Wednesday 17 November 2021

Funeral Arrangements for Heather Anderson - Amendment to previous details

There has been a change of plan for Heather Anderson's Funeral due to Covid. The hearse will leave from Heather's home in Uplawmoor at 9.50am on Friday 26th November. 
 
It will travel down the village main street towards Cadwell GC -- (some of you may wish to pay your respects by standing at the roadside) The cortege will go slowly past the Golf Club going towards Irvine. 

There will be a service at 10.30am at Holmbridge Crematorium, Irvine ( KA11 4EF) to which all are invited. 
The service will also be streamed and the code will be listed on the Crematorium website. For clarification, there will not be a service at Caldwell Parish Church. 
 
After the service at the crematorium, Lesley has invited all to meet up at the Uplawmoor Hotel from 11.45am onwards. -- CLICK HERE FOR THE OBITUARY 

Tuesday 9 November 2021

RENFREWSHIRE'S HEATHER ANDERSON FROM CALDWELL GOLF CLUB AND TROON LADIES HAS DIED

Heather at the Scottish Seniors Championship in 2004

It is with much sadness that I have to announce the death of 
Heather Anderson 
(Caldwell GC and Troon Ladies)  on the 8th November 2021 a month short of her 91st birthday. 

Heather was Scottish Champion in 1969 and in the Vagliano Team in that year. She was also the Renfrewshire County Champion 9 times, and a Scottish Ladies Internationalist in 1964, 1965, 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971.

Her life story featured in 2009 the RLCGA County Centenary Book  -- courtesy of Colin Farquharson (pages 36 - 38) - or CLICK HERE TO READ  and at the end  of this obituary -- at the RLCGA Centenary Dinner in 2009 -- a toast by Heather to the County. - YOU TUBE VIDEO


Her good friend -- Renfrewshire Counties' Liz Hale from Caldwell Golf Club wrote


Heather took up golf at the age of 17. Her passion, up until this point had been horse riding however, after a serious horse  riding accident at the Royal Highland Show, her parents managed to persuade her to sell her horses. She was then left with a choice on whether to take up badminton or golf. Golf won.


Heather joined Caldwell Golf Club, aged 17 and in the same year, competed and won the Paisley Grammar School Championship. By 1948, Heather had a handicap and started playing in the Medals at Caldwell GC which were played on Saturday afternoons after the gents. It was during this time that Heather met Ian, her future husband.


Heather partnered a number of accomplished golfers during her career including Findlay Black (who holds the record scorecard at Caldwell GC) - playing in the final of the Daily Mail Medal Foursomes at Gleneagles and Margaret Sharp at Troon Portland and at Caldwell GC with many successes. Heather also performed with style, most notably at the Highland Open Championship, Pitlochrie, where she donned trousers, shirt, cap and glove – all in the Anderson tartan. A competitor was overheard saying; ‘My God, it’s a bag of pipes she should be playing!’.


By 1958, Heather was a scratch golfer and was chosen to play for the Renfrewshire Team which she continued to do over a span of 32 years.


In 1964, Heather’s international career took off.

Heather played for Scotland in the Home Internationals in Sweden and France. She led the team in the European Championship and then two months later, Scotland won the Home International at Western Gailes. This was when Heather defeated the National Champion of England, of Ireland and of Wales, finishing the series with 100% success and earning the honour of being asked to play for Great Britain and Ireland.


Heather’s most memorable win, of course, was at West Kilbride when she won the

Scottish Ladies’ Championship in 1969. There was a gold Medal but no prize money at that time and her daughter Lesley was seen to be building sand castles in the bunker to celebrate her victory !!


However, history was made when Heather was presented with a replica owned by the late Jean McCulloch of West Kilbride. Jean had, in her earlier years, won the Scottish title on three occasions between 1913 and 1928 and it was this last replica that Heather regraded as one of her most treasured possessions. 


In 1980, Heather turned professional, only the second lady professional in Scotland, at that time and then reinstated in 1985 to the amateur ranks. 

In the same year, Heather received an Honourable Membership at Caldwell GC


Heather was Ladies Caldwell GC Champion (19 times) as well as winning many other trophies. She was  our current Ladies President. --  She was truly an inspiration to us all! 


Since her 80th birthday in 2010 Heather still managed to play golf up until about 2016 and featured throughout the last decade with various achievements -- 


In 2013 She entered a competition through 'How Did I do' . It was to tell a story about a memory of the 'Open'.


Heather's memory told about the time when her young daughter, Lesley, had approached Gary Player and asked for his autograph for her Mum. He was delighted to give this. At which point Lesley asked 'Would you like me to get my Mum's autograph now to give to you ?


This story made Heather one of the prize winners --  and to top it all she was informed she could bring a friend - and her friend invited was Liz Hale 


A round of golf at Muirfield (with Caddy) on Thursday 20th June, just before the closing of the course to perpare for the Open.

2 nights stay at the McDonald Marine Hotel in North Berwick . (Taxi to the Course included)

Golf Clinic With Darren Clark followed by Buffet Lunch.

Dinner on Thursday Evening with 'Q and A session' with Darren Clark.


They both had a marvellous day  --  the Marine was comfortable, friendly and good food. The clinic with Darren Clark was really informative and interesting - driving and short game- always something relevant you remember to take away with you.

This was followed by a wonderful buffet lunch in the Clubhouse before going out for our round of golf.

We were put into ten teams of four. As Heather and Liz were the only two ladies it was funny to see the expressions on the faces of the two Irish gentlemen who had been landed with us. They were great to play with.


The weather was good, sunshine and they each had a caddy. Heather played well which made the game enjoyable for her and Darren Clark played 2 holes with their team.

It was a great experience to play the course and made watching The Open itself more interesting.


After the game they returned to the Hotel where there was a prizegiving dinner with Darren Clark hosting a question and answer session. The men were given ties with the Claret Jug embroidered on it while Heather and Liz were each given a lovely silver brooch of the Claret Jug --  Nice keepsake.


A really enjoyable experience - a well deserved experience for Heather to add to all her very many golfing achievements. She was quite sad to come away from Muirfield.





In 2014 she was  first Commonwealth  Games baton bearer in her home town of Uplawmoor in East Renfrewshire. The BBC reported that -- Heather has long been an active member of the community and has been involved with the local council, the church board and the church choir. She is also an accomplished golfer, and won the Scottish Ladies Championship in 1969


It was an early start for Heather as she had to be there  for 6.15am!! The carrying of the torch was at 7.30am and the rain held off. All TV cameras and eyes on Heather in her blue and white uniform as she carried the torch about 400 yards before handing it on. Quite an honour and a day to remember for Heather. Half the village turned out  to see her and we were all given a lovely breakfast in the local hall afterwards. Heather had her hair done the day before and the first thing she asked her daughter on the  the morning of the event was -'Is my hair alright?'  She did well!!


Heather played in the West Vets Summer Meeting in 2016 over her Home course Caldwell with your webmaster Carol Fell who was so impressed with her still wonderful swing -- SO EASY!!


 


Heather, Wendy and Aileen
 
Later that year she was then awarded Honorary Membership of the West Vets at the 2016 AGM alongside Aileen Wilson to join Wendy Cameron as the 3 Honorary Members. -- 

Liz Hale said today  "Heather fought bravely for the last year but died peacefully at home which is what she would have wanted. Her daughter Lesley looked after her very well ".

"Before her illness, Heather was always ready for a coffee and chat and enjoyed going down to Troon to catch up with her long term golf 'pals' there.
A long and successful career with a swing that was 'easy and consistent'.  Not many golfers go off golfing in Portugal in their mid eighties!
She was the oracle at Caldwell and a respected and much liked lady President of the Club - She will be missed at  Caldwell  and missed in her very much loved village of Uplawmoor."

Heather’s funeral  will be on Friday 26th November. 
There will be a video / streaming of the service . I think these are usually on the website for a few days. A code is required which I shall send to you as soon as I have it.
Lesley has asked for no flowers  but possible to make a donation to Hessilhead  - Wild Life Rescue at Beith    Liz Hale

TO READ A THANK YOU FROM HEATHERS DAUGHTER LESLEY -- CLICK HERE

Finally a happy memory from 2009 -- a toast to the County ! -- Much laughter and hilarity -- Rest in peace Heather 

Sunday 7 November 2021

DONNA JACKSON IS THE NEW RENFREWSHIRE COUNTY CAPTAIN


The RLCGA AGM and prizegiving was held was held at Haggs Castle Golf Club on the Wednesday 3rd November.

Despite travel restrictions due to COP26 in Glasgow there was a very good turnout.

Donna Jackson (Troon Ladies) is the new County Captain taking over from Sandra Littlejohn (Erskine) and Liz Stewart (Greenburn) the new Vice Captain. 

Present and Past Captains with Pearl Orr (Honorary President)

Liz Stewart (Vice Captain) and Donna Jackson (Captain)

PHOTOGRAPHS -- COURTESY OF FIONA ARMOUR 

PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE CAPTAINS OF THE WEST VETS

Past, Present and Future Captains
Chris, May and Lesley

The West Vet's AGM and prizegiving took place on Thursday 4th November at Cowglen Golf Club. 

May Hughes (Lanark) took over the roll of Captain from Chris Fowler (Cowglen) with her Vice Captain Lesley Lloyd (Troon Ladies). 

Janette McCartney (Erskine) takes over from Sandra MacDougall (Kilmacolm) as Secretary and Jan Macnab (Ranfurly Castle) as Treasurer taking over from Mo Neilson (Greenock)

Committee members are Gillian McGinlay (Troon Ladies) and Fiona Cameron (Cowglen) 

To read more and see photographs - Courtesy of Fiona Armour (Whitecraigs)  -- Go to the West Vets Website

Thursday 28 October 2021

WILLIAMWOOD ARE THE 2021 GREENLEES CHAMPIONS -- LUNCH AND PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES AT EAST RENFREWSHIRE GOLF CLUB

Trophy Winners
Anne Judge (Ranfurly Castle), Julie Wilson (Williamwood) 
Barbara Aird (Cathkin Braes) and Chris Pender (Lenzie)


The Annual Greenlees Lunch and 
prize giving  took place on Tuesday 26th October, at East Renfrewshire Golf Club.  --  
Click here for photographs and Video

This was attended by 50 ladies representing the 20 Clubs from the 26 Clubs that that are in the 3 Greenlees Divisions.

East Renfrewshire's Greenlees Secretary Val Crawford and The Ladies Captain Carole Spy  welcomed the visitors to the clubhouse with a lovely glass of Prosecco.  
Anne Judge (Ranfurly Castle) helped to collect in the Greenlees Fees. 

The tables were named after  some of the East Renfrewshire Course Holes.

DOBSON VIEW: Val Crawford, Maureen Mitchell, Carol Fell and Carole Spy (Top Table)

BRITHER BURN: Williamwood
PILMAIR : Ranfurly Castle
GUID SKELP: Lenzie, Cathkin Braes, Bothwell Castle
OOT O'SICHT: Haggs Castle, Cathcart Castle and Cardross
BRAE SHOUTHER: Troon Ladies, Douglas Park, Cowglen
BUSKIT KNOWE: West Kilbride, Hilton Park, East Renfrewshire
BALLAGEICH: Whitecraigs, Loudoun Gowf, Erskine
HAME'S BEST: Kilmacolm, Caldwell, Lanark

West of Scotland Greenlees Secretary Maureen Mitchell (Old Ranfurly) opened the proceedings by welcoming everyone to the 80th Anniversary Year of the Greenlees Trophy. -- Apologies were announce from the Clubs that were unable to attend -- Ayr Bellisle, Kilmarnock Barassie, Largs, Milngavie, Old Ranfurly and Prestwick St. Nicholas. 

She then introduced the top table guests - Carole Spy , the Lady Captain of East Renfrewshire , who welcomed everyone on behalf of the Club and said 

"It gives me great pleasure to be able to welcome you to East Renfrewshire  today for the annual Greenlees Lunch and Presentation of Prizes.

It is lovely to see so many familiar faces from matches or from the 80th Anniversary celebration which we hosted just a couple of months ago.

Today’s weather is certainly better for a lunch than playing golf.

East Ren will be celebrating our centenary next year and you will have noticed that preparations are well underway to freshen up the clubhouse. Apologies if you can detect the aroma of fresh paint, although on the upside it probably means you don’t have COVID!

Congratulation to the winning teams and I hope that everyone enjoys their lunch and catching up with friends old and new."

She then introduced Carol Fell and said "Carol - well known to us all who keeps her website up to date which includes the  Greenlees Results which are available for all to see."

Next introduction was that of  the hard working East Renfrewshire's Greenlees Secretary Val Crawford who has had 2 lunches to organise for the Greenlees Trophy this year with the other one being the very successful Anniversary TRI AM ---> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE IN THE WOMEN AND GOLF MAGAZINE -- 

Val Crawford then said grace before everyone enjoyed a fantastic buffet lunch which everyone enjoyed.
After the lunch the presentation of trophies took place -- 



Winners of the Greenlees trophy -- Williamwood Golf Club
Runners up - Cathkin Braes
Demoted to Division 2  - West Kilbride and Whitecraigs

Winners of Division 2 - Ranfurly Castle
Runners Up - Loudoun Gowf
Demoted to Division 3 - Kilmacolm and Bothwell Castle

Winners of Division 3 - Lenzie
Runners Up - East Renfrewshire

Gillian, Julie, Lorraine and Carol

Williamwood
are the winners of the Greenlees Trophy for the first time in the history of their club and Julie Wilson collected  the Trophy and team mates Lorraine Morris, Gillian Crossley and Carol McNally joined in on the celebrations (pictured above)

Williamwood's Chris Crossley and Lorraine Morris are on Cloud Nine

The lunch and presentation of prizes finished with Maureen Mitchell thanking Dianne and her daughter Mel for the wonderful catering and feeding everyone so well.

She also thanked the Board of directors at East Renfrewshire for giving us permission use the clubhouse and also providing us with a welcoming drink.
Mr Ian Russell, Hilary and the office staff for all their support and to Carole Spy for presenting the prizes.

Finally she finished by saying the AGM would take place at Old Ranfurly on Tuesday 16th November at 10:30am for 11am and thanked everyone for coming wished everyone a safe journey home.


CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES (Apologies to Barbara Aird of Cathkin Braes for missing video of her speech - Carol Fell)

Sunday 24 October 2021

RENFREWSHIRE LADIES ' COUNTY GOLF ASSOCIATION AGM NOTICE

Haggs Castle Golf Club


The 111th. Renfrewshire Ladies' County Golf Association AGM and Prize-Giving will take place on Wednesday 3rd November at 7.30pm at Haggs Castle Golf Club 

The Agenda and more information can be found by --  Going to the RLCGA Website or the interim Scottish Golf Website  which can be accessed on your SG App.

Monday 18 October 2021

ISLA MONCRIEFF WINS P&K CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

Isla Moncrieff (Aberfeldy) & Caroline Henderson (P&KLCGA Match Secretary) 

Huge congratulations to Isla Moncrieff (Aberfeldy) who won the Perth & Kinross Ladies' Champion of Champions at Pitlochry Golf Club, yesterday (Sunday 17 October). 

Isla Moncrieff (Aberfeldy) shot a six-over-par scratch score of 78 over the Pitlochry Course to win the title by 2 shots. The runner-up was Carol Muir (Craigie Hill) who shot 80.

This tops off a great season for Isla, who plays off a handicap of 3. Not only did she win the Aberfeldy Ladies' Club Championship this year, but she was also a member of the Perth & Kinross Ladies' County team that won the 2021 Scottish Women's County Finals at Forres. 

The Leading Scores were: 
Isla Moncrieff - Aberfeldy Ladies' Club Champion 78
Carol Muir - Craigie Hill Ladies' Club Champion 80
Gwen Munro - Dunkeld & Birnam Ladies' Club Champion 83 

Course: Pitlochry - Par 72, Course Rating 70.2, Slope Rating 127

Thanks go to Jane Yellowlees (P&KLCGA Hon. Secretary) for the report from the P&K Website and for the photograph

Clober's May Myers receives a presention Trophy Gift for long sevices and Championship Titles won

May Myers receives her Presentation Gift 

A Presentation Day took place at at Clober Golf Club yesterday (Sunday 17th October ) for all medal winners and trophies for the season which included a presentation gift to May Myers,.
Former D&A County Team Player -- She is the  longest playing member at Clober aged 14 and  in her 58th year, won the championship 23 times 👏👏⛳️❤️ -- Many congrats May

Sunday 10 October 2021

WILLIAMWOOD WIN THE WEST OF SCOTLAND GREENLEES TROPHY

Greenlees Trophy 2021 Divisional Results

Many congratulations go to Williamwood Golf Club who have won the 2021 Greenlees Trophy.

Ranfurly Castle are Division 2 Winners and Lenzie Division 3 winners.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL RESULTS

The Annual Lunch and Presentation of Prizes this year will be held at East Renfrewshire Golf Club on Tuesday, 26th October at 12:30 pm for 1pm.

Monday 4 October 2021

JENNIFER LYNAGH WINS THE 2021 WEST GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP

 
Jane Finnie presents the Trophy to Jennifer Lynagh
Photo Courtesy of Allison Bell

Jennifer Lynagh (Caldwell)
won the 2021 West Girls Championship  yesterday over The Ladies Golf Club Troon
In a great final, despite the wind, Jennifer beat Neve Marshall (Cathkin Braes) 2/1.
Ella McGrath also from Caldwell was the winner of the Bronze Championship.- Both winners are members of Renfrewshire Ladies' County Golf Association
Jane Finnie (Troon Ladies Captain ) presented the Trophies

Jennifer and Ella McGrath
Photo - courtesy of Allison Bell

Championship Results 

Semi Finals:
Jennifer Lynagh  (Caldwell) beat Louise Milligan (Irvine Bogside)
Neve Marshall ( Cathkin Braes) beat Lindsay Main ( Strathaven)
Final:
Jennifer Lynagh beat Neve Marshall 

The Bronze Championship Final 
Ella McGrath (Caldwell) beat Rebekah Sherry (Clober)

Tuesday 28 September 2021

Death of Counties Stalwart Margaret Duncanson

 It is with much sadness that Lanarkshire County have announced the death of Margaret Duncanson who died peacefully in her sleep  on Thursday at the age of  97. 

Margaret Duncanson in 2009 at the SLGA Counties Centenary Lunch
PHOTO ALBUM 2009


Margaret who retired in 1997 as the last Secretary of the Scottish Ladies County Golf Association, cut the cake at the Scottish Counties Centenary celebration in Edinburgh in 2009
CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING ——->>>>

WEST GIRLS WIN THE SCOTTISH JUNIOR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

Photo courtesy of Allison Bell

The West Girls’ 2nd Team won the Girls Section at the Scottish Junior Team Championship on Sunday  at Crail (Craigend) GC

The winning team :
Amelia Cochran (Kilmacolm)
Lindsay Main (Strathaven)
Neve Marshall  (Cathkin Braes)
Ella McGrath (Caldwell)
Sophie Murphy (Glasgow Golf Club)
Rebekah Sherry (Clober)

The1st team team representing the West Girls :
Caitlyn Bilham (Irvine Bogside)
Katie Dunne (Paisley)
Jennifer Lynagh(Caldwell)
Rosie Maguire (Pollok)
Louise Milligan (Irvine Bogside)
Katie Ronnie (Barassie)

Thanks go to Allison Bell for team names and photograph

Sunday 26 September 2021

West of Scotland’s Kylie Henry is Runner up in the Lacoste Ladies Open in France

Celine Boutier is the 2021 Lacoste Ladies Open de France champion after securing victory in the most dramatic of fashions at Golf Club du Medoc on the 18th September

The two-time Solheim Cup winner kept her nerve on a frantic final day in Bordeaux, before sinking a fantastic birdie putt on the last to take victory by a single shot ahead of Scotland’s Kylie Henry. 

 It wasn’t to be for Henry, who performed valiantly throughout the three days in Bordeaux – with just one bogey in her last 36 holes – but she was pleased with her performance in France nonetheless. “I’m really happy with how I played, I feel like I hit a lot of good shots on the back nine but I just didn’t manage to make any birdies,” Henry said. “Second place isn’t what you dream of but I’m still really happy because it is a good result and I’m happy to be back in contention. 

To read the full report go to the Ladies European Tour Website —->>>>
CLICK HERE

Thursday 23 September 2021

Gemma Dryburgh becomes Women & Golf Tour Ambassador

Gemma Dryburgh - Photo Courtesy of the LET

Today Women and Golf are excited to announce that Scotland’s highest-ranked female golfer, Gemma Dryburgh has become a Women & Golf Tour Ambassador.

Our mission at Women & Golf is to promote all levels of women’s golf and we are keen to have a stable of Ambassadors who reflect the diverse nature of our sport from grassroots to the elite end of the game. The aim is to follow their life in golf and hear first-hand from them what it is like to be part of a sport that we all love.

We will be following Gemma’s progress over the rest of the season and into 2022 as she heads back onto the LPGA Tour. This is her fourth season on the LPGA and she has had a strong return to the States, after events in Europe over the summer, finishing tied eighth at the Portland Classic. She is now heading to Arkansas and the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G.

CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK AND  ----->>> READ MORE  

Tuesday 21 September 2021

Elaine Moffat is the 2021 Scottish Vets Champion

Karen Marshall and Elaine Moffat 

Congratulations to Elaine Moffat (St Regulus)  on winning the Scottish Veterans' Ladies Golf Association Championship over the Lansdowne Course at Blairgowrie yesterday
She beat Karen Marshall (Baberton) after a low scoring final with the match finishing with Elaine one up on the 18th. 

RESULTS FROM BLAIRGOWRIE

Monday 20th September:


Tuesday 21st September 


For the full list of prize winners click on the following link ——>> SVLGA WEBSITE

Saturday 18 September 2021

FREYA RUSSELL IS THE 2021 AYRSHIRE COUNTY CHAMPION

Photo courtesy of Gaynor Russell

15 year old  Freya Russell ( Royal Troon ) is the 2021 Ayrshire County Champion  - She beat Jennifer Linklater (Largs)
 She is the youngest Champion that Ayrshire has had. 

Read the full report on the AYRSHIRE COUNTY WEBSITE

Wednesday 15 September 2021

RENFREWSHIRE COUNTY TRI AM STABLEFORD

Marilyn Muir, Rena Simpson and Margaret Adams
Courtesy of RLCGA

Renfrewshire Ladies' County Golf Association
held their Tri Am Stableford Competition yesterday over Gleddoch Golf Course in rather miserable conditions.

13 teams competed  with two scores counting at each hole and the winners with a best inward half of 71 points.

1st: Marilyn Muir (Old Ranfurly) Rena Simpson (Kilmacolm) Margaret Adams (Gleddoch) - 71 points bih

2nd: Chris Fowler (Cowglen), Sandra Macdougall Kilmcolm) and June Irons (Caldwell) 71 points

3rd:  Anabel Kane (Kilmacolm), Alison Macnab (Lochwinnoch) and Vicky Rennie (Ranfurly Castle) 69 points

For the full results CLICK HERE 

To read the full report Click Here



Tuesday 7 September 2021

DOWN MEMORY LANE -- LEONA MAGUIRE - SOLHEIM CUP STAR

Leona and Lisa Macguire 2011
The McGuire twins win the team award for Ireland -- Troon Ladies Captain Gilly McRae presents the Trophy


Leona MacGuire 2010
At the Helen Holm 

Leona McGuire  - Helen Holm winner 2009 


In 2009 -- Teen sensation Leona Maguire made history when she became the youngest winner of the Helen Holm Scottish Women's Amateur Open strokeplay title at Royal Troon in 2009

The Cavan prodigy, 14, finished two shots clear of Scottish Under-21 champion Kelsey MacDonald for a wire-to-wire win on six-under par.

Twin sister Lisa finished tied for third on three under par thanks a third successive round of 74. She birdied four holes coming home but a bogey six at the 16th cost her a share of second place with runner up MacDonald --- CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

With Leona Macguire being the GB&I  star performer (4.5 points out of 5) in the 2021 Solheim Cup, it reminded your webmaster of being at the  2010 and 2011 Helen Holm Trophy at Royal Troon where she was playing and taking some photos with many of our Scottish players taking part and many supporters there 

HERE IS A REMINDER -- DOWN MEMORY LANE PHOTOS (plus the 2012 Curtis Cup that she was in)

2010 HELEN HOLM PHOTOS  

2011 HELEN HOLM PHOTOS

Monday 6 September 2021

EUROPE WIN 2021 SOLHEIM CUP TO CREATE SOLHEIM CUP HISTORY

Catriona Matthew

Catriona Matthew
created Solheim Cup history as the first European captain to win the biennial contest back-to-back, following a dramatic victory at Gleneagles in 2019 with another sweet success in an equally-thrilling 17th edition in Ohio. 

Leading by two points heading into the final-day singles at Inverness Club in Toledo, the Scot’s side were up in eight of the 12 matches at one point before holding off a late fightback to win 15-13 as they became just the second European team to triumph on US soil. 

After victories for rookie sensation Leona Maguire, Madalene Sagstrom and Celine Boutier, coupled with half points from Anna Nordqvist and Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Matilda Castren, the first Finn to play in the match, delivered the point that retained the trophy. 

The stand-out player and player of the tournament was Leona Maguire, so it was very fitting that she won the first point with a 5&4 victory over Jennifer Kupcho.  
Maguire, the first Irish player to compete in the match, went on to win 5&4, putting the first point of the day on the board and taking her personal tally for the event to an impressive four-and-a-half points, which constituted the best-ever debut in the event. 


Sunday 5 September 2021

Solheim Cup - DAY 2 - Catriona Matthew hails "crucial" lead for Europeans

Just as well Catriona Matthew is a cool customer. A calm head, after all, will be needed in the European team room heading into the last-day singles after a roller-coaster ride for her players so far in the 17th Solheim Cup in Ohio
Leading by three points overnight, the Europeans were up in all four games at one point in the morning session on day two at Inverness Club in Toledo only for the momentum to swing over to Pat Hurst’s US side.

Matthew is now bidding to become the first European captain to record back-to-back wins and she’ll certainly have faith in her players after the way they dug deep in the penultimate session.

“It was certainly a roller-coaster this afternoon,” said Matthew. “The last 20 minutes for us was crucial, I think. After having such a big lead from yesterday, we wouldn’t have wanted to give it all up, so it is great that we are going into tomorrow with a two-point lead.“


It was a day of two halves and, no, I'm not just talking about there being a morning and an afternoon session! Team Europe lead Team USA by two points heading into the singles matches.

Two sessions and two similar outcomes made for a thrilling second day at Inverness Club. 

In the morning session, Team Europe started in the way they had finished on day one, but after a strong start the leaderboard shifted to red. The same happened in the afternoon session, except it was Team USA who started strong and Team Europe who then made a comeback. The day ended with USA gaining four points to Europe's three and setting up a final day that is just too close to call.


Results Day 2
Day 2 Foursomes - USA 3 GB&I 1
Day 2 Fourball  - USA 1.5 GB&I 2.5
After Day 1 and 2 -- USA 7 GB&I 9

Monday Singles  
Nordqvist v Thompson 
Sagstrom v Ewing 
Maguire v Kupcho 
Hall v Korda 
Boutier v Harigae 
Madsen v Ernst 
Castren v Salas 
Ciganda v Altomare  
Popov v Khang  
Reid v Noh 
Hull v J Korda  
Pedersen v Kang

Saturday 4 September 2021

SOLHEIM CUP DAY 1 GOES TO EUROPE AMID A CONTROVERSARY

 DAY 1 -- READ REVIEW FROM WOMEN AND GOLF MAGAZINE 

Europe ended the opening day holding a 5.5-2.5 lead, but the Solheim Cup was once again shrouded in controversy in the 17th edition at the Inverness Club in Toledo.


Swede Madelene Sagstrom was left in tears in Ohio despite Catriona Matthew’s side emerging with a healthy advantage in their defence of the trophy.

In an event that has witnessed its fair share of unwelcome heated debates over the years, Sagstrom picked up opponent Nelly Korda’s ball close to the hole after the American had almost holed an eagle putt at the 13th and handed it to her.

According to the rules official with that match, Sagstrom had infringed the rules, having deemed that it was overhanging the hole and, therefore, she should have waited for 10 seconds before intervening.

Day 1 - Results
Foursomes:  USA 0.5 GB&I 3.5
Fourball:  USA 2 GB&I 2

To read the full report by Martin Dempster in the Scotsman --- CLICK HERE

Friday 3 September 2021

WEST VETS AUTUMN MEETING AT WEST KILBRIDE

The West Vets Autumn Meeting was held at at West Kilbride yesterday and congratulations go to Rena Simpson of Kilmalcolm Golf Club who came in with a nett 70 to be the overall winner of the Autumn Meeting and the recipient of the Mary Craddock Trophy.


Gillian Kyle, East Renfrewshire GC came in with the best scratch score of 80, with May Hughes, Lanark GC runner up with 81 (last 6 holes)


To read more go to the West Vets Website

Thursday 2 September 2021

Greenlees Trophy 80th Anniversary Celebration at East Renfrewshire Golf Club

Winners -
Anne McGillveray, Susan Griffin, and Kay McColl
Runners - Up
Irene Boyd, Barbara Aird and Pauline Warlow

Click on the following links


VIDEO FROM THE PRIZEGIVING  - Courtesy of Carol Fell
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE DAY  - Courtesy of East Renfrewshire GC
WOMEN AND GOLF MAGAZINE - Article sent to the Magazine by Carol Fell


On Tuesday 31st of August, East Renfrewshire Golf Club was delighted to host the Tri-am event and lunch to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the West of Scotland Ladies Inter Club Leagues that compete for the Greenlees Trophy.


72 ladies from 25 different golf clubs in the West of Scotland were represented, teams ideally having a player from each of the three divisions. 


The weather was calm and mild, with the sun appearing intermittently, resulting in almost perfect playing conditions. The golf course was at its best, having recovered its lushness after the long dry month of July. 


After their round, ladies enjoyed a lovely lunch in the club lounge which had been decorated with balloons and bunting and were able to chat and catch up with old friends

Lady Captain, Carole Spy from East Renfrewshire Golf Club spoke before the Prize giving and welcomed everyone, expressing her hope that they had all enjoyed their day. She gave an insight into East Renfrewshire Golf Club’s history of involvement in the Greenlees Trophy leagues. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR THE -------> VIDEO OF PRESENTATION    or watch at end of post

Carole Spy said --

I hope you have all enjoyed playing East Ren in perfect golfing conditions and had fun with the bendy driver and left-handed putter on 18th. Watching on, there certainly seemed to be a lot of laughter, there were even several offers to buy the putter


 Val Crawford who organised today’s events has left information leaflets on the history of the Greenlees for you. What you probably won’t know is East Ren’s involvement. 

 We were invited to take part in the Greenlees Trophy in 1952. It took us four years to win the second division and were then promoted to division one, where we stayed until ’65. The ladies of the day were obviously not satisfied with the demotion and promptly won Division two in ‘66 followed by Division one in ‘67 where the team remained until 1976. 

There was more success in winning division 2 in 1978. It’s fair to say that since those ‘glory days’ East Ren has had experience of all 3 divisions taking advantage of playing at a variety of great courses over the years. 

 No matter which division a team is playing in or wither a player is number one or number 9 or even 7, when we represent our clubs in a Greenlees match, we do it with pride and great determination to get that point for our club.
 
 Thank you, ladies, for your competitive spirit and for taking part in the 80th year celebration of Greenlees golf.

Prizes were then awarded by Carole, with Val Crawford, the club’s Greenlees Secretary announcing the various winners. 

A final vote of thanks was given by Maureen Mitchell, West of Scotland Greenlees Convenor.


Prizes were awarded to
 
Winning Team: 
Anne McGillivray - Prestwick St Nicholas 
Susan Griffin - Douglas Park 
Kay McColl - Hilton Park 

Runners Up 
Pauline Warlow - Cathkin Braes 
Irene Boyd - Bothwell Castle 
Barbara Aird - Cathkin Braes 

Nearest pin 4th Catriona McHarg – Cathcart Castle 
Nearest pin 13th May Hughes – Lanark Golf Club 
Longest drive 18th Debbie Watt – Ayr Belleisle 
Longest putt 18th June Kerr – West Kilbride

Many thanks go to organiser Val Crawford for the report and all the helpers at East Renfrewshire Golf Club including all who took the Photographs at the event.

The end of the video has the history of Ysobel Greenlees the founder of  Greenlees Trophy -- Courtesy to the late Jean Smith and her husband at the 75th Anniversary Celebration

Tuesday 31 August 2021

2021 Commonwealth Spoon Results

Sisters Teresa and Venessa Ho from Newton Stewart Golf Club  produced a fine back nine to win the 2021 Commonwealth Spoons Final over the Carrickstone course at Dullatur Golf Club near Cumbernauld.

Lanrakshire's Helen Wilson and Sarah Parker (Drumpellier) were the leading West of Scotland players finishing in 3rd place 

Ayrshire's Mara Wilson and Christine MacLeod  (Prestwick St Nicholas) and Renfrewshire's Roisin Black and Margaret Adam’s (Gleddoch) finished in 6th and 8th places respectively, with Lanarkshire's Anne Lloyd and Pat Casey (Hayston) finished in 10th position.


To read the full report go to the  SCOTTISH GOLF WEBSITE

D&A SCOTTISH COUNTY TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNERS UP


D&A - 2021 Scottish County Team Runners Up
Photo - Courtesy of Lorraine Campbell
Click to enlarge

Many thanks go to Lorraine Campbell (Cardross) who has just sent me a great photograph of the Dunbartonshire and Argyll (D&A) County Team who were runners up the the Scottish County Team Championships at Forres at the weekend

Missing from the team Photo was Fiona Rattray (Douglas Park) pictured left and Lori MacDonald  (Cardross)  pictured right -- Unfortunately they both had to leave early due to work commitments -- However, they have not been missed out in the team photo.

Many congratulations from all the Counties in the West of Scotland - Ayrshire, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire -- you were fantastic and we are all proud of your great performance. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE REPORTS FROM FORRES

Monday 30 August 2021

D&A JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER IS SOPHIE MURPHY

D&A President Fiona Cowan presents Sophie Murphy
with the 2021 Claret Jug

While the D&A County Team were enjoying Forres, the D&A junior championship was being played at Clydebank and District Golf Club. 
This was not played in 2020 due to Covid  and yesterday the delighted Sophie Murphy (Glasgow Golf Club)  was the winner of the 2021 Claret Jug.
 The winner of the Cowan Cup (handicap) is Rebekah Sherry (Clober)
To see more photos go to the D&A website CLICK HERE