EILIDH BRIGGS WINS THE SCOTTISH UNIVERTIES ORDER OF MERIT

Despite a last minute scare Renfrewshire's , Eilidh Briggs ( Stirling ) kept her nerve to lift the Scottish students’ championship yesterday and complete an unprecedented clean sweep of the four Scottish universities’ women’s order of merit competition tournaments during 2011-2012.
Fellow Stirling student Hannah McCook (Grantown on Spey) took four shots out of Eilidh's seven shot overnight lead in the morning round and holed a 12ft putt on the last green in her final round but still came up one short of catching the Kilmacolm leader.
Eilidh  closed with a 78 for three-under-par total of 293; Hannah a 76 for 294.
Gabrielle MacDonald ( St Andrews and Craigielaw) finished third on 300 with a last-round 77.
Briggs and McCook combined with Harriet Beasley and Jordana Graham to lift the Moray Trophies women’s stroke-play team championship for Stirling ahead of St Andrews .


WOMEN’S FINAL TOTALS
Par 296 (Moray New: 2x72; Moray Old: 2x76)
293 Eilidh Briggs ( Stirling ) 73 68 74 78.
294 Hannah McCook ( Stirling ) 75 73 70 76.
300 Gabrielle MacDonald ( St Andrews ) 75 75 73 77.
301 Gemma Bradbury ( St Andrews ) 76 74 73 78
306 Franzisca Benze ( St Andrews ) 76 74 75 81
316 Jordana Graham (Striling) 76 80 80 80
319 Ashley Smith ( St Andrews ) 75 81 75 88
322 Alisa Theunis ( St Andrews ) 78 82 80 82
324 Zhana Tarasko ( St Andrews ) 8478 76 86
326 Harriet Beasley ( Stirling ) 82 79 80 85.
329 Sam Munro (UHI) 78 84 81 86
331 Mikaela Nordblad ( St Andrews ) 81 82 82 86.
335 Mhairi McKay ( Stirling ) 82 85 77 91.
The Stirling girls won the Scottish universities women's team match-play championship at Lossiemouth today.

The Scottish universities women's match-play team championship was then won by Stirling who beat St Andrews 5 1/2-1 1/2 today.
Details (Stirling names first):
FOURSOMES (2-0)
Hannah McCook beat Gemma Bradbury and Ashley Smith 3 and 2.
Jordana Graham and Eilidh Briggs beat Franzi Benze and Zhana Tarasko 1 hole. SINGLES (3 1/2-1 1/2)
Mhairi McKay halved with Mikaela Nordblad
Beasley lost to Alisa Theunis 1 hole.
Graham beat Benze 4 and 3.
McCook beat Smith 4 and 3.
Briggs beat Bradbury 4 and 3.

CURTIS CUP TEAM 2012 IS ANNOUNCED

Lanarkshire's Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle)has been selected to play in the Curtis Cup Team versus USA at Nairn Golf Club from 8 to 10 June. Congratulations Pamela.
Charlie Hull has been selected in spite of missing the trial at Nairn last week.

TEAM
AMY BOULDEN (Conwy GC). Age 18
HOLLY CLYBURN (Woodhall Spa GC ). Age 20
CHARLEY HULL (Woburn GC). Age 16
BRONTE LAW (Bramhall GC ). Age 17
LEONA MAGUIRE (Slieve Russell GC). Age 17
PAMELA PRETSWELL (Bothwell Castle GC). Age 22
KELLY TIDY (Royal Birkdale GC). Age 20
STEPHANIE MEADOW (Royal Portrush GC). Age 20

TEAM CAPTAIN
TEGWEN MATTHEWS (Wales).

TEAM MANAGER
ANNA HUBBARD (Wales)

RESERVES
1 LISA MAGUIRE (Slieve Russell GC). Age 17
2 GEORGIA HALL (Remedy Oak GC). Age 15
3 BECKY HARRIES (Haverfordwest GC). Age 23
4 KELSEY MacDONALD (Nairn Dunbar GC).

RLCGA SENDS THEIR BEST WISHES TO THE TEAM AND WISHES THEM EVERY SUCCESS

WINTER FOURSOMES FINAL

L to R: Barbara Lyle; Angela Fergusson; Vice-Captain Gillian McGinlay; Susan Reid; Julie Will

The Final of the Winter Foursomes was played to-day at Cochrane Castle Golf Club. In contrast to last year’s final, the weather was glorious with warm sunshine and a gentle breeze.
The finalists were ANGELA FERGUSSON (EASTWOOD) and JULIE WILL (TROON LADIES) against BARBARA LYLE (WHITECRAIGS) and SUSAN REID (KILMACOLM) .
It was a closely fought contest, never more than two holes in it, with all players being very close in handicap. The game was won on the 17th green(2&1) by ANGELA and JULIE . It was the putting that made the difference at the end of the day with BARBARA and SUSAN just missing out on a few greens. A close game played in good spirit. Congratulations to the winners and congratulations to all four players for getting to the Final.
As Captain Maureen is on holiday, thanks go to Liz Hale for refereeing and to the few supporters who came along to watch.

YOUR WEBMASTER IS OFF TO THE MASTERS

Your Webmaster is going on holiday tomorrow (Monday) to the USA (Myrtle Beach) and will be at the Masters in Augusta after that.

The Curtis Cup team GB and I team of eight to be chosen tomorrow (Monday) and announced Tuesday noon for June 8-10 37th Curtis Cup match against the United States at Nairn GC.

However I will be on a plane at the time of the announcement -- Keep up to date with all the news on the Curtis Cup Facebook News on the LHS of this Webpage and the LGU Website and the Gillian Kirkwood Website

The Draw for the the County Championship Open Day will be published by Freda Tuck after the closing date which is the 28th March. If you have not entered then please go to the link on the LHS of this webpage and enter.

The RLCGA Committee will keep any posts going on the website and if I have a chance will keep you informed from the other side of the Atlantic !!
SEE YOU ALL SOMETIME -- PROMISE TO WEAR PINK AT THE MASTERS !!

EILIDH RECEIVES THE SLGA GIRLS ORDER OF MERIT AWARD

Louise Kenney, Eilidh Briggs, Sam Torrance and Megan Briggs with the Ryder Cup

Congratulations go to Renfrewshire's Eilidh Briggs who was awarded the SLGA Order of Merit award at last night's memorable 2012 Annodata Scottish Golf Awards.

The full list of award winners reads as follows:

•    Team of the Year – Fife
•    Scottish Amateur Golfer of the Year – Michael Stewart
•    SLGA Girls Order of Merit – Eilidh Briggs
•    SGU Boys Order of Merit – Greig Marchbank
•    RBS Junior Club of the Year – Dundas Parks Golf Club (Lothians)
•    SGU Seniors Order of Merit – Bob Stewart
•    SLGA Order of Merit – Louise Kenney
•    The Adam Hunter Award – Euan Walker
•    SGU Men’s Order of Merit – James White
•    RBS Junior Golf Volunteer of the Year – Iain Holt (Turnhouse Golf Club, Lothians)
•    Scottish Golf Player of the Year – David Law
•    Lifetime Achievement Award – Sam Torrance

CURTIS CUP SELECTION TRIAL SINGLES AT NAIRN SUNDAY MORNING

Ryder Cup , Walker Cup, Solheim Cup, Curtis Cup 

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Colin@scottishgolfview.com
G B and I team captain Tegwen Matthews has paired off the 12 players at this weekend's Curtis Cup selection trial at Nairn Golf Club as follows for Sunday morning:

8.30 Kelsey MacDonald v Leona Maguire.
8.40 Holly Clyburn v Kelly Tidy
8.50 Pamela Pretswell v Stephanie Meadow
9.00 Georgia Hall v Amy Boulden.
9.10 Lisa Maguire v Chloe Williams
9.20 Bronte Law v Becky Harries.

Spectators will be admitted free of charge.

The matches that were played earlier today (results not being released)
MORNING FOURSOMES
Bronte Law and Leona Maguire v Georgia Maguire and Becky Harries.
Kelly Tidy and Stephanie Meadow v Pamela Pretswell and Chloe Williams.
Kelsey MacDonald and Holly Clyburn v Amy Boulden and Lisa Maguire.

AFTERNOON FOUR-BALLS
Boulden and Tidy v Pretswell and Harries.
Law and Clyburn v Leona Maguire and MacDonald
Meadow and Hall v Lisa Maguire and Williams.

There will be no matches on Sunday afternoon which will be devoted to skill tests.
British champion Lauren Taylor is still recovering from a neck injury and but is in attendance although not playing. Her place was taken by Junior Vagliano Trophy player Chloe Williams (Wrexham).
Jeff Collington, who works out yardages for the Ladies European Tour, has been at Nairn this weekend and he is giving the players the benefit of his knowledge in that direction. Jeff was also a former caddie on the LET.
Former LET players Gillian Stewart and Christine Langford are on hand to give the GB and I squad members short game tips and also the psychological side of the game,
"We have a very strong support team," said captain Matthews.
Stephanie Meadows is leaving early on Sunday afternoon to catch a plane back to the University of Alabama who gave her special permission to attend the selection trial. Not all American universities are so co-operative.
The players - and the public - will not know the team until it is announced on the Ladies Golf Union website - www.lgu.org - at 12 noon on Tuesday.

WINTER FOURSOMES FINAL

The Winter Foursomes Final has now been re-arranged for Monday 26 March 2012 at 11 am at Cochrane Castle Golf Club. Please come along and support the finalists.
The Final is between Susan Reid (Kilmacolm) &  Barbara Lyle (Whitecraigs) and Angela Fergusson (Eastwood) & Julie Will (Troon Ladies)

CURTIS CUP FINAL SELECTION IS THIS WEEKEND

GB and I team captain Tegwen Matthews with the 13 players on hand for the Curtis Cup selection trial at Nairn Golf Club this week. Junior Vagliano Trophy player Chloe Williams (Wrexham) has been called in as a substitute for Lauren Taylor (Woburn), the 17-year-old British champion. Lauren injured herself last month and is not yet fit enough to play full shots but the LGU thought it was important that she went to Nairn to play her part in the team bonding and to listen to what captain Matthews has to say.
This weekend's schedule at Nairn Golf Club - to which spectators are welcome to attend free of charge:
SATURDAY - 8am - Three foursomes.
SATURDAY - 1.30pm - Three four-balls.
SUNDAY - 8.30am - Six singles.
SUNDAY - 2pm - Short game tests.
The GB and I team of eight for the June 8-10 match against the United States will be selected on Monday and released via the LGU website (http://www.lgu.org/) at 12 noon precisely on Tuesday.

JOB VACANCY WITH THE LGU

The Ladies’ Golf Union (“LGU”) is the encompassing body for ladies’ amateur golf throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Through its subsidiary company, LGU Championships Limited, it is specifically responsible for the delivery of national and international championships including British Championships, Home International matches, International matches including the Curtis Cup, and the Ricoh Women’s British Open.
Applications are currently being invited for the following positions (CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW) primarily based in St Andrews, but with some necessity for travel.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

CURTIS CUP PREPARATION -- HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY

Your Curtis Cup County Ambassador Carol Fell, Captain Maureen Woodhead and Vice Captain Gillian McGinlay are celebrating ST PATRICK'S DAY with Curtis Cup Captain Tegwen Mathews from Wales and Ireland's Mary McKenna (The one in the middle) who was the 2008 and 2010 Curtis Cup Captain. Mary has been appointed by the LGU as this years' Team advisor

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

EILIDH WINS THE SCOTTISH UNIVERSITIES ORDER OF MERIT BY 14 SHOTS

The 3rd Scottish Universities Order of Merit golt tournament event ended at a cold, wet and very windy Dundonald Links yesterday (Friday) with a clean sweep for Stirling University students in all four competitions.
In the men's event, Jack McDonald struck a highly credible 78 in the conditions for a total of 223 (9 over par) to pip Scottish international Graeme Robertson by two shots.

In the women's event, Stirling's Eilidh Briggs continues to dominate the Scottish Order of Merit events with scores of 74, 78, 81 for a total of 233 to win by 14 shots.
At the Scottish Universities Championships at Moray Golf Club in ten days time, Eilidh will have the unrivalled opportunity to complete a season's "Grand Slam" of the four Scottish student women's Order of Merit events - the first time this will have been achieved.
Along with Becka Wilson and Harriet Beasley, Eilidh also picked up the women's team prize.

MEN'S LEADERBOARD
1 Jack Mcdonald (Stirling) 73 72 78 223
2 Graeme Robertson (Stirling) 72 74 79 225
3 Dewi Merckx (Stirling) 71 74 80 225
4 Chris Harkins (Strathclyde) 75 74 77 226
5 Nick McAndrew (Aberdeen) 77 76 75 228
6 Don McAndrew (RGU) 80 74 77 231
7 Matthias Eggenberger (Stirling) 74 79 79 232
8 Lee Fuller (Northumbria) 83 72 79 234
9 David Booth (Stirling) 77 80 78 235
10 Jack Lampkin (Northumbria)  76 79 81 236


WOMEN'S SCOREBOARD

1 Eilidh Briggs (Stirling) 74 78 81 233
2 Becka Wilson (Stirling) 81 83 83 247
3 Jane Turner (RGU) 85 79 85 249
4 Gabrielle Macdonald (St Andrews) 82 85 83 250
5 Hannah McCook (Stirling) 86 84 82 252
6 Sam Munro (UHI) 84 81 87 252
7 Harriet Beasley (Stirling) 83 80 95 258
8 Jordanna Graham (Stirling) 85 84 95 264
9 Zhana Tarasko (St Andrews) 89 85 174
10 Alisa Theunis (St Andrews) 89 92 181
11 Mhairi McKay (Stirling) 94 90 184

Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the report

WINTER FOURSOMES FINAL POSTPONED

The Final of the Ladies Winter Foursomes between Susan Reid (Kilmacolm) &  Barbara Lyle (Whitecraigs) and Angela Fergusson (Eastwood) & Julie Will (Troon Ladies) has been POSTPONED since Cochrane Castle is CLOSED

PAST COUNTY CHAMPION CLARE-MARIE IS MADE AN HONORARY MEMBER OF FERENEZE

Many congratulations go to Clare-Marie Macaulay (nee Carlton) who has just been made an Honorary Member of Fereneze. She was absolutely delighted to accept the award.
When Clare- Marie was 12 years old, Junior Secretary, Leslie Campbell, who was in charge of the Renfrewshire girls, started her playing in junior matches and also got her involved in the West of Scotland Girls. The West of Scotland Girls' Association encouraged her to play in as many competitions as possible. In 2003, she played in her first Renfrewshire Ladies' County competition - the County Championship at Caldwell Golf Club - and competed in one of the best matches there ever was. She played Donna Jackson in the final and fortunately won at the 23rd hole in horrendous weather conditions. She also won the RLCGA Junior Championship in 2004
CLICK HERE TO SEE CLARE- MARIE WITH THE TROPHY IN 2003.
She said "It was a great honour to win the County Championship and also to play against one of the best players Renfrewshire has ever produced." Also in that year she achieved her first Scotland under 18 cap in the Home Internationals and then again in 2005. She also won numerous tournaments including the LGU Challenge Bowl and Wallace Williamson Bowl in 2009 at Stirling and the Mackie Bowl at Gullane also in 2009.
Throughout the years she played in the Renfrewshire County team and made friends that she will always keep in contact with. She says "I really enjoyed playing for Renfrewshire as we had great fun and when we play in our matches there was great team spirit and everyone had a wonderful time. Clare - Marie is now currently working full time at Play Sport Golf.
MANY CONGRATULATIONS CLARE- MARIE

ALEX QAYUM AND EMMA KENNEDY ARE DOING WELL IN THE SCOTTISH GOLF ACADEMY WINTER SERIES

Last Year Renfrewshire Juniors Alex Qayum (pictured left)  Emma Kennedy (pictured centre) and  Loiuse Binning (pictured right) were nominated from Renfrewshire to take part in the Scottish Golfing Academy. In the winter Series for the South and West.
Alex is currently in 4th place and Emma is in 8th place after playing at West Kilbride, Southerness and Portpatrick. Louise did not play in the Winter Series.

What is The Scottish Golf Academy?

The Scottish Golf Academy is the national development programme for Scotland’s talented young golfers. Nurturing boys and girls from the age of 14 and upwards, the Academy provides young players with a comprehensive coaching and support programme tailored to the needs of the individual to maximise their opportunity of succeeding at the highest level. Using some of the country’s best facilities and PGA-trained coaches, the Scottish Golf Academy supports around 120 players each year from the Highlands to Dumfries & Galloway with the objective of developing Scotland’s future generation of golfing stars.
Every young golfer with the potential and ambition to succeed at the highest level has the opportunity of gaining entry to the Scottish Golf Academy.

To read more CLICK HERE and to see the final positions CLICK HERE

CHANGE OF COMMITTEE DUTIES

Janette McCartney

A recent change in the duties of Committee members is that Janette McCartney from Erskine has taken over as Junior Secretary from Liz Hale.
 Liz has done a wonderful job with the girls over the last few years and her hard work is very much appreciated.
She will continue to play a part on the committee and is now the organiser for the Caldwell medal.

Janette will be supported by Jinty Rodger who has been involved with the Juniors for some time and by Sandra Littlejohn (Erskine) who is about to retire and eager to put something back into this wonderful game.

MAUREEN

TREAT YOURSELF - GET SOME NEW COUNTY SWEATERS AND TOPS THIS YEAR

RLCGA has a stock of Golf Shirts, Slip-Overs, Jumpers,  in a range of different sizes. These can be ordered and purchased 
Details of what is available are set out below. If you would like to any of the range then print the following  - Downloadable order Form and send it to SUSAN REID who is in charge of all the stock. Alternatively give your order at the next county meeting

Click on the arrow beside the small photo thumbnails to scroll through the stock and to read more about the items click on the link RLCGA Glenmuir Shop on the LHS of this website

SENIOR AND JUNIOR COACHING SESSION AT PLAYSPORT

For the first time both the Senior Squad and the Juniors took part in a combined Coaching Session with Lesley Mackay at Playsport, East Kilbride. All the ‘girls’ were put through their paces with target practice and distance control. Liz Stewart was probably the most enthusiastic – she certainly made enough noise when she hit the target - ‘get in there’ was heard several times!!

The RLCGA Junior and Senior Squads with Jinty Maureen
and Sandra - Click to enlarge

Alyson McKechin also helped the Juniors understand what was going on by having Lesley explain things several times before the practice session got under way!

Lauren Coventry fron Whinhill gets some pitching practice

The juniors also enjoyed playing in teams with the seniors and a session at the short game practice area was also beneficial – although it was very cold.
The Seniors showed the Juniors at least one thing – how to wrap up for the winter chill!!

All the Senior Squad were there (apart from Gillian McGinlay and Trish Davidson who had work commitments) and around 14 Juniors took part.

A good day all round and one which will no doubt be repeated.

Lesley Cosh with Captain Maureen who joins in the training Session.

Thanks go to Captain Maureen Woodhead for the report and photos courtesy of Janette McCartney

GET YOUR ENTRY IN FOR THE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP AND ENTER SOME MORE COMPETITIONS

The Past Captains at Erskine in 2007

The County Championship this year is over Erskine Golf Club on Wednesday 18th - Friday 20th April. The Wednesday is open to all members of the County with the best 16 gross scores qualifying to play in the Matchplay stages on the Thursday and Friday.
The holder of the County Championship is Eilidh Briggs and the last time the Championship was held at Erskine the winner that year was her older sister Megan who beat Clare- Marie Carlton (now Macaulay)
To see some photos from the Finals Day in 2007 then  CLICK HERE
Also Click on the play button of the video taken 5 years ago at the event (Sorry Quality not that great)

GET YOUR ENTRY IN NOW -- BY CLICKING HERE.
ALL THE ENTRY FORMS ARE FOUND BY CLICKING ON THE LINK ON THE LHS OF THE WEBSITE THAT SAYS 2012 COMPETITION ENTRY AND DRAWS.

WEST OF SCOTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP - GET YOUR ENTRY FORM

The West of Scotland 36 Hole Stroke play Championship is on Sunday 6th May 2012 at Renfrew Golf Club. The 2011 Championship was won by Renfrewshire's Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm).
To get your entry form CLICK HERE

ATTENTION ALL JUNIORS -- HAVE YOU ENTERED THE UNDER 16's STROKEPLAY

This is a reminder to get your entries in for the 2012 SLGA Under 16 Open Stroke Play Championship. This Championship will be held at Strathmore Golf Centre near Alyth from 12 - 13 April, with an official practice round available on 11 April.
Entries close at 12 noon on Monday 12 March.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR ENTRY FORM

WINTER FOURSOMES FINAL

The Final of the Ladies Winter Foursomes between Susan Reid (Kilmacolm) &  Barbara Lyle (Whitecraigs) and Angela Fergusson (Eastwood) & Julie Will (Troon Ladies) has been arranged for Friday 16th  March 2012 at 11 am at Cochrane Castle Golf Club. 

Hopefully it will be a reasonable day weather-wise and members are urged to turn out and support the players.

MAUREEN