GOOD NEWS AND NOT SO GOOD NEWS

Firstly Kirsty had a mixed 1st round at West Kilbride in the Scottish Ladies Amateur Championship, she shot a tremendous 1 over par gross 74 to lie tied 17th and only 5 shots back. Her round included an eagle, 3 birdies, 11 pars, a bogey, double bogey and a triple bogey. She messaged after her round to say 2 bad drives cost her but she gave herself loads of birdie opportunities and is looking forward to round 2. Amy was at the physio yesterday and the diagnosis of her foot injury is likely to be the tendon of her foot arch, it is strapped and she goes back on Friday, if no improvement she may need ultrasound but was told recovery could take 8 weeks. So disappointed for her as she had such a great start to the season and was hitting form. Took Megan out on the course to give her some tips on short iron approach shots and was very impressed with how quickly she was able to pick up my advice and put it into practice and am confident she is ready for the next step very soon. 

I also have another 2 juniors who want to join the Club Hire Scheme and will pick up their sets this week making 14 using the scheme this season  - amazing !!

HANDICAP CUTS

James Bonar 34 to 32

Tod Bannerman 8 to 7 (7.3)

Megan Ashley 7 to 6 (6.3)

Well done to you all !!!!

MORE HANDICAP CUTS !!!

Still to be confirmed but looks like Megan, James and Tod all cut their handicaps today. 

Josh was presented with his 1st Certificate and we may have identified another couple of players who are ready for certificates and maybe even handicaps. 

Alex and I started our Gents foursomes adventure today and what a way to start won 8&6, 6 birdies in 12 holes !! 

ALEX AND I START DEFENCE OF GENTS 4 BALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Played Club President Jack Scott and Club Secretary Eric Ritchie tonight in our title defence. Lost the 1st, won 4 and 6, lost 8 to turn all square. Won 12, 14 and 16 to secure a 3&2 victory and now face Tod and his Uncle Billy. 

P&K ANNOUNCE TEAM TO TAKE PART IN SCOTTISH AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

Sunday the 5th June and Alex is off to play at Grangemouth Golf Club who host the Scottish Area Team Championship. Having played the course in a practice round he can go out with confidence knowing the course holds no surprises.

ANOTHER JUNIOR ASKS FOR ASSISTANCE

Was delighted when Kirsten asked for assistance with her game and spent an hour and a half on putting, short game and distances. I was very impressed that she picked up my advices quickly and if she practices hard I think we will see a rapid improvement in her handicap. Looking forward to seeing how quickly it happens. 

CHARLIE MCKAY RECEIVES HIS FIRST CERTIFICATE

Congratulations on being the first Junior in 2016 to earn your 1st certificate

ANOTHER PREDICTION COMES TRUE !!!!

On Friday night (check the entry) I predicted exciting times ahead for Megan and that she could take her game to the next level and it didn't take long for her to prove me right. Playing in the 36 hole Munross Trophy at Montrose today, which is both a Scottish Ladies and Girls order of merit event, and had a very high quality field where she was ranked 30th Megan produced the round of her season so far with a 4 over par 77 tied 9th first round and in doing so reduced her handicap to 6.7 and then followed it up with a 81 to tie 17th. So proud of her as her work ethic is superb and this is richly deserved. 

After the first round Kirsty was tied 11th and was looking at a top ten finish before a disappointing last 3 holes slipped her down the field to finish tied 19th.

This season just gets better and better !!!! 

UPDATE FROM GRANGEMOUTH

Alex has done his selection chances for the Area Team Championship the world of good by shooting 1 under par at the P&K practice round today. 

JUST ANOTHER SATURDAY

Started with the coaching and after watching Josh Clark hitting shots at the range decided he should have a go at his 1st Certificate and after a quick putting lesson off he went. Great tee shot just short of the green, chip onto the green and 3 putts for a 5, then another great tee shot and a superb chip which with another roll would have been in for a 2 !! easy 3 and total of 8. Took Finlay and Josh out to try 18 on the Rannaleroch. Both started well with a 6 and an 8. Josh found it quite tough especially as he found the rough a few times and struggled to get out and Finlay scored better but both need a bit more practice before stepping up to the big course. I have advised them to play on Lietfie every Saturday after their lesson and also once during the week and next month I will give them another go on the big course.  

Next up was the Scratch League and we needed a win to make sure we had a chance of securing a place in the semi finals. Alex led out the team and won convincingly 6&5, Conor played a junior Captains role by standing in at short notice and played well but lost out 3&2 and all our hopes were on Megan and after a brilliant chip on 15 (courtesy of some "amazing coaching tips" she had received last night) went 1 up, then won 16 to go dormie. After losing 17 pressure was on and she found the fairway  bunker but played a superb shot and then found the green in 3. Her opponent was just short but putted up to 2 ft and Megan's first putt finished short and her 2nd putt slid past to leave Declan a chance to square the match but fortunately for us his putt lipped out and Strathmore secured the win we needed. 

Next up is Alyth at home and a win will see us make the semi finals.

TIME WELL SPENT

Had the pleasure tonight to give a few short game tips to Megan. We spent an hour and a half on pitching, chipping and difficult lies round about the green. I was very impressed how quickly she was able to adapt to playing different types of shots and with some practice I am very confident she can take her game to the next level. Exciting times ahead I predict.

ANOTHER BIG WEEKEND AHEAD

Tomorrow 2 sessions of coaching followed by Josh taking his first steps towards his handicap. Scratch league against Blairgowrie up next with Alex, Megan and Conor taking the field. Kirsty is away with P&K ladies for a practice match at Edzell where this years Jamboree is taking place. Sunday Kirsty and Megan are off to Montrose for the 36 hole Munross Trophy and Alex is off to Grangemouth for a practice round before the the team is finalised for the Boys Area team Championship. 

NEW EXTENSION TO CLUB HIRE SCHEME

We have now introduced a second tier to the scheme were we have started to hire trolleys for £5 per annum. Anyone interested let me know. 

1st CERTIFICATE OF THE NEW SEASON

A very delighted Charlie McKay became the first junior to gain a 1st Certificate. A great drive on the 1st over the back, free drop off the path, chip and 3 putts. Another great drive on 9, putt onto the green and another 3 putts into the hole for another 5 and a total of 10. High 5's all round and let's see who's next ???

PUTTING

Just watched the PGA Players Championship and it's all about the putting. Donkey is the way to start and anybody fancy their chances just give me a call 

Home 01828 633395

Work 01828 633000

Mobile 07707657233

Donkey is match play on the putting green and I am the King so anyone who wants the Crown just give me a call ?? I'm waiting .......  

SUNDAY UPDATE

As captain of P&K under 16's it was an early start up a 5.30 am to pick up Rory Ottley at Murthly and Alex at Perth then off to The Glen, North Berwick. Brilliant weather, lovely Course and brilliant result 6v6 after trailing in the morning foursomes 2.5v1.5. Alex won both his foursomes and singles. Home after 9 pm. Yesterday I said Kirsten had cut her handicap and can now confirm she took 3 shots off and is now playing off 31. So pleased for her and I am sure a handicap in the 20's is not far away. 

SATURDAY AND MIXED RESULTS

Day started well with our club hire scheme being used by the 12th player this season, amazing and something I am so proud of setting up. Other clubs are very envious of what we have in place. Took Camryn out for a go at her 1st Certificate and she played well but missed out. I asked her to go out with her dad after the coaching and have another go. I was sitting in the clubhouse when I seen her coming in looking for me and she was so excited to let me know she had played the 1st and 9th in 13 shots but 1 was an air shot so I am sure next week could see her achieve her 1st certificate. Took Kirsty through to Gleneagles to warm up and met Megan who was already there practicing before heading to Muckhart. Unfortunately we met a very strong team who I think were keen to get revenge for losing to Strathmore in the scratch league final last year and we lost 3v0. If we win our two remaining matches at home against Blairgowrie and Alyth we will qualify for the semi final and may have a chance to play Muckhart at a neutral venue and get our revenge. James Bonar played his 3rd card for handicap and unverified it looks like a club handicap of 34 so only 6 shots off a full Congu handicap. Kirsten took the honours in the 3rd Club Championship qualifier with a nett 69 and her first handicap cut of the season. 

RIGHT GIRLS - COUNTDOWN IS ON

Strathmore host the North of Scotland Girls Championship on Sunday 21st August and entries close on the 12th August. That gives you 3 months to plan, prepare and perfect your games. Kirsty, Megan and Amy you just need to keep up the good work and keep improving the way you all have done this season already. As this is also a handicap event Kirsten, Georgia and Flora you now have the chance to play in a huge event on your own course and make local knowledge count. Mollie and Dominika if you practice hard you have time to get your handicaps before the event so let's make sure Strathmore Girls show the whole of the North of Scotland how good you are !!! 

If any of you want help, advise or just a game let me know and I will be there. 

SECOND ROUND QUALIFIER OF JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Alex led the way with a scratch 72, nett 70, with the boys css 71(girls css 72) he took another 0.1 to reduce his handicap to 1.9. Tod and Kirsten finished joint second. Alex, Kirsty and Megan will be on scratch league duty at Muckhart on Saturday in what will be a tough test but one I believe our players can cope with and come away with a result. 2 sessions of coaching take place in the morning, Amy, Conor and Kirsten are playing in the 3rd club championship qualifier and James will be playing his 3rd card for handicap. Sunday, Alex is off to The Glens, North Berwick to represent P&K under 16's against Lothian. Kirsty and Megan are playing for P&K Ladies against Fife, Amy is at a Scottish Academy event, Mollie, Dominika and Gergia are at the North Inch with P&K girls so quite a full weekend again !!!

2 NEAR MISSES

Georgie and Charlie just missed out on 1st Certificates last night, with a bit of practice maybe next week !

VERY SUCCESSFUL CAPTAINS DRIVE IN

Huge thank you to the 14 players who came out to support Conor and Alex. We split the players into 4 teams and Conor had James and Kieran and his 2nd team was Tod, Flora, Georgia and Louis. Alex had Finlay and Josh and his 2nd team was Megan, Mollie,Kirsten and Charlie. 

Captain Conor teed off first and his team scored a respectable 33 Tod team added 35 to make a total of 68. Alex's team returned a level par 29 and Megan's team added 33 for a total of 62 and won Phil's Putter which was presented by Gents and Ladies Captains Fred and Sandra Barber.

James Bonar won the nearest the pin on the 9th and Megan, Mollie, Kirsten and Charlie had the only 2 . Everyone had a great day in superb weather and enjoyed the buffet and juice the Centre provided - a huge thank you for their support again. 

SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Started of with the coaching and an upgrade of clubs for Alasdair

Minutes later he holed a chip and run !! 

Findlay may need to pay more attention to Gareth or maybe he was making sure his new hair style was not disturbed by the breeze 

Hard at work.

Ben Falconer become the 11th member this season to take advantage of the Club Hire scheme but because I was rushing to caddy for Dawn at Alyth I forgot to take a picture. Arrived on time to caddy but just missed Megan teeing off but had spoken to her at Strathmore earlier as she had come down for a warm up. Unfortunately she played an in form Shonagh Raitt but gave a great account of herself before losing 4&3. Shonagh was very complimentary of both Megan's game and her personality and was pleased to accept her offer to caddy for her in the quarter final match against Dawn. Again Shonagh kept her form and 4 birdies in a row was a lead she did not relinquish. Megan can take a lot from the experience of qualifying and playing so well against a past Scottish Girl Internationalist.

Then it was back to Strathmore to watch Kirsten who had taken Georgia out for her final card for handicap and James his second. Dawn processed her cards and a very excited Georgia when I let her know now has a Club handicap of 44 only 8 short of a full Congu. 

Tomorrow it's fun time and I hope for a great turn out at the Captain's Drive in. Be there for 9.45 am !!!!!

P&K LADIES CHAMPIOSHIP DRAW

Today is the Championship at Alyth and our best wishes go to Megan as she plays Shona Raitt in the 1st round.

Strathmore are well represented as past County Champion (2002) Dawn and Ladies Captain Sandra Barber also qualified. Unfortunately Dawn and Megan are seeded 4 and 5 and could meet in the quarter finals by both winning their matches.

    

Championships 1^st Round

10.26      J Saxton (Muckhart) v  L Milligan (Dunblane)

10.44      G Pennycook (Alyth)   v K Knight (Pitlochry)

10.52      M Ashley (Strathmore)   v  S Raitt (Crieff)

11.0o   B Clough (Blairgowrie)   v  D Butchart (Strathmore)

11.08      N Robertson (Stirling)     v  S Barber (Strathmore)

11.16   G Lambie (Dunkeld)   v  I Moncrieff (Pitlochry)

11.24   K Alexander (Blairgowrie)  v  J Milne (Blairgowrie)

11.32   A Stockley (Craigie Hill)  v  L Campbell (Pitlochry)

Tomorrow is Captain v Vice Captain Texas Scramble on Lietfie at 10 am and things are looking good for a big turnout so hopefully everyone can make it. 

P&K LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER

Today saw 90 ladies tee off at Alyth and I am delighted that Megan shot 79, including a 2 stroke penalty for playing the wrong ball, a mistake she won't make again. I am delighted for her and she  qualified 5th of 16, the seeded draw still to be published. Dawn played with her tonight and was very impressed especially with her level par back nine. Saturday sees the last 16 and quarter final matches before the semi final and finals on Sunday. I have messaged Megan and she is delighted and looking forward to playing at the weekend and let's see what happens.

Dawn, a past County Champion, turned back the clock and qualified 4th which is probably her highest qualifying position for a few years. 

JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

Alex just missed out becoming Junior Champion of Champions by 1 shot beaten by an 18 year old. Roll on next year?