CLOSE SHAVE

As I was going with the Scratch team to Blairgowrie this afternoon I played first thing this morning and missed the first coaching session but caught up with the second and was very impressed with some of the swings I saw.

Kirsty was making a bit of history today by leading out the Scratch League team, the first girl ever to do so.

Kirsty and Fraser

Alex and Scott

Tod and Arron

In what on paper should have been a straight forward win for Strathmore against Blairgowrie's 3rd team turned out anything but. I watched all the matches tee off and followed Tod's game and he lost the first and when I went ahead Kirsty was 2 down and so was Alex !! Tod began the fight back and managed to get a couple of holes up, Kirsty was still behind and Alex turned things round to go 2 up. Then Kirsty went on a run to turn things round in her match and went one up, but at the same time Alex lost 3 holes on the bounce to go to the 18th one down. Tod had won 3&2 after being dormie 5. Kirsty halved 18 to secure victory 1 up  and Alex found the trees off the the 18th tee and had to lay up but played a great shot which found the right level on the green to give him a chance. With a 20 ft putt Alex had a chance to keep Strathmore's undefeated matches record intact and he didn't let us down. 

This is the fighting spirit I have installed into our players and they will always do their best not to let themselves or their team mates down and I am so proud of each and everyone of them. Great result but so close. 

Tomorrow it's Dominika, Georgia and Molly off to County coaching at Noah's Ark and Alex is back at Lansdowne for the Junior Champion of Champions. 

Remember next Sunday is the Junior Captains Drive in Texas Scramble and I hope everyone will attend.

DATE FOR EVERYONES DIARY - JUNIOR CAPTAINS DRIVE IN - SUNDAY 8TH MAY

This years Junior Captains Drive In will take place on Sunday 8th May at 10.00am (arrive for 9.45am) This is a fun event which all juniors are invited to take part in (no handicaps required).
Junior Captain Conor's team will take on Vice Captain Alex's team. The teams, picked on the day, will be divided into groups of 3's or 4's who will play a Texas Scramble and the scores will be added together to determine the winning team. Nearest the pin prizes will be up for grabs on the 1st, 5th and 9th.
Please come along and make this a successful day for Conor and Alex, look forward to seeing you all there.               

GOOD THINGS COME IN 3

Alex plays another round at Strathmore under par (3 out of 4 this season) shooting 69 off the yellows and another handicap cut.

Kirsty has been selected to represent Scotland at under 18 level. 

Tod has been accepted for a Green Keepers course at Elmwood and becomes our latest junior to follow a golf related career. 

It fills me with pride that so many of our juniors have followed their love of golf into careers with 1 PGA Assistant Pro, 5 at University (2 in Scotland and 3 on scholarships in America) and now Tod adding to the list.

Had the pleasure to play with Alex and Kirsty tonight and I was hugely impressed with them both and it's no surprise why their handicaps have reduced so much this year. Alex drove the 2nd and 3rd greens !!

ANOTHER BIG WEEKEND AHEAD

Coaching on Saturday morning for 2 groups then it's off to Blairgowrie for a Scratch League match at 4pm, Kirsty will lead the team with Alex out second and Tod out third. With our players in such great form, confidence is high and I expect our team to deliver a result. Sunday Alex is back to Lansdowne for the Junior Champion of Champions and after winning the P&K Spring Meeting last Sunday he will be looking forward to testing himself again, can't wait to see how he does. 

The following Sunday 8th May at 10.00am will be the Junior Captains Drive In with Captain Conor taking on Vice Captain Alex in a team Texas Scramble with all juniors invited to take part in this exciting and fun competition. There will be loads of prizes up for grabs so make sure you are free to play !! Looking forward to seeing you all there. 

COACHING UPDATE

Speaking with Gareth at the coaching last night where Amy, Megan and Tod were busy working on their swings. With a howling gale blowing into the range it gave them a great chance to master the wind and we were both very impressed. He remarked on how much improvement he had seen over the last year and wasn't surprised by the subsequent improvements in handicaps. Tod hits the ball so far it's frightening, Megan mastered the "Tiger Woods stinger" but on the night I think Amy's controlled draw stole the show, it was so consistant and something I have not seen since caddying for Carly Booth.

With deteriorating weather conditions - snow blizzard !!! (April) Gareth decided to cancel the 2nd session as most of them are younger but was hoping to go ahead with the 3rd group weather permitting. 

WHAT A FANTASTIC SUNDAY FOR STRATHMORE JUNIORS

Kirsty was back for the final round at Troon and shot a great final round of 78 finished tied 26th and reduced her handicap by 0.4 to 1.6. With such a high quality field this is such a huge result for her and perhaps a real game changer. She was the 4th placed Scot and when I met her tonight she was obviously very excited about the 3 days. She told me Alex had shot 1 under at Muckhart today and will also have a handicap cut. I messaged Alex to congratulate him and when he told how Kirsty knew I was gobsmacked and so proud of the two of them. Alex had went to Gleneagles where they have P&K scholarships after playing at Muckhart for a practice and met Kirsty on the putting green as Ron had stopped for a break from driving. That is what I call dedication and why both these players are so good and now hurtling towards being scratch golfers. Just waiting for full results from Muckhart but Amy messaged to let me know she had shot 79 !!! Another handicap cut !

Result through - Alex won the scratch by 5 shots with a gross 69 and reduced his handicap to 2.0 exact and Amy came 3rd handicap with a gross 79 nett 68 reducing her handicap to 10.3 exact. 

To round off a perfect day I met up with new members Josh and Cameron Clark who are the latest juniors to take advantage of the club hire scheme and were looking forward to trying them out on the course. 

Helen Holm Scottish Women's Open Stroke Play Championship

Kirsty took her game to a new level today and how, playing in the 2nd round she shot 76 made the cut qualified in 23rd position moving up 12 places. She reduced her handicap by 0.7 to 2.0 exact. I spoke to her today and she is really excited about playing and can't wait to see what happens tomorrow. This is golf at a new level and Kirsty is feeling very comfortable playing there. 

Travelled through to Milnathort this afternoon with a full team for the Bell Trophy second leg trying to reverse last weeks result. Tod lost 1 down in a very close match, Amy lost 2&1, Conor lost 2&1, Marcus lost 6&5 and Kirsten playing her first ever match play round took it to the 18th losing out 2 down but played her heart out, enjoyed her match the highlight being a superb birdie on the uphill 5th hole where her 2nd shot finished 6 inches from the pin. Congratulations to Milnathort and we wish them all the best in the quarter finals.

Got a phone call at Milnathort from David saying we had another 2 new members making it 11 in total this year. Brothers Josh and Cameron Clark are our latest recruits and I look forward to meeting them soon.

Tomorrow it's Troon for Kirsty, Muckhart and the P&K Spring meeting for Alex, Tod, Amy, Conor and Marcus. Gleneagles P&K Junior coaching for Kirsten. So much happening it's getting hard to keep track !!!! 

DAY ONE AT HELEN HOLM AND GREAT START FOR KIRSTY

Kirsty shot an opening round 77, 2 under the css and finished tied 35th and knocked 0.5 off her handicap, now 2.7. It's early to bed tonight as she tees off at 7.30am tomorrow morning. 

KIRSTY HEADS OFF TO HELEN HOLM IN GREAT FORM

The Scottish Women's Open stroke play tees off tomorrow with Kirsty being the first Strathmore junior to qualify. With a field of 93, 50 of them with plus handicaps this is Women's amateur golf at the top level. After 2 rounds on the Portland course a cut of the top 66 and tied takes place and the final round is played over the Troon Old course. I know she is looking forward to testing herself against the best and another handicap cut would not be a surprise so let's see what happens. 

SUCCESS BREEDS SUCCESS

I am pleased to welcome Charlie McKay (Georgia's wee brother) and Ben Falconer who take our new members for 2016 to NINE. Amazing number of new members and I take great pride in what I have created at Strathmore and was even more delighted today when a member of another local club congratulated me on the work I do for Strathmore Juniors. I wish our two new members every success and know they will enjoy their memberships. Will we reach double figures ? 

P&K JUNIOR SPRING MEETING MUCKHART SUNDAY 24th APRIL

DISAPPOINTMENT

Disappointment as we could only field 4 players due to illness and because of not being made aware had no time to bring in a reserve for the first leg of the Bell Trophy. 

Tod led out the team but with Patrick having 3 birdies on the back 9 he proved too strong and he lost 2&1.

Megan found herself 4 down but fought back to square her match on 16 and after a half on 17 lost 1 down on 18.

Amy was always ahead and won convincingly 4&3.

Conor played the Junior Captain role and also secured a 4&3 victory. 

But with having to concede match 5 - we lost 2&3 and now face an uphill battle at Milnathort on Saturday where hopefully we will be able to field a full team and give ourselves a chance.

1st GAME IN DEFENCE OF THEIR TITLE FOR SCRATCH LEAGUE TEAM

Another first for Strathmore Scratch league team with the majority of them being female. Milnathort were the opponents and Alex, Kirsty and Megan were up for the challenge.

Alex led the team out and secured a great 6&5 win over Patrick Freeman.

Kirsty was next up and also won 6&5 against Cameron Wallace

Finally Megan Ashley who won 7&6 against Struan Fotheringham.

Great result for the team and tomorrow it's the Bell Trophy team to see if they can also get off to a winning start. 

ALEX RAISES THE BAR

With his second successive round of 70 Alex has reduced his handicap to 2 and if he keeps this up I can see him playing off scratch in the not too distant future. He also just missed out of becoming a member of the 60's club, 4ft putt missed on the last for a 69. Superb scoring and consistancy.

After round one of the Gents 72 hole competition he leads by 4.

IT'S HOTTING UP NOW

This doesn't get any better, oh yes it does !!! 

Firstly at the opening event in the Race to Kingsbarns, the Alyth Junior Open, Tod scored 76 gross (net 68) and finished 3rd Scratch and with 0.4 deducting to his handicap, now 7.7. He overtook Megan in the race for scratch league places,her score of 82 was just outside the buffer and took her to 7.8. With Kirsty pressing Alex for the number 1 spot, Tod and Megan battling for the 3rd spot and Amy chasing them I think we will see some exciting scoring as the season progresses. Junior Captain Conor scored 81 nett 69 and also reduced his handicap by 0.2 and will be looking to catch Amy. It is brilliant to see them all  playing so well and the camaraderie they share is special because although they are playing against each other they are also rooting for each other at the same time and that is special. 

Secondly over the last two days we have enrolled another 3 new members. Hughie Clarke, Owen Constable and Camryn Stewart. That makes 7 so far this year which is amazing as other clubs can't attract any new juniors but they don't know the secret. Think I do !!

Busy weekend ahead with gents and ladies competitions tomorrow and Megan and Amy heading off to Gleneagles to practice and play the Centenary course. Then Sunday Alex, Kirsty and Megan play at Strathmore against Milnathort in the scratch league at 3pm, so if you want to come along and support your team you would be very welcome. Then Monday it's the Bell Trophy at Strathmore against Milnathort with Tod, Megan, Amy, Conor and Marcus making the team again supporters welcome.

Coaching starts on Monday but with the first session players all playing in the Bell Trophy Gareth will be raring to go for the 6.15pm session. 

Remember if you want to get better you need to practice and for all the new members joining I need a commitment not only from the kids but also from the parents as you need to be prepared to allow your children to spend time practicing on the putting green, short game area and the course. Put aside at least a couple of hours a week so you can spend quality time with your kids and see them develop their skills and enjoy a sport that they will never outgrow or stop enjoying. It's all about having fun regardless of ability and the handicap system is designed so that everyone can compete on a level playing field so don't let me or the kids down and get them out there. 

P&K LADIES AND WHAT A RESULT

KINROSS - 1st ROUND NELL SCOTT QUAICH

P&K Ladies played their first game of the season today at Kinross on the Bruce Course and what a result for Megan. New handicap 7.7 taking 2 shots off her handicap today and moving her up to 3rd place in our scratch league squad !!! She won both the scratch and handicap events by 7 shots !!!! I am so happy for Megan who works so hard on her game and this is again will give her confidence a huge boost and keep the rest of her team mates on their toes. Her round was extremely consistant and finished with 2 birdies which was 3 over par for the round but only 1 over the css. 76 gross which I am sure will be her lowest round so far.


Results:

CSS 75 R/O

Scratch:
1st      Megan Ashley            76
2nd    Caroline Henderson   83
3rd     Gwen Lambie            85

Handicap:
1st      Megan Ashley            76  (9)     67
2nd    Gillian Pemberton      89  (15)  74
2nd    Caroline Henderson   83   (8)   75

Alex, Tod, Megan and Conor head to Alyth tomorrow for the Junior Open and our best go with them.

THINK I MAY HAVE JUST WITNESSED A BOY TO MAN TRANSFORMATION

Alex asked if I would play in the Gents Wednesday sweep and what I witnessed today was something special, probably one of the promising rounds I have ever seen. He shot a gross 70 nett 67 and it could have quite easily have been 6 shots better !!! Some of the highlights were drive and 8 iron to 8 ft on the 1st, 3 wood and 3 iron to 12th green and 3 wood and sand wedge to 12 ft on 14th. His ball striking especially irons to the greens was exceptional and he gave himself so many opportunities. I believe this year we will see him make the progress his play deserves and with a handicap cut of 0.4  to 2.7 in his first competitive round will spur him on especially with Kirsty nipping at his heels to lead out the scratch league team. She has been keeping him up to date with her handicap cuts so I think she might have been the catalyst to today's terrific round. I'm sure the 2 of them will enjoy the tussle to be number 1. Their home course of Strathmore certainly seems to be the place to play to reduce their handicaps to where they want them to be. Congratulations to Kirsty who has qualified to take part in the Helen Holm at Troon. 

Georgia joined Alex and I for her 2nd card for handicap and took 4 shots off her previous one and I see huge potential in her. A small swing adjustment and a bit of pace judgement on the greens will see a Congu handicap very soon, very impressed. 

The spirit within the section is probably at the highest I have ever witnessed with experienced players improving beyond my expectations, encouraging each other on and willing to help younger players progress. I am so encouraged for the future and can't wait to see what's going to happen next.

Ps This weeks Blairgowrie Advertiser sports section also features Kirsty.

RACE TO KINGSBARNS

Friday 15th April sees the first event with the Alyth Junior Open, Tod, Conor and Megan are already entered. Spaces still available so if you have a full Congu handicap you can still enter.

ANOTHER CARD FOR HANDICAP

After a wee senior moment with the 24 hour clock where for some reason I booked a 5.15pm tee time for 15.15 hours on line. I eventually arrived to take James out for his 1st card. Very impressed with his driving, long game and iron play. A wee bit of practice round and on the greens will reduce his scores very quickly. Highlight of his round was parring 14 the hardest hole on the course ! Dawn played the first 7 holes with us and thought his putting over the these holes was good. Only 2 more cards and I think a full Congu handicap is achievable 

JUNIOR APRIL MEDAL RESULT

1st Megan best net 69. New handicap 9 (9.2 exact) Kirsty best gross 76 and Kirsten playing in her first competition at Strathmore played in her buffer. Sheena Scott and Jackie Moran took Georgia out for her 1st card and she did really well especially the back 9 where she had 2 pars. I took her and Kirsten out for a quick putting lesson and saw an instant improvement so can't wait to see how their scores improve. 

4th NEW MEMBER

Taylor Robertson became our latest new member and also took advantage of the club hire scheme, she is delighted with her clubs and can't wait to start using them. 

Disappointment for Conor yesterday who lost out in the 1st round of the Boys Match play at Pitlochry.

SUPERB END TO A FANTASTIC WEEK

Kirsty took her confidence into the final round and reeled off another under handicap display with a great round of 74. Exact handicap now 3.2. She finished 18th which is a remarkable achievement in such a quality field. This week has been incredible for the girls and with the season just starting I envisage great things ahead for all 3.

Tomorrow Junior Captain Conor Hughes is off to Pitlochry to play in the last 16 of the boys Stroke Play and our best wishes go with him. And then it's back to club business, I welcome our 4th new member of the season Miss Taylor Robertson and have a club hire fitting to do. I am sure she will love being part of the club.

Sunday - Alex is off to to play for the County at Crow Wood against Renfrew and it's the 1st qualifier of the Junior Club Championship. 

MY PREDICTIONS ARE SURPASSED AND HOW

I messaged the girls last night and all were bubbling with excitement for today and when I met them this morning they were definitely up for it. Kirsty even had her game face on. I predicted that for Megan and Amy finishing within the top 90 would be a result and Megan who was not happy with her score today finished in 89th place - result. Kirsty played superbly and shot a one over 73 qualified 18th and reduced her handicap to 3 (3.4 exact) and has qualified with ease 11 shots within the cut line. She has now taken 2 shot off the handicap this year !!! Amazing. Told her tonight and she is ecstatic and really looking forward to the final round. Having already achieved so much this year and this week, anything tomorrow is a bonus. I have deliberately left Amy to last because what she has achieved this week is remarkable. Having never broken 80, whilst I was chatting with Amy and her dad yesterday something was mentioned about a pint and I promised that if she could break 80 over either of two rounds I would buy her a pint (non alcoholic of course) and today not only did she beat 80 she smashed it with a 77 !!! 4 birdies including 3 in a row 12, 13 and 14 and what an up on down birdie on 18 - knocking it to 18 inches and holing a downhill swinger. I am now due Amy a well deserved drink. She has taken 3 shots off her handicap now 10.9. The next 3 hours were nail biting as I watched the scores coming in as I knew she would not be far away from qualifying in the top 60 but just missed out by 3 shots finishing 68th - what an incredible tournament for Strathmore girls ! And let's see what happens tomorrow ?

ALBATROSS LANDS AT STRATHMORE

The Scottish Girls under 18 Open teed off today with 3 Strathmore players taking part. Before this high quality event started with so many low handicap girls from all over Europe taking part I thought if Kirsty could make the cut (top 60) and if Megan and Amy could make the top 90 it would be a great result. I am delighted to announce all 3 did themselves proud, Kirsty lies tied 24th after hitting 75 including a tremendous albatross 2 on the 14th !!!! and finished off with a great approach shot on 18 to 18 inches and an easy birdie. Megan, on her birthday, shot 84 and lies tied 77th and Amy shot 85 and lies tied 80th. All 3 well within my expectations, what a great 1st day. With the css 73 Kirsty and Amy will both reduce their handicaps and Megan played within her buffer. Tomorrow all 3 will go into their rounds with great confidence and I can't wait to see what that brings !!!

SCOTTISH GIRLS OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Tomorrow see 3 of our girls tee it up in the 1st round at Strathmore. Kirsty is off the 1st at 12.40 pm, Megan is off the 10th at 12.55 pm and Amy is off the 10th at 13.45 pm. Best wishes from all the section. 

SCOTTISH BOYS MATCH PLAY UPDATE

Disappointment for Alex today as he lost by 1 hole to John Cowan, Pitlochry. He had been 4 down but fought back to lead by 1 after 14 but praised his opponent for his great play over the the final holes and as he said you can have no control over that.

SCOTTISH BOY'S REPORT

Tod unfortunately drew John Bisset a 3 handicapper and although he had chances early on he failed to take them and lost out. Although disappointed I'm sure he will have gained from the experience. Next up tomorrow is Alex.

GREAT START TO THE WEEK - AMY'S IN AND MAKES IT 3

Just had a call confirming Amy is in the field for the under 18 Scottish Girls Open. Fantastic we now have Kirsty, Megan and Amy all playing  !!!!

ANOTHER BUSY DAY

Went along to support Kirsten who was playing in the under 14 coaching Medal at Blairgowrie, unfortunately after 15 holes due to the weather deteriorating she and her playing partner made the decision to come off the course because they were wet and freezing. They both enjoyed themselves up to that point. Then back to Strathmore to watch Kirsty and Megan play for the County Ladies against Stirling and Clackmannan and Amy who was playing with another 2 of the P&K girls. 

Next up Scottish Boys at Murcar with Tod tomorrow and Alex on Tueday. 

P&K BOYS STROKE PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP AND MATCH PLAY QUALIFIER

For a number of years P&K have permitted girls to play in this event, but as it is the Boys Stroke Play Championship and the qualifier for the Boys Match Play, they unfortunately cannot win or qualify. If they could Kirsty would be the Champion and 1st seed for the knock outs after shooting 74 (and getting another cut) superb scoring and another boost to her confidence. Well done Kirsty and also congratulations to Junior Captain Conor Hughes who qualified for the match play in 16th place and will face Cameron Grieve (Crieff) in the match play at Pitlochry next week. Amy and Megan played to their handicaps and Marcus and Tod just missed out on qualifying by virtue of Conor's better inward half.

Great day with some great play. And another first for the Girls and Strathmore. 

BUSY WEEKEND

6 players take part in the P&K stroke play tomorrow at Strathmore and 1 player in the under 14 at Blairgowrie on Sunday. Will keep you posted !!!

QUADRANGLE DAY 3

Scotland lost to new champions Netherlands 9.5 v 2.5 and finished 3rd in the Quadrangle. I know Alex will be disappointed with the result but I am sure he will have learned a lot and will bounce back and be raring to go at Murcar in the Scottish Boys next week.