GO TO ALL PHOTOS -- COURTESY OF FIONA ARMOUR
53 ladies attended the 108th RLCGA AGM which was held at Haggs Castle Golf Club tonight -- the 1st November 2017.
Captain Gillian Kyle welcomed Honorary President Jennifer Mack and all the committee and members to the AGM. She opened by saying "It’s great to see such a fantastic turnout this evening to celebrate such a successful year for Renfrewshire."
She then said "I would like to mention the sad passing of Anne Morgan of Whitecraigs GC in July. She was Whitecraigs Champion no fewer than 21 times, a County player, Captain and the Hon President. Our thoughts are with her husband and family."
Secretary Carol McNally intimated that there were 52 apologies
The minutes of the meeting held on November, 2016, had already been distributed and also on the website were taken as read.
There were no matters arising.
The following reports were then read out -
Treasurers Report -- Tracy Masterton
Despite all the County Team expenses this year with some fundraising and various donations she indicated Renfrewshire County were doing well this year. -- The full Treasurers report will be available in the 2017 AGM minutes.
Secretaries Report -- Carol McNally
Yet another exciting and extremely enjoyable year for me as Renfrewshire Ladies Secretary and am delighted to have met and got to know even more members this year.
Our membership seems quite solid with 213 members and 21 juniors at close of this season which I am glad to say is up on last year.
She then read a listing of all the competitions throughout the year with the winners and the fixtures for next year ( All listed at the end of this post)
Before handing over to June Lockhart for her update to us on Scottish Golf. -- Maureen Mitchell gave an excellent report on Course rating within Renfrewshire. She was pleased to inform us that Renfrewshire's Linda Ellery, Carole Spy and Liz Munro (all East Renfrewshire GC members had all been though the program for course rating which was great news for the County and that all the clubs were up to date in the process.
This year's uptake of evening tee times was very well supported by our ladies and to that end we shall again have evening reservations at our Spring Meeting; June and July Medals.
With reference to the Jamboree, may I take this opportunity to say yet again an enormous thanks to all my caddies for their commitment and support to our team for the Jamboree at Hamilton. A huge and grateful thanks to all of you who willingly gave your time to support our team and in so doing made my coordinating job so easy.
Ladies, for those of you who have not yet experienced supporting our team at the Jamboree, I would highly recommend experience…… No I'm not on a recruitment drive for caddies, but just pointing out what a fabulous event it is.
Lastly, my biggest thanks must go to our Captain Gillian. She has steered me gently and supported me greatly in our two years together. Thank you Gillian.
Ladies, that concludes my report for season 2017, if I thought last year was quick, this has gone past even quicker. Thank you for your continued support and I very much look forward to next season with you all.
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| Maureen Mitchell |
I’m going to report on a series of 3 meetings we have attended over the last 2 years, but to put this information into context, the following background has to be mentioned.
• Adult golf membership has decreased from just under 220,000 in 2007 to at present 180,000.
• Sponsorship is declining and Sport Scotland Funding was slashed from £1.5 million in 2015 to £700,000 in 2018.
• The main aims of SG are to reduce expenditure and try to grow the game.
Many of you will be aware of some of the contentious issues in the SG Strategy that was to be voted on in December (now no longer) but obviously I want to report back on the Gents Areas and the Ladies Counties. This is a thorny issue for SG, so much so that after the full SGU and SLGA Amalgamation, they pushed this problem to the side to be dealt with later. (SG claimed that this has been a ‘two-way process’ but this was contradicted by the fact that the Areas and Counties were excluded from a series of presentations held at golf clubs. Derek Roy Crail).
In the West, we have the problem of having 4 Counties but 5 Areas. The 5th Area is Glasgow Golf Union, which encompasses some Renfrewshire Clubs (like Haggs) and even more Lanarkshire Clubs. There is also the difference that we collect a subscription from those who wish to join the County, but the Gents collect £2.50 from every Gent who is then a member, though many of them don’t know it. However they do claim to represent every gent golfer.
Over the last 2 years, Gillian, myself and Sandra have attended 3 meetings. The first was in Strathaven (Nov 2015) for the West Counties and was chaired by Mary Richardson, formerly of the SLGA. The summary of that meeting was “do nothing at the moment, but we should be willing to compromise with the Areas as it may be forced on us in the future”.
We attended an SGL meeting in August this year on the ‘Scottish Golf Draft Strategy’ – but by the time we got there it was entitled ‘The Consultation Wrap Up Session’. At the end of a very slick presentation, it was pointed out by Roxy Brown (Lanarkshire Capt) that the Chair (Blane Dodds) had failed to introduce himself or anyone at the top table. Little was said about the Areas and Counties except that change would need to come from the Areas and Counties themselves. One comment made was, “ Corporate jargon to cover lack of detail”.
As gluttons for punishment, we attended another meeting last month at Dunblane GC, convened by the Gents Areas Working Group, to discuss the proposals that were to be voted on at the SG Special General Meeting on December 2nd. However it was clear that the vast majority of Area Reps were reporting back negative responses from their clubs, and it was after this that Blane Dodds resigned and then the SGM on Dec 2nd changed to being “a platform for all members to debate the future direction for golf in Scotland to form a collaborative set of proposals for the AGM now in March”.
On discussing our problem of 5 Areas and 4 Counties, we were informed that “SGL Communications make it clear that amalgamation of Areas and Counties is not considered a priority at the moment, although it remains an issue that has to be dealt with in the long run”.
Some facts and comments to consider
• Before amalgamation, the SLGA was no longer sustainable.
• Ayrshire Ladies were on the point of amalgamating, but it was voted down, despite there being no problem about shapes.
• Northern Counties voted to amalgamate, maintaining they gained far more money. (Subsidised by the Gents ??) However others such as Highlands and Borders are all struggling.
• Perth and Kinross had a constitution hammered out (ie the Gents Way !) but SG rarely got involved so talks stalled. A bone of contention was for the Gents, anyone not a member of a County Club was not allowed to be a member. The ladies there are finding difficulty getting volunteers, and they have not had a Captain for the last 2 years.
• “If compromises have to be made to improve the lot of women’s funding, this could be a compromise worth making.”
• “ Amalgamation talks should start with a new slate ie not just the Gents way.”
• “ One size does not fit all”
• “Equality means sometimes being different – not always being the same.”
Finally, I’d like to thank Audrey Sturgess for a wee chat one Sunday morning here over coffee – it lasted 2 hours and my writing hand was exhausted ! However she was invaluable for filling me in on the bigger picture before attending the last 2 meetings.
JUNIOR REPORT 2017. -- by Gillian Kyle
I began the year by meeting junior conveners from 9 of our clubs. With feedback from all our clubs, it was estimated that we have 24 girls with some kind of handicap and 60 without but who are attached to a club. This is obviously very encouraging but we do need to help them over the next step to be active members of our clubs. It was hoped that clubs could maybe join forces to boost the numbers at events but with poor weather, it didn’t really get off the ground.
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| Coaching at the Glasgow Indoor Centre with Karyn Burns |
2 other sessions for non-handicap girls were also organised-1 at the Indoor and 1 at Mearns Castle Golf Academy (MCGA). These were well supported (18 at Mearns) but the girls need that extra bit of help to get out playing at their clubs once the season starts.
At the end of April we played Ayrshire in a friendly match match at Skelmorlie. I don’t think any of our girls enjoyed the course and we were well beaten but enjoyed the hospitality. We have a return match planned for November 12th at Pollok so hopefully we will get our revenge.
In May, we held a flag competition at MCGA. 15 girls of mixed abilities took part despite very poor weather to start off in. Great to have assistance from Linda Ellery, Liz Hale, Liz Stewart and Niamh Kinney. All the girls seemed to enjoy the fun format and most entered the Campbell Clock in September after playing in it.
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From L to R- Emily Crusher, Heather Mushet,
Caitlin Caulfield, Romy Erskine, Niamh Kinney,
Hannah Carson and Alison Macnab
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The Kennedy Salver took place at Clober in June. Our team was Caitlin Caulfield and Hannah Carson from East Ren, Emily Crusher-Eastwood, Romy Erskine-Kilmacolm, Niamh Kinney-Erskine, Alison Macnab-Ranfuly Castle and Heather Mushet-Elderslie. Unfortunately we did not manage to retain the title and 4 out of the 6 singles ended on the 17th or 18th which was very frustrating for the girls.
The Campbell Clock had not been played in 2016 due to lack of interest so I had a big drive this year and we had a great entry over the 3 competitions of 28 girls. June Lockhart kindly took charge on the day as I was unavailable until 4pm and of course, the weather was horrendous. The Par 3 course was closed but 11 girls played 8 or 10 holes over the main course. Everyone went home with a prize and a goodie bag. Romy Erskine had the winning score so won the Campbell Clock.The Championship was played over the summer months with the final being played at Pollok in mid-September between Niamh Kinney and defending champion-Jennifer Rankine. The golf was of a very high quality and the game was tight until Jennifer took the lead at the 9th and extended it at the 13th and 15th to go 3up. Niamh had a chance at 16 when Jennifer missed her birdie putt but it just lipped out and Jennifer won for the 4th time.
Winter coaching sessions are organised for 12 girls who have a handicap or very nearly have one. We have 24 hours booked with Karyn Burns at the Indoor Golf Centre so that there are no indecisions with poor weather. The final session will take place out on a course.
It is hoped to meet with all the junior conveners again before Christmas and see what we all can do to encourage all the girls. They are out there but just need some guidance and support at club level. I’d like to thank everyone who gave up their time to help with the girls at any time over the year.
CAPTAIN’S REPORT 2017.
We started 2017 with the fundraising Beetle Drive at Ralston Golf Club and this was again a fun-filled afternoon, catching up with County friends and raising money at the same time for our funds. Almost £1300 was raised which was fantastic.
The biannual dinner was a most enjoyable event in March enjoyed by 57 ladies. We were entertained and inspired by Cat Morrison, the former world duathlon and triathlon champion.
Over the winter months, the junior and senior squads met at the Indoor Golf Centre under the supervision of Karyn Burns, hoping these sessions would prepare us for the season ahead. As a final preparation for the Jamboree, we organised a match with the 2015 caddies at Hamilton which was actually played in May due to more poor weather in March.
I’d like to report on some of the main competitions during the year but firstly I’d like to thank Sandra Littlejohn, our Results secretary, very much indeed for running the smooth entry and closing down of the competitions using ClubV1 and HDID. This was new to us all but I’m sure you’ll agree it was a simple system for us to use. Maybe not quite so easy at the beginning for Sandra, but she, guided by Carol Fell, have ironed out any teething problems superbly. Thanks again ladies.
The Winter Foursomes Final took place at Pollok due to snow on higher ground elsewhere on March 22nd between Gill McLeod and Christine Leitch from Williamwood and Norah Adams and Sandra Winter from Kilmacolm. The match was tight until the turn when the Williamwood pair found some extra form and won the match 4&3.
Pollok welcomed us for the County Championship in April and 75 ladies took part in the strokeplay qualifying day. Eilidh Briggs had the lowest score recorded by a lady on their newly measured course -69.-and her scorecard is displayed in their hallway which is a very nice tribute to our visit. Her score won the Peggy Clark Trophy for the lowest net score too beating Anne Judge by a bih.
There were lots of very close matches in the matchplay rounds with Eilidh defeating myself in the final. (not quite so close!)
The Irvine Trophy was won by Linda Anderson of Erskine who beat Lesley Anderson of Caldwell in the final. The Past Captains’ lunch was enjoyed by 9 Past Captains and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who stayed to watch the final as it really made it a special event. Numbers were a little lower this year due to holidays.
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| Alyson McGinnigle - 2017 West of Scotland Champion and Handicap Trophy Winner |
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| Alyson McGinnigle and Carol McNally |
Carol McNally/Alyson McGinnigle won scratch
Gill McLeod /Shona McVey-runners up
Gill Unick/Lorraine Morris-best net
Gill/Shona-runners up
6 pairings qualified to represent Renfrewshire at Cochrane Castle in the Inter-County Foursomes and 4 pairings at Alyth in the Commonwealth Spoons.
At Cochrane Castle, the Renfrewshire pairing of Alyson McGinnigle and Carol McNally won the scratch prize by 8 shots from the runners up from D&A. Marilyn Muir and Muriel Young were 3rd in the Commonwealth Spoons in Alyth.
Cochrane Castle would like us to record their delight at having so many ladies there that day and that we are welcome any time. To be honest, all the clubs have said that they have enjoyed hosting our events so long may that continue!
The Intercounty Jamboree took place at Hamilton GC from 12th-14th June. Our team was:
Megan Briggs,
Denise Cowan,
Donna Jackson
Alyson McGinnigle,
Jennifer Rankine,
Liz Stewart,
Carol Whyte
And myself.
The matches are always very close and fiercely fought & with wins against Ayrshire on the Monday (6.5-2.5), Lanarkshire on the Tuesday (5-4), Wednesday was a nerve-wracking day against last year’s winners-D&A. Fortunately we managed to seize another win (5.5-3.5) and were champions. It was fantastic to win the event as Captain and thanks go tour caddy mistress - Carol McNally, all our caddies and supporters who helped us tremendously at Hamilton.
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| The County Team with the Challenge Trophies |
A draw against regular favourites, Midlothian on the Friday was an excellent result and the competition remained exciting as P&K vs Dumfriesshire also resulted in a halved match. Saturday produced a great victory against P&K 5.5 to 3.5 whilst Midlothian beat Dumfriesshire 5-4. So all to play for on the Sunday against the defending champions. I think it was a nervous morning as at 1 point we were down in all 3 foursomes but we stuck in and had a 2-1 lead at lunchtime. Victories for Megan and Eilidh extended the lead to 4-1 but all the other games were tight. But 2 of the oldies-myself and Donna managed to dig deep to both produce wins on the 18th and victory was looking like ours as long as Midlothian didn’t win by a bigger margin. It was an anxious wait -- but then delight when victory was confirmed.
I can’t describe how proud I was to be a player in that very special team and also be the Captain. It really was a day that I shall never forget. I do hope you will get a chance to look at the trophy at the end of the evening, A massive thank you goes especially to June and Jennifer Mack but also to all the caddies and supporters who travelled through to Glenbervie in pink. It really was a weekend to remember.
Full report on Scottish Golf Website and on this website and Click here and scroll down to see more on this website
The Rosebowl final was started on Saturday September 24th in the pouring rain at East Renfrewshire between Gill McLeod and Alyson McGinnigle. As they both had caddies I was hoping we would manage to get it played but as golfers were walking in back to the clubhouse, it was obvious the course was becoming unplayable so the girls resumed the match the following weekend. Gill took a comfortable lead early on and although Alyson rallied to win the 13th and 14th, Gill found form again and won on the 16th.
That covers our main events of the year. Now a brief outline of some of our members’ achievements-
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| Eilidh with the Munross Trophy |
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| Eilidh with the Champions Trophy- courtesy of Fiona Armour |
25th in Helen Holm
Leading Scot in the Irish Womens’ Strokeplay
Winner of the Munross Trophy
5th in Germany and breaking the course record previously held by LET Pro Caroline Masson
3rd in Mackie Bowl at Gullane
3rd in Scottish Champion of Champions
Played in the European Ladies Team Championships in Portugal and the Ladies Home Internationals at Little Aston.
Jennifer Rankine - despite studying for her highers this year
Reduced her handicap to 1
Qualified for the main matchplay stages at the Scottish Amateur at Royal Aberdeen
3rd in the St Andrews Ladies Open Strokeplay
Winner of the under 21 Faldo Series open girls championship at the Dukes course in August and heads to Abu Dhabi for the finals at the end of November.
She was also a reserve for the Girls European Team this year.
I’d like to mention some of our older members-
Liz Stewart won the West Vets Championship beating Liz Keohone from Ayrshire in the final and represented the West at Blairgowrie in September.
Liz Hale won the Patrick Trophy at the Scottish Vets Championships at Blairgowrie in September having the best overall net score.
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| Donna and Gillian - Scottish Vets Team |
Congratulations to everyone who won their own club championship this year and apologies if I have missed out anyone’s achievements.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the office bearers and committee for making my 2nd year so easy but enjoyable and memorable. I also need to thank Carol Fell for her amazing computer talents. I have learnt so much from her but just cannot match her skills. Could I take this opportunity on Carol’s behalf to ask you to check your spam folders regularly! We can see on the system that the email has been delivered but not read. And thank you-all the members for your continued support of all the events- on and off the courses. It’s been an honour and a pleasure being your Captain and I’d readily keep going but the Constitution indicates I have to step down after 2 years.
June and I have had a really wonderful 2 years and I’d like to thank her for her never-ending support and friendship. I’ve so enjoyed our coffees at the Indoor together and hopefully we can continue to meet but not talk county business all the time. I’d now like to present you with your Captain’s badge……..
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| Gillian Kyle presents the Captains Badge to June Lockhart - courtesy of Fiona Armour |
New Captain -- June Lockhart
Considering the great history of Renfrewshire Ladies County Golf Association, I’m really honoured to be your Captain, though it is with a great deal of trepidation that I follow in the footsteps of Gillian Kyle. Gillian has had a tremendous season for the County, Scottish Vets and Scottish Seniors, as well as filling in as Junior Convenor after the departure of Audrey Mackenzie – and of course she has made a great job of that as well. Over the last 2 years, you have helped me a great deal and hopefully you will still find time for a few coffees at the Indoor Centre to talk things over.
The important thing now is to present you with your Past Captain’s badge.
(Husband Cammy, Heather, Alistair and Sophie are therefore hoping to see a little more of you from now on, so although we have some flowers for you, I’d like to present you with this little gift designed by another Gillian Kyle !!)
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| Past, Present and Future Captains - Courtesy of Fiona Armour |
It now gives me great pleasure to introduce your new Vice-Captain. Once again it is someone who originates from outwith the Central Belt, and is someone with whom I can have a Doric conversation. A member initially at Inverurie and then Cruden Bay Golf Clubs, she later moved down to Glasgow through work and joined Erskine G.C. where she’s been Lady Captain twice and has served on their Board of Directors for 2 years. She is also keen to encourage Juniors and Ladies through Clubgolf and Getintogolf, and has done a power of work as County Results Secretary since 2015. She’s been a very keen team caddy for the last few years, so you’ll have realised well by now that I’m delighted to announce that Sandra Littlejohn has agreed to be my Vice-Captain. Thanks so much Sandra for taking on this role, so please come up and receive your badge and take your seat at the top table.
Now moving on to the other office bearers.
Wendy Cameron continues as our Honorary Life President, so we thank her for that.
Although the Committee did recently change the term of office for the President from 5 to 3 years, Jennifer Mack has agreed to stay on for another year in light of us hosting the Jamboree next June. Jennifer has been a wonderful support to Gillian and myself, especially at Hamilton and Glenbervie where her vast experience was of great benefit – and her amusement value at Team Dinners can never be matched.
Carol McNally is continuing as Honorary Secretary and has put in a power of work, especially behind the scenes paying attention to finer details such as tonight’s flower arrangements. She also organised the Caddies for Hamilton, so we can’t but thank you for all your hard work.
Tracy Masterton will stay on as Honorary Treasurer, and as I mentioned earlier, Gillian Kyle will continue as Junior Convenor as well as Child Protection Officer. On behalf of everyone here I would like to thank you both for all you have done.
(I said to Gillian if I didn’t have the Child Protection Form tonight, she could kick me out of the County. I do have it – it’s just not filled in !!)
I’m delighted to say that Sandra Macdougall has agreed to become Membership Secretary. Sandra is a prime example of a calm, efficient person who arrives at her 1st ever County Committee Meeting and leaves with a role in office.
As Sandra Littlejohn is now Vice-Captain, I’m delighted to say that Fiona Armour has agreed, with Sandra’s help, to take over as results Secretary, so thanks to you both.
Linda Ellery still has another year on Committee but we must give thanks for her sterling work in dealing with the County Clothing, umbrellas etc. She is most competent and once again she’ll display items at the most important events such as the County Championships, the Foursomes and Greensomes. However you can view the items on the website and email her at all times.
Marilyn Muir and Liz Stewart complete the Committee and we are in the unusual position of having the same personnel as last season. However it is a very strong, committed Committee and hopefully we will have your support.
Important dates
• As regards the fixtures for next season, they are all on the back of the Agenda.
• Hopefully we will see some supporters here at Haggs Castle for the Championship Finals Day, and remember that the Medal Round on Wed. 11th April is not just for the scratch Championship, but the top 8 handicap players play knock-out rounds for the Irvine Trophy, so we would love to see as many enter as possible.
• We will still be offering 3 evening ballots with 3 tee times in each, and this is allowing more working members to take part.
• Next season we host the County Jamboree at Erskine on June 11th-13th so your support will be greatly appreciated.
• A very important date for your diaries – the Beetle Drive will take place here at Haggs Castle on Sunday February 4th from 2-5pm.
Concluding remarks
Finally I’d like to request that as many of you as possible try to take part in the fixtures next year, and to ask that you encourage as many of your club members to join the County.
There are going to be challenging times ahead not just for Scottish Golf but in the Areas/Counties debate. At present we are strong in our County Team as Scottish Champions, in our enthusiastic Committee and in our members, but it would put us in an even stronger position with more members so that we can say we represent as many lady golfers as possible.
Now can we move onto AOCB
AOCB
A discussion took place with regards the Areas and Counties
Prize-giving
There being no further business, can I ask Carol to read out the prizewinners and Jennifer can you present their prizes.
Congratulations to everyone who won a prize for the County and to those members who have been successful at their clubs – and for those who didn’t, there’s always next year !
RLCGA: 2017 Prizewinners -- CLICK HERE
Eilidh Briggs our RLCGA champion then gave the vote of thanks
Fixtures 2018
Championship at Haggs Castle (11th - 13th April)
Foursomes at Pollok (9th May)
Spring Meeting at Caldwell (18th May)
June Medal at Gourock (19th June)
July Medal at Renfrew (5th July)
August Medal at Bonnyton (13th August)
Greensomes at Fereneze (31st August)
Triam at Ralston (13th September)
West Championship - Balmore (13th May)
Inter County Foursomes - Prestwick St Cuthberts (5th June)
Jamboree - Erskine (11th - 13th June)
Kennedy Salver - Juniors - Hamilton (25th June)
The 2018 AGM will be at Haggs Castle GC on Wednesday 7th November.
GO TO ALL PHOTOS -- COURTESY OF FIONA ARMOUR
West Championship - Balmore (13th May)
Inter County Foursomes - Prestwick St Cuthberts (5th June)
Jamboree - Erskine (11th - 13th June)
Kennedy Salver - Juniors - Hamilton (25th June)
The 2018 AGM will be at Haggs Castle GC on Wednesday 7th November.
GO TO ALL PHOTOS -- COURTESY OF FIONA ARMOUR
