Commonwealth Spoons Final: Good Luck

Good luck to:

• Lorna Whyte & Lyn Park
• Yvonne Moir & Carol Whicher
• Nita Dervish-Uman & Lynne Tough

the three foursomes pairs who are representing ALCGA in the Scottish Golf Commonwealth Spoons Final at Dullatur Golf Club tomorrow, Monday 30 August.

Play well and enjoy. It would be great to have the Spoons back in Aberdeenshire.

Lorna

Lorna M Johnson
Captain, ALCGA

Commonwealth Spoons Qualifying Competition: The 2021 Story

I’ve almost caught up with my stories for the time being. Here is the most recent one about the Commonwealth Spoons that took place at Kintore Golf Club on Monday 16 August.

Three foursomes pairs qualified to represent Aberdeenshire LCGA at the Scottish Golf Commonwealth Spoons Final at Dullatur Golf Club on Monday 30 August: Lorna Whyte & Lyn Park, Yvonne Moir & Carol Whicher, Nita Dervish-Uman & Lynne Tough.

The Golf

I do like to talk about the weather … When I arrived at Kintore on Monday morning, the most predominant thing was the unexpected freezing cold wind that had not been forecast and that was blowing wildly and swaying the mature trees beside the first fairway. Local ladies reassured me that it would be less fierce up the hill, hard to believe but, as I found out true. Also, it was not long before the sun came out, it grew warm and golfing circumstances were much sweeter.

Participants were very complimentary about the welcome they received at Kintore Golf Club, about the very well presented course, including the condition of its greens, and about the catering. They also commented on the stunning views from the elevated parts of the course.

The Commonwealth Spoons was very successful. 26 foursomes pairs with players from 13 different golf clubs were keen to attempt to play well, to astound their partners with amazing shots, and to remember not to say ‘sorry’ when a poor shot crept in!

I do like to analyse scores … There were many very good scores – that’s not a very mathematical statement! The lowest nett score equalled the course par of 70. 6 scores – more than 20% - were lower than 76. 14 scores – more than 50% - were lower than 80. I have to tell you that, in the remaining 12 scores, you would find the one achieved by me and my partner – not our best day!

Full results are posted under Fixtures on this website.

In the top 3 places were the qualifiers who are heading to Dullatur. They are:

• Lorna Whyte & Lyn Park (Meldrum House) who scored an absolutely excellent nett 70
• Yvonne Moir & Carol Whicher (Kemnay) who were pipped at the post with a very impressive nett 71
• Nita Dervish-Uman & Lynne Tough (Kemany) who came very close with a very good nett 72.5

Good luck to you all. I’m sure you will do Aberdeenshire proud.

Lorna Whyte (left) and Lyn Park, both of Meldrum House

Carol Whicher and Yvonne Moir, both of Kemnay

Nita Dervish-Uman and Lynne Tough, both of Kemnay

Thanks …

Many thanks must be put on record.

First of all, thanks to Kintore Golf Club. Thanks to:

• the Club Council for granting ALCGA courtesy of the course, a very generous contribution with 52 rounds of golf taking place
• Club Administrator Petra Walker for her substantial support and help in making arrangements to ensure smooth running of our event
• Lady Captain Faye Walker for her invaluable assistance with planning and for her company on the day
• Green Keepers Andy and Stewart for their efforts in presenting the course in extremely good order
• Club members Dorothy and Geraldine for being our welcoming and efficient starters, especially when it was such a chilly morning
• Catering Team members Irene, Paul and Ashley for providing friendly hospitality and tasty sustenance.

Next, thanks to various ALCGA officials and members. Thanks to:

• Management Committee members Fiona (Campbell) and Susie (Macleod) for coordinating and making advance plans to guarantee that the day would run efficiently, and for their commitment throughout the day of the event
• Honorary Secretary Karen (Stalker) for dealing with entries, the draw, and results.

Final Comment …

‘The Spoons’ is always a popular competition. This year was no different.

Kintore Golf Club staff and members were delighted to have us as guests and made us feel very much at home. Lady Captain Faye (Walker) enjoyed the camaraderie and friendly competitive spirit of the County day and wonders if some Kintore ladies might be interested in joining ALCGA in future. Susie (Macleod) has sent Faye some information so here’s hoping …

My partner Liz (Barrack) and I had the privilege of playing alongside Hazlehead members Lena Ingram and Vi Walker. Lena and Vi have been golfers and County members for many years. Both in their eighties, you would have been impressed at how nimbly they climbed that second hole hill, how they hit the ball, and how they kept up with the group in front. They are an inspiration to us all. I hope dearly that I can play golf like them when I am their age. Thank you, ladies, for your company.

Once again, congratulations to our Commonwealth Spoons’ qualifiers. We look forward to knowing how you get on at Dullatur.

Lorna

Lorna M Johnson
Captain, ALCGA

Lyon Inter-Club Double Foursomes: The 2021 Story

My next short catch-up story is about the Lyon Inter-Club Foursomes tournament that was hosted on Monday 02 and Tuesday 03 August by Hazlehead Golf Club on the McKenzie Championship course.

Thanks to Honorary Secretary Karen (Stalker) for posting and keeping results up to date as the competition took place.

The Hazlehead team was triumphant, winning the trophy for the third time in succession.

Winners Hazlehead, Runners-up Banchory, Captain Lorna and President Ros

The Golf

Players arrived in fine spirits, ready for their 18 hole matchplay foursomes games. It was a very reasonable golfing Monday morning when the teams assembled at Hazlehead. It felt very calm and quiet, overcast but dry. As we moved into Tuesday, it became breezier but the sun came out. No rain – so all was well.

Despite the trials that had confronted the greenkeepers after the severe winter, the course was in good order. Unfortunately, due to the effects of very thick ice, the 8^th and 16^th greens were still out of play. Nonetheless, the quality of the design of the course with its interesting and testing holes was not overshadowed.

As always, golf was enjoyed and competitiveness was evident. Lots of fun was had and giggling incidents were reported to me – great to hear. As a spectator, there was lots of excellent golf on display to appreciate and inspire.

Monday morning – Hazlehead team aiming to win …

Eight teams took part: Aberdeen Ladies 1 & 2, Aboyne, Ballater, Banchory, Deeside, Hazlehead, and Peterculter. After Monday’s opening matches, in the semi-finals on Tuesday morning, Banchory faced Ballater and Aberdeen Ladies 1 faced Hazlehead. Both Banchory v Ballater games were very close with Banchory emerging as 3-0 winners. Aberdeen Ladies 1 fought hard but went down 0-9 to Hazlehead.

In the first game of the final, Banchory’s Gail Christie & Patricia Halliwell played Hazlehead’s Claire Prouse & Rachel Mathieson. In the second game, Banchory’s Gillian Mackenzie & Kathleen Taylor were up against Hazlehead’s Morven Adam & Gail Melvin. The concluding score of Banchory 3 – Hazlehead 6 does not show how much tension and anticipation was in the air through the finishing holes. Nor can it show the great golf shots, including recovery shots, that were being played.

Congratulations to Hazlehead who won the trophy and retain it in their clubhouse for another year – very worthy winners! Commiserations to Banchory who didn’t make it easy for the victors.

Winners Hazlehead (left to right):
Claire Prouse, Rachel Mathieson, Morven Adam, Gail Melvin

Runners-up Banchory (left to right):
Gail Christie, Gillian Mackenzie, Patricia Halliwell, Kathleen Taylor

Thanks …

Many thanks must be put on record.

First of all, thanks to Sport Aberdeen. Thanks to:

• the organisation for granting us courtesy of the MacKenzie Championship Golf Course, a very substantial contribution
• Nigel Spencer, Golf and Outdoor Services Manager, for his vital support in agreeing access and tee times
• the green keeping team for their efforts in presenting the course so well, no mean feat when account is taken of this year’s harsh winter weather damage, particularly to the greens.

Next, thanks to Hazlehead Golf Club. Thanks to:

• Karen Pottiinger, Lady Captain, for her significant assistance with planning and arrangements to ensure smooth running of our event
• Karen Thow, County Rep, for her invaluable support and generous assistance throughout the two days
• Kath Emeleus and Carol Benzie for being our welcoming and efficient starters
• Glen and Andrea, for providing friendly hospitality and catering
• Nancy Adam, previous Lady Captain, for setting the ball rolling with Sport Aberdeen.

Finally, thanks to various ALCGA officials and members. Thanks to:

• Management Committee member Louise (Anderson) and Vice-captain Olive (Robb) for coordinating and making advance plans to guarantee that the day would run efficiently, and for their commitment during the event itself
• President Ros (Roy) for being there to support all the players and for presenting the prizes
• Honorary Secretary Karen (Stalker) for dealing with entries, the draw, scoring and results
• spectators and supporters who made time to come along and encourage the players
• last, but definitely not least, participating players and their team organisers, often the County Reps.

Final Comment …

The 2021 Lyon Foursomes went very well. However, I have to admit that there was a sense of disappointment when we had only eight entries for this for this very long standing annual fixture. There were notable missing teams from Cruden Bay and Murcar Links who reported that players simply were unavailable this year. Here’s hoping that this was a one-off situation.

We suspect that some clubs feel that there is little point in entering a team because it is a scratch competition only for low handicap players. Please be assured that this is not the case and that teams with players through our Division 1 handicap index range competed and did well. Next year, please enter – come along, experience and relish a different competition format.

If you took part this year and had a good time, please tell your friends from other clubs and persuade them to join in next year. Thank you.

Congratulations again to Hazlehead. A win on home territory is very special. Hazlehead’s loyal supporters undoubtedly agree.

Lorna

Lorna M Johnson
Captain, ALCGA

North of Scotland Ladies’ and Girls’ Championships: The 2021 Story

I’m still playing catch-up with my stories so now is the turn of the North of Scotland Ladies’ and Girls’ Championships that took place at Blairgowrie Golf Club from Monday 26 till Wednesday 28 July 2021. Thanks to Donna (Pocock), ALCGA Junior Assistant Convenor, for posting the results on Facebook at the time of the event.

Congratulations to Aberdeenshire’s Robyn Fowlie and Carmen Griffiths who were crowned Ladies’ and Girls’ Scratch Champions respectively. More below about these and other Aberdeenshire members’ successes.

North of Scotland Ladies’ Champion Robyn Fowlie (Forfar),
winner of the Gifford Trophy (Scratch)

Aberdeenshire LCGA had a significant presence in the tournament with over 20 members participating in the field of over 60 competitors from the four Ladies’ County Golf Associations in the Northern Division: Aberdeenshire, Angus, Northern Counties and Perth & Kinross.

The Golf

Before the start of the competitions, the weather forecast showed lots of dirty black clouds and rain, with thunder and lightning interludes. Of course, there was nothing for it but to get on with it … However, as the days emerged, it was hard to believe how sunny it was at times and how warm it became. Rumbles of thunder were heard in the distance but no lightning flashed – thank goodness. It was not until Wednesday morning that the first rain of the tournament came along for the Semi-final matches. However, the quality of golf was not impaired and the sun was back out before the afternoon Finals.

On Monday, on the Rosemount course, the strokeplay qualifying round for the Ladies’ Championships was played in conjunction with the single round for the Girls’ Championships. Scores can be viewed on: HowdDidiDo, Perth & Kinross Ga, NORTH OF SCOTLAND Championship.

Congratulations to our Carmen Griffiths (Aboyne) who shot an impressive gross 71, 3 under par, to win the Girls’ Scratch Championship. Zoe Davidson (Alyth) won the Girls’ Handicap Championship with a nett 73 BIH (91-18).

North of Scotland Girls’ Champion Carmen Griffiths (Aboyne)
(sorry, Carmen, no photo from Blairgowrie)

The leading scratch and handicap qualifiers for Tuesday’s matchplay were all from Perth & Kinross but Aberdeenshire was well represented in this next round with Carmen Griffiths (Aboyne), Robyn Fowlie (Forfar), Carol Wilson (Murcar Links) in the scratch draw and Anne Munro (Kemnay), Linda Bell (Kemnay), Allie Taylor (Kemnay), Laura McLardy (Duff House Royal) in the handicap draw. Didn’t our Kemnay ladies do well? 

Full Tuesday draw details can be viewed at:

https://pandklcga.blogspot.com/2021/07/the-north-of-scotland-results-draws.html

On Tuesday morning, non-qualifiers turned out for a consolation round on the Lansdowne course. Aberdeenshire members made a clean sweep of the prizes. Congratulations to Hannah Bycroft (Kemnay) who won scratch with gross 81 and to 11 year-old Holly McKenzie (Peterculter) and Rachel Smith (Meldrum House) who came first and second in the handicap list with nett scores of 70 (90-20) and 71 (83-12) respectively. All scores can be viewed on: HowdDidiDo, Perth & Kinross Ga, NORTH OF SCOTLAND Consolation Round.
Through Tuesday and Wednesday, scratch and matchplay rounds continued on the Rosemount course.

All Tuesday’s results can be viewed at:

https://pandklcga.blogspot.com/2021/07/north-of-scotland-championship-day-2_27.html

and Wednesday’s at: https://pandklcga.blogspot.com/2021/07/the-north-of-scotland-day-3.html

The Ladies’ Championship Gifford Trophy (Scratch) matchplay Round 1 proceeded with Aberdeenshire’s Carmen, Robyn and Carol all making it to the next round Quarter-finals.
Carmen and Robyn continued their winning streaks to reach the Semi-finals, establishing the enticing possibility of an all Aberdeenshire Final. Carol’s challenge was over when she faced very strong opposition in the shape of on-form P&K’s Jen Saxton (Dunfermline). In the semis, on-form Robyn’s very steady play brought her victory at the 14^th hole. In a very close match, at the 17^th, Carmen was Jen’s next victim. So Robyn and Jen were set for a very exciting Final. 

Congratulations to our Champion Robyn who was victorious at the 17^th and took home the Gifford Trophy.

A very happy Robyn at the 17^th green

The Ladies’ Championship Angus Salver (Handicap) matchplay Round 1 saw Kemnay ladies Anne, Linda and Allie making it to the next round. After a laudable display of determination and golfing ability, sadly Laura’s hard fought battle ended on the 20^th hole. With Anne and Linda facing each other in the Quarter-finals, a Kemnay/Aberdeenshire place in the Semi-finals was ensured. With both ladies full of determination, it was Anne who dominated on this occasion. Meanwhile, Allie played well to book her Semi-final place against Anne and a guaranteed Kemnay/Aberdeenshire place now in the Final. Anne and Allie’s semi’s match was very tight. On the 18^th tee, with Allie 1 up, both had all to play for. Allie took the hole to finish 2 up and earn her place in the Final against Norma Fleming (Royal Dornoch).
Congratulations to our Allie who emerged runner up, with the Angus Salver being won by Norma at the 16^th.

Allie Taylor (Kemnay), Runner-up, North of Scotland Ladies Championship (Handicap)

Thanks …

Several thanks must be put on record.

First of all, thanks to our North of Scotland Championships’ and Blairgowrie hosts and helpers. Thanks to:

• Jillian Milne, Perth & Kinross LCGA Captain, and her committee for organising the North of Scotland Ladies’ and Girls’ Championships and welcoming us all to such a successful, well run event
• Blairgowrie Golf Club for access to the Rosemount and Lansdowne courses, to the green keeping team for presenting both courses in excellent condition, and to the starters for their friendly reception and helpfulness

Next, thanks to Aberdeenshire LCGA members. Thanks to:

• all our members who made the effort to be there and participate with such commitment and enthusiasm
• President Ros for being there yet again as our number 1 supporter
• our members who won prizes and did us very proud

Robyn and Allie with some of the other prize winners

Final Comment …

With no North of Scotland Championships taking place in 2020, it was a joy to be there this year, to meet new and ‘old’ ladies from Aberdeenshire and other counties, to join in the golf competition, to spectate and to support. Of course, I had hoped to do more playing and less spectating but I forgot to pack my best golf game and left it at home! However, I watched great golf at all levels and enjoyed that very much.

Aberdeenshire members always support the ‘North of Scotland’ very well. In 2022, it is our turn to host it at a venue to be announced soon. We look forward to welcoming many ladies and girls from our home and neighbouring Northern Division Counties

In the meantime, congratulations again to this year’s winners from Aberdeenshire and beyond.

Lorna

Lorna M Johnson
Captain, ALCGA

Commonwealth Spoons: NEWSFLASH – 16 August 2021

CONGRATULATIONS to the three foursomes pairs who qualified at Kintore Golf Club today for the Scottish Golf Commonwealth Spoons Final at Dullatur Golf Club on Monday 30 August.

Representing Aberdeenshire will be:

• Lorna Whyte & Lyn Park (Meldrum House) who scored an absolutely excellent nett 70
• Yvonne Moir & Carol Whicher (Kemnay) who were pipped at the post with a very impressive nett 71
• Nita Dervish-Uman & Lynne Tough (Kemany) who came very close with a very good nett 72.5

Very well played today, ladies. Play well again and good luck to you all at Dullatur.

Today's full results will be posted under Fixtures on the website.

Thanks to everyone at Kintore Golf Club for welcoming us all so hospitably.

Commonwealth Spoons Qualifying Competition: The 2021 Story will follow in due course.

Lorna

Lorna M Johnson
Captain, ALCGA

County Junior Championship: The 2021 Story

Thanks to Sammy (Fanthorpe), ALCGA Junior Secretary, for posting the results of the Junior Championship on Facebook at the time of the event.

Here now is my short story, similar to the ones I have written for the other main County events. The County Junior Championship took place at Peterculter Golf Club on Sunday 25 July when Robyn Fowlie won the championship trophy.

Left to right: Captain Lorna Johnson, Handicap Champion Lottie Rhodes,
Champion Runner-up Ruby Watt, President Ros Roy,
Champion Robyn Fowlie, Handicap Champion Runner-up Holly McKenzie

The Golf

It felt so exciting to have eight girls entering the Junior Championship this year.

It was great to see Rachel and Robyn, two of our stalwarts of recent years, taking part along with six of our new members. Unfortunately, our seventh newbie Erin (Herd) couldn’t make it. And our other long standing junior, Carmen (Griffiths), wasn’t available either.

The weather was kind on the day - good for golf. The recent hot weather had made the course very dry - which I always like because I get extra run on the ball! The winter weather had led to significant challenges for the greenkeepers who had battled to get the damaged greens back in better condition for putting - no mean feat.

As always, the competition format was one stroke-play round. The standard of play displayed by the girls was excellent. I had the privilege of accompanying Alice, Beth, and Holly, our three youngest members, for most of their game. I also had the chance to see Isla, Lottie, and Ruby in action for the first time. I witnessed some super swings, stunning shots, and precision putts by all players.

Robyn Fowlie (Forfar Golf Club) was crowned the Aberdeenshire County Junior Champion with Ruby Watt (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre) coming a very worthy runner-up. Both Robyn and Ruby scored a superb one over par 73. Robyn won the Championship after a scorecard play-off.

Congratulations, Robyn (right) and Ruby (left)!

With an impressive nett score of 67, Lottie Rhodes (Deeside Golf Club) was the handicap winner. Holly McKenzie (Peterculter Golf Club), who celebrated her eleventh birthday in May, was runner up with a very good nett 75.

Congratulations, Lottie (left) and Holly (right)

Thanks

Many thanks must be put on record.

First of all, thanks to Peterculter Golf Club. Thanks to:

• the Club for granting ALCGA courtesy of the course, a very generous gesture
• the Pro Shop Team, Ryan and Craig, for their support and help in making arrangements to ensure smooth running of our event
• the green keeping team for their efforts in presenting the course so well
• the catering team for their hospitality.

Next, thanks to various ALCGA officials. Thanks to:

• Junior Secretary/Convenor Sammy (Fanthorpe) for coordinating and making advance plans to guarantee that the day would run efficiently
• Junior Convenors Louise (Anderson) and Donna (Pocock) for taking charge throughout the afternoon, spectating, then dealing with scoring, results and prizes
• President Ros (Roy) for her dedication as our number one spectator and for presenting the prizes.

Last but certainly not least, thanks to the girls’ parents/carers for all their support. As drivers they are essential. As spectators, they provide that all important encouragement that keeps the girls motivated and enthusiastic about their golf. Their commitment is unsurpassed.

Final Comment

It was such a pleasant surprise when Rachel (Mathieson) said a few words at the prize-giving. Her thanks and kind words about the County were so pertinent and inspiring for the new members. ALCGA wishes you all the very best, Rachel, for your new adventure with golf and study in the USA. The same best wishes go to Carmen.

Aberdeenshire County juniors have done exceptionally well this year. Successes would be too many to list in full but a snapshot includes:

• Scottish Golf Girl’s Amateur Champion: Carmen
• North of Scotland Champion: Robyn
• North of Scotland Girls’ Champion: Carmen
• Scottish Junior Par 3 Champion (Paul Lawrie Centre): Ruby
• Faldo Scotland Girls’ U21 Champion: Robyn
• Faldo Scotland Girls’ U16 Champion: Ruby
• Aberdeenshire LCGA Jamboree Team: Carmen, Robyn
• Scottish Junior Home International Team: Carmen, Robyn

As well as playing in their club and our County Junior competitions, all our girls have been getting out and about playing in other local, regional and national events. For example, in addition to those mentioned above, some girls have played and done well in County Opens, in tournaments at St Andrews, and in events organised by Scottish Golf, the Stephen Gallacher Foundation, and the European Junior Tour.

Very well done to all our juniors. You are all our stars of the moment and the future.

The final Junior fixture of the season takes place at Portlethen Golf Club on Friday 20 August. Play well, girls, and always enjoy your game.

Lorna

Lorna M Johnson
Captain, ALCGA

Tri-Am Competition: The 2021 Story

I really must apologise for falling so far behind with my web posts about County events – too many things on my to-do lists! So rather belatedly, here is the short story about the 2021 Tri-Am Competition that took place at Oldmeldrum Golf Club on Friday 09 July when the winning score was posted by ladies from Deeside and Peterculter Golf Clubs.

Oldmeldrum Golf Course

The Golf

The Tri-Am Competition was very successful. Oldmeldrum Golf Club welcomed 15 teams of 3 County members from 11 different golf clubs that were as far apart geographically as Longside and Ballater, 72 miles from each other. The weather was not enticing: it was a dreich, damp morning for those teeing off early. It was worse for later groups who had to head out in quite heavy rain – not what we had been hoping for. Players were very complimentary about the very well presented course and the condition of its greens.

Competitors enjoyed the 1-2-3 waltz format of the game we played. As always, there was a competitive spirit. The scores ranged from 135 to 163. My team scored 150 which was bang in the middle of the range and the field. Not unexpectedly, the teams with the lowest scores managed to avoid a high number at the holes where all 3 scores counted – very well achieved.

With apologies for having no photographs, the winning teams were:

Score	Team players	Golf Club
135	Jackie Henderson Carol McGregor Kristine Reiter	Deeside Deeside Peterculter
142	Margaret Parkinson Carol Eddie Alison Graham	Deeside Deeside Deeside
144	Gill Murray Elspeth Horton Sally Connell	Deeside Deeside Deeside

You will have spotted right away that, of the 9 ladies in these 3 teams, 8 were from Deeside Golf Club and 1 from Peterculter. I guess this means that Deeside stole the show on the day – with a little help from their friend from Peterculter!

Thanks …

Many thanks must be put on record.

First of all, thanks to Oldmeldrum Golf Club. Thanks to:

• the Club Council for hosting the Tri-Am Competition
• Club Administrator Hamish Dingwall for his substantial support and help in making arrangements to ensure smooth running of our event
• the green keeping team for their efforts in presenting the course in impressively good order
• Lady Captain Evelyn Westland for being our welcoming starter, especially in such unpleasant weather
• the catering team for providing friendly hospitality and tasty sustenance.

Next, thanks to ALCGA officials. Thanks to:

• Vice-captain Olive (Robb) for coordinating and making advance plans to guarantee that the day would run efficiently: thanks too for her commitment throughout the day of the event and keeping me right as her helper
• Honorary Secretary Karen (Stalker) for dealing with entries, the draw, and results.

Final Comment …

The Tri-Am Competition is valued in the County fixture list because it is the only purely fun event.  I think that the 1-2-3 waltz format selected for the competition this year was a popular one. And I’m sure that the fun objective was achieved.

The last team (pair) opportunity of the season is the Commonwealth Spoons Qualifier (two ball foursomes stroke-play) at Kintore Golf Club on Monday 16 August. There are still a few tee times available for late entries. Why not give it a go?

Lorna

Lorna M Johnson
Captain, ALCGA

Newmachar County Open

A message for all playing in the Newmachar County Open tomorrow (Friday).

Please check the club website (www.newmachargolfclub.co.uk) before you leave to see if the course is open. A message scrolls along the top to show whether the course is open or not. 

Karen Stalker

Lyon Foursomes Results

The Lyon Foursomes competition at Hazlehead is well underway and the latest results can be found here.

Good luck to all the players.