Germany’s Aline Krauter held her nerve to claim the biggest title of her career by winning The 117th Women’s Amateur Championship.
The Women's Amateur Championship:
20-year-old Aline Krauter from Germany fought back from three-down after four holes to defeat England's Annabell Fuller by one-hole in a dramatic 18-hole final at West Lancashire, yesterday. The win continued the feelgood success for German golf after Sophia Popov’s AIG Women’s Open triumph last weekend.
In the morning's semi-finals, Krauter produced two birdies in the last three holes to put out the defending champion England's Emily Toy, while Fuller had a comfortable win over Italy’s Emile Alba Paltrinieri.
After her win Krauter said:
“It’s my biggest win, 100 per cent. I won the German Girls in 2016 and then I’ve played decently in some college tournaments in the US but not been close in one."
“I felt under control out there. I’m not sure what did the trick, but I was quite unphased on the course which I think helped me in the wind and the conditions. It was so fun to play in the final."
“I’m now so excited to play in the AIG Women’s Open, I’m honoured. I watched Sophia (Popov) win last week, it was amazing. I had a club fitting with her in February before COVID-19 when everything was fine. To play in the event next year at Carnoustie will be amazing.”
To view the scoring from the final and the semi-finals click on the link below:
Sunday, August 30, 2020
Saturday, August 29, 2020
DARLING & GOADBY BOTH OUT OF WOMEN'S AMATEUR
English duo Emily Toy and Annabell Fuller produced incredible finishes to reach the semi-finals at The Women’s Amateur Championship.
The Women's Amateur Championship:
Defending champion Emily Toy and former Curtis Cup player Annabell Fuller joined Germany's Aline Krauter and Italy’s Emile Alba Paltrinieri in the last-four.
Toy, who only qualified on the cut mark from the stroke play qualifying, built on her impressive victories on Thursday with two nail-biting successes.
In the morning, Toy dug deep to level her last-16 tie with Scotland's Chloe Goadby at the 18th, after Goadby found the water off the tee. The pair then halved the 19th with birdies, before Toy delivered another to win at the 20th.
The Women's Amateur Championship:
Defending champion Emily Toy and former Curtis Cup player Annabell Fuller joined Germany's Aline Krauter and Italy’s Emile Alba Paltrinieri in the last-four.
Toy, who only qualified on the cut mark from the stroke play qualifying, built on her impressive victories on Thursday with two nail-biting successes.
In the morning, Toy dug deep to level her last-16 tie with Scotland's Chloe Goadby at the 18th, after Goadby found the water off the tee. The pair then halved the 19th with birdies, before Toy delivered another to win at the 20th.
More drama followed in the afternoon with Toy winning at the 19th after being four-down to Lithuania’s Gilė Bitė Starkutė.
Italy's Aline Krauter knocked out Scotland's Hannah Darling in the last 16, before winning against her fellow German Paula Schulz-Hanssen to claim her place in the semi's.
Italy's Aline Krauter knocked out Scotland's Hannah Darling in the last 16, before winning against her fellow German Paula Schulz-Hanssen to claim her place in the semi's.
England's Annabell Fuller, who won the English Women’s Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship last week, won against Italy's Alessia Nobilio, who was the the highest-ranked player in the field. with a WAGR ranking of 5.
Italy’s Emile Alba Paltrinieri, the world number 27, continued her fine form with comfortable wins over England's Sharna Dutrieux and Caitlin Whitehead.
The semi-finals and final will be played today. You can follow hole-by-hole action by clicking on the link below:
https://www.randa.org/en/championships/
Italy’s Emile Alba Paltrinieri, the world number 27, continued her fine form with comfortable wins over England's Sharna Dutrieux and Caitlin Whitehead.
The semi-finals and final will be played today. You can follow hole-by-hole action by clicking on the link below:
https://www.randa.org/en/championships/
Friday, August 28, 2020
TWO SCOTS IN LAST SIXTEEN AT WOMEN'S AMATEUR
England’s Emily Toy maintained her bid to defend her Women’s Amateur Championship title after reaching the last-16 at West Lancashire.
Toy saw off the challenge of fellow Englishwomen Isabelle Simpson with a one-hole win in the morning before following it up with a comfortable 5&4 triumph over Ireland’s Jessica Ross.
Another Scot safely through is Chloe Goadby. She will now play the defending champion Emily Toy for a place in the quarter-finals.
There was disappointment for Scotland's other hopes. Hazel MacGarvie, Jasmine Mackintosh, Clara Young and Lorna McClymont all lost in the morning, while Penelope Brown (Auchterarder), who had a heroic win at the 23rd hole in her first round tie, went out in the afternoon.
The match play at The Women’s Amateur continues today with the last-16 and quarter-final ties. To follow the action by click on the link below:
https://www.randa.org/en/championships/
Emily Price, who won the English Women’s Amateur Championship earlier this month, is still alive as is the home favourite Lily May Hunphreys.
Leading qualifier Denmark’s Amalie Leth-Nissen lost out to her older sister, Cecilie, at the final hole in the opening tie of the day. A notable triumph as Cecilie's World ranking is 765 and her sister's is 47.
However, Scotland’s Hannah Darling, the 2018 Girls’ Under-16 Champion, ended the hopes of Leth-Nissen with a one-hole victory in the afternoon.
However, Scotland’s Hannah Darling, the 2018 Girls’ Under-16 Champion, ended the hopes of Leth-Nissen with a one-hole victory in the afternoon.
Another Scot safely through is Chloe Goadby. She will now play the defending champion Emily Toy for a place in the quarter-finals.
There was disappointment for Scotland's other hopes. Hazel MacGarvie, Jasmine Mackintosh, Clara Young and Lorna McClymont all lost in the morning, while Penelope Brown (Auchterarder), who had a heroic win at the 23rd hole in her first round tie, went out in the afternoon.
The match play at The Women’s Amateur continues today with the last-16 and quarter-final ties. To follow the action by click on the link below:
https://www.randa.org/en/championships/
Thursday, August 27, 2020
SEVEN SCOTS MAKE THE CUT AT WOMEN'S AMATEUR
Denmark's Amalie Leth-Nissen finished as top qualifier for the match play at The Women's Amateur championship at West Lanarkshire.
Amalie Leth-Nissen (Den), Carolina Melgrati (Ita), and a trio of English women; Rosie Belsham, Emily Price and Isabelle Simpson all shot a one-under-par 71 to be the top five seeds in this year's championship.
Defending champion, Emily Toy (Eng) made it into the match play by the skin of her teeth after a count-back on the six-over-par cut line, as did the home favourite Lily May Humphreys (Eng).
Seven Scottish players also made it through to the match-play. They are:
10 Clara Young (North Berwick) +1
16 Hazel MacGarvie (Royal Troon) +3
33 Hannah Darling (Broomieknowe) +3
37 Jasmine Mackintosh (Murcar) +4
43 Lorna McClymont (Milnagavie) +4
44 Chloe Goadby (St Regulus) +4
46 Penelope Brown (Auchterarder) +4
There was disappointment for five other Scots, Ailsa Wilson (Caroustie), Carmen Griffiths (Aboyne), Grace Crawford (Gullane), Tara MacTaggart (Minto) and Eilidh Henderson (Loretto School) who all missed the cut.
To follow the match play at The Women’s Amateur click on the link below:
https://www.randa.org/en/championships/
Amalie Leth-Nissen (Den), Carolina Melgrati (Ita), and a trio of English women; Rosie Belsham, Emily Price and Isabelle Simpson all shot a one-under-par 71 to be the top five seeds in this year's championship.Leth-Nissen finished the strongest of the five, with three birdies on her final five holes to secure top spot and a first round match against her sister, Cecilie, in the opening tie this morning.
Defending champion, Emily Toy (Eng) made it into the match play by the skin of her teeth after a count-back on the six-over-par cut line, as did the home favourite Lily May Humphreys (Eng).
Seven Scottish players also made it through to the match-play. They are:
10 Clara Young (North Berwick) +1
16 Hazel MacGarvie (Royal Troon) +3
33 Hannah Darling (Broomieknowe) +3
37 Jasmine Mackintosh (Murcar) +4
43 Lorna McClymont (Milnagavie) +4
44 Chloe Goadby (St Regulus) +4
46 Penelope Brown (Auchterarder) +4
There was disappointment for five other Scots, Ailsa Wilson (Caroustie), Carmen Griffiths (Aboyne), Grace Crawford (Gullane), Tara MacTaggart (Minto) and Eilidh Henderson (Loretto School) who all missed the cut.
To follow the match play at The Women’s Amateur click on the link below:
https://www.randa.org/en/championships/
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
SCOTTISH GOLF UPDATE ON SCOTTISH MEDAL FINALS
Scottish Golf has issued an update on the 2021 Scottish Medal Finals to all its affiliated golf clubs.
The statement issued by Scottish Golf reads as follows:
"As the 2020 season progresses, we wanted to provide affiliated clubs with some advance information about the 2021 Scottish Medal Finals and eligibility criteria."
"To acknowledge the cancellation of this year’s event and the disappointment of those who missed out, we will give all clubs the option to forward their 2019 and 2020 qualifiers to next year’s Medal Finals."
"This will be an option for the 2021 event only with further details and venues set to be published online in advance of entries opening in November."
"Please also note that following the recent format change and in line with the impending commencement of WHS, gold, silver and bronze medals will no longer be issued to clubs."
"Should clubs wish to continue to play for and provide these, of their own volition, they are welcome to do so."
"As the 2020 season progresses, we wanted to provide affiliated clubs with some advance information about the 2021 Scottish Medal Finals and eligibility criteria."
"To acknowledge the cancellation of this year’s event and the disappointment of those who missed out, we will give all clubs the option to forward their 2019 and 2020 qualifiers to next year’s Medal Finals."
"This will be an option for the 2021 event only with further details and venues set to be published online in advance of entries opening in November."
"Please also note that following the recent format change and in line with the impending commencement of WHS, gold, silver and bronze medals will no longer be issued to clubs."
"Should clubs wish to continue to play for and provide these, of their own volition, they are welcome to do so."
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
FIRST ROUND OF WOMEN'S AMATEUR IS ABANDONED
The first round of stroke play qualifying at both The Women’s Amateur and The Amateur championships has been abandoned due to bad weather.
The start of the championships was delayed by two hours this morning due to heavy rain and high winds.
Following a second suspension this afternoon the decision was made to cancel the first round and all scores from today.
The cut will now be made after one round of stroke play qualifying tomorrow. The top 64 players will then progress to the match play stage of The Women’s Amateur championship, while the top 64 players and ties will go through to the match play stage of The Amateur championship.
Tee times for Wednesday 26 August are now available at: www.randa.org
For live scoring at The Women’s Amateur, click on the link below:
https://www.randa.org/en/championships/
The cut will now be made after one round of stroke play qualifying tomorrow. The top 64 players will then progress to the match play stage of The Women’s Amateur championship, while the top 64 players and ties will go through to the match play stage of The Amateur championship.
Tee times for Wednesday 26 August are now available at: www.randa.org
For live scoring at The Women’s Amateur, click on the link below:
https://www.randa.org/en/championships/
WOMEN'S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP STARTS TODAY
The Women's Amateur and The Amateur championships are being held at neighboring venues on England’s Golf Coast this week.
For live scoring at The Women’s Amateur, click on the link below:
https://www.randa.org/en/championships/
In total, 93 women have gathered at West Lancashire Golf Club to play in The Women’s Amateur championship while, less that half-an-hour away, 120 men have gathered at Royal Birkdale to play in The Amateur.
Both championships are being played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic with health and safety protocols in place for players and officials.
Former Curtis Cup players Annabell Fuller, who won the English Women’s Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship last week and Paula Grant will also compete.
Play starts on Tuesday (today) with two rounds of qualifying stoke-play over two days. The top 64 players will then progress on to the match-play, which starts on Thursday. The final is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
Live scoring, news and video from both championships can be followed on all The R&A’s social media platforms and at: www.randa.org
For live scoring at The Women’s Amateur, click on the link below:
https://www.randa.org/en/championships/
In total, 93 women have gathered at West Lancashire Golf Club to play in The Women’s Amateur championship while, less that half-an-hour away, 120 men have gathered at Royal Birkdale to play in The Amateur.
Both championships are being played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic with health and safety protocols in place for players and officials.
The Women's Amateur Championship:
The defending champion, England's Emily Toy, will be joined in the field by two of the world’s top 10 players in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, Italian duo Alessia Nobilio (3) and Benedetta Moresco (9).
The highest ranked Englishwoman is Lily May Humphreys (13), who won the 2017 R&A Girls’ Amateur Championship and was also a Curtis Cup team member for GB&I in 2018.
The defending champion, England's Emily Toy, will be joined in the field by two of the world’s top 10 players in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, Italian duo Alessia Nobilio (3) and Benedetta Moresco (9).
The highest ranked Englishwoman is Lily May Humphreys (13), who won the 2017 R&A Girls’ Amateur Championship and was also a Curtis Cup team member for GB&I in 2018.
The highest ranked Scot is Junior Solheim Cup star Hannah Darling (46) who won the 2018 R&A Girls’ Under-16 Open championship and the 2019 Scottish Girls' Open championship.
Former Curtis Cup players Annabell Fuller, who won the English Women’s Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship last week and Paula Grant will also compete.
Play starts on Tuesday (today) with two rounds of qualifying stoke-play over two days. The top 64 players will then progress on to the match-play, which starts on Thursday. The final is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
Live scoring, news and video from both championships can be followed on all The R&A’s social media platforms and at: www.randa.org
FUTURE VENUES FOR AIG WOMEN'S OPEN ANNOUNCED
The R&A has underlined its commitment to "grow and elevate" the status of the AIG Women’s Open by announcing five world class venues to 2025.
The future venues for the AIG Women’s Open are:
• 2021 – Carnoustie
• 2022 – Muirfield
• 2023 – Walton Heath
• 2024 – St Andrews
• 2025 – Royal Porthcawl
Whilst the Women’s Open is no stranger to the iconic links of Carnoustie and St Andrews, it will be the first time the major championship has been played at Muirfield, Walton Heath and Royal Porthcawl.
Muirfield has a prestigious history of hosting major championships, having held The Open on 16 occasions. It also hosted The Curtis Cup in 1952 and 1984 as well as the Vagliano Trophy in 1963 and 1975.
Walton Heath has been a venue for the Ryder Cup, the Senior Open and the British Masters. It has also held The Women's Amateur Championship three times.
Royal Porthcawl has hosted The Women's Amateur Championship on three occasions, the Curtis Cup in 1964, The Amateur Championship seven times and it was the venue for the Walker Cup in 1995 when GB&I defeated a USA team featuring Tiger Woods. It has also been a venue for the Senior Open and the British Masters.
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said:
"With our partners at AIG, we have a real ambition to grow and elevate the AIG Women’s Open for the benefit of the world’s leading golfers and so we are excited to confirm our intention to play the next five championships at these renowned courses."
Peter Zaffino, President & Global COO of AIG, said:
"AIG is pleased to partner with The R&A to increase visibility and engagement in women’s professional golf by enhancing the global stature of the AIG Women’s Open. We proudly welcome the involvement of these venerable courses, which will be fitting hosts for these accomplished golfers as they compete at the highest level."
• 2021 – Carnoustie
• 2022 – Muirfield
• 2023 – Walton Heath
• 2024 – St Andrews
• 2025 – Royal Porthcawl
Whilst the Women’s Open is no stranger to the iconic links of Carnoustie and St Andrews, it will be the first time the major championship has been played at Muirfield, Walton Heath and Royal Porthcawl.
Muirfield has a prestigious history of hosting major championships, having held The Open on 16 occasions. It also hosted The Curtis Cup in 1952 and 1984 as well as the Vagliano Trophy in 1963 and 1975.
Walton Heath has been a venue for the Ryder Cup, the Senior Open and the British Masters. It has also held The Women's Amateur Championship three times.
Royal Porthcawl has hosted The Women's Amateur Championship on three occasions, the Curtis Cup in 1964, The Amateur Championship seven times and it was the venue for the Walker Cup in 1995 when GB&I defeated a USA team featuring Tiger Woods. It has also been a venue for the Senior Open and the British Masters.
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said:
"With our partners at AIG, we have a real ambition to grow and elevate the AIG Women’s Open for the benefit of the world’s leading golfers and so we are excited to confirm our intention to play the next five championships at these renowned courses."
Peter Zaffino, President & Global COO of AIG, said:
"AIG is pleased to partner with The R&A to increase visibility and engagement in women’s professional golf by enhancing the global stature of the AIG Women’s Open. We proudly welcome the involvement of these venerable courses, which will be fitting hosts for these accomplished golfers as they compete at the highest level."
Monday, August 24, 2020
SHOCK WIN FOR SOPHIA POPOV AT AIG WOMAN'S OPEN
World number 304 Sophia Popov produced a huge shock by winning the AIG Women's Open by two shots at Royal Troon.
Final Leaderboard:
-7 S Popov (GER); -5 J Suwannapura (THA); -3 M Lee (AUS); -1 I Park (KOR)
Sophia Popov, who had not won on the LET or LPGA Tour before this week, shot a three-under 68 to win her first major on seven-under.
Thailand's Jasmine Suwannapura shot 67 to finish second on four-under, two shots ahead of the World No. 8 Minjee Lee, who finished third after a 69. Seven-time major winner Inbee Park, who was the only other player to finish under par, shot a 66 to finish fourth on one-under.
It was a stunning victory by Popov, who is the lowest-ranked player to win a women's major and also the first German woman professional to do so.
The 27-year-old American-born German had missed out on a LPGA Tour card by a single shot last year and was facing another year on the 2nd-tier circuit after the cancellation of qualifying school due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dogged by illness over the last six-years, her only other professional wins have all come on the satellite Cactus Tour earlier this year.
Final Leaderboard:
-7 S Popov (GER); -5 J Suwannapura (THA); -3 M Lee (AUS); -1 I Park (KOR)
Selected others: +9 S Meadow (NIR), J Ewart Shadoff (ENG), M Reid (ENG); +10 G Hall (ENG); +13 C Matthew (SCO)
Sophia Popov, who had not won on the LET or LPGA Tour before this week, shot a three-under 68 to win her first major on seven-under.
Thailand's Jasmine Suwannapura shot 67 to finish second on four-under, two shots ahead of the World No. 8 Minjee Lee, who finished third after a 69. Seven-time major winner Inbee Park, who was the only other player to finish under par, shot a 66 to finish fourth on one-under.
It was a stunning victory by Popov, who is the lowest-ranked player to win a women's major and also the first German woman professional to do so.
The 27-year-old American-born German had missed out on a LPGA Tour card by a single shot last year and was facing another year on the 2nd-tier circuit after the cancellation of qualifying school due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dogged by illness over the last six-years, her only other professional wins have all come on the satellite Cactus Tour earlier this year.
She only secured her qualification for the AIG Women's Open with a top-ten finish at the Marathon Classic a fortnight ago and last week was playing on the Symetra Tour, the feeder circuit for the LPGA Tour.
As as she cradled the trophy and sobbed with tears of joy, Popov said:
"It feels amazing. There’s a lot of hard work behind it, and a lot of struggles that I went through the last six years, especially health-wise, and I’m just glad I was able to overcome everything and just keep my head in it."
"I almost quit playing last year. I'm so glad I didn't."
"I got here on Tuesday and I knew my game was in really good shape. I took that belief into every round but I didn't expect this. I was uber nervous the whole round. I was glad I could get it done."
Northern Ireland's Stephanie Meadow along with England's Jodi Ewart Shadoff and Mel Reid were the best of the Brits T39 on +9, one ahead of the 2018 champion, Georgia Hall on +10
As as she cradled the trophy and sobbed with tears of joy, Popov said:
"It feels amazing. There’s a lot of hard work behind it, and a lot of struggles that I went through the last six years, especially health-wise, and I’m just glad I was able to overcome everything and just keep my head in it."
"I almost quit playing last year. I'm so glad I didn't."
"I got here on Tuesday and I knew my game was in really good shape. I took that belief into every round but I didn't expect this. I was uber nervous the whole round. I was glad I could get it done."
Northern Ireland's Stephanie Meadow along with England's Jodi Ewart Shadoff and Mel Reid were the best of the Brits T39 on +9, one ahead of the 2018 champion, Georgia Hall on +10
Scotland's Catriona Matthew finished T59 on +13.
ACTION FROM DAY 4 AT AIG WOMEN'S OPEN
All the action from the final round at the AIG Women's Open courtesy of the Sky Sports YouTube channel.
Watch the end of an extraordinary AIG Women's Open at Royal Troon.
Watch the end of an extraordinary AIG Women's Open at Royal Troon.
Sunday, August 23, 2020
SOPHIA POPOV LEADS BY THREE AT ROYAL TROON
World number 304 Sophia Popov leads by three shots going into the final round of the AIG Women's Open at Royal Troon.
Popov equalled the lowest round of the week with a four-under 67 on another difficult scoring day at Royal Troon, posting an eagle and two birdies to pull clear of the field.
Coming off a second-place finish last week on the Symetra Tour, the American-born German currently has no status on the LPGA or LET and qualified for the first major of the year at the Marathon LPGA Classic two weeks ago.
World No. 8 Minjee Lee and Thailand's Jasmine Suwannapura are the only other two players under par for the tournament, with both players on one-under after third round 69s.
European Solheim Cup player Caroline Masson is a further stroke back in a share of fourth alongside Lindsey Weaver and Austin Ernst.
Overnight leader Daniela Holmqvist, the only player under par after a day of strong winds and rain on Friday, fell out of contention after a six-over 77.
The leading Brits are England's Mel Reid (+6) and Jodi Ewart Shadoff (+7). Reid, carded a three-under 68 to share 26th.
Scotland's Catriona Matthew is in a group T41 at +8.
Popov equalled the lowest round of the week with a four-under 67 on another difficult scoring day at Royal Troon, posting an eagle and two birdies to pull clear of the field.
Coming off a second-place finish last week on the Symetra Tour, the American-born German currently has no status on the LPGA or LET and qualified for the first major of the year at the Marathon LPGA Classic two weeks ago.
World No. 8 Minjee Lee and Thailand's Jasmine Suwannapura are the only other two players under par for the tournament, with both players on one-under after third round 69s.
European Solheim Cup player Caroline Masson is a further stroke back in a share of fourth alongside Lindsey Weaver and Austin Ernst.
Overnight leader Daniela Holmqvist, the only player under par after a day of strong winds and rain on Friday, fell out of contention after a six-over 77.
The leading Brits are England's Mel Reid (+6) and Jodi Ewart Shadoff (+7). Reid, carded a three-under 68 to share 26th.
Scotland's Catriona Matthew is in a group T41 at +8.
ACTION FROM DAY 3 AT AIG WOMEN'S OPEN
Action from Day 3 at the AIG Women's Open courtesy of the Sky Sports YouTube channel.
Morning Session
Afternoon Session
You can watch live action for free on the Sky Sports YouTube channel on Sunday (today) from 1.00pm.
Saturday, August 22, 2020
SCOTTISH GOLF UPDATE ON PHASE 3 GUIDANCE
Scottish Golf has issued an update to golf clubs on the new guidance for outdoor coaching, locker rooms, store rooms and indoor driving ranges.
The full statement issued by Scottish Golf yesterday reads as follows:
Following the First Minister's update on Thursday 20 August, Scottish Golf is now in a position to provide all Clubs with an updated version of our Phase 3 Guidance for all Golf Clubs and Golfers. The following changes are effective:
From Monday 24 August:
Outdoor coaching activity in groups of up to 30 will be permitted.
From Monday 31 August:
Access to indoor locker rooms and storage areas is permitted for the dropping off and collection of sports equipment or clothing. The golf club should ensure mitigating actions are put in place to minimise the risk of virus transmission including physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures.
Indoor Driving Ranges may re-open and facilities should ensure mitigating actions are put in place to minimise the risk of virus transmission including physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures. Scottish Golf will continue to keep all clubs and tournament organisers updated via our dedicated COVID-19 webpage which can be accessed here.
We would once again like to thank all of our clubs and gofers across Scotland for your continued co-operation. It is important we continue to play our part in adhering to the latest guidance in place.
To read the current Phase 3 Guidance for Golf Clubs & Golfers in Scotland, which is published by Scottish Golf on its website, click on the link below:
https://scottishgolf.org/phase-3-guidance
Following the First Minister's update on Thursday 20 August, Scottish Golf is now in a position to provide all Clubs with an updated version of our Phase 3 Guidance for all Golf Clubs and Golfers. The following changes are effective:
From Monday 24 August:
Outdoor coaching activity in groups of up to 30 will be permitted.
From Monday 31 August:
Access to indoor locker rooms and storage areas is permitted for the dropping off and collection of sports equipment or clothing. The golf club should ensure mitigating actions are put in place to minimise the risk of virus transmission including physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures.
Indoor Driving Ranges may re-open and facilities should ensure mitigating actions are put in place to minimise the risk of virus transmission including physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures. Scottish Golf will continue to keep all clubs and tournament organisers updated via our dedicated COVID-19 webpage which can be accessed here.
We would once again like to thank all of our clubs and gofers across Scotland for your continued co-operation. It is important we continue to play our part in adhering to the latest guidance in place.
To read the current Phase 3 Guidance for Golf Clubs & Golfers in Scotland, which is published by Scottish Golf on its website, click on the link below:
https://scottishgolf.org/phase-3-guidance
TWO SCOTS STILL IN THE MIX AT AIG WOMEN'S OPEN
Scotland's Catriona Mathew and Michele Thomson are both safely into the weekend at the AIG Women's Open.
Matthew, who started the second day tied for fourth after a one-under 70, briefly moved into a share of the lead after a birdie at the third.
But the 2009 champion struggled on the back nine and had to settle for a five-over 76, six behind the leader Daniela Holmqvist.
After her round, Matthew said,
“It was really tough out there, a lot tougher today actually. It was just a crosswind today, so downwind played as tough coming as going out.”
It wasn't a million miles away today. I think I just lost a bit of confidence. "
After her round, Matthew said,
“It was really tough out there, a lot tougher today actually. It was just a crosswind today, so downwind played as tough coming as going out.”
It wasn't a million miles away today. I think I just lost a bit of confidence. "
I'm happy to be playing at the weekend and I just need to swing it a bit better as I wasn't really committing to shots in that wind."
Michele Thomson also made it to the weekend after she added a 77 to her first round 73 to finish at eight-over. Delighted to have survived the cut in her very first major, Thomson said:
"Two more rounds on an amazing golf course on my major debut, I couldn't ask for more. It was definitely a grind out there, but I'm looking forward to the weekend."
Michele Thomson also made it to the weekend after she added a 77 to her first round 73 to finish at eight-over. Delighted to have survived the cut in her very first major, Thomson said:
"Two more rounds on an amazing golf course on my major debut, I couldn't ask for more. It was definitely a grind out there, but I'm looking forward to the weekend."
DANI HOLMQVIST LEADS THE AIG WOMEN’S OPEN
Sweden's Daniela Holmqvist holds a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the AIG Women's Open.
Holmqvist was one of only seven players to break par on a day where Royal Troon again showed why it is such a feared and respected Open venue.
The 32-year-old followed up her opening level-par round of 71 with a 70 to lie on one-under, one ahead of Germany's Sophia Popov and America's Austin Ernst.
Overnight leader Amy Olson slumped from four-under to six-over following an 81. But the American still made the halfway cut, which fell at +9.
The leading Britons are Wales' Becky Morgan and Scotland's Catriona Matthew on five-over. Morgan shot a two-over 73 while Matthew, who was four off the lead after day one, shot a five-over 75.
Former winner Georgia Hall also made it into the weekend along with fellow English players Jodi Ewart Shadoff, Bronte Law, Felicity Johnson and Mel Reid, Scotland's Michele Thomson and Northern Ireland's Stephanie Meadow.
Notable players to miss the cut include Solheim Cup stars Celine Boutier, Caroline Hedwall, Charley Hull and Lexi Thompson, major winners Dame Laura Davies, Brooke Henderson Stacy Lewis and defending champion Hinako Shibuno.
Holmqvist was one of only seven players to break par on a day where Royal Troon again showed why it is such a feared and respected Open venue.
The 32-year-old followed up her opening level-par round of 71 with a 70 to lie on one-under, one ahead of Germany's Sophia Popov and America's Austin Ernst.
Overnight leader Amy Olson slumped from four-under to six-over following an 81. But the American still made the halfway cut, which fell at +9.
The leading Britons are Wales' Becky Morgan and Scotland's Catriona Matthew on five-over. Morgan shot a two-over 73 while Matthew, who was four off the lead after day one, shot a five-over 75.
Former winner Georgia Hall also made it into the weekend along with fellow English players Jodi Ewart Shadoff, Bronte Law, Felicity Johnson and Mel Reid, Scotland's Michele Thomson and Northern Ireland's Stephanie Meadow.
Notable players to miss the cut include Solheim Cup stars Celine Boutier, Caroline Hedwall, Charley Hull and Lexi Thompson, major winners Dame Laura Davies, Brooke Henderson Stacy Lewis and defending champion Hinako Shibuno.
ACTION FROM DAY 2 AT AIG WOMEN'S OPEN
Action from Day 2 at the AIG Women's Open courtesy of the Sky Sports YouTube channel.
You can watch live action for free on the Sky Sports YouTube channel on Saturday (today) from 1.00pm.
You can watch live action for free on the Sky Sports YouTube channel on Saturday (today) from 1.00pm.
Friday, August 21, 2020
AMY OLSON LEADS AFTER DAY 1 AT AIG WOMEN'S OPEN
Amy Olson produced a stunning performance in tough scoring conditions to open up a three-shot lead after Day 1 of the AIG Women's Open.
On a day where only three players broke par in strong winds at Royal Troon, America's Amy Olson burst clear of the field by mixing five birdies with a sole blemish on her way to a four-under 67, moving her three ahead of Germany's Sophia Popov and America's Marina Alex.
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew, the 2009 Women's Open champion, is in a ten-way tie for fourth spot after birdieing three of her four holes to post a level-par 70, with 2018 winner Georgia Hall recovering from a slow start to open with a two-over 73.
World No 2 Danielle Kang, the highest-ranked player in the field, needed an eagle and two birdies over her last three holes to salvage a five-over 76, while defending champion Hinako Shibuno is in the group at nine-over.
Dame Laura Davies was given the honour of hitting the opening tee shot to mark her 40th consecutive Women's Open appearance, with the 56-year-old struggling to a nine-over 80 despite three birdies in her last six holes.
Scotland's Michele Thomson had much to smile about after she posted a two-over 73 to sit T22 in her first ever women's major, one shot ahead of Scotland's No 1 Gemma Dryburgh (+3). While fellow Scots Kylie Henry (+7) and Carly Booth (+9) both struggled in the windy conditions.
The Scots' tee times for today's 2nd round are:
10:26 Michele Thomson
11:43 Carly Booth
12:16 Gemma Dryburgh
14:11 Catriona Matthew
15.17 Kylie Henry
On a day where only three players broke par in strong winds at Royal Troon, America's Amy Olson burst clear of the field by mixing five birdies with a sole blemish on her way to a four-under 67, moving her three ahead of Germany's Sophia Popov and America's Marina Alex.
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew, the 2009 Women's Open champion, is in a ten-way tie for fourth spot after birdieing three of her four holes to post a level-par 70, with 2018 winner Georgia Hall recovering from a slow start to open with a two-over 73.
World No 2 Danielle Kang, the highest-ranked player in the field, needed an eagle and two birdies over her last three holes to salvage a five-over 76, while defending champion Hinako Shibuno is in the group at nine-over.
Dame Laura Davies was given the honour of hitting the opening tee shot to mark her 40th consecutive Women's Open appearance, with the 56-year-old struggling to a nine-over 80 despite three birdies in her last six holes.
Scotland's Michele Thomson had much to smile about after she posted a two-over 73 to sit T22 in her first ever women's major, one shot ahead of Scotland's No 1 Gemma Dryburgh (+3). While fellow Scots Kylie Henry (+7) and Carly Booth (+9) both struggled in the windy conditions.
The Scots' tee times for today's 2nd round are:
10:26 Michele Thomson
11:43 Carly Booth
12:16 Gemma Dryburgh
14:11 Catriona Matthew
15.17 Kylie Henry
CATRIONA MATTHEW TIED 4TH AT AIG WOMEN'S OPEN
Europe's Solheim Cup captain, Catriona Matthew rolled back the years to sit four shots off the lead after the 1st round at the AIG Women's Open.
With winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour at Royal Troon, Scotland’s first and only major champion, Catriona Matthew, used all her experience to guide her round the iconic Ayrshire links yesterday in a level-par round of 71.
Matthew, who won the championship in 2009 at Royal Lytham & St Annes, carded four birdies and four bogeys to finish T4 behind the overnight leader America's Amy Olson (-4), Germany's Sophia Popov (-1) and America's Marina Alex (-1).
After her round, Matthew, said:
"I don't know when the last time was that I came off the course feeling as happy as I do now, my form hasn’t been great, pretty pathetic, in fact."
“I drove the ball well and putted well. I don’t think I missed a fairway today, which gives you the opportunity to try and hit the greens. I putted well from 10 feet and in, which I think is probably the two key things you have to do well on days like this.”
"I don’t know that I’d actually go out and play on a day like this at home. I’d probably sit and look at them and think what idiots they are to go out there and play. But I think perhaps just the experience of having played in this event so often throughout the years we have had some pretty horrific days, and it’s just a case of going out there with the mentality that you just need to hang in. You’ll get the odd bad break, but you might get a few good ones."
"I used every club in my bag today and that is very, very rare. That the scoring is not going to be super-low will suit me and there’s no reason why I can't go on from here."
Matthew tees it up for round two at 2.11pm this afternoon alongside the American Angela Stanford and Aussie amateur Gabriela Ruffels.
Matthew, who won the championship in 2009 at Royal Lytham & St Annes, carded four birdies and four bogeys to finish T4 behind the overnight leader America's Amy Olson (-4), Germany's Sophia Popov (-1) and America's Marina Alex (-1).
After her round, Matthew, said:
"I don't know when the last time was that I came off the course feeling as happy as I do now, my form hasn’t been great, pretty pathetic, in fact."
“I drove the ball well and putted well. I don’t think I missed a fairway today, which gives you the opportunity to try and hit the greens. I putted well from 10 feet and in, which I think is probably the two key things you have to do well on days like this.”
"I don’t know that I’d actually go out and play on a day like this at home. I’d probably sit and look at them and think what idiots they are to go out there and play. But I think perhaps just the experience of having played in this event so often throughout the years we have had some pretty horrific days, and it’s just a case of going out there with the mentality that you just need to hang in. You’ll get the odd bad break, but you might get a few good ones."
"I used every club in my bag today and that is very, very rare. That the scoring is not going to be super-low will suit me and there’s no reason why I can't go on from here."
Matthew tees it up for round two at 2.11pm this afternoon alongside the American Angela Stanford and Aussie amateur Gabriela Ruffels.
ALL THE ACTION FROM DAY 1 AT AIG WOMEN'S OPEN
Catch-up on all the action from Day 1 at the AIG Women's Open courtesy of the Sky Sports YouTube channel.
Morning Session
Thursday, August 20, 2020
LAURA DAVIES TEES OFF FIRST AT AIG WOMEN'S OPEN
Dame Laura Davies has been given the honour of hitting the opening shot in the 2020 AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon.
This morning, at the 2020 AIG Women’s Open, the Ladies European Tour’s most prolific winner, Dame Laura Davies, will make her historic 40th appearance at the prestigious championship at Royal Troon and has the honour of striking the first tee shot at 6.30am alongside Northern Irish amateur Olivia Mehaffey and Canadian Alena Sharp.
The 45-time LET winner, who has 42 ‘other’ worldwide victories including 20 on the LPGA Tour and four major championships, truly has an unrivalled CV with victories around the world in countries including; UK, U.S, Belgium, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, India, Japan and Thailand.
Davies, who first teed-it-up in the Women’s Open at Wentworth in 1980 as a 16-year-old amateur and won the championship at Royal Birkdale in 1986, said.
“If you’d have said back in Wentworth, you’ll play 40 of these and never miss one, I’d say don’t be ridiculous. I had to qualify a couple of years ago at Kingsbarns but because of the past champion rule, I’ve managed to have an amazing run and I’ve been able to play this great event so many times.”
Off in the first three-ball of the day, Davies is hoping to get around in double-quick time to avoid the forecasted wet and windy weather. But, whatever the weather today, Laura Davies will go down in AIG Women’s Open history and it is clear her peers think so too.
The World No 2 Danielle Kang said:
“In my opinion, it’s remarkable because Dame Laura Davies is a legend, an absolute legend, and she’s a role model how she approaches the game, how she plays the game is different, her style of golf is different, and she’s so strong in how she plays and plays her game, yet so different and it’s so graceful. For her to be able to play this Open Championship for 40 appearances, that is amazing."
The 2018 champion Georgia Hall said:
“She’s a great friend and person and idol to look up to. I actually texted her last night saying, oh, look at you hitting the first tee shot; don’t hold us up. She’s great fun and obviously she still loves playing the game. It’s amazing. I kind of pulled up to the car park and I have my 2018 champion space and I look down and it’s Laura in her 1986 spot and I had a joke with her that I was born ten years later than that, and she found that funny. She’s a really lovely person, and I love being on Tour with her”.
Follow Laura Davies and the rest of the all-star 144-player field on the LET website and via social channels @LETgolf and @Ladies European Tour on Facebook. #AIGWO @AIGWomensOpen
Watch on Sky Sports:
Thursday: 10:30 – 13:30 and 15:00 – 18:00
Friday: 10:30 – 13:30 and 15:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 14:00 – 19:00
Sunday 13:00 – 18:0
This morning, at the 2020 AIG Women’s Open, the Ladies European Tour’s most prolific winner, Dame Laura Davies, will make her historic 40th appearance at the prestigious championship at Royal Troon and has the honour of striking the first tee shot at 6.30am alongside Northern Irish amateur Olivia Mehaffey and Canadian Alena Sharp.
The 45-time LET winner, who has 42 ‘other’ worldwide victories including 20 on the LPGA Tour and four major championships, truly has an unrivalled CV with victories around the world in countries including; UK, U.S, Belgium, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, India, Japan and Thailand.
Davies, who first teed-it-up in the Women’s Open at Wentworth in 1980 as a 16-year-old amateur and won the championship at Royal Birkdale in 1986, said.
“If you’d have said back in Wentworth, you’ll play 40 of these and never miss one, I’d say don’t be ridiculous. I had to qualify a couple of years ago at Kingsbarns but because of the past champion rule, I’ve managed to have an amazing run and I’ve been able to play this great event so many times.”
Off in the first three-ball of the day, Davies is hoping to get around in double-quick time to avoid the forecasted wet and windy weather. But, whatever the weather today, Laura Davies will go down in AIG Women’s Open history and it is clear her peers think so too.
The World No 2 Danielle Kang said:
“In my opinion, it’s remarkable because Dame Laura Davies is a legend, an absolute legend, and she’s a role model how she approaches the game, how she plays the game is different, her style of golf is different, and she’s so strong in how she plays and plays her game, yet so different and it’s so graceful. For her to be able to play this Open Championship for 40 appearances, that is amazing."
The 2018 champion Georgia Hall said:
“She’s a great friend and person and idol to look up to. I actually texted her last night saying, oh, look at you hitting the first tee shot; don’t hold us up. She’s great fun and obviously she still loves playing the game. It’s amazing. I kind of pulled up to the car park and I have my 2018 champion space and I look down and it’s Laura in her 1986 spot and I had a joke with her that I was born ten years later than that, and she found that funny. She’s a really lovely person, and I love being on Tour with her”.
Follow Laura Davies and the rest of the all-star 144-player field on the LET website and via social channels @LETgolf and @Ladies European Tour on Facebook. #AIGWO @AIGWomensOpen
Watch on Sky Sports:
Thursday: 10:30 – 13:30 and 15:00 – 18:00
Friday: 10:30 – 13:30 and 15:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 14:00 – 19:00
Sunday 13:00 – 18:0
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
FIVE SCOTS IN THE FIELD FOR THE AIG WOMEN'S OPEN
Five Scots will tee-it-up at this week's AIG Women's Open at Royal Troon, the first women's major on the revised LPGA/LET schedule.
Kylie Henry and Michele Thomson secured two of the final twenty-two spots that were up for grabs at last week's ASI Ladies' Scottish Open.
Kylie Henry and Michele Thomson secured two of the final twenty-two spots that were up for grabs at last week's ASI Ladies' Scottish Open.
Henry, who more than deserved her place as the highest-placed British player in last week's ASI Ladies' Scottish Open, said:
“I played Royal Troon every year as an amateur because we have the Helen Holm Scottish Championship there every year, but not for the last 11 years, and I can’t wait to go back. I’ve played six Women’s Opens before but I’d have done anything to play in this one so close to home."
“I played Royal Troon every year as an amateur because we have the Helen Holm Scottish Championship there every year, but not for the last 11 years, and I can’t wait to go back. I’ve played six Women’s Opens before but I’d have done anything to play in this one so close to home."
They will join the 2009 champion, Catriona Matthew, who also won the Helen Holm at Troon as an amateur, Scotland's No. 1, Gemma Dryburgh, and former Ladies' Scottish Open winner, Carly Booth.
The five Scottish players will take on a world-class international field which includes as many as 20 major champions, 37 Solheim Cup stars, eight past champions and multiple winners on the LPGA and LET Tours.
For two of those Scots, Gemma Dryburgh and Michele Thomson, it will be their first appearance in the championship.
Thomson, who makes a long-awaited debut after several near misses, said:
"It’s a dream to play my first one at home, it’s extra special. I’ve always wanted to play in a Women’s Open in Scotland. It would have been nice to have crowds, but I’m delighted to be playing.”
The AIG Women’s Open will take place from 20-23 August with a total prize fund of $4.5m and no spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The AIG Women’s Open will take place from 20-23 August with a total prize fund of $4.5m and no spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It's the first time the women's major has been staged on the historic links.
Monday, August 17, 2020
SCOTTISH GOLF UPDATE ON HOSPITALITY AT CLUBS
Scottish Golf has issued an update to golf clubs on the new regulations for hospitality, including the mandatory collection of contact details.
There is also a reminder of the strict limits on the number of households that can meet at one time, which are are different for inside and out.
The full statement issued by Scottish Golf today reads as follows:
Scottish Golf wishes to make all affiliated clubs aware of new changes made to the Scottish Government's regulations for hospitality settings.
Effective immediately, it is now mandatory for hospitality venues to collect contact details of visitors to their premises in support of Test and Protect. The new regulations apply to all restaurants, cafes, pubs and hotels in which food or drink are sold for consumption on the premises.
Businesses must now record the name and contact number of an individual - or lead member of each household in a group - that visits the premises. They must also record the date of visit, the time of arrival, and where possible the departure time.
For golfers checking in for food or drink in clubhouses before play, they should check out when they take to the course, and back in again should they visit the clubhouse following their round.
The new regulations include customers, staff working on a particular day and visitors such as delivery drivers or cleaners. Premises must store the information for 21 days and share it when requested to do so by public health officers within 24 hours.
New statutory guidance for the hospitality sector has been published which explains how to keep a record of customer and visitor contact details securely ensuring data protection principles are upheld. To view this guidance, please click here.
The Scottish Government has also published updated guidance for hospitality customers to reinforce key safety measures. To view this guidance, please click here.
This includes the need to maintain physical distancing and the strict limits on the number of households that can meet at a time - 8 people from up to 3 households indoors and 15 people from up to 5 households outdoors.
While 4-balls from four households is permitted, it is important to note that this is not the case in clubhouse settings. We recognise this will pose clubs with a significant challenge but ask for your cooperation in adhering to the latest guidance to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy clubhouses being open at a time when the virus is still in circulation.
To keep up to date on all the latest COVID-19 guidance, please visit our dedicated webpage here.
There is also a reminder of the strict limits on the number of households that can meet at one time, which are are different for inside and out.
The full statement issued by Scottish Golf today reads as follows:
Scottish Golf wishes to make all affiliated clubs aware of new changes made to the Scottish Government's regulations for hospitality settings.
Effective immediately, it is now mandatory for hospitality venues to collect contact details of visitors to their premises in support of Test and Protect. The new regulations apply to all restaurants, cafes, pubs and hotels in which food or drink are sold for consumption on the premises.
Businesses must now record the name and contact number of an individual - or lead member of each household in a group - that visits the premises. They must also record the date of visit, the time of arrival, and where possible the departure time.
For golfers checking in for food or drink in clubhouses before play, they should check out when they take to the course, and back in again should they visit the clubhouse following their round.
The new regulations include customers, staff working on a particular day and visitors such as delivery drivers or cleaners. Premises must store the information for 21 days and share it when requested to do so by public health officers within 24 hours.
New statutory guidance for the hospitality sector has been published which explains how to keep a record of customer and visitor contact details securely ensuring data protection principles are upheld. To view this guidance, please click here.
The Scottish Government has also published updated guidance for hospitality customers to reinforce key safety measures. To view this guidance, please click here.
This includes the need to maintain physical distancing and the strict limits on the number of households that can meet at a time - 8 people from up to 3 households indoors and 15 people from up to 5 households outdoors.
While 4-balls from four households is permitted, it is important to note that this is not the case in clubhouse settings. We recognise this will pose clubs with a significant challenge but ask for your cooperation in adhering to the latest guidance to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy clubhouses being open at a time when the virus is still in circulation.
To keep up to date on all the latest COVID-19 guidance, please visit our dedicated webpage here.
To read the Phase 3 Guidance for Golf Clubs & Golfers in Scotland, which is published by Scottish Golf on its website, click on the link below:
https://scottishgolf.org/phase-3-guidance
https://scottishgolf.org/phase-3-guidance
STACY LEWIS WINS THE ASI LADIES' SCOTTISH OPEN
Stacy Lewis was crowned the ASI Ladies' Scottish Open champion after wining a four-way play-off for the title, yesterday.
Stacy Lewis, posted a final one-over-par round of 72 at the Renaissance Club to end the week on +5 alongside Cheyenne Knight (70), Emily Pedersen (68) and overnight leader Azahara Munoz (73).
Two-time major winner, Lewis went on to birdie the first extra play-off hole to secure her first Tour title for three years.
Scotland's Kylie Henry was the highest-placed British player at -1.
Henry ended a memorable week with a T12 finish, after she posted a final round 68 (-3) to take her to one-under-par for the tournament, three shots ahead of England's Charley Hull.
The ASI Ladies Scottish Open is the first of two events in Scotland. The LPGA / LET 'bio-secure bubble' will now head over to Royal Troon for the season’s first major, the AIG Women’s Open, which starts this Thursday.
Stacy Lewis, posted a final one-over-par round of 72 at the Renaissance Club to end the week on +5 alongside Cheyenne Knight (70), Emily Pedersen (68) and overnight leader Azahara Munoz (73).
Two-time major winner, Lewis went on to birdie the first extra play-off hole to secure her first Tour title for three years.
Scotland's Kylie Henry was the highest-placed British player at -1.
Henry ended a memorable week with a T12 finish, after she posted a final round 68 (-3) to take her to one-under-par for the tournament, three shots ahead of England's Charley Hull.
The ASI Ladies Scottish Open is the first of two events in Scotland. The LPGA / LET 'bio-secure bubble' will now head over to Royal Troon for the season’s first major, the AIG Women’s Open, which starts this Thursday.
Sunday, August 16, 2020
ACTION FROM DAY 4 AT ASI LADIES' SCOTTISH OPEN
Catch-up on the final day's action from the ASI Ladies' Scottish Open on the Sky Sports YouTube channel.
Watch as the top players battle it out to be this year's champion.
Watch as the top players battle it out to be this year's champion.
STAGE IS SET FOR A SUNDAY SHOOT OUT IN SCOTLAND
Spain’s Azahara Munoz takes a one-stroke lead at -7 into today’s final round of the ASI Ladies Scottish Open.
Chasing her are no less than four major champions: Stacy Lewis (-6), Lydia Ko (-4), Danielle Kang (-2), and In Gee Chun (-1).
The top Scot is Kylie Henry (+2).
Azahara Munoz (-7) will go out in the final group today at 10.29am alongside Stacy Lewis (-6) and Jennifer Song (-4).
You can watch live on the Sky Sports YouTube channel from 12:30pm, with no subscription required. Click on the link below:
Azahara Munoz (-7) will go out in the final group today at 10.29am alongside Stacy Lewis (-6) and Jennifer Song (-4).
You can watch live on the Sky Sports YouTube channel from 12:30pm, with no subscription required. Click on the link below:
There is also live scoring on the LPGA website. Click on the link below:
ACTION FROM DAY 3 AT ASI LADIES' SCOTTISH OPEN
Catch-up on the action from Day 3 of the ASI Ladies' Scottish Open on the Sky Sports YouTube channel.
Watch as the leaders and chasing pack jostle for position before heading into the final day at the AIG Ladies' Scottish Open.
Watch as the leaders and chasing pack jostle for position before heading into the final day at the AIG Ladies' Scottish Open.
Saturday, August 15, 2020
AZAHARA MUNOZ LEADS ASI LADIES SCOTTISH OPEN
Spain's Azahara Munoz will take a one-shot lead into the final day of the 2020 ASI Ladies' Scottish Open
After a 20-foot birdie putt at the last to move to -7, Spain's Azahara Munoz leads American Stacy Lewis by a shot heading into final round of ASI Ladies' Scottish Open with Lydia Ko on -4 and Danielle Kang on -2.
Kylie Henry was the leading Scot at the end of Day 3. Helped by a 30-footer for an eagle-2 at the 13th, she carded a 69 to sit T24 at +2.
After a 20-foot birdie putt at the last to move to -7, Spain's Azahara Munoz leads American Stacy Lewis by a shot heading into final round of ASI Ladies' Scottish Open with Lydia Ko on -4 and Danielle Kang on -2.
Kylie Henry was the leading Scot at the end of Day 3. Helped by a 30-footer for an eagle-2 at the 13th, she carded a 69 to sit T24 at +2.
Gemma Dryburgh finished on +4 and Michele Thomson on +13.
ACTION FROM DAY 2 AT ASI LADIES' SCOTTISH OPEN
Catch-up on all the action from Day 2 of the ASI Ladies' Scottish Open, courtesy of the Sky Sports YouTube channel.
Please note: the golf does not start until ten minutes into video.
CATRIONA MATTHEW OUT OF LADIES' SCOTTISH OPEN
Catriona Matthew's bid for a third Scottish Ladies Open is over. A second round of 74 meant she finished on +6 and missed the cut by one shot.
At the halfway stage of the ASI Ladies' Scottish Open, Spain’s Azahara Munoz and American major winner Stacy Lewis lead by one stroke at five-under-par.
Lewis shot the round of the day with a five-under-par 66, which included four birdies on the last four holes.
Three Scottish players made the cut.
Scotland's No 1 Gemma Dryburgh still leads the home hopes heading into the weekend, despite a disappointing second round. A four-over-par 75 saw her drop back to T53 at +2 for her two rounds.
There was not such good news for Scots Kelsey Macdonald, Carly Booth and Alison Muirhead. They had left too much to do after Day 1 and, along with Catriona Matthew, all missed the cut.
At the halfway stage of the ASI Ladies' Scottish Open, Spain’s Azahara Munoz and American major winner Stacy Lewis lead by one stroke at five-under-par.
Lewis shot the round of the day with a five-under-par 66, which included four birdies on the last four holes.
Three Scottish players made the cut.
Scotland's No 1 Gemma Dryburgh still leads the home hopes heading into the weekend, despite a disappointing second round. A four-over-par 75 saw her drop back to T53 at +2 for her two rounds.
Kylie Henry also posted a score of 75 to finish T53 on +4, while Michele Thomson shot a two-under-par score of 69 to finish T62 on +5. Thomson was one of only 15 players that broke par on Friday.
Henry and Thomson were rewarded for their efforts with a place in next week's AIG Women's Open as there were 21 places available at the Ladies' Scottish Open for those not already qualified.
There was not such good news for Scots Kelsey Macdonald, Carly Booth and Alison Muirhead. They had left too much to do after Day 1 and, along with Catriona Matthew, all missed the cut.
Friday, August 14, 2020
ACTION FROM DAY 1 AT ASI SCOTTISH LADIES' OPEN
All the action from Day 1 at the 2020 ASI Scottish Ladies' Open courtesy of Sky Sports Youtube channel.
No subscription to Sky Sports required.
GOOD START FOR SCOTLAND'S GEMMA DRYBURGH
Scotland’s No 1 Gemma Dryburgh is leading the home hope of victory after an opening round of 69 (-2),which left her sitting T7 at close of play.
Dryburgh was given the honour of hitting the opening shot of this year's AIS Ladies' Scottish Open, but she had to wait two hours for the fog to clear before play could finally get underway.
After a "nervous" tee shot, the 27-year-old Scot went on to shoot a two-under-par score of 69 to finish two shots behind leader Nicole Broch Larsen.
Fellow Scot Kylie Henry finished with an even-par 70, while two-time former champion Catriona Matthew had to settle for a 74 after a bogey-bogey start.
Denmark’s Nicole Broch Larsen recorded a four-under-par round of 67 to hold a one-shot lead from five players at the close of play on day one.
After a delayed start 27 players were unable to complete their round last night, but Larsen maintained her lead going into round two, as none of the players completing their first round this morning made it to four-under-par.
Thursday, August 13, 2020
SEVEN SCOTS IN FIELD FOR AIS SCOTTISH LADIES OPEN
Seven Scottish players will tee it up in the AIS Ladies' Scottish Open, at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick today,
In all thirty-two nationalities are represented in the 144-player line-up, with a prize pot of $1.5m at stake. There are also 21 places available for those not already qualified for the AIG Women's Open.
Carly Booth
Gemma Dryburgh
Kylie Henry
Catriona Matthew
Kelsey MacDonald
Alison Muirhead
Michelle Thomson
“I am always excited ahead of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open as it’s my home event and I have the added happy memory of having won it before. Now, after so long without tournaments, it feels like an even bigger occasion, marking not only the first women’s golf events back in Scotland but I think the first professional women’s sports events to take place in the UK. It’s a really amazing field for what is a great event and I hope lots of people will enjoy the coverage and be supporting us in spirit if not in person this year!”
There is also live scoring on the LET website. Click on the link below:
https://ladieseuropeantour.com
They will take on a world-class international field which includes three of the world’s top ten ranked players on the Rolex World Rankings, fifteen Major winners, twenty-seven Solheim Cup players and six past champions.
In all thirty-two nationalities are represented in the 144-player line-up, with a prize pot of $1.5m at stake. There are also 21 places available for those not already qualified for the AIG Women's Open.
The seven Scots are:
Carly Booth
Gemma Dryburgh
Kylie Henry
Catriona Matthew
Kelsey MacDonald
Alison Muirhead
Michelle Thomson
Scotland's No 1 Gemma Dryburgh has been handed the honour of hitting the opening shot in the AIS Ladies Scottish Open at 6.30am.
Along with the AIG Women's Open next week, the tournament is being played with no spectators and in a strict 'bio-secure' bubble.
Carly Booth, the 2012 champion, said:
“I am always excited ahead of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open as it’s my home event and I have the added happy memory of having won it before. Now, after so long without tournaments, it feels like an even bigger occasion, marking not only the first women’s golf events back in Scotland but I think the first professional women’s sports events to take place in the UK. It’s a really amazing field for what is a great event and I hope lots of people will enjoy the coverage and be supporting us in spirit if not in person this year!”
You can watch the AIS Ladies Scottish Open on Sky Sports, with enhanced content on: @LET @LadiesScottish #ASILSO #RuleTheLinks
There is also live scoring on the LET website. Click on the link below:
https://ladieseuropeantour.com
Monday, August 10, 2020
FIRE STOPS PLAY IN ROSE LADIES' SERIES FINAL
After eight weeks the Rose Ladies' Series drew to a dramatic end as the grand final was cut short because of a large wildfire near Wentworth.
The West course at Wentworth was evacuated during Friday's third and last round after the fire spread from Chobham Common, close to the 10th hole.
It was hoped that play could resume at 9.30 am on Saturday, but after meetings with the emergency services, it was decided that course had to remain closed.
The organisers of the event were unable to find an alternative date and venue due to the resumption of the Ladies European Tour with the Scottish Open this week. The results were therefore decided on the first two rounds, which were played at North Hants and The Berkshire.
That meant that Alice Hewson, who led the tournament going into Friday, was declared the winner of the final, and Charley Hull was declared the winner of the Rose Ladies' Series Order of Merit ahead of Georgia Hall in second place and Liz Young in third.
Kate Rose, who with her husband Justin Rose co-founded the series with Liz Young two months ago, presented the prizes behind closed doors at Wentworth on Saturday morning.
After the presentation Kate Rose stated her hope that, despite its unfortunate end, the Series will represent the beginning of real change in the women’s game. Speaking to Telegraph Sport, she said
“We read the piece in the Telegraph and everything from then on was a whirlwind, we feel like opened a box, the genie is out and hopefully now there is a real precedent has been set,”
“I am big believer that once you see something you cannot un-see it, once the light has been shone that the ladies do not have equality in the sport, once that has been exposed I don’t see how we can go back to pretending it is not there.”
“I think a conversation had been started... Frankly, the idea we had wasn’t complicated and it is not an idea many people would disagree with. It is the idea of equality. And the idea that we haven’t quite got in this day and age is a bit uncomfortable and I thing everyone needs to get to the end line.
"Shining the light on the ladies, does not diminish the light on the men, helping someone up, does not pull you down.”
“We just thought we were doing something useful and actually as it turns out that from the ladies playing to people watching at home, everyone has been so enthusiastic. We just felt it was the right thing to do at the right time.”
Friday, August 07, 2020
SCOTTISH GOLF GIVES THE GREEN LIGHT ON OPENS
Scottish Golf has given the green light for clubs to hold Open Competitions again, although there are some conditions on how they are run.
"Since COVID-19 impacted us all back in March, we have worked tirelessly to protect our affiliated clubs, doing everything we could to ensure that all of our clubs survived this terrible crisis."
"Scottish Golf has remained in regular dialogue with the Scottish Government and has participated in the debate with a constant concern for public health and wellbeing, as well as expressing concern of the economic impact the pandemic is having on member clubs."
"Our financial relief package has provided clubs with £570,000 worth of affiliation fee rebates and once our assessment process is complete, we will have delivered an additional £685,000 of funding to our affiliated clubs through the R&A club relief fund and COVID-19 fixed costs funds. As previously outlined, we made early decisions around our events and performance plans for 2020 to make these financial provisions."
"As stated last week, we lobbied Government in the strongest possible way to resolve the contradictory guidelines in relation to Open Competitions. As has been the case throughout the last few months, through positive dialogue, the Government has taken onboard our representation and we are extremely pleased to advise that our affiliated clubs are now able to host qualifying Open Competitions."
"Our updated guide, with specific information relating to Open competition can be found here. There are a number of additional measures that clubs will need to be cognisant of if they plan to run Open competitions and we ask everyone to ensure that they adhere in full to the steps outlined."
"Whilst this is good news for sport, this is still a public health emergency and the following key points have been highlighted by government in relation to this guidance change:
"It has been a long journey back to this point for golfers and clubs and I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in adhering to the guidelines."
To read the Phase 3 Guidance for Golf Clubs & Golfers in Scotland, which is published by Scottish Golf on its website, click on the link below: https://scottishgolf.org/phase-3-guidance
The full statement issued by Scottish Golf on Thursday reads as follows:
"Since COVID-19 impacted us all back in March, we have worked tirelessly to protect our affiliated clubs, doing everything we could to ensure that all of our clubs survived this terrible crisis."
"Scottish Golf has remained in regular dialogue with the Scottish Government and has participated in the debate with a constant concern for public health and wellbeing, as well as expressing concern of the economic impact the pandemic is having on member clubs."
"Our financial relief package has provided clubs with £570,000 worth of affiliation fee rebates and once our assessment process is complete, we will have delivered an additional £685,000 of funding to our affiliated clubs through the R&A club relief fund and COVID-19 fixed costs funds. As previously outlined, we made early decisions around our events and performance plans for 2020 to make these financial provisions."
"As stated last week, we lobbied Government in the strongest possible way to resolve the contradictory guidelines in relation to Open Competitions. As has been the case throughout the last few months, through positive dialogue, the Government has taken onboard our representation and we are extremely pleased to advise that our affiliated clubs are now able to host qualifying Open Competitions."
"Our updated guide, with specific information relating to Open competition can be found here. There are a number of additional measures that clubs will need to be cognisant of if they plan to run Open competitions and we ask everyone to ensure that they adhere in full to the steps outlined."
"Whilst this is good news for sport, this is still a public health emergency and the following key points have been highlighted by government in relation to this guidance change:
- Organised and sanctioned open competitions must take place behind closed doors with;
- Only competitors and essential competition staff in attendance.
- No spectators.
- No family members (except for parents or guardians of children or vulnerable adults).
- A register of all attendees should be maintained
- Travel to and from competition must not mix households i.e. no car sharing."
"It has been a long journey back to this point for golfers and clubs and I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in adhering to the guidelines."
Thursday, August 06, 2020
MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO GWEN & STUART
Many congratulations to Gwen Lambie and Stuart Munro who were married on Saturday 1st August.
Wednesday, August 05, 2020
WHO WILL WIN THE ROSE SERIES GRAND FINAL
The Rose Ladies' Series reaches its climax with this week's Grand Final, which will be played over three days at three different venues.
The first round will be played at North Hants on Wednesday and the second at The Berkshire on Thursday. The top 35 and ties head will then head over to over the iconic West Course at Wentworth on Friday for the final day.
It will be the first time a women's professional tournament has been hosted at Wentworth's West Course, which is the home of the European Tour's flagship event the PGA Championship.
As well as the 54-hole final, six players are still in with a chance of winning the Rose Ladies' Series Order of Merit. Prior to the final, the standings are as follows:
Georgia Hall - 1st in the Order of Merit after two wins and three 2nds
Charley Hull - Winner of the first event at Brockhurst Manner
Liz Young - 3rd in the Order of Merit with three-runners-up spots
Gabriella Cowley - Winner at JCB Golf and Country Park
Meghan MacLaren - Winner at Moor Park
Annabel Dimmock - 7th in the Order of Merit
Gemma Dryburgh was 5th in the Order of Merit after back-to-back wins in the series, but is unavailable for the final as she is in the USA.
To follow the live scoring click on the link below:
PAUL LAWRIE'S TARTAN PRO TOUR STARTS TODAY
Paul Lawrie's new Tartan Pro Tour starts today at Carnoustie and ten women professionals have signed-up to take on the challenge.
Former Open champion Paul Lawrie will host the inaugural event of his new Tartan Pro Tour at Carnoustie today.
There are six 36-hole events on this year's Tartan Pro Tour. The first is being held on the Championship course at Carnoustie, where Lawrie won The Open in 1999. There is a full field of 72 professionals, men and women, competing for a prize fund of £19,000 with a £4,000 first prize. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic spectators are not allowed.
PGA Professional and International Referee Charles Dernie will be out and about on the course in his role as a guest referee.
The women professionals teeing it up against the men at Carnoustie are:
LET Tour players: Two-time LET winner Kylie Henry, Kelsey MacDonald and Michele Thomson.
LPGA / LET Tour players: 2016 LET Order of Merit winner Beth Allen, who is an American but is based in Scotland, and Ireland's rising star, the former World Amateur No. 1, Leona Maguire.
Both Allen and Maguire will join Henry, MacDonald and Thomson in the field for the AIS Scottish Open at The Renaissance later this month. Maguire has also qualified for the AIG Women's Open which follows at Troon.
LET Access Series Tour players: Gabrielle MacDonald, Heather MacRae, Hannah McCook, Rachael Taylor and Jane Turner.
Paul Lawrie launched the tour this year to give professional golfers, male and female, the chance to play some tournament golf in Scotland after their tour schedules were decimated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Tuesday, August 04, 2020
GEMMA DRYBURGH SHINES AS LPGA TOUR RESTARTS
Scotland's Gemma Dryburgh finished joint-sixth in The LPGA Drive On Championship, the first LPGA Tour event since the coronavirus lockdown.
Gemma Dryburgh was a back-to-back winner in the Rose Ladies Series before heading across the Atlantic to play in the inaugural LPGA Drive On Championship at Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.
The 54-hole event, which was held at the venue for the next year's Solheim Cup, featured a field of 144 players and offered a $1 million purse.
The 27-year-old Scot shot rounds of 73-72-71 to finish on level-par. A score which earned her a tie for sixth place and a cheque for just over $25,000. It also earned her a first top ten finish on the LPGA Tour.
America's Danielle Kang claimed victory on seven-under, one shot ahead of Celine Boutier from France. Australia's Minjee Lee was third on four-under.
After the event Dryburgh said:
"It was a really fun week."
"I've obviously been playing well recently so I just used that confidence and continued with the same form which was good to see after a couple of weeks off. My whole game is feeling good and it was great to see all of my hard work pay off."
The next event on the LPGA Tour is The Marathon LPGA Classic, from 6-9 August at the Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio.
The Tour will then head across the pond for back-to-back stops in Scotland. The first stop will be the AIS Ladies' Scottish Open at The Renaissance, from 13-16 August, followed by the AIG Women's British Open at Royal Troon, from 20-23 August.
EMILY PRICE WINS THE ENGLISH WOMEN'S AMATEUR
Emily Price is celebrating the biggest win of her career after she was crowned the English Women’s Amateur Champion on Saturday.
Emily Price came from two down to defeat the English women’s international Lily May Humphreys by 3&4 in a thrilling 36-hole final for English Women’s Amateur Championship.
The championship was played at Woodhall Spa Golf Club in Lincolnshire. At the start of the week sixty-six of the top women amateurs in the country teed it up for two rounds of stroke play before the top sixteen made it through to the knockout stages.
Price, who is a former English Girls international, won the English Women’s Stroke play in 2016, when she was only 16. She also won the Scottish Girls Open Championship in the same year. Since then, she has spent the last two years at the University of South Carolina before transferring to Ohio’s Kent State for her final two years. Her aim is to turn professional after completing her studies.
UPDATE ON SCOTTISH GOLF'S GUIDANCE FOR PHASE 3
Following the First Minister's COVID-19 update to the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, Scottish Golf has issued a statement to its member golf clubs.
"Following the First Minister’s update today, we wish to inform all clubs that there are no further easing of restrictions directly relevant to golf clubs or their operations and as a result, our Phase 3 guidance remains unchanged at this time."
"However, following an increased volume of enquiries and growing confusion across the membership, we wish to take this opportunity to clarify Scottish Golf’s position on Open Competitions."
"The definition of an Open Competition concerning the current route map out of lockdown is “a qualifying round of golf played at a venue away from a player’s home club.” Any other format of play that takes place by visitors to golf clubs is permitted provided that all related COVID-19 regulations including travel restrictions, sanitation protocols and physical distancing protocols are met, along with industry-specific guidance being adhered to both on and off the course."
"We continue to respect and follow the guidance issued by the Scottish Government and will continue to work with them to contain the spread of the virus to save lives."
"We urge all our member clubs to continue with the current guidance but can assure our members that we will continue to make representations on behalf of our clubs to Government in the strongest possible way to bring about change. We will continue to keep all member clubs appraised of any changes to guidance and as always clubs should note that restrictions may be re-introduced if anything changes on a local or national basis."
"To keep up to date with all of the latest COVID-19 guidance for golf in Scotland, please visit our dedicated web page here."
To read the Phase 3 Guidance for Golf Clubs & Golfers in Scotland, which is published by Scottish Golf on its website, click on the link below: https://scottishgolf.org/phase-3
In response to the First Minister's update, Scottish Golf has confirmed that its Phase 3 Guidance for Golf Clubs & Golfers in Scotland "remains unchanged".
There was also some further clarification on Open Competitions. An item on which Scottish Golf appears to have changed its position.
Two weeks ago, Scottish Golf issued a statement on Open competitions which stressed that all competitions for visitors were off-limits in Phase 3. There was a threat of sanctions on any organisation found to be in breach of the ruling.
However, on Thursday Scottish Golf sought to clarify that whilst "qualifying" competitions for visitors are off-limits in Phase 3 "any other format of play that takes place by visitors to golf clubs is permitted". Golf clubs must still ensure all related COVID-19 regulations are met.
The full statement issued by Scottish Golf on Thursday reads as follows:
"Following the First Minister’s update today, we wish to inform all clubs that there are no further easing of restrictions directly relevant to golf clubs or their operations and as a result, our Phase 3 guidance remains unchanged at this time."
"However, following an increased volume of enquiries and growing confusion across the membership, we wish to take this opportunity to clarify Scottish Golf’s position on Open Competitions."
"The definition of an Open Competition concerning the current route map out of lockdown is “a qualifying round of golf played at a venue away from a player’s home club.” Any other format of play that takes place by visitors to golf clubs is permitted provided that all related COVID-19 regulations including travel restrictions, sanitation protocols and physical distancing protocols are met, along with industry-specific guidance being adhered to both on and off the course."
"We continue to respect and follow the guidance issued by the Scottish Government and will continue to work with them to contain the spread of the virus to save lives."
"We urge all our member clubs to continue with the current guidance but can assure our members that we will continue to make representations on behalf of our clubs to Government in the strongest possible way to bring about change. We will continue to keep all member clubs appraised of any changes to guidance and as always clubs should note that restrictions may be re-introduced if anything changes on a local or national basis."
"To keep up to date with all of the latest COVID-19 guidance for golf in Scotland, please visit our dedicated web page here."
To read the Phase 3 Guidance for Golf Clubs & Golfers in Scotland, which is published by Scottish Golf on its website, click on the link below: https://scottishgolf.org/phase-3