Scottish Golf has issued a COVID-19 update in response to the COVID-19 statement made by the First Minister of Scotland on Tuesday 18 January.

The statement issued by Scottish Golf reads as follows:

"On Tuesday 18 January, the First Minister provided an update to the Scottish Parliament on COVID-19 and related restrictions. While the COVID Omicron-variant continues to infect a large number of people, evidence suggests that this wave has peaked and cases are trending downwards. However, the First Minister stressed the need for the public to continue following the current health protection measures. Further Scottish Government guidance is available at Coronavirus in Scotland on gov.scot."

"Temporary restrictions introduced on December 26th will be lifted on Monday, January 24th. These changes include:"

"1. Temporary restrictions"

• "Adult indoor contact sport can resume"
• "Indoor live event audiences can return"
• "Table service no longer required where alcohol is served"
• "1m physical distancing requirement between groups in indoor public places is no longer required. Please refer to Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector - gov.scot for further information."

"2. Covid certification scheme"
"There is now a requirement for indoor and outdoor events with attendances of more than 1,000 people to check the certification status of at least 50% of attendees or 1,000 people, whichever is higher. Further guidance relating to event organisation is available at Coronavirus advice for events from VisitScotland.org"

"3. Baseline measures"
"The baseline mitigation measures that were in place before Omicron are being retained and will not be extended, at this stage, to other premises. However, this will be reconsidered if the situation changes. These measures include the use of face coverings in indoor public places and businesses collecting customer data for Test and Protect purposes."

"4. Reducing social contact"
"The public are still asked to being asked to keep gatherings as small as our circumstances allow, until at least the end of the month."

"5. Self-isolation and testing requirements"
"Unchanged."

"We will be in touch again soon. In the meantime, be safe, and take care."

P&K HANDICAP LEAGUE - 2022 FIXTURE LIST

The Perth & Kinross Handicap League Fixture List is now available. Just click on the "HANDICAP LEAGUE 2022" button in the right-hand menu.

The P&K Handicap League Teams for 2022 are as follows:

Section A: Auchterarder, Blairgowrie, Crieff, King James V1, Strathmore
Section B: Alyth, Dunkeld, Kinross, Milnathort, Muckhart

The team with highest points total from each section will play a final to decide the overall winner of the Loch Leven’s Larder Trophy.

Scottish Golf has issued a COVID-19 update in response to the COVID-19 statement made by the First Minister of Scotland on Tuesday 21 December.

The statement issued by Scottish Golf reads as follows:

"On Tuesday 21 December, the First Minister provided an update to the Scottish Parliament on COVID-19 and related restrictions. This reiterated the increasing challenge posed by the Omicron variant, the priority being placed on supporting the vaccine and booster programme, and the need for businesses to strengthen compliance with protection measures."

"As part of the update the First Minister also confirmed enhanced measures will be put in place for up to three weeks from 26 December 2021 for ‘large scale events’ and ‘indoor contact sport for adults’ and 27th December all other areas including hospitality & leisure centres. These measures include:"

"1. Indoor Contact Sport (adults)"

• "Professional and/or elite indoor contact sport with approved plans and protocols in place may continue with training and competition. For further information regarding professional/elite sport please refer to the relevant section in Return to Competitions and Events on the sportscotland website."
• "All other indoor (adult) contact sport and physical activity should not take place during this period."

"2. Large Scale Events"
"Large-scale spectator and participation events can go ahead if 1m physical distancing measures are put in place and attendances limited to:"

• "Indoors - 100 standing, 200 seated"
• "Outdoors - 500 standing, and 500 seated"

"Further guidance relating to event organisation is available at Coronavirus advice for events from VisitScotland.org."

"3. Indoor Hospitality & Leisure Venues (including Gyms and Leisure Centres)"

• "1m physical distancing should be implemented in gym and leisure centre settings. For classes limit numbers to ensure physical distancing can be maintained throughout the activity and at control entry/exit points."
• "All indoor hospitality venues should reintroduce physical distancing (1m) between groups (maximum 3 households per group) as well as table service in settings where alcohol is served. Please refer to Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector - gov.scot for further information."

"4. Stay Home, Stay Safe"

• For the three-week period, Scottish Government advises that people stay at home as much as possible, keep contacts to a minimum; and keep New Year gatherings as small as your family circumstances allow. Further Scottish Government guidance is available at Coronavirus in Scotland on gov.scot."

"Business Support"
"The First Minister also confirmed that an additional £275m will be provided in business support on top of the £100m announced last week. We will publish further information on this as soon as we have it."

"Scottish Golf support over Christmas period"
"Support across our core activities - VMS, OpenPlay, General Enquiries and App Support - remains in place over the festive period, excluding 27-28 December and 3 January."

"All other lines of enquiry will shut from 24 December - 3 January. Mailboxes will be checked intermittently for emergencies only."

"We will be in touch again soon. In the meantime, be safe, and take care."

AGM & PRIZE GIVING - SATURDAY 20 NOVEMBER

The 2021 Perth & Kinross Ladies' County Golf Association AGM was held at Auchterarder Golf Club today.

The AGM:
Our County Captain, Jillian Milne, chaired the meeting, which saw some changes to the Committee and the Constitution.

Leaving Committee:
Retiring this year is our Match Secretary, Caroline Henderson (Aberfeldy), who is leaving on a high after our Team's historic win. She is joined by three Committee members, who have also completed their term, Isla Moncrieff (Aberfeldy), Gwen Munro (Dunkeld & Birnam) & Val Purdie (Dunblane).

Joining Committee:
We are delighted to announce that Steph Crolla (Muckhart) is our new Match Secretary and we have three new Committee members, Kay Fleming (Pitlochry), Susie MacDougall (Aberfeldy) & Eilidh Watson (St Regulus).

Constitution:
The motion to amend the P&KLCGA Constitution was approved. A copy of the revised Constitution can be found under "DOWNLOADS" on our website.

Fixtures:
Our Secretary, Jane Yellowlees, is finalising our meetings for 2022. Details of the fixtures will be published as they are arranged.

Scottish Champions:
The Scottish County Finals and the North Division Jamboree trophies were both on display. There was also a slide show of our County Team in action.

Prize-winners:
Below is the full list of prize-winners. Click to enlarge.

SCOTTISH GOLF IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

Scottish Golf Ltd. is seeking volunteers for the the role of Team Manager or Chaperone to support Scottish Players at team events, home and abroad.

The letter issued by Scottish Golf, reads as follows:

"Hi everyone,"

"I am hoping you can help me. We are putting plans in place for 2022 for events which Scottish Golf will send a National team to and we are seeking some volunteers to support in the role of Team Manager or Chaperone. I have attached an outline of the role and the duties it would entail and would appreciate if you could circulate this among your members."

"The events are a range of Men’s, Women’s, Boy’s and Girls’ events and take place both in the UK and abroad. Any commitment would be dependant on the individuals availability and all expenses would be covered as part of the trip."

"Anyone interested in volunteering or would like further information should email performance@scottishgolf.org"

"Many thanks in advance"

"Clare Queen"
"Head of Performance"

Description of Role. Click to enlarge.

P&K COUNTY JUNIOR GIRLS' COACHING AT STRATHMORE

Fifteen P&K County Junior Girls turned out for the second of this year's Girls' Coaching Sessions, which was held at Strathmore Golf Centre today.

PGA Professional, Gareth Couzens, put the girls through their paces at the driving range. There was also a putting lesson and a tricky little putting challenge, which Anna Jackson won. Well done Anna!

The girls then headed off to the "wee course" to enjoy 9-holes in the Autumn sun, courtesy of Strathmore Golf Centre. It gave everyone a chance to put into practise what they had learnt at coaching.

Zoe Davidson was presented with the North of Scotland Girls' Handicap Championship trophy, which she won in the summer at Blairgowrie. It was presented to Zoe by our P&K Ladies' County President, Dawn Butchart.

Well done to our Junior Secretary, Gillian Wallace, who organised the day.

KINGSBARNS GIRLS CLASSIC - P&K COUNTY GIRLS THIRD

Four P&K County Junior Girls and one P&K County Junior Secretary had fantastic time at the 2021 Kingsbarns Girls Classic today.

Lauryn, Lucy, Zoe and Kirsten at Kingsbarns

The Kingsbarns Girls Classic was first played in 2018 as part of the legacy from the 2017 British Women's Open, which was played at Kingsbarns.

Each County in Scotland is invited by Scottish Golf to select two County girls to take part. Each County pair is joined by a Scottish female PGA Professional or Scotland Squad member. The format is a Texas Scramble. There is lunch in the clubhouse for all the competitors and the County officials.

Congratulation to Sarah Tough & Rebecca Evans (Angus), who along with Scottish Professional Gabrielle Macdonald won the Team event. Galloway was second and Perth & Kinross third.

The prize winners were:
1st – Sarah Tough & Rebecca Evans (Angus) with Gabrielle Macdonald 57.3
2nd – Vanessa Ho & Teresa Ho (Galloway) with Gillian Paton 57.4
3rd – Zoe Davidson & Lucy Moran (Perth & Kinross) with Chloe Goadby 57.6

Longest Drive – Louise Milligan (Ayrshire)
Nearest the pin – Katie Jarvie (Fife)
Eagle on 14 – Aimee McKie (Dumfriesshire)

Due to a cancellation, our Perth & Kinross County was very fortunate to be able to send a second pair of County Junior Girls to this year's event.

The two P&K teams were:

Lucy Moran & Zoe Davidson, with Chloe Goadby, the 2021 Scottish Women's Amateur Champion.

Lauryn Henry & Kirsten Miller with Karen Ferguson-Snedden, the 2021 Scottish Women's Senior Amateur Champion.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - INFORMATION

This year’s P&KLCGA AGM will take place on Sat. 20th November 2021 at Auchterarder Golf Club; 10:30am registration for 11:00am start (upper hall).

The AGM will include a celebration of our historic win at the Scottish County Finals. It’s the first time our County team has won the title in 68 years and we hope to have the trophy on show.

AGM Papers:
For a copy of the AGM Papers please click on the documents listed below.
Please bring a copy with you to the AGM.
1. 2021 AGM Agenda
2. 2019 AGM Minutes
3. 2018 Constitution - Proposed Amendments

A Statement on the Accounts for P&KLCGA will be issued out in due course.

AGM Motions:
Motion 1. - “We the Committee propose to amend the Constitution”.
For details of the proposed amendments click on item 3. above.

Tea/Coffee & Cakes:
There will be tea/coffee & cakes available for those who wish from 10:30am, for a small charge of £4. If you wish to order please click on the link below:
1. Tea/Coffee & Cakes

Covid-19:
To keep everyone safe on the day, please ensure you comply with any Covid-19 instructions that Auchterarder Golf Club and/or the Committee may have.

Apologies:
Please let us know. Just click on the "Apologies" button in right-hand margin.

Posted by:
Jane Yellowlees, Secretary 30/10/2021

DUNKELD & BIRNAM WIN THE P&K HANDICAP LEAGUE

Dunkeld & Birnam were crowned as the 2021 Perth & Kinross Handicap League champions after they bt Auchterarder by 4-1 in the final at Dunkeld.

The 2021 AGM for the P&K Handicap League was held at Kinross Golf Club on Sunday 24 October 2021.

Margaret Watkins & Marion Ferrie (Dunkeld & Birnam) were presented with the P&K Handicap League trophy by Lenore Kyle (Kinross).

You can find full details of all the 2021 matches and results by clicking on the "Handicap League" button to the right hand side of this blog.

ISLA MONCRIEFF WINS P&K CHAMPIONS OF CHAMPIONS

Huge congratulations to Isla Moncrieff (Aberfeldy) who won the Perth & Kinross Ladies' Champion of Champions at Pitlochry Golf Club today.

Isla Moncrieff (Aberfeldy) & Caroline Henderson (Match Secretary)

Isla Moncrieff (Aberfeldy) shot a six-over-par scratch score of 78 over the Pitlochry Course to win the title by 2 shots. The runner-up was Carol Muir (Craigie Hill) who shot 80.

This tops off a great season for Isla, who plays off a handicap of 3. Not only did she win the Aberfeldy Ladies' Club Championship this year, but she was also a member of the Perth & Kinross Ladies' County team that won the 2021 Scottish Women's County Finals at Forres.

The Leading Scores were:
Isla Moncrieff - Aberfeldy Ladies' Club Champion 78
Carol Muir - Craigie Hill Ladies' Club Champion 80
Gwen Munro - Dunkeld & Birnam Ladies' Club Champion 83

Course: Pitlochry - Par 72, Course Rating 70.2, Slope Rating 127

P&K COUNTY JUNIOR GIRLS AT MILNATHORT

Although it was a wee bit cold and windy today, eleven of our County Juniors had a great day out at Milnathort Golf Club.

Many thanks to our Junior Secretary, Gillian Wallace, for organising the event and to Committee Member, Gwen Tate, who came along to help.

Three girls played 18 holes and eight girls played 9 holes. The winners were:

9-holes
1st   Anna Jackson
2nd  Tarah Simpson
3rd   May Kite

18-holes
1st   Lauryn Henry.

PERTH & KINROSS CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - DRAW

The Draw for the Perth & Kinross Ladies' Champion of Champions, at Pitlochry Golf Club on Sunday 17 October 2021, is available below.

Competitors' Information: A copy of the draw has also been emailed out to all the competitors along with some information for the event.

Please arrive no later than 15mins before your tee time to register. There will be a brief prize-giving following the completion of play.

COVID-19: To keep everyone safe on the day, please ensure you comply with any COVID-19 instructions that Pitlochry Golf Club may have.

The Draw for Sunday 17 October 2021

(Click on Image to view & enlarge)

P&K COUNTY JUNIOR GIRLS' COACHING AT STRATHMORE

The first of this year's P&K County Junior Girls' Coaching Sessions was held at Strathmore Golf Centre today.

PGA Professional Gareth Couzens led the coaching, which concentrated on the girls' swings. There was also a chipping session and skills challenge to end the day. Great fun was had by all. Our President and Junior Convenor were very impressed by all the girls.

Upcoming P&K County Junior Girls Events:

• Girls' Competition: Milnathort on Thurs. 14 October at 1:30pm
• Girls' Coaching Session: The next one will be in November. Our Junior Convenor, Gillian Wallace, will be in touch with details.

PITLOCHRY PAIR WIN R&A CORONATION FOURSOMES

Huge Congratulations to Lauren Cameron & Isla Johnston (Pitlochry) who won the 2021 Coronation Foursomes Grand Final at St Andrews.

Isla Johnston, aged only 14, and Lauren Cameron, 22, from Pitlochry Golf Club posted a score of 39 points in the handicap stableford foursomes format to emerge as the winners from 16 pairs at the Eden Course.

Cameron, a 19-handicapper, only returned to the sport last year after a 10 year break, while 22-handicapper Johnston, has been playing at Pitlochry since the age of six. They are one of the youngest ever pairings to have competed.

The fellow Scottish pair of Elizabeth Anderson & Andrea Johnstone (Swanston) finished runners-up on 38 points.

After her win Isla Johnston said:

“We’re so happy, it’s amazing to win. I’ve been playing for eight years now as Pitlochry has a really good junior policy. I like going to new clubs as I play a lot of Pitlochry, so getting a change of scenery is really nice.”

Her playing partner, Lauren Cameron added:

“I think we knew we had a chance today, but I don’t think we would do it. It was great just to reach the Grand Final. I played golf when I was younger, then took 10 years off, and I only started again last year. We both come from families of golfers as well, so that really helps. It’s a great team event and we’ve loved competing in St Andrews and being part of this final.”

The winning duo can now look forward to competing in the Pro-Am for the 2022 AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield thanks to their victory.

JUNIOR TOUR SCOTLAND AUTUMN EVENT: BLAIRGOWRIE

Final call for the Junior Tour Scotland Event at Blairgowrie Golf Club (Landsdowne) on 10 October 2021. The event is open to both Girls & Boys.

Junior Tour Scotland Event at Blairgowrie Golf Club (Landsdowne) on Sunday 10 October 2021 (18-holes).

Entry Fee: £20.00
Closing Date: Sunday 26 September 2021 @ 6pm.

Entry Form: If you wish to enter, please click on the link below:
Junior Tour BLAIRGOWRIE 10 October 2021

For more details go to: @juniortourscotland

JUNIOR TOUR SCOTLAND - 2022 FIXTURE LIST

The Junior Tour Scotland has announced its 2022 Fixture List. The full schedule of events is below (click to enlarge).

For more details go to: @juniortourscotland

P&K COUNTY JUNIOR GIRLS - JUNIORS & SENIORS EVENT

What a cracking day for our P&K County Juniors & Seniors Event at the Strathmore Golf Centre, yesterday!

Fourteen P&K County Junior Girls were in action along with members of our County Team and Committee. The older girls had a competition on the big course, while the younger ones had a fun texas scramble on the wee one.

Many thanks to all the members of the Team and Committee that turned out to play and to Gillian Wallace our Junior Secretary who made it all possible.

We now have 20 County Juniors and counting! There are some Junior Girls' coaching sessions and another event planned for October. So, if you know of any more girls who might like to join in, please point them in our direction.

In the meantime, here's some photos of a brilliant day at Strathmore. The grins say it all!

PERTH & KINROSS LADIES' CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

This year's Perth & Kinross Ladies' Champion of Champions will be held at Pitlochry Golf Club on Sunday 17 October 2021 (12 noon start).

Invitations to all the Perth & Kinross Ladies' Club Champions (scratch) will be emailed out via our P&K Ladies' County Club Reps shortly.

NORTH OF SCOTLAND LADIES & GIRLS' CHAMPIONSHIPS

Aberdeenshire has announced the NORTH OF SCOTLAND Ladies & Girls' Championships will be held at Newmachar Golf Club from 25-27 July 2022.

The NORTH OF SCOTLAND Ladies' & Girls' Championships are open to anyone who is a member of a Ladies’ County Golf Association in the North Division: Aberdeenshire, Angus, Northern Counties or Perth & Kinross.

Newmachar Golf Club, which is located on the north edge of Aberdeen, has two beautiful courses, designed by the world-renowned golf architect, Dave Thomas. Hawkshill, the championship course, is an absolute cracker to play.

Lorna Johnson, the Captain of Aberdeenshire LCGA, said:

"We believe that Newmachar Golf Club is a very appropriate venue because it is popular with golfers, provides an ideal golfing challenge, is relatively easily accessible for all potential participants, has accommodation close by and, with two courses, Hawkshill and Swailend, is perfect for the championship games and consolation round competitions."

"We are very grateful to Newmachar Golf Club for backing our very important North Division annual fixture. Special thanks to Paul Mills, General Manager, and to Management Committee members."

Entry forms and further details for the event will follow in due course.

BLAIR ATHOLL MEETING (GREENSOMES) - RESULTS

Our final County meeting for the 2021 season, which was a Greensomes, was held at Blair Atholl today. 17 pairs took part.

Congratulations to J. Kennedy & K. Fleming (Pitlochry) who won the Brown Memorial salver with the best nett score of 67.

The results were as follows:

Best Nett:
1. J. Kennedy (Pitlochry) & K. Fleming (Pitlochry) (20) 67
2. J. Nisbet (Dunkeld) & S. Ogg (Strathmore) (21) 69 BIH
3. I. Moncrieff (Aberfeldy) & K. Will (Aberfeldy) (4) 69

Best Gross:
1. I. Moncrieff (Aberfeldy) & K. Will (Aberfeldy) 73
2. G. Tate (Milnathort) & J. Yellowlees (Murrayshall) 83
3. C. Henderson (Aberfeldy) & S. MacDougall (Aberfeldy) 85

Course: Blair Atholl; Par 72, Course Rating 70.2