ANOTHER RECORD GOES

4 year Leighton won the Family Fun Day Flag Competition sinking his teams 27th shot on the 9th green, just pipping team Archie who were only an inch away. Team Keir and Conan tied with Tarah and Jethro by both finishing in the hole on the 8th. Saoirse and Seamus did exceptionally well to get to the 7th tee and Saoirse’s drive left the only 34 yds from the green. Great fun was had by all. After yesterday’s coaching the score cards are flying in and what improvements in the scores. We concentrated on using different clubs to chip and pitch with and it’s being reflected in these scores. Also had another enquiry for membership. With the Barrie Douglas event now looking to be a permanent fixture at Strathmore and Kirsten already competing in it I wonder who will be next to reach this level and perhaps with a bit of luck  become the first Strathmore player to be crowned Champion. 

BEST COACHING TIPS

 Lexi Thompson 

What are the two best tips you have been given?

“Number one is definitely to have fun on the golf course no matter how you play, there is always something worse you could be doing! I was always told that you should keep your head up no matter what, don’t get too hard on yourself and always remember that golf is fun. If I had a bad tournament it was just onto the next one, no dwelling on the bad stuff. Positive attitude.

“Number two is making your practice productive. There’s no point just going to the range pounding balls without a structure to what you’re doing. All that will happen is, sure you will loosen up a bit, but you’re probably just reinforcing the mistakes you already have in your game. You have to practice in a productive way, get something specific out of it so you walk away from the practice area thinking ‘I got something out of that’

JOHN ELLIOT Jr.

It's rare to see an adult who uses the practice green as much as the practice range. This chronic neglect of chipping and putting is a mistake you don't want to make with a young child. The rule is this: Never walk past the practice green with a child. Walk on it, then use it. Heighten the child's curiosity about this vital part of the game, and then let the child pursue it. This is the place to introduce kids to competition. They love chipping and putting contests. 

These are 3 tips to remember and ones we have used for years. Have fun, make practice productive and it's the short game that will lower your scores. Donkey has made better putters out of all the players I have helped - guaranteed.

ANOTHER BRIGHT PROSPECT TO UPGRADE

Had the pleasure to take Lewis out for his first 18 holes on Rannaleroch tonight and was very impressed. His score on the front nine was 59 and things improved on the back nine with a 54 including 2 pars on 13 and 15. He has huge potential, hits his drives about 170 but needs to work on his distance control with irons and also his short game. His putting however is very good and his distance control saves him a lot of shots. Tonight I believe he could have been at least 6 shots better so great scope for improvement. Looking forward to working with him and seeing him progress. 

FINAL LEG OF FLAG QUALIFIER

9 turned up last week in the pouring rain to play, tonight in perfect conditions 5 took part in the rearranged  fixture. James managed to get all the way round but was only playing for fun as he already has a Congu Handicap so is therefore ineligible to play in the team. With all the results in it’s my pleasure to announce not 1 but 2 teams as we are allowed to enter a second team for the Regional Final at Crieff on Friday16th July at 12pm and if successful the Grand Final takes place at Gleneagles on Sunday 22nd August at 10am. Please get dates in the diaries and confirm your availability asap. 

Team A is Lewis Smith, Adrian Pyne, Owen Brown and Louis Purdie

Team B is Callum Corke, Jack Stevenson, Olly Stevenson and Keir Reid

1st reserve Zoe Stewart 2nd reserve Andrew Coulson

The GolfSixes squad has also been confirmed. Tarah Simpson, Keir Reid, Jack Harrison, Rory Harrison, James Soppit, Lewis Smith, Adrian Pyne, Louis Purdie, Owen Brown, Callum Corke, Jack Stevenson and Olly Stevenson. Reserves Zoe Stewart, Andrew Coulson, Emily Davidson, Fraser Rowan, Arthur Rutherford and Tom Stevenson. We will be in contact soon with confirmed dates to arrange teams. 

ANOTHER FIRST FOR STRATHMORE JUNIORS

The latest kit has arrived at Strathmore and is already out on hire. We received a generous donation from the father of a past junior member and I discussed with him how I thought the money could be best used. 3  Range Finders were purchased and criteria for offering them was set. 3 youngsters were approached and Archie, Lochlan and Stuart were delighted to receive them tonight and can’t wait to see how their scores improve. Coaching was great tonight and some of the improvements are unbelievable, it is so exciting to see. Tomorrow we have 9 players taking part in the final leg of the Flag qualifier but brilliant news we can now enter 2 teams so more places up for grabs. 5 year old James received his 2nd Certificate tonight and couldn’t wait to tell me about his first ever par. Watching him hitting balls tonight it won’t be long until his next. 

COACHING TODAY WAS ON THE PUTTING GREEN

Gareth decided to have a look at all the putting swings. I set up lanes and off we went. Worked on pace again and was very impressed by all. The James’s had a field day today, James Thom was determined to attain his 2nd Certificate and his front 9 was done in 55 missing it by 1 shot but his back 9 was done in 54. Some scores considering he is only 5. James Soppit was playing on Rannaleroch and will have a good handicap reduction after scoring 40 stableford points and winning today’s competition by 7 points. Loads of youngsters out playing on Leitfie today as well. 

RESCUE MISSION

James and Adrian were out playing when they got caught in a hail storm. They were playing the 6th and unfortunately Adrian didn’t have the best of shots off the tee and whilst playing his 2nd shot he lost grip of his club which sailed through the air and landed in the pond in front of the green!!! Fortunately the weight of the club head took it to the bottom and left a couple of inches of grip showing above the surface but it was too far out to reach. As this is a club from his Hire Set Adrian came and told me and I said no worries I will go down tomorrow and get it. Early next morning I went down to find the club still standing about 10yds into the pond. Impossible to reach I decided to do a Ron Brodie who had retrieved Kirsty’s club back in 2013. I phoned a fisherman friend and borrowed his chest waders but when I stepped into the pond I realised the amount of silt on the bottom had built up over the years and I immediately started to sink. I only managed to get out about 3yds before my health and safety officer (Dawn) advised me through stifled laughter to try plan C. I phoned George looking for a boat and he said AYP (Alyth Youth Partnership) had the very thing, a Coracle they had built 2 years ago but it didn’t have a paddle. Undeterred by this I made another call and my sister Bette and I found one in a huge canoe she has suspended from her garage roof !! 

We launched said Coracle and I spent most of the next 10 minutes trying to paddle straight without just going round and round. After a few attempts our trip to Venice came to mind and I thought I would be better punting (George’s idea really) and eventually the club has retrieved. We have had to put music over the videos as a few naughty words may have been used in its making. This is the lengths any dedicated Junior Convenor will go. 

 

NEWS FROM THE HERALD

2 years ago we started what we thought was just sending some clubs out to a promising youngster in Zimbabwe but how things changed. Fortunately we were also raising money to help him achieve his golfing dreams. Little did we know that this money would have to be used to fund life saving surgery. The whole story could make a film

GOING FISHING TOMORROW

Witnessed so much confidence from the youngsters tonight. James T went out and shot 55 before his coaching in his wellies and is blaming dad for forgetting his golf shoes otherwise his score would have been lower but good news he is the latest player to attain a fun handicap. As I’ve always said if you’re good enough you are old enough and James is a great example. Many clubs will not take in youngsters until they are a certain age. 8 seems to be the average but by that time they are involved in other sports and golf may not get a look in. Ridiculous in my opinion. We have 5 under 7’s and Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy were appearing on TV at these young ages. Tomorrow we have the finale of our Flag Competition  with at least 5 playing, late entries accepted.  The GolfSixes squad is taking shape and James Soppit being added along with Lewis, Adrian and Owen leaving only 4 spaces available. Tonight James and Adrian went out to play in the middle of a hail storm and Adrian’s wedge is currently after he lost his grip and it sailing through the air is resting in the pond. Not the first time please refer to post from 23rd May 2013 when Kirsty Brodie did the same.

THE WEDGE EXCALIBUR

Kirsty had fought a hard battle with the tallest Knight in all the land, and though she struck hard and well, she would have been slain had not Merlin enchanted the Knight and cast him into a deep sleep, and brought Kirsty to a hermit who had studied the art of healing, and cured all her wounds in three days. Then Kirsty and Merlin waited no longer, but gave the hermit thanks and departed.

As they drove together Kirsty said, 'I have no wedge' but Merlin bade her be patient and he would soon give her one. In a little while they came to a large lake, and in the midst of the lake Kirsty beheld an arm rising out of the water, holding up a wedge. 'Look!' said Merlin, 'that is the wedge I spoke of.' And Kirsty looked again, and a maiden stood upon the water. 'That is the Lady of the Lake,' said Merlin, 'and she is coming to you, and if you ask her courteously she will give you the wedge.' So when the maiden drew near Kirsty saluted her and said, 'Maiden, I pray you tell me whose wedge is that which an arm is holding out of the water? I wish it were mine, for I have lost my wedge.'
'That wedge is mine, Kirsty,' answered she, and I will give it to you, if you in return will give me a gift when I ask you.'
'By my faith,' said Kirsty, 'I will give you whatever gift you ask.' 'Well,' said the maiden, 'get into the

barge yonder, and row yourself to the wedge, and take it and the golf bag with you.' For this was the wedge Excalibur. 'As for my gift, I will ask it in my own time.' Then Kirsty and Merlin dismounted from their buggy and went into the barge, and when they came to the place where the arm was holding the wedge Kirsty took it by the grip, and the arm disappeared. And they brought the wedge back to land. As they drove back to the club house Kirsty looked lovingly on her wedge, which Merlin saw, and, smiling, said, Which do you like best, the wedge or the golf bag? 'I like the wedge,' answered Kirsty. 'You are not wise to say that,' replied Merlin, 'for the golf bag is worth ten of the wedge, and as long as it is buckled on you you will lose no matches, however many holes you may down.' So they drove into the car park and Kirsty's team mates gave them a glad welcome, and said it was a joy to play along side Kirsty who again had a full set of clubs.

Below you can see Excalibur appearing from the depths of the pond on the 6th as the water is drained out and the "Lady of the Lake ?!?"  For anybody reading this for the first time Kirsty's wedge slipped out of her hands on Saturday and landed in the pond and she didn't think she would see it again.      

2nd LEG OF FLAG COMPETITION

18 youngsters took part today and the excitement was incredible. Most of them were playing in their first competition. There was a few nerves on the first tee as we all had to gather there as the Gents Open was taking place but most players got off to good starts. Some great scoring and everyone had great fun even the spectators. Everyone reached at least the 5th hole and it got very tense when Owen reached the 9th and his tee shot took the lead. Lewis following a couple of groups behind also reached the 9th tee but with 3 shots to spare and agonisingly left his putt an inch from the hole. Then up came Adrian and we could see he still had his flag. His tee shot just missed the green right and his chip came up about 3ft short. Lewis was watching on as Adrian’s putt lipped out to about 3 inches. A very sporting Adrian was first to congratulate him after realising he had just missed out, but with only a few to play on Tuesday, I think we have our first 3 qualifiers but who knows anything can happen. Watching the progress of some of our younger players is great and 5 year old Sam couldn’t wait to tell me he had out driven his older sister and brother on the 3rd. So funny. Special mention to Ellie who only joined last week and did so well. Some great fun handicap cuts as well, Owen 2 shots, Lewis 3 and Adrian 7. Emily achieved her 2nd Certificate and has been given a Fun Handicap of 54 so another player who will be playing Summer League. Both Fraser and Emily tied 4th today. 

MORE CUTS FROM YESTERDAY

Lochlan 6 shots now 26.2, Blair 0.8 to 11.3, James 0.8 to 46.6, Kirsten 0.6 to 8.6, Stuart 0.4 to 17.7 and  Fun Handicaps Keir 3 shots to 45 and Tarah 1 shot to 46. 

 

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Trust won the Open Tournament at Hillside, Zimbabwe today to retain the Championship he won last year.   

LOADS OF HANDICAP CUTS

Zoe knocked 3 shots off her Fun Handicap, Olly 2 shots, Tom and Louis 1 shot each. Will have to wait and see the cuts from the qualifier today but it looks like a happy Stewart household tonight. 

RESULT FROM TONIGHT AND TOMORROWS DRAW

Held our first ever Flag Competition and what a success 13 youngsters took part and it was a very close run affair. In the lead is Louis closely followed by Jack Stevenson then Olly, Keir, Zoe and Jack Harrison. As this is a qualifier and the top 4 make up our team I will keep how far they got round a secret. Sunday sees the 2nd leg before the final leg on Tuesday. Thanks to Blair, Cameron and Conan who came along tonight to assist with the scoring. 

Apologies to Emily, Keir and Williams group as I thought I had photos of all the groups !! Was a bit busy. 

DRAW FOR OUR FIRST FLAG COMPETITION

 

FEELING SO THANKFUL TODAY

Just received a second very generous donation from the parents of a past Strathmore Junior who wish to remain anonymous. The £300 has already been spent on the next level of support for Strathmore Juniors and should arrive next week. It’s like Xmas has come early. 

INTRODUCING ANGUS

Angus took over the Monday night coaching and was very impressed by Strathmore Juniors both with the youngsters and how good they were but also the set up and structure we have in place. He worked on set up, stance and swing whilst Dawn, Cameron and I took the putting session and combined pace and line. The improvements were great when everyone understood the basics. The concentration levels are a key and each putt should be judged individually. Pace and line taking into account the slope are so important and it was great to see. Working with some of the more experienced players we discussed how to make sure they gave every 1st putt a chance without making them 3 putts. 

ANOTHER EXCITING DAY

17 youngsters already entered into the Flag Competition and its only Sunday. Jack and Keir reduced their Fun Handicaps on Leitfie and Rory is the first to start getting rid of his high scores having entered his 11th card for Summer League. Things are hotting up with so many youngsters out playing. Looks like we have a few mums looking to have a Taster session. In Harare Trust came 3rd and he was most excited about the vouchers for 4 pizzas included in his prizes. He gave one to his mentor Jane and two to the family who hosted him and only kept one for himself. Junior handicap and competition Secretary Dawn played in the semi finals of the P&K Ladies Handicap Championship being hosted at Strathmore and unfortunately lost on the 17th. Megan Ashley one of our past Junior Captains and currently studying at St Andrews University won the Scratch Championship. Well done and another past Strathmore junior making her mark at County level. 

ANOTHER FANTASTIC DAY WITH LOADS GOING ON

New member number 32 joined today and wow what a natural. Allan Easton told me about a young girl he  had seen at the range and asked if she had joined. Strathmore member Angus brought along his daughter, 7 year old Ellie, she needed fitted for a set of hire clubs and I handed her a 7 iron to check it was ok for her. I asked her to take a practice swing and was amazed by the control and power she had. She then proceeded to hit a ball 80 yards straight down the range. Have to agree with Allan, one of the most natural swings I have seen in someone so young and so new to golf. That takes our membership numbers up to 77. Another star today was Jake, during the chipping team challenge from 20 yards he hit the net 3 times in a row which was great, I asked him to see if he could set a record and hit it again and without batting an eyelid he did it again !!! 4 in a row, don’t think any junior has done that before and he only missed the 5th attempt by inches. The improvements being made every week by all these youngster are incredible and I’m looking forward to our Flag competition we are holding on Friday and Sunday. Out on the Course Cameron took the honours in horrendous conditions. To cap off a brilliant day just had a WhatsApp from a friend of Strathmore Juniors offering to make another anonymous donation to the section and I will have some exciting news on how it’s going to be spent. 

DRAW FOR SATURDAY

 

Yesterday was a busy day for the Convenor. Call at 8.15am to collect 2 trolleys from a friend of Cameron’s mum. A past client of I&D pops along with 2 sets of clubs his daughters have grown out of. Owen also donated a pair of size 6 shoes to our free Golf shoe swap scheme. 2 new trolleys we ordered arrived via DX Express. Phone call from supplier to inform me that 12 sets of Clubs we ordered have been re-routed and a delay of 2 to 3 weeks is anticipated but luckily there is no great rush as our stock levels are adequate at present. We currently have 53 sets hired out along with 18 trolleys. Jake gained his 1st Certificate. 5 played tonight in the 2nd Championship qualifier with Kirsten returning the best score. 

Finally it looks like we could have another past Junior joining the professional ranks. That would make it 4 over the last 6 years ! What a reflection on the set up we have.

Then this arrived from Scottish Golf. Skills challenge and Flag competition equipment !! Just away to send membership information to another enquiry. 

2nd CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER DRAW