CERTIFICATES AWARDED

Jude Archibald received his Level Two Certificate this week from Coach Gareth

Lewis Avolio also received his level Two certificate

Well done boys, next step fun handicap on Leitfie!

SPOT THE JUNIOR!

Iain Butchart decided to follow the trend and wear the team top! Congratulations to Tod Bannerman, Cory Miller, Callum Ewan and Frankie Moran who played in the Red Cross on Sunday 25th, winning it again for the third year!

Apologies for the quality of the photographs. We'll try to get better ones taken at the AGM/Prize Giving.

MESSAGE FROM GENTS CAPTAIN

I received this message from Gents Captain Eric Gray.

On behalf of the whole of Strathmore Golf Club I would like to congratulate Junior Convenor Iain Butchart and the whole Junior Section on their fantastic achievements this season.
To be runners up in the Junior Scratch League is indeed a great feat, all the more so when you consider that it is only in the last three years that we have had a team in this event.
The sporting behaviour of all our Juniors has won us much praise from other clubs.
Once again many Congratulations to all our Juniors.

Thank you Eric for you kind words. It makes all the hard work we put in worthwhile.

ANOTHER BUSY DAY OUT OF THE OFFICE

Headed off at 8 am and dropped off Michael Brodie at Craigiehill where the Autumn meeting was taking place. Michael finished 7th in the under 16 section , Rory Tinker 2nd in the under 18 section and Alex Simpson took 2nd spot in the under 14's with Brad a close 5th. Well done to you all.
Kirsty Brodie and myself had entered the SLGA Adult and Girl Foursomes event at Auchterarder and we had a brilliant time highlighted by 2 birdies . We finished 4th in our section with 32 points and only missed out of the prizes by 1 point (my fault)
Over the fence at Gleneagles Emily Aird took 3rd place in the Champion of Champions played over the Queens Course . Well done .
On my return to Strathmore our 4 boy team were just getting ready to play the back nine in the British Red Cross Day event and were a couple under par for the front nine (but had lost the Red Cross Ball) I watched them tee off and went to watch some of the Solheim Cup. When they came in they had also done well on the back nine and we waited in expectation for the results to be called. With 2 Kirriemuir teams and Blairgowrie also playing Strathmore who had won the event for the last 2 years were declared as being 1st and made it a Hat Trick of wins. Congratulations to Tod Bannerman , Callum Ewan , Cory Miller and Junior Captain Frankie Moran who made an excellent acceptance and thank you speech on behalf of the competitors .

With so much going on I hope I haven't missed anything out. Back to work for a rest tomorrow - oh just remembered Junior coaching Monday night 6-7 & 7.15-8.15 !!!!!!!

PHOTO'S FROM THE FINALS

STRATHMORE FINISH RUNNERS UP IN SCRATCH LEAGUE FINAL

I have spent a helter skelter day of emotions and it started very early (check time of previous post) After watching Great Expectations (great book and film) I set off to assist Gareth at the Coaching . I took Molly Castle and Aaron Inglis out to do their 1st Certificates unfortunately both failed at their 1st attempt but both achieved it at the 2nd attempt. Molly was unbelievable scoring a 4 on the 1st and sinking a putt from off the 9th green for a 3 making a total of 7 wow ! High fives ! Brilliant ! (a wee birdie tells me Molly earned her 1st pair of golf shoes because of her feat) Jude Archibald and Lewis Avolio were presented with their 2nd Certificates then it was off to pick up Dawn and Hannah . We arrived at Gleneagles and Michael Brodie was 1st to arrive closely followed by Rory Tinker and Emily Aird . Ross Dallas and Rory Dyce arrived in plenty of time and all 5 took advantage of the facilities to warm up. With a strong travelling support of Rory Tinker's parents Mark and Dawn Tinker plus grandparents Peter and Chris, Emily's family Alistair, Alison, Megan and Abigail. Michael's dad Ron, also squad members Hannah Robb and Brad Bannarman who was also accompanied by his mum Gail and fellow junior member Tod. Also to Janet Griffiths and Dawn Butchart who all gave up their time to come to support our team. Ross's mum Karyn Dallas should also deserve a special mention for making the trip from Kirriemuir twice to ensure that Ross and Rory arrives safely and were brought back home.

Photos taken play commenced and with Blairgowrie fielding their strongest team they quickly built up a lead in 4 of the matches , as we approached halfway Michael had maintained his form and lead and Ross and Rory D had started to peg their opponents back but as we started to run out of holes Blairgowrie tightened their hold on the matches and Bradley Neil led their team to a well deserved victory . We returned to Strathmore (without Emily who is playing in the Champions of Champions back at Gleneagles tomorrow , wishing her all the best) to enjoy a meal courtesy of the Centre . Many thanks from the Juniors involved and we will be back next year more determined to go one step further and sitting with the team tonight the banter was great . I have so much fun and enjoy seeing the the Juniors develop their games and the feedback I get from them is fantastic!

It's now off too bed , early start , 8am pick up for Michael and Kirsty Brodie , drop Michael at Craigiehill who along with Rory Tinker , Brad Bannerman and Alex Simpson are playing at Craigiehill in the P&K Autumn Meeting then off to Auchterarder for the SLGA Adult and Girl Championship whilst keeping in touch with Emily and our team who are taking part in the British Red Cross Day event at Strathmore .

Photographs to follow.

BIG DAY DAWNS

Captain Frankie was correct - its just like Xmas for me and I know what present I want our team to get today . Hopefully they are all still asleep and getting a good rest before making their way to Gleneagles . I am so looking forward to seeing our team do themselves proud in the final . I know the hours of practice each player has put in and today is the climax of all that hard work . Our team take their place in the final with a 100% winning record , having already beaten todays opponents Blairgowrie in the qualifying stages and if they stay focused there is no reason they cannot repeat that success .

My message to the team is " Enjoy the experience , be confident , walk with your shoulders back and your heads held high , smile , be focused on each shot , play the shots you've practised , be proud of what you've achieved , make your opponent win any hole , remember in match play the holes not finished until the balls in the cup and finally believe in yourselves you all have the ability and your track records this year is 2nd to non , now just go out there and do it for yourself and the rest of the team especially Allan , Hannah and Brad "

I know each player will give me total commitment on the day and that is all I can ask for . They are winners and have proved all season how good they are individually and as a team .

CERTIFICATES AWARDED

Congratulations to Rhys Fraser who tonight received his Level One and Level Two Certificates from Coach Garth. Iain is delighted that so many of this years new members have reached these levels so soon.

Next stop for Rhys is a fun Handicap on Leitfie.

Also tonight Junior Convenor Iain Butchart accompanied new member Ben Anderson for his final card for handicap. Ben has been awarded a handicap of 48! Well done Ben.

Message From The Junior Captain

As the weekend approaches the 5 juniors who have been selected for the Scratch League Final at Gleneagles must be extremely nervous and excited, let alone the sleepless nights that Iain must be feeling! I would just like to wish the team the best of luck with their matches, and of course this is like Christmas for Iain Butchart, so just a quick message to him. Don't worry your team will do you proud!

BEST WISHES RECEIVED FROM GENTS CAPTAIN ERIC GRAY ON BEHALF OF THE GENTS AND LADIES SECTIONS

On behalf of the team I would like to thank Eric for his encouragement and will pass on his and the sections best wishes for tomorrows Final.

PS only one more sleep for the team and one more sleepless night for me

Rory Tinker, Ross Dallas , Emily Aird , Michael Brodie and Rory Dyce will create another piece of history by becoming the first Strathmore team to participate in a final and can complete their unbeaten run and lift the Scratch League Trophy . I am confident that our team have both the desire and ability to see them through .          

HANNAH OUT FOR A MINIMUM OF 12 WEEKS

The results of the xray reveal a fracture of the Radius (bone in forearm going from elbow to thumb) and will be in plaster for 6 weeks . The hospital have told Hannah it will take another 6 weeks before she can swing a club !!!! 

INJURY RULES HANNAH OUT OF FINAL TEAM

A tearful Hannah Robb called me yesterday after injuring her hand whilst playing a ball from the rough at Elmwood . She had a splint fitted after attending the local Hospital and was today referred to St Andrews for an xray and has told me that she will have to keep the splint on for 2 weeks and then have another xray done and may be out of action for a month. The Junior Section send Hannah our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

We are very fortunate to have such strength in depth in our squad and Rory Dyce is ready , willing and able to step up to the tee .

TODAY WE LOOK AT OUR BOYS FORM IN OUR RUN TO THE FINAL

Rory Tinker will lead out our team on Saturday with a 2 wins out of 2 record (he missed out on the semi final because he had been selected to represent P&K in the Gary HarveyTrophy where he had a 3 wins out of 3 , good practice for the final)

Ross Dallas who has led out the team twice has a 2 win , 1 half record so is also undefeated in this seasons matches. He has been a tremendous addition to our squad this year and his attitude and play has fitted in perfectly with his team mates.

Michael Brodie has a 3 wins out of 4 record , having played in every round and although he lost once he has recorded the biggest winning margin , a 7&6 against Pitlochry.

I am sure all 3 boys can keep up their impressive match play results and with our 2 girls both having 100% records the confidence within the team is sky high.

PS only 3 sleeps to go !

BUILD UP TO FINAL CONTINUES

Girl Power gives us an edge. Having Emily Aird and Hannah Robb in our team is definitely an advantage against the all boy Blairgowrie Team and our boys agree.

Fact - Boys don't like losing to girls = added pressure

Fact - PGA Centenary Course length difference Boys (White) 6757 yds - Girls (Red) 5271yds
= 1486 yds less (average 82.5 yds per hole) = added pressure

Fact - SSS White 74 Red 72 = added pressure

Fact - Girls Scratch League Match Play record - Emily Aird played 3 won 3 , Hannah Robb played 4 won 4 = added pressure

Fact - This adds up to a lot of extra pressure on the Boys who play our Girls and does give us an edge.


ps only 4 sleeps to go !

CERTIFICATES AWARDED

Tonight Junior Convenor Iain Butchart presented three Certificates to juniors. The first was to Arran Fraser who was awarded a Level One.

The second was to Ben Anderson who has achieved both Level One and Two.

And the third junior was Michael Morrison who has achieved level one.

Well done to all boys.

PETER MATTNER AND LOUIS WALKER AWARDED THEIR FUN HANDICAPS ON LEITFIE

Yesterday I took Peter and Louis out for their 3rd card's .

Peter has been awarded a 38 handicap and Louis a 54 handicap. Well done both and we look forward to you reducing them dramatically.

UPDATED TEAM NEWS FOR SCRATCH LEAGUE FINAL

Just after midnight last night I received a phone call from Allan Easton to let me know he had been called offshore with his work and would not be home until the 30th . I am disappointed for Allan who has played for our team for the last 4 years and will miss out on his last chance to feature in the final but I am delighted for Hannah Robb who has confirmed her availability to play. Hannah has a 100% record in Junior Scratch League matches this season and originally was down as 1st reserve only because the team places are awarded in exact handicap order. It was going to be disappointing for Hannah if she had not been in the team but she now has the chance to win 5 out of 5.

Andy Stewart , Junior Convenor at Crieff called me this morning to wish us luck.

Only 5 sleeps to go !

P&K RETAIN THE UNDER 15 FRANK THOMSON TROPHY

Michael Brodie was part of the triumphant Perth & Kinross team at Gleneagles today. Well done and your inside knowledge of the course will assist the team for next weeks final .

SCRATCH LEAGUE FINAL STRATHMORE V BLAIRGOWRIE

The opponents for next Saturday's final has been confirmed as Blairgowrie who won 4&1 against Crieff at Auchterarder today.

Blairgowrie finished runners up in our section and we played against them in the qualifying stages winning 3 1/2 v 1 1/2 .

I am looking forward to the final and know I our team can't wait !!!! only 6 sleeps !!

KIRSTY AND HAZEL ATTEND WEEKEND INTRODUCTION AT INVERCLYDE

Kirsty Brodie and Hazel McGarvie are spending this weekend at the joint SGU/SLGA Scottish Golf Academy Programme being held at Inverclyde . I will report their feedback in due course and know both girls will gain a lot from the experience.

TOMORROW SEES MICHAEL BRODIE MAKES HIS COUNTY DEBUT

Michael will play in the 6 boy Frank Thomson Trophy at the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles tomorrow against Fife and Clackmannan. This will give him a practice round at the venue for next Saturdays Scratch League Final, bonus. Play well Michael and hopefully you can help P&K retain the trophy.

THE BUILD UP FOR THE FINAL STARTS TODAY

I am delighted to announce our team for next weeks Scratch League Final.

Allan Easton
Rory Tinker
Ross Dallas
Emily Aird
Michael Brodie

Reserves

Hannah Robb
Rory Dyce
Brad Bannerman

We will not know our opponents until after this Sunday's 2nd semi final but with all of our 5 category one players confirming their availability I am confident that our squad not only have the ability but over the last 4 years they we have built up a tremendous team spirit and winning mentality and we can approach the final with confidence having secured 17.5 match wins out of 20 in the qualifying stages.

As Junior Convenor I am delighted the investment Strathmore Golf Centre have made towards the Junior Section is paying such rich rewards . Not only have we reached the Scratch League Final but 3 of our squad are currently attending Elmwood College to follow a career in the Golf Industry .

With other Clubs struggling to attract Junior Members we are bucking the trend with a membership of 80 and with success breeding success I believe we can continue to grow.

Next Sunday also see our Juniors attempting a hat trick of success's in the British Red Cross at Strathmore with Junior Captain Frankie Moran , Tod Bannerman , Cory Miller and Callum Ewan making up the team.

Craigie Hill is the venue for the P&K Autumn meeting and Rory Tinker , Michael Brodie , Brad Bannerman and Alex Simpson teeing it up in the last County event .

And finally Kirsty Brodie and myself have entered the SLGA Adult and Junior Girl Foursomes Tournament at Auchterarder .

With 10 Junior Coaching sessions also taking place between now and then and a number of juniors having me mark their 3rd cards for handicap this week is going to be a bit hectic but the above achievements make all my and the sections efforts worthwhile .

OUR HISTORY OF JUNIOR SCRATCH LEAGUE PLAYERS 2008/2011

Emily Aird
Megan Aird
Brad Bannerman
Matthew Bell
Michael Brodie
Ross Dallas
Rory Dyce
Allan Easton
Grant Martin
Jamie McCowan
John McKenna
Josh Mckenna
Hannah Robb
Rory Tinker

And 9 of the these players are still available for selection for the Scratch League Final and looking forward to next year 6 of these players are still under 18 and we will have Alex Simpson , Kirsty Brodie and Hazel McGarvie snapping at their heels.

COURSE FOR 2014 RYDER CUP PLAYS HOST FOR JUNIOR SCRATCH LEAGUE FINAL

The course has been unveiled for the final - the PGA Centenary (venue for 2014 Ryder Cup)

The tee times are booked from 2pm and I for one can't wait.

PAST JUNIOR CAPTAIN PAYS A VISIT TO STRATHMORE

I was delighted to meet Matthew Bell playing with his dad at Strathmore today. He is back home after spending a year of his University degree course in Germany and it brought back a lot of happy memories.

Afterwards I spent a while looking back at our blogspot and how some of us have changed especially the younger ones. Matthew was part of our first Scratch League Squad and was delighted to hear we had qualified for our first final and wished us all the best. He hopes that this year whilst back at Aberdeen he may be back at Strathmore and we would certainly be delighted to see him back playing at the Club.

CERTIFICATE AWARDED

Congratulations to Eilidh Smith who was awarded her Level One Certificate by Junior Captain Frankie Moran. Well done Eilidh

RORY TINKER PLAYS MAJOR ROLE IN PERTH AND KINROSS UNPRECIDENTED 4TH VICTORY WHICH SEES THEM RETAIN THE GARY HARVEY TROPHY

Junior Club Champion and Past Junior Captain Rory Tinker took maximum points winning all his 3 matches - 1 up, 5&4 and 4&3 . This helped P&K retain the Gary Harvey Trophy at Braehead , Alloa against Angus , Clackmannan and Fife . I spoke to Rory last night and he was very modest about it all but with the work Rory has put into his game this is a richly deserved personal achievement and something he can be very proud of.

Well done Rory.

HISTORY WAS MADE TODAY WHEN A BRILLIANT SEMI FINAL VICTORY AGAINST KINROSS SEES STRATHMORE JUNIORS MAKE THEIR 1ST SCRATCH LEAGUE FINAL

I cannot compliment our Juniors enough for the superb display of golf they produced today at Auchterarder against a strong Kinross side. Ross Dallas led the side out and closed out his match 4&2 with a brilliant up and down on the long par 3 16th made even longer today with a severe wind blowing straight into his face. Emily Aird won 5&3 with some tremendous putting. Michael Brodie showed his grit and determination after being 4 up and losing 3 holes to be pegged back to 1 up to respond by winning 3 of the next 4 holes to close out his match 4&3. Hannah Robb led from the first hole and eased her way to a convincing 5&4 victory and Rory Dyce unfortunately met a putting machine in Ryan McLeod and lost his match.

The team will have to wait until next Sunday to find out who they play in the final. Crieff who won their group or Blairgowrie who finished 2nd in our group contest the 2nd semi final again at Auchterarder.

The final will take place on Saturday 24th September at Gleneagles and I know neither side will be looking forward to taking on our in form team who have secured 17 and 1/2 out of a possible 20 points.

I look forward to taking our team to their 1st final and know the team spirit and camaraderie they have built up will stand us in great stead and know every player will do their best.

JUNIOR SCRATCH LEAGUE HISTORIC SUNDAY

This Sunday sees our Scratch League team tee it up in the semi final against Kinross at Auchterarder in sight and touching distance of the venue for the final at GLENEAGLES.

Emily Aird , Ross Dallas , Michael Brodie , Hannah Robb and Rory Dyce make up Sunday's team.

With Allan Easton (although back home but still on standby to go back off shore) , Rory Tinker representing P&K at Alloa in the Gary Harvey Trophy being unavailable and Brad Bannerman who secured the final point in our win against Blairgowrie and who have all contributed to us getting to this stage for the first time I am supremely confident we have an exceptional strong team who have the ability to secure our place in the final and make history for Strathmore .

The second semi final takes place next week again at Auchterarder with Crieff taking on Blairgowrie .

With Strathmore being involved for only 3 years and Emily and Allan who played in our winning debut against Pitlochry on the 4th May 2008 we have made tremendous progress and have learned how to close out wins and have made Strathmore the team that nobody wants to play against . I am looking forward to seeing our team secure their well deserved place in the final and have no doubts every player will do their best.

SENSATIONAL BREAKING NEWS

Following their nominations by their relevant counties, Strathmore members Kirsty Brodie and Hazel MacGarvie have been selected by SLGA/SGU selection committee to take part in the Scottish Golf Academy programme. The selection process has been on going since March and along with the selectors being provided with club and county scores. The girls have also taken part in numerous Scottish Girls Tournaments. Both girls have sailed through the regional Talent Identifications and were put through their paces at the National Selection day at St Andrews where they were assessed by Academy Coaches, the SLGA National Coach, SLGA Performance and SLGA Development directors along with National Selectors. The day entailed assessments on chipping, pitching, bunkers, putting and 'trackman' was used to analysis their swings, consistency and ball flight. What an achievement by an 11 and 12 year old! Only 12 girls have been selected nationally and to have two of our members make it to the Scottish Academy is indeed SENSATIONAL! Well done to both!

HAMISH MCTAVISH CUP

Congratulations to Marcus Ryan who on Saturday won the Hamish McTavish Cup.

Marcus was presented with the cup by his very proud Grandad and fellow club member Andy Ramsay.

CERTIFICATES AWARDED

First to receive his Level Two Certificate was Josh Edington

Next up was Jude Archibald receiving his Level One Certificate

And finally Lewis Avolio receives his Level One Certificate

Well done to all and keep it up!