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.