CLARE AND LYNN IN AUSTRALIA

Clare Queen (The Carrick at Cameron House) and Lynn Kenny (Archerfield Links) are the only Scots in the entry list for the Women's Australian Open, teeing off at Kingston Heath Golf Club, Cheltenham in the state of Victoria, Australia on Thursday, January 31.

Women's International Four-Ball in Florida

Kristy McLaughlin and Kelly Calkin with the towering Women's International Four-ball tournament trophy in Florida today.

TOP SEEDS McLAUGHLIN AND CALKIN LEAD ONLY ONCE IN

FINAL - BUT THEY WIN IT AT THE 20th!

Leading qualifiers Kristy McLaughlin and Kelly Calkin led only once in the final of the 62nd Women's International Four-ball tournament at Orangebrook Country Club, Hollywood in Florida.

But that's all they need to win the title - because it was at the 20th hole that they got their noses in front to end the marathon tie against US Curtis Cup team selection Meghan Bolger - beaten in an Orange Blossom Tour final for the second week in a row - and her partner, Canadian Jill Hardy.

McLaughlin, also a Canadian, and Calkin, the only Florida player of the four, played second fiddle for most of the regulation 18 holes but they never let a one-hole deficit get any bigger. They just hung on in there until the pendulum of power at last swung their way.

The match lived up to its expectations. Hardy and McLaughlin exchanged birdies on the front nine. Jill birdie the first hole to go one up and then birdie No 2 with a 25ft putt, only to be matched by Kristy with a 12-footer. They both birdied the fourth for a half.

Kristy birdied the fifth to go back to even. Then, with a Hardy eagle on the eighth, the Bolger and Hardy team were one up at the turn.

McLaughlin made a 25ft putt for a winning birdie 3 on the 11th to level matters once again.

Meghan Bolger made a birdie 3 on the par 4 13th for her team to show ahead again.

Kristy added another birdie on 15 from 18ft to bring it back to even and it remained tied till the end, thanks to a clutch 5ft par putt by Kelly Calkin on 18.

On the first extra hole Bolger and McLaughlin birdied the par-5. On the par-4 second (20th), Kristy rolled in a 20ft putt for a birdie 3. Jill and Meghan’s putts for a half slid past the cup.
Result:

Final - Kelly Calkin (Palm Coast, Florida) & Kristy McLaughlin (Wasecca Beach, Canada) bt

Meghan Bolger (Haddenfield, New Jersey) & Jill Hardy (Winnipeg, Canada) at the 20th.

Tom Ward's image of the Buckinghamshire GC clubhouse

LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR MOVING
HQ TO BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
GOLF CLUB FROM CHESHIRE

FROM THE LADIES' EUROPEAN TOUR WEBSITE
The Ladies European Tour (LET) and Buckinghamshire Golf Club have reached an agreement whereby the club will host the LET’s new headquarters.
The Tour will move to the new address from its current offices in Tytherington, Cheshire over the coming months. Further details regarding the timing of the move will be presented in April. The Buckinghamshire is a prestigious golf club conveniently located in the English countryside on the outskirts of west London, just two miles from the M25.
The club has hosted a number of top amateur and professional tournaments, including the Senior Tournament of Champions from 1996 – 2000, The Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf European Final in 1997 and The Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy – Seniors Tour Championship in 2007.
The move will provide an excellent opportunity to develop the business of the Ladies European Tour, according to Alexandra Armas, executive director of the LET.
“The association between the Ladies European Tour and the Buckinghamshire will be mutually beneficial and will help to improve the branding of both parties,” said Armas.
“In addition, the location of the Buckinghamshire, with its easy accessibility to the reaches of the sporting industry in the heart of London, a major capital of the world, will be a huge benefit in driving the LET business forward.
“The proximity to the major motorways and airports such as Heathrow will allow us to conduct business with our international partners with greater ease and in a fantastic environment. “We are delighted with this move, which will be very positive for the business and will help to continue the growth of the LET and women’s golf around the world.”
Managing Director, Mr Naoki Matsui from the Buckinghamshire Golf Club, added: “The Buckinghamshire Golf Club is very proud to be associated with The Ladies European Tour. The LET has shown its ability to move forward and strive for excellence and The Buckinghamshire also shares this same passion. We are very excited about the opportunities that exist between us and the LET and are confident that both parties will benefit enormously in the future.”
The Buckinghamshire is a stunning but accessible parkland course, created by former European Tour player and Ryder Cup captain John Jacobs O.B.E, in 1992.
Former Irish Open champion John O’Leary is also closely associated with the club, having been the Director of Golf for 11 years. A relaxed and informal atmosphere in which to eat, drink and play golf sets the Buckinghamshire apart from other golf courses in the UK.
The course runs in two loops of nine, starting and finishing at the clubhouse. The fairways wander through three distinct areas incorporating woodland, lakes and rivers and undulating links style land providing a great variety of golfing terrain.
The greens are constructed to USGA specification providing the ultimate in drainage and the smooth true putting surfaces are mown from high quality ‘Pennlinks’ grass. The Ladies European Tour is confident that, with its new headquarters located at the Buckinghamshire, the Tour will continue to develop at a fast rate with new tournaments and greater prize money.

Last event of 2008 Orange Blossom Touor

BIRDIES GALORE AS TOP SEEDS
MAKE IT TO FINAL OF
FOUR-BALL AT ORANGEBROOK

Birdies were abundant in the semi-finals of the 62nd Women's International Four-ball tournament at Orangebrook Golf Club, Hollywood in Florida today.
The top two seeds advanced to a showdown on Friday. US Curtis Cup team selection Meghan Bolger from Haddenfield, New Jersey and Jill Hardy from Winnipeg, Canada defeated Taffy Brower and Ann Pohira by 4 and 3.
Ten out of the 15 holes in this match were decided by birdies.
Kelly Calkin (pictured left in action today) from Palm Coast - the only Florida player in the final - and Kristy McLaughlin from Wasseca Beach, Canada had six birdies out of 16 holes and beat Anna Schultz and Jewell Malick by 3 and 2. Anna had three birdies in a losing effort.

The two men whom Hacienda del Alamo Women's Festival competitors should look out for on arrival at the Murcia resort. Caught in typical poses, Director of Golf Billy Sim (on the left), head up and smiling, and (right) Tournament Controller Colin Farquharson, head down and hard at work at a previous tournament. If you are really brave, you can click on the images to enlarge them!

INFORMATION FOR HACIENDA
DEL ALAMO FEBRUARY
FESTIVAL COMPETITORS

The Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort is just five minutes from the traditional Spanish town of Fuente Alamo, where you can find an excellent supermarket, restaurants, bars and lots of local shops, together with a Saturday morning market.
FREE TRANSPORT TO NEAREST TOWN
Festival competitors will be given a free lift into Fuente Alamo but they will have to take a taxi back to the HDA Resort unless they make a private arrangement with the driver who takes them on the inward journey.
Just 30 minutes away are the lovely beaches of Mazarron or a 20min drive away is the naval city of Cartagena.
The resort's own restaurant, “La Hacienda”, has moved to the recently opened clubhouse.
A café bar (“The IT Bar”) is closed at the moment.
Another bar, “The Spaniard Inn,” opens nightly at the resort.

EATING AT THE CLUBHOUSE
Hacienda del Alamo's clubhouse will be the centre of the catering operation for Festival competitors. Director of Golf Billy Sim has secured the following prices for you:

Breakfast Buffet - 11 Euros.

Lunch can be off the snack menu or Menu of the Day at 15 Euros.

Evening - Snack menu or Dinner Buffet at 22 Euros.

Catering vouchers will be on sale to competitors at the Tournament Desk.
Please note that on Saturday, February 16, a Valentine's Day (almost) Dinner is being held in the clubhouse. Festival competitors are welcome to attend at a charge of 35 Euros per head.

CHECK-IN DESK WITHIN CLUBHOUSE
There will be a check-in desk next to the Tournament Desk in the clubhouse. At the check-in desk, competitors will be given their accommodation keys and lots of other information, including details about organised shopping trips.

EUROS IN CASH FOR COMPETITION ENTRY FEES

Remember that payment at the Tournament Desk to organiser Colin Farquharson in respect of competition entry fees must be in Euros and must be in cash. He will not be in a position to offer Credit Card facilities. Competitors who are coming for both weeks of the Festival will not have to pay all their entry fees when they check in. One week at a time will do. Those who feel that they may not play in every event should only pay an entry fee for one competition at a time, at the Tournament Desk. Better that than get involved in later asking for a refund of an entry fee for a competition in which they did not play.

You will be able to use a Credit Card in the clubhouse restaurant and the professional's shop.

COMPETITION ENTRY FEES
The scale of competition entry fees is as follows:
Two-day 36-hole events: Professionals - 70 Euros, Amateurs - 55 Euros.
One-round Stablefords: Professionals - 55 Euros, Amateurs - 42 Euros.
Saturday pro-ams: Professionals - 40 Euros; Amateurs 15 Euros.

USE OF PRACTICE FACILITIES
Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort has five-star practice facilities: big greens for practice putting, practice chipping, a bunker practice facility, a two-tier driving range with 36 bays and a six-hole Academy course.
Director of Golf Billy Sim is offering a discounted rate of 30 Euros for one week's unlimited use of any and all the practice facilities, i.e. any amount of buckets of range balls you wish. That would work out a lot cheaper than if you were paying every day at the Range. For competitors staying both weeks, this fee will be discounted again - a one-off payment of 50 Euros.

HIRE OF BUGGIES
Buggies will be permitted in all the Festival competitions. Again Billy Sim is offering a discounted rate of 25 Euros per round. This is 10 Euros cheaper than the normal rate and obviously works out at 12.50 Euros each if two are sharing one buggy. The HDA pro shop does accept Credit Cards.

PRIZES
Professionals will be paid in Euros and in cash at the conclusion of each event. Their prize fund has a guaranteed minimum first prize in the two 36-holers and the two 18-hole Stablefords of 500 Euros, thanks to the generosity of Aberdeen hotelier Stewart Spence. In the two pro-ams, the pros' cash prizes will necessarily be lower because of the lower entry fee and lack of a sponsor
There will be a minimum of three professional prizes in each of the four individual events.
The amateur prize lists have been supported by Glenmuir, the Scottish company with a worldwide reputation, but there will also be amateur prize vouchers which have to be redeemed at the Hacienda del Alamo's professional's shop. You can add money to a prize voucher to obtain something more expensive from the shop.

PRIZEGIVINGS
We are keeping an open mind about holding prizegivings ASAP at the end of each competition. If you are an early starter and don't want to hang around until the finish, you can pick up your prize - if you have won one - at the Tournament Desk the following morning. Obviously this won't apply on the last day of the Festival, Saturday, February 23. Everyone who wins a prize should ensure that they collect it that day and for winning amateurs they would need to present any vouchers to the pro's shop without delay unless they are flying home late on the Sunday.

ESSEX-BASED TRISH WILSON

TAKES OVER AS CHAIRMAN

OF LADIES GOLF UNION

FROM THE LADIES GOLF UNION WEBSITE:

Trish Wilson takes over as Chairman of the Ladies' Golf Union today.

Having played county golf from 1977-2006, Trish has been involved in golf administration for a number of years. She has been a member of the England Women’s Golf Association Executive Council for four years and also a selector for England.

Trish, pictured right by courtesy of Tom Ward, sat the R&A referee examination for the first time in 2000 and then again in 2005. Since then she has officiated at major championships and international tournaments including the Vagliano Trophy and the Ricoh Women’s British Open.

Trish joined the LGU in 2005, taking on the role of Chairman of the Training Committee, a responsibility she will continue into 2008.

She is looking forward to her new position; “It’s going to be an exciting 12 months for ladies’ golf especially with the Curtis Cup at the Old Course, St Andrews for the first time this summer.

"I am looking forward to a great season of championships and a busy year moving forward with the new LGU Business Plan now in place.”

Trish lives in Chelmsford, Essex with her husband. They have one son, Stuart (28) and a daughter, Vicky (26).

Orange Blossom Tour finale at Orangebrook GC

US CURTIS CUP SELECTION

BOLGER KOs TEAM SKIPPER

CAROL S THOMPSON

Leading qualifiers Kelly Calkin and Kristy McLaughlin fired six birdies in a 12-hole match to easily defeat the twosome of Susan Rampleberg and Bronwyne Bruner by 7 and 6 in the first of the quarter-finals of the 62nd Women's International Four-ball tournament at Orangebrook Golf Club, Hollywood in Florida today.
McLaughlin birdied the first, 10th, 11th and 12th while partner Kelly added birdies on the fourth, ninth and 12th.
2007 Women’s Senior champion Anna Schultz and her partner, Jewell Malick of Rockwell, Texas, squeezed past former champions Diane Lang and Monica Von Glahn.
Mid–Am champion and Curtis Cup selection Meghan Bolger, pictured left in action earlier today, and her partner Jill Hardy defeated two of the game’s legends, Carole Thompson (skipper of the US team for St Andrews at the end of May) and Marlene Streit by 3 and 2.
In the last match Taffy Brower and Ann Pohira came from behind to edge out Barbara Pagana and Bonnie George by 2 and 1.
This is the fourth and last event on the 2008 Orange Blossom Tour.

QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS

K CALKIN & K McLAUGHLIN, bt S RAMPELBERG & B BRUNER 7 and 6.
A SCHULTZ & J MALICK bt D LANG & M VON GLAHN 2 and 1.
M BOLGER & J HARDY bt M STREIT & C THOMPSON 3 and 2.
T BROWER & A POHIRA bt B PAGANA & B GEORGE 2 and 1.

KOREAN LADIES MASTERS ADDED TO
L E T SCHEDULE IN NOVEMBER

The Ladies European Tour and the Korean LPGA today announced a three-year deal to co-sanction a ground-breaking ladies’ tournament.
The $450,000 Korean Ladies Masters will take place on 13th-15th November this year. It will feature a field comprising an equal split of Korean LPGA and LET members.
‘We are delighted to announce this new tournament in what is an exciting period for Korean Ladies Golf. We look forward to forming a closer association between the KLPGA and LET, encouraging greater playing opportunities for members of both tours” said Seok Kyu Hong, President of the KLPGA.
The tournament will be the first LET event ever to be played in Korea, increasing the LET schedule to 29 events for the year, the most in its history.
“Tour members and staff are hugely excited to be visiting Korea for the first time,” said Alexandra Armas, executive director of the Ladies European Tour. “Korea’s position in women’s world golf is extraordinary and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the KLPGA for inviting the LET to play on their home territory."

Final event of 2008 Orange Blossom Tour

Kelly Calkin (left) and Kristy McLaughlin after heading the qualifiers by five strokes.

62ND WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL FOUR-BALL

Orangebrook Country Club
Hollywood, Florida

MATCH-PLAY QUALIFIERS
QUARTER-FINALS LINE-UP

Kelly Calkin & Kristy McLaughlin (65-67: 132) v Susan Rampelberg & Bronwyne Bruner (76-73: 149).

Anna Schultz & Jewell Malick (70-72: 142) v Diane Lang & Monica Von Glahn (70-73: 143).

Meghan Bolger & Jill Hardy (71-66: 137) v Marlene Streit & Carol Semple Thompson (74-71:145).

Taffy Brower & Ann Pohira (72-67: 139) v Barbara Pagana & Bonnie George (74-69: 143).

STARTING TIMES FOR SECOND WEEK OF HACIENDA DEL ALAMO WOMEN'S FEBRUARY FESTIVAL OF GOLF

Here are the provisional draws for Week 2 of the Hacienda del Alamo Women's February Golf Festival.
They are "provisional" in that competitors should be aware that the following times are subject to change if players withdraw.
They are advised to keep checking the Festival Noticeboard at the Tournament Desk in the clubhouse where Tournament Controller Colin Farquharson will be found most of the time.


HACIENDA DEL ALAMO WOMEN’S OPEN
36 holes.
Monday & Tuesday, February 18 & 19

Same draw for both rounds.
10.00 Ami Storey, Sarah Carty, Jane Binning.
10.10 Kimberley Crooks, Rebecca Gee, Rhian Thomas.
10.20 Jane Whiriskey, Meghan MacLaren, Orla Barry.
10.30 Mary MacLaren, Judy McCairns, Annie Gowing.
10.40 Lisa Barton, Charlotte Dalton , Kate Evans.
10.50 Nicky Lumb (p), Danielle Masters (p), Jacqueline Pecoitz (p).
11.00 Lien Willems (p), Maria Martin (p), Katie Thomson (p).
11.10 Lauren Diggle (p), Natasha Morgan (p), Jenna Wilson (p)
+Professionals to play off blue tees (6,594yd); amateurs off red tees (6,087yd).

FESTIVAL STABLEFORD 2
18 holes.
Thursday, February 21

10.00 Danielle Masters (p), Jenna Wilson (p).
10.10 Jacqueline Pecoitz (p), Katie Thomson (p).
10.20 Natasha Morgan (p), Lien Willems (p).
10.30 Sarah Carty, Mary MacLaren, Lisa Barton.
10.40 Jane Binning, Rebecca Gee, Meghan MacLaren.
10.50 Kate Evans, Kimberley Crooks, Charlotte Dalton.
11.00 Annie Gowing, Rhian Thomas, Ami Storey.
11.10 Lauren Diggle (p), Karen Ogilvy, Judy Cairns.
+Professionals to play off blue tees (6,594yd); amateurs off red tees (6,087yd).

FESTIVAL PRO-AM 2
18 holes.
Saturday, February 23

PROFESSIONALS
1 Tracey Craik
2 Lauren Diggle.
3 Natasha Morgan.
4 Jacqueline Pecoitz
5 Katie Thomson
6 Lien Willems.
7 Jenna Wilson.

AMATEURS
Kimberley Crooks (hcap scratch)
Ami Storey (hcap scratch)
Rhian Thomas (hcap 1).
Sarah Carty (hcap 4)

Mary MacLaren (hcap 4)

Rebecca Gee (hcap 5)

Meghan MacLaren (hcap 7).

The pro-am draw for the teams and tee times will be made at Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort once it is known how many resort residents are taking part.

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE WEEK ONE STARTING TIMES

ORDER OF PLAY IN FIRST WEEK
EVENTS OF HACIENDA DEL
ALAMO FEBRUARY FESTIVAL

Starting times in the first two events of the Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Golf Festival:

Murcia Ladies Open Championship
36 holes - Monday & Tuesday, February 11 and 12.
+Same draw for both rounds as some players have to have late tee times both days to allow for travel to course.
10.00 Jenna Wilson (p), Claire Coughlan (p).
10.10 Jacqueline Pecoitz (p), Maria Martin (p), Lien Willems (p)
10.20 Nicky Lumb (p), Martina Gillen (p), Natasha Morgan (p).
10.30 Marian Riordan (p), Michele Thomson, Rhian Thomas.
10.40 Vicki Smith, Anna Carling, Tara Gribben.
10.50 Carla Reynolds, Emma O'Driscoll, Mandy Easton.
11.00 Paula Reynolds, Margaret Rooney, Philomena Sheeran.
11.10 Lauren MacCallum, Cara Easton, Caroline Murphy.
11.20 Sarah Carty, Gemma Jennings, Lauren Diggle (p).
11.30 Mary McAree, Kirsten MacCallum, Amber Ratcliffe.
11.40 Eveleen Higgins, Azima Desmond, Marion Geoghegan.

Festival Stableford 1 on Thursday, February 14.
10.0 Kirsten MacCallum, Philomena Sheeran.
10.10 Mary McAree, Karen Ogilvy.
10.20 Amber Ratcliffe, Paula Reynolds, Margaret Rooney.
10.30 Orla Barry, Carla Reynolds, Sarah Carty.
10.40 Lauren MacCallum, Eveleen Higgins, Gemma Jennings.
10.50 Marian Geoghegan, Jane Whiriskey, Azmina Desmond.
11.00 Mandy Easton, Vicki Smith, Tara Gribben.
11.10 Anna Carling, Emma O'Driscoll, Cara Easton.
11.20 Nicky Lumb (p), Michele Thomson, Rhian Thomas.
11.30 Martina Gillen (p), Jacqueline Pecoitz (p), Marian Riordan (p).
11.40 Claire Coughlan (p), Lien Willems (p), Natasha Morgan (p).
11.50 Jenna Wilson (p), Lauren Diggle (p), Maria Martin (p).

+Professionals play off blue tees (6594yd); amateurs off red tees (6,086yd).

PRO-AM, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16
The draw for teams and starting times for the pro-am on Saturday, February 16 will be made at Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort, once we know which villa residents are playing. If we are short of enough professionals to have a complete pro-am field with teams of one pro + 3 amateurs, it is intended that one or two of the low-handicap amateurs will be "nominal professionals" for the day and be given three amateurs as their team.
Probable first pro-am competitors:

PROFESSIONALS
1 Claire Coughlan
2 Martina Gillen
3 Marian Riordan
4 Jenna Wilson
5 Lauren Diggle
6 Natasha Morgan
7 Lien Willems
8 Maria Martin
9 Jacqueline Pecoitz

AMATEURS
Rhian Thomas (hcap 1)
Lisa Barton (hcap 2)
Jane Binning (hcap 2)
Charlotte Dalton (hcap 3)
Sarah Carty (hcap 4)
Orla Barry (hcap 5)
Annie Gowing (hcap 5)
Vicki Smith (hcap 5)
Kate Evans (hcap 7)
Judy McCairns (hcap 9)
Azmina Desmond (hcap 11)
Gemma Jennings (hcap 12)
Eveleen Higgins (hcap 13)
Marian Geoghegan (hcap 13)
Jane Whiriskey (hcap 13).
Amber Ratcliffe (hcap 18)
Philomena Sheeran (hcap 20)
Margaret Rooney (hcap 20)
Mary McAree (hcap 20)

Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort communications director Chris Mann, commercial director Rafael Ruiz, Suzanne Coyne, present of "Golf Ireland" TV show, and Aisling Brewe, agents manager of the resort. Click on the image to enlarge it.

.
Hacienda del Alamo wins International Golf Resort
of 2007 award

Hacienda del Alamo won the "International Golf Resort of the Year 2007" title in the prestigious "Golf Ireland Awards".
The spectacular new resort in Murcia, Spain beat off hot competition from around the world to win the top award at a ceremony in Dublin at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Hacienda del Alamo's Commercial Director Rafael Ruiz was there to accept the award from Suzanne Coyne, presenter of "Golf Ireland," the programme of television channel TV3.
She commented: "Hacienda del Alamo is a very worthy winner of this award. We were very impressed by the progress made at the development, in the provision of its services to visitors and owners, its restaurants and bars. But of course the quality of the golf course and golf facilities is our most important category and in this Hacienda shone.

"The fabulous course is in outstanding condition all year round and is a credit to its designer Dave Thomas as well as to the team who maintain it. It already had a first-class academy and practice course but the recent addition of the new clubhouse has moved the golf operation to a new level.
"Our judging team also took into account the marketing and sales operations at Hacienda del Alamo which are second to none, which is why they are continuing to buck the trend and be hugely successful. This is a fantastic project not just for the future, but for today."
Rafael Ruiz, Commercial Director of Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort, commented: "We would like to thank the viewers of Golf Ireland and the judges for this superb honour which means a great deal to us.

"Hacienda del Alamo is a young project which is developing at a fast pace and it is very satisfying to be recognised already as the best by such a prestigious programme."
For Hacienda del Alamo's Agents Manager Aisling Brew, who was also at the ceremony, it was an emotional homecoming. Irish by birth, she has lived in Spain for the past 14 years. She said: "Being Irish, I am especially proud to return home to receive such an honour. We already have many owners of properties at Hacienda who are from Ireland as well as many more who come to play the course so it is especially significant to receive this award from Ireland's main golfing television programme.

"I hope it will encourage many other of my countrymen and women to come and see the resort for themselves."
The ceremony is broadcast on Ireland's TV3 channel on Sunday morning at 10.30 am and then again on Wednesday evening. The show enjoys an audience of 760,000 in its last series and is the only golf on national terrestrial television and the only free golf at all on Irish screens.
The award itself is a special piece of Waterford Crystal which is a replica of that given recently as a gift by the Irish government to US President George W Bush.
About Hacienda del Alamo:
Situated in the beautiful Murcia countryside and close to stunning beaches, Hacienda del Alamo already boasts one championship golf course, a golf academy including a driving range and six-hole practice course, and others are planned.
The resort which will have 3,500 homes when completed is built around the 7,400 yard championship golf course, designed by the renowned course designer Dave Thomas, whose portfolio includes the Brabazon at The Belfry and also La Manga.
There are those, like the Voice of Golf, Peter Alliss himself, and European PGA Tour pro Miguel Angel Jiménez who believe the golf course is one of the best in Europe. It is built on 92 hectares which is almost twice as large as the average golf course.

KRISTY AND KELLY HAVE SEVEN BIRDIES ON
WAY TO FIRST-ROUND LEAD IN FOUR-BALL

The Florida team of Kristy McLaughlin (Daytona) and Kelly Calkin (Palm City) fired seven birdies on route to establishing a clear lead with a 65 at the end of the first round of the 62nd Women's International Four-ball tournament - the closing event of the 2008 Orange Blossom Tour - at Orangebrook Golf Club, Hollywood in Floriday today.
Former champions Diane Lang (Weston, Florida) and Monica Von Glahn (North Palm Beach, Florida) returned a 70, along with 2007 senior champion Anna Schultz and her partner Jewell Malick.
FIRST ROUND SCORES
65 Kelly Calkin & Kristy McLaughlin.
70 Diane Lang & Monica Von Glahn.
70 Anna Schultz & Jewell Malick.
71 Meghan Bolger & Jill Hardy (Canada).
72 Taffy Brower & Ann Pohira.
74 Marlene Streit & Carol Semple Thompson.
74 Barbara Pagana & Bonnie George.
74 Peggy Woodard & Mary Hill.
76 Susan Rampelberg & Bronwyne Bruner.
80 Joyce Martinj & Karen Krug.
81 Ronnie Hall & Jewel Frei.
82 Marcella Rose & Judy Coker.
84 Carol Ratcliffe & Vicki Huggins.

Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Festival

EMILY OGILVY DISLOCATES SHOULDER BUT DETERMINED

TO GO TO SPAIN ... EVEN IF

SHE'S NOT FIT TO PLAY!

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Scotland amateur international player Emily Ogilvy (Auchterarder) has dislocated her shoulder during fitness training in the gymnasium. She has to keep her arm in a sling until Tuesday of next week when she has an appointement with the doctor.

"Until then, we won't know if she will be able to play at the Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Festival, although, as thing stand at the moment, it's extremely unlikely," said her mother Karen tonight.

"As you can imagine, Emily is very disappointed and very frustrated. However, she is still going out to Spain for the Festival."

The Festival tees off on Sunday, February 10 with a free practice round over the Dave Thomas-designed championship course.

The Murcia Ladies Open Championship over two rounds will take centre stage at the five-star Murcia resort on Monday and Tuesday, February 11 and 12.

There has been a late addition to the list of professionals who have entered.

Jacqueline Pecoitz from Argentina, a Category 9 player on Sweden's Telia Tour, is going to play in all six events over the two weeks of the HDA Festival. Welcome aboard, Jacqueline!

FINAL LIST OF ENTRIES FOR 2008 FESTIVAL

PROFESSIONALS
Claire COUGHLAN (Ireland)
Tracey CRAIK (Scotland)

Lauren DIGGLE (Wales).
Martina GILLEN (Ireland)
Nicky LUMB (England)
Maria MARTIN LOPEZ (Spain).
Danielle MASTERS (England)
Natasha MORGAN (Wales)
Jacqueline PECOITZ (Argentina)
Marian RIORDAN (Ireland).
Katie THOMSON (Scotland).

Lien WILLEMS (Belgium).
Jenna WILSON (Scotland).

AMATEURS

Orla BARRY (Galway) handicap 5.
Lisa BARTON (Coventry) handicap 2
Jane BINNING (Frilford Heath) handicap 2.

Anna CARLING (Vale of Glamorgan) handicap 4.
Sarah CARTY (The Island, Dublin) handicap 4.
Kimberley CROOKS (Saltburn by the Sea) handicap scratch. Age 16/17.
Charlotte DALTON (Ladbrook Park) handicap 3. Age 18.
Azimina DESMOND (Hollywood Lakes) handicap 11. Senior.
Cara EASTON (Dalmahoy) handicap 8. Age 15.

Mandy EASTON (Dalmahoy) handicap 5.
Marion GEOGHEGAN (Navan) handicap 13.
Kate EVANS (Frilford Heath) handicap 7.

Rebecca GEE (Wellingborough) handicap 5. Age 16.
Annie GOWING (Frilford Heath) handicap 5.
Tara GRIBBEN (Warrenpoint) handicap 5. Age 16.
Eveleen HIGGINS (Laytown/Bettystown) handicap 13. Senior.
Gemma JENNINGS (Navan) handicap 12.
Mary McAREE (Navan) handicap 20.
Judy McCAIRNS (Frilford Heath) handicap 9.

Kirsten MacCALLUM (McDonald Ellon) handicap 20. Age 14.
Lauren MacCALLUM (McDonald Ellon) handicap 7. Age 17.

Mary MacLAREN (Wellingborough) handicap 4.

Meghan MacLAREN (Wellingborough) handicap 7. Age 13.
Caroline MURPHY (Grange, Dublin) handicap 9. Age 17.
Emma O’DRISCOLL (Ballybunion). Handicap 5. Age 15.

Emily OGILVY (Auchterarder) handicap +1.
Karen OGILVY (Auchterarder) handicap 16.
Amber RATCLIFFE (Royal Cromer) handicap 18. Age 12.
Carla REYNOLDS (Seapoint) handicap 5. Age 16.
Paula REYNOLDS (Seapoint) handicap 19.
Margaret ROONEY (Navan) handicap 20.
Philomena SHEERAN (Navan) handicap 20.
Ami STOREY (Ponteland) handicap scratch.

Rhian Wyn THOMAS (Vale of Glamorgan) handicap 1.

Michele THOMSON (McDonald Ellon) handicap +1.
Jane WHIRISKEY (Galway). Handicap 13.

JIM ROBINSON IS ENGLISH

WOMEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION

NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The English Women’s Golf Association is to have a new chief executive. He is Jim Robinson (pictured right), a former senior executive with Severn Trent plc. For the last three years he has worked with the Rugby Football Union as team manager of the England Counties XV, the flagship of the community game.
Robinson’s passion for sport saw him involved with rugby union as a player, coach and administrator and while he is modest about his own golf game, which he plays as a member of Coventry Golf Club, he relishes the opportunity to continue in an executive role in another sport he loves.
"This is a tremendously exciting time for me to join English Women’s Golf," said Robinson. "I’m looking forward to working with the association’s executive staff and with the new management board."
Robinson, who will report to the chairman of the management board, succeeds Pauline Perla who, after a period of hand-over, leaves to take a career break.
Perla joined the then English Ladies’ Golf Association 10 years ago and has led the charge to transform it into a modern, efficient governing body.
Under her leadership a modernisation review was completed last year and the English Women’s Golf Association, a company limited by guarantee, came into being on January 1 this year.
The timing of the new appointment is, in Perla’s view, optimum.
"I applaud everyone who has worked to make the association a modern, forward-thinking organisation ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century," she said.
"Having signalled my intention to take a break, it made sense to have the new chief executive in place at the same time as the new management board, and I wish them all well in their new roles," continued Perla.
Sarah Miller, 2007 chairman of the association, has worked alongside Ms Perla for the past decade and said: "Pauline has been wonderful. Without her we would not be in the position we are today. She has been totally committed to furthering women’s golf and has encouraged us all to move forward.
"She has been an exceptional ambassador for our game and is greatly respected in the higher echelons of golf," added Miller.
Ruth W hitehead, chair of the association’s operational board, echoed Miller’s words: "It’s impossible to put a price on Pauline’s contribution to women’s golf. She has been invaluable and we can’t thank her enough for her great vision and dedication."
Mr Robinson takes up the reins on Monday, January 28, 2008 and, adding his thanks for the legacy left by Ms Perla, said: "Pauline has laid a great foundation from which to take the next steps in driving women’s golf. The opportunity this presents for all levels of the game is one we must not waste."
Jim Robinson's profile can be viewed here.

SLGA Ltd 2008

The Board of SLGA Ltd 2008
Back Row: Shona Malcolm, Sheila Pickles, Gillian Kirkwood
Middle Row: Winifred MacCallum, Pamela MacKenzie, Beth Paterson,
Liz Miskimmin, Helen Cuthbertson, Lynne Terry
Front Row: Pat Wilson (Chairman), Ethel Jack (President), Janet Wake (Vice Chairman)

SLGA Ltd held their AGM on Saturday 19th January at the Station Hotel, Perth.
The SLGA President, Ethel Jack, paid tribute to Mrs Kathleen Copley, a past internationalist and past Chairman of the Association, who died in April, and the audience stood for a minute's silence.
Reports were received from the outgoing Chairman, Margaret MacNaughtan, the Finance Director, Lynn Terry and the representative from the Ladies Golf Union, Gillian Kirkwood.
Liz Miskimmin and Beth Paterson were both elected to the board.
Three changes to the Regulations regarding County Golf were approved by large margins, and, after a clear and concise explanation of the SLGA Business Plan by Shona Malcolm , the new Rules and Regulations for SLGA Ltd were also approved.
Subscriptions for playing members of clubs will increase in 2009 will increase by 50p to £13.
Pat Wilson from Aberdeen was elected as the new Chairman, and the meeting closed with an entertaining vote of thanks from Helen Faulds.

At the Standing Orders meeting of Board of SLGA Ltd which followed that afternoon, Mrs Janet Wake was appointed Vice-Chairman. Winifred McCallum was appointed Chairman of the Selection Committee, Sheila Pickles remains as Chairman of the Girls Junior Golf Committee, Janet Wake remains chairman of the Training Committee until the end of the winter training schedule, when she will be replaced by Beth Paterson. Pamela Mackenzie continues as Chairman of County Golf.

PHILIPPINES BIRDIE LAST

FOUR HOLES TO WIN

WOMEN'S WORLD CUP

FROM THE LADIES' EUROPEAN TOUR WEBSITE:

The Philippines outplayed 19 other teams today to earn a two-stroke victory at the Women’s World Cup of Golf.

Playing together in the tournament for the third time, Dorothy Delasin and Jennifer Rosales (pictured left with trophy) fired a 65 in the first round of better-ball on the Gary Player Course at Sun City in South Africa. They shot 68 in the foursomes and sealed their victory with another seven-under-par 65 in the final better-ball matches for a total of 18-under-par 198.

They played their final nine holes in six-under-par 30, and Delasin birdied each of the last four holes, capping a phenomenal week of team play.

“I had some adrenaline pumping, it was so cool,” said the 27-year-old Delasin, a four-time winner on the LPGA Tour. “Like I said all week we were ham and egging.”

The 29-year-old Rosales, a two time winner on the LPGA, added: “We had fun all week. It was really good teamwork today too. I want to thank all the fans who came out here to support women’s golf.”

The South Korean team of Ji-Yai Shin and Eun-Hee Lee finished second on 16-under with a closing 67 for a total of 200.

Taiwan and Japan tied for third place on 13-under 203. Taiwan carded a 68 while Japan shot 65. France were the leading non-Oriental country in the final standings. They finished with a better-ball 67 for 205.
The South Koreans led by one stroke after the first round and were tied for the lead with the Philippines on 11-under-par after the second day’s foursomes. The Philippines got the best start to the final round when they pulled one shot ahead with a birdie on the first hole, but they were quickly overtaken when Korea’s Shin holed out from a bunker for an eagle 3 at the par-5 fifth hole.

There was a three-stroke swing when the Philippines made bogey there. The South Koreans pulled two ahead after Shin holed a 6ft birdie putt at the sixth, but then the Philippines fought back to tie for the lead on 14-under after birdies on holes 11 and 12.

South Korea birdied the 14th hole to move one ahead before Delasin began her birdie blitz. Delasin rolled in a 1oft birdie putt at the 15th. She said: “That got me pumped and then I chipped in on 16. I told my caddie Clint: “Take out that flag because I’m going to chip this in.” My blood was pumping and I felt like Superwoman out there.”

At the 17th, Delasin rolled in a downhill 15ft birdie putt to move two shots ahead, but she flirted with disaster by driving into the trees on the left of the fairway at the 18th hole. She hit a brave second shot out onto the fairway. Then, in dramatic fashion, Korea’s Shin hit her second shot to the green on the par-5 finishing hole. The ball bounced off some rocks on the right edge of the island green and came to rest 20 feet from the hole. She had a chance to tie for the lead but missed the eagle putt. With Delasin’s third shot placed 15 feet long of the pin, she confidently rolled in the birdie putt to seal the victory and a half- share of the US$280,000 first prize.

The Philippines pair finished second to Japan in the 2005 Women’s World Cup of Golf and as a team, the two players proved the perfect combination. They giggled their way through three press conferences and Delasin even joked: “We’re even finishing each other’s sentences!”

On a serious note, they both added that the win would give them a huge confidence boost ahead of the main 2008 season. “It’s been a while since we’ve won so it’s nice to get a win,” said Delasin, with Rosales adding: “It’s great to represent your country.”

South Africa, the host nation, finished tied for sixth with Canada and Wales, which was their best finish in four years in the event. Meanwhile, the defending champions Paraguay finished in ninth place on nine-under with Scotland in joint 1oth position alongside United States.

Catriona Matthew and Mhairi McKay finished with their best effort of 676 for eight-under-par 208.
SCROLL DOWN FOR FINAL TOTALS

CHINESE GET THEIR WAY: TAIWAN FLAG

BANNED AT WOMEN'S WORLD CUP

The sovereignty dispute between China and Taiwan resulted in Taiwan's flag being banned from the event.
Taiwan's Amy Hung and Yun-Jye Wei were golfers without a flag as they represented their country at the Gary Player Country Club.
It was the first time the People's Republic of China and Taiwan had played in the event together, and China's management insisted the Taiwan flag not be used in the opening ceremony or flown anywhere on the golf course.
In addition, the Taiwan flag was removed from the bibs of the players' caddies, and not used on any of the scoreboards at the event or on the tournament web site.
China regards Taiwan as a province of the mainland while Taiwan has been making increasing moves toward independence.
Women's World Cup of Golf managing director Alison Spratley said:
``The difficulties were compounded because the South African government has ties with China and does not diplomatically recognize Taiwan, and that's a problem in a tournament whose patron is South Africa's vice president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka,'' she added.
Spratley met the Taiwan team and discussed the issue with them. ``Clearly, they were upset, but they insisted throughout that all they wanted to do was play golf,'' she said.
China's management said Taiwan could play under the Olympic flag used by its athletes, but the golfers turned down that chance, especially as golf is not an Olympic sport.
Instead, they insisted they be allowed to be identified as from Taiwan - not Chinese Taipei as requested by the Chinese management.
``The compromise was accepted, and the Taiwanese caddies both had the word 'Taiwan' on their bibs, but no flags,'' said Spratley. ``Also, the players were allowed to leave the Taiwan flags on their golf bags unconcealed,'' she said.
Taiwan has only 50 women professional golfers. ``But we have a lot of younger players coming up,'' said player Amy Hung at a press conference.
``This year, we will have five players in the LPGA Tour, and we have four in Japan who have been playing for six years there already."

SCROLL DOWN FOR FINAL TOTALS IN WOMEN'S WORLD CUP

WOMEN'S WORLD CUP OF GOLF
Gary Player Country Club,
Sun City, NW Province, South Africa
FINAL TOTALS
Par 216 (3 x 72)
Format: First round - better-ball; Second round - foursomes; Third round - better ball.
198 Philippines (Jennifer Rosales, Dorothy Delasin) 65 68 65
200 South Korea (Ji-Yai Shin, Eun-Hee Ji) 61 72 67
203 Japan (Shinobu Moromizato, Miki Saiki) 66 72 65, Taiwan (Amy Hung, Yung-jye Wei) 66 69 68
205 France (Gwladys Nocera, Virginie Lagoutte-Clement) 62 76 67
206 South Africa (Laurette Mauritz, Ashleigh Simon) 68 72 66, Wales (Becky Brewerton, Becky Morgan) 67 71 68, Canada (Alena Sharp, Lorie Kane) 64 73 69
207 Paraguay (Juliete Granda, Celeste Troche) 66 73 68
208 United States (Juli Inkster, Pat Hurst) 65 76 67, Scotland (Catriona Matthew, Mhairi McKay) 68 73 67
210 Brazil (Angela Park, Candy Hannemann) 68 73 69, China (Na Zhang, Chung Wang) 67 75 68
212 Sweden (Sophie Gustafson, Mhairi McKay) 65 77 70
213 England (Trish Johnson, Danielle Masters) 67 76 70
217 Italy (Sylvia Cavalleri, Diana Luna) 73 76 68, Spain (Paula Marti, Tania Elosequi) 69 79 69
218 Germany (Bettina Hauert, Martina Eberl) 69 78 71, Australia (Lindsey Wright, Nikki Garrett) 68 78 72
229 India (Simi Mehra, Irina Brar) 70 84 75