Hannah regains her title

Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe) emerged as Midlothian County Champion for a second year at Mortonhall Golf Club today on a mild and calm day which luckily all but escaped the forecast rain.

In her semi final against Glencorse's Kirsten Blackwood, after a faltering start, Hannah out drove and outplayed her opponent to win 4 and 2

The other semi final was keenly contested between past Champion, Karen Marshall (Baberton) and an on form Sal Shepherd (Craigmillar Park) would had already seen off Emily Dalgetty and Wendy Nicholson earlier in the week. Sal took an early lead to go 4 up after 7. Karen fought back to even the match on the 18th but Sal eventually emerged the winner on the 21st hole.

After a delayed start, the final between Hannah and Sal was fairly even with steady, but not outstanding play with Hannah being 1 up at the turn. Then Hannah's longer drives and accuracy to the  green paid off and she pulled ahead to finally win on the 15th.

In the  B Championship Linda Boyle (Harburn) who was in excellent form defeated Marion Glauch (Mortonhall) 6 and 4 in the final.

Championship Results

The Championship match play stages got underway at Mortonhall today on a chilly but calm day, in near perfect conditions.
Leading qualifier Kate McIntosh played level par to close out her tie against Turnhouse's Morag Wardrop at the 14th.
Hannah Scott had to work hard to finally win against Murrayfield's Caroline Steedman on the 18th, 2 up.
The upset of the morning was Craigmillar Park's Sal Shepherd who played great golf to beat Glencorse's Emily Dalgetty on the 18th. Her tenacious form continued in the afternoon when her match against  Broomieknowe's Wendy Nicholson went to the wire - Sal finally winning on the 18th.
Baberton's Karen Marshall who was taken to the 19th in the morning by Lochend's Linda Bain, proved too steady for Kate McIntosh, especially around the greens, and closed her match out on the 16th with a birdie 2.
Glencorse's Kirsten Blackwood quietly brought up the rear with  convincing wins -6 &5 against Eileen Gillespie and 8& 7 against Karen Ferguson- to earn herself a place in the semis against Hannah Scott who won on the 18th against Rachael Livingstone.

In the B Championship Harburn's Linda Boyle beat Sue Caton in the 1st round and Gail Joughin in the semis to earn a place in Sunday's final.
In the other half of the Draw, Mortonhall's Marion Glauch overcame last year's winner, Jaci Moriarty and Carole Mason beat Coleen Delighetti to battle it out in an all Mortonhall semi, with Marion finally emerging the winner on the 20th.

Full results are as follows:

First round
Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) bt Morag Wardrop(Turnhouse) 5&4
Karen Marshall (Baberton) bt Linda Bain (Lochend ) at 19th
Wendy Nicholson(Broomiknowe) bt Jennifer Bryans (Harburn) 3 and 1
Sal Shepherd (Craigmillar Park) bt. Emily Dalgetty (Glencorse) 1 up
Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe) bt Caroline Steedman (Murrayfield) 2 up
Rachael Livingstone (Craigmillar Park) bt. Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe) 2 and 1
Karen Ferguson (Liberton) bt. Eileen Gillespie (Lochend) 3 and 2
Kirsten Blackwood (Glencorse) bt. Karina Matson (Carrickvale) 6 and 5

Second round
Marshall bt. McIntosh 3 and 1
Shepherd bt. Nicholson 1 up
Scott bt Livingstone 1 up
Blackwood bt. Ferguson 8 and 7

B Championship 
Quarter Finals
Linda Boyle (Harburn) bt. Sue Caton (Kingsknowe) 4 and 3
Gail Joughin (Merchants) bt. Phyl Early (Glencorse) 5 and 4
Marion Glauch (Mortonhall) bt. Jaci Moriarty (Lochend) 2 and 1
Carole Mason (Mortonhall) bt Coleen Derighetti (Lochend) 6 and 4

Semi Finals
Boyle bt. Joughin 2 and 1
Glauch bt Mason at 20th

'B' Championship Draw

The draw for the 'B' Championship is now available under Draws

Hannah is County Champion 2013

Congratulations to Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe) on becoming Midlothian Champion for the first time and in her first final. Hannah the top qualifier beat Jane Turner (Craigielaw) by 4 and 3 in the final at Newbattle Golf Club today.

Hannah started well with a par, par, birdie 2, par, birdie to go 4 up after 5. Jane then birdied 7 and 9 to get back to 3 down after 10. However Hannah continued with stunning par golf to maintain her lead of 4 up on the 11th to close out on the 15th with a 5 & 4 win. Jane's driving was spectacular but her short game failed to match up to Hannah's steady play on this occsaion. Hannah who has played spectacular golf all week thoroughly deserved her win.

SEMI-FINALS
Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe) bt Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) 5 and 3
Jane Turner (Craigielaw) bt Emily Dalgetty (Glencorse) 3 and 2

Hannah who has played excellent golf all week took an early lead over fellow club mate Kate McIntosh in the first semifinal. Kate, despite a spirited comeback, failed to hold off her on-form opponent and was defeated 5 and 3.
In the second semi final newcomer to the Championship, Emily Dalgetty fresh from our Junior's team's success in the Cuthbertson Cup played outstanding golf with a confidence and maturity well beyond her years to hold off the challenge from Jane who finally closed out with a 3 and 2 win.

The 2013 'B' Champion is Jaci Moriarty (Lochend) who beat Pam Townsend (Murrayfield) 1 hole in this mornings final. the match was always close but Jaci's sinking of a monster putt on the 17th put her one up and enabled her to close out on the 18th.









Many thanks to Newbattle Golf Club for their hospitality and to all those who came out to support our players.

 

Championship results

CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH-PLAY ROUND 1
Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe) bt Olivia Fulton (Craigmillar Park) 6 and 4
Karen Ferguson (Liberton) lost to Claire Hargan (St Relugas) 21st
Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) bt Sal Shepherd (Craigmillar Park) 3 and 2
Karen Marshall (Baberton) lost to Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe) 5 and 4
Rachael Livingstone (Craigmillar Pk) bt Linda Bain (Lochend) 5 and 4
Jane Turner (Craigielaw) bt Mandy McBain (Turnhouse) 3 and 1
Wendy Nicholson (Broomieknowe) lost to Emily Dalgetty (Glencorse) 2 up
Kirsten Blackwood (Glencorse) lost to Fiona De Vries (St Rule) 6 and 5

CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH-PLAY ROUND 2
Hannah Scott bt Claire Hargan 4 and 2
Kate McIntosh bt Louise Fraser 19th
Jane Turner bt Rachael Livingstone 1 up
Emily Dalgetty bt Fiona deVries 3 and 2

SEMI-FINALS DRAW SATURDAY 11 MAY
9.30 Hannah Scott v Kate McIntosh
9.37 Jane Turner v Emily Dalgetty (Final at 2pm)

‘B’ CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH-PLAY ROUND 1
Muriel Gilligan (Swanston) lost to Gilly Glen (Craigmillar Park) 6 and 5
Jaci Moriarty (Lochend) bt Alison Mitchell (Ratho Park) 5 and 3
Pam Townsend (Murrayfield) bt Pat Meikle (Lochend) 3 and 1
Elsa Todd (Prestonfield) bt Barbara Hamilton (Newbattle) 2 and 1

‘B’ CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI FINALS
Jaci Moriarty bt Gilly Glen 2 and 1
Pam Townsend bt Elsa Todd 5 and 3

FINAL SATURDAY 11 MAY at 9.45
Jaci Moriarty v Pam Townsend

Championship Qualifying

Championship Qualifying took place today in the sunshine at Newbattle

Hannah Scott was the top qualifier and wins the Robertson Salver for the best scratch score

Qualifiers for the match play stages on Friday and Saturday are as follows:
(Par 71, SSS 71, CSS 71 for both round)

Match play draw available under DRAWS on left hand side of this page

146 Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe)  68 78
150 Fiona de Vries (st Rule) 71 79
152 Jane Turner (Craigielaw) 77 75
152 Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) 83 71
154 Karen Marshall (Baberton) 83 71
154 Rachael Livingstone (Craigmillar Park) 77 77
156 Wendy Nicholson (Broomieknowe) 80 76
156 Karen Ferguson (Liberton) 79 77
156 Claire Hargan (St Regulas) 77 79
158 Emily Dalgetty (Glencorse) 75 83
160 Linda Bain (Turnhouse) 84 76
161 Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe) 83 78
161 Sal Shepherd (Craigmillar Park) 80 81
162 Mandy McBain (Turnhouse) 82 80
163 Kirsten Blackwood (Glencorse) 80 83
164 Olivia Fulton (Craigmillar Park) 86 78

Championship Qualifying Draw

The draw for the Championship Qualifying competition at Newbattle on Tuesday 7 May is now available under DRAWS on the left hand side of this page.

'B' Championship Draw

The draw for the 'B' Championship is now available under DRAWS on the left hand side of this page.

Another 19 year wait ........

This time last year the headline was "A 19 year wait" as Linda Caine won the Midlothian Championship for the first time. Well guess what, 19 years after winning her last title, Baberton's Karen Marshall is once again Midlothian County Champion.

Its was another lovely day at Kingsknowe Golf as our President Janet Wake got the semi finals underway. In the first semi, Karen Marshall was in tremendous form, beating six time champion Claire Hargan 7 & 6. The second semi proved to be a great match and a real battle between Louise Fraser and Kate McIntosh, Louise eventually winning on the 18th (2up).



The B Championship final was also played in the morning and was won by Kingsknowe Ladies Captain Elaine Lumsden, who beat Dalmahoy's Carole Mason 5&4.






In this afternoon's Championship final, Karen carried on where she left off in the morning. She eagled the par 5 3rd and birdied the 6th to be out in 1 under par. She was always in the driving seat and eventually defeated Louise 7&6. A fantastic display of golf Karen and a well deserved champion.





Many thanks to Kingsknowe Golf Club for hosting our County Championships. The course was great and your sun lounge and patio, complete with 'sunshine to order', superb! Thanks to Anne Brownie and Caroline McIntosh for refereeing the finals and to President Janet for starting everyone off. Thanks also to Agnes for all her excellent organisation and to all the supporters and caddies on the day.



Many congratulations to Karen and Elaine our 2011 champions, to runners up Louise and Carole, and to everyone who played this week.

MCLGA Championship Match Play Day 1

Message to Fiona de Vries - Hi from all of us - in case you can't read the notice it says Get Well Soon Fi!

The sun shone again today at Kingsknowe but the wind grew in strength throughout the day which made the golf challenging and interesting at times. There was some great golf and some tight matches. In the morning Noreen Fenton and Linda Caine had a great tussle, with Noreen eventually winning on the 19th and the B Championship match between Janet Collin and Lesley Campbell also going to the 19th. The results were:
Karen Marshall beat Gilly Glen 6&5
Noreen Fenton beat Linda Caine 19th
Claire Hargan beat Hannah Scott 3&2
Kate Rorke beat Linda Bain 5&3
Kirsten Blackwood beat Wendy Nicholson 3&2
Louise Fraser beat Sal Shepherd 4&3
Tracy Laughand beat Arlene McGarty 4&3
Kate McIntosh beat Sarah Stichbury 7&5

B Championship
Carole Mason beat Margaret Thomson 3&2
Janet Collin beat Lesley Campbell 19th
Isobel Halliday beat Yvonne Blyth 5&4
Elaine Lumsden beat Sandra Ashurst 4&3

In the afternoon we had some very tight matches with Noreen taking Karen Marshall to the 18th and young Kate McIntosh fighting back against past Captain Tracy to eventually win on the 18th. The results were:
Karen Marshall beat Noreen Fenton 1up
Claire Hargan beat Kate Rorke 5&4
Louise Fraser beat Kirsten Blackwood 3&2
Kate McIntosh beat Tracy Laughland 1 up

B Championship semi-finals
Carole Mason beat Janet Collin 19th
Elaine Lumsden beat Isobel Halliday 1 up

We look forward to another great day tomorrow. Come along and support if you can. The Championship semi finals start at 9 am with the final at 1pm. The B Championship final starts at 9.15 am.

MCLGA Championship Qualifying

What a day we had a Kingsknowe. The sun shone all day long and it just got warmer and warmer - just look at that blue sky - it's April! Some of the golf was pretty hot as well. First out, Rachael Watton posted a 1 under par 71, which was then matched by Karen Marshall, Kate McIntosh and Kate Rorke. Louise Fraser, disappointed by her 81 in the morning, showed her grit and determination by bouncing back with a 71 in the afternoon after both Karen and Rachael shot 70.

Rachel wins the Robertson Salver for the best scratch score on the better inward half from Karen Marshall. Unfortunately Rachael is unable to take part in the match play stages as she flies off to Cardiff tomorrow for the Welsh Open Stroke play Championship (Good luck to Rachael, and to Jane Turner and Gabrielle Macdonald all playing in the Welsh).

CSS 71 for both rounds.

The 16 qualifiers for the match play stages on Saturday and Sunday are:
Karen Marshall (Baberton) (141)
Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) (144)
Wendy Nicholson (Broomieknowe) (146)
Kate Rorke (Kingsknowe) (148)
Claire Hargan (Strathmore) (149)
Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe) (152)
Arlene McGarty (Harburn)(153)
Linda Caine (Dunbar) (155)
Noreen Fenton (Dunbar) (157)
Tracy Laughland (Mortonhall) (158)
Sal Shepherd (Craigmillar Park) (161)
Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe) (161)
Linda Bain (Lochend) (162)
Kirsten Blackwood (Glencorse) (164)
Sarah Stichbury (Merchants)(171)
Gillian Glen (Craigmillar Park) (175)

The first rounds of the Championship and 'B' Championship take place on Saturday 30th April starting at 9 am with the next rounds starting at 13.30. The semi-finals and finals are on Sunday 1 May starting at 9 am and 1pm at Kingsknowe. Draws are available on the left hand side of this page.

Championship Qualifying Draw

The draw for the MCLGA championship qualifying on Wednesday 27 April at Kingsknowe Golf Club is now available. Click on CHAMP QUALIFYING under DRAWS of the left hand side of this page.

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.

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.

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.

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 County Championship

Just a reminder to all those members in handicap categories 1 and 2. The MCLGA County Championship is being held on the week beginning the 26th April 2010 at Prestonfield Golf Club. The 36-hole stroke play qualifying competition will be on the Monday, with the top 16 scratch scores going through to the match play stages on Friday 30th April and Sunday 2nd May. There's still time to get your entries in, with the closing date being on Friday 9th April.

Please note that the Championship qualifier for members with handicaps in Categories 3 and 4 will be at the Spring Meeting and the match play stages will be at Prestonfield Golf Club, along with the main Championship, on Friday 30th April and Sunday 2nd May.

Championship semi-finals and finals

Well, the weathermen once again got it wrong but the golfers certainly got it right! Not a drop of rain was felt at Newbattle Golf Course today as the semi-finals and the finals of the Midlothian Championships were held. Dry, sunny but windy conditions were on the cards as were lots of pars and birdies. The players did not let the spectators down in their bid to see some great golf.

The first semi-final saw, junior member, Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw) up against Karen Marshall (Baberton). After a tense, close match, Gabrielle found herself 1 up standing on the 18th tee. A good drive and an excellent approach to the green put Karen under pressure. She pulled her approach shot to the green and after a chip and a putt, conceded the hole, and the match to Gabrielle. Another junior featured in the second semi-final, as Rachael Watton took on Claire Hargan, a Mortonhall double act. Rachael was not quite firing on all cylinders as Claire claimed the tie by a 4 and 3 victory. It is claimed that Claire has been told to watch out in the Club Championship where revenge will be being sought! In the B-Championship, a very friendly match ensued between Helen Warnock (Harburn) and Pam Townsend (Murrayfield). Having started out very well, Pam struggled towards the end, allowing Helen to take the match 2&1. In the other semi-final, junior member, Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe) met defending Champion Susan Dalrymple (Craigielaw). Susan was pleased with the way she had played but unfortunately Hannah was too strong an opponent and came through 4&2. And so the afternoon final pairings were decided, Gabrielle Macdoanld would play Claire Hargan, while Hannah Scott would do battle with Helen Warnock in the B-section.

Gabrielle got off to a great start, going 3 up after 4 holes and being 1 under par. Claire then came back to win the following 5 holes with a conceded eagle, 3 birides and a par to be 2 up at the turn. The spectators were loving it and all the sideline chat that Kirsten Blackwood had to offer was put on hold while the golf was concentrated on! The back nine brought more of the same. A rare half was recorded at the 10th and Gabrielle won the 11th, only for Claire to reply with 2 more birides. A birdie by Gabrielle at the 14th brought Claire back to 2 up but unfotunately Gabrielle's second shot at the 15th found the bunker while Claire hit a great second shot on to the green. Coming out of the bunker and leaving herself too much of a putt to hole, Gabrielle walked onto the 16th tee 3 down. Claire found herself only needing a half on the 16th which she found to claim the match by a 3&2 victory.

In case the excitement of the main Championship did not meet the requirements of the spectators, the B-Championship was following on behind. Hannah immediately went 1 up after the opening hole and was 3 up after 4 and 4 up after 10, and was only 3 over par standing on the 12th tee. But Helen was not prepared to give up easily and battled away to square the match on the 15th. On the 16th, Hannah hit her second to the right of the green while Helen was in the left hand, greenside bunker in 3. Helen hit out onto the green and Hannah, playing the sensible shot, overshot the green onto the fringe. She then played a wonderful chip, forcing Helen to have to sink her putt for the half. Unfortunately the ball did not drop and Hannah regained her lead. Despite around 20 people searching on the 17th, Helen's tee shot was lost. She played another ball but after a great tee shot and approach to the green by Hannah, the hole was conceded and Hannah came out the winner by 2&1.

Our thanks must go to Newbattle Golf Club for allowing us to hold our Championship on their course and for the great condition of the course. Thanks also to our two referees, Gillian Kirkwood and Mary Richardson and to all the participants for the great displays of golf and wonderful matches that ensued over the last week.

Finally, many congratulations to our 2009 Champions, Claire Hargan and Hannah Scott, pictured above with the runners up, Helen Warnock and Gabrielle Macdonald and with Midlothian president, Margaret Rodgers.

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Championship at Newbattle - what a day!

An absolutely tremendous day was had at Newbattle Golf Club today in the first day of the match play stages of the County Championship and "B" Championship. Luckily the weathermen got it wrong and apart from a heavy shower towards the end of the morning play and at the start of the afternoon play, no rain was seen. The morning brought some wind but the afternoon saw idea conditions with blue skies and no wind and the splendid sunshine matched the splendid display of golf which was on offer to the spectators.

The results, after day 1, can be seen by clicking on "C'ship M-Play" and "B C'ship M-Play" on the left hand side of the page. Great results were recorded by all and three of the juniors who had all been part of the victorious Cuthbertson Cup team, made it through to the afternoon; only Gillian Simpson stumbled in a great match against no. 2 seed, Rachael Watton by 2&1. Karen Marshall came through in a tough tie against Claire MacDonald. Claire halved the match on the 18th with a birdie 3 before the two players played par golf on the first two extra holes. Karen went on to win at the 3rd extra play off hole. The "B" Championship saw 2 matches going to extra holes with Mandy McBain and Dee Williams both winning at the 19th. Four of the remaining six matches fininshed at either the 17th or 18th hole.

The good golf continued into the afternoon and the juniors again offfered some stunning golf. Gabrielle Macdonald had a great tussle with Louise Fraser, the no. 1 seed. With never more than a hole in it, Louise three putted the 16th and 17th to let Gabrielle take the advantage and a half at the 18th hole saw Gabrielle, round in level par 72, make it through to Sunday. Karen Marshall, after her three extra holes in the morning, had the better of Kirsten Blackwood and Claire Hargan managed to keep things together to beat Fiona de Vries. The final match went down to the wire and saw Rachael Watton beat Kate McIntosh, with a better ball score of 6 under par. Throwing birdies and eagles at each other, it was a ding dong battle which reached the 18th tee all square. Rachael recorded an ever solid par 4 at the 18th to beat Kate's bogey and progress to meet her fellow clubmate, Claire Hargan, on Sunday morning.

In the "B"-Championship, defending Champion Susan Dalrymple progressed through against her rival in last year's semi-finals Margaret Alexander. She will now meet Cuthbertson Cup reserve, Hannah Scott who won 4&3 against Jaci Moriarty. At the 0ther end of the draw, Helen Warnock won convincingly against Mandy McBain and will meet Pam Townsend who came through a tough battle against Dee Williams.

I cannot stress enough how good the golf was and what a great spectacle it was to watch. The Committee will be conducting their anti-rain dance routines from now until Sunday at 9.30 am, in the hope that the good weather continues. So, why not come along and support the players? It promises to be an exciting climax!

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2009 Championship

The first rounds of the MCLGA championship and B Championship were played at Newbattle Gold Club this morning in blistery conditions. There were some great matches with some going to the 18th and four to extra holes. Results can be viewed by clicking on C'ship M-Play and B C'ship M-Play on the left hand side of the page.