Captain Joanne, Vice Captain Ann and all the committee hope that all our members had a lovely Christmas and would like to offer our very best wishes for a healthy, safe and better golfing season in 2021


Congratulations Hazel

The R&A have this week announced their squads for the 2021 Vagliano Trophy and Curtis Cup teams. The squad consists of the top 17 amateur lady golfers in GB & I and we are delighted that Hazel MacGarvie (Royal Troon) has been included in the squad.


Hazel, who turned 21 in October, is the 3rd ranked Scottish player in the World Amateur Golf Rankings behind fellow squad members Hannah Darling, Broomieknowe, and Shannon McWilliam, Aboyne. 

The Vagliano is a biennial match between GB&I and the Continent of Europe, Hazel played in the team at Royal St George's in 2019 and was unbeaten with an impressive 3.5 points out of 4. Next years match is due to take place in Switzerland from 25-26 June.

The Curtis Cup was due to be played this year but for obvious reasons had to be postponed. It is due to take place in Wales from 26-28 August.

We all wish Hazel well for the final team selection.




Fiona Gilchrist

 It is with great sadness that I have to report the sudden death of Mrs Fiona Gilchrist, Troon Ladies.



Fiona was a long time member of the Ayrshire ladies, latterly as a non playing member. She was an excellent golfer and did play in the County team. She continued to be a very loyal supporter of the County and, along with Past Captain Grace Kennedy, supported the annual team matches (Jamboree) travelling all over to offer her services as trolley puller and spectator.

This picture was taken at one of these events, Bothwell Castle in 2013.

Funeral arrangements are still to be confirmed.

Sympathy to her family and friends at this difficult time.

Holders into the quarter finals

With the current travel restrictions affecting our annual winter foursomes, an all South Ayrshire tie took place at Barassie today between holders Minnie Hamilton and Liz Fitzpatrick and past captain Liz Wilson and her partner Linda McDonald.

Minnie and Liz booked their place in the quarter finals with a 4 and 2 victory.

They may have a long wait to find out their opponents as ties have been put on hold until travelling between counties can resume.

AGM

A successful Zoom AGM took place this evening with 39 ladies "zooming" in!

Captain Joanne Sharp highlighted the difficulties that this year has brought but was delighted that we were able to hold our Summer Meeting at Pollok in July and our Autumn Meeting at Dundonald in September.

One of the highlights of the AGM is always the announcement of the Fixtures for the new year and they are as follows -

Championship, Old Course, Royal Troon, April 26, 27, 28

Foursomes, Kilbirnie, May 11

Eleanor Taylor Trophy and Bronze Match play qualifier, Prestwick St Cuthbert, June 8

Summer Meeting, Whitecraigs, July 14

Coronation Medals, Ballochmyle, August 10

Autumn Meeting, West Kilbride, September 14


Leaving committee this year is Jenny Linklater, Largs, and our new committee member is Sheila Shedden, Prestwick St Nicholas.

Also leaving committee is Sheila Adams, Loudoun, having served her 2 year term as President.  The new President, coming on to committee for 2 years, is Liz Keohone (Loudoun)

Sheila is picture here handing over the Presidents badge to Liz





Winter Foursomes

This years winter foursomes are well under way now with most of the first round ties having been completed and even some of the second round!  Everyone is obviously taking advantage of the decent weather we've had recently.

Whether you are playing in the competition or not the up to date draw is available to view on How did I do - just log in and look for knockouts

Honour for Claire

Claire McLaughlin, West Kilbride, who is studying at the Lindsey Wilson College, Kentucky has been honoured with the Jessica Smith Scholarship, see Junior page for more information.

Junior Girls Championship

Check out the Junior page for details of this years Junior Championship

Dundonald

 Fantastic turn out at Dundonald on Tuesday with 78 ladies taking part.

Due to the current situation it was a change from the norm with a fun fourball format which seemed to be enjoyed by all.

The winning team were Linda McDonald (Barassie), Susan McKenzie (Balfron), Shirley Morran (Barassie) and Audrey Thompson (Loudoun) scoring 62 points. Coming second, on the better last 6, were June Dempster (St Nicholas), Julia Henderson (Troon Ladies), Linda Nairn (St Nicholas) and Lisa Neilson (Barassie) scoring 59 points.

We also had teams of 3 with the best score of 49 coming from Katie Hodge (St Nicholas), Greta Smith (Ardeer) and Janette Stewart (Barassie)

Well done ladies

It was lovely to see our Honorary President Nancy Chisholm there chatting with the members as they went through the turn or as they came off the 18th.

Thanks to Dundonald and to Helen and Sheila for all their organisation


Womens Amateur 2020

Hazel MacGarvie (Royal Troon) was one of 12 Scots in the field at the recent Womens Amateur championship at West Lancashire.

The stroke play was reduced to one round and Hazel shot a one over par 73 to qualify in 16th place for the match play.

Unfortunately Hazel lost out in the first round of the match play to England's Thalia Kirby losing by 2&1.

The championship was won by Aline Krauter from Germany

Barassie pairing retain winter foursomes title



L to R - Liz Fitzpatrick, Minnie Hamilton, Gillian Pollock and Irene Papworth


A dry but blustery day for the delayed final of this years Winter Foursomes.

It was a close match for most of the front 9 then Liz and Minnie built up a lead after some very tidy play around the greens. 

There was a comeback from Gillian and Irene winning the 13th and 14th but the Barassie girls then won 15 and the match.




Congratulations girls and thanks to Jocelyn Faris (Secretary) for photographs and report.

Winter Foursomes Final

For obvious reasons we had to postpone the final of our Winter Foursomes which was due to be played in March! This is now being played tomorrow at West Kilbride Golf Club, tee off 1350. The final will be contested between the holders Marion Hamilton and Liz Fitzpatrick (Barassie) and Irene Papworth and Gillian Pollock (Skelmorlie) Conditions should certainly be different than expected for a winter tie, lets hope that the sun shines and the golf is good. The best of luck to all involved, spectators/supporters are very welcome.

Margaret MacGregor

In an update to the earlier post about the sad death of Margaret MacGregor (Barassie) I have been notified that her funeral will be on Thursday 2 July.

Obviously, under the current circumstances, many people who would have attended will be unable to do so.  The cortege will be leaving Margaret's home at 1.10pm and will slow down on the stretch of beach on the A78 between Ardrossan and and Seamill.

The family have suggested that those who wish to pay their respects should stand on the path between the 2 car parks on that stretch as the cortege passes.

Alternatively, you would be welcome to stand outside the Clyde Coast and Garnock Valley Crematorium where the service will be held at 2pm.



Congratulations

Congratulations to Freya Russell (Royal Troon) on receiving the South Ayrshire Council Active Schools award for Sports Performer of the Year.


Congratulations

Congratulations to our President Sheila Adam's who aced her 5th (yes FIFTH) hole in one today.

Her latest success was on the 17th hole at Loudoun today while out for a game with hubby Tom.


Margaret MacGregor

It is with sadness that I have to advise of the death of former County member Margaret MacGregor (Barassie)

Margaret was a very enthusiastic member of the County who willingly helped June Kerr at many of our Junior events over the years.  She also took on the role of Webmaster for a time which was greatly appreciated by all. She was only too happy to help and enjoyed keeping the members up to date with all her posts.

Margaret only gave up her membership a few years ago when she was diagnosed with Cancer.  She bravely fought her illness and had a remarkable outlook on life, not allowing it to get her down.  During that time she also completed her year as Lady Captain at Barassie, no mean feat.

Aside from her golf, Margaret had many talents; a gifted squash player, an artist and she played tennis at a very high level which led to being selected to play in the Scottish Veterans team. With any spare time that she did have she enjoyed cycling and pottering in her garden.



Fiona Collier, a great friend of Margaret's, sent me this lovely picture taken a few years ago in Spain enjoying one of the many wonderful games of golf they had both abroad and at home.

Sadly Margaret's health deteriorated recently and she lost her battle on Saturday morning where she was surrounded by her 3 lovely daughters.

She will be remembered for her tremendous spirit and courage and will be very sadly missed by her family and all of her many friends.

I'm sure you will all have her family in your thoughts at this sad and difficult time.


Update

Hopefully you will all have seen the email regarding the cancellation of our June fixture at Routenburn.  Unfortunate but to be expected at this time.

Your committee have been keeping in contact with our What's App group plus we had our first Zoom committee meeting, think this could be the new norm for meetings now!

The main topic is obviously fixtures and the decision was made not to wipe out the whole season in the hope that we may manage to get a competition played this year.  This is something that we can't predict at the moment but at least it looks like our courses will be opening soon for us to get some social golf.

Regarding the 4 West of Scotland Inter County fixtures, the West of Scotland secretary hosted a Zoom meeting with the 4 Captains and Vice Captains and it has been decided that this years rota of events will roll over into next year.  This means that Ayrshire will host the Kennedy Salver (junior inter county matches) in 2021 which was originally meant to be played next Monday 1 June at Irvine Golf Club. Hopefully we can use the same venue next year with a new date tbc  The main senior event (Jamboree) will be hosted by D&A at Cardross with the date tbc


I felt it was appropriate today to post a wee "blog" this morning given it was the day that we would all have been meeting up at St Nicholas to play in our first event of the year, the County Championship.

Ironically, in a year when we are unable to play, the weather has chosen to be glorious!! Not something that can be said for Championships in recent years. Prestwick springs to mind when it was particularly hellish but the support of our members is to be applauded as you all battled on and supported the event.

Last year was pretty cold and windy on the first day but the sun shone for the final contested by Louise Duncan, West Kilbride and Audrey Thompson, Loudoun in the beautiful setting of the Robert the Bruce Course at Turnberry.


It was a very sporting final with Louise claiming her first Ayrshire County Championship title



Despite the golf courses being closed I hope you are all practicing at home, where possible, for when they open up again. Your committee have been contesting putting and chipping challenges via Whats App, no breakages so far!

Stay safe and look forward to seeing you all again when we can

West of Scotland Competition update

Coronavirus Update

It is with regret that, due to the continuing threat from the Covid-19 virus and following a consultation with the 4 West County Captains, it has been decided to cancel the following competitions -

1 West of Scotland Championship - 10 May
2 Junior Inter County Matches (Kennedy salver) - 1 June
3 Inter County Foursomes Final - 2 June
4 West Inter County Matches (Jamboree) - 15-17 June

I hope you are all keeping safe and well

Jean Macintyre
West of Scotland secretary

Arnold Palmer Cup

Congratulations to Hazel MacGarvie, Royal Troon, who has been selected to represent the International team that is due to take on the USA in this years Arnold Palmer Cup. This is a Ryder Cup style event for College/University golfers which began back in 1997.

This is due to take place at Lahinch Golf Club in Ireland from July 3rd to 5th this year. Obviously we don't know if this event will be able to go ahead this year (fingers crossed) but this is a great achievement for Hazel.




Scottish Golf Update


Copy and paste the following link for the recent advice from Scottish Golf - stay safe folks


https://mailchi.mp/8602c411e92f/covid-19-update-monday-23-march-9247722?e=18d945fe54



Update from the Captain

Ladies

Since I last wrote to you the situation with the Coronavirus has got much worse and therefore it will probably come as no surprise to you that, it is with great disappointment and regret, the Committee and I have decided to cancel the County Championship in April and the Foursomes in May.

We had hoped that it may have been possible to keep these competitions going by adhering to social distancing and not using club house facilities. However, following the Prime Ministers announcement yesterday and for the safety and well being of our members and their families this will not be possible. These are very sad and unprecedented times.

Being an optimist, hopefully we will all get back to our golf in June.

Thank you for your continued understanding.

Take care and stay safe.

Joanne

Great start for Luisa in Iowa

Luisa Gibson (Irvine GC) is in her Freshman year at Iowa Community College and she has got off to a great start in her time there by being named as Athlete of the week for March 9-13.

Well done Luisa, keep up the good work!


Fashion Show - Cancelled

Ladies

Due to the current situation with Coronavirus, movement restrictions and social distancing, the Committee and I have taken the decision to cancel the Fashion Show. Refunds will be available from the person who sold you your ticket. The safety of our members, and their friends and family, must come first.

A lot of work has gone in to organising this event by Lady Par, Scentsations, Scottish Tablet and the Social Sub Committee, I am sure that you will join with me in thanking them for all of the effort that they have put in.

It is very disappointing for all concerned that we have had to cancel the event, however, it is clear that our current situation is going to get much worse before it gets better.

On a lighter note, Lady Par has a fabulous Spring collection in stock which some of our members were going to model for you at the Fashion Show. If you are passing please pay Lady Par a visit to see the super collection of golf clothes that everyone will be wearing this season!  Who knows you may even be tempted to add to your wardrobe.

Thank you for your continued understanding at this very difficult time.

Stay safe and keep well.

Joanne

Captain

Message from the Committee

Ladies

After the last few weeks of miserable weather I'm sure we were all looking forward to the new golf season. However, due to the current situation with the Coronavirus, we may have to rethink our plans for the weeks ahead.

The Captain, Vice Captain and Secretary met today with the Secretary at Prestwick St Nicholas as part of our pre Championship planning.  We will obviously be liaising with them very closely over the next week or so regarding whether the Championship will be able to go ahead or not. They do hope that the course will not be closed but obviously that decision may be taken out of their hands.

We are due to make the draw for St Nicholas after the closing date next week and, at the moment, this is still planned to go ahead.

Regarding the fashion show, planned for Wednesday 15 April, a decision will be made early next week, at the very latest, as to whether this will go ahead but it looks a likely possibility that this will have to be postponed.

Thank you for your patience and understanding at this difficult time for us all.

From your Captain and Committee

Fun at Fullarton

Nine Ayrshire pre-handicap Juniors welcomed 5 girls from Lanarkshire for a friendly "match" at Fullarton Golf Club in Troon yesterday.  See Junior page for info and pictures.

Fashion Show

Tickets for our fashion show are already selling well, get yours now from a member of committee or by messaging secretary@alcga.com

Members, friends, non-members all welcome



Win for Claire

An update on my earlier post to say that, after a second successive round of 74, Claire has secured her first collegiate win.

Congratulations to Claire from all at ALCGA

Full story - http://www.lindseyathletics.com/article/12522.php

Claire doing well in USA

Claire McLaughlin (West Kilbride) is currently attending Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky.



Back in September her individual 2nd place finish in the Blue Raider Classic helped her college team to win the overall title. This contributed to her then being named Mid-South Conference Women's Golfer of the week.

This week she has again been making headlines as she leads at the midway point of the Georgetown Gulf Shores Invitational.

To read the full article click on the link below -

http://www.lindseyathletics.com/article/12519.php?fbclid=IwAR27tbQOE6_Nzqc3ckTAVjCb2lC5TMcfMZWx8BGkxShjKZ_zp6ZhG66OH_E

Survey

Scottish Golf have asked if we can help with the dissertation of one of the Ladies squad members by completing a survey.

The survey title is "Motives and Points of Attachment of Golf Spectators in Great Britain" and can be accessed via the following link -

https://stirling.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/golf-spectators

I'm sure any contributions will be gratefully received

Thank you

Success for Louise in Portugal

Ayrshire Champion Louise Duncan, West Kilbride, has won the most recent R&A student series tournament which took place in Portugal last week.

Louise won with a 3 round total of 4 under par and she was a staggering 12 strokes ahead of second placed Penny Brown, a fellow Stirling University student.



Winter Foursomes Final

Congratulations to holders Minnie Hamilton and Liz Fitzpatrick (Barassie) who have booked their place in the final with a win against June Dempster and Katie Hodge (St Nicholas). 

They will now face, new pairing, Irene Papworth and Gillian Pollock (Skelmorlie) who won their semi final tie against Liz Wilson and Linda McDonald (Barassie)

The final will take place at Ballochmyle Golf Club, 1030am on Sunday 29 March 2020.

Good luck ladies

Junior Coaching

Our Junior winter coaching is well under way at Gailes, week 4 last night and, despite the horrendous weather, we had 24 girls making the most of the facilities and the coaching that we are offering.  To see some pictures go to the Junior page on the website.

Winter Foursomes

We now have our full semi final line up with both matches at the top of the draw being completed in the last few days. 

Irene Papworth and Gillian Pollock, Skelmorlie, beat Alex Glennie and Anne Edgar, Barassie, and will take on Liz Wilson and Linda McDonald, Barassie, who beat Sandra Johnson and Nancy Shedden, Kilbirnie.

Past Captains lunch

The Lady Past Captains of ALCGA held their Biennial luncheon at Highgrove House Hotel on Monday 27th January 2020.
Eleven ladies were present representing five decades from the seventies up to the current year. An abundance of talent sat down to lunch with ladies who had represented Ayrshire over the years and two Past Presidents of the former SLGA.
A lovely lunch was served and much chat and reminiscing was enjoyed by all.


Back Row (LtoR) Liz Wilson (2017-19) Grace Kennedy (1991-93) Nora McCrossin (2007-09) Eila MacLennan (2003-05) Isabel Crawford (1993-95) Ella Walker (1995-97) Sheila Adams (2013-15)

Front Row (LtoR) Margaret Sharp (1977-79) Joyce Cooper (1979-81) Nancy Chisholm (1985-87)



Current Captain Joanne Sharp (centre) with current President Sheila Adams (left) and current Honorary President Nancy Chisholm (right)

Coaching

Some of our senior squad, along with some Juniors and committee members, enjoyed their first coaching session today at Fairways Indoor Arena.

Not only were we able to shelter from the pouring rain but we also made use of the short game area, including bunker practice, long game area and trackman.

A successful morning enjoyed by all those who attended, thanks to resident professional Bobby Rushford for setting up the challenges and his advice.










Holders March On!

Winners of last years winter foursomes, Minnie Hamilton and Liz Fitzpatrick (Barassie) have booked their place in this years semi final courtesy of a win over Margaret White and Sheila McDougall (St Nicholas)

They now face another St Nicholas duo of June Dempster and Katie Hodge who won their quarter final match against Jill West (Irvine) and Margaret Miller (Troon Ladies)

Captain's letter


Happy New Year to all of our Lady and Junior Girl members and a very warm welcome to those who have joined the County in 2020.

I am very excited to be your Captain for 2020 and 2021 and to have Ann Wallace as my Vice Captain. We, with the support of the Committee, are committed to continuing to build the membership and to encourage and support our lady and junior members to enjoy their golf and the social events planned for 2020.

We have a good range of courses for you to play this year, details of which can be found on the fixture card on the website www.alcga.com.

Thank you to everyone who came along to the Beetle Drive and games night at the Irvine Golf club in November, it was a great turnout and a fun night, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. A special thank you to our President Sheila Adams and county member Chris Auld for finishing off the evening with Beetle songs on their ukuleles and a super sing along

Our next social event will be a Fashion Show on the 15th of April at the Walker Hall in Troon, further details will be available nearer the time. I hope to see you and your family and friends there.

Over the last few years we have made a concerted effort to recruit new members, please encourage your friends and golf buddies to join the County if they are not already members, application forms can be obtained from the website, any committee member or on your local club county notice boards.

Wishing you all successful and enjoyable golf in 2020

Very Best Wishes

Joanne Sharp
Captain

January 2020