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:
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.
Through Tuesday and Wednesday, scratch and matchplay rounds continued on the Rosemount course.
All Tuesday’s results can be viewed at:
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 14th hole. In a very close match, at the 17th, Carmen was Jen’s next victim. So Robyn and Jen were set for a very exciting Final.
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 14th hole. In a very close match, at the 17th, 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 17th and took home the Gifford Trophy.
 |
| A very happy Robyn at the 17th 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 20th 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 18th 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 16th.
Congratulations to our Allie who emerged runner up, with the Angus Salver being won by Norma at the 16th.
 |
| 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
- 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
Captain, ALCGA