Junior Championship & Autumn Meeting

Wanted - all girls with handicaps to play in the MCLGA Junior Championship and Autumn Meeting being held on Sunday 12th September at Glencorse Golf Club.

This is the last Junior event of the season - come along, join in!

E-mail Joan with a note of your name, handicap and club, preferably before Friday of this week, by e-mail clicking here.

Busy time for the seniors!

The European Senior Ladies' Team Championship started today at the Sporting Club in Berlin and brings the start of a run of Senior events throughout September. As mentioned earlier, the team for this week includes Fiona de Vries (St Rule) with Pamela Williamson (Baberton) as Captain. Next week sees the Irish Senior Women's Open Stroke Play Championship being held at Laytown and Bettystown Golf Club in County Meath, not far from Dublin. The field includes the aforementioned Pamela Williamson and Dorothy Thomson (Gullane Ladies). Following on from that, from the 14th-16th September, is the Senior Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship, this year at West Kilbride Golf Club. With it being held on home soil a number of Midlothian members are taking part, namely Karen Ballantyne (Craigmillar Park), Ruth Brown (Lothianburn), Fiona de Vries (St Rule), Noreen Fenton (Dunbar) and Pamela Williamson. In case that is not enough, there is still time in September left for the Scottish Veteran Ladies' Championship at Blairgowrie, being held from the 19th-21st September (just after the County Finals at Bothwell Castle which the Midlothian Team will be taking part in and which I am sure you are all planning on coming over to watch at some point between the 17th and 19th!), and the Senior Home International Matches at Sheringham Golf Club in Norfolk from 28th-30th September - more about those later.

Gibson Cup closing date - 8th September

I have been asked to remind all members about the Gibson Cup, the annual ladies foursomes competition held at the Braids Golf Club. The closing date for entry is fast approaching - Wednesday 8th September, which is slightly earlier than usual, so don't be caught out!

The competition this year takes place on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th September. For those not in the know, strokeplay qualifying takes place on the Saturday, with matchplay knockout or the consolation stableford taking place on the Sunday, all events involving foursomes format.

So remember - the closing date is slightly earlier than in the past. If you want to enter but haven't yet got your entry form off to Edinburgh Leisure, post it soon. It has to arrive no later than Wednesday 8th September. If you are having problems trying to find a paper copy of the entry form, don't despair, e-mail Anne Brownie by clicking here and she will send you an electronic version.

Murrayfield just lose out in Club Foursomes

The semi-finals and final of the SLGA Club Foursomes were also being played yesterday at Douglas Park Golf Club. The morning semi finals saw Murrayfield's pairing of Pat Walkingshaw and Caroline Johnstone take on Ayr Dalmilling. They made light work of that, winning the tie 8 and 6 and progressing to the afternoon final against Carnoustie Caledonia. Unfortunately, the title was not to be and Pat and Caroline lost out by 4&3. A great effort to get that far and make it through to the final. Get your revenge at Worsley Park, girls!

ESGGA Autumn Meeting

Congratulations to Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe) who triumphed in the East of Scotland Girls' Golfing Association's Autumn Meeting being held at Glenbervie Golf Club. Hannah scored a 6 over the CSS, 79 to win the scratch prize by 1 shot but lost out on the back 9 on first handicap.

Baberton wins Scottish Ladies' Foursomes

Congratulations to the Baberton pair of Fiona Hunter and Karen Marshall who yesterday won the Scottish Ladies' Foursomes competition which was held at Douglas Park Golf Club. With a gross score of 77, they won by 2 shots, with the Craigmillar team of Karen Ballantyne and Kirsten Blackwood losing out on a count back to finish in 3rd position.

SLGA Adult / Girls Foursomes

I have been asked to remind you of the final SLGA one day event of the year, the Adult/Girls Foursomes. The event is open to any pairing consisting of a Junior Girl and an adult female/adult male and is open to any Junior Girl with or without a CONGU handicap. There are all sorts of prizes for all sorts of handicap categories. It is being held on Sunday 26th September at Alloa Golf Club and the closing date for entry is Monday 6th September.

For more information or entry forms go to http://www.slga.co.uk/images/stories/entry_forms/adultgirl2010.pdf

Scotland names team for Ladies' Home Internationals

Scotland has today announced its team to take part in the Ladies' Home Internationals and Midlothian is delighted to announce that both Jane Turner (Craigielaw) and Rachael Watton (Mortonhall) have been included, Rachael gaining her first full cap. The Home Internationals are being held at Whitchurch Golf Club in Cardiff from 8-10 September and Scotland will be aiming to go one better than last year where they finished runners up to Wales at Irvine Bogside. Joining Jane and Rachael in the team are Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm), Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), Laura Murray (Alford), Martine Pow (Selkirk) and Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle) under the care of Captain Lesley Nicholson and Team Manager Hilary Wardell (Monaghan).

Good luck girls.

Murrayfield into last 8!

Murayfield Ladies beat a team from Pomtefract in a tight, nail biting encounter on Saturday morning in the 8th round of the Mail on Sunday Classic National Ladies' Club Match-Play Competition. Their 3-2 victory earned them a trip to Worsley Park Marriot Golf and Country Club near Manchester towards the end of September and all that stands between them and a trip to Spain for the semis and final is a repeat performance there. Chosing 5 players from a pool of 8 is the first challenge and that decision will not be made until all have travelled to the Manchester area for a practice round the day before the counting match.

Good luck to you all. Midlothian County will certainly be keeping its fingers and toes crossed and eagerly awaiting the result on the 27th September.

Rearranged Summer Meeting

After the floods of July, the Summer Meeting was finally played at Baberton Golf Club today. The weather was so much better - but let's be honest, it couldn't have been any worse - unless the snows of February had returned! But having said that there was still some rain, fairly heavy at times. However today's rain brought only 1 couple in early from their round not the 15 or 20 odd couples who gave up in July. There was even the odd lucky pairing who turned up in the rain, hummed and hawed about whether they were going to venture out and then finally decided to brave the conditions, only to get round in complete dryness.

Anyway, 63 ladies were able to make the rearranged date, with the early morning weather forecast putting off an additional 7 entrants on the day. Scores were fairly high to begin with and it took until the 10.15 am tee off time until we saw the first of our winners - Kate Johnston who led the silver handicap until Marge Gammie came in immediately behind, pipping her at the post by 1 net shot. The heavy downpours and the threat of the greens flooding did not put off our 11.45 am and 12.07 pm starters, with Nook Weir returning a net 74 to claim the Bronze handicap prize and Vivien Mitchell returning the best Bronze scratch. After the rains came Sarah Stitchbury (she of the aforementioned indecision!) with an excellent scratch 79 which held its own until late into the evening when late starter Wendy Nicholson upset the entire competition and is probably the one responsible for all the 0.1 increases, returned an even better 1 under par 71. The evening tee times also saw Janet Graham claiming the best net overall and, last on the course, Collen Derighetti collecting 2nd overall net.

Our thanks go to Maggie McPherson who made sure the Starting Committee were exceptionally well settled into their table and the catering and bar staff who took over from Maggie ensuring our food and liquid requirements were met. Also a big thank you to all who brought along a raffle prize - the table was groaning with all that was on offer - and to those members who bought a ticket. The raffle raised £99.50, which again will be put to good use with the County Juniors.

The results are as follows:

CSS 74

1st Scratch and the Corstorphine Salver: Wendy Nicholson (Broomieknowe) - 71
2nd Scratch: Sarah Stichbury (Merchants) - 79

Best overall net and the Dumayne Bowl: Janet Graham (Harburn) - 90 less 18, net 72
2nd overall net: Coleen Derighetti (Lochend): 90 less 17, net 73

Silver Division
1st Handicap: Marge Gammie (Baberton) - 87 less 13, net 74
2nd Handicap: Kate Johnston (Baberton) - 87 less 12, net 75

Bronze Division
1st Scratch and the Murphy Trophy: Vivien Mitchell (Prestonfield) - 98
1st Handicap: Nook Weir (Baberton) - 100 less 26, net 74

There were 2 twos, each winning £29.50 - Sandra Dickson (Mortonhall) at the 14th and Hilary Laughland (Troon Ladies) at the 17th.

Thank you to everyone who persevered while we tried to rearrange the day and to those who were able to play and support Midlothian.

MCLGA Autumn Meeting

The draw for the Autumn Meeting, being held at Swanston New Golf Club on Thursday 2nd September, has now been published on the website. To see the starting times, please click on "autumn draw" on the left hand side of this page. Spaces are still available so if you would like a late entry, please contact Vice-Captain, Mary Richardson, either by e-mail or by telephone on 0131 665 2879. You can also turn up on the day and we will put you with the first group within your handicap category, should a space become available.

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

PLEASE note that Mary should be contacted with any queries regarding the Autumn Meeting

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 Autumn Meeting regardless of whether Swanston New has a local rule permitting their use or not. Penalty for breach of this rule will be disqualification.

A raffle will be held in support of the County Juniors at the Autumn Meeting. Any small gifts for the raffle table will be gratefully received and can be brought along on the day. All donations are very welcome and very much appreciated.

PLEASE excuse the delay in getting the draw on the website. I was wanting to avoid confusion with the rearranged Summer Meeting.

Katherine Fisher records tremendous score!

Many congratulations to Midlothian Junior member, Katherine Fisher who has just returned from holiday having smashed her handicap from 27 to 20 in just 8 days and 2 rounds of golf! Katherine played in the Junior Girls' Stableford at Elie Golf Course on 9th August and recorded none other than 50 (yes, fifty) stableford points.This brought a reduction in her handicap from 27.2 to 21.6. Then, playing off her newly acquired handicap of 22, she took to the course again, on the 17th August, in the Elie Junior Girls' Medal. That day she only managed to knock another 1.6 shots off her handicap, scoring 91 less 22, net 69. Her new exact is 20.0 and Katherine's aim, now, is to end the season well and truly in the Silver Division.

Well done Katherine - a great effort!

Rearranged Summer Meeting

Due to the abandonment of the Summmer Meeting due to the terrific Scottish summer weather in July, it has been rearranged for Tuesday 24th August, again at Baberton Golf Club. The draw is now on the website and can be viewed by clicking on "Summer Draw" on the left hand side of this page.

Please note that Agnes will not be around so, please contact Tracy either by e-mail or telephone (0131 445 5957) if you have any queries or would like to get a late entry. You may also turn up on the day and we will put you with the first group within your handicap category, should a space become available.

Please also 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 in the Summer Meeting regardless of whether Baberton has a local rule permitting their use or not. Penalty for breach of this rule will be disqualification.

Please note that a raffle in aid of the County Juniors will be held at the Summer Meeting. Any raffle prizes will be gratefully received and can be brought along on the day.

All that remains is for everyone to keep their fingers and toes crossed for a good day, weatherwise, next Tuesday!

Ladies' British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship

Good luck to Jane Turner (Craigielaw) and Rachael Watton (Mortonhall), who this week travel to Tenby Golf Club in South Wales to play in the Ladies' British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship.

Final month of the Hermitage running competition

Today saw the final round of this year's running 12 hole competition at the Hermitage Golf Club. It was great weather and soon the jumpers were off as the 3 juniors who turned up, got down to business. The rough is still a nightmare and, after Caitlin Turner visited it on the first hole, it was decided that it really wasn't the best idea and none of the three looked close to going in it again. All 3 girls showed Lindsey Hunter, the squad member helping out today, their fantastic swings and hit some tremendous shots. Caitlin played steadily the whole way round recording halves of 32 and 33 and an overall score of 65, 18 over par, to take first place. Second was Lisa Macpherson who hit some fabulous shots, including 2 great shots to the par 4 7th and back to back drives at the 9th and 10th holes. Unfortunately, Lisa had left her putting boots at home. Third was Lucy Morrison who had been put under pressure by big sister Emma to break 100. This she did with no trouble at all, hitting some fabulous drives and great recovery shots from the lighter rough.

So at the end of the running competition, the winner of the handicap section and the McPherson Trophy is Emma Morrison with a total of 12 points and with Julia Smith in second place. In the non-handicap section, the winner of the Caton Trophy is Caitlin Turner with 25 points, second is Kim Naysmith with 18 points and third is Lisa Macpherson with 12 points.

Well done to everyone who has taken part and to Emma and Caitlin.

Champion of Champions

News has just filtered through that the final pairing for the 2010 Champion of Champions has now been decided. To be held at the Royal Burgess Golf Club on Sunday 5th September at high-noon, the final will see Julie Douglas from Merchants take on Alyson Scrimegour from Dundas Park.

What else do you have planned that day? Nothing? Well why not venture out, watch some golf and support the girls!

Karen wins for fourth time

Congratulations to Karen Marshall (Baberton) who today won the Strathtyrum Trophy over the Eden Course in St Andrews for the fourth time. Karen led the qualifiers into the match play stages before recording 5&4, 2&1 and 3&2 victories to get through to the semi-finals. There she met Christine Appleby from Preston before progressing through to the final, by a 5&4 margin, to meet Ann Ramsay from Kirriemuir. All square after 9 holes, Karen then turned up the heat and took a 4 hole lead before finally closing the match and winning the trophy by 4&2.

Obviously, Captaining the Scottish Girls team for the Home Internationals last week stood Karen in good stead for this weeks competition! Well done Karen.

Strathytyrum Trophy

Congratulations to Karen Marshall (Baberton) who returned from Managing the Scottish Girls Home Internationals Team to lead the qualifiers into the match play stages of the Strathtyrum Trophy in St Andrews. Playing the Eden course on Monday, Karen shot a 2 under CSS and yesterday on the New Course scored a 2 over CSS, for an aggregate total of 177. She is joined in the match play stages over the Eden Course by no. 9 seed Pamela Williamson (Baberton), no. 10 seed Sarah Ledingham (Nurrayfield) and no. 14 seed Joan Marshall (Baberton).

Good luck to all in the match play.

Jane Turner wins Riccarton Rosebowl

Congratulations to Jane Turner (Craigielaw) who won the Riccarton Rosebowl at Hamilton today with a 36 hole total of 143.

Scotland Finish Runners Up in Home Internationals

Scotland Girls finished runners up to England in the Home Internaional matches to win the Swansea Spoon for the second year in a row. They beat Ireland today 5 1/2 - 3 1/2 after England had defeated Wales 9-0. The morning foursomes were halved and in the afternoon singles, played in conditions which were all to familiar to the Scots (lashing rain!), wins by Rachael Watton, Lesley Atkins, Ailsa Summers and Hannah McCook secured the runners up place. Our Midlothian girls, Rachael Watton and Gabrielle MacDonald both played excellent golf this week. Gabrielle in her Scottish debut took a likeing for the 18th hole and made sure all her matches went up the last (her caddy was getting exhasuted!). She fought back strongly this afternoon, having been 3 down for much of the match against an opponnent who was holing putts at will, to loose on the 18th. Congratulations to all the girls and to Captain Karen Marshall. Good luck to Rachael and Gabrielle in the Girls' British Open Amateur championship being held at Royal Belfast Golf Club next week.

Scotland Vets Retain Millar Stirling Trophy

Congratulations to Scotland on winning the Millar Stirling Trophy in Cumbria today at the Vets jamboree. The Scotland team, which included Noreen Fenton (Dunbar), Fiona De Vries (St Rule) and captained by Pamela Williamson (Baberton) beat South of England 6-2 on Tuesday, drew with Midlands on Wednesday and defeated North 6-3 today to retain the trophy. Congratulations to you all!

Girls Home Internationals - Day 2

It was disapointment for Scotland today on day 2 of the Girls Home Internationals in Bangor. Having halved the morning foursomes with reigning champions England, they could only manage one singles win to give England a 6 1/2 - 2 1/2 victory. Midlothian's Rachael Watton and Gabrielle MacDonald contributed to all of Scotland's points today. In the morning, Rachael, paired again with Eilidh Briggs won her foursomes match 3&1 and Gabrielle, paired with Hannah McCook played a fantastic chip from off the back of the 18th to set up a putt for Hannah to half the match. In the afternoon Gabrielle brought home Scotland's only point by defeating Emily Taylor by 2 holes. Rachael put up a tremendous fight against England's Women's Champion Hayley Davis, eventullly loosing by one hole.

Scotland Girls beat Wales on Day 1 of Home Internationals

Midlothian duo Rachael Watton and Gabrielle MacDonald made vital contributions to Scotland's impressive 6-3 victory over Wales today in the Girls' Home Internationals at Bangor Golf Club in Northern Ireland. Scotland won the morning foursomes 2 1/2 - 1/2 with Gabrielle, playing with Hannah McCook, staging an excellent comeback to halve their match and Rachael, playing with Eilidh Briggs winning 1 up. In the afternoon singles Rachel had an excellent win over Amy Boulden. Having been down for most of the match she nearly holed her tee shot at the par 3 14th to square the match and went on to win 16, and then halve 17 & 18 to win a vital point. Scotland meet England tomorrow.

St Andrews Ladies Junior Open

Congratulations to Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) who shot an excellent two over par 73 in the St Andrews Ladies Junior Open to qualify in 6th place for the scratch match play competition for the Golf Monthly Trophy.