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
How are you today? Have you been out on the golf course? I had
an extended lesson with Neil (Marr) at Meldrum House. It was great and has
given me some tips, some things to try and to practice, and some things to
think about. So I should have potential to improve my scores …
ALCGA events normally present great opportunities to meet, chat
with and get to know others in the county community. Because those chances have
gone for this year, Louise (Anderson) suggested another way of getting to know
a bit more about some members. She suggested a set of questions about golf and
golfing reflections with the answers shared in what I have labelled “Me and My
Golf” Cameos.
In the first instance, I have asked the ALCGA Leadership Team (Officials,
Management Committee, and Junior Leaders) and the County Team Squad to answer
these 10 questions:
- Home Club?
- Current Handicap?
- Target Handicap?
- Age when you started to golf?
- Favourite club in the bag?
- Favourite course to play?
- Favourite practice drill?
- Who or what is the biggest influence on your game?
- Outwith golf, what’s your secret talent?
- Describe your game in three words?
It quickly became apparent to me that photos were necessary so
that the girls and ladies can be recognised by you!
I intend to post the cameos in groups, essentially in the order in
which I receive them. I am finding that they are interesting, fun, and give me
some food for thought. I hope that you will enjoy them too.
Please continue to keep safe.
Lorna
Lorna M Johnson
Captain, ALCGA
How
are you? I thought this would a good time to say hi again and check out if you’ve
had a chance to play some golf since the reopening of our courses. I’ve played a
few times and have loved it. Suffice to say that I’d prefer not to comment on
the standard of my golf – I think Karen and Carol said the same thing - but it
was great to be out there. Because I live on my own and my person-to-person
contact has been restricted mainly to looking after my aged parents both of
whom have dementia, it was simply refreshing to be with a ‘real’ rather than a
‘virtual’ friend, albeit at 2 metres apart. How has your game survived
lockdown?
This
weekend, ALCGA officials, selector Laura, the County team, caddies and
supporters should be out on the beautiful links at Monifieth where this year’s Northern Division Inter-County Jamboree should be taking place.
We should be meeting friends old and new, the opposition from Angus, Northern
Counties and Perth & Kinross, for the customary fiercely competitive event
and our regional qualifier for the Scottish County Finals. It goes without
saying that we will miss the golfing challenge but we will also miss the social
get together and team camaraderie.
Of
course, this County team event is not the only Covid casualty to date. We have
all missed the ALCGA Opens at Ballater, Aboyne, Banchory, Fraserburgh, and
Westhill, the County Championship at Meldrum House, and the Watt Duffus Trophy
at Newburgh-on-Ythan – 41% of our annual fixtures in Aberdeenshire! It’s my aspiration
to organise next year’s events at the venues that had to be cancelled this
year, particularly because we were looking forward to visiting clubs and
courses that have been absent from our itinerary for some time and others that
are favourites.
During lockdown, I’ve been delighted that so many of the County Team Squad
have kept in touch with me, giving me the chance to get to know the girls a
little better and learn things that I didn’t know before. I already shared some
of these in earlier ‘Keeping in Touch’ posts. Here are a few more ...
Fiona (Pennie) has worked in the police for 22 years – I can’t believe
she’s old enough for that – now in Detective Training. When I talk about the police
I’m minded to thank again all ALCGA ladies who are key workers in essential
services and who continue to support and look after us all.
Gillian (MacKenzie) has decided to change career and is leaving her
Christian youth leader role in July. She has no specific future plans but I’m
confident that she will be guided to something that will be just right for her. Best wishes,
Gillian.
Hannah (Bycroft) who lives on her own in a flat without a garden and is working
from home said she would “definitely appreciate getting out on the course a lot
more once this is over”. I think we all agree with you on that one, Hannah.
Rachel (Mathieson) was devastated to miss out on her SQA exams –
understandable given her hard work, her motivation to do well and her desire to
demonstrate her best achievements.
Robyn (Fowlie) has been driving – with her golf club not a vehicle – in the
field adjacent to her house. Also, she is a talented pianist studying at Higher
Grade level. I think I’ve found a leader for a County piano quartet – Robyn,
Karen, Susie, Laura!
Sheena (Wood) has friends far and wide due to her successful golfing career
during which she represented Scotland from 1999 till 2001 and Scottish Seniors
since 2013. During lockdown, she has been developing her green fingers, growing
flowers and vegetables. How did your garden grow, Sheena?
Vicki (Thom) finished maternity leave during lockdown and went back to
work part-time. To quote her: “So between Corran [her one year old little boy],
work, cooking, keeping on top of the house and getting our daily exercise in,
the days seem to pass quickly with the routine we have going. We’re doing a 5k
run with the buggy almost every other day for a quick blast of exercise while
working. I’m still doing some weights in the garden for a workout when I’ve
time! Filling a rucksack with books as I don’t have any weights at home! It’s
very effective for squats and lunges and even kettlebell swings using the
handle!” I’m exhausted just thinking about it, Vicki!
I’ve also been keeping in touch with most recent past Captain, Ann (Smart).
I’m very disappointed to tell you that her chemotherapy treatment to date has
not been totally effective against the lymphoma and, consequently, she has to
have further treatment that will be specified soon. Given lockdown, social
distancing, and isolation, Ann has faced an especially arduous time. Her attitude
is always inspiring. I know that you will all join with me in sending her our
very best wishes through the next stage of her journey to recovery.
Since I mentioned her in my ‘Keeping in Touch - 26 April 2020’ post, Kimberley
(Beveridge) emailed me with an update on the start of her professional career,
telling me that her tour fixtures have not been cancelled
and that the aim is to reschedule some later in the year. She has her fingers
crossed that she may get 2 or 3 competitions. Our fingers are crossed for you
too, Kimbo. Please keep us posted.
 |
| Orlagh |
Many of you will know Nita (Dervish-Uman) who is a very keen supporter of
County events. Back in December, German wirehaired pointer puppy Orlagh joined Nita’s
household all the way from Galway and has been a perfect lockdown new friend
for her. I think Orlagh looks adorable and is worthy of a place in my news.
Hopefully the weather is going to perk up again soon and, along with some
further easing of lockdown restrictions, our spirits will be raised as we move
through the summer months. It’s great to be outdoors for fresh air and
recreation but I’m really looking forward to some more normal socialising at
home with family and friends.
Also I’m still looking forward to reading some of your ‘golf
comeback’ stories or seeing your photos.
Please email me at Lorna200LMJ@btinternet.com or message me on 07717 133397.
In the meantime, enjoy golf, make the most of the current new normality,
stay well, and keep safe.
Lorna
Lorna M Johnson
Captain, ALCGA
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.
