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.