead this summer and broadcast to millions of fans around the world.

“Getting elite women’s sports back safely remains a top priority – we're working hard to ensure we don't lose any of the great momentum that has built up in recent years.”

Field composition

The field will be comprised of the leading players from the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings as well as recognising successful players from recent tournaments staged on the world’s leading Tours. Pre-qualifying and Final Qualifying events for the Championship have unfortunately been cancelled based on health and safety advice. 

Health and safety protocols

The Championship will enforce strict health and safety protocols including the creation of a bio secure zone. Only personnel essential to the Championship’s onsite operations, namely players, caddies, officials, and staging staff, will be inside the zone with their movements for the week limited to the golf course and designated secure hotel.   

All personnel will be required to return a negative Covid-19 test from an authorised testing centre and will be subject to further daily temperature checks and rigorous protocols designed to maintain the integrity of the zone and the health of those within it. 

The R&A will continue to monitor the pandemic conditions and work closely with the Scottish and UK governments and the health authorities to ensure the Championship is staged safely.

Updated Phase 2 Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers in Scotland

Following the First Minister's update yesterday, Scottish Golf issued an updated Phase 2 Guidance as Scotland continues to transition through its route map out of lockdown, and details can be found by going to  SCOTTISH GOLF WEBSITE

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE GUIDELINES

GEMMA DRYBURGH WINS THE LATEST JUSTIN ROSE LADIES SERIES

Gemma Dryburgh

By Martin Dempster

Gemma Dryburgh set up a double family celebration as she won the latest Rose Ladies Series event, beating a star-studded field at The Buckinghamshire.

The 27-year-old Scot stormed home in four under par as she recovered from a poor start to card a three-under 69, winning by a shot from English pair Georgia Hall and Cara Gainer.

Dryburgh’s success came on the same day her parents celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary and her dad John was on caddying duties.

“I’m very happy and there will be lots of drinks tonight,” admitted Dryburgh, who was born in Aberdeen but now lives at Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire."

As well as Hall, the field included Charley Hull and Bronte Law, all members of last year’s Solheim Cup side at Gleneagles. “It is definitely the best win of my pro career,” added Dryburgh.

Read full story in The Scotsman Newspaper

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE SCORES

World's oldest golf society in Edinburgh welcomes new lady members

Eight women in first batch at historic Royal Burgess 

Seven of the new lady members at Royal Burgess Golfing Society were welcomed at the Barnton club today by captain Bill Mattocks. 

History was made in Edinburgh yesterday  as one of the oldest golf clubs in the world welcomed its first batch of new lady members. 

Royal Burgess Golfing Society, which was founded in 1735, has added eight ladies to its membership ranks in the first instance. 

To read more  Click Here to go to the Scotsman Newspaper

DOWN MEM0RY LANE- LAURA SHARES A LOVELY MEMORY

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Aberdeenshire's Laura McLardy (Duff House Royal) shared a lovely memory on facebook 
She said "I think this makes me officially old. 25 years ago today that I got down to scratch- hard to believe it’s so long ago. One of my better golfing moments."

£685,000 made available to Scottish Clubs as part of R&A COVID-19 Support Fund

As part of a club support package funded by the R&A, Scottish Golf are pleased to announce that £685,000 will be made available to affiliated Scottish Golf clubs who have been affected financially by COVID-19. 

Scottish Golf, on behalf of our member clubs, are extremely grateful to the R&A for providing financial support to the golf industry. The grants will be made available via two separate allocations; the COVID-19 Fixed Costs Grant and the Club Relief Fund.

Details of the two funds are outlined below, and applications are welcomed from all affiliated Scottish Golf clubs:

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

COVID-19 - Updated Guidance on the Rules of Golf

The R&A and USGA have moved to clarify whether a competition being run using temporary measures to help minimise exposing players to COVID-19 is being “played under the Rules of Golf”.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, both governing bodies have issued guidance so that Committees running golf competitions can better understand the options available under the Rules of Golf.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

SCOTLAND Ladies MGRanking - week 25 - 2020

SCOTLAND LADIES

1 Linda Urquhart (Banchory) 1312 points

2 Emily Aird (Blairgowrie) 1292

3 Sakuna Ramsay (Edzell) 1244

4 Sharon McPeake (Cawder) 1235

5 Rhona Cameron (Forres) 1228

6 Denise Elrick (Kintore) 1221

7 Orla O’Leary (Torwoodlee) 1197

8 Debbie Milne (Craibstone) 1168

9 Karen Valentine (Canmore) 1146

10 Margaret Parr (Merchants of Edinburgh) 1134 

11 Sue Horne (Thornton) 1133

12 Gillian Mackenzie (Banchory) 1129

13 Alison Melvin (Hirsel) 1103

14 Joanne Maclellan (Stirling GC) 1098 

15 Janice Bridgeman (Grangemouth) 1096

SCOTLAND LADIES CLUBS

1 Kintore 970

2 Montrose Mercantile 963

 3 Banchory 958

4 Stonehaven 956

5 Torwoodlee 934

GEMMA DRYBURGH FINISHES TIED 4TH IN THE 2ND JUSTIN ROSE SERIES EVENT

Meg MacLaren made five birdies and an eagle to win the second Justin Rose Ladies Series event at Moor Park Golf Club.
Many congratulations go to Gemma Dryburgh tied in 4th Place to add to her 7th place finish in the 1st event.
CLICK HERE FOR LEADERBOARD

AYRSHIRE'S SHEILA ADAMS HAS A HOLE IN ONE

Sheila Adams

Many congratulations go to the current President and Past Ayrshire County Captain Sheila Adams who had a Hole in One at the 17th Hole yesterday at her home course Loudoun Gowf. 

This was Sheila’s 5th Hole in One. 

MYGOLF RANKING WEEK 25 - 2020

AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 1083 points 

2 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 1043

3 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 969

4 Janet Harkness (Skelmorlie) 922

5 June Dempster (Prestwick St Nicholas) 914

6 Liz Keohane (Loudoun Gowf) 901

7 Christine Whitelaw (Largs) 896

8 Susan Dumigan (Prestwick St Nicholas) 893 

9 Christine Fyfe (Kilmarnock(Barassie)) 881 

10 Anne Burns (Kilmarnock (Barassie)) 857

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Largs 859

2 Prestwick St Nicholas 836 

3 Skelmorlie 813

4 Loudoun Gowf 772

5 Irvine 720

6 Troon Welbeck 695

7 Prestwick St Cuthbert 693 

8 Kilmarnock (Barassie) 687 

9 Girvan 454

10 Brodick 356 

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Jackie Lightfoot (Helensburgh) 1138 points 

2 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 1094

3 Margaret Mackinnon (Lochgilphead) 1043 

4 Katharine Hardman (Dunaverty) 1016

5 Caroline King (Clober) 1014

6 Gillian Ross (Bearsden) 943

7 Carol Maclarty (Taynuilt) 913

8 Olive Spicer (Bearsden) 889

9 Isabel Stokes (Bearsden) 850

10 Ailie MacBrayne (Dunavery) 845

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS

1 Clober 860

2 Bearsden 814

3 Dunaverty 811

4 Taynuilt 824

5 Lochgilphead 792 

6 Balmore 749

7 Helensburgh 743 

8 Dullatur 694

9 Palacerigg 598 

10 Douglas Park 568

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Sharon McPeake (Cawder) 1235 points

2 M A Seymour (Cathkin Braes) 1075

3 J J Weir (Cawder) 1030

4 Vivienne Nisbet (Bothwell Castle) 1023

5 Anne Morrison (Carluke) 1021

6 Anna Turner (Carluke) 1008

7 Catrine Pickard (Wishaw) 970

8 Maggie Archibald (Wishaw) 965

9 Jane Clark (Airdrie) 955

T10 Edel Doherty (Cawder) & Moira Winkler (Wishaw) 945

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Wishaw 933

2 Carluke 887

3 Cawder 876

4 Airdrie 842

5 Lanark 810

6 Carnwath 809 

7 Hamilton 787 

8 East Kilbride 747 

9 Langlands 745 

10 Strathaven 711 

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Anabel Kane (Kilmacolm) 1066 points

2 Heather Climson (East Renfrewshire) 978 

3 Ann McKenzie (Old Course Ranfurly) 970 

4 G I Coles (Ralston) 939

5 Sandra Reid (Renfrew) 922

6 L McMillan (Ralston) 865

7 Marion Downie (Old Course Ranfurly) 851 

8 Fiona McPhee (Old Course Ranfurly) 846 

9 Eleanor McNish (Renfrew) 789

10 Suzanne Smith (Old Course Ranfurly) 782

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Ralston 807

2 Renfrew 787

3 Old Course Ranfurly 780

4 Bonnyton 668

T5 East Renfrewshire & Kilmacolm 565 

7 Caldwell 536

8 Erskine 477

9 Ranfurly Castle 435

10 Cowglen 434

SKELMORLIE OPEN DAY IS CANCELLED - GREENSOME STABLEFORD

Click to Enlarge for more info

Skelmorlie Greensomes Stableford  that was to be on Sunday 6th September is cancelled due to the Covid 19 Pandemic.
Thanks go to Fiona Agnew for her update.

SCOTTISH GOLF GUIDANCE FROM KARIN SHARP FOR COMPETITIONS AND MORE PHASE 2

Last week, we entered Phase 2 of golf’s return in Scotland. Whilst this move was welcomed by all of us here at Scottish Golf and has allowed for some additional flexibility to the way we enjoy our game, it does remain within the extension to exercise guidelines and not a full return to sport as we know it. One of the most positive changes in Phase 2 is that those who have been shielding can now return to the fairways and we hope that those golfers enjoy being reunited with the game over the days and weeks ahead. 

 
While the majority of affiliated clubs in Scotland continue to adhere to the guidance set out by us here, there has been some evidence of breaches in guidance by a minority of Golf Clubs. 
 
In Phase 2, the Scottish Government’s restrictions on travel remain the same, that people should remain local (not travel more than broadly 5 miles) for recreation. In turn, this means that Clubs cannot run Open Competitions in Phase 2. Both as a community of golfers, and as a nation, we have made significant progress in tackling COVID-19, and we must continue to work collectively to adhere to the rules currently in place. By doing this, we will continue towards a return to the traditions of our game as we all know it. 
 
To support Clubs who are preparing to run Club Competitions, Scottish Golf has issued new guidance to support Committees across Scotland in facilitating counting competitions and this can be found here. 
 
Our team remain on hand to support all clubs with any questions or queries you might have. For the latest updates on COVID-19, please visit our dedicated website page here.
 
Kind regards,
Karin Sharp, Scottish Golf COO

MYGOLFRANKING -WEEK 24 - 2020

AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Liz Keohane (Loudoun Gowf) 1091 points 

2 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 1054 

3 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 1043

4 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 998

5 Robina Gilbertson (Prestwick St Nicholas) 941

6 Janet Harkness (Skelmorlie) 932

7 June Dempster (Prestwick St Nicholas) 914 

8 Susan Dumigan (Prestwick St Nicholas) 900

 9 Christine Whitelaw (Largs) 896

10 Joanne Sharp (Kilmarnock (Barassie) 882

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Largs 859

2 Skelmorlie 828

T3 Loudoun Gowf & Prestwick St Nicholas 788 

5 Troon Welbeck 748

6 Irvine 730

7 Prestwick St Cuthbert 710

8 Kilmarnock (Barassie) 699

9 Girvan 528

10 Brodick 356

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES

1 Jackie Lightfoot (Helensburgh) 1138 points 

2 Caroline King (Clober) 1074

3 Margaret Mackinnon (Lochgilphead) 1059 

4 Gillian Morrison (Clober) 1039

5 Shaeen Ahmad (Balmore) 1017

6 Katharine Hardman (Dunaverty) 1016

7 Gillian Ross (Bearsden) 943

8 Olive Spicer (Bearsden) 889

9 Deirdre Anderson (Dullatur) 880

10 Avril Leitch (Balmore) 877

DUNBARTONSHIRE/ARGYLL LADIES CLUBS

1 Clober 876

2 Bearsden 814

3 Dunaverty 811

4 Lochgilphead 792 

5 Helensburgh 743 

6 Balmore 737

7 Dullatur 706

8 Palacerigg 598
9 Machrihanish 571 

10 Douglas Park 568

LANARKSHIRE LADIES

1 Sharon McPeake (Cawder) 1172 points 

2 M A Seymour (Cathkin Braes) 1048

3 Vivienne Nisbet (Bothwell Castle) 1023 

4 J J Weir (Cawder) 1017

5 Edel Doherty (Cawder) 970

6 Jane Clark (Airdrie) 955

7 M A Stevenson (Cawder) 933

8 Nichola Craig (Lanark) 922

9 Elizabeth Lees (Hamilton) 880

T10 Sheila Fairbairn (Lanark)& Susan Halley (Strathaven) 876

LANARKSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Cawder 895

2 Airdrie 842

3 Carnwath 788

4 Lanark 781

5 Hamilton 769

6 Langlands 757 

7 East Kilbride 755 

8 Strathaven 711 

9 Cathkin Braes 705 

10 Bishopbriggs 672

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES

1 Heather Climson (East Renfrewshire) 1116 points 

2 Anabel Kane (Kilmacolm) 1066

3 Helen Abram (Ranfurly Castle) 988

4 G I Coles (Ralston) 968

5 Ann McKenzie (Old Course Ranfurly) 964

6 L McMillan (Ralston) 944

7 Sandra Reid (Renfrew) 922

8 Christine Wilson (Caldwell) 918

9 Carolyn Clark (Ralston) 894

10 Fiona McPhee (Old Course Ranfurly) 862

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Ralston 950

2 Old Course Ranfurly 794 

3 Renfrew 787

4 Bonnyton 668

5 East Renfrewshire 617 

6 Caldwell 612

7 Ranfurly Castle 599

8 Kilmacolm 597

9 Erskine 546

10 Cowglen 434

SCOTTISH GOLF PHASE 2 GUIDELINES

SCOTTISH GOLF GUIDELINES FOR PHASE 2 -- CLICK HERE 

The key changes to golf in Scotland under our new Phase 2 Guidance is as follows: 

Tee Times and Access to the Course:

• Daily time sheets and intervals are at the discretion of the club – the following groupings will be permitted in phase 2:
  • At the discretion of the club groups of up to three players consisting of multiple households are permitted so long as they adhere to the Government’s physical distancing rules
  • A group of four golfers is permitted if they can ensure that only three households are represented in that group
  • Competition play within the club may only resume in accordance with the updated guidelines. There should be no open events run at this time – this is based on the travel restrictions that remain in force and which are very clear in terms of staying local for exercise. 

Karin Sharp, Scottish Golf COO, said, “I have been greatly encouraged by the many positive updates we have received from golf clubs over the last few weeks, with full tee sheets and many clubs signing up new members in pretty healthy numbers. I believe that this next phase on the journey can bring further benefit to the golf community and ask for your continued support in ensuring that we all play our part in operating within the guidelines.

“I hope your members enjoy the increased group sizes permitted and any of the other aspects that you as a club determine will return in the weeks ahead. Let’s ensure that we position the great game of golf in a positive light and continue to demonstrate that we are a healthy sport that can be played giving due consideration to social distancing, whilst contributing to the improved health and mental wellbeing of many people across the country.”

MIDLOTHIANS GABRIELLE MACDONALD - EDINBURGH-GOLF PODCAST

This week, Edinburgh Golf talked to Past Midlothian County Team player and 2014 Scottish Ladies Amateur Champion - Gabrielle Macdonald, who recently returned from the Sunshine Ladies Tour in South Africa. 

Gabrielle has shown her passion in golf from a young age, playing at Craigielaw, she is known as "Steely" and developed through their strong Junior section. 

Gabrielle talks us through her experience in the Lothians and becoming a Pro! ---   LISTEN HERE 
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