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May 2003 Archive


Saturday 31st May 2003

St Rule Trophy
UNKNOWN SWEDE KARIN SHOOTS 68 TO LEAD BY TWO IN ST RULE TROPHY

THIRTEEN years ago a then-unknown Swedish player, Annika Sorenstam, won the St Rule Trophy women's open amateur tournament at St Andrews on her way to winning fame and a small fortune on the United States LPGA Tour.
Could Karin Borjeskog, also from Sweden, be Annika Sorenstam Mark II? Maybe, because she spreadeagled the 2003 St Rule Trophy field yesterday (Sat) with a brilliant opening round of seven-under-par 68 over the New Course in bright but breezy conditions which were not easy.. Report and scores

ANNE LAING LEADS SLGA ORDER OF MERIT
New Scottish women's champion Anne Laing (Vale of Leven) has a lead of 260pt over Clare Queen (Drumpellier) with Lynn Kenny (Stirling) the only other player over the 1,000pt mark in the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association 2002-2003 Order of Merit. Report - Order of Merit Table

US Student News
JAMIESON IS TIED 76TH BEHIND SPANISH WINNER OF US TITLE

Last year's Scottish amateur championship runner-up Scott Jamieson (Augusta State & Cathkin Braes) finished tied for 76th place in a field of more than 100 at the NCAA Division 1 men's championship which rang the curtain down on the 2002-2003 American college golf season.
Over one of the toughest courses ever used for the tournament, Scott had rounds of 86, 80, 72 and 78 for a 28-over-par total of 316.
Only one player finished under-par - Arizona State's 20-year-old freshman student Alejandro Canizares from Malaga. He shot a final round of three-under-par 69 over the 7,095yd course to come from six shots off the pace with 18 holes to go to win with a one-under-par total of 287. He won by two shots from overnight leader Lee Williams (Auburn) who sagged to a final-round 77 for 289.
David Skinns (Tennessee), the England international from Lincoln, was the leading British student in joint 22nd position in the final placings. He had scores of 76, 79, 68 and 76 for 11-over 299.
James Heath (Augusta State), from Surrey), finished tied 42nd on 305 while Olly Wilson (Augusta State) from Mansfield, ranked in America's top-10 before the event, could do no better than 59th equal on 311.
Clemson won the team event with a total of 1191, two shots ahead of Oklahoma State with UCLA third on 1197.


Friday 30th May 2003

Vikki LaingVIKKI FLIES BACK TO PLAY IN ST RULE TROPHY
Curtis Cup player Vikki Laing will have had less than 24 hours to shake off jet lag before she attempts to win for a second time the St Rule Trophy, one of the most prestigious women's amateur 54-hole open tournaments on the British golf calendar, at St Andrews this weekend.
Vikki flew back on Friday from California at the end of her fourth golf scholarship year at the University of California Berkeley. After her best ever season (September-May) on the US college circuit, during which she reached a highest-ever individual ranking of 10th, Vikki disappointed in the NCAA championship.
This will be her first competitive outing since then and her first in Britain of the year so she will be keen to get back in the groove.
The 22-year-old from Musselburgh, title winner in 1999, is one of 15 players in the St Rule Trophy field who have been playing on the American college circuits.
The others are:
Emily Ogilvy (Muckhart & Sam Houston), Suzie Hayes (Hermitage & Notre Dame), Fiona Gilbert (Carnoustie Ladies & Arkansas-Little Rock), Lyndsey Devenish (Cruden Bay & San Francisco), Pamela Feggans (Doon Valley & Florida Southern), Louise Kenney (Pitreavie & Iowa StateLeane Owens (Iowa State)), Laura Wells (Dumfries & Co & Iowa State), Karen Lotta (Notre Dame), Rachel Bell (Ganton & Southern California), Martina Gillen (Beavertown & Kent State), Heather MacRae (Dunblane New & McLennan College), Ria Quiazon (California), Katie Brophy (Notre Dame).
There will be keen interest to see how Vikki, a certain selection for the GB&I team for the Vagliano Trophy team against the Continent of Europe at Co Louth, Ireland at the end of July, measures up against Anne Laing (Vale of Leven), who won the Centenary Scottish women's championship over the Old Course, St Andrews last week.
Anne is also a previous winner of the St Rule Trophy, having won it the week after she won the "Scottish" in 1996.
The field of 69 _ Welsh cap Anna Highgate, teenage English prospect Henrietta Brockway and Gillian McGinlay from Cochrane Castle have dropped out and not been replaced _ will play one round on Saturday over the New Course and two rounds over the Old Course on Sunday. There is no cut.
The draws for Saturday and Sunday's order of play has been made, a tradition the St Rule club organisers have maintained since the event began over 36 holes in 1984 and was won by American Penny Hamill.
The top tee time on Sunday, if you want to watch some quality golf in abundance over the Old Course will be right at the end of the field:
10.40 & 3.40: Kate Brophy, Lesley Mackay, Anne Laing.
10.50 & 3.50: Lynn Kenny, Clare Queen, Vikki Laing.

US Student News
GREAT SCOTT AT LAST! JAMIESON MATCHES PAR IN US THIRD ROUND

Scott Jamieson at last revealed the form that carried him to the final of the Scottish amateur championship last summer when he matched the par of 72 over the long and tough Karsten Creek course at Stillwater, Oklahoma (THU, USA TIME). Report

Fife County News
FIFE NAME STRONG TEAM FOR EAST CHAMPIONSHIP

The East Division women's inter-county team championship at Kirkcaldy from June 18 to 20 is shaping up to be one of the most keenly-contested in recent years. The winners of the four-cornered contest will go forward to the Scottish finals at Scotscraig from September 19 to 21.
Fife are the latest to announce a strong line-up of eight, spearheaded by county champion and former international Lorna Bennett (Ladybank) and three of the quarter-finalists in the recent Centenary Scottish women's championship - Louise Kenney (Pitreavie) and the St Regulus pair, Fiona Lockhart and Elaine Moffat.
Krystle Caithness (St Regulus), who, at the age of 14, was the youngest player since Jane Connachan in the 1970s to reach the match-play stages of the Scottish championship over the Old Course, St Andrews, is named first reserve.
Team: Lorna Bennett (Ladybank), Jocelyn Carthew (Ladybank), Jean Duncan (Balbirnie Park), Lorna Fury (Thornton), Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Fiona Lockhart (St Regulus), Katrina Milne (Dunfermline), Elaine Moffat (St Regulus).
Reserves: Krystle Caithness (St Regulus), Linda Fair (Pitreavie), Emma Wilson (Elie & Earlsferry).

R&A Press Release
MEMBERSHIP BACKS R & A REORGANISATION PLAN

The membership of the R&A, golf‚s world governing body and organiser of The Open Championship, has backed fully a reorganisation plan to establish a new charitable foundation and a new corporate structure for rules and championship management.Work on the reorganisation plan began in the summer of 2000 and won backing from members earlier this month.The plan legally separates the worldwide rule making, championship and commercial activities of the R&A from those of its private members' club.The establishment of a corporate structure will allow broader representation on committees by removing the burden of unlimited personal liability on committee members, as well as on all members of the Club.The planned R&A Foundation will take over the administration and distribution of surpluses generated from The Open Championship and will provide increased funding for the worldwide development of the game of golf. The new R&A Foundation is forecast to distribute £50 million by 2010. Having voted in favour of the plan, the R&A membership will be asked to ratify the detailed proposal in September with a view to seeing the new structure in place by the end of the year.


Thursday 29th May 2003

Calling all under-14 golfers
The Scottish boys and girls' under-14 years golf championships at Helensburgh Golf Club on Wednesday, July 9 have attracted very few entries so far. The deadline is June 10. The age eligibility is under 14 years on January 1, 2003. The Scottish Golf Union (01382 549500) and the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association (01382 549502) are organising the one-round events and can be contacted for more details. NB.You can download an entry form from the SLGA website

Donna PocockAberdeenshire News
DONNA MAKES DEBUT FOR ABERDEENSHIRE

Donna Pocock (Oldmeldrum) makes her debut for Aberdeenshire in the Northern Division women's inter-county team championship at Murcar from June 28 to 30. Donna, 22, did well in the county championship at Kemnay and reached the semi-finals of the Clark Rosebowl during the Centenary Scottish women's amateur championship over the Old Course, St Andrews last week.
Lorraine Coleman (Peterhead), beaten by Julie Henderson (Inverurie) in the Aberdeenshire final, regains a place in the team of eight which will be captained by Pat Wilson (Murcar).
Team is: Lorraine Coleman (Peterhead), Lyndsey Devenish (Cruden Bay), Jill Harrison (Cruden Bay), Julie Henderson (Inverurie), Donna Pocock (Oldmeldrum), Linda Urquhart (Banchory), Carol Wilson (Murcar), Sheena Wood (Aberdeen Ladies). Reserves: Elizabeth Brown (Aboyne), Laura McLardy (Murcar), Sjavon-Dee Wilson (Murcar).

Mary SmithNorthern Counties News
MARY MAKES NORTHERN DEBUT AT 46

NEW Northern Counties champion Mary Smith from Tain wins her first county cap at the age of 46 following her triumph over her home course where she is club champion. Mary's younger sisters Anne (Ryan) and Margaret (Russell) have both played for Northern Counties over the years and are now captain and secretary of the area.
Northern Counties are fielding a strong team in a bid to win back the Northern Division inter-county team championship at Murcar from June 28 to 30. It includes Scottish international player Lesley Mackay and another Stirling University player, Cara Gruber, who has been taking part in SLGA Squad matches in the build-up to the home internationals at Cruden Bay in September.
Team is: Cara Gruber (Royal Dornoch), Lesley Mackay (Royal Dornoch), Pat McLennan (Forres), Liz McKinnon (Nairn), Sharon Main (Moray), Jenny Milne (Elgin), Mary Smith (Tain), Laura Walker (Nairn Dunbar).

US Student News
JAMIESON CONTINUES TO STRUGGLE IN US

Scott Jamieson is 22 over par and languishing in joint 135th place after 36 holes of the United States NCAA Division 1 men's college golf championship at Karsten Creek, Stillwater in Oklahoma. Report

Irish News
SILVER MEDAL FINALS
- 26 MAY 2003
WESTMANSTOWN GOLF CLUB
WINNER: Evelyn McGrath, Hazel Grove 67 Nett
RUNNER UP: Patricia Kelly, Rathbane 70 Nett (on back 9)
GROSS: Catherine Carty, Tullamore 79 Gross
THIRD: Madge Young, Limerick Co 70 Nett
FOURTH: Brid Fallon, Luttrellstown 72 Nett
CSS 73 PAR 72 SS 70

BRONZE MEDAL FINALS - 26 MAY 2003
LUCAN GOLF CLUB
WINNER: Bridie Stenson, Swords 69 Nett
RUNNER UP: Sarah Carty, Corrstown 71 Nett
GROSS: Victoria Bradshaw, Bangor 89 Gross
THIRD: Sarah Larissy, Craddockstown 72 Nett
FOURTH: Mary Kavanagh, Kilcoole 73 Nett
CSS 73 PAR 73 SS 72

Theresa Morgan Eastern District Secretary, Silver Medal Winner Evelyn McGrath, Ita Butler President of the ILGU, and Maura Sweeney ILGU Council Member.

Wednesday 28th May 2003

AYRSHIRE TEAM HIT BY PREGNANCIES
THE impending birth of babies has had a big influence on the composition of the Ayrshire team for the West Division women's inter-county team championship at Brunston Castle, near Girvan from June 16 to 18.
Catherine Malcolm (Prestwick St Cuthbert), who knocked out defending champion Sharon Lambie (Troon Ladies) before losing by one hole in the Ayrshire county final to Laura Moffat (West Kilbride), is pregnant and was given the option by county captain Marian Wilson of playing only in the singles if she felt up to it. Mrs Malcolm has decided against accepting the invitation.
Former Ayrshire champion Ros Kennedy (Troon Ladies), a pharmacist, had to decline a place in the team because her assistant has gone on maternity leave.
Lanarkshire, who, alongwith Renfrewshire and Dunbartonshire & Argyll, complete the line-up at Brunston Castle, have Scotland international player Clare Queen (Drumpellier) in their team and Jenna Wilson (Strathaven) who is one of the best young players in the country.
Teams:
AYRSHIRE: Pamela Feggans (Doon Valley), Lesley Hendry (Routenburn), Sharon Lambie (Troon Ladies), Gillian Lockhart (Kilmarnock Barassie), Liz Keohone (Loudoun), Morag McQueen (Largs), Laura Moffat (West Kilbride), Charlie Taylor (Troon Ladies).
LANARKSHIRE: Janice Gardner (Drumpellier), May Hughes (Wishaw), Lesley Lloyd (Hayston), Fiona Prior (Cawder), Clare Queen (Drumpellier), Fiona Scott (Bothwell Castle), Jenna Wilson (Strathaven), Susan Wood ( Drumpellier).

US Student News
VIKKI LAING HAS TO SETTLE FOR ALL-AMERICAN SECOND TEAM PLACE

Vikki Laing's disappointing performance in the season-ending United States women's college golf champion cost her a place in the Division 1 All-American team of 11 players chosen by the National Golf Coaches Association. But another Scot, Pamela Feggans, was named in the Division 2 All-American squad. Report

US Student News
SCOTT'S NIGHTMARE IN OKLAHOMA

Scott Jamieson, beaten finalist in last year's Scottish amateur championship, had a nightmare round of 86 on the opening day of the United States NCAA Division 1 college golf championship at Karsten Creek, Stillwater in Oklahoma (TUESDAY, USA TIME). Report

OLDEST GOLF CLUB IN WORLD SEEKS NEW SECRETARY
The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, founded in 1744 and the oldest golf club in the world, is advertising for a new club secretary. Report

De Vere Hotels have announced a partnership with last year's victorious Ryder Cup captain, Sam Torrance.
Report


Tuesday 27th May 2003

Happy birthday to my eldest daughter Claire!
I am the mother of a 30-year-old.... AAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!!

Scottish Ladies Centenary Championship (held last week)
Here is the moment you've all been waiting for....yes.... it's the photographs!
I must say Colin has surpassed himself this time with some terrific action photos of the players
My more modest efforts with the Kirkwoodgolf camera recorded most of the trophy winners on Tuesday and Friday.

I've also had a go at trying to collate the whole event, as I'm sure trying to follow the hotch-potch on the Daily News and HOT NEWS pages must have been a nightmare for you, dear Reader. (and probably still is!)

Kirkwoodgolf owes a huge amount of thanks to Colin Farquharson, who kept HOT NEWS going single-handedly in my absence (I was refereeing) , and wrote screeds on every round. The next time you see him... I want you all to thank him!

And if anyone would like to be a HOT NEWS correspondent then please get in touch... you do not need to have any special software or web knowledge, just a computer connected to the Internet. There are times this summer when I am going to be away (Vagliano, Under 21 strokeplay, County Finals, Home Internationals) and I really need YOU to keep the site up to date.

Midlothian County News
Janet Wake, Captain of MCLGA, has announced the Midlothian team on the MCLGA website for the East Division Inter-Counties at Kirkcaldy Golf Club (Balwearie) on Wednesday to Friday 18-20 June. The team includes Claire Hargan and Vikki Laing, who have both been recently been picked to represent Scotland in the European Ladies Team Tournament.
The team is Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe), Claire Hargan (Prestonfield), Vikki Laing (Musselburgh), Tracy Laughland (Prestonfield), Karen Marshall (Baberton), Belinda Murphy (Prestonfield), Jane Williamson (Mortonhall), Pamela Williamson (Baberton). Reserves: Kate Rorke (Kingsknowe), Kirsten Blackwood (Glencorse)

Renfrewshire County News
Carol Fell has been busy with the Renfrewshire website and has put up photos of the Scottish Centenary dinner and RLCGA members playing at St Andrews. The Renfrewshire County Team to play at Brunston Castle from Monday June 16th to Wednesday 18th June 2003 was announced yesterday.
The team is Clare-Marie Carlton, Donna Jackson, Karen Fitzgerald, Maureen Skinner, Carol Whyte, Gillian McGinlay, Jennifer Jenkins, and Lesley Robertson

Laura WellsSouth of Scotland News
Laura wins rain-hit South title

LAURA Wells, beaten semi-finalist in last week's Centenary Scottish women's amateur golf championship over the Old Course, St Andrews, gained a measure of consolation when she returned home and won the rain-hit South of Scotland women's championship at Lochmaben, near Lockerbie.
Laura, 21, who has spent the past four years at Iowa State University on a golf scholarship, had a 65, three under the SSS, to win the title by three strokes from Dumfries & County clubmate Diane MacDonald with Sheila McMurtrie (Dalbeattie) and Addi Shamash (Kirkcudbright) on 71. Sheila's better inward half earned her third prize. It was the fourth time that Miss Wells had won the South of Scotland championship. Torrential rain wiped out the second round of what is normally a 36-hole event

LGU News (see also LGU website)
CONGU AND LGU AGREE ON UNIFIED HANDICAPPING SYSTEM

The Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) and the Ladies̀ Golf Union (LGU) are pleased to announce that they have agreed on a Unified Handicapping System to become effective on the 1st February 2004. Press Release

Ryder Cup 2004
PGA Of America Begin Selling Tickets To The 2004 Ryder Cup Matches

Ticket applications for The 35th Ryder Cup Matches next year at Oakland Hills Country Club, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, from September 17-19, are now being accepted by the PGA of America. Registration for tickets can be implemented online at www.rydercup.com beginning on Tuesday, May 27, 2003. Press release


Monday 26th May 2003

Scottish Centenary DinnerScottish Centenary Dinner (held on Saturday 17th May)
Collated report and photographs from my camera and from the Cal Carson Golf Agency ©
If anyone has any special photographs (or reminiscences/comments) of the star-studded occasion that they would like to share then please send them to me.
This sort of event needs to be recorded now before we all forget!!!

Fife County News
Many thanks to Alma Robertson who has sent photos of the Fife County Championship prizegiving. Report.


Sunday 25th May 2003

Claire HarganClaire Hargan's performance in reaching the final of the Centenary Scottish women's amateur championship has been rewarded with a place in the Scotland squad of six for the European women's amateur team championships in Frankurt, Germany from July 8 to 12. Report and other teams
The team, under the captaincy of Alison Gemmill (Barassie) is:
CLAIRE HARGAN (Prestonfield)
LYNN KENNY (Stirling University)
ANNE LAING (Vale of Leven)
VIKKI LAING (Musselburgh)
LESLEY MACKAY (Stirling University)
CLARE QUEEN (Drumpellier)
Reserves:
1 LOUISE KENNEY (Pitreavie)
2 PAMELA FEGGANS (Doon Valley)
3 LAURA WELLS (Dumfries & Co)
4 JENNA WILSON (Strathaven)

Futures Tour
SCOTS FADE IN FUTURES EVENT

Rookie pro Heather Stirling from Bridge of Allan is still trying to string three good scores together on the United States Futures Tour. Last year's Scottish women's amateur champion picked up the minimum prize money of 117 dollars after sagging to a closing round of seven-over-par 79, easily her worst score of the Northwest Indiana Futures Classic at Innsbruck Country Club.
Heather's opening scores of 72 and 75 had given her a platform for a third-round charge into a top-20 finish but she nosedived to a final placing of joint 57th among the 79 qualifiers with a total of 10-over-par 226.
Another past Scottish champion and rookie pro, Linzi Morton from Tulliallan finished outside the money in a tie for 64th place with scores of 75, 76 and 76 for 227.
In contrast, seasoned tour pro Lisa Hall (Lisa Hackney that was) from Stoke-on-Trent began with a 78 but then had the best total for the last two rounds and the best final round score of 67 to finish fifth on 214 and earn 3,169 dollars.
Reilley Rankin from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina beat Soo Young Moon (Korea) with a par at the second extra hole of a sudden death play-off after they had tied on five-under 211.


Saturday 24th May 2003


The "gang" on the Old Course Steps at yesterday's prizegiving

Emma DugglebyEnglish News
EMMA DUGGLEBY ENGLISH CHAMPION FOR A SECOND TIME

EMMA Duggleby may be winding down her international career as a golfer but she is still a qualtity player capable of winning titles.
The 31-year-old Curtis Cup player and past British and European women's amateur champion from Malton & Norton Golf Club underlined this by winning the English women's (close) amateur championship for a second time today.
She beat a fellow-Yorkshire and much younger player, Naomi Edwards (Ganton) by 2 and 1 in the 18-hole final at Aldeburgh Golf Club, Suffolk.
Emma took a stranglehold on the destination of the trophy when she won the first four holes, going four up with a birdie 2 at the short fourth.
It says much for the spirit of Miss Edwards that she did not throw in the towel. Far from it, Naomi kept chipping away at her vastly more experienced opponent's lead and had cut it down to only one after 15 holes.
Miss Edwards paid the penalty for a wayward drive at the 16th where she fell two down with two to play.
Emma Duggleby, the No 2 qualifier, sealed her second championship _ she was the title-winner in 2000 and beaten finalist in 2001 _ with a birdie 2 at the 17th.
Naomi Edwards, the eighth qaulifier, had beaten the No 1 seed, Nicola Timmins (Sene Valley) by 3 and 2 in the quarter-finals.
Both Emma and Naomi are in the field for the British women's open amateur championship next month, to be played in their native Yorkshire at Lindrick Golf Club.

Follow-up to Annika Sorestam story
Annika Sorenstam has ruled out the possibility of playing another men's event after missing the cut at the PGA Colonial event in Texas.
The 32-year-old Swede failed to make the weekend's action after carding a four-over 74 to miss the halfway cut by four strokes at five over par.
After two days of playing under intense scrutiny, Sorenstam shed tears as she thanked the public for their support.
"Even though I was struggling the last few holes, they kept pushing me on - 'it's not too late, you can do it'," she said.
"So I just wanted to thank them for the whole week. When you play a game or a sport that you love and then so many people come out to watch you play and respect what you do, it's so special."
"I've climbed as high as I can, and it's worth every step of it. I won't do this again, but I will always remember it.
"I've had some guys that have said less positive things come up and tell me that they were proud of me. I do think if a lady is good enough she should have the right to come here" said Annika Sorenstam "And for them to come up and say that, I admire them for doing that."
Sorenstam also left the door wide open for her LPGA colleagues to take on the challenge in the future.
"I do think if a lady is good enough to either get an invite or if she went to tour school or Monday qualifying, she should have the right to come here.
"It's been so much more than I expected, but it was over my head, I wasn't as tough as I thought I was."
Countryman Jesper Parnevik saluted her gallant effort. "Being a Swede, I am very proud of her, very impressed with the way
she's handled herself. She played amazing, I would have to say. "I guess we have the Shark, the Tiger and now we have the Superwoman."
Dean Wilson, one of Sorenstam's playing partners, believed that the curiosity surrounding her challenge may have harmed her chances. "I think it was just too much pressure to put on one person in one round or two rounds of golf," said Wilson.

Andrew McArthurUS Student News
SECOND SCOT WINS US STUDENT GOLF TITLE

Reigning Scottish amateur golf champion Andrew McArthur (Pfeiffer College & Windyhill), pictured right, won the United States NCAA Division 2 men's championship at Crosswater Golf Club, Sunriver in Oregon yesterday (Friday USA time).
Only 24 hours earlier fellow Scot Heather MacRae (McLennan College & Dunblane) won the American junior colleges women's championship in Florida.
McArthur started the final day two shots off the pace but he returned his third successive score of three-under-par 69 for an impressive, nine-under-par final total of 279.
He had been in 13th place after his opening par round of 72 but he steadily climbed his way up the leaderboard every day.
Andrew won by three strokes from overnight light Scott Usher (USC Aiken) who finished with a 74 for 282, the same total as Dylan Keylock (Francis Marion University) who closed with a 73.
McArthur was an out-of-the-blue winner of the Scottish title at Western Gailes last summer but his form on the American college circuit, albeit at Division 2 level, has been outstanding since he went back there in the autumn.

US Student News
Curtis Cup Scot Vikki Laing from Musselburgh finished a disappointing joint 36th in the NCAA Division 1 championship which rang down the curtain on the 2002-2003 women's college golf season in the United States.
Vikki, making her last appearance after four years at the University of California-Berkeley, had a final round of 78 for a 72-hole total of 306.
The coveted title did to to a European but it was Mikaela Parmlid from Gothenburg, who gave her college, Southern California, a double whammy closing triumph to the season by winning the individual title after a play-off with Andrea Vander Lende (Florida) after they had tied on nine-over-par 297 at West Lafayette, Indiana (ON FRIDAY, USA TIME).
Southern California also won the team championship for the first time.
Kent-born Australian Lindsey Wright (Pepperdine) finished in a tie for sixth place on 300.
Ireland's Martina Gillen (Kent State & Beaverstown) finished joint 40th on 307 after her best round of the four, a par 72.

Futures Tour
Rookie pro Heather Stirling from Bridge of Allan dropped back to a tie for 25th place with a second-round 75 for a three-over-par, 36-hole tally of 147 in the Northwest Indian Futures Tour Classic at Innsbrook Country Club (ON FRIDAY, USA TIME).
She was on the same mark as Lisa Hall from Stoke. Lisa improved by eight strokes with a 69.
Linzi Morton from Alloa, like Heather a past Scottish women's amateur champion, survived the cut to play the last round by one stroke with a 76 for 151 and is in joint 57th place.
Isabelle Beisiegel from Oklahoma has a three-stroke lead after rounds of 70 and 68 for six-under 138.
Jo Clingan from Gloucester and Rebecca Prout (Sussex) failed to qualify for the final day's play. Joe had a 74 for 153 and Rebecca a 75 for 154.

Roseanne NivenPerth and Kinross County News
ROSEANNE Niven, pictured left, Crieff Golf Club's 14-year-old women's champion, will make her county debut for Perth & Kinross in the Northern Division team championship at Murcar from June 28 to 30.
Roseanne won the SLGA St Leonard's Under-16 girls' open championship over 36 holes at Drumoig in April and earlier this month reached the final of the Perth & Kinross women's county championship before losing to Nicky Harding (Craigie Hill). Unfortunately for P&K, Nicky is not able to travel to Murcar due to work commitments. The team is :-
Dawn Butchart (Strathmore), Karen Fullerton (King James V1), Jillian Milne (Craigie Hill), Emma Napper (Craigie Hill), Roseanne Niven (Crieff), Emily Ogilvy (Muckhart), Audrey Scott (Tain), Jane Yellowlees (Murrayshall) Reserve: Fiona Ramsay (Crieff).

Sorenstam makes a major impact
The impact of Annika Sorenstam playing in the Bank of America Colonial PGA tournament has generated enormous media coverage in the USA. We have heard the views of some of the players, but what do the US population, fans and TV viewing public think about it?
The ESPN Sports Poll (The USA’s leading Sports Research Tracker), asked if the fact that a woman competing in a men’s PGA tour event has caused interest to increase or decrease. Almost half of the respondents stated that their interest has increased as a result (45%), while only about one out of ten respondents (12%) stated their interest has decreased.
Interest levels were so high that the event registered on par with the Major’s and the Ryder Cup.
When trying to project how this might impact interest in seeing women compete against men in future sporting events, more than half (52.8%) of the respondents were interested in potential future sporting events where men and women would go head to head.


Friday 23rd May 2003

Emma DugglebyEnglish News
Curtis Cup player and past British and European women's amateur champion Emma Duggleby, pictured right, meets a lesser known Yorkshire player, Naomi Edwards, in Saturday's final of the English women's (close) amateur championship at Aldeburgh Golf Club, Suffolk.
Miss Duggleby (Malton & Norton), the No 2 qualifier, beat fellow Curtis Cup player Fame More (Chesterfield) by 4 and 3 in Friday's quarter-finals, and then reached the final by beating Danielle Masters (Rochester &Cobham) by 3 and 2.
Masters had pulled off a fine win in ousting Curtis Cup playere Kerry Smith (Waterlooville) by 4 and 3.
Naomi Edwards, a member of Ganton Golf Club, beat the No 1 seed, Nicola Timmins (Sene Valley) by 3 and 2 in the quarter-finals and then scored a 4 and 2 win in the semi-finals against Shelley McKevitt (Reading), the 1997 English girls' champion.
Miss Duggleby won the English women's champion in 2000 and beaten finalist the following year.
Results:
QUARTER-FINALS
Naomi Edwards (Ganton) beat Nicola Timmins (Sene Valley) 3 and 2.
Shelley McKevitt (Reading) beat Caroline Marron (Bromborough) at 21st.
Danielle Masters (Rochester &Cobham) beat Kerry Smith (Waterlooville) 4 and 3.
Emma Duggleby (Malton & Norton) beat Fame More (Chesterfield) 4 and 2.
SEMI-FINALS
Edwards beat McKevitt 4 and 2.
Duggleby beat Masters 3 and 2.

Scottish Ladies Centenary Championship


Anne Laing (Vale of Leven) 2003 Scottish Champion

ANNE LAING SCOTTISH CHAMPION FOR SECOND TIME
SOME free advice from a sports psychologist played a major part in Anne Laing regaining the Scottish women's amateur championship over the Old Courst, St Andrews on Friday.
She won the Centenary title with a 4 and 3 victory over Claire Hargan in the 18-hole final and paid tribute to the "play the game in the present" suggestion she received from Vikki Aitken, a sports psychologist who works mainly with European women's tour professionals.
"The advice, which boils down to forgetting what's happened earlier in the round and not worrying about difficult holes ahead, did not cost me anything because we were just chatting about this and that. But I wouldn't have minded paying for it if I had known I was going to win the Scottish title a couple of weeks later."
Anne, a 28-year-old Vale of Leven member with a plus-three handicap and lecturer at Elmwood College, Cupar, was three under par in beating her 26-year-old opponent, an Edinburgh-based trainee actuary and member at Prestonfield.
Despite the wind and rain which which never far away, Miss Laing was able to maintain the momentum which began when she earned the No 2 seed position in the qualifying stages.
In contrast, Claire played her best golf getting to the final but her form deserted her when she need it most - after the turn in the final..
But it was still a very close contest for most of the way. At the halfway stage, there was still everything to play for.
Claire and Ann had both gone out in two under par 36 and were all square.
Then Miss Laing's liking for the Old Course's inward half took over. She birdied the 10th to go one up, although she lost the 11th to a par.
Then Anne got her title-winning charge going. She won the 12th with a par, the 13th on a concession, the 14th with a par and the 15th. Four successes in a row and almost suddenly the title was back in Miss Laing's possession.
It was her fourth final but she had lost in 1999 and last year since beating Alison Davidson in the 1996 final at Royal Dornoch.
It was a first final appearance for Claire.
"I think I'm a better player now than when I last won the title seven years ago," said Anne,"but more in the mind than anything else. I probably think more about the shot I'm about to play than in 1996 when I would have just stood up and hit the ball. It means something to me to be champion of Scotland again. And I won't be turning professional for the simple reason that I don't think I could make a better living at it than I do at Elmwood College where the authorities can never do enough for me in golfing terms."
Claire Hargan said: "I'm very disappointed with the way I played in the final, particularly in the closing holes. I was pleased with the way I played all week to get to the final but I just could not keep it going after the turn. And Anne's such a relentless player. Once I left the door open for her, she was away."

Hole by hole in the final
Hole 1. Halved in par 4.
Hole 2: Claire won with an eagle 3 to Anne's 4 after both were about 12ft from the pin with their approach shots. HARGAN ONE UP.
Hole 3: Anne won with par 4 to Claire's 5. Anne drove into long grass, sent her recovery on to the path along the right of the fairway but then got down in two from some 60yd. Claire had thinned her second through the green and took three to get down. ALL SQUARE.
Hole 4: Anne won with par 5 to Claire's 6.l Claire four-putted from 50 yards. Anne three-putted from 40yd on this huge green. LAING ONE UP.
Hole 5: Halved in birdie 4s. Claire holed from 8ft after hitting second long and right.
Hole 6: Halvedd in par 4s.
Hole 7: Claire won with par 4 to Anne's 5. Anne took three from the edge of the green. ALL SQUARE.
Hole 8: Halved in par 3s.
Hole 9: Halved in birdie 3s. Claire pulled drive close to gorse bushes and had awkward stand but managed to pitch out to 8ft and holed the putt. Anne had drive the green and two-putted.
Hole 10: Anne won with a conceded birdie 3, Claire conceding after playing five strokes. Claire had been in deep bunker and tried to play out sideways. She failed to get out at first attempt and then played out backwards, some 80 yards back towards the tee, eventually conceding the hole to Ann who had been on in two shots. LAING ONE UP.
Hole 11: Claire won with par 3 to Anne's 4. Claire pitched up from lower level and holed 8ft putt. Anne thinned her pitch from below the green through the back. ALL SQUARE.
Hole 12: Laing won with par 4 to Claire's 5. Claire three-putted from the longish grash through the back of the green. Anne was able to get up and down, also from through the back of the green. LAING ONE UP.
Hole 13: Anne was conceded an eagle 3 after Claire conceded the hole, having played five shots. Claire had pulled her second into a more awkward stance next to a gorse bush than she had at the ninth. This one affected her backswing and she moved the ball only two or three feet at the first attempt. She still did not reach the putting surface with her second effort and eventually conceded. LAING TWO UP.
Hole 14: Anne won with a par 5 to Claire's 6. Claire thinned her third shot through the back of the green; pitched back to 6ft and missed the putt. LAING THREE UP.
Hole 15: Anne won with a par 4 to Claire's 5. LAING WINS BY 4 AND 3.


Anne Laing(Vale of Leven) drives from the first tee
on her way to winning her second Scottish Championship

ANNE Laing regained the Scottish women's amateur championship she last held in 1996 when she won the Centenary title with a 4 and 3 victory over Claire Hargan in the 18-hole final over the Old Course, St Andrews today (Friday).
Anne, a 28-year-old Vale of Leven member and lecturer at Elmwood College, Cupar, was three under par in beating her 26-year-old opponent, an Edinburgh-based trainee actuary and member at Prestonfield.
Despite the wind and rain which which never far away, Miss Laing was able to maintain the moment which began when she earned the No 2 seed position in the qualifying stages and continued through the week.
In contrast, Claire played her best golf getting to the final but once there her form slipped down a notch.
But it was still a very close contest for most of the way. At the halfway stage, there was still everything to play for.
Claire and Ann had both gone out in two under par 36 and were all square.
Then Miss Laing's like for the Old Course's inward half took over. She birdied the 10th to go one up, although she lost the 11th to a par.
Then Anne got her title-winning charge going. She won the 12th with a par, the 13th on a concession, the 14th with a par and the 15th. Four successes in a row and almost suddenly the title was back in Miss Laing's possession.
It was her fourth final but she had lost in 1999 and last year since beating Alison Davidson in the 1996 final at Royal Dornoch.
It was a first final appearance for Claire.


Runner-up, Claire Hargan (Prestonfield) drives from the first tee in the final.

Scottish Ladies Centenary Championship
Update on the Championship Final Hargan v Laing
1: 339 Par 4: Hole halved in 4
2: 375 Par 5: Both on the green in two, Hargan holes for eagle 3, Hargan 1 up
3: 321 Par 4: Laing three on green, holes putt, Hargan takes three from back, all square
4: 401 Par 5: Laing 5, Hargan 6, Laing 1 up
5: 454 Par 5: halved in 4, Laing 1 up
6: 325 Par 4: halved in 4, Laing 1 up
7: 335 Par 4: Hargan 4 Laing 5, all square
8: 145 Par 3: Halved in 3 all square
9: 261 Par 4: Halved in 3, all square after 9
10: 296 Par 4: Laing wins hole, Laing 1 up
11: 150 Par 3: Hargan 3 Laing 4, all square
12: 304 Par 4: Laing 4 Hargan 5, Laing 1 up
13: 377 Par 5: Laing on green in 2, Hargan in whin bush, takes 5 to reach green and concedes. Laing 2 up
14: 509 Par 5: Laing 5 Hargan 6, Laing 3 up
15: 369 Par 4: Laing wins with a 4 to a 5 and wins Championship


This is the SLGA Management team doing their "turn" at the Championship party last night...
I wonder how much they will pay me to take out this photo?

Heather MacraeUS Student News
HEATHER WINS AMERICAN JUNIOR COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP

Heather MacRae, pictured right, the 2001 Scottish girls' match-play champion from Dunblane, became the fifth Scot since 1998 to win the United States junior college women's golf championship over the LPGA International Course at Daytona Beach in Florida on Thursday.
Heather led from start to finish, signing off, in temperatures again touching 80 degrees, with a 77 for a 72-hole total of 303. Her earlier rounds were 71, 79 and 76.
A student at McLennan College at Waco, Texas, Heather won by three strokes from Ulrika Ljungman (Daytona Beach)..
Miss MacRae's team-mate at McLennan College, Laura Walker (Nairn Dunbar), her successor as BP Scottish girls champion at Powfoot last summer, finished a creditable joint seventh on 318 with scores of 79, 78, 82 and 79.
McLennan finished only one stroke behind team champions Daytona Beach.
Aberdonian Claire Hunter won the inaugural NJCAA event in 1998; Linzi Morton (Tulliallan) followed her on to the winner's rostrum in 1999 and the Scots domination continued in 2000 and 2001 with victories by Pamela Mackay (Royal Dornoch) and Angela Finlay (Ratho Park).

US Student News
SCOTS CHAMPION ANDREW NOW LYING SECOND IN US DIV 2 CHAMPIONSHIP

Scottish men's amateur champion Andrew McArthur (Pfeiffer College & Windyhill), pictured left, shot a third-round, three-under-par 69 to move into second place on six-under 210 with one round to go in the United States Division 2 men's college golf championship at Crosswater Golf Club, Sunriver in Oregon.
McArthur is now only two shots behind leader Scott Usher (USC Aiken) who had a 72 for 208.
Others in contention for the title are Dylan Keylock on 211 and Tommy Medina and Mark Hocking on 212.

US Student News
Vikki Laing improves in third round of NCAA Division I Championships

Curtis Cup golfer Vikki Laing (California and Musselburgh) had a 72 in the third round of the NCAA Division 1 Championship at Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex at West Lafayette, Indiana yesterday and is now tied for 16th place going into the final round today, eight strkes off the pace on 228. Mikaela Parmlid of Southern Califirnia and Andrea Vander Lende of Florida share the lead on 220. Ireland's Martina Gillen, playing for Kent State had a third round 78 and is tied for 60th place.
Vikki's California team are in 13th place on 936, 35 shots behind leaders Southern California. Pepperdine and Oklahoma State are in second and third places. Kent State is 15th.

US Futures Tour
Heather Stirling only two off the pace in Nothwest Indiana

Curtis Cup player Heather Stirling was only two shots off the pace with a par 72 after the first round of the Northwest Futures Tour Golf Classic at Innsbruck Country Club yesterday. Four players share the lead on 70, and another four are on 71, Heather is in joint 9th place. Linzi Morton had a 75 and is tied at 36th

County News
Dunbartonshire and Argyll are the first to announce their County Team for the West Jamboree at Brunstane Castle. The team is Sara Bishop (Windyhill), Judy Galbraith (Cowal), Anne Laing (Vale of Leven), Fiona McLean (Hilton Park), Claire McNeill (Milngavie), Louisa Ruane (Cardross), Anna Telfer (Milngavie), Gemma Webster (Hilton Park)
Counties.... Please let me and/or Colin Farquharson know when you choose your teams. Thanks!

 


Thursday 22nd May 2003

Rent a mob
The crowd watching the first semi-final this afternoon

Claire HarganScottish Ladies Centenary Championship
It's Claire Hargan (left) v Anne Laing (right) in the final tomorrow morning at 9:00am

The Centenary Scottish women's amateur golf championship 18-hole final at the Old Course, St Andrews on Friday morning will feature Anne Laing from Vale of Leven and Claire Hargan (Prestonfield).
In the semi-finals, Hargan produced spectacular figures of six under par in beating Ohio State University student Laura Wells from Dumfries by 5 and 4. It will be Claire's first final. She was the ninth qualifier for the match-play stages.
In contrast, No 2 seed Anne Laing will be appearing in her fourth Scottish championship final. She won the title in 1996 but lost in the final in 1999 and again last year.
Miss Laing's form dipped slightly in the semi-finals but she was still two under par in beating Borders champion Martine Pow (Selkirk)by 5 and 3.
Sjavon-Dee Wilson (Murcar) beat Charlie Taylor (Ladies Golf Club, Troon) by 3 & 2 in the final of the Clark Rosebowl

British Championship at Lindrick.. LGU Press Release

TOP SEED KENNY KO'D BY HARGAN
Leading qualifier Lynn Kenny was knocked out of the Centenary Scottish women's amateur golf championship in this morning's quarter-finals over the Old Course, St Andrews.
Bidding to repeat her 2000 victory at Machrihanish, the Stirling University student was outgunned by Claire Hargan who won by 4 and 3.
Hargan had two eagles and two birdies and was three under par for the 16 holes after being three up at the turn.
Edinburgh-based Hargan plays Laura Wells from Dumfries in the semi-final. Laura beat fellow Iowa State University student Louise Kenney (Pitreavie) by one hole after driving out of bounds at the 17th but winning the 18th where her opponent's tee shot came to rest on the tarmac road that bisects the fairway.Not surprisingly, Louise left her approach shot in the Valley of Green and required another three shots to get down.
Borders champion Martine Pow is a surprise name in the last four. She beat former champion and local player Elaine Moffat by 3 and 2 after losing the second and third to go two behind.
Pow will play the No2 qualifier and past champion, Anne Laing, for a place in the final.
Laing produced the best overall figures of the quarter-finalists. She fired five birdies at local player Fiona Lockhart and was four under par in beating her by 7 and 6.

 

US Student News
Vikki Laing moved up 18 places on the scoreboard with a second-round 76 to be lying tied for 28th at the halfway stage of the United States NCAA Division 1 women's college golf championship at West Lafayette, Indiana.
The Curtis Cup player from Musselburgh, a student at the University of California, had a 36-hole aggregate of 12-over-par 156, nine shots behind leader Annie Thurman (Oklahoma State).
Sweden's Mikaela Parmlid (Southern California) was the leading European player in joint fifth place on 150 (77, 73) with Kent-born Australian Lindsey Wright (Pepperdine) in a tie for eighth place on 151 (78, 73).
Irish international Martina Gillen (Kent State & Beaverstown) had a 76 for 157 and is tied for 39th place in the field of the best female college golfers nationwide in American.
Vikki's team, California, one of the favourites coming into the championship, are in joint 11th place on 632, 24 shots behind the pacemaking Southern California.

US Student News
Scots champion joint fourth at halfway stage in Oregon

Scottish men's amateur champion Andrew McArthur (Pfeiffer College & Windyhill) shot a second-round, three-under-par 69 to move into a tie for fourth place on three-under 141 at the halfway stage of the United States Division 2 men's college golf championship at Crosswater Golf Club, Sunriver in Oregon.
McArthur is five shots off the lead which was taken over by Scott Usher (USC Aiken) who had a 65 for 136

From Yesterday's Hot News....

Laura Moffat chippingScottish Ladies Cenenary Championship
THREE PAST CHAMPIONS THROUGH TO LAST EIGHT OF CENTENARY CHAMPIONSHIP

Three former title-winners, Lynn Kenny (Stirling University), Elaine Moffat (St Regulus) and Anne Laing (Vale of Leven), are through to the last eight of the Centenary Scottish women's amateur golf championship over the Old Course, St Andrews.
Here's how they got through their second-round matches.
LYNN KENNY beat CARA GRUBER by 4 and 2.
Kenny single-putted the first four greens in starting par-eagle-birdie-birdie to be three up on the fifth tee. She went four up at the seventh before Gruber won her first hole, the eighth, but Cara slipped four down again when Lynn won the 11th.
Cara chipped away at the deficit by winning the 15th to be back to three down but she drove out of bounds at the 16th to lose the hole and the match.
"Lynn putted unbelievably," said Cara.
"I could see the lines clearly on the greens today," said Lynn who was three under par for the 16 holes.
Claire HarganCLAIRE HARGAN beat LESLEY MACKAY by one hole.
Claire, pictured right, birdied the par-5s (the second, fourth and fifth) on the outward journey to be three up at the turn. That lead was extended to four when Lesley was bunkered at the 10th. Lesley had come back from five down in the morning to beat Jenna Wilson ... could she do it again?
Well, Lesley proceeded to birdie five holes in a row from the 13th. The 13th in fact was halved in birdies but then Lesley won the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th to be all square on the 18th tee.
Claire then had a real stroke of luck. Her drive landed on the tarmac road which crosses the fairway and her ball bounced so far forward that it came to rest in the Valley of Sin, just in front of the green. From there, Claire was able to putt close, setting up a winning birdie 3 to the gallant Lesley's 4.
"I didn't do much wrong on the way in. Lesley was winning the holes with birdies so it wasn't as if I was giving them away. The only time I was really nervous was over that last putt to win a place in the last eight," said Claire.
LAURA WELLS beat KAREN MARSHALL by 2 and 1.
Iowa State University student Laura, left, was one down or square until the 15th which she won to lead for the first time in the tie. Then, having made the breakthrough, the Dumfries & County exile promptly made it two wins in a row by taking the 16th.
Wells then played a tremendous seven-wood approach on to the green at the Road Hole 17th, close to the flag, and was conceded victory.
"I was two or three over par for the whole match," said Laura. "It wasn't until the closing holes that I got into my stride."
Laura now plays her Iowa State University team-mate and golfing buddy Louise Kenney, at whose Dunfermline home she is staying during the championship.
LOUISE KENNEY beat KATRINA MILNE by 4 and 3.
The first four holes were halved in one-under-par figures (both birdied the long second) before Louise took up a lead she would never lose. That was with a birdie at the fifth. A par at the sixth was good enough to put Kenney two up.
Fellow Fifer Katrina scored her first success at the seventh to be back to one down but she then three-putted the eighth to go back to two down and a birdie from Kenney at the ninth put her three up at the turn.
Louise made it four holes won in a row when she parred the 10th and 11th to increase her lead to five.
The 12th was halved in par and the 13th in birdies. Katrine won the 14th but was four down with for to play and a half at the next ended the contest for which Louise was two under par.
ELAINE MOFFAT beat VALERIE MELVIN by one hole.
Valerie Melvin looked to have taken the measure of former champion Elaine when she was three up at the turn and halved the first three holes of the inwared half.
Then local player Elaine won four of the last six holes to turn the tie on its head.
Elaine birdied the 13th to win that hole and then took the 14th with a bogey when Valerie was in even bigger trouble than she was.
The 15th was halved, leave Melvin one up with three to play. But, as Valerie said later, "The 16th was the crucial hole. She drove into a pot bunker while I played for safety off the tee and squared the match after hitting a five-wood pin high."
Elaine struck again with a five-foot putt to win the Road Hole 17th where Valerie took three to get down from the edge.That put Moffat in the lead for the first time and both players three-putted the last green, Valerie's being the shorter putt.
MARTINE POW beat ADDI SHAMASH 4 and 3.
Addi, who had ousted former Scottish and British champion Alison Davidson in the morning, birdied the first hole but Martine hit back with an eagle to square the match at the second.
Shamash's par at the fourth was good enough to win that but Pow then birdied the fifth and parred the sixth to be one up on the seventh tee.
After a couple of halved-in-par holes, Addi birdied the ninth to get back to all square again in a ding-dong tie.
Then Shamash let the tie slip away for her. She three-putted the 10th to lose it and did the same again to go two down at the 11th.
Martine was off and running now and a par at the 12th meant she had won three holes in a row to be three up.
After a half at the 13th, Martine took a stranglehold on the outcome by winning the 14th for a four-hole lead and a half at the next ended the tie.
FIONA LOCKHART beat LAURA MOFFAT 2 and 1.
Laura led only once in this match and that was after winning the second. Fiona squared it with a birdie at the third and went one up with an eagle 3 from 3ft at the fifth. Laura squared at the eighth and the ninth was halved in birdies.
Fiona went one up again at the 11th and the 12th was halved in par; the 13th in birdies, and the 14th in par in a nail-biting match.
Moffat squared the tie again at the 15th but Lockhart kept her nerve against her opponent, who played int he 1999 Vagliano Trophy match at North Berwick, and won the 16th with a par and the 17th, also with a par, for a notable 2 and 1 victory.
"I was about level par for the match," said Fiona, a local St Regulus player and an administration assistant with the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association at its Drumoig headquarters.
Crystle CaithnessANNE LAING beat KRYSTLE CAITHNESS, right, by one hole.
In many ways this was the match of the second round. Anne won the first with a par but her 14-year-old opponent, a member of the local St Regulus club, birdied the second and third to go one up. Anne hit back with a birdie at the fourth to square it and the fifth was halved in birdies.
Laing went one up again with a par at the sixth.
Anne, by her own admission, hit a "poor tee shot" to lose the eighth but she won the ninth with a birdie to show ahead again and wins at the 11th (with a par) and the 12th (birdie) put the former champion and St Rule Trophy winner in the driving seat with a three-hole lead.
But young Krystle was not finished yet. She birdie the 13th (her third of the round) to get it back to two down. Anne responded with her fifth birdie of the round to be three up after 14 holes.
The 15th was halved in par and Krystle's pars at the 16th and 17th saw her slash Laing's lead to one hole.
Anne had landed in the Road Hole Bunker at the 17th and had to chip out sideways.
Caithness played a solid second on to the green at the last, to about 10ft from the cup. Laing, the British mid-amateur champion, promptly hit her approach to within five or six feet of the hole. The hole was halved in 4.
Anne Laing reckoned she was three or four under par ... "and I had to be to beat Krystle. She is a phenomenal talent. I'm 28, which is twice her age. I wasn't even playing golf when I was 14! She holed almost everything from 10ft in."

US Student News
HEATHER LEADS BY THREE STROKES IN U S JUNIOR COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP

Heather MacRae, the 2001 Scottish girls' match-play champion from Dunblane, leads by three strokes with one round to go in the 72-hole United States NJCAA women's golf championship at the LPGA International Course, Daytona Beach in Florida.
After scores of 71 and 79, Heather found the middle ground of 76 for a 54-hole tally of 226.
Heather was on course to spreadeagle the field when she reached the turn in one-under-par 35 but she sagged in the 80 degree temperature and took 41 strokes for the inward half.
Miss MacRae's team-mate at McLennan College at Waco, Texas, Laura Walker from Nairn Dunbar, her successor as BP Scottish girls champion at Powfoot last summer, slipped down one place in the overall standings with a 82 (42-40) for 239.
Heather is set to improve the tremendous record by Scots golfing students in this annual tournament. Aberdonian Claire Hunter won the inaugural event in 1998; Linzi Morton (Tulliallan) followed her on to the winner's rostrum in 1999 and the Scots domination continued in 2000 and 2001 with victories by Pamela Mackay (Royal Dornoch) and Angela Finlay (Ratho Park).

US Student News
VIKKI TRAILS IN US CHAMPIONSHIP

Curtis Cup Scot Vikki Laing from Musselburgh made a disappointing start to the United States NCAA Division 1 women's college golf championship at West Lafayette, Indiana on Tuesday.
Recent winner of the Pacific-10 Conference championship and elevated to her best ever nationwide ranking of No 10, California University student Vikki failed to play to her own high standards, returning an eight-over-par 80.
That put the Scot well down the top-class field in joint 47th place.
Virada Nirapathpongporn (Dukes) set the pace with a level par 72 to be a shot ahead of Annie Thurman (Oklahoma State).
Kent-born Australian Lindsey Wright (Pepperdine) was tied for 23rd place on six-over 78.
Irish international player Martina Gillen (Kent State & Beaverstown) had an 81 to be tied for 64th place.
Southern Californa (305) led the team championship from Oklahoma State and Ohio State, both 309 with Florida (313) in fourth place.
Vikki's California team, who entered the tournament with high hopes of winning the national title for the first time are already 16 shots off the pace in a tie for 17th place.

US Student News
Scottish champion's solid start in Oregon

Scottish men's amateur golf champion Andrew McArthur was lying joint 13th at the end of the first round in the United States NCAA Division 2 college championship at Crosswater Golf Club, Sunriver in Oregon yesterday (Tuesday, USA time).
McArthur, Pfeiffer University and Windyhill, had a round of level par 72 after the start of play was delayed because of frost.
Jon Olson (Colorado Springs) set the pace with a four-under 68.

Welsh Championship
KATE PHILLIPS IS NEW WELSH CHAMPION
Red hot favourite Becky Brewerton (Abergele) was beaten in the semi-finals of the Welsh women's amateur championship at Aberdovey and the title went to Kate Phillips, a 20-year-old from Creigiau.
Phillips had scored a very good win in her semi-final over Curtis Cup player Sarah Jones (Pennard) who was well and truly beaten, 8 and 6, by Kate.
Brewerton lost by 2 and 1 to the surprise packet of the championship, Somerset-based Katie Walls.
In the 18-hole final, Kate beat Katie by 2 and 1.

Midlothian News
Don't want to brag..... but Midlothian County Ladies are justifiably proud to have had 27 competitors playing in the Scottish Ladies Centenary Championship this week. I wonder if any other county has ever had so many competitors?

Junior News
I was speaking to Ann Hunter of Monifeith. There are 33 girls in the Junior section, and another five trying golf for a year. If every club had as good a record as this, we wouldn't have to worry about the future of golf! Well done Ann and Monifeith!


Wednesday 21st May 2003

Scottish Ladies Centenary Championship


Prizewinners after the Strokeplay rounds.
Back row: L to R Elaine Moffat, Anne Laing, Jenna Wilson, Lesley Mackay
Front Row: L to R Crystle Caithness, Lynn Kenny

Scottish Ladies Centenary Championship
LYNN AND ANNE ON COURSE TO MEET IN CENTENARY CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Lynn Kenny and Anne Laing, pre-tournament favourites for the Centenary Scottish women's amateur golf championship, are on course to meet in Friday morning's final over the Old Course at St Andrews.
They tied at the top of the field of 132 with six-under-par totals of 146 in the qualifying rounds to decide the 32 players who will go on to the sudden-death match-play.
Kenny birdied the last hole for a second-round 73, one fewer than Laing's score and that earned Lynn the top seed placing in the draw. As Nos 1 and 2 qualifiers, they go into opposite halves of the draw.
Dawn Dewar qualified for the match-play after a 74 for 156 but she is due to sit a Higher examination at 1pm on Thursday and thought it better to pull out now rather than wait until she saw if she made further progress in the championship.
The youngest of the qualifiers by far was 14-year-old local St Andrews girl Krystle Caithness, pictured right, who shot a 76 for 159. This is her debut in the championship.
In the play-off for the last of the 32 match-play places, Scots and Irish seniors champion Pam Williamson beat Donna Jackson at the first extra hole. They had tied on 166.
Slow play was not so big a problem as it had been on the opening day, thanks to the work of the St Andrews Links Trust rangers who had performed only an observing role on Monday. The last trio to finish took around 4 1/2hr, still a long time but over an hour faster than the corresponding threesome on Monday evening.

SOME SECOND-ROUND CARDS
Lynn Kenny 73
OUT: 4 3 5 4 4 3 5 3 4 (three-under 35)
IN: 4 3 5 4 5 4 5 5 3 (level par 38)
+Eagle 3 at second, birdies at fourth, fifth, sixth, 13th and 18th; bogeys at third, seventh, 13th and 16th.
Sheena Wood 74
OUT: 3 5 4 5 4 4 5 3 4 (one under 37)
IN: 4 3 5 3 6 4 4 5 3 (one under 37)
+Eagle 3 at 13th; birdies at first, fifth and 18th; bogeys at seventh, 12th and 14th.
Dawn Dewar 74
OUT: 4 5 3 4 5 3 4 3 4 (three under 35)
IN: 3 4 4 5 6 5 3 5 4 (one over 39).
Birdies at third, fourth, sixth, 10th and 16th; bogeys at 11th, 14th and 15th.
KRYSTLE CAITHNESS 76
OUT: 5 4 5 4 5 4 5 3 4 (one over 39)
IN: 4 4 3 6 5 3 3 5 4 (one under 37)

US Student News
HEATHER STILL LEADING AT HALFWAY STAGE OF U S JUNIOR COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP

Heather MacRae, the 2001 Scottish girls' match-play champion from Dunblane, retained her overnight lead in the second round of the 72-hole United States NJCAA women's golf championship at the LPGA International Course, Daytona Beach in Florida on Tuesday.
In scoring terms, Heather slumped from an opening 71 to a 79 in temperatures again hovering around the 80 degrees mark but her 150 halfway total was still good enough to carry a one-stroke lead into the third round.
Miss MacRae's team-mate at McLennan College at Waco, Texas, Laura Walker, her successor as BP Scottish girls champion at Powfoot last summer, moved up to sixth place with a 78 for 157.
Scots golfing students have a tremendous record in this annual tournament. Aberdonian Claire Hunter won the inaugural event in 1998; Linzi Morton (Tulliallan) followed her on to the winner's rostrum in 1999 and the Scots domination continued in 2000 and 2001 with victories by Pamela Mackay (Royal Dornoch) and Angela Finlay (Ratho Park).


Tuesday 20th May 2003

Scottish Ladies Centenary Championship
2000 champion Lynn Kenny takes the top qualifying spot from 1996 champion Anne Laing, both on 146.
Full scoreboard NB CSS both days 77
Championship Draw
Clark Rosebowl Draw

US Student News
HEATHER MacRAE LEADS US NATIONAL JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

Heather MacRae from Dunblane led the big field at the end of the first round of the United States NJCAA women's golf championship, played in temperatures up in the 80s at Daytona Beach, Florida on Monday.
Heather, a student at McLennan College, Waco in Texas, had a score of 71 to jump two shots clear of the field in the 72-hole event to decide the best female golfer at junior colleges across America.
Heather's team-mate and fellow-Scot, Laura Walker from Dunbar, was sharing eighth place after a 79.
McLennan College finished the first day three shots ahead of Daytona Beach in the team championship.


Monday 19th May 2003

Anne LaingScottish Centenary Championship
ANNE LAING USES HEAD TO LEAD OVER OLD COURSE
A VISIT to a sports psychologist has put Anne Laing in the mood to regain the Scottish women's amateur golf crown over the Old Course, St Andrews this week.
"I had a talk with Vikki Aitken (a sports psychologist who works mainly with players on the European Ladies Tour) and she told me to 'stay in the present ' in other words don't think past the shot or the hole you're playing," said 27-year-old Anne after scoring a flawless, four-under-par 72 to lead at the end of the first qualifying round of the Centenary Championship over the course where the event began 100 years ago. Report - Scores - Draw for Tuesday

Here are some more photos from Saturday's Centenary Championship dinner

and... some Irish News!
LAHINCH SCRATCH CUP

Tricia Mangan (Ennis) LGU Squad member, won the Lahinch Scratch Cup over the Championship Course with a three over par total 151. Claire Coughlan (Cork) was second one shot further back and Eileen Rose Power (Kilkenny) was third. Conditions were particularly tough due to the severity of the rough and gale force winds.


Sunday 18th May 2003

Scottish Centenary Championship
Read Colin Farquharson's preview


Scottish Champions 2003
Back Row L to R: Gillian Stewart, Jane Connachan, Elaine Farquharson-Black, Alison Davidson, Alison Gemmill, Lynn Kenny, Anne Laing, Joan Rennie, Elaine Moffat, Jayne Smith, Fiona Anderson, Lesley Johnston
Front Row L to R: Heather Anderson, Belle Robertson, Janette Wright, Aileen Wilson, Joan Lawrence, Dorothea Sommerville, Marigold Speir

NIGHT OF STARS AT S L G A CENTENARY CHAMPIONSHIP DINNER
Jessie Valentine, at 88 the oldest surviving Scottish women's amateur golf champion, was unable to attend the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association's dinner at the Old Course Hotel, St Andrews on Saturday night to mark the centenary of the Scottish women's championship which starts over the Old Course on Monday morning with the final on Friday morning.
The 1903 championship was also played over the Old Course.
A former British champion as well as six times Scottish title-winner between 1938 and 1956, Mrs Valentine, a member of Craigie Hill Golf Club, Perth all her life, is a resident at a Bridge of Earn nursing home. The medical opinion was that the travel and the excitement of meeting so many of her old friends and the late hours of the dinner would not be advisable.
In her absence, Jessie was given a standing ovation when her name was read out by SLGA chairman Ethel Farquharson at the parade of champions at the start of the dinner.
Nineteen past champions were able to present among a total of 179 guests from all parts of Scotland.
The former title-winners in attendance were (maiden name in year of victory in brackets):
Fiona Anderson (1987), Heather Anderson (1969), Jane Connachan (1982), Alison (Rose) Davidson (1997), Elaine Farquharson-Black (1990), Alison Gemmill (1981 & 1985), Lesley (Hope) Johnston (1975), Lynn Kenny (2000), Anne Laing (1996), Joan Lawrence (1962-64), Elaine Moffat (1998), Joan (Hastings) Rennie (1967), Belle Robertson (1965,1966,1971, 1972, 1978,1980, 1986), Dorothea (Sommerville) Hastings (1958), Marigold Speir (1957), Jayne Smith (1999), Gillian Stewart (1978, 1983-84), Dr Aileen Wilson (1974), Janette Wright (1959-61,1973).
Alan McGregor, general manager of St Andrews Links Trust, James Hamilton of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, Sue Johnson, president of the Ladies Golf Union and Hugh Hunter, president of the Scottish Golf Union were the principal guests.
Sue Johnston, President of the LGU, toasted the Centenary Championship and Joyce Cooper, President of the SLGA replied. Patricia Hutton, Vice-Chairman of the SLGA, toasted the guests, and the reply was from Marigold Spier, who won the Championship in 1957. The Vote of Thanks was made by Kathleen McNeill MBE.

It was a tremendous privilege for me to be one of the 179 people who attended the Scottish Ladies Championship Centenary Dinner last night at the Old Course Hotel, St Andrews.
I'm sure those that were there will confirm that the introduction of the past Champions by SLGA Chairman, Ethel Farquharson, at the start of the evening, was one of those occasions which we will wish remember for ever. As they came in one by one, they were each given a standing ovation. It was a very emotional moment for many, one that will never be repeated, and set the scene for an excellent dinner, where old friends met up and exchanged reminiscences and memories of Championships gone by.
Well done to the SLGA for organising such a special event!

The following items were posted on Hot News by Colin Farquharson earlier today. Please watch Hot News for the latest News of the Centenary Championship. I've just seen the Referees Rota and I'm not going ot be around much!

US Student News
Pamela Feggans finishes second in NCAA Division 2 championship

Ayrshire player Pamela Feggans could not manage to hold on to a share of the overnight lead in the final round of the NCAA Division 2 women’s college championship at Howey in the Hills, Florida on Saturday.
Pamela, a student Florida Southern and a member of Doon Valley, signed off with a 76 for a 72-hole final total of 11-over-par 303.
Miss Feggans had jumped into a share of the 54-hole lead with a 71, the best third-round score by anyone in the field.
Charlotte Campbell (Rollins) became the second player in the tournament to return a two-under-par 71 and her final effort lifted her clear of the field with a total of seven-over 299, four ahead of Pamela who deserves credit for such a high finish in the Division 2 championship after starting the tournament with an 80.
Rollins College won the team title, 39 shots clear of second-placed Florida Southern with Northern Colorado a further 36 shots back in third place.

JAMIESON IS THE LUCKY SCOT AS INGLIS,LAIRD MISS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Only one Scot will be competing in the American men's college golf national championship at Stillwater, Oklahoma from May 28 to 31.
Scott Jamieson (Augusta State & Cathkin Braes), although much lower ranked at 218th than David Inglis (Tulsa & Glencorse) (seventh) and Martin Laird (Colorado State & Hilton Park) (25th), qualifies to play as a member of the Augusta State team but Inglis and Laird were left on the outside looking in after their college teams failed to come through regional championship qualifiers at the weekend.
Jamieson, last year's Scottish amateur championship beaten finalist, finished tied for 109th place in the NCAA East Regional championship at Auburn, Alabama with rounds of 77, 80 and 77 for 18-over-par 234. The individual winner of the event was Troy Matteson (Georgia Tech) who shot 68, 67 and 66 for a brilliant 54-hole total of 15-under-par 201.
The performances of Jamieson's team-mates, Englishmen James Heath (eighth equal on 210) and Oliver Wilson (joint 47th on 222), helped Augusta State to come joint seventth in the team championship. The leading 10 teams' players all earned a ticket to play in the national championships.
Clemson incidentally won the East Regional title with another superb total, 25-under-par 839, 10 ahead of Georgia Tech. Augusta State totalled 873.
In the NCAA Central Regional championship at Colbert Hills, Kansas, David Inglis returned a total of one-under-par 215 with steady scoring of 71, 72 and 72 but that was good enough only to put the red-haired Scottish six-footer in a final placing of tied for 20th.
Brett Callas (Houston) won the individual championship with a nine-under total of 207 (71, 69, 67) but Tulsa were well outside the top 10 teams who qualified for the national championship. They finished joint 23rd on 887 behind winners Oklahoma State (856).
Martin Laird suffered a form slump at a time when he needed to be at his best. He finished joint 85th in the NCAA West Regional championship at Washington National Golf Club. Laird had rounds of 73, 80 and 77 for 14-over-par 230.
Michael Letzig (New Mexico) won the individual title with eight-under 208 (69, 68, 71) and Colorado State came 19th in the team event with 908, behind winners UCLA (864). Only the top 10 progressed to the national finals.

 


Saturday 17th May 2003

Scottish Centenary Championship
Kirkwoodgolf is moving to St Andrews for the duration of the Scottish Championship (I'm refereeing). I'm going to be updating the website when I'm off-duty, so there might be slight gaps in the coverage. Keep an eye on HOT NEWS, as others might post results in my absence.

Pamela FeggansUS Student News
PAMELA SHARES LEAD IN FLORIDA

Ayrshire exile Pamela Feggans is one good round away from the biggest win of her golfing life - America's NCAA Division 2 women's college championship at Mission Hill, Howey-in-the-Hills in Florida.
Pamela shot the best round of the three days so far - a 71 (on Friday) to continue her climb up the leaderboard after starting the 72-hole tournament with a disappointing 80.
With 18 holes to play, Miss Feggans is sharing the pole position on eight-over 227 with Freddie Seeholzer from Rollins College. Freddie had a second-round 75.
They are one shot ahead of Charlotte Campbell (Rollins) on 228 with the halfway leader Kim Keyer-Scott (Northern Kentucky) only a couple of shots back in fourth place on 230 after a 79.
So it promises to be an exciting finale to the individual championship although the team event has already been wrapped up by Rollins College who are 29 strokes ahead of Pamela Feggans' team from Florida Southern.

US College (men) round-up
Walker Cup contender David Inglis is on one-under-par 143 at the halfway stage of the NCAA Division 1 Central Regional men's golf championship at Colbert Hills Golf Club, Manhattan in Kansas.
But the red-haired Scot from Roslin and Glencorse Golf Club is only lying joint 16th after rounds of 71 and 72, so high is the standard of play as competitors and college teams try to earn themselves places in the national championships later in the month.
Inglis, a student at the University of Tulsa, who are trailing at 19th in the team standings, is six strokes off the pace being set by Judd Easterling (Wichita State) (69-68) and Jason Moon (North Carolina State) (66-71).
Martin Laird (Colorado State & Hilton Park) had a disastrous quadruple bogey 9 at the first hole on his way to a second-round 80 and he is down among the dead men in joint 79th place with 36 holes to go of the West Regional championship at Washington National Golf Club.
Laird, who has been playing so well in the past month or so, has gone right off the boil at the wrong time with rounds of 73 and 80 for eight-over 153 - 16 shots behind halfway leader Michael Letzig (New Mexico) 69-68).
Scott Jamieson (Augusta State & Cathkin Braes) is faring even worse than Laird in the East Regional championship at Auburn, Alabama. Jamieson, runner-up in last year's Scottish amateur champion, is lying in a tie for 116th place at the halfway stage.
Jamieson has had rounds of 77 and 80 for 157 - 22 shots behind leader Troy Matteson (Georgia Tech).


Friday 16th May 2003

Clare QueenScottish Ladies (Close) Amateur Championship
CLARE WON'T BE QUEEN OF SCOTS AT ST ANDREWS NEXT WEEK

Clare Queen, one of the favourites for next week's Centenary Scottish women's amaeur golf championship over the Old Course, St Andrews has had to withdraw from the event which starts on Monday and ends on Friday.
A student at Strathclyde University, Clare, who has just turned 20, is due to sit two examinations in market & business law on Thursday and Friday next week.
"I had hoped that arrangements might be made for me to sit the first exam in St Andrews but it has proved impossible," said Clare from her Coatbridge home. "Obviously I am very disappointed at having to pull out of the Scottish championship, particularly the Centenary championship over the Old Course. But there's always next year."
Miss Queen is one of the best young female golf prospects in the country. A member of the Ladies Golf Union Elite Squad she is in the running for a place in the Great Britain & Ireland side for the Vagliano Trophy match against the Continent of Europe at Co Louth, Ireland on July 25 and 26 and next year's Curtis Cup match against the United States at Formby, Lancashire in June.
Clare won the British girls' match-play and stroke-play titles in 2001 and last year was runner-up to Becky Brewerton, the European champion, in the British women's open amateur stroke-play championship at Hunstanton.

Read Mark MacCormack's Obituary on BBC News

US Student News
INGLIS SUB-PAR ROUND LEAVES HIM IN JOINT 30th PLACE

Tulsa University's Scottish star player David Inglis shot a one-under-par 71 in the first round of the NCAA Division 1 men's Central Regional college golf championship at Colbert Hills GC, Manhattan in Kansas (on Thursday USA time). So high was the standard of scoring that the red-haired six-footer from Roslin ended the day in a tie for 30th place behind leader Jason Moon (North Carolina State) who had a six-under 66. Inglis, who has finished in the top three in his last seven straight tournaments, was not like his old self in an indifferent, by his standards, outward half of 37 with bogeys at the second and eighth and one birdie, at the fifth. But David came good over the last six holes with birdies at the 13th, 14th and 16th only to let another shot slip away with a bogey at the last for 34 (two under) for the inward half.
Another Scotland international team player, Scott Jamieson (Cathkin Braes & Augusta State University) had a disappointing 77 in the first round of the East Regional championship at Auburn, Alabama. English team-mates James Heath (69) and Oliver Wilson (75) outscored him as Gareth Maybin (South Alabama) and Russ McGowan (Tennessee) shared the lead on 67.
The West Regional championship at Washington National Golf Club had a stop-start first day due to rain and Martin Laird (Hilton Park & Colorado State University) never got out of the clubhouse.
The top 10 teams and their players at each regional championship will qualify for the national championships at the end of the month.

Pamela FeggansUS Student News
Pamela Feggans improves in Florida title chase
Ayrshire player Pamela Feggans improved from joint 12th to a tie for sixth place in with a three-over-par 76 in the second round of the NCAA Division 2 women's college golf championship at Mission Inn, Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida on Thursday (USA time).
Florida Southern University student Pamela, chasing a place in the Scotland squad of six for the European women's amateur team championship in Frankfurt in July, is on 156, five strokes behind leader Kim Keyer-Scott (Northern Kentucky) at the halfway stage.
Pamela's college has moved up into second place behind Rollins in the team title race but the gap has more than doubled to 29 shots.

OH HENDRY! JOEL DRIVES HOME HAPPY
Elgin exile Joel Hendry, twice winner of the Scottish youths' golf title, has cleared the first hurdle on the way to a place in the field for the United States Open championship at Olympia Fields Country Club, Illinois from June 12 to 15.
Hendry, who is based at Albuquerque, New Mexico since he graduated at the university there, claimed the last of the nine spots available in the regional qualifying competition at Piper Glen, Charlotte in North Carolina.
"Joel faced a drive home of something like two thousand miles but it would have been worse if he had not qualified," said his father Mike, a businessman in Elgin. "He said it was a pretty straight road all the way!"
Joel had a score of 70 and now goes forward to the sectional, 36-hole qualifier at a venue in the Washington area on June 2 and 3.

STEWART SPENCE JUST CHAMPION AGAIN
Former Royal Aberdeen Golf Club champion Stewart Spence was back among the trophies yesterday (Thursday) when he received two awards on behalf of The Marcliffe at Pitfodels, the hotel of which he is the proprietor on the western suburbs of Aberdeen. Report

PGA Awards
Women's golf as a professional career has received a major boost with the winner and two other top-five finishers in the Professional Golfers' Association annual graduation awards at The De Vere Belfry, near Sutton Coldfield, on Thursday coming from the female ranks. Report


Thursday 15th May 2003

St Rule LogoSt Rule Trophy attracts American "invasion"
The American women's college circuit will be strongly represented in the field for the St Rule Trophy tournament, one of the most prestigious events on the British women's amateur golf calendar, to be played at St Andrews on May 31 and June 1.
Ria Quiazon, Leane Owens, Karen Lotta, Katie Brophy and Sarah Bassett are all coming over to Scotland from the United States play in the 54-hole event which has one round over the New Course on the Saturday and two over the Old Course on the Sunday.
Ria Quiazon is a California team-mate of Vikki Laing. Leanne Owens is an Iowa State team-mate of Louise Kenney and Laura Wells. Karen Lotta, Katie Brophy and Sarah Bassett are Notre Dame team-mates of Irish girl international Suzie Hayes.
Curtis Cup Scot Vikki Laing (University of California) from Musselburgh heads a list of 11 golf scholarship players from the British Isles who have been competing for United States colleges and who will be flying home at the end of their terms in time to compete at St Andrews.
The others are: Heather MacRae (Dunblane New), Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Laura Wells (Dumfries & Co), Fiona Gilbert (Carnoustie), Lyndsey Devenish (Cruden Bay), Pamela Feggans (Doon Valley), Emily Ogilvy (Muckhart), Rachel Bell (Ganton), Suzie Hayes (Hermitage) and Martina Gillen (Beaverstown).
The draw for the first round on the New Course on Saturday 31st May and second and third rounds on the Old Course on Sunday 1st June have been published.

USGA Press Release
The USGA and R&A are considering limiting the club head size and length of clubs. Read this USGA Press Release

US Student News
PAMELA FAILS TO BREAK 80 IN CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND

Scotland international team candidate Pamela Feggans from Ayrshire was in joint 12th place at the end of the opening day of the NCAA Women's Division 2 championhip at Mission Inn, Howey in the Hills in Florida (on Wednesday).
Pamela, representing Florida Southern University, had a seven-over-par round of 80 to be lying six strokes off the pace being set by Kim Keyer-Scott of Northern Kentucky.
Florida Southern were already 10 shots adrift of team championship favourites Rollins College, where Cruden Bay's Lyndsey Devenish was a student until she transferred to San Francisco a couple of years ago.


Wednesday 14th May 2003

Heather AndersonWest Division Vets Championship
HEATHER STILL BLOOMING AT 73

Heather Anderson notched up yet another title in her extraordinarly long and successful golfing career when she won the Scottish Veteran Ladies Golf Association's West Division title at Renfrew yesterday (Wed) at the age of 73. Mrs Anderson won the Scottish women's amateur championship in 1969 when she beat Kathleen Lackie in the final at West Kilbride. She played for Great Britain & Ireland in the Vagliano Trophy match against the Continent of Europe that year, having appeared for Scotland in the women's home internationals of 1964, 1965, 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971. At Renfrew, Heather beat Ann Prentice (Bothwell Castle) by 3 and 2 in the final after winning the second and third to go two up and never falling behind after that. She was three up at the turn. The West Vets' Bronze Division championship was won by Helen Crichton (Ranfurly Castle) who beat Margaret McKendrick (Old Ranfurly) by 4 and 3 in the final.

British Ladies Open Amateur Championship at Lindrick Golf Club 10 - 14 June 2003
The draw for the first qualifying round is now up on the LGU website Despite increasing the field to 144, they are still oversubscribed, and have had to ballot out five players. There are 13 Scots in the field. Read Colin's preview

Centenary ProgrammeCentenary Scottish Championship
The Scottish Ladies Golfing Association is producing a special 28-page programme for the Centenary Scottish Ladies' (Close) Amateur Championship, to be played over the Old Course, St Andrews from May 19 to 23. Further information

David InglisUS Student News
DAVID INGLIS NAMED PLAYER OF WEEK AND CHOSEN FOR PALMER CUP MATCH

It's all happening for David Inglis in America! After his tremendous 36-hole score of nine-under-par 131 in last week's college circuit event, in which he finished second to United States amateur ace Hunter Mahon, David was named Western Athletic Conference Golfer of the Week for the THIRD time this season and the EIGHTH time since he went to the University of Tulsa on a golf scholarship. Report and Palmer Cup teams

Junior News
TIME RUNNING OUT FOR GRAMPIAN HOUSTON JUNIOR TRIP NOMINATIONS

A TOTAL of 83 golf clubs in the North and North-east will be depriving their best junior members of the opportunity to spend a free golfing holiday in Texas if they do not forward their nominations by Friday's deadline to the Grampian Houston Junior Trip organising committee. Report


Tuesday 13th May 2003

West Vets Championship
It's Heather v Anne for West Vets' title

HEATHER Anderson (Ladies Golf Club of Troon), winner of the Scottish women's amateur golf championship at West Kilbride in 1969, will be contesting another final at Renfrew on Wednesday morning, 34 years after her national triumph.
Heather is through to the final of the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association West Division championship and will play Ann Prentice (Bothwell Castle) for the title.
Defending champion Helen Faulds (Douglas Park) lost by two holes to Jennifer Mack (Haggs Castle) in the quarter-finals on Tuesday morning but Mrs Mack was one of Mrs Anderson's victims, losing by 4 and 3 in the afternoon.
Mrs Prentice had a 6 and 5 win in her semi-final against SLGA vice-chairman Pat Hutton (Lanark).
Results:
Quarter-finals: P Hutton (Lanark) beat P Richmond (Douglas Park) 3 and 2; A Prentice (Bothwell Castle) beat F Rodger (Ranfurly Castle) 2 holes; J Mack (Haggs Castle) beat H Faulds (Douglas Park) 2 holes; H Anderson (Caldwell) beat A Telfer (Milngavie) 2 holes.
Semi-finals: Prentice beat Hutton 6 and 5, Anderson beat Mack 4 and 3.

English Close Championship next week
ELGA Press Release

US Student News
Newsletter from Anne Walker, assistant coach at the University of California, after CAL Bears won the NCAA Central Regionals in Nebraska at the weekend. Glad we don't live there! Go Bears!!!


Monday 12th May 2003

Heather StirlingFutures Tour
Heather Stirling opens Futures Tour bank account

Last year's Curtis Cup player and Scottish amateur champion but this season's struggling rookie tour pro. That was Heather Stirling's CV on the US Futures Tour ... until the weekend when she finished joint 11th in the Futures Classic at Albuquerque, New Mexico and earned $2,026. Report

David InglisUS Student News
INGLIS'S HOT FINISH JUST FAILS TO CATCH RIVAL

Walker Cup team place contender David Inglis from Glencorse, a student at the University of Tulsa, shot a five-under-par total of 205, including a personal best of nine-under-par 131 for the final 36 holes, to finish second behind his great American college golf circuit rival and United States selection near-certainty, Hunter Mahan (Oklahoma State), in the Maxwell Intercollegiate tournament at Ardmore, Oklahoma (finished Sunday USA time). Report

West Vets Championship
The West Vets Championship takes place tomorrow and Wednesday at Renfrew Golf Club. The draw is P. Hutton v P. Richmond, A. Prentice v F. Rodger, H. Faulds v J. Mack, A. Telfer v H. Anderson.

Perth and Kinross County Championship
Photos have caught up with the report

US Student News
Scott Jamieson tied 34th in "hot" Atlanta

Last year's Scottish amateur championship beaten finalist Scott Jamieson (Cathkin Braes & Augusta State University) finished tied for 34th place in the lowest scoring tournament of the 2002-2003 American men's college circuit, the Atlanta Intercollegiate at Eagle's Landing Country Club in Stockbridge, Georgia. Report


Sunday 11th May 2003

Nicola hardingPerth and Kinross County Championship
NICKY HARDING, right, BEATS YOUNG ROSEANNE IN P&K FINAL

CRIEFF junior member Roseanne Niven, only 14 years of age, just failed to become the youngest ever winner of the Perth & Kinross women's county golf championship over her home course at the weekend. Report

Angus County Championship
DARK HORSE DONNA WINS ANGUS TITLE

Home links player Donna Carcary won the Angus women's county championship for the first time at Montrose yesterday (Sunday). She beat three times finalist Jane Tough (Brechin) by one hole in the final after being one up at the turn and two up after 16 holes. Report

QUALIFIERS FOR LGU FINAL AT CRIEFF
Scottish veteran women's champion Rose Anderson from Huntly had the best scratch score of 80 in the North qualifying round of the LGU Medal Finals at Glenisla on Sunday but she did not figure among the six qualifiers who will go forward to the Grand Final at Crieff on June 15. Report

Aberdeenshire Girls
Rachel Considine (Banchory), 12-year-old sister of Douglas Considine who reached the quarter-finals of the recent BP Scottish boys' championship, went one up on her older brother with a hole in one during Sunday's Aberdeenshire girls' medal competition at Braemar.
Douglas has never had a hole in one. Rachel achieved hers with an eight-iron at the 144yd par-3 third hole. Report and scores

Lunch-time News
Roseanne NivenPERTH & KINROSS County Championship
YOUNG ROSEANNE THROUGH TO COUNTY FINAL

Roseanne Niven, only 14 years of age, is through to the final of the Perth & Kinross women's county championship over her home course at Crieff where she became the club's youngest lady champion last summer.
Roseanne has certainly hit a purple patch of form. Only a few weeks ago she won the SLGA St Leonards Under-16 girls' open championship in the face of stiff competition from South of the Border. (picture of her holding the trophy on the right)
In this morning's semi-finals at Crieff, Roseanne beat former county champion Jane Yellowlees (Murrayshall) by two holes while Nicky Harding (Craigie Hill), another past P & K champion, beat Caroline Dunbar (Aberfeldy) by 4 and 3.
One thing is certain, Roseanne will be making her debut for Perth & Kinross in the Northern Division inter-county jamboree in June.
The Perth & Kinross women's county handicap championship trophy was won by Evelyn Davidson from Comrie. A 10-handcap, she beat the leading qualifier Dot Doris (Crieff) (18)by 2 and 1.

Futures tour
Heather set for first pay day in United States

Rookie pro Heather Stirling, a Curtis Cup debutante last year when her clutch of successes included the Scottish women's amateur title, is set to pay up her first pay check on the United States Futures Tour. Report

Vikki LaingUS Student News
VIKKI PIPPED FOR TITLE AT LINCOLN, NEBRASKA

Curtis Cup Scot Vikki Laing, pctured left, the Pacific-10 Conference Champion, was pipped for another title, the NCAA Division 1 Central Regional women's college crown on a cold, wet and windy final day of the 54-hole tournament at Firethorn Golf Club, Lincoln in Nebraska (FINISHED SAT, USA TIME). Report and scores
Scots Susie and Lyndsey miss out on NCAA finals
Scots exiles Susie Laing (Troon) and Lyndsey Devenish (Cruden Bay), both members of the University of San Francisco women's golf team, will miss out on a trip to the NCAA championship finals at West Lafayette, Indiana from May 20 to 23 after their squad missed out by one place in the West Regional women's college championship over the Karsten courses at Tempe, Arizona. Report and scores


Saturday 10th May 2003

Perth and Kinross County Championship
YOUNGSTER ROSEANNE IN COUNTY SEMI-FINALS

Roseanne Niven, only 14 years old but playing over her home course, is through to Sunday morning's semi-finals of the Perth & Kinross women's county golf championship at Crieff. Report and results

Irish Men's Amateur
JAMIE JOINT EIGHTH AT HALFWAY IN DUBLIN

Former Scotland youth champion Jamie McLeary is in joint eighth place at the halfway stage of the Irish amateur open championship at Royal Dublin Golf Club after rounds of 72 and 74 for a two-over-par total of 146.
Former title-winner Noel Fox (Portmarnock) goes into Sunday's final two rounds with a useful three-shot lead on six-under 138 after following up a four-under-par 68 with a 70.
Welshman Stuart Manley is his nearest challenger overnight on 141 with a 71 and 70.
Carnoustie's Eric Ramsay earned his place in the last-day shake-up with a total of 149, comprising a 76 and a 73.
The only other Scot in the field, Steven Wallace (Prestwick St Cuthbert) , missed the 36-hole cut by four shots with a pair of 78s for 156.

Lothians Championship
Gallagher wins Lothians title in dramatic finish

John Gallagher (Swanston) won the Lothians men's golf championship in a dramatic come-from-behind finish to the final over the Gullane No 1 course on Saturday. Gallagher, the joint second qualifier for the match-play stages, won at the 19th against Mark Kerr (Craigmillar Park), who qualified in joint seventh place, after being one down on the 18th tee.
John birdied the 18th to square the match and got a birdie 3 at the first extra hole to win the title.

Borders Ladies County Championship
Martine Pow (Selkirk) won the Border Ladies Championshp last weekend beating Sheila Cuthbertson (Peebles) by 3&2 in the final at the Roxburghe.

Futures Tour
HEATHER TAMES WIND FOR A 75 IN NEW MEXICO

ROOKIE professional Heather Stirling shot a three-over-par 75 in winds gusting up to 50mph during the first round of the Futures Tour Classic women's golf tournament at Albuquerque, New Mexico (FRIDAY, USA TIME). Report

Vikki LaingUS Student News
Curtis Cupper, Vikki Laing (Musselburgh and University of California), right, retained her lead after the second round of the NCAA Div I Central Regional tournament at Firethorn Golf Club in Lincoln, Nebraska yesterday. She fired a par 71 which gave her a total of 140 and puts her one shot ahead of Katie Connolly of the University of Wisconsin.
Ireland's Martina Gillen (Kent State), who had taken second place behind Vikki after the first round. slumped to a 79 and is tied for 17th. Pitreavie's Louise Kenney (Iowa State) improved on her first round score with a 76, and is tied for 62nd.
California are in the lead, 11 shots ahead of Kent State in the team competition with a total of 585. Go Bears! The tournament concludes today. Report and scores
Meanwhile in the NCAA Division 1 West Regional women's college championship over the Karsten course (6,256yd, par 72) at Tempe, Arizona , Susie Laing (Troon Ladies and University of San Francisco) improved her placing to 17th after a second round 76 for a total of 149. Team-mate Lyndsey Devenish (Cruden Bay) had a disappointing 85 and has gone to 78th place. Sunny Oh from UNLV leads the tournament with 67, 71 for 138. Southern California lead the tournament. San Francisco are currently in 12th place on 615, and have to improve by at least 10 shots to get into the top 8 teams who go forward for the NCAA finals later this month. Report and scores


Friday 9th May 2003

Congratulations to Alastair Armstrong who finally asked our daughter,Carrie,to marry him and she said "Yes".
It's in the Scotsman today. It's all so romantic!!!

US Student News
Vikki and Martina are 1-2 after the first round of the NCAA Div I Central Regionals

What a great start for the two GB&I squad players who are playing in the NCAA Div I Central Regional tournament at Firethorn Golf Club in Lincoln, Nebraska today. Curtis Cup player Vikki Laing (Musselburgh and University of California) shot 69, one ahead of Ireland's Martina Gillen (Kent State) on 70, and they left the rest of the the field standing. The University of California are leading the team tournament from Kent State... Go Bears!
Louise Kenney (Pitreavie and Iowa State) playing as an individual had an 82.

Stirling and Clackmannan County Championship
Lynn Kenny & Alison DavidsonLynn Kenny wins title

STIRLING University student Lynn Kenny, pictured right, from Dunblane, one of the favourites for the forthcoming Centenary Scottish women's championship over the Old Course, St Andrews, underlined the fact that she is running into form at the right time by winning the Stirling and Clackmannan women's title for a third time on a cold, wet and windy night at Glenbervie Golf Club (last night, Friday).
Miss Kenny beat former Scottish and British champion and past Curtis Cup star, Mrs Alison Davidson (Stirling) by 2 and 1. In the final analysis, it was Lynn who putted the better on the night and that tipped the scales her way.
Lynn, the leading qualifier, was never headed after winning the opening hole but could never relax against a dogged opponent. Alison, who qualified in seventh place, was two down at the turn but got one back and it was not until the 17th green that Miss Kenny was able to clinch victory to add to the county titles she won in 1998 and 2001.
Mrs Davidson won the championship as Alison Rose three years in a row from 1990 and 1992 but has now lost two finals in her married name. She was beaten 12 months ago by Heather Stirling, now a professional campaigning on the US Futures Tour.

Lothians Championship
SWANSTON'S John Gallagher, the "heir apparent" for the Lothians' men's championship after his earlier victory over leading qualifier and three times title-winner Keith Nicholson (Haddington), maintained his good form to reach the last four over the Gullane No 1 course last night (Friday).
Gallagher, the No 3 qualifier, won by 5 and 3 in his quarter-final against Gordon Johnston (Greenburn) and this morning (Sat) meets Keith Young (Glencorse) in the first semi-final at 8am. Young, who qualified in the No 21 spot, beat clubmate Neil Shillinglaw by 3 and 2 last night.
The other semi-final, at 8.10, will feature Mark Kerr (Craigmillar Park), a one-hole winner over Jim Gilmour (Harburn), and Elliot Saltman (Kilspindie), who beat Craig Neilson (Newbattle) by 4 and 2. Kerr was the ninth seed in the draw while Saltman qualified in 19th place.

DAVID CARRICK'S TEAM WIN MIL SGU AM-AM AT THE DUKE'S
Insurance brokers Carrick Neill, spearheaded by scratch player David Carrick, Scottish champion in 1985 and a Walker Cup player in 1983 and 1987, won the M I L Scottish Golf Union am-am over The Duke's Course, St Andrews today. Report and scores

Mackie Bowl
Gullane No 1 is looking fantastic at the moment. When I drive through the courses to go to work, the fairways and greens look so neat and tidy. You can still find your ball in the rough! By July it will be on peak condition.
Gullane Ladies' are looking for entries for the Mackie Bowl, a SLGA Order of Merit event, to be held on Sunday 27th July. Two rounds on Gullane No 1 for the miniscule amount of £15 which includes a free practise round on the Friday or Saturday after 5pm is a bargain not to be missed!.
Handicaps up to 12 can enter..(there will be a ballot on handicap if they get more than 40 entrants)
Pick up an entry form here or on the SLGA website. Entries close on 7th July.
If you would like to own a copy of the Frank Wood painting above, go to www.alexkirkwood.co.uk

Aberdeenshire County Championship
(Won by Julie Henderson (Inverurie) on Sunday) Photos have arrived to go with the report

US Student News
SUSIE AND LYNDSEY CHASING TEAM TICKET TO NCAA FINALS

Susie LaingLyndsey Devenish San Francisco University golf team-mates Susie Laing, left, from Troon and Lyndsey Devenish, right, of Cruden Bay were among the top 28 individual scorers at the end of the opening day of the NCAA Division 1 West Regional women's college championship over the long and testing Karsten course (6,256yd, par 72) at Tempe, Arizona (Thursday, USA time).
Susie was joint 19th with a 73 and Lyndsey tiedfor 28th place with a 75.
Sunny Oh (University of Nevada Las Vegas) and Swedish player Mikaela Parmlid (Southern California) headed the quality field with five-under-par 67s. Kent-born Australian Lindsey Wright (Pepperdine) had a one-under-71.
Southern California head the team championship with 279, nine ahead of Oklahoma State (288) with Arizona State (290) third and Pepperdine (294) fourth.
For Susie and Lyndsey the aim is to help San Francisco finish in the top eight after 54 holes (they are currently 10th equal on 302, three shots more than eighth placed Ohio State) because only the leading eight teams go forward to the NCAA nationwide championship at West Lafayette, Indiana from May 20 to 23. If San Francisco qualify, so too do their individual players. If San Francisco don't qualify, the players stay at home, their golfing season on the American college circuit over until the autumn.

US Student News
RAIN KEEPS VIKKI IN CLUBHOUSE

CURTIS Cup Scot Vikki Laing was not able to hit a shot in the NCAA Division 1 Central Regional women's college championship at Firethorn Golf Club in Lincoln, Nebraska. Mind you, everyone else was in the same boat because the first-round play was washed out over the par-71, 6,033yd course (ON THURSDAY, USA TIME).
Two rounds will now be played on Friday. Vikki's college, the University of California, are the favourites to win the regional title and go on to the NCAA Finals at Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette, Indiana from May 20 to 23..
Fifer Louise Kenney, a student at Iowa State, will be competing at Firethorn as an individual, her university team not being good enough to qualify but Louise's play throughout the season earning her a special invitation. A third player from GB&I in this championship is Ireland international Martina Gillen of Kent State University.

US Student News
Scottish Men's Champion Andrew McArthur (Windyhill and Pfeiffer College) won the NCAA DII Men's Atlantic Regional played at the 6,832 yard, par 72 Harbor Club in Greensboro, Georgia. His five under par scores of 70-71-70 (211) put him nine in front of nearest rival Chris Taylor of Coker.
It was a close run thing in the team tournament, with Barton College, Coker College and Pfeiffer University just one stroke apart. Barton won the tournament with a total of 906, and are the only team to progress through to the Div II Finals, to be held on May 20-23 at Chico Crosswater Golf Club Sunriver, Oregon.
However McArthur will be going, as he gains automatic entry as an individual to the Finals as top qualifier.


Thursday 8th May 2003

Veteran's Match
Northern beat Midlands 6-1 in a veteran women's inter-divisional golf match in very strong winds at Glenisla, Alyth today. Report and photographs

Perth and Kinross County Championship
Miss Karen Fullerton (King James VI) earned the top seeding in Saturday's match-play stages with a score of 81 in the qualifying round of the Perth & Kinross women's county golf championship at Crieff on Thursday night. Report and scores

OK... I don't often put up Men's results. but seeing as the Lothians Championship is at Gullane, and Colin is reporting it.... here are tonight's results
Lothians top seed goes out at Gullane

Keith Nicholson (Haddington), leading qualifier and three times champion in the past six years, is out of the Lothians men's championship at Gullane. He lost last night (Thursday) by one hole to John Gallagher (Swanston).
Gallagher, who had a hole in one in the weekend qualifying, was one down with two to play but then produced two mighty drives to get home at both the 17th and 18th holes, winning both for an unexpected victory.
Gallagher now plays Gordon Johnston (Greenburn) who also won on the 18th green against John Shepherd (Duddingston), conqueror of defending champion Brian Smith in the first round.Last night's (Thu) second-round results:
J Gallagher (Swanston) beat K Nicholson (Haddington) 1 hole.
G Johnston (Greenburn) beat J Shepherd (Duddingston) 1 hole.
K Young (Glencorse) beat S Buckley (Prestonfield) 3 and 2.
N Shillinglaw (Glencorse) beat G Robertson (Silverknowes) 5 and 4.
J Gilmour (Harburn) beat A Anderson (Bruntsfield) 1 hole.
M Kerr (Craigmillar Park) beat G Blair (Haddington) 3 and 2.
E Saltman (Kilspindie) beat M Timmins (Prestonfield) 5 and 3.
C Neilson (Newbattle) beat G Corrigan (Greenburn) 5 and 3.

US Student News
NCAA Regionals

Four Scots are competing in the NCAA Regional Tournaments starting today and finishing on Saturday.
Vikki Laing's team, the University of California, heads the line up at the Central Regional Tournament at the Firethorn County Club in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Louise Kenney (Pitreavie and Iowa State) is playing here as an individual. - Also in the field is Kent State ranked at No12, where Ireland's Martina Gillen is a student.
The University of San Francisco, (Susie Laing and Lyndsey Devenish), is playing in the West Regional at Karsten Golf Course, Tempe, Arizona, hosted by Arizona State University. Pepperdine lead the line up, followed by Southern California. USF is ranked at No 11.
There is live scoring on Golfstat.

Stirling and Clackmannan County Championship
KENNY v DAVIDSON FINAL

TWO former Scottish women's champions, Lynn Kenny (Dunblane) and Alison Davidson (Stirling) will meet in Friday evening's (5.30pm) final of the Stirling and Clackmannan women's county championship at Glenbervie Golf Club.
They have never previously met in the final of the county championship which Miss Kenny won in 1998 and 2001 while Mrs Davidson won the title as Alison Rose three years in a row from 1990 and 1992 but lost in last year's final to Heather Stirling.
Stirling University student Lynn, the leading qualifier for the match-play stages, beat youngster Laura Aitken (Falkirk Tryst) by 4 and 3 in last night's first semi-final with roughly level par play.
Alison Davidson, the No 7 qualifier, was also around the par mark in winning by 5 and 3 against teenager Vicki Stirling, a Stirling clubmate.

US Student News
Pamela FeggansPamela Feggans ties for third place in Florida
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Scotland international player Pamela Feggans from Ayrshire, a student at Florida Southern University, finished in a tie for third place in the NCAA Division 2 South Regional women's college golf championship at Lone Palm Gol Club, Lakeland in Florida. Pamela's one-under-par figures for the last eight holes (one birdie and seven pars) enabled her to mark up a third-round 76 over the 6,014yd, par-72 lay-out. Her 54-hole final total was nine-over-par 225.
"It should have been a lot better! I had a really bad 40 in the final round but I managed to get it back a little in the back nine with a 36," said Pamela, a member at Doon Valley Golf Club in Ayrshire.
Tournament winner was overnight leader Mariana De Biase (Rollins College) who shot a final round of 77 for five-over 221. One of Pamela's team-mates Sarah Coleson finished runner-up only one shot behind Miss De Biase with a 74 for 222.
Rollins College (918) won the team title by four strokes from Florida Southern.Both college golf teams go forward to the NCAA Division 2 national finals at Howey-in-the-Hlls, Florida from May 14-17.


Wednesday 7th May 2003

LGU Medal Finals - West Division
Scotland girl international Jenna Wilson (Strathaven) was one of the eight qualifiers for the LGU Medals Grand Final at Crieff in June from the West Division qualifier at Crow Wood. Report and scores

Paamela FeggansUS Student News
AYRSHIRE exile Pamela Feggans, a golf scholarship student at Florida Southern University, was lying fourth, five shots behind the leader, with one round to go in the NCAA Division 2 South Regional women's college championship at Lone Palm Golf Club, Lakeland in Florida (on Tuesday, USA time).
Scotland international team player Pamela, now a member at Doon Valley Golf Club, had rounds of 75 and 74 for a five-over-par tally of 149 for the first 36 holes.
Highlight of her day's play was an eagle 3 at the par-5 second hole in her first round.
Mariana de Biase (Rollins) shot rounds of 74 and 70 for a level par tally of 144 and a four-stroke lead.
Rollins also led the team event by six shots from Florida Southern.


Tuesday 6th May 2003

Elaine Farquharson-BlackSKIPPER ELAINE'S AIM IS TO GIVE SCOTS A HEAD START IN HOME INTERNATIONALS
Skipper Elaine Farquharson-Black's aim is to have under her charge the best prepared team Scotland has sent into the women's home internationals for many a long year. Report

Veterans
Thanks to those that responded with Vets dates. I've added Midlands, and some East and West Dates to the Fixture list (see index on the left). Any other Vets dates would be appreciated. Email me

Irish Schools Results
For our readers in Ireland, here are the Irish Schools Championship results

East Lothian Championship

THIRD EAST LOTHIAN TITLE FOR JAYNE SMITH
FORMER Scottish title-holder and international player Jayne Smith (Gullane) won the East Lothian women's county golf championship for a third time at windswept Dunbar Golf Club today. Report

David InglisUS Student News
INGLIS NOW RANKED 12 ON US COLLEGE CIRCUIT

Walker Cup team contender David Inglis, pictured right, (Glencorse & Tulsa University) has moved up to 12th place in the American college golf rankings on the strength of his latest win in the WAC championship at The Houstonian Country Club at Richmond, Texas.
Martin Laird (Hilton Park & Colorado State) is at No 29 but this latest list was issued before the Scot just failed to retain the Mountain West Conference title at Sunriver, Oregon at the weekend when he lost in a play-off and he may climb a rung or two in the update.
Scottish amateur champion Andrew McArthur (Windyhill & Pfieffer) heads the NCAA Division 2 rankings but is at No 24 in the nationwide list. Scott Jamieson (Augusta State) in ranked at No 207.
The leading Brit in the GolfState Cup ratings is Oliver Wilson (Augusta State) from Lincolnshire at No 5. Wilson, like Inglis, is a member of the Walker Cup short-leet squad.
The top-rated four who will almost certainly be in the United States line-up for September's match at Ganton against Great Britain & Ireland are: 1 Nick Watney (Fresno State), 2 D J Trahan (Clemson), 3 Hunter Mahan (Oklahoma State), 4 Bill Haas (Wake Forest).


Monday 5th May 2003

Phew... what a busy weekend... congratulations to all the winners of County Championships, and good luck to all those about to play in them!

Stirling and Clackmannan County Championship
TEENAGERS IN SEMI-FINALS

Teenagers Laura Aitken (18) of Falkirk Tryst and Vicki Stevenson (17) from Stirling) are through to Thursday evening's semi-finals of the Stirling & Clackmannan women's county golf championship at Glenbervie GC. Report

SLGA SELECT HELD TO A DRAW BY MEN
The Scottish Ladies Golfing Association international squad continued their preparations for September's women's home internationals at Cruden Bay with a drawn match (2-2) against a men's team, North-east Legends, over the same links today. Report

East Lothian County Championship
SARAH Horsburgh, a 16-year-old junior member of the host club, is through to tomorrow's (Tuesday) semi-finals of the East Lothian women's county championship at Dunbar GC. Report and results

Mary Smith (Northern Counties)LONG SHOT MARY (46) WINS NORTHERN COUNTIES TITLE
LOCAL knowledge stood Mary Smith, pictured right in good stead at Tain Golf Club today when she won the Northern Counties women's county championship for the first time over the course where she is the club champion. Report and results

Veterans
NORTHERN VETS TEAM FOR GLENISLA

Team to represent Northern Division against Midlands in a Scottish Veteran Ladies Golf Association match at Glenisla Golf Club, Alyth on Thursday (May 8) is: Rose Anderson (Huntly), Anne Chree (Monifieth), Nancy Duncan (Brechin), Margaret Macnaughtan (Aberdeen Ladies), Ann Smart (Banchory), Lynne Terry (Cruden Bay, Pat Wilson (Murcar). Go Vets!

Colin and I have a real problem trying to find out Vets fixtures, and in particular, the Divisional Championship dates and contacts so that we can post results. If anyone is reading this and has a Vets fixture list in their handbag, could they PLEASE let me or Colin know of the dates so that we can put them in our diaries.

Duddingston looking for new members.
Ian Ritchie, the Captain of Duddingston, approached me after the Midlothian Finals yesterday to say that they are actively looking for new Lady members at Duddingston, a great test of golf, and one which all the Midlothian competitors appreciated playing at the weekend... Thank you Duddingston!. Ladies have equal rights at Duddingston, although the Club are considering a cheaper restricted category for those who do not want to play at peak times. If you are interested in finding out more then please give the club General Manager a call on 0131 661 7688. Information on Duddingston can be found on their website www.duddingston-golf-club.com

Linzi MortonUS Futures Tour
LINZI SLUMPS TO A FINAL-ROUND 80 IN THE DESERT AT EL PASO, TEXAS

Linzi Morton could not apply the brakes as she tumbled down the leaderboard from an opening-day tie for second place with a 69. She went 79-80 in the final two rounds to finish joint 36th in the IOS Futures Classic over the Underwood Golf Complex Sunrise Course, carved out in the desert at El Paso, Texas. Report and scores

Vikki LaingUS Student News
VIKKI MOVES UP TO 17TH IN US COLLEGE RANKINGS

Vikki Laing continues to improve her highest ranking on the American women's college golf circuit in her fourth year at the University of California Berkeley. Her recent victory in the Pac-10 championship has moved her up from No 19 to 17 in the Golfstat Cup ratings. Ireland's Martina Gillen (Kent State) is ranked at No 96.
The next best Scot after Vikki in the rankings is Susie Laing (San Francisco) from Troon at No 121, three spots ahead of Fifer Louise Kenney (Iowa State).
Pamela Feggans (Florida Southern) from Ayrshire is ranked No 182, 10 places ahead of Yorkshire girl Rachel Bell (Southern Cal).
Heather Nolan from Ireland (Eastern Michigan) is spotted at No 209 while Laura Wells from Dumfries and Iowa State is at 241.
According to the rankings, the top four female players on the college trail are: 1 Katherine Hull (Pepperdine), an Australian, 2 Erica Blasberg (Arizona), an American, 3 Mikaela Parmlid (Southern Cal), a Swede, 4 Lindsey Wright (Pepperide), a Kent-born Australian.


Sunday 4th May 2003

Claire HarganMidlothian Championship
"New girl" Claire Hargan (Prestonfield), pictured right, won the Midlothian County Championship for the first time today over a very blustery Duddingston course when she beat Fiona de Vries (St Rule) by 3&1 in the final. Report

West of Scotland Championship
Anne Laing retains West title

British mid-amateur women's champion Anne Laing added another title to her lengthy list of silverware when she retained the West of Scotland championship at Strathaven GC yesterday (Sunday).
Vale of Leven member Anne equalled United States-based Anne Walker's course record of 71 in her second round, having shot a 74 in her first circuit.
Miss Laing's total of 145 gave her the title by the runaway margin of nine strokes (four more than last year) from Fiona Prior (Cawder) with fellow Scotland international Clare Queen (Drumpellier) in third place on 156.
SCOREBOARD (CSS 74 & 76)
145 A Laing (Vale of Leven) 74 71.
154 F Prior (Cawder) 73 81.
156 C Queen (Drumpellier) 76 80.
Handicap: 151 L Robertson (Ranfurly Castle) (5) 73 79.
Best first round: F Prior 73. Best second round: A Laing 71.

Julie HendersonAberdeenshire Championship
JULIE WINS ABERDEENSHIRE TITLE

JULIE Henderson, pictured left, from Inverurie won the Aberdeenshire women's county golf championship for the first time at Kemnay GC. She beat Lorraine Coleman (Peterhead) by 3 and 2 in the final after going three up at the eighth. Report and results

Angus Championship
TITLE-HOLDER DAWN IN LAST FOUR

Teenager Dawn Dewar from Monifieth is through to the last four in her defence of the Angus women's county golf championship at Royal Montrose. In next Sunday's semi-finals she will face Donna Carcary (Montrose Mercantile) while Jane Tough (Brechin) will play Susan McGregor (Edzell).
Leading qualifier Shonagh Raitt (Forfar) was a surprise first-round casualty. She was beaten at the 20th by Janet Henderson (Montrose Mercantile). Results

Northern Counties Championship
TEENAGER Kerri Harper from Inverness toppled the defending champion, New Zealander Liz McKinnon (Nairn) in the quarter-finals of the Northern Counties women's county championship at Tain GC . Report

Stirling and Clackmannan Championship
LYNN, ALISON MAKE GOOD STARTS

CURRENT Scotland international player Lynn Kenny (Dunblane) and past Curtis Cup star Alison Davidson (Stirling) made impressive starts to their match-play campaigns in the Stirling & Clackmannan women's county golf championship at Glenbervie yesterday (Sunday).
Lynn, the leading qualifier, won by 6 and 5 over Helen Hunter (Linlithgow) while Alison, in the opposite half of the draw, was a 7 and 6 winner over Christine Sikora (Braehead).
There was also a big win, by 6 and 5 for young Laura Aitken (Falkirk Tryst) over Elizabeth Goodwin (Glenbervie).Report

Futures Tour
Linzi slips back in Texas

Linzi Morton from Alloa was blown out of a challenging position by 40mph winds blowing desert sand over the course on the second day of the IOS Futures Classic women's pro golf tournament at El Paso, Texas (Sat, USA time). Report and scores

US Student News
Laird loses play-off in defence of title

MARTIN Laird from Glasgow secured his eighth top-10 finish in a row but it was not quite enough to see him retain the Mountain West Conference college golf championship at Sunriver, Oregon (on Sat, USA time).
Laird, a Hilton Park Golf Club member and golf scholarship student at Colorado State University, went into the final round with a four-stroke lead at six-under par 136 (70, 66) after setting a conference golf history record with a six-under 66 in the second round.
But Martin, the defending champion and winner again on the American college circuit only the week before, slipped to a final round of 74 for a final 54-hole total of six-under-par 210, a tally that was tied by Michael Letzig (New Mexico).
Letzig won a sudden-death play-off at the first extra hole.
New Mexico (855) won the team event by four strokes from Brigham Young and San Diego State. Colorado State finished sixth on 872.


Saturday 3rd May 2003

SHEENA MARCHES ON IN SHIRE TITLE DEFENCE
Sheena Wood, winner of the Aberdeenshire women's county golf championship for the past three years and four times in all, is through to Sunday morning's semi-finals of this year's tournament at Kemnay.
Report and results

LGU Medals South Division Qualifier
ADDI & KAREN HEAD QUALIFIERS AT KIRKCUDBRIGHT

Addi Shamash, a member of the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association National Squad, booked herself a place in the Ladies Golf Union Medals Grand Final at Crieff Golf Club on June 15 with a net 75 off three of a handicap in Saturday's South Division qualifier over her home course, Kirkcudbright.
Addi, 22, had the best net score in the Silver Division and Karen Bell (Wigtown & Bladnoch) topped the Bronze Division net scores, also with a 75, off 22 of a handicap.
The four qualifiers, two from each division, for Crieff were: Addi Shamash, Pam Kirk (Powfoot), Karen Bell and Grace Brown (Crichton).
Saturday scoreboard
LGU MEDALS FINAL QUALIFIER _ South Division _ Kirkcudbright GC _ Silver Division _ Scratch _ F Falconer (Melreose) 91; handicap _ A Shamash (Kirkcudbright) (3) 75; P Kirk (Powfoot) (7) 77; A McQueen (New Galloway) (13) 78; B Williams (Moffat) (17) 80. Bronze Division _ Scratch _ C Park (Kirkcudbright) 103; handicap _ K Bell (Wigtown & Bladnoch) (22) 75; G Brown (Crichton) (27) 78; C Dalgleish (Melrose) (29) 81; D Cameron (Torwoodlee) (23) 82.

ANN AND FRANCIS RETAIN NORTHERN VETS' TROPHIES
Ann Chree (Panmure Ladies Monifieth) and Francis Neish (Murcar) retained the Hodge Trophies at the Scottish Veteran Ladies' Golf Association's Northern Division greensomes competition at Brechin (on Friday, May 2) Report and scores

Lynn KennyLYNN KENNY IS TOP STIRLING & CLACKMANNAN QUALIFIER
FORMER Scottish champion Lynn Kenny, pictured left, from Dunblane was the leading qualifier at Glenbervie on Friday when the Stirling & Clackmannan women's county golf championship started on a day of bad weather which resulted in a CSS of 75 (LGU SSS 72). Report scores and draw

Linzi MortonUS Futures Tour
Linzi vies for lead but Heather disqualified

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times for Scots on the United States Futures Tour yesterday (Friday, USA time).
Linzi Morton, pictured right, from Alloa and a Tulliallan member, playing in the $70,000 IOS Futures Classic over the Sunrise Course at El Paso, Texas, at last recaptured the form that saw her win the Scottish women's amateur championship at Carnoustie two years ago. Report

More on why Heather was disqualified

Internship Opportunity Available
The FUTURES Golf Tour has an immediate opening for a college student
seeking an internship in Media Relations for the summer. more >>

Martin LairdUS Student News
Scot Laird leads again in USA
Scottish student golfers continue to hit the high spots on the US college circuits.

Glasgow's Martin Laird, pictured left, a Hilton Park Golf Club member and a golf scholarship student at Colorado State University, shot a second-round score of six-under-par 66 to lead the Mountain West Conference championship at Sun River Golf Resort, Oregon (ON FRIDAY USA TIME).
Defending champion Laird's round was the lowest ever recorded in the history of the championship. His six-under-par total of 136 for the opening 36 holes gives him a lead of three shots from Swedish student, Lars Johansson (San Diego State), Matthew Brunk (Wyoming) and Ron Harvey (Brigham Young).
Laird, a former Scottish schoolboys champion, David Inglis (Tulsa), a Walker Cup team candidate from Glencorse, and Curtis Cup player Vikki Laing (California) from Musselburgh, have all won events in the United States within the past 10 days.


Friday 2nd May 2003

Scottish Ladies (Close) Amateur Championship
There were exactly 200 entries for the Scottish Ladies' (Close) Championship over the Old Course, St Andrews from May 19 to 23.
Believed to be one of the highest number of entries in the 100-year history of the tournament.
There is room only for 132 players in the qualifying rounds, which meant 68 were "balloted out," which means, in effect, that players with handicap of 8.1 and under got in; those with 8.2 and over have been informed there is no room in the championship for them.
Remember, because of the St Andrews Links Trophy tournament, everything is moved forward a day ... practice round on the Sunday,
Qualifying Rounds on the Monday and Tuesday. (Draw for Monday) Match-play starts on Wednesday and the 18-hole final is on Friday morning.

East Lothian Championship
Shona McEwan (Gifford) led the East Lothain County championship qualifiers on a very wet and windy Dunbar today with a scratch 80. Shona Low (Gullane) took the Handicap prize with 89 less 18, net 71. The CSS went up from 73 to 76. Scores and draw

Aberdeenshire Championship
CHAMPION SHEENA LEADS THE ABERDEENSHIRE QUALIFIERS

ABERDEEN Ladies' top player Sheena Wood is on course for a fourth win in a row in the Aberdeenshire women's county golf championship after claiming the No 1 seed position in the match-play stages with a round of 77 (two over CSS) in the qualifying competition at Kemnay Golf Club tonight. Report and scores

Midlothian Championship
Claire Hargan (Prestonfield), pictured left, will play Jane Williamson (Mortonhall) in the first semifinal on Sunday morning at Duddingston while Rita Dee (Kingknowe) will take on Fiona de Vries (St Rule). Full report and results are on the MCLGA website

Heather SirlingSTIRLING STILL SEEKING HER FIRST PAY CHEQUE AS A PRO
Curtis Cup player Heather Stirling, pictured right, returns to the United States' No 2 women's pro golf circuit on Friday in El Paso, Texas where the IOS Futures Classic is being staged over three days and 54 holes. Further info on players on the Futures Tour

US Student News.
Martin Laird (Colorado State) is playing in the Mountain West conference at Sunriver, Oregon (finishes tomorrow), a tournament he won last year. He had a 70 yesterday and is currently tied for 9th place. Colorado State is in 4th place. Information on the CSU Rams site

PAUL NOT FOR U S, WHILE HEATHER AND LAURA CHANGE COLLEGES
Paul Doherty, recently crowned Scottish Boys Champion, says he has no intention of going to College in the States, whilst Heather Macrae and Laura Walker, the two most recent Scottish Girl Champions, are going from Junior college to NCAA Division I Universities next season. Report


Thursday 1st May 2003

Pam WilliamsonVal HassettPAM AND VAL RETAIN FRENCH SENIOR FOURSOMES
THE Scottish-Irish combination of Pam Williamson (Baberton), left, and Val Hassett, right, from Ennis won the French senior women's open foursomes championship for the second year in a row at Chantilly, near Paris (finished Wed).
Scottish senior women's champion Pam and Val, British senior women's open champion in 1996 and runner-up for the next three years, beat past French international players Claudine Chartrier and Florence Morgue d'Algue by 2 and 1 in the final.
"We qualified for the match-play stages in third place and we were a bit nervous as defending champions," said Pam on her return to Edinburgh. In the semi-final, we beat a Belgian pairing by 6 and 5 and the final was a great match. The Chantilly course was challenging with beautiful greens ... we didn't three-putt once!"

David InglisUS Student News
David Inglis wins again
Third win for a Scottish student in the US within a week

Walker Cup team place contender David Inglis has sent another message to the selectors from thousands of miles away, deep in the heart of Texas.
The 20-year-old boy David, in the third year of a golf scholarship at the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has chalked up his second win of the year and his fourth in all on the American college circuit. Report

 

April 2003 Archive

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Kirkwoodgolf is published by Gillian Kirkwood
Unless otherwise acknowledged, most photos are courtesy and copyright © Cal Carson Golf Agency
News items come from a variety of sources... Many thanks to everyone who contributes.
I'll publish anything which is related to Ladies, Juniors, Veterans, Seniors, Students, or Amateur Golf.