OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SATURDAY MORNING

Sun shining and Taylor, Jamie, Lewis and Liam are raring to go. Everyone else must have slept in !!

BIG WEEK AHEAD

Strathmore are well represented at the Scottish Boys and Girls Amateur Championships at Moray starting Monday. Alex, Kirsty, Kirsten and Megan are all heading north and it will be interesting to see how they fair. After 36 holes of Stroke Play the top 64 Boys and top 16 Girls Scratch go into match play and in the Girls another 16 qualify for the handicap section. Our best wishes go with all 4.

WHAT A SUCCESS

Shame a few of you missed it due to holidays and thanks for the emails to let me know. For the others you missed a brilliant night and hopefully you can get along to join in on Saturday mornings or Thursday nights.
Huge thanks again to Amy who has supported me all spring at the Thursday night sessions and took Cameron and Conan out for 18 holes on the big course. Moya, Liam and Lewis were next up for Summer League, handicaps and 2nd Certificates and finally James, Lochlan and Zoe tried for their 1st Certificates. 9 youngsters out having fun it’s what golf is all about. Everyone who attended tonight have shown a commitment to get better and watching the younger ones I’m sure it won’t be long until they achieve their goals.

SUMMER PROGRAMME

Hi all, 

With the summer holidays nearly here this is the Junior programme starting today.

Monday –  course open - sun up to sun down. Gareth is hoping to run a coaching session starting from next week– details to follow. This is outwith the coaching funded by the Centre.

Tuesday -  course open – sun up until it gets dark.  

Wednesday –  course open – sun up to tired o’clock.  Ladies and Gents competitions open to those with Full Congu Handicaps

Thursday –  course open – sun up to night time. Junior night 5.30pm for those wanting to play  

Friday-  course open – sun up to bedtime.

Saturday – course open – sun up to dark o’clock- Junior morning 9.30am for those wanting to play

Sunday – course open – sun up to sunset. 

The putting green and chipping area are there for you to use so take full advantage as practice is the only way to get better  

You’ve all had the coaching now its time to play and practice as much as possible, see you all soon.  

Junior Summer League can be played on Leitfie by all those with fun handicaps. 2 cards per week. Come along Thursday night and/or Saturday morning and find out what it’s all about. 

Iain

SCRATCH LEAGUE TODAY

Dunning, one of the few golf courses in Perthshire I’ve not visited or played, hosted our Scratch League match today. Great welcome and lovely course. Kirsty led out the team and won convincingly  6&5, Alex followed winning 5&4 and Megan made the speech after a 5&3 win. We sit top of our section with only Auchterarder to play.

BELL TROPHY 2nd LEG

We may have been up against it today but I am very proud with how our team performed. Being 4v1 down from the first leg due mainly to not being able to field a full team with full handicaps and having to concede 2 matches. We at least got 4 players out today and with Cameron (making his debut) and Stuart playing to get some experience the future is bright. The day started with the last coaching sessions before the summer break and it’s great to see the improvements made by these youngsters. Next up took Cameron and Stuart on to the putting green to teach them the game of Donkey. Kirsten led the team out and halved her match. James secured a 2 up win. Blair playing his first official match also secured a half. Kieran lost his match 4&2. Cameron and Stuart both kept cards and scored well and it won’t be long until they have full Congu handicaps and be challenging for places in the team. By next year hopefully we will have more kids competing.

CERTIFICATES AWARDED

Euan receiving his 1st Certificate from Jackie

Fraser receiving his 1st Certificate from Gareth

LATEST YOUNGSTERS TO ARRIVE

STRATHMORE GO INTERNATIONAL

Have just arranged a match with the Danish Champions on the back of this email. Great opportunity to test our juniors. We already have a connection with Denmark through Soren Kjeldsen who used to practice at Strathmore with his coach Colin Smith. 

Dear Strathmore Golf Centre.

I am responsible for a yearly nationwide golf tournament arranged by the Danish Golfwriters’ Association and the Danish Golf Union. It is a team tournament for elite junior golfers (under the age of 20), with 3 players per team. The winning prize is a chance to be spectators at The Open Championship and to play against a local team of similarly aged elite golfers.

Last year’s winning team of 2016 played against an English team near The Royal Birkdale, and this year I´m looking for a golf club near Carnoustie for the winning team of 2017 that is why I’m writing you.  

Would it be of your interest to play our champions and if so, do you think it would be possible to host a scratch match between the three Danish youth players, and three youth players from your club? We are very flexible on the time of a possible match and would be able to play from Tuesday the 17th of July 2018 and forward. 

The 3 Danish players have a handicap of around 2 to -2 respectively and are aged between 17 and 19. 

BUSY THURSDAY AND AN EVEN BUSIER WEEKEND

Last Thursday coaching before the summer break but Thursday nights are now becoming Junior night  starting next week at 5.30pm. This Saturday is also the last coaching session but further Saturday mornings we will meet at 9.30am for Junior morning. These sessions will be used primarily for players who want to improve and play competitively but for those who just want a bit of fun come along and join in - everyone is welcome but we may need some parental assistance taking groups round the course.
Frankie made this amazing video of the Jamboree and all our girls did amazing

Kirsty was away on a get together with her Scottish teammates before they head to Sweden for the European Championships.

On Saturday we have the return leg of the Bell Trophy at home v Milnathort and on Sunday we are on Scratch League duty away to Dunning.

FINAL DAY OF JAMBOREE

P&K and Aberdeenshire went in to today’s match knowing a win would secure the title and secure a place in the Scottish final. Unfortunately P&K could not continue the form they showed over the weekend and lost 8v1. Both Kirsty who played in the foursomes and singles and Megan the singles lost their matches but can be very pleased with how they performed over the 3 days.

Aberdeenshire host the event next year so it will be interesting to see how many Strathmore Girls make the squad and team.

AT LAST

Club Championship / Tankard Qualifier 2nd round - Iain Butchart

(17/06/2018 CSS: 72 Par: 72) After an injury plagued season last year it would appear that the Junior Convenor has at last shaken them off and recorded his best score for months only 4 over par. Maybe it is being inspired by the girls !! Didn’t have a great 1st round but today made up for it.

You came 1st with 76-8c=68

1st Iain Butchart 76-8c=68
2nd Mark Scott 73-5c=68
3rd Norman Dyce 71-2c=69

JAMBOREE DAY 2

P&K took on Northern Counties today and got off to a good start in the morning foursomes leading 2v1 with Kirsty and Isla winning 1 up. Both Kirsty and Megan played in the afternoon singles and won 5&4 and 2&1 respectively to help P&K to a convincing 7v2 win. 100 % record for Strathmore girls. Both Amy and Kirsten caddied again and are loving it.

JAMBOREE DAY 1

Strathmore girls played their parts in the first day of the Jamboree. Kirsty playing with Isla Moncrieff  won their foursomes match 3&1 to give P&K a 2v1 lead before the afternoon singles. Kirsty couldn’t play in the afternoon as she was going to a show at night. Megan who was rested in the morning played in the afternoon singles and won 5&4. Amy and Kirsten both caddied and loved the experience. Great to see 4 of our girls involved and supporting each other.

Was super impressed with the standard of the swings at the junior coaching this morning and the improvements in all of these youngsters is amazing. Took Euan Murray and Fraser MacCuish out for their 1st Certificates and both managed it with 2 shots to spare. Putting needs to worked on but both are showing a lot of promise. 

CERTIFICATE AWARDED

Miles Hughes receiving his 1st Certificate

THE GOOD NEWS JUST KEEPS ON COMING

Forsgardens Sweden will host this years European Girls Team Championship on the 10-14 July and Kirsty has been selected to represent Scotland again. Huge congratulations. Full team below  

Kirsty Brodie (Strathmore)

Hannah Darling (Broomieknowe)

Louise Duncan (West Kilbride)

Carmen Griffiths (Aboyne)

Lorna McClymont (Milngavie)

Jennifer Rankine (Haggs Castle)

GREAT TURNOUT

Tonight we held our first Rules/Etiquette session and followed it with a Texas Scramble. 18 keen youngster turned up with their parents/guardians and we had a brilliant night despite Storm Hector. Iain’s team of Taylor, Zoe, Kian, Lochlan and Murray won with a very impressive score of 17 only 2 over par for the 5 holes played.

NEW MEMBER NUMBER 27 JOINS TODAY

Huge welcome to Arran Bridgeford who becomes our latest member. Strathmore obviously is the place to be. Looking forward to the rules/etiquette session and Texas Scramble tonight

OUR 26th NEW MEMBER

Big welcome to Jamie Gillies who becomes our 26th new member for season 2018. He is so keen he was out playing last night and I think we will see a lot of Jamie as he is having a house built next to the Course.   

THINK I SHOULD BECOME A REPORTER

What an amazing Tuesday night. Kirsten Miller has just been awarded Perth Academy Junior Sport Person 2017-18. She has been doing a Golf Leader Award which she is encouraging youngsters into Golf at rural schools and also helping with the coaching at Strathmore. What a star and richly deserved 👏👏👏👏

MORE AMAZING NEWS

After her superb victory on Sunday Kirsty Brodie has just been invited by the Stephen Gallacher Foundation to play in the Scottish Ladies Pro-Am at Gullane on the 25th July. What an opportunity to peg it up the best professionals on the Ladies Tour.

CONFIRMATION AND MORE GOOD NEWS

Had it confirmed today that Megan Ashley and Katy Alexander are the first Perth and Kinross winners of the Count Team Event at the Scottish Schools.
Just had the news we now have our 26th new member for 2018 following last nights taster session.

ANOTHER FANTASTIC RESULT

Megan Ashley came second today in the Girls Scottish Schools Championship at Murrayshall after rounds of 76 & 72 and with past Strathmore member Katy Alexander won the County Team Event for Perth and Kinross (we think for the 1st time - still to be confirmed) Kirsty Brodie finished 5th individually.
Caroline Lawrie the local Active Schools Coordinator had told me on Friday we had 3 youngsters coming along for Alyth Health week and I had invited Archie who impressed so much at the Skills Out event so expected 4 to come along for a taster session. Gareth Couzens our PGA Professional forwarded a text saying Peter also wanted to come along so we were up to 5, then received an email confirming the numbers from Alyth School was up to 11 with possibly another 3. In total 17 turned up !!! Bit busy but with the help of Amy, Dawn and Gareth we got there. Brilliant fun and I think at least another 3 new members and possibly more will join.
Thursday is our next big event with our 1st Rules night followed by a Texas Scramble for every junior.

SUPER SUNDAY

Spoke with Kirsty Brodie after her fantastic win today in the Stephen Gallacher Foundation Vase. Tied with Louise Duncan it went to a play off. Both girls birdied the 8th and when they both missed the 18th left Kirsty managed to chip to a foot and Louise failed to get up and down. Kirsty said it was nerve wracking with everyone watching but obviously held hers to achieve her biggest career win so far. Also great result for Megan who finished 6th.

BEN FALCONER

What a shame received this email from Ben’s mum, we all wish him a speedy recovery.

Good afternoon Iain,

Ben has had a fall and badly broken his right arm on Saturday resulting in an operation on Sunday. It's been a stressful few day. Unfortunately his golfing days are on hold for at least 6-8 weeks 

SATURDAY SPECIAL

Made page 3 !!! in the Courier, courtesy of Archie’s Hole in One. 🏌️‍♂️Great publicity for Archie and Strathmore. He will be looking for a rise in his pocket money 💷 after buying all his club mates a drink to celebrate 😄

Today’s results from home and away. 4 played in today’s Competition and Kirsten knocked 2 shots off her handicap with a nett 68 now playing off 16.0. James also reduced his handicap by 1 shot to 25. Met Cameron Redden today and he is definitely a prospect already has a handicap of 43 but looks as though that will be short term. James our newest member was already out practicing and he only joined on Thursday!  Received a phone call confirming that Archie from Skills Out will be attending coaching on Monday and will hopefully become our latest recruit. At the Stephen Gallacher Kirsty is sitting tied 2nd on 1 over, Megan also made the cut in 9th place. Unfortunately Alex missed the cut.

THINK WE COULD HAVE DISCOVERED SOMEONE SPECIAL

Attended the Skills Out programme at Blairgowrie tonight and for the first hour twiddled our thumbs as most of the kids were playing rugby, tennis, lacrosse, hockey and cricket. Then were inundated with kids wanting to try golf. A lot of enthusiasm was shown and quite a few decent swings but a lad called Archie caught my eye. He had never golfed before and was hitting some very consistent shots. I gave him a letter explaining membership and he was so excited when his mum came over to tell her he had been given a slip. I spoke to her and was enthusing how good he was when she asked if he had played left handed ? I said he had played right handed but we did have a left handed club he could try.  We went over to have a swing and once I explained he would need to swap his hands over was amazed as he was nearly as good left handed as right handed. I have never seen this before - what a talent. I think we have our latest new member and with such a natural swing he could be really special.
We have 3 kids signed up already to come along on Monday night from Alyth primary for a taster session at Strathmore as part of their Fit programme.
Amazing times

YET ANOTHER NEW MEMBER

Whilst waiting for all the juniors to arrive for coaching tonight received a call from the Centre advising me that James Soppit had just become our 25th new member and as he was also needing a set of clubs joined the hire scheme which now takes the total up to 34 for 2018. This is phenomenal. Tomorrow I have been asked to join Archie for a photo shoot with the Courier and then Amy, Dawn and I are attending the Skills Out at J J Coupar Park, which is the finale to Blairgowrie High Schools transition days run in partnership with the Parent Council and supported by Live Active. With somewhere between 50 - 100 children attending hopefully we can convince some that Golf is the Sport for them.
Alex, Amy and Megan have been selected as part of the Medal presentation party at the inaugural European Championships being held at Gleneagles in August.
Saturday it’s 3 sessions of Coaching and as Alex, Kirsty and Megan are off to Cardrona for the Stephen Gallacher I’m hoping that someone joins Kirsten who is signed up to play in the Junior Medal at 12.30.

BUSY WEDNESDAY

 

Went down to take Fergus out for his 3rd card for handicap and was very impressed by his game especially his putting, pace was really good. He has attained a fun handicap of 34 on Leitfie to enable him to play Summer League, but I don’t think it will be too long until he is ready to upgrade to the big course. Whilst we were going round spotted Conan out as well. Met Archie to hear all about his first hole in one and get some pictures for the blog and whilst we were doing that Lewis arrived for a few holes, great to see so many juniors out on the course. Where was everyone else ? Would be great to get more of you out on the course so get out there, meet up, and play together. Obviously I can’t be there 24/7, although sometimes it feels like it but I need parents and juniors to get together and organise. With this in mind we are holding a Rules session and junior get together next Thursday 14th at 5pm for juniors and parents so I would really appreciate if everyone could attend.
Kirsty today in the Scottish Ladies Amateur at Elie posted a very impressive 1 over par to make the cut comfortably in 19th place but before the competition started she had made the correct decision to attend her 6th year School Dance as this her final year at School before going on a Scholarship to University in America in August and there will be plenty of competitions to participate in.
Cameron Redden has been confirmed as our 24th new member and already has a handicap from his previous club The Hirsel. Look forward to meeting him on Saturday.

HOLE IN ONE

7 year old Archie Puttullo became our youngest member ever to have a hole in one. Playing with his grandad today he holed his tee shot on the first hole on Leitfie. Strathmore Juniors continue to amaze me with their achievements !!! Came home tonight to be informed we also have our 24th new member for the season !! Kirsty had a decent first round in the Scottish Woman’s Amateur Championship at Elie with a 2 over par round but trails former clubmate Hazel who scored a magnificent 6 under.

STRATHMORE NOW HAS A NATIONAL CHAMPION

Well done Alex Simpson who today was part of the 4 boy P&K team who won the Scottish Area Team Championship. One of his teammates today was Cormac Sharpe who started his golf at Strathmore. This takes Strathmore Juniors to a new level and was something I predicted would happen. You get back out of golf what you put in and tonight I couldn’t be more proud of all Strathmore Juniors. Kirsty shot level par at St Andrews Old Course today in the final round of the St Rule Trophy and finished a creditable 44th. Another past member Hazel McGarvie finished tied 2nd.  Kirsten was playing at Comrie in the Junior Open and Race to the Dukes and had the Girls best nett score, can’t find the boys score but hopefully she might have picked up some points.  Lewis shot 47 round Leitfie including a par on the first, Euan hit his longest drive 75yds and Josh was out playing on the big course plus I’m sure there were more that I didn’t see. The place is buzzing and the good news just keeps on coming.

BLAIR HOCKLEY ATTAINS HIS FULL CONGU HANDICAP

Congratulations to Blair who has attained a handicap of 27. He now becomes our latest Bell Trophy player.

SATURDAY UPDATE

 

Ruby and Peggy received their 1st Certificates today at the first coaching session. Some great improvements being made. Caught up with Taylor at the second session and she had really enjoyed playing in her first Girls County event and attending the coaching at Gleneagles. Blair submitted his 3rd card for a full congu handicap. Great to see James and Kirsten out playing in the Junior competition and Megan out playing in the Ladies. Kirsty was playing in the St Rule at St Andrews and is tied 45th going into the final round tomorrow. Great to see so many out playing on the wee course before and after their lessons.