Monday, December 22, 2014

SCOTTISH GOLF AMALGAMATION - Proposals published for one national amateur governing body

The latest proposal document to amalgamate the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association and the Scottish Golf Union into a single governing body for the amateur game in Scotland has been published this week. 


The following news release has been made by the SLGA and the SGU.

The proposal to amalgamate the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) and the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association (SLGA) into a single unified governing body for amateur golf in Scotland has been finalised, one that can herald an exciting “new era” for Scottish Golf.

Outlining their clear vision for the game in the proposal, the Chairs of the SGU and SLGA, Tom Craig and Beth Paterson, stress that amalgamation is fundamentally important for the future of golf in Scotland.

To meet the many challenges currently facing the game, the proposal outlines how amalgamation can provide a platform for a new governing body to lead Scottish golf positively into the future, help Clubs be viable and vibrant and attract more people of all ages and gender into the sport.

With the Boards of the SGU and the SLGA both in agreement regarding the proposal, it has now been distributed to the memberships of each organisation – namely the SGU’s 16 area associations, the SLGA’s 15 county golf associations, ladies' golf clubs and ladies' sections of clubs and all affiliated clubs in Scotland for them to consider as approval is sought over the coming months.

Key features of the proposal include clubs becoming full voting members for the first time, with areas and counties to have a substantial collective vote, equivalent in aggregate to approximately one third of the overall vote. 

The roles of the areas and counties are to remain unchanged, meaning they don’t have to merge. National and regional forums are also to be established to help communication to and from grass roots golfers and clubs.

The amalgamation proposal and supporting documents can be accessed both on the SGU website at http://www.scottishgolf.org/who-we-are/sguslga-amalgamation/
 and on the SLGA website at http://slga.co.uk/amalgamation//  

Expressing the importance of amalgamation, the Chairs said in a joint-statement: “This is the most significant issue in Scottish Golf and the amalgamation proposal is the best and only option to amalgamate. We encourage all areas, counties and clubs to support it.

Amalgamation can provide a platform for a new governing body to lead Scottish Golf boldly into a new era. We want our clubs to be healthy and vibrant, to be welcoming places for men, women, boys and girls to enjoy our wonderful game, and to help attract more people to participate in golf throughout Scotland. 
"Amalgamation is absolutely in the best interests of all stakeholders in Scottish Golf and sends the right message about the inclusivity of the sport we all love.”

Back in March of this year, a joint working group, comprising five representatives from each of the SGU and the SLGA, independently chaired by Sheriff Alastair Thornton, circulated an amalgamation consultation proposal to all areas, counties and golf clubs in Scotland.

Following a wide ranging consultation process up to the end of July during which every golf club, area and county, as well as all golfers and other interested parties had the opportunity to input, the joint working group analysed and considered the feedback before publishing its final proposal.

With amateur golf the largest participant membership based sport in Scotland and no other sports governing body in Scotland maintaining gender segregation, the Chairs stress amalgamation can help golf flourish thanks to the many benefits a single unified governing body will offer.

Continuing their joint statement, they added: “The amalgamation proposal is fundamentally democratic; it sets out a modern governance structure for Scottish Golf, with appropriate accountability at all times; it is inclusive; and it is fit for purpose. 

“Becoming a single governing body is a first and hugely important step towards creating a really cohesive partnership between board, staff, areas, counties, clubs and players of all ages, abilities and genders, to ensure that golf and golfers in Scotland are recognised worldwide for their success. We want to enable our best amateur golfers to win at the highest level at home and abroad, both individually and as part of our national teams.
“One national governing body will give a powerful message about the direction and approach of the leadership of our sport. It is a message that will be more appealing to younger people who are our future players and club members."

Saturday, December 20, 2014

LADIES GOLF UNION - CEO from Ayrshire to step down

 
LADIES GOLF UNION CHIEF EXECUTIVE 

SHONA MALCOLM TO STEP DOWN

(from the Kirkwoodgolf.co.uk website)

Shona Malcolm
 SURPRISE NEWS FROM ST ANDREWS

LGU NEWS RELEASE

The Ladies Golf Union today announced that CEO Shona Malcolm will step down at the end of this month.
Shona, a Chartered Accountant from Prestwick who is a member of Prestwick St Cuthbert GC, spoke warmly of her time with the LGU.

"After seven years in the post, I believe new directions and fresh perspectives are healthy and to be welcomed by both parties."


LGU Chairman Trish Wilson said: "I'm saddened to see Shona leave and would like to thank her for everything she's done for the Ladies Golf Union over the past seven years. I, and the Board, wish her all the best for the future."   








 
 
 

 

Friday, December 19, 2014

AYRSHIRE CHAMPIONSHIPS - Entries rolling in for 2015 competitions.

Entries for three of the Ayrshire Golf Association's 2015 competitions are being steadily received by organisers prior to next month's closing date.

The entry forms for the Champion Of Champions Trophy competition, the Ayrshire Fourball Championship and the Ayrshire Scratch leagues were emailed or posted out to Secretaries of all member clubs last month, along with subscription notices.

Entries for all three competitions close on Saturday 31st January 2015.

Any clubs who have not yet received the relevant entry forms and subscription documentation should contact the Area Secretary on ayrshire.golf@btinternet.com as soon as possible.

Entries received to date, 19th December, in all three competitions are :- 
 


CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

WEST KILBRIDE - Scott Bell
MALLETSHEUGH - Kevin Coupland Jr.
PRESTWICK ST NICHOLAS - Christopher ireland
IRVINE - John Shanks
BRAEHEAD - Kieran Clark
ALTON - Kevin O'Neill
DRONGAN - Andrew Carroll
ABBOTSFORD - Craig Robertson
STEWARTON - Alan Stewart Jr.
ROYAL TROON - Paul Moultrie
THE CHASE - Alan Smeeton





FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

AUCHENHARVIE 88 - David McNaught & Brian Robertson
WEST KILBRIDE - Alan Mulholland & Jim Duncan
MALLETSHEUGH - Hugh Connor & Steven Capaldi
IRVINE - Craig Hillis & Nicky Booth
BRAEHEAD - Gary Boyle & George Campbell
ALTON - Gerry Reid & Peter Moir
DRONGAN - David McAlpine & Scott Wilson
ABBOTSFORD - Robert Adams & Ian Pirrie
STEWARTON - Darren Murdoch & Robert Johnstone
THE CHASE - Alan Smeeton & Colin Downie







AYRSHIRE SCRATCH LEAGUES

WEST KILBRIDE
IRVINE
ABBOTSFORD

Saturday, November 29, 2014

FRANK HANNAN - Funeral arrangements

The funeral arrangements for Frank P. Hannan, Captain of Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club have been announced.
 
A service will be held in St. Mary’s Church, West Road, Irvine, on Thursday 4th December 2014 at 1.00 p.m. followed by the internment at Knadgerhill Cemetery, Irvine, at 2.15 p.m.
  
Thereafter to the Irvine Ravenspark G.C. clubhouse.

Monday, November 24, 2014

FRANK HANNAN - Ayrshire golf saddened by passing of Irvine Ravenspark Club Captain

It is with great sadness that the Ayrshire golfing community learned of the sudden passing of Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club Captain Frank Hannan today, Sunday 23rd November.

Frank was well known both within his own club as well as the wider golfing community in Ayrshire, and will be sadly missed.

The thoughts of all at the Ayrshire Golf Association are with Frank's family and friends at this sad time.

Funeral arrangements, when known, will be posted on the Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club website

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

AYRSHIRE GIRLS CENTENARY TROPHY - Sarah Ramsay wins at West Kilbride


The Ayrshire Girls' Centenary Trophy competition, which was postponed at Turnberry a few weeks ago due to extreme weather, was completed successfully on Sunday 16 November at West Kilbride.
 
ALCGA Junior Convener June Kerr with trophy winner Sarah Ramsay and other prize winners and competitors

In contrast to the original fixture date, the players enjoyed a calm, sunny afternoon which was also unusually mild for the middle of November.   

Host club member Sarah Ramsay won the trophy with 38 Stableford points off a handicap of 19, two points ahead of Bethan Muir from Troon Ladies.  
 
LEADING SCORES :-
 
Silver Division
1 Sarah Ramsay (West Kilbride) (19) - 38pt 

2 Louise Duncan (West Kilbride) (8) - 31pt       
 

Bronze Division
1 Bethan Muir (Troon Ladies) (33) - 36pt

2 Samantha McKay (Loudoun) (35) - 33pt (bih)
3 Rachel Foster (Turnberry) (23) - 33pt


Back row (L - R): Sarah Ramsay, Jennifer Howie, Emma Waitzmann, Louise Duncan, Lauren Gilbert.
Front ROW (L - R): Rachel Foster, Claire McLaughlin, Samantha McKay, Bethan Muir
         

AYRSHIRE WINTER GOLF ASSOCIATION - Results of opening three fixtures of 2014 - 2015 season

The third of seven Ayrshire Winter Golf Association fixtures of the 2014 – 2015 season took place at West Kilbride Golf Club on Tuesday 18th November and was won by Stephen Gray (Hayston) with a 6 under par 65.
 

Gray opened with 3 consecutive birdies, his only setback during the round being a bogey 5 at the 17th.

Second place went to Graham Fox (Clydeway Driving Range), who had been first out and held the lead for most of the day, and Campbell Elliot (Haggs Castle) who both returned a score of 66.

Stephen Grays impressive scoring read:-

Par      4,4,5,3,4,4,5,4,3 = 36
Score  3,3,4,3,4,4,4,4,3 = 32

Par       4,4,3,4,4,4,4,4,4 = 35
Score   3,3,3,4,4,4,3,5,4 = 33

The Alan Mickel trophy for the amateurs was won by home player Colin McLatchie with a net 66, his second successive win in the 2014 – 2015 series of fixtures after his success in winning the Ian McLeod Trophy the previous week at Western Gailes.



Royal Troon member Paul Moultrie’s efforts were worthy of note, finishing in 4th place with a gross 66 playing off a handicap of plus 3 (69).  
 
Leading Scores at West Kilbride were :-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRO/TRAINEE
CLUB
SCORE
STEPHEN
GRAY
Hayston
PRO
65
GRAHAM
FOX
Clydeway
PRO
66
CAMPBELL
ELLIOTT
Haggs Castle  C
PRO
66
MIKE
PATTERSON
Kilmacolm G. C.
PRO
68
CRAIG
RONALD
Carluke G C
PRO
68
NICK
WALTON
Glasgow GC
PRO
70
DAVID-ROSS
NICOL
Dundonald Links
PRO
70
JASON
McCREADIE
Buchanan Castle
PRO
70
PAUL
MCKECHNIE
Braid Hills
PRO
71
IAN
REDFORD
New Club St Andrews
PRO
71
David
FLEMING
Prestwick G C
PRO
71
STEVEN
MAXWELL
Eastwood G C
T
73
STEPHEN
WILSON
Greenock G C
T
73
ALISTAIR
BROWN
Archerfield
PRO
73
DEREK
WATTERS
Gourock G C
PRO
74
JONNY
MULLANEY
Unattached
PRO
75
CHRIS
MCMANUS
Kilmarnock Barrasie
T
75
DAVID
KNAPP
American Golf Giffnock
PRO
77
ALASTAIR
FORROW
Whitecraigs G C
PRO
77
PAUL
ROBINSON
Largs G C
PRO
78
GRAHAM
FORBES
Unattached
T
78
BLAIR
HARVEY
Scottish Golf academy
T
81
CALLUM
BEVERIDGE
West Kilbride G C
T
83
SCOTT
GARRETT
Fereneze G C
PRO
n/r
 
 
 
 
 
AMATEURS
CLUB
Gross
HCAP
NET
COLIN
McLATCHIE
West Kilbride G C
76
10
66
TAM
ROGERS
Caldwell G C
81
14
67
TOM
McGILL
Glasgow G C
75
6
69
PAUL
MOULTRIE
Royal Troon
66
-3
69
COLIN
PEDDIE
Kirkintilloch G C 
72
1
71
RON
PUNTON
Kilmarnock Barrasie G C
77
6
71
In the second fixture of the series, played at Western Gailes on Wednesday 12 November, Stephen McAllister  (The Renaissance Club) took the honours with a six under par 65.

McAllister set the tone with birdies at holes one and two and finished with an eagle 2 on the 18th. His only dropped shot of the day was at the 3rd hole.
Regular contender on the winning rostrum Graham Fox (Clydeway Golf) was one shot behind on 66. Lie McAllister, Fox finished with an eagle 2 having  driven the shortened  par four eighteenth to within eight feet of the hole.

The Ian McLeod Trophy for the amateurs was won by Colin McLatchie (West Kilbride) with a net 66 after a countback with Bill McMahon (Irvine Bogside).
  
Leading scores at Western Gailes were :-
PRO/TRAINEE
CLUB
PRO/TRN
SCORE
STEPHEN
MCALLISTER
The Renaissance Club
pro
65
GRAHAM
FOX
Clydeway Golf
pro
66
JASON
MCCEADIE
Buchanan Castle G C
pro
67
ROBERT
ARNOTT
Bishopbriggs D R
pro
68
CAMPBELL
ELLIOTT
Haggs Castle G C
pro
68
PAUL
MCKECHNIE
Braid Hills
pro
69
AMATEURS
CLUB
GROSS
HCAP
NET
COLIN
McLATCHIE
West Kilbride G C
76
10
66
 
BILL
MCMAHON
Irvine G C
76
10
66
BLAIR
ANDERSON
Royal Troon
74
7
67
JOHN
LAPPIN
Portland G C
74
7
67
JOHN
MATTHEWMAN
Kilmarnock Barrasie G C
80
13
67

 
The opening fixture of the current season took place at Dundonald Links on Tuesday 14 October, where Graham Fox (Clydeway Golf finished in first place with a score of 70.
John Lappin (Troon Portland) took the J Kerr Wylie Salver for the best amateur score with 79 – 7 = 72

Leading scores at Dundonald were :-

PRO/TRAINEE
CLUB
PRO/TRN
SCORE
GRAHAM
FOX
Clydeway Golf
Pro
70
PAUL
MCKECHNIE
Braid Hills Golf Centre
Pro
71
MIKE
PATTERSON
Kilmacolm G. C.
Pro
71
NICK
WALTON
Glasgow GC
Pro
72
STEPHEN
GRAY
Hayston G C
Pro
73
David-Ross
NICOL
Dundonald LINKS
Pro
73
AMATEURS
CLUB
NET
HCAP
JOHN
LAPPIN
Portland G C
72
7
ALISTAIR
CONNELL
 Cawder G C
75
9
JOE
DEVLIN
West Kilbride G C
75
3
STEVEN
SHAW
Loch Lomond
75
8
GERRY
SMITH
Royal Troon 
75
3
KEITH
ROSS
Beith G C
76
5

The remaining four scheduled fixtures for the 2014 – 2015 season are
Kilmarnock (Barassie) – Tuesday 13th January 2015

Royal Troon (Portland) – Tuesday 10th February 2015


Prestwick – Wednesday 11th March 2015


Glasgow Gailes – Wednesday 25th March 2015