Midlothian v Duddingston

The Midlothian Squad took to Duddingston tonight in their annual match against the men. Wary of last year's trickery where the girls were informed that they would play from the yellow tees and would be given 3 shots only to find the yellow tees were as far back and the white tees as far forward as they could be, the Captain set out on a mission. It was agreed that the girls would play from the red tees and get 2 shots

Luckily, after the first match had teed off, the weather dried up, although it was fairly cold by the end. A few moans were heard on the 8th tee from Duddingston's Captain about their opponents hitting them with an albatross, some eagles and the likes but when he then announced that the Duddingston pair was in fact 1 up, all sympathy was lost and the girls were encouraged to carry on with their great scoring and fight back. Very kindly, the girls obliged and recorded a win. Gillian Simpson and Kate McIntosh played exceptionally well. Much to the delight of the rest of Duddingston's team, news spread around the course that the girls were 4 up on the 12th - Kate having putted like a dream. On the 13th, there was a glimmer of hope for the men but Gillian stepped to the fore with an excellent up and down to win the hole and advance to the 14th, 5 up. That game did not continue for too much longer! The other games, sad to say, did not go Midlothian's way. The second couple had a great battle. Their early 3 hole advantage was soon whittled down but they would not give up the fight that easily. A great tussle ensued but unfortunately the girls lost out on the final green. One of the 4th pairing was overjoyed at the 8th hole. Having been told how the previous partnerships had approached the tee shot with some laying up short of the burn and others going for gold, the decsion was made - go for it! And boy she did! A huge drive soared over the burn for miles - I think that might have been the hole she came in at in her game! So with the overall match standing a 2 games each, it was down to the 5th game. Another great tussle with Gabrielle Macdonald getting off to a great start and sinking some long putts on the 1st and 3rd holes. There was never much in it, with Midlothian being 1 down after 7 and going 2 down on the 13th. They got it back to 1 down but immediately lost the next and soon found themselves on the 17th hole, dormie 2 down. Only managing a par to half the hole, the game and the match were lost.

It was a great game which everyone enjoyed and the promised soup and sandwiches afterwards, which looked and tasted very much like chicken curry or stovies, was an excellent end to the day. Thank you to all who played and to Duncan Ireland and Gavin Clark who organised the match on behalf of Duddingston.

The results were:

Gavin Clark & David MacKinnon lost to Karen Marshall & Wendy Nicholson 1 down
David Graham & Neil Hamilton beat Noreen Fenton & Linda Caine by 1 up
Ian Stavert & Connor Scott lost to Gillian Simpson & Kate McIntosh 5&4
Colin McNeil & Dan Gilmore beat Sal Shepherd & Karen Ballantyne 4&3
Alistair Thomson & Ian Fraser beat Louise Fraser & Gabrielle Macdonald 2&1

World University Championships

Having successfully defended the British Women's Universities Stroke-Play title earlier in the year, Jane Turner (Craigielaw) has been chosen as one of the three female students to represent Great Britain in the World University Golf Championships to be held at Malaga Golf Club in Spain from the 7th-11th June. Jane is joined in the team by Scottish Champion, Kelsey MacDonald and English student, Lucy Williams.

Good luck to them all - at least they should get some warm weather!

SLGA Competitions - closing dates

I have been asked to advertise a few up and coming SLGA Championships where the deadlines for entry are looming. They are as follows:

Scottish Senior Ladies' (Close) Amateur Championship
Being held at: Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club from 29th June - 2nd July
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRY: 12 NOON on MONDAY 31st MAY
So far the SLGA has received a fairly health number of entries and significantly more than last year. 81 ladies have so far entered but there is still time if you have forgotten to or would like to enter. Entry forms and the entries received to date can be found on the SLGA website at http://www.slga.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=44&Itemid=75

Scottish Girls' Under 14's Championship
Being held at: Auchterarder Golf Club on Friday 9th July
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRY: 12 NOON on MONDAY 7th JUNE
There are still plenty of spaces available for this competition. There is a limit of 40 entries but so far, the SLGA has only received 13 entries. Entry forms can be found at http://www.slga.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=172&Itemid=76 under Scottish Boys & Girls Under 14 Championship.

Scottish Girls' (Close) Amateur Championship
Being held at: Eyemouth Golf Club from 13th-17th July
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRY: 12 NOON on MONDAY 14th JUNE
This competition involves 2 rounds of stroke play, with the lowest 32 aggregate scores qualifying to play in the top flight of the match play stages and the next 16 scratch aggregate scores qualifying for the 2nd flight of match play. Although played off scratch, girls with handicaps of up to 34 may enter. This gives the higher handicap girls experience of playing Championship golf and allow them to meet and play with other girls from all over the country. Entrants must be under 18 on the 1st January 2010 and entry forms can be found at http://www.slga.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=41&Itemid=72

Scottish Ladies' Junior Open Stroke Play Championship
Being held at: Dunfermline (Pitfirrane) Golf Club on 21st-23rd July
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRY: 12 NOON on MONDAY 21st JUNE
This is a 3 round stroke play championship open to girls under the age of 21 on 1st January 2010. Entry forms can be found at http://www.slga.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=43&Itemid=74

And the Juniors are not to be forgotten!

Further to this morning's piece about up and coming competitions, good luck to Gabrielle Macdonald, Kate McIntosh, Hannah Scott, Gillian Simpson, Kirsty Simpson and Rachael Watton who all take part in the Paul Lawrie Scottish Schools Golf Championship at Lynedoch and Murrayshall Golf Courses on Monday 7th June.

St Rule Trophy

As the County Squad takes on Duddingston Men in its annual encounter on Friday night, Claire Hargan, Claire MacDonald, Jane Turner and Rachael Watton will be in St Andrews preparing to do battle in the St Rule Trophy. This involves one round over the New Course on Saturday and 2 rounds over the Old Course on Sunday.

The following weekend, while the squad plays SUGS in that annual tussle over Gullane no. 2, Claire Hargan travels to Ireland to play in the Irish Women's Open Amateur Stroke-Play Championship at Newlands Golf Course in Dublin.

And finally, congratulations to Jane Turner who, after doing well at the Scottish Amateur last week, has been chosen as second reserve for the Scottish Team for the British Women's Open Amateur Championship which is being held at Ganton from the 22nd-26th June.

Good luck to all of you.

Scottish Ladies (Close) Amateur Championship 2010

Congratulations to Jane Turner (Craigielaw) and Rachael Watton (Mortonhall) who had terrific shows in the Scottish Amateur this week. Having qualified for the match play stages in 10th and 6th position respectively, both girls lost out this morning in tight quarter-finals matches which both went to the 18th hole. Rachael had a great first round win by 7&5 before meeting fellow squad member Wendy Nicholson (Bromieknowe) in the second round. She came out on top of that tie by 3&2 which set up this morning's quarter-final tie against Curtis Cup reserve Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar). There was only ever 1 hole in it until Kelsey went 2 up on the 12th. But Rachael pegged her back to all square winning the 13th and 15th and so it stayed until the 18th. Kelsey then birdied the 18th to Rachael's par and the tie was hers. Jane also got off to a great start, recording a 6&5 win against Gillian Monteith from Portpatrick. She then played Susan Jackson from Ladybank, the 7th qualifier, and won on the 18th before taking on fellow SLGA squad member and no. 2 qualifier Laura Murray (Alford). Again, in a very tight game in which there was only ever 1 hole in it, Jane parred the 17th to level the game but could only manage a par to Laura's birdie on the 18th and Laura claimed the match.

Jane, Rachael and Wendy were also joined in the match play stages by Noreen Fenton (Dunbar), Claire MacDonald (Gullane), Karen Marshall (Baberton), and, on her first visit to the Scottish Amateur, Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe).

In the second flight, the Clark Rosebowl, 6 MCLGA players qualified. Some great matches were seen in the first round with Linda Caine (Dunbar) going down on the 19th and Kirsten Blackwood being taken to the 20th before winning. For the other MCLGA players, Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe) and Suzanne Ireland (Prestonfield) lost their ties while Linda Bain (Lochend) went down to Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw). After her marathon morning round, Kirsten just lost out on the 18th in the afternoon, while Gabrielle made it through to the semi-final before losing out to the eventual winner, Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie).

Well done to all who took part. A great week, both weather-wise and golf-wise and a great display by the MCLGA members.

Congratulations - Hole-in-One!

Congratulations to Agnes Millar (Ravelston) who had a hole-in-one during her greensomes match against Turnhouse. Playing at Ravelston, Agnes hit her ace at the 14th hole.

Well done - we all look forward to a glass of champagne!

May visit to the Hermitage

What glorious weather we had today as 15 juniors turned up to play at the Hermitage Golf Course. It was fantastic to see, as a few 5 and 6 year olds joined in this month, some of them for the first time. The second hole brought cheers as both Sophie Aitchison and Emma Morrison recorded birdies, Emma apparently sinking a huge long putt to do so. Sophie, not content with one birdie, scored another on the par 4 10th hole. It is great to see the girls enjoying themselves and their swings are forever being remarked upon, enviously, by the member of the squad helping out that day.

Thanks to everyone who turned out to help today and to Sal Shepherd who kindly gave her time to come along to be impressed!

The results were as follows:

1st Handicap: Sophie Aitchison - 57 less 24 - net 33
2nd Handicap: Julia Smith - 58 less 24 - net 34
3rd Handicap: Emma Morrison -62 less 23 - net 39

1st Non-handicap: Kim Naysmith - 60
2nd Non-handicap: Caitlin McIntosh - 64
3rd Non-handicap: Caitlin Turner - 74

And on the overall leaderboard, in the non-handicap category, Caitlin Turner and Kim Naysmith are tied out in front with 14 points, while Lisa Macpherson is third on 7 points. In the handicap section, Emma Morrison leads on 7 points while, a three-way tie sees Sophie Aitchison, Jane Finlay and Carla Maran vying for second place on 3 points.

Scottish Ladies (Close) Amateur Championship 2010

The Scottish Ladies' (Close) Amateur Championship is being held next week, from the 18th-22nd May, at Craigielaw Golf Club in East Lothian. Of the 75 entrants, 18 are MCLGA members and the County would like to wish them all the best. Hopefully the weather will warm up, the threats of snow will disappear, the sun will shine, the drives will be straight and the putts will drop!

Good luck to everyone taking part and enjoy your golf.

Midsummer Foursomes

The Midsummer Foursomes was played today in dry, sunny but freezing cold conditions at Liberton Golf Course. There was no bird flying off with the McIntosh golf ball, as there was last year, as the mother and daughter pair returned a 4 over par score of 73 to win by 1 stroke from Maureen Stewart and Jane Browitt. Being 5 over on the front 9, Caroline and Kate gave each other a talking to, pulled themselves together and recorded 1 under on the back 9 - a tremendous score. At the other end of the results table, the rule book was required but luckily Anne Brownie was close at hand and could clarify the situation. The four in question had had some round! Firstly one of the ladies managed to hit herself while coming out of a bunker - of which there were many, if everyone was to be believed! Next, one of the ladies in the other couple teed off from outside the markers. Realising the mistake, her partner teed off again - ruling disqualification as the first lady should have teed off herself from inside the markers. And, just to cap it all, the first couple then managed to play the wrong ball up the last by which time enough was enough and an NR was logged!

A great day was had by all and everyone seemed to enjoy the course, the clubhouse bar and catering and generally have a good time. Our thanks to Liberton for hosting our Midsummer Foursomes and to all who helped out on the desk.

The raffle rasied £189 in aid of the County Juniors. Thanks to everyone who kindly donated prizes and to all those who bought tickets. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

The winners of the day were:

1st Scatch - Caroline & Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe)

1st Handicap - Caroline & Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe)

2nd Handicap - Maureen Stewart & Jane Browitt (Glencorse)

3rd Handicap - Babara Duguid & Pat Fosyth (Ravelston)

There were 8 2's, each person winning 4 golf balls:

Isobel Halliday & Marion Duff (Merchants, 13th), Suzanne Ireland & Diane Moncrieff (Prestonfield & Lochend , 11th and 13th), Pat Quinn & Jenny Taylor (Ratho Park , 8th), Marion Law & Jill Scott (Prestonfield & Mortonhall, 13th), Fiona Hume & Jill McLean (Liberton, 11th), Sandra Dickson & Mandy Charters (Mortonhall, 8th) and Caroline & Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe, 13th).

The qualifiers for the final of the Commonwealth Spoons to be held at Cathkin Braes Golf Club, Rutherglen on Thursday 23rd September are:

1st Couple: Caroline & Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) - net 64

2nd Couple: Maureen Stewart & Jane Browitt (Glencorse) - net 65

3rd Couple: Barbara Duguid & Pat Forsyth (Ravelston) - net 67.5

4th Couple: Carol Robertson & Ann White (Liberton) - net 68.5 (BIH)

5th Couple: Mary Henderson & Dayle Connell (Liberton) - net 68.5

6th Couple: Rona Hunter & Jill Lothian (Liberton & St Fillans) - net 69.5 (BIH)

7th Couple: Hazel Deerness & Janet Graham (Harburn) - net 69.5

1st Reserve: Linda Boyle & Dorothy Wilson (Harburn) - net 70

2nd Reserve: Suzannne Ireland & Diane Moncrieff (Prestonfield & Lochend) - net 70.5

Baberton win Inter-Club

Congratulations to the Baberton team of Fiona de Vries, Fiona Hunter, Karen Marshall and Katherine Logan who won the Edinburgh Inter-Club this weekend, to make it six wins in seven years. The event, this year held at Musselburgh (Monktonhall) Golf Club, saw Baberton beat Liberton in the first round by 6&5, being taken all the way to the 20th in the second round by Kingsknowe, before beating Craigmillar Park, in the semi-final, by 2&1. This brought a final showdown with Broomieknowe, being represtented by Katherine Anderson, Kate McIntosh, Wendy Nicholson and Hannah Scott. The first pairing of Fiona de Vries and Karen Marshall were 3 up against Wendy Nicholson and Hannah Scott after 16 holes and the second pairing of Fiona Hunter and Katherine Logan were 5 up after 15 holes against Kate McIntosh and Katherine Anderson, giving them an 8&5 win.

The results were as follows:

Round 1:
Musselburgh beat Torphin Hill 14&10
Broomieknowe beat Turnhouse (retired due to injury)
Lothianburn beat Ratho Park 10&9
Prestonfield beat Glencorse 7&5
Craigmillar Park beat Murrayfield 9&7
Merchants beat Newbattle 9&7
Kingsknowe beat Royal Musselburgh 8&6
Baberton beat Liberton 6&5

Round 2:
Broomieknowe beat Musselburgh 2&1
Lothianburn beat Prestonfield 2&1
Craigmillar Park beat Merchants 6&5
Baberton beat Kingsknowe on the 20th

Semi-final:
Broomieknowe beat Lothianburn 6&5
Baberton beat Craigmillar Park 2&1

Final:
Baberton beat Broomieknowe 8&5

Inter-Club 2010

The 2010 Inter-Club Tournament is being held this year from Thursday 6th-Saturday 8th May at Musselburgh (Monkotonhall).

The draw for the matches is as follows:

16:00 & 16:06 Musselburgh v Torphin Hill
16:12 & 16:18 Broomieknowe v Turnhouse
16:24 & 16:30 Lothianburn v Ratho Park
16:36 & 16:42 Prestonfield v Glencorse
16:48 & 16:54 Murrayfield v Craigmillar Park
17:00 & 17:06 Newbattle v Merchants
17:12 & 17:18 Kingsknowe v Royal Musselburgh
17:24 & 17:30 Baberton v Liberton

Good luck to everyone who is taking part.

A 19 year wait and......

Your Captain has never felt under so much pressure in having to write up anything. In fact, that is a lie, she can remember her O-Level English Literature exam and having to write an essay on Macbeth. In fact she can remember having to write all her English essay throughout her whole school life - every single one a nightmare! This is no different!

Anyway, today saw the County return to Prestonfield Golf Club for the semi-finals and finals of the main and "B"-section Championships. The day started OK, everyone turned up on time and we headed to the first tee but within seconds the sun glasses were on, not because of the sunny morning, but thanks to Kirsten Blackwood, caddying for Linda Caine. As threatened earlier on in the week, she donned a dark but bright pink outfit - complete right down to the shoe laces! As ever the tranquility of the morning was soon shattered and the chat deteriorated. I have been threatened to within an inch of my life if I publish the topic of conversation which then ensued but, I can say that the result of it is that Midlothian now has a Commanding President!

Just having issued that appointment, the first semi-final match was called to the first tee. However, things are never easy and as the helicopters flew overheard - no, they were not there filming the County match play but were following the Edinburgh 10k Bupa run - the Commanding President had to raise her voice somewhat to be heard. But luckily all was well and the first match between Wendy Nicholson (Broomieknowe) and Karen Marshall (Baberton) was underway and what a tussle that turned out to be. There was never more than 1 hole in it and they reached the 18th all square, Karen with the honour. A great drive and Karen was just to the right of the green but an even better drive from Wendy put her pin high on the green. Karen had a good chip on and putted her ball dead for the par, while Wendy took 2 putts, walked off with a birdie and with the match.

The second semi-final between Linda Caine (Dunbar) and Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe) followed on behind. I was going to add without incident but there was a wee bit of dispute over the score as our on course reporter kept us up to date with one set of figures while the caddies begged to differ with it! Eventually, it was all sorted! Linda was 4 up after the first 5 holes but Louise was not about to throw in the towel, fought back and finally reached the 18th hole 1 up. With a putt to win the tie, she lipped out, forcing extra holes and sending the Captain running down the first fairway to ask the members if they would mind standing to one side to let them play through. The 19th was halved and a great putt on the 20th gave Linda her 3 and the match.

The "B"-section Championship semi-finals were very boring in comparison with only good golf being played and no added extras to keep the organisers on their toes! Denise Mitchell (Murrayfield) played very solidly against Jaci Moriarty (Lochend) finally taking the tie on the 17th. Isobel Halliday (Merchants), on the other hand, had taken note of Friday's report and was determined not to be the reason we were kept out of the bar today! She notched up a 6&4 victory against Ann Brown (Deer Park).

After a quick turn around for lunch, the starting committee ran on to the first tee to begin the finals before they were penalised for a late show. The stage was set. We were going to be crowning a completely new Champion in 2010. First-time finalist, Wendy Nicholson, was taking on Linda Caine who had one previous final appearance, can you believe it, 19 years ago against Elaine Bruce at Craigmillar Park! With Anne Brownie as referee, Linda, once again, got off to the dream start and was 3 up after 5 and 4 up after 7. A slight hiccup at the 11th was quickly rectified at the 12th and after 2 up and down par halves at the 13th and 14th, Linda was dormie 4 up. All that was needed was a solid par at the 15th to claim the title of Midlothian Champion for 2010 and that is exactly what Linda delivered. When interviewed later, caddy Kirsten said "it was a fantasitc display. Linda was so focussed, played her own game and kept the ball up the middle. There was no bad language at all .......... well not from the player, anyhow!"

In the "B"-section final, Denise Mitchell took on Isobel Halliday, under the watchful eyes of referee Mary, and only 3 holes were halved. Denise made the first strike on the 3rd hole and repeated that act on the 4th before being pegged back to 1 up at the 6th, replying at the 7th and finally returning to all square at the turn. Obviously taking the lead from Isobel not to keep the spectators on the course for too long, Denise then won the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th to go 4 up. However, Isobel was having none of it and replied by winning the 14th, 15th and, after a fabulous drive onto the green to give her a 2 putt par, the 16th. However, enough was enough as far as Denise was concerned and she buckled down to win the 17th and take the "B"-section Championship for 2010 by a 2&1 victory.

Midlothian would like to thank Prestonfield Golf Club for hosting the Championships and Captain, Neil McNaughton, for turning out to spectate today. The course was in very nice condition and our every need tended to within the clubhouse. Thank you to the referees, Anne and Mary, to Commanding President, Margaret, for announcing each match on the first tee, and to everyone who came along to watch and support the matches.

Finally, all that remains is to congratulate the 2010 Champions, Denise Mitchell and Linda Caine.