SATURDAYS COMPETITION

The Hamish McTavish Cup (adult and junior) arranged for this Saturday 2nd of July has been postponed and will take place later in the season. An extra Summer League card has been added and we need at least 2 juniors to play or it will be cancelled so let me know asap if you want to play. 

AMY BACK FROM INJURY

Amy asked me to join her tonight on her first steps back after injury. I am pleased to announce her swing is a good as it was before and she was hitting it really well on the range. We moved to the pitching area and her short game looked ok. We finished the session by the green with a few chips  and putts. We decided on a programme for her to follow and I'm sure within a few weeks she will be back playing again and is raring to go. 

On the way out I saw Kirsty on the putting green so went across for a chat. She is so excited about the next few weeks and heads off to Norway on Friday night for her 1st event. It is such a honour for me to see how she has progressed. 

FINALS DAY

Scratch Championship will be between Alex and Megan - date to be re scheduled as Megan also reached the Ladies Scratch Final.

Handicap final will be between Kirsten and Conor on Saturday 9th July. 

Looking forward to some exciting matches, well done all. 

TROPHY PRESENTATION

Well done Alex on picking up his School Golf Trophy tonight, another one to add to the collection.

NEWS FROM DEVELOPMENT DAY

Megan took advantage of her invitation to take part in the Scottish Golf Academy's 16 and under Development Day at Kirriemuir by finishing 2nd on 156, 1 shot ahead of Kirsty who finished 3rd. Alex finished 5th in the Boy's event with a 146. She then played in a schools event at Downfield and won with a fantastic 1 over par 75 !! This is turning out to be quite a season for her and so richly deserved.

3 Fun Handicaps Awarded on Lietfie

Well done William handicap 32, Josh 34 and Kieran 34.
Finlay has 1 card to go and Charlie has 2. Hopefully these 5 will now compete in the Summer League on Lietfie.
Summer League rules.
9 Holes Stroke play.
Players must sign the Summer league book in the starters office before teeing off.
You are allowed to submit 2 cards per week but they must be on different days (Sunday through to Saturday)
Only juniors with a minimum of a fun handicap and parents/guardians can mark your card. 
All cards are to be returned, checked and signed by both player and marker and placed in the Junior score card box inside the front door of the Club House.

Any questions please ask. 

Coaching stops this Saturday 25th June and restarts Monday 15th August. But in the meantime get out there and play and have fun

MEGAN DOES IT AGAIN

The 2nd Round of the Perth and Kinross Ladies Nell Scott Quaich was played over Murrayshall on Monday.

Results CSS  73 
Scratch
Megan Ashley (Strathmore)                74
Gwen Lambie  (Dunkeld & Birnam)   82
 Lynne Sharp   (Perth Ladies)              85
Mary Miller     (Blairgowrie)               86  bih

Handicap
Megan Ashley (Strathmore) 74 (5)    69 bih
 Alison Walker (Strathtay)    90 (21)  69
Anita Collins   (Muckhart)   87 (16)  71 bih
Helen Payne    (Muckhart)   90  (19) 71

Megan has done the double winning both rounds of the scratch and handicap - Amazing. She is now our latest category 1 player, what a season.

GOING LOW AND FLYING HIGH

What a superb day for Strathmore Juniors again, first up was Alex playing in his schools Golf Championship and he shot 66 at Craigiehill winning the competition by 9 shots. Unfortunately this was a non counting competition. Being in such great form he played tonight in our re scheduled 5th Championship qualifier and went low shooting the round of his life. His gross 68 beat his previous best by 2 shots (and included 2 lip outs), he reduced his handicap to 1.0 exact. I have said all along that Alex has the ability, ambition and commitment to go all the way to the top and today's scores confirm what I have believed since I first saw him hitting a golf ball as a 6 year old. 

Then to put the icing on the cake a very excited Kirsty let me know she had been selected to represent Scotland in the European Young Masters team in Switzerland at GC Domaine Imperial from 21st to 23rd July. The team consists of 2 girls and 2 boys and is both an individual and team event for under 16's. What a summer she has ahead of her, Norway then Switzerland and so well deserved. 

I am so proud of both Alex and Kirsty and what they have achieved so far and who knows what the future holds but I won't be surprised,only prouder if that is possible. 

KIRSTY GETS THE CALL SHE HAD BEEN HOPING FOR

Does this season just get better and better - YES IT DOES

Scots Girls Set for Norway Challenge

14, June 2016

The Scotland Girls’ side has been named for their European Amateur Team Championship in Norway next month.
A six-player team will contest the annual event, this year being held at Oslo GC from 5 – 9 July.
Hazlehead’s Jasmine Mackintosh has been selected, fresh from winning the Stephen Gallacher Foundation Vase event at Macdonald Cardrona on Sunday.
Troon Ladies’ Hazel MacGarvie, who tied third in the Borders, is also joined by Kirsty Brodie from Strathmore, who finished second in the recent Paul Lawrie Foundation Scottish Schools Championship at Murrayshall.
Jillian Farrell from Cardross and West Kilbride’s Louise Duncan have earned selection too, with Gullane Ladies’ Joanne Free the most experienced player in the team, aged 18.
Steve Paulding, Scottish Golf Performance Director, said: “This is a very young team and for the majority of them this will be their first European Championship.
“The competition will be tough, but it will hopefully be a great learning experience for them. We are expecting each of the girls to go out and match their best performances of the year. It would be great to make the top eight matchplay stage, but that will require everyone to play at their best.”
Aboyne’s Shannon McWilliam, one of the youngest ever winners of last year’s Ladies’ Order of Merit, is unavailable for selection due to school commitments.
Girls’ Team (club and age in brackets)

• Kirsty Brodie (Strathmore, 16)
• Louise Duncan (West Kilbride, 16)
• Jillian Farrell (Cardross, 16)
• Joanne Free (Gullane Ladies, 18)
• Hazel MacGarvie (Troon Ladies, 16)
• Jasmine Mackintosh (Hazlehead, 16)

The Girls’ team is selected from the leading two players on the Scottish Golf Girls’ Order of Merit and four selectors’ picks.

INVITE FOR MEGAN

Brilliant news for Megan who received this personal invite from the Scottish Golf Performance Development Manager  

 

Due to the progress and enthusiasm you have shown this year we would like to invite you to participate in this 36 hole event.

 

Schedule

Location – Kirriemuir Golf Club, Shielhill Road, Kirriemuir DD8 4LN

Date – 26^th June 2016

Times – 9:30am starting tee times and 2:30pm starting times

Format – 36 holes stroke play 

 

This is no surprise to me !!! Well deserved  

MIXED FORTUNES

Well my prediction of a low round came true but Alex's level par 2nd round came too late to make up for a disappointing 1st round and he missed the cut by 2 shots. Both Kirsty and Megan made the cut and after today's final round they finished 7th and 14th respectively a great result for them both. 

Back at Strathmore yesterday Orley Mowat who only joined last week is probably the quickest junior to get their 1st certificate. Both Gareth and I were very impressed with his natural swing and after a quick putting lesson he was ready to go and an easy 4 on the 1st meant he had shots to spare and a 6 secured it (only 3 putts in total) Josh, Finlay, Kieran and William again were out on Lietfie and after yesterday round their projected fun handicaps would be 40,27,34 and 32. Finlay 11 shots better than last week, Josh 9 and William 5. Just proves that playing more makes it easier! Practice, practice and more practice. Looks like Charlie is going to join them next week at 12 o'clock so if anyone else is interested come along and join them. Georgia won yesterday Summer league on Rannaleroch with a nett 71. 

Camryn with her 1st Certificate

William with his 2nd certificate

Kieran with his 1st and 2nd Certificates

Finally Megan Aird let me know she had just graduated with 2nd Class Honours in Event Management and is now seeking employment within the Golf Hospitalty Events industry and will keep me posted with her career. 

WELL WHAT EXCITEMENT ARE WE IN FOR THIS WEEKEND

First up at the Stephen Gallacher at Cardrona at 7.40 is Alex, 8.36 is Megan and 9.08 is Kirsty then it's the 2nd rounds at 13.10, 14.06 and 14.38. With 30 boys and 15 girls qualifying for Sunday's final round all 3 have great chances of doing so and I would not be surprised if we saw a low round coming from any of them. Back home it's 2 sessions of coaching then at least 4 are playing for their fun handicaps on Lietfie and at least 3 are out trying to reduce theirs on Rannaleroch.

Wednesday night sees the 5th and final Junior Club Championship qualifiers. 

I have been away for a few days this week helping look after Kieran, Dawn and I's first grandchild, whilst our daughter was having our second and I am very proud to introduce Leighton David Thomas 

Go on grandad "please just one more story about Strathmore Juniors"

FINAL SCRATCH LEAGUE QUALIFIER

Having to secure a win against Alyth to qualify for the semi finals our team made no mistake tonight. Alex won 6&4, Kirsty won 7&6 and Megan won 7&5. Fantastic win and following the successes earlier this week all 3 head off to the Stephen Gallacher at Cardrona with great confidence. In the Boys order of Merit Alex lies 36th, in the Girls Megan lies tied 12th with Kirsty 3rd (and tied 23rd in the Ladies) Kirsty on Monday also helped Scotland under 16 girls to a 6.5 v 2.5 win over Ireland. 

Amy came along tonight for a putting lesson and to support the team. Great to see her back. Hopefully if her progress keeps she will be back playing in 4 to 5 weeks time. 

After the success of the last few Saturday's I have decided that we should continue with kids playing for their fun handicaps on the wee course at 12 noon. Last week Finlay,Josh,Kieran and William played and anyone who would like to join them just turn up !!! For those already with full or Club handicaps we will continue competitions on the big course after the Gents at approx 12.37pm

MISSED THIS FROM YESTERDAY !!!

More success from the Paul Lawrie Scottish Schools with Angus represented by (Kirsty Brodie and Claire Robertson) winning the team title with a 151 total. Dumbarton West (Jillian Farrell and Lorna McClymont) were runners-up with 153.

WELL NO SURPRISE IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG

Girls day in the Paul Lawrie Foundation Scottish Schools at Murrayshall and what an amazing result for Strathmore again. Reduced to one round due to imminent lightning, Megan shot 77 and finished tied 7th and Kirsty shot a 1 over par 72 to finish 2nd. With this being a Scottish Girls Order of Merit event both will pick up valuable points. So proud of what they have achieved today and along with what Alex did in the boys event yesterday this caps off a wonderful couple of days and with the arrival of Leighton David Thomas my 2nd grandson this morning today has been extra special. 

I would think all will easily make the Scottish school squads and who knows could all be in the team to play England later this year. I would say life couldn't be much better. But wait there's probably more to come this week 

MY PREDICTIONS ARE COMING TRUE QUICKER THAN I CAN KEEP UP

The May Medal and 4th qualifier took place on Sunday with James just pipping Tod with a better back 9. James reduced his handicap by 1 shot to 31, Tod's exact is now 7.1 and Georgia also reduced her handicap by 1 to 44.1. Hughie Clarke became the 16th member to join our club hire scheme this year and is really excited to have his first set of clubs. 

But today will mark the emergence of Alex on the full Scottish scene and not just at under 16 level. Playing in the Paul Lawrie Foundation Scottish Schools Championship at Murrayshall in a Boy's Order of Merit event he shot a 1st round 77 and followed it up with a superb 1 under par 72 for a total of 149 securing him a tied 4th position. This is the result of all his hard work over the winter and he deserves all the success this will bring and I believe that this is just the start of what will be an amazing season. 

I predicted a great week ahead and it's only Monday - can't wait to see what happens next ????

THIS IS WHAT MAKES BEING STRATHMORE JUNIOR CONVENOR SUCH A PLEASURE

Last night I received an email from a parent thanking me for organising a game for their son yesterday and was also thanked by others for setting up the club hire scheme which their children and grandchildren had joined. Today I was also thanked for all the time I spend with the juniors on the course and tonight Amy got in touch to get a putting lesson organised as she is feeling a bit better and to top it all I received this email from Hannah Robb one of our past juniors.

Hi Dawn and Iain,

Hope you are both well. Try to look at the blog now and again and looks like you have a thriving junior section. I know how much you both put into the section, so well done.

I've recently returned home from America after completing my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration graduating with Cum Laude (Latin honours). 

I am very happy to tell you that I will be a PGA Assistant Professional at Elie Golf Links, starting in the next couple of weeks and starting my PGA course in October. 

Would never have got this far with my golf without the help from you both at Strathmore in my junior years.

Look forward to having a get together this summer and another nice catch up.

Speak soon and good luck for the season.

Regards,
Hannah  

Over the past 8 years we have now produced 2 PGA professionals, Rory and Hannah and who knows what the future holds but I have no doubt that if I can continue to encourage and support our juniors anything is possible. Most of you know I am very emotional and Hannah's email definitely brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye and I make no apologies for that. It makes what I do so worthwhile and everyday just gets better and better. 

SCOTTISH AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

Alex representing P&K helped them finish 8th at Grangemouth today. 

I HAVE JUST POSTED AND IT'S HAPPENED AGAIN !!!

Ron just let me know Kirsty is off to represent Scotland u16's at Prestwick St Nicolas in a friendly against Ireland. Practice day tomorrow and foursomes and singles on Monday. Our best wishes go with her. It just gets better and better.

WELL IT'S HAPPENED

See my predictions from Thursday 2nd June. First up was Cameron Clark for his 1st Certificate and a 6 and 5 was enough to secure it, next up was Camryn Stewart with a 5 and a 6, well done to both. Orley Mowat became our 12th new member this season and the 14th to take up the Club Hire scheme and is pictured below with his new set, 

and amazingly was followed by Peggy Kennedy who became new member 13 and the 15th to join the scheme !! (Apologies for no photo as was now rushing to get 4 of the boys teed off on Leitfie)

Kieran, Finlay, William and Josh went off to play for their handicaps and on the basis of cards would have projected fun handicaps of 34, 38, 37 and 49 respectively. Kieran also achieved his 1st and 2nd certificates and William his 2nd. 

Next up was Conor, Kirsten and Flora playing Summer League and Dominika trying out the big course. Dominika hit some very good shots but struggled on and around the greens and she is going to practice hard to improve these aspects before having another go and in the meantime can have a go at getting her fun handicap on Leitfie. The other 3 did amazing Conor hit a gross 77, his best round ever and reduced his handicap from 12 to 10.8, Kirsten scored a nett 65 and reduced her handicap by 3 from 31 to 27.6. But Flora playing for the 1st time with her new club scheme set stole the show with a nett 58 and in doing so knocked 7 shots off her handicap which is now 47.0 and if she puts her mind to it could be the next girl to get a full Congu handicap. I predict great things ahead. What a day and that's only Saturday, what's in store for tomorrow and the rest of the week ??? 

BETTER NEWS FROM THE PHYSIO

Amy is just back and sent me an update - "Appointment went a bit more positive, looking like a bad strain rather than a tear. I'm aloud to start strengthening exercises. Going back next Friday hopefully looking at 4-5 weeks rather than 8!!"
She is hoping to start putting soon and could be the first to take up the D-O-N-K-E-Y challenge.    

BUSY COUPLE OF WEEKS COMING UP

Saturday starts with 2 coaching sessions and the 14th member this year taking possession of a set of clubs from our Hire Scheme. Next we have 4 players out on Leitfie playing at 12pm for their fun handicaps. Then we have a Junior competition on Rannaleroch at 12.52pm which 3 players have signed up for. Then Sunday at 12 noon we have the 4th Junior Club Championship qualifier with 3 signed up to play. Alex is off to Grangemouth to represent P&K Boys in the Scottish Area Team Championship and as one of the officials I will also be there to support him through Sunday's foursomes and singles. 

Monday it's Boys Day at Murrayshall for Alex and the 36 hole Paul Lawrie Scottish Schools Championship then on Tuesday it's Kirsty and Megan in the Girls Day. 

Thursday is Scratch League and our final match v Alyth at home and a win will secure our semi final place. Alex, Kirsty and Megan will be up to the task and I believe with Tod as reserve we have a team capable of securing the win we need.

Next weekend it's the Stephen Gallacher Invitational with Alex, Kirsty and Megan representing Strathmore. 

Can't wait to see what happens because I'm sure something will !! 

It's a shame Angus changed the normal date for the Ladies North division Jamboree as Kirsty and Megan were considered for selection but with this clashing with a Scottish Order of Merit event they were excused from take part. I believe that playing in the team environment at County Level would have been a wonderful experience and it's such a shame they have had to miss out.

I will review the take up of of the re introduction of weekly competitions on Rannaleroch after this weekend and let you know whether it's worth continuing. 

SCOTTISH LADIES MATCH PLAY

Unfortunately Kirsty lost by 2 holes, she told me that she didn't play well today but can take a lot of positives out of this weeks performance and with so many other competitions in the pipeline I am sure we will see some more great results.

SCOTTISH LADIES AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

Kirsty easily played her way into the top 32, tied 16th, with another tremendous round of 74 and now can look forward to the match play which will suit her perfectly as her record at this type of game is outstanding. Game face on !!! She called me tonight and is so excited to have qualified in such a strong field and is looking forward to tomorrow.