MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS

CLICK ON MAUREEN, GILLIAN AND CAROL TO REVEAL MORE !!

EILIDH WINS IN ARGENTINA

Charlotte and Eilidh 

From the R&A Website 

R and A Foundation Scholars Renfrewshire's Eilidh Briggs  and Charlotte Austwick notched up a notable victory when they won the Freddy Zorraquin Trophy in Argentina.

The girls enjoyed a nine-shot victory in the team event at the Argentine Ladies’ Open Championship at the Club de Campo Los Pinguinos, near Buenos Aires earlier this month.

They led after the first two rounds of the 54-hole championship which was curtailed due to inclement weather. Eilidh, the 2011 Scottish Girls’ Champion and a student at Stirling University, and Austwick, a third year student at York University, had previously played together in a three-woman team representing Great Britain at the World University Golf Championships in the Czech Republic, where they finished in seventh position.

 The R and A Foundation Scholars’ programme supports more than 100 male and female students in several countries throughout their period of study. The R and A Scholars’ Tournament takes place from April 8-9, 2013 on the Old and Eden courses in St Andrews.

HOPE SANTA IS GOOD TO YOU ALL

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS

MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO PAST CAPTAIN BETH WHO IS NOMINATED TO BE THE NEW SLGA CHAIRMAN

Congratulations to Past Captain Beth Paterson on being nominated as the new Chairman of the Scottish Ladies Golf Association.  Her nomination is likely to be ratified at the forthcoming SLGA AGM in January 2013 in Perth.

Beth will undoubtely be a very popular choice and is well respected in Renfrewshire and beyond.  She has huge experience both as a former County player and in the Administration of Golf - not least as RLCGA Captain in 2006-2007.  She has recently served the SLGA as Chairman of Training and a Performance Director.

Apart from all this, Beth is a supremely approachable person and will hopefully carry on the work involving the Amalgamation of the SLGA with the SGU to a quick conclusion.

Well done Beth, your County is proud of you!!
Captain Maureen

PAST RLCGA CAPTAIN BETH PATERSON IS NOMINATED AS THE NEW SLGA CHAIRMAN

Beth Paterson

NEWS RELEASE FROM SCOTTISH LADIES GOLFING ASSOCIATION

Beth Paterson, a member of Eastwood Golf Club, has been nominated as the new Chairman of the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association.
After four years in the post, Shona Malcolm is set to step down and Beth’s nomination is set to be ratified at the SLGA’s Annual General Meeting at the Gannochy Suite, Dewars Centre, Perth on January 19th

The Chairman’s term of office is three years, although Shona served an additional year to provide continuity in a period of staff and officer changes in 2012.

 Beth is a single figure handicap golfer and has a wealth of experience in the ladies’ game. She has already served the SLGA as both Chairman of Training and Performance Director. Eastwood Club Captain in 2000.

Beth also went on to Captain Renfrewshire County in 2006 and 2007 and showed her commitment to the girls’ game with a nine year period as her club’s Junior Girls’ Convener and three years as County Junior Secretary. Good enough to earn a place in Renfrewshire county squad, Beth provided early evidence of her willingness to give something back to golf.

 At just 17, she served on the committee at her original home club of Brodick on the Isle of Arran.  “I’m looking forward to new challenges as Chairman after the AGM and progressing the ongoing discussions with Scottish Golf Union on amalgamation,” she said.

  Amalgamation Update, December 2012
 For the latest information on Amalgamation  CLICK HERE

YOUR CADDY MISTRESS IS INJURED

It is with great regret that I have to announce that Renfrewshire's Caddy Mistress June Lockhart has unfortunately broken her wrist when she fell on the ice about ten days ago.

Despite having to get her wrist reset she is still in good humour  and was able to meet your webmaster Carol for a spot of lunch last Friday.

She is keeping a low profile as you will see from the photo taken in the shade !! - but hopes that all will improve in the new year.

Her son is doing a charity skydive in February in memory of her daughter Sheona. Please have a look at his short video which contains the details  - and perhaps you could consider donating.  

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hi Ladies

I would like to thank you for the lovely cards and flowers I have received since my hospital stay, they have cheered me up no end, especially since I know how busy everyone is at this time of year.

On behalf of Vice Captain Gillian, Secretary Jean, our new Treasurer Tracy - and the rest of the Committee - I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  I look forward to the Festive period and to the golf that lies the other side of the 'Bells'.

If you are wondering what to put on your Christmas Wish List - you can now add a Distance Measuring Device!!  The SLGA have intimated that at their AGM in January, use of these will be permitted in SLGA competitions.  On that basis I have withdrawn the proposal Gillian mentioned at the AGM. 

Happy Holidays

Captain Maureen x

2013 RLCGA COMPETITIONS

For your Diary for 2013

April Medal (​Gourock​) : Sunday 21st April

County Championship​ (Kilmacolm ​) : 17th - 19th April.

County Foursomes​ (Cathcart Castle​) : Monday 29th April.

Spring Meeting​ (Old Ranfurly​) : Wednesday 15th May.

June Medal​ (Ralston​) : Thursday 6th June.

Inter County Foursomes Final​ (Ranfurly Castle): ​Thursday 13th June .

July Medal​ (Lochwinnoch): ​Monday 8th July

August Medal (pm)​ : (Eastwood​ ) Monday 5th August

September Medal (​Gleddoch​) : Tuesday 3rd September

Autumn Greensomes​ ( Greenock​ ) : Tuesday 10th September.

Campbell Clock ( Junior ) Whitecraigs​ Sunday 15th September .

SLGA ARE ADVERTISING FOR A NEW CHAIRMAN

Having served an agreed additional year following expiry of her 3 year term of office last January, the SLGA Chairman steps down at the AGM in January 2013.  We are therefore looking for a dynamic person to take the Association forward.  Click HERE for further details.
Applications are invited by Friday 7 December 2012.

EILIDH AND ALYSON ARE NAMED IN THE 2012 - 2013 SLGA NATIONAL SQUAD

Renfrewshire's  Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) and Alyson McKechin (Elderslie)  are both included in the National Squad for 2012 - 2013

The full squad lists are :-

National Squad  Lesley Atkins (Gullane Ladies), Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm), Connie Jaffrey (Ladies’ Golf Club Troon), Alyson McKechin (Elderslie), Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies), Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies), Rachel Walker (Dumfries & County), Lauren Whyte (St Regulus), Clara Young (North Berwick)  Foundation 2  Eilidh Crawford (Harburn), Jillian Farrell (Cardross), Mirren Fraser (Powfoot), Emma Hale (Ladies’ Golf Club Troon), Hazel MacGarvie (Ladies’ Golf Club Troon), Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne), Charlotte Munro (Gullane Ladies), Claire Robertson (Carnoustie Ladies), Andrea Walker (Falkirk)  Foundation 1  Kirsten Brown (Strathaven), Joanne Free (Gullane Ladies), Lori MacDonald (Cardross), Katie Scott (Strathaven)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAPTAIN MAUREEN

All in Renfrewshire County wish you a Happy Birthday today Maureen and hope that you can back into action after your up and coming operation.
We all send you all our best wishes and hope you have a speedy recovery  --  Enjoy yourself while you are young !!


 

RENFREWSHIRE'S MARION STEWART IN THE NEW WEST VETS VICE CAPTAIN

The West Vets AGM was held at Cowglen Golf Club this afternoon - Thursday 8th November. Renfrewshire's Fiona Roger (Ranfurly Castle) has now ended her 2 year stint as Captain and the new Captain is now Anna Telfer (Milngavie)
Renfrewshire's Marion Stewart (Kilmacolm) was announced as the new Vice Captain.
To read the report from the AGM go to the West Vets Website

2012 AGM AT HAGGS CASTLE - VICE CAPTAIN GILLIAN STEPS IN

Some of the prizewinners at the RLCGA AGM

The 103rd  RLCGA AGM was held at Haggs Castle Golf Club this evening --  the 7th November 2012.

Captain Maureen Woodhead was unfortunately unable to be there to open the meeting due to being unwell and had been in hospital.  However Vice captain  Gillian McGinlay was able top step in  to role admirably and welcomed Honorary President Eileen and all the committee and members to the AGM. She also informed the meeting that although Maureen got out of hospital today she needs to go back in about a fortnight to have her gall bladder removed. We wish Maureen a speedy recovery and all our best wishes.

WELCOME: 

Honorary members, Past Captains to our one hundred and third annual general meeting and thanked Haggs Castle Golf Club for once again allowing us to host our AGM in their clubhouse.

Secretary Jean Irvine read out all the apologies

The minutes of the meeting held on November, 2011, had already been distributed and were taken as read

Matters Arising: None

TREASURER'S REPORT BY --- JAN MACNAB (FULL FINANCIAL DETAILS WILL BE IN THE MINUTES)

It gives me great pleasure to present my 3^rd and final set of set of accounts to the meeting. I have enjoyed the experience and challenge of being the County Treasurer, but I am delighted that someone else has agreed to take over from me - so they can enjoy the experience as well!

This year, unlike last year, we have made a loss. As I explained last year, however, the difference is really entirely due to the expense of qualifying for the County Finals. Obviously we are delighted to qualify – but this always costs about £1,000. (The total cost is always over £2,000 but we get a contribution of £1,000 towards this from SLGA).

In 2011 Renfrewshire did not qualify, but we had money from the raffle – so these funds were put towards this year’s expense.

At the year end, the County still has a fairly healthy bank balance  (which includes the £2,000 we received last year from the R&A) so we are far from penniless yet, despite this year’s loss. And we will have sufficient funds to cover the team’s expenses when, of course, they qualify again next year.

Everything else was broadly in line with last year, with of course again the trend of costs being slightly up and income slightly down. The competition expenses and prizes are lower this year because of the sad cancellation of the Flagship event, the Autumn Greensomes. As I am sure will be reported elsewhere, the weather has been really disappointing, but on the bright side has helped us save money!

Membership numbers are down slightly which I think is an ongoing trend throughout Scottish golf – and new members are always welcome!

So as not to discourage membership, the proposal is to keep subscriptions at the same level for 2013, i.e. £30 plus the £10 joining fee for new members.

If anyone wishes to pay their £30 tonight, please do so over at the desk after the Prizegiving. There is a new system, which we hope will work smoothly, where I have asked you to write your name and club on an envelope and put your subscription inside. I hope this will ease the usual congestion at the desk!

In conclusion, I would like to put the following proposals to the meeting:

1)            That the 2012 accounts be adopted by the meeting

2)            That the Annual Subscription for 2013 be set at £30.

If the Chair could get a seconder for those proposals….

SECRETARY’S REPORT -- BY JEAN IRVINE

Another successful year for the County Ladies.

All competitions were well supported and played mostly in reasonable weather, exceptions of course were Paisley,  -- I think we all deserved a medal for going round that day in the wind and rain and unfortunately our very popular Autumn Greensomes was postponed and eventually cancelled due to weather and ground conditions.

Again, I think our reminders via email about competition entries has been a success.
As I said last year, if anyone isn’t getting these emails or knows of anyone not getting them, please let me know. I try to keep this list up to date but it only needs a dot in the wrong place to cause havoc. Could I ask that if you win a trophy this year, you return it to me by the beginning of September, the en gravers are incredibly busy at this time of the year, and we are lucky to have them all engraved in time for tonights AGM.

I have had a good year, enjoyed caddying for Iona Stephen from Ranfurly Castle in the final of the county Challenge Bowl, enjoyed being at Cardross and Montrose caddying for our team who although not successful on this occasion, still played wonderful golf, I also watched the Juniors at the Kennedy Salver and Alexandra Qayum and Samantha Cowan in the Junior Championship, all playing superb golf and all with great futures in County Golf.

Membership numbers are slightly up on the year, but if you know of anyone thinking of joining, encourage them to join, it is very good value and we play some lovely courses.
On that subject, please enter as many competitions as you can, when we have been given courtesy, it is nice to use all the times.
Many thanks to all who have helped me this year, Maureen, Trish, Gillian Jan, Jean Smith , Freda and of course Carol.

 I also went to Nairn to the Curtis Cup,how exciting was that! and overheard someone saying ‘ this is not a game with which I am familiar’ I think our county team and juniors come under that category and I just live in hope.

JUNIOR CONVENOR REPORT -- BY JANETTE MCCARTNEY
(This was presented with an excellent slideshow of  the Junior Girls and many of the events)

What is Junior Girl ? 

This was one of my first and many questions over the year! 
For the purposes of my role as Junior Secretary a junior girl is a girl who is under 18 on the 1st January and not involved in golf at County Senior level. So at the moment there are approximately 25 girls with handicaps in the County and probably the same again who are members of County clubs and playing golf at some level, not a lot when you consider we have 23 clubs. There are pockets of girls where the membership is growing and very active such as Whitecraigs, Erskine, Whinhill and Caldwell but there is still lot to be done to encourage more girls to get into golf.

West of Scotland Girls Golf

I thought that if I had so many questions then there must be more of us who are unsure about the junior girls set up. This slide give an insight into how girls can get involved in golf in this area. Clubgolf are active in schools and clubs throughout Scotland so this is a great starting place. Every child age 9 would have been introduced to golf throughout Scottish schools for the past 7 years and our 3 county areas Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde have been involved in varying degrees for at least 2 years. 
Hopefully from their introduction to clubgolf they then join a club where they can become involved in the Ladies section and the Junior section and get involved in competitions and match play. They can also join the WSGGA where they get development, team matches and competitions. Linsey Stevenson and Niamh Kinney made it to the semi finals of the WSGGA Silver & Bronze Championships at Troon this year. Both were beaten in very close matches and caddied for their opponents in an afternoon of glorious sunshine. 
At County level, in RLCGA we offer free full membership to girls who have reach a handicap of 20 until they are age 23 and at this level they can play in all our competitions. We also offer coaching, development and team matches to all girls with or without handicap. Lot of golf clubs hold Junior Open Days where girls are very welcome and there are now a few that are girls only open days and we highlight these on the web and facebook. From Club and County golf girls can go on to SLGA competitions, development and national representation.

RLCGA Coaching

Playsport Coaching for the Junior Girls

This year from Feb - April we were at Playsport for 4 coaching sessions with Lesley Mackay and a fun day. 

A total of 19 girls with handicaps were invited to attend these session which they pay for and it was very well received. 


The fun day was for those who are golf club members with no handicap and this was a 2 hour session where Lesley gave them games and tasks on both long and short game.



West of Scotland Championship

This event was held at Renfrew this year and the Junior Team Award was won by Linsey Stevenson and Alexandra Qayum
.
RLCGA v D & A Junior Girls Friendly Match 
Kilmacolm were good enough to give us courtesy of the course to play a friendly match against D & A We had 10 girls to play on our side and D & A turned up with only 8 so Connie Dodds played for D & A. We played 6 singles and one foursomes match and had a very friendly halved match but we are claiming a moral victory as Connie actually won her game.


Kennedy Salver West Kilbride

We managed to field not our strongest team for this match but the girls all had a great day and we came 3rd with some very close matches. The stars of the day were Fay Hendry from Haggs Castle and Charlotte McLuskey from Whitecraigs who managed to win maximum points playing together in the foursomes and each winning their singles matches.

Campbell Clock Whitecraigs

A great entry with 39 playing in the various competitions throughout the day and all seemed to have a great time, with the sun even shining for us. The Campbell Clock was won by Jan Adams from Whinhill The 8 hole competition was won by Kirsty Forgie from Whitecraigs and the Par 3 by Anna MacKenzie from Mearns Castle GC. Many thanks to Jinty & Sandra for all their help throughout the year and to all the willing volunteers for the Campbell Clock on the day.

Scottish Golf Academy News
The Scottish Golf Academy is the national development programme for Scotland’s talented young golfers run by the SLGA & SGU. We nominated 7 girls and I am delighted to announce that 3 of them have been selected from Renfrewshire to attend the Academy this year. Alex Qayum from Ranfurly Castle, Maddie Cleat from Kilmacolm and Fay Hendry from Haggs Castle
.
Girls Junior Championship
The finalist this year are Samantha Cowan from Cochrane Castle and Alexandra Qayum from Ranfurly Castle and the final was held on Mon. 24th Sept. at Erskine Golf Club. On what was a great day for staying in front of the fire the girls produced some lovely golf with only Samantha’s putting letting her down in the end.

RLCGA Junior Facebook
This has been running all year reporting any club level news and away wins from junior girls. All who participate seem to have enjoyed the added feature and it keeps us up to date with what is going on. We regularly have between 100 and 400 viewing posts so thanks for participating. Some special achievements I would like to mention tonight are Fay Hendry of Haggs Castle who won the wee wonders national finals at St Andrews for the second year running and she has been invited to attend the World Championships in Pinehurst next August. Samantha Cowan won the brand new Trophy for Girls at Erskine Golf Club in the open day this year. Niamh Kinney won the Ladies Bronze Championship at Erskine and the Junior Girls Championship. Charlotte McLuskey of Whitecraigs won the Bisset Cup which is the Glasgow Schools Golf Tournament at Milngavie Golf Club.
It has been a very difficult year for handicap reductions therefore not a lot has been happening on that score so lets hope next year is dryer at least. I am indebted to Jinty Rodger and Sandra Littlejohn for all their very willing help throughout the year, I could not have coped without them and look forward to working with them next year. 

Many thanks also to all County Ladies and clubs for their ongoing support for Junior Girls. It is after all the future of the game. 

RENFREWSHIRE COUNTY AMBASSADOR FOR THE CURTIS CUP -- BY CAROL FELL

I have had a very busy year -- even maybe more than the Centenary Year. !! 

Highlight of the year, however, was being the Ambassador for Renfrewshire for the Curtis Cup -- 
There were 12 County Ambassadors for Scotland and their job was to help market the Curtis Cup that was going to be held at Nairn Golf Club in June.
We were all given  promotional banners, posters and a promotional DVD to advertise the event to as many clubs across Scotland. It hoped that by doing this it would help attract more spectators and supporters to attend. We were just to decide what was the best way to try and do this. 

 ---- This is how I did it 

All clubs in Renfrewshire were distributed with a Curtis Cup poster and a Tegwen Mathews promotional banner with my contact details and where to find updated news . I used our website to put all the promotional information, LGU surveys for estimating Curtis Cup Supporter numbers and a link to the Curtis Cup facebook page for up to date news.

Instead of going round Golf Clubs in Renfrewshire and playing the promotional DVD I managed to  make it into a You tube video -- which was also placed in the LGU website. -- This video managed to get over 3200 views. --- 

 Curtis Cup Promotional Video 

When the Curtis Cup took place at Nairn Golf Club I got a Media pass which allowed me to get closer to the action to take lots of photos and videos including the opening and closing ceremonies. You will again find the link on the website and links to photos, videos and also a  supporters song.  See --- Curtis Cup Photos, Videos and Songs Page. -- 

Renfrewshire’s Honorary Members Wilma Leburn (nee Atken) and Maureen Richmond (nee Walker)  played in the past Curtis Cup Players match on the day before the main event.

Day 1: did not kick off well - losing all 3 foursomes but managing to win 2 fourball matches to be 4-2 down at the end of the day.
Day 2: we were 6-3 down after the foursomes -- It was wet and cold and horrible and then in the afternoon Tegwen’s Troops won 2.5 - 0.5 in the fourball matches with Lanarkshire’s Pamela Pretswell playing a magnificent approach shot under pressure to grab a vital winning birdie at the 17th  -- so all was much closer USA 6.5 GBI 5.5.

Day 3: Great Britain and Ireland staged a brilliant last-day surge to win back the Curtis Cup. They finished victors by 10 1/2 points to 8 1/2. The last time GB and I beat the Americans was at Killarney in 1996 and it is believed to be the first time since 1956 that the United States have lost a Curtis Cup match after leading into the final set of singles.

The Ryder Cup, Walker Cup, Solheim Cup and now the Curtis Cup all now rest on this side of the Atlantic and of course the Ryder Cup was won again this year in the most dramatic way as well.

As far as the Supporters Song goes  -- well my very good friend Helen Faulds (D&A and Douglas Park) the Scottish Vets Captain and Captain of the Scottish Seniors Team got together with Bearsden Golf Club’s musician Irene McLelland and produced a Curtis Cup Supporters Song -- This again can be seen on You tube -- I attempted to play the tune on my mouth organ -- may I say badly  (to the tune Its a long way to Tiperraray) --- however, the song itself and the words were very successful --- We sang it on the 2nd day of the Curtis Cup but as I said before the weather was poor (COLD AND WET) and we felt we were not getting anywhere ---
However, when Pamela helped to get the GB&I teams score closer to the USA for the last day’s play Helen and I decided to try and get the support and atmosphere going as I think we were all feeling the team needed a boost. On Day 3 I played our song from my  iphone over the loud speakers on the first tee. The supporters on the stand were given a printouts of the words by Helen and we sang it again and again before each singles tie. The crowd atmosphere seem to lift and what a fantastic last day it was. --- WE WON --

AT THIS POINT THE AUDIENCE REQUESTED CAROL TO SING WHICH SHE OBLIGED BY PLAYING THE SONG AGAIN FROM HER IPHONE AND SINGING ALONG !!

Carol Fell with Curtis Cup Captain Tegwen Mathews

After the presentation Tegwen asked me if I would like to have my photo taken with herself and the Curtis Cup and I felt very honoured. She also thanked me on a radio program for our song and helping the support for the team -- click here

A message was also sent after the event by Shona Malcolm (CEO LGU) to all the Ambassadors and she said ---

I just wanted to drop you all a quick note to thank you for your contribution to the Team GB&I victory in the 37^th Curtis Cup match.
Teg and the world class players we had on the course at Nairn were of course the stars of the show, but the record crowds really contributed to the atmosphere and to the team performance, particularly when the chips were down! The ambassador programme made a huge contribution to raising awareness and encouraging attendance in the months leading up to the match, and ultimately we attracted record crowds. The support for Team GB&I throughout all three days was immense!

Have taken lots and lots of photos and videos at many events this year (About 50 Albums and 50 videos)-- who knows how many without counting them but over a 1000 photos including not only Renfrewshire photos but West Vets, West of Scotland, Club level, Scottish Seniors and many more.
Also have set up all the online booking and website links for competitions and I thank Freda for her ongoing excellent support of the system. 

The website will be 10 years old in spring 2013 --  and Renfrewshire was the first county in Scotland to trial the new CDH (Centralised Database of Handicap) which returns your results to the players Home clubs.

The Renfrewshire Facebook page for Janette and the Juniors has worked well and the Greenlees Trophy Grid  on the West of Scotland website keeps us all up to date with results !!

Think I need a holiday - Anyway I thank you all for your help and support - I have enjoyed being your Ambassador, and  I intend to be that woman with the camera for a few years yet !



CAPTAIN'S REPORT 2012  -- BY MAUREEN  - READ BY VICE CAPTAIN GILLIAN MCGINLAY

Captain’s Report

Gillian McGinlay

Welcome fellow members of RLCGA to our AGM.

I regret I am unable to join you but will be hoping everything moves along smoothly.

At the outset, I would like to thank my Vice Captain Gillian for stepping up at such short notice.  I would also like to thank Honorary Secretary Jean for her capable assistance to Gillian.

My Report is intentionally succinct and if I have missed any event which you believe merited mention, then I apologise in advance.  Most of what I have to say is reported on the website – although I do acknowledge that some of our members do not have access to the Internet.

GOLF

The 2011/2012 Winter foursomes final was eventually played at Cochrane Castle GC and was won by Julie Will (Troon Ladies) and Angela Fergusson (Eastwood). They beat Susan Reid (Kilmacolm) and Barbara Lyle (Whitecraigs) 2 and 1.  Thanks go to Liz Hale for refereeing.

At the beginning of the Year – well before our rather short season started -  Eilidh Briggs was in sunny Florida with Lesley MacKay and the Stirling University team and played very well, finishing 7^th in the South Atlantic Women’s Amateur Championship – 2 strokes ahead of Curtis Cup star Holly Clyburn.  

Eilidh also qualified for the match play stages at the Jones-Doherty Cup having the longest tie when she beat her opponent on the 21^st hole.  A wonderful experience for her and one which can only benefit Eilidh in the future. 

In March, Eilidh won the Scottish Students Championship to complete a clean sweep of the four Scottish Universities women’s order of merit tournaments for 2011-2012.

In April, Eilidh also won the SLGA Girls Order of Merit.

Eilidh was unable to defend her County Championship title as she was playing at the British Universities Championship.  She finished 3^rd and was selected to represent British Universities at the World Universities Championships in the Czech Republic from 2-7 July 2012.

On this side of the Atlantic, in April Alyson McKechin was in Spain with the SLGA squad and finished 15^th in the Spanish International Golf Championship, one of only two Scottish players to make the 36 hole cut.  She also played in Portugal.

Alyson McKechin - 2012 County Champion.

The County Championship was held at Erskine Golf Club.  

The final was contested by Alyson McKechin and Megan Briggs, with Alyson eventually winning by 3 and 2.  She was 4 under par in the match and the spectators enjoyed watching a terrific golf game between two of our best players.

Alyson continued with her good form and reached the last 32 of the British Open Amateur Championship at Carnoustie and had a fantastic 5 and 3 win over Curtis Cup star, Bronte Law.

Alyson was 6^th in the Scottish Girls Championship at Blairgowrie. She also won the Mackie Bowl at Gullane.

Alyson, Eilidh and Megan were all selected to represent Scotland in various events.  Alyson and Megan played in the Welsh Ladies Open Amateur 54 hole stroke play and finished in the top 20.  Eilidh and Alyson represented Scotland in the Irish Ladies Amateur stroke play in May.

Megan Briggs was 16^th in the English Mid Amateur Championship with Eilidh 3 strokes behind.

Alyson and Eilidh finished in the top fifteen at the British Womens Open Stroke Play championship in Belfast.  Iona Stephen also made the cut.

Alyson and Eilidh represented Scotland at the Home International Matches at Cork Golf Club, Ireland.

This report is beginning to sound like a fan club for our girls!!

From L to R : Carol Whyte, Alex Qayum , Eilidh Briggs, Gillian Kyle and Donna Jackson

The West of Scotland Championship was held at Renfrew Golf Club on 6^th May and was won by Eilidh Briggs who retained the trophy with an 8 shot lead over Carol Whyte who won the handicap Trophy.  Renfrewshire also won both Senior and Junior team trophies. A very creditable clean sweep - and the trophies are here tonight.

The West of Scotland AGM was held in August and Nora McCrossin has intimated her intention to retire at the AGM next year.  Anyone interested in finding out more about this task is welcome to speak to Maureen (when she's feeling better).

In 2013 the West of Scotland Championship will now be held over just 18 holes.  This will be at West Kilbride Golf Club on Sunday 5 May 2013.

It is hoped that this reduction to 18 holes will encourage more players to take part.  The handicap limit is 15 so many of our members are eligible and I look forward to seeing you there.

The RLCGA County Team at Cardross

Renfrewshire were represented at the West Inter County Jamboree by Alyson McKechin, Eilidh Briggs, Megan Briggs, Donna Jackson, Gillian Kyle, Liz Stewart, Linsey Stevenson and Carol Whyte.  

I would like to thank them all and acknowledge their commitment to the County.  They, in turn, were supported by a good number of spectators and our happy band of caddies.  I would like to record my personal thanks to each one of the caddies – without whom, our task would be much more difficult.  I would also wish to record my thanks to our Caddy Mistress June Lockhart who did a terrific job for us.

As we all know, Renfrewshire won the Inter County finals at Cardross and went to the Scottish finals at Montrose in September with high hopes.

Unfortunately Eilidh was unable to play as she had been selected for the World Team championships in Turkey.  Megan was unable to play on the Friday due to work commitments.  Iona Stephen was selected in Eilidh’s place and, like the rest of the team, acquitted herself very well.  We were extremely unlucky on Day 1 against the eventual winners Angus and the other matches were very close indeed.

Again, and on behalf of the team I wish to thank most sincerely those of you who made the huge effort and travelled to Montrose to caddy or support the team.

On behalf of the County, I sent a message of Congratulations to Mary Summers and the Angus team who won this event for the first time in 104 years. They are a very young team and hopefully we will see them next year in the Scottish Finals - maybe with a different result!

The West Inter County Jamboree will be held next year at Bothwell Castle Golf Club 17 – 19 June 2013.  This is where we won the Scottish finals in 2010 and is a happy hunting ground for us.  However, I am sure there are three other Counties in the West who will want to spoil our party!!

The Scottish Final is at Stirling Golf Club 20 – 22 September 2013.  Let us put both dates in the diary for next year!!

A number of County members participated in the Scottish Close Championship. Eilidh Briggs was most successful - beaten in the semi final by eventual winner Laura Murray. 

Donna Jackson and Liz Stewart won the Inter County finals at Hamilton by 7 shots.

Jean Irvine and her partner Lilias Snodgrass came third in the handicap event.

Sandra Littlejohn reached the semi final of the handicap match play at the Scottish Senior Championships at Kemnay.

Juniors

We have a new Junior Convenor as you all know this year and I am sure Janette McCartney will provide you all with the details of the junior events.

In August the Kennedy Salver was played at West Kilbride.

The Campbell Clock was held at Whitecraigs on 2^nd September, another successful day.

Alexandra Qayum beat Samantha Cowan 6 and 4 in the County Junior Championship over Erskine.

Iona and Anne

Congratulations to all our Lady Club Champions.  Well done to all of you.  I would like to make special mention of our Past Captain Aileen Wilson who won Haggs Castle Championship this year for the 23^rd time – even more remarkable is that she did it over five decades.  Something all of us can only aspire to.  Special congratulations to Aileen and apologies for mentioning the five decades!! 

Iona Stephen of Ranfurly Castle won the County Rosebowl beating Anne Aitken of Eastwood 4 and 3 in a very friendly match here at Haggs Castle.

Fiona Roger and Carol Fell were successful at the Scottish Vets Jamboree in Blairgowrie.

Europe won the Curtis Cup at Nairn, this was well reported on the website and tonight by Carol Fell.

HOUSEKEEPING

Our Club 2000 system was upgraded and copes well with the new Centralised handicapping system.  There are one or two clubs who have not registered so results for RCLGA members at those clubs cannot be automatically sent back to the home club.

We now have a county mobile, 07523278637.  This will be used at all competitions and on the day of the competition this is the number you should contact to cancel.  Similarly, members should contact the organiser of the competition if they need to cancel or request a change of time – not the Secretary.  Details of organisers are noted on the fixture card and the web site.

Next year there will be no changes to the start sheet of a competition within 24 hours of that competition.

Our fixtures have been confirmed and I would ask you to volunteer to assist one of the committee members with the running of a competition.  If you wish, you may volunteer for more than one and indicate a preference.  I think there is a sheet with the details tonight.

WINTER COACHING / JUNIORS

We had coaching with Lesley MacKay February to March this year at Playsport.  This coaching involved one joint session with both the senior and junior squads and went down very well with both sets of players.

Juniors who have handicaps of 20 and under have been contacted and invited to join RLCGA.  As of today’s date two have taken up the Invitation.

Currently we have not committed to any location for our Winter training but the interests of all RLCGA players will be considered during this process.

SLGA

This year we decided to permit Distance measuring Devices in our competitions.  This decision was taken as there was no sign of the SLGA considering this topic at their AGM last January.  I can advise you that Renfrewshire has tabled a Motion with the SLGA for their AGM that they permit Distance Measuring Devices.  Ayrshire has seconded this Motion and I am aware of support from several other Counties.  We await the SLGA AGM in January 2013 for any change.

In order to comply with the current SLGA Transportation Policy, the use of Buggies in RLCGA competitions is permitted on production of a medical certificate.  This certificate should be handed to our Honorary Secretary, with whom it will remain confidential.

There is a vacancy for a West Director in the SLGA.  Anyone interested  is again asked to contact Maureen.

Curtis Cup Ambassador Carol Fell worked very hard promoting the event and I would publicly like to record how impressed we have all been with her hard work – particularly her song-writing talent.  Well done Carol.

THANKS

I would like to record my thanks to Jean Smith who has agreed to continue as our Membership Secretary.  As many of you will know, Jean has had a difficult time recently but she is quite determined to do her bit to assist in the running of this Association.  To help her, I would urge you, if you have not done so already, to put your fees into one of the envelopes on the table, write your name and club on it and these will be passed to Jean to process.

Thanks are also due to Freda Tuck for her unstinting work as Results Secretary.  She continues to enjoy coming to the vast majority of the competitions to help out – despite not being able to play as much as she would like.  She is at home tonight, recovering from some surgery to her foot.  We wish Freda a speedy recovery and hope that she will be skipping down the fairways next season.

Sheila Robson, Liz Hale, Trish Davidson and Jan Macnab have worked for the County during their time on committee and on behalf of you all, I thank each one of them for their efforts. 

The Committee as a whole commit time and effort to this Association and I would like to thank them all for their hard work.

I would like to single out our Honorary Secretary Jean Irvine.  If you need anything done – and I mean anything – Jean Irvine will do it.  Her capacity for organising things knows no bounds and she has stood in for me on many occasions.  Jean, I thank you very, very much.

I know that Gillian may be reluctant to read this out but I wish it to be known that her support through my first year has been invaluable.  It is so much easier when there is a ready sounding board to talk things through.

Past Captain Trish has also been extremely helpful - as I knew she would be.  Thank you Trish.

SOCIAL

The dinner will be held at Haggs Castle on 20 March 2013.  Arrangements have yet to be finalised.

In order to keep our finances reasonably healthy, we will have some fundraising events next year.  These will be posted on the website and by email.  We, like other successful Counties incur significant expense when we qualify for the Scottish finals. The good news is that we all spend about the same - around £2,500.

You will understand why we have to fundraise.  I know that President Eileen is keen for the SLGA to support the counties more and no doubt this too will be raised at the AGM.  We can only wait and see so I believe we should be more pro-active ourselves. 

My home club, Gourock, have once again made a donation to our funds and it would be great if other clubs were able to do this - or even hold a raffle for us. 

I am finalising this report from my hospital bed - everyone say ahhh - and, as I said at the start of my report, if I have missed anyone out, then I apologise.

I hope you enjoy the evening, catching up with old friends and meeting our new members.

Hope to see you all playing next year.

Election of Office Bearers;

Top Row  - Tracy and Janette, Bottom Row - Gillian and Sandra

Tracy Masterton (Windyhill) to be Treasurer, Janette McCartney (Erskine) Junior Secretary,  Gillian Kyle (East Renfrewshire)  and Sandra Littlejohn (Erskine)

ANY OTHER BUSINESS - There was no other business.

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES - BY PRESIDENT EILEEN GIBB

Eileen is presented with flowers

The presentation of prizes then took place. President Eileen Gibb presented the prizes. County Champion Alyson McKechin said a few words after receiving the Championship trophy. 

Carol Whyte gave the vote of thanks at the end of the AGM.  ----
President Eileen for her never ending support of our county.  No matter the weather she can always be spotted on the course with her shooting stick and the touch of pink supporting us.  The team look forward to and appreciate her words of encouragement at the jamboree and county finals.

To Captain, Maureen and Vice Captain Gillian for all your hard work and enthusiasm whether it is a wet, windy and wild day for a county medal (Paisley Bushes springs to mind) or in the glorious sunshine, whenever that was?  You drive and enthusiasm to our county is much appreciated by all the members.

Maureen, we wish you a speedy recovery.   A special thank you must go to Gillian for stepping in for Maureen at short notice

Thank also go to all the committee for giving up their valuable time to organise the county competitions and to all those involved in the continued development of our junior girls golf.  Lastly a special thank you must again go the Carol and Freda for the excellent work they do on the website, posting results and photographs. 

It won’t be long until the new season is upon us.  Let’s hope for fine weather and even better golf.

Thank you.

 Eileen was presented with a beautiful floral display and then everyone enjoyed a cup of coffee or tea and a chat.

PRIZEWINNERS

WINTER FOURSOMES 2011/2012  (SALVERS)

WINNERS:                 Julie Will (Troon Ladies)

                                    Angela Fergusson (Eastwood)

Runners up:                 Susan Reid (Kilmacolm)

                                    Barbara Lyle (Whitecraigs)

SPRING MEETING      EAST RENFREWSHIRE           24^TH May, 2012

Scratch                         Gillian Kyle (East Renfrewshire)  

Scratch – 12  1st           Gillian Kyle (East Renfrewshire)              

                      2^nd          Nancy MacGadie(Ranfurly Castle)          

                      3rd          Iona Stephen(Ranfurly Castle)                 

13 – 28            1^st          Linda Ellery(East Renfrewshire)               

                      2^nd          Anne Aitken(Eastwood)                          

                      3^rd           Susan Reid(Kilmacolm)                          

COUNTY FOURSOMES        2^ND May, 2012    Elderslie

Scratch             1st        Liz Stewart (Greenburn) Donna Jackson (Cochrane Castle)

                        2nd       Carol Fell, Fiona Roger (Ranfurly Castle)                                      

                        3rd        Anne Judge, Sally Smyth (Ranfurly Castle)

                                  

Handicap           1^st        Carol Fell, Fiona Roger (Ranfurly Castle)              

                        2^nd        Anne Judge, Sally Smyth (Ranfurly Castle)          

                        3^rd        Morag Key (Ralston) Anita McMillan (Erskine)      

CHALLENGE BOWL (Best net aggregate April Medal & Spring Meeting / Knockout

Runner up                      Anne Aitken (Eastwood)

Winner/Trophy               Iona Stephen(Ranfurly Castle)

AUTUMN MEETING  GOUROCK                                CANCELLED

MEDAL SPOONS

April                Ranfurly Castle                                    Carol Whyte(Windyhill)

June                 Caldwell                                               Iona Stephen(Ranfurly Castle)

July                  Cowglen                                              Jan Macnab (Ranfurly Castle)

August             Cochrane Castle                                   Iona Stephen(Ranfurly Castle)

September        Paisley                                                 Lindsay Mathie(Windyhill)

SLGA Brooch (Awarded to winner in medal with largest entry (Ranfurly Castle)

Scratch – 12                  Carol Whyte

13 +                              Agnes Williamson

MEDAL FINALS (Played in conjunction with June Medal – 5 spoon winners from 2011

Denise Cowan (Ranfurly Castle)

TEAM BROOCHES AWARDED FOR BEING A MEMBER OF RLCGA TEAM

Linsey Stevenson (Elie and Earslferry)  Iona Stephen (Ranfurly Castle)

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP: Winner  Alexandra Qayum

                                                   Runner up  Samantha Cowan

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP/OPEN DAY   -  ERSKINE

18-20 April, 2012

SCRATCH:                  Megan Briggs  

Peggy Clark Trophy    Gina McDougall (Erskine)

Handicap:                     1^st       Gina McDougall (Erskine)

                                      2^nd        Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm)

                                       3^rd        Maureen Cook (Lochwinnoch)

Semi Finalists:            Lynsey Stevenson(Elie&Earslferry)

                                    Donna Jackson  (Cochrane Castle)

WINNER

Blythswood Trophy        Alyson McKechin (Elderslie)  

and brooch

Runner Up                     Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm)

To see some photographs from the AGM CLICK ON THE SMALL THUMBNAIL BELOW

2012 RLCGA AGM