Thursday, December 15, 2011
 
AGM

The final event of our Centenary year was the AGM and Prizegiving held at the Marriott Hotel in Dyce.  This was another successful and memorable event organized by the Centenary committee.  A new venue, a lovely buffet lunch and an opportunity to socialise with friends was enjoyed by the many attendees. 

During the AGM a special ceremony took place.  In this, our Centenary year, it had been decided to revive the custom of presenting a brooch to the past captain and to this end seven previous captains – Stella Bain, Joss Goddard, Margaret MacNaughtan, Pat Wilson, Morag Clapperton, Ros Dunsmuir and Fiona Hay were each presented with their brooch. 

The Office Bearers for next season are: 

President – Evelyn Cruickshank – Cruden Bay 

Captain – Marta Moody – Murcar Links 

Vice-Captain – Margaret Parkinson – Deeside 

Secretary – Karen Stalker – Cruden Bay 

Treasurer – Laura McLardy – Duff House Royal 

Karen was, as ever, busy with her camera and we hope you enjoy the attached photographs, not forgetting the excellent computer assisted dancing by some familiar looking elves. 

A Happy Christmas to everyone and Best Wishes for 2012.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011
 
Ethel Davidson

McDonald Golf Club, Ellon are sad to announce the passing of one of its most dedicated members, Ethel Davidson.  

Ethel was well known for her unreserved help she gave to junior girls of Ellon.  Over 20 years ago, Ethel and Jenny Hutchison founded what today is the junior girls section.  Via Ethel’s coaching and motivation, two girls went on to represent Scotland, Jillian Pennie and of course Michele Thomson, Curtis Cup player and ladies professional golfer.  As Michele said “I would not have made it without Ethel’s help and encouragement”.  

Ethel was Lady Captain at McDonald Golf Club 1987 to 1989 and a long standing committee member.  

For 17 years she was the Ellon rep for Aberdeenshire Ladies County Golf Assoc and in 2004 she was made an Honorary Life Member of McDonald Golf Club for her dedication to the Juniors Girls and County Golf .  

Ethel had played golf for over 40 years and up to three years ago was a regular player in both County and Buchan Seniors, when ill health limited her involvement in the game she loved.  

She will be sadly missed by all at McDonald Golf Club and Aberdeenshire County.

Centenary Scramble Draw Balgownie

Thursday, September 29, 2011 

The Sheena Wood Rose Bowl

Sheena and Thelma

Thelma Beattie, Lady Captain of Deeside Golf Club is the very first winner of the Sheena Wood Rose Bowl. 

The rescheduled final eventually took place in glorious weather at Deeside Golf Club on Wednesday 28^th September. 

In an all Deeside final, Thelma who plays off a handicap of 17, received 12 strokes and beat clubmate, county team player Fiona Hay who plays off a handicap of 5 by a margin of 4 & 2. 

Thelma who has never won a county competition before, says that she is absolutely thrilled to have won this lovely trophy, especially in its inaugural year. She modestly added that she probably only qualified on the grounds of near perfect attendance at county open meetings last season. 

Fiona, who is also an enthusiastic supporter of all the county opens, said that Thelma had played very good golf and was a worthy first time winner. 

Both players commented on how much they had enjoyed all their matches and said they hope very much to qualify again in the near future. 

Next year’s qualifiers will be revealed at the special centenary AGM to be held in the Marriott Hotel on the 19^th November 2011. 

Fiona, Sheena and Thelma

Monday, September 19, 2011 

The Sheena Wood Rose Bowl

Unfortunately rain dashed all hopes of playing the final yesterday with both Hazlehead and Deeside courses closed.  It will now take place on Wednesday 28^th September at 2pm at Deeside Golf Club. Fingers crossed the rain stays away then!

Junior County Championship

Kimberley first to retain Shire Girls’ title since Michele Thomson

Ellie Whyte, Kimberley Beveridge and Shannon MCWilliam

The last time a youngster won the Aberdeenshire Under-18 girls scratch championship two years in a row, she went on to win the Scottish women's championship and play for Great Britain and Ireland in the 2008 Curtis Cup match at the Old Course, St Andrews.  

That youngster was Michele Thomson from Ellon who was Shire girls' champion in 2004 and 2005. 

Could Kimberley Beveridge from Aboyne, who played for the winning Scotland schools team against England schools at Kilmarnock Barassie earlier in the week, be following in Michele's footsteps? Only time will tell but the 16-year-old made a successful defence of the Aberdeenshire girls' championship at Oldmeldrum Golf Club today. 

In an 18-hole final that started off in pleasant warm conditions (14 degrees) but deteriorated quickly into a very wet day with the temperature plunging to nine or 10 degrees, Kimberley beat Aboyne clubmate, 12-year-old Shannon McWilliam by 7 and 6.

Kimberley

After very heavy overnight rain, it was touch and go whether the Oldmeldrum course was open. Preferred lies were in operation and the water-filled bunkers were classified as "Ground Under Repair," i.e. lift and drop without penalty.

Kimberley was level par for the holes played after starting birdie-par-par to be three up after three holes. She added to that with successes at the fifth, ninth, 10th and 11th before a half ended the match on the 12th green. For Kimberley and Shannon, the soaking came in the long walk back to the clubhouse.

Shannon had her hour or two of glory in the morning semi-finals when she upset the odds to beat Tegan Seivwright (Deeside) by 3 and 2. Tegan drove out of bounds at the first and was five down after only six holes.
"I took off my jumper then and I immediately felt a lot better and played a lot better but it was too late to make all the holes of Shannon who was playing well," said Tegan.  

In the other semi-final, Kimberley Beveridge beat Sophie Alexander (Deeside) by 3 and 1.

Fiona Sutherland and Jasmine Mackintosh

In the handicap final, 16-year-old Fiona Sutherland (Deeside) beat 11-year-old Jasmine Mackintosh (Hazlehead) by 2 and 1. Fiona, who plays off 21, received four strokes from Jasmine whose handicap is 17.

Fiona was two up after three holes and was never caught after that although Jasmine reduced her deficit to one hole round about the sixth and seventh.

Fiona cemented her position in the lead by winning the 10th and 11th and her four-stroke allowance stood her in good stead as she won by 2 and 1.

RESULTS
SCRATCH SEMI-FINALS
Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne) bt Tegan Seivwright (Deeside) 3 and 2.
Kimberley Beveridge (Aboyne) bt Sophie Alexander (Deeside) 3 and 1.
FINAL
Beveridge bt McWilliam 7 and 6.

HANDICAP FINAL
Fiona Sutherland (Deeside) (21) bt Jasmine Mackintosh (Hazlehead) (17) 2 and 1. 

Report and photos courtesy of Cal Carson Golf Agency

Aberdeenshire Junior Champions - Fiona and Kimberley

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 

The Sheena Wood Rose Bowl

This elegant new trophy was presented in centenary year by Sheena to encourage players of all handicaps to enjoy county golf in both stroke and match play. 

The qualifiers are the 8 players with the best nett scores from any 4 County Opens and those players take part in a knock out contest the following year. 

The qualifiers had a range of handicaps. They were Ann Smart from Banchory, Fiona Seedhouse from Aberdeen Ladies, Helen Wood from Inchmarlo, Sally Collinson from Westhill, Zibby Brown from Aboyne, Yvonne Richal from Peterculter, Fiona Hay and Thelma Beattie both from Deeside 

Interestingly, the inaugural final is between Fiona Hay and Thelma Beattie, surely players from Deeside are good for their handicaps!

Fiona

Thelma

At Sheena’s request, the venue is to be Hazlehead No 1 course which is very appropriate as this is where she learnt her golf as a girl. 

She has been champion there 10 times and holds the course record on both courses to this day. 

The final will tee off at 1.03pm on Sunday 18^th September and Hazlehead members Lauren Whyte and Michelle Finnie have offered their services as caddies to give the players the benefit of local knowledge. I’m sure the players would be delighted to have spectators to encourage their efforts.

 Good luck to them both. 

Our thanks go to Hazlehead Golf Club who have generously arranged for courtesy of the course to be given for this event. 

Sheena wins Hazlehead Quaich again – but Claire is hard on her heels!

Two Aberdeenshire County Players  Sheena Wood and Claire Prouse thrilled the gallery with an enthralling final of superb golf in the final of the Hazlehead Quaich. 

Young Claire who made a tremendous debut for the county earlier this year at Inchmarlo, pushed the vastly experienced Sheena all the way and the match finished on the 18^th.  

It was a really good natured tussle which both players clearly enjoyed.  Will it be third time lucky for Claire? Not if Sheena can help it! 

Sheena and Claire

Monday, August 15, 2011 

Commonwealth Spoons

Congratulations to the following ladies who played at Turriff and qualified for the Scottish Final of the Commonwealth Spoons to be held at Forres Golf Club in September

Laura McLardy and Ros Dunsmuir
Duff House Royal Golf Club and Cruden Bay Golf Club

Sally Collinson and Michelle Black
Westhill Golf Club

Irene Strachan and Lindsey McNiven
Aberdeen Ladies Golf Club

Eileen Mauchline and Ruth Keith
Newmachar Golf Club

Grace Clark and Moyra Smith
Turriff Golf Club

We wish them all the best of luck. 

Our thanks go to Turriff Golf Club for hosting the event and giving us courtesy of their lovely course.
 

Tuesday, August 9, 2011 

The Lyon Double Foursomes 2011 

Sweet Centenary Victory for Home Team at Cruden Bay

Cruden Bay golf course proved to be a great choice of venue for this competition, not only because of the challenging nature of the course but also for its ability to cope with rain because after a night of torrential rain, boy was it wet. 

In the worst of the conditions in the morning there were 2 very exciting semi finals. In the first, Cruden Bay 1 prevailed over Cruden Bay 2 and in the second, Deeside managed a victory over Aberdeen Ladies. 

The final in the afternoon was played in relatively fair conditions and but the home team of Jill Harrison, Susan Phillips and Christine Middleton and Evelyn Cruickshank proved too strong for the Deeside team of Susie Macleod, Tegan Seivwright and Fiona Hay and Margaret Parkinson.   

Susie Macleod, Susan Phillips,

Tegan Seivwright, Jill Harrison

Evelyn Cruickshank, Christine Middleton,

Margaret Parkinson, Fiona Hay

Mary Miller, the proud Cruden Bay Captain, did most graciously mention that her team had been lucky enough to have bye in the first round and were therefore feeling fresh. 

On the other hand the Deeside team had enjoyed their first two matches so much they had played extra holes.  Deeside Captain, Thelma Beattie, might want to revise her game plan for next year! 

Special mention and congratulations go to past county player Evelyn Cruickshank who was awarded a Lyon Brooch as a first time winner. 

Our sincere thanks go to Cruden Bay Golf Club for hosting this event and giving us courtesy of the course.

Ellie Whyte

Cruden Bay - Susan Phillips, Jill Harrison, Evelyn Cruickshank, Christine Middleton

Deeside - Fiona Hay, Tegan Seivwright, Margaret Parkinson, Susie Macleod

Sunday, July 31, 2011

 
Hole in One for Doreen

Congratulations to Doreen Gordon of Westhill who had a hole-in-one at Cruden Bay’s par 4 3^rd hole last week. She was playing a Scratch League tie against Karen Stalker of Cruden Bay. Doreen used her driver at the 254 yard hole.

Those of you who know Cruden Bay, will know that the 3^rd hole is a blind hole which sadly meant that Doreen and Karen didn’t see the ball disappear into the hole. However, the magnificent shot was witnessed at close hand by Hilary Leonard, Westhill and Lynne Terry, Cruden Bay who were playing in the match ahead. Lynne was actually putting out when Hilary spotted the ball making its way towards the hole.

Many congratulations Doreen.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

 
ALCGA Centenary Open at Deeside on 22/07/11  

Deeside was a perfect venue for this event with its lovely course, splendid clubhouse and scenic view of its signature 18^th hole.

It was a memorable day with everyone decked out in their very best county yellow and the buzz of excitement as the ladies chose their hickory club on the 1^st tee was hilarious, as were some of the tee shots.

There was a most impressive Fly Past from the Red Arrows in the afternoon but to be honest the organising committee couldn’t really take credit for that.

Players from 28 clubs took part and the competition was played as a team format, 4 ball better nett ball, with just one score to count at each hole.

The golf was fun, tactical and some of the scoring was fantastic.

Winners with a score of 57 were: Olive Rae (Inchmarlo), Lyn Park( Meldrum House), Lorna Johnson (Meldrum House)

2^nd score 59 were: May Walker (Aboyne) , Catriona Ross (Tarland), Caitlin Geddes (Northern), Christine Smith (Deeside)

3^rd score 60 were : Ann Christiansen (Newmachar), Wilma Paton (Newmachar), Helen Langlands (Deeside), Sally Connell(Deeside)

During the round there were plenty of spot prizes for Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive. In fact, on the 17^th, the longest drive had to be made with a giant size long driver which gave rise to not only to some surprisingly long drives but also some fresh air shots – oops!

There were also many submissions from players hoping to win a prize for Tale of the Day.

Some were very funny and others touched the heart. Here are a few of our favourite tales.

1.      1.  Started as strangers. Finished as friends. ( Ahhh )

2.      2.  Got to 18^th without incident so sent ball up tree. It stayed up for us only to miraculously appear for the following group. Too Late!

3.     3.   Player 1 asked player 2 if she was related to her because of surnames and enquired where she lived. When player 2 replied, player 1 exclaimed ‘O my goodness I think I’ve taken your husband home!’

4.      4.  Player 1 ‘What will they give us at 18 if they are giving us this great long club at 17.

     Player 2 ‘Think they said there will be toy boys – hope so’

     Player 3 ‘You must have really bad eyesight – that’s ****** and his pals up ahead and they are all over 80

And now for the winning tale:

5.      The only birdies we saw all day were 2 blue tits on the 18^th green (wait for it )
       When ****** exposed herself!

 (To put this in context - I am led to believe the lady in question  was wearing a yellow bra which as an Aberdeenshire County enthusiast  she was particularly keen to show off)  

6. Our scratch player was hopeless - she only contributed 2 pars!
(In defence of our hapless and strokeless scratch player, she was approximately 2 over par for her round.)

We now look forward to our second Centenary event which is to be a scramble round Balgownie on 7th October. We will no doubt have some more great golf and fantastic tales.

Our sincere thanks go to Deeside for hosting the event and giving us courtesy of the course and to  many clubs and sponsors for their generous donation of prizes.

Ellie Whyte (Captain ALCGA)  

Lorna Johnson, Olive Rae and Lyn Park

Caitlin Geddes, Catriona Ross, Christine Smith and May Walker

Helen Langlands, Sally Connell, Wilma Paton and Anne Christiansen

SVLGA Northern Division Championship  

The Northern division of the S.V.L.G.A. held their open meeting and championship at Deeside Golf Club on 6^th and 7^th June 2011.

57 ladies took part in the competition and enjoyed a beautiful sunny day for the qualifying medal round.  Nearly all the players enjoyed the course but some found the greens tricky and fell foul of the water hazards unfortunately.

There were actually 2 separate competitions, the Silver Division players playing off the red tees, and the bronze division playing off the blue tees.

The silver division players’ competition was a reduction only competition, with a CSS of 76 and the bronze division was counting with a CSS of 74.

The Qualifiers for the Bronze handicap championship were Fiona Brynes (Banchory), Margaret Glegg (Murcar Links), Rachael McLean (Cruden Bay) and Elaine Anderson (Deeside).

Fiona beat Elaine and Rachael beat Margaret in the semi-finals and in the final, Rachael overcame Fiona by one hole in a very close match.

The qualifiers in the Silver division were Ruth Burnet (Aberdeen Ladies), Margaret Parkinson (Deeside), Marion Donald (Aberdeen Ladies) and Agnes Bell (Fraserburgh).

Ruth beat Agnes and Margaret beat Marion in the semi-finals and in the final Margaret beat Ruth 3& 2.

In the Silver scratch the qualifiers were Linda Urquhart (Banchory), Heather Backhouse (Ballater), Lynne Terry (Cruden Bay) and Jill Harrison (Cruden Bay).

Heather beat Lynne and Linda beat Jill in the semi-final and Linda beat Heather in the final to become our champion in her first year in the Vets. I’m sure she will be a contender many times in the future.

Aileen Downie

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

 
The North of Scotland Championship 5^th – 7^th July 2011  

Aberdeenshire were Double Winners at The Nairn Golf Club.   

The scratch winner was Laura Murray who beat Sammy Vass in an exciting final by 1 hole. 

In the morning semi-final, Laura had won 3 &1 against feisty Lynne Terry who had forced Laura to play very well. 

In the handicap section, the semi-finals were an all Aberdeenshire affair between Carol Wilson and Kimberley Beveridge and Fiona Hay and Eileen Mauchline. 

Fiona and Carol prevailed to play in the final and Fiona emerged the handicap winner 7&6 with a display of form which suggested she really didn’t need 3 strokes!  

Aberdeenshire also featured strongly in the handicap stroke play results with Mary Robinson in 1^st place, scoring 85 (15) 70 and Mary Miller in 2^nd, scoring 85 (14) 71. 

Aberdeenshire had by far the largest number of entrants into this super tournament for county members of all handicaps and I hope even more members will enter next year when the tournament will be held at the fabulous Blairgowrie courses. 

Many thanks to The Nairn Golf Club who provided a first class venue in every way and to Florence Allan, Captain of Northern Counties and her committee for all their hard work and excellent organisation. 

Ellie Whyte  (SPELT WITH A W)

Sammy Vass, Lynne Terry, Laura Murray, Carol Wilson, Fiona Hay

Photo courtesy of Dorothy Marshall, Hon. Secretary of Northern Counties

Monday, July 4, 2011

 
Jamboree 2011 at Inchmarlo

2011 was the turn of Aberdeenshire to host the North Division Inter-County Matches. 

We were delighted when Inchmarlo Resort and Golf Centre kindly agreed to stage the event as we knew it would be a superb venue. 

With its fine golf course, driving range, comfortable on-site accommodation and catering facilities and fantastic staff we were confident everyone would enjoy their visit. 

The event kicked off with an informal pre-tournament reception buffet in the clubhouse where the teams were welcomed by the Ladies Captain, Trish Halliwell and the teams had a chance to socialise.  Everyone clearly enjoyed catching up with old friends and making new ones. 

Aberdeenshire retired first from the party as they had to travel home. We knew our esteemed President , Morag Clapperton, would expect nothing less this time round.  

In any case as Tournament Referee she would need to have her wits about her in the morning.  

The other teams were staying on-site and we rather hoped they would party well into the night.

Tournament Referee Morag with Pat Wilson

Day 1 Saturday

Our first day of matches was against Perth and Kinross and we knew they would be a tough team to beat.   

This indeed proved to be the case and although our pairings of Laura Murray and Sheena Wood, Carol Wilson and new cap Kimberley Beveridge, Fiona Hay and new cap Claire Prouse fought valiantly, we found ourselves 0 – 3 down at lunch time. 

Oops –bit of a mountain to climb in the afternoon then!

Laura and Sheena

Kimberley and Carol

Fiona and Claire

Super Selector Lorraino Coleman frae Peterhead had just the thing to perk everyone up. She marched everyone to the putting green for a hilarious putting competition. I believe she was the winner which didn’t really come as a surprise as she always was a great putter and had the advantage of using her special putter, custom fit to size, of course!

Claire tries out Lorraine’s putter

Sheena and Laura won their singles in style and Carol, Claire and Sara and  Carol were sooooo unlucky to lose on the 18^th,  a great match play hole. 

Supper was a little quiet until Mrs Smith made a timely appearance to cheer everyone up with some of her idiosynchratic games. Tomorrow, after all, was another day.  

Day 2 Sunday

The Sunday matches were against defending champions Angus and we had no illusions that this would be any easier. 

O dear, 0 – 3 at lunch time again – we certainly seem to bring out the best in our opponents. 

However, smiles on faces as is the Aberdeenshire way, we set off to give the singles our best.   

Tremendous wins by Laura, Carol, Rachel and Sara meant we came tantalisingly close to victory. 4 – 5. 

Day 3 Monday

By this time, all but the very fittest must be beginning to tire, or so we hoped, perhaps our winter training programmes would give us an edge. We were to play the team from Northern Counties and we were determined to finish on a high. 

Much rejoicing at lunch time as new pairings of Laura and Rachel, Sara and Kimberley posted our first 2 Foursomes wins.

Rachel and Laura

Sara and Kimberley

Then fingers crossed for the afternoon. Not only for the matches but also for the weather.  

A huge rain front was moving over the whole of Scotland and courses all round about us were being flooded and having to close. 

Andrew Locke (Director of Golf) and Craig Dempster (Director of Events) with great foresight had arranged for greenkeepers, armed with squeegies, to be stationed at the greens most liable to flood. Through their efforts and the very worst of the weather luckily skirting Inchmarlo, we were able to carry on and finish the tournament as planned. 

That was a huge relief for the organising committee, though Marta and Karen had swatted up on the contingency for bad weather arrangements. 

So out to play singles we went. The girls got a little wet but their spirits were not dampened in the slightest. 

In most trying conditions, the girls performed magnificently.  Laura, Carol, Claire had splendid wins, Sara a fantastic half and Rachel and Kimberley were very unlucky to be pipped in extremely tight matches against tough opponents. A super victory for Aberdeenshire and a well deserved finish to the event. 

The lady members of Inchmarlo Golf Club were a tremendous support, playing key roles as starters and caddies and I would like to thank them for all their help.  

Indeed, Aberdeenshire really appreciated all the supporters from many clubs who turned out to encourage them, looking very jolly in the county yellow.  

Cheering us on from the buggy were twin plaster victims, Champion of 2011 Donna Pocock and County Rep from Inchmarlo Beth Lilley. Injured Champion of 2010 Sammy Leslie also came out to lend support. There is no keeping our girls away, they are always there for each other. 

We were very privileged to have County Coach Gary Forbes from Murcar pop out for a couple of visits.  As well as giving us loads of encouragement, he was casting his professional eye over all the teams and knows exactly what we need to work on for next year. 

Other counties, you had better look out! 

Congratulations to Perth and Kinross, they played super golf, in great sporting spirit for the three days are worthy winners. We wish them all the best in the Scottish County Finals in Dumfries and County in September and look forward to having a tilt at them when we rejoin battle at Monifieth  in 2012.

Congratulations to Perth and Kinross

Finally, our most sincere thanks go to Inchmarlo Resort and Golf Centre for being fantastic hosts and giving us courtesy of the course. 

Ellie Whyte

Captain  ALCGA

Team Aberdeenshire
Sara, Carol, Rachel, Sheena, Fiona, Laura, Marta
Karen, Ellie, Claire, Kimberley, Morag, Lorraine

Sunday, July 3, 2011

 
Rachel Polson wins Janice Moodie Trophy

A total of 39 players played in the Janice Moodie Trophy at Windyhill Golf Club on Friday. The course was in fantastic condition considering the recent wet weather. The green staff are to be congratulated as they have done an amazing job on the course and had the greens running at 11 on the stimp metre, making it very challenging day for the girls. 

The girls also faced some tough pin positions, given that the semi-finals of the men's club championship were being played later in the evening.

 
The competition was an outstanding advert for Scottish girls golf with a field including Scottish girls internationals as well as some of the promising younger players. The ages ranged from 11 - 21 and the handicaps from +1 to 29.

 
The ladies who had kindly volunteered to ball spot were very impressed with the quality of the golf that they saw. A mention also has to go to one of our youngest competitors, Charlotte Munro aged 11, who managed to win her age category despite having rushed from finishing school in Gullane earlier in the day.

Rachel Polson made the trip down to Glasgow from Aberdeenshire well worthwhile. The Peterculter player was the overall winner with a gross 73 for a net 67.

Last year's Scottish girls champion Lesley Atkins equalled the score of 73 to win the scratch prize. Both are to be congratulated on their scores.

Once again the girls were well look after thanks to Janice's generosity and enjoyed drinks and lunch courtesy of Janice after the competition.

Lastly thanks must go to everyone involved in organising the day and also to Janice Moodie for her continuing support of this popular event. 

RESULTS
Winner: Rachel Polson (Peterculter) 73 -6 = 67

Scratch: Lesley Atkins (Gullane) 73 

Age group 18-21

First - Nichola Ferguson (Clober) 76 - 4 = 72 

Age group 15-17

First - Rachel Walker (Dumfries and Co) 75 - 4 = 71

Second - Kimberly Beveridge (Aboyne) 75 - 3 = 72

Third - Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw) 77 - 3 =74 

Age group 10-14

First - Charlotte Munro (Gullane) 92 -19 = 73

Second - Lauren Gilbert (Kilbirnie Place) 102 -28 = 74

Third - Emma Greenlees (Dumfries and Galloway) 79 - 5 = 74 

Report and photo courtesy of Carol Whyte and Anne Laing of Renfrewshire Ladies’ County Golf Association.

Charlotte Munro, Nichola Ferguson, Rachel Polson, Lesley Atkins and Rachel Walker

Well done Rachel!

Tuesday, 21st June, 2011

Aberdeenshire County Team are feeling confident and looking good

The Aberdeenshire County team go to Inchmarlo to play in the North Division Inter-County Matches from Saturday 25^th June – Monday 27^th June.

Unfortunately, 2010 champion Sammy Leslie has been forced to withdraw through injury and will be joining current champion Donna Pocock on the sidelines.  

However, Aberdeenshire is still feeling confident and looking good having drafted in Rachel Polson (pictured right) from Peterculter who played so well in the team last year.

The Inchmarlo Resort and Golf Centre is a super setting for the tournament and the course is in great condition with plenty of risk and reward holes to make for interesting match play. 

The girls always appreciate supporters and we hope many will take the opportunity to come and watch some great golf and inspire our girls to victory. 

The draw for the match play is :

Saturday 25th June 

Sunday 26th June

 Monday 27th June

Aberdeenshire v Perth and Kinross

Angus v Northern Counties 

Perth and Kinross v Northern Counties

Angus v Aberdeenshire 

Perth and Kinross v Angus

Aberdeenshire v Northern Counties

Tee Times for Foursomes each day are 9.00am. – 9.50am

Tee Times for Singles each day are 2.00pm. – 3.50pm 

Remember to wear something yellow. 

Good Luck to the Aberdeenshire Ladies’ County Team 

Ellie Whyte

Scottish Senior Ladies’ Amateur Championship

Good Luck to all our ladies, who are off to play in the Scottish Senior Ladies' Amateur Championship at Portpatrick Dunskey.

The Watt Duffus Competition

The Watt Duffus competition was held at Banchory Golf Club, home course of Centenary President Morag Clapperton. The course was in great condition and the rather damp but calm conditions invited good scoring. 

Early leader in the clubhouse was home player and new North Division Vets Champion Linda Urquhart with a fine score of 73. 

Then new county cap Claire Prouse from Hazlehead pipped her with a tidy 72. 

However, late in the day, Sheena Wood from Aberdeen Ladies, stole the show with a superb 5 birdie round of 69 which fairly catapulted the team of Aberdeen Ladies 1 into the scratch winning position with a gross total of 228. 

The other Aberdeen Ladies scratch scores were Fiona Seedhouse 76, Ellie Whyte 83 and Leslie Hardie 87.

Ellie Whyte, Sheena Wood, Aberdeen Ladies’ Captain Lindsey McNiven and

Centenary President Morag Clapperton

Winners of the Team Handicap Trophy were Team Cruden Bay 1. 

Their scores were Lynne Terry net 69, Karen Stalker net 72, Ros Dunsmuir net 73 and Kathleen Esslemont net 78 giving them a net total of 214.

Karen Stalker, Cruden Bay Lady Captain Mary Miller, and Centenary President Morag Clapperton

Individual winners were Sheena Wood who won the Kennaway Trophy for best scratch with 69
and Claire Prouse who won the Handicap Trophy with a net 67, playing off a handicap of 5.

Sheena Wood and Morag Clapperton

Claire Prouse and Morag Clapperton

Our sincere thanks go to Banchory Golf Club who hosted the event and gave us courtesy of the course. 

Ellie Whyte

Mary, Karen, Claire, Ellie, Sheena, Lindsey, Morag and Marta

Monday, June 6, 2011
 
Sheena Equals the Course Record at Kemnay

Congratulations go to Aberdeenshire Team Captain Sheena Wood (Aberdeen Ladies) who equalled the course record at Kemnay on Saturday. Fellow team member, Carol Wilson (Murcar Links) set the record score of 72 back in 2006.  

Sheena had 16 pars, 1 bogey at the 10th and an eagle 3 at the 11th hole. 

Sheena’s figures were –  

OUT: 4 5 3 4 4 3 5 5 4 – 37

IN: 4 3 4 4 3 5 5 4 3 – 35

Well done Sheena!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

 
Aberdeenshire County Team 2011

The Aberdeenshire team for the North Division Inter County matches is strong blend of youth and experience.
 
Two new caps, teenagers Claire Prouse and Kimberley Beveridge are showing great form and we are delighted to welcome them into the team.
 
They will be joining Fiona Hay, Sammy Leslie, Sara Mathieson, Laura Murray, Carol Wilson and Sheena Wood who will be representing Aberdeenshire for the 28th successive time.
 
Sadly missing from the playing line up is County Champion Donna Pocock who had an unfortunate accident apparently whilst trying to perform a tumbleturn in the bath but she promises she will be there to cheer everyone on. 

The team (in alphabetical order) is

Kimberley Beveridge

Fiona Hay

Sammy Leslie

Sara Mathieson

Laura Murray

Claire Prouse

Carol Wilson

Sheena Wood

 Reserves:

Rachel Polson

Tegan Seivwright

Aboyne

Deeside

Westhill

Murcar Links

Alford

Hazlehead

Murcar Links

Aberdeen Ladies (Team Captain)

Peterculter

Deeside  

Congratulations Fiona

Congratulations to Fiona Hay, Deeside, who reached the semi-finals of the Clark Rosebowl in the Scottish Ladies’ Amateur Championship held at Machrihanish last week. Very well done!

Rachel Hanlon (St Regulus) and Fiona receiving their prizes

Thursday, May 19, 2011
 
Tegan Equals Turriff Course Record

 
Congratulations to Tegan Seivwright (Deeside) who equalled the women's course record at Turriff on Sunday. Jill Harrison (Cruden Bay) set the record a number of years ago. 

Tegan's figures were: 

OUT: 4 4 4 3 4 4 6 4 4 – 37

IN: 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 3 5 – 32 

Tegan double bogied the 7^th and bogied the 18^th but had birdies at the 6^th, 11^th, 12^th, 15^th and 16^th holes for her round of 69. 

Well done Tegan! 

Take a look at the junior page on the website to see some more photos of our junior players in action.  

Sunday, May 15, 2011

 
Tegan Triumphs at Turriff

Tegan Seivwright, 15-year-old member of Deeside Golf Club, won today's (Sunday) Aberdeenshire girls' medal competition at Turriff Golf Club with a gross 69, two under par.

 A seven-handicapper, she also had the lowest net score of the day, a 62.

Peterculter's Rachel Polson was the scratch runner-up with a 78.

 Report and photo courtesy of Cal Carson Golf Agency

Tegan in action at Turriff today

Well done Tegan, fantastic score! 

Friday, May 13, 2011

 
Scottish Ladies Amateur Championship 17^th – 21^st May  

Last year, Aberdeenshire, represented by Laura Murray, Sammy Leslie and Carol Wilson, won the McNeil Trophy for the best county team gross total. 

This year we are represented by Laura Murray, Sheena Wood and Jill Harrison.  

Good luck to all  the Aberdeenshire players who are playing at  Machrihanish.

2010 McNeil Trophy - Laura Murray, Carol Wilson and Sammy Leslie 

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

 
County Coaching 2011 with Gary Forbes at Murcar

The County Squad have really enjoyed their coaching sessions and have been given plenty to think about and practice.
 
The weather has been unusually fine, particularly for the final session which was an extravaganza of short game skills and competitions.
 
As ever, the girls are a great bunch, lively and full of fun but boy, in competition they are fierce!
 
To see the girls in action, click on the slide show.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

 
Aberdeenshire Ladies Centenary County Championship
Murcar Links Golf Club 29th April – 1st May 2011

The warmest April on record and superb venue of Murcar Links ensured this year’s county championship was set up to be a very exciting event, particularly as it was made extra special by being the Aberdeenshire Ladies centenary year. 

This year the championship was also unique because there was to be an inaugural handicap event. The winner would be lucky enough to have her name first on The Fiona Hay Salver. 

Interest in the championship was high and there was a quality field of 33 players representing 12 clubs.

The course was in very good condition and with perfect weather we were treated to some very low scores in the qualifying round. 

The leading qualifier on Friday night with 74 (1 under the CSS of 75)  was Scottish Internationalist +1 handicapper Laura Murray, (Alford)  who narrowly pipped 1 handicapper Sheena Wood (Aberdeen Ladies) on a count back of the last 6 holes. 

The first round matches on Saturday were just as exciting, all played in good spirit and many matches going to the 18th.
 
New county squad member Claire Prouse (Hazlehead), in particular, had an outstanding game and managed to defeat defending champion Sammy Leslie. 

In the semi finals, young Claire succumbed to an in form Laura but it was evident she thoroughly enjoyed her first experience of competing at such a high level. 

In the all Murcar semi final between Club Champion Donna Pocock and County Champion of 2009, Sara Mathieson, Donna holed a couple of deciding putts to secure her place in the final. 

Remarkably in the handicap championship, there were very few strokes given or received and most matches went all the way to the 18^th. 

The handicap final was contested between birthday girls Lauren Whyte (Hazlehead) and Lynne Tough (Newmachar). In a fine display of spirited golf from both players, Lauren prevailed with a score of 3 & 1. 

The scratch final in the afternoon between Laura Murray and Donna Pocock was a superb contest.  The warm weather had encouraged a large gallery of spectators which included a number of Past Captains who had come to show their support and enjoy the final. 

It was a close and exciting match which was played in wonderful sporting spirit.  The gallery could not but admire the way both players managed their games and kept their concentration.  It was indeed ‘nip and tuck’ all the way.  

In a match that really came down to a couple of putts, Donna holed a splendid birdie putt at the 18^th   to clinch victory and regain the title of Champion with a fantastic display of steady golf. 

Donna is a most worthy and popular winner of our Centenary Championship.  A county team member for the last 7 years, it is obvious how much Aberdeenshire county golf means to her.  Many congratulations Donna on a unique achievement. 

Thanks must go to the council, staff and members of Murcar Links Golf Club for hosting such a successful event and for all their friendly help and assistance.

 
Ellie Whyte

County Captain

2011 Scratch and Handicap Champions – Donna Pocock and Lauren Whyte

Monday, April 25, 2011
 
Hole in One at the Ballater Open Meeting

Congratulations to Catherine Bryce of Ballater Golf Club on her hole in one last Friday. Catherine holed her tee shot at Ballater’s 112 yard, 5^th hole using an 8 iron and was partnered by Lynne Tough (Newmachar) and Sheila Reid (Aboyne).

Well done Catherine!

Monday, April 18, 2011
 
Aberdeenshire Junior Golfers, both from Aboyne, excel at the Scottish Under 16 at Strathmore

Congratulations go to Aberdeenshire County Squad member Kimberley Beveridge (pictured right) who finished a creditable 6^th with consistent scores 75 and 74 (CSS 72). Representing Scotland Team 2, she was the second best Scot in the tournament.  

Congratulations also to Shannon McWilliam (pictured above in the leading prizewinners group photo, front row, 2^nd right) who won the U12 prize with a fantastic net 61 off a handicap of 19.

Stars in the making

(Photos courtesy of Cal Carson Golf Agency)

Friday, March 25, 2011
 
ALCGA Centenary Lunch

The first event of our centenary programme, the Centenary Lunch can surely be declared a great success.
 
Present were 237 ladies from 17 Aberdeenshire Clubs and as will be seen in the slide show soon to be published, they were clearly all having a ball.
 
The Marcliffe provided a perfect venue and the room looked absolutely splendid all decked in yellow.
 
Over 200 pictures from over the years were projected onto a large screen which was quite nostalgic for some and everyone marvelled at how styles have changed.
 
Our speakers from Aberdeenshire, Laura McLardy, Janette Wright, Muriel Thomson and Sheena Wood gave a fantastic insight into the wonderful heritage of our county and so many ladies have since commented on how much they enjoyed learning about it.
 
Our guest speaker, Helen Faulds, delivered a 'barrage of brilliant humour' which had everyone in absolute stitches and this was promptly followed by our President Morag, whose toast to the county was preceded by some of her customary hilarious observations.  
  
We are delighted to hear how much everyone enjoyed the occasion but it would never have been the success it was without the fantastic response from our members.
 
We feel it was really important that all our ladies were present to hear the stories from our great golfing ladies and be proud to be part of this historic occasion.
 
A huge thank you from the Centenary Committee to all the Aberdeenshire Ladies who came.
 
The spirit of Aberdeenshire County Golf is riding high and we can all look forward to more fellowship and fun at the next event, the Centenary Open, which is to be held at Deeside Golf Club on the 22nd of July.
 
Entry Forms are now available from your Club Rep.     Remember to wear something yellow !