FINAL DAY AT BARRY DOUGLAS

Went along to see Alex tee off this morning and he was hoping to have a good round so will be happy he had his best round today but will be disappointed overall with his 3 days. Spoke to Alexei before he teed off and unfortunately he had his worst round today but am sure he enjoyed the tournament.

4 Strathmore girls attended the County Coaching at Gleneagles. Kirsty, Amy, Kirsten and Camryn for the first time. I asked her to give me a call and she did on her way home and had really enjoyed the day. They used the practice area then had a Texas Scramble and she can’t wait for the next one.

2nd DAY AT BARRY DOUGLAS

Alex today had a mixed round and although he improved by 2 shots will be hoping day 3 will produce something closer to what he is capable of. Coaching was amazing again today, Ruby was refitted for another set. Euan, Alistair and Tom took possession of their hire clubs and Euan was out later on Leitfie making the most of them. Lewis Smith attained his first certificate with an 8. Blair put in his 1st card for his full handicap and I marked Kirsten’s card and was very impressed with the  improvement in her driving and putting. Things are really buzzing !!! The enthusiasm is infectious and we are seeing so many improvements it’s incredible. To cap it all we were donated £100 from Scottish Disability Golf and Curling to be used within the section. What an amazing day.

1st DAY AT BARRIE DOUGLAS

Alex celebrated his 18th birthday today and after a first 9 of level par was looking good but a disappointing back 9 saw him slip down the field and he will be looking for something better tomorrow. Frankie and Jackie took last nights coaching session and were very impressed by all 3 new members. Tomorrow I have 3 sets of clubs to fit and another to upgrade. I received 2 emails and it looks like we have more new members ready to join.

TURNING THE CLOCK BACK

On the 1st of November 2011 I had the pleasure to meet Alexei for the first time and I remember being very impressed. I knew then that I had met someone who had the ability and determination to succeed and have kept in touch with his progress over the years. I knew he had entered the Scottish Boys at Montrose and emailed his dad about the Barry Douglas Tournament and was delighted that he was able to enter. He flew over from Moscow yesterday and I caught up with him today when he played Strathmore. I was again impressed with his play especially his putting stroke. It was great to catch up and to hear what he was up to. He has grown up to be a very nice and polite young man. Below are pictures from today and 01/11/2011

17th NEW MEMBER for 2018

Huge welcome to Murray McOuat who becomes our 17th and latest new member, equalling last years record intake and we are only in April.  

THIS WILL BE A CLOSE RUN THING

Huge welcome to Fraser Hardy who today became our 16th new member for 2018. Total for last year we had 17. A very excited Eva was fitted for her hire clubs tonight and became our 20th for 2018 and with 4 to renew and another 3 sets to be fitted on Saturday it looks like last years total of 27 will be equaled. We have had to put on an extra coaching session on Thursday’s to accommodate the increase in members.

BUSY MONDAY

Brilliant night at the coaching, the improvements have to be seen to be believed. The youngster are having so much fun and the challenges at the end of the sessions are proving very popular and bringing out the competitive spirit. Congratulations to Liam Shand who became our first Certificate achiever of 2018. Again big thank you to Megan and Kirsty who assisted tonight. Another record may go this week, will it be new members or will it be the the club hire scheme ? or both ??

HELEN HOLM DAY 3

Great 3 days at Troon for Kirsty and in her words “I’m so pleased with my result, never thought I’d come 13th and beat some really good players, so really happy” Alex unfortunately did not retain his Junior Champion of Champions but finished a creditable 3rd behind Cormac Sharpe who started playing and being coached at Strathmore. Mixed result at Comrie where Amy felt she struggled and Kirsten thought with her new putter she had improved and played well finishing 6th.

Then to cap it all another 2 new members, Lewis Smith and Eva Fotheringham, joined bringing the current total for 2018 to 15 with more to come!!! After Saturday’s coaching I have another 4 sets of hire clubs to fit and another to upgrade. 

ANOTHER FIRST FOR STRATHMORE JUNIORS

Kirsty Brodie broke another record for the Section today by becoming our 1st Girl Scratch player. So delighted and this will give her added confidence going into tomorrow and for the rest of her season and beyond.

HELEN HOLM DAY 2

Strathmore’s girls didn’t disappoint by both improving on yesterday’s scores. Megan improved by 5 shots and scored 6 over and I’m sure will take a lot away from the 2 days especially finishing in style with a birdie. Kirsty shot a very impressive 1 under par 71 improving yesterday’s score by 2 shots. Bogies at 9,12 and 14 were cancelled out by birdies at 5,8,13 and 16. Tomorrow Strathmore Juniors are busy again. Kirsty is aiming to climb the leaderboard in the final round at Troon, Alex is defending his Junior Champion of Champions at Murrayshall and Amy and Kirsten are off to Comrie for the P&K Junior Spring Meeting.

HELEN HOLM DAY 1

Mixed fortunes for Strathmore girls on first day at Troon. Kirsty showed her fighting spirit to come back from a 3 bogey start to finish tied 10th. Birdies at 8, 9 and 15 got her back to level par and despite a bogey on 16 she was delighted with her round. Megan was 4 over after 3 but steadied the ship and after 13 was only 5 over but 6 dropped shots over the closing 5 holes has left her outside the cut line but hopefully a decent 2nd round will improve her position.

ANOTHER BUSY DAY

Where do I start. Murray and Daniel upgraded their clubs which they had outgrown. Finlay attended his first coaching session and after a few tweaks to his grip and ball positioning he was hitting some nice shots. A putting lesson went well and having explained and played Donkey I think his putting will improve dramatically. The highlight tonight was Camryn taking taking possession of her hire set and trolley. She is so excited about going to Gleneagles for County Coaching and is planning a lot of practicing between now and then.

THE LATEST DONATION

Thanks to Blair Stuart who will make somebody very happy with his donation to the hire scheme - 3 Texan Classics Gun Metal wedges 56, 60 and 64 degree

COACHING SESSIONS EXTENDED TO THURSDAYS

With our amazing success in attracting new members we have now created a problem we never envisaged. Not enough coaching sessions !!!! The 3 sessions on Monday and the 3 sessions on Saturday are full. So now we have opened up 1 Thursday session with the option of extending it to 2. I know this is another first for Strathmore but in the light of what’s happening in Scottish Golf this must be unprecedented in the current climate and proves that anything is possible, but you have to make it happen. We already have 13 new members and that could reach 18 by the end of the week !!!

COACHING STARTS AND WOW AMAZING

5 new members took part in the 1st session. All of them showed remarkable progress and it won’t be long until the first certificates are being attempted. 6 attended the 2nd session. Camryn has had a growth spurt over the winter and obviously had outgrown her own clubs. I borrowed some of Kirsten’s clubs and wow what an unbelievable improvement, drives consistently going over 150 yards. So impressed that I have recommended her for County Coaching. The other 5 were also amazing hitting consistently good shots and I am confident that all will make progress very quickly this season. 6 attended the 3rd session and again everyone had made improvements. I have also recommended Dominika for County Coaching and would like to thank Megan and Kirsten who assisted Gareth and I tonight. What a positive and unbelievable start to the seasons coaching.

ANOTHER NEW MEMBER FOR 2018

Lochy Stewart makes it 13 so far. Huge welcome and will meet him at the coaching which starts tonight.

RECORD BREAKING SUNDAY

What a Sunday, Kirsty finished tied 13th in the Irish Girls Under 18 in horrendous conditions and should be so proud of her achievement. Peggy Kennedy joined to break our new members record by becoming our 12th new member of 2018. But to cap it all Alex Simpson today became the P&K Junior Match Play Champion to complete his full set of U14, U16, U18, Champion of Champions and Match Play Champion which is unprecedented in P&K County history. I am so proud to have played a part in his progress over the years and still believe that Alex could, if he wants it enough, become the next Strathmore Junior to join the Professional ranks. Also so pleased that past Junior Captain Conor Hughes has rejoined the club and that so many youngsters were our playing and practicing today.

JUST ANOTHER SATURDAY

A windy day at Roganstown made for testing conditions today at the Irish Girls’ Open Stroke Play Championship. 

Having held the lead after round one, Kajsa Arwefjall slipped to a 3 over par 74 today and was forced to concede her lead to fellow Swede Louise Rydqvist. Strathmore’s Kirsty Brodie is still leading Scot tied 9th unfortunately club team mate Megan Ashley missed the cut. 

LEADING SECOND-ROUND SCORES
140 L Rydqvist (Sweden) 70 70
142 E Lewis (England) 72 70, M Bechtold  (Germany) 72 70
143 K Arwefjall (Sweden), 69, 74
144 D Modder (Netherlands) 72 72, S Witt (Germany) 70 74
145 C Whitehead  (England) 72 73
146 A Otten (Germany) 72 74
147 E Fagersten (Sweden) 76 71, C Worby (Wales) 74 73, K Brodie  (Scotland) 72 75

8 Juniors joined me out on the course for a Texas Scramble and what a brilliant time they had. Blair led out his team of Conan, Fraser and Archie and Keegan led out his team of Evie, Kian, Miles and me. Both teams were restricted to 2 tee shots each from each player and off we set. Both teams scored well but team Keegan ran out winners by 3 shots with a 34. 

Kirsten was away playing for P&K in a match v Fife and tomorrow Kirsty plays the final round in the Irish Girls under 18’s and Alex is at Blairgowrie in the P&K junior match play finals. And had word of more juniors likely to join !!!! Can this season get any better - YES IT CAN 🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️

IRISH UNDER 18 GIRLS OPEN - DAY 1

Kirsty Brodie and Hannah Darling top Scots in Irish girls' open stroke play as Swede Arwefjall leads with a 69

The Irish Girls’ Open Stroke Play Championship began at Roganstown Golf and Country Club today. The Championship, played over 54 holes, will see a field of 113 international players compete for the title which was first won by Leona Maguire (Slieve Russell) in 2012. 

Best after round one is Kajsa Arwefjall (Sweden), who carded 4 birdies on her way to a 2 under par 69. One shot further back sits a group on 1 under par, while Nicole Joyce-Moreno (Ireland) finished level par for her round.

  

Following the second 18 on Saturday, the top 50 players and ties will progress to Sunday’s final round. 

LIVE SCORING HERE

ROUND 1 SCORES

69       K Arwefjall (Sweden)

70        S Witt (Germany); L Schumacher (Germany); L Carlbom (Sweden); L Rydqvist (Sweden)

71        N Joyce-Moreno (Ireland); C Horder (Germany); C Eisenbeiss (Germany); E Svensson (Sweden)

72        K Brodie  (Scotland); E Lewis (England); R Brink (Sweden); L Huerlimann  (Switzerland); V Buehle (Germany); A Otten (Germany); C Whitehead  (England); P Schulz-Hanßen (Germany); R Belsham (England); D Modder (Netherlands); M Bechtold  (Germany)

73        L Walsh (Castlewarden); L Sperling (Germany); T Bjerkelo (Norway); C Hermes (Germany); E Willis (Wales); H Darling (Scotland); F Tynan (Wales); C Vikkula (Belgium); L Deutzmann (Germany)

74        A Bergsdottir (Iceland); B Coulter (Kirkistown Castle); A Krekling (Norway); C Worby (Wales); J Rankine (Scotland); L Hassert (Germany)

75        L Temple  Lang (Elm Park); A Schmidt (Denmark); L Bramwell (Wales); M Maier (Germany); H Lockley (Wales)

76        K O'Hart (Arklow); R Foster (Scotland); L Duncan (Scotland); E Andersson (Sweden); A Foster (Elm Park); E Fagersten (Sweden); L Volkmer  (Germany); D Harry (Wales); A McVicker (Belvoir Park)

77        S Ericsson (Sweden); K Lanigan (Hermitage); O Bergner (Germany); V Clancy (Killarney); J Adams  (England); E Thorne  (Elm Park)

78        E Lindner (Germany); L Burke (England); R Gyllner (Sweden); A Leth-Nissen (Denmark); E Henderson (Scotland); S Byrne (Douglas); K Dwyer (Rossmore)

79        P Wilson (Scotland); R Gardner (Carnalea); A Donegan (Woodstock); E Gower (France); M Ashley(Scotland); L Jerlebo (Sweden); M Cederholm (Sweden); A Bowler (Lucan); L Wulfers (Germany); K Gustafsson (Latvia); M Jucmane (Latvia); C O'Connor (Roscommon)

80        J Browne (Kilkenny); T Rosengren (Sweden); L Vogt (Germany); G Carr (Milltown); J Hays (England); N Borg (Sweden)

81        M Lindner (Germany); E Fleming (Elm Park Golf club); L Norlén-Åman (Sweden); O Hunt (England); C McGinty (England); A Dawson (Tramore)

82        M O'Hara (Clandeboye); I Grimbrandt (Sweden); A Thomas (Wales); F Vineall (Wales); E Henningsson (Sweden); L McClymont (Scotland); C Haesler (England)

83        J Ludviksdottir (Iceland); E Rodgers (Royal Portrush); C Leth-Nissen (Denmark); S McGuinness (Greenore); E Hammond-Baveystock (England); E Hynd (Scotland)

84        B Pyke (England); K Poots (Knock); C Brennan (Belvoir Park); M Kedzlie (England); T Bjerkelo (Norway)

85        K O'Keeffe (Tralee); L Kelly (Ballykisteen); C Griffin (Killarney)

87        F Behan (Killeen); O McCrystal (Holywood)

95        C Scholten (Netherlands)

99        C Shippam (Ballykisteen)

RTD    N O'Dwyer (Lahinch); E Forbes (Royal Portrush)

RECORD EQUALLED

Finlay Robertson became our latest member today. Hopefully he can come along tomorrow and join in our fun session. Starts 9.30 am until 11.30 am.   

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Miles and Evie joined Dawn and I for 5 holes on Leitfie tonight and it was encouraging just how much progress both of them made. It’s amazing what a bit of practice can achieve. Rhys upgraded his clubs tonight and Charlie joined the hire Scheme yesterday.

NEW MEMBERS UPDATE

Last year before the summer we had 11 new members and this year it looks like that record is about to go in April. With 10 already joined and another 3 possibly 4 joining this week. Whilst other clubs are struggling to attract new members and junior numbers are falling our Section is growing and flourishing. 

BIG WELCOME TO TOM AND ALISTAIR

Tom and Alistair Richardson become new members 9 and 10 for 2018. Coaching confirmation letters are going in the post today for everyone.

OFF TO A FLIER

Amy deputised as team manager as I was unavailable and I asked the team for a big response against our local rivals and they did themselves proud coming away from Blairgowrie with a tremendous 2.5 v 0.5 win. Kirsty halved with Fraser, Alex won 4 and 3 against Declan and Megan won 2 and 1 against Katy. Delighted for all 4 of them as they give each other so much support and it was a real team effort.

SCOTTISH BOYS AND GIRLS FINAL ROUND

Kirsty was disappointed with her final round and slipped to tied 13th but is taking the positives from her first two rounds.
Today it’s our first Scratch League match away to Blairgowrie and the team will be determined to get their first points on the board.

SCOTTISH BOYS AND GIRLS DAY 2

Kirsty shot a 1 under par 72 to move up to tied 4th and only 4 shots back from the leaders. She has also reduced her handicap to 1.0. Megan improved her score from yesterday but unfortunately missed the cut by 1 shot. Alex will have to finish his 2nd round tomorrow morning as bad light stopped play but is currently outside the cut line. Our best wishes go with Kirsty for tomorrow’s final round.
Tonight Kian and Ruby were fitted out with their hire clubs and both are desperate to get out and use them. This season just gets better and better.

UNDER 14 COACHING MEDAL

Report from P&K. Today we had our Coaching Medal played over the Wee Course. The sun finally came out and it certainly helped our 8 players with some very impressive scoring.  Unfortunately the frost meant that we used 2 "temp" greens so the competition is non-counting for handicap purposes. It was also very pleasing to have 2 new players from Strathmore join us and we hope to see you again.

Winner of the Scratch (Gross) was Connor Graham with 70.  Runner up was Andrew Wilkie with 77

Winner of the Handicap (Nett) was Max Hammonds with 84 - 27 = 57.  Runner Up was Andrew Wilkie with 77 - 19 = 58.

For Full Gross and Nett Score Results - Click Here.

Orley and Charlie were making their debuts and I’m sure they will benefit greatly from this experience. Well done boys and Kirsten your support to P&K junior events is second to none, so proud of you. 

CHANGES TO FIXTURE LIST

Due to our 1st Scratch League match being played on Saturday and 3 of our Girls playing in a practice match for P&K Ladies on Sunday the following changes have been made.

Saturday 7th at 12.37pm is now Summer League 2
Sunday 8th - 12.00-12.15pm is now Summer League 3
Saturday 21st after Gents is now 1st Qualifier for Junior Club Championship

Could anyone wishing to play this weekend in either of the 2 competitions please let me know asap. Entry sheets will be in the Junior folder after 4pm today.

SCOTTISH BOYS AND GIRLS - DAY 1

Mixed day in horrendous conditions, Kirsty played exceptionally well and is lying tied 5th with a 77. Megan is tied 70th and said it’s the “worst weather I’ve played in” but loved the challenge. Alex is tied 69th with an 80. Tomorrow’s weather looks better so hopefully all 3 can improve their positions.
Kirsten, Orley and Charlie are all competing tomorrow in the P&K under 14 Coaching Medal. Strathmore are always well represented and support Junior Golf at all levels.

CLUB HIRE UPDATE

2 new sets purchased, an electric trolley donated and  another set and trolley returned back into the scheme as the hirer is moving away. 2 new members to be fitted out tomorrow and another existing junior having his clubs upgraded. Busy time

REFER BACK TO NEW MEMBERS UPDATE FROM LAST TUESDAY

I predicted double figures for new members by the weekend and was slightly disappointed when I received an email confirming our total was up to 8. But was delighted when I went down to Strathmore today to find out another 2 had joined after the email was sent, so my prediction was correct 🔮

5 DAYS AWAY AND SO MUCH HAPPENING

Just back from Torremolinos ☀️ and tonight I’ve arranged and confirmed our first Scratch League match away at Blairgowrie away for Saturday. Tried to find out what’s happening tomorrow for the
County Stroke Play at Muckhart, for Alex, Amy and Kirsten and under 14 Coaching Medal at Blairgowrie on Wednesday, for Kirsten, just in case the events are cancelled due to the ❄️🌨. Before I left on Wednesday night Miles Hughes was fitted for his first set of hire Clubs. I also agreed the purchase of another 2 new sets. A client of I&D Insurance Services, Alistair Scrimgeour, handed in a driver and 3 wood and on the way back from Prestwick today received a phone call from Lady member Mary West donating an electric trolley which will be hired out for £10 per annum to the first junior who wants it. I would like to welcome another 3 new members into the section, Euan Murray, Stuart Duncan and Ruby Stewart. Ruby and Kian Donnelly will also have a club fitting done asap. Megan headed off on a 5 hour journey on Friday to compete in the Ladies 36 hole Delamere Comboy Scratch Trophy, she played well especially her second round which she was pleased with. Our first handicap cut of the season goes to Amy (now 4.7) who shot a 1 over par 74 at Strathmore on Sunday playing with Kirsten. Only disappointment is that Olaf Pirlo (April Fool 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♂️) and Benny Eustar (Easter Bunny🐰) did not qualify for the Scottish Golf event so the free 🚁 rides will not take place, there will be a lot of disappointed parents and kids out there but both boys say they will try again next year.

FREE HELICOPTER RIDES

The good news just keeps on rolling in. Strathmore’s alliance with the Norwegian’s took another twist when the CEO of Stakoil, Norway’s biggest Oil and Gas company contacted Strathmore to see if was possible to land their company helicopter on the driving range. The reason being his son Olaf Pirlo and friend Benny Eustar have entered the Scottish Golf event locally at the end of the month and as the are flying into Aberdeen on the company jet,and they have a helicopter which is normally used to ferry British workers to and from the rigs they decided to use it to bring the boys down. For the inconvenience to the Club Statoil will for the 3 days provide free rides to any members and their families. To book your space contact Iain Butchart by text 07707 657233 or email iain@ianddinsurance.co.uk