Many Congratulations go to Hazlehead for winning the Golf View League Trophy for the first time, they are worthy winners.
Congratulations also go to Murcar Links who are promoted to Division 1 and Aboyne who are promoted to Division 2.
Many Congratulations go to Hazlehead for winning the Golf View League Trophy for the first time, they are worthy winners.
Congratulations also go to Murcar Links who are promoted to Division 1 and Aboyne who are promoted to Division 2.
We are
delighted to say we have had an excellent entry of 36 teams for our final event
of the year the Tri-Am at Craibstone Golf Club
Catering
will be available from 8am until close of play.
Good luck to all taking part, have a great day.
Please see link for draw.
The results from the Peterculter County Open can be found under Fixture Details 2025 or by following this link
![]() |
Winning Team Hannah, Joy, Fiona |
The inaugural Junior Girls Scramble took place in glorious sunshine at Deeside Golf Club on Sunday 17th August 2025.
Three well matched teams took part, each led by an experienced ALCGA county lady. The aim was for everyone to enjoy playing as part of a team & to pick up tips on course management, etiquette & rules. It was a great opportunity for some of the girls, as yet to achieve a handicap to meet up with others & play good golf.
Each team played round the 9 hole, Par 34, Blairs course
twice and they scored under par every time. It was lovely to see everyone play
together with such enthusiasm and each team member made their contribution,
sometimes under pressure!
Winners: Total 61 (30,31)
Fiona Campbell (McDonald Ellon), Joy Lovie (Ballater) Hannah
Denholm (Newmachar)
2nd Place: Total 65 (32,33)
Carol Eddie (Deeside), Holly Lovie (Ballater), Lucy Morrison
(Inverurie)
3rd Place: Total 66 (34,32)
Sheena Wood (Aberdeen Ladies), Lois Reid (Cruden Bay), Demi
Morrison (Inverurie)
Well done to all the players, we hope the taste of subpar
golf will inspire you to great things.
Our sincere thanks go to Deeside Golf Club who most kindly
gave us courtesy of their lovely course and let us use their first class
facilities.
The results for the Cruden Bay County Open on 14th August can be found under Fixture Details 2025 or by following this link
The three teams
for the ALCGA Junior scramble on the Blairs course at Deeside Golf Club on
Sunday 17th August are -
Lois Reid (Cruden Bay)
Demi Morrison (Inverurie
12.36 Carol Eddie (Deeside)
Holly Lovie (Ballater)
Lucy Craigmile
(Inverurie)
12.45 Fiona Campbell (McDonald Ellon)
Joy Lovie (Ballater)
Hannah Denholm
(Newmachar)
We are sure the
girls will enjoy this competition, have fun being part of a team and learn a
few course management tips along the way.
The results for the McDonald Ellon County Open can be found under Fixture Details 2025 or by following this link - Ellon Results
The Peterculter County Open Draw can be found under Fixture Details 2025 or by following this link
Peterculter Golf Club County Open Draw
Late entries will be accepted by emailing pamela.fraser23@btinternet.com
The draw for the Cruden Bay County Open ca be found under Fixture Details 2025 or by following the link below.
ALCGA
committee have taken the decision to cancel this year’s Lyon Double Foursomes
at Aboyne.
Unfortunately
with an amber weather warning in place and Police Scotland advising the public
to avoid unnecessary travel, we had no choice.
This is
particularly disappointing as the Lyon Double Foursomes is always such an
enjoyable team event and everyone was looking forward to playing at Aboyne.
The Committee
did look at options of how to reorganise/reschedule the event, but it proved to
be unfeasible.
Our thanks
go to Aboyne Golf Club and in particular their Professional Mike who have been
so accommodating in every way.
Sadly Storm
Floris will be the winner this year!
Could all
clubs who have entered please email our Honorary Treasurer Laura McLardy with their
bank details as they will be due a refund of their entry fee.
![]() |
Lily and Lorna |
Congratulations to Lily Macdonald, one of our talented juniors from Aboyne who had a great run in the North of Scotland Scratch Championship. In the final Lily was narrowly beaten 2 & 1 by Katy Alexander from Blairgowrie, who plays off a handicap of +2.5. On the way she beat leading qualifier Lucy Moran, a scratch player from Milnathort.
Congratulations
also go to ALCGA Past Captain Lorna Johnston, from Meldrum House on becoming
North of Scotland Handicap Champion beating Lisbeth Husband from Carnoustie by
2 holes. Lorna surely has nerves of steel as all her matches were close, including a 2 hole victory over Anne
Munro from Kemnay.
In the Girls’
Championship, well done to Holly Mckenzie,
from Murcar Links who won The Handicap Trophy
with a 77 (2) nett 75.
Great
results for Aberdeenshire County and well done to all who took part.
Thanks go to Perth and Kinross County Ladies for running a successful tournament.
The draw for the McDonald Ellon County Open can be found under Fixture Details 2025 or by following this link - Ellon Draw
Any late entries or withdrawals please contact Fiona Campbell on fiona.e.campbell@hotmail.co.uk
The draw for the Lyon Inter-Club Foursomes to be held at Aboyne
Golf Club on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th August is as
follows:-
08.45 & 08.53 Kemnay 1 v Aboyne
09.01 & 09.09 Hazlehead v Deeside
09.17 & 09.25 Stonehaven v Peterculter
09.31 & 09.39 Aberdeen Ladies 1 v Banchory
09.47 & 09.55 Duff House Royal 1 v Aberdeen Ladies 2
10.03 & 10.11 Kemnay 2 v Cullen
10.19 & 10.27 Duff House Royal 2 v Ballater
10.35 &10.43 Murcar Links v Cruden Bay
Monday 4th August quarter finals commence at
14.00 & 14.08
14.16 & 14.24
14.32 &14.40
14.48 & 14.56
Semi finals commence on Tuesday 6th August at
09.00 & 09.08
09.16 & 09.24
Final commences Tuesday 6th August at 14.00
Click link to see full draw
The attention of club representatives is drawn to para. 8 of
the rules of this competition appended to the County Constitution, namely,
“Before the commencement of each round each club shall give to the member of
the management committee responsible for running the competition, in writing,
the pairings and order of couples in each team.
Please note that after the first round an original player
maybe replaced only in the event of illness or injury in which case the
replacement player must have a handicap equal to or higher than that of the
player replaced. This restriction does not apply to a player from the second
team who may be moved into the first team.
Catering will be available from 07.45 – 19.30 please could
teams pre-order meals before commencing play. Bar and catering are happy to
provide tabs for teams.
The results for the Deeside County Open can be found under Fixture Details 2025 or by following this link Deeside County Open results
Good luck to Amy Blackadder (Deeside), Lily Macdonald (Aboyne), Holly Mckenzie (Murcar Links) and Lois Reid (Cruden Bay) in the Scottish Girls Amateur Championship at Kings Golf Course 18-20th July 2025.
The Championship consists of 36 holes of stroke play qualifying with the leading players progressing into match play.
Live scoring can be found on the Scottish Golf website.
|
|||
|
The results for the Murcar Links County Open 2025 can be found under Fixture Details 2025 or by following this link Murcar Links County Open Results 2025
Good luck to Holly Mckenzie (Murcar Links) and Amy Blackadder (Deeside) in the Scottish Girls Under 16 Open Championship at West Linton 8-10th July this week.
It is a 54 hole stroke play competition and live scoring can be found on the Scottish Golf website.
The draw for the Deeside County Open can be found under Fixture Details 2025 or by following this link - Deeside County Open 2025
Any late entries or withdrawals please contact Carol McGregor on carol@mcgregors.org.uk
The results for the Kemnay County Open can be found under Fixture Details 2025 or by following this link
Perth & Kinross Ladies County Golf Association is hosting The North of Scotland
Championship at Kinross Golf Club (Bruce Course) from 21st – 23rd July 2025.
The details and entry details can be found on the P&K Website but are also listed below
The draw for the Murcar Links County Open 2025 can be found under Fixture Details 2025 or by following this link Murcar Links Open draw
Late entries are being accepted and please contact Jill Ramage on jillram@tiscali.co.uk
The Commonwealth Spoons were held today at McDonald Ellon Golf club.
We had 35 pairs taking part with the best 4 Nett scores going forward to the finals at Baberton Golf Club (Edinburgh) on Monday 1st September.
The weather was excellent and it was nice to see everyone with their bright coloured summer outfits on.
We would like to Thank McDonald Ellon Golf Club for the courtesy of the Course which was in excellent condition, the Bar and Catering staff who were all very attentive and a big thank you to the Lady Captain Jane who helped out on the desk during the busy time.
Today’s Results:
1st – A.MacDonald (Peterculter) & H. Wallace (Aberdeen Ladies) Nett 63.5
2nd – F.Campbell & J. Guthrie ( McDonald Ellon) “ 66
3rd – J. Gove & F. Windle (Deeside) " 69
4th – A.Grant & L.McBride (Hazlehead) “ 71
Congratulation to the above Ladies that will be going forward to Baberton Golf Club on Monday 1st September.
Aberdeenshire Junior County Championship 29 June 2025 at Portlethen
Golf Club
Five junior girls played in the County Junior Championship
at Portlethen Golf Club on Sunday 29 June. The standard of golf was impressive
and it was a joy to watch the youngsters play with such enthusiasm.
The Junior Scratch Champion and winner of the Farquharson
Quaich was Amy Blackadder (Deeside) with an excellent score of 2 over par 75, a
new personal best for her.
In joint 2nd place were Lily Macdonald (Aboyne) and
Holly Mckenzie (Murcar Links) with 88.
The Junior Handicap Champion and winner of the Styropack
Salver was Brianne Mackay (Duff House Royal) with an excellent score of nett 71,
handicap 17.
Runner Up was Lois Reid (Cruden Bay) with a nett 72, handicap
16.
Congratulations to all the girls who took part. Aberdeenshire are lucky to have so many good young players.
Thank you to Portlethen Golf Club for granting us courtesy of their lovely course which the girls thoroughly enjoyed playing.
![]() |
Amy Blackadder (Deeside) Scratch Winner of Farquharson Quaich |
![]() |
Brianne Mackay (Duff House Royal) Handicap Winner of Styropack Salver |
![]() |
ALCGA Winners and Runners Up Portlethen 2025 |
The draw for the Kemnay County Open on Thursday 3rd July can be found under Fixture Details 2025 or by following this link
The field is fully subscribed and there are no late entries.
Congratulations Robyn ! 🏆
Hugh congratulations goes to our County Team player Robyn Fowlie who yesterday won the first playing of the new Northern Ladies 54 Hole Open at Carnoustie Golf Links.
Robyn had an excellent score of 71 gross (3 under par ) on the Championship course on Saturday morning, followed by a 68 on the Buddon course that afternoon another 3 under par. Yesterday she scored 73 on the Buddon course again which in tough conditions was a great score to win the Championship by 2 shots, a total of 4 under par for her 3 rounds.
Well done Robyn from Aberdeenshire - keep that flag flying.
The Junior Championship takes place at Portlethen Golf Club on Sunday 29th June.
The draw is detailed below.
13.10 Isla Reid (Cruden Bay) Joy Lovie (Ballater)
13.20 Brianne Mackay (Duff House Royal) Holly Lovie (Ballater)
13.30 Lois Reid (Cruden Bay) Amy Blackadder (Deeside)
13.40 Lily Macdonald (Aboyne) Holly Mckenzie (Murcar Links)
Good luck to all competitors.
The Cruden Bay Open on Thursday 14th August is now full and entries are closed. A Waiting List is in operation. If you would like to add your name to the Waiting List please email alcga.comp.sec@gmail.com
The results for the new Hazlehead County Open can be found under Fixtures 2025 or by following this link
A special mention to Rachel Mathieson from Hazlehead Golf Club who broke the course record with a gross 68. Well done Rachel!
The draw for the Commonwealth Spoons can be found under Fixture Details 2025 or by following this link Commonwealth Spoons Draw
Late entries will be accepted but only if a four can be made up. Please email alcga.comp.sec@gmail.com
There will be catering from 8.30 onwards offering bacon rolls, lunch and scones. In order to assist the caterer pre booking before playing will be required.
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of Mary Burgess (Aboyne) on June 12th 2025.
Mary was a
great county stalwart and past County Selector. She had also been Captain of
the Scottish Senior Women’s Golf Association Northern Division (Vets) and
always took a keen interest in everyone’s golf.
Mary was a most gracious lady, modest, had a great
sense of humour and was popular with everyone. She will be greatly missed by us
all and remembered with great affection.
Our sincere
sympathy goes out to all her family.
Perth & Kinross Ladies County Golf Association is hosting The North of Scotland
Championship at Kinross Golf Club (Bruce Course) from 21st – 23rd July 2025.
The details and entry details can be found on the P&K Website but are also listed below
Northern Counties defeated the Aberdeenshire team 5.5 - 3.5 and therefore retain the North Division Inter County Trophy.
Huge congratulations go to Northern Counties who really are a fantastic team and worthy winners.
The Captain and Management team would like to commend the girls in the Aberdeenshire Team who gave their very best all weekend.
We would particularly like to thank the Angus Captain, Virginia Jamieson and her team for all their hard work and superb organisation of the event.
Sincere thanks must also go to Edzell Golf Club for their excellent hospitality and the fantastic condition of their course.
![]() |
Northern Counties Winners 2025 |
Thank you and see you next year at Nairn Dunbar |
Day 3 Foursomes Results and Singles Pairings
The draw for the Hazlehead County Open on 19th June is now available under Fixture Details 2025 or by following this link
Late entries will be accepted by calling Katherine Emeleus on 07967 828849
Aberdeenshire play Northern Counties and Perth and Kinross play Angus
Please see link below for this morning's pairings.
Aberdeenshire had close games today against Angus who won 5-4
Well done to Northern Counties winning against Perth and Kinross 8-1
Aberdeenshire play Angus and Northern Counties play Perth and Kinross.
Please see link below for this morning's pairings.
A plucky performance by Aberdeenshire in atrocious conditions this afternoon against a quality team from Perth and Kinross who won overall 7-2.
Well done done Northern Counties beating Angus 5-4.
Click link for todays results.
The results for the Newmachar County Open can be found under Fixture Details 2025 or by following this link - Newmachar County Results 2025
The selection committee are delighted to announce the team
to represent Aberdeenshire at Edzell Golf Club 7-9 June 2025. We wish them all
the best for an enjoyable and successful Jamboree.
Fiona Campbell – McDonald Ellon
Robyn Fowlie – Murcar Links
Robyn Gallon – Duff
House Royal
Karolina Martincova – Aberdeen Ladies
Rachel Mathieson – Hazlehead
Claire Prouse – Hazlehead
Suzanne Robertson – Fraserburgh
Lauren Whyte – Aberdeen Ladies
Reserve Louise Anderson – Duff House Royal
The Draw is -
Saturday 7th - Angus v Northern Counties
Aberdeenshire v Perth & Kinross
Sunday 8th - Northern
Counties v Perth
& Kinross
Aberdeenshire v Angus
Monday 9th - Aberdeenshire v Northern Counties
Perth &
Kinross v Angus
Tee times
for foursomes each day are 08.30 – 09.15
Tee times
for singles on 7th June are 14.30 – 16.00
Tee times
for singles on 8th and 9th June are 13.30 – 15.00
Supporters would be most welcome to cheer on the team and I
am sure the golf will be of the highest quality.
Congratulations to Captain Sheena, President Ellie and County Member Shirley Copland at Downfield 2025 SSWGA NORTH Senior Championship.
What a great weekend at Downfield for Aberdeenshire.
Our Captain Sheena is the Scottish Womans Senior Champion for the Northern division after beating another county player and supporter Susie Macleod by 2 and 1, a very close match.
Our President Ellie had a tremendous match against another well known county supporter Lynne Terry eventually Ellie won at the 21st.....another very tight match, both need a well earned rest now!
Shirley Copland, Murcar Links beat Jan Ord in the Division 2 handicap matchplay. Another exciting match with Shirley coming from behind to win.
You have all done Aberdeenshire proud - congratulations to you all.
The draw for the Newmachar County open can be found under Fixture Details 2025 or by following this link Newmachar County Open draw
Late entries are being accepted so please contact Sheila at Sheila.mcnaught@btopenworld.com
Another Hole in one !
Congratulations this time to Karen McGuinness (Newmachar) on her hole in one at the 6th hole at Duff House Royal using her five iron, in the County Open Thursday 22nd May.
Well done Karen.
Good luck to Jasmine Macintosh (Murcar Links) this morning in the semi final of the Scottish Ladies Championship at Western Gailes.
Good luck also to Ruby Watt (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre) this morning who is playing in the semi final of the Clark Rosebowl (next 16 qualifiers) at Western Gailes.
Aberdeenshire are wishing you both the best of luck.
All results can be found on the Scottish Golf Website under National Competitions.
Congratulations to Allison Taylor who had a hole in one at the 10th hole at Meldrum House while representing Peterculter Golf Club in the Watt Duffus County Competition.
Well done Allison.
David Pocock Head Professional at Portlethen Golf Club kept
the girls busy and focussed on improving their putting skills, pitching skills
and bunker play with a range of fun competitive drills.
Everyone made good progress and these skills will definitely
help them on the golf course.
Thanks again to David and well done all the girls.
The results from the Banchory open can be found under Fixture Details 2025 or
by following this link Banchory results
The Duff House Royal county open is now full and is operating a waiting list. Please contact Landerson_2@hotmail.com to be added to that list.
The draw for the Duff House Royal County open can be found under Fixture Details 2025
Aberdeenshire
County were delighted when Meldrum House Golf Club agreed to host the Watt
Duffus Trophy, our most prestigious stroke play event, for the first time.
It was no surprise that a record field of 26
teams took part.
We were very
fortunate to have a glorious day of weather and everyone enjoyed playing on the acclaimed Championship
course which was in superb condition.
I would like
to Meldrum House Golf Club for giving us courtesy of the course and sincerely
thank their administrative staff, particularly David who has been so helpful.
Also many
thanks to the greenkeeping staff and catering staff for all their help and
friendly efficiency, which we all very much appreciated.
To our
President Ellie for starting everyone off and presenting prizes.
A huge thank
to our Competitions Team of Fiona, Carol, Pam and Meldrum House County Rep
Lorna Johnson for all their hard work which ensured the event was a great
success.
Congratulations to Duff House Royal Golf Club for winning the Mrs Watt Duffus Trophy for the first time with a very good score of 244.
Congratulations
to Aboyne 2 for winning the handicap trophy on a countback with Banchory 1 with a score of 216.
Well done to Robyn Gallon Duff House Royal winning the individual scratch with an impressive score of 78 and to Heather Campbell from Aboyne winning the individual handicap with a nett score of 68.
Congratulations to Duff House Royal 1 who won the Mrs Watt Duffus Trophy for the best scratch score of 244. Congratulations to Aboyne 2 winning the handicap trophy with a net score of 216 on countback from Banchory.
Winner of individual scratch was Robyn Gallon - Duff House Royal with gross score of 78 and the individual handicap was won by Heather Campbell - Aboyne 2 with a net score of 68.
Full results can be found by clicking on this link Watt Duffus Results
Watt Duffus Meldrum House - Some Useful Information
1. Car Parking is available at the Clubhouse and at the Practice Facility
2. Catering will be available in the Clubhouse before and after golf. The Kitchen will be open from 8.00am until 7.15pm. The bar will be open from 8.00am until 8.00pm.
3. The Practice Facility with driving range (all bays with Toptracer), chipper’s alley, and putting green will be open for use from 7.30am. The ball dispenser in the Practice Facility building takes tokens that can be purchased at the Professionals’ Shop (£2.50 for 25 balls) or £1 coins.
Please note trolleys must not be taken into the Practice Facility building.
4. The Half Way House Toilet can be accessed after the 9th and the 16th holes. No entry code is required.
5. Golf will be played from the Tees numbered 54 (which are the first 2 digits of the course length from this tee): Par 70, Course Rating 72.1, Slope Rating 128.
6. Pin Positions are indicated by the letters hanging on marker posts at the tees: ‘A’ for front of the green; ‘B’ for middle; and ‘C’ for back
7. Local Rules are printed on the back of the Score Card. Particular attention is drawn to the following:
Young trees identified by red tags or paint are no play zones.
Boulders on the course, including those in bunkers, are integral parts of the course.
Wood Chips Areas on holes 5 and 6 are integral parts of the course.
Sand Bands exist following work to improve drainage. Free relief is available in some circumstances.
8. No Temporary Local Rules are currently in operation.
9. Penalty Areas (previously referred to as water hazards) feature at a number of holes at Meldrum House. If you are unaccustomed to playing courses with penalty areas, please familiarise yourself with Rule 17 of the R&A Rules of Golf.
10. Penalty Area and Provisional Ball: If you think that your ball might be in a penalty area but you are not sure (ie it is not known or virtually certain), you must not play a provisional ball (Rule 18.3a of the R&A Rules of Golf). If you play another ball then it immediately becomes the ball in play. What you must do is go and check if your ball is in the Penalty Area and then consider your options. Your only option may be to return to where you last played a shot.
11. Wild Flower Areas are integral parts of the course from which free relief is not granted. The ball must be played as it lies or relief taken under ‘ball unplayable’ penalty.
12. Swans and Geese are familiar sights at Meldrum House. Usually they are very calm around players but if they become restless and potentially aggressive (they have cygnets and goslings at this time of year) then you should proceed in accordance with the R&A Rules of Golf Rule 16: Relief from Abnormal Course Conditions (including Immovable Obstructions, Dangerous Animal Conditions, Embedded Ball).
13. Bird Dung is a loose impediment that may be removed under Rule 15.1 of the R&A Rules of Golf. But take care!
The draw for the Duff House Royal County open can be found under Fixture Details 2025
or by following this link Duff House Royal Draw
Please contact Landerson_2@hotmail.com for any changes, late entries and withdrawals.
Kemnay hosted
the County Championship for the first time since 2013 and proved an excellent
venue which produced great matches, fantastic finals and worthy winners.
The course
was in superb condition and thanks must go the greenkeeping staff, admin staff
and bar and catering staff for all their help and hard work.
We felt
honoured to be amongst the first to play the new 17th.
I must give a sincere thanks to Kemnay Captain, Cameron Slater for refereeing the final this afternoon.
The winner of
the best scratch qualifying score this year was Fiona Campbell McDonald Ellon
with a score of 76, beating Claire Prouse Hazlehead on the better inward half.
The handicap
final was between Jacqui Guthrie from MacDonald Ellon and
Brianne Mackay from Duff House Royal. Brianne is one of our rising stars
amongst our Junior Section playing in her first County Championship at the
tender age of 13.
Brianne
played with a composure and maturity well beyond her years, producing a great
par, par finish to win a very exciting match by 1 hole.
Congratulations
to Brianne our Handicap Winner.
In the Championship
semi finals Julie Lees Westhill beat Holly Mckenzie Murcar Links 3&2 and Rachel
Polson Peterculter beat Sammy Fanthorpe 3&2.
This set up
a final between Julie and Rachel. Both players very much entertained the
gallery with spectacular golf and some amazing recovery play.
Well done to
Julie who accredited herself well in her first Championship final appearance.
Huge congratulations to Rachel, our Aberdeenshire Champion 2025 winning her third title by 4&3.
To see the results of the latest matchplay results from the County Championships please click on the link below:
The draw for the Banchory County open can be found under Fixture Details 2025
or by following this link Banchory Draw
Please contact g.christie2@hotmail.co.uk for any changes, late entries and withdrawals up to 11/5/25. Any withdrawals after this date please contact the professional shop at Banchory.
The results of the county championship qualifying round can be found in Fixture Details 2025 or by following these links
The Saturday morning draw for the County championship is now available in Fixture Details 2025 or by following the links below
Players must report to the desk in the club house prior to going to the first tee at least 20 minutes prior to tee time.
Good luck to everyone taking part in the County Championship this weekend.
To access the leaderboard on the SG App and
Website
For those who are in the competition click on the three dots
(“More”) at the bottom right of the Scottish Golf App screen. This takes you to a screen
which includes “My Competitions”, click on that to take you to a screen showing
competitions from the last three months.
If you are not in the competition
To find the results of the County competitions like the
County Championship/Watt Duffus you need to go to the Scottish Golf Website – https://www.scottishgolf.org/
Then log in with your CDH number and your password.
Find competitions on your home page.
If you played in the competitions you can look under My
Competitions
If you didn’t play in the competition you need to select All
Competitions from the drop down.
Then you need to select at All Clubs Played instead of at My
Home Club
Then scroll down until you find the competition you are
looking for and you will see the results there.
The draw for the Watt Duffus competition can be found under Fixture Details 2025 or by following this link - Watt Duffus Draw
Scoring will be done through the Scottish Golf App. Please can you make sure you bring your mobile phone and ensure your Scottish Golf App is working and up to date. Can you also arrive at least 20 minutes before your tee time to register and set up your app for scoring.