Gibson Cup

A great weekend, in testing windy conditions, was had at the Braid Hills Golf Course with the annual hosting of the Gibson Cup. I cannot take away from Anne Brownie's report which can be read at http://www.gilliankirkwood.com/ercn86/ but many congratulations to Wendy Nicholson and Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) who led the qualifiers on Saturday with a net 71.5 (0.5 under par), to Norma Richmond and Ray Lynch (Murrayfield) who won the second flight of the matchplay stage, to Louise Wells and Vivien Mitchell (Prestonfield) who won the Consolation Stableford Trophy with a bettter inward half from Dee Williams and Margaret Anderson (Craigmillar Park) and Ellice and Sandra Cackett (Broomieknowe), and especially to Karina Matson and Gillian Lithgow (Lothianburn) who are the 2009 winners of the 102 year old Gibson Cup.

SLGA Adult/Girls Foursomes

Congratulations to Margaret Alexander (Baberton) and her partner Jillian Farrell from Cardross who won their category in yesterday's SLGA Adult/Girls Foursomes which was being played at Arbroath. The pair won the 21-36 handicap category by 1 stableford point. Broomieknowe mother and daughter pair, Alison and Hannah Scott were second in the 13-20 handicap category.

Commonwealth Spoons

Congratulations to Carol Fulton and Frances Sorlie who finished a creditable third equal in the SLGA Commonwealth Spoons Final which was being played today, in windy conditions, at Longniddry Golf Club. Unfortunately the pair lost out to one of the couples tied with them on a last 9 hole countback and then to the other couple on the last 6 holes, which pushed them down to 5th place.

I hope that everyone who qualified for the final enjoyed their game. Rumour has it that the greens were like grease lightning!

East of Scotland Championship

The East of Scotland Championship is being held at Mortonhall Golf Club on Sunday 4th October with tee times between 9.30 am and noon. We have had a superb entry and the draw has now been made. Times can be seen by clicking on the link given at the bottom of this article.

Please remember to bring proof or your handicap with you and please be at the first tee 10 minutes before your specified tee time.

For any enquiries between now and the 4th October, please contact Agnes Leslie either by e-mail (click here) or by telephone on 0131 445 2411. If you need to contact us on the day, please phone either Tracy Laughland on 07714 980524 or Mortonhall Golf Club on 0131 477 6902.

Good luck to you all. I hope you play well, enjoy the course and the sun shines!

Link to tee-times: 2009EOSdraw.doc

MCLGA Silver Summer Knockout 2009

Congratulations to Dee Williams (Craigmillar Park) for winning this year's Silver Summer Knockout competition and to the runner up Sandra Cackett (Broomieknowe). The other semi-finalists were Carole Mason (Dalmahoy) and Katharine Logan (Baberton).

It sounds like you all had some great matches this year. Thanks to everyone who took part and for playing all your matches on time!

Senior Women's Home Internationals

The Scotland team for the Senior Women's Home Internationals has been announced. The team, Captained by Pamela Williamson (Baberton) and managed by Janet Wake (Merchants), sees Fiona de Vries (St Rule), Noreen Fenton (Dunbar) and Fiona Hunter (Baberton) amongst its players. The round robin competition will be held at Newport Golf Club in Wales from September 29th - October 1st. On day 1 Scotland will take on Ireland, on day 2 England and on day 3, host nation, Wales. Three foursomes matches are played each morning, with 5 singles matches taking place each afternoon.

Good luck to all those involved from the players to the officials.

This week's competitions

Having recovered (ever so slightly!) from this weekend's huge disappointment, it is time to turn our attention back to the golfing calendar. This week sees not only the final of the Commonwealth Spoons but also the annual Gibson Challenge Cup.

The Commonwealth Spoons Final, which was won last year by Suzanne Ireland (Prestonfield)and Diane Moncreiff (Lochend), takes place on Thursday at Longniddry Golf Club. Good luck to all who have qualified and are playing. The times for the Midlothian players are:

10.00 Val Hallam & Phyl Early
10.06 Carol Fulton & Frances Sorlie
10.12 Kate Johnston & Ann Barr
10.18 Moira Wilson & Rita Veitch
10.24 Moira Kinnear & Davida Simpson
10.30 Maggie McPherson & Anne Patrick
10.36 Madge Hutchison & Alaco Cowan

The 2009 Gibson Challenge Cup kicks off with the medal foursomes round on Saturday. It is again being held at the Braids Golf Course with, this year, seeing an entry of 52 pairs Best of luck to all those who are taking part in this event.

County Finals

I am so disappointed, as are the rest of the team, to report that we missed out by the narrowest of margins in the County Finals. Having had a superb win against Galloway by 8.5-0.5 and having beaten Renfrewshire by 5.5-3.5, we went into yesterday's final match knowing that a draw would not be good enough - we had to win. Things were looking rosie at lunchtime when our morning foursomes pairings put up a 2-1 lead, Jane and Rachael recording a magnificent 6&5 victory over Kelsey MacDonald and Hannah McCook, Claire Hargan and Wendy going to the 18th but coming away with a 1 hole win over Cara Gruber and Pam Mackay, and Kirsten and Claire MacD missing out narrowly to Alison Bartlett and Jenny Milne by 1 hole. The team had made the dream start and all that was needed was to build on that.

A lunchtime chat put the records straight - a 6-0 win in the afternoon was needed; no-one was to rely on anyone else to bring home the points; they all needed to go out onto the course and win - and boy, were they up for it! Northern Counties had lost Mary Smith, who had departed for Blairgowrie and the Scottish Veteran Ladies' Championship, and Kelsey MacDonald who had been taken to hospital for an x-ray on a wrist she had damaged in the morning match. Jane did as asked, winning early and sending a message through the team. Next came Claire Hargan winning on the 16th and the message was clear, we only needed another 1 point. That however was to elude us. Karen unfortunately lost to young Julie Vass, but the rest of the matches, although close, looked comfortable. But then the nerves started to kick in, anxiety struck and the situation started to change. Jenny Milne had a great up and down on 17 to square the match against Rachael and with news that Louise was 1 down on 17 and Claire MacD was all square on 16, a half at the 18th gave Midlothian another half point but the outcome looked very very tight. Louise remained 1 down at the 18th, a great match play finishing hole. Her second to the green unfortunately just ran off the left hand side of the green but a superb up and down gave her a par finish. Her opponent, Hannah McCook hit the green in two but was left with a testing putt to half the hole and win the match. To the Midlothian opposition, it looked as if the ball just caught the right hand edge of the hole but it still dropped in. So it was down to back marker Claire MacD to bring home the needed half point. The pressure on MacD was immense as the entire gallery surrounded the 18th green - Midlothian team and spectators waiting for half a point and Northern Counties wanting a win. Having lost 16, MacD and Cara Gruber halved the 17th with birdie 2s and headed to the 18th with Midlothian 1 down. Great drives by both girls were followed by Cara running through and over the back of the green and MacD hitting a superb shot onto the left hand edge of the green. Cara had a magnificent chip which stopped short of the hole but MacD, by this time, knew she needed to sink her putt. It was a sweetly struck putt and looked fantastic on the way to the hole but sadly shaved the hole and stayed out, much to everyone's disappointed and especially MacD's. Cara then added the final nail to the coffin and sank her putt to square the match.

I would like to say that the team were absolutely superb. Each and every one of them played their hearts out and gave as much as they could. Their golf over all three days could not be faulted and the support they showed to one another was, yet again, totally and utterly amazing, as was the support they showed to myself and the backroom team. Not a cross word or a moan was heard the whole time and the atmosphere both on and off the course, both at the golf course and back at the hotel was wonderful. They were all keen and eager to play and certainly stepped forward when asked. They were disappointed when rested but took that in their stride. I could not have asked for anything more.

My backroom team were magnificent and held me together each and every day when things were tough. It is hard watching and keeping track of all 6 matches but thanks to the support from President Margaret, Vice-Captain Mary and Selector Linda and the use of modern technology, the airways were busy as messages were being texted back and forth with the individual game situations.

The caddies, as ever, were a treat and got as involved in the matches as the players - egging the players on, giving them lines, helping them to read putts and keeping their concentration going. It was superb to see and such an important aspect of the whole weekend. I never once felt alone while watching as the support from the spectators was fantastic. Thank you to all of you who came along to watch. I sincerely hope you enjoyed the spectacle that was put on. My thanks also go to Gillian Kirkwood who very kindly took on the task of MCLGA website reporter so that all of the readers could be kept up to date with the results.

There is absolutely nothing I would change from the three days but to lose out by half a game point is exceedingly hard to bear. It could not have been closer. We are all devastated but will bounce back with renewed vigour next year - so all counties beware the injured golfers!

Juniors at the Prince Course

On top of all the excitement going on at Baberton yesterday, the Juniors were playing in their monthly 9 holes at the Princes Course. Emma Morrison again showed great form in winning the handicap section with a net 3 under par and Erin Hardy took the honours in the non-handicap section.

The scores were:

1st Handicap: Emma Morrison 49 less 21, net 28
2nd Handicap: Carla Maran 61 less 18, net 43
3rd Handicap: Jane Finlay 61 less 15, net 46

1st Non-handicap: Erin Hardy 69
2nd Non-handicap: Carys Hardy 70
3rd Non-handicap: Heather Kynoch 80

Well done girls and many thanks to Mums, Dads, Sharon Macpherson and May Hardy for helping out yesterday.

Midlothian just pipped on countback

 

Midlothian Captain Tracy Laughland accepts the runner-up trophy

from Baberton Captain, Harry Waugh

Title Decider 4 ½- 4 ½, Northern Counties win with higher "games won" total

Midlothian's hopes to become Scottish County Champions in our centenary year were cruelly dashed today at Baberton on the last day of the 2009 championship.
After leading the foursomes 2-1,  we went into the singles needing only three points to clinch victory.  Were we expecting too much?  Sometimes it seems you can wish for something too much...  it's as if the more you want something the more unobtainable it becomes.
Early on the signs were good...four of the team were up,  and wins from Jane Turner (4/3 against Pam Mackay) and Claire Hargan (3/2 against Alison Bartlett) put another two points on the board.  Karen Marshall lost to youngster Julie Vass,  but we still had Rachael Watton, Louise Fraser and Claire Macdonald with chances to win, and we only needed one more point.
Alas it was not to be... Rachael got a half in her match against Jenny Milne, but Louise and Claire both lost on the 18th to Hannah McCook and Cara Gruber respectively.
At any other time a halved match would be considered respectable in the circumstances,  but in the countback our 8½ points from the Galloway game,  plus 5½ points from Renfrewshire game gave us only 14 points.  Northern Counties had beaten Renfrewshire by 7½ points and beaten Galloway by 7 points... a total of 14½.
Getting to the County Finals is a feat in itself given the competition in the East Division,  and our girls should be proud that they got so close to a winning position.  They all worked extremely hard over the gruelling three days, and this experience can only strengthen their resolve to come back next year stronger and more determined.

NORTHERN COUNTIES 4 ½, MIDLOTHIAN 4 ½

Foursomes: Kelsey MacDonald and Hannah McCook lost to Jane Turner and Rachael Watton 6 and 5; Cara Gruber and Pam Mackay lost to Claire Hargan and Wendy Nicholson 1 hole; Alison Bartlett and Jenny Milne bt Kirsten Blackwood and Claire MacDonald 1 hole (1-2).

Singles: Mackay lost to Turner 4 and 3, Bartlett lost to Hargan 3 and 2, Milne halved with Watton, Julie Vass bt Karen Marshall 5 and 4, McCook bt Louise Fraser 1 hole, Gruber bt Claire MacDonald 2 holes (3 ½-2 ½).

Midlothian Team at Baberton this morning

L to R: Margaret Rodgers (President), Louise Fraser, Rachel Watton, Jane Turner, 

Linda Caine (Selector), Karen Marshall, Tracy Laughland (Captain), Claire Hargan, 

Mary Richardson (Vice-Captain), Wendy Nicholson, Kirsten Blackwood, Claire Macdonald.

Click on the image to see it larger in a new window.

[Image courtesy SLGA]

Midlothian through to Title Decider

Midlothian gave the local spectators a hard time this afternoon before coming up trumps at the end.

Our Midlothian team were 2-1 up after the morning foursomes, and needed three wins in the afternoon to win the match. 
Jane Turner had a fantastic run of single putts in her game against Scottish Champion, Megan Briggs, and came through the winner by 2&1.  Wendy Nicholson lost by 3&2 to Claire Marie Carlton  and Karen Marshall lost by 7&6 to an in-form Eilidh Briggs.  That made  3 wins apiece.
County Champion Claire Hargan won her match at the 16th against Scottish Girls cap Alison McKechin.  That gave us the fourth point.
It was all up to Louise Fraser who was all square playing 16 against Carol Whyte and Claire MacDonald, all square playing 15 against Donna Jackson. 
Louise managed to hold it together and halved her match, and Claire won the 16th, halved 17 and won the 18th for a 2 hole victory. (Final result 5½ - 3½)
Meanwhile the spectators felt as though they had been put through a wringer.

PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT TOMORROW IN THE SHOWDOWN AGAINST NORTHERN COUNTIES (who beat Galloway 7-2 today)

MIDLOTHIAN 5 ½, RENFREWSHIRE 3 ½

Foursomes: Jane Turner, Rachael Watton lost to Megan Briggs, Eilidh Briggs 2 and 1; Claire Hargan, Wendy Nicholson bt Alyson McKechin, Lix Stewart 5 and 4; Kirsten Blackwood, Claire MacDonald bt Claire-Marie Carlton, Donna Jackson 2 and 1 (2-1).

Singles: Turner bt Megan Briggs 2 and 1, Nicholson lost to Carlton 3 and 2, Hargan bt McKechin 3 and 2, Louise Fraser halved with Carol Whyte; Karen Marshall lost to Eilidh Briggs 7 and 6, MacDonald bt Jackson 2 holes (3 ½-2 ½).

Midlothian on course in the County finals

The Midlothian team did us proud yesterday with an 8 ½ to ½ victory over South champions, Galloway, in the Scottish County Finals at Baberton.

Captain Tracy apologises for the lack of coverage on this website.... check Kirkwoodgolf for results each day.

This morning the girls play Renfrewshire... if you have a navy sweater anywhere in your wardrobe put it on and come and support! 

They've brought the foursomes forward to a  9:00 am start  and the singles start at 1:30pm.
Tomorrow the girls play Northern Counties and are second off starting at  9:22 with singles starting at 2:15.

GALLOWAY ½, MIDLOTHIAN 8 ½
Foursomes: Gillian Monteith & Tracy Milligan lost to Jane Turner & Rachael Watton 4 and 3; Christina Meldrum & Sheila McMurtrie halved with Louise Fraser & Karen Marshall; Addi Shamash & Gwen Robson lost to Claire MacDonald & Kirsten Blackwood 7 and 5 (1/2-2 ½).
Singles: Monteith lost to Turner 4 and 3, Milligan lost to Claire Hargan 4 and 3, Meldrum lost to Wendy Nicholson 6 and 4, McMurtrie lost to Fraser 1 hole, Shamash lost to Kirsten Blackwood 3 and 2, Robson lost to Watton 3 and 2 (0-6).

County Finals

The long await is nearing an end with the County Finals getting underway on Friday. Tomorrow sees the team undergo their final preparations as they take to Baberton Golf Course for their final practice round before going into battle.

Midlothian tees off in the first match on Friday against Galloway, with the morning foursomes getting underway at 9.30 am and the afternoon singles teeing off at 13.30. Saturday sees the team face Renfrewshire, again in the first of the matches and with the tee-times the same as on Friday. It is all change on Sunday as the team meets Northern Counties in the second match. This starts at 9.52 am, with the singles beginning at 14.15.

PLEASE, PLEASE come along to support YOUR team and watch the matches. It does make a difference to the team members and you are guaranteed to see some excellent golf. It would be great to see you all.

Amongst the team are 2009 SLGA Ladies' and Girls' Home International players, the current MCLGA Champion, the winner and runner up from the 2009 Champion of Champions as well as Scottish School Representatives. In case you have missed previous "County Final" reports, the team for this weekend is:

Claire Hargan (Mortonhall), Claire MacDonald (Gullane Ladies), Jane Turner (Craigielaw), Karen Marshall (Baberton), Kirsten Blackwood (Craigmillar Park), Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe), Rachael Watton (Mortonhall) and Wendy Nicholson (Broomieknowe), with Gabrielle Macdonald our very able reserve.

On behalf of you all, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the girls the best of luck. I hope they all play well, enjoy the matches and put on a great display. They are certainly all up for it!

Senior Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship

After 2 rounds of the Senior Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship at Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club in South Wales, the cut is made tonight with the top 40 and ties going through to the final round tomorrow. Making the cut mark from MCLGA are Noreen Fenton (16th equal), Fiona de Vries (21st) and Pamela Williamson (35th equal). Good luck to you all for the final round tomorrow.

East Vets Autumn Meeting

Many congratulations to Baberton member, Kate Johnston, who yesterday won the East Vets Autumn Meeting which was held at Murrayfield Golf Club. Kate shot a 2 under par net 71 to take the honours from Caroline Johnstone, playing over her home course, by 1 shot. Caroline, however, walked away with the best scratch score, a 4 over par 77. MCLGA members figured highly in the prize winners with Ann Hanna (Murrayfield) finishing in third net place, a further shot behind Caroline, Sandra Ashurst and Norma Richmond (both Murrayfield) a shot further back in joint 4th place and Pam Townsend (Murrayfield) in joint 5th.

Bronze Summer Knockout 2009

Many congratulations to Sheila McComiskey (Turnhouse) who beat Mary Davidson (Kingsknowe) in this year's Bronze summer knockout competition.

Junior Championship 2009

Congratulations to Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) who, today, won the MCLGA Junior Championship at the Merchants Golf Club. With a fantastic score of 72, Kate was 4 over the day's CSS and reduces her handicap to 6. The handicap prize went to fellow Broomieknowe member, Hannah Scott with a net 73.

Only 6 junior member were available to play in today's competition and enjoyed not only wonderful weather but also a golf course in great condition. Our thanks, not only to the Merchants for allowing us the courtesy of their course and the hospitality within the clubhouse but also to the Lady's Captain, Pat Smith, and Isobel Halliday who very kindly gave up their afternoon to walk around with the groups and ball spot.

All of the girls enjoyed their day and they were joined for the prizegiving by the winners of the non-handicap running competition at the Princes Course, Julia Smith (Murrayfield), and the 8-hole non-handicap prize at the Spring Meeting, Emma Morrison (Craigmillar Park). Heather Laing (Glencorse) won the handicap running competition at the Princes Course and Katherine Fisher (Baberton) won the Livingstone Trophy for the most improved golfer this season, having reduced her handicap from 36 to 27.

The results were as follows:

2009 Junior Champion and Winner of the Brown Trophy: Kate McIntosh 72

Championship Runner-up: Gillian Simpson 83

1st Handicap and winner of the Marshall Trophy: Hannah Scott 83 less 10, net 73

2nd Handicap: Heather Laing 104 less 24, net 80

Senior Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship

The Seniors take off to South Wales next week for the Senior Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship which is being held at Pyle and Kenfig Golf Course from 15th-17th September. Taking part in the race for the Clark Trophy are Fiona de Vries (St Rule), Karen Ballantyne (Craigmillar Park), Ruth Brown (Lothianburn), Noreen Fenton (Dunbar) and Pamela Williamson (Baberton). They play 36 holes on Tuesday and Wednesday with the top 40 and ties playing a further 18 holes on Thursday. Good luck to you all.

Ladies' Home Internationals

Your President, Captain and Team Selector had an outing today to Irvine to watch the final day of the Ladies' Home Internationals. A couple of other MCLGA Members also had the same idea of watching the conclusion to the very exciting matches. Having beaten Ireland on Wednesday and England yesterday, it was all set up. If Scotland could come out on top of their next battle against defending champions Wales, the title would be theirs, for the first time since 1991. Wales had started with a win against England and a draw against Ireland so were also on for the title, if they managed to beat the home side.

The morning foursomes saw MCLGA member Jane Turner again partnering Kylie Walker in the final pairing. Having beaten the English couple in yesterday's foursomes by 1 hole, the pair recorded a 2&1 victory, helping Scotland to a 2-1 lead at lunchtime. The afternoon, sadly, did not go to plan. Jane was played at number 3 and came up against some quite amazing golf. Playing against the Welsh Champion, all she could do was watch as birdie after birdie was thrown at her and her opponent finished 6 under par for the14 holes played. Sadly Scotland lost the afternoon singles 5-1 and therefore the match 6-3 and Wales walked off with the Trophy.

It was a great performance by the Scottish side and our commiserations go to the entire team, the Captain, Lesley Nicholson, and the Manager, Claire Hargan. But, having said that, our congratulations also go to them on a superb performance.

Junior Championship 2009

The MCLGA Junior Championship is being held this Sunday, 13th September 2009, at the Merchants Golf Club.

There are not a lot of entrants but we wish you all an enjoyable game, good golf and slightly nicer and less windy weather than we have today!

The draw is:

12:30
Gillian Simpson
Kate McIntosh
Hannah Scott

12:42
Heather Laing
Katherine Fisher
Sally Naysmith


Please bring an up-to-date handicap certificate.
Please be at the tee 10 minutes before your designated tee time.
Please note that normal dress rules apply both on the course and in the clubhouse and no mobile phones should be used either on the course or in the clubhouse.

If anyone needs to call off, please either e-mail Joan Simpson or phone her on 0131 337 6577.

Champion of Champions Final

As the Juniors started their next 5-month block of lessons at the Braids Driving Range, the Final of the Champion of Champions knock out was taking place at the Royal Burgess Golf Club. Having heard that the course had been closed for the last 2 days due to the weather, we were very lucky to have the competition played and, although wet in patches, it appeard to be in great condition.

After a long road to get there, a great final ensued between Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe) and Wendy Nicholson (Broomieknowe). It was fantastic to see so many people out supporting both girls. At one point I counted around 50 spectators - it was great to see the fairways lined, the greens surrounded and everyone enjoying the golf ...... and what golf we were privileged to watch!


Having halved the first 5 holes in 1 over par figures, Wendy took the lead at the 6th with a birdie, only to be pulled back to all square at the 7th, with another birdie. Louise won the next 2 holes as well (par, birdie), to reach the turn 2 up. Wendy pulled one back with a birdie at the 10th, only for Louise to answer with birdies at the 11th and 12th. Halves at 13 and 14 left Louise 3 up with 4 to play, but Wendy's par at the 15th was enough to see the lead reduced to 2 up. However, a couple of visits to bunkers up the 16th to allow her caddy some raking practice, led to Wendy conceding the 16th hole, and the match was all over with a 3&2 win to Louise.

Congratulations to both players for a great match and to Louise, our Champion of Champions for 2009.

Many thanks to the Royal Burgess Golf Club for allowing us the use of their course for the final and their clubhouse for the presentation of the prizes. Thanks also to the Edinburgh Ladies' Golf Shop for sponsoring this event and to our referee, Mary Richardson, who was not tested on too many occasions this afternoon - except to decide on who was to play first! Also, a big thank you to all of the spectators who ventured out to watch. We hope to see you again in a couple of weeks at the County Finals at Baberton.

Dunfermline Building Society Junior Masters

A huge apology to MCLGA Junior Member Heather Laing (Glencorse) who qualified, through her home club, and played in the Regional Final for the DBS Junior Masters at Lothianburn on Wednesday 5th August. Having lead the field for a large part of the day, Heather finally finished in fourth place and joins Gabrielle Macdonald in the Grand Final which is being held on Sunday 11th October 2009 at the Queen's Course at Gleneagles.

Home Internationals

I have been asked by the very able manager, Claire Hargan, to remind you all of the Home Internationals. I posted an item about this last week but remember, it is being played next week, that's on Wednesday 9th, Thursday 10th and Friday 11th September and is being held at the Irvine (Bogside) Golf Club - on home soil! The Scots have not won this event since 1991 but the 2009 team includes Curtis Cup players as well as winners of several international amateur events. The team must have an excellent chance of winning!

If you want to see some great golf and some fantastic matches, why not head over to Irvine next Wednesday to see England against Wales and Scotland against Ireland, on Thursday to see Ireland take on Wales and Scotland take on England or on Friday when Wales will face Scotland and England will face Ireland? The foursomes matches (3 per match) tee off at 8.30 am, with the singles (6 per match) starting at 1.10 pm.

To remind you, the fantastic Scotland Team who will be playing its heart out to win this event is:
Lesley Nicholson (Captain)
Carly Booth (Comrie)
Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm)
Louise Kenney (Pitreavie)
Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar)
Laura Murray (Alford)
Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle)
Jane Turner (Craigielaw)
Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle)

So as you don't have any excuses not to go (!), the directions for reaching the golf course are:

From Glasgow take M77 then A78 to Greenock. Bypass Irvine. 500 yards after Eglington Interchange travel under a bridge then turn off at the Re-cycling sign "Bogside". Continue for 3/4 mile along this road until you reach a sign for Irvine Golf Club.

Go on, support the girls. It is only once every 4 years that this is held in Scotland. Take a picnic, wear purple or tartan and have a great day out!

Scottish Schools

The Scottish Schools Golf Association take on their English counterparts in the annual schools golf international match on Monday 14th September. Being held at Westerwood Hotel and Golf Course in Cumbernauld, Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw) and Rachael Watton (Mortonhall) are two of the six girls in the team of 18. Good luck to you both.

Irish Senior Women's Open Strokeplay

Good luck to Pamela Williamson who takes part in the Irish Senior Women's Open Strokeplay which is being held at Laytown and Bettystown Golf Club from the 8-10th September. Two stroke play rounds will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday with the top 40 qualifying for the final 18 holes on Thursday.

Five-aside leagues

Congratulations to Mortonhall and Liberton Golf Clubs who won the Division 1 and Division 2 five-aside league titles respectively with 13 and 12 match points respectively. Division 1 runner up was Kingsknowe Golf Club who won on game points having had the same number of match points as Baberton and Harburn. Division 2 runner up was Murrayfield with 10 match points. Prestonfield and Craigmillar Park Golf Clubs are the teams relegated to Division 2 next year.

European Senior Ladies Team Championship

Scotland, represented by MCLGA members Fiona de Vries (St Rule) and Fiona Hunter (Baberton), finished in 6th place in the European Senior Ladies Team Championship in Ireland this week.

Scotland had qualified for the championship flight in 5th place. They unfortnately went down to England 3½ - 1½ on Wednesday but then defeated top qualifiers Ireland 3-2 on Thursday to reach a play off with France for 5th place. They lost 4-1 to the French - oh la la!

The Gibson Cup

The Gibson Cup is again being held at the Braids Golf Course on Saurday 26th and Sunday 27th September 2009. The entry fee is £22/couple and guarantees you at least 2 rounds of golf. The closing date is Friday 11th September and the entry forms have to be returned to Edinburgh Leisure, at the address given on the form. Paper copies of these entry forms should be at your clubs, however, if there are none there for whatever reason, please e-mail Anne Brownie who will happily send you a form by return e-mail.

MCLGA Autumn Meeting

A great day was had today at Kingsknowe Golf Course where the MCLGA Autumn Meeting was being held. The weather almost held out for the entire day but it would not have been the Scottish Summer we have come to know and love if there had not been the couple of exceedingly heavy showers towards the end which brought the evening players in soaking wet. As well as that there was a wee bit of wind, which one member, who shall remain nameless, had a tussle with! The Captain, Vice-Captain and President all watched in a fit of giggles as she was seen to cross the 18th fairway and head towards the 9th green at great speed after her umbrella which had decided to part company with her, leaving her trolley to then overturn in the wind.

However, despite the wind and, latterly, the rain some great scores were recorded with Fiona McLaren (Baberton), Karina Matson (Lothianburn) and Susan Dalrymple (Craigielaw) all returning net 69s to the CSS of 72, and Louise Fraser's (Kingsknowe) scratch score of 74 holding out for the whole day. In the bronze section a net 73 by Pat Jackson (Kingsknowe) led the way with Carol Clark's (Craigmillar Park) 96 being the best gross score.

Thank you to Kingsnowe Golf Club for all their help throughout the day and for the use of their course. Thank you also to everyone who turned out to support the competition. Also for the raffle prizes - it was a great raffle today with a lot of prizes. We raised £150 for the County Juniors.

The results are as follows:

CSS 72 (counting competition)

Overall:

Best Overall Net and the McIntyre Trophy: Fiona McLaren (Baberton) - 83 less 14, net 69 (on the better inward half)
2nd Overall Net: Susan Dalrymple (Craigielaw) - 84 less 15, net 69 (on the last 6 holes)

1st Scratch and Lady Ford Cup: Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe) - 74
2nd Scratch: Gabrielle Macdonald (Cragielaw) - 77 on better inward half

Silver Division:

1st Handicap: Karina Matson (Lothianburn) - 80 less 11, net 69
2nd Handicap: Sandra Cackett (Broomieknowe) - 89 less 17, net 72

Bronze Division:

1st Scratch: Carol Clark (Craigmillar Park) - 96
1st Handicap: Pat Jackson (Kingsknowe) - 99 less 26, net 73

There was only one two - Catriona Shedden (Murrayfield) at the first hole.