Saturday 18 July 2020

Keeping in Touch – 18 July 2020

Good evening, ladies. I trust this next message finds you well. I had a lovely day today – a reasonably well played round of golf at Meldrum House, mostly in sunshine, followed by a sandwich and cup of coffee sitting on the patio at the clubhouse, catching up with a few friends and meeting one or two new members. It was delightful – a real pleasure to have the clubhouse open again.

Since my previous ‘Keeping in Touch’ post just over a month ago, more County events have been the victims of Covid cancellation, including the ALCGA Opens at McDonald Ellon, Kemnay, and Murcar Links, plus the Tri-Am at Oldmeldrum – another 24% of our annual fixtures in Aberdeenshire. At one point as lockdown was being eased and golf was restarting, I was beginning to wonder if some of our decisions to cancel events had been premature. However, with open competitions still forbidden and no indication of imminent change to that restriction, I think we were probably right. Roll on next season.

I do have some good news about fixtures. Jackie Brown, Angus LCGA Captain has confirmed that the 2021 Northern Division Inter-County Jamboree will take place at Monifieth Links from Saturday 12 till Monday 14 June. Accommodation is already booked for our team and officials. It’s exciting to anticipate the contest and the camaraderie.

I have more good news to share, this time about our junior member Carmen (Griffiths), Aboyne Golf Club, who has signed up with ProDreamUSA with a view to heading to the USA in The Fall 2021 to pursue her golfing development and studies. Carmen emailed me saying: “I'm really excited about the scholarship. It's something I've been thinking about for a long time and I’ve decided it’s definitely the right thing for me. Academically I'm looking to study Sports and Exercise, something which I love, with a hope to lead into Physiotherapy later. My golf plan is to continue competing and grow as an Amateur, and follow my dream to eventually turn Pro and make it through Q-School and gain my playing cards for the LET and LPGA. I'll keep working hard and chasing my dreams!” Always continue to dream big, Carmen – best wishes from us all.

What do you think of the “Me and My Golf” Cameos that I have been posting? Isn’t it interesting – but maybe not surprising – how many Dads have inspired girls to become involved and have encouraged them to stay involved in golf? In 12 out of the 20 cameos so far, Dads get a mention! Have you, like me, picked up any suggestions for practice sessions? Maybe I should concentrate on my putting more often and more systematically. Did you notice the possibly Freudian slip in my own cameo – an unintentionally amusing combination of responses which I didn’t realise when writing them. Having declared my talent for mixing gin and tonic in response to Question 9, I proceeded to declare “One too many!” in response to Question 10 – oops!

Now I have only one “Me and My Golf” cameo in reserve, ready for publication. Therefore, please join in and send me yours. I’d love to receive it. The more I have the better. Please email your responses and photos to me at eventLorna200LMJ@btinternet.com or WhatsApp them to me on 07717 133397. Thank you.

In the meantime, enjoy your golf and continue to keep safe.

Lorna

Lorna M Johnson
Captain, ALCGA