FIRST WEEKS COACHING DONE

Great to see everyone back. Some growth spurts so lots of Hire clubs upgraded. Logan and James both returned cards for Leitfie Summer League today and both had handicap cuts. Over 20 have already entered for our own GolfSixes on Sunday. Blair and Cameron both completed their Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport Courses and when Cameron turns 16 next month both will be booked onto their PGA Level 1 coaching badges.  We finished of last night with a driving accuracy competition between Owen, Blair Cooper and myself and we won’t say who won but using Blair’s draw set driver was mastered by someone using it for the first time as they had left their own clubs in their car. The improvements in swings have been very impressive and Dawn, Blair and Cameron have made sure the youngsters confidence on the greens judging distance control is improving. Looking forward to receiving more cards over the next few days. 

ANOTHER EXCITING DAY

Mia is confirmed as out latest new member. Kai went out tonight and attained his fun handicap of 54 great to see him so keen. Luna was also out tonight. Dawn took Tarah out to work on her yardages and she was very impressed by her ball striking and after a few tweaks her consistency improved and she now has a better idea of which clubs to play. I took Harry out for his 2nd card and he played well but we did identify an improvement area, putting, which cost him quite a few shots tonight. He will submit his 3rd card on Saturday and I am delighted that we will have another WHS handicap player competing. 

MANIC MONDAY

Again where do I start. Another 2 new member Kieran and Forbes and looking at a list I was given today think we have a third in Mia, which would take us up to 12.  Plus our 18 registered Start-up Scholarship members and a total membership of 97. 30 youngsters attended the 3 coaching sessions tonight led  by Angus. Dawn and Cameron split the groups and took half of each group to the putting green whilst Angus sorted out stance, grips and swings with the beginners and more intricate and subtle changes with the more experienced players. Took Kai out for his 1st Certificate and after holing a 15ft putt for a 7 on the first hole he was left needing a 5 on the last. Great tee shot, great pitch to 10ft but it took a great 3ft putt to secure the five he required to gain his Certificate. 

GOLFSIXES

Busy day hosting our first GolfSixes event of 2022. Phone call 2 hours before with a call off due to a rugby injury but luckily we had organised reserves and Nate filled in at very short. The 3 teams took to the field and had a fantastic time. Strathmore (A) ran out winners with 119 point. Olly and Jessica were top scorers but only 4 points covered the 3 pairings. Special mention to James and Tommy who were only a point behind Olly and Jessica. We also included 2 nearest the pins and Jessica won them both !!! And they even converted one of them into a birdie 2. Everyone had a fantastic time and can’t wait for the next event.  Both Jack and Tarah had a 5 shot reduction from their excellent scores yesterday and Blair took off a shot as well. Tarah was away again at the SGF at Swanston and made it 3 wins on the trot. Then yet another enquiry for membership enquiry for membership !!!

WHERE DO I START

Ollie was confirmed as our latest new member making 9 with another membership enquiry dealt with tonight, and that doesn’t include our 18 Start-up Scholarship members. Day started at 8am finalising both our GolfSixes squads. 10am first coaching session and what a start. Hunter attending his first session not only achieved his first Certificate but came back with best one liner I’ve heard in ages. I was commenting on his Mohican hair style and said “I would like to have one just like that” and quick as a flash he said “ you’d need to get some hair first”.  Took Keir and Olly for a putting lesson and both boys improved dramatically. Next up at 12 was taking Olly out for his first handicap card and was very impressed by his play, he knocked 7 shots off his personal best and despite bunker trouble on a couple of holes and a ball out of bounds his score did not reflect his play and I believe he could have easily been ten shots better - great talent with loads of potential. Harry also played his first card for handicap and again 2 holes cost him but great score on the other 16. Shot of the day belonged to Jack whose round started off by him holing his 3rd shot on the 1st for an eagle 3 and 6 stableford points and him winning today with 44 points, handicap cut on way. Tarah and Blair also played below their Handicaps. Next up at 4pm was a practice session with our GolfSixes teams before tomorrow’s event and brilliant fun was had by all. Guess who won the boys challenge by the photo. Tonight my Club Hire Scheme started to go Global with a long conversation with Del from Cottingham Parks GC near Hull in England.  

SO DISAPPOINTED

Just had a message from another club confirming that they will be withdrawing from the GolfSixes League. Spoke to North Inch and we are both looking forward to taking part so P&K League (A) GolfSixes will definitely go ahead. We intend holding GolfSixes events within the Club so no one will miss out and in fact more of our Juniors will be able to participate.

EXCITEMENT STARTING TO BUILD

King James VI and now Pitlochry have withdrawn from the GolfSixes. North Inch today confirmed their team and Alyth hope to have their team sorted by tomorrow night. At least we should have 3 events to look forward to. With that being the case I have decided to also run our own GolfSixes events within the club to give our own youngsters the chance to play in more of these type of games, more information to follow. Great to hear Tommy has upgraded to Full membership meaning he can play both courses. Coaching starts this Saturday, Monday and Wednesday and can’t wait to see the effect this has on participation on the course. We have the greatest number of members ever and I believe some of the youngsters have the ability to progress at both County and potentially National level. Come on Strathmore Juniors prove me right again. 

ANOTHER BUSY SUNDAY

6 more cards for Leitfie Summer League. Hugo gained his 1st Certificate, Louis had a personal best and took 2 shots of his handicap and Arthur took 1 shot off his. Blair and Cameron had a mixed bag of scores at Kilspindie. An eagle 2 on the 11th was Cameron’s highlight but both boys will take the positives and work on the development areas. We host the first GolfSixes League event next Sunday, unfortunately King James VI have withdrawn by we look forward to welcoming Alyth, Pitlochry and North Inch. Our team is Andrew & Jessica, Harry & Arthur and Kaden and Louis. We have a great squad and I’m know they will do their best, it’s going to be a lot of fun for all involved. 

UPDATE OF TODAYS RESULTS

Blair and Cameron were playing at Kilspindie today and scored well. Cameron could be in for a Handicap cut. 

JUST ANOTHER SUPER SATURDAY

Brandon, Ruaridh and Cooper all got fitted for Hire Clubs today and are very excited to get started and looking forward to the coaching starting. Ellie-Marie picked up her new hire trolley and it put it to great use by not only gaining her 2nd Certificate but she also attained a Fun Handicap of 54, she is improving so quickly. Conan took the honours today with 40 points so a handicap cut is on the cards. Megan is lying tied 6th 3 strokes behind the leaders, whilst Katy and Kirsten missed the cut at the Helen Holm Scottish Ladies Open Championship.

ANOTHER BUSY DAY

Huge welcome to brothers Dahn and Woody who joined today and became members after attending a taster session. That’s now 8 new members for 2022 and 18 registered for the Start-up Scheme. Next up was Fraser who was struggling with a slice. Easily solved as Dawn and I recognised the problem straight away and after a few adjustments he was hitting straight shots again. We met up with Junior Captain Blair and he joined us for 9 holes to try out his new wedges. Fantastic clubs which he will enjoy playing with once he works out his new yardages. GolfSixes box arrived including the Trophy we will be playing for and confirmation of the East of Scotland final being played on the 25th September at Milnathort. Loads of youngsters out playing again and more cards coming in and yet another enquiry for membership.

ANOTHER BUSY DAY

Loads of youngsters out playing today. 5 cards received for Leitfie Summer League, Jed cut his fun handicap by 2 shots. Another 2 booked in for a taster session tomorrow and another 2 to confirm times. P&K County Golf Union have confirmed that by this time next week we will know the draw for the Bell Salver. Kirsten is practicing at Troon for the Helen Holm and Blair and Cameron are off this weekend to a Junior Tour event at Kilspindie. 4 new sets of clubs arrived today to enhance our Club Hire Scheme and Blair returned his hire set after being custom fit for his own new clubs after using the scheme for over 5 years. I already have another player lined up for his old set, and that’s the beauty of our scheme. Saturday morning is going to be busy with at least 5 fittings to do. Live Active Schools coordinators were in touch today to set up school sessions with the ultimate goal to hold a P&K/Angus type Ryder/Solheim Cup finale. 2022 just gets better and everyday brings something new. 

100% STRIKE RATE AT TASTER SESSION TODAY

Dawn and I had 3 youngster along for a taster session today. Cameron joined before they left and Ruaridh and Cooper have both registered for the Strathmore Start-up Scholarship Scheme that makes 6 new members and 18 signed up for Start-Up. What a fantastic result. Would like to thank Junior Captain and mentor Blair Hockley who assisted today and I think the challenge we held at the end helped the youngster see who much fun golf can be. Out of 9 who attended taster sessions this week 7 have joined and with Andrew who  joined yesterday that makes 8 new members in a week. Yet another record. 

ANOTHER NEW MEMBER

Big welcome to Andrew who becomes new member number 5 for 2022 but with 16 already signed up for the Strathmore Start-Up Scholarship Scheme and another 3 attending taster sessions tomorrow I suspect our membership numbers could break the 3 figure barrier for the first time very soon. Went along to watch 4 of our younger girls taking part in a 9 hole P&K event at Alyth and delighted that Ellie-Marie finished 2nd and Jessica 3rd. Kirsten was playing in the 18 hole event but didn’t feature in the prize winners. 

DOUBLE GOLD

Strathmore Juniors on Tour. Congratulations to Tarah who picked up her 2nd Gold Medal at the Stephen Gallacher flag/stroke event at North Berwick today winning the under 10 Girls. She was presented by the man himself and also received the Medal from last weeks win at Royal Burgess where the prize giving was postponed due to the bad weather. Blair, Cameron and Stuart were playing at the Junior Open at Dornoch but unfortunately were not in the prize winners but hopefully enjoyed themselves. 

 

MASTERS WEEKEND

Great to see so many youngsters out playing over the last few days. More cards for the Leitfie Summer League and Fraser and James already have 4 cards submitted. Fantastic score by James today with a par on 5 and a great 4, 4 finish resulting in a 3 stroke reduction to his handicap. On Rannaleroch today Archie pipped Jack with a better back 9. More enquiries for membership and taster sessions and another 2 pairs of golf shoes handed into our free loan scheme. 

 

FINAL EVENT OF FLAG WEEK

21 youngster played making 33 in total. What a fantastic turnout with at least another 4 who unfortunately were on holiday. Some superb play tonight with Andrew taking 1st place., 2nd was Tom, 3rd Olly, 4th Kaden, 5th Jed and 6th Ellie-Marie. Have been so impressed and some players have definitely played their way into the Flag team(s). Andrew, Tom, Olly and Jessica have shown enough and will be included automatically, for the others it’s time to get practicing, because we have spaces to fill in the Flag team(s) and the GolfSixes squad. Kirsten and Cormac did not make the cut at the Scottish Girls and Boys which both will be disappointed about but hopefully they can take the positives and work on the improvement areas. Below are some photos from tonight apologies to the later starters as I didn’t have time to get them all. 

BUSY TUESDAY

 Another busy day. Tommy was “over the moon” picking up his brand new full set of 112 Clubs after outgrowing his last hire set and couldn’t wait to get to the course to try them out. He was part of the mentoring groups over the winter and his commitment was fantastic. Look forward to seeing his results over the coming weeks. Olly and Finn were delighted with their new golf shoes as well. Great to see Logan and Kaden returning Summer League Cards and Andrew was out with his dad today on the Rannaleroch and is looking forward to playing in the Flag Competition tomorrow night and joining in on a Saturday to get his full handicap. Blair, Cameron and Stuart have all entered Dornoch’s Junior Open this weekend and it’s great to see Strathmore Juniors spreading their wings and playing on these fantastic courses. Kirsten was playing at Irvine in the Scottish Girls but had a disappointing first round and Cormac was at Murcar in the Scottish Boys and had a decent start. Good luck to both for tomorrow. We have 22 youngsters competing in our 3rd Flag Competition of the week and all will be trying to get past Jessica, can’t wait to see if any manage. Thursday 14th July at 12 noon at Crieff Golf Club has been confirmed as our regional qualifier for the Flag Competition and we will be holding more club events to help us choose teams for this and also for the GolfSixes squad so plenty to aim for over the coming weeks.

THE GOOD NEWS JUST KEEPS ON COMING

 Some days just get better. Past junior Tod Bannerman headed off to America to complete the Ohio state programme which will involve him working on some of the top courses in the States and add to his already impressive CV. Then 4 out of the 7 youngsters who attended the tasters sessions today registered for the Strathmore Start-Up Scholarship Scheme. All these things endorse what we do to grow golf and get youngsters out playing 🏌️‍♀️⛳️🏌️‍♂️⛳️

WHAT A FANTASTIC START TO OUR EASTER HOLIDAYS TASTER SESSIONS

Dawn and I held 3 sessions today and were very impressed by all participants and believe we could have found some really bright prospects. Most had never tried golf before and the improvements were phenomenal. All seemed very keen and I look forward to see who wishes to come back. Special mention to Ruby who came back to have a go at putting and also played 2 holes on Leitfie scoring a 6 on the 9th. She gave us this lovely letter which made our day and makes the efforts we put in so worthwhile. Kai submitted his first card and attained his 1st and 2nd Certificates and achieved a Fun Handicap of 52 (26 over 9 hole starts) 

STRATHMORE JUNIORS BACK ON TOUR

Blair’s 3rd round at Dornoch was an improvement but think  he will be disappointed overall but hopefully a learning experience and some positives to be taken. Tarah was playing at Royal Burgess in the Stephen Gallacher Foundation Flag Competition and won the girls under 10 Section. Fantastic result and great to see Strathmore Juniors promoting our Club at national events again. This coming week Kirsten is playing in the Scottish Girls, Cormac in the Scottish Boys, Tarah is at North Berwick and Blair and Cameron are back to Dornoch for their Junior Open. The SGF had 56 players from all over Scotland playing in their under 14 playing Flag Competition we will have 30 juniors under 13 from Strathmore playing in ours this week !! And we restrict it to non WHS handicap players. 

FLAG COMPETITION - PART 2

And we have a new leader. Well done Jessica her final 2 shots were very impressive and she has set the target for Thursday’s 19 players to beat. Blair is up at Dornoch in the Junior Tour but is finding it tough after 2 rounds maybe this afternoon can see an improvement in his scoring. 

APRIL MEDAL

Well done Archie just pipping Stuart by 1 shot. Great scoring. Owen submitted his first card for handicap. Logan achieved his first Certificate and Fraser cut his Leitfie Fun Handicap by 3 shots. Best laugh today was on the 8th green when Keegan asked Archie and I if we could hear the Elephant roaring ? We had to explain to him it was either a cow or a bull !!   

 

WHAT A START TO OUR FLAG WEEK

The first 11 players took part tonight and what a success. For Hunter it was his first time on the course and he had never putted before !!! Fantastic how quick he picked it up. Great to see the supportive parents getting to know golf terminology and being so enthusiastic. In a really close run event five foot covered the top 3 places. Emily holed out, Archie finished one foot away and Kai was five foot away. Both Ellie-Marie and William reached the same hole but didn’t make the green. Mia achieved her 1st Certificate so it was a great night for all. Another two tee it up on Sunday with another seventeen going out on Thursday. 30 juniors in total, which for one club is AMAZING to have so many as the field is restricted to under 13 with no WHS handicaps. We now have over 30 youngsters attending Taster Sessions next week !!!! I would also like to thank Jim Kennedy who donated a Taylor Made Ghost putter to our swap scheme.