THE R&A UPDATES ITS AMATEUR EVENTS SCHEDULE

The R&A has updated its 2020 amateur championship schedule to include revised dates for the Women's and Men's Amateur championships.

Yesterday, The R&A announced that it still intends to play the majority of its amateur championships this year. Although, it was careful to stress that:

"These plans are dependent on the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and we will continue to follow the guidance from the UK Government, health authorities and our own medical consultants."

First on the updated schedule are The R&A Girls, Boys and Women’s Senior Amateur Championships, all of which remain in their original slots at the start of August.

The Woman's Amateur and Men's Amateur Championships, which were postponed shortly after the government's lockdown, are rescheduled to the same week at the end of August. Whilst, The R&A Senior Amateur Championship moves to September.

With the exception of the Curtis Cup, which has already been postponed until 2021, all of this year's international matches have been cancelled. The R&A Junior Open has also been cancelled.

The revised schedule for The R&A Amateur Championships is as follows:

11-15 August 
The R&A Girls’Amateur Championships
Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club

11-16 August
The R&A Boys’ Amateur Championship
Moortown and Alwoodley Golf Clubs

19-21 August
The R&A Women’s Senior Amateur Championship
Ashridge Golf Club

25-29 August
The Woman's Amateur Championship
Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club

25-30 August
The Amateur Championship
Royal Birkdale and West Lancashire Golf Clubs

23-25 September 
The R&A Senior Amateur Championship
Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club

THE LPGA TOUR TARGETS A RETURN IN MID-JULY

The AIG Women's British Open and AIS Ladies' Scottish Open both remain on schedule as the LPGA announces its plan to restart its 2020 season.

The LPGA announced this week that it is now targeting a return to action in mid-July as its season continues to be disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The original schedule featured 34 events. At present, there will be 25 events with three out of the five women's majors rescheduled.

The 1st major in the LPGA's revised schedule is the Evian Championship at the Evian Resort Golf Club in France from 6-9 August. It retains its original dates, however, with French Government banning all sporting events until September 1, the event already looks in danger.

The AIG Women's British Open at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland from 20-23 August, now the 2nd major on the revised schedule, also retains its original slot. As does the AIS Ladies' Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in Scotland from 13-16 August, which is the only other UK tournament on the LPGA Tour.

The other three majors, the ANA Inspiration, the U.S. Women’s Open, and the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, which are normally held in April, June and July, have all been postponed to later in the year.

The LPGA did not clarify if any spectators would be allowed at its resumed tournaments, something that is likely to depend on local health and safety initiatives. On the men’s side, The PGA is targeting a return to action in mid June, but initially without fans.

The LPGA schedule for the Women's Majors is now as follows:

6-9 August
The Evian Championship
Evian Resort Golf Club, Evian-les-Bains, France

20-23 August
AIG Women's British Open
Royal Troon Golf Club, Troon, Scotland

10-13 September 
ANA Inspiration
Mission Hills Golf Club, Rancho Mirage, California

8-11 October
KPMG Women's PGA Championship
Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania

10-13 December
U.S. Women’s Open
Champions Golf Club, Houston, Texas

THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND IS CANCELLED

The North of Scotland Ladies' County Championship has been postponed until 2021 due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The North of Scotland Championship is open to all County members from Aberdeenshire, Angus, Northern Counties and Perth & Kinross. This year it was due to be played from 28-30 July 2020, at Blairgowrie Golf Club (Rosemount).

Last week, with no end to the lockdown in sight and with the safety of all involved an absolute priority, the decision was taken to cancel the event.

Perth & Kinross will remain responsible for running the championship. Discussions are in progress with Blairgowrie Golf Club about hosting the event in July next year.

The North Division Inter-County Jamboree has also been postponed until 2021.

STATEMENT FROM THE P&K LADIES' COUNTY CAPTAIN

Today, P&K Ladies' County Captain, Jillian Milne, emailed out a letter to all P&K Ladies' County members. A copy is posted below, click to enlarge.

THE NORTH DIVISION JAMBOREE IS CANCELLED

The North Division County Jamboree has been postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The North Division Jamboree winners 2019

Aberdeenshire, Angus, Northern Counties and Perth & Kinross, were due to battle it out at Monifeith Golf Links from 13 to 15 June 2020. The aim, as normal, would have been to win the North Division Jamboree and secure a place at the Scottish County Finals. But, then these are not normal times.

This week, with no end to the lockdown in sight, the North Division Captains made the inevitable decision to cancel their Jamboree. Both the South and West Divisions have already done so. And, unless there is better news soon, the East Division is almost certain to follow.

The Perth & Kinross Ladies' County Team, who won the North Division Jamboree at Ballater last year, will now have to wait until next year to defend their title.

THE SOLHEIM CUP WILL NOT BE MOVED

The 2021 Solheim Cup will not be moved even if 2020 Ryder Cup is postponed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

There has been speculation that the 2020 Ryder Cup, due to be played from 25 to 27 September, could be pushed back to September 2021, if fans are not allowed to attend this year because of coronavirus restrictions.

LPGA commissioner, Mike Whan is, however, adamant that the 2021 Solheim Cup will not be moved.

"Nothing drowns out a Solheim Cup. We wouldn’t change our Solheim Cup if the Ryder Cup changed theirs"

"There are a lot of big events in men's golf that make us kind of side step, whether it's the Masters or the Players Championship, that has so many hours of TV, we try to not play during some of those weeks."

"But the Solheim Cup will be just fine no matter when it's played or where it's played. I've said many times it's the greatest spectacle showcase in women's golf and we'll be just fine in 2021."

Catriona Matthew, who led Europe to a sensational win by 14½ to 13½ at Gleneagles last year, has been reappointed as the European Solheim Cup Captain for 2021.

KARIN SHARP HANDED LEADERSHIP OF SCOTTISH GOLF

Scottish Golf has asked Karin Sharp, their current Chief Operating Officer, to lead the organisation with immediate effect.

Following on from yesterday's shock announcement about the departure of Scottish Golf CEO, Andrew McKinlay, Scottish Golf issued out a further statement this morning.

Eleanor Cannon, Chair of Scottish Golf said:

“The Board and Executive Team have had to make very tough decisions in order to focus on ensuring we are in a sustainable position going forward when courses reopen. With many clubs feeling the financial strain, which in turn has had a knock-on effect on our income, we have prioritised expenditure accordingly. Now more than ever we need strong leadership backed up by robust actionable plans. I am very pleased to announce that The Board has invited Karin Sharp to lead the organisation with immediate effect, from her current role as Chief Operating Officer. 

Karin has outstanding operational pedigree gained through various leadership roles within RBS where her career spanned 23 years, predominately in their Corporate & Commercial Banking Division. She joined Scottish Ladies Golfing Association in November 2013 as Chief Operating Officer and, following the amalgamation in 2015, has ultimately continued in the same role for Scottish Golf."

"Karin will continue to be supported by Iain Forsyth the Scottish Golf Chief Commercial Officer. Iain has more than 30 years’ commercial leadership experience working in the golf industry. Both Karin and Iain have voluntarily decided to take a 20% pay cut for the foreseeable future."

"Scottish Golf continues to be in active dialogue with Scottish Government, sportscotland and the R&A on the up to date guidance and advice relative to the current health and economic crisis."

Eleanor Cannon stated that Scottish Golf has had to make "some very tough decisions" to remain sustainable amid the coronavirus crisis. In addition to yesterday's shock departure of CEO, Andrew McKinlay, it has reduced "a significant number" of their staff through the government furlough scheme. Earlier this month it announced that all it's remaining events and performance programmes for the 2020 had been cancelled. Something the other three home nations have so far avoided.

As part of an effort to support its 575 member clubs, Scottish Golf has also issued out a "financial health check survey" to gather information about the impact of Covid-19 on Scottish Clubs.

Karin Sharp said:

"This detail will directly contribute to, and significantly inform, our ongoing dialogue with Scottish Government in relation to the struggles faced by golf in Scotland. This information is crucial. To enable us to represent the situation accurately and effectively, I urge all clubs to complete the survey at the earliest opportunity."

SCOTTISH GOLF CEO ANDREW McKINLAY RESIGNS

Scottish Golf announced tonight that Andrew McKinlay has taken the decision to "step aside" from his role as Chief Executive Officer.

Andrew McKinlay, who had previously worked for the Scottish Football Association, has been in the role for just over two years.

His shock departure comes as Scottish Golf's member clubs are desperately looking to their governing body for some leadership and support during the coronavirus crisis.

The full statement from Scottish Golf reads as follows:

"We are living in unprecedented times and, as we are all very well aware, sport has no immunity to the impact of COVID-19. Scottish Golf, like all businesses and indeed golf clubs across the country, is having to assess its business model. The governing body has had to make some very difficult decisions regarding income and expenditure, to ensure sustainability in the current circumstances. 

"To this end, our Chief Executive, Andrew McKinlay, has decided that he should step aside in order to help the organisation come through this situation. He leaves having worked with the team on a revised structure that will be fit for purpose when we emerge from the national lockdown."

"Eleanor Cannon, Scottish Golf Chair: On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Andrew for his contribution to Scottish Golf over the past two years. He brought a wealth of experience to what can be a pressurised role."

"He has helped take the organisation forward and has now taken a very difficult decision at this challenging time. I thank him for doing so and wish him the very best for the future.”

"Andrew McKinlay: It has been a privilege to lead this fantastic organisation and, I am grateful to Eleanor and the board for the opportunity. Above all I am indebted to the team at Scottish Golf for their commitment in implementing the objectives to take the game forward towards a sustainable and, indeed, prosperous future.”

"Eleanor Cannon, Chair, Scottish Golf"

BBC GOLF BROADCASTER ANDREW COTTER GOES VIRAL

Bereft of any sport to cover during the current pandemic, Scottish freelance sports broadcaster Andrew Cotter turned to his two dogs, Olive and Mable for inspiration. The result is a brilliant piece of canine commentary.

The Dog's Breakfast Grand Final
The tag line on the twitter video - "I was bored"

Game of Bones
11 days later - "Some sports are slower. More about strategy."

Originally from Troon on the west coast of Scotland, Andrew Cotter is a freelance sports broadcaster. He mainly works for the BBC and is one of their leading commentators on Golf, Rugby, Tennis and Athletics. BBC Radio 5 sports fans will be familiar with his west coast lilt and gentle wit.

He was driving down to Cardiff to cover the Wales v Scotland Six Nations match when the Welsh Rugby Union called the game off due to fears about the developing Coronavirus situation. Within an hour of turning his car around The Masters had also disappeared from his work calendar. Other events quickly followed including the The Boat Race, the Olympics, Wimbledon and The Open.

On the weekend he should have been commentating on The 2020 Boat Race, he tweeted out the first of his hilarious videos about his dogs Olive and Mable. A second video followed on what should have been the first day at The 2020 Masters. The videos went viral.

Determined to keep busy during the lockdown, he has also started up a new podcast called The Pepper Pod with European Tour pro Eddie Pepperell. "A golf podcast born out of the strange time we live in." It's worth a listen.

In these uncertain times, a little bit of Scottish humour and broadcasting skill goes a long way.

THE SENIOR OPEN IS POSTPONED

The R&A has postponed The 2020 Senior Open due to the continuing threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Senior Open, which is Europe’s only Senior Major Championship, was scheduled to take place from 23 to 26 July 2020, at Sunningdale Golf Club.

In a statement issued by the R&A last Tuesday, Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, the Executive Director of Championships said:

“We have made the decision to postpone The Senior Open Presented by Rolex following discussions with all stakeholders and with public health and wellbeing the absolute priority. We will continue to investigate alternative options to host The Senior Open later in the year if at all possible and will make an announcement in due course.”

With The Open already cancelled, the AIG British Women's Open, at Royal Troon from 21 to 23 August, is the only professional championship left on The R&A's original schedule for 2020.

To read the full statement from The R&A click on the link below:
https://www.randa.org/senior-open-postponed

THE SCOTTISH OPEN IS POSTPONED

The European Tour has decided to postpone The Scottish Open due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, which is one of eight Rolex Series events in 2020, was scheduled to return to The Renaissance Club at North Berwick, from 9-12 July.

Earlier today, European Tour Chief Executive, Keith Pelley, released an "Update on European Tour events".  The statement confirmed as follows:

1. In consultation with Aberdeen Standard Investments, VisitScotland and Rolex, the European Tour has postponed the Scottish Open. Discussions about the possibility of rescheduling the event are ongoing.

2. The BMW International Open and the Open de France have both been cancelled.

The Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Woman's Open, due to be played at The Renaissance Club at North Berwick from 13-16 August 2020, remains unaffected for now.

To read the full statement from the European Tour, click on the link below:
https://www.europeantour.com/update-on-european-tour-events

MISSING THE MASTERS THIS WEEKEND?

It's the second weekend in April, and we should all be settling into our sofas to watch The 84th Masters at Augusta - The first men's major of the year.

Instead, the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed The 2020 Masters at until November 12-15.  Frustrating I know, but thankfully the BBC and YouTube have got some Masters golf to view. Check out the following options:

"Tiger Woods Roars Again" on BBC 2 this Sunday at 17:00 BST
Presented by Eilidh Barbour, the hour-long programme briefly charts Woods' rise to greatness, the fall that followed, the final surgery on his back and his return to glory with last year's sensational Augusta victory.

"Final-round Broadcasts at the Masters"on YouTube, 1968 to 2018
Not a Tiger fan or want to see a bit more?  No problem, all the final-round broadcasts from 1968-2018 have been gathered together in a single YouTube playlist, just click on the link below:
https://Final Rounds broadcasts at the Masters - YouTube

My choice?
That's easy. I'll be settling down to watch The 1986 Masters, one of the most exciting final rounds in Masters' history. Forty-six year old Jack Nicklaus chasing Tom Kite, Greg Norman and Seve Ballesteros. He couldn't could he...

SCOTTISH GOLF CANCELS ALL THEIR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Scottish Golf have cancelled all their events and performance programmes for 2020. They have also put the majority of their staff on furlough.

This afternoon, the chair of Scottish Golf, Eleanor Cannon, emailed a statement to all member Golf Clubs, Areas and Counties in Scotland.

To read the full statement from Scottish Golf click on the link below:
https://scottishgolf.org/statement

England Golf have also furloughed the majority of their staff, but have, as yet, only cancelled their fixtures up-to the end of July.

THE MASTERS IS PUSHED BACK TO NOVEMBER

The 84th Masters is back on the calendar for 2020.

Due to be held this week, The 2020 Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club, in Georgia, was postponed last month due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, the chairman of Augusta National Golf Club released a statement that the championship would be rescheduled to 9-15 November 2020.

Augusta National Women’s Amateur
Sadly, the decision was made to cancel this year's Augusta National Women's Amateur. The event was due to be held at Augusta National the week before The Masters. All who qualified for the event will be invited in 2021, provided they remain amateurs.

To read the full statement from the chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club, click on the link below:
https://www.masters.com/2020Masters

US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP IS RESCHEDULED TO AUGUST

The 2020 PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park, San Fransisco, has been rescheduled to 3-9 August 2020.

Due to be played in May, the PGA Championship was postponed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup is still scheduled to be played from 22 to 27 September at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin.

To read the full statement from the PGA of America, click on the link below:
https://pga.org/2020-pga-championship

THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP IS CANCELLED

The R&A has decided to cancel The Open Championship in 2020 due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The 149th Open will now be played at Royal St George’s from 11-18 July 2021 and The 150th Open at St Andrews from 10-17 July 2022.

The R&A's remaining professional and amateur championships for this year, including the AIG British Women's Open at Royal Troon in August, are all under review. Updates will be given of any further changes.

To read the full statement from The R&A click on the link below:
https://www.randa.org/The-Open-in-2020-cancelled

US OPEN IS RESCHEDULED TO SEPTEMBER

The 120th US Open Championship at Winged Foot Golf Club, New York, has been rescheduled to 17-20 September 2020.

The US Senior Open & US Senior Women’s Open Championships
In addition to the postponement of the US Open, the USGA has made the decision to cancel both the US Senior Open and the US Senior Women’s Open Championships for 2020.
 
To read the full statement from the USGA click on the link below:
https://www.usga.org/2020-US-Open-Championship

US WOMEN'S OPEN IS RESCHEDULED

The 75th US Women’s Open Championship at the Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas has been postponed to 10-13 December 2020.

To read the full statement from the USGA click on the link below:
https://www.usga.org/2020-US-Womens-Open-Championship

CURTIS CUP & WOMEN'S AMATEUR ARE RESCHEDULED

The R&A have announced that, due to COVID-19, they have postponed this year's Curtis Cup and Women’s Amateur Championship.

Both the Women’s Amateur Championship at Kilmarnock (Barassie) and the Amateur Championship at Royal Birkdale and West Lancashire are being rescheduled to the week commencing 24 August 2020.

In agreement with the USGA, the Curtis Cup is postponed until next year.

To read the full statement from The R&A click on the link below.
https://www.randa.org-amateur-championships-update

JOAN LAWRENCE MBE (1930-2020)

Joan Lawrence MBE, "a legend of Scottish Woman's Golf", passed away in hospital last Thursday night, after suffering a stroke. She was 89.

Joan at the SGLA Centenary Lunch in 2009

Please note that due to COVID-19, the funeral will be held in private.

Joan Barrie Lawrence, MBE (1930-2020)

Joan was born in Cupar in 1930. Her father was a greenskeeper at Cupar Golf Club and lived on the edge of the course. At the age of 9 she took up the game of golf. It was a beginning of an incredible amateur golf career. 

A fierce competitor with a deadly short game, she played at the highest level of the amateur game. She won the Scottish Ladies' Amateur Championship three times from 1962 to 1964, only just missing out on a fourth title when she lost in the final to Belle Robertson in 1965.

She represented Scotland at the Home Internationals twelve times from 1959 to 1970, at the European Team Championship in 1964 and at the World Team Championships three times from 1965 to 1969.

As well as playing for Scotland, she represented GB&I at the Curtis Cup in 1964 and at the Vagliano Trophy twice from 1963 to 1965, helping her team to win the Trophy in 1963. 

She was also Vice-captain at the Curtis Cup in 1970 and Captain of the GB team that won Commonwealth (now Astor) Trophy in 1971.

Joan's talents were not limited to her activities on the course. She was a highly respected organiser, administrator and selector. Her wealth of experience and knowledge was invaluable for the numerous golf committees and boards on which she served and chaired.

She was a British Selector for eight years and the Chairman of Selectors from 1986-1988, during which time GB&I won the Curtis Cup twice.

She was Chairman of the Ladies' Golf Union from 1989 to 1990, President of the Scottish Veteran Ladies' Golfing Society from 1994 to 1995 and President of the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association from 1995 to 1996. 

In 1999, Joan was awarded a MBE, "For services to Ladies' Amateur Golf", in the Queen's Birthday Honour's List.

She was a great character and a great golfer. She will be missed by many.

Her golfing achievements include:

Rep. Scotland at the Girls' Home Internationals 1949

Rep. Scotland at the Ladies' Home Internationals from 1959 to 1970

Scottish Ladies' Champion 1962, 1963 & 1964, Runner-up 1965
Member of the Vagliano Trophy team 1963 & 1965, GB&I won it in 1963
Member of the Curtis Cup team 1964
Rep. Scotland at the World Team Championship 1964
Rep. Scotland at the European Team Championship 1965 (2nd), 1967 & 1969
Vice-Captain of the Curtis Cup team 1970
Captain of the winning GB team at the Commonwealth (Astor) Trophy 1971
East of Scotland Champion 1971 & 1972
Scottish Veteran Ladies' Champion 1982, 1983 & 1984
Fife County Ladies' Champion 18 times, starting in 1953
Regular member of the Fife County Ladies' team for over 30 years
Aberdour Club Champion 12 times
Dunfermline (Canmore) Club Champion

Her other non-golfing roles include:
International Selector 1973-1976 and 1980-1983
Chairman of Selectors 1986-1988, GB&I won the Curtis Cup twice

Chairman of the Ladies' Golf Union 1989-1990

President of the Scottish Veteran Ladies' Golfing Society 1994-1995

President of the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association 1995-1996

Captain of Aberdour Golf Club 1997-1998, 1st woman Club Captain

Captain of Fife County Ladies' Golf Association

Awards:
MBE "For services to Ladies' Amateur Golf", 1999

COLIN FARQUHARSON HAS DECIDED TO RETIRE

Colin Farquharson, the editor of the Scottish View Golf website, has decided to call it a day. He will no longer be posting on the blog.

Based in Aberdeen, Colin’s career in journalism began in 1953 as a copy boy for the Press & Journal. After he retired as Sports Editor for the newspaper in 1997, he continued to promote the game of golf as a freelance golf writer and photographer.

The Scottish Golf View website launched in May 2006. At that time there were no smart phones or tablets and social media was still in it's infancy. With Colin's enthusiasm for posting news about all Scottish golf and Scottish golfers, whether home or abroad, it quickly gathered a loyal fan base. At it's peak in 2015, it had over 175,000 hits in a single month.

Over the years, Colin's efforts to promote the great game of golf did not go unnoticed by his peers. In 2018, the Association of Golf Writers awarded him an honorary lifetime membership.

Colin has always been a great supporter of Scottish women's amateur golf. His coverage of the progress and success of all our junior, woman and senior golfers will be missed.

We wish Colin a very happy retirement.

SCOTTISH GOLF UPDATE - NO GOLF, PLEASE STAY AT HOME

Scottish Golf has asked all golfers in Scotland to refrain from golf until further notice.  To read their full statement click on the link below:
https://scottishgolf.org/covid-19-update-monday-23-march-2020/

The message from the Government and Scottish Golf is clear.

For now, golf is NOT an option. Instead, we must all stay at home and play our part in containing the spread of COVID-19.

We'll keep you posted on any further updates from Scottish Golf. In the meantime stay safe, follow all the Government guidelines and look after yourselves.

P&K MATCHES v STIRLING, FIFE & P&K MEN - CANCELLED

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, all our annual friendly County matches in March and April have been cancelled. The matches affected are:

March 2020
Sunday 22 - P&K v Stirling & Clackmannan County at Crieff - Cancelled

April 2020
Sun. 12 April - P&K v Fife County at Dunnikier - Cancelled
Sat. 18 April - P&K v P&K County Men at Kinross - Cancelled

Whether any of these fixtures can be re-scheduled to a date later in the season is unclear.

ANNUAL MAILING

The County Fixture Books are in production and will be issued out to the clubs shortly, but in an effort to get things moving we’ve already sent out a County email to our members with an advance copy of the following:

1. Captain’s Newsletter
2. Fixture List
3. Membership Renewal Form

If for any reason you've not received the email, please contact the Secretary!

Renewal Form
Please return your completed form along with your annual subscription to our Treasurer, Catherine Monks. All the details you need are on the form.

Fixture List
There are some cracking venues for our events this year including the North of Scotland, which we are hosting on our home turf at Blairgowrie. Make sure you get all the dates in your diary.

Finally
More information about our competitions will follow, including options to enter online, so keep an eye on your inbox and the website.

P&K COUNTY GOLF - HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2019

What a great year for Perth & Kinross County Golf. Lots to shout about, with some amazing performances from our Juniors and Seniors at County, National and International level. 

For a selection of this year's highlights click on the slideshow below.

Have a wonderful festive season and a very happy New Year when it comes.

GIRLS' GOLF HUBS - REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Scottish Golf has launched 60 new Girls' Golf Hubs across Scotland.

Building on the success of this year's Solheim Cup at Gleneagles, the aim of the new Hubs is to introduce girls to golf in a friendly and fun environment.

There are six Hubs in Perth & Kinross. They are located at:

- Blairgowrie Golf Club
- Crieff Golf Club
- Dunning Golf Club
- Murrayshall Golf Club
- Milnathort Golf Club
- Strathmore Golf Club

To find out more, and how to register your interest, click on the link below:
Scottish Golf: Girls' Golf Hubs

P&K COUNTY SENIOR SQUAD - WINTER COACHING

The first Session of Winter Coaching for 2019/20 took place yesterday at Strathmore Golf Club. Nine of our Senior Squad attended. The weather was cold, but sunny and dry.

The Squad worked on their skills on the short course under the guidance of our coach Karyn Dallas. The focus was on winter practise and short game.

THE SOLHEIM CUP - MATTHEW GOES FOR THE DOUBLE

Congratulations to Catriona Matthew who has been reappointed as the European Solheim Cup Captain for 2021.

Gleneagles 2019

Catriona Matthew, who led Europe to a sensational win by 14½ to 13½ at Gleneagles this year, has been handed the chance to complete the double on USA soil in two years time.

Her appointment was announced at Gleneagles today. You can read the full Ladies European Tour Press release here

Matthew said "I'm thrilled and honoured to Captain Team Europe again..." "Winning the Solheim Cup in Scotland was a dream come true, but backing that up with a win in America would be even better." You can read more about her own personal reaction to the appointment here

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

P&K COUNTY SENIOR SQUAD - ANNOUNCED

Our Match Secretary, Caroline Henderson, has confirmed the P&K Ladies' County Senior Squad for 2019/20.  The full squad is listed below.

GOLFSIXES LEAGUE - REGISTRATION

Registration for next year's GolfSixes leagues is now open!

How does it work? Scottish Golf confirmed as follows:

"Run in partnership with the Golf Foundation, the leagues provide junior beginner golfers who have no handicap or 37 and above the opportunity to represent their club in team-based playing opportunity that is fast and fun." 

"This is an inter-club competition where local clubs work collaboratively to provide a positive playing experience through simple points scoring that will retain the children’s interest in the sport." 

"Teams take part in a standardised format which can be easily organised and administered by the PGA Professional or Club Volunteer."

To find out more, and how your club can get involved, click on the link below:
☛ Scottish GolfSixes Leagues 2020

The closing date is 6th December 2019.

EAST LOTHIAN GIRLS WIN KINGSBARNS GIRLS CLASSIC

Congratulations to East Lothian County Girls, Abercrombie Nisbet and Lucy Hall, who along with Scottish Professional Gabrielle Macdonald won the 2019 Kingsbarns Girls Classic last Saturday.

Every County in Scotland was invited to send two girls to play in the event. After a quick warm up on the driving range and putting green, each of the County pairs was joined by a Scottish Professional or Internationalist to play in a Texas Scramble over the Kingsbarns Golf links. There was lunch for all the competitors in the clubhouse afterwards.

28 girls travelled from all over Scotland to play at Kingsbarns

The Perth & Kinross County Girls' duo of Katy Alexander (Blairgowrie) and Kirsten Miller (Strathmore) were partnered by Jasmine Mackintosh (Hazelhead) and came third. Well done girls!

KINGSBARNS GIRLS CLASSIC

Good luck to Katy Alexander (Blairgowrie) & Kirsten Miller (Strathmore) who are playing in the Kingsbarns Girls Classic today.

The Scottish Junior Girls event was set up in 2018 as a legacy of the 2017 British Women's Open, which was held at Kingsbarns Golf Links.

Each County in Scotland was invited by Scottish Golf to select two girls to take part. This year the girls will be joined by a Scottish female PGA Professional, Ladies European Tour Player or Scottish Internationalist to play as a team in a Texas Scramble format.

AGM & PRIZE GIVING - SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER

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

Above is a selection of photos of our prize-winners.

Ladies' County Captain, Jillian Milne, chaired the meeting, which saw some changes to the Committee.

Retiring this year:
We are sad to announce that after five years as President Pam Drysdale has decided to retire. Our Captain, Jillian Milne, paid tribute to all the hard work and support she has given to the County over the years. Pam's last duty was to present the trophies at the prize-giving.

Fiona Johnston also retired after serving 3 years on Committee.

New Additions:
We are delighted to announce that Dawn Butchart (Strathmore) is our new Honorary President. Pam Drysdale proposed her appointment at the AGM. It was unanimously agreed. A former Team member, Secretary and Captain for our County, Dawn brings a wealth of experience to the post.

We also have two new Committee members, Kathleen Duncan (Pitlochry) and Gwen Tate (Milnathort).

Honorary Membership:
Our Captain, Jillian Milne, proposed that Honorary membership be given to Pat Colquhoun. A former Treasurer and Captain, Pat has been a long and faithful supporter of the County and the County Team. This was unanimously agreed.

She joins our three existing Honorary Members; Fiona Anderson, Pam Drysdale and Audrey Scott.

Fixtures:
Our County Secretary, Jane Yellowlees, is finalising our meetings for 2020. We will publish details of the fixtures as they are arranged.

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

RACE TO BE KING OR QUEEN OF THE CASTLE - FINAL

Well done to our P&K Squad member Kirsten Miller (Strathmore) who has qualified for the Final of the Perth & Kinross County "Race to the Castle". She is the only girl to do so.

This year's "Race to" Final will be played on Sunday 20 October 2019 at The Castle Course, St Andrews.

The annual Perth & Kinross County "Race to" series is played throughout the summer season. Junior Boys and Girls are invited to enter Junior Opens held at golf clubs across Perth & Kinross. Points are awarded for the top five scratch and the top five handicap places at each open.

At the end of the season, the top eight players overall and the top four U14 players qualify for the final in October.

PRODREAM USA EXPERIANCES - KIRSTY BRODIE

Great interview with this year's Perth & Kinross Ladies' County Champion, Kirsty Brodie (Strathmore). Watch as she talks to Scottish Golf about her journey from a junior at Strathmore Golf Club to a student in America.

In March this year Scottish Golf Ltd. announced a new partnership with ProDreamUSA. Based in Glasgow, the company is a US Golf Scholarship Consultancy.

This is the second of three in-depth interviews by Scottish Golf with former ProDreamUSA clients.

AGM MEAL - SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER

Dear Members, 

This year's P&K Ladies' County Annual General Meeting will be held at 2.30pm on Sunday 20 October at Blairgowrie Golf Club.

AGM Meal:
We have organised a meal for after the AGM. Click on the link below. 
 1. 2019 AGM Menu.pdf

If you intend to eat, please email the Secretary, Jane Yellowlees, with your order no later than Monday 14 October 2019. 

Email: pandkcountyladies1@aol.co.uk

Please make sure you identify your choices clearly and let us know if you have any Special Dietary Requirements. Payment will be taken on the day. Please note that any orders received will be liable for payment. 

I look forward to seeing you there.

Jillian Milne
Captain

For a copy of the AGM Agenda & Previous Minutes - Click Here

CARNOUSTIE AUTUMN TEST - RESULTS

Congratulations to Lorna McClymont (Milngavie) who won the inaugural Carnoustie Autumn Test yesterday.

Due to the weather conditions the event was cut from 36 holes to 18.

Lorna McClymont (Milnagavie) shot a fantastic one-under-par gross score of 67 over the Buddon Course to win the event by 4 shots. The runner-up was Jasmine MacKintosh (Hazelhead) who pipped Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne) to second place by virtue of a better inward half. They both finished on a score 71.

P&K Team member Jen Saxton (Muckhart) finished in 11th place on 79.

Leading Scores
1  Lorna McClymont (Minagavie)  67
2  Jasmine MacKintosh (Hazelhead) 71
3  Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne) 71
4  Tara McTaggart (Minto) 71

CARNOUSTIE AUTUMN TEST

Good luck to P&K Team Member Jen Saxton (Muckhart) who is playing in the Carnoustie Autumn Test this Sunday.

The Carnoustie Autumn Test is a new 36-hole stroke-play competition. It is the last event on the 2019 Scottish Women's Order of Merit calendar.

Some of the country's best female amateur golfers and a select number of professionals will compete over the Buddon Links Course.

Leading amateurs include Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne), who was one of three Scots selected for the GB&I Curtis Cup squad this week, and the 2019 Scottish Woman's Amateur Champion, Kimberly Berveridge (Aboyne).

AGM NOTICE - SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER

Dear Members,

Our 2019 Annual General Meeting will be held at 2:30pm on Sunday 20th October at Blairgowrie Golf Club.

AGM Papers:
For a copy of the AGM Papers click on the documents listed below.
Please bring a copy with you to the AGM.
1. 2019 AGM Agenda
2. 2018 AGM Minutes

AGM Meal:
We have organised a meal for after the AGM. The menu is to follow. Once it has been circulated, please email our Secretary, Jane Yellowlees, with your order.

Email: pandkcountyladies1@aol.co.uk

I look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Jillian Milne
Captain

LAURA CAMPBELL WINS CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

Huge congratulations to Laura Campbell (Pitlochry) who won the Perth & Kinross Ladies' Champion of Champions at Blairgowrie Golf Club today.

Laura Campbell (Pitlochry) & Jillian Milne (County Captain)

Laura Campbell shot a three-over-par scratch score of 77 over the Rosemount Course to win the title by 4 shots. The runner-up was the defending champion Isla Moncrieff who shot 81.

This tops off a great season for Laura who plays off a handicap of 2. Not only did she win the Pitlochry Ladies' Club Championship this year, but she was also a member of the Perth & Kinross Ladies' County team that finished second at the 2019 Scottish Women's County Finals at Peebles.

Rosemount Course: Par & SSS 74 - CSS 77

The Leading Scores were:
Laura Campbell - Pitlochry Ladies' Club Champion  77
Isla Moncrieff - Aberfeldy Ladies' Club Champion  81
Jen Saxton - Muckhart Ladies' Club Champion  82

P&K LADIES' CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - DRAW

Below is the draw for the 2019 P&K Ladies' Champion of Champions at Blairgowrie Golf Club this Sunday. Click to enlarge.

WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS' CHAMPIONSHIP

Good luck to the trio of Katy Alexander (Blairgowrie), Hannah Darling (Broomieknowe) and Carmen Griffiths (Aboyne) who've been selected to play for Scotland at the World Junior Championship.

This year's World Junior Championship is at Angus Glens Golf Club, in Canada, from 24 to 27 September.

20 teams from 19 Countries, the host Canada has two teams, will battle it out over 4 days and 72 holes for both individual and team honours.

SCRATCH LEAGUE 2019

The Scratch League AGM and Dinner was held last night at Strathmore Golf Club and our congratulations go to Pitlochry Golf Club who won the league. The league was very close with both Pitlochry and Strathmore finishing on 4 points however Pitlochry pipped Strathmore with more games won with 9 and Strathmore one behind on 8.

Above is Kay Knight being presented the trophy from this years organiser Dawn Butchart along with Pitlochry team members Laura Campbell and Lauren Pirie.

If your club would like to put forward a team for 2020 please contact Jill Milne who is the organiser for next year.

GREENSOMES AT DUNNING - RESULTS

What a perfect day for a game of Greensomes at Dunning Golf Club. The course was in lovely condition. All the ladies who played had a fun day.

The Results were as follows:

Best Nett
1  C. Henderson & S. MacDougall  (13.6) 72.4
2  H. Cunningham & M. Brydson  (16.2) 72.8
3  McCrorie & J. Simpson  (22.2) 73.8

Best Gross
1  A. Stockley & C. Muir  83 BIH
2  L. Sharp & M. Mackie  83
3  J. Milne & G. Tate  85

The Winners of the Raffle were:
1  M. Chapman
2  G. Tate

THE SOLHEIM CUP - EUROPE WIN ON SUPER SUNDAY!

Congratulations to Catriona Matthew and the European Solheim Cup Team. What a fantastic win for Europe! 

And, it all led to one moment... 

....on the last day, the last match, the last green and the last putt...

What a win for Europe!  What a win for women's golf!

GREENSOMES AT DUNNING - DRAW

Below is the draw for the Greensomes.  Click to enlarge.

COUNTY GIRLS - McPHERSON MEDALS RESULTS

There was a great turn-out at the last of this year's Perth & Kinross County Junior Girls events, which was held at Strathmore Golf Club today.

18-hole Girls with the P&K County President, Pam Drysdale

McPherson Medals
Congratulations to Katy Alexander (Blairgowrie) who won the Scratch with a one-over-par gross score of 74 and Lauryn Henry (Milnathort) who won the Handicap with a fantastic nett 65.

9-hole Girls

Leitfie Course 9-holes

It was nice to see some of the Strathmore girls joining in the 9-hole event. 

GREENSOMES AT DUNNING - LAST CALL FOR ENTRIES

A wee reminder that our last County Meeting this year is a Greensomes at Dunning Golf Club on Thursday 19 September.

So, if you want to enjoy a fun game on Dunning's wee cracker of a course, you need to grab a partner and get your entries in now!

The Convenor is our Match Secretary, Caroline Henderson. All the details you need are in your Fixture Book.

MIDLOTHIAN PAIR WIN COMMONWEALTH SPOONS FINAL

Congratulations to the Midlothian County pairing of Valerie Mackenzie (Murrayfield) & Margaret Fergusson (Murrayfield) who won the 2019 Scottish Commonwealth Spoons Final at Pollok Golf Club today.

Commonwealth Spoons Results
In horrendous weather conditions, Valerie Mackenzie (Murrayfield) & Margaret Fergusson (Murryfield) from Midlothian posted a fantastic nett score of 74.5 to top the leaderboard and win the final by two shots.

Ann Brown (Deer Park) & Kay Cuthbertson (Liberton), who were also representing Midlothian, pipped the Aberdeenshire pairing of P. Halliwell (Banchory) & Gillian MacKenzie (Banchory) to second place by virtue of a better inward half. Both pairs finished with a nett score of 76.5.

P&K Ladies' County Scores
Lenore Kyle (Kinross) & Carol Lambie (Dunkeld & Birnam) finished in 14th place with a nett score of 81.

Val Dolton (Muckhart) & Avril Hendry (Muckart) finished in 31st place with a nett score of 86.5.

COUNTY FINALS - PERTH & KINROSS FINISH SECOND

Ayrshire won the Scottish Women's County Finals for the 1st time in 49 years at Peebles Golf Club this weekend. Perth & Kinross finished second.

Perth & Kinross Ladies' County Team & Committee

Ayrshire were crowned the 2019 Scottish County Champions after winning all three of their matches at the weekend. They beat Fife 7-2, Perth & Kinross 6-3 and Dumfriesshire 7-2.

Perth & Kinross secured the runner's-up trophy after they won two out of their three matches. They beat Dumfriesshire 5-4, lost to Ayrshire 3-6 and beat Fife 5.5-3.5.

The final match points were as follows:
Ayrshire 3
Perth & Kinross 2
Dumfriesshire 1
Fife 0

Day 3 Results:
Perth & Kinross won against Fife,  5.5 - 3.5
Ayrshire won against Dumfriesshire, 7 - 2

Morning (Foursomes) - Perth & Kinross v Fife
Perth & Kinross won 2 - 1

Click on image to enlarge

Afternoon (Singles) - Perth & Kinross v Fife
Perth & Kinross won 3.5 - 2.5

Click on image to enlarge