2nd NIGHT OF COACHING

After the success of last week’s coaching, Kathryn ramped it up this week. After the usual warmup routine, they were split into groups who rotated between pitching, chipping and driving sessions. She explained the basics of each aspect and Dawn and Jackie then took over running the pitching and chipping sessions. Kathryn then introduced Trackman, by explaining what it was and how it could be used as a tool to help improve swing speed and distance. She kept it really simple and the differences and improvements were amazing. Owen’s swing speed of 104 took the honours tonight, just ahead of Broden at 103 and Stuart at 102. Introducing modern technology and explaining how it works has had a really positive effect on all the juniors tonight and I can’t wait to see what comes next. 

HAMISH MCTAVISH CUP

What a fantastic round of golf in very windy conditions. Angus shot a gross 78 nett 64 to win the Hamish McTavish Cup by 7 shots. He puts in so much practice and this score was always coming. Great turnout today with 9 playing in the competition and 2 playing for handicap. 

LETTER FROM CONVENOR

We are nearly 4 weeks into the season and so much is happening. 

Great to see so many out playing but only Andrew, Kieran and Leighton have returned Leitfie Summer League cards. With the Leitfie Flag Championship taking place on Sunday 12th May there is plenty of time for everyone without a WHS (World Handicap System) to get practicing, this event is a lot of fun and ideal for measuring improvement.

Coaching started on Wednesday with 30 juniors attending the 3 sessions. Kathryn was really impressed by the standard our players are at. She opened each session with a quick introduction of herself and where golf's journey had taken her. She followed that with the importance that she and other professionals make in preparation for playing or practicing by demonstrating warm up techniques. After a few team building exercises and games she headed for the putting green and explained the importance of understanding the putting stroke. Again the teams rotated round with a different skill to be developed. Then it was back to the chipping area to concentrate on accuracy and control. As the weeks progress the programme will include range work and on course development.  

Annie became our 9th new member for the season and attended her 1st coaching session. 

6,5,4,3,2 ? No it's not a countdown but our free golf shoe swap scheme merry go round. Tommy needed size 6’s, his 5’s went to Callum who’s 4’s went to Annie who’s 3’s went to Cameron who's 2 are back in stock. Another brilliant idea working so well.

Isla Primary School - 5 girls from primary's 3 and 4 have booked in for a Taster session on the 9th May

On Sunday 5th May we host our first GolfSixes League match when we welcome Blairgowrie, Kinross and North Inch. We have a squad of 12 and Noah, Seamus, Hunter, Callum, Tommy and Jayden will make up the first team of 6. 

For our Rannaleroch players we have entered 2 teams into the 2024 Bell Salver and I will be organising squads for this soon. We have 9 players entered into the Hamish McTavish Cup on Saturday with Drew and Shay playing for their handicaps. Turnouts have been very encouraging with up to 12 playing regularly. 

We took delivery of the rangefinder we are adding to our hire scheme and will be offering these to players who we believe will benefit from using them.   

Finally Conan and Keir will be playing in the Junior Tour Scotland event at Forfar. Pleased that both boys have gained entry and this is just another step in their progression.

FIRST COACHING SESSION OF 2024

Totally impressed by Kathryn Imrie tonight, her professionalism shone through and more importantly the juniors loved it. She started all three sessions with a quick introduction of herself and where golf’s journey had taken her. She then used her and other pros preparation techniques to a warm up first before having a few team building games and then headed for the putting green.

 I believe this approach will install a tried and tested routine into their pre game routine. After explaining and demonstrating the concepts of putting the teams competed against each other in challenges again bringing a fun element into what is probably the most important part of golf if you want to score well. 

She then took them to the pitching area where she had set up open umbrellas as small targets (Kirsty Brodie past Strathmore junior and Scottish Internationalist did this all the time) Again the youngster were split into team groups and loved the competitive edge. 

Kathryn hadn’t realised the standard our juniors were performing at, which is testament to Gareth Couzens and all we have done over the years, and although we had a few new members attending tonight she now has a better idea and will take this into account. 

Personally I agree with the putting and short game approach as a starter. As the weeks progress she has a programme to include range and finally on course work. 

Can’t wait to see the progress. 

BACK UP ON HIS FEET

Just had a video from Jeni, Keegan is up on his feet and walking with crutches and will be home in his own bed tonight after his knee operation today. To add to the good news Euan became new member number 8 for the season. 

ANOTHER LEARNING CURVE

Today playing the semi final of the Bell Salver our team did their best but unfortunately lost out to Auchterarder. Cammy lost out Nick, who was 1 under par through 13. Conan lost to Lucas on the 17th, Keegan unfortunately had to concede to James after being one down after 17 and we wish him all the best for a quick recovery from his scheduled knee operation tomorrow. Keir secured a fantastic halved match with Angus, dormie 2 after 16 he had already secured a point but Angus nearly holed out his tee shot on 17 and birdied the hole and then birdied 18 ! Proud of how all our players performed. 

We received a generous donation of £75 from Strathord Inn, Stanley, whose darts team played at golf at Strathmore yesterday. Huge shout out to Grant Duff and Scott Shilliday. 

Past Junior Captain Megan Ashley finished joint 6th in the Helen Holm at Troon and Katy Alexander who started at Strathmore finished tied 19th. 

Overall not a bad day, and then another enquiry for membership !! 

WHAT A WEEK

Let’s start with today. Taster session for Euan who looks like he will be new member no 8 for the season. Then Tom upgraded his hire set and scored 38 Stableford points in the afternoon to prove they work. The Summer League today was won by Keegan with 39 points, it’s bitter sweet for him as he plays tomorrow in the Bells Salver semi final, now off a lower handicap, but he is a player in great form with more handicap cuts to come, but should we qualify he will miss the final at Gleneagles as as he has to undergo surgery on his knee on Monday and will be unable to play for a few weeks. We wish him a speedy and full recovery. All our results can be found in the Courier and Blairgowrie Advertiser. We have decided to enter the Home Nations Inter Club Championship as we now have a squad of players capable of competing at this level. We are also busy organising a GolfSixes squad giving a chance to our younger players who show commitment to our Leitfie competitions and introduce them to a competitive team format. Had a call from Ladybank Golf Club this week for some advise and through that we are arranging a reciprocal annual match between our Clubs. Thank you Craig Martin and Ladybank PGA professional Sandy Smith. Megan Ashley a past Junior Captain at Strathmore was after day 1 the leading Scot and after day 2 is currently one shot off the lead in the Helen Holm at Troon. Finally recent members Scott Manpherson and Tracey Shanks of Gordana Graphics generously donated £500 to the Juniors, we are going to purchase range finders to add to our hire scheme and these will be offered to juniors who we believe would benefit from having them. Tomorrow it’s off the Alyth Golf Club for the Bell Salver semi final against Auchterarder and may the best team win. 

BIG WEEK OFF WITH A BANG

Ben has become our 7th new member of 2024 and we look forward to meeting him soon. Spaces on the coaching sessions are filling up fast. There were some handicap cuts from Saturday, which is amazing considering the conditions. This Sunday sees Strathmore B team play Auchterarder in the semi final of the Bell Salver at Alyth. The team is Cameron Redden, Conan Reid, Keegan Fergusson, Keir Reid with Alasdair Brass as reserve. With the final taking place at Gleneagles the following Saturday this gives the team all the incentive they need and I am confident the team will play their hearts out for each other. 

FANTASTIC SCORING

In absolutely atrocious conditions Stuart shot a gross 80 for 35 stableford points pipping Saoirse with a better back 9. Tremendous scoring considering the 3 club wind and the horizontal freezing rain for 6 of the holes. Big thank you to Jane Douglas who donated a beautiful Callaway trolley bag to our hire scheme which will replace one that has seen better days. The set of Yonex Ladies clubs Alice took possession of yesterday had been donated by past member Judith Gain. These generous donations make such a difference, as our older juniors are now using adult equipment, which is more expensive to purchase.

ANOTHER BUSY FRIDAY

Brothers Angus and Leo become our latest new members (5th and 6th for the season) and they came along today to be fitted for sets of Hire Clubs and trolleys and were also delighted with golf shoes from our free swap scheme. Next up was Alice who was also delighted with her clubs and shoes. Just received an email confirming our application for a grant from Scottish Golf has been successful and we will receive £500 which will help pay for the 24 sets of new clubs ordered from Golphin. The start of 2024 has been amazing and can’t wait to see what happens next. 

FALDO FUTURES

Today at Murrayshall, in horrendous conditions, Ellie-Marie, Jessica and James qualified and will join Keir at Newcastle for one of four Faldo Futures regional qualifiers. Could any of them make the Final at the Belfry ? Leighton missed out by 1 shot but is already looking forward to next year when he will still be in the 7-8 age group. Great experience for the youngsters and they will all benefit from taking part.

I am absolutely delighted to announce that Kathryn Imrie has agreed to become Strathmore Juniors new Coach. She has spent the last two years as Scotland Women's High Performance Coach so it's an honour for us to have her involved. She is really looking forward to getting started and meeting everyone. 

After a glittering amatuer career which included being 

Scottish Schools Champion 1981 &1985

Scottish Youths Champion 1983 - 1985

Scottish Girls Champion 1983

Scottish Junior Open Strokeplay Champion 1985,1986 & 1987

Played for Scotland in European Lady Junior Team Championship in 1988

Played for Scotland in European Ladies Team Championship in 1987 and 1989

Played for Great Britain and Ireland in Vagliano Trophy 1989 (winners)

Member of 1990 Curtis Cup team

She played Collegiate Golf at University of Arizona where she was the 1989 All American

She turned Pro in 1990

Played on Ladies European Tour 1991 - 2008 and LPGA  Tour 1993 - 2006, she became the first Scot to win on the LPGA Tour lifting the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic in 1995. 

Played on the European Solheim Cup Team in 1996 

At one point she held 9 Course Records worldwide - Ballater, Carnoustie, Douglas Park, Dumfries and County, Forfar, Monifieth, St Andrews, Las Cruces (New Mexico) and Kanoheklipper (Hawaii)

She worked for SKY as an on course commentator at the 2007 Solheim Cup

She has spent the last 13 years coaching mainly in America where she achieved Master Instructor status and assisted coaching the Stanford University women's Golf team.

In 2019 and 2021 she was Catriona Matthew's Vice Captain at the Solheim Cup

The experience and knowledge she brings to the role is incredible and I believe after talking to her the programme she wishes to introduce will take our players to another level. 

LOADS GOING ON

Leighton Thomas won the 2023 Leitfie Winter League and already has 2 cards in for the Summer League. Kieran and Andrew have also submitted cards, hopefully more will join in. 

Louis won against Conan in the first 13 and over match play league game, great to see this getting off the ground and it looks like more matches are being arranged. 

Loads of others out practicing and playing. 

The draw for Wednesday’s Faldo Futures at Murrayshall is below and we wish all 6 Strathmore players the best of luck. 

ANOTHER NEW HANDICAP

Season is barely a week old and James becomes the second Strathmore junior to achieve a WHS handicap.  He has also signed up for the section match play league. The 13 and over league now has 9 players and the 12 and unders 7. 

STORM KATHLEEN, WHAT STORM

First of all brilliant turn out with 10 players participating. Unbelievable scoring in really tough conditions. Archie and Louis maintained their early season form but Joe playing his first event of the season pipped Archie with a better back nine. Things are going to get busier as James has submitted his 3rd card for handicap and both he and Broden want to join the match play league which brings the 13’s and over up to 9 players. Huge welcome to Angus and Leo who joined today. 

FIRST HANDICAP AND WOW

Broden achieves his first handicap of 15.5 and sets a new record. 

THE SUCCESSES JUST KEEP COMING

Keir finished 2nd to the World’s No 1 in his age group at Kingussie in the Faldo Futures today. He has qualified for the regional qualifier at Newcastle on Saturday 25th May. Qualifying there would lead to the Final at the Belfry. What a brilliant result for Keir, his hard work over the winter is paying dividends. 

I took out Broden for his 3rd handicap card today and was very impressed. For someone who has not had a lesson and only took up golf a year ago I believe we have another tremendous prospect in the section. 2 days ago I played with Archie and Keegan and we played the points game. My par on 7 earned me zero points as Archie had a birdie 3 and Keegan a nett 3. My 2 on 17 only got me a half. Tough school !! Another enquiry for membership today taking this week’s total to 6. Great to see so many youngsters out playing. 

WHAT A START TO THE SEASON

First of our Summer League rounds and Louis has got off to a flier, gross 83 and 45 points. Angus also shot a fantastic gross 80 for 40 points so both will have handicap cuts tonight. Played along with Keegan and Keir yesterday in the non counting Ladies and Gents Captains Drive In, and both played really well especially Keegan who’s 39 points would have got him a cut as well. I took out James and Shay for handicap cards today and unfortunately Shay only managed 9 holes. James had a mixed card but showed plenty of potential and had a consistent back 9 of 56 which included a 10 after getting stuck in a bunker. I have witnessed so many positives over the weekend combined with 5 new enquiries for memberships, 2 from sons of a previous junior during my tenure (I’ve been doing this too long !!!) 

4th NEW MEMBER SIGNS UP

 Broden has joined up and becomes our 4th new member for 2024. Looking forward to meeting him soon. 

GREAT START TO PRE SEASON

 What a fantastic turnout today. Conan, Cameron and Stuart were out early and another 13 joined up on Rannaleroch for a Texas Scramble. Angus, Drew and Ally ran out convincing winners with a fantastic level par round. Was very impressed by Drew and James our 2 latest recruits, excited to see their progress. Keir needs to upgrade his hire set and Joel will be joining our scheme soon. The enthusiasm and camaraderie shown today is infectious and is promising for the future. Theo and Joel were held up by a road closure so missed the team photo below. Great that junior Captain Conan stayed behind to meet our new members and also give Joel a loan of his beanie.

INCREDIBLE

Fantastic news today. Josh McKenna, another past Strathmore Juniors Golf Section member is due to take up a PGA professional trainee position at Lundin Links from the 1st of April. He will become the 8th Strathmore junior to take this route. With 4 others employed as green keepers I am so proud to have been involved in these youngsters development, it makes the all the time I’ve spent over the last 15 years as junior Convenor worthwhile. The future is looking bright as well with 4 youngsters currently playing University golf, 3 in USA and 1 in Scotland. And at Club level we have at least 3 girls and 8 boys showing tremendous potential, so the pathway we developed and have followed keeps working. All these youngsters have so much fun and the results speak for themselves. Below is a look back at Josh’s progress and look at the names.

GIRLS GET GOING

Great to have Alice, Jessica, Ellie-Marie and Saoirse attending the P&K Girls coaching. Top picture is from Sunday, bottom one from the week before. First girls county competition is on the 1st of April. 

LEE MCCORMACK WINNER

Archie Pattullo won P&K’s Lee McCormack Trophy for 2023, this is incredible after such a difficult year for him health wise. Can’t wait to see what he can achieve this year. 

MORE POSITIVES

At 2.15pm today went down for 9 holes. Met Jayden Bell and Tommy Banks coming off the course with their grandad. Great to see both boys out making special memories. They were just going to go to the range but decided to go out instead, don’t know if Croc’s make golf shoes but Tommy may have started a new trend !! This is what golf is all about, having fun and making these memories. Think he might have had wet feet so probably a summer shoe 🤣🤣 whenever that is !! 

2023 GOES OUT ON A HIGH

Drew and James became our latest 2 new members for 2024, making 3 so far. This season is going to be huge for our juniors with so much happening. Scottish Golf’s Skills Challenge, Flag and GolfSixes will be the starting point for our younger players. A new GolfNines format along with the P&K Bell Salver will give our more experienced players more opportunities to progress. Our pathway will include a new in-club match-play league and a programme of local Junior Opens. Winter and Summer leagues, weekly competitions and ongoing fun events mean there is loads going on all year. Roll on 2024.