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