DREAMS DO COME TRUE

Received confirmation today that Trust has been selected to represent Zimbabwe. So proud to have been involved in his progress. Little did I know when I was asked to donate a set of clubs to a promising young golfer who didn’t have his own did I realise the effect this would have. Amazing 

MORE EXCITEMENT

Saturday’s Winter League saw Cameron reversing places with last weeks winner Conan with only 1 point separating them. Today Conan joined Dawn and I on Rannaleroch and we were both impressed by the improvements he has made to his swing and game in general.  The way he now controls it enables him to generate more power and precision and with more fairways being hit and the length he is now getting I am excited to see his progress in 2021. We did point out a couple of areas that he could work on during the winter and hopefully this will enable him to reach his goals. Meanwhile out on Leitfie with his grandad was Keir and wow what a score !! He shot 55, 10 shots better than his best score and only missing out on his 2nd Certificate by 1 shot. Look out Conan your “wee brother” is improving fast.

Last week Trust was competing with the 12 Zimbabwean Junior squad members at Harare. 5 x 36 holes events over Wingate and Borrowdale Golf Courses.

Day 1 - Takes lead with 79/74 = 153 

Day 2 - Finishes 3rd on the day 79/73 = 152 - tied 2nd overall on 305

Day 3 - Finishes 9th on the day 80/83 = 163 - 3rd overall on 468

Day 4 - Finishes 7th on the day with 157 - still 3rd overall on 625

Day 5 - Leaves the best to last. With 3 players breathing down his neck he shoots 1 under par 71 in the morning and follows up with a 73 for a 3 shot win on the day with 144 and a total of 769 for the week, securing 3rd place overall and fingers crossed a place in the Zimbabwe team to travel to Egypt in 2021. 

JUNIOR CAPTAIN LEADS FROM THE FRONT

Kirsten scored an amazing 43 points, Stuart 39 and Cameron 38. Tremendous scoring. We also had a few others out practicing and playing. With another 2 enquiries for membership, 2021 is already beginning to look to be another successful season. We have a number of improving players and at least 4 who I believe can make their mark at County Level and perhaps some of them at National Level. Time will tell. 

GIRLS - THE CHANCE TO COMPETE IN A NATIONAL TOUR

Received this email from Paul Gibson (Junior Tour) They are looking for more girls to play in their events in 2021. Junior Captain Kirsten has already won in the handicap section so why not join her. You need a Congu Handicap of 34.4 or under so get practicing. 

The Junior Tour (JT) has been running for 3 years now, although 2020 has been rather challenging for us all. I, along with a few volunteers, run the JT, and we organise events for Girls and Boys Under 18's during the season; we visit courses throughout the whole country, and all the clubs have been incredibly supportive. Our events offer a platform for all the players to showcase their skills in a friendly and safe environment, and there is also a competitive aspect which allows for handicap reduction to those that play well. It is an ideal arena for the players to develop their games, and to experience playing with their peers from different regions of the country.

The boys are split into Under18, Under 16 and Under 14 sections, but the Girls are simply Under 18, as numbers are not as high. Our events are very very popular, and we get between 65 to 90 players entering each event. The number of girls varies between 12 to 23, and I would very much like to see many more girls enjoying the experience of playing in our JT Events. The handicap limit for girls is 34.4. We pay out SGL vouchers to the first 3 placed players in each of the sections (Girls and Boys), but we also pay out vouchers to the best 3 Nett scores in the girls section.

It must be said that all the girls who play in our events really enjoy their experience, and once they have played once, they tend to keep on playing, which is exactly what we want. Our events are usually 54 hole events at weekends, and the entry fee has remained at £35 per event. As well as 3 rounds, we also pay for the players lunch on the day that they play 36 holes. We sometimes have events that are only 36 holes on one day. Our events have attracted WAGR (World Amateur Golf Ranking) status, and from 2021, they will also qualify for EGR (European Golf Ranking) status; in addition they count towards the SGL Junior OoM. While this will only affect the very low handicapped players, we also run an internal JT OoM at all our events, culminating in a 36 hole Final at the end of the season. I hope you agree that we try to offer something for everyone. We run 6 or 7 events per year, and their populaity has grown incredibly.

I would really appreciate you informing your clubs about the JT, and while word of mouth has had a major effect as regards Boys, it hasn't permeated down to the girls within the clubs, as of yet. There may well be questions that you would like answered, and I'd be delighted to do that. We have a Facebook page "JUNIOR TOUR SCOTLAND", and that may give people a flavour of what we're all about. My mobile number is 0782 140 4186, and I can be contacted anytime.

I could say so much more about the JT, but enough for now. May I take this opportunity of thanking you in anticipation of more girls hearing about the JT.

Sincerely,

Paul Gibson,

Junior Tour Co-ordinator

WET FAMILY FUN DAY

Unfortunately today was a bit wet for our Sunday Family Fun Day. The weather did not effect the scoring with all 4 teams scoring 30 or better. 2 teams tied on 1 under par 26’s with Cameron, Blair and Bruce pipping Archie, Ian and Iain by the better last 6.

RANNALEROCH WINTER LEAGUE KICKS OFF

Today we had 8 playing Winter League and some great scores. Kirsten took the honours with 40 points and her team of Blair, Cameron and Conan had an incredible 52 points. Great to see all these youngsters out competing and having fun. Noticed Jack and Rory heading out for a game as well. 

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL FAMILY FUN DAY

22 took part today after 3 call offs. 10 Juniors and 12 adults made up the 8 teams and again a very close run affair with 4 teams scoring under 30. Again one over par 28 was the winning score and Archie, Ian and Jackie pipped Keegan, Lee and Iain with a better last 6. During the last couple of weeks I have had the privilege to see the progress our Juniors are making out on the course and I am very impressed. The improvements in swings and general play are incredible and it proves beyond doubt that playing regular is reason for this. It also looks that we will soon have another parent joining the Club so he can participate in our Sunday Fundays. The popularity of these events is helping grow membership within the Club and it’s great to see so many families out playing and having fun together. Roll on next week. 

JUNIOR CAPTAIN MAKES HEADLINES

What a confidence booster for Kirsten

ZIMBABWE UPDATE

Trust played at Chapman Golf Course yesterday in the Mashonaland Junior Golf Association event. 84 youngsters teed it up and with the help of 3 birdies he shot a gross 76 to be tied first. Unfortunately the title was decided by a play off and not the best back 9. He lost out to Zimbabwean Internationalist Keegan Schutt. This is only 4 months after he needed further surgery following his head injury sustained during Cyclone Idai. Frances Fleming is so grateful for the support we have given Trust and the opportunity’s this has given him. 

UPDATE FROM JUNIOR TOUR

Again it’s like the beginning of the season, so much happening. Junior Captain Kirsten was playing in the Junior Tour and here is her message I just received. 

Hi Iain, I was playing the junior tour event at Blairgowrie today and was 4 under handicap shooting 81 and winning the girls nett competition. I had 2 birdies and a hole out eagle from 153yds on the 16th! Really enjoyed the day and my game was solid. 

I am so proud and pleased for her. She works so hard, will accept advice and help and gives so much more back to the Section in return, a true Captain and inspiration to others. 

FAMILY FUN DAYS ARE BACK

28 took part, 15 Juniors and 13 Adults. I would like to thank all those who took part and it’s a shame    more of our juniors could not make it but maybe next week. Today’s Texas Scramble winners with a best back 3 were Charlie, his Grandmother Annette and Dawn, second on best back 6 was Euan, his dad Scott and Blair and third was Keir his Grandad Marcus and Iain. All 3 teams managed 1 over par 28’s. Everyone enjoyed the day and a lot of good shots were hit. We hope a lot of these playing on a Sunday will also get out on a Saturday to play Winter League and make the most of their memberships. It’s great to see so many parents and Family members out and keen to encourage the Juniors to play. If this continues it helps us over the autumn and winter to identify players for next seasons Golfsixes and Junior Bell Trophy squads. I already have a few players in mind and hopefully they continue to play and improve.

5 YEAR OLD SECURES 1st CERTIFICATE AT ONLY HIS 3rd ATTEMPT

This day just got even better. Rory had a seven on the first and after playing the other 7 holes came to the last needing a five. I will quote his dad “three solid shots onto the green and two putts, he was absolutely delighted” What a fantastic achievement for a 5 year old who joined less than 2 weeks ago and has already  played 3 rounds to gain his fun handicap of 54 (27 for 9) and also bagged his 1st Certificate by scoring 12 or less on the 1st and 9th holes. 

ANOTHER NEW HANDICAP

James becomes the 4th player in the last month to attain his full Congu Handicap. Congratulations and look forward to seeing you out playing soon. 

RUSSELL BAILEY SHIELD

Today saw 7 teams take the field and what amazing scores !!! 5 scores of 42 points or better !! Lochlan and Jaki’s 47 just pipped Archie and Dawn by a better back nine of 25 against 24. Was brilliant fun and I know everyone really enjoyed the event. I also saw at least another 5 juniors out playing on Leitfie. Saoirse just missed out on her first Certificate by millimetres as her 12th shot just failed to fall in. 

PRESIDENT’S DAY

 5 Juniors took part and Cameron retained the trophy he won last year. 

DRAW FOR PRESIDENT’S DAY

 

ANOTHER GREAT DAY

Conan asked yesterday for some help with his putting so met him today and had a very productive session. Along with Kirsten he has agreed that his practice has to change from 25 minutes on the range just hitting balls and 5 minutes on the practice green to 25 minutes on the green and 5 minutes in the nets to warm up. Smart move as 50% of golf shots are putts. We then went out to play on the course and concentrate on course management. Conan used to swing too quick and hard but has worked with Gareth to slow his swing and correct his over swing and what a difference. Amazing, the distance he is getting from his new swing and it’s consistency on hitting fairways makes such a difference. His stance was a bit open but with a few minor adjustments he started finding the middle more often. Combine that with the improvements on the green I believe he is on the right road to handicap reductions. James submitted his 2nd card for handicap. Emily returned her 1st card for handicap and only one hole let her down. Sarah achieved both her first and second certificates and Chloe also attained her second Certificate. Rory is needing a set of hire clubs and Owen needs a Hire trolley. Things are starting to get busy. Junior President’s Cup is Saturday, Russell Bailey on Sunday and the return of our Family Fun Days the following Sunday. More Fun Handicaps can still be achieved and the Leitfie Winter League could be the most competitively played in recent years. 

ANOTHER NEW CONGU HANDICAP

We took Keegan out for his final card today and again it was such a pleasure. His attitude and etiquette for an 8 year old is exceptional. He played well, with his all round game being very sound. His judgement of pace on the putting green seems to be very natural and I see a bright future for him. Over the last few weeks Lochlan, Archie and Keegan have all attained their first Handicaps and only 3 shots separate them and going by our past record these boys will spur each other on. I am very excited to see how quickly these youngsters progress. They are all so keen. Keir not only gained his fun handicap on Leitfie today but  decided to join our Trolley Hire Scheme and was delighted to show it off along with his 1st Certificate. Think we might have some other news regarding certificates just waiting on cards been sent in. Spoke to Jack and Rory who were out again, brilliant to see so many youngsters out having fun. 

ARCHIE PRESENTED WITH HIS CONGU HANDICAP

I have had the pleasure of accompanying Archie out on the course twice over the last 4 days. On Saturday he played in the Junior Competition and finished 2nd. I was very impressed by his general play but noticed that his only improvement area was putting. I offered my assistance and today we spent an hour on the practice putting green working on pace, the most important aspect. We tried a few putters and Archie found one which suited him, lighter in weight, thicker grip and easier to judge pace. Dawn and I then took him out for 9 holes and wow what a difference. 17 putts for the 9 holes played (he did have one putt from off the green but using PGA stats this one didn’t count) His confidence is sky high, he shot 47, 12 over par  so his 32 handicap will be reduced very soon. Such a pleasure to see a youngster just out wanting to play, learn, take advice and have fun, he will have a bright future. 

BUSY SUNDAY

Kirsten has just reported back from Cardrona where she finished tied 13th in the Girls Stephen Gallagher Vase. She was happy how she played and takes a lot of positives away from the weekend. Meanwhile back at Strathmore Keir got in his 2nd Card for handicap on Leitfie as did Rory but star of the day was Jack who played his first counting card in the Winter League, shot 54, played to his handicap and gained both his 1st and 2nd Certificates. So pleased for him, looks like having his wee brother joining has sharpened his focus. 

ANOTHER BIG DAY

 Kirsten is away playing in the Stephen Gallagher Vase this weekend and reported back that although her score was not the best her driving and putting were her strong points. Hopefully tomorrow she can go out and improve her score from today’s. Zoe and Keir were out on Leitfie. 5 boys played in the Junior Competition and Lochlan kept up his good form by pipping Archie by one shot with Cameron finishing 3rd only losing out on the last back nine. Keegan joined us for a card for handicap and was very impressive especially with his new putter courtesy of the hire scheme. Great to have a group of youngsters ready and eager to take Strathmore Juniors back to where we belong. 

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IT’S MORE LIKE THE START OF THE SEASON

Rory gets his first card in for his Fun Handicap. Lochlan shoots a nett 63 and knocks 4 shots off his handicap and Zoe becomes the 3rd Junior to upgrade her membership to both Courses. 

CHRISTMAS AND 2021 ARRIVES EARLY FOR RORY

Rory became our first new member for 2021 and took no time in getting his first card in. He is only 5 but desperate to compete with his big brother Jack. Very impressed with his score 3 x 6’s is no mean feat and if only it had been on the first and ninth he would have attained his 1st Certificate. For Jack it was his 3rd card so he now has a Fun Handicap of 54. These 2 will spur each other on and can’t wait to see who gets their certificates first. Let the fun begin. Looks like we could also have another junior taking advantage of the 2 Course upgrade. 

AMAZING - WHERE DO I START

First Leitfie Winter League cards in - Lochlan shoots gross 34, nett 24.5 and Fun Handicap now 18 (9 over 9 holes) Zoe scored nett 32, and her score could have been amazing bar 2 bad holes. Owen got his last card in for his Fun Handicap and has achieved 34. Kirsten has already entered the first two Junior Tour Scotland Winter Series Events and the Paul Laurie par 3 Tournament. She was out practicing with Blair today. Keegan and James have both taken up the early offer to upgrade their memberships to include both Courses and Keegan wasted no time in getting a card in for handicap. To top it all we could have our first 2021 member tomorrow. 

HAPPY YOUNGSTERS

Certificates were presented tonight to Emily, Kyle, Lochlan and Zoe. Also Taylor was the first one to use Rory’s new training aid. Brilliant to see 3 of our ex juniors up at the range tonight Allan, Cammy and Frankie. 

BACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS

Strathmore Juniors on Tour. Cameron was playing the 1st round of the Donald Ross Junior Open at Royal Dornoch over the Struie Course today and is tied 18th nett going into the 2nd round tomorrow over the Championship Course. Weather conditions were horrendous with a gale and torrential rain hopefully it will improve tomorrow. The last Saturday coaching took place today and I was very impressed with everyone, the improvements have been amazing. It looks like we could have a few upgrading to the Rannaleroch Course. 2020 has been a difficult year but our Junior Section is buzzing again with so much going on. The School holidays are now on so hopefully we see as many as possible out on the course playing, getting Certificates, fun and full Congu Handicaps, playing Winter League and more importantly continuing to have fun. 

OCTOBER FIXTURES

 Get your diaries out 

OCTOBER
Sat 3rd - Medal from Yellow tees

Sun 4th- Winter League starts Leitfie
Sat 10th - for Handicap from Yellow tees 
Sat 17th - President’s Cup 10am Shotgun Start

Sun 18th - Russell Bailey 

Sat 24th - Last chance for Handicap from White tees

ANOTHER HANDICAP

 Archie is the latest to achieve a full Congu Handicap and he was delighted with his 32. 

WHAT A WEEKEND

First up yesterday was Stuart who played in the P&K Junior Handicap Match Play at Auchterarder. He won his semi final 3&1 and became 2020 Champion when he run out winner by 7&5 in the final. Tremendous result and so richly deserved. Today Zoe shot 53 on Leitfie to attain her 2nd Certificate and was so excited she did her special “happy dance” on the 9th green. We invited James out to be assessed on the Rannaleroch course and he enjoyed it but struggled with the difference in pace of the greens between the two courses. A Medal was played off the yellow tees and Stuart continued his strong run of form and shot a net 65 reduced his handicap by 2 shots to 24. Lochlan finished 2nd with a net 69 playing to his handicap which he only achieved a few days ago. Stuart was also a member of the winning team along with Archie, Dawn and Jackie with a better ball stableford score of 52 points.

NEW CONGU HANDICAP

 Congratulations to Lochlan who has a first Congu handicap of 39. 

MORE ACHIEVEMENTS

Starting to feel like the good old days. Stuart has just had an email to confirm he has qualified for the P&K Junior Handicap Match Play at Auchterarder on Saturday and received cards from Owen and Kian for their 2nd Certificates. Fun Handicaps for these boys soon. 

AMAZING COACHING SUCCESS

 Strathmore’s Junior Coaching programme is again paying dividends big time. With 7 x 1 hour sessions spread over 3 days provided by our 2 PGA Professionals, Gareth and Rory, we are seeing some amazing progress. Tonight I took a few out for their 1st Certificate. Emily was desperate to have a go and wow was I impressed. She now knows that her utility club is enough on the 1st after her perfectly hit 3 wood finished in the rough behind the green ! After taking relief from an unplayable lie she still managed a 6. Her next tee shot finished 30 yds short left but a magnificent pitch to a pin on the top level of the two tiered green left her within 3 ft of the hole and although she unfortunately missed the par putt an easy 4 was achieved as was her 1st Certificate. So pleased for her as her confidence has grown so much and her love for golf is definitely shining through. New member Kyle achieved his 1st Certificate easily with 2 x 5’s and also won some money from his dad by hitting a drive with a carry of over 100 yds. Harriet missed out but will try again and Sarah was so unlucky by lipping out for hers with a fresh air shot costing her dearly but I know that she can achieve this very soon. Peggy’s ball striking tonight was unbelievable and I suspect we may have discovered another major talent. Can’t wait to take her out on the course to prove me right. Ruby, James and Carly are not far behind. Zoe, Megan, Adrian and Taylor are showing so much promise. Then we have Matthew, Keir, James, Lochy, Jack and Chloe and that’s only from tonight’s 3 sessions. Can’t wait until Wednesday’s 2 sessions.

2020 - IT’S ALL COMING TOGETHER

 5 Juniors played in our inaugural Yellow Medal and the scoring in tough windy conditions was amazing. 3 players tied on nett 67’s with Cammy running out the winner with a better inward half. Archie, Frankie and Lochlan also played cards for their handicap and again some decent scoring. It’s a few years since we needed more than 2 tee times but that is about to change. Zoe is the latest to gain a Fun handicap on Leitfie. More are trying for certificates and more cards are being handed in for summer league etc. Exciting times ahead.

WEE MESSAGE FROM DAWN

 Hi everyone, really pleased to receive all your cards for summer league etc and very happy to enter them. However I am finding it increasingly difficult to read some of the scores, please please please use a pen or a good pencil and write the scores for each individual holes clearly, this would make a handicap secretary very very happy.

Also please return your cards by email, WhatsApp or messenger IMMEDIATELY after play! 

Thank you 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT UPDATE

Unbelievable talent on show tonight. All the players are showing so many improvements. It’s very exciting but we need to see more of these youngsters out playing on the course on a regular basis. I believe  that next year we could have amazing GolfSixes and Bell Trophy squads. Rory and Gareth are definitely getting the most out of these kids and they are all listening and paying attention to what they need to work on. 

CARLY OFF TO A FLYER

First Certificate, Second Certificate and First card for handicap all in the one round - Wow !!!! So impressed by her attitude. Being so young I think we could have another potential star in the making. So exciting. It all begins again !!!! 

INCREDIBLY BUSY NIGHT

 Full house at coaching tonight three groups of 8 excited youngsters 5 of whom were new members attending their first sessions. Annie and Sam are delighted with their first hire sets and Annie also got got her first golf shoes. Emily swapped her shoes. Harriet and Adrian had outgrown their sets so both were upgraded and Harriet also needed a trolley to go with her new clubs. Lochy was delighted to receive his first certificate. Some great swings on display tonight and Rory was very impressed by the standards. Think I will be busy with Certificates soon !! Brilliant to see these youngsters back out enjoying golf. So many happy, smiley faces and if this is replicated on Wednesday and Saturday what an amazing start to the 2020 coaching. 

ANOTHER ENQUIRY AND SHE WOULD BECOME OUR 22nd GIRL MEMBER THIS SEASON

 Phone enquiry this morning and we could have our 8th new member this year which would make her our 22nd Girl member for 2020 breaking the record of 21 we set only on Friday. Amazing ⛳️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♀️⛳️

NEW MEMBERS UPDATE

 Huge welcome to Annie, Sam and Sarah who joined the club today taking our new members up to 7 so far this year. Sarah was fitted for her first set of Hire Clubs today and Annie and Sam will get theirs on Monday before the coaching. 

UPDATE

Just about ready to issue coaching times. After much head scratching and juggling we are just about there. With another potential 3 new members things are looking very promising for the remaining part of the season. With Covid19 we are having to make sure that all safety measures are in place and that everyone is aware of their responsibilities and that these all regulations are adhered to. 

We have 55 Juniors in the programme so far with a few more to confirm so numbers are still very encouraging and we are also seeing a lot more out playing so hopefully when the coaching resumes we will see Strathmore Juniors again come to the fore. 

I have been busy replacing outgrown sets of golf clubs in our now Nationally adopted Club Hire Scheme and also swapping shoes from our free scheme. Most of our new members are requiring Hire sets so our stock recycling is ever changing. 

Looking forward to next week and welcoming our new members and seeing how much progress others have made. 

SISTERS BECOME NEW MEMBERS 3&4 FOR 2020

It’s amazing the number of girls we have. Both girls previously attended one of our many taster sessions.

SOME GREAT SCORING

Ryan received his 1st Certificate today and will be desperate to try for his 2nd. Keegan over the last 2 days has knocked 6 shots off his fun Leitfie Handicap returning scores of 34 and 36. Incredible scoring and even managed a birdie on the 3rd, drove the green and holed from 4 feet. 

WHAT A START

2nd day after Strathmore Juniors started off competitive golf and already the first two players have knocked 3 shots off their Handicaps. Well done Blair and Cammy, impressive scoring. Ryan gained his 1st Certificate and Megan her 2nd. James has outgrown his Hire set and had them replaced. Social distancing is being adhered to and if everyone continues to follow the guidance hopefully we can have a safe, long and successful season.
Certificate was sanitised before presentation.

2020 2nd NEW MEMBER

Huge welcome to James from Kirriemuir who becomes our latest new member.

UPDATE ON TRUST

Strathmore Juniors purchased a golf trolley donated to Peza Trust and the £50 is already on it’s way to Zimbabwe to assist with Trust’s hospital costs.
Message received from Francis Fleming of Peza Trust
He has an infection in his skull and is on heavy antibiotics for 7 days so he will be kept in. Then he will have 3 months of oral antibiotics. The slight worry is that the infection might be in the bone and they would have to remove a section but we are hoping not. He is feeling better and the local golf club head man has taken him some magazines and some treats. Thank you for your contribution.
The trolley is available for Hire to Strathmore Juniors for £5 per year plus a one off donation of your choice to Trust.