Scottish amateur championship at Lossiemouth

KYLIE'S LINKS FORM

COULD UPSET
FAVOURITE MICHELE

Big-hitter Michele Thomson from Ellon near Aberdeen does not have to drive very far to get to the venue for this week's 93rd staging of the Scottish women's amateur championship over the Moray Golf Club's Old Course at Lossiemouth.

The 20-year-old, selected to play for GB&I in the Curtis Cup match at St Andrews at the end of the month, is the obvious favourite on paper to win. Twelve months ago, Miss Thomson lost in extra holes to Emily Ogilvy (Auchterarder) at the semi-final stage at Kilmarnock Barassie.

The player with outstanding recent form when it comes to links play is an obvious threat - Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle), picture left by Cal Carson Golf Agency (all rights reserved).
Apart from winning the Dunbartonshire & Argyll county title, Kylie, a 21-year-old full-time amateur golfer, finished an impressive top Scot in the Helen Holm Scottish women's open amateur championship at Troon two or three weeks ago.
Kylie's final round of 69 over a par-75 course made her only the second female player ever to break 70 over the Royal Troon championship links.
That kind of stroke-play form, if repeated over a shorter Lossie course but with a higher par - 76 - over the 36-hole qualifying test on Tuesday and Wednesday would go close to earning her the No 1 seed berth among the 32 qualifiers for the match-play stages which begin on Thursday and end with an 18-hole final on Saturday morning.
"My short game was very poor when I failed to beat the cut in the Helen Holm Scottish stroke-play at Troon two or three weeks ago," said Michele who has since had some short-game practice, on the advice of Paul Lawrie with his erstwhile coach, Adam Hunter.
Both Paul and Michele have the same full-time coach, Meldrum House's Neil Marr.

There were signs of a distinct improvement on Sunday when Miss Thomson finished a close-up fifth behind winner Laura Murray (Alford) in the Ness Open over 36 holes at Inverness.
Michele is the only one of the four Scots selected for the GB&I team to play the United States in the Curtis Cup match over the Old Course, St Andrews at the end of the month who is not in the United States at the moment.
Krystle Caithness (St Regulus) and her American college, Georgia, have qualified for the NCAA championship finals in New Mexico the week before the Curtis Cup match.
Sally Watson (Elie & Earlsferry) is a live-in student at the David Leadbetter Academy in Bradenton Florida.
And 15-year-old Carly Booth has gone back to Red Mountain High School in Mesa, Arizona.
In a perfect world, the "Scottish" would be played at a time of the year when all the talented Scots at US colleges - not just the present generation but future generations to come, as they surely will - would be available to play.

FOUR GIRLS FOR SCOTTISH FINAL OF
NICK FALDO JUNIOR SERIES

Gillian Monteith (Portpatrick Dunskey), Lesley Atkins (Minto), Mhairi Johnstone (Northern) and Jordana Graham (Southerness) have qualified for the Scottish Final of the Nick Faldo Junior Series at The Roxburghe Golf Club, Kelso on Friday, August 22.
All the Scottish qualifiers and their scores - plus the non-qualifiers - can be found by switching over to our other website, www.scottishgolfview.com

Alex Peters wins Fairhaven

Trophy with record

last round of 70

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY ENGLISH WOMEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION

Nottinghamshire’s Alex Peters staged a record-breaking performance to win the girls’ title at the Fairhaven Trophy tournament at Fairhaven Golf Club, Lancashire.

The 14-year-old scratch golfer shot a five-under par 70 in the final round of the 72-hole event – breaking the record set just 48-hours earlier by Giorgina Brown of Cheshire.

Alex, picture right by Tom Ward (all rights reserved), who is in the English Women’s Golf Association Futures Under-18 squad, had seven birdies and two bogeys in her final round score. She added it to rounds of 79, 78 and 86 for a five-stroke win in the girls’ event.

This is the latest in a string of successes for Alex, who plays at Notts Ladies’ and is the reigning Midland women's champion and a past winner of the English Under-13 title. She’s also the North of England Under-16 and Under-14 champion and last month she paired up with her mum, Ann, to win the Mothers and Daughters scratch foursomes tournament.

Giorgina Brown, who plays at Mere, returned a one-under par 74 on the first day, to knock two shots off the long-standing course record. She parred all the holes except one, the long 15th, which she birdied.

Giorgina, who finished third in the girls’ event, will be 18 this week and has only been playing golf for four years. She is in Cheshire’s county team and is studying for a sport BTEC at South Trafford College.

The weather tested the competitors after the fine, calm conditions of the first day were followed by wind and then rain. Full details: www.fairhavengolfclub.co.uk

THE R&A TO HELP BRING GOLF

TO 70,000 CHILDREN IN CHINA

5 May 2008, St Andrews, Scotland: The R&A has announced its full support of China’s only officially sanctioned junior golf development scheme, the HSBC China Junior Golf Programme, bringing £100,000 of funding and its expertise to help extend golf’s reach in China.
The programme was launched last May, attracting over 1,200 junior golfers to attend its seven tournaments and two summer camps. This year the scope of the programme will expand significantly, with the game being brought into 40 schools in the cities of Beijing, Hefei and Yunnan before also entering schools in Shanghai later in the year, resulting in more than 70,000 boys and girls being introduced to golf in 2008.
"Helping develop the game of golf in China is one of our key priorities," said Duncan Weir, Director of Golf Development for The R&A.
“We're delighted to be a partner in a programme such as this. It's something that will help us reach tens of thousands of potential new golfers, many of whom might not otherwise get the chance to try the game."
The programme incorporates a series of tournaments held across China and a national ranking system for junior golfers has been created, with both being run jointly by the CGA and IMG. Also included are a series of summer camps at which players will receive intensive coaching on all aspects of the game.
John Cappo, Managing Director of IMG China Golf, said, “IMG do so much in professional golf it’s great to give something back, and with the blessing and backing of The R&A we can really take the programme to the next level.”
"What we have set out to do is create a structure on which all future development can be based,” said Giles Morgan, HSBC’s Global Head of Sponsorship.
“This structure promotes the growth of the game; it makes it more accessible and helps generate more and more golfers. But it also provides the foundation on which China can grow and develop its champions of the future."
The R&A contributes more than £4 million to golf development each year, with a high percentage channelled in support of junior golf.

Aberdeenshire county girls' medal results

Newmachar Swailend course today.
MAY MEDAL (CSS 72)
Scratch - R Polson (Peterculter) 84; S Beattie (Portlethen) 86; L McGillivray (Banchory) 89.
Handicap - K Vannet (Peterculter) (25) 70; R Polson (Peterculter) (12) 72; K MacCallum (McDonald Ellon) (19) 73; S Beattie (Portlethen) (12) 74.

Sammy Vass (Tain), Jane Turner (Craigielaw), Laura Murray (Alford) and Rebecca Wilson (Monifieth) pictured at PGA Golf de Catalunya.

Scottish girls tested at PGA

Golf de Catalunya

Some of Scotland’s brightest young golf stars visited PGA Golf de Catalunya near Barcelona, home of this year’s European Tour Qualifying School Finals, as part of their pre-season training.

The 12-strong Scottish girls squad, including Michele Thomson, 19, one of four young Scots selected to play in the Great Britain & Ireland Curtis Cup team, took on the Green Course, previously used to host the Spanish Open and Sarazen World Open, won by Thomas Björn, playing from the women’s professional tees.

Scottish Ladies Golf Association national coach Kevin Craggs said: “We wanted the girls to experience a challenging golf course and made them play from the lady professional tees to stretch them in preparation for the coming season.

“The girls responded very positively and loved the golf course and its condition – these were the best greens we played on during our trip to Spain. The practice facilities are outstanding, too, and we were able to spend time working on short game skills and putting drills, which are extremely beneficial to the girls’ games.”

PGA Golf de Catalunya is ranked among Europe’s best golf resorts and has two courses – Green and Red – both of which will be used for the European Tour Qualifying School Finals in November.

“We selected 12 girls on their performance over the past year, their potential and their commitment to all training activities,” said SLGA Chairman of Training Janet Wake.

“It is good for the girls to be playing courses of this standard – PGA Golf de Catalunya really is a great course and in a fantastic region of Spain.”

Juan del Río, CEO of PGA Golf de Catalunya, part of the PGA European Tour Courses group, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Scottish Girls’ squad. Everyone here was hugely impressed with the standard and quality of golf that the team displayed, and the professionalism with which they approached their training and coaching – there is no doubt that there are stars of the future in this squad.”

Melissa wins Dorset's battle
of the 15-year-olds

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY ENGLISH WOMEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION
Yeovil’s Melissa McMahon has won the battle of the 15-year-olds to become the 2008 Dorset county champion.
Melissa took the title by beating Hayley Davis of Ferndown, her best friend and a fellow member of the English Women’s Golf Association Select South-West Squad.
A large gallery watched the final at Dudsbury Golf Club and saw Melissa fight back from being three down at the turn. She played the back nine in level par and was all square after 16 – but had to go to the 19th to claim her title.
Melissa is not the youngest-ever Dorset champion – but this was the first time the final had been contested by two 15-year-olds.
In 2006 Melissa won the Abraham Trophy which is awarded annually to England’s most improved girl golfer.
Lyndsey Hewison
Press & PR Officer

Visit the EGWA web site at www.englishwomensgolf.org

Hannah is youngest Wiltshire champion

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY ENGLISH WOMEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION
Hannah Turland has become the youngest-ever Wiltshire county champion – at the age of 13. Hannah, who is the English girls’ Under-13 champion, was also top qualifier for the match-play stages. She scored 71, 75 (CSS 72) and was eight shots clear of the field at Hamptworth.She won the title when she defeated Jo Horrocks (Hamptworth) at the 37th in the final.
Hannah, who plays at Tidworth Garrison, is a member of the English Women’s Golf Association Select South West squad.

Alex and Ann Peters win Mothers & Daughters
open scratch foursomes
at Royal Mid Surrey

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY ENGLISH WOMEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION
Nottinghamshire 14-year-old Alex Peters teamed up with her mother Ann to claim their first victory in the Mothers and Daughters 27-hole open scratch foursomes at Royal Mid Surrey in Richmond.
Alex, from the English Women’s Golf Association Under-18 Squad, became one of the youngest winners of this traditional event since it was first played in 1932. She adds it to a host of other titles which include the Midlands’ ladies and the 2006 English Under-13 girls’ championships.
The scratch golfer and her five-handicap mother ended the winning run of seasoned competitors, Liz Boatman from Royal Worlington and her daughter Alex Howe from Royal County Down.
The five-times winners had to settle for third place on this occasion. The runners-up included another 14-year-old. Charlotte Griffith, an eight- handicap from Walton Heath, played with her mother Christine, a former professional. They coped well in the increasingly windy conditions in the afternoon nine holes and nearly caught the leaders – but the Peters claimed a one-shot victory.
Picture above of Ann and Alex Peters, by courtesy of the English Women's Golf Association (all rights reserved).
FINAL TOTALS
118 A & A Peters (Notts Ladies) 77 41.
119 C & C Griffith (Walton Heath) 80 39.
120 E Boatman & A Howe (Royal Worlington/Royal County Down) 77 43.
122 J Wise & K Haynes (Luffenham Heath) 81 41.
123 L & L Hitchcock (Chigwell) 80 43, W & K Laud (Thurlestone/Worplesdon) 83 40.
125 G & H Beasley (Woburn) 80 45, I & R Long (Sundridge Park) 82 43, L & C Bayman (The Berkshire) 84, 41.
126 J Thornhill & C Weeks (Walton Heath) 83, 43 J Fallows & K McGawley (Manchester) 85, 41.
127 J & G Kinnear (Copthorne) 84 43, S & B Thomas (West Hill/Foxhills) 85 42.
128 J & K Tenniswood (West Hill/Wentworth) 82 46, E & L Barrow (Brockenhurst Manor) 85 43, P Petch & S Knollys (Sunningdale) 85 43, B & C Cummins (Parkstone ) 85 43, P Huntley & S Webb (Frilford Heath) 88 40.
129 A Laughland & R Jenner (Rye) 86 43, V Dolton & D Holt (Basingstoke) 88 41, J Jackson & A Kelly (Huntercombe/Cirencester) 90, 39.

East of Scotland Girls Spring Meeting

Prizewinners at the East of Scotland Girls Spring Meeting today over Gullane No 3
L to R: Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe), Isobel Hinds (Liberton), Nicki Taylor (Thornton), Helen Goodwin (Glenbervie) and Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw).
Picture by Gillian Kirkwood.

The East of Scotland Girls' Spring Meeting which was played at Gullane No3. East Lothian was won by 13 year old Nicky Taylor from Thornton Golf Club with a 77 less handicap of 14 for a Net 63. Nicky, a member of the SLGA Prospects Squad this winter achieved the best scratch score but took the Overall Best Net prize. Gabrielle Macdonald, Craigielaw came in with the next best scratch and took the Scratch prize with a gross 78.
The calm, bright but chilly day managed to produce some very good net scores.
Winner of the Under 18 Net prize was Helen Goodwin, Glenbervie with a net 69, winner of the Under 16 Net prize was Isabel Hinds, Liberton with a net 66 and the winner of the Under 14 Net Prize was Hannah Scott, Broomieknowe with a net 67.

SSS 69 CSS 68
77 Nicky Taylor (Thornton)
78 Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw)
81 Gillian Simpson (Murrayfield)
82 Stacy Cameron (Gullane), Cara Easton (Dalmahoy), Helen Goodwin (Glenbervie), Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe)
83 Rachael Watton (Mortonhall)
86 Isabel Hinds (Liberton)
88 Alison Goodwin (Glenbervie), Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe)
92 Kirsty Simpson (Murrayfield)
95 Alexis Hutton (Falkirk Tryst)
97 Shannen McGuire (Canmore)
101 Catriona Williams (Gullane), Nicole Underhill (Falkirk Tryst)

Thanks to Mandy Easton, Secretary of East of Scotland Girls G.A. for this report.
If you are under 18, have a handicap and are a member of a county in the East of Scotland Division, then you should join East Girls. Check out their website www.eastgirls.org

As always, click on the image to get a bigger picture in a new window.

Prizewinners (left to right, kneeling) Sarah Beattie, Louise McGillivray, Kristina Vannet, Vicki Powell and Kirsten MacCallum with fellow competitors at Silverburn today (Cal Carson Golf Agency image, all rights reserved). You can enlarge the image by clicking on it.

DEESIDE’S VICKI SCORES FIRST WIN ON
ABERDEENSHIRE GIRLS’ CIRCUIT

Deeside youngster Vicki Powell scored her first win on the Aberdeenshire girls’ golf circuit in today's first competition of the new season.
Vicki scored 44 Stableford points off a handicap of 23 over the Silverburn course, Balgownie.
She pipped Kristina Vannet, daughter of the Peterculter Golf Club professional Dean Vannet by a single point.Kristina did not take up golf until six months ago and already has a handicap of 28.aber
Kirsten MacCallum (McDonald Ellon) was third with 40pt off 21.
Stableford points totals
44 Vicki Powell (Deeside) (23).
43 Kristina Vannet (Peterculter) (28).
40 Kirsten MacCallum (McDonald Ellon) (21).
37 Sarah Beattie (Portlethen) (13).
36 Louise McGillivray (Banchory) (12).
35 Caitlin Geddes (Northern) (18), Lauren Duncan (Aboyne) (12), Nikita Lamond (McDonald Ellon) (11), Rachel Polson (Peterculter) (12).
33 Megan Clyne (Deeside) (12), Samantha Leslie (Murcar Links) (5).
32 Eleanor Franks (Ballater) (18).
31 Olivia Borwick (McDonald Ellon) (36).
28 Sophie Alexander (Deeside) (10).
25 Nicole Donald (Banchory) (36), Kirstin Seam (Torphins) (16).
24 Emma Read (Ballater) (20).

Shannen McGuire with the Murray Donald & Caithness Cup (picture by Gillian Kirkwood; copyright retained by Kirkwoodgolf.co.uk).

SCOTS UNDER-16 GIRLS OUTGUNNED AT CRAIGIELAW

BUT CANMORE'S SHANNEN WINS HANDICAP TROPHY

For the second year in a row, the Scottish players found themselves playing only a supporting role in the closing stages of the Scottish Under-16 girls' open stroke-play golf championship over the Craigielaw links, East Lothian today.
But there was a silver lining for Scotland when Shannen McGuire from Canmore Golf Club, Dunfermline won the Murray Donald & Caithness Cup for the best 36-hole net aggregate.
Shannen had gross rounds of 94 and 90 for 184. Playing off 24 of a handicap, Shannen's net rounds were 70 and 66 for a grand total of 136, pipping Ireland's six-handicapper Emma O'Driscoll (Ballybunion) by a shot for the handsome handicap trophy.
Laura Sedda from Vicenza became the first ever Italian to win the scratch championship with scores of 69 and 76 for a three-over-par total of 145.
A birdie at the last gave Laura the title and the St Leonards Cup by a single stroke from three players: England's Heidi Baek (Felixstowe Ferry) and Hannah Turland (Tidworth Garrison) and Welsh challenge Amy Boulden (Maesdu).

Amy was officially placed second by virtue of having the best second round of the three tie-ing players.
Lisa Maguire (Slieve Russell), 13-year-old twin sister of last year's champion, Leona, who was unable to defend because of a back injury, finished fifth on 147 after reaching the turn in one-under-par 34 only to let her title chance slip through her fingers with double bogey 6s at the 12th and 15th in a sad inward half of 42 for a 76, five more than she had taken on Thurday.
The top Scot was Annabel Niven from Crieff with 75 and 80 for 155 - 10 shots behind the title-winning Italian.
Annabel finished joint 12th, which was the same position as the leading Scot in the tournament 12 months ago.
Jill Meldrum (Dullatur) came next for the Scots with 77 and 81 for 158.
Scotland's No 2 team - Annabel Niven, Gillian Scanlan (Hamilton) and Rachael Watton (Mortonhall) finished fifth of eight with a total of 311 in the team event.
The Scotland No 1 team of Lesley Atkins (Minto), Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) and Jill Meldrum came sixth on 319.
England's Alexandra Peters, Hannah Turland and Heidi Baek won with 292 from Italy (294) with Ireland in third place on 296. England also won the team title last year.

LEADING NET TOTALS AT CRAIGIELAW
136 Shannen McGuire (Canmore) (24) 70 66.
137 Emma O'Driscoll (Ballybunion) (6) 72 65.
138 Gemma Dryburgh (Beaconsfield) (13) 68 70 (better inward half), Rachel Martin (Langley Park) (20) 68 70.
OTHER PRIZEWINNERS
Under-16s.
First round scratch: Laura Sedda (Vicenza) 69; net Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) 65.
Second round scratch: Emma O'Driscoll (Ballybunion) 71; net Amy Boulden (Maesdu) 68.
Under-14s.
First round scratch: Hannah Turland (Tidworth Garrison) 70; net Chloe Williams (Wrexham) 68 (better inward half).
Second round scratch: Bronte Law (Bramhall) 75; net Shannon Maguire (Canmore) 66.
Under-12s
First round net: Annabel Bailey (Rushcliffe) 63.
Second round net: Eloise Healy (Lee Park) 67.

SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL THE FINAL GROSS TOTALS

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Title-winner Laura Sedda from Vicenza, Italy with the trophy (picture by Gillian Kirkwood; copyright retained by Kirkwoodgolf.co.uk)

SCOTTISH UNDER-16 GIRLS' OPEN STROKE-PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

Craigielaw Golf Club, East Lothian.

ALL THE FINAL TOTALS

Par 142 (2 x 71). CSS 71 (Round 1), 72 (Round 2).

145 Laura Sedda (Italy) 69 76.

146 Amy Boulden (Maesdu) 73 73, Heidi Baek (Felixstowe Ferry) 70 76, Hannah Turland (Tidworth Garrison) 70 76.

147 Lisa Maguire (Slieve Russell) 71 76.

148 Hayley Davis (Ferndown) 72 76.

149 Emma O'Driscoll (Ballybunion) 78 71.

150 Anna Antoniutti (Italy) 76 74, Alexandra Peters (Notts Ladies) 72 78.

151 Jessica Bradley (Tiverton) 78 73.

152 Emma Sticca (Italy) 77 75.

155 Jamie-Leigh Voss (Kirby Muxloe) 76 79, Annabel Niven (Crieff) 75 80.

156 Steph Hall (Lindrick) 77 79.

158 Bronte Law (Bramhall) 83 75, Elizabeth Mallett (Sutton Coldfield Ladies) 78 80, Jill Meldrum (Dullatur) 77 81.

159 Sarah Helly (Enniscrone) 78 80, Emma Davies (Eaton) 78 81, Sophie Godley (Renishaw Park) 76 83.

160 Rachael Watton (Mortonhall) 80 80.

161 Bethany Garton (Fleetwood) 85 76, Lesley Atkins (Minto) 81 80, Patrice Delaney (Birr) 80 81, Chloe Williams (Wrexham) 76 85.

162 Laura McCarthy (Muskerry) 82 80.

163 Amy Marper (Hillsborough) 85 78, Emily Chan (South Herts) 81 82, Emma Carberry (Highwoods) 80 83, Gillian Scanlan (Hamilton) 76 87.

164 Lucy Evans (Lilleshall Hall) 85 78, Gemma Dryburgh (Beaconsfield) 81 83.

165 Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) 83 82, Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) 78 87.

166 Gillian Simpson (Murrayfield) 81 85, Cara Easton (Dalmahoy) 89 77.

169 Becky Lynes (Lincoln) 84 85.

171 Gemma Brown (Thornton) 85 86, Charlotte Hindmoor (Blackwell Grange) 83 88.

172 Meg Illingworth (Stoke Rochford) 89 83, Hannah-Rachel Edmunds (Woodhall Spa) 86 86, Lianna Bailey (Rushcliffe) 85 87.

173 Rachel Polson (Peterculter) 87 86, Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) 86 87, Olivia Winning (Rotherham) 85 88, Gabrielle MacDonald (Craigielaw) 82 91, Florence King (Kirby Muxloe) 87 86.

174 Ellie Goodall (Pontefract) 91 83, Emily Savage (Goring & Streatley) 87 87.

175 Julie Vass (Tain) 87 88, Emma Newlove (Notts Ladies) 86 89.

176 Natasha Qayum (Ranfurly Castle) 91 85.

177 Freya Barksby (Gainsborough) 91 86, Rachel Lewis (Llanishen) 89 88.

178 Grace Anderson (Morpeth) 90 88 Rachel Martin (Langley Park) 88 90, Mhairi McKay (West Kilbride) 83 95.

179 Keren Ward (Glen) 96 83, Eloise Healey (Lee Park) 93 86, Meghan MacLaren (Wellingborough) 89 90, Hannah McCook (Abernethy) 88 91,
180 Megan Aird (Strathmore) 83 97.

182 Dolores Brown (Royal Cinque Ports) 93 89, Linsey Stevenson (Elie & Earlsferry) 93 89, Nicola Taylor (Thornton) 92 90, Samantha Munro (Aberdour) 90 92,
183 Rebecca Horner (Woodham) 94 89, Emma Harris (Peel) 86 97,
184 Nicola Haynes (Gosforth Park) 95 89, Shannon Maguire (Canmore) 94 90.

Other scores:
185 Tracey Stark (Dalmally) 92 93, Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe) 91 94,
186 Kirstin Scott (Milngavie) 96 90, Tara MacTaggart (Minto) 94 92, Louise Smith (Monifieth) 89 97, Emily Cheshire (Notts Ladies) 89 97,
187 Amber Ratcliffe (Royal Cromer) 95 92,
188 Amelia Taylor (St Annes Old Links) 89 99,
189 Alice Watson (Park Hill) 92 97, Gail Wilson (Monifieth) 92 97.
190 India Clyburn (Woodhall Spa) 96 94.
191 Alison Goodwin (Glenbervie) 96 95, Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies) 92 99.
197 Kirsten MacCallum (McDonald Ellon) 105 92, Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) 100 97.
199 Abigail Gliksten (Strathaven) 99 100.
200 Lauren Duncan (Aboyne) 109 91, Alexandra Tait (St Regulus) 99 101,
201 Heather Munro (Monifieth) 104 97,
202 Connie Jaffrey (West Kilbride) 100 102,
203 Poppy Finlay (Vicars Cross) 102 101, Kelly McNulty (Tynemouth) 101 102, Emily Aird (Strathmore) 100 103.
204 Hollie Vizard (Lowes Park) 98 106,
205 Louise McGillivray (Banchory) 114 91, Rachel Bruce (Ponteland) 100 105.
210 Caitlin Geddes (Northern) 107 103.
211 Harriet Wilson (Lincoln) 108 103,
216 Rachel Howie (West Kilbride) 108 108,
No Return: Alexis Hutton (Falkirk Tryst) NR 107,
Retired: Annabel Bailey (Rushcliffe) 91 Ret.
Withdrew: Jemma Chalmers (Monifieth) 87 w/d.

INTERNATIONAL TEAM TOTALS

(Best two from three scores to count in each round).

292 England 140 152 (H Baek 70 76, A Peters 72 78, H Turland 70 76).

294 Italy 145 149 (L Sedda 69 76, A Antoniutti 76 74, E Sticca 77 75).

296 Ireland (1) 149 147 (Lisa Maguire 71 76, E O'Driscoll 78 71, L McCarthy 82 80).

305 Wales (1) 151 154 (A Bouldon 73 73, E Davies 78 81).

311 Scotland (2) 151 160 (A Niven 75 80, R Watton 80 80, G Scanlan 76 87).

319 Scotland (1) 158 161 (L Atkin s81 80, J Meldrum 77 81, E Briggs 86 87).

320 Ireland (2) 159 161 (S Helly 79 80, P Delaney 80 81).

338 Wales (2) 165 173 (C Williams 76 85, R Lewis 89 88).

England trio win team title at Craigielaw

England's winning team of Alex Peters, Hannah Turland and Heidi Baek (picture by Gillian Kirkwood; copyright retained by Kirkwoodgolf.co.uk)

Lisa lets Scottish title chance slip over

last few holes at Craigielaw

Lisa Maguire, from Slieve Russell Golf Club, Co Cavan, was on course to succeed her 13-year-old twin sister Leona as Scottish Under-16 girls open stroke-play golf champion - until she hit double trouble over the closing holes of the 36-hole tournament over the testing Craigielaw Golf Club links, East Lothian today.

Lisa, who was well up with the leaders after a par-matching 71 in the first round, looked mighty impressive as she reached the turn in her second round in one-under-par 34.

Her only dropped shot on the outward half was a bogey 4 at the short third. Either side of that, Lisa had birdied the long second and the long fourth.

With seven holes to play, Miss Maguire, whose sister was unable to defend the title because of a back injury, was in with a great chance at one under par for the tournament.

Then Lisa's title bid came unstuck with six shots shed to par over five holes in a row. She ran up a double bogey 6 at the 12th ... had a bogey 5 at the 14th ... slipped to another double bogey 6 at the 15th ... and then bogeyed the par-4 16th.

Pars at the 17th and 18th got her home in 42 shots, a complete contrast to her outward half.

Lisa's 76 for 147 earned her fifth place behind the first ever Italian winner of the championship, Laura Sedda from Vicenza.

Laura had looked a class act on Thursday when she had a two-under-par 69 to lead the big field by one shot. But the Italian wobbled a bit with a second-round 76 for 145. It looked like being a tie at the top of the leaderboard when Sedda bogeyed the 17th but she birdied the last hole to win the title by one shot from two English youngsters, Heidi Baek (Felixstowe Ferry) and Hannah Turland (Tidworth Garrison) plus Wales' Amy Boulden (Maesdu), all on 146.

Emma O'Driscoll (Ballybunion) gave Ireland two top-seven finishers with scores of 78 and 71 for 149. That 71 was the best score by anyone in the second round.

INTERNATIONAL TEAM TOTALS

(Best two from three scores to count in each round).

292 England 140 152 (H Baek 70 76, A Peters 72 78, H Turland 70 76).

294 Italy 145 149 (L Sedda 69 76, A Antoniutti 76 74, E Sticca 77 75).

296 Ireland (1) 149 147 (Lisa Maguire 71 76, E O'Driscoll 78 71, L McCarthy 82 80).

305 Wales (1) 151 154 (A Bouldon 73 73, E Davies 78 81).

311 Scotland (2) 151 160 (A Niven 75 80, R Watton 80 80, G Scanlan 76 87).

319 Scotland (1) 158 161 (L Atkins 81 80, J Meldrum 77 81, E Briggs 86 87).

320 Ireland (2) 159 161 (S Helly 79 80, P Delaney 80 81).

338 Wales (2) 165 173 (C Williams 76 85, R Lewis 89 88).

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ITALIAN LEADS SCOTTISH UNDER-16
GIRLS' OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Laura Sedda (Vicenza), one of the first Italians to play in the tournament, is leading after the first round of the Scottish Under-16 girls' open stroke-play championship at Craigielaw today. Her fine 69, two under par, put her one shot ahead of the English Under-13 champion, Wiltshire's Hannah Turland (Tidworth Garrison), and English Under-15 champion, Heidi Baek (Felixstowe Ferry).
Lisa Maguire (Slieve Russell), a semi-finalist in the British girls' championship last summer, is in fourth spot on 71. Lisa's twin sister, Leona, the holder of the Scottish open girls' title, withdrew with a back injury received in France recently.
The best Scot was Annabel Niven (Crieff) on 75, with Gillian Scanlan (Hamilton) next on 76.
England are leading in the team competition on 140, with Italy second on 145 and Ireland 1 next on 149.

FIRST ROUND SCORES
Par 71
69 Laura Sedda (Vicenza)
70 Hannah Turland (Tidworth Garrison), Heidi Baek (Felixstowe Ferry)
71 Lisa Maguire (Slieve Russell)
72 Hayley Davis (Ferndown), Alexandra Peters (Notts Ladies)
73 Amy Boulden (Maesdu)
75 Annabel Niven (Crieff)
76 Anna Antoniutti (Villa Condulmer), Jamie-Leigh Voss (Kirby Muxloe), Gillian Scanlan (Hamilton), Sophie Godley (Renishaw Park), Chloe Williams (Wrexham)
77 Emma Sticca (Menaggio), Jill Meldrum (Dullatur), Steph Hall (Lindrick)
78 Emma Davies (Eaton), Elizabeth Mallett (Sutton Coldfield Ladies), Jessica Bradley (Tiverton), Emma O'Driscoll (Ballybunion), Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe)
79 Sarah Helly (Enniscrone)
80 Patrice Delaney (Birr), Emma Carberry (Highwoods), Rachael Watton (Mortonhall)
81 Lesley Atkins (Minto), Gillian Simpson (Murrayfield), Emily Chan (South Herts), Gemma Dryburgh (Beaconsfield)
82 Laura McCarthy (Muskerry), Gabrielle MacDonald (Craigielaw)
83 Bronte Law (Bramhall), Megan Aird (Strathmore), Alyson McKechin (Elderslie), Charlotte Hindmoor (Blackwell Grange), Mhairi McKay (West Kilbride)
84 Becky Lynes (Lincoln)
85 Bethany Garton (Fleetwood), Amy Marper (Hillsborough), Olivia Winning (Rotherham), Lucy Evans (Lillieshall Hall), Gemma Brown (Thornton), Lianna Bailey (Rushcliffe)
86 Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm), Emma Harris (Peel), Emma Newlove (Notts Ladies), Hannah-Rachel Edmunds (Woodhall Spa)
87 Emily Savage (Goring & Streatley), Rachel Polson (Peterculter), Julie Vass (Tain), Florence King (Kirby Muxloe), Jemma Chalmers (Monifieth)
88 Hannah McCook (Abernethy), Rachel Martin (Langley Park)
89 Meg Illingworth (Stoke Rochford), Cara Easton (Dalmahoy), Meghan MacLaren (Wellingborough), Rachel Lewis (Llanishen), Louise Smith (Monifieth), Emily Cheshire (Notts Ladies), Amelia Taylor (St Annes Old Links)
90 Samantha Munro (Aberdour), Grace Anderson (Morpeth)
91 Natasha Qayum (Ranfurly Castle), Freya Barksby (Gainsborough), Ellie Goodall (Pontefract & District), Annabel Bailey (Rushcliffe), Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe)
92 Nicola Taylor (Thornton), Alice Watson (Park Hill), Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies), Tracey Stark (Dalmally), Gail Wilson (Monifieth)
93 Dolores Brown (Royal Cinque Ports), Linsey Stevenson (Elie & Earlsferry), Eloise Healey (Lee Park)
94 Rebecca Horner (Woodham), Tara MacTaggart (Minto), Shannen McGuire (Canmore)
95 Amber Ratcliffe (Royal Cromer), Nicola Haynes (Gosforth Park)
96 Kirstin Scott (Milngavie), Keren Ward (Glen), Alison Goodwin (Glenbervie), India Clyburn (Woodhall Spa)
98 Hollie Vizard (Lowes Park)
99 Alexandra Tait (St Regulus), Abigail Gliksten (Strathaven)
100 Lauren Whyte (St Regulus), Emily Aird (Strathmore), Rachel Bruce (Ponteland), Connie Jaffrey (West Kilbride)
101 Kelly McNulty (Tynemouth)
102 Poppy Finlay (Vicars Cross)
104 Heather Munro (Monifieth)
105 Kirsten MacCallum (McDonald)
107 Caitlin Geddes (Northern)
108 Harriet Wilson (Lincoln), Rachel Howie (West Kilbride)
109 Lauren Duncan (Aboyne)
114 Louise McGillivray (Banchory)
N/R Alexis Hutton (Falkirk Tryst)

TEAM SCORES

140 England (Hannah Turland 70, Heidi Baek 70)
145 Italy (Laura Sedda 69, Anna Antoniutti 76)
149 Ireland1 (Lisa Maguire 71, Emma O'Driscoll 78)
151 Scotland 2 (Annabel Niven 75, Gillian Scanlan 76)
151 Wales1 (Amy Boulden 73, Emma Davies 78)
158 Scotland 1 (Jill Meldrum 77, Lesley Atkins 81)
159 Ireland 2 (Sarah Helly 79, Patrice Delaney 80)
165 Wales (Chloe Williams 76, Rachel Lewis 89)

Scotland get ready for Under 16s

Pictured above: Member of the two Scotland teams for the Under 16 Open Championship at Craigielaw on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th April flanked by Scotland coach, Kevin Craggs, and Scotland Captain/manager, Claire Hargan.
Girls L to R: Eilidh Briggs, Lesley Atkins, Annabel Niven, Jill Meldrum, Rachel Watton and Gillian Scanlon.

Angus Junior County Championship

Semi-finals: Louise Smith, Andrea Bowie, Ashley Alston, Jemma Chalmers.

Eighteen year old 6 handicapper Andrea Bowie from Monifieth won the Angus County junior championship (under 21s) over the Monifieth Medal course today. She beat sixteen year old Ashley Alston, a 14 handicapper from Royal Montrose by 4 and 3, having beaten 14 handicapper, Louise Smith From Monifieth by 1 hole in a nail biting semi final.

In the other semi, Ashley beat Jemma Chalmers, a 15 handicapper from Monifieth by 3&2.

The standard of golf in both semis and the final, was excellent. The weather stayed reasonable in the morning, but it just rained constantly in the afternoon.

Trophy Picture left Andrea Bowie, right Ashley Alston.

Angus Junior Spring Meeting Monday 7th April
Results:
1st Handicap Katie Reid Monifieth 89-26 = 63 bih
2nd Handicap Jemma Chalmers Monifieth 79 - 16 = 63
3rd Handicap Alison Pryde Monifieth 94 - 27 = 67 bih from Ashley Alston Royal Montrose

Scratch Prize Andrea Bowie Monifieth 77

Qualifiers were
Andrea Bowie 77
Jemma Chalmers 79
Ashley Alston 81
Louise Smith 83

Elie Results

Here are the results of the Junior competitions held at Elie this week.

Under 18 Boys
Winner James White Runner up Daniel Young

Under 16 Boys
Winner Iain Watson Runner up Reece Mitchell

Under 14 Boys
Winner Ewan Scott Runner up Robbie Spriddle

Under 12 Boys
Winner Ben Kinsley Runner up Gus Giddins

Under 18 Girls
Winner Annabel Niven Runner up Ashley Smith

Under 14 Girls
Winner Gail Wilson (Monifieth)

Under 12 Girls
Winner Heather Munro (Monifieth)

Buchanan Castle GC Junior Open Day success

(Picture above: The Duke of Montrose with local children at Buchanan Castle Golf Club’s Open Day, by Steph Brown)

Buchanan Castle Golf Club, which joined forces with the national junior golf programme, clubgolf in 2007 attracted 68 children to its Open Day for children and their families on Sunday.

The Buchanan Castle course, near Drymen, is part of Montrose Estates. The Duke of Montrose, one of the United Kingdom's most senior politicians, is its managing director and attended the Open Day to meet the children and show his support.

Recognising an absence of golf facilities in the area that cater for golfers of all ages and abilities, the Club, near Drymen, has developed a six-hole course which it plans to increase to nine, and a dedicated short-game area.

"Over the last season we have created a six hole Academy course, set up for juniors and we will develop another three, so ultimately we will have a nine hole par 3 course with holes from 60 to 240 yards," said Keith Baxter, the Club's Head Golf Professional.

"We'll have a driving range as well this summer and we already have planning permission for covered bays too. It will be ideal for the kids and will give them a place they can come and develop their game without being intimidated on a big course. We hope this will create an environment where they can relax and enjoy it, remain playing golf and become full members."

By signing up for clubgolf, Mr Baxter along with his team of Golf Professionals and PGA qualified Level 1 Volunteer Coaches, can offer young golfers, particularly primary school-aged children who have experienced the programme's introductory game, firstclubgolf, in school, a golf coaching programme which could take them right up to area coaching level.

Sunday's Open Day was an opportunity to welcome children and families, giving them a taste of what the Academy has to offer.

"It was a fantastic day and it was nice to see everyone liked what we were trying to do," said Mr Baxter. "Sixty-eight kids came and 65 have signed up for coaching already. Not only were the kids excited but the parents were too and hopefully a few of them will come aboard. Katie Oman (clubgolf's Central Scotland Regional Manager) put in a lot of hard work and clubgolf has been very supportive."

Although their main target is children that have experienced the firstclubgolf programme in school, the Club is also welcoming beginners and more established golfers alike.

"We are really keen to get the children in, get them started, encourage them and remove all the barriers in their way," said Mr Baxter. "We've started an Academy membership so children can join the wee course and use the practice facilities and the clubhouse. There's coaching included in the first year's membership so we can encourage and educate them.

"We're trying to get more families involved and since the Open Day, we've had people calling asking if they can attend. So word has got out.”

Said Katie Oman, clubgolf's Central Scotland Regional Manager: "Not only is the model being created at Buchanan Castle GC very exciting for junior golf development and the local community, it is an example of good practice for other clubs to look at."

For information on Buchanan Castle GC please contact the pro shop on:

T: 01360 660330

Helensburgh juniors invited to Loch Lomond

clubgolf Press Release

Juniors at Helensburgh Golf Club who are receiving coaching through the national junior golf development programme, clubgolf, were given the most inspiring start to the new golf season after being invited to Loch Lomond Golf Club last week.

Helensburgh member and former Club Champion, Peter Haggerty, who is Assistant Superintendent on the spectacular, world famous course which hosts the Barclays Scottish Open, invited a dozen of the Club’s children and volunteer coaches.

“Peter knew we were doing clubgolf in Helensburgh and thought the children would enjoy the experience,” said Stewart Coutts, clubgolf Coordinator at Helensburgh.

“We were shown around the course, given an hour on the practice green where two holes had been cut for the kids to chip and putt on, then we had lunch in the clubhouse. They had a fantastic time and we’re very grateful to Loch Lomond for makin