ROUTE 36 IS DEFINITELY THE WAY TO GO

So much excitement at the on course sessions tonight. Vikram started with a seven but shot a superb 41 including 3 pars and 2 birdies and was desperate to go back out for another go. Arthur had his first par and first birdie and along with Lucy who also had her first par are already planning to try again on Saturday. Keir who only joined 2 weeks ago struggled with his putting but is keen to get back out as well. Saoirse pipped Shay by one shot and her 30 is the new Course record score after the 5-6pm session. Tom Stevenson arrived at the second session and thanked us for calling off last week’s coaching due to a weather warning. The weather wasn’t a bad as predicted and he went out to play and had his first hole in one. It was achieved on the sixth and fortunately he seen it going in as the pin was not in the dip. If the coaching had went ahead it wouldn’t have happened ! Tom and Jack took Cameron out to assess his game on Rannaleroch and I’m waiting the report. Next up was Arthur who shot 32 including 2 eagles !! Disappointed for Cameron who missed out by one shot but with 6 pars and 1 birdie can be very confident he will do it next time. Frederick is now the new record holder with 28 including 6 birdies and 1 eagle. Hugo will also progress to the Yellow tees thanks to 4 birdies. It’s amazing the enthusiasm and I am really excited for the future. The best ideas are often the simplest. 

THE OTHER FOUR CARDS RECEIVED AND LOADS MORE SUCCESSES

First up Rory Murray, 2nd Certificate achieved and Fun Handicap of 42 (21 over 9 holes) next up John Gillan, 1st and 2nd Certificates achieved and Fun Handicap of 48 (24 over 9 holes). Mia Baxter also achieved her 2nd Certificate and a Fun Handicap of 54 (27 over 9 holes). Last up was Hugo Lynch and because everyone wanted to play from the full tees he did as well. Bit of a tall order but I was very impressed by his short game and putting. I went down this afternoon to watch the back nine of the Barrie Douglas Masters, met Angus Palmer and we had a chat about his play over the three days. Unfortunately both he and Archie Pattullo didn’t have their best rounds but I’m sure both will take the positives from the experience and move on. Before I left I spotted Hugo on the 9th green on Leitfie which I was delighted to see. I went over for a chat and asked him if he had played Route 36 ? He hadn’t but had played from the full tees again. His score was good apart from 2 holes so I also had a chat with his mum regarding how Route 36 works and I’m sure he will progress very quickly and have more fun in achieving par score playing on the shortened course. What the most impressive thing was him getting out again and determined to get better. Total respect. 

ROUTE 36 AND SO MUCH MORE

Tonight we started our on Course sessions and what a success. First up was Forbes and Harry and delighted to announce that both have progressed from the Red tees to the Yellow tees at their first attempt. Forbes shot 35, including 4 birdies, and Harry 36 with 7 pars. This is so exciting to see these youngsters achieving goals, if Aaron Rai success can be replicated, who knows how far these kids can progress. Next up in the second group was Aoife and Jack who both played the full Leitfie course and both achieved Fun Handicaps of 42 (21 over 9 holes) and 44 (22 over 9 holes) respectively. Still waiting on the other 4 cards but hopefully we have similar results. 

NEW WHS HANDICAP

Finn Whelan with 36.2 becomes our latest junior to gain a WHS handicap. Accompanied him and Joe Frullani out on the course yesterday and both boys played well. Finn’s development area is his putting and I’m sure practicing the drills he has been shown at the coaching will help. I was very impressed by Joe his all round game is very strong and with the Ice Hockey season coming to an end hopefully he can play more golf. His 37 points topped the scoring and I look forward to seeing his progress over the summer. On Thursday night we held the fourth Club Championship qualifier with Tom Stevenson returning the best gross score of 80 and Olly Stevenson returning the best nett of 64. Both received handicap cuts of 12.9 to 12 and 25.2 to 22.8. 

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

Keir McNicoll became new member number eleven for 2026. Tonight before coaching he was fitted for a full set of Golphin 112 clubs from our hire scheme along with a 3 wheel push trolley, £30 per annum, what a deal. He also took possession of a Free pair of golf shoes from our swap scheme. All set and ready for his first coaching session. 

THAT’S BEEN A BUSY WEEK

Seven very productive coaching sessions this week. We are so fortunate to have such experienced and knowledgeable professionals who relate so easily with the youngsters. The progress this year has been impressive and I believe that our future is definitely in safe hands. Today we held the Russell Bailey Shield Greensomes and Keir Reid and I shot 5 under net to win the event. Tomorrow it’s a short trip to Blairgowrie for the GolfSixes. 

GREAT WEEKEND

Keegan Fergusson had his first outing at a Junior Tour Scotland, 54 hole event, at Alyth. He performed well finishing 11th gross and 6th net. 77 this afternoon was his best score and he will take loads of positives from the experience. At home Keir Reid had 35 stableford points to win Saturday’s Summer League. PGA professional Rory Tinker has agreed to take over the remaining Spring Coaching, as Kathryn has returned to California, and I was very impressed with his ideas and use of technology.