BIG WEEK OFF WITH A BANG

Ben has become our 7th new member of 2024 and we look forward to meeting him soon. Spaces on the coaching sessions are filling up fast. There were some handicap cuts from Saturday, which is amazing considering the conditions. This Sunday sees Strathmore B team play Auchterarder in the semi final of the Bell Salver at Alyth. The team is Cameron Redden, Conan Reid, Keegan Fergusson, Keir Reid with Alasdair Brass as reserve. With the final taking place at Gleneagles the following Saturday this gives the team all the incentive they need and I am confident the team will play their hearts out for each other. 

FANTASTIC SCORING

In absolutely atrocious conditions Stuart shot a gross 80 for 35 stableford points pipping Saoirse with a better back 9. Tremendous scoring considering the 3 club wind and the horizontal freezing rain for 6 of the holes. Big thank you to Jane Douglas who donated a beautiful Callaway trolley bag to our hire scheme which will replace one that has seen better days. The set of Yonex Ladies clubs Alice took possession of yesterday had been donated by past member Judith Gain. These generous donations make such a difference, as our older juniors are now using adult equipment, which is more expensive to purchase.

ANOTHER BUSY FRIDAY

Brothers Angus and Leo become our latest new members (5th and 6th for the season) and they came along today to be fitted for sets of Hire Clubs and trolleys and were also delighted with golf shoes from our free swap scheme. Next up was Alice who was also delighted with her clubs and shoes. Just received an email confirming our application for a grant from Scottish Golf has been successful and we will receive £500 which will help pay for the 24 sets of new clubs ordered from Golphin. The start of 2024 has been amazing and can’t wait to see what happens next. 

FALDO FUTURES

Today at Murrayshall, in horrendous conditions, Ellie-Marie, Jessica and James qualified and will join Keir at Newcastle for one of four Faldo Futures regional qualifiers. Could any of them make the Final at the Belfry ? Leighton missed out by 1 shot but is already looking forward to next year when he will still be in the 7-8 age group. Great experience for the youngsters and they will all benefit from taking part.

I am absolutely delighted to announce that Kathryn Imrie has agreed to become Strathmore Juniors new Coach. She has spent the last two years as Scotland Women's High Performance Coach so it's an honour for us to have her involved. She is really looking forward to getting started and meeting everyone. 

After a glittering amatuer career which included being 

Scottish Schools Champion 1981 &1985

Scottish Youths Champion 1983 - 1985

Scottish Girls Champion 1983

Scottish Junior Open Strokeplay Champion 1985,1986 & 1987

Played for Scotland in European Lady Junior Team Championship in 1988

Played for Scotland in European Ladies Team Championship in 1987 and 1989

Played for Great Britain and Ireland in Vagliano Trophy 1989 (winners)

Member of 1990 Curtis Cup team

She played Collegiate Golf at University of Arizona where she was the 1989 All American

She turned Pro in 1990

Played on Ladies European Tour 1991 - 2008 and LPGA  Tour 1993 - 2006, she became the first Scot to win on the LPGA Tour lifting the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic in 1995. 

Played on the European Solheim Cup Team in 1996 

At one point she held 9 Course Records worldwide - Ballater, Carnoustie, Douglas Park, Dumfries and County, Forfar, Monifieth, St Andrews, Las Cruces (New Mexico) and Kanoheklipper (Hawaii)

She worked for SKY as an on course commentator at the 2007 Solheim Cup

She has spent the last 13 years coaching mainly in America where she achieved Master Instructor status and assisted coaching the Stanford University women's Golf team.

In 2019 and 2021 she was Catriona Matthew's Vice Captain at the Solheim Cup

The experience and knowledge she brings to the role is incredible and I believe after talking to her the programme she wishes to introduce will take our players to another level. 

LOADS GOING ON

Leighton Thomas won the 2023 Leitfie Winter League and already has 2 cards in for the Summer League. Kieran and Andrew have also submitted cards, hopefully more will join in. 

Louis won against Conan in the first 13 and over match play league game, great to see this getting off the ground and it looks like more matches are being arranged. 

Loads of others out practicing and playing. 

The draw for Wednesday’s Faldo Futures at Murrayshall is below and we wish all 6 Strathmore players the best of luck. 

ANOTHER NEW HANDICAP

Season is barely a week old and James becomes the second Strathmore junior to achieve a WHS handicap.  He has also signed up for the section match play league. The 13 and over league now has 9 players and the 12 and unders 7.