FRIENDLY MATCH v FORFAR - 22nd April

Our second friendly match of the season took place on Monday 21 April against Forfar Ladies on Rosemount.  The afternoon's weather played ball with the sun coming out - some ladies even managed to strip down to short sleeves!  Both teams enjoyed their matches and the two course meal in the clubhouse afterwards.

All four matches were close, however the result was a home win for Blairgowrie 3 1/2 to 1/2.  Thanks to Moira Campsie, Marion Kay, Mary Miller, Pauline Hill, Linda Rice, Eileen Brown, Sue Waddell (team captain) and Lorraine MacGregor for representing the Club, and to Sue for the match report and photos.

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING COMPETITIONS

The Club Championships are the most prestigious of the golfing year and the following is a reminder of the rules:

There are four qualifying rounds for the Club Championships during designated SGL medals - two on Rosemount and two on Lansdowne, which can be played on either the main competition days or the alternate days as per the fixture card.  The dates for 2024 are: 

Round 1: Rosemount - Friday 26 April (alternate Sunday 21 April)

Round 2: Lansdowne - Friday 3 May (alternate Saturday 27 April)

Round 3: Rosemount - Friday 10 May (alternate Sunday 5 May)

Round 4: Lansdowne - Friday 17 May (alternate Saturday 11 May)

It is not necessary to play all four rounds, however one round on each course must be played.  A player’s best scratch score from each of Rosemount and Lansdowne are added together and ranked in order, split into Division 1 and Divisions 2&3 combined.

The top 8 players from Division 1 go into the draw for the Club Championship.  Likewise, the top 8 players from Division 2&3 combined qualify for the Division 2 Championship.  After the Championship qualifiers have been selected, the 8 players with the best nett scores from Divisions 1, 2 &3 combined will qualify to play for Sophie's Trophy. 

Following the introduction of the WHS, during the qualifying rounds players are split into divisions based on their playing handicap on the competition date for the course played on.  They may therefore fall into different divisions when playing even if there is no change to their handicap index.  While this is fine for handicap competitions on a single course, for scratch events such as the Club Championships, which are qualifying over both courses, it is considered to be a clearer divide to use a player’s handicap index as at the date of the first qualifying competition to allocate divisions.  Therefore, for 2024, players with a handicap index as at Sunday 21 April of up to 20.4 will fall into Division 1 and be eligible for the Club Championship draw; players with a handicap index of 20.5 and above will be eligible for the draw for the Division 2 Championship.

Once all the qualifying rounds have taken place, the draws will be made and the players advised of their opponents and the "play by" dates for the quarter and semi-finals.  The players are then responsible for arranging and booking tee times to play their matches.  The Club Championship and Division 2 Championship are played as scratch knockouts, whilst Sophie's Trophy qualifiers play a handicapped knockout.

This year the knockout rounds and finals are to be played on Lansdowne, with the final of all three competitions to be held on Sunday 30 June.  If you wish to enter these competitions you must be available to play on this date.

When playing in the qualifying rounds, please let the starter know if you wish to enter the Championships.

Full details, and information about all Ladies Competitions, can be found in the folder in the Ladies locker room. 

FRIENDLY MATCH v ELIE - 15th April

We received a warm welcome from the ladies at Elie for our first friendly match of the season.  A beautiful lunch was enjoyed by all pre-golf giving everyone fuel as they headed out in very windy and wet conditions.  Thankfully the rain subsided and the ladies were warmed by some glorious sunshine. 

All matches were keenly contested, however the home team triumphed, winning all four.  The Elie Lady Captain, Jeanette Johnston, admitted that they had an “extra player in their team - the wind!!” Thank you to Brenda Clough, Fiona Edwards, Moira Lumby, Meriel Walker, Eileen McMurray, Sheila Bruce, Gill Tissell and to Maggie Marshall, for being team captain and providing photos on the day.

AWAY DAY TO MONTROSE GOLF LINKS - 19th September

Our outing this year will take place on Thursday 19th September, playing on Montrose Golf Links 1562 course - the 5th oldest golf course in the world.  A sign-up sheet to register your interest has been posted in the ladies locker room....full details below:

SUMMER SEASON DELAYED

Yesterday should have been the first Medal of the new season, played on Lansdowne alongside the Karrinyup Spoon competition, however once again we were defeated by the weather which resulted in the course being closed for most of the morning due to snow!!!

We have been able to reschedule the event for Tuesday 16th April with tee time zones between 9:00am and 10:30am and 12:30pm to 1:00pm.

Booking is now open, and will close at 10:00am on Monday 15th April.... here's hoping the sun will have found it's way to Blairgowrie by then.

THE COLUMBINE CUP - 4th April

The Senior Gents v Ladies annual competition was held on Thursday with five groups on Rosemount and five on Lansdowne playing a 4 ball better ball matchplay competition.  All matches were keenly contested, many going to the 18th hole, and overall the main objective of having a friendly and sociable occasion was definitely achieved.  A delicious meal was enjoyed by all in the dining room afterwards. 

Once again the Gents were successful, winning all 5 matches on Lansdowne whilst the spoils were split 2 1/2 each on Rosemount.  

Congratulations to Colin and his team; thank you to everyone who took part, and to Pauline for taking the photographs.

Elaine presenting the Columbine Cup to Colin ...

....... and many congratulations to Doug Robertson for achieving a hole in one

FINAL WINTER LEAGUE RESULTS

The last of the winter competitions were concluded at the end of March; congratulations to the winners and runners-up as follows:

The Winter Eclectic was won by Louise Whitehead with a score of 57 points on countback from Elaine Robson.

The Winter Ringer winner was Elaine Robson and Kathy Cameron came second on countback from Marion Kay, with net scores of 56 and 61 respectively.

On the Wee Course, Shirley Irvine was the winner of the Ringer with 31 points on countback from Heather Welsh.

DAILY MAIL FOURSOMES - round 2 success

Congratulations to Maggie Marshall and Gill Tissell who today won their 2nd round tie against Dunkeld opponents Rosie Elleray and Cara MacLean, playing on Rosemount.  Despite being 3 down, the home ladies were able to turn the match around, fighting back to a 2/1 success.  Well done both, and good luck in the next round.

Gill, Rosie, Cara & Maggie

BIRDIE TREE, PAR BAR, SUMMER RINGER & MORE.....

Now that the new season has started, the following is a reminder of the summer competitions that run alongside the SGL Medals and stroke play competitions:

Birdie Tree

When a player has a Gross Birdie (or better) during any SGL medal, Stroke play or Stableford competition, she can put her name on a flag and pin it on the first ‘nest’ on the Birdie Tree in the upstairs Ladies Locker Room.  When she has another Birdie, she progresses up to the next ‘nest’ and so on.  There is a Robin trophy for the player with the most Birdies in Division 1 and a Pheasant Trophy for the player with most Birdies in Divisions 2 & 3 combined.  The office will provide birdie reports for each competition as a means of verification.

Par Bar

Similarly, Gross Pars may be recorded by entering the details (name, date, hole on which Par was scored) on a card and posting it in the pocket of the Par Bar chart behind the door in the Ladies Locker Room.  A trophy will be presented at the end of the season for the player with the most Pars in Divisions 2 & 3 combined (i.e. with an end of season handicap index of 20.5 & above).  Again, the office will provide a report for verification purposes.

Summer Ringer

Similar to the Winter Ringer, cards can be submitted for the Summer Ringer for rounds played as part of a competition or during bounce games (up to a maximum of two cards per week) on Lansdowne.  The first score recorded must be over 18 holes; thereafter at least 9 holes must be played.  Players can improve the score on up to three holes on each card and the score on each hole can be improved only once after submission of the first 18-hole card.  The Hilda Hendry Memorial Trophy is awarded to the player with the lowest final score less half her handicap index as at 30th September. 

Summer Eclectic

The Eclectic runs on all Strokeplay and Stableford competitions on Rosemount over the summer.  This is administered by the office and updates will appear on Intelligentgolf.

Competitions (including Alternate Days)

There is an entry fee of £1 payable prior to every full section competition (50p for all Wee Course competitions).  In addition, all ladies wishing to enter the full section competition will have the chance to enter an optional sweepstake and an optional twos which will cost £1 and 50p respectively per competition. 

On a medal day (inclusive of Alternate Days), all ladies should check in at the PSI system in the Foyer OR use their Smartphone app to check in before play.  At this point the compulsory entry fee of £1 (50p for Wee Course competitions) will be taken and all full section competition ladies will then have the option of entering the sweep/twos competition.

Sweep money won will be returned to the members Clubhouse (bar) account and twos money won will be put on to the members Pro Shop account.  Please note failure to check in before play will mean that the player will be unable to enter their scorecard after their round.

Full details of all Summer competitions are available in the Ladies Competition Bible in the upstairs locker room.

LADIES CAPTAIN v VICE CAPTAIN 29th March

We were fortunate that the early light rain didn’t last and we were able to remove the waterproofs and complete our season opener on Rosemount in warm sunshine.  The Greenkeepers are to be commended for presenting the course in such a splendid condition – what a lovely start to the year.

Forty ladies participated in the match which was led by Ladies Captain, Elaine and Vice Captain, Maggie together with their playing partners, Moira Lumby and Avril Smith.

Most of the matches were very close, and although the Captain’s team won 5, lost 3 and halved 2, overall the Vice Captain’s team triumphed, winning by 13 holes to 10.  The main objective of the day was to have a friendly game of golf and some fun and that was definitely achieved.  On the Wee Course, Heather Welsh was closest to the pin in 2 on the 7th and Margaret Sturrock won the “count the putts” competition – well done ladies.  Maggie and I would like to thank everyone that played and helped to get the season off to a great start.

After our match, we enjoyed a drink and delicious lunch with a chance to relax and have a chat; thanks to Tina, Greg and their teams for looking after us all.  After lunch I was delighted to announce that the Easter Hamper Raffle had raised a total of £620 for SCAA – thank you again to Pauline, Heather and Anne for arranging the hamper, and to everyone that bought (or helped to sell) tickets.  The winner was Leah Gray, with Joyce Morrison winning the second prize.

Thanks to Pauline and Alistair for the photographs - here are a selection from the day......please click on the images to enlarge.

LINE DANCING WINTER SOCIAL - 25th March

Our winter social events programme concluded on Monday with beginners' line dancing led by Fiona Edwards.  After a gentle warm up Fiona walked and talked us literally step-by-step through routines which seemed pretty straightforward, until we tried to put them to music!!  The idea is to step in line and turn in the same direction - how hard can that be!!!

It was great fun, thank you Fiona for your patience and enthusiastically leading us through the routines - a very enjoyable end to the winter social sessions.

My thanks to all our hosts, to my Committee for their support in planning and organising the activities, and to everyone that attended - I hope you had fun.

PINEHURST and LADIES GET TOGETHER DINNER - 22nd March

It gave me great pleasure to welcome the ladies, including some new members, that were able to attend our pre-season Get Together last Friday evening.  This was an opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and to make new friends, whilst enjoying a delicious meal prepared and served by Tina and her team.

I ran through the successful winter social and golfing programme which is reaching a conclusion and recorded my thanks to everyone that has been involved either organising, helping, presenting or participating, and announced the results of the Pinehurst competition we had enjoyed earlier in the day, as follows:

Winners - Fiona Edwards & Anne Walker (69) with Cara Davidson & Angela Rooney the runners-up (70).

I touched on the forthcoming season, referring to the Newsletter issued earlier in the week which provides information on all the main events and activities taking place.

Our guest for the evening was Mike Beale, Co-founder and Interim Chair of Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).  Mike spoke on the subject of SCAA - 10 years on, giving an informative talk on the history of the charity and examples of situations where the two helicopters and rapid response vehicles have played a crucial part in saving lives.

I then had the greatest pleasure in presenting Mike with a cheque for £825, representing the funds raised by the Ladies section in the past 3 months.  Thank you to everyone that has contributed to date, and please note that the draw for the Easter Hamper will take place following the Ladies Captain v Vice Captain competition on Friday 29 March. 

Neil Cameron has very generously offered a 20% discount on all ladies clothing to everyone that attended the Get Together, valid until Sunday 31 March, on presentation of your pink discount voucher.  Thank you Neil, and also to Greg, Tina, the hospitality team, Pauline and Heather for their help on Friday, to Anne and Maggie for their support in the lead-up to the event, and to everyone that attended.

Fiona and Anne with their winning golf balls pictured earlier in the day.

  

WEE COURSE LADIES COFFEE MORNING & EASTER HAMPER RAFFLE

The annual Wee Course Ladies' coffee morning took place on Monday 18 March with 23 ladies in attendance.  The tables looked very pretty with spring flower napkins and daffodil/tulip jars arranged by Kathy Cameron.  The ladies were welcomed as they arrived by Heather & Jeannie whilst Anne was only too happy to take payment!!  Pauline & Heather Dawson sold raffle tickets for the Easter hamper (proceeds going to SCAA) which will be drawn on 29 March. 

There was plenty chatter and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves; the waiting staff & Anne were busy topping up the coffee/tea cups, accompanied by Tina's home-made shortbread.  Heather thanked everyone for attending and advised the ladies of the upcoming pre-season evening (22 March), the Wee Course Opening Competition (followed by lunch) on 29 March and the changes to the Allison Trophy. 

Anne then reminded all that the final morning social event, beginners' line dancing led by Fiona Edwards, would take place on Monday 25 March.

Sincere thanks to the hospitality team, all who attended, and to Kathy, Heather, Jeannie & committee members Anne, Heather and Pauline for hosting and for arranging the Easter hamper.

WINTER LEAGUE FRIENDLY v ANSTRUTHER and FINAL RESULTS

On Sunday 17th March we played our final Winter League friendly match away to Anstruther.  Although it was dry and mild, there had been heavy rain overnight, resulting in very wet conditions underfoot on a course that can be described as challenging even in perfect playing conditions.

A steep uphill drive to a blind green on the 1st was rewarded with magnificent views.  Revetted bunkers with varying types of sand and shingle had to be negotiated, and then of course the most interesting 5th hole (The Rockies), described in 2007 as the toughest par 3 (4 for ladies) hole in the UK by Today Golfer!!

Despite a heavy rainshower in the latter stages, it didn't dampen team spirits. A good blether, with soup and sandwiches in the clubhouse afterwards was much enjoyed by all.  Although we lost 2 matches & won 1, it was a lovely day. The Anstruther ladies were very friendly & a lovely warm welcome from their Team Captain Isobel put everyone at ease. 

Sincere thanks to our team members  - Sheila Bruce, Fiona Edwards, Anne Farquharson (team captain), Pauline Hill, Jo Menzies and Sheila Ritchie; and to Anne for her report and Pauline for these stunning pictures.

FINAL RESULTS

It was a very tight finish to the league this year, with ourselves, Anstruther and St Michaels all finishing on 7 points.  As Anstruther and St Michaels won three matches compared to our two, we came in 3rd position; St Michaels beat Anstruther in their match, so Anstruther finished in 2nd place, with St Michaels coming out on top.

Well done everyone, and thank you to all players and team captains that have taken part in these matches over the winter months.

TEXAS SCRAMBLE - 15th March

The second of our March fun competitions was a Texas Scramble played on Lansdowne.  Unfortunately the weather was not kind, however 18 hardy ladies donned their waterproofs, raised their umbrellas, and teed of in teams of 3 or 4.  The rain did lessen, and although it was still quite wet underfoot, the ladies enjoyed playing, and the conditions did not seem to impact too much on the scores.

Congratulations to the winning team of Cara Davidson, Carolyn Haddow, Sheila Ritchie and Margaret Hunter had an impressive score of 77 scratch, 65 net. The runners-up with a net 67 were Sue Waddell, Sheila Bruce, Fiona Edwards and Angela Rooney.  

Thanks to Anne for the report and photo and for presenting the winning team with their golf balls whilst myself and Maggie were on holiday.

DESSERT DEMONSTRATION WINTER SOCIAL - 11th March

Anne had promised us quick, simple but very tasty desserts - thank you to all ladies that came along to watch, learn, and most of all sample her delicious puddings.  Anne demonstrated how easy it is to make Key Lime Pie, Cherry Cake, Banoffee Pie, Tiramisu and microwave Sponge Pudding, assisted by Heather Dawson and Pauline Hill.

This fun and tasty event was also informative as Anne had included a food quiz (with 3 lucky question number winners) and a prize for the closest estimation of what 4oz of sugar was.  Gill Tissell won a set of silicon baking implemets in the food quiz, and Jennifer Livingston was awarded with measuring spoons and cups for being closest in the sugar challenge, having measured 3.8oz.  Anne also collected donations for SCAA - thank you to everyone that contributed - another £80 raised for the charity.

Looks delicious Anne - I'm sorry to have missed it!!

MAD MARCH MEDLEY - 8th March

 

The winners with a score of 142 were

Jennifer Livingston, Fiona Edwards and Anne Farquharson

Although it was a bit on the chilly side for the first of our pre-season fun competitions, nine teams enjoyed our Mad March Medley.  Congratulations to the winners and to the runners up, with a score of 147 - Louise Whitehead, Sue Waddell and Caroline Dracup.

LADIES SPRING COACHING 2024

Neil Cameron's excellent group coaching sessions commenced this week, getting back to basics with Grip, Alignment, Ball Position and Posture.  Once we have mastered all that we can move on ... details of the programme and clubs required in the coming weeks are shown below.

I look forward to seeing your new techniques on the course!!

LADIES CAPTAIN v VICE CAPTAIN SEASON OPENING EVENT - 29th March

I am very much looking forward to kicking off the new season by competing for the friendship bowl in the traditional Ladies Captain v Vice Captain match.

The day will commence with a group photo at 9:30am on the 1st tee of Rosemount, with a shotgun start at 10am.  A stableford competition will also take place on the Wee Course, with two opening day prizes to play for.

Fairway mats will not be required, and there is no need to change for lunch (but of course you can if you wish to do so).

After play there will be a one course lunch in the dining room - this is open to all lady members, including those that have been unable to play on the day.

Menu options and booking details are shown below.  I hope you can join us.

LADIES GET-TOGETHER - 22nd March

Please come along and meet fellow lady members to launch the new season.  Our guest for the evening will be Mike Beale, co-founder and interim chair of my chosen charity, Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).  Mike will speak to us after our meal to update us on "SCAA - 10 years on".

The attached poster, which is also displayed in the ladies locker room, provides menu options and booking details.  I hope to see you there.

P&KLCGA - 2023/24 Senior Squad

The Senior Squad has been announced for the 2023/24 season and includes three Blairgowrie ladies once again; Katy Alexander, Megan Ashley and Gillian Milne.  Many congratulations on your selection and best wishes for a successful season.

PERTH & KINROSS LADIES' COUNTY GOLF ASSOCIATION (P&KLCGA)

 

The aim of the P&KLCGA is to further the interest of ladies and girls amateur golf in Perth and Kinross.  It hosts golf events to bring lady golfers together in a social environment to meet new people, make new friends and play on courses around the County at much reduced rates.

There is no annual subscription fee; a green fee is payable on entry to each monthly competition and, as a member of The Blairgowrie Golf Club, you are automatically a P&KLCGA member (unless you are already a member of any other County Golf Association).

For more information and details of the 2024 Fixture List click on the link on the front page of our blog.  This will take you to the P&KLCGA front page with information links - to enter any of the competitions check there for entry details.

If you would like more information Hannah Hislop will be more than happy to help.

WINTER LEAGUE - 1st March

We enjoyed a beautiful winter's morning for our final Winter League competitions, with twenty-seven ladies playing on Rosemount and four on the Wee Course.  Once again we had some impressive results; congratulations to the winners and runners-up as follows:

Division 1: Winner - Cara Davidson (42 points); Runner-up - Sue Waddell (39 points).

Division 2: Winner - Lesley McPherson (46 points on c/b); Runner-up - Elaine Robson (46 points).

The winner of the Wee Course winter league was Heather Welsh (22 points); Shirley Irvine was the runner-up with 19 points.

The overall winner of the Ladies Winter League, for the best six scores on Rosemount over the season, was Elaine Robson, with Kathy Cameron the runner-up.  On the Wee Course, the winner with the best six results over the season, was Heather Welsh; Shirley Irvine was the runner-up.

Cards may continue to be submitted for the Winter Eclectic (Rosemount) and Winter Ringer (Lansdowne) until 31st March - good luck!

GAMES MORNING WINTER SOCIAL - 26th February

My thanks to everyone that came along on Monday for our games morning.  We had putting, dominoes, beetles and mini boules, plenty of head scratching with the quizzes, delicate moves with giant jenga blocks, and unbelievable competitiveness when completing jigsaws designed for 3 year olds!! 

We also had a charity sale (to raise funds for SCAA) of the items that were kindly donated and raised a magnificant sum of £150 - I really appreciate your support, thank you.

Our next morning social event will be held on Monday 11th March (10:30 am in the Dinning Room) when Anne Farquharson will demonstrate how to make quick, simple but very tasty desserts.

WINTER LEAGUE & STANLEY CLARK TROPHY - 23rd February

Following a spell of mild weather I was hopeful that we would be able to conclude our Stanley Clark Trophy today on full greens, however the overnight frost put paid to that!!  The shorter course did, however, provide the opportunity for high scoring and twenty-three ladies, plus six on the Wee Course, enjoyed their games in very pleasant and, at times, sunny conditions.

Congratulations to the winners and runners-up as follows:

Division 1: Winner - Anne Farquharson (40 points); Runner-up - Eileen McMurray (38 points on c/b).

Division 2: Winner - Carolyn Haddow (46 points); Runner-up - Jacqui Doig (45 points on c/b).

The winner of the Wee Course winter league was Heather Welsh (27 points); Sandra McClelland was the runner-up (23 points on c/b).

The winner of the Stanley Clark Trophy, which is awarded for the best three rounds on Lansdowne over the season, was Elaine Robson, with Kathy Cameron the runner-up.

LADIES AND MIXED OPENS & INVITATIONAL EVENTS

Please find below a list of our Ladies and Mixed Opens & Invitational Events for 2024 with entry fees and closing dates - a copy has also been posted in the upstairs ladies locker room.

You can book via the main Club website - just click on the "Opens" tab and then "Open & Invitational Entries" from the dropdown.

WINTER LEAGUE - 16th February

Twenty-two ladies enjoyed the course today, playing all twelve holes on full greens in sunny conditions, with excellent scoring by the winners and runners-up as follows:

Division 1: Winner - Cara Davidson (38 points); Runner-up - Maggie Marshall (35 points).

Division 2: Winner - Carolyn Haddow (43 points); Runner-up - Lorrraine MacGregor (41 points on c/b).

Six ladies played in the Wee Course Winter League; the winner was Heather Welsh (22 points) and Ann Henry was the runner-up with 16 Points.

Congratulations ladies.

SIGN-UP SHEETS FOR FRIENDLY MATCHES, COLUMBINE CUP & NATIONAL MATCHPLAY EVENT

Sign-up sheets have been posted in the upstairs ladies locker room for the following:

Ladies Friendly Matches

Once again we have a full programme of friendly matches, with 4 home and 11 away venues this season.  Thanks to Heather for posting sign-up sheets for the initial 5 fixtures as follows:

15 April - Away to Elie

22 April - Home v Forfar

29 April - Home v Carnoustie Caledonia

20 May - Away to Crail

23 May - Away to Turnberry (tri-match with St Rule)

If you are interested in playing please add your name.  Heather will also be posting a sheet with the full schedule for your diaries.

Senior Gents v Blairgowrie Ladies - Thursday 4 April

We are looking for 20 ladies to take part in this event, playing for the Columbine Cup, in a 4BBB format.  The day begins at 11:45 am with introductions and a sandwich lunch before play on Rosemount & Lansdowne, followed by a two-course meal, at a cost of £22.50 per head.  The gents have an impressive track record in this competition, having won 25 out of 32 matches since 1991....we came very close in 2023 - could you play your part in making this our year?

Kyocera / Annodata Matchplay Golf

A ladies team has been entered for this inter-club competition playing in a singles handicap matchplay format with teams of 5 for each match.  A draw is made for each round based on geographical location, progressing from county/near county/regional then north/south/east & west....with the semi final and final being played in Spain!!! This competition is open to all, however please note that the maximum playing handicap will be 24.  We are looking for a pool of ladies that we can call on to represent the club, so if you would like to take part please add your name to the list.

And a word about our Handicap League Fixtures... we are away to Crieff on 19 May and to King James VI on 24 June, followed by home matches against Perth Ladies and Dunkeld on 22 July and 11 August respectively.  Anne will be posting sign-up sheets for these matches in due course.

ALL LADIES, REGARDLESS OF EXPERIENCE or HANDICAP ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN THESE EVENTS...THEY ARE A GREAT WAY TO MEET OTHER MEMBERS, PLAY DIFFERENT COURSES AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS 

INDOOR PUTTING WINTER SOCIAL - 12th February

Many thanks to Neil Cameron for giving up his time today to provide his tips on how to improve our putting.  We all know that taking 2 putts instead of 3 will result in better scores, lower handicaps and increased playing satisfaction and Neil reminded us of the simple things we can all do to improve.  He stressed the importance of having the right equipment (is your putter the correct type, length and does it have the most appropriate grip...) ... do you use the same make of golf balls every time...every round?

Neil also emphasised the benefits of developing the right technique - putt with your shoulders, not your hands, are you holding your putter properly, and count for 1 second before you lift your head!!!

We were asked how often we practice - clearly not enough!!! Neil suggested ways to make putting practice more structured and fun.  And then a discussion we have had before - concentration ... chit chat, casual tap-ins and lack of attention should all be replaced with ball-marking, focus and routine.

We then had the opportunity to practice, with great feedback offered - so no more excuses!!

WINTER LEAGUE & STANLEY CLARK TROPHY - 9th February

After much debate in the clubhouse, and an on-course inspection by Cara, 12 hardy (foolish!!) ladies ventured out on Lansdowne for the winter league and Stanley Clark competition.  It started well enough, with a clear sky and glimmer of sun, however the sleet that had been forecast did materialise, with a bit of wind, and some rain before we made it back in for warm soup or coffee!!

Despite the conditions there was some excellent scoring once again, and I am delighted to announce the results as follows:

Division 1: Winner - Cara Davidson (41 points); Runner-up - Janice Lang (36 points).

Division 2: Winner - Louise Whitehead (40 points); Runner-up Marion Kay (39 points).

There was no play on the Wee Course as the ladies very sensibly decided to remain indoors.

WINTER LEAGUE FRIENDLY v CRAIL - 4th February 2024

There has never been a truer saying as “3rd Time Lucky”!  Our two previous attempts to play this fixture were thwarted by named storms, snow, ice and flooding so it was with much relief that 12 ladies (6 from each club) were able to play on Lansdowne.

The weather was kind to us with only a little drizzle at the beginning of our round before the sun peeked out from behind the clouds to warm us up, resulting in a few layers of clothing being removed - a far cry from some of our recent stormy conditions!

The games were keenly contested, played in a friendly atmosphere, and fun was had by all.  A light meal of delicious soup and sandwiches was enjoyed by everyone before the results were announced.

Blairgowrie ladies won all of their matches (3&1, 4&3, 4&3).  I am very grateful to everyone for being so flexible with the rescheduling of dates and to Marion Kay who very kindly stepped in to play at very short notice.  Congratulations to the winning ladies: Anne Farquharson, Marion Kay, Maggie Marshall (team captain), Eileen Brown, Meriel Walker with myself, and to Maggie for the match report and team photos.