Thursday, November 08, 2012

WEST VETS 2012 AGM --- SUCCESS SUCESS FOR THE WEST

Fiona, Anna and Marion - Past , Present and Future West Vets' Captains
The 2012 SLVGA AGM was held today at Cowglen Golf Club.
The meeting opened with a Welcome to all members by Captain Fiona Roger and Secretary Morag Key reading out the apologies for absence. 

SECRETARY'S REPORT --- MORAG KEY


Morag Key The West Vets Secretary reported that membership currently stood at 166 (there having been 14 resignations prior to the AGM).  There are 46 ladies on the waiting list.
The Fixtures for 2013 are as follows:-
Spring Meeting         -  Monday 15th April 2013 at Prestwick St. Cuthberts
Summer Meeting     -  Thursday 23rd May 2013 at Drumpellier Golf Club
Autumn Meeting      -  Friday 6th September 2013 at Buchanan Castle Golf Club

All Meetings will be pre-balloted.

Matches:-
Midlands –v - West Singles - Monday 3rd June 2013 at Dunblane Golf Club
East –v - West Singles - Tuesday 27th August 2013 at Gullane No. 2
West –v - East Foursomes -  Tuesday 13th August 2013 at Troon Portland

Championship:-
Renfrew Golf Club -           Thursday 30th May 2013 – Morning and Afternoon 
-  Friday 31st May 2013  -  Morning and Afternoon

Treasurer Sheila Shaw then gave her report and opened by saying --- Once again I am indebted to Jan McNab of Ranfurly Castle Golf Club for auditing your Account.

My thanks also go to Helen Burnett for taking charge of the  Sweaters this year.  Thanks also to Anna for her assistance at the table this afternoon. 
This was then followed by a very in-depth review of the West Vets finances

CAPTAIN'S REPORT - FIONA ROGER 

 Before I start my report, I would like to make reference to the death two ladies who were very much part of Scottish Senior and vets Golf. Ethel Jack, a member of Gullane Golf Club who died in May. A Past President of the SLGA, a born leader and organiser. Captain and often later, President of numerous Clubs and Teams. Latterly very involved with Scottish Seniors and Vets. Her sense of fun was infectious and she will be very sadly missed in ladies golf in Scotland and further afield. Those of us who knew her, spent many happy times in her company.

 The other was the untimely death early this year of Moira Thomson (Gullane Golf Club). Moira won the Scottish Girls Championship in 1968, played county golf for Midlothian and was a stalwart of the East Lothian County team. She very much came into her own on reaching the age for seniors golf. A regular Scottish Senior International player who gained the respect of her international colleagues, as a strong match player. Several of us here enjoyed time spent with her at senior events and I know that she will be missed by all her friends at Gullane.

 The West Division was well represented at both the funerals in Edinburgh. They say two things about time flying – one is when you are getting older, the other is when you are enjoying yourself.
 I am now a year older than at the last AGM, which seems only like yesterday, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my second year as your Captain.
 I would first of all like to say how lucky I have been to have worked with a very efficient and helpful committee during my 2 years in office who have backed me all the way and I would like to thank each and everyone of them for their time and effort throughout, and for the fun we have enjoyed together as a committee.

 Outwith the committee I have to mention Carol Fell who is the West Vets website’s ‘guardian angel’. Thank you Carol for everything you do on our behalf. We can never thank you enough.

 We are still maintaining a full membership of 180 and still have a very long waiting list which we hope we can reduce before the people at the bottom of this list give up waiting. It is perhaps a tribute to the Vet’s Association that so many people would like to be part of it. It does seem to have ‘a feel good’ factor about it and long may that continue.
 I remember well saying last season in my report ‘the season has not produced a whole lot of summer weather’ I am trying not to repeat what I said last year, but sadly ‘the season has not produced a whole lot of summer weather!!’

 We had over 100 entrants for the Spring Meeting held at Ralston in April, and had to ballot out 12 ladies. 25 then called off and we ended up with 74 ladies playing in windy, cold, but mainly dry conditions. The scores reflected the conditions with the CSS up be 3 (reduction only) and only 2 ladies below the CSS for the day. Alison Gemmill (Kilmarnock Barassie) with a nett 70 off a handicap of 3 and Pat Hutton (Lanark) a nett 73 off a handicap of 6. The Division 2 winner was Anna MacDougall (Old Ranfurly) and the Super Vet was Elizabeth Fazzi (Haggs Castle).

 The Summer Meeting and qualifier for the West Vets Championship was played at Kilmacolm in very hot and humid conditions, many taking part, glad to reach the 19th! Putting caused many a problem and probably was the cause of the CSS to up by 2. ------ 76 ladies played. Linda MacDougall (Greenock) won the Heather Anderson Trophy for the best scratch score of 79 by virtue of a better inward half from Jane Finnie (Troon Ladies) and Alison Gemmill (Kilmarnock Barassie) also with 79s.
Jane Finnie had the consolation of winning the Silver Division with a net 73 and the Bronze Division winner was Janet Dow (Douglas Park) with a net 77 and the Super Vet winner was Moira Cameron (Troon Ladies) with a net 75.

 We headed to Hilton Park, Allander course for the Autumn Meeting where we had fine and dry overhead conditions but the course proved very long and the SSS of 69 proved a tall order for most. 55 ladies played, the CSS went up by 3 and the competition was reduction only. The Scratch was won by Anna Telfer (Milngavie) with a 78 and the May Craddock Trophy for the best net score was also won by Anna with a 78 less 6 – 72. The Division 2 winner was Pat Robertson (Caldwell) with a net 81 and the Super Vet winner Marjorie Walker (Haggs Castle) net 80.

THANK YOU ALL FOR SUPORTING OUR COMPETITIONS THROUGHTOUT THE SEASON

 Matches: 
This year’s 3 matches were played, as usual in a very competitive, but as always friendly manner. Everyone who participated enjoyed the golf and as always there is plenty of laughter and chat during the après golf. Thank you to all those who found time to play, and I hope they all enjoyed their day.

 I am pleased to report that we managed to wrestle the Elise Duncan Trophy from the East this year. A scratch singles for low handicappers played this year at Troon, in glorious weather the West pulled off the narrowest of wins – 5-4.

 A 3.5/3.5 draw with Midlands at Ranfurly Castle allowed us to retain the Mid West Trophy which we won last year at Alloa. This match is scratch singles for 10+handicaps.
 The scratch foursomes for handicaps 10+ against the East played at Gullane for The Friendship Trophy was won by the West 3-2.
 Can I thank all those who took part in the matches and say well done to them all for making sure that all three trophies have found their way to this table!!
 Low singles at Troon: Suzanne Cadden, Helen Faulds, Jane Finnie, Alex Glennie, May Hughes, Pat Hutton, Jennifer Mack, Janice Paterson and Anne Robinson 10+
Handicap Singles match at Ranfurly Castle:  Anne Aitken, Maureen Cook, Carol Fell, Sandra Gilchrist, Cathy Morton, Rena Simpson and Enid Young
Foursomes at Gullane: Anne Aitken Sandra Gilchrist, June Irons, Annabel Kane, Morag Key, Karen Maxwell, Anita McMillan and Marion Stewart.
May I minute my thanks to all those who organised the matches, and thank the clubs in the West, who kindly gave us the courtesy of the courses.

The Divisional Championship: After probably the one very hot week of the summer, the 2012 Divisional Championship took place at Renfrew Golf Club in slightly cooler conditions. No sunshine, but no wind either and only a few drops of rain. The 8 best scratch scores from the Summer Meeting went forward to the match play stages and the best 4 scratch scores in the Bronze Division contested the Bronze Championship. We again appreciated Renfrew allowing us the courtesy of the course – 10 tee times in all, over two days. A challenging course and good to have a second year with very little wind.
Congratulations to all who qualified for the match play stages. Lorraine Campbell, Janice Paterson, May Hughes and Alex Glennie won through to the semi finals at the expense of Linda MacDougall, Sheena McDonald, Janette McCartney and Alison Gemmill.
The semi finals were played in the afternoon. Lorraine beat Janice at the 19th hole and May beat Alex 1up. Two very closely contested matches.
The final was played on day 2 between Lorraine and May and after a hard fought game May was the worthy winner of the Divisional Championship and would represent the West at Blairgowrie in September, to play in the Scottish Vets Championship.
The Bronze finalists were Moira Hogg and Anna MacDougall after both recorded wins against Maimie Robin and Maureen Rennie and Moira went on to be a very worthy winner of the Bronze Championship.

 As I did last year at the AGM I would like to say what an honour it is as Captain to know that so many West Division members are committed to so many areas of golf – administration, captaincy, team members, club Champions and participants in so many competitions not only in this country but abroad.

Fiona Cowan: ------ SLGA Committee
Sally Coster: ------- President of the Scottish
Vets Helen Faulds -------- Scottish Seniors Team Captain and Captain of the Scottish Vets. --
Helen had a busy year – She captained the Scottish Senior team in Ireland at the Mary McKenna Trophy match, followed by captaining the Vets team at the Annual Jamboree hosted by Scotland at the Hirsel. Helen captained the Scottish Senior team to the European team championships in Switzerland, being narrowly beaten in the final of the B flight and lastly captained the Scottish Senior team at the Home Internationals at Elie in October, when Ireland won for the first time.
Helen needs to hibernate for the winter!!
Team members – Mary McKenna Trophy – Scotland v Ireland – May Hughes Reserve: Alex Glennie Vets Jamboree - Team members – Alex Glennie and Janice Paterson Reserve May Hughes European Team Championships – Team member – Alex Glennie
Senior Home Internationals – Team member – May Hughes

15 West Division vets took part in the Scottish Seniors at Kemnay in July.
There were 82 competed altogether. Alex Glennie was second in the Stroke play championship and 4 west vets qualified for the match play stages.
Helen and Anna lost in the first round, Alex lost in the quarter final and Janice Paterson reached the final which was a wonderful effort, playing well throughout.
Unfortunately she was beaten in the final by Heather Anderson from Blairgowrie who was playing in her 4th successive final. -- Well done Janice.
Helen Faulds won the over 60s scratch award and Lorraine Campbell, Sheena MacDonald and Karen Maxwell all qualified for the second flight match play.
Janice played in the Italian Seniors and Janice, Jennifer Mack and Helen Faulds played in the Irish Seniors, Jennifer and Helen qualifying for the final day.
Suzanne Cadden,  Jennifer and Helen played in the Spanish Seniors at La Manga

Anna Telfer led Milngavie to their forth consecutive Greenlees Trophy win.
May Hughes won the Lanarkshire County Championship.
Maureen Woodhead is County Captain of Renfrewshire, Jean Irvine, Secretary of Renfrewshire County and Janette McCartney, convenor of junior golf.
I know there must be many West Vets involved in Club and county administration and I know that at least 7 are club champions.

 Helen Faulds is, for the second time, a triple Club Champion – Douglas Park, Elie and Bearsden.



WELL DONE TO EVERYONE. A WONDERFUL PARTICIPATING NUMBER OF WEST VETS. FOR THOSE I HAVE FAILED TO RECOGNISE IN MY LIST OF HONOURS PLEASE FORGIVE ME.

 SCOTTISH VETS REPORT --- MAY HUGHES

Hilton Temple Patrick in Belfast was the venue for the annual match with the Irish Seniors.

Unlike Craigielaw in 2011 the temperature in Belfast was a touch on the cold side with the first day foursomes being slightly delayed to allow the frost to disappear from the greens.
The sun however did come out and the battle commenced.
Our team of Elaine Allison, Heather Anderson, Karen Ballantyne, Lorna Bennett, Alison Bartlett, May Hughes, Mary Smith and Linda Urquhart were up for the fight and secured a nice friendly start with 2 matches a piece.

The Scots were in buoyant mood at the evening dinner and matched the entertaining stories told by our Irish hosts. Our star being - the president Jean Thomas with a very funny tale about the balloon family. It was rather long winded – so I don’t have the time to recite it
One up to the Scots – for story telling.
We also took the time to remember absent friends – Moria Thomson participated in this annual match on many occasions and her presence was indeed missed.
After enjoying a first class meal the draw for the Monday singles was made from a beer mug and everyone was ready to secure their point on the board. Unfortunately however despite the cold weather the Irish proved to be bit too hot handle on this occasion winning all but one of the eight singles. 
Most matches did however go beyond the 16th but our host’s ability to close out the games proved decisive.

We look forward however to wrestling the cup back at West Kilbride in the spring of 2013 when I hope the Scots will turn the result around.

REPORT FROM THE MILLER STERLING TROPHY FROM THE HIRSEL 
BY ALEX GLENNIE

The Vets Jamboree took place at Hirsel Golf Club in the Borders 7-9 August.

Team Captain Helen Faulds, who has been a great capatain at all events.
Lorna Bennett, Fiona DeVries, Alison Bartlet, Janice Patterson, Heather Anderson, Linda Urquart
Infact we were surprised it was played at all the weather on the Sunday we travelled over was worse than awful. 
The town of Jedburgh was flooded on the Sunday and many surrounding roads were closed. However by hook or by crook and I presume plenty of hard work the course was open but very wet for the practice rounds on Monday. The opening ceremony was going to be out then in then out. Eventually it was outside.  One lady took a tumble getting out to the flags, it then started raining and there was a scramble for brollies. The poor juniors at the flags were soaked, but did not complain.

As everyone will have followed the results on the West Vet's WebSite I will not go into individual results;
Day 1 we played the North
Foursomes we last 2/1 and the singles 5/1
Midlands v the South  Half
Day 2
We played the South
Foursomes lost 2& half a half and the singles 3.5 to 2.5
England north beat England midland 6/3
Day 3
We played the midlands
Foursomes lost 2/1 and singles 4/2
North beat south 5.5 to 3.5.

Miller Sterling Salver: North
Tony Moffat Quaich: South
Scotland last.

The course gradually dried out over the 3 days. There was one hole a par three with carry over water proved very testing for most. It was about 160 yard carry. The spotters worked overtime.

Grateful to all the ladies who came over to support.

Borders Vets and the club were amazing we all got spoilt rotten,
The Vets gave us home made sweets and all competitors a silver necklace with captains getting quakes.
Although a small club they could not have been more helpful and accommodating. The lady captain was at the club before us and left after us.

Next year at Fleet in Hampshire, Justin Roses old course so hopefully the team can do better.



BLAIRGOWRIE REPORT -- BY FIONA ROGER

The Scottish Vets meeting at Blairgowrie was as popular as ever this year with 135 Vets competing in the annual competitions.
 May Hughes represented the West in the Scottish Vets Championship.  This Championship features the divisional winners from West, East, Borders, Highlands, Midland, Galloway, Dumfries and North in a knockout competition and we are delighted that May, our West Champion, beat Ruth Brown from the East to become the Scottish Vets Champion for 2012.  

20 ladies from the West participated over 2 days of competition. Medal round on day 1 and Greensomes on day 2.  We had a very successful medal day.  Anna Telfer was second, beaten by a better inward half and Fiona Roger was third.  Anna also won the Lyon picture for the best scratch score and Fiona won the Buchanan Cup for the best net score in the higher, but not highest, age group!!  
Carol Fell won the Small Cup for a 5 Club competition over the 9 hole course with Anna runner up.  West also shared the Lyon Trophy with Midlands for the Division with the best 3 nett scores.
Emma Wilson and Alison Houston from the Midlands won the Beddows Quaichs Greensomes the following day. 
Anna and I attended the SVLGA Committee Meeting on the Sunday and then we all attended the AGM and prize giving held in the Clubhouse on Monday.  
Scottish Vets Captain Helen gave an excellent report at the AGM.  She gave the full review of the Scottish Vets Jamboree from the Hirsel Golf Club and also the match with the Irish Seniors at Hilton Templepatrick.
 West Vet Sally Coster was appointed as the new Scottish Vets President and we wish her well in her term of office.  May Hughes gave the vote of thanks.

On completion of all the reports Fiona welcomed Anna Telfer as the new West Vets Captain 

ANNA TELFER

It seems no time at all that I accepted the post of Vice Captain and I can scarcely believe that 2 years has passed so quickly. However, I am extremely proud to become Captain of the West Vets and I just hope that I can maintain the high standards of my predecessors.

Fiona, you have completed your term of office and can step down in the sure knowledge that you have done a grand job. You have put a lot of time and effort into ensuring that our Association runs smoothly and efficiently, and NOTHING is ever too much trouble for you. 
You are a great “people person” and you seem to know absolutely everyone – not only in our Division, but also all over Scotland. And everyone greets you with a smile on their face and is pleased to see you. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you and also to play golf with you.  
I am delighted that you remain on Committee for one more year so you will be available for help and advice if required.

ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS
I would like to propose Marion Stewart as my Vice Captain MARION STEWART may I have a Seconder?
Marion, like myself, went to Dunf. and trained as a PE Teacher. 
After teaching in Edinburgh for a while she went off to Australia for 2 years and while she was there she played hockey for South Australia. On her return to Scotland, she lived in Cardross for a while, had a brief spell in Lytham and finally settled in Kilmacolm with her late husband who was a teaching Pro.   Marion started playing golf at the age of 4 in Blairgowrie, where she grew up, so she has a head start on most of us. She is well known to many of you, whether through her Club, Renfrewshire County or the Greenlees and I am sure she will be a great asset to the West Division. I look forward to working with her over the next 2 years.

Moving on to the remaining Office Bearers.............

PAST CAPTAIN – Fiona remains on committee for one year.
SECRETARY – Morag Key has agreed to serve a second year 
TREASURER  -  Sheila Shaw has also agreed to serve one final year

Sheila has already served for 4 years and I am very grateful that she has agreed to stay on for yet one more, in my first year of Captaincy. 
If there is anyone who feels they could take up the post of Treasurer next year, PLEASE don’t hesitate to let me know. I’m sure Sheila would be willing to show you what is involved.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS 
Helen Burnet has one more year to serve
Dorothy Horsfield was co-opted onto committee when Morag became our new secretary and will retire in 2014

AOCB
May I start by telling you about some of the Committee’s proposals for the coming year.
This year, there will be 16 qualifiers for the Championship. We now have at least 30 single-figure golfers as members and so by extending the numbers to 16 it should make for a more competitive Championship.
And on the other hand, it is becoming more and more difficult to persuade ladies in the Bronze section to even enter, and this year we had trouble finding 4 ladies willing to play. For that reason, this year their 1st round will be arranged and played on their own courses but the final will still be staged at Renfrew GC along with the other final. This will be for a one year trial period and we will assess its success and popularity after that.

COMPETITIONS  -  We are extremely lucky in the West, that we manage to obtain courtesy of the courses for most of our competitions. I know for a fact that the majority of the other Divisions are not so lucky and that they DO have to pay a fee for their meetings. Our secretary, Morag, spent a great deal of time and effort, contacting numerous Clubs for the fixture card next season and I think she has done a great job in obtaining 3 good courses. 
However............. Buchanan Castle ARE charging a fee of £5 per player. Personally, I still think it is a great deal. D&A were there last month and we were charged  £10. 
If you were to roll up for a game tomorrow it would cost you over £30.  I fear that the days of free golf may be drawing to a close and that in these hard economic times, we may find that all Clubs start to demand some level of payment. But, as I say, still a great deal and I sincerely hope that you will all support the Autumn Meeting and encourage your friends to do likewise.
It is hoped that next season, we will operate an online entry system.

All the Counties have converted to this and it will also save us – and YOU - a good amount on postage. The Autumn Meeting will probably have to remain a postal entry because of course we will need to have your money prior to playing!!
My sincere and continuing thanks to Carol who will be master-minding this innovation, ably supported by Morag and her glamorous assistant (her husband!!!!)  I will be happy to provide any refreshments during the work!
On this same subject, it is vital that we have up to date e mail addresses for everyone. Please could you let Morag have your details if you have changed or acquired a new address.

There was then no business from the floor and Wendy Cameron - Honorary President  was invited to present the prizes

After the presentation of prizes Anna closed the AGM and announced that the  2013 AGM would  take place a week later – Thursday, November 14th at Cowglen GC.

She then thanked everyone for attending and wished everyone a good winter and may the sun shine on you all in 2013.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS -- THEN ON SLIDESHOW

Saturday, November 03, 2012

SVLGA (West Division) AGM

Here we are already in November and the Golf Season well and truly over for 2012.  I hope that many of you will be able to attend the AGM on Thursday 2pm at  Cowglen Golf Club and look forward to seeing you there.  My two years as your Captain have gone by very quickly and I know that the West Vets will be in very experienced hands when I pass on the Captaincy to Anna on Thursday.

You will, I hope all have been able to print of last year's minutes from the West Vets's website which Carol put there, on 17th October or on the RHS of this website.
Click the following link for the  Agenda for next week's meeting and hopefully you will be able to print it off. There will be a few extra copies at the meeting.

Fiona Roger (Captain)


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

FIONA SENDS HER BEST WISHES TO ALL FROM SOUTH AFRICA

 Fiona Roger your West Vets Captain sends her best wishes to you all from South Africa and sent this lovely photograph. She is having a terrific time and looks  forward to seeing you all at the AGM at Cowglen Golf Club on Thursday November 8th at 2pm. 

The Annual Subscription for 2013 of £18 may be paid then.  

Alternatively, cheques made out to SVLGA(West) may be sent to the Treasurer, Mrs. Sheila Shaw, 5 McMillan Crescent, Beith KA15 1BP.

The Minutes of the 2011 AGM are on the West Vets website.  CLICK HERE  to read them.


A few copies will be available at the Meeting.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.



Wednesday, October 10, 2012

PURPLE HEATHER RAISES £551 FOR BREAKTHROUGH BREAST CANCER

Emma Wilson with her cheque for Breakthough Breast Cancer 

Past SLGA President Emma Wilson who was caddying at the Senior Home Internationals at Elie Golf Club was delighted to have raised £551 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer by creating and receiving donations for her heather sprays. 

She says "Thank you all very much. I know that Breakthrough Breast Cancer will be delighted especially as October is breast cancer month to go PINK."

Well we went Purple instead.

The Scottish Team were  delighted for Emma and her efforts towards Breakthrough Breast Cancer and said  - "What a super amount you have raised, and just a tremendous reward for all your long hours creating the heather sprays and for encouraging all the purple support at Elie..  How good was it to see so many with their purple heather! "


All the Ladies of Elie & Earlsferry  were so friendly and indeed the men we came across the same, and just made us feel so welcome.. So I'm sure everybody would go home remembering Elie as a wonderful venue, and a great golf course as well.
Thanks again and well done to you!

The Elie ladies were also full of praise of everyone and they just thought that hosting the event was fantastic.

Over and above the £551 raised, Emma has also now raised £6,922 for Breakthough Breast Cancer  with her pink sock campaign !!

Sunday, October 07, 2012

SOME PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO'S FROM ELIE AT THE SENIOR HOME INTERNATIONALS


Ireland - 2012 Senior home International Champions
Here are some  photoalbums from the Senior Home International at Elie  --- CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINKS

Scottish Seniors Home Internationals Teams and Welcoming Reception Party

Scotland v Wales - Day 1

 Scotland v England - Day 2

Scotland v Ireland - Day 3

2012 Scottish Seniors Home International Presentation and Dinner



THERE ARE 11 VIDEOS FROM THE CLOSING CEREMONY AND DINNER. --TO MOVE THROUGH THEN CLICK ON THE NEXT ARROW ON THE BOTTOM WHEN YOU ARE PLAYING THE VIDEO. -- NEXT TO THE PAUSE BUTTON 

Alternatively CLICK HERE to go to the playlist

  

Friday, October 05, 2012

SCOTLAND LOSE TO IRELAND ON DAY 3 AND IRELAND ARE THE CHAMPIONS

Ireland -- Senior champions
By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Colin@scottishgolfview.com 
Scotland slumped to their heaviest ever 7-1 defeat at the hands of Ireland as the team from the Emerald Isle romped to their first ever title in the Senior Women's Home Internationals at Elie today.
Ireland were the pre-tournament favourites for the title on the strength of their bronze medals performance in the European senior womens championships in Switzerland several weeks ago. And they lived up to their star billing.
They were almost in a different league from defending champions England (beat them 6-2), Wales (beat them 5-3) and Scotland (beat them 7-1) with Ireland's Carol Wickham, the MVP of the tournament. She was the only player from any country to end up with six wins out of six.
Scotland, a little bit unlucky to go down heavily to England on Wednesday, had no such excuses in crashing 5-0 in the singles against the rampant Irish.
Scotland's top player over the three days was Fifer Lorna Bennett (Ladybank) with 3pt out of a possible six.

 DAY 3 RESULTS AT ELIE

WALES 2, ENGLAND 6
Foursomes - A Lewis and V Thomas lost to J Melville and F Christine 1 hole, O Davies and P Fernon lost to C Quinn and C Berry 4 and 3, J Rees and D Richards bt B Laird and R Adams 1 hole (1-2)
Singles - Lewis lost to Quinn 3 and 2, Rees bt Melville 4 and 2, C Harries lost to A Mayne 1 hole, Thomas lost to Christine 4 and 2, Richards lost to Berry 3 and 2 (1-4)

SCOTLAND 1, IRELAND 7
Foursomes - M Smith and A Ryan lost to H Jones and P Doran 1 hole, H Anderson and M Hughes lost to S McElroy and C Wickham 7 and 6, L Bennett and A Bartlett bt S Corcoran and K Evans 4 and 3 (1-2)
Singles - Bartlett lost to McElroy 7 and 6, Smith lost to Wickham 3 and 2, Bennett lost to Corcoran 5 and 3, F De Vries lost to Jones 1 hole, Ryan lost to Doran 3 and 2 (0-5)


HOW THEY FINISHED
Ireland 3 points
England 2 
points
Scotland 1point
Wales 0 points.


Thursday, October 04, 2012

IRELAND ON COURSE TO WIN THE SENIOR HOME INTERNATIONALS AT ELIE

Helen Jones and Pat Jones - Morning Winners
Ireland are still on course to win the Senior Home Internationals for the first time with a 100 per cent record through the three days at Elie. But they had to come from behind to take a 2-1 foursomes lead over Scotland.
England led Wales 2-1 at lunchtime in the other match.
Sheena McElroy and Carol Wickham put the first point on the board for the Irish with a 7 and 6 win over Heather Anderson and May Hughes. The Irish pair won the first hole but it was their great run from the fourth to the ninth, during which they won five of the six holes, that proved decisive.
The Scots did not win a hole. They went seven down on the 11th and a half at the next hole ended the lopsided contest.
Scotland levelled it at 1-1 when Lorna Bennett and Alison Bartlett beat Suzanne Corcoran and Kate Evans by 4 and 3. The Scots lost the second but then won the third, fourth, seventh and eighth to be three up. Corcoran and Evans won back the ninth to be two down at the turn.
After four halved holes in succession, Scotland suddenly had the match won with back-to-back gains at the 14th and 15th.
Scotland's sisters, Mary Smith and Anne Ryan, looked set to give their side the lunchtime lead when they won the 11th with a par 3 to be three up on the Irish stalwart pair of Helen Jones and Pat Doran. But the latter snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a great inward half during which they won the 14th and 15th and then the par-5 17th with an eagle 3, thanks to a huge putt from Doran.
Down the last, the Irish recovery carried them to victory with Smith and Ryan taking three putts to get down from the "Valley of Sin" in front of the 18th green for a bogey 5 while while Jone and Doran two-putted from the back of the green for a winning par 4.

Wednesday, October 03, 2012

SCOTLAND LOSE TO ENGLAND ON DAY 2

SCOTS WERE NOT HAMMERED BY THE ENGLISH. DESPITE THE SCORELINE
Thanks go go Colin Farquharson for the report

Ireland, 5-3 winners over Wales today (Wed), are the only team with a 100 % record going into the final day of the Senior Home International matches at Elie and Earlsferry Fife. Only Scotland, beaten 6 1/2-1 1/2 by England, stand between the Irish and a first ever seven-a-side title.
Even a draw against the mercurial Scots would be enough to clinch the over-50s title for Ireland who won the bronze medal in the recent European senior women's championships in Switzerland.
Ireland made a 3-0 clean sweep of the foursomes for the second day in a row but the fighting Welsh took them down a peg by winning the singles 3-2.
The England v Scotland match was closer than the final scoreline of 6 1/2-1 1/2 in favour of the English would suggest.
Scotland won the first foursome and were ahead in the other two but went in at lunchtime trailing 2-1. Of the five singles, three went to the 18th green and the two others ended at the 17th.
Chris Quinn put England ahead 3-1 by beating Alison Bartlett 2 and 1 in the lead-off singles. Bartlett had the better of the outward half and was two up three times within the first eight holes. But Quinn won the ninth, 12th and 13th to lead for the first time.
Five of the last six holes were halved but Quinn went to up at the 16th.
Caroline Berry ensured that England could not be beaten by delivering the fourth point, courtesy of a 2 and 1 win over Lorna Bennett. Betty was three up after five holes and though Bennett got her deficit back to one hole after eighth she could down get the gains after that. Nine of the last 10 holes were halved with Berry going two up by winning the 13th.
Scotland's Heather Anderson was three up after six holes, having won three in a row from the fourth, against Barbara Laird who fell four down when she lost the eighth. That was the high point for Anderson. Laird won the ninth, 14th, 15th and 16th to square the match and the last two holes were halved.
Felicity Christine beat Fiona De Vries by one hole in a match of two halves. Christine won five holes in a row from the third and was five up after 10. Then De Vries took over the driving seat. She won the 11th, 12th, 14th and 15th to be one down with three to play.
Christine held the rallying Scot at bay by halving the lat three holes.
Rozalyn Adams beat Mary Smith by two holes after leading for the first time at the 17th and also winning the 18th. Smith had been two up after two and still two up after seven but Adams finished the stronger.


IRELAND 5, WALES 3
Foursomes - H Jones and P Doran bt A Lewis and V Thomas 3 and 2, S McElroy and C Wickham bt C Harries and P. Fernon 7 an d6, S Corcoran and G McMullen bt J Rees and D Richards 1 hole (3-0)
Singles - McElory lost to Lewis 2 and 1, Wickham bt O Davies 4 and 3, Jones lost to Rees 5 and 4, K Evans lost to Thomas 2 and 1, Doran bt Richards 2 and 1 (2-3).

SCOTLAND 1 1/2, ENGLAND 6 1/2
Foursomes - L Bennett and F De Vries bt C Quinn and A Mayne 5 and 4, M Smith and A Ryan lost to R Adams and B Laird 1 hole, H Anderson and A Bartlett lost to J Melville and F Christine 2 holes (1-2)
Singles - Bartlett lost to1/2 Quinn 2 and 1, Bennett lost to C Berry 2 and 1, De Vries lost to Christine 1 hole, Anderson halved with Laird, Smith lost to Adams 2 holes (1/2-4 1/2)
HOW THEY STAND
Ireland 2 pt, Scotland 1pt, England 1pt, Wales 0.
FINAL THURSDAY MATCHES
8.30 and 1.10pm - Wales v England.
9.00 and 1.50 - Scotland v Ireland.


SCOTLAND V ENGLAND (MORNING FOURSOMES) - DAY 2

CLICK HERE for live scoring from Elie at the Senior Home Internationals

 England lost the first foursome to Scotland by a big margin and trailed in the two other ties at one stage but the defending champions pulled through to lead 2-1 at lunchtime.

Lorna Bennett and Fiona De Vries combined well to put the first Wednesday point on the board for Scotland. They beat Chris Quinn and Amanda Mayne by 5 and 4 after being three up at the turn, thanks to gains at the fifth, sixth, seventh and ninth. The Scots were four up by winning the 10th and, after three halved holes, clinched victory some way from home by winning the 14th for a five-hole lead.

Roz Adams and Barbara Laird levelled matters overall by beating sisters Mary Smith and Anne Ryan by one hole. The English pair took the lead for the first time by winning the ninth to square and the 11th to go one up. Mary Smith and Anne Ryan retaliated by winning the 12th and 13th for a one-hole lead. But the English pair finished very strongly to win the 14th and 15th for a one-hole advantage. Mary and Anne won the 16th to be all square but after a half at the 17th Roz Adams rolled a long putt up to within inches of the hole for England to win the 18th and the match by the narrowest of margins.

Janet Melville and Felicity Christine put England in for lunch with a 2-1 lead by beating Heather Anderson and Alison Bartlett by one hole. The English pair twice held a two-hole lead on the outward journey but the Scots squared the match by winning the eighth and 10th and went one up for the first time by taking the 12th. Melville and Christine dominated the closing holes by winning the 14th (all square), then the 16th (one up) and also the 18th where the Scots went out of bounds over the back of the green.
 FOURSOMES: SCOTLAND 1 ENGLAND 2
 IRELAND 3 WALES 0

Tuesday, October 02, 2012

SCOTLAND WIN AGAINST WALES DAY 1

The Thumbs Up --  Scotland are Winners against Wales
Report by Colin Farquharson 
 Scotland made a good start to the senior women's home golf internationals at Elie and Earlsferry, Fife today . They beat Wales 5-3 and now face England whose hopes of retaining the title were mortally wounded when Ireland beat them for the first time in this series which started in 2003.

Ireland have never won the over-50s title but this 6-2 win makes them hot favourites to break their duck.Two North players made huge contributions to the Scotland effort.

Alison Bartlett (Royal Dornoch), who did not play in the morning foursomes which were shared 1 1/2-1 1/2 against Wales, came off the bench to beat the legendary Vicki Thomas by 4 and 3 after winning the first three holes.Then, with the overall matched poised at 4-3 in Scotland's favour but Wales hoping to win the last match to salvage a draw, Tain's Mary Smith rose to the occasion to beat the experienced Jane Rees by one hole.
 Scotland play England on the second day with the prospects of a backlash performance by the well beaten English a strong possibility. Ireland play Wales and should pick up another win before they meet Scotland in Thursday's final programme DAY 1
SCOTLAND 5, WALES 3
Foursomes - L Bennett and F De Vries halved with A Lewis and V Thomas, H Anderson and M Hughes bt P Fernon and C Harries 2 and 1, M Smith and A Ryan lost to J Rees and D Richards 2 holes (1 1/2-1 1/2)
Singles - Bennett halved with Lewis, A Bartlett bt Thomas 4 and 3, De Vries bt Harries 3 and 2, Hughes lost to Richards 6 and 4, Smith bt Rees 1 hole (3 1/2-1 1/2)
ENGLAND 2, IRELAND 6
Foursomes - C Quinn and A Mayne lost to H Jones and P Doran 1 hole, J Melville and F Christine lost to S McElroy and C Wickham 5 and 4, C Berry and R Adams lost to S Corcoran and G McMullen 4 and 2 (0-3)
Singles - Quinn bt Jones 4 and 2, Melville lost to McElroy 4 and 3, Mayne lost to Wickham 3 and 2, B Laird lost to Corcoran 6 and 4, Berry bt Doran 2 holes (2-3).
 DAY 2 MATCHES
Ireland v Wales (8.30am and 1.10pm)
Scotland v England (9am and 1.50pm

SCOTLAND v WALES MORNING FOURSOMES

Wales' lead-off pairing of Ann Lewis and Vicki Thomas won the last two holes to snatch a square match against Scotland's Lorna Bennett and Fiona De Vries who, after an fairly even outward half, had taken the lead for the first time by winning the 11th and were still one up on the 17th tee.

Scotland got their morning point with a 2 and 1 win by Heather Anderson and May Hughes over Patricia Fernon and Christine Harries. The Irish pair had the better of the outward half and when they won the seventh and eighth they went two up. Heather Anderson and May Hughes turned their fortunes around by winning the ninth to be only one down and then took three holes in a row from the 12th to jump into a two-hole lead. Three halves in succession completed the Scots' victory.

Jane Rees and Denise Richards levelled the scoreline for Wales by beating sisters Mary Smith and Anne Ryan by two holes. The Welsh pair looked to be heading for an early finish when they went four up after 10 holes but three halves in row stopped the rot for the Scots and when they won the 14th, 15th and 16th to be only one down on the 17th tee, they were on the verge of salvaging at least a square match. But it was not to be. After a half at the 17th, Rees and Richards won the last hole. 
Morning Foursomes
 Scotland 1.5 Wales 1.5
England 0 Ireland 3

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Scottish Seniors Home Internationals -- Please come and support

Scottish Team
The Senior's Home Internationals are next week at Elie Golf Club --  2nd - 4th October: 

Scotland v Wales -- Tuesday 2nd October
Scotland v England -- Wednesday 3rd October
Scotland v Ireland -- Thursday 4th October.



Please do come and support Scottish Vets Captain  Helen Faulds (Seniors Team Captain) and all her team --- West Vets Champion and Scottish Vets Champion May Hughes is in the Scottish Team.

SCOTLAND TEAM:


Heather Anderson (Blairgowrie), 
Alison Bartlett (Royal Dornoch),
Lorna Bennett (Ladybank), 
Fiona de Vries (St Rule), 
May Hughes (Lanark)
Anne Ryan (Tain) 
Mary Smith (Tain).

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Scottish Vets Fiona and Kathleen do well at the British Seniors

Congratulations go to Scottish Vets Fiona De Vries (St Regulus) and Kathleen Sutherland (Royal Montrose) finished joint 15th and 26th respectively in the Senior British women's open amateur golf championship which ended on a wet and windy day at Hunstanton links on the Norfolk coast.
Fiona shot 86, 78 and 79 for an 18-over-par total of 243 while Kathleen had rounds of 84, 80 and 84 for 248 over the testing par-75 course.
The winner, making her debut in the over-50s championship at the age of 51, was Katherine Russell from Royal Ashdown Forest GC, Sussex - but she hit form too late to be include in the England team for the Senior Women's Home Internationals at Elie, Fife from October 2 to 4.
Russell (79, 81, 74) beat Ireland's Pat Doran (81, 79, 74) at the second hole of a sudden-death play-off after they had tied on 234. It was the second year in a row that Doran had finished second.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

WEST VETS DO WELL AT BLAIRGOWRIE

Scottish President Sally Coster, West Vets Captain Fiona Roger and Scottish Vets Captain Helen Faulds
Anna Telfer, Fiona Roger, May Hughes and Carol Fell

PHOTOS : - CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINKS
MATCHPLAY PHOTOGRAPHS 
SOME WEST VETS PLAYERS, AGM,  AND PRIZEWINNERS PHOTOGRAPHS (Apologies for some poor photos) -- click on slideshow to see larger photos

Blairgowrie Golf Club was a very busy place on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of this week as 135 Vets from all over Scotland arrived to play in their annual competitions. The Weather was MIXED with wind and rain in the afternoon on the Monday and the odd shower on Tuesday. 
May Hughes - Scroggie Trophy
The Championship played on the Lansdowne Course featured the divisional champions in a knockout competition and May Hughes, our West Vets Champion, beat Ruth Brown (East ) in the Championship Final to win Scroggie Cup.


In the Medal round on Rosemount on Monday the winner of the Smith Medal was won by West Vets Anna Telfer 78  (6) -72. She also won the Lyon Picture for the best scratch 78.

Fiona Roger won 3rd prize with a net 73 bih playing off a handicap of 13. The Buchannan Cup  (for the best Nett Score for ladies in a more senior age group) was also won by Fiona Roger.

Carol Fell was the winner of the 9 hole Competition played over the "wee course" and Anna Telfer was the runner Up.
The Lyon Trophy was shared between West and Midlands (best 3 nett scores) --- Anna Telfer, Fiona Roger and Lana MacDonald.

FULL LIST OF PRIZEWINNERS
CHAMPIONSHIP:
WINNER --- Scroggie Cup --- May Hughes (West)
RUNNER UP --- Cecil Leitch Brooch -- Ruth Brown (East)
SEMI FINALIST --- Kennayway Quaich --- Liz Campbell (Borders)
SEMI FINALIST --- Anne Ryan --- (Highlands)
QUARTER FINALISTS --- Kathleen Webster (Midland)
QUARTER FINALISTS --- Jean Brysdon (Galloway)
QUARTER FINALISTS -- Nancy Clanahan (Dumfries)
QUARTER FINALISTS -- Jill Harrison (had to withdraw)

Patrick Rosebowl Medal Round on Handicap (Played over the Rosemount Course)

WinnerRosebowlAlison Houston 
Midland
81 - 9 = 72 bih
SecondSmith MedalAnna TelferWest78 - 6 = 72
ThirdFiona RogerWest
86 -13 = 73 bih
FourthJoyce MurdochMidland82 - 9 = 73 bih
FifthFlora KerrBorders94 - 21 = 73
ScratchLyon PictureAnna TelferWest78
Bronze NettC.C. SalverFiona KerrBorder94 - 21 = 73

Winners of Prizes for Senior Ladies

Held at the Rosemount Course on Monday, 17th September 2012

Scratch***Allen PlateJean ClarkeNorth
83
Winner (H'Cap)Buchannan CupFiona RogerWest
86 - 13= 72
Runner-UpMargaret MorrinDumfries
95 -19 =76 bih
5 Club CompetitionSmall CupCarol FellWest
31 (19pts)
Runner UpAnna TelferWest  
34 (16pts)
Third Prize Margaret Hamilton  Dumfries
33
Div.with the best 3 nett ScoresLyon Trophy  (Tie)West and Midland
222
Past President's Quaich Flora KerrBorders 94-21 =73 
Runner-up Janet Brown 
 91-17 =74 

*** Please note the Scatch Prize covers Senior Ladies in the 65-69 and 70+ category

The Beddows Quaichs Greensomes Results

Held at the Lansdowne Course on Tuesday, 18th September 2012

Winners
Division
Gross
Nett
Beddows Quaich
Emma Wilson
Midland
82 - 8.8
73.2
Beddows Quaich
Alison Houston
Midland
Second
Eleanor Anton
North
89 -15.2
73.8 
Second
Mary Burgess
North
Third
Jenny Pearson
Borders
97 - 22.4
74.6
Third
Linda Geatons
Borders
Tony Moffat MemorialTrophy
Emma Wilson
Midland
82 bih
(Scratch)
Alison Houston
Midland
Tony Moffat Memorial Trophy
Heather Anderson
Midland
82 bih
(Scratch Vouchers)
Gillian Wallace
Midland

Scottish Vets Captain Helen Faulds gave an excellent report at the AGM that was held in the Clubhouse on the Monday evening. She gave the full review of the Scottish Vets Jamboree from the Hirsel Golf Club and also the Match with the Irish Seniors at Hilton Templepatrick 
West Vet Sally Coster also was appointed as the new Scottish Vets President and May Hughes gave the vote of thanks.