2010 RLCGA YEARBOOK REVIEW

Click here to get a bigger view of the 2010 book -- THEN HIT THE FULL SCREEN BUTTON

This short book follows the RLCGA Centenary Book 1909 - 2009 ---- (If you have a slow connection to preview hit the slow connection button plus then click on pages to turn the pages)

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS

The Fell's Robin

CLICK HERE TO TO SEE YOUR CHRISTMAS CARD

MEMBERSHIP OF RENFREWSHIRE LADIES' COUNTY GOLF ASSOCIATION

Dear Member

At the AGM last month I asked everyone to go away and consider a proposal which was made to all the County Captains regarding the make up of the membership.

At present one has to be proposed and seconded to become a member of the County and in Renfrewshire one may only be proposed if one’s handicap is 24 or less. It is a nomad club…..we do not have a home club but we arrange competitions on the courses in Renfrewshire for our members.

The SLGA would like to know the opinion of the various County members on the following:-

Should the membership of the County Association be open to all lady members of Renfrewshire clubs?

Their fees would be collected through their golf club. This would be in line with how the Renfrewshire men run their Area. Obviously the numbers of members would increase dramatically with a much increased income although the subscription would be much less than it is at present. I anticipate a lot of dissension on this idea and in so many ways I agree but I do want to remind you all of the reason that the Scottish County Golf Associations were formed.

Our Constitution states that the object of the Association shall be:-

To further the interests of ladies amateur golf in Renfrewshire County at Senior and Junior levels.

To select and maintain County Teams and representatives.

In order to do both these things we require funds mainly for coaching and for accommodation at Inter County matches.

I know that we all enjoy meeting each other at County events, playing on different courses and in many ways that is how most of us look at our membership of the County.
I myself enjoy it for those very reasons but perhaps we should be looking at it from the outside?
I have received only two phone calls on this subject since the AGM and that is why I am reminding you all about it.
 I would welcome your opinions on the matter either by letter, phone or preferably Click on the following link to ------  CLICK HERE TO EMAIL ME.

The SLGA would like to know the thoughts of each County by the New Year.


If you need any more information on the subject, I refer you to the SLGA website:- www.slga.co.uk where you should go to the amalgamation proposals and then read item 3/14 and 3/15.

I hope that this snow disappears soon and we can get back to golf but in the meantime I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Best wishes Trish Brown (Captain RLCGA)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEATHER --- FROM ALL AT RLCGA

Heather Anderson is 80 tomorrow ---- Saturday (18th)

Heather was Scottish Champion in 1969 and in the Vagliano Team in that year. She was Renfrewshire County Champion 9 times, and a Scottish Ladies Internationalist in 1964, 1965, 1968, 1969,1970 and 1971.
She still plays off a handicap of 6....pretty remarkable at her age! I wonder if there are any other octogenarians who are still as good and as competitive!

To Read more bout Heather --- taken from the Centenary Book (pages 36 - 38) written by Colin Farquharson CLICK HERE or alternatively Click Here to print out.

Heather on You Tube

A Final Card for you Heather - I KNOW YOU LOVE DOGS ------- HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARD

To see some best wishes from the West Vets GO TO THE WEST VETS WEBSITE

MEGAN, EILIDH, ALYSON AND LINSEY SELECTED FOR THE 2011 SLGA SQUADS

The Scottish Ladies Golfing Association has named the following players in selection and training squads for 2011:
National Women's Squad
Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm), Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), Laura Murray (Alford), Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle), Jane Turner (Craigielaw), Rachael Watton, Sally Watson (Elie and Earlsferry) (USA-based)
National Girls' Squad
Lesley Atkins (Gullane Ladies), Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm), Gabrielle MacDonald (Craigielaw), Hannah McCook (Abernethy), Rebecca McGeehan (Hummelbachaue, Germany), Alyson McKechin (Elderslie), Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies).
Scottish Golf Academy Year 2
Ailsa Bain (Peebles), Alison Goodwin (Glenbervie), Connie Jaffrey (West Kilbride), Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe), Tara McTaggart, Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies), Samantha Munro (Aberdour), Rachel Polson (Peterculter), Linsey Stevenson (Elie and Earlsferry and Whitecraigs), Eleanor Tunn (Reay), Eilidh Watson (Muckhart), Lauren Whyte (St Regulus), Clara Young (North Berwick).
Scottish Golf Academy Year 1
Katie McGarva (Troon Ladies), Eva O'Connor (Bothwell Castle), Emma Hale (Troon Ladies), Emma Greenlees (Dumfries and Galloway), Rachel Walker (Dumfries and Co), Chloe Goadby (St Regulus), Tegan Seivwright (Deeside), Kimberley Beveridge (Aboyne), Claire Gadsby (Crieff), Heather Munro (Monifieth), Sophie Maguire (St Regulus).

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SOME NEWS FROM RENFREWSHIRE COUNTY MEMBER MORAG KEY

Christmas time again - where did 2010 go?
I just wanted to thank you again for your fantastic website which keeps us all so informed of everything going on in the golf world and beyond. It really does give me such pleasure and especially when no-one is about these days. Golf seems a memory. I got my second hip replacement 7 weeks ago tomorrow (yes I am counting every single day!) and I have been frustrated beyond belief with this snow and ice. I am meant to take short walks every day but, of course, with the pavements and roads the way they were, that was impossible. Also, how I hate to be dependent upon others like my husband, daughter and friends to take me out. I just like to be able to get up and go when the notion takes me. Still, no-one has been out much this past week anyway.
I listen to Smooth Radio as you know and I am sure a few weeks ago I heard your name mentioned again. If I remember correctly it was about a visit to Hong Kong or Shanghai or somewhere in the far east. They just said the name "Carol Fell" and my ears pricked up, naturally. Was it you right enough? I really like John McAulay in the morning - rough and ready but quite a comedian and very listenable.
I am attaching a nice wee Christmas card and hopefully you have not received this one. I am sure you'll get plenty. I've had a few myself but this one took my fancy.
Thanks again for all the news. Keep it going and I'll see you next season.
All good wishes for Christmas and a bright and cheery New Year to all in the County
Kind Regards,
Morag (K.)

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CHRISTMAS CARD MORAG HAS SENT

Thanks Morag for your news and we all wish you a speedy recovery with the new hip (and yes it was me again !)

2011 MOROCCO GOLF FESTIVAL

Request from Colin Farquharson, Tournament Director of the 2011 Morocco Golf Festival, to be played over five courses in the Marrakech area from October 8 to 15. We had only four Scots in a total entry of 47 for the inaugural Morocco Golf Festival last October. Click Here to see the Prizes to be won I would like to see many more from Scotland participating in the 2nd Festival and, to that end, I would be very grateful if you could print off THIS POSTER and display it on your club's men's and women's noticeboards. Thank you in anticipation. COLIN FARQUHARSON Editor www.scottishgolfview.com www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk Telephone 01224 869782

NEWS FROM ALYSON MCKECHIN

Hi Everyone. Just back from the SLGA Coaching at Desert Springs in Spain.
The weather was really nice and the coaching was good. We all had a great time and got on well as a team and had a productive four days mainly working on our short game and putting.
Thanks Alyson for your news

SOME NEWS FROM VICE CAPTAIN MAUREEN

I know at this time of year you are struggling for news.....

Neil and I went to Marrakech for a few days last Saturday. We left from Edinburgh Airport and packed some warm clothes and a shovel in the boot of the car – good move!! We had three fantastic days in the Medina and with the help of a guide we visited some wonderful sights. We walked for miles with him. He was very informative and had he not been there we might have missed so much history. His name is Aziz, he was larger than life and it seemed that everyone in Marrakech knew him!! Our Riad, Riad Karmela, was right in the middle of the Medina so once we got our bearings we were happy to go out on our own to look about the squares and markets. However, we did get lost – I defy anyone not to get lost there.

Headed to the airport at 3.30 pm on Tuesday to catch our 6pm flight. We had to walk to the taxi as the passageways in the Medina are so narrow – however, this was a ten minute walk in a torrential downpour. Got to the airport, through about four or five check in desks and to the departure lounge. First we were told that our flight would be delayed to 7.30pm. At 7.30pm everything went silent and no further information was forthcoming. However, a lot of us were on the internet and mobiles to friends and family and we did find someone on our flight who was in contact with a colleague working at Edinburgh Airport.
 He was able to tell us that the flight coming out to take us back MAY board at 8.30pm – it actually left Edinburgh at 9.00pm – but we were all so pleased that it had left at all.
Once we boarded just after 1.30 am we were on our way back to Edinburgh – NOT!!
The seatbelt signs hadn’t been turned off before the pilot told us that he would get us as near as possible to Edinburgh but would probably only get as far as Prestwick Airport. Had we not left my car at Edinburgh this would have been very good news indeed.
Coaches took us from Prestwick to Edinburgh Airport at snail’s pace. Good news is that we would be travelling home in daylight.

When we got to my car is was buried up to the wheels in snow. Difficulty getting the boot open to get to the shovel but we managed. Car ended up full of snow before we had even begun to dig it out. After a whole hour of shifting snow (no help from the car park employees!!) we managed to get the car out of the parking space and onto a track. Friendly BAA man in a truck – who I would not let past me – agreed to create a firm track with his 4X4. He told us we wouldn’t be charged any extra for the additional parking time and showed us the ‘back way out!’.

We gladly headed home – even if it was in a blizzard. We eventually arrived home around 3.30 pm on Wednesday – 24 hours after our journey home began.

It was a wonderful break and I have no doubt we’ll do something similar again. We won’t let the horrible journey home detract from a lovely weekend.

CHEERS MAUREEN

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ATTENTION ---- CHRISTMAS FAIR AT COCHRANE CASTLE TONIGHT

Christmas Fair at Cochrane Castle Golf Club tonight --- CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

SLGA 2011 FIXTURE LIST

Click on the following link to print out the DRAFT 2011 SLGA FIXTURE LIST

SGU SLGA ROADSHOW AT HAGGS CASTLE

RLCGA Captain Trish Brown, new Secretary Jean Irvine and Webmaster Carol Fell represented Renfrewshire Ladies' County Golf Association at the SGU and the SLGA regional club education seminar today at Haggs Castle Golf Club.
The team of Andy Salmon (Development Manager), Kevin Weir (Club Services Manager) and Kevin Fish (Club Development Officer) presented some of thr SGU and SLGA initiatives to club managers, secretaries, PGA professionals and committee members as part of both organisations’ commitment to supporting clubs.

The topics ranged from the Centralised Database of Handicaps (CDH), under development at present, golf tourism, membership marketing, legislation, employment and the impact of the Equality Act among others, while the issue of club governance and effective management structure has proved the most popular area of debate. A new interactive workshops has been introduced, themed ‘What can the SGU and SLGA do to help my club?’ which has provided both governing bodies with valuable insight.

The team was also joined by a clubgolf West of Scotland Regional Manager Craig Chalmers who updated the clubs on the progress of the national junior programme, which is now in place at 300 clubs and facilities across Scotland since its launch in 2003.

Equality and Amalgamation Issues for the future from the SLGA and SGU

Equality Issues -- Some up to date News from the Glasgow Herald.
Read all about by --- by clicking on the following link -- West Kilbride Golf Club News (from the West of Scotland Website)
The move to bring the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) and Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association (SLGA) together as a single governing body has gathered momentum with a formal proposal being delivered to each organisation’s members.
The proposal with details of the roles of Board members and committees and a covering letter from the Amalgamation Group Chair, Donald Turner may be accessed by clicking on the links.

The SGU and SLGA have delivered a formal proposal to member clubs, Areas and Counties this week outlining plans for amalgamation as a single governing body from 1 October 2011. Click Here to read more

PRINT OUT A CALENDAR FOR NEXT YEAR

Free printable calendar customized with Smilebox Not bought a diary yet for next year then print out next years dates with this calendar of the County Team

Armistice Day -- 11th November 2010

'They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.'

Thanks go to our new RLCGA Secretary Jean Irvine for the wonderful poppy and lily display (click on photo to enlarge)

JEAN ARMOUR NIGHT AT GLEDDOCH GOLF CLUB --- SUPPORT THE MAGGIE CENTRE

Renfrewshire Committee Member JUNE LOCKHART is involved in holding  a Jean Armour Night at Gleddoch Golf Club on February 25th 2011.
June says "It is a ladies night (but not the type with the Chippendales!) but we are trying to do our bit for Maggie's, so if any club without a Burns Night wishes to book tickets, we would be glad to hear from them."

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR POSTER TO PUT UP IN YOUR CLUB HOUSE

If you are interested:  Contacts: Marion Dornan 01475 540511 -  email address  ladymarion1st@talktalk.net
or June Lockhart 0141 576 1015 - email address  junelockhart@hotmail.com

CLUB GOLF TO TO THE FORE AT ERSKINE GOLF CLUB

Clare - Marie Carlton (front row right) and Ian McKechin back row 4th from right -- Click to enlarge

Clubgolf Level 1 participants and PGA Coaches Bill Lockie and John Mulgrew at Erksine Golf Club this weekend. Claire Marie Carlton was there as you can see and Alyson McKechin's Dad Ian also attended. We had 4 from Erksine, not sure who everyone else is but they all enjoyed it and it is so important to keep ClubGolf in the news.

If they all pass the course, which I am sure they will, we will have 15 qualified Level 1 coaches at Erskine. We have been offering coaching now for 5 years and have seen many new rising stars and increased membership for the club. We now have 14 girls where we had none before.

COULD BE VERY PROMISING FOR RENFREWSHIRE

Thanks go to Janette McCartney for the report and photograph

PAST CAPTAIN CHRISTEEN HAS A TWIN SISTER !

Well what a night. Christeen speaking at the Erskine Golf Club Ladies Dinner last night was a hoot and little did we know we were getting 2 for the price of one when her twin sister Jessie appeared as well decked out in her tartan bunnet!
Christeen entertained us all with her tails of golf over the years and all the men she scored with in her golfing life! A long list from Tom Watson, Shawn Mckeel, Hugh Grant, Samuel L Jackson and last but not least the Duke of York.
She only has eyes for husband Sandy though!

Christeens dairy will be filling up now with this exposure! Book early to avoid disappointment.
Thanks go to Janette McCartney for the news and photographs -- click the above photo to enlarge

WENDY CAMERON IS MADE AN HONORARY MEMBER OF THE WEST VETS AND RENFREWSHIRE'S FIONA ROGER IS THE NEW CAPTAIN

Wendy is presented with her Honorary Membership ny outgoing Captain Helen Faulds 

At  the West Vets AGM on Thursday  Past Renfrewshire President Wendy Cameron was made an Honorary Member of the West Vets Association.

Wendy has over many years given a huge amount to both the West and Scottish Vets and indeed Scottish Ladies golf.

She has been West Vets Captain, Scottish Vets Captain and President and played in the Scottish Vets team.

She has also been a Renfrewshire Team member, Captain, President and Hon Member of the County.

In terms of SLGA, Wendy has been Chairman, President and is also a Vice President of the Association, one I may say of a very select few.

At club level she is a Life Member of Eastwood GC.

Wendy, was delighted to becoming an Honorary Member and she now joins an illustrious group of ladies ---

1974 -- Mrs Jean McCulloch, Mrs May Menzies (Renfrewshire), Lady McInnes Shaw, Mrs Craddock Mrs Chips Robb (Renfrewshire).

1982 -- Miss Betty Hendry and Miss Madge Bell

Renfrewshire's past Committee Member Fiona Roger (Ranfurly Castle) who is the new Captain.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH

THE 2010 AGM

CLICK HERE TO GO TO PHOTOALBUM
 2011 FIXTURE DIARY
PRIZEWINNERS LIST

The 101st RLCGA AGM was held at Haggs Castle Golf Club yesterday the 3rd November 2010.

Captain Trish Brown opened the meeting by welcoming Honorary President Eileen, Honorary members, Past Captains to our one hundred and first annual general meeting. She was delighted to see so many members present (aproximately 80) and thanked Haggs Castle Golf Club for once again allowing us to host our AGM in their clubhouse.

Dorothy Yates

Trish was then sorry to announce the death of past committee member Dorothy Yates. Sadly Dorothy had resigned from the Association due to ill health but some will remember her fondly.

Secretary Morag Turner announced that there were 65 apolgies

The minutes of the meeting held on 4th November, 2009, had already been distributed and were taken as read





MATTERS ARISING:
Centenary Quaiche

Kathleen McNeil

As mentioned in the last minutes it had been decided that we would like to commemorate our Centenary coupled with our late Honorary Life President—Miss Kathleen McNeil. We were very grateful to receive a donation in her memory to help with the purchase of the new Centenary Quaiche which was contested at the Autumn Greensomes.  I have thanked the donors on your behalf.

Afternoon Ballots

A suggestion was made that we might consider holding at least one of our Medals in the afternoon. So yes we have managed to organise one for next season and we will monitor how well it is supported.

TREASURERS REPORT-  BY JAN MCNAB

Hon President Eileen, Captain Trish, Ladies,

This has been my first year as County Treasurer. I would like to say that I have enjoyed it, and in the main I have! Can I please therefore start with my thank you’s – my grateful thanks go to Captain Trish, our Membership Secretary Jean Smith and Secretary Morag, for keeping me right throughout. This feels like an Oscar speech, but it certainly would not have been possible without you all! Thank you also to Elizabeth Simpson for agreeing to continue with her review and sign off of the figures, for what I think is an unbelievable 17th year!
Now on to the figures. You have the results before you for the year to the end of September 2010, and you will see that once again expenses exceeded income. This is not all bad news as, once all the detail is analysed, the main reason for it is the good news that the team once again qualified to play in the County Finals. We received a grant from the SLGA of £1,000 to help with expenses, but once accommodation, meals and everything else is taken into account, the cost of playing in the Finals is about double this figure.
Not much of the other detail is very exciting. Sales of Carol’s fabulous Centenary Book are shown, with each book costing £20 and subsidised by the brought forward Centenary Funds by about £5 per book. You will see in the Income & Expenditure Account that the book, together with the launch Coffee Morning, used up the remaining balance in the Centenary Fund (£651), so the whole thing just about broke even (£7 loss).
Overall, subscriptions this year were down by £90 (3 members). There was quite a high number of resignations, but these were nearly all replaced by our 17 new members.
It is interesting to note that 7 of the 17 new members were in the handicap bracket 21-24, so it seems the decision taken at last year’s AGM has helped to keep our numbers up.
New sources of income this year were corporate sponsorship from Deutsche Bank (£250) and website sponsorship (£50), and we received a £500 grant from the Golf Foundation to support the Junior coaching.
Sheila Robson worked very hard this year and actually sold a good deal more sweaters and shirts than last year.
- in October we received a very welcome donation from the R&A of £2,000 (we had some contacts there this year!). This is a one-off payment which all the Scottish Counties have received to support women’s golf and can be spent as we wish. So, taking this together with the fundraising which Trish proposes for next year, we should have plenty in reserve for next year’s expenses.
Subscription notices are available for collection this evening and Jean Smith and I will be available after the meeting with our busy table and master lists for those of you wishing to pay your subscription tonight.


Trish then thanked Jan on her excellent 1^st year report. She also thanked Elizabeth Simpson for auditing our accounts again this year.


SECRETARY’S REPORT -- BY MORAG TURNER

This year there has been 17 new Playing Members and 1 new Junior Member. At the moment there are two ladies waiting to join the new 2011 season.
At present our membership is 244, consisting of  208 playing members, 12 non-playing members, 12 Honorary members and 12 Juniors.
I am glad to report that all the venues for 2011 have been confirmed. I have brought a few copies along with me tonight of the dates which I though might be of interest to Greenlees secretaries etc. The following dates may be of interest to you-
The Championship will be held at Haggs Castle on Wednesday 13th April until Friday 15th April. First Day is an Open Day which is open to all members.
The West of Scotland Inter-County Matches (Jamboree) will be hosted by Ayrshire and will be held at Kilmarnock Barassie on Monday 20th June until Wednesday 22nd June.
We have another Sunday Medal which is being held at Lochwinnoch on 17th April.
As already mentioned we have arranged an afternoon Medal which is being held at Gleddoch on Monday 8th August.
Actually this year we had very good weather for all our competitions which was amazing for a change. Of course, we had to re-schedule the September Medal to Kilmacolm due to the fire at Renfrew Golf Club. The numbers for our competitions were at the same level as last year so e-mailing reminding everyone has been a good thing to do. We had 22 couples playing in the Winter Foursomes knockout competition and the number for this year is 26.
Of course we had our new Autumn Meeting format and there is a lovely new trophy to play for which is in memory of Kathleen McNeil. The Greensomes format has proved very popular indeed with 42 couples playing in September.

The web-site for entering competitions has proved very popular indeed and has got rid of these silly little bits of paper for most of us. If anyone would like to switch onto this method from the competition slips, and I would encourage you to do so if you possibly can, please let either Jean Smith or myself  know and we will put you on the appropriate list.

Freda and Morag

Well I am saying let myself know but my term of 3 years is over as Secretary of the County. I have to say that I have enjoyed it very much and it has been a huge learning curve for me. I have had the pleasure of working closely with the committees over the last 3 years but particularly closely with Past Captain Christeen, Captain Trish, Vice Captain Maureen, Past Treasurer Audrey, Treasurer Jan, Jean Smith, Freda Tuck and not forgetting Carol Fell. I have to say a huge thank you to them all for all the support and help I have received and I am going to miss you all. I am sure I will miss being Secretary as it has been a large part of my life over the three years but I will have a bit more time to myself now. My husband says he doesn’t know what I am going to do without it (I think he is bit worried that I might interfere with his things) but I am sure I will find something!!

I wish my successor all the very best and hope she enjoys it as much as I did. You will find out a bit later who that is going to be.
I also wish Captain Trish, her Committee and team all the very best too for 2011.

Captain Trish then thanked  Morag and said she was sad that she was standing down.


JUNIOR CONVENOR REPORT -- BY MAUREEN MITCHELL

The Junior season started off in February with coaching by the PGA Assistant Coach, Lesley Mackay, at the new Playsport Centre in East Kilbride. The move to East Kilbride proved very worthwhile with excellent facilities.
Two squads of girls received coaching this year thanks to a grant of £500 we managed to get from the Golf Foundation. Eleven girls made up Squad A and there were 12 in Squad B. The girls thoroughly enjoyed their time with Lesley who gave them some excellent tuition and made the sessions great fun. We also organised another day of fun with Lesley coping with 21 young girls who turned up for a coaching day in May. Most of these young girls from various Clubs had no handicaps but quite a number acquired them during the summer.
In June, a team of 6 of our A Squad played in the Kennedy Salver at Cawder GC., playing in Foursomes and Singles.

2010 Kennedy Salver Team

These matches are the equivalent for Juniors of the Inter County Jamboree and I am delighted to report that, like our winning Ladies’ Team, our Junior Team (pictured left) won the Trophy for Renfrewshire. Great excitement all round as many of the matches went to the last putt on the last green! Next year Renfrewshire will be the host County and I am very pleased to report that our Secretary, Morag, has already arranged for the matches to be played at Erskine GC on Monday 13th June.
During the summer we played two ‘friendly’ matches against Lanarkshire, one at home at Caldwell GC and one away at Bothwell CastleGC. They turned out to be very ‘friendly’ indeed as we won our Home match and Lanarkshire won their Home match making it one all. These games give the girls good experience of match play and we are indebted to Caldwell for allowing us the use of their course and also providing us with excellent catering.
In September we managed to get a nice dry afternoon for our County Junior Stableford competition – the Campbell Clock – at Whitecraigs GC. Thirteen young girls had good fun playing the excellent 6 hole Par 3 course, another 13 girls played 8 holes on the big course and 10 girls competed for the Trophy over 18 holes. The winner was Emma Kennedy from Paisley GC with Flora Walker from Whitecraigs the runner up. I’d like to say a big thank you to all the helpers for their time and efforts on a Sunday afternoon – without you we could not run the competition, especially our Captain Trish, Morag Turner, Liz Hale and Morag Little with Carol Fell working her wonders on her I Phone sending the scores to her computer – mind boggling ! A great many thanks also to Whitecraigs GC for the use of their course and I am delighted to report that we can go back again next year on Sunday, 4th September.
Many girls from both Squads managed to reduce their handicaps during the summer – too many to name them all. Quite a number of them also won various Open Days and also their Club Championships and Knockout competitions. Well done to you all!

Linsey and Eilidh

We decided to change the format of the Junior Championship and involve 8 of our lowest handicap girls instead of only 4 as in previous years. Eventually, Eilidh Briggs and Linsey Stevenson (pictured right) reached the final which was played at Haggs Castle GC on a lovely sunny Sunday in September in a very sporting manner. Many thanks to Haggs for giving us the courtesy of the course. Eilidh won the Trophy for the 5th time – a great achievement especially as she is also our County Ladies’ Champion. The same 2 girls also reached the Final of the West of Scotland Girls’ Championship with Eilidh again the winner – another great achievement having our 2 Renfrewshire girls in the Final !
The subcommittee in charge of Juniors consists of Liz Hale, Morag Little, Denise Cowan and myself. We all have responsibility for different areas of the Junior activities and I feel this arrangement works very well. I wish to thank each one for all their work and the time they commit to encouraging Junior golf in our County. I would also like to congratulate Lesley Mackay on her new appointment as Head Professional at Playsport and say that we look forward to working with her again next year. We feel we have had a very successful year working with all the junior girls, especially as we have identified some promising talent which looks good for the future of our County golf.

Captain Trish then said thank you to Maureen and  said  "I know it has been easier since you have become to know the girls better this year".  ---- "Look forward to seeing even more improvement next year."

CAPTAIN'S REPORT -- BY TRISH BROWN

Well what a year !  Didn’t we do well?
I cannot begin to tell you what a whirlwind year this has been for me and I can only hope that, with all the activities with Colin and the R and A, I have not missed any of my duties as your Captain.

Trish and Colin at the 2010 British Open at St Andrews

As soon as I came into office last year we were thrown into meetings or seminars regarding Central Database for Handicaps, Club Golf, Course Rating and Pathways towards development of young players etc. These were held in conjunction with the SGU and as you are all aware talks have progressed fairly quickly towards an amalgamation to take place in October 2011. Hopefully lady golfers will benefit from some extra revenue which should occur when the two Associations merge their staff and offices. The Central Database for Handicaps should also be up and running by then too, so that, when you go on holiday for example, you should be able to access your exact handicap from the computer. Also you will be able to enter you scores from Timbuctoo if needed! Regarding the Amalgamation, you can learn all about the proposals from our website by scrolling back to 13th October and there is a link to the SLGA webpage with all the information for you to read.

Sheila and Christeen

The first competition to be completed in 2010 was the Winter Foursomes and the final was contested over Eastwood Golf Course in February on a very wet, windy and cold day. The winners of this were Past Captain Christeen Finlayson and her partner, sweater girl, Sheila Robson (pictured left) who defeated Sandra Gilchrist and her daughter, Jennifer Chuwen at the 19th hole.
Congratulations to them all for keeping going on a miserable day and to the winners for sticking at it!


In April the County Championship took place at Ranfurly Castle. Nearly 70 members played in the Open Day and it was gratifying to see most of our squad had qualified for the knock out stages. The Peggy Clark Cup for the best net score was won by Liz Wilson of Elderslie. The final was contested by Clare-Marie Carlton and Eilidh Briggs and we ended up with a new name on the trophy. Playing faultless golf, Eilidh won by 4 and 3. Of course she did the double this year by winning the Junior County Final too. Well done Eilidh and just to let you know she got 5 highers too…4 As and a B. Congratulations!

At the Helen Holm at Troon, Megan and Eilidh Briggs, Alyson McKechin and Clare-Marie Carlton all had good rounds to make the cut into Sunday on Royal Troon. Alyson finished the best from Renfrewshire and we congratulate her on this.

West of Scotland Champions
Megan, Donna and Clare- Marie (D&A Captain Jennifer Kinloch)

On 2nd May the West of Scotland Championship was held at Cardross and we were delighted that Megan Briggs was the winner and the team event was won by Renfrewshire. We thought that we had won the Junior team award too but had forgotten that it was to be played on handicap so the trophy went to Lanarkshire. Congratulations to them.


The County Spring Meeting was held at Cowglen on 6th May with Lesley Cosh winning the best handicap score and Megan who won the best scratch score.

This all looked very promising for the Scottish Amateur Championship which was to be played the next week at Craigielaw in East Lothian where Megan was to defend her title. She, Clare-Marie and Alyson went through the qualifying rounds to the knock out stages. Alyson lost at the 19th in the 1st round, Megan was beaten in the quarter final at the last hole and then in a nail biting game against Scottish Internationalist Louise Kenney, Clare-Marie lost at the 22nd hole denying her a place in the final which was won by Kelsey McDonald. Well done all of you!

Gillian McGinlay and Vice Captain Maureen won the scratch prize and Norah Adams and Heather Davidson won the Handicap prize at the County Foursomes at Cochrane Castle. The Inter-County Foursomes was played at Ballochmyle and 6 couples went forward from Renfrewshire. Denise Cowan and Jackie MacDonald won the best net and Donna Jackson and Liz Stewart were 2nd in the scratch. The Commonwealth Spoons which was postponed due to the weather was played at Cathkin Braes a couple of weeks ago but unfortunately Renfrewshire did not feature in the prize list.

The Medal Finals which was played at Paisley in conjunction with the June Medal was won by Lindsay Mathie .

The Rosebowl Final in September was also played at Paisley Golf Club between Alyson McKechin and Jackie McDonald. At one stage we all thought we were having an early coffee when Alyson was well up at the turn but Jackie then won 4 holes in a row and it got very exciting! Unfortunately Jackie had an argument with a bunker at the 17th and it was all over ---3/1. Well done Alyson.

For the first time we competed for our smart, new Centenary Trophy kindly donated in memory of Miss Kathleen McNeil. 42 couples played at Elderslie on a lovely day in September and the winners Sally Smith and Anne Judge just pipped Julie Nicol and Mary Wylie on a countback over the last 3 holes. We congratulate them and especially Anne who had a hole in one at the 8th.

Scottish Mixed Foursomes

As far as outside competitions are concerned…Past Captain Jen Mack was a late substitute for Scotland in the Seniors match against Ireland and did very well. She along with one of her sons, Gavin and some of our other members, namely Gillian Kyle with partner Craig Watson, also Clare-Marie Carlton and her partner Greg Sommerville all did very well in the Scottish Mixed Foursomes here at Haggs Castle.


Vice Captain Maureen and Linda McDougall both qualified for the West Vets  Championship knockout stages. Annabel Kane and Rena Simpson were runners up in the Scottish Foursomes Strokeplay.
Moyra Gordon won the Costorphine Salver for the best net score at the Scottish Vets and Carol Fell and her partner Helen Faulds won the Beddow Quaiche and Tony Moffat Trophy for the best net and Scratch scores in the Scottish Vets Greensomes also at Blairgowrie. Congratulations to you all.

It has been great to watch the ever increasing list of Club Champions on our website and well done all of you.

On the administrative side, Beth Paterson has one more year on the SLGA Board as Director of Performance. This is a huge job and we commend her for the time and commitment which this requires. Fiona Roger continues to organize the Greenlees Trophy and I understand that there was a very successful 70th Anniversary Lunch and Prize Giving at West Kilbride recently. She is also for one more day the Vice Captain of the West Vets so after tomorrow she will be a very busy girl! Well done also to Ruth Henderson and Sheila Shaw who are Secretary and Treasurer respectively of the West Vets .

Now I would like to give you some of this year’s achievements of our young stars.

Megan - West of Scotland Champion
D&A Captain Jennifer Kinloch

Megan has now been Club Champion at Kilmacolm for the 5th time. She won the West of Scotland Championship and was runner-up in the Scottish Junior Open Strokeplay Championships. She was a member of the Scotland team which won a Bronze medal at the European Team Championships. Apart from being a member of our successful County team she was very thrilled to be a part of the Scottish Team which won the Home Internationals for the 1st time since 1991. We want to congratulate her and all the Scottish Team on this great victory. Megan has been confirmed as 8th in the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association Order of Merit. Not bad when doing a Law Degree too! Well done! (I know it pales into insignificance but she was also the runner up in our County Foursomes with an excellent partner!!)

Eilidh Briggs
(Photo Courtesy Colin Farquharson)

Now Eilidh (pictured left), aged 17, who became our new County Champion this year also, as Maureen said, won the Junior County Championship for the 5th time in a row. She also won the West of Scotland Girls Championship for the 3rd year in a row and has just been selected to be Captain of the West Girls for 2011. She was a member of our County team, the Scotland Team for the European Team Championships and also for the British Girls Championships and the Home Internationals. At the Scottish Junior Open Strokeplay Championships she won the Menzies Trophy for the best under 18. She won the Munross Trophy as well and was awarded the prize for the best Scratch score at the Janice Moodie. Eilidh also equaled her sister’s course record of 67 in a medal at Kilmacolm last summer. All this success meant that to our delight Eilidh has been confirmed as the Winner of the SLGA Girls Order of Merit for 2010. Congratulations!

Alyson McKechin
Photo Courtesy Colin Farquharson

Alyson (pictured right), aged 17, has also done very well this year.  She has played for Scotland in the European Team Championships and also in the Home Internationals.
Apart from winning the County Rosebowl and the Elderslie Club Championship again, she was also in our winning County team. Alyson is 6th in the SLGA girls Order of Merit and also won  the postponed 2009 Junior Champion of Champions in March..

Linsey and Eilidh
West of Scotland Girls

Linsey Stevenson, aged 16, is another of our young stars who has been receiving intensive coaching through the winter with the SLGA/SGU Performance Squad. She managed to reduce her handicap to 4 this year and as Maureen said, Linsey was runner-up to Eilidh in both the County Junior Championship and also the West Girls Championship. She also just lost the Elie Club Championship at the 20th hole.

I would urge any of you who know of any girls at your club with potential to let either Maureen Mitchell or myself know. We will be drawing up a list soon for Junior coaching at Playsport this next winter and would appreciate any names.

Carol Fell -- Book Launch

On the Social side…A very successful Coffee Morning was held in March at Haggs Castle Golf Club to launch the Centenary Book which was a great success.  

Many congratulations and a huge thank you go to Carol Fell for all her hard work in producing such an interesting and colourful book.  All who attended enjoyed getting together for a chat with County friends.  I was wondering if it may be worth considering doing something like this every 2^nd year when we are not holding a dinner?

We are of course intending to hold a Dinner once again here at Haggs Castle on 17^th March so please put the date in your diary now! Someone with whom I share breakfast will be speaking and I think it should be a good evening!

All the West of Scotland  County Teams

During the winter the County Squad attended training sessions at Playsport at East Kilbride and we are grateful for their support. PGA Pro Lesley MacKay gave them practices and drills and apart from swinging a golf club regularly through a very inhospitable winter it was a time to bond with each other. We had great intentions of playing down the coast etc but the weather was against us. Hopefully we may be able to do it this next winter.

Of course all this practice must have paid off because after working hard through the winter, the girls came to Kilmacolm in the Spring to familiarise themselves with the course for the West Inter County Matches. This they won very convincingly in June and thus qualified for the 3^rd year in a row for the Scottish County Finals at Bothwell Castle in September. 


And now for the piece de resistance…..for the first time in 23 years we WON the Scottish County Finals! Coincidently the last time we won this was in 1987 when our Honorary President, Eileen Gibb was the County Captain. I knew you were a good choice, Eileen! Perhaps you might be interested to know that the last time the team qualified 3 times in a row was 1959, 60 and 61 - yes, 50 years ago! In fact the teams qualified six years in a row - 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 and 61! That’s not too much to ask …is it? --- Anyway for those who were not at Bothwell, it was the most excruciating time …. not only watching for crucial putts to drop or in my case shutting my eyes and waiting to hear either the groans or the cheers, but also the nervous waiting to hear at the end on Sunday afternoon if we had won on a countback against Midlothian……which we did!

RLCGA - The 2010 Scottish County Champions and supporters

I want to thank my wonderful Vice Captain, Maureen for all her help, not only for her advice with the team selection and her ultra quick wit but also her efficient texting while on the course. It is a great way of keeping up to date with who is up or down in their matches. Thank you also for organising the caddies for the finals and also my thanks to Sally Smith for organising the caddies at Kilmacolm. Thanks also to everyone who helped by caddying both at Kilmacolm and at Bothwell and also all our loyal supporters. The team love to see you there and we look forward to a “touch of pink” at next year’s matches.
And now to the team. I am so proud of you and I feel really priveleged to be the Captain of such a great bunch. You all played your hearts out and there wasn’t one person who did not give her all…..beginning to sound like Tess Daillie! BUT I would like to mention two players who have given so much to Renfrewshire. Firstly Donna Jackson who has now played for the County for 27 years and never missed a Jamboree! Donna was in the team which lifted the County Finals Trophy all those years ago…..well done Donna and thank you on behalf of us all. Secondly we want to thank Clare-Marie Carlton who has played for us for the last 7 years. Clare-Marie is such a lovely golfer but sadly she is not going to play for Renfrewshire any more because she has joined the ranks of the Professional Golfers Association. But we are not saying goodbye because she has already begun her 3 year traineeship at Playsport under the wing of our coach Lesley MacKay. So if you go to Playsport you may have a lesson from Clare-Marie…who knows. Anyway good luck for the future Clare-Marie and also with your wedding in February.
Now I would like all the team to come out to the front and stand beside this huge County Challenge Trophy so that I can introduce you to our members.

Firstly our County Champion—Eilidh Briggs, Megan Briggs, Clare-Marie Carlton, Donna Jackson, Gillian Kyle, Alyson McKechin, Liz Stewart, and Carol Whyte.

Lastly I want to thank my committee. Some of you are continuing and I look forward to working with you next year. Thank you, Eileen, for all your support as our Hon President. Eileen was not at all well at the start of this year but it is great to see you looking so well and I hope coming out to watch County golf has helped your recovery but maybe not your nerves!

Morag and Christeen are presented with flowers

Sadly we have to say good bye to Past Captain Christeen and I thank you again on behalf of everyone for all the time which you have given to Renfrewshire and particularly for steering us through our very successful Centenary year. Three of our other members retire by rotation—Sally Smith….thank you firstly for dealing with the uniforms and then for organising the caddies this year at Kilmacolm in June. Morag Little …..Thank you so much for all your help with the Juniors. Freda Tuck….a whiz on the computer….what would we do without you? Well fortunately we won’t have to….because Freda has agreed to continue to be our Results Secretary although she will not be officially on the committee. A very special thank you to our Webmaster Carol. I suspect that most of the members have no idea how much she does. Carol comes to everything if at all possible and takes fabulous photos and then writes a wee story about the golf which she has watched. Not only that, but she plays in Medals, stopping to snap people and views and still manages to win the competitions!.
Lastly, my ultra efficient Secretary, Morag. I really cannot thank you enough for all your help to me particularly this year and also for the last 2 years. We are so sorry to lose you, but I do understand that you feel you would like more time to spend with Gordon. I shall miss you very much but at least I shall be seeing you at Kilmacolm so you can’t get away from me that easily!  --- Both Christeen and Morag were then presented with flowers

Well my first year is over and there were times when I never thought I could do it in conjunction with accompanying Colin to various events. But with all that and to be the Captain of the Best County Team in Scotland….it really is the icing on the cake!


ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS

Jean Irvine

I am delighted to announce that the following will be continuing on the Committee.

President Eileen, Vice Captain Maureen, Treasurer Jan, Junior Secretary Maureen.

Freda has been persuaded to continue as our Results Secretary, and Jean Smith will continue to help both the Secretary and Treasurer with Membership.

Since our Secretary, Morag, is resigning, it gives me great pleasure to propose Jean Irvine as our new Honorary Secretary. We caught Jean unawares one day just soon after she had retired from her full time job as Practice Manager in the Kilmacolm Surgery and I think she couldn’t think of a good excuse! She is a Past Captain and former Handicap Secretary of Ranfurly Castle and I have every confidence that she will do a good job.

Susan Reid

Nicky Henderson

Jinty Rodger

As no other nominations have been received, the following (pictured above) have been invited to join the committee for the next three years. ---   Please stand
Nicky Henderson :  Haggs Castle

Jinty Rodger :         Williamwood

Susan Reid:             Ranfurly Castle

Duly elected.


Our Caddy Mistress for next Year’s Jamboree at Barrassie on June 20^th – 22^nd will be June Lockhart and she will be happy to take names of volunteers tonight!

Liz Hale will be continuing to help with Juniors.

Audrey Barclay will continue to run the Winter Foursomes this year but next year Patricia Davidson will be organising them.

Sheila Robson will continue to look after our sweaters and shirts etc. We are very grateful to Glenmuir for once again sponsoring us and I am delighted to announce that after a few years of every other colour under the sun, they are going to produce a really nice pink windtop again. They will have it with full sleeves, half sleeves and sleeveless all with our logo on and Sheila can show you these afterwards for ordering. I would recommend those who like to support the team to purchase one of these items.

PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION
10. The committee would like to propose a change to the Constitution.
para 11 no (ii) Reads now as
A member may only be a proposer or seconder once in three years or a period to be determined by the Management Committee
Change to read
A member may only be a proposer or seconder once each year or a period to be determined by the management Committee.
There were no objections to the proposed changes.

11. AOCB.
(i) As already mentioned regarding the proposed amalgamation between the SLGA and the SGU, all the County Captains have been asked by the SLGA to ascertain the feelings of our membership to do with those who make up the membership. At the moment one has to apply to become a member of the County. There is a proposal to open this up to all the entire lady members of any Renfrewshire club. The subscription for members would come automatically out of their Golf Club Sub…..a little like your sub to SLGA is at the moment. The advantages of this would be an increased revenue spreading the cost of coaching and running teams etc. over all lady members.
At the moment we have 23 Renfrewshire clubs with 2,273 lady members and only 9% are members of the County Association. I would like you to all go away and think about this. I am at the end of the telephone and have an email and royal mail address. I am sure that several of you will have views on this subject and I want to hear them before the New Year so please get in touch. --- CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE DETAILS FURTHER DOWN IN THE WEBSITE

(ii) Just a reminder about your Handicaps. If anyone is on the cusp of POINT 5 between eg 10.4 to 10.6 ie: 10 or 11 then would you please make absolutely sure that you are playing off the correct Handicap. Do not put yourself up. If you are in any doubt then please play off the lower score.

(iii) Fund Raising.
Since we have qualified for the County Finals for the last 3 years, we really need to raise some funds to help defray the costs of this and the Jamboree. Because of last year’s Centenary and also because I, personally, did not have time this year, we have not done any fund raising. This needs to be rectified so to start with the St Andrews Links Trust has kindly donated a round of golf for 4 at the new Castle Course just outside St Andrews on the road to Kingsbarns and St Andrews Bay. Sally Smith and Audrey Barclay will be happy to sell you raffle tickets this evening after the meeting at £1 a go or any committee member will have them. This is a really good chance to win something which is worth nearly £500. We will draw the winning ticket at the Dinner in March.
We also have some more Golf Balls for sale after the meeting which have the County Logo on them. The Pro V1s are £10 a sleeve and the others are £6 a sleeve---great for Christmas presents!
Because it has been popular before, we intend to hold a Fund Raising Bridge Drive probably about September so I hope as many of you will come to that as possible. We will have more information on that in the newsletter in February.


Trish then also reported that the County had equipment that could be borrowed for  Snag Golf for Juniors and to contact her if anyone would like to use the kit.

SNAG Golf Action Reel from SNAG Golf on Vimeo.

FIXTURE DATES:  ----- CLICK HERE FOR LIST

Firstly we will be having another County Dinner next year. This will be held on Thursday 17th March here at Haggs Castle. I cannot promise the hilarity which we had at our Centenary Dinner but someone with whom I share breakfast will be speaking and it should be a good evening.

The West Inter County Matches ie. the Jamboree will be played at Barrassie Golf Club in Ayrshire on 20th – 22nd June. Please do offer to caddy or at least come to support our team.

It is our turn to host the Kennedy Salver in 2011 which will be held at Erskine Golf Club on Monday 13th June. We would welcome support from the members at that too.

The County Championship will be held next April here at Haggs Castle. The Open Day which I must stress is open to all County members will be on Wed 13th April. The 1st 16 best scratch will then play knockout over the next 2 days with the Final being played on Friday afternoon of the 15th.

The West of Scotland Championship will be played next year at Lanark on Sunday 1st May and the Inter County Foursomes at Milngavie on Thursday 2nd June.

The Scottish Championships will be held the week beginning 17th May 2011 at Machrihanish in Kintyre which I suspect will be a more popular venue than this year’s one and we look forward to a big entry from Renfrewshire.

There was no other business and the presentation of prizes took place. President Eileen Gibb presented the Trophies and Medals to the winners----    CLICK TO SEE PRIZE LIST

Eileen and Gillian

The meeting was finally closed with notification of the date for next years AGM being Wednesday 2nd November 2011 at Haggs Castle and Gillian Kyle then gave a very excellent Vote of thanks and presented beautiful flower arrangements to Carol Fell and Eileen Gibb before everyone joined in much chat, bought golf balls with logos, raffle tickets, jerseys and even the odd glass of wine!