Showing posts with label scottishgolf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scottishgolf. Show all posts

Sunday 24 May 2020

Golf to cash in on early return

Golf has a “massive opportunity for growth” when it becomes one of the first sports to emerge from cold storage in Scotland amid phase one of the easing of lockdown restrictions.
That is the view of Karin Sharp, chief operating officer of Scottish Golf, who has played a key role in discussions that are set to see the Scottish government formally give golf’s return the green light this Thursday under strict social-distancing requirements.
“Golf has been recognised as a sport that can provide both physical and mental wellbeing. It’s played from young to old and covers such a wide part of the population,” said Sharp. “There’s a massive opportunity to attract new participants, not as a detriment to other sports but as a pastime that people could see as complementing their wider activity base.

“We’re hearing from our counterparts in England and Wales, who have been a bit ahead of us in reopening, and they’ve got many positive stories coming back from clubs around spikes in membership enquiries and conversion. There’s no reason that can’t be the case in Scotland too.”
Scottish Golf has advised clubs to gear up for reopening from May 29. Two-balls will be permitted between players from different households, and groups of up to four — from no more than two households — will be allowed at the discretion of clubs. The 2m social-distancing rules will still be in place, and there will be no touching of course fixtures and equipment. Travel restrictions are another reason that this is not simply a resumption of pre-coronavirus golfing life.
“Normal as we’ve all known and possibly taken for granted for many years, is definitely going to be different for a period of time. That length of time hasn’t really been quantified as yet,” said Sharp, who was COO of the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association before its 2015 merger with the Scottish Golf Union to form Scottish Golf.
“Golf does lend itself to being flexible, however, and a more casual approach to the game in the first instance is probably accepted. As a sport, we’re renowned for adhering to rules and etiquette and the information we’ve circulated has been positively received. It’s a framework that outlines guidelines but gives clubs enough flexibility to determine how that works for their own facility.”
Scottish Golf, which has stripped its own operations back to the bone, has offered clubs a 25 per cent refund or rebate on affiliation fees in a bid to ease a cash-flow crisis which the governing body’s research estimates has seen the average club suffer lost revenue of £20,000 per month in the shutdown.
“Gross that up across Scotland, and it’s £9 million-£10 million per month across the industry,” said Sharp. “Clubs have been better or worse off depending on when their membership renewal dates fell, while some clubs have been able to access government support. For many clubs, a combination of using furlough schemes, grants and membership renewals means they are well placed, but that’s not the picture across the piece.
“Travel restrictions and [the impact on] visitor revenue is a real fear for a lot of clubs, and not just the big trophy courses. A lot of the smaller, holiday destinations do not command green fees of massively significant value, but it’s still a big contributor to their annual revenue.
“The immediate impact may not be overly concerning in some areas, but that longer-term piece is where a lot of clubs have significant fear. Recovery is going to be fairly prolonged.”
Sharp stepped up to lead Scottish Golf in mid-April after the resignation of chief executive Andrew McKinlay. He was the third CEO to depart in four years, which has led to stinging criticism of chairwoman Eleanor Cannon.
Sharp, who suffered a suspected case of Covid-19 towards the end of March, acknowledges there is work to do in shoring up the governing body’s image, but insists the string of high-level departures is not symptomatic of a failing organisation. “Change is inevitable in all sectors and I don’t think any of that was anything to do with anything other than it being right for the individuals at the time. In terms of how we are perceived, relationships within any member organisation can often be difficult to properly gauge, but I do think it’s something we can and will do more on.
“Strong collaboration is vital for golf in Scotland to flourish. We need to make sure we’re communicating effectively so that everyone understands and is supportive of what we’re all trying to do to grow the game.
“There’s a massive opportunity for golf in attracting new participants, and every one of us, at every level, plays a part in shaping the opinions and perceptions of external individuals who are potential new or returning golfers. We need to take collective responsibility for the image of golf.”

Wednesday 22 April 2020

Scottish Golf shock as chief executive Andrew McKinlay steps aside


By Martin Dempster -- The Scotsman Newspaper

Scottish Golf has announced that chief executive Andrew McKinlay (pictured) has stepped down from the governing body. His shock departure, which comes as some member clubs fight for their survival during the coronavirus crisis, was announced in a statement.  

It read: "We are living in unprecedented times and, as we are all very well aware, sport has no immunity to the impact of COVID-19.

 "Scottish Golf, like all businesses and indeed golf clubs across the country, is having to assess its business model. "The governing body has had to make some very difficult decisions regarding income and expenditure, to ensure sustainability in the current circumstances.

 "To this end, our Chief Executive, Andrew McKinlay, has decided that he should step aside in order to help the organisation come through this situation. 
 "He leaves having worked with the team on a revised structure that will be fit for purpose when we emerge from the national lockdown." McKinlay, who previously worked for the SFA, was appointed as Blair Dodds' successor in February 2018 and took up the post three months later. 

 Eleanor Cannon, Scottish Golf Chair: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Andrew for his contribution to Scottish Golf over the past two years. He brought a wealth of experience to what can be a pressurised role. “He has helped take the organisation forward and has now taken a very difficult decision at this challenging time. I thank him for doing so and wish him the very best for the future.” McKinlay said: “It has been a privilege to lead this fantastic organisation and, I am grateful to Eleanor and the board for the opportunity. "Above all, I am indebted to the team at Scottish Golf for their commitment in implementing the objectives to take the game forward towards a sustainable and, indeed, prosperous future.”

Tuesday 25 February 2020

SCOTTISH GOLF UPDATE ON EVENTS FROM CLARE QUEEN - SCOTTISH GOLF PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR

Entries are now open for the Scottish Golf National Championships in 2020. Players can enter via the Scottish Golf website Scottish Golf Events  

 The 2020 Scottish Golf Order of Merit documents and National Team Selection Policies are also finalised and available to view online Team Selection Policies 

 Competition opportunities for players of all levels 

 We are often asked by parents for advice on the types of competitions which are available to players who wish to begin playing outside of their home club. 
With this in mind we have created the linked document Competition opportunities for players which lists some of the regional, national and international events which are available, this is purely a guide based on events which may be appropriate for players with various handicaps.

 I have also attached a linked document ‘Order of Merit Event Handicap ballotswhich shows the 2019 handicap cut offs for various national championships which appear on the Scottish Golf Boys and Girls Order of Merits, the exact cut off is always hard to predict but this should act as a guide for parents. 

 We would appreciate it if you could share this information with parents/players in your county who may be interested. 

If anyone has any questions please encourage them to contact us by emailing performance@scottishgolf.org Kingsbarns Girls Classic – 

Save The Date

Kingsbarns have confirmed that they will once again host the Kingsbarns Girls Classic. This year the event will take place on Sunday 8th November. It is likely that each county will again be able to nominate two girls to play. 

We had some really good feedback following the 2019 event from county officials, parents and players and hope this years’ event will also be popular. 

More information and details on expected format will be available later in the summer but please add this date to your diary. 

 Clare Queen 
 Performance Director

Saturday 15 June 2019

Scottish Golf R&A 9 Hole Challenge National Final

Photo courtesy of Scottish Golf
Congratulations to the following players who have qualified for the Grand Final @ Royal Portrush on Saturday 13 July - 
Comiston Ladies Golf Club - Susan Randall / Diane Moncrieff (41 points) and Rothes Golf Club - Troy and Barry Teunion (37 points). 

THURSDAY RESULTS

Congratulations to the following players who have qualified for the Grand Final @ Royal Portrush on Saturday 13 July - Glenearn Golf Club - Alistair Norman / John O'Brien Cooper (39 points) and Colvend Golf Club - Brian Jamieson and Graeme Reid (38 points -  bl6 ) 

Saturday 18 May 2019

REGIONAL MEDAL FINALISTS FROM THE NORTH

The North Regional Medal Finals took place yesterday at Kirriemuir Golf Club. 

Fiona Seedhouse (Courtesy of Scottish Golf)

The  following Silver players have qualified for the Grand Final at the Eden Course, St Andrews on Sunday 16th June:

1) Fiona Seedhouse (Aberdeen Ladies)
2) Dawn Dargie (Grange)
3) Linda Craik (Portlethan)
4) Lorna Edwards (Oldmeldrum)
​5) Victoria Buchan (Inverallochy))
6) Rachel Mathieson (Hazelhead)

Anne MacIntosh (Courtesy of Scottish Golf)
The following Bronze players have qualified for the Grand Final at the Eden Course, St Andrews on Sunday 16th June:

1) Anne MacIntosh (Edzell)
2) Hazel Ewen (Duff House Royal)
3) Audrey Smith (Blair Atholl)
4) Hillary Wallace (Panmure)
5) Helen Cran (Oldmeldrum)
​6) Susan Ledger (Alyth)

Wednesday 13 March 2019

ARE YOU A BRONZE OR SILVER MEDAL WINNER IN 2018

Are you a Bronze or Silver Medal winner from the 2018 season 🙋‍♀️

Interested in being part of the largest female club event in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿? 

Registration for our Regional Medal Finals closes on April 1st, click here to avoid disappointment: CLICK HERE


Sunday 4 November 2018

SCOTTISH GOLF INVITE GOLFERS TO THE SECOND NATIONAL CONFERENCE.



Scottish Golf will set out its plans to rise to the challenges faced by golf clubs when it stages its second national conference at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on Saturday 1st  December.
Building on the key themes arising from the inaugural event last year, which identified technology, nomadic golfers, changing club culture and the recruitment of more women and young people as the most important areas for the governing body to focus its work on, Scottish Golf is once again inviting those with a passion for the game to come along. .
The free-to-attend Conference will be open to those involved in club, Area and County administration, PGA professionals, golf club members and non-members as well as other interested parties from within the game of golf in Scotland.
The event will feature presentations from the governing body’s leadership team, outlining some of the key projects and plans developed over the past 12 months, with contributions from other industry experts. Delegates will have the opportunity to contribute, while representatives from across the country will take part in a Club Panel session to highlight good practice and innovative work.
To read more and register for the event CLICK HERE

Friday 8 September 2017

TROON WELBECK PAIRING LEAD THE PING SCOTTISH MIXED CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS GOLF

Anne Fraser and Hugh McKenzie
The Troon Welbeck pairing of Anne Fraser and Hugh McKenzie are looking forward to competing in a ‘final like no other’, after leading the qualifiers for the PING Scottish Mixed Championship, to be staged at glorious Gleneagles.
 An exciting new addition to Scottish Golf’s national events calendar this season, 40 club pairings have won at local level to book their place in the showpiece final on Monday 18 September on the superb Queen’s Course.
 Fraser and McKenzie topped the standings on the national leader board, after producing a brilliant stableford team score of 44 points and are now counting the days down to chasing the inaugural title at the 2019 Solheim Cup venue.
 Ping Mixed Leading qualifiers Anne Fraser and Hugh McKenzie at The Queen’s Course, Gleneagles with their prize winning PING bags
 The unique final promises to be a fantastic event, with great prizes on offer from sponsors PING, world class hospitality within the ‘glorious playground’ of The Gleneagles Hotel and the opportunity for club members to be crowned PING Scottish Mixed champions.

To read more go to the Scottish Golf Website

Leaderboard 
1st:  Hugh McKenzie & Anne Fraser (Troon Welbeck) 44
2nd:  Kevin Brackley & Alison Smith (Crail GS) 43
3rd:  Stuart Biggar & Edith Geddes (Sanquhar ) 42,   Phil Richards & Lyndsey Kandel (Saline) 42
5th  Callum Cooper & Janice Cullens (Douglas Park) 41, J Scott & K Scott (Broomieknowe ) 41, David Contos & Marion Paton (Elmwood GS)41

For all the scores CLICK HERE

Sunday 2 July 2017

Scottish Golf Strategic Vision - We Want your input




Scottish Golf’s CEO Blane Dodds has just completed a 9-venue roadshow of Club Consultation Forums across the country, outlining an exciting new vision for the future of golf in Scotland. 

The Draft Strategy Presentation is now available to read online, with an opportunity for clubs and members to feedback your views as part of the consultation process, before the end of July 2017.

Read the draft online -  CLICK HERE 

Saturday 1 July 2017

WEST KILBRIDE'S LOUISE DUNCAN LEADS THE QUALIFIERS AT THE SCOTTISH GIRLS AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS



Louise Duncan -- Photo courtesy of Scottish Golf
Over Scotscraig and Drumoig, West Kilbride’s Louise Duncan topped the girls’ standings to confidently move into the Scottish Girls Amateur matchplay stages.

In-form Jillian Farrell from Cardross finished runner-up in the girls’ section following a pair of 74s, with one of the title favourites, Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne), Hannah Darling (Broomieknowe) and Kirsty Brodie (Strathmore) next best in the qualifying spots.

Leading Scores - Click Here

DRAW FOR MATCHPLAY and Live Scoring  - CLICK HERE

To read the full report go to the Scottish Golf Website

Saturday 10 June 2017

CONNIE JAFFREY WINS THE SCOTTISH LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP

Connie Jaffrey - 2017 Scottish Ladies Champion
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Queen Connie wins title after gallant fight by Clara in the rain at Royal Aberdeen

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) from Kilwinning is the new queen of Scottish women's amateur golf.
In an absorbing battle between two 20-year-olds who are students at American universities, she beat Clara Young (North Berwick) by two holes in an exciting climax to the 103rd national championship at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club where the rain, which has dogged the event all week, returned for the final over the Balgownie links.
Kansas State University student Jaffrey used a brilliant short game - single putts on the first four greens and six one-putt greens on the outward half - to surge five up at the turn, having gone out in four under par with birdies at the first, fourth, sixth and ninth.
Young, not at her best, did not win a hole until the 11th but it triggered off a two-under-par run which saw her also win the 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th - five in a row, a magnificent fightback by the University of Missouri student from North Berwick which saw her square the match on the 15th green.
Sadly, into the wind and rain, Clara's rally petered out. She bogeyed the 16th to go one down again and then was plugged in the thick and wet rough with her second shot at the 18th, moving the ball only a few feet, and eventually conceded Jaffrey a 10ft birdie putt to go down by two holes
Jaffrey was round in level par to the Scottish women's title to the Scottish U18girls championship she won in 2013.
Young was an approximate one over par for the round which was her third appearance in the Scottish final. She lost to Alyson McKechin in 2013 but won the title at Monifieth in 2015.
Among the spectators at the final was Elaine Farquharson-Black the GB and Ireland team captain who lost to Janice Moodie in the final when the championship was last played at Royal Aberdeen in the early 1990s.
She had won the title at year or two earlier at Machrihanish.


SCOTTISH WOMEN'S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.
Final (18 holes) - Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) bt Clara Young (North Berwick) 2 holes.

Tuesday 16 May 2017

Scottish Golf PING Mixed Championship Qualifier at Douglas Park Golf Club

Janice and Callum with Lady Captain Christina
Callum Cooper and Janice Collins are presented with the Isobel Currie Trophy by
Ladies captain Christina Graham

26 couples took part in the Douglas Park Golf Club qualifier yesterday (Sunday) for the newly introduced Scottish Golf PING Mixed Championship, playing for their home club mixed Isobel Currie Trophy.
In dry, bright and breezy conditions, scoring was difficult for most of the field, but after all was done, the pair who managed to top the leader board were Janice Cullens and Callum Cooper (combined h’cap 19) with an impressive 41 stableford points!
The top three places were as follows:
  • Winners:       Janice Cullens & Callum Cooper: 41 pts
  • Runners-up: Carol & Lindsay Stuart: 36 pts
  • Third:             Christina Graham & Alistair Forrest:  35 pts
 Janice and Callum are now put forward as Douglas Park’s representatives, hopefully in the top 40 scoring qualifiers, for the National Final over the Queen’s Course at Gleneagles in September.
Thanks go to Alastair Forrest (DP Club Captain) for the report and photograph

Monday 15 May 2017

DOUGLAS PARK - GETINTOGOLF LADIES OPEN EVENING SUCCESS




Following major publicity on social media and the delivery of 5000 flyers and 120 posters by 57 Douglas Park Ladies locally and further afield, 57 Ladies (yes honestly!) turned up at our Ladies Open Evening on Wednesday 10th May .

 Our guests spent a happy evening testing their golf skills on various fun activities set up by Professional Robert Irvine, had guided tours of the Golf Club, an information session followed by an excellent buffet by our Catering Manager - Lisa Cuthbert.
 The highlight, however was definitely the Safari Tour of the course by Drew McKechnie (Course Manager), suitably attired in his Safari hat and accompanied by assorted jungle beasts.

Sixteen Ladies so far have taken out Get into Golf Membership and lots of application forms have been requested.
Final uptake will be updated

CLICK HERE TO SEE SOME PHOTOS FROM THE EVENING

Slideshow of past photographs from the Ladies Section was shown to the visitors on the evening -- CLICK HERE

 Christina Graham (Douglas Park Ladies Captain)