Murrayfield are on their way to Spain!

The Murrayfield Team playing in the Mail on Sunday Women's Classic travelled to Worsely Park in Manchester at the weekend looking for a win to take them off to the semi-finals at the El Rompido Golf and Beach Resort on the Costa de la Luz in Spain at the end of November. Monday saw them play their quarter final tie against West Essex and what a close fought battle that turned out to be. All 8 members of the team (namely Finngerd Clark, Rosie Dennis, Margaret Fergusson, Caroline Johnstone, Ray Lynch, Denise Mitchell, Norma Richmond and Lynn Wilson) travelled to Manchester and in true golf tradition, after the practice round, on the Sunday night, the names of the 5 players to take part on the Monday were drawn out of a hat. After a good meal and a couple of glasses of wine to steady the nerves, the team took to the course the following day. Winning the second and fourth games and losing the first and third, it all came down to back marker, number 5, Caroline Johnstone to decide whether they would make it to Spain. Her opponent missed a putt on the 18th; the game was all square and extra holes were called for. As the team all followed down the 19th hole, Caroline's opponent again missed a putt and Caroline holed out to take the game, win Murrayfield the match and send them on their way to the semi-finals in Spain.

Congratulations to you all - a great effort! Enjoy your well deserved trip to Spain from 21st-25th November. We wish you all the best!

Gibson Cup

Congratulations to Ruth Brown and Viv Curran (Lothianburn) who, yesterday became the winners of the 2010 Gibson Cup, playing Fiona Smith and Aileen Kennedy (Harburn) in the final. It was a very closely fought final in which Ruth and Viv scraped through by 1 hole. County team mates, Wendy Nicholson and Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) held on in another close match to beat Anne Brownie and Mary Stark (Lothianburn) on the 17th hole in the second flight final. In the Consolation Salver, Sal Shepherd (Craigmillar Park) teamed up with Kay Baillie (Musselburgh) to score a winning 39 points.

SLGA Adult / Girl Foursomes

Many congratulations to Junior Member, Caitlin Turner (Swanston New), who yesterday led Dad to victory in the SLGA Adult/Junior Girl Foursomes which was being held at Alloa Golf Club. Although yet to get a handicap, Caitlin played superbly in her first national outing, and she and Colin (Baberton) scooped up first prize with 38 points, playing off a handicap allocation of 19 shots and beating the other 41 pairs.

Thanks to the SLGA for the photos of Caitlin and Dad, Colin, with the SLGA Adult/Girl Foursomes Trophies.

Silver and Bronze Hole and Holes

Congratulations to Helen Martin who beat Louise Fraser, in an all Kingsknowe final of the Silver Hole and Hole, to win for 2010. Helen played all bar the second round, semi-final and final on away courses - a great achievement.

Also congratulations to Stella Thomson (Swanston New) who is the 2010 winner of the Bronze Hole and Hole. In contrast Stella played all but one of her games on home soil and played Susan Tudball (Murrayfield) in the final.

Well done to both.

Karen Ballantyne becomes Scottish Vets Champion

Congratulations to Karen Ballantyne (Craigmillar Park) who, today won the Scottish Vets Ladies' Golf Association Championship which was being played over the Lansdowne Course at Blairgowrie. Having beaten the Highland Vets Champion and Senior European Team member Ann Ryan in the semi finals by 2 holes, Karen met West Vets Champion May Hughes in the final and came out on top by a 2&1 margin. May had beaten Midland Vets Champion and Midlothian member, Fiona de Vries in the semi finals.

Junior competitions

Yesterday saw the September visit to the Hermitage Golf Course for the monthly 12 hole competition. The morning brought rain and only 3 girls turned up but the weather cleared up just before the girls teed off and they got round dry. Emma Morrison had a fantastic round with 6 pars and scoring a 57 ( a net 40). Caitlin McIntosh was round in 76 (net 53) and third member, Lisa Macpherson, knocked 3 shots off her personal best and came home with an 80. Well done to all 3 girls and a big thank you to Sharon Macpherson who kindly kindly organised the day.

Clubgolf held their inaugural Stuart Hutchison Trophy Fun competition on Saturday at Swanston New Golf Club on the Templar Course. Four Midlothian girls entered, Joanna Lamb, Lisa Macpherson, Emma Morrison and Julia Smith. Emma was the winner of her division, with Julia also in the prize list. Well done girls.

Emma with her trophy

(photo thanks to Sharon Macpherson)

SLGA photos of County Finals

Claire Hargan has taken some good photos during the County Finals at Bothwell Castle and these can be viewed on the SLGA Picasa site which can be found at http://picasaweb.google.com/107716047660876583300/Countyfinals2010.

County Finals 2010 - day 3

We awoke this morning to find Glasgow had been awash over night. There were puddles everywhere, as well as a constant drizzle. At breakfast it was revealed that the team and caddies had been subjected to a kniting lesson by our new knitting bee, Sal Shepherd, the night before. But of course, it all ended in tears! Anne Brownie, first, knitted a pearl row instead of plain and then Karen Marshall cast off her wonderful creation. But Margaret Ritchie was quick to the rescue, casting on again and wiping away the tears! Sal's application to join the New Town "Stitch and Bitch" sessions has been submitted and she hopes to receive her membership and start attending within the next week!

Having partaken of breakfast, everyone emptied out of the hotel and made their way, under very grey skies, to the golf club. Our morning foursomes line up saw a slight change. Rachael Watton was back and joined up with Jane Turner to head the field. At number 2 we had Gabrielle Macdonald. But today she was partnered by her chum, Kate McIntosh. At number 3 (we couldn't leave them out!), we had the young, golden, oldie girl stalwarts, themselves, Karen Marshall and Wendy Nicholson. Following on from yesterday's results we knew that Renfrewshire had the same number of match points as ourselves but 2 game points more. We would need to play extremely well and win 9-0, which we knew would be tough but all were more than happy to go for it. All of the matches went all of the way to the 18th. Jane and Rachael wining by 1 hole, Gabrielle and Kate halving theirs and Karen and Wendy, unfortunately 3 putting, to lose by 1 hole.

For some reason we barely had time for lunch before the afternoon singles were being called to the first tee. We had to win all of the afternoon singles. In our heart of hearts, we knew it was a lot to ask and so were out to do our best so as we could hold out heads up at the end of the weekend. We changed our order, putting Rachael out first and Jane out last. Unfortunately, so did Angus! We then had Gabrielle, moved Karen up to number 3, Kate and Louise Fraser. All were under strict instructions to win. It didn't matter by how many, they just had to win. By the 7th hole, we had more or less resigned ourselves to the fact that we were not going to do it. We were 3 down in the first, third and sixth matches. Gabrielle and Kate were all square, while Louise was 4 up - it wasn't going to be enough. Suddenly, news filtered through that Renfrewshire were only up in one of their games. That brought us hope and gave us renewed vigour to spur on the team. Suddenly, the fightback began. Rachael got her match back to all square, Karen was back to 1 down, Jane was back to all square, Gabrielle and Kate were all square and Louise was 5 up. Then results of the other match started to come through - a half in the first game (hope was building), a win in the second game to Renfrewshire (we could cope with that but it was going to be tight), a loss in the third (we wanted to hear more of that kind of news), but then a win in the fourth, loss in the fifth and win in the sixth made us get our thinking caps on. Renfrewshire had won by 5.5-3.5 which meant we needed all 6 of our games. Suddenly, Rachael was 1 up on the 18th. She boomed an almighty drive straight down the fairway and hit a peach of a 5 iron on to the back of the green - a 432 yard hole! Two putts and the game was hers. Next followed Gabrielle, also 1 up on the 18th. A great drive and a sensible lay up was followed by a lovely approach to the green and 2 putts for a regulation par, a halved hole and her game. Meanwhile, news came from the course that Louise had won her game by a marvellous 7&5 margin and Kate was dormie 2 up, eventually winning by 2&1. Things were beginning to happen and excitement was building! Were we going to do it? Were we going to upset the odds with a fantastic last afternoon performance? Unfortunately, Karen arrived on the 18th tee 1 down, and the dreams were over. But having said that, she hit a fabulous drive before nearing the spectators to ask the state of the match. It certainly was far from easy to tell her that it was over. There was nothing we could do to force a further countback. But, to give Karen credit, she played the 18th under extreme disappointment, stuffing a wedge to a couple of feet and sinking the putt for a birdie and a halved game. As the cheers from Renfrewshire began to resound around the course, Jane finished her match, after a tremendous comeback, at the 16th, winning by a 3&2 margin.

The team was fantastic. The team spirit was fabulous and it was a great honour and privilege to be with them. Friday afternoon was such a shame and I am sure they are all kicking themselves, thinking of a missed putt or a wayward shot that could have made the difference. But at the end of the day, Midlothian should be proud of their team. They all conducted themselves in a totally fantastic manner and supported each other to the hilt. They were all up front in the way they were feeling each day, whether they wanted to play or rest and all took the team selection decisions in their stride. Our congratulations go to Renfrewshire on their win but my congratulations go to our team. You were fantastic and I was so proud to be with you and be part of it all.

Results:

Foursomes:

Jane Turner & Rachael Watton beat Ailsa Summers & Rebecca Wilson by 1 hole

Gabrielle Macdonald & Kate McIntosh halved with Claire Penman & Ashley Smith

Karen Marshall & Wendy Nicholson lost to Ann Ramsay & Jessical Meek by 1 hole

Singles:

Rachael Watton beat Rebecca Wilson by 1 hole

Gabrielle Macdonald beat Claire Penman by 1 hole

Karen Marshall halved with Jessica Meek

Kate McIntosh beat Ashley Smith by 2&1

Louise Fraser beat Fiona Gilbert by 7&5

Jane Turner beat Ann Ramsay by 3&2

Renfrewshire beat Dumfriesshire by 5.5-3.5

County Finals 2010 - day 2

Having been told off for calling the"old yins" golden oldies and elderly stalwarts, the individuals concerned would like to be called the "young ones" or "golden girls" but with hats like that..... However, since they were both around in the 1970s, I'm not sure of the difference. There was also a dispute in the bar (as the girls were drinking lemonade, I might add!) as to which one would be Blanche! Also, I have been told that under no circumstances has the Commanding President to have anything to do with tonight's write up. So under those circumstances, my report is going to be about the golf and nothing more - tomorrow night could be different if I stick to the guidelines tonight! I will also be at home and under no life threats!

However, I would like to delay getting to the golf, in order to thank the President, on behalf of Mini Mac, for her strawberry ice-cream! As you can see from below, she really enjoyed it! Also, I would like to let it be known that one of the caddies is so envious of our President's kind contribution in keeping the County Mascot so pleased that she too has taken up knitting and, with any luck, Mikhaila or Mini Mac should have a yellow scarf ably knitted by Sal Shepherd by next year!

And to the golf......

All were told last night that 10 & 8 wins were what were required and all were up for it. This morning the team were more than up for the task ahead. We arrived at the Golf Course but unfortunately Rachael Watton felt she was not up for playing. Her place was more than ably taken up by Louise Fraser. Partnering Jane Turner, they didn't quite meet their 10 & 8 objective but scored a very respectible 4&3 win in their first pairing together. Next up were Kirsten Blackwood and Gabrielle Macdonald who brought in a well fought half point. At least we had the "young ones" or "golden girls", as ever at number 3, who turned out to be the only ones to pay attention at last night's team meeting! They were the first to bring home their point by a wonderful 8 & 6 margin.

Next up were the singles - the bit we had bother with yesterday. Jane was out at number 1 and had a very frustrating half with Diane MacDonald. Next came Gabrielle followed by Kate. Both found themselves dormie 4 up before deciding to prolong the agony of gaining the point for the team by 2 & 1 and 4 & 2 respectively. The only loss of the afternoon came in the 4th game where Kirsten Blackwood was out of sorts and came a cropped by 3 & 1. Another dormie 4 came from one of the"young ones" or from Blanche (alias Wendy Nicholson) who finally prolonged the agony until the 17th, finally winning 2 & 1. Last up was Blanche no. 2 (alias Karen Marshall) who had a very tight tussle. 1 up at the turn, became 2 up after 12 and the next news was that she had reached the 16th and was all square. However 2 fantastic shots at the 16th, to set up a wonderful birdie, took her to 1 up with 2 to play. She then halved the 17th and approached the 18th dormie 1 up. Her opponent took 3 woods to reach the green and just short of the burn, Karen hit her approach shot through the back of the green and left herself an impossible pitch - over a hump onto a down hill, lightning fast green with the wind behind. She made a gallant effort but the ball kept on rolling. Her opponent putted dead and Karen hit a wondeful putt which finished a centimetre to the right of the hole to end her game all square.

So all in all, it was a great match. The team won by 6.5 - 2.5, which under any other circumstance, everyone would have be proud of. However, there were a few disappointed individuals. Renfrewshire also recorded a win today against Angus by 7 games to 2. Midlothian is still in the running but it is very much dependent on tomorrow's results. The way things stand at the moment, Renfrewshire have 2 game points more than Midlothian. So, either we have to rely on Dumfriesshire beating Renfrewshire tomorrow and ourselves beating Angus or else Midlothian needs to beat Angus by 3 game points more than Renfrewshire beat Dumfriesshire. Whatever we need, all we can do is our best and the team is all up for a 9-0 win tomorrow. Watch this space to see if it happens!

Results:

Foursomes:

Louise Fraser & Jane Turner beat Diane MacDonald & Lindsey Kirkwood by 4&3

Kirsten Blackwood & Gabrielle Macdonald halved with Jordana Graham & Katie McCraken

Karen Marshall & Wendy Nicholson beat Rachel Walker & Margaret McGregor 8 & 6

Singles:

Jane Turner halved with Diane MacDonald

Gabrielle Macdonald beat Jordana Graham 2&1

Kate McIntosh beat Lindsey Kirkwood 4&2

Kirsten Blackwood lost to Rachel Walker 3&1

Wendy Nicholson beat Katie McCracken 3&1

Karen Marshall halved with Trish Lilly

Renfrewshire 7 Angus 2

County Finals 2010 - day 1

So here we are in sunny Bothwell after day 1 of the 2010 County Finals. Luckily, everyone staying in the hotel has been counted, although that small bit of housekeeping took a long time! For those of the more adept map readers, the journey from Edinburgh took 30 min. However, for some others, it took anything from 1 to 2 hours! Stories of having to go through East Kilbride, having to get locals to lead them to the golf club and having to go through Strathclyde Country Park, not once but twice, have all been recounted! However, although the Commanding President managed to find her way to the hotel complex with no trouble at all, she did try to check into the wrong hotel, insisiting that we were all staying there and reeling off everyone's name in the hope that a booking could be found! She was also bitterly disappointed - had she "had nothing on" on Thursday she would have gone to see the Pope!

Anyway, as the husband of my neighbour keeps telling me, enough drivel and on with the golf!

Today was day 1 of the County Finals. Having had a good practice yesterday, the pairings for today's foursomes against Renfrewshire were decided upon and all were up for it. Jane Tuner and Rachael Watton would lead the way, followed by Kirsten Blackwood and Gabrielle Macdonald, with the golden oldies, Karen Marshall and Wendy (nice hat! Anyone recognise it?)Nicholson, bringing up the rear. What a grouping the girls made as they returned 3 points out of 3 at lunchtime. All were euphoric, or would have been had there been more time over lunch. Instead, an exceedingly quick bowl of soup and sandwich was had before the first singles match was on the first tee - ahead of the SLGA officials, I may add! First out was Jane against Megan Briggs. Jane held on until the 8th, before suddenly losing 4 holes in a row. Then came the fightback and the next 4 holes were Midlothian's! However, a missed putt on 17 and a rather fortunate chip in by the opponent at the 18th, gave the game to Renfrewshire by 2 holes. Rachael, playing at number 2, did not have a happy afternoon and lost to Eilidh Briggs. Kate McIntosh played superbly at number 3 but wasn't given a look in by Donna Jackson and went down by 3&1 and the Midlothian groupies were getting extremely nervous. Next up was Louise Fraser who was under pressure from early on. The midget gems, supplied by the caddy, were not even being considered as she constantly fought a losing battle. So that left the elderly stalwarts at the back to do the business. All that was needed at lunchtime was 2 game points and all we had left on the course were 2 games - but both were up. As Wendy played the 17th 1 up, Karen was on the 16th, 3 up. Wendy's opponent made a good up and down at 17 and so they headed to the 18th with Midlothian still 1 up. Karen then halved the 16th, wining her match by 3&2. We still had the match win in our grasps. Three good shots from Wendy found the green. Her opponent was just short in 3, having just missed going into one of the bunkers. Wendy had to putt first - a tricky, fast downhiller. The ball was struck beautifully but just kept rolling and rolling. Her opponent had a good chip on, Wendy missed her return and her opponent holed out to half not only the game but the overall match.

A half match from a 3-0 lead at lunchtime has hurt hard. The team are devastated but a good team meeting and a couple of drinks and the fighting talk has returned. The girls have bounced back, know exactly what they have to do and are ready, waiting and hungry for tomorrow!

Results:

Foursomes:

Eilidh Briggs & Megan Briggs lost to Jane Turner & Rachael Watton by 1 hole

Donna Jackson & Alyson McKechin lost to Kirsten Blackwood & Gabrielle Macdonald by 3&1

Gillian Kyle & Carol Whyte lost to Karen Marshall & Wendy Nicholson by 1 hole

Singles:

Megan Briggs beat Jane Turner by 2 holes

Eilidh Briggs beat Rachael Watton by 6&5

Donna Jackson beat Kate McIntosh by 3&1

Alyson McKechin beat Louise Fraser by 4&2

Liz Stewart halved with Wendy Nicholson

Carol Whyte lost to Karen Marshall 3&2

Dumfriesshire 2.5 game points Angus 6.5 game points

Scottish Mixed Foursomes

Congratulations to Karen Marshall (Baberton) who, together with her brother, was second equal in the Scottish Open Mixed Foursomes, being held today at Haggs Castle Golf Club. Two behind the winners, Karen and Stephen fell back to 3rd place on the better inward half countback. One stroke further back and in 4th place was another Midlothian member, Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe).

Junior Autumn Meeting and Championship

What a great day we have had today with the Junior Autumn Meeting and Championship at Glencorse Golf Club. The sun was shining, the course looked to be in tremendous condition and I know that all of the juniors playing, thoroughly enjoyed their golf. A big thank you to Joan Simpson who has been involved in the running of all the junior competitions this year and, not only organised the starting line up for today, but also walked round with one of the groups and brought in a winner!

The golf by two of the juniors was tremendous, with both Emma Morrison (Craigmillar Park) and Julia Smith (Murrayfield), not only breaking 100 for their first times but returning scores way below the CSS and knocking chunks off their handicap; both moving into category 4. One of them, I might add lost 2 balls on her way round, as well! Needless to say, no-one else was given a look in in the handicap section. In the scratch section, defending champion, Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) retained the trophy with a very good scratch score of 76, while fellow club member, Hannah Scott came second with a 79.

As well as the Autumn Meeting, a few other junior prizes were announced today, the one being fought for the most being the Livingstone Trophy for the most improved junior member. By the end of today, no fewer than 7 girls were in the running: Heather Laing (Glencorse) having reduced her handicap from 24 to 19 over this season, Katherine Fisher (Baberton) from 27 to 20, Julia Smith from 36 to 28, Emma Morrison from 36 to 26 and Emily Dalgetty (Glencorse) from 27 to 14. Kim Naysmith (Dalmahoy) also gained her handicap for the first time - 26. If those are reductions not to be envious about, wait for Jessica Dalgetty, older sister of Emily! A week ago, I was reliably informed that Jessica had reduced her handicap from 33 to 18. Today, we were told that she had scored a gross 79 (10 over SS) last weekend and followed it up yesterday with a gross 74 (5 over SS), leading to further reductions in her handicap. Having started the year at 33, Jessica is now playing off 14, a massive 19 stroke jump! Congratulations to you all. It is great to see you all playing so well and enjoying the game.

Todays results were as follows:

CSS 72 (reduction only)

1st scratch - 2010 Junior Champion and winner of the Brown Trophy: Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) - 76

2nd scratch: Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe) - 79

1st Handicap and winner of the Marshall Trophy: Julia Smith (Murrayfield) - 92 less 36 - net 56

2nd Handicap: Emma Morrison (Craigmillar Park) - 93 less 31 - net 62

Pictured above: Rachel Steedman, Katherine Fisher, Emma Morrison, Julia Smith, Kate McIntosh and Jessica Dalgetty

Other prizewinners:

Junior Foursomes - winners of the Cackett Salver: Katherine Fisher and Rachel Steedman (Baberton)

Junior Hole and Hole - winner of the Jack Trophy: Emma Morrison (Craigmillar Park)

Hermitage Course non-handicap running competition - winner of the Caton Plate: Catilin Turner (Baberton)

Hermitage Course handicap running competition - winner of the McPherson Plate: Emma Morrison (Craigmillar Park)

Livingstone Trophy for the most improved junior: Jessica Dalgetty (Glencorse)

Senior Home Internationals

In the wake of Scotland's tremendous win in the Ladies' Home International Matches, the SLGA has announced the team line up for the Senior Home International Matches. This sees Noreen Fenton (Dunbar) join forces with the Gold Medal winners from the European Senior Ladies' Team Championship, which included Fiona de Vries (St Rule). The team will again be Captained by Pamela Williamson (Baberton) and the matches are to be held from 28th-30th September at Sheringham Golf Club on the north Norfolk coast.

Good luck ladies - make it 2 in a row for yourselves and 3 in a row for Scotland!

Ladies Home Internationals

What a fabulous, nerve wracking afternoon it has been, following the final day of the Ladies' Home Internationals on the Internet. It is absolutely FANTASTIC for the girls and truly magnificent that the Scotland team went out, after the disappointment of last year's final day hurdle, and won all three of their matches, thus winning the Home Internationals for the first time since 1991. This year, their tears will be of joy, not disappointment.

The opening day on Wednesday, saw the Scots take on the holders, Wales. The morning foursomes were shared, with Midlothian member Jane Turner just losing out on the final hole. The afternoon however brought a surge and the Scots ran away with the singles matches by 5 games to 1; Midlothian member Rachael Watton putting on a great display for her first full Scotland Cap, winning her match by 3&2. Day 2 saw Scotland play England, who were licking their wounds following an 8-1 defeat by Ireland. Another point was notched up for Rachael in the morning's foursomes, which the Scots won 3-0. But the afternoon was to prove a hard battle and the singles (including Rachael's) were lost by 4 matches to 2, but overall the Scots won by 5 games to 4 and maintained their unbeaten record.

The final day brought memories of 12 months ago. Both the Scots and the Irish were unbeaten but the Irish had more game points than the Scots. A draw would not be good enough. Only a win could do it. It was all or nothing. By lunchtime today, the foursomes were over and the Scots were leading by 2 games to 1; Jane narrowly losing out again by 1 hole to the Maguire twins. All that were needed were 3 points this afternon. Both Jane and Rachael were to feature in the final line up - Jane playing 2nd against Curtis Cup player Danielle McVeigh and Rachael out 4th against Lisa Maguire. Unfortunately Jane was up against it and was not allowed to stick her nose in at all and the first point went to the Irish. The rest of the games were all exceptionally close, except for Louise Kenney who had built up a 3 hole lead by the turn. The games could have swung either way. At one point the Scots were either all square or 1 up. Kelsey MacDonald then put the Scots ahead once again, winning her match but that seemed to spur the Irish on and suddenly the tables were turned and the Irish seemed to be taking control. But the Scots fought on and it wasn't long before Louise Kenney recorded a 3&2 victory over Sinead O'Sullivan and Pamela Pretswell a 1 hole victory against Leona Maguire. Rachael was still out on the course as the celebrations began and, having had a fantastic tussle, lost the 17th to go 1 down to Lisa Maguire and halved the 18th to just lose out by 1 hole.

But that can all be forgotten. The Scotland team has won the Home Internationals - an absolutely fantastic achievement and all congratulations to Team Captain Lesley Nicholson, Team Manager, Hilary Wardell and the whole of the Scotland Home Internationals Team.

Five-a-side League Results 2010

The 2010 five-a-side leagues are now complete. Congratulations to Baberton (13 match points) and Craigmillar Park (14 match points) who have won divisions 1 and 2 respectively. Broomieknowe were runners up in division 1 with 11 match points and Turnhouse in division 2 with 12 match points. Craigmillar Park and Turnhouse are therefore promoted to division 1. Relegated to division 2 are Dalmahoy and Liberton.

Scotland Schools Team

The Scotland Team to play in the annual schools match against England at Fairhaven Golf Club, Lancashire on Monday 13th September includes Gabrielle Macdonald and Rachael Watton.

Good luck to you both in the match.

East of Scotland Championship 2010

The draw has been made for the East of Scotland Amateur Championship which is being held at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club on Sunday 3rd October. The following Midlothian members are playing at the following times:

10:00 Rachael Watton
10:07 Claire Hargan and Wendy Nicholson
10.22 Gabrielle Macdonald
10:30 Kate McIntosh
10:45 Jane Turner
10:52 Gilly Glen
11:07 Sue Dalrymple & Caroline McIntosh
11:15 Celia MacIntyre

Spaces are still available and late entries are being accepted. Contact Anna Hunter by e-mail if you would like to enter.

Junior Autumn Meeting and Championship

The Junior Autumn Meeting and Championship is being played on Sunday 12th September at Glencorse Golf Club. The starting times are as follows:

12:00 Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) & Emily Dalgetty (Glencorse)
12:10 Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe) & Jessica Dalgetty (Glencorse)
12:20 Heather Laing (Glencorse) & Katherine Fisher (Baberton)
12:30 Emma Morrison (Craigmillar Park), Julia Smith (Murrayfield) & Sophie Aitchison (Murrayfield)

Please remember proof of your handicap.

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 in the Junior Autumn Meeting and Championship regardless of whether Glencorse has a local rule permitting their use or not. Penalty for breach of this rule will be disqualification.

Champion of Champions 2010

What a wonderful day it was today, blue skies, a course which was in fabulous condition and a band of supporters which made the rest of us all envious of the camaraderie which obviously prevails at Dundas Park. At one point there were 27 supporters - myself, 5 from Merchants and 21 from Dundas Park and the applause was as loud for the one competitor as it was for the other. But, you can imagine the cheer that went up on the 15th green when their competitor closed out the match!

Julie Douglas from Merchants was taking on Alyson Scrimgeour from Dundas Park in the final of the Champion of Champions. Both were nervous as they stood on the first tee. Alyson was first to take advantage with a par 4 at the 2nd hole and increased her lead when Julie overshot the green at the 5th and took another 3 to get down. But in fighting tradition, Julie immediately jumped back, winning the 6th with a birdie. But she was unable to get it back to all square and had to concede the 9th hole to reach the turn 2 down. Having lost the 10th, Alyson knuckled down to win the 11th, 12th and 13th, the 13th with a fabulous putt for a birdie 2. Julie was not about to give up and won the 14th to return to 3 down with 4 to play. But it was a little too late as Alyson, again, turned up the heat and, with Julie catching a bunker off the tee and then leaking her approach shot to the right, struck two lovely shots onto the green and, having left her first putt short, sank the next for a 4&3 victory. As the ball hit the bottom of the hole, the cheers from the supporters erupted and were heard all over the course.

Many congratulations to both competitors for a very good final and well done to Alyson.

2010 Greensomes Leauge

The 2010 Greensomes League has now reached a conclusion and many congratulations to the Prestonfield team which has romped home to victory with 12 points having won 6 of their 7 matches. Prestonfield's only loss was to Ravelston who finished in joint second place with Baberton on 7 points and with 11 game points.

Scottish Seniors

Congratulations to the Scottish Seniors who yesterday won the European Senior Women's Amateur Team Championship at Sporting Club, Berlin. Having won through to the final, the girls were due to play England, the no. 1 seeds who had led the Scots by 48 strokes after the qualifying stroke play. But the Scots were not to be fazed and brought home the gold medal for the first time by a 3-2 margin.

Many congratulations! A fantastic result and we can only imagine what the celebrations were like!

County Finals

The County finals are fast approaching and, in fact, in 2 weeks time the Midlothain Team will be tucked up in bed near Bothwell Castle Golf Club dreaming of that day's matches and the next day's fight!

Unfortunately, we are losing one of our team who got us to the finals but she is being replaced by another great player. Claire MacDonald heads off to America in the not too distant future for 9 months and so is missing the final. No amount of encouragement made her cancel or delay going or persuaded her to fly back for the weekend. But, I know the team and officials would like to join me in wishing her well for the next few months.

We are lucky that we had none other than Jane Turner sitting on the sidelines and she was both willing and able to make the dates. So, we are delighted with the team and are getting ready to knuckle down to business.

The team to play for Midlothian will be:

Kirsten Blackwood (Craigmillar Park)
Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe)
Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw)
Karen Marshall (Baberton)
Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe)
Wendy Nicholson (Broomieknowe)
Jane Turner (Craigielaw)
Rachael Watton (Mortonhall)

1st reserve: Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe)
2nd reserve: Sal Shepherd (Craigmillar Park)

The matches are being held at Bothwell Castle Golf Club from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th September. It would be not just GREAT but absolutely FANTASTIC to have some support for the team. So, if you're not doing anything those days, why not come over to Bothwell for a day out. Give us your support! It's very easy to find and is on the right side of Galsgow for Edinburgh!

Scottish Seniors

Good luck to Pamela Williamson and the Scottish Seniors Team who are playing in the final of the Senior Women's European Championships tomorrow against the "auld enemy" and top seed England.

The girls qualified for the match play stages in 6th position after the stroke play rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday and met the number 3 seeds, Germany, in the first round. They disposed of them by a very tight 3&2 margin, winning 2 of their 3 games on the 18th hole and the third by a more relaxing 4&3. That progressed them to the semi-finals where they met Ireland, the 7th qualifiers who had had a tremendous win against the no. 2 seeds, France. But that was not to phase the Scots who, playing in the same order as the previous day, recorded another 3&2 win. Midlothian member Fiona de Vries not only contributed both of her qualifying rounds to Scotland's score (contributing the lowest score on Tuesday), but has also won both of her singles matches.

Go girls go! We will all be eagerly awaiting tomorrow's result and you can do it!

MCLGA Autumn Meeting

Commiserations to Rita Dee! Rita played in the Autumn Meeting today at Swanston New Golf Course and was ecstatic after her round - not becuase she was in the winnings but because she had played out of her buffer and, with her handicap curently at 9.4, would go up 0.5 and would therefore be off a playing handicap of 10. However, on checking her card it was pointed out to her that she would be handicap corrected at one hole by 2 strokes which would take her into her buffer if the CSS were to remain unchanged. But there was still hope! A few good scores were already in and a few more could cause a reduction in the CSS. Well, apologies Rita, the good scores were not enough to affect the CSS and it remained unchanged at 70. Better luck in the next medal!

But back to the day. At 7.15 am your Captain approached Swanston New Golf Club to find it shrouded in mist. Panic ran through her - it was going to be postponed; it might even be cancelled; after the fiasco with the Summer Meeting this was all Midlothian needed! But no sooner had everything been unpacked from the car than the mist lifted and left one of the best days of the year - hardly a breath of wind and temperatures in the high teens - far better than either of the Summer Meeting days.

And so the players took to the course, being led by none other than County Champion Linda Caine. Playing to her handicap and returning a score of 75, she not only led the field on the course but she led the scratch scoring from start to finish and wins the Lady Ford Cup. Suzie Laughland was also an early starter and after a lot of discussion as to whether she was going to enter the 2's sweep or not and how she never ever has a 2 but today might just be the day and if she didn't enter............... she returned to the clubhouse, all smiles, not just because she was in the money for scoring a 2 but because she had had a tremendous score of net 65 which held all day to win best overall net. Two more sub-par rounds were recorded, one by Vivien Mitchell who wins best scratch in the bronze section (having done the same last week in the Summer Meeting) and the other by Fiona Findlay who wins 1st handicap in the silver section, both recording net 68s. A slight jump was then needed, but only to net 71 to find the the winner of the bronze handicap, Winnie Wilson, and the second best net overall, Gillian Pritchard, while a net 72 won Pat Meikle 2nd handicap in the silver division on a count back.

Well done to all 58 ladies who turned out to play. Yet again, there were 3 ladies who were non-shows. What happened to you? Where did you get to? Unfortunately the Captain, Vice-Captain and President did not take to the course but the general feeling was that everybody enjoyed themselves, the course and, need I add, the weather! Our thanks go to all at Swanston who made it a great day and who looked after us so well, to all who brought a prize for the raffle table and who bought raffle tickets. The raffle raised £91.50 which, as ever, will be put to good use with the County Juniors.

The results were as follows:

CSS 70

1st scratch and the Lady Ford Cup: Linda Caine (Dunbar) - 75

2nd scratch: Ruth Brown (Lothianburn) - 78

Best net overall and the McIntyre Trophy: Suzie Laughland (Royal Dornoch) - 79 less 14, net 65

2nd net overall: Gillian Pritchard (Ravelston): 87 less 16, net 71

Silver Division

1st handicap: Fiona Findlay (Lochend) - 88 less 20, net 68

2nd handicap: Pat Meikle (Lochend) - 88 less 16, net 72

Bronze Division

1st scratch: Vivien Mitchell (Prestonfield) - 91

1st handicap: Winnie Wilson (Ravelston) - 96 less 25, net 71

There were 6 2's today, each winning £9.00. The 14th proved the most popular hole with 2's by Muriel Gilligan (Swanston New), Diane Moncrieff (Lochend) and Lynda Taylor (Dalmahoy). Katy Gillies (Melville) got hers at the 5th, Coleen Derighetti (Lochend) at the 9th and Suzie Laughland (Royal Dornoch) at the 17th.