MATTHEW APPOINTED AS GLENEAGLES AMBASSADOR

On the first anniversary of Europe's dramatic Solheim victory, Gleneagles has announced Catriona Matthew as its new brand ambassador.

Edinburgh-born Matthew, who led Team Europe to the sensational win at Gleneagles last year, will support a series of exciting future initiatives at the luxury 850-acre Perthshire estate, including encouraging more families to enjoy the health and social benefits of playing golf, and developing new opportunities for women to take up the game.

Matthew commented:

"Gleneagles has been at the heart of some very special personal memories for me, including winning the McDonald’s WPGA of Europe on The King's Course in 1998 and, of course, being captain of last year's victorious European Solheim Cup team… and that dramatic fairy-tale finish!"

"I am also fortunate to spend private family time at Gleneagles from time to time, enjoying swimming and cycling with my husband and children, relaxing experiences we continue to love. Of course, it is a genuine honour to become an ambassador for such an iconic and special Scottish estate and I look forward to assisting the team with their plans for golf."

Conor O’Leary, the Managing Director of Gleneagles, added:

"Catriona is such a natural fit for Gleneagles, from both a professional and personal perspective. Last year’s Solheim Cup created one of the World’s great sporting moments that we will all cherish, but it is also Catriona’s personal connection with ‘The Glorious Playground’, and her passion for spending family time with us, that also makes her a natural fit."

To celebrate Catriona's announcement and her continued Solheim captaincy in 2021, Gleneagles has introduced a special £221 Four-Ball offer across all three championship courses from 16th October to 30 April 2021. Further details available at www.gleneagles.com.

HANNAH McCOOK WINS LADIES SCOTTISH OPEN SPOT

Hannah McCook has won the Ladies' Order of Merit on this year's Tartan Pro Tour and with it a place at The 2021 ASI Ladies' Scottish Open.

Dunbar’s Neil Fenwick, who was the overall winner of the new tour and the Men's Order of Merit, will tee it up in next week's men’s Scottish Open at the Renaissance Golf Club.

The Tartan Pro Tour, which was created by The 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie this summer, was aimed at providing playing opportunities for home based tour pros left in limbo by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

McCook, who is in her rookie year as a professional golfer on LET Access series, said:

"This year has been a write-off, so to get this out of it has made it worthwhile."

"I wouldn’t have got into the event next year as there is no Q-School and I don’t have the category for it, so I would have been relying on an invite. I haven’t been fortunate enough to get one for the last couple of seasons."

"It’s one of the biggest events on the European Tour, but if you are going to play in one event, it’s always got to be your national one. It’s very exciting."

The 27 year-old from Aberdeenshire, who has opted not to travel abroad amid the coronavirus pandemic, added:

"Big thanks go to Paul Lawrie and Michael MacDougall as they created it for us, knowing that most of the players wouldn’t have had any golf at all."

"The EuroPro was cancelled already so it gave some of the guys a chance, and it was the same for us girls. There are some that have gone away and played in Europe, but I still don’t feel comfortable enough to do that."

"To get the chance to stay in Scotland and play has been great."

CATRIONA MATTHEW MADE HON MEMBER OF THE R&A

Catriona Matthew OBE, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington and Nick Price have accepted invitations to become Honorary Members of The R&A.

The R&A described the quartet, who 11 major championship victories between them, as "among the most successful and influential professional golfers of the modern era and are outstanding ambassadors for the sport."

Catriona Matthew

As well as winning the Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2009, Matthew has achieved 11 professional victories in her career and was Ladies' European Tour player of the year in 2009.

She represented the European Solheim Cup team on nine occasions and was part of three winning teams. In 2019, she captained the European team to a memorable 14 ½ - 13 ½ victory at Gleneagles in her native Scotland.

Matthew also enjoyed a hugely successful amateur career, representing Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup on three occasions and winning the Women’s Amateur championship.

Upon accepting the invitation Matthew said:

"I am absolutely thrilled to be made an Honorary Member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club and I feel very privileged to be joining such an illustrious group of Honorary Members who are such renowned figures in the game of golf."

"I was fortunate enough to be one of the first recipients of an R&A Scholarship at the University of Stirling and it gave me some fantastic opportunities to develop my career as a young golfer."

"The Club and The R&A do so much to grow the game and I’m hugely supportive of the work they are doing to support women’s golf and particularly the AIG Women’s Open."

To read the full announcement from The R&A click on the link below:
http://bit.ly/HonoraryMembers

SCOTTISH GOLF UPDATE ON PHASE 3 GUIDANCE

Scottish Golf has issued a COVID-19 update, which includes new guidance on COVID officers, competition bubbles, caddies, hospitality, and travel.

The full statement issued by Scottish Golf today reads as follows:

"Following the First Minister’s latest update in Parliament on Tuesday 22 September, Scottish Golf has been in dialogue with our partners at sportscotland and the Scottish Government to obtain further clarity about the new national restrictions being implemented across Scotland."

"Scottish Golf is now in a position to provide all Clubs with Updated Phase 3 Guidance for all Golf Clubs and Golfers."

"The changes are summarised as follows and unless otherwise stated are effective immediately:"

• "Any golf club/course which is accessed regularly by over 200 members or visitors, in a single day, must have in place a designated COVID officer and appropriate risk assessments. More detail is available in sportscotland’s Phase 3: Return to Sport and Physical Activity guidelines here."

• "For adults, a maximum of 30 people including coaches and officials can combine to essentially create a ‘competition bubble’ as long as physical distancing measures are maintained. Competition organisers should ensure that no two ‘bubbles’ come into contact with each other at any time throughout the day."

• "Caddy services may resume, providing all physical distancing and hygiene measures are adhered to. There are no restrictions on the number of households a caddy can have contact with per day but services should be limited to carrying of a bag, providing advice only and not passing golf clubs to the player."

• "Indoor and outdoor hospitality will be required to close at 10 pm from Friday 25 September onwards, this includes clubhouse facilities and beer gardens which may have been in operation."

• "Golfers from different households should travel separately."

"Clubs should also note that additional funding has been allocated to local Environmental Health teams, allowing for greater capacity for inspections of businesses to enhance compliance and enforcement of current restrictions."

"Once again, we would like to thank all of our clubs and gofers across Scotland for your continued co-operation and adherence to the current guidance during these challenging times. We will continue to keep all clubs and tournament organisers updated via our dedicated COVID-19 webpage which can be accessed here."

JUNIOR TOUR SCOTLAND WINTER SERIES

The Junior Tour Scotland is teaming up with the Stepen Gallacher, Barrie Douglas and Paul Lawrie Foundations to roll out a Winter Series.

The Junior Tour Admin Team issued the following statement on Monday:

"Plans are well advanced for a Winter Series to be rolled out to keep you all competitive during the winter months; this will partly make up for the loss of competitive golf due to Covid-19. The Stepen Gallacher, Barrie Douglas and Paul Lawrie Foundations along with ourselves are teaming up to lay on a Winter Series over several superb venues. Full details to follow."

"The event at Lansdowne on the 25th October will form one of the events, and there will be another event at Fortrose & Rosemarkie on the 15th November 2020."

"Entries are currently open for Lansdowne, and entries for Fortrose and Rosemarkie will be available from mid October. An update will be posted on this page, along with a link to the entry form for the Fortrose and Rosemarkie event."

"Exciting times ahead, and the Junior Tour are delighted to be partnering the 3 Foundations in delivering the Winter Series."

You can find out more about the Junior Tour Winter Series &/or enter the first event at Blairgowrie (girls & boys) on Sunday 25th October: @juniortourscotland

Entries for the Junior Tour Blairgowrie event close on Friday 16th Oct.

WELSH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS CANCELLED

This year's Welsh Amateur Championships have been cancelled due to the latest lockdown restrictions announced in Wales.

The 2020 Welsh Ladies' Amateur Championship was due to be held in Rhuddlan Golf Club, North Wales this weekend. The Men’s event was due to be held at Newport Golf Club from the 5 to 6 October.

Wales Golf Championships Manager, David Wilson, said:

“It is with great regret we have had to cancel these events, which had already been postponed from the summer.”

GEORGIA HALL WINS CAMBRIA PORTLAND CLASSIC

Georgia Hall won the Cambia Portland Classic for her first LPGA Tour victory in the US, after defeating Ashleigh Buhai in a play-off on Sunday.

Georgia Hall (ENG) came from four shots behind on the final day to lead by one shot on the final hole, after a run of six birdies between the 5th and 12th holes, but a second bogey of the day on the 18th left her tied at the top with Ashleigh Buhai (ZAF) on -12.

The 24 year-old had to re-group before returning to the 18th tee for the play-off, which she won against Buhai with a par on the second hole.

It was Hall's first win on any Tour since she secured her maiden major at The British Women's Open in 2018, although she did win back-to-back events on the Rose Ladies' Series during the summer.

Mel Reid (ENG), who was the overnight leader on -12 after a superb seven-under round of 65 on Saturday, finished in a seven-way tie for fifth on -10.

After her win Hall said:

"The pins were so tricky today, so I knew the scoring wouldn't be low. I had a really good run in the middle there, three or four in a row, and had to hold on over the last few holes."

"To bogey the last I was quite upset about that. I had to refigure myself and get back to try and win that play-off."

“When I won the British, I didn't really take it all in and enjoy it properly,” Hall said. “I mean, it's hard with COVID, so I'll just see what we'll do. But I'm definitely going to enjoy it.”

JUNIOR TOUR EVENT AT BLAIRGOWRIE - ENTRY OPEN

Entries are now open for the Junior Tour Scotland event at Blairgowrie (Lansdowne) on Sunday 25th October 2020. Both girls & boys can play.

It is an 18-hole event (9.00am start). The Entry Fee is £20.00. Entries close at 12 noon on Friday 16th Oct 2020.

You can find out more and/or enter the event: @juniortourscotland

SOLHEIM CAPTAIN CATRIONA MATTHEW TALKS GOLF

Maria McBride from TourTalk chats to British Women's Open winner and European Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew.

Maria Anna McBride (nee Hjorth), is a Swedish professional golfer, who like Matthews studied at Stirling University. McBride won five times on the LPGA Tour and twice on the LET, earned over $6 million and was a five-time member of the European Solheim Cup team. At the 2015 Solheim Cup, she served as an assistant captain for Europe.

MEMORIES OF A SUPER SUNDAY AT THE SOLHEIM CUP

One year ago, it all led to one moment, Suzann Pettersen with the final putt, on the final green, in the final match, on the final day at Gleneagles...

The 17th Solheim Cup is scheduled to be played from Tuesday 31 August to Monday 6 September 2021 at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.

Catriona Matthew, who led Europe to a sensational win by 14½ to 13½ at Gleneagles last year, has been reappointed as the European captain for the 2021 Solheim Cup. Matthew has confirmed that her assistant captains will be Kathryn Imrie, Dame Laura Davies and Suzann Pettersen.

Pat Hurst, who was one of Juli Inkster’s assistant captains at the last three Solheim Cups, was appointed as the USA captain in January. Hurst has since announced that two of her assistant captains will be Angela Stanford and Michelle Wie West.

MIRIM LEE SNATCHES VICTORY AT ANA INSPIRATION

Mirim Lee stunned Nelly Korda and Brooke Henderson to win her first major title at the ANA Inspiration, in California.

Mirim Lee (KOR) snatched a surprise victory from Nelly Korda (USA) and Brooke Henderson (CAN) with a birdie at the first extra hole after chipping her way into the three-way play-off for the title.

It is fair to say that Korda and Henderson were completely stunned. All day, it had been a head-to-head between the two LPGA stars. With a few holes to play it seemed inconceivable that someone else would come through.

Credit to Lee though, who had not won on the LPGA Tour for three years. The 29 year-old shot a five-under-par 67 in the final round, including three chip-ins, the first for a birdie at the 6th, the second for a birdie at the 16th and the third for a dramatic eagle on the 18th, to finish tied at -15 with Korda and Henderson and earn herself a place in the play-off.

The top Brit was Mel Reid (ENG), who finished tied for 7th on -8.

FULL ACTION FROM DAY 4 AT THE ANA INSPIRATION

Catch-up on all the action from the final day at the ANA Inspiration on the Sky Sports YouTube channel.

The ANA Inspiration Day 4:

Nelly Korda (USA) shares the lead with Brooke Henderson (CAN) on -12 going into the final day of the ANA Inspiration in California.

The 2014 champion Lexi Thompson (USA), who is looking for her second major title, Katherine Kirk (AUS) and Mirim Lee (KOR) are tied for 2nd at -10.

Leading the British charge is Mel Reid (ENG) on -8.

AMY BOULDEN WINS THE SWISS LADIES OPEN IN STYLE

Welsh star Amy Bolden clinched the first Ladies European Tour title of her career thanks to a brilliant 64 at the Swiss Ladies' Open.

Boulden trailed Finland's Sanna Nuutinen by a shot going into the final day of the three-round tournament, but a stunning eight-under-par round saw her finish on -17, three shots clear of Australia's Stephanie Kyriacou.

Bursting on to the scene in 2014 as "LET Rookie of the Year", Boulden has struggled with her form in recent years. The 27 year old had failed to record a top-10 finish since 2017 and was forced to return to Qualifying School in January to retain her full LET card for 2020.

After her win Boulden said:

"I am obviously overwhelmed. I was looking forward to getting out there today and I haven't been in this position for quite a while, so I just tried to enjoy it."

"One of my goals this year was to put myself into contention, and I am really happy with how I handled the pressure and how I put my foot down on the gas when I needed to. I'm looking forward to playing more like this and being in these positions more often, this is where I want to be - competing to win and I am looking forward to the next chapter."

SCOTTISH GOLF UPDATE ON PHASE 3 GUIDANCE

Scottish Golf has issued a COVID-19 update for hospitality at golf clubs. It includes changes to how many people can meet and the use of face coverings.

The full statement issued by Scottish Golf today reads as follows:

"Following the First Minister’s update in Parliament today (10 September), Scottish Golf would like to clarify that on-course golf activities can continue under our current Phase 3 Guidance, with up to four players from four different households allowed to participate together."

"Golf Clubs with hospitality venues should also note that the following changes are effective from Monday 14 September:"

• "A maximum of six people from two households can meet both indoors and outdoors."
• "Staff will be required by law to wear face coverings."
• "Customers will be required to wear face coverings while moving around inside a hospitality venue such as entering or exiting a venue or going to the toilet."

"We thank all affiliated clubs for their ongoing cooperation during these challenging times. To keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 updates from Scottish Golf, please click here."

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

2021 JUNIOR TOUR SCOTLAND FIXTURES ANNOUNCED

The 2021 Junior Tour Scotland fixture list has been announced. The events are open to both girls and boys. There are some cracking venues.

The 2021 Junior Tour Scotland events are as follows:

3 & 4 April - Royal Dornoch

8 May - Southerness

26 & 27 June - Royal Musselburgh
10 & 11 July - Arbroath
14 & 15 August - Duff House Royal
28 & 29 August - Brora

5th September - Final at Luffness New

All events except Southerness and the final at Luffness New are 54 holes. You can find out more info: @juniortourscotland

HEATHER MACRAE WINS THE WPGA CHAMPIONSHIP

Scotland's Heather MacRae birdied the last two holes at Kedleston Park to pull off a dramatic win at The 2020 WPGA Championship.

Defending champion, Heather MacRae shot rounds of 70 and 75 to finish on a three-under total of 145 and retain her title by one shot from the 2018 champion, Keely Chiericato (Manston Golf Club).

Former British and US Women’s Open champion Alison Nicholas MBE (Beau Desert Golf Club), finished a shot further back in third.

After the morning round, Heather MacRae was leading the field with Anna Smith (London Golf Club) on four under, four-shots clear of MacRae's playing partners, Keely Chiericato and Alison Nicholas, who were in a five-way tie for second.

In the afternoon MacRae looked to be in control as Smith's challenge faded, but a bogey at the 15th followed by a double at the 16th dropped the Scot back to one-over and into a tie for the lead with Chiericato.

MacRae and Chiericato both birdied 17 to remain tied at the last, but MacRae held her nerve and produced a stunning birdie at the 18th to take the title.

After her win MacRae said:

"I had no idea what was going on with the scores until I came up 17 and I saw that me and Keely were tied, but I made two nice birdies to finish and I was happy about that."

"I’ve won quite a few trophies, but I’ve never managed to defend one successfully before. It’s not as emotional as last year, but I’m still delighted to win as it’s one of the tournaments I really look forward to playing in."

HEATHER MACRAE IS SET TO DEFEND HER WPGA TITLE

Scotland's Heather MacRae will defend her WPGA Championship title at Kedleston Park golf club on Tuesday (tomorrow).

Two-time WPGA champion MacRae will face some strong opposition at the Derbyshire venue.

The 21-strong field includes five other former WPGA champions, two of whom are drawn to play with the 36-year-old Scot; Keely Chiericato (Manston) and former British and US Women’s Open winner Alison Nicholas MBE (Beau Desert).

There are two other Scots in the field, two-time WPGA champion Catherine Panton-Lewis (The Berkshire), who was a founding member of the Ladies' European Tour, and former P&K Ladies' County member Hannah Robb (Sunningdale Heath).

The WPGA Championship is contested over 36-holes of stroke play with both rounds played on the same day.

SCOTTISH GOLF UPDATE ON PHASE 3 GUIDANCE

Scottish Golf has provided all affiliated golf clubs with a further update on its Phase 3 Guidance for Golf Clubs & Golfers in Scotland.

The changes are minor. The statement issued by Scottish Golf today reads as follows:

"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 immediately:"

• "Bins may be reintroduced as long as strict sanitisation and staff safety can be maintained."

• "Water fountains may be reintroduced as long as they do not allow face-to-tap drinking. Water fountains should only be used to refill personal bottles or disposable containers."

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

EUROPE'S JUNIOR SOLHEIM CUP CAPTAIN ANNOUNCED

With a year to go, the LET and PING have named Annika Sorenstam as the captain of The 2021 European PING Junior Solheim Cup team.

The 2021 PING Junior Solheim Cup is to be played in Toledo, Ohio, next September, immediately ahead of The 2021 Solheim Cup, which is to be held at the Inverness Club from 4-6 September.

Annika Sorenstam is regarded as one of the best golfers in history of the game. She started playing golf in Sweden at the age of 12 and achieved success at the highest levels. Over a 16-year Hall of Fame career, she earned 89 worldwide wins, including ten major championship titles.

The former Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings No.1 is an eight-time Solheim Cup player, a three-time vice-captain and led the 2017 European Solheim Cup Team at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club in Iowa.

Many stars featured in the Junior Solheim Cup before excelling in the Solheim Cup, including 10 members of last year’s victorious 12-woman European side at Gleneagles. The recent AIG Women’s Open winner, Sophia Popov, played in the tournament in 2009.

Annika Sorenstam said:

“I am really excited to captain the Europeans in next year’s PING Junior Solheim Cup. The Solheim Cup was a very important part of my career. Since stepping away in 2008, I’ve been focused on my Foundation and giving back to the next generation of junior girls. In the last decade, more than 90 per cent of the players on the US and European Solheim Cup teams have played in at least one of our seven global junior events. I already know most of the girls who will be aiming to qualify for next year’s European team and I look forward to working with them in Toledo.”

PING Chairman, John A. Solheim, said:

“We’re so excited Annika has accepted the role of PING Junior Solheim Cup captain for 2021. She holds a special place in our hearts, having watched her shoot 59 in our own ‘backyard’ at Moon Valley Country Club in Phoenix almost 20 years ago on her way to winning the Standard Register PING. We’ve always admired and appreciated her on-going support of women’s and girls’ golf, especially all she has done to raise the stature of the Solheim Cup. Her respect and influence extend well beyond her Hall-of-Fame career on the golf course. Annika’s leadership skills and ability to connect with junior golfers will make her a tremendous captain. The girls who earn their way onto the team will benefit greatly in many ways from playing under her guidance.”

Alexandra Armas, CEO of the Ladies European Tour, said:

“We are delighted that Annika has accepted the PING Junior Solheim Cup captaincy. The young competitors are going to have an amazing opportunity to spend time and learn from undoubtedly, one of the best minds in the game. I am sure they will all be excited to be part of the team in 2021. Annika has an incredible commitment to growing the game and junior golf and this will part of her amazing legacy. I am sure some of the players in the team will be stars of the future and carry the learnings from the 2021 matches into their careers.”