Spoke to new member Callan Mackie’s dad and during the conversation he mentioned that the half set of clubs he bought at Christmas maybe were needing replaced and he was thinking of buying another set. I told him about our Club Hire Scheme and explained how it worked. I met them on Saturday before they went out for a round. Measured him for clubs and fitted him for a full 11 club set of Golphin left handed 134’s rrp £590 our annual hire charge is £25 per annum, told him as we were into August £15 was fine but he was so delighted he gave me £20 and donated his set back into the Scheme. This is why the Scheme makes so much sense, buying clubs which youngsters can outgrow within months makes no sense when the hire option is there. Dawn and I took Callan out for his 2nd card and were encouraged that after a nervous start he settled down and hit a lot of good shots. Huge potential for an eleven year old and he is keen to come out on a Saturday to play competitive golf and get his handicap. 

RECORD BREAKERS

First of all thanks to Crieff Golf Club for hosting our match against Auchterarder, the course, as always, was in great condition which is testament to their green staff. Thanks also to Perth and Kinross County Golf Union for organising and running the whole event. 

Running one of the biggest junior sections in P&K comes with loads of responsibility, hard work and endless hours behind the scenes, but Strathmore Juniors never cease to amaze me and make what Dawn and I do worthwhile. Having so many players with WHS handicaps has meant over the last few years we have been able to field two teams. It’s double the work but this week these players have responded and proved again that the set up we have created at the club works and that is the reason we attract players. Stuart Duncan led out the team today and got the first point on the board with a great 4&2 win, he nearly holed his tee shot on 13, photo below. His ball striking was very impressive along with his consistent putting. Archie Pattullo also won 4&2 and was always in control of his match. The ultimate match play player Louis Purdie won 5&3 and again proved why this format suits him so well. Joseph Frullani played very well and was ahead for most of his match before Sophie produced some great golf to win 3 holes in a row and take a 2 up lead which he couldn’t peg back and he lost 3&1. A piece of History was made today as Strathmore 2 will now play Strathmore 1 in the Final at Gleneagles next Saturday. 

Back at Strathmore Keegan Ferguson shot a gross 75 for 41 points to pip Andrew Brass, who was playing his first Summer League, and had 40 points. More handicap cuts coming up. Thanks to Diane and Rosie who accompanied the under 12’s on the course today. 

As I said before Strathmore Juniors just keep going from strength to strength and it’s a pleasure to be involved. Dawn and I are fitting Callan Mackie for his hire clubs tomorrow before taking him out to mark his card for handicap. He only joined last week as our 27th new member for 2025 and his set makes 56 for  this year. 

With 7 kids gaining Golf Scholarships in America, 8 Internationalist, 4 Greenkeepers and 7 PGA professionals, soon to be 8, over the past 10 years. Our youngster just keep on achieving and for a Club that only celebrates 30 years in existence this year, we certainly punch above our weight. 

Will be so proud next week when both teams take to the fairways at Gleneagles and may the “best team win”. One thing is certain Strathmore Golf Clubs name will be on the trophy again. 

We sold some of our half sets of ex club hire clubs to King James V1 and see they had 19 youngsters at a session this week, which is fantastic. Growing golf starts at grass roots level and keeps Clubs futures secure. 

BELL SALVER

Thanks to Auchterarder Golf Club for hosting our match against Crieff, the course, as always, was in great condition which is testament to their green staff. Thanks also to Perth and Kinross County Golf Union for organising and running the whole event. 

Our young and inexperienced team were up against a very strong Crieff side and Keegan led them out by splitting the first fairway with a terrific drive on the first. As did Keir, Struan and Olly. All off to great starts but as we all know it’s what follows that’s important. After 9 holes we had mixed results. Both Keegan and Keir were trailing but Struan and Olly were ahead. All our boys were getting shots, 2, 10, 16 and 15 respectively. Olly short game early on was very impressive and although he was being outdriven by miles he was unfazed and played his own game. Struan’s ball striking off the tee was putting pressure on his opponent especially on the 7th when he birdied the par four for a three nett two. Both Keegan and Keir reduced their deficits but unfortunately couldn’t keep their momentum going and lost their matches. Struan lost a couple of holes, one to a fantastic birdie, near hole in one, but he kept his cool and won on 16. Olly lost 16 to go back to 1 up. He halved 17 and secured his win on 18. Keegan was tasked with the playoff and his putt from off the edge of the green looked in all the way but hit the pin and lipped out. His opponent had a downhill putt to win, went for it, but missed and ran a bit past and failed with his next putt. Strathmore 1 had secured their well deserved place in the final. We have a squad of nine players with seven available for selection to the final team so Archie Loudon, Jessica Sievwright and Tom Stevenson who have already played will also be considered. Unfortunately Saoirse Sangerman and Noah Shepherd are unavailable for selection but I would like to thank all the players for making this possible. I know I have a difficult decision to make and I appreciate everyone’s contribution to getting Strathmore 1 into the final but obviously only four players can be selected. The squad have been magnificent and every player has played their part. 

LEROCH CUP RESULT

Struan Shepherd shot a great nett 70 in very windy conditions today to win the Leroch Cup by an impressive 8 shots. 

NEW MEMBER 27 FOR 2025

Callan Mackie became new member 27 for 2025 and will be fitted from our extensive range of hire clubs and will get the 56th set hired out this year. No problem him being left handed, we have these sets in stock. Making golf affordable and accessible is what we try to achieve and providing them with opportunities to play and have fun is what it’s all about. 

Another new enquiry as well !! 

AUGUST MEDAL

Keegan Fergusson took the honours today with a nett 71. 

FLAG QUALIFIER AT COMRIE

 Strathmore team of Wyatt, Oliver, Hunter and Mia finished a creditable 3rd place at Comrie. They all had a great time which is the most important thing.