JUNIOR TEAM GOLF

Dawn and I traveled down to Duddingston Golf Club today, more with hope than expectation. Our four lowest handicap players were unavailable, so with one gross score counting towards the team score along with four nett scores we knew it was going to be difficult. We only had five players up to two days ago, after a late call off,  but Saoirse Sangerman agreed to play although she was outside the maximum handicap. Archie Pattullo led the team out today and played his part by returning a gross 79. Louis Purdie after losing a ball with his first tee shot, showed his resilience to return our first nett score. Jack Stevenson was only 3 over at the turn and we started to think maybe just maybe. Tom Stevenson was also doing ok. Archie Loudon was struggling as was Saoirse but both dug in and kept going. They announced the best gross score and best handicap scores first and the went onto the team scores. With only 4 shots between 5th and 2nd place it was going to be close. Stirling finished 5th, Royal Burgess finished 4th and we were pipped by Turnhouse on 6th score count back. Every Strathmore players score counted in what was another amazing day for our Juniors. These youngster never fail to surprise me but their tenacity and never say die attitude is what makes it so special. Now it’s the semi finals at Alloa on the 21st of September which clashes with the Murrayshall Junior Open, a qualifier for the Gleneagles Scholarship. I have already spoken to both Archie’s and Louis, who all have realistic chances of qualifying, and am happy for them to miss the semi finals at Alloa, but that leaves me with a problem that I’ve to have a team for the 21st. I’m sure others can step up to the plate and let’s see what happens. 

BUSY SATURDAY

First up huge thank you to Lesley and Graham Haynes who for the second time have donated a selection of equipment to our Club Hire Scheme. Two Callaway trolley bags, Benross VX05 irons 5- SW, Adam a12 os 4- SW, 3 Wood. Also 2 Callaway drivers, X Hot 11.5 and Hyper X 11. All clubs have regular graphite shafts so ideal for older boys and girls. I am always grateful for the generosity of Strathmore members and others who know about our scheme and it makes it possible for us to cater for youths in our section and keeps golf affordable, and making sure they are still playing with appropriate equipment. Next up was Summer League on Rannaleroch and Callan Mackie getting his third card in for handicap. I went out with him and Archie Louden and had so much fun and a lot of laughs. Archie played a shot on the second hole which was reminiscent of a top professional. From 20yds short of the green to a back pin position, he hit a 60 degree wedge which on the second bounce had so much spin, only momentum allowed it to dribble down to the hole, leaving a tap in par. Impressive for an 11 year old. Callan had his first par on the 10th and I believe he has a bright future. Both boys never stopped chatting all the way round but I did have to remind them on a couple of occasions that I was about to play my shot so it was time to be quiet. A learning curve and teaching etiquette so all good. Keir Reid led the field today with Keegan Fergusson taking second place. Finally last night myself and past Junior Scratch Champion and Captain Allan Easton played our way into the Gents Foursomes Final with a 5&4 win. The success of the Juniors has maybe inspired us ! 

BELL SALVER FINAL

For the first time in history 2 teams from the same club competed in the Perth and Kinross County Golf Junior Bell Salver. Strathmore 1 was led out by Keegan Fergusson and Strathmore 2 by Stuart Duncan. Keegan got ahead early and Stuart found it hard to peg him back especially as Keegan has improved his length off the tee and was getting 5 shots. Keir Reid was next up against Archie Pattullo and this game proved to be very close with the lead changing. Struan Shepherd was getting 17 shots from Louis Purdie and making it tough but putting was going to be key in this game. Olly Stevenson was last out against Joseph Frullani and was giving 6 shots. Olly was behind early and with Joe out driving him consistently was finding it really tough and their match was the first to finish. 

Keegan squared the match by winning against Stuart. Keir was 3 down with 3 to play but fought back to secure a fantastic halved match. Struan had been 3 down but fought back to be all square on 12, which included a 50ft putt from off the green on 11. He found the water on 13 and also lost 14. Louis won 15 to go dormie but found the rough and an horrendous lie on 16. He got the ball back into play and his 3rd shot was just short of the putting surface, but with Struan on the green in 2 it looked as though the game would go on. Struan putted first and left it a bit short. As I said this game came down to putting and when Louis rolled his putt in from off the green, Struan had to hole his for the match to go on but unfortunately just missed and Strathmore 2 won the Trophy 2.5 v 1.5. 

All players should be so proud of their performances. Dawn and I certainly are. Their progress collectively is amazing. Not only those who played but all the 16 squad members who played in previous League matches. Without everyone’s contributions this wouldn’t have happened so although Strathmore 2 won the Trophy. Strathmore Juniors en masse were all winners today and I will never forget how much this meant to me personally. Seeing these youngsters progress and their games improve is what makes it all worthwhile. I would also like to thank Jessica Sievwright who came down to support her teammates and Past Junior Captains Cameron Redden and Conan Reid who also took time out to give their support. 

With three new membership enquiries yesterday and another one whilst I was walking round today we might need three teams for next year. 

Spoke to new member Callan Mackie’s dad and during the conversation he mentioned that the half set of clubs he bought at Christmas maybe were needing replaced and he was thinking of buying another set. I told him about our Club Hire Scheme and explained how it worked. I met them on Saturday before they went out for a round. Measured him for clubs and fitted him for a full 11 club set of Golphin left handed 134’s rrp £590 our annual hire charge is £25 per annum, told him as we were into August £15 was fine but he was so delighted he gave me £20 and donated his set back into the Scheme. This is why the Scheme makes so much sense, buying clubs which youngsters can outgrow within months makes no sense when the hire option is there. Dawn and I took Callan out for his 2nd card and were encouraged that after a nervous start he settled down and hit a lot of good shots. Huge potential for an eleven year old and he is keen to come out on a Saturday to play competitive golf and get his handicap. 

RECORD BREAKERS

First of all thanks to Crieff Golf Club for hosting our match against Auchterarder, the course, as always, was in great condition which is testament to their green staff. Thanks also to Perth and Kinross County Golf Union for organising and running the whole event. 

Running one of the biggest junior sections in P&K comes with loads of responsibility, hard work and endless hours behind the scenes, but Strathmore Juniors never cease to amaze me and make what Dawn and I do worthwhile. Having so many players with WHS handicaps has meant over the last few years we have been able to field two teams. It’s double the work but this week these players have responded and proved again that the set up we have created at the club works and that is the reason we attract players. Stuart Duncan led out the team today and got the first point on the board with a great 4&2 win, he nearly holed his tee shot on 13, photo below. His ball striking was very impressive along with his consistent putting. Archie Pattullo also won 4&2 and was always in control of his match. The ultimate match play player Louis Purdie won 5&3 and again proved why this format suits him so well. Joseph Frullani played very well and was ahead for most of his match before Sophie produced some great golf to win 3 holes in a row and take a 2 up lead which he couldn’t peg back and he lost 3&1. A piece of History was made today as Strathmore 2 will now play Strathmore 1 in the Final at Gleneagles next Saturday. 

Back at Strathmore Keegan Ferguson shot a gross 75 for 41 points to pip Andrew Brass, who was playing his first Summer League, and had 40 points. More handicap cuts coming up. Thanks to Diane and Rosie who accompanied the under 12’s on the course today. 

As I said before Strathmore Juniors just keep going from strength to strength and it’s a pleasure to be involved. Dawn and I are fitting Callan Mackie for his hire clubs tomorrow before taking him out to mark his card for handicap. He only joined last week as our 27th new member for 2025 and his set makes 56 for  this year. 

With 7 kids gaining Golf Scholarships in America, 8 Internationalist, 4 Greenkeepers and 7 PGA professionals, soon to be 8, over the past 10 years. Our youngster just keep on achieving and for a Club that only celebrates 30 years in existence this year, we certainly punch above our weight. 

Will be so proud next week when both teams take to the fairways at Gleneagles and may the “best team win”. One thing is certain Strathmore Golf Clubs name will be on the trophy again. 

We sold some of our half sets of ex club hire clubs to King James V1 and see they had 19 youngsters at a session this week, which is fantastic. Growing golf starts at grass roots level and keeps Clubs futures secure. 

BELL SALVER

Thanks to Auchterarder Golf Club for hosting our match against Crieff, the course, as always, was in great condition which is testament to their green staff. Thanks also to Perth and Kinross County Golf Union for organising and running the whole event. 

Our young and inexperienced team were up against a very strong Crieff side and Keegan led them out by splitting the first fairway with a terrific drive on the first. As did Keir, Struan and Olly. All off to great starts but as we all know it’s what follows that’s important. After 9 holes we had mixed results. Both Keegan and Keir were trailing but Struan and Olly were ahead. All our boys were getting shots, 2, 10, 16 and 15 respectively. Olly short game early on was very impressive and although he was being outdriven by miles he was unfazed and played his own game. Struan’s ball striking off the tee was putting pressure on his opponent especially on the 7th when he birdied the par four for a three nett two. Both Keegan and Keir reduced their deficits but unfortunately couldn’t keep their momentum going and lost their matches. Struan lost a couple of holes, one to a fantastic birdie, near hole in one, but he kept his cool and won on 16. Olly lost 16 to go back to 1 up. He halved 17 and secured his win on 18. Keegan was tasked with the playoff and his putt from off the edge of the green looked in all the way but hit the pin and lipped out. His opponent had a downhill putt to win, went for it, but missed and ran a bit past and failed with his next putt. Strathmore 1 had secured their well deserved place in the final. We have a squad of nine players with seven available for selection to the final team so Archie Loudon, Jessica Sievwright and Tom Stevenson who have already played will also be considered. Unfortunately Saoirse Sangerman and Noah Shepherd are unavailable for selection but I would like to thank all the players for making this possible. I know I have a difficult decision to make and I appreciate everyone’s contribution to getting Strathmore 1 into the final but obviously only four players can be selected. The squad have been magnificent and every player has played their part. 

LEROCH CUP RESULT

Struan Shepherd shot a great nett 70 in very windy conditions today to win the Leroch Cup by an impressive 8 shots. 

NEW MEMBER 27 FOR 2025

Callan Mackie became new member 27 for 2025 and will be fitted from our extensive range of hire clubs and will get the 56th set hired out this year. No problem him being left handed, we have these sets in stock. Making golf affordable and accessible is what we try to achieve and providing them with opportunities to play and have fun is what it’s all about. 

Another new enquiry as well !! 

AUGUST MEDAL

Keegan Fergusson took the honours today with a nett 71. 

FLAG QUALIFIER AT COMRIE

 Strathmore team of Wyatt, Oliver, Hunter and Mia finished a creditable 3rd place at Comrie. They all had a great time which is the most important thing.