Catriona Matthew (five months

pregnant) leads by two in Brazil

Mum-to-be for a second time, North Berwick's Catriona Matthew is the halfway leader by two strokes at the inaugural HSBC LPGA Brazil Cup.
The Scot shot a three-under-par 69 today over the 6,393yd, par-72 Itanhanga Golf Club course at Rio de Janeiro in what is the first event on the LPGA 2009 calendar.
The unofficial money event features a 15-player field and a $500,000 purse.
First-round conditions improved steadily throughout the day, starting off with rain, then turning to mist and finally sunny skies. Matthew started hot today with birdies on four of her first six holes – including tap-ins at holes three and five – before back-to-back bogeys at seven and eight dropped her to two-under-par through nine holes.
The Scot, who is five months pregnant with her second child, birdied the 10th hole with a four-foot putt to end the day at three-under-par. The 39-year-old has two official LPGA Tour victories in her career, the last coming at the 2004 Wendy’s Championship for Children.
South Carolina native Kristy McPherson, 27, recorded birdies on 17 and 18 to finish with a 71, two shots behind the leader.
Matthew, McPherson and Brazil’s Angela Park will be paired together in Sunday’s final round.
LEADING SCORES
Par 72
69 C Matthew
71 K McPherson.
72 A Park.
74 A Fouch, I Hanneman.
75 C Koch, C Kim, E Heeji, L Diaz.
76 J Kang.
78 K Stupples, L Friberg.

CATRIONA MATTHEW'S SCORECARD
34-35 = 69 (-3)
Hole 1, 279-yard, par-4: birdie – sand wedge to 10 feet.
Hole 3, 475-yard, par-5: birdie – sand wedge to 1 foot.
Hole 5, 461-yard, par-5: birdie – sand wedge to 1 foot.
Hole 6, 168-yard, par-3: birdie – 5-iron to 10 feet.
Hole 7, 411-yard, par-4: bogey – bad drive, punch out.
Hole 8, 402-yard, par-4: bogey – bad drive.
Hole 10, 168-yard, par-3: birdie – 5-rescue to 4 feet
CATRIONA MATTHEW INTERVIEW
CATRIONA: I birdied four of the first six holes and that got my round going. Had a couple of bogeys on seven and eight, but came back with the birdie on 10. Had a few chances coming in, but didn’t hole the putts.
Q. Catriona, you are five months pregnant. How are you feeling?
CATRIONA: I’m feeling fine actually. I get a little tired towards the end, but it’s not really affecting me just yet.
Q. You might not play too many tournaments this year. Do you feel like you would like to win here before you take a break?
CATRIONA: Yeah, that would be great. I think I’m only going to play one more maybe. To have a win would be fantastic. I’ll play maybe just a few tournaments, maybe Singapore if I’m feeling good.
Q. Can you talk about using a local caddie and how he has been?
CATRIONA: He’s been really good. He did a great job keeping my clubs dry. A good player himself, he plays to scratch. He’s doing well.
Q. Tell us about tomorrow. What is your plan?
CATRIONA: Go out and play just as well as I did today. I’m in a good position with this being 36 holes, so just go make a few birdies. If it’s another day like this, just try to shoot under par.

Orange Blossom Tour event at Coral Ridge Country Club

Kelsey MacDonald with her runner-up trophy after the Jones-Doherty match-play final today.

KELSEY LOSES TO US WONDER KID ALEXIS

IN FINAL OF FLORIDA MATCH-PLAY

Scottish Under-21 girls' golf champion Kelsey MacDonald of Nairn Dunbar Golf Club lost to the 13-year-old United States girls title-holder, Alexis Thompson from Coral Springs, Florida in today's 18-hole final of the Jones-Doherty women's amateur match-play championship at Coral Ridge Country Club, Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
Kelsey, 18-year-old first year sports studies student at Stirling University, played brilliant golf to reach the final, including a 3 and 2 semi-final win over Meghan Bolger, twice winner of the US women's mid-amateur title and a member of the winning American Curtis Cup team at St Andrews last May.
But in the final Kelsey went down by 5 and 4 to a rare talent, Alexis Thompson, the wonder kid of US girls golf - she will be 14 on February 10 - who won last week's South Atlantic Ladies amateur championship at Oceanside Country Club, Ormond Beach - the second event in the Orange Blossom tour of Florida. MacDonald finished third in that event.
Kelsey's ambition is to play for Great Britain & Ireland in the 2012 Curtis Cup match which will be played in her home town of Nairn. Alexis Thompson is certain to be in the next US women's amateur line-up that comes to Scotland and might even make the team for the 2010 match in the States ... so too might Kelsey MacDonald for that matter!
The students, who have also included Laura Murray (Alford) and Jane Turner (Craigielaw) of Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, now return home after having spent three weeks in America competing on the Orange Blossom Tour. The trip was funded through Stirling University’s International Sports Scholarships Programme.

SATURDAY FINALS
CHAMPIONSHIP

Alexis Thompson (US) bt Kelsey MacDonald (Scotland) 5 and 4.

FIRST FLIGHT

Jaye Marie Green (US) bt Laura Carson (US) 2 and 1.

SENIOR

Carolyn Creekmore (US) bt Anna Schultz (US) 2 and 1.

FROM THE FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL NEWSPAPER WEBSITE:

At 13 years, 11 months and 14 days, Alexis Thompson became the youngest winner in the 77-year history of the Jones-Doherty Cup, eclipsing Vicki Goetze's record by more than two years. Goetze was 16 years, 3 months and 4 days old when she won it in 1989.

Thompson's name will be engraved on a prestigious cup along with past champions that include World Golf Hall of Famers Babe Zaharias, Patty Berg, Louise Suggs and JoAnne Carner.

Thompson's signature isn't valued so much for the junior and amateur records she's decimating in her meteoric rise as it is for the promise of what seems ahead.

"There's no limit for her, in my opinion," said Jim McLean, the Doral-based swing instructor who works with Thompson. "By getting a few things cleaned up, she's got the potential to be a top-five player in the world, to be No. 1 in the world. I don't know if that's putting too much on her shoulders right now, but she has that kind of talent. She could do very well in LPGA events right now."

Already the No. 1 junior in the Golfweek/Titleist national rankings, Thompson plans to ease into more women's amateur events this summer.

Saturday's victory marked the end of Thompson's tear through the middle of the Orange Blossom Tour, a winter staple for women's amateurs. She became the youngest winner in the history of the South Atlantic Ladies Amateur the previous weekend in a record-setting 13-shot rout.

She's the reigning US Girls' Junior Champion as well as the youngest winners of the US Junior PGA Championship and Doral Publix Junior Championships and the youngest ever to qualify for the US Women's Open.

In her last five starts, Thompson has won three of them, lost one in a play-off and finished second in the other. This run included her victory at the Ginn Open Got Game Challenge, which earned her a spot in the LPGA event in Orlando in April. She's also hoping to be among the amateurs awarded exemptions to the LPGA's first major of the year, the Kraft Nabisco Championship.

"This has definitely been a good stretch," Thompson said. "Winning here, getting my name on this trophy, it definitely means a lot to me."

Alison White back from

golf development trip

to Nicaragua

FROM THE R&A WEBSITE
Alison White, R&A Golf Development Officer, has returned from Nicaragua where she attended the Central American Junior Championships.
The competition, which took place at the Nejapa Golf and Country Club in Managua, is now in its 33rd year and provides talented boys and girls of all ages with the opportunity to play competitive golf with children of similar abilities from all over the region.
The 2009 staging represented the Championships’ first year of association with The R&A. A grant of £10,000 awarded to the organisers in recognition of their continued support of the Junior Open Championship, to which they have consistently sent players to compete.
The winner of this year’s Central American girls’ event was Carina Cuculiza, a native Nicaraguan who has twice played in the Junior Open, including 2008’s competition at Hesketh Golf Club. The boys’ individual competition was won by Sebastian Fernandez, a key member of the Guatamalan side that lifted the team trophy.
“We hope that 2009 is the beginning of a lengthy partnership between The R&A and the Central American Junior Championships,” commented Alison White (pictured above by Cal Carson Golf Agency). “The organisers of the event have been very pro-active in developing junior golf in Central America and it’s right that we both recognise and support that work.”

Putting guru Harold Swash (left) with Glenn Billington and his Certificate of Excellence.

Top-class putting coach Glenn

Billington joins Academy staff

at Hacienda del Alamo

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

HDA Festival Organiser

Competitors at next month's Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Festival have a golden opportunity to come home much better putters than they were when left the country!

The reason is that putting expert Glenn Billington has joined the five-star Murcia golf resort's teaching staff at the range and practice facilities which are second to none in Spain.

Who is Glenn Billington? Well he comes from the same area in Birmingham as Harold Swash, which is a good start as it means they talk the same language in more ways than one.

Who's Harold Swash? He's arguably the best known "Putting Doctor" in European/world golf.

Harold has given Padraig Harrington putting tips and many more European Tour players as well.

And Glenn Billington gained "Accredited Instructor" qualifications by attending the Harold Swash Putting School.

Glenn is also a member of the Professional Golfers Association and a Master Teaching Professional with the World Golf Teachers' Federation.

Pretty impressive, eh?

So, during the Hacienda del Alamo Women's Golf Festival, Glenn, who recently moved his Spanish base from La Manga to Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort, will be available at the practice range to help anyone who wants to become a better putter ... and who doesn't?

Here are some quotes from Glenn:

"I have enjoyed every minute since I moved to Spain. Now I have a state of the art putting studio within the Academy at the fantastic Golf Resort of Hacienda Del Alamo. Everything about the resort is sheer class and hopefully I will add that little extra,
"I offer excellent putting coaching with long term effects in my studio. I also have access to the two putting greens and can extend that to playing lessons on the magnificent par 72 Championship Golf Course. There is nowhere better to learn than on the course, but get the basics right first.
"All lessons are videoed with expert analysis which for the player who seeks absolute perfection there is nothing better.
"With a little more knowledge we can change people's golfing lives for the good, giving them direction from within which is long term. With the correct type of coaching people can switch from an individual who lacks confidence to someone who believes in themselves.
"I have the technique and ability to help long term through technical and mind management.
"I have to say a big thank you to Harold and Phil Kenyon. The experience so far has been beyond belief. To work with them both at professional events and to know that you are working with and learning from the best in the business is a dream come true.

"I will always be professional and guarantee to improve everyone who trusts my coaching. My attitude is positive and friendly and the atmosphere within my studio is electrifying.
"Having played golf to a good standard I decided that coaching was a way of working with people and getting the best out of them in golf. It is fantastic to see how all students improve when they are led the ‘Harold Swash’ way.
"So many of my students have already succeeded by improving their putting – it is so satisfying to hear their positive approach to putting and how their game continues to improve. Combining these techniques and the Yes! C Groove putters – all will succeed.
"All standards of player - from amateur to professional - will improve. I look forward to meeting you, soon at the Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Festival.

Glenn Billington

Kelsey MacDonald (left) and Alexis Thompson (right) meet in Jones-Doherty final.

IT'S KELSEY v US WONDER GIRL IN

FLORIDA MATCH-PLAY FINAL

Scottish Under-21 champion Kelsey MacDonald is through to Saturday's final of the Jones-Doherty women's amateur match-play golf championship at Coral Ridge Country Club, Fort Lauderdal in Florida.
Kelsey, 18-year-old Stirling University student and Nairn Dunbar Golf Club member, will play the 13-year-old United States girls champion Alexis Thompson - she's 14 on February 10 - from Coral Springs, Florida.
Alexis won last week's South Atlantic Ladies amateur championship at Oceanside Country Club, Ormond Beach, which was the second event in the Orange Blossom women's amateur tour in Florida.
Macdonald, who finished third behind Thompson, had a great win in today's semi-finals. She beat Meghan Bolger, twice winner of the US women's mid-amateur title and a member of the winning US Curtis Cup team at St Andrews last May.
Kelsey won by 3 and 2.
Thompson beat the defending champion, Isabelle Lendl, 6 and 5 in the other semi-final.

Johanna wins the $2,000 first prize again on

the SunCoast Ladies Series in Florida

Two wins out of two - that's Johanna (Head) Mundy's record on the SunCoast Ladies Series pro tour in Florida this year.

Johanna, who will be 36 next month (so will her twin Samantha, both from Ascot), won last week's tournament and the $2,000 first prize.

This week, Mrs Mundy did it again. She strung together rounds of 75, 67 and 70 for a four-under-par total of 212 to win the event at Forest Lake Golf Club, Ocoee, Florida. The standard first prize is $2,000 on this women's circuit for which the registration fee is $175 and the entry fee for each competition $450 for lady professionals and $150 for amateurs.

Johanna won by one shot from the overnight leader, M J Hur (South Korea) who had scores of 72, 69 and 72 to win $1,000.

Johanna, who married Ian Poulter's caddie Terry Mundy in 2005 and now lives in Orlando, told the SunCoast Ladies Series website:

"I played well. I came into this event with a game plan in mind but the weather was horrible with strong winds during the first round. I had to change my thinking and adapt to the conditions and struggled a bit hitting my targets.

"During the second round, I was able to execute by hitting my targets on the greens. This is a great golf course but the greens are difficult and if you are not in the right spot they can be tough to putt. Coming into the final round one shot behind it was my plan to remain focused and play my game, hitting my targets on the greens and making putts."

Roswell, Georgia's Margaret Shirley finished alone in third after a final round two under par 70 got her to one under in her first professional tournament.

Samantha Head finished fourth and earned $825 for scores of 70, 75 and 71 for a level par total of 216.

Solheim Cup and LPGA Tour player Paula Creamer finished joint fifth on 217.

The SunCoast Ladies Series moves on to Rio Panar Country Club, Orlando, Florida next week. We'll give you daily updates.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS

Par 216 (3 x 72) 6,200yd

212 Johanna Mundy (England) 75 67 70 ($2,000).

213 M H Hur (South Korea) 72 69 71 ($1,000).

215 Margaret Shirley (Georgia) 72 73 70 ($900).

216 Samantha Head (England) 70 75 71 ($825).

217 Paula Creamer (California) 75 71 71, Jin Young Pak (South Korea) 72 73 72 ($737 each).

219 Charlotte Campbell (Florida) 75 72 71 ($675).

27 Competitors took part. There was no cut.

KELSEY THROUGH TO PLAY AMERICAN

CURTIS CUP STAR IN SEMI-FINAL

Scottish Under-21 champion Kelsey MacDonald, a member of Nairn Dunbar Golf Club, will play Meghan Bolger, who played in last year's winning US Curtis Cup team at St Andrews, in Friday's semi-finals of the Jones/Doherty women's amateur match-play championship at Coral Ridge Country Club, Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
Stirling University student Kelsey, 18, beat American Carly Ray Goldstein 3 and 2 in today's quarter-finals.
Kelsey was pipped for third place behind winner Alexis Thompson in last week's South Atlantic Ladies Amateur Championship, the second competition of the women's amateur Orange Blossom Tour in Florida.
Bolger was United States women's mid-amateur champion in 2006 and again in 2007.
Rachel Connor, daughter of the Scots-born Manchester club professional Brian Connor, lost to Alexis Thompson, the 14-year-old US girls champion, by 4 and 3 in her quarter-final.
The second semi-final will feature Thompson against defending champion Isabelle Lendl, one of the golfing daughters of former world tennis ace Ivan Lendl.
Stirling student Holly Calvert (Lancaster) won the Second Flight final, beating Monifieth's Rebecca Wilson, also a Stirling student, by one hole in the final.
Results:
CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT
Quarter-finals
Isabelle Lendl bt Marily Hardy 6 and 5.
Alexis Thompson bt Rachel Connor (Manchester) 4 and 3.
Meghan Bolger bt Victoria Trapani 2 holes.
Kelsey MacDonald bt Carly Ray Goldstein 3 and 2.
SECOND FLIGHT
Final
Holly Calvert (Lancaster) bt Rebecca Wilson (Monifieth) 1 hole.

Brigid McCaw becomes chairman of LGU

FROM THE BELFAST TELEGRAPH WEBSITE
The first lady of British golf took office in Belfast last night.
They came from Nigeria and other far-away places to salute the newly-elected chairman of the Ladies' Golf Union, Brigid McCaw, a pillar of the famous Royal County Down club.
It was the first time in the LGU's 100-year history that Ulster had hosted an agm, and among those sharing a centre-stage role were architect's wife Ann Wallace, president of the ILGU, Curtis Cup captain Mary McKenna, and Sandra McWilliams, the chairman of the Northern District.

Images on right from the LGU webiste: Brigid McCaw (top), Maureen Lockett (lower).

New President Maureen Lockett's wealth of

golf knowledge and experience

FROM THE LADIES GOLF UNION WEBSITE
Maureen Lockett, the Chairman of the Ladies’ Golf Union in 2002, has taken up the position of President and Brigid McCaw has been appointed Chairman of the Ladies’ Golf Union at the 2009 AGM in Belfast.
Mrs. Lockett is the 23rd President since the position was instigated in 1908 and will commence her three years in office in succession to Mrs. Joan Neville. Having served as Chairman of the Ladies’ Golf Union in 2002, Maureen will bring a wealth of golf knowledge and experience to the role of President.
A keen golfer since taking up the game as a junior at Thonock Golf Club, now The Gainsborough Golf Club, she played to a high standard, representing Yorkshire in the early seventies and achieving a handicap of 2.
Always one to put something back into the game she loves, Maureen became involved in golf administration in the late seventies and served as Club Captain and Centenary Lady President at Hallamshire Golf Club in Sheffield, where she is now an Honorary Member, and as Yorkshire County Captain. More recently, she served as President of the Yorkshire Ladies’ County Golf Association.
Maureen’s skills as an administrator soon got her noticed at national level, and she was Chairman of the English Ladies’ Golf Association in 1995, before taking on the role of English Councillor on the Ladies’ Golf Union between 1999 and 2002.
One of her main interests is junior golf, and, as an original member of the English Junior Golf Partnership, she remains committed to encouraging junior participation in the sport. Husband Brian, grown-up children Julia and Christopher, grandsons Alan, Tony and Marcus, and her sprightly 95 year old mother are delighted at Maureen’s nomination as President of the Ladies’ Golf Union and offer their full support in her term of office.
Maureen says “I still find it hard to believe that I have been invited to take on this prestigious position but I will do my best to uphold the long traditions of the LGU. These are exciting and challenging times for ladies’ golf but I firmly believe that the Ladies’ Golf Union has an important role to play.
"The changing needs of our younger golfers must be catered for while we should also endeavour to maintain the legacies of the past upon which our modern game is based. I look forward to supporting the ongoing modernisation initiatives and also to meeting many of you in the coming months and years”.
Brigid McCaw, the new LGU Chairman, is a member and past Captain of Royal County Down Ladies’ Golf Club and has been involved in golf administration for a number of years at both club and National level. As a Trustee and Honorary Secretary of the club she has experience in various aspects of club administration while in a playing capacity she has represented the club on a number of occasions in District Inter-Club Teams.
A stint as the club’s Junior Convenor saw her bring home the Smurfit title on three occasions, an association with Junior Golf which she continued through District and National Level. Brigid has served as a junior selector at both District and National Levels while also captaining various successful girls’ national teams over the years.
Brigid has passed the R&A referee’s examination on two occasions and has officiated at many major championships and international tournaments including the Curtis Cup, the Vagliano Trophy and the Ricoh Women’s British Open.
Brigid served full terms on the executive committees of both District and ILGU Councils before joining the Executive of the LGU in 2006 where she has served on the LGU Rules and Regulations Committee for the last three years.
Brigid worked for many years as a production assistant for Ulster Television but since she retired has been kept fully occupied in golf administration. In anticipation of her year in office she said: “I feel honoured to be elected Chairman of the Ladies Golf Union. I know that a great deal of work lies in the year ahead but I look forward to working closely with Council and our Management Team on progressing the implementation of the Business Plan and most importantly to be amongst the Players and Officials at our Championships.”
Brigid lives in Newcastle, Northern Ireland with her husband Harry, a past Captain of both the Royal & Ancient and Royal County Down Golf Club. They have three children, Gordon, Anita and Kenneth and five grandchildren.
Catherine Booth (Ireland), Nancy Chisholm (Scotland), Joan Neville (Wales) and Sue Johnson (England) – Vice Presidents
The Executive Council has also invited four former office bearers to become Honorary Vice Presidents of the Ladies’ Golf Union in recognition of the work they have done for ladies’ golf and their continued loyalty to, and support of, the LGU.
Outgoing President Joan Neville (Wales) will remain actively involved in supporting the LGU on her appointment as a Vice President. Joan, LGU President from 2007-09, has been unstinting in her work for the LGU. Her vast knowledge of golf, hard work and great sense of humour with which she has fulfilled her role has been greatly appreciated by players and officials alike.
Joan says “the best years of my life have been spent with the LGU and the invitation to become a Vice President is the pinnacle of my association. I can assure you that I will continue to support this wonderful organisation and look forward to following the changes due to come in the next few years.”
Catherine Booth (Ireland), President of the LGU from 2004-2007, first became involved in golf administration in the late 1970s and served on both the ILGU Central Council and the LGU Executive Council. She was Chairman of the Curtis Cup Committee played in Killarney in 1996, when Great Britain & Ireland last won the matches.
Catherine is “delighted to be nominated as a Vice President of the LGU at an exciting time in women’s golf, when the LGU and Home Countries are addressing issues for the long term good of the game.”
After contributing to the game of golf in many capacities at club, county and national level, Nancy Chisholm (Scotland) served as LGU Chairman in 1997 and SLGA President from 2003-2007. A lifelong member of Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club, Nancy continues to play golf to an enviable standard, and cites her favourite club and deadliest weapon as “Father’s antique hickory jigger!”
Nancy is “thrilled to be invited to become an Honorary Vice President of LGU, which I hold in high esteem”.
The fourth new Vice President is Sue Johnson (England). A well known character in Yorkshire golfing circles, Sue was LGU Chairman in 1994 and President from 2001-04. Sue responded with delight to her invitation to become a vice President and stated “I am mindful of the privilege bestowed on me and pleased to be given the opportunity to continue to support the LGU. Over the years of my involvement in ladies’ golf, I have made many friends and had such happy times. I feel very fortunate to be awarded this honour.”
The LGU is in the process of implementing its Business Plan which was approved at last year’s AGM, and the Executive Council is pleased to confirm that Shona Malcolm will continue in the post of Chief Executive Officer to drive the ongoing modernisation initiatives.

Johanna (Head) Mundy relaxes between rounds at Forest Lake Golf Club (Editor's note: Only kidding!)

Head twins in contention on SunCoast

Ladies Tour in sunny Florida

The Head twins, Johanna and Samantha, are lying second and joint third with one round to go in the SunCoast Ladies Series event at Forest Lake Golf Club, Ocoee, Florida.

Johanna, now married to Mr Mundy, had a great second round of 67 over the 6,200yd, par-72 course to give herself a 36-hole tally of 142 after a disappointing opening round of 75

She is one shot behind the South Korean leader M J Hur (72-69).

Samantha Head, like Johanna, entered from "Ascot, England," has scored 70 and 75 for 145 to figure in a four-way tied for third place.

LPGA Solheim Cup player Paula Creamer is on 146 (75-71) and seventh place in a field of 27 players.

It is not cheap to play on this ladies' mini-tour - $175 to register for the season and $450 to enter each tournament - but those finishing high up will more than clear their expenses.

SECOND-ROUND LEADERS

Par 144 (2 x 72) 6,200yd

141 M H Hur (SKor) 72 69.

142 Johanna Mundy (Eng) 75 67.

145 Margaret Shirley (Georgia) 72 73, Brian Vega (Maryland) 74 71, Samantha Head (Eng) 70 75, Jim Young Pak (SKor) 72 73.

146 Paula Creamer (California) 75 71.

Aberdeenshire fixtures for 2009

Aberdeenshire Ladies County Golf Association fixtures for the new season:

April 24: Open meeting at Ballater
April 28: Open meeting at Aboyne

May 1,2,3: County Championship (Peterhead)
May 14: Open meeting at Westhill
May 16: Open meeting at Fraserburgh
May 21: Open meeting at Banchory

June 2: Open meeting at Newmachar
June 8: Watt Duffus Inter-Club Trophy (Aboyne)
June 27,28,29: Northern Division Jamboree (Royal Dornoch)

July 3: Open meeting at Cruden Bay
July 6,7,8: North of Scotland Championship (Newmachar)
July 9: Open meeting at Hazlehead
July 17: Open meeting at Kemnay

August 3,4: Lyon Inter-Club Foursomes (Kemnay)
August 6: Open meeting at Ellon
August 10: Commonwealth Spoons at Alford
August 18: SLGA County Golf Open Meeting (Dullatu
August 31: Open meeting at Murcar Links

September 10 : Open meeting at Peterculter
September 18,19,20: Scottish County Finals (Baberton)
September 24: Commonwealth Spoons Final (Longniddry)

Wednesday update from Florida's Orange Blossom Tour

KELSEY THROUGH TO QUARTER-FINALS

BUT LAURA MURRAY IS BEATEN

Stirling student Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) is through to the quarter-finals of the Jone-Doherty match-play championship at Coral Ridge Country Club, Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
But Alford's Laura Murray (Robert Gordon University) lost her second round tie.
MacDonald will now play Carly Ray Goldstein after beating Daniela Lendl, one of former tennis ace Ivan Lendl's golfing-playing daughters, by one hole.
Rachel Connor, daughter of Scots-born Manchester club pro Brian Connor, will meet 13-year-old US girls champion and top qualifier Alexis Thompson, for a place in the last four after beating Sandra Changkija by one hole.
Thompson beat Stirling student Rachel Cassidy (Dublin) by 8 and 7.
Laura Murray lost by 4 and 3 to Marilyn Hardy.
Two other Stirling students, Rebecca Wilson (Monifieth) and Holly Calvert (Lancaster) will meet in the final of the Second Flight. Rebecca beat Jane Little by 6 and 4 while Holly won at the 19th against Mayura Skowronski in the semi-finals.
Harriet Beasley (Woburn), another Stirling University student, lost by 6 and 4 in her First Flight second-r0und tie.
Wednesday results:

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT
Second round
Isabelle Lendl bt Gina Larsen 7 and 5.
Marilyn Hardy bt Laura Murray (Alford) 4 and 3.
Alexis Thompson bt Rachel Cassidy (Dublin) 8 and 7.
Rachel Connor (Manchester) bt Sandra Changkija 1 hole.
Meghan Bolger bt Tovia St Louis 1 hole.
Victoria Trapani bt Wendi Golden 1 hole.
Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) bt Daniela Lendl 1 hole.
Carly Ray Goldstein bt Marika Lendl at 20th.
FIRST FLIGHT
Second round
Selected result:
Laura Carson bt Harriet Beasley 6 and 4.
SECOND FLIGHT
Semi-finals
Rebecca Wilson (Monifieth) bt Jane Linn 6 and 4.
Holly Calvert bt Mayura Skowronski at 19th.

Hacienda del Alamo Festival sponsors lead the clothing field

Glenmuir Launch 2009

Spring/Summer

Collection

Glenmuir, one of European golf’s leading and most recognisable clothing brands, promises golfers an enviable range of products with the launch of the new Glenmuir 2009 Spring/Summer collection.
The collection marks the largest ever product launch in Glenmuir’s illustrious 117 year history and increases the number of high quality clothing choices available to golfers through the 1891 Glenmuir, Men’s Performance, Men’s Classic and Ladies' collections.
With a range of new colours available, Glenmuir is promising that the 2009 Spring/Summer collection will provide golfers with golfwear that is fashionable and stylish as well as offering the very highest levels of performance in all weathers.
Andy Bough, Glenmuir’s Marketing Director, said: “I am pleased and proud to announce the launch of our new Spring Summer 2009 collections. Our focus on fashion, style, colour and performance brings you fresh new seasonal colours for men and women, and a new sport-fashion look which coordinates across shirts, knitwear, outerwear and trousers."
"We have received a fantastic reaction to the new branding we launched this year, and this new brochure showcases the further development of the exciting new look we are giving the Glenmuir brand across men’s, women’s and kids’ collections.
“And we have made sure golfers whom prefer a more classical look are extremely well-catered for too. I believe this latest collection has our widest universal appeal to date.”
Lanark-based Glenmuir have been making golf clothes since 1891 and continue to be at the forefront of the game with ongoing partnerships with both the European Ryder Cup Team and the European Tour.
The flagship 1891 Glenmuir collection has been updated to include four luxury cotton polo shirts – Moortown, Archerfield, Gullane and Valderamma as well as the Duke’s Pima cotton slipover. Andy Bough said of the new 1891 collection: “Golfers can be confident that products which carry the distinctive silver and black 1891 Glenmuir branding are premium quality, using the finest fabrics.”
The 2009 Men’s Performance range has been extended to allow golfers to choose from even more of the high-tech performance wear for which Glenmuir is famous. The range includes Hi-Cool performance shirts and Rain Bloc waterproof clothing.
The Men’s Classic collection now stretches to some 25 items including shirts, knitwear, trousers and shorts. Glenmuir’s commitment to providing the latest styles combined with the excellence golfers expect from Glenmuir products has ensured the enduring popularity of the Men’s Classic range.
The Ladies’ Collection has become Glenmuir’s fastest growing range and the new Spring/Summer collection includes 22 different items including luxury cotton polo shirts, knitwear, performance shirts, fleeces, luxury lambswool, merino and cashmere knitwear, wind shirts, waterproofs, trousers, shorts, headwear and socks.
The Ladies’ Collection also utilises Hi-Cool, Rain Bloc and Storm Bloc fabrics to provide fashionable, stylish designs that combine great looks with the highest performance, whatever the weather.
+Glenmuir are very generously donating prizes at next month's Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Festival, just as they did for the inaugural Festival in February 2008.

The Saint Mary's College golf squad with Euan Brown third from the right. You can enlarge the image by clicking on it.

California dreaming? Well, not

for Euan Brown, he's already there!

Oh, to be in California, now that winter's here in Scotland!

But Ayrshire-born six-footer Euan Brown is already there in California. Lucky boy.

Euan is in his first year as a golf scholarship student at Saint Mary's College, which is based in the Moraga community about 12 miles east of Oakland.

Euan is a former pupil of Troon's Marr College.

He was the Ayrshire boys' stroke-play champion of 2007, the same year that he won the Ayrshire boys' order of merit.

Jones/Doherty match-play: This week's Orange Blossom Tour event in Florida

Leading prizewinners' image from the South Atlantic Ladies Amateur championship: Kira Meixner (Canada), winner Alexis Thompson (USA) and Kelsey MacDonald (Stirling University & Nairn Dunbar GC). Image by courtesy of Oceanside Country Club, Florida.

Kelsey MacDonald, Laura Murray among

leading qualifiers at Fort Lauderdale

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
I've been trying to catch up with the first couple of days' play in this week's event on the Orange Blossom Tour in Florida - the Jones/Doherty match-play tournament at Coral Ridge Country Club, Fort Lauderdale.
Here's a round-up of the story so far:
QUALIFYING ROUND LEADERS
Players from US unless stated
73 Meghan Bolger.
74 Alexis Thompson, Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar).
76 Sandra Changkija, Carly Ray Goldstein.
77 Wendi Golden.
78 Laura Murray (Alford).
79 Victoria Trapani, Susan West, Marilyn Hardy.
80 Rachel Connor (Manchester).
Other scores:
82 Rachel Cassidy (Dublin), Daniela Lendl.
83 Marika Lendl, Diane Lang.
85 Harriet Beasley (Woburn).
88 Rebecca Wilson (Monifieth).
89 Holly Calvert (Lancaster).
Match-play results
CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT
Laura Murray bt Kayla Williams 4 and 3.
Rachel Cassidy bt Mary Jane Hiestand 2 and 1.
Sandra Changkija bt Harriet Beasley.
Rachel Connor bt Laura Carson 5 and 3.
Kelsey MacDonald bt Julie Carmichael 5 and 4.
SECOND FLIGHT
Holly Calvert bt Amy Lewin 6 and 4.
Bye: Rebecca Wilson.

Alexis Thompson comes back from three down

after five holes to advance in Jones/Doherty

Defending Ione D. Jones/Doherty Women's Amateur champion Isabelle Lendl breezed to a 5 and 4 victory over Elizabeth Breza, but Alexis Thompson of Coral Springs needed some late heroics to advance in the first round of match play at Coral Ridge Country Club.
Thompson, who turns 14 on February 10, fell three holes down after five holes before pulling out a one-hole victory over Tama Caldabaugh. Thompson two-putted from 30 feet on the last hole and Caldabaugh's 10-foot putt to send the match to the 19th hole lipped out.
"I played really bad on the front nine," said Thompson, who was four over par after six holes. "I was missing fairways, missing greens, missing putts. It just was not good at all. I just kept thinking I had to make some birdies to get my momentum and confidence back."
Weston's Diane Lang, who won the U.S. Senior Women's Amateur for the third time in four years in the fall, lost 2 and 1 to Marilyn Hardy. Lang was 3 up after 12 holes but bogeyed every hole coming in.
Lendl, 17, whose sisters Daniela and Marika also advanced to today's second round, was 4 up after the first eight holes."I am really happy with the way everything is shaping up with my game," said Lendl, the daughter of tennis great Ivan Lendl.

Carol Semple Thompson withdraws from

Jones/Doherty after mother's death

FROM THE SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL WEBSITE
By Randall Mell South Florida Sun-Sentinel
FORT LAUDERDALE - Coral Springs' Alexis Thompson holds a special appreciation for how golf's future and past uniquely intersect on the Orange Blossom Tour.Thompson, 13, shot an even-par 74 in Monday's qualifying round of the Ione D. Jones/Doherty Women's Amateur at Coral Ridge Country Club.
That was surpassed only by Oakland Park's Meghan Bolger, the two-time U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur champ, who shot 73 to win medalist honors. Match play begins today.
Alexis Thompson is bidding to win back-to-back Orange Blossom Tour events after winning the South Atlantic Ladies Amateur at Oceanside Country Club in Ormond Beach in a 13-shot rout Saturday.Thompson, the reigning U.S. Girls' Junior Champion and the youngest player to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open, will be among players missing World Golf Hall of Famer Carol Semple Thompson this week.
Carol, 60, the most decorated women's amateur in the history of the United States Golf Association, withdrew from the Doherty's senior competition after her mother's death Sunday in Delray Beach.
"She's a great player and person," said Alexis, who is no relation. "It was an honor to get to play with her in the first three rounds last week [at the South Atlantic Ladies]. I didn't realize how much she has accomplished until they introduced her on the first tee. They just kept reading, and reading and reading. I was like, 'Oh my God.'"Thompson, 60, of Sewickley, Pa., is the winner of seven USGA championships, more than any other woman. Her titles include a U.S. Women's Amateur, two U.S. Women's Mid-Amateurs and four U.S. Senior Women's Amateurs.Thompson's mother, Phyllis, 87, was a long-time amateur who once advanced to the U.S. Women's quarterfinals and served on the USGA Women's Committee and USGA Museum Library Committee.
"My mom was my best friend and one of the most competitive people I've ever known," Thompson said in a telephone interview. "She pushed me and was a great part of my success as a player."
Thompson's father, past USGA president Harton "Bud" Thompson, died in 1990.

ST VALENTINE'S NIGHT DINNER AT HACIENDA
DEL ALAMO GOLF RESORT
There will be a St Valentine's Night dinner in the Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort restaurant within the clubhouse on February 14.
It is being organised by the villa owners but competitors at the Hacienda del Alamo Winter Festival are welcome to attend.
The price is 35 Euros per head, which includes wine and other drinks at the table.
There have been 60 reservations already.

ST VALENTINE'S DAY TEAMS OF THREE SUBSTITUTE
The lack of lady professional entries has forced us to make the St Valentine's Day competition at the Festival a teams-of-three amateur event with prizes for the best scratch and best net team totals.

COSTA CALIDA FOURSOMES NOT PAIRS
We have decided to make the Festival's Costa Calida Pairs competition on the Sunday (February 15) a straightforward foursomes, i.e. alternate shot with couples playing off half their combined handicaps.
It was felt that the original idea of the first nine being greensomes and the second nine better-ball would lead to confusion and spoil the fun aspect of the day.

Colin Farquharson
Festival Organiser

Annika Sorenstam (second left) with the top five finishers in her international girls' tournament in Florida.

Sally Watson finishes joint 14th in Annika

Sorentstam Invitational in Florida

FROM THE TOURNAMENT WEBSITE
REUNION, Fla. — Simin Feng, 13, of Orlando, Fla., dueled hefty wind conditions and stiff competition at Ginn Reunion Resort's Tom Watson Course to claim the inaugural ANNIKA Invitational.

Sarah Brown of Phillipsburg, New Jersey and Luz Alejandra Cangrejo of Bogota, Colombia, ended the day one stroke behind and tied for second.
Conducted by the American Junior Golf Association, the ANNIKA Invitational was a 54-hole stroke play event played at Ginn Reunion Resort, home of the ANNIKA Academy. The girls-only field played the par-72 Independence (Watson) Course at 6,450 yards.

The 60-player field featured 17 Rolex Junior All-Americans and players from 17 states and 15 foreign countries.
Trailing by one shot heading into final-round play, Feng flip-flopped the lead with first-round leader Cindy Feng of Orlando, Fla. Shooting a final round of 1-over-par 73, Simin carded two birdies en route to victory. After Cindy Feng double-bogeyed No. 5, Simin said her confidence grew.
“Playing so close, I was nervous all day. After Cindy made that double on No. 5, I was less nervous,” Simin said. “I took the lead and knew things would be fine if I just played my game.”
After 13 holes, four players were tied atop the leaderboard. Laetitia Beck of Caesarea, Isreal, and Cangrejo found themselves in contention with front-side finishes of 1-over-par 36 and 1-under-par 35, respectively. Bogeys by Beck and Cindy at No. 15 put Simin and Cangrejo in a head-to-head match through the next three holes.
Cangrejo, who was playing in the group ahead of Simin, made bogey at the par-5 17th, which put Simin one up heading to No. 18.
“Heading into No. 18, I just wanted to hit my drive straight,” Simin said. “ I thought I would get into a playoff with just a par.”
Cangrejo bogeyed the final hole, which gave Simin a two-shot cushion as she stood on the No. 18 tee. Unaware of Cangrejo's bogey, Simin walked off the 18th green disappointed after three-putting for bogey. It wasn't until Annika informed Simin on her walk to the scoring tent that she realized she won.
“It means a lot to win this tournament,” Simin said. “Annika is going to hand me the trophy and she has accomplished so much, it's such an honor.”
Tied for second were Brown and Cangrejo with three-day totals of 5-over-par 221. Tied for fourth, with three-day totals of 6-over-par 222, were Cindy Feng and Beck.
Scotland's Sally Watson, the first round leader by two shots with a 70, finished joint 14th with a total of 228. After a second-round 84, the 17-year-old student at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, Bradenton, Florida was more like her old self with a closing round of two-over-par 74.

She had birdies at the first, 14th and 17th in halves of 38 (two over) and 36 (level).

Former Irish girls champion Stephanie Meadow, who is a student at the International Junior Golf Academy at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, finished joint 37th in the top quality field of 60 with scores of 81, 76 and 80.

The ANNIKA Foundation provides inspiration to children in need through critical financial, physical, and emotional support, and also helps aspiring junior golfers follow their dreams through scholarships, education, and new playing opportunities.
LEADING TOTALS

Par 216 (3x72). 6459yd.

220 Simin Feng 72 75 73.

221 Sarah Brown 77 72 72, Luz Alejandra Cangrejo (Colombie) 74 75 72.

222 Cindy Feng 72 74 76, Laetitia Beck (Israel) 75 73 74.

224 Victoria Tanco 78 75 71, Jessica Korda 78 73 73, Danielle Kang 76 75 73, Rachel Rohanna 72 78 74, Alexandra Stewart 80 70 74.

226 Kristina Wong 74 79 73, Grace Na 79 73 74, Maria Piccio 75 787 74.

228 Sally Watson (Scotland) 70 84 74, Ginger Howard 76 77 75, Kyndall Ardoin 77 74 77, Mariah Stackhouse 74 76 78, Annie Park 74 76 78.

Selected score:

237 Stephanie Meadow (Ireland) 81 76 80 (jt 37th).

Scottish amateur champion turned pro on January 17

A big thank-you to one and

all from Michele Thomson

Michele Thomson would like to thank the many well wishers for the support she received while playing in La Manga at the European Tour School Pre and Final qualifying.

While it was disappointing to miss out on a Top 30 place, Michele is pleased that she has secured her Tour Card and as a result she turned Professional on January 17, 2009 and aims to take her chances on the European Tour where it is thought entry to 18-20 tournaments can be achieved.

Over the next few months Michele aims to continue the hard work in the gym and practice areas in an effort to be in top condition for her first tournament and she also sees herself hard at work letter-writing in an effort to secure sponsorship and funding for a life on the tour.
Michele wanted to use Kirkwood.co.uk to thank everyone she came into contact with during her amateur career, namely the SLGA, GB&I, Aberdeenshire Ladies, McDonald Ellon Golf Club and more recently the Paul Lawrie Golf Foundation.

As for all the individuals who have supported her over the years, Michele says there are far too many to mention and therefore decided to list only her family who have encouraged her from the first day she picked up a golf club at the age of 13.
Michele goes on to say that she will miss representing Scotland at home and abroad as an amateur. She has fond memories of many tournaments but especially with the girls in Ireland which she still rates as one of the best teams she was lucky enough to play in.

She wishes Kevin Craggs, the SLGA and all the Scottish teams in 2009 the very best during the season and hopes to find time to attend some tournaments and offer her former team-mates some vocal support.
Wishing everyone well in 2009
Michele Thomson

Aberdeenshire golf clubs receive

support for clubgolf clubs

Two Aberdeenshire golf clubs planning to start clubgolf junior coaching programmes for local children this year have received a welcome boost from the Golf Foundation.
Aberdeen’s Bon Accord Golf Club and Inverallochy Golf Club near Fraserburgh are among the first in Scotland to benefit from a discretionary grant aid scheme to provide financial support to promote junior golf for golf clubs and facilities registered with clubgolf and delivering clubgolf programmes.
clubgolf is a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, the Professional Golfers' Association, The Golf Foundation and sportscotland which emerged from Scotland’s successful bid to host the Ryder Cup.
The grant scheme is being funded and administered by clubgolf partner, The Golf Foundation. Participating clubs/facilities may apply for up to 50% of the total cost of their initiative, up to a maximum grant of £500 (i.e. costs totaling £1,000).
The discretionary grants are supporting a nationwide surge of interest in junior golf through the clubgolf programme.
In 2008 clubgolf achieved the following:
· 1320 of Scotland’s 2217 primary schools delivered the introductory game ‘firstclubgolf’
· 33,600 Primary 5 children in Scotland played firstclubgolf at school
· 8,563 children took part in clubgolf coaching programmes at 233 local golf clubs and facilities
· 1137 qualified volunteer coaches delivered coaching in 2008
The popularity of the programme is mirrored locally in Aberdeenshire. Last year 128 primary schools in Aberdeenshire gave some 4500children an introduction to the game through clubgolf.
Forty of the region’s 54 golf clubs and facilities, 300 qualified volunteer coaches and PGA Pros, hosted clubgolf Stage 1 programmes for children who wanted to develop their golf.
“We are starting a clubgolf coaching programme this summer because we haven’t had any juniors at the club for about five years and the whole club wants juniors back,” said Bon Accord member, Ricky Dunn. The club is the city’s third municipal to join forces with clubgolf and is receiving a grant for £260.
“Our members are keen and dedicated to putting something back and starting a junior section. Four of them have come forwards to go on a Level 1 training programme with the PGA. So I’m hoping that the junior coaching will be a successful venture over the next few months.
“And because this is a new venture for us we are extremely grateful to the Golf Foundation for this grant, which will all go towards coaching for the juniors and, depending on what the juniors already have, to fund equipment.”
Inverallochy Golf Club near Fraserburgh will be putting forward three if its members to be trained as clubgolf coaches this spring.
“We are a small village club and it has always been in our interest to keep the youngsters in the village and surrounding area interested in golf,” said the club’s secretary, George Young.
“We have given our youngsters coaching on an individual basis in the summer for a number of years and we thought it best to come under the umbrella of clubgolf and have a structured coaching programme.
“The grant will help us with the coaching qualification for our three members and also help us buy golf equipment for them to teach the children with.
“Being a village club we encourage the youngsters to be a part of the club and we hold a 7 hole competition hole for the local primary school children. If there are youngsters interested in coming along for clubgolf coaching we welcome them with open arms.”
Golf clubs and facilities with clubgolf and delivering clubgolf programmes can apply for grant aid to support some or all of the following:
*Costs related to PGA training of volunteer coaches
*The purchase of clubgolf introductory game equipment or other practice equipment
*Appropriate payment to PGA professionals delivering clubgolf Stage 3 coaching
*Events designed to support the delivery of clubgolf programmes (i.e. open days, flag competitions)
*Justifiable development activity that will increase participation in clubgolf programmes
Applicants will be required to complete an application form which must be signed by two individuals, one of whom must be the Junior Convener or the recognised clubgolf Co-ordinator.
Forms are available from the clubgolf Administrator (01334 466493) or can be downloaded from www.clubgolfscotland.com
Rob Eyton-Jones
clubgolf Media Manager
t: 07775 746981
e: rob@eyton-jones.co.uk
Official clubgolf wesbite: www.clubgolfscotland.com

Shona Malcolm confirmed as SLGA

Chairman for three-year term

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY SLGA
At the Annual General Meeting at Dewars in Perth on Saturday, January 17, attended by 150 people, Shona Malcolm (Ayrshire) was confirmed as Chairman of the SLGA for a three-year term of office.
The appointment of a Chairman for three years marks an important stage in the SLGA's development which has, in recent years, seen the Association take on responsibility for handicapping, course rating and the running in Scotland of the former LGU medals, as well as the implementation of a change in business model from being an unincorporated association to a company limited by guarantee.
The new Chairman, pictured above, says: "I look forward to working with the SLGA at these exciting and challenging times for ladies' golf, and to meeting and consulting with many of the SLGA's members in the coming months and years."
The AGM also honoured Mrs Nancy Chisholm, a past President of the SLGA and past Chairman of the Ladies' Golf Union, who was elected as a Vice Presidentof the Association in recognition of her long standing contribution to ladies golf.
Mrs Fiona Cowan (Dunbartonshire & Argyll) took over as the West's representative on the Board and will serve as Chairman of the new Championship Committee.
Members of the Association, by an overwhelming majority, approved an increase in the per capita subscription from £13 to £14, to take effect from January 2010.
The Chairman updated the meeting on current progress with "One Plan for Golfin Scotland." In particular, she described how the SLGA and SGU, in partnership with the PGA and sportscotland, are working together for the benefit of the sport, and she highlighted a number of aspects of future plans.
After the meeting the SLGA Board met and appointed Mrs Janet Wake as Executive Director and Chairman of the Management Committee. Other appointments confirmed at that meeting are:
Chairman of the Performance Committee - Mrs Beth Paterson.
Chairman of the Selection Panel - Miss Liz Miskimmin.
Chairman of the Training Panel - Mrs Winifred MacCallum.
Chairman of the Development Panel - Mrs Sheila Pickles.
*The SLGA, founded in 1904 and incorporated in 2006, is the governing body for ladies' and girls' amateur golf in Scotland.
Dr Sheila E Hartley
Company Secretary
Scottish Ladies Golfing Association Limited
The Den
2 Dundee Road
Perth PH2 7DW
Tel: + 44 (0)1738 442357
Fax: +44 (0)1738 442380
Registered in Scotland No. 308709
Web: www.slga.co.uk

Sally has nightmare 84 to drop


out of Annika Invitational lead

Sally Watson plummeted from a two-shot lead after the first round to joint 20th with a nightmare second-day score of 12-over-par 84 in the Annika Sorenstam Invitational girls' tournament at Ginn Reunion Resort, Florida.
The 17-year-old Florida-based Curtis Cup Scot, originally from South Queensferry before the Watson family moved to Elie in Fife, lost all the sparkle she had in compiled a two-under-par 70 over the Tom Watson Course on Saturday.
The resident student at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, Bradenton in Florida had a morale-sapping start with a triple bogey 6 at the short third and a double bogey 6 at the fourth, followed by a bogey at the fifth to make it six shots shed over three holes.
Watson took 44 shots to reach the turn - eight more than in her first round - and 40 for the inward without a single bogey all day to cheer her up as she posted a 36-hole taly of 154.
This is only Sally's second tournament following a long lay-off after a major knee operation days after she was a member of the GB&I team in the Curtis Cup match against the United States over the Old Course, St Andrews last May.
Chinese-born Cindy Feng, who moved with her family to Orlando four years ago, leads with scores of 72 and 74 for 146. The 12-year-old, who has great record in American Junior Golf Association age-group events, was called into the invited field of 60 from around the world at the last minute when Denmark's Daisy Nelson was injured in practice.
Cindy did not even have time for a practice round although she knows the course very well, living only 30min away.
Her nearest challenger is Simin Feng, also Florida-based but not related, one shot behind on 147 with scores of 72 and 75.
Laetitia Beck from Israel is the leading European in third place with scores of 75 and 73 for 148.
This inaugural tournament ends today.

SECOND-ROUND TOTALS
Par 144 (2 x 72)
Players from US unless stated
146 Cindy Feng (China) 72 74.
147 Simin Feng 72 75.
148 Laetitia Beck (Israel) 75 73.
149 Sarah Brown 77 72, Luz Alejandra Cangrejo (Colombia) 74 75.
150 Alexandra Stewart 74 76, Annie Park 74 76, Rachel Rohanna 72 78.
151 Jessica Korda 78 73, Kyndall Ardoin 77 74, Danielle Kang 76 75.
Selected score:
154 Sally Watson (Scotland) 70 84 (jt 20th).

Johanna wins $2,000 top prize in

SunCoast Ladies Series opener

Johanna (Head) Mundy from Ascot but based in Orlando, Florida has won the first SunCoast Ladies Series tournament of 2009 at Diamondback Golf Club, Haines City, Florida.
Johanna, who married Ian Poulter's caddyy Terry Mundy in 2005, had rounds of 72, 74 and 67 for a three-under-par total of 213.
That headed a field of 16 - two of whom were amateurs - and won 35-year-old Johanna the top prize of $2,000.
Taylor Leon from Texas was runner-up with scores of 72, 72 and 71 for 215. She earned $1,000.
Third on 217 was Kristin Tamulis from Florida with rounds of 72, 71 and 74 to earn $750.
It's not cheap to play on the SunCoast Ladies Tour - $175 to register and $450 dollars entry fee to each tournament.
There's another event coming up this week. We'll keep you posted on how it works out.

Frost in Florida delays second

round of Annika Sorenstam

Invitational

So you think the weather's bad in Britain ... what about Florida where, they tell us, summer spends the winter?
The second round of the Annika Invitational, in which Sally Watson from South Queensferry led by two strokes at the end of Day 1, has been delayed until 9.30am local time "as temperatures dipped below freezing at sunrise, creating a blanket of frost over the Watson Course at Ginn Reunion Resort. All players' tee times will be delayed by 90 minutes."
Cancel that Florida holiday booking!

The new SLGA Board. Back row (left to right): Gillian Kirkwood, Beth Paterson, Helen Cuthbertson. 2nd back row: Fiona Cowan, Liz Miskimmin, Sheila Pickles. 2nd front row: Lynne Terry, Winifred McCallum. front row: Janet Wake (executive director), Shona Malcolm (chairman), Ethel Jack (president). Missing from the picture is: Jenny McGahan (SLGA representative on LGU).

Report of SLGA annual general meeting

Over 150 people attended the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association Ltd. Annual General Meeting at the Dewar’s Centre in Perth on Saturday.

The deaths of two SLGA Vice-Presidents, Miss K. Clark and Mrs T. Moffat, were acknowledged by the audience with a minute’s silence.

The out-going Chairman, Mrs Patricia Wilson, gave a full and informative account of the 2008 season. The Finance Director, Dr Lynne Terry, expertly explained the accounts and Mrs Gillian Kirkwood informed the audience of the Ladies Golf Union activities over the last year.

Mrs Nancy Chisholm, a past President of SLGA and past Chairman of the LGU, was elected as a Vice-President of the Association.

Mrs Pamela Mackenzie retired from the Board and Mrs Fiona Cowan was elected in her place.

Two small changes to the LGU constitution regarding the appointment of representatives to the LGU Council were approved.

Approval was also given for the increase in the per capita subscription from £13 to £14 per annum from January 1, 2010.

Changes to the board structure of SLGA Ltd were initiated at this meeting, and Miss Shona Malcolm, a past Honorary Treasurer of the Association, was appointed as Chairman for a three year term of office.

Miss Malcolm explained to the audience the current progress with One Plan for Golf and the Scottish Golf Development initiative. In particular she described the relationship between the SLGA and SGU, and our joint plans for the future.

After the meeting the SLGA Board met and appointed Mrs Janet Wake as Executive Director and Chairman of the Management Committee.

The Management Committee comprises Mrs Janet Wake, Dr Lynne Terry (Finance Director), Dr Sheila Hartley (Company Secretary), Miss Shona Malcolm (Chairman, SLGA Ltd) and Mrs Helen Cuthbertson (Board representative).

Mrs Fiona Cowan was appointed Chairman of the Championship Committee, whose membership includes the Tournament Officer, Mrs Fiona Farquharson, Mrs Janet Brown (Rules) and representatives from the four divisions.

Mrs Beth Paterson was appointed Chairman of the Performance Committee. The Performance Committee is made up of three panels, viz. Selection, chaired by Miss Liz Miskimmin, Training, chaired by Mrs Winifred McCallum, and Development, Chaired by Mrs Sheila Pickles.

Apologies for website down-time

You turn your back for a minute and everything goes pear-shaped!

Abject apologies for the disruption to your enjoyment of kirkwoodgolf.co.uk, and your patience is requested as I try to piece it all together again.

Gill

Great Scot! Sally Watson leads

field in Annika Invitational

FROM THE ANNIKA INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT WEBSITE
(with additional words by Colin Farquharson)
Most players will tell you that they are playing against the course - not their fellow players. That being the case, the score following Saturday's first round is: Sally Watson 1, Tom Watson Course 0 - after Sally was the only player to beat par in the first round of play, shooting a two-under-par 70 at the Ginn Reunion Resort, Florida.
After parring her way through the front nine, she found her groove on the back, making four birdies to get to rour-under-par. The course, designed by multi-major tournament winner Tom Watson, connected on a couple of late punches, however, as Sally bogeyed holes 16 and 17, before closing out with a par.
From South Queensferry, Edinburgh but now a David Leadbetter Golf Academy student bound for Stanford Univesity, California in the autumn, 17-year-old Sally Watson compiled a 3-2 record as a member of the GB&I team at last year's Curtis Cup match over the Old Course, St Andrews. Among her career highlights is making the cut at the 2007 Women's British Open, reaching the final of the British girls' championship in 2006 and winning the Scottish girls' match-play championship 2005.
FIRST ROUND SCOREBOARD
Par 72
Players from US unless stated
70 Sally Watson (Sco) 36-34.
72 Cindy Feng 36-36, Rachel Rohanna 35-37, Simin Feng 36-36.
74 Kristina Wong 36-38, Luz Alejandra Cangrejo 40-34, Mariah Stackhouse 37-37, Annie Park 36-38.
Selected scores
75 Laetitia Beck (Israel) 37-38.
76 Madison Pressel 38-38.
79 Emilie Alonso (Fra) 41-38.
81 Stephanie Meadow (NIr) 36-45.