RENFREWSHIRE GIRLS DO WELL AT GLASGOW GAILES.

Fom L to R - Sophie Murphy, Jennifer Lynagh. Jennifer Rankine
Orka Rooney and Lottie Maslanka

4 of the Renfrewshire girls played in the West Girls' medal today at Glasgow Gailes-Sophie Kyle (East Ren), Jennifer Lynagh (Caldwell), Jennifer Rankine (Haggs Castle) and Orla Rooney (Cowglen).

The conditions were extremely tough with a biting wind and temperatures of around 2 degrees but 17 girls from the 4 counties took part and all finished the 18 holes.

Jennifer Rankine had the best scratch score of 72. (Even with her opening tee shot going out of bounds!)
Jennifer Lynagh won bronze section with a net 70 and Orla was runner up in bronze with a net 75.
(Silver section was won by Sophie Murphy (Clydebank) and runner up was Kittie Maslanka (Kirkhill).)

The next West Girls medal is at Troon Portland on April 15th. There is also a Development Medal that day for girls without a handicap. Please tell the Junior Convener at your club! See West Girls website for online entry.

JUNIORS PLAY OVER KILMACOLM

6 of our girls who have been practising at the Glasgow Indoor Golf Centre over the winter, had a lovely game at Kilmacolm Golf Club yesterday.

Kilmacolm's Lynda Bradley guided them round and they enjoyed the Texas Scramble format over 15 holes in some warm sunshine. 😎 Sophie, Zara and Jennifer won with a score of 62 while Aaliyah, Orla and Lauren had a 65.

 Our thanks go to Kilmacolm for the warm welcome and courtesy of the course.

JUNIOR COACHING UPDATE

Due to other commitments like homework, athletics and the West Girls golf match at Balmore, there were only 4 girls at the winter coaching last Sunday.

Katie Darroch, Jennifer Lynagh, Orla Rooney and Aaliyah Sandhu had Karyn's undivided attention at the Glasgow Indoor Golf Centre. (The weather can't stop golf there!)

The girls warmed up on the range with Karyn giving them some tips then they split into 2 groups to use the simulator rooms. There was time for them all to hit 5 shots with each club to get an idea of their average and best distances. A very worthwhile exercise which is recommended for all golfers at this time of year.

They have 1 more session at the Indoor before going to Whitecraigs GC on March 18th to play the Par 3 course then Kilmacolm GC on March 25th for a game outdoors-weather permitting! ☃

SQUAD COACHING FUN AT THE INDOOR GOLF ACADEMY

9 girls and 7 seniors enjoyed squad coaching with Karyn Burns at the Indoor Golf Centre at Kinning Park on Sunday 28th January. 



She split everyone into 3 teams with a mixture in each. 

There was a chipping challenge, putting competition and 9 holes strokeplay at Kingsbarns! (On simulator!) 

We had a speed putting challenge but that turned too competitive when someone (Liz!) introduced a quicker method which was perhaps not proper! 

The results were very close after Karyn interpretated them all and the winning team was Liz Stewart , Carol Whyte , Jennifer Lynagh (Caldwell), Emily Crushed (Eastwood) and Aaliyah Sandhu (Haggs Castle)

Everyone enjoyed pizza and time to chat afterwards.  Our thanks go to Karyn for organising a great session.

1st JUNIOR GIRLS' COACHING.

Some of the girls at the Indoor Golf Centre

The 1st of a series of coaching sessions took place at the Indoor Golf Centre last Sunday. 
Karyn Burns set up different skills tests for the 9 girls who managed along and will create a programme for them to work on over the winter. 
Our emphasis is going to be on participation rather than performance to hopefully get all these young girls enthusiastic about the game and enjoy their golf next season.

GIRLS HAVE A TIGHT MATCH WITH AYRSHIRE.

From L-R. Emily, Orla, Jennifer, Sophie, Zara and Amy

6 girls represented Renfrewshire this afternoon at Pollok Golf Club.
Our team was:
Emily Crusher (Eastwood)
Jennifer Lynagh (Caldwell)
Sophie McGrorty (Elderslie)
Amy Morris (Williamwood)
Orla Rooney (Cowglen)
Zara Thomson (Williamwood)

Ayrshire and Renfrewshire Girls

The sun was shining but it was a very cold afternoon. The girls all seemed to enjoy their matches but unfortunately Renfrewshire lost 2-1. Our grateful thanks go to Pollok for the courtesy of the course and for the lovely food after the match.

Out on the course

12 girls begin winter training at the Indoor Golf Centre next Sunday (19th) so hopefully this will help them improve their game and enjoy their golf next season.

JENNIFER IS JUNIOR CHAMPION FOR THE 4TH TIME.

Captain Gillian Kyle presents
Jennifer Rankine - 2017 RLCGA Junior Champion
with the trophy

The final of our Junior Championship took place this evening at a very sunny  Pollok Golf Club between Jennifer Rankine (Haggs Castle) and Naimh Kinney (Erskine) 

On handicaps, Jennifer was the favourite to win but Niamh played well under her handicap to be only 1 down after 9 holes-helped by a fantastic 2nd shot into the 8th to 3 inches for birdie. Jennifer won the 10th with a very good 4 at the long par 4. 

Alistair Dobbie (Captain of Pollok) with Niamh, Jennifer and Gillian
 and out on the course

Both had good "up and downs" for pars at the 11th then Jennifer was a little aggressive at the par 3 12th and 3 putted from the back of the green to go back to 1up. She steadied again with a comfortable 4 after Niamh missed the green at 13 so back to 2 up. Both had awkward chips at the 14th from the edge of bunkers and halved in bogeys. A great birdie let Jennifer win the 15th to go 3 up with 3 to play. 2 superb tee shots then 2 perfect pitches to the green gave Niamh a chance when Jennifer missed her 6 foot putt. But Niamh's 5 foot putt just slipped by to let Jennifer win the match 3 and 2.

It was a lovely game to watch and both girls played steady, relaxed golf in great spirit. They were assets to both their families and their clubs.
Our grateful thanks go to Pollok GC for courtesy of the course.

Photos courtesy of Gillian Kyle

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE

Emily Crusher (Eastwood) and Heather Mushet (Elderslie) had a very tight match on Saturday at Eastwood GC. It was a very balanced game with both girls getting to 2 up at some point in the game. All square after the 18th tested their nerves and with Heather's tee shot just sticking on the slope at the 19th, Emily went on to win the match. She now plays Niamh Kinney at Erskine.

In the other half, Romy "no nerves" Erskine (Kilmacolm) beat Alison Macnab (Ranfurly Castle) 3&2. Rain and holidays have delayed knowing who her next opponent is-either Hannah Carson (East Ren) or Jennifer Rankine (Haggs) who will be playing their tie next week.

COUNTY JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

 Caitland Caulfield and Hannah Carson

In the Preliminary round of the County Junior Championship, Hannah Carson and Caitlin Caulfield (both East Renfrewshire) played their tie last Sunday. Hannah has previously lived and golfed in Dubai and is still acclimatising to the Scottish golfing weather. But her experience shone through and she comfortably beat Caitlin. Caitlin has not golfed much this year due to exams but had our only singles win at the Kennedy Salver at Clober back in June. Hopefully with the school holidays now here, they will both be playing in everything possible to see their handicaps tumbling down.
Hannah now meets Jennifer Rankine of Haggs.

Sophie Kyle and Niamh Kinney

The other match was also played at East Renfrewshire at the weekend between Sophie Kyle and Niamh Kinney (Erskine). Niamh’s maturity and experience, plus her good golf won her the match comfortably 3&2. She now meets the winner of Emily Crusher (Eastwood) and Heather Mushet (Elderslie).

DISAPPOINTMENT FOR THE GIRLS AT CLOBER.

The Renfrewshire girls tried their best today at Clober GC in the Kennedy Salver but came up short by finishing in 4th place. 4 of their 6 singles games ended on the 17th or 18th so with a bit of luck-or extra concentration-the result could have been a different one.
Congratulations to Lanarkshire who were the winners this year.

From L to R- Emily Crusher, Heather Mushet, 

Caitlin Caulfield, Romy Erskine, Niamh Kinney, 

Hannah Carson and Alison Macnab

SUPPORT THE KENNEDY SALVER!

The final intercounty competition this season is the Kennedy Salver which takes place tomorrow at Clober Golf Club. Our Junior team, captained by Alison Macnab, will be-

Caitlin Caulfield (East Ren)

Hannah Carson (East Ren)

Emily Crusher (Eastwood)

Romy Erskine (Kilmacolm)

Niamh Kinney (Erskine)

Alison Macnab (Ranfurly Castle)

Heather Mushet (Elderslie)

6 girls play foursomes in the morning and 6 play singles in the afternoon against different counties.

Please pop along to Clober to support our girls.

SUCCESSFUL GIRLS' DAY DESPITE THE WEATHER!

15 girls arrived at Mearns Castle Golf Academy this afternoon after a day of persistent heavy rain. Ever optimistic, Captain Gillian and her team persuaded them all to warm up on the range and be ready on the 1st tee as it was going to dry up-and it did!
They all played a 'Flag Competition' according to their handicaps or age. The 'Handicap' group received 36 shots plus half their handicap and had to put their flag in the ground when they had run out of shots. The others were split into age groups and played off the blue tees and all had 36 shots. Again stopping when they had run out of shots. 
Many thanks go to Mearns Castle Golf Academy for courtesy of the course and the range balls for warming up.

Results-
Handicap 1st-Sophie Kyle (East Ren)
                2nd-Emily Crusher (Eastwood)
                 3rd-Hannah Carson (East Ren)

Age 5-7 1st-Katie Thyne (Caldwell)
              2nd-Amy Vine (Eastwood)

Age 8-10 1st Ella McGrath (Caldwell)
                2nd Gracie Phimister (Elderslie)
                3rd Natalie Vine (Eastwood)

Age 11+ 1st Jennifer Lynagh (Caldwell)
               2nd Beth Rogan (Paisley)
               3rd Katie Dunne (Paisley)

Thanks must also go to the helpers-Linda Ellery, Liz Stewart, Liz Hale and Niamh Kinney for walking with all the groups.

RENFREWSHIRE GIRLS ENJOY THEIR MATCH AGAINST AYRSHIRE GIRLS

 L- R - Romy Erskine, Alison Macnab, Zara Thomson,
Sophie Kyle, Caitlin Caulfiled, Niamh Kinney

On Saturday 29th April, 6 girls headed for Skermorlie Golf Club to represent Renfrewshire in a 'friendly' match against Ayrshire.

The team was : 
Niamh Kinney (Erskine)
Alison Macnab (Ranfurly Castle)
Romy Erskine (Kilmacolm)
Sophie Kyle (East Renfrewshire)
Caitlin Caulfield (Whitecraigs)
Zara Thomson (Williamwood)

Ayrshire and  Renfrewshire Girls 

Unfortunately the result was not friendly as all girls were beaten apart from Niamh who earned a well fought half! They found the course tight and conditions tricky, but with some practice over the coming season, we shall look forward to a return match in the autumn.

Our thanks go to June Kerr, Ayrshire Junior Convevor for organising the match and the tea in the Station Cafe afterwards.

Thanks go to Captain Gillian Kyle for the photographs and report

THE KYLES MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR !!

Sophie Kyle 

Captain Gillian Kyle won on the 18th hole to help her team mates in the Scottish Vets match against the Irish to win the Mary McKenna Trophy at Murcar yesterday -- The first time since 2009.

Not only was Gillian successful but her daughter Sophie also had a good weekend. She won the Scottish Golf Development Academy Finals on the New Course on Sat with 43 points. (1st girl, 2nd overall on field of 55)

The Davis & Elkins College Golf team wrapped up its regular season on Monday, winning the Dr. Edwin B. Cottrell Invite by nine stokes.
Her son Alistair, (pictured right) who plays for the Senators led after round one, finished second overall with a +6 total of 148 to finish as the team leader for the Senators and second overall in the tournament. Alistair shot the tournaments best round of 69 on day one.
The Senators  finished with a two-round total of 605 to defeat Le Moyne (614) and host West Chester (616) in a 12-team field.

CLICK HERE READ ALL ABOUT IT

WELL DONE THE KYLE FAMILY 

JUNIOR DAY COACHING SESSION AT KILMACOLM.

13 girls from 2 clubs met at Kilmacolm Golf Club on Sunday for a coaching session. Some of the girls were quite new to golf so it was great for them to meet up, make new friends and learns some basic skills.

The coaching session was lead by the club's professional Iain Nicolson and concentrated on short game skills. The girls then had an opportunity to play some 'real' golf, the more experienced girls playing over the 7 hole shortened course and the others playing 3 holes marked out on the driving range. The final session was a putting lesson and practice.

Drinks, snacks and an awartd certificate for all completed a very enjoyable day.

Many thanks to Lynda Bradley for the report and, of course, organising the day 

GIRLS GET TOGETHER FOR COACHING

The Girls at Mearns Castle 

18 girls representing 8 of our clubs came together yesterday at Mearns Castle Golf Academy. 

Most girls were quite new to golf so it was great for them to get together and see that there ARE other girls out there trying golf! Every club need to encourage them as there were some super swings to watch and lots of potential.

Joe 'the Pro' McBrearty, formerly of Haggs Castle GC, gave the girls some individual tips on their long game on the range then they did some putting drills out on the Short Game Area-in the sunshine! 

A keenly contested team competition rounded off the afternoon and the girls left happy with a goodie bag of pink accessories and sweets!

Thanks go to Gillian Kyle for the report and photos

1ST TRAINING SESSION OF 2017.

Senior and Juniors at Glasgow Indoor Centre
Photos courtesy of June Lockhart

The Senior and Junior County squads enjoyed their 1st training night at the Glasgow Indoor Golf Centre with Karyn Burns leading the session. 

They worked hard and were treated to pizza afterwards ! 

Hopefully the evening sparked some enthusiasm for more practice over the winter months before the season starts in April.

SOPHIE KYLE LOSES IN WEST GIRLS BRONZE CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE 19TH

Sophie Kyle (Whitecraigs) reached the final of the West Girls Bronze Championship which was played over Troon Portland yesterday. 
In a very tight match Sophie was beaten at the 19th by Cathkin Braes junior Taylor White
To read more go to West of Scotland Website 

JENNIFER RANKINE WINS THE HAGGS CASTLE CHAMPIONSHIP

Jennifer is presented with the Championship Trophy

In the Haggs Castle Ladies Final, a repeat of the 2015 final, young Jennifer Rankine was defending her title against 2014 Champion and current Carradale GC Ladies Champion, Laura McGeachy. 
 The game was very tight and all square after 9 holes with both players having made the turn in 38 shots. Jennifer won the 10th after a concession by Laura. The play was even over the next few holes and Jennifer was two up after a straightforward par at the 15th. Jennifer had a birdie 3 at the 16th to retain the Championship by 3 and 2.
WELL DONE JENNIFER

JENNIFER RETAINS THE JUNIOR TITLE.

The Renfrewshire Junior Championship Final was played at Eastwood Golf Club this afternoon in lovely sunny conditions. It was a repeat of last year's final between Jennifer Rankine (Haggs Castle ) and Anna Mackenzie (East Renfrewshire) which Jennifer had won comfortably. 

Jennifer and Anna

Today's match, however, was much closer-with Anna winning the 1st hole with a birdie! Jennifer responded winning the next 2 holes, also with birdies! A couple of poor holes by Anna gave Jennifer a comfortable lead of 3up after the 6th but she fought back to be 1 down after 8. Another birdie at the 9th, let Jennifer be 2 up at the turn, with a front 9 of 37. (1 over par). 
A lovely birdie putt from just off the green at the short 11th saw her lead extend to 3 again. But Anna won the 12th with a good up and down for par and the 13th was halved in birdie 4's. A loose 2nd shot by Anna at the 14th let Jennifer win the hole with a par. Jennifer overshot the green at the par 3 15th but recovered with a lovely chip  and sunk her putt for her par. Anna had played a lovely tee shot but just missed the birdie putt so now Jennifer was 3 up with 3 to play. 2 good drives at the 16th but adrenaline kicked in for Anna and she put her 2nd shot into the back left bunker. Jennifer played safely on to the green and 2 putts was enough to give her the Championship for the 3rd time.
Both girls were a credit to their clubs and their families. It was a lovely game to referee and watch. 

Congratulations Jennifer and hard luck Anna. You both played some lovely golf.

Jennifer

Anna

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish the Mackenzie family good luck with their move to Amsterdam next week! Audrey has been a fantastic Junior Convenor for the last 2 years and will be greatly missed.
Gillian Kyle (RLCGA Captain)