County Championship - first rounds

The match play stages of the main and B-section County Championship were held today at Prestonfield Golf Club. In wonderful weather and with the blossom showing signs of possibly being in full bloom by Sunday, the players were all in jovial mood as play got under way this morning. After the first photocall of the day, Wendy Nicholson (Broomieknowe), no. 1 seed, teed off to start the proceedings. It didn't take long before the first complaint was made. Kirsten Blackwood (Craigmillar Park), playing against Claire Hargan (Mortonhall), was not overly enthused by the backdrop for the photo-shoot and, as can be seen below, decided height was the answer! Next up was jealously when Noreen Fenton (Dunbar), up against Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe), insisted that if height was the order of the day for Kirsten, it was the same for her. Getting the main Championship onto the course was not the easiest. When checking the number of clubs being carried, one player insisted that she only had the permitted 14 and counted to find 13. Another count gave her 13 and as panic started to set in, she realised her driver was missing. But, as she searched her bag, driver head cover in hand, the missing club was spotted having been abandoned on a sign post half way to the clubhouse! Eventually, the main Championship was underway and it was time for the B-section players. Needless to say, this was fairly uneventful until the second last tie. Sadly Coleen Derighetti (Lochend) had found her car had been broken into overnight and her golf clubs stolen. Having managed to borrow some irons from one person, some woods from another and a sandwedge from the V-C, she made it on to the first tee. Glad to get everyone started the Captain and V-C retired for a well earned bacon roll!

Some great golf was recorded in the first rounds. Linda Caine (Dunbar) and Sal Shepherd (Craigmillar Park) were 6 under par between them for the first 8 holes and their better ball for all 18 holes was 8 under par. Not to be out done, Claire Hargan and Kirsten Blackwood had a better ball score of 9 under par for the first round, which included 1 bogey. The games were all very close with 3 in the main championship needing extra holes, 2 of them going to the 20th. Three of the four junior qualifiers made it through to the second round, only Gillian Simpson (Murrayfield) falling to fellow junior member Kate McIntosh after a terrific match, at the 20th hole. Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw) beat Claire MacDonald (Gullane Ladies) by 2&1 while Hannah got the better of Noreen on the 18th. In the B-section, two walk overs were given and 3 of the remaining 6 matches went to the 17th or 18th holes, with Coleen Derighetti taking her borrowed equipment to the 18th before losing by 1 hole to Isobel Halliday (Merchants)

The afternoon was not without its complaints as the President took over as chief photographer so as a straight photograph of the clubhouse could be posted on the website. Needless to say after 2 attempts, it was the clubhouse's fault for being built squint! As the above picture shows, after a few attempts, the camera was turned to just the right angle to capture a straight shot and the players could at last get started! All was then well until the B-section players started to plead with the President not to be announced on the tee. Were their pleadings listened to? ........ No!

In the main Championship, again, great golf was on display. All of the Juniors came up against experienced opponents who were not going to let their concentration lapse. Kate McIntosh met fellow Broomieknowe member, Wendy Nicholson and a great tussle ensued with Wendy coming out on top on the 17th. Gabrielle had a great game against Karen Marshall (Baberton) and a fantastic sandy par save at the 18th saw Karen going through to Sunday morning. Hannah got off to the dream start and was 4 up after 5 holes. But Louise slowly but surely reeled her in, levelling the score on the 16th after a fabulous tee shot to within gimmie distance. A half at the 17th and a birdie at the 18th led to victory for Louise. In the fourth tie, Linda Caine took on Kirsten Blackwood and always appeared to have the edge. Putt after putt seemed to just slip past the hole by the narrowest of margins as Kirsten succumbed on the 17th. This gave Linda her first appearance in the semi-finals for near on 20 years. In the B-section Championship, Denise Mitchell (Murrayfield) recorded her second 3&2 win of the day and meets Jaci Moriarty (Lochend), who squeezed through on the final green. Ann Brown (Deer Park) recorded a resounding victory and was made to sit and wait to see who her semi-final opponent would be. That was between Isobel Halliday (Merchants) and Margaret Alexander (Baberton) who finished the 18 holes all square and, as the bar was calling, so were extra holes. Having got caught in a bunker, Margaret just missed her putt, giving Isobel the chance to clinch the tie by holing a 6 or 7 ft putt.

The day's results can be viewed by clicking on "C'ship M-Play" and "B C'ship M-Play" on the left hand side of this page. What are you all doing on Sunday? Why not plan to call into Prestonfield to see some great golf? The first of the semi-finals tees off at 9.30 am with the finals starting at 1.45 pm. Come along and be part of the 2010 Championships.

Juniors gain first handicaps!

Many congratulations to all of the juniors who have just gained their first handicaps. Sophie Aitchison (handicap 36), Anna Massey (30), Julia Smith (36) and Emily Thain (32) now join Emma Morrison, who gained her first CONGU handicap at the end of last year and reduced it in the Junior Spring Meeting. The future looks bright for the Midlothian juniors and I am sure it will not be long before the handicaps come tumbling down.

To cap it all, some of the juniors played in the St Leonards National Junior Golf Championship last Friday and what a display. In freezing cold, wet conditions, the girls took to the links of St Andrews with the U9s playing on the Balgove Course and the U11s on the Strathtyrum Course. Alexandra Massey won the U9s (by 6 shots) with a gross 87, while in the U11s, 1st, 2nd and 3rd went to MCLGA juniors with Emily Thain claiming 1st spot with net 75 on a better inward half from Julia Smith. Anna Massey finished in 3rd place with a net 84 and, I have it on good authority, that 4th place went to Sophie Aitchison.

Well done to all the girls and I hope you enjoy all the competitions your handicaps will open up for you.

Also, the Edinburgh Schools Golf Competition was held on Wednesday 21st April at Carrick Knowe Golf Course. Unfortunately only 3 girls turned up, Gillian Simpson, who played to her handicap, Hannah Scott and Kirsty Simpson, who played to their buffer.

Midsummer Foursome Draw

The draw for the Midsummer Foursomes, to be held on Monday 10th May at Liberton Golf Club, has now been made and published on the website. Please click on "Mid'r 4somes Draw" on the left hand side of this page to see the start times.

Please note that the leading couples from this competition will be eligible to be put forward to the final of the Commonwealth Spoons to be held at Cathkin Braes Golf Club, Ruthglen on Thursday 23rd September.

Please also remember that MCLGA does not allow the use of Distance Measuring Devices (DMDs) in ANY of its competitions and, as such, these devices are NOT PERMITTED for use in the Midsummer Foursomes, regardless of whether Liberton Golf Club has a local rule permitting their use or not. Penalty for breach of this rule will be disqualification.

Finally, a raffle will be held, as usual, in aid of the County Juniors. All raffle prizes will be gratefully received and can be brought along on the day to the check in desk.

MCLGA Championship

Well, the qualifying rounds for the County Championship, held this year at Prestonfield Golf Club, brought a shower of rain, shine and wind, followed in the afternoon by a shower of rain, shine and even more wind. The competitiors would all like it to be known that, in actual fact, it was blowing a total and utter gale which led to both rounds being reduction only. However, I'm not sure that is entirely correct. Yes it was windy and yes it was a 2 club wind for most of the day but I'm not sure one would label it a gale! But having been out, myself, for the 36 holes, I would agree that it was a long way round.

There were, inevitably, various tales of woe. From balls disappearing over the wall at the 11th and the wall at the 11th coming into one of the Prestonfield member's games for the first time ever, to problems with the putts on the greens. Luckily the defending Champion did qualify for the match play stages despite a slight hiccup at the 36th hole. Having driven to just short of the green, the decision was made to make the round last as long as possible. After another 4 shots, the ball made it onto the green. The first putt was on line but died 2 to 3 feet short of the hole. The tap in for the 7 went slightly left and 2 or 3 feet past. The return slightly right, again leaving that tricky 2 to 3 foot length. The next ...... guess which way? - left again and another 2 or 3 feet past and finally enough was enough, the bar was calling and, in amongst the hysterical laughter, the ball finally disappeared. Helpful hint to her opponent on Friday - ask her to putt all 2 to 3 feet putts!

After her terrific display in the Helen Holm, the morning round brought a tremendous gross 72 (1 under par, 3 under the CSS) for Rachael Watton. However, she fell away in the afternoon while Wendy Nicholson shone through with a level par and 2 under the CSS, 73. These two led the field on a 36-hole total of 154, but with Wendy's better last round, she wins the qualfier and takes pole position for the match play stages. Unfortunately, Rachael is unable to play in the match play rounds as she travels to Wales later this week, as travelling reserve for the SLGA team for the Welsh Ladies' Open Stroke Play Championship. Good luck to her in that and also to Jane Turner who is included in the SLGA team.

Back to the County Championship and the 16 qualifiers for the match play stages are: Wendy Nicholson (154), Noreen Fenton, Linda Caine, Gabrielle Macdonald (all 158), Karen Marshall (163), Kirsten Blackwood, Fiona Hunter, Kate McIntosh (all 164), Gillian Simpson, Louise Fraser (both 169), Claire Hargan (170), Hilary Laughland, Claire MacDonald (171), Sal Shepherd, Hannah Scott, Linda Bain (174)

CSS: 75, reduction only for both rounds

The first round of the match play for both the main and "B" Championships takes place on Friday 30th April, with the first game out at 9 am. The second round follows in the afternoon (first tee time 2 pm) with the semi-finals and finals on Sunday 2nd May (9.30 am and 1.45 pm). To see the draw for either the main or "B" Championship, click on the appropriate headings under Championship (C'ship M-play or B C-ship M-play) on the left hand side of this page. All spectators will be very welcome!

Good luck to all who are taking part.

Helen Holm

What fantastic scoring has been recorded at the Helen Holm, being held at Troon Portland and Royal Troon this weekend. With the winning score being 10 under par, the MCLGA players have all done themselves proud. Jane Turner (Craigielaw) led the MCLGA players with a very creditable 5 under par over the 3 rounds. She recorded a 1-under, 74, and a 3-under, 72, round Troon Portland and another 1-under, 74, on Royal Troon to finish in 9th position. Next up was Rachael Watton (Mortonhall) who, on her second visit to the Helen Holm, finished in 11th position with rounds of 75, 74 and 72 and a total of 4-under par. Thirdly, Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw), on her first visit to the west coast competition, finished in 31st position on 5 over par after rounds of 1-over, 4-over and level par. With 68 players in total, to have all three girls in the top half of the results table is a fabulous result. Well done to you all.

'B' Championship Draw 2010

The draw for the 'B' Championship to be held at Prestonfield Golf Club on 30th April and 2nd May is now available. Click on B C'ship M-Play under Championship on the left hand side of this page.

MCLGA Spring Meeting

What a gorgeous day we had today at Murrayfield Golf Club for the Spring Meeting. The sun shone from dawn until dusk and for one or two of us the golf was superb! With a few call offs from members stranded throughout the world, 99 ladies eventaully took part. A couple of net 66s led the way, one from early starter, Pam Townsend and the other from late morning starter, Sandra Dickson. The best scratch was posted by Hilary Laughland who wins the Cormack Salver with a gross 75. How could one not enjoy being out on the course in the weather we had today?

Our thanks go to all at Murrayfield Golf Club who helped to make the day a success, especially Secretary John Fraser, the professional shop and the bar and catering staff who looked after us all very well. Thanks also to Ray Lynch and Sheila Hunter who kindly gave time to help out on the check in desk and to all the ladies who donated prizes for the raffle and bought tickets. We raised £127.15 for the County Juniors - don't ask where the 15p came from!

The results from today are as follows:

CSS 74

Bronze Division

1st Handicap: Susan Tudball (Murrayfield) - 100 less 24, net 76

1st Scratch and CM Park Rosebowl: Sandra Dickson (Mortonhall) - 93

Silver Division

1st Handicap: Denise Mitchell (Murrayfield) - 84 less 13, net 71

2nd Handicap: Susan Rennie (Uphall) - 82 less 9, net 73

1st Scratch and Cormack Salver: Hilary Laughland - 75

2nd Scratch: Karen Ballantyne (Craigmillar Park) - 79

Overall:

Best overall net: Pam Townsend (Murrayfield) - 77 less 11, net 66 (on the better inward half)

2nd overall net: Norma Richmond (Murrayfield) - 81 less 8, net 73

There were 9 two's overall but only 6 of these players had entered the two's sweep and each win 7 Srixon golf balls. The winners were:

Pam Townsend (at the 10th), Norma Richmond (at the 16th; yes, an eagle 2 at the 16th!), Pat Walkingshaw (at the 13th), Karen Ballantyne (at the 7th), Hilary Laughland (at the 13th) and Jaci Moriarty (at the 2nd)

Thank you to everyone who supported the Spring Meeting and we hope you all enjoyed your games.

Spring Meeting Draw Changes

Please note that due to the current volcanic ash air problems, several members have been stuck abroad and have had to withdraw from the Spring Meeting tomorrow, while they try to wend their weary ways home. The draw has had to be changed to accommodate this and the updated draw has now been added to the website. PLEASE check the draw again to make sure you have your correct start time.

Please also remember the raffle tomorrow in aid of the juniors. All prizes will be gratefully received.

Vice-Captain worries even more!

What a wonderful day it was today - both a lot warmer and a lot drier than yesterday. So what else was there to do other than to take oneself off to the seaside? And that is exactly what the Midlothian Juniors did!

23 Juniors, courtesy of their parents or friends, headed down to North Berwick for a fun outing on the Children's Golf Course. Thanks to all our Members who attended the Centenary lunch and to Ian Young who kindly put up the prize, the money raised from the raffle gave the Juniors a day which they all thoroughly enjoyed.

Having played their golf, they all descended on the clubhouse for chicken nuggets, pizza, chips and juice and, as the noise and hilarity got louder and louder, it was time for the prizegiving and this is when the V-C's worries really started to take hold.

You will be aware from yesterday's report of the Hermitage that Mary's foursomes partner is on form on the golf course at present. Well, that has not changed and Mary is now quaking in her boots. Today, Emma Morrison won the handicap prize with a gross 32 over the 9 hole par 27 course. A great score,which when taking her handicap into account, gave her a net 14.5! In the non-handicap section, 1st prize went to Alexandra Massey with 37 shots. Robyn Tait just managed to hold off Julia Smith for second prize, courtesy of the better last 3 holes. Nervous at being in the first group and leading the way, Robyn recorded the only 2 of the day at the 81 yard par 3, 6th hole. The "aged 11 and over" prize went to Julia Smith with Heather Kynoch winning the "aged 10 and under".

It was a fabulous day and great to see the girls thoroughly enjoying themselves and to send them home totally hyper!

1st Handicap - Emma Morrison - 32 net 14.5

1st Non-handicap - Alexandra Massey - 37

2nd Non-handicap - Robyn Tait - 40 (on the better last 3)

Age 11 and over - Julia Smith - 40

Age 10 and under - Heather Kynoch - 41

Midlothian Juniors make it 5-in-a-row!

What a day! Imagine the scene at 9.30 am this morning. The rain was teeming down, everyone was shivering in the freezing cold and Mikhaila and Mini-Mac were in the pro-shop looking for waterproofs! With some safely found, it was off to the first tee for the first game in the 2010 Cuthbertson Cup.

Midlothian were up against Stirling and Clackmannan and leading us off was Rachael Watton (and Mini-Mac) playing against Alison Goodwin. A great start saw Rachael quickly up and she never looked back - apart from at the 12th and 13th when she decided it would be a laugh to make us all walk away from the clubhouse and down the 14th! Soon afterwards, our first victory was recorded. Next on to the tee was Gabrielle Macdonald. Taking on Alexis Hutton, Gabrielle, again, didn't waste any time in sticking her nose in front, and keeping it there. The second victory came soon after Rachael, and was quickly followed by Gillian Simpson - another head down, get in front and get it over with quickly. No messing about! Next came Mikhaila and Kate McIntosh who were determined to win by a greater margin than the other members of the team. Not quite doing that but not far off, they made the morning score 4-0, put Midlothian into the final and allowed us all to get inside into the dry and warmth, early and happy.

The afternoon saw Midlothian take on Fife for the glory. Mikhaila and Mini-Mac's waterproofs came off but extra layers were still needed for warmth. Rachael met Rachel Hanlon and immediately started where she had left off in the morning. But a fight back came and Rachael was pegged back. Another surge was stopped and turned around again. Eventually Rachael was made to play all 18 holes and recorded a halved match. Gabrielle had the same idea as Rachael and carried on from the morning. Playing superb golf and putting like a dream, she quickly got in front and just kept going to record a 5&4 victory - I'm not sure you need that new putter, gabrielle! Gillian again meant business and started off the way she had finished in the morning. However, a wee bit of anxiety crept in and for the first time one of the Midlothian players found themselves down in a tie. But not for long! A quick talking to and things turned around. The swing returned to the morning's poetry and another victory was notched up. Kate was as solid as a rock and just kept plodding along - first she was up, then she was up a little more, then a little more and eventually the holes ran out, Mikhaila was all smiles and victory was hers.

A great day, a great display of golf and a great way to win the Cuthbertson Cup for the 5th year in a row. Very pleasing for all the spectators - the rest of you don't know what you missed!

Morning result:

Midlothian v Stirling and Clackmannan

Rachael Watton beat Alison Goodwin 5&4

Gabrielle Macdonald beat Alexis Hutton 5&3

Gillian Simpson beat Tiffiny Wood 5&3

Kate McIntosh beat Nicole Underhill 4&2

Fife beat East Lothian 2.5 - 1.5

Afternon result:

Midlothian v Fife

Rachael Watton halved with Rachel Hanlon

Gabrielle Macdonald beat Samantha Munro 5&4

Gillian Simpson beat Lauren Whyte 3&2

Kate McIntosh beat Shannen McGuire 5&3

3rd and 4th play off (foursomes):

East Lothian beat Stirling and Clackmannan 2-0

Six girls brave the freezing conditions!

Well done to the six bravehearts who ventured out at the Hermitage today. A great show of dedication in the weather conditions - rain and freezing cold! They certainly impressed the organisers who made a very popular decision to reduce the April round to 8 holes. Emma Morrison, who reduced her handicap in the County Spring Meeting last week, had a great 8 holes and scored 6 over par. Don't worry Emma, your Craigmillar Park foursomes partner (the Vice-Captain for those not in the know!) has been warned not to let you down and should be found hitting balls on the practice ground during every spare moment between now and your first tie. Among the girls without handicaps, Kim Naysmith returned a 46 for the 8 holes and Caitlin Turner a 50, with Lisa Macpherson playing the first 6 holes in 50.

Thanks to Claire Hargan who helped out today and has been talking about the great swings on show ever since, and to Sharon Macpherson who kept her eye on things and kindly stepped into the organising shoes this month. Based on their views that you were all mad to have gone out in the first place and should be given huge, big gold medals for playing, 2 points are awarded to you all for turning out!

In the running points competition, Caitlin holds on to her lead with 12 points but the gap is narrowed by Kim Naysmith who moves to 10 points. In the handicap section, Emma Morrison takes the lead on 6 points.

MCLGA Juniors do well at Elie

Congratulations to MCLGA Junior members Emily Thain, Alexandra Massey and Anna Massey who finished 2nd, 3rd and 6th respectively in the Girls Under 12 Tournament being held this week at Elie. Also to Gillian Simpson who was second in the U18's. A great result for the end of the Easter holidays.

British Universties Women's Stroke Play

Many congratulations to Jane Turner (Craigielaw) who successfully defended the British Universities and Colleges Women's Stroke-Play Championship being held, this week, at Dundonald Links. Having won the title 12 months ago in Nottinghamshire, Jane left it until the 71st hole, this year, to take the lead and finished on 4 under par. One behind the leader after the first round, she drew level after two, scoring 2 under the CSS. However, in round 3 she dropped to 2 off the lead but came back strongly in the final round with another 2 under the CSS to pick up first place by 1 shot.

Jane's attention stays in Ayrshire as she tees up at the end of next week on Troon Portland and Troon Old courses in the Helen Holm Scottish Open Stroke-Play Championship. She is joined in that by Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw) and Rachael Watton (Mortonhall). Good luck to the girls for that event.

Team Events

While the juniors will be doing battle at Ratho Park on Sunday for the Cuthbertson Cup (which I am sure you are all going to be at to cheer them on - you have all had plenty of warning!) the Scottish Vets will be taking on an Irish Senior Select team at Portmarnock Links for the Mary McKenna Perpetual Trophy.

Good luck to all involved, especially Pamela Williamson (Captain), Fiona de Vries, Noreen Fenton and Fiona Hunter (reserve) in the Vets team and Gabrielle Macdonald, Kate McIntosh, Hannah Scott (reserve), Gillian Simpson and Rachael Watton in the Midlothian Cuthbertson Cup side.

East Vets Spring Meeting

A belated congratulations to Pamela Williamson (Baberton) and Mairi Pollock (Craigmillar Park) who won 1st scratch and 1st handicap at the East Vets Spring Meeting last week, respectively. Held on Gullane no.3, Pamela scored a gross 74 while Mairi recorded a very tidy 4 under CSS 67. Midlothian members also finished in 2nd, 3rd and 4th places with Elsa Todd (Prestonfield) scoring a net 68, Barbara Halliday (Murrayfield) a net 71 and Anne Brownie (Lothianburn) a net 72. Midlothian also featured in the Bronze section which was won by Katy Gillies (Melville) with a net 74.

MCLGA 2010 Championship Qualifier

The draw for the 36 hole Championship qualifier, being held at Prestonfield Golf Club on Monday 26th April, has now been published and can be viewed by clicking on "C'ship Q'ing Draw" on the left hand side of this page.

Please remember to bring handicap certificates on the day.

Please also note that the top 16 gross scores will qualify for the match play stages being held at Prestonfield on Friday 30th April and Sunday 2nd May.

Finally, please remember that MCLGA does not allow the use of Distance Measuring Devices (DMDs) in ANY of its competitions and, as such, these devices are not permitted for use at any stage of the Championship, regardless of whether Prestonfield Golf Club has a local rule permitting their use or not. Penalty from breach of this rule will be disqualification.

MCLGA Junior Singles Hole and Hole

This year four girls have entered the Summer Junior Hole and Hole competition. To make it more of an event, it has been decided to make it a round robin rather than a straight forward knockout. Each of the girls will play each of the others either home or away and will gain 2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw. The ties will be as follows and will be played off full handicap difference. The first named individual will be the challenger and will play on their home course.

To be played by the 16th May:
Emma Morrison v Jane Finlay
Katherine Fisher v Rachel Steedman

To be played by the 11th July:
Jane Finlay v Katherine Fisher
Rachel Steedman v Emma Morrison

To be played by the 5th September:
Emma Morrison v Katherine Fisher
Jane Finlay v Rachel Steedman

Good luck to you all.

ESGGA Spring Meeting

Congratulations to Rachael Watton (Mortonhall) who today won first scratch at the East of Scotland Girls' Golfing Association Spring Meeting with a fabulous 3 under par score of 69. Being held at Pitreavie Golf Club, Dunfermline in fantastic sunny conditions, Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) brought home a second prize for Midlothian with the best U18 net score, a net 68. Obviously the girls practice match at Turnhouse yesterday did them them both the world of good!

Midlothian take on Lanarkshire

The Midlothian squads were once again on winning form as they took on Lanarkshire in the second warm up match of the year. Playing at Turnhouse today in glorious conditions, the girls recorded a 3-1 win and the juniors a 1-5-0.5 win. Unfortunately the leading pair of Rachael Watton and Claire MacDonald came unstuck against Pamela Pretswell and Susan Wood but Kirsten Blackwood playing with Gabrielle Macdonald, Wendy Nicholson with Kate McIntosh, and Claire Hargan playing with Arlene McGarty, all recorded wins. Midlothian were one short in the junior match due to illness but Katherine Fisher put up a fantastic fight on her own, winning her match by a mighty 7&6. Hannah Scott (who played extremely well in the Scottish U16s last week, reducing her handicap to 8) and Jane Finlay had a fabulous game which ended all square.

Our thanks go to Turnhouse Golf Club for allowing us courtesy of the course for the match and to the caterers for providing a well needed bowl of soup and sandwiches, to Helen Ross, Lady Captain at Turnhouse, for turning out to welcome us and see us off, and to Margaret Rodgers for her help in organising the course. A great day was had by all!

Results:

Rachael Watton & Claire MacDonald lost to Pamela Pretswell & Susan Wood 2&1

Kirsten Blackwood & Gabrielle Macdonald beat Elaine Cuthill & Joanna Scott 4&2

Wendy Nicholson & Kate McIntosh beat Ruth Rankin & Fiona Scott 2&1

Claire Hargan & Arlene McGarty beat Angela Devine & Gillian Scanlan 5&3

Hannah Scott & Jane Finlay halved with Emma Cadow & Alison Reid

Katherine Fisher beat Eva O'Connor & Nicole Muir 7&6

2010 County Championship

This is the last call for entries for the County Championship, being held at Prestonfield Golf Club. Open to players with handicaps of 12 and under, the 36 hole qualifier takes place on Monday 26th April, with the match play stages on Friday 30th April and Sunday 2nd May.

If you would like to enter please contact Agnes, by Sunday 11th April, either by e-mail or by phone on 0131 445 2411, to add your name to the list.

Spring Meeting

The draw for the Spring Meeting, being held at Murrayfield Golf Club on Wednesday 21st April, has now been put on the website. To see the starting times, please click on "Spring Draw" on the left hand side of the page. Spaces are still available, so if you would like a late entry, please contact Agnes Leslie either by e-mail or on 0131 445 2411. You can also "turn up on the day" and will be put with the first group within your handicap category, should a space become available.

PLEASE remember to bring your handicap certificate with you on the day.

This competition is the qualifying round for the "B" championship, which is for handicaps of 13 and above. Please note that the match play stages of the Championship are being held at Prestonfield Golf Club on Friday 30th April and Sunday 2nd May.

Please note that MCLGA does not allow the use of Distance Measuring Devices (DMDs) in ANY of its competitions and, as such these devices are not permitted for use at the Spring Meeting, regardless of whether Murrayfield has a local rule permitting their use or not. Penalty for breach of this rule will be disqualification.

Please also note that, with tradition, a raffle will be held in aid of the County Juniors. Raffle prizes will be gratefully received and can be brought along to the check in desk on the day of play.

Cuthbertson Cup

MCLGA is pleased to announce that the 2010 Cuthberstson Cup team to defend the trophy for the fourth year in succession will be Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw), Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe), Gillian Simpson (Murrayfield) and Rachael Watton (Mortonhall), with Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe) as reserve. The matches, which are being held on home soil at Ratho Park Golf Club, are on Sunday 18th April.

PLEASE come along to support your Junior Team. They tee off in their first match at 9.30 am, against Stirling and Clackmannan, and the afternoon matches start at 2pm. There will be good golf on show!

Gillian Kirkwood to Chair the LGU

Many congratulations to Gillian Kirkwood who, it was announced at the weekend, is to take over as Chairman of the Ladies Golf Union with immediate effect, a post which she will hold for 3 years.

ESGGA Spring Meeting 2010

The East of Scotland Girls' Golfing Association Spring Meeting takes place on Monday 12th April at Pitreavie Golf Club in Dunfermline. Taking part in this competition from Midlothian are:

Rachael Watton and Gabrielle Macdonald, out at 10.30 am,
Gillian Simpson, out at 10.37 am,
Kate McIntosh, out at 10.44 am,
Hannah Scott, out at 10.51 am
Kirsty Simpson, out at 11.05 am,
Katherine Fisher, out at 11.12 am.

Good luck to all of you and I hope the wind doesn't swirl and the sun shines!

Junior Spring Meeting

A great day was had at Swanston New Golf Club today as the MCLGA season got underway with the Junior Spring Meeting. 13 girls took part in the main competition on the 18 hole golf course while another 9 played 12 holes on the Templar Course, followed by a putting competition. The snow of last week had, luckily, disappeared over the weekend and the forecast rain managed to stay away until after the golfers had all returned safely to the clubhouse.

In the main competition, the course record, held by Noreen Fenton, was under threat. But after 12 holes it looked as though it would stand to see another day as moans of the swirling wind were heard to swirl around the 13th tee! But Rachael Watton, disappointed to miss her birdie on the 18th green, came home with a 78, one better than Noreen's 79. Emma Morrison, who gained her first CONGU handicap at the end of last year had the round of the day with a level par net 69. A great round which, with the CSS increasing by 3, reduces her handicap by 1.5 shots. Well done Emma.

On the Templar Course, the burn seemed to come into play rather a lot, which caused all sorts of problems! But two great scores were recorded. The first by Kim Naysmith who scored a very impressive 9 over par and the second by Anna Massey with an 11 over par; both scores catching the eye of Rachael Watton and causing a slight dropping of her jaw! The non-handicappers then took to the putting green to test their skills. They were joined in this by Lucy Morrison who held her own with her playing partners and took the honour on a couple of occasions with a couple of 2s. However, the end result brought a tie and under the watchful eye of the Junior Cuthbertson Cup team, the play off was held. As the bets on the winner were being placed with bookie extraordinaire, Gillian Simpson, Alexandra Massey won the toss and the honour. A great putt was struck which finished no more than 6 inches from the hole. Following her, Kim Naysmith left her first putt short and just missed her 2, allowing Alexandra to tap in to win the putting.

It was a great day and our thanks go to all at Swanston who helped to make the day so successful. The pizzas the girls had afterwards went down a treat! Thanks to all the Mums, Dads, Brothers and Grans who helped to keep the scores, to Kay and Anna for all their help and time during the day and to Joan for all the organising.

The results were:

1st scratch: Rachael Watton, Mortonhall (78)

2nd scratch: Gabrielle Macdonald, Craigielaw (82)

1st handicap: Emma Morrison, Craigmillar Park (net 69)

2nd handicap: Kirsty Simpson, Murrayfield (net 78)

1st non-handicap: Kim Naysmith (51)

2nd non-handicap: Anna Massey (53)

1st putting: Alexandra Massey

2nd putting: Kim Naysmith

Scottish Universtities Championships

Congratulations to Jane Turner (Craigielaw) who finished 2nd equal at the Scottish Universities Championships at Lossiemouth. In horrendous conditions, which included rain, hail sleet, snow and, to top it off, wind, the competition was reduced to 54 holes. Unfortunately (although maybe with all the weather she is, now, not too disheartened!) the second Midlothian player in the field, Arlene McGarty (Harburn) had to withdraw due to a reoccurrence of an injury.