Valentines Event at Mearns Golf Academy

You are invited to take part in Mearns Castle Golf Academy Valentines event on Thursday 7th February 2008! --- Click on the following link to reveal all.

Valentines event at Mearns Castle Golf Academy

2008 RLCGA Fixtures with Closing Dates

Looking for your Entry Competition Slips Click Here

Times 9.00 – 12.30 unless otherwise stated

Competition	Course	Dates	Closing Date	Supervisor	Assistant
Championship	BONNYTON	Tue/Wed/Thu 15th/16th/17th April	Mon 24th March	Trish	Morag T
Spring Meeting	GLEDDOCH	Tues 20th May	Mon 28th April	Maureen M	Gillian
Autumn Meeting	CATHCART CASTLE	Mon 1st Sept	Mon 11th Aug	Lorraine	Kay
Foursomes	RANFURLY CASTLE	Wed 30th April	Wed 9th April	Maimie	Lorraine
April Medal	COCHRANE CASTLE	Wed 9th April	Wed 19th March	Gillian	Freda
June Medal (2007 Medal Finals)	FERENEZE	Thurs 5th June 9.00-11.00 am	Fri 16th May	Maureen Cook	Morag L
July Medal (Junior Medal)	COWGLEN	Thurs 3rd July	Thurs 12th June	Morag L	Sally
August Medal	PAISLEY	Wed 6th Aug 10.00-1.00 p.m.	Wed 16th July	Kay	Maimie
September Medal	RENFREW	Thurs 11th September	Thurs 21st Aug	Sally	Maureen M
Winter Foursomes	VARIOUS	Closing date – Sat 22nd Sept		Maureen C
West of Scotland Championship	HAGGS CASTLE	Sun 18th May	8th May	Christeen	Morag T
RLCGA Junior Stableford	WHITECRAIGS	Sun 14th Sept		Wilma	Morag L
AGM	Haggs Castle GC	Wed 5th Nov 7.30 pm

Gladys is the new Vice Captain at Douglas Park Golf Club

 
Congratulations go to RLCGA'S past caddy mistress Gladys Speedie who became Douglas Park's new Vice Captain today at their ladies AGM.

She was also presented with the 2007 Seniors Championship Cup which she won last year

Gladys -- pictured right is absolutely thrilled at her new appointment and still said she would wear lots of "pink" for which she is famous for.

We wish her all the success in her new appointment

Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Golf Festival

The inaugural Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Festival - February 10 to 23, 2008 - has attracted an entry of 50 golfers from a wide area.
To read the latest news click on the following link Press Release from Colin Farquarson

Regional Handicapping Seminars

The SLGA and SGU are running a series of regional handicapping seminars for all those involved at golf clubs in maintaining and administering handicaps. The seminars will include an overview of the CONGU UHS and a comprehensive presentation of the new changes incorporated in the new manual. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. For a booking form click here

The Board of SLGA Ltd 2008

The Board of SLGA Ltd 2008
Back Row: Shona Malcolm, Sheila Pickles, Gillian Kirkwood
Middle Row: Winifred MacCallum, Pamela MacKenzie, Beth Paterson,
Liz Miskimmin, Helen Cuthbertson, Lynne Terry
Front Row: Pat Wilson (Chairman), Ethel Jack (President), Janet Wake (Vice Chairman)

Thanks go to Gillian Kirkwood for the Photograph (Click to enlarge)

SLGA AGM - Beth Paterson is elected onto the Board of Directors

The SLGA AGM took place yesterday at the Quality Station Hotel Perth.
The SLGA President, Ethel Jack, paid tribute to Mrs Kathleen Copley, a past internationalist and past Chairman of the Association, who died in April, and the audience stood for a minute's silence.

SLGA's Chairman Margaret McNaughton's informative annual report was followed by the Finance Director Lynne Terry's detailed accounts annual review.The annual report of the Scottish representatives on the Executive Council of the LGU was then given by Gillian Kirkwood
Ethel Jack was elected as President for the second year and Renfrewshire's Wendy Cameron and Rosemary Dykes were both re elected as one of the 13 Vice Presidents.
RLCGA's Past Captain Beth Paterson was elected on to the board by the SLGA to replace Margaret MacNaughton who retires by expiry of her term of office.
Three changes to the Regulations regarding County Golf were approved by large margins, and, after a clear and concise explanation of the SLGA Business Plan by Shona Malcolm , the new Rules and Regulations for SLGA Ltd were also approved.
Subscriptions for playing members of clubs will increase in 2009 will increase by 50p to £13.
Mrs Pat Wilson was then elected to be the new Chairman of the SLGA.
RLCGA's Carol Fell asked the board in the "any competent business" section, if County Medals were the same as Open Days for the new Congu regulation. The answer was given as yes and she said that this was impossible to administer unless you used the Home Clubs handicap computer where the competition was being played at and not use the county laptop. The SLGA said they would look into the matter and Carol has sent a report to the SLGA as requested by the new Chairman Pat Wilson. This report includes an explanation of the problem and a couple of suggestions on how to solve the issue
The meeting closed with an entertaining vote of thanks from Helen Faulds (Douglas Park)

Coffee and Yoga at Whitecraigs Golf Club

There will be a coffee morning on Thursday, 6th March, at Whitecraigs Golf Club to raise funds for the RLCGA Centenary Year.

Coffee and shortbread will be served at 10a.m. and this will be followed by a talk/demonstration at 11a.m. by Janice Stewart.

Tickets are £5 payable on the day and this includes a raffle for a food hamper. Christeen looks forward to seeing as many of you there as possible to support the event.
So that we can ascertain numbers can you please phone our secretary or click here to email Morag Turner

INTRODUCTION

This is a programme of exercises (or yoga asanas) designed to improve the golfers’ game through better health & posture.

It is not a golf tuition programme..

By regularly practicing the ancient art of yoga, incorporating postures and breathing techniques benefits will be seen in the following areas:-

FLEXIBILITY:

An essential requirement for improved stamina & cardiovascular endurance Creating greater range of motion and reducing swing faults through whole game.

BALANCE:

Essential when addressing the ball & throughout entire swing plane.

BREATH AWARENESS:

Relieves stress & tension in muscles to improve rotation of the body.

CONCENTRATION:-

With improved concentration and focus your game will improve immensely. The ability to become one-pointed and be in the moment is the key to all good golf

CORE CONDITIONING:-

Prevents weakness in low back muscles and lessens fatigue in swing and putting stance.

NECK/SHOULDER POSTURES:-

Increase shoulder turning and reduce risk of injury in joints and rotator-cuff.

BACK POSTURES:-

Greater range of motion by improved strength and health of spine creating more power throughout the entire club swing.

Many more benefits will become evident with regular practice. Stronger joints; more energy; healthier immune system; better posture providing us with less aches and pains; the ability to relax and release tension during your golf game and in your daily life.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: JANICE STEWART ON:-

01505 343480 – MOB. 07968 207272

or Email

Janice
Stewart

2008 RLCGA Training Squad

The 2008 Training Squad has just been announced.

Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm), Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm), Clare-Marie Carlton (Fereneze), Donna Jackson (Cochrane Castle), Jennifer Jenkins (Ralston), Gillian Kyle (East Renfrewshire), Sara McCorkell (Williamwood), Gillian McGinlay (Cochrane Castle), Lorraine Morrow (Erskine), Julie Nicol (Elderslie), Beth Paterson (Eastwood), Liz Stewart (Cochrane Castle), Julie Wilson (Williamwood) and Carol Whyte (Windyhill).

Alyson McKechin, age 13, whose handicap dropped from 22 to 12 in 2007 and Natasha Qayum, aged 14, whose handicap dropped from 19 to 9, have been invited to join the training squad as an investment for the future.

Kate O'Sullivan (Cochrane Castle) is, at the moment, unable to work in Scotland until she receives a P.E. National Teaching Certificate from the USA. Ireland recognises her State Teaching Certificate so she is, at present, working in Ireland.

Coaching will commence on Monday, 11th February with the Squad taking part in a Par Yoga session with Janice Stewart at 7.30 to 8.30p.m. in the Brookfield Village Hall. This will be followed by two sessions of short game practise at the Mearns Golf Academy with Karyn Burns on Sundays 2nd and 16th March, and a short game practise followed by a session on the course on 6th April - all at 10a.m.

Book a Group Day at Mearns Golf Academy

Do you want to get a group of friends together for a day out? Or are you looking for a family-friendly post-Christmas activity? Perhaps you want to schmooze some clients? Then come to Mearns Castle Golf Academy for a weather-proof event suitable for beginners through to advanced golfers.
To read more then click on the following link Mearns Castle Golf Academy

Past Captain Beth Paterson has been nominated by the SLGA

I know all our members will be very pleased, proud and not in the least surprised, to hear that our Past Captain, Beth Paterson, has been nominated by the SLGA Board of Directors to replace Mrs. M. MacNaughtan, who retires by expiry of her term of office. The election will take place at the SLGA Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 19th January, 2008, at 11a.m. in the Quality Hotel, Perth. I hope a number of you will be able to go along and support her as this is not only a tribute to Beth but to Renfrewshire too. Well done Beth. Renfrewshire will take great pleasure and pride in supporting you. Best wishes for Saturday from us all.

SLGA Annual General Meeting

The SLGA AGM will be held on Saturday 19 January 2008 at 11.00 a.m. in the ballroom of the Quality Station Hotel in Perth. All the papers for the meeting were posted to clubs and counties on Wednesday 19 December.

January Sale at Mearns Golf Academy

Want to get in the groove for 2008 then Mearns Golf Academy has a January Sale. Click on the following link Mearns Castle Golf Academy January Sale

New Year Message from Captain Christeen Finlayson

To all RLCGA members

I hope you have all had a very enjoyable Christmas and getting set to enjoy the New Year festivities!

May I wish each one of you every success in your golfing aspirations for the coming year. 2007 was a year of enormous progress for some of our members and less so for others! 2008 is a great opportunity for us all to improve our golf and move forward. My own aspiration is to improve along with you all.

I hope we are blessed with good weather and good health in 2008 and that many of you will be available to play in our competitions and, of course, return great scores!

Every best wish to you all for 2008.

A little extra! On your behalf I would just like to say many thanks to our wonderwoman webmaster, Carol, for all her efforts and time consumed in producing and maintaining our RLCGA website. Best wishes and thanks to you Carol from us all.

Merry Christmas to all our readers

LAUREN MACKIN IS BALEARIC ISLAND'S GIRLS CHAMPION

Renfrewshire's 16 years old Lauren Mackin (Ranfurly Castle) who is now living on the island of Majorca with her parents, has won the Spanish Balearic Islands’ girls championship and the No 1 Under-18 ranking for 2007.
The Balearics consist of Majorca (20 golf courses), Menorca (one course), Ibiza (one course), Cabrera and Formentera. The Islands had close on 800,000 inhabitants at the last census.Lauren, picture right from St Andrews Links Trust website, who did not take up golf until four or five years ago, has improved her handicap from seven to four this year.After a good showing in the Ballearic Islands’ women’s championship – she lost out by one shot to experienced Spanish senior player Vicky Pertierra, Lauren came into her own in the girls’ championship last weekend. At Alcanada Golf Club, rated the most difficult of Majorca’s courses, Lauren won the title with rounds of 75 and 77 for 155. She won by five strokes from Luna Sorbon, a highly-rated Spanish girl and the favourite for this title.Last year Lauren played in the St Andrews girls’ open quaich (handicap) tournament and lost to Jessica Scott (Wanstead) by one hole in the final. Lauren was conceding nine strokes to her opponent.Lauren is a member at Son Muntaner golf course, a newer course than its immediate neighbour, the better-known Son Vida. Both are fairly close to Palma, the capital of Majorca.

Renfrewshire thanks Annabel Kane for supplying the information for the above article. Annabel played with Lauren recently in Majorca and was most impressed. Remember the name, she says

RENFREWSHIRE COACH, KARYN BURNS, CADDIES IN THE INDIAN LADIES MASTERS FOR CLARE QUEEN

Clare Queen(The Carrick at Cameron House) and Karyn left today for Bangalore. Clare is the only Scottish Professional taking part in the Indian Ladies Masters (the first Ladies European Tour event on the sub-continent) from 5th to 8th December.

Amateurs, Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle) and Michel Thomson (McDonald Ellon) will be joining Clare.

Links to old Photograph Albums

Looking for some old photos then here are some links Old Photo Albums from your Webmaster

Other Photographs links plus some videos will be found at this link Old RLCGA Photograph Page

HERE ARE SOME VIDEOS TAKEN BY YOUR WEBMASTER -- make sure rlcga is in the search box

The Rules of Golf 2008 - 2011

The R & A and the United States Golf Association have worked closely for more than fifty years to produce a uniform code of rules so that wherever golf is played the same laws apply. Every four years these two governing bodies, after consultation with golf authorities worldwide, agree any changes that they consider will make the Rules of Golf fairer and easier to understand.

New rules come into force on 1st January 2008. Four million copies of the ‘Rules of Golf’, sponsored by Rolex, will be printed in English. The new rules will also be printed, under licence, in twenty-five other languages. Rule books will be distributed free of charge to golf clubs and may be ordered on the R&A Website
‘Decisions on the Rules of Golf 2006 – 2007’ becomes obsolete and is replaced by the new 2008 – 2009 edition. This book is invaluable not only for Rules Officials but also for all those involved in the administration of the game (e.g. club committees). It may be purchased from the above website or from high street or on-line booksellers.

Many members will have read in the press recently that there are to be changes to 28 of the 34 rules but there is no cause for alarm. ‘Rules of Golf 2008 –2011’ contains a new ‘Quick Guide to the Rules of Golf". This is excellent and should certainly make players feel more at ease with their rule books. Many rules have simply been re-worded in order to make them easier to understand. One example is the term ‘reasonable evidence’ that was used previously used in several rules. This was difficult to interpret and has been changed to ‘known or virtually certain’ which is much clearer.

One significant change relates to hazards. Until now the rules did not giver a player the opportunity to lift a ball from a hazard in order to identify it and therefore there was no penalty for playing a wrong ball either from a bunker or from a water hazard. The restriction on identifying a ball in a hazard has been removed (Rule 12 – 2) and the exemption from penalty for playing a wrong ball from a bunker or water hazard has also been removed (Rule 15 – 3). The result is that the penalty for playing a wrong ball anywhere on the course is now loss of hole in match play or a two stroke penalty in stroke play. In stroke play the mistake must of course be corrected in order to avoid disqualification.

Several other changes are to penalties rather than to actual rules and in every case the change favours the player. When a ball in motion is stopped or deflected by the player, her partner, or either of their caddies or equipment the penalty has been reduced from loss of hole in match play and a two stroke penalty in stroke play to one stroke in either form of play (Rule 19 – 2). This is a very welcome change. Many members will have been in the situation where the ball re-bounds off the face of a bunker and it is impossible to move quickly enough to avoid being struck by it!

Until now a flagstick that had been removed and placed on the ground was not allowed to be moved whilst a ball was in motion. This left players in a ‘catch 22’ situation. Moving the flagstick in case a ball in motion struck it incurred a penalty under one rule (Rule 1- 2). Leaving it on the ground to be struck by the ball incurred a penalty under another rule (Rule 17 – 3). This situation has been resolved. A flagstick, whether attended, removed or held up may now be moved when a ball is in motion (Rule 24 – 1).

On the putting green it is sometimes very difficult to avoid standing on another player’s line without standing astride the line of one’s own putt which is of course not allowed (Rule 16 –1e). An ‘exception’ to this rule has been added to allow inadvertent standing astride the line of putt or doing so in order to avoid another player’s line.

The penalty for carrying, but not using, a non-conforming club has been reduced from disqualification to, in stroke play, a penalty of two strokes per hole at which a breach occurred, with a maximum penalty of four strokes per round. In match play the state of the match is adjusted by one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred with a maximum penalty of two holes per round (Rule 4 – 1). This is now the same penalty as that for carrying more than fourteen clubs (Rule 4 – 4).

The penalty for using a non-conforming club remains disqualification. The R & A announced four years ago that from 1st January 2008 all drivers must have a conforming clubhead and ensured that this was well publicised. Sufficient warning was given to allow players plenty of time to check and, if necessary, change their drivers. This rule applies to all golfers of all abilities and in all forms of play. The required specifications are set out in Appendix II, 5c of the new rule book and detailed lists of conforming and non-conforming driver heads may be found on the R & A website. In club golf it is the responsibility of each player to check that her equipment conforms to the Rules of Golf. Players taking part in County or National events should also check as to whether the Conditions of Competition include the Driving Club Condition. If so any driver used must be on the R & A’s ‘List of Conforming Driver Heads’. For more detailed information refer to the R & A website and in particular their ‘Frequently asked questions’ on this topic.

Space does not permit me to mention, let alone explain, every single rule change but I have highlighted those most likely to crop up in the normal course of play. For more detailed information refer to the R & A website and to ‘Principle Changes introduced in the 2008 code’ which you will find on page 6 in your new rule book. Always remember that the Rules of Golf exist to make the game fair for all players. The more familiar you become with the rules the more you will enjoy your golf.


Jenny McGahan
R & A qualified Rules Official
November 2007

Thanks Jenny for all the information

CONGU Unified Handicap System 2008 -2011

The Council of National Golf Unions has published the CONGU® UHS (Unified Handicap System) 2008-2011 manual which is the result of substantial voluntary work of the Council Members during the last four years.

The Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) is the governing body for handicapping matters in Great Britain & Ireland and is comprised of members from the men’s and ladies’ Golf Unions/Associations in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales with additional representatives from The R&A and the LGU.

The UHS 2004-2007 manual included, for the first time, a unified approach for handicapping men and ladies under the same system. The 2008 UHS has built on this success and has been expanded to include a number of new concepts. These include Supplementary Scores, Nine Hole Handicap Competitions, a separate CSS calculation for “Home” and “Away” players in Open Competitions and assistance for handicap committees in carrying out the time consuming Annual Handicap Review (AHR). The manual has been totally revised to make it more user friendly to clubs and their members by placing the clauses in a more logical order and adding explanations to relevant clauses (in a blue shaded area) to clarify the system.

The section on Supplementary Scores has been included to assist golfers who, for whatever reason, play in few or no competitions each year, by allowing them to return cards outside competitions for handicap purposes. At the discretion of affiliated clubs, a limited number of Nine-Hole qualifying competitions may be run and such scores shall be used to adjust handicaps. This option is designed to attract more players into the Unified Handicapping System.


Common sense has always suggested that in Open Competitions, the ‘Away’ player is often at a disadvantage compared to the ‘Home’ player and subsequent statistical analysis showed this to be on average between one and two shots. Since this unfairly affects adjustments of handicaps, there will now be a separate Competition Scratch Score for ‘Home’ and ‘Away’ players to take account of this factor and to provide a more equitable basis for handicap alterations.

The CONGU® website – www.congu.com – is being updated to explain the changes and also to answer many queries about the UHS. The “Myths and Misconceptions” and “Frequently Asked Questions” sections should be of particular interest to the club golfer. All the constituent Unions/Associations websites have links to the CONGU® website.

CONGU believes that the revised manual and the incorporation of the new concepts will assist in meeting the demands of the modern game and the changing needs of club members.