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