INSTANT SUCCESS FOR GIRLS HUB

Email sent 15.26, first reply 15.46 - 20 minutes is all it took for the first 2 girls to sign up for the 2025 Scottish Golf Girls Hub, and they’re not launched yet ! Even if we don’t get another 3, these girls will qualify for the Strathmore Girls Hub which includes free membership and free club hire. That would make it 5 new members for 2025 and it’s only the 2nd of December. 

TEXAS SCRAMBLE, AGM AND PRIZE GIVING

What an end to a fantastic season. First up the Texas Scramble, 5 teams took part, 4 scored one under par 26’s. Count back on best back 6 still had 3 teams tied as did last 3 !! Considering we had at least one player in every team without a handicap and we required at least one tee shot from every player makes the scoring so impressive. 

6 different players won the 6 monthly medals. New names appeared on trophies for the first time and the camaraderie and support for each other was admirable. Junior Captain Conan Reid not only had a fantastic season winning the Junior Club Championship but also picked up the Most Improved Player. His maturity shone through in his speech and hopefully his inspiration and encouragement will help others achieve their goals. We have a great group of very talented youngster coming through and I believe they have the ability  and desire to do anything. We reached two National Finals this year and had players representing Strathmore all over the country. Over the past 3 or 4 years we have been on a rebuilding programme due to so many of our older players reaching 18 and moving on. Now it looks like we again have strength in depth and we look forward to what 2025 brings. 

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MORE LOCAL JUNIOR OPENS

 

P&K FIXTURES 2025

 **Announcement**

Now that the curtain is down on the 2024 golf season planning is well underway for the 2025 season. 

It’s a pleasure to announce that 2025 see’s the re-introduction of Junior Competition in P&K with the following competitions already in the calendar: 

- Junior Spring Meeting (18 holes)  - 11th of May @ The Wee Course, The Blairgowrie Golf Club 

- P&K CGU Junior Strokeplay Championship (18 holes)  – 1st of June @ The Dornock Course, Crieff Golf Club

- P&K CGU Junior Matchplay Championship Quarter Finals and Semi Finals – 22nd of June @ Milnathort Golf Club

- P&K CGU Junior Matchplay Championship Finals –  29th of June @ Milnathort Golf Club

- Junior Team Championships (3 players per team) – 6th of July @ Strathmore Golf Centre

- Junior Summer Meeting (18 holes) 13th of July @ The Glenisla, Alyth Golf Club

- Junior Autumn Meeting (18 holes) 7th  of September @ Strathmore Golf Centre

These competitions will be open to both Boys and Girls with both scratch and handicap prizes on offer.

This series will also form part of a Junior Order of Merit and will assist in re-instating the Junior Champion of Champions in 2026. Full details to follow in due course...

Thank you to all of the host clubs who have helped make this possible!

HANDICAP CONFIRMED

Congratulations Noah Shepherd first WHS handicap is 42.8. 

GOLFSIXES CHAMPIONSHIP

Tom Grewar and Leighton Thomas took the honours today with a fantastic display of golf. They got off to a flier when Leighton found the green on the first and they just missed their birdie putt. Tom had a great drive down 2 and Leighton found the green again. Leighton’s good drive on 3 was matched by Tom’s on 4, 5 and 6, where they just missed another birdie. Great score of 24 over the modified course. Hunter McQueen and Kieran Thomas also hit a lot of great shots but their putting let them down a bit and was the difference. It’s great to see the improvements these youngsters are making. 

Great back 9 from Archie Pattullo today saw him back in 38 including a double bogey on 17. 

Noah Shepherd has upgraded his membership and has submitted 3 cards this week for handicap and his scores have been very consistent and amazing for a 10 year old. Looking forward to his progression. 

Following Angus’s great scores during the Paul Lawrie Jug his handicap is down to 3.4. 

Don’t think we want this season to end !! 

WHAT A GREAT RESULT

Angus Palmer shot a 1 under par 71, 5 birdies and 4 bogeys, to finish 10th scratch in the Paul Lawrie Jug at Blairgowrie today. In doing so he finished 1st nett, fantastic result and he now knows he can compete at this level.

FIRST ROUND OF PAUL LAWRIE JUG AND QUAICH

Angus Palmer got off to a decent start with a 76, only 4 over par, with 2 lost balls. Tomorrow see the 2nd round where hopefully he can have another good round. Great experience. Past member Tarah Simpson returned a gross 88 in the Girls event. 

ANOTHER NEW HANDICAP

Congratulations to Harry Kemish who achieved his first WHS handicap of 50.4. Great to have another player ready to compete.

Dawn took out Noah Shepherd for 18 holes to assess his readiness to upgrade to the Rannaleroch Course and she was totally impressed. His ability and scoring was outstanding for a 10 year. We have recommended he upgrades immediately, huge potential. His attitude on the course was exemplary which is so important, Dawn said it was such a pleasure to accompany him round the course. He listened, learned took everything onboard and she believes he will take the step up in his stride. 

LEITFIE WINTER LEAGUE OFF TO FLIER

Forbes Cowan and Hunter McQueen both scored gross 45’s, very consistent scoring with nothing worse than a 6. Forbes net score was 23 and a 2 shot reduction to his fun handicap. Dawn was very impressed by his length off the tee for an 8 year old. 

TEAM DID THEMSELVES PROUD

5.30am start today. Conan led out the team and hit a great drive up straight up the first, finding the fairway. Angus and Stuart both knew where not to go but both went into the trees. Stuart played the better recovery and then hit his third shot to 2ft and holed out for a birdie. On the second hole he pulled it so far left he finished in the rough, over on the far side of the third fairway. He hit a great recovery shot onto the green then rolled in his second birdie putt. We caught up with him again on nine where his par 4 kept him at 2 under. We caught up with him later on 18 where he needed a par 5 for a level par 72. Unfortunately he hit a poor third shot, will blame excitement or nerves, but a six gave him the best gross score of the day by 3 shots. What a fantastic performance and score. Louis also made a fantastic contribution and was only 3 over par after nine. He finished with a net 70 which was 2 below his handicap. Archie was hitting it well but finding the greens difficult and felt his putting let him down. Conan and Angus both had a couple of bad holes which cost them shots and after a nervy start Keir settled down and played fairly steady but towards the end had a couple of bad holes as well. After a fantastic meal we awaited the final scores. Royal Burgess were 6th, Turnhouse 5th, Strathmore 4th, Airdrie 3rd, Drumpellier 2nd and congratulations to the winners Whitecraigs. We were only one shot behind 3rd and five shots behind 2nd place. We can claim to be the East Coast winners. Great experience for all the players and each player will take loads of positives from the whole event. Thanks to the parents and grandparent who made sure everyone arrived on time prepared and raring to go. 

PRACTICE DAY

Scottish National Final, Junior Team Golf Home Nations Inter-Club Championship. 5 of the team travelled down today and I’m sure Keir will update Conan on how to play the course. Stirling Golf Club is the venue and it offers a fair test. Fair bit of elevations so club selection will be very important. Angus and Stuart quickly realised the line on the first wasn’t over the trees but were quick to work out the lines after that. Dawn went round with Archie, Louis and Keir and was very impressed. Archie had a fantastic back 9, Louis had a fantastic round up to 15, when his late night yesterday caught up with him, so early night for him and he will be brilliant tomorrow. Keir will take a lot from today and knows what his improvement areas are. His bunker play was exceptional but he needs to concentrate on every up hill shot and take more club. Great time was had by all and the team are buzzing about tomorrow. 

RUSSELL BAILEY

Ten pairs took part today and some fantastic scoring. Dawn was so impressed with Conan’s play, having not played along with him for sometime, his improvements are incredible. He drove the 2nd green, was level with the bunkers on 14, leaving Dawn a pitch to the green which he then holed. He only missed one putt under 8ft and has a such a great technique. They shot an incredible 74 gross. 

They were pipped for the trophy by a better inward half by Broden and Linda who shot a net 67. They gelled really well and it’s great to see new names on the trophy. 

So much fun was had today and I would like to thank the adult members who made up the teams. 

Sheena and Judy won nearest the pins on 17 and 4 with Keegan and Broden on 6 and 13 respectively. 

WHO SAID IT WAS THE END OF THE SEASON - THIRD NEW MEMBER IN A WEEK

Will McLaren becomes our third new member in a week for 2025. At this rate we will need a waiting list.

As the saying goes “success breeds success”, and if yesterdays results are anything to go by then next year is going to be amazing. And we’ve still got 3 months of 2024 to go. 

WHAT A SUNDAY FOR STRATHMORE

Where do I start ? Early morning trip to Mortonhall Golf Club for the Junior Team Golf, Home Nations Inter-Club Championship semi-final. Stuart Duncan, Archie Pattullo, Louis Purdie, Alasdair Brass, Keir Reid and Andrew Watt represented Strathmore again having won the quarter-final last week at Braehead. Turnhouse, Royal Burgess, Braehead and Crieff were the other clubs competing today and what a test for all the teams. Difficult course in beautiful condition, lots of undulations and hills. Well bunkered and the cold and windy conditions didn’t make it any easier. Our boys struggled at times on some of the holes but they all dug deep and kept going. We had no idea how the other teams were doing, and with one gross score and 4 nett scores counting no one knows until all the scores are in. We didn’t hold out much hope but to our surprise and delight we qualified !! 

The final takes place at Stirling on the weekend of 5th & 6th of October and for Strathmore Juniors it will be our first team national final. These players have made history. 

To top off an already special day we had seven Strathmore players representing their Schools in the Alfred Dunhill event at the Buddon Course, Carnoustie. Cameron Galloway won the boys handicap S4-S6 with a net 63 (-5), Jessica Sievwright won the girls handicap S1-S3 with a net 63 (-5) with Saoirse Sangerman 3rd with a net 67 (-1) 

Overall a highly successful day. As we’ve been on the go for over 12 hours, more photos and details will follow tomorrow. 

SECOND PLAYER THIS SEASON TO SHOOT UNDER PAR

Junior Captain Conan Reid has just become the second player to shoot under par this season. In doing so he not only won today but won the Summer League and will get a decent handicap cut which will definitely cement his future career aspirations. So pleased for him, his consistency is key. 

I played along with Keir today who shot 35 points with 2 no scorers. His driving was exceptional and his putting is improving so much. Pitching and chipping are the development areas but all round a great round and the best I’ve seen him play. 

Tomorrow we are off to Mortonhall for the Scottish Team Championship semi-final with high hopes. Angus and Keegan are teeing it up in the Alfred Dunhill Schools event at Carnoustie and our best wishes go with them. 

WECOME BACK WILLIAM

Nice to welcome William Harbison back after a one year absence. Sister Emily will follow but she is currently recovering from a broken arm ! Both showed potential so hopefully we can get them more involved and they must have missed playing. That’s our 2nd “New” member for 2025 in 2 days and it’s only September. 

FIRST NEW MEMBER FOR 2025 JOINS UP

Willow becomes our first new member for 2025. Her dad Michael has been a PGA professional since 2006 and works at Drumoig Golf Centre, he was a Scottish Boys Internationalist in 1997. She has been playing since she could walk and is very keen to get involved within the section. I’m looking forward to meeting up with them both soon.

GREAT TEAM SUCCESS

So proud of these boys and what they achieved today. Playing in Scotland Regional Quarter Finals (East) at Braehead Golf Club in the Home Nations Inter-Club Championship run by Junior Team Golf. Strathmore Golf Club juniors won with a team score of 396, Braehead were second on 398, Crieff third on 408 and Peebles fourth on 411. Considering Andrew and Keir were playing off a reduced maximum handicap makes this result even more amazing. They now proceed to the semi-finals (East) at Mortonhall on Sunday the 22nd. Stuart Duncan, Archie Pattullo, Louis Purdie, Alasdair Brass, Andrew Watt and Keir Reid take a bow.

Phoned Angus to see how he had got on at the Scottish Boys Area Team Championship at Duff House Royal. He finished tied 25th for his individual score of 7 over par. Said it was a great experience. 

TODAYS RESULT

Conan continues his great form. I played along with Alasdair, Archie and Keir and what potential ! Messaged Angus who is up at Duff House Royal representing P&K in the Boys Area team Championships. This was practice day and he said it went well, with the highlight lipping out for an eagle from 110yds. He asked me to keep him informed on how the Strathmore team were doing at Braehead tomorrow, total respect, a true team player. 

SEPTEMBER MEDAL

Conan’s good form continues shooting 79 gross today 

 

KATHRYN’S TIME OFF

This is what our PGA Professional gets up to when she’s not coaching Strathmore Juniors. As a selector she assisting Catriona Matthew win the Curtis Cup !! Kathryn list of achievements just keeps on growing. 

ANOTHER BUSY DAY

First up huge congratulations to Angus Palmer who has been selected by P&K to play in the Scottish Boys Area Team Championship at Duff House Royal Golf Club on the 14th and 15th of September. P&K have won this event once in 2018, when Strathmore member Alex Simpson and Cormac Sharpe, who started with us and later rejoined, were part of the four boy team. The 14th is a practice day and the 15th it’s Foursomes in the morning and singles in the afternoon. I had arranged to take him out tonight to work on yardages and spent an hour and a half at the range and on course. His ball striking has improved so much and so has his distances - 155yds with a 9 iron into a slight left to right breeze. 

We wish him all the best but it means he can’t represent us in the Junior Team Inter-Club Championship at Braehead on the 15th. But as is always the case - National comes first, County comes second, Club comes third and Individual comes fourth. We try our hardest to avoid clashes but at a busy end of season these things happen. Our team for Braehead is Stuart Duncan, Archie Pattullo, Louis Purdie, Alasdair Brass, Keir Reid and Andrew Watt. One scratch score from the first three counts and four of the next 5 nett scores make up the team score. 

Yesterday Vice Captain Stuart Duncan took his responsibilities to a new level, and I appreciate why he will make a great Captain next year. His dad’s car broke down on Saturday night when they were at Carrbridge. On Sunday morning he took a taxi to Aviemore to get a bus to Perth. The bus broke down due to an oil leak at Kingussie and he had to wait 40 minutes for a replacement bus. He telephoned Louis to let him know the bus looked like it was heading to the Perth bus station only for it to then go to Broxden where Louis had been waiting. He did get to Auchterarder on time eventually after a 100 mile plus trip taking over 5 hours. 

The funniest thing that happened yesterday at the Flag Final at Gleneagles was when Seamus was missing just before the presentation. Someone asked has anyone seen Shay ? Quick as a flash James says “he’s at the pub !!” In some ways correct, he was at the Dormie House, which does have a bar, but he was buying a hat and not a pint of Guinness! 

SPECIAL SUNDAY

First up Gleneagles for the National Flag Final. Registration at 9.55am and straight to the National Coaching Academy, where the facilities are amazing. After a great warm up it’s off to the first tee. All 4 boys had a fantastic time and hit a lot of great shots and some great scores. Andrew got the furthest with his brilliant pitch on the 9th just finishing short of the hole, earning him a towel for his skills. James also got onto the 9th tee. Leighton just missed the 8th green and Seamus finished on the 6th green. There was also a longest drive on the 7th between the team where Leighton won a sleeve of balls. After a delicious BBQ they all headed to the pitch and putt course to play another 9 holes. The fun they are having is infectious and their friendships and competitiveness is growing as well. 

Next up the Bell Salver semi final at Auchterarder against North Inch and what a close match. Stuart lost on the 18th, Archie won on the 18th, Louis won on the 16th and Cameron lost on the 18th. Deadlock and a play off took place. Unfortunately Stuart lost on the first extra hole and we wish North Inch all the best in the final. 

Strathmore juniors playing today will progress and hopefully take a lot of positives from their individual and team performances. 

EXCITING SATURDAY

I invited our Flag team out today for a practice round at Strathmore in preparation for their trip tomorrow to Gleneagles. All 4 played well and in recognition of their performances so far the Section have awarded each boy a Skill For Life Medal, an MKPRO golf cap, a sleeve of golf balls and ball marker and tees. Considering we have 3 eight year olds and a ten year old, their performance in winning the qualifier at Forfar, which included a strong team from Carnoustie, who have one of the biggest junior sections in Scotland, they have nothing to fear. It will be a brilliant day to experience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  treatment and Scottish Golf have a full day of events planned and a BBQ for all the players. No matter the result tomorrow the memories the team will have will be incredible. 

Conan won the Summer League by 1 point from Andrew who was 1 point ahead of Louis. Very consistent scoring by all 3 and potential handicap cuts coming up. 

It’s an early start tomorrow and a long day as the our Bell Salver team take on North Inch at Auchterarder at 2.40pm. After a few years of rebuilding we are back competing at the top level and the future looks really bright. 

13 AND OVER MATCH PLAY LEAGUE

Delighted to announce that an undefeated Archie Pattullo has won the inaugural 13 and over match play league. His consistency is key and with 3 wins and 1 halved match his 7 points is 3 ahead of everyone else. 

The match play leagues we introduced this year has proved a great success and we aim to introduce another new concept next year which will hopefully help our youngest players progress. 

12 AND UNDER MATCH PLAY LEAGUE

First of all I would like thank the players for completing all their matches ahead of schedule. Parents play a vital role in assisting with this and the quality time you spend with your children makes it very  rewarding for you all. The friendships and bonds between the players is growing and is so important in their progression. 

We had seven players entered Alasdair Brass, Keegan Fergusson, Joe Frullani, Archie Loudon, Keir Reid, Saoirse Sangerman and Jessica Sievwright. 

I am delighted to confirm the inaugural 12 and under match play Champion is Jessica, whose record was 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss = 9 points. Second was Keegan with 4 wins =8 points with Archie third also with 4 wins but lost in the head to head. Joe finished fourth with 7 points. 

This is such a huge learning curve for these youngsters and all of them will take positives forward. As a team they just missed out on qualifying for the Bell Salver semi final this year. I believe all seven have huge futures ahead and can all become County players and who knows how far they can go. 

Well done Jessica. 

GOLFNINES

Fantastic scoring by Strathmore juniors today !! Keegan and Alasdair came so close and are ruing a double on the 9th being level par up to there. Luke and Drew only got their handicaps of 26.8 and 31.5 yesterday and playing to 4 over, is incredible, and as I said yesterday both have huge potential. Joe and Archie also returned a 4 over score and considering their handicaps of 31 and 36.6 again so impressive. Keir and Cammy gelled well and scored a great 5 over with Keir coming close to an ace on the 4th. Andrew and James, 23.5 and 30.6 respectively, shot a very respectable 43. Jessica and Saoirse, 35.7 and 34.9 both had a disappointing 6th hole, but again returned a decent score. 

I am so pleased with these performances in very difficult conditions. The improvements these youngsters are making is testament to what we have in place for them. I believe there is so much more they can achieve and seeing the fun they had today I know anything is possible. 

Kieran Wilson & Rocco Cramb 37 acb

Keegan Ferguson & Alasdair Brass 37 acb

Charlie Malone & Odhran Sweeney 37

Luke Clarke & Drew Scarlett 39 acb

Hayden McCormack & Euan Easto 39 acb

James McIntosh & Thomas Henry 39 acb

Joseph Frullani & Archie Loudon 39 acb

Angus Henry & George Gillies 39

Keir Reid & Cameron Galloway 40

Andrew Watt & James Smith 43 acb

Reece Fisher & Mikey Purton 43 

Calum McCormack & Matthew McCosh 45

Keiran Berrich & Cohen Porter 46

Jessica Sievwright & Saoirse Sangerman 49

Amelia Boud & Miles Wilton 50

Rory Cunningham & Cameron Galbraith 60

Count back was done on best back 6, best back 3 and best last hole when required. 

Andrew was presented with his GolfSixes silver medal today and is excited about next weekends Flag National Final at Gleneagles.