Scottish Golf Awareness Week
Get a Scottish Golf Card and save50% of green fee at over 70 clubsNEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY SCOTTISH GOLF UNIONTo kick-start the Scottish Golf Awareness Week, the SGU and SLGA have launched the Scottish Golf Card exclusively for golf club members as an added incentive, enabling them to take advantage of a 50% reduction off standard green fees at golf clubs participating in the programme.The new initiative has hit the ground running with over 70 clubs now accepting the Scottish Golf Card across the country, with that total increasing daily.For just £10, the card - the first of its type launched by the SGU and SLGA - will enable club members to take advantage of great savings as well as help clubs to increase capacity on their fairways. Scottish Golf Development Manager Andy Salmon commented: “I am delighted with the initial response to the Scottish Golf Card by both clubs and members alike. The number of clubs taking the Golf Card is increasing all the time which gives greater choice and value to golf club members."The benefits are twofold, in addition to this reward for membership, clubs can increase volume on their courses, so this really is a win, win situation.“I would urge any club which is concerned about decreasing memberships and revenues to promote the card to their members and accept card holders at their course.” He concluded: “In the current climate golf club members like everyone else are looking for added value and ways of cutting costs and the Scottish Golf Card can reap great benefits for those wanting to take a short golfing break or golfing holiday in Scotland, or for those who just like to play other courses.”Among the fantastic courses already signed up to the initiative are:*Marriot Dalmahoy in Edinburgh.*The ancient links of Royal Montrose.*The superb Murcar Linksto name but a few, with more clubs indicating they will come on board shortly.The card can make a great gift to a friend or colleague or yourself with the whole season ahead of you.To purchase simply phone 01334 466 477 or visit the Scottish Golf Union website to download an application form www.scottishgolf.org.Memberships are verified with your club before the card is issued. Kate WeldonCommunications ManagerScottish Golf Union

Jenny Milne and Mary Smith. I know it was cold, but that hat Mary!!

Help, I'm sure it would be just here.

Kerri Harper and Sammy Vass finding it a bit cold.

Spey Valley Photos

Julie Vass, Hannah McCook, Cara Gruber and Pam McKay setting off at the 1st at Spey Valley.

Below is the draw for the County Championship at Nairn this coming weekend. We have 69 entries so far but there is room for more.

Northern Counties Ladies Golf Association Championship at The Nairn Golf Club on Saturday 18th to Monday 20th April 2009. Players leave the tee in 10 min intervals and are from the host club unless otherwise stated.
Abbreviations: A, Abernethy; B, Brora; DHR, Duff House Royal; E, Elgin; F, Forres; FR, Fortrose & Rosemarkie; G, Gairloch; GS, Grantown on Spey; I, Inverness; MO, Muir of Ord; M, Moray; N, Nairn; ND, Nairn Dunbar; RD, Royal Dornoch; S, Strathpeffer; T, Tain; Th, Thurso.

9.0 – G. Dowling (I), S. Macdonell (I), E. Manson (T); C. Gruber (RD), S. Vass (T), P. Mackay (RD); A. Ryan (T), A. Bartlett (RD), J. Louden (N); H. McCook (A), C. McAndrew (ND), J. Milne (E);
9.30 – M. Howieson (I), J. Vass (T), L. Coghill (RD); M. Vass (T), R. Topping (DHR), F. Bell (I); J. Nicol (I), S. McKenzie (E), M. Barr (G);
10.0 – S. McVicar (G), C. Marshall (N); M. Bagott (RD); L. Munro (M), P. Morrison (MO), D. McBride (RD); H. Stuart (MO), A. Robertson (B), C. Dingwall (MO);
10.30 – T. Weeks (RD), P. Ashe (B), E. Wallace (MO); J. Maison (DHR), M. Ritchie (MO), J. Thornton (FR); M. Wilson (FR), E. Hutton (MO), P. Moscatti (RD);
11.0 – E. Sloan (GS), W. Spencer (MO), F. Fraser (FR); A. McBeath (B), S. Duncan (RD), J. Fraser (MO); M. Hayden (RD), E. Morrison (FR), D. Mckay (MO);
11.30 – K. Mckay (FR), R. Bruce (MO), Y. Gunn (N); A. Drummond (FR), B. Little (B), S. Rowan (I); A. McKay (FR), M. James (F), A. Burnett (RD); A. Rlose (MO), E. Gruber (S), S. Hellal (RD); M. Shanks (B), M. Webster (FR), S. Cobban (F); D. McNeil (I), E. Hill (GS), N. Burtwell (N);
12.30 – M. Holmes (RD), I. Wright (RD); M. Dick (GS), M. Douglas (RD).

First of all, I hope you have all got your season started and enjoying being out on the fairways once again.
Membership: We are hoping for more members this year, I know it's early days yet, but hopefully the fixture list will encourage more members to join the County.
Free Four ball raffle: The draw will be done Monday 20th April immediately after the prize giving at the Championship at Nairn. Time this week for a final push to get all the tickets sold.
May and I will be leaving Banff on Friday to travel to Nairn for the Championship so any ticket stubs and monies should be sent to her now by first class post, to arrive no later than Thursday, otherwise, should be brought to Nairn at the weekend. A list of the prize winners will be sent to you all for display at your Club and will be posted on the web page.

Some members of the squad for the County Team have attended two training days with Martin Piggot at Castle Heather and had a practice game at Spey Valley Golf Club, Aviemore at the weekend.
They all enjoyed their time with Martin who shows great patience and understanding with the girls, they all had plenty to work on after the lesson.
Spey Valley were most generous giving us courtesy of the course and thankfully 'buggies' as well, it was a bright sunny day, however, there was a cold wind coming from the mountains.

Looking forward to seeing you all at Nairn and I hope the weather is kind to us.

Regards to you all
Jan Corbett
Captain

Another success for Kelsey

Well done Kelsey, winner of the Girls Order of Merit 2008, hope you have a great night in Glasgow.

Scottish Golf Dinner
Press releasethe Scottish Golf Dinner in Glasgow (Friday 27 March)..In the domestic season Kylie Walker and Kelsey MacDonald (pictured left, courtesy idealimages.co.uk), won the ladies and girls Order of Merit titles respectively by impressive margins.

News from your Captain

Some members of the squad along with some juniors had a great day with Martin Piggott last weekend. After they blew away the cobwebs from their clubs, they all enjoyed their time with Martin who put them all through their paces and certainly gave them all something to work on. Our next coaching day is the 28 March when it is hoped that more of the squad will be there along with the four juniors.
We have a practice game arranged at the Spey Valley Golf Club on Sunday 11 April, looking forward to that challenge and hoping that the snow will be well gone by then.
I hope you all have paid your subs and have entered for our Championship at Nairn on 18 - 20 April. If not, get in touch with your Delegate, join the County and don't miss out on playing some great courses this year.
Thank you to Grantown on Spey for the invite to join them in their opening competition on 7 April; May and I will be there and we are both looking forward to it.
I hope you have sold all your raffle tickets to win a 'free four ball' during the season ahead. Please remember to bring the stubs and monies raised to the Championship where the draw will be done on Monday 20 April. If you are not coming to Nairn, then the stubs etc. must reach May Alexander by Monday 13 April as we leave for Nairn on Friday 17 April.
I hope you and your Club have a successful year ahead, and that you 'keep it on the fairway' and sink those putts.

Jan Corbett, Captain

2009 Competition dates

Sat 18 - Mon 20 April - NC Championship at Nairn Golf Club
Sat 23 May - NC Foursomes at Tain Golf Club
Wed 15 July - NC Open meeting at Grantown on Spey Golf Club
Fri 14 August - NC Open Vets meeting at Muir of Ord Golf Club
Sat 5 September - NC Open meeting at Torvean Golf Club
Sun 4 October - NC Open & AGM at Moray Golf Club (New Course)

Jan Corbett, Captain

Kelseys' success in Florida

Kelsey through to quarter-finals, but Laura Murray is beaten.
Stirling student Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) is through to the quarter-finals of the Jone-Doherty Matchplay Championships at Coral Ridge Country Club, Fort Lauderdale in Florida, but Alford's Laura Murray (Robert Gordon University) lost her second round tie. MacDonald will now play Carly Rae Goldstein after beating Daniela Lendl, one of the former tennis ace Ivan Lendl's golfing-playing daughters, by one hole. Rachel Connor, daughter of Scots-born Manchester club pro Brian Connor, will meet 14-year old US girls champion and top qualifier Alexis Thomson, for a place in the last four after beating Sandra Changkija by one hole. Thomson beat Stirling student Rachel Cassidy (Dublin) by 8 & 7. Laura Murray lost by 4 & 3 to Marilyn Hardy. Two other Stirling students, Rebecca Wilson (Monifieth) and Holly Calvert (Lancaster) will meet in the final of the Second Flight. Rebecca beat Jane Little by 6 & 4 while Holly won at the 19th against Mayura Skowronski in the semi-finals.

Kelsey through to play American Curtis Cup star in semi-final.
Scottish Under-21 champion Kelsey MacDonald, a member of Nairn Dunbar Golf Club, will play Meghan Bolger, who played in last year's winning US Curtis Cup team at St. Andrews, in Friday's semi-finals of the Jones/Doherty women's amateur match-play championship at Coral Ridge Country Club, Fort Lauderdale in Florida. Stirling University student Kelsey, 18, beat American Carly Ray Goldstein 3 & 2 in today's quarter-finals. Kelsey was pipped for third place behind winner Alexis Thomson in last weeks' South Atlantic Ladies Amateur Championship, the second competition of the women's amateur Orange Blossom Tour in Florida. Bolger was United States women's mid-amateur champion in 2006 and again in 2007. Rachel Connor, daughter of the Scots-born Manchester club professional Brian Connor, lost to Alexis Thomson, the 14 year old US girls champion, by 4 & 3 in her quarter final. The second semi-final will feature Thompson against defending champion Isabelle Lendl, one of the golfing daughters of former world tennis ace Ivan Lendl. Stirling student Holly Calvert (Lancaster) won the Second Flight final, beating Monifieth's Rebecca Wilson, also a Stirling student, by one hole in the final.
Results:
Championship Flight
Quarter-finals
Isabelle Lendl bt Marily Hardy 6 & 5
Alexis Thompson bt Rachel Connon (Manchester) 4 & 3
Meghan Bolger bt Victoria Trapani 2 holes
Kelsey MacDonald bt Carly Ray Goldstein 3 & 2

It's Kelsey v US Wonder girl Florida match-play final
Scottish under-21 champion Kelsey MacDonald is through to Saturday's final of the Jones-Doherty women's amateur match-play golf championship at Coral Ridge Country Club, Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
Kelsey, 18 year old Stirling university student and Nairn Dunbar Golf Club member, will play the 14-year old United States girls champion Alexis Thompson from Coral Springs, Florida.
Alexis won last weeks' South Atlantic Ladies amateur championship at Oceanside Country Club, Ormond Beach, which was the second event in the Orange Blossom women's amateur tour in Florida.
MacDonald, who finished third behind Thompson, had a great win in today's (Friday) semi-finals. She beat Megham Bolger, twice winner of the US women's mid-amateur title and member of the winning US Curtis Cup team at St Andrews last May.
Kelsey won by 3 & 2
Thompson beat the defending champion, Isabelle Lendl, 6 & 5 in the other semi-final.

Kelsey loses to US wonder kid Alexis in Final of Florida matchplay
Scottish under-21 girls golf champion Kelsey MacDonald of Nairn Dunbar Golf Club lost to the 13 year old United States girls title-holder, Alexis Thompson from Coral Springs, Florida in today's 18-hole final of the Jones-Doherty women's amateur match-play championship at Coral Ridge Country Club, Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
Kelsey, 18 year old first year sports studies student at Stirling University, played brilliant golf to reach the final, including a 3 & 2 semi-final win over Meghan Bolger, twice winner of the US women's mid-amateur title and a member of the winning American Curtis Cup team at St. Andrews last May.
But in the final Kelsey went down by 5 & 4 to a rare talent, Alexis Thompson, the wonder kid of US golf - she will be 14 on February 10 - who won last weeks' South Atlantic Ladies amateur championship at Oceanside Country Club, Ormond Beach - the second event in the Orange Blossom tour of Florida. MacDonald finished third in that event.
Kelsey's ambition is to play for Great Britain & Ireland in the 2012 Curtis Cup match which will be played in her home town of Nairn. Alexis Thompson is certain to be in the next US women's amateur line-up that comes to Scotland and might even make the team for the 2010 match in the States...so too might Kelsey MacDonald for that matter.
The students, who have also included Laura Murray (Alford) and Jane Turner (Craigielaw) of Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, now return home after having spent three weeks in America competing on the Orange Blossom Tour. The trip was funded through Stirling university's International Sports Scholarships Programme.

Jan Corbett, Captain

Congratulations to Bryan and Donna

Leading North Golfers announce engagement:

Two of the North's leading amateur golfers, Bryan Fotheringham (Forres) and Donna MacLeod (Inverness), announced their engagement on Christmas Eve.
Bryan is a former Scotland international team member and long-time North District team player. Donna is a former British policewomen's title-winner and the current Scottish policewomen's champion.

Jan Corbett
Captain

Last news of 2008

Hi to you all,
I hope you and your families had a very happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year. Here's to health, happpiness and good golf during 2009.

It's very quiet on the golfing front at this time of year, but not so with the preparations for next year and beyond. Here in Banffshire the weather has been 'soo' much colder than usual this time of year. We do not usually get the snow until after New year but so far this year we have had snow three times since the end of October. I am sure that it has been the same where you all are, just that it is a bit different for us. That, along with the very cold windy conditions, has meant not a lot of golf.

This can't be said for some of our members. I am sure that most of you will know that the SLGA have started their winter training programmes and that we have four of our members involved in these sessions. Kelsey MacDonald once again named in the 'A' squad, Sammy Vass in the 'B' squad and Julie Vass in the Junior Development squad and many congratulations to Hannah McCook for being named in the 'C' squad. This is obviously in recognition of her remarkable year when she achieved so much. Our congratulations go to all the girls and we wish them well with their training and for next year. Kelsey does not stop there, while busy with her studies at Stirling she has just had a great experience playing in Abu Dhabi and is now about to jet off to the USA to play in the Florida Orange Blossom Tour for amateur women golfers. The seven players who are going will be accompanied by none other than our own Lesley Mackay from Golspie. I am sure they will have a great time and I am sure we all wish them and Lesley all the very best.

I hope that in 2009 there could be more of a 'two way' system in our communications. I would like if there was anything happening at your Club that you feel we would all like to hear about, that you would get in touch with me and let me know.

Kind regards and best wishes
Jan Corbett, Captain

UBC Grils Championship

Fifteen year old Hannah McCook (Abernethy) won the inaugural scratch medal in the UBC Girls' Championship, played over a testing Loch Ness course at Castle Heather, Inverness.

The CSS was three shots more than the SSS of 70 (par of 71) for the 5,387yd course.

Hannah, who has a handicap of five returned a gross 81 with halves of 42 (five over par) and 39 (also five over par)
She had a gross birdie at the fourth and par figures at nine holes to set against double bogeys at the third, eighth and thirteenth.

Hannah, daughter of Press & Journal staff photographer Sandy McCook, won the scratch section by two shots from Ailsa Summers (Panmure Barry), whose mother Mary was a Scottish girl international and reached the final of the British girls championship at Edzell in her day.

LEADING SCRATCH
81 Hannah McCook (Abernethy) 42-39
83 Ailsa Summers (Panmure Barry) 42-41
85 Emily Aird (Strathmore) 45-4- better last 6, Megan Aird (Strathmore) 45-40
86 Fiona Fullarton (Huntly) 48-38, Sophie Alexander (Deeside) 47-39, Samantha Leslie (Murcar Links) 46-40
91 Louise McGillvray (Banchory)
92 Rachel Polson (Peterculter)
93 Nikita Lamond (McDonald Ellon), Kirsten MacCallum (McDonald Ellon), Tegan Seivwright (Peterculter), Heather Munro (Monifieth), Kitrina Vannet (Peterculter)
95 Vicki Powell (Deeside)
97 Erin Millar (Pitlochry)
106 Annabelle Brown (Nairn Dunbar)
122 Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne)
NR's Jordyn Booth (Kemnay), Lauren Duncan (Aboyne), Louise Smith (Monifieth)

Jan Corbett
Captain

Congratualtions

Kelsey MacDonald playing in the Scottish Team in the Womens Home Internationals at Wrexham was one of the best players in the team with three and a half points out of six.

Well done Kelsey and we wish you well as you start your first year at Stirling university next week.

Jan Corbett
Captain

Success for Kelsey

Scotland's pair of champion girl golfers, Kelsey McDonald (Nairn Dunbar) and Carly Booth (Comrie) won the girls' team trophy at the Belgiun Junior International Tournament at the Royal Golf Club of Belgium.

Kelsey, the Scottish Under-21 title-holder, and Carly, the Scottish Under-18 champion and Curtis Cup player, finished joint second and joint fifth individually, but their totals added together won the girls team trophy with a score of 593, one shot ahead of Spain (594) with Wales (600) third and Ireland (602) fourth.

Kelsey had scores of 74,73,73 & 76 for a total of 296 - six shots behind the winner, Ana Fernandez de Mesa (Spain).

It was the third year in a row that Kelsey had finished in the top three of this tournament. How's that for consistency! And she also figured in the capture of the team trophy for Scotland last year when it was organised under a boys and girls' combined format.

Carly Booth dropped out of the lead wiwth two disappointing closing rounds and finished joint fifth on 297 with scores of 73, 69, 78 & 77.

Apart from a team trophy replica, Carlty did have another award to take home. She won the girls' long-driving on the eve of the competition.

Jan Corbett, Captain

North of Scotland Girls Championship

Sammy Vass wins play-off for North of Scotland Girls title

Scotland girl international Sammy Vass from Tain won a three-way play-off for the North of Scotland girls' golf Championship at Banchory Golf Club on Sunday 24 August.

Sammy, 16, beat her 14 year old sister Julie and 16 year old Samantha Leslie (Murcar Links) at the second extra hole after they had tied on 77 at the head of a field of 26 girls.

Samantha Leslie had the chance to lift the Under-18s Regional Title at the first extra hole (the 17th) where her approach shot hit the flagstick, but she could not hole the birdie putt. Julie Vass was eliminated with a bogey at that hole.

At the second extra hole (the 18th), Leslie drove out of bounds and took four shots to reach the putting surface while Sammy Vass was on in three- and holed a 10ft downhill putt for a trophy-winning par 4.

Kirsten MacCallum (McDonald Ellon) won the Jean Law Trophy for the best net score of 69 off 11, ahead of Louise McGillvray (Banchory) (7) and Seren Anderson (Deeside) who both had net 71s. Louise had the better inward half.

Jan Corbett, Captain

Northern Counties Greensomes 23.08.08

County Greensomes at Fortrose & Rosemarkie GC on Saturday 23 August

Abbreviations: BB - Bonar Bridge; DHR - Duff House Royal; F - Forres; F&R - Fortrose & Rosemarkie; G - Grantown on Spey; I - Inverness; N - Nairn; MO - Muir of Ord; RB - Royal Belfast; RD - Royal Dornoch; S - Strathpeffer; T - Tain; TO - Torvean; W - Wick

9.30 - L McLaren (I), J Cumming (I) & E Morrison (F&R), S Dunn (F&R)
9.40 - C Morrison (N), N Burtwell (N) & H Cumming (F&R), A Mackay (F&R)
11.40 - P Davis (F), M Wellburn (F) & E Hutton (MO), M McLean (MO)
11.50 - E Colvin (I), R Cruckshank (I) & P Morrison (MO), J Fraser (MO)
12.00 - J Nicol (I), F Williams (I) & A Milner (TO), C Marshall (N)
12.10 - M Alexander (DHR), J Corbett (DHR) & S Rowan (I), N Bowie (I)
12.20 - D Crawford (F), I Wilson (F) & M Mansfield (BB), J Hunter (BB)
12.30 - A Burnett (RD), S Duncan (RD) & D Marshall (F), M James (F)
12.40 - D Hulme (F&R), J Alexander (BB) & T Weekes (RD), K Lawson (RD)
12.50 - S Cooper (F&R), H Menary (RB) & E Coghill (RD), D McBride (RD)
13.00 - M Hayden (T), D Adams (RB) & P Moscati (RD), M Douglas (RD)
13.10 - M Orr (T), I McMichael (RB) & A Bartlett (RD), A Harding (RD)
13.20 - T Curruthers (RB), A Drummond (F&R) & S McDonald (RD), M Blair (RD)
13.30 - P Mackay (RD), E Hart (RD) & D McAngus (W), V Balfour (W)
13.40 - S Vickerman (G), M Allan (G) & A Brown (F&R), M Ross (F&R)
13.50 - R Bannerman (S), C Gruber (RD) & I McIntosh (I), S Ramsay (I)
14.00 - G Dowling (I), L Fraser (F&R) & T Fraser (F&R), K Bissett (F&R)

Jan Corbett, Captain

Northern Counties News

The Northern Counties Girls Championship took place at Inverness recently. This was sponsored by MacKenzie & Cormack, Solicitors & Lawyers (Tain & Beauly).

The CSS was 73
Results - 1st Scratch - Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) 71
2nd Scratch - Sammy Vass (Tain) 77
1st Handicap - E Watson (Nairn) (20) 65
2nd Handicap - A Brown (Nairn Dunbar) (25) 73

Congratulations to Mary Smith, who has just won the Scottish Senior Women's Amateur Stroke Play Championship at the first attempt, at Deeside Golf Club. She also got to the semi-final of the match-play Championship losing to the eventual winner Lorna Bennett (Ladybank) .

Gairloch Open - Saturday 16 August.
Unfortunately, once again, we have to cancel an Open. The delegate has informed us that there are only 3 entries for Gairloch and that as it clashes with the Inverness Open, it does not look like there would be many more entries. Also, the administration at Gairlock GC wanted a decision made sooner rather than later so they could open up their course.

This only leaves the Greensomes at Fortrose & Rosemarkie on 23 August and the Open at Kingussie on 5 October, so hopefully the members will support these two events. The open at Kingussie will be the last event for scores to count for the Aggregate Cups.

I must thank those who have returned the Raffle Squares Sheets. Boat of Garten were the first. It is even more important now than ever that all Delegates try to complete this raffle and return them to us due to the very few Open events that we have had this season. Fundraising is a must for funds. My husband has been making tablet and has £32 so far!!

Jan Corbett, Captain

Jamboree Results

Saturday 28 June
Northern Counties v Perth & Kinross
Cara Gruber & Kelsey MacDonald beat Laura Walker & Eve Muirhead 2&1
Mary Smith & Sammy Vass lost to Emily Ogilvie & Carly Booth 5&3
Jenny Milne & Pam Mackay lost to Alex Bushby & Annabel Niven 7&6

Kelsey MacDonald lost to Laura Walker 6&5
Cara Gruber beat Jillian Milne 4&2
Ashton Ingram lost to Emily Ogilvie 5&4
Pam Mackay lost to Carly Booth 4&3
Sammy Vass beat Annabel Niven 1up
Mary Smith lost to Alex Bushby 5&4

Sunday 29 June
Northern Counties v Angus
Cara Gruber & Kelsey MacDonald beat Rebecca Wilson & Ann Ramsay 5&4
Sammy Vass & Ashton Ingram lost to Mary Summers & Aileen Hunter 1 hole
Pam Mackay & Eilidh Mackay halved with Kath McNicol & Shonagh Raitt

Cara Gruber lost to Rebecca Wilson 2&1
Kelsey MacDonald beat Katy McNicol 2&1
Ashton Ingram beat Jackie Brown 1 hole
Pam Mackay lost to Ann Ramsay 3&2
Eilidh Mackay beat Heather Anderson 1 hole
Sammy Vass lost to Shonagh Raitt 3&2

Monday 30 June
Northern Counties v Aberdeenshire
Cara Gruber & Kelsey MacDonald lost to Michele Thomson & Laura Murray 2&1
Sammy Vass & Ashton Ingram lost to Jill Harrison & Laura McLardy 1up
Pam Mackay & Eilidh Mackay lost to Donna Pocock 7&5

Kelsey MacDonald beat Donna Pocock 7&5
Cara Gruber beat Sara Thomson 5&4
Sammy Vass lost to Laura Murray 2&1
Ashton Ingram beat Carol Wilson 2 up
Eilidh Mackay lost to Sheena Wood 2&1
Mary Smith lost to Michele Thomson 8&7

Jan Corbett
Captain

Inter County Championship 2008

I have to thank all those who sent cards or emails wishing the girls well at the Jamboree. It was also good to hear from the team just how many of you sent good wishes to the individual players, they were much appreciated.

The result does not give any indication of how well they all played, the committment given or the determination they all showed.

I am posting the results from each day for your information and you will see how close some of the games were. The opposition was very strong in the other three teams with two Curtis Cup players playing, who did not get it all their own way!

Just like many of us when we add up our score cards, we often say, I played better than that, the score just does not reflect the way I played.

We have next year to look forward to at Royal Dornoch, so we will have much more support there and the girls will hopefully have many practice rounds before the competition starts.

Jan Corbett
Captain

Course Record

Hannah McCook does it again. She broke the course record at Grantown on Spey on Tuesday 1 July, playing in a ladies medal. her score was gross 69, one stroke off the existing record of 70. CSS was 71 and Par 72. This broke her handicap and she is now 7.3. Well done Hannah and Congratulations.

Jan Corbett
Captain

Paul Lawrie Scottish Schoolgirls Golf Championship

Scottish Schoolgirls Champion
Kelsey McDonald

Winning Highland Team of Kelsey McDonald and Sammy Vass with Tournament sponsor Paul Lawrie and Scottish Schools Golf Association Secretary Dorothy Scott

County Open at Stromness on 31 May

Stromness hosted an Open Championship on behalf of Northern Counties Ladies Golf Association. Fifty one players, five from Royal Dornoch Golf Club, 24 from the Orkney Golf Club and 22 from Stromness Golf Club played under almost perfect weather conditions.

The greens staff had put in a lot of work to prepare for the event. This was appreciated by the players.

Unusually for Orkney, the competitors in the Silver Division and Bronze Division were competing only in their own divisions. In each division, there was one scratch prize and three handicap prizes. We were happy that all three clubs were represented in the prize list.

Results:
Silver division: Gross - Shona Croy (Orkney Golf Club) 76
Handicap - Lynn Slater (13) (Stromness Golf Club) 68; Ann Gilmour (13) (Orkney Golf Club) 72; Elspeth McLellan (9) (Stromness Golf Club) 73

Bronze Division: Gross - Alison Burnett (Dornoch) 92
Handicap - Linda Bonner (31) (Orkney Golf Club) 64; Chessa Llewllyn White (30) (Stromness Golf Club) 66; Tina Smith (23) (Stromness Golf Club) 70

After a dinner, catered by the ladies committee of Stromness Golf Club, the prize vouchers were presented by the Stromness Lady Captain, Lee Seator and the Northern Counties Delegate in Stromness, Delille Diament, who welcomed the visiting players. Lee made an amusing speech, which was replied to by Mora Douglas, Lady Captain of Royal Dornoch Golf Club and Linda Milne, Lady Captain of the Orkney Golf Club.

County Team

The County Selectors, Mary Law, May Alexander and myself can now announce the Team selected to play in the Inter County Team Championships (The Jamboree) at Downfield on 28 - 30 June. We are extremely proud to have such a talented group of players available to represent the Northern Counties. Each and everyone of them has worked hard on their golf this year, and I am sure they will all show great determination and willing to do their best to win the Jamboree and reach the County Finals.

The team is as follows:-

Cara Gruber - Royal Dornoch
Ashton Ingram - Fort William
Kelsey Macdonald - Nairn Dunbar
Eilidh Mackay - Nairn Dunbar
Pam Mackay - Royal Dornoch
Jenny Milne - Elgin
Mary Smith - Tain
Sammy Vass - Tain

Jan Corbett, Captain

Cancellations

Unfortunately, due to lack of entries, the following Open Meetings have had to be cancelled. Our secretary, May, emailed all Delegates to try and get more entries but with no success.

Abernethy Golf Club 4th June - County Open & Vets
Royal Tarlair 7th June - County Open
Duff House Royal 8th June - County Foursomes
Castle Heather 13th June - County Open

Jan Corbett, Captain

Course Record

Hannah McCook has set a course record at the age of 14! She returned a 73 over the Abernethy women's course in the Mustard Trophy competition. The SSS for the course is 68, the CSS 68 and Hannah's handicap of 10 dropped to 9 as a result of her very good round. The previous record of 77 was held by Dawn Ferguson. Hannah birdied the sixth and tenth and bogeyed the second, ninth and fifteenth.

Jan Corbett, Captain

Congratulations

Congratulations to Kelsey McDonald who played so well in the Helen Holm Scottish Womens Open Amateur Stroke Play Championships at Troon. The event had a handicap ballot of 3 or less. Kelsey made the cut and she must have been delighted with her game. We all wish her continued success.

Well done to all the Northern County members who played in the Scottish Ladies (Close) Amateur Championships at Lossiemouth last week. Special mention must go to Sammy Vass on a great performance.

Jan Corbett, Captain

Championship Update

We have just had a very successful Northern Counties Championship, played for the first time at Brora Golf Club. The weather on the Saturday was changeable, sunny but with a strong wind blowing, Sunday and Monday, however, were absolutely fabulous. Plenty of smiling faces.
The Committee of Brora must be thanked and congratulated most sincerely for giving us the courtesy of their course and for the exceptional warm welcome given by everyone we met. Special thanks to Angela MacBeath, Ladies Captain, for her sterling work, and a big thank you to Tony the Administrator and Sheina our Delegate.
The entry of 52 exceeded all expectations and the sheep on the course coped very well with the inconvenience of the ladies, thankfully cattle were not on the course.
The head greenkeeper Ian Wakeman presented the course in superb condition at this early stage of the season. Grateful thanks to Robin Wilson who took many photos and reported the results each dayin the press.

Our handicap champion for 2008 is Fiona Bell (Inverness) who had a very close game with Denise McBride (Royal Dornoch) winning on the last hole with a spectacular drive onto the par 3 18th hole finishing up about 18" from the hole.

Our County Champion for 2008 is Cara Gruber (Royal Dornoch) who was too strong on the day against Mary Smith (Tain). Cara played some excellent golf and had too many birdies on the front nine for Mary to catch up on the back nine.

Our congratulations to all who qualified and especially to the two winners.
The next County Open is Stromness on Saturday 31 May. It is hoped that there is an increase in the number of entries to maintain this as a counting event for the aggregate cups, county procedure maintains that there should be an entry of 39 to host an official open. If there are fewer than this, then I hope the ladies who travel to Stromness have a most enjoyable time, I am sure they will. We will send a voucher for the winning handicap score.

The Scottish Ladies Close Amateur Championship is being held at Moray Golf Club, Lossiemouth from Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 May. Our best wishes go to Kelsey MacDonald, Cara Gruber, Mary Smith, Ann Ryan, Sammy Vass, Jenny Milne and Julie Vass who are all taking part. Play well girls and keep the Northern Counties to the fore.

Jan Corbett, Captain

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Kelsey Macdonald who played in the Helen Holm Scottish Women's Open Amateur Stroke Play Championships at Troon last weekend. The event had a handicap ballot of 3 or less. Kelsey made the cut and was the leading Scottish qualifier. She must have been delighted with her performance and we should be very proud of her. Unfortunately, Kelsey will again miss the County Championships this weekend at Brora. She has received and accepted an invitation to play with the Professionals in the Ladies Scottish Open at The Carrick at Loch Lomond. We wish her well.

Jan Corbett, Captain

Northern Counties Championship Draw at Brora GC

9.00 - C Gruber (Royal Dornoch), J Milne (Elgin)
9.08 - P Mackay (Royal Dornoch), S Vass (Tain)
9.16 - M Smith (Tain), W Ross (Elgin)
9.24 - A Ryan (Tain), E Manson (Thurso)
9.32 - G Dowling (Inverness), A Dunnett (Thurso)
9.40 - E Mackay (Nairn Dunbar), D MacAngus (Wick)
9.48 - A Gowie (Inverness), M Vass (Tain)
9.56 - M Mackay (Wick), K McGann (Grantown)
10.04 - D Hulme (Fortrose), L Beaney (Brora)
10.12 - M Barr (Gairloch), H Stuart (Muir of Ord)
10.20 - E Coghill (Royal Dornoch), S MacVicar (Gairloch)
10.28 - M Baggott (Royal Dornoch), F Bell (Inverness)
10.44 - J Vass (Tain), H McCook (Abernethy)
10.52 - P Morrison (Muir of Ord), T Weekes (Royal Dornoch)
11.00 - M Alexander (Duff House Royal), D McBride (Royal Dornoch)
11.08 - D MacKinnon (Durness), S Mackenzie (Elgin)
11.16 - D Marshall (Forres), A Robertson (Brora)
11.24 - S MacDonell (Inverness), M Orr (Tain)
11.32 - P Ashe (Brora), E Gruber (Strathpeffer)
11.40 - K Mackay (Fortrose), A Grant (Broar)
11.48 - H Cumming (Fortrose), S Rowan (Inverness)
11.56 - J Fraser (Muir of Ord), S Duncan (Royal Dornoch)
12.04 - D Mackay (Grantown), B Little (Brora)
12.12 - M Shnaks (Brora), I Hart (Royal Dornoch)
12.20 - S McDonald (Royal Dornoch)

Jan Corbett
Captain

2008 Fixture List

County Championship at Brora G.C. - 3rd to 5th May (closing date for entries 18 April)
Entries to - Mrs Sheina Bruce, The Bank House, Victoria Road, Brora, KW9 6QN

Open at Stromness G.C. - 31st May (closing date for entries 16th May)
Entries to - Mrs Delille Diament, Farafield, Stromness, Orkney KW16 3DJ

Open at Royal Tarlair G.C. - 7th June (closing date for entries 23rd May)
Entries to - Mrs Muriel McMurray, Royal Tarlair G.C, Buchan Street, Macduff, AB44 1TA

Foursomes at Duff House Royal G.C. - 8th June (closing date for entries 23rd May)
Entries to - Mrs Mary Law, 10 Scotstown, Banff, AB45 1LA

Open at Castle Heather G.C. - 13th June (closing date for entries 30th May)
Entries to - Mrs Florence Allan, 13 Sutors Gate, Nairn, IV12 5BW

Open at Durness G.C. - 13th July (closing date for entries 27th June)
Entries to - Mrs Lucy Mackay, The Bungalow, Durness, IV27 4P

Open & Vets at Aigas G.C. - 27th July (closing date for entries 11th July)
Entries to - Mrs Carrie Masheter, Aigas Golf Course, Aigas, Beauly, IV4 7AD

Open at Gairloch - 16th August (closing date for entries 1st August)
Entries to - Dr Margot Barr, 29 North Erradale, Gairloch, IV21 2DS

Greensomes at Fortrose & Rosemarkie G.C. 23rd August (closing date for entries 8th August)
Entries to - Mrs Aline Drummond, Westcliffe, St Andrews Walk, Fortrose, IV10 8TP

Open & AGM at Kingussie G.C. 5th October (closing date for entries 19th September)
Entries to - Mrs Janice Grant, Suilven, Green Lane, Kingussie, PH21 1JU

County Open & AGM on 7 October 2007

Northern Counties Ladies Golf Associations' AGM took place at Nairn Dunbar Golf Club on Sunday 7 October and the prize winners were as follows:-

CSS - 76
Scratch - Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) 72
1st Handicap - Cynthia May (Nairn Dunbar) (18) 72
2nd Handicap - Anne Ryan (Tain) (4) 73
3rd Handicap - Margaret Baggott (Royal Dornoch) (11) 75

Bronze
1st Handicap - Aline Drummond (Fortrose) (22) 76
2nd Handicap - Doris Crawford (Moray) (24) 77
3rd Handicap - Florence Allan (Inverness) (22) 78

County Putter was won by Jan Corbett (Duff House Royal)
Silver aggregate was won by Susan MacVicar (Gairloch)
Bronze aggregate was won by Aline Drummond (Fortrose)
Francis Souter Trophy for the most improved girl was won by Julie Vass (Tain)

County Open at Nairn Dunbar & AGM

The AGM will take place after the following competition when the Aggregate Trophies and Junior Girls Trophies will be presented. I hope there will be a good attendance.

Sunday 7 October
10.30 am - L Fraser (F&R) & M Duncan (Nairn)
10.36 am - L Clark (Nairn) & M Smith (Tain)
10.42 am - A Ryan (Tain) & J Corbett (DHR)

11.00 am - C May (Nairn Dunbar) & A Park (Moray)
11.06 am - J Grant (Moray) & J Johnston (Nairn)
11.12 am - M James (Forres) & J Hire (Nairn)
11.18 am - W Hendry (Muir of Ord) & C Delaney (Nairn Dunbar)
11.24 am - L Hampton (Forres) & K Graham (Muir of Ord)
11.30 am - V Wright (Forres) & E Wallace (Muir of Ord)
11.36 am - D Marshall (Forres) & D Mackay (Muir of Ord)
11.42 am - S Cobban (Forres) & I Mair (Nairn Dunbar)
11.48 am - S Vickerman (Grantown) & E Munro (Forres)

12. 00 - M Orr (Tain) & D Hulme (F&R)
12.06 - S Cooper (F&R) & M Hayden (Tain)
12.12 - M Douglas (Royal Dornoch) & C Matheson (Grantown)
12.18 - M Batgott (Royal Dornoch) & S McVicar (Fairloch)
12.24 - M Barr (Gairloch) & D McBride (Royal Dornoch)
12.30 - I Wright (Royal Dornoch) & C Brown (Nairn)
12.36 - B Little (Brora) & D Crawford (Moray)
12.42 - M Tough (Moray) & A Drummond (F&R)
12.48 - F Allan (Inverness) & I Wilson (Forres)

13.00 - S Bruce (Brora) & L Lloyd Baker (Grantown)
13.06 - A Taylor (Forres) & K MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar)
13.12 - E Munro (Moray) & L Coghill (Royal Dornoch)

Mairi Orr
Captain

Home Internationals

All members of Northern Counties wish The Scottish Team a huge success at The Home Internationals being played at Dunbar Golf Club from 12 - 14 September 2007. Kelsey MacDonald is in the team and the last time Scotland won this Trophy, in 1991, Isobel McIntosh was the Captain.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Champion

Donna Macleod has just become British Police Champion playing at Moray Golf Club. Many congratulations to her.

Don't forget to enter Nairn Dunbar on 7 October. Closing date 21 September.

Mairi Orr
Captain

County Captain Elect

I have pleasure in advising that Jan Corbett of Duff House Royal has graciously accepted the nomination to be the next County Captain.

Mairi Orr
Captain

New of the Juniors

Kelsey MacDonald has just been awarded her first full Scottish Cap and we are all so proud of her. Kelsey was a member of the Winning Junior Girls Home International Team and also in Belgium.

Sammy Vass was named as reserve in 2 Girls Scottish teams and we feel it won't be long till she is 'promoted'. Well done to Sammy.

Earlier this month 4 of our Junior Girls attended a training day with the National Coach, Kevin Craggs in Stirling, one of the reasons the numbers were down for the north of Scotland Girls Championship at Thurso. The girls who went were Hannah McCook, Aimee Taylor, Hannah Mackay and Julie Vass. I have heard from Aimee and Hannah McCook, and they had a great time.

Kelsey MacDonald is Northern Counties Girls Champion and Chloe Macleod is Girls Handicap Champion, so well done to them both.

Mairi Orr

Captain

County Records

I am delighted to report the Course Record at Inverness Golf Club, set by Elaine Cuthill, was equalled by our very own Kerri Harper . Her card read as follows -
3,3,5,4,4,4,4,3,3, 33 4,4,4,3,4,3,5,4,4, 35 68
Well done to Kerri
Not to be outdone, the Doyenne of Caithness set the Course Record at Bonar Bridge/Ardgay on 25 August, so well done Vice-Captain Manson.

County Open & AGM at Nairn Dunbar on 7 October

We would like to point out that the CLOSING DATE is 21 SEPTEMBER. Please advise the members that it would be courteous to note this and get their entries in by then. It has come to our attention that more frequently than is necessary members are not complying with this policy and forget that Delegates are giving of their valuable time to assist the County.

The Agenda for AGM will be sent to you on Friday 31 August and we would request you read the accompanying letter and place all documents in the usual prominent place - The County Notice Board.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Mairi Orr
Captain

Greensomes - Buckpool - September

Please be advised that the above Competition is CANCELLED due to an inordinately small entry, and pass on our apologies to those who have already entered.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Boat of Garten

On Sunday 26 August, we were priviledged to be hosted at 'The Boat'. Joan Cairns, the Lady Captain and Northern Counties Delegate was run ragged with the many changes made to the draw, and many thanks to Joan and her helpers.
Reference adventures - there were a few at Boat of Garten - namely Gillian Dowling had a hole in one at 3rd hole - well done Gillian - it is the first Hole in One at a County Event for many a year.
Moira Gordon, who won at Portmahomack had to be transported off the course and has spent the last few days in Raigmore. News is she will be home soon and assures us she is completely 'off' bacon rolls.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Open at Portmahomack/Tarbat Golf Club

We again made a little bit of County history by being hosted at 'The Port'. It was the first County event to be played there and all those who played had a wonderful time and many an adventure. Moira Gordon won the Cathy Ross Salver and congratulations go to her. Many thanks to the Delegate, Morag Cairney, and the members for making us so welcome.

Results
Scratch - Mary Smith (Tain) - 80
Silver Handicap - Moira Gordon (Tarbat) (13) 69
Margot Barr (Gairloch) (10) 73

Bronze Handicap - Elspeth Dey (Kingussie) (26) 75
Diana Fraser (Inverness) (28) 76

Mairi Orr
Captain

Boat of Garten County Open - Sunday 26 August

11.30 - J Cairns (Boar of Garten) & A McKay (Muir of Ord)
11.38 - P Morrison (Muir of Ord) & W Spencer (Muir of Ord)
11.46 - A Rose (Muir of ORd) & E Hutton (Muir of ORd)
11.54 - M Brook (Muir of Ord) & S McDonald (Dornoch)
12.02 - E Wallace (Muir of Ord) & M Hayden (Tain)
12.10 - K Graham (Muir of Ord) & D Marshall (Forres)
12.18 - D McKay (Muir of Ord) & M Rennie (Dornoch)
12.26 - A Burnett (Dornoch) & M James (Forres)
12.34 - E Coghill (Fornoch) & S Ramsay (Inverness)
12.42 - D McBride (Dornoch) & S Rowan (Inverness)
12.50 - T Weekes (Dornoch) & S McVicar (Gairloch)
12.58 - K Lawson (Dornoch) & J Johnston (Nairn)
13.06 - S Cooper (Fortrose) & F Allan (Inverness)
13.14 - J Hine (Nairn) & J Thornton (Fortrose)
13.22 - J McKill (Inverness) & M Barr (Gairloch)
13.30 - C Boyd (Forres) & J Baldwin (Nairn)
13.38 - M Orr (Tain) & J Corbett (Duff House Royal) & H McCook (Abernethy)

Mairi Orr
Captain

North of Scotland Girls Championships

This year the above competition will be played at Thurso Golf Club. Please encourage all girls to enter. Maximum handicap is 35 and entries to Lorna Lloyd Baker please.

Mairi Orr, Captain

Girls Junior Championship

This year, the above competition is being played at Moray New Course on 1 August. All entries should be sent to Lorna Lloyd Baker.

Mairi Orr, Captain

County Open - Tarbat GC 17 August 2007

The closing date for the above Open is 3 August and entries should be sent to Morag Cairney at the address in the fixture card. This Open includes the Veterans Trophy, but does not preclude slightly younger members playing.

Mairi Orr, Captain

Results from Alness Open

CSS 68
Scratch - Susan MacVicar (Gairloch) 75
1st Handicap - June Keith (Alness) 65
2nd Handicap - Dorothy Marshall (Forres) 67

Bronze
1st Handicap - Diana Fraser (Inverness) 65
2nd Handicap - Maureen Johnston (Wick ) 69

Mairi Orr, Captain

North of Scotland Champion 2007

Prizewinners 2007

Moray Golf Club hosted the North of Scotland and I would like to thank them on behalf of, not only the County, but the North Division for their every assistance to ensure we had no major hiccoughs. To Iris Wilson and Doris Crawford, a big thanks for your time given so willingly. I really did appreciate it.

Monday dawned and around 70 competitors reported for duty. I acted as starter and thanks to the 2 Perth & Kinross ladies who assisted while I went for breakfast. They were Jennifer Sneddon and Gladys Pennycook. The early returns were outstanding with Kerri Harper returning a gross 70. The weather looked like breaking and we had a weather report faxed through from the met office and Steve fetched the klaxon from the cupboard. As we did not see any lightning at the Clubhouse, it was deemed not necessary to call the players off the course. A number of players did walk in and were given the option to return to the course to complete their rounds.

The qualifiers from Northern Counties were as follows: Scratch, Kerri Harper (1), Mary Smith (16), Sammy Vass (12) and Laura Walker (6). In the handicap section: Gillian Dowling (16) and Chloe Macleod (4). Sadly, both Gillian and Chloe were knocked out in the first round.

In the scratch Kerri Harper won by two holes from Mary Smith before going on to beat Donna Pocock by 4&2 and eventually succumbing to Emily Ogilvy at the 21st hole. Congratulations to Kerri who attended her Graduation Ceremony in Dundee the day before.

Sammy Vass had a spectacular round of golf against Carol Wilson, an Aberdeen county team player, and won by 7&6 before sparring with Emily Ogilvy who won by 4&3. Well done Sammy!

Laura Walker played against Ann Ramsay and this match went to the 19th hole in the quarter final. Laura then took on Laura Murray of Aberdeen and won with a terrific birdie at the 20th hole in the semis. She then beat Alexandra Bushby before the final marathon against her friend Emily Ogilvy. This match was terrific fun for the players and spectators alike and went to the 20th hole. Good old Laura certainly got her monies worth at Moray Golf Club! The Referee for the match was Moray Club Captain, Glen Roberts, who tells me he has asked the girls for a lesson. Many thanks to Glen for his time and to Steve Crane, Secretary of Moray, for acting as starter for the Finals.

Many thanks to the Greenkeeper, Kevin Thomson who was so supportive of the quality golfers and went to the trouble of cutting the greens between the semis and finals.

The Handicap Final was contested by Ann Smart and Lynne Terry who eventually won at the 18th. The Referee for that Final was Iris Wilson, Lady Captain of Moray Golf Club, who very kindly cancelled her week at Duff House Royal to assist me - the weather was better at Lossiemouth!!!!!

Well done to all the competitors who took part and survived to tell a tale or two. I do hope they all enjoyed it as much as I did. Next year, the North of Scotland will be hosted by Perth & Kinross at Strathmore.

Mairi Orr, Captain

County Open at Alness GC on 13 July 2007

10.10 - I McIntosh (Inverness), J Thornton (Fortrose)
10.20 - J Cumming (Inverness), M Fraser (Inverness)
10.30 - A Drummond (Fortrose), L McLaren (Inverness)
10.40 - S Ramsay (Inverness), H Stuart (Muir of Ord)
10.50 - J Cameron (Strathpeffer), P Webster (Tain)
11.10 - D Mackay (Muir of Ord), B Taylor (Alness)
11.20 - E Wallace (Muir of Ord), H Cumming (Fortrose)
11.30 - M Cairney (Tarbat), D McKinnon (Durness)
11.40 - B Lindsay (Visitor), M Hayden (Tain)
11.50 - W Hendry (Muir of Ord), B Little (Brora)
12.00 - C Place (Wick), C Boyd (Forres)
12.10 - V Balfour (Wick), M James (Forres)
12.20 - M Orr (Tain), D Marshall (Forres)
12.40 - M Fraser (Inverness) J Keith (Alness)
12.50 - M Barr (Gairloch), G Dowling (Inverness)
13.00 - M Johnston (Wick), D Fraser (Inverness)

Regards
Mairi Orr, Captain

Alness County Open

Alness County Open - Friday 13 July. Closing Date is 29 June. Full details in fixture card. Visitors welcome and County girls with congu handicaps.

Mairi Orr
Captain

County Foursomes Results

County Foursomes at Brora GC

1st - Anne Ryan & Mary Smith (Tain) 71.5
2nd - Marion Mackay & Alison MacKenzie (Wick) 72.5 (bih)
Susan McVicar & Margo Barr (Gairloch) 72.5

Mairi Orr
Captain

North of Scotland Ladies Golf Championship 2007at Moray Golf Club on 2 July

Moray Golf Club - Monday 2 July
8.30 am - E Ogilvie (Muckhart), M Thomson (MacDonald Ellon);
8.37 am - L Murray (Alford), K Harper (Inverness);
8.44 am - L Walker (Nairn Dunbar), A Ramsay (Kirriemuir);
8.51 am - M Smith (Tain), C Wilson (Murcar Links);
8.58 am - D Pocock (Murcar Links), A Bushby (Strathmore);
9.05 am - C McAndrew (Nairn Dunbar), A Hunter (Monifeith);
9.12 am - A Ingram (FortWilliam), R Wilson (Monifeith);
9.19 am - F Neish (Murcar Links), A Hay (Letham Grange);
9.26 am - D Macleod (Inverness), H Anderson (Downfield);
9.33 am - S Vass (Tain), S McGregor (Edzell);
9.40 am - L Terry (Cruden Bay), J Sneddon (Alyth);
9.47 am - V Neish (Kemnay), A Smart (Banchory);
9.54 am - P Wilson (Murcar Links), A Bowman (MacDonald Ellon);
10.01 am - G Dowling (Inverness), E Whyte (Aberdeen Ladies);
10.08 am - A Gowie (Inverness), M Clapperton (Banchory);
10.15 am - A Smith (Monifeith), L Hardie (Aberdeen Ladies);
10.22 am - D MacKinnon (MacDonald Ellon), J Petrie (Panmure Barry);
10.29 am - J Grubb (Montrose Mercantile), C Whicher (Aberdeen Ladies);
10.36 am - A Freeman (Panmure Barry), M Robinson (Murcar Links);
10.43 am - S Belton (Kirriemuir), P McGunnigle (Banchory);
10.50 am - N Green (Nairn), L Whyte (Aberdeen Ladies);
10.57 am - M Horn (Newmarchar), C Bryce (Ballater);
11.04 am - M J Miller (Cruden Bay), H Kelly (Panmure Barry);
11.11 am - A Hope (Newmarchar), L Smith (Monifeith);
11.18 am - I Smith (Moray), P Nicoll (Banchory);
11.25 am - S Tait (Newmarchar), A Sharp (Banchory);
11.32 am - J Vass (Tain)m P Nile (Banchory);
11.37 am - S MacDonell (Inverness), L Joss (Newmarchar);
11.44 am - E Thomson (Aberdeen Ladies), L McNiven (Aberdeen Ladies);
11.51 am - E Cook (Banchory), R Maclean (Cruden Bay);
11.58 am - D Massie (Newmarchar), E Barrack (Aberdeen Ladies);
12.05 pm - F Martin (Kirrimuir), J Sneddon (Alyth);
12.12 pm - C Boyd (Forres), F Watterson (Newburgh);
12.19 pm - E Rattray (Moray), E Herries (Banchory);
12.26 pm - E Anderson (Deeside), W Smith (Kirrimuir), H Omand (Banchory).

County Foursomes at Brora on 10 June

12.30 - Dierdre MacAngus (Wick) & Audrey Dunnett (Thurso)
Margaret Barr & Susan MacVicar (Gairloch)
12.40 - Seonaid Vickerman & Merle Allan (Grantown-on-Spey)
Ann Ryan & Mary Smith (Tain)
12.50 - Mairi Orr & Mary Hayden (Tain)
Harriet Cumming & Anne Mackay (Fortrose & Rosemarkie)
13.00 - Sheina Bruce & Barina Little (Brora)
Mora Douglas & Isabella Wright (Royal Dornoch)

County Open - Isle of Skye

The weather was glorious and the Cuillins were standing proud over us and there was not a midgie in sight! If is the first time Isle of Skye has hosted a Ladies Open and we were pleased to be joined by visitors to the County from Stornoway, Dalmally, Traigh and Merlin in Cornwall.

Results -
1st Silver - Jill Mackinnon (Isle of Skye) nett 72
2nd Silver - J Goodard (Merlin) nett 76

1st Bronze - Donaldo Johnston (Isle of Skye) nett 76
2nd Bronze - Dorothy Simpson (Traigh) nett 80 bih
3rd Bronze - R MacDonald (Stornoway) nett 80

Mairi Orr
Captain

Commonwealth Spoons/Foursomes

Closing date for the above competition at Brora Golf Club is 1 June. If you have never played at Brora before, now is your chance. Hurry, hurry, only 8 days left to enter.

Closing date for the North of Scotland at Moray Golf Club on 2 - 4 July 2007 is 1 June.

Mairi Orr
Captain

County Open Draw - Isle of Skye 26/05/07

10.0 - D Simpson (Traigh), D MacLeod (Stornoway), C Matheson (Grantown-on-Spey)
10.12 - A MacLean (Stornoway) M Mackenzie (Traich), R Macdonald (Stornoway)
10.24 - L MacLean (Traigh), J Goddard (Merlin), L Carmichael (Stornoway)
10.36 - H Simpson (Traigh), J Boden (Home) & Partner
10.48 - M Carr (Traigh), D Johnston (Home), A Hay (Dalmally)
11.00 - M Orr (Tain), D Marshall (Forres) & Partner
11.12 - M Hayden (Tain), C Boyd (Forres), J Buchanan (Dalmally)
11.24 - I Noble (Muir of Ord), M Douglas (Royal Dornoch) & Partner
11.36 - J Mackinnon (Home), C Mackay (Muir of Ord) & Partner

Strathpeffer Open Results - May 17 2007

1st Scratch - Isobel McIntosh (Inverness) 78

1st Handicap - Lorraine Nixon (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) (18) 61
2nd Handicap - Eilidh Syrjanen (Strathpeffer Spa) (13) 67
3rd Handicap - Maureen Ritchie (Muir of Ord) (17) 69 bih

Bronze Handicap - Aline Drummond (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) (22) 65

Mairi Orr
Captain

2007 County Team

Northern Counties are pleased to announce their team selection for Cruden Bay.

Kerri Harper (Inverness), Ashton Ingram (Fort William), Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), Donna Macleod (Inverness), Eileen Manson (Thurso), Jenny Milne (Elgin), Mary Smith (Tain), Laura Walker (Nairn Dunbar)

Reserves - Marion Howieson (Inverness), Eilidh Mackay (Nairn Dunbar), Sammy Vass (Tain)

Mairi Orr
Captain

County Open at Strathpeffer on Thursday May 17

10 - Isobel McIntosh (Inverness), Nicola Bartlett (Strathpeffer Spa)
10.10 - Sheilah Ramsay (Inverness), Wendy Spencer (Muir of Ord)
10.20 - Anne Armstrong (Strathpeffer Spa) & partner
10.30 - Aline Drummond (Fortrose), June Keith (Alness)
10.40 - Betty Taylor (Alness), Dorothy Mackay (Muir of Ord)
10.50 - Elinor Wallace (Muir of Ord), Eilidh Syrjanen (Strathpeffer Spa)
11 - Mairi Orr (Tain), Loraine Nixson (Fortrose)
11.10 - Mary Hayden (Tain), Rosemary Bruce (Muir of Ord)
11.20 - Susy Cooper (Fortrose), Val Balfour (Wick), Maureen Ritchie (Muir of Ord)
11.30 - Maureen Johnson (Wick), Jean Cameron (Strathpeffer Spa)
11.40 - Morag James (Forres), Harriet Cumming (Fortrose)
11.50 - Dorothy Marshall (Forres), Margot Barr (Gairloch)
12 - Susan MacVicar (Gairloch), Annette Strauss (Royal DOrnoch)

Thank you

Jenny Milne would like to thank everyone who sent messages and cards after her win the the 2007 County Championships at Royal Dornoch Golf Course on 28/29 April. They are all very much appreciated.

Final Results of Championship at Royal Dornoch

Scratch Semi-Final
Donna Macleod beat Gillian Dowling
Jenny Milne beat Mary Smith
Final
Jenny Milne beat Donna Macleod

Handicap Semi-Final
Julie Vass beat Sheena Dunn
Marion Mackay beat Chloe Macleod
Final
Julie Vass beat Marion Mackay

Congratulations to - Jenny Milne - Northern Counties Champion 2007
Congratulations to - Julie Vass - Northern Counties Handicap Champion 2007

County Championships - 1st Rd Results

Mary Benton Trophy - Scratch
First round results -Donna Macleod beat Susan Mackenzie, Susan MacVicar beat Trish Weekes, Gillian Dowling beat Audrey Dunnett, Eileen Manson beat Donna McKinnon, Mary Smith beat Marion Howieson, Winnie Ross beat Sammy Vass, Dorothy Hulme beat Anna MacDonald, Jenny Milne beat Pat Morrison.

Quarter Final results - Donna Macleod beat Susan MacVicar, Gillian Dowling beat Eileen Manson, Mary Smith beat Winnie Ross, Jenny Milne beat Dorothy Hulme

Semi-Finals 30 April at 9.00am and Final at 2.00pm.
Donna Macleod v Gillian Dowling & Mary Smith v Jenny Milne

Chetham Trophy - Handicap
Qualifiers - Moira Rennie, Sheena Dunn, Elizabeth Coghill, Julie Vass, Rosemary Bruce, Marion Mackay, Chloe Macleod, Pam Moscati

Quarter Final results - Sheena Dunn beat Moira Rennie, Julie Vass beat Elizabeth Coghill, Marion Mackay beat Rosemary Bruce, Chloe Macleod beat Pam Moscati

Semi-Finals Monday 30 at 9.20am & 9.30am
Sheena Dunn v Julie Vass & Marion Mackay v Chloe Macleod

Northern Counties Championships 2007 - Qualifiers

Royal Dornoch Golf Club - 29 April 2007
8.30am - Donna Macleod v Susan Mackenzie
8.38am - Trish Weekes v Susan MacVicar
8.46am - Gillian Dowling v Audrey Dunnett
8.54am - Donna McKinnon v Eileen Manson
9.02am - Mary Smith v Marion Howieson
9.10am - Sammy Vass v Winnie Ross
9.18am - Anna MacDonald v Dorothy Hulme
9.26am - Pat Morrison v Jenny Milne

NCLGA Championship Draw - 28,29 & 30 April

Competitors leave the tee at 8 minutes intervals and are from the host club unless otherwise stated:
Abbreviations - D - Durness, E - Elgin, F - Forres, Fo - Fortrose & Rosemarkie, G - Gairloch, I - Inverness, M - Muir of Ord, N - Nairn, ND - Nairn Dunbar, T - Tain, Ta - Tarbat, Th - Thurso, W - Wick,

8.0 - J Milne (E), M Smith (T); M Howieson (I), S Vass (T); D MacLeod (I), E Manson (Th); W Ross (E), E Mackay (ND); G Dowling (I), D MacAngus (W); A Dunnett (Th), N Scrimgeour (M); A Gowie (I), M Mackay (W); D Hulme (Fo), N Green (N)
9.04 - M Barr (G), L Fraser (Fo); H Stuart (M), M Bagott; S MacVicar (Ga), E Coghill; P Morrison (M), F Brand (T); S Mackenzie (E), C MacLeod (ND); D McBride, A Macdonald (Ta); T Weeks, D Marshall (F);
10.0 - K Graham (M), C Ramsey; E Wallace (M), D McKinnon (D); E Hutton (M), I Wilson (F); M Ritchie (M), J Vass (T); S Macdonell (I), S Cooper (Fo); D Mackay (M), P Mascati; L Mackay (D), M Rennie; M Wilson, (Fo), W Spencer (M);
11.04 - E Morrison (Fo), M Hayden (T); H Cumming (Fo), C Boyd (F); A Mackay (Fo), A Burnett; S Dunn (Fo), R Bruce (M); F Allan (I), S Cobban (F); K Lawson, A Drummond (Fo); M James (F), A Rose (M); I Hart, M Webster (Fo); W Henry (M), P Webster (T)

Grand County Draw 2007 - Results

Gillian Stewart (Inverness) won the 4 ball at Abernethy.
Margaret Gauldie (Garmouth & Kingston) won the 4 ball at Boat of Garten.
Pat Morrison (Muir of Ord) won the 4 ball at Bonar Bridge.
Lisa Dickenson (Royal Dornoch) won the 4 ball at Brora.
Jean Cameron (Strathpeffer) won the 4 ball at Castle Heather
Ruth MacKenzie (Inverness) won the 4 ball at Duff House Royal.
Mary Hayden (Tain) won the 4 ball at Durness.
Val Wright (Forres) won the 4 ball at Elgin.
Nancy Scott (Inverness) won the 4 ball at Forres.
Chloe Macleod (Nairn Dunbar) won the 4 ball at Fortrose.
Florence Allan (Inverness) won the 4 ball at Fort Willliam.
Ann Park (Moray) won the 4 ball at Garmouth.
Wendy Spencer (Muir of Ord) won the 4 ball at Golspie.
Jenny Louden (Nairn) won the 4 ball at Grantown.
Janice Grant (Kingussie) won the 4 ball at Hopeman.
Avril Cowie (Bonar Bridge) won the 4 ball at Inverness.
Isobel McIntosh (Inverness) won the 4 ball at Kingussie.
Jena Cameron (Strathpeffer) won the 4 ball at Muir of Ord.
Norma Scrimgeour (Muir of Ord) won the 4 ball at Nairn.
Pat Smith (Inverness) won the 4 ball at Nairn Dunbar.
Jan Corbett (Duff House Royal) won the 4 ball at Orkney.
Mary Hayden (Tain) won the 4 ball at Royal Dornoch.
Christine Marshall (Nairn) won the 4 ball at Tain.
G Barron won the 4 ball at Thurso.
Eileen Ross (Inverness) won the 4 ball at Wick.

County 40th Birthday Competition - Results

1st Team - Chuntering Grannies (Helen Stuart, Hazel Littler, Alison Burnett & Chris Matheson) - 49 points.
2nd Team - Northern Belles (Louise Hampton, Alison Gowie, May Alexander & Marina Webster) - 49 points
3rd Team - Next Week we are going bowling (Linda Fraser, Dorothy Marshall, Louise Clark & Marion Howieson) - 47 points
4th Team - The Final Four (Jenny Milne, Susan Mackenzie, Denise McBride & Maureen Ritchie) - 47 points
5th Team - The Marvels (Susan McVicar, Trish Weekes, Elizabeth Sloan & Sheila Smith) - 47 points
Booby Prize - The Fore Tees (Isobel McIntosh, Lorna Lloyd Baker, Ann Park & Sheilagh Ramsay
Best Name - Penultimate Prats (Liz Coghill, Rosemary Bruce, Lynne Fraser & Lucy Mackay
Longest Drive - Kelsey Macdonald
Nearest the Pin - Sheila Smith

40th Birthday Celebration Draw - 22 April 2007

Players, in teams of 4, will leave the tee at 10 minute intervals and are from the host club unless otherwise stated.
Abbreviations: A - Abernethy; B - Bonar Bridge; Br - Brora; C - Cruden Bay; D - Duff House Royal; Du - Durness; F - Forres; Fo - Fortrose; G - Grantown; Ga - Garmouth; Gai - Gairloch; I - Inverness; L - Lothianburn; M - Moray; MO - Muir of Ord; N - Nairn; ND - Nairn Dunbar; R - Ranfurly Castle; RD - Royal Dornoch; S - Strathpeffer; T - Tain; Th - Thurso;
(J) - Junior Girl

9.20 - I McIntosh (I), LL Baker (G), A Park (M), S Ramsay (I); J Cumming (I), C McAndrew (ND), M James (F), W Ross; L MacLaren (I), M Hayden (T), M Duncan (N), E Mackay (J) (ND); L Fraser (I), D Marshall (F), L Clark (N), M Howieson (I);
10.0 - M Orr (T), R Dunsmuir (C), P Mackenzie (R), J Corbett (D); E Manson (Th), A Brownie (L), S Macdonell (I), E Hutton (MO); L Hampton (F), A Gowie (I), M Webster (Fo) M Alexander (D); P Morrison (MO), D Latham, V Wright (F), J Cameron (S); M Wild, M Gauldie (Ga), A Drummond (Fo), E Morrison (Fo); M Grant (Ga), M Lasseter, S Dunn (Fo), J Anderson (Ga);
11.0 - D Crawford (M), M Douglas (RD), M Wilson (Fo), C MacLeod (J) (ND); L Walker (ND), G Stewart (I), N Scrimgeour (MO), B Grant (Ga); C Matheson (G), A Burnett (RD), H Stuart (MO); A Oakes (G), M Matheson (B), D Mackay (MO), I Wilson (F); M Rennie (RD), H McCook (J) (A), I Smith (M), M Holmes (RD); E Wallace (MO), M Blair (RD), S Lorimer (Br), A Taylor (J) (F);
12.0 -M Allan (G), W Spencer (MO), L MacKinnon (I), K Macdonald (J) (ND); S Vickerman (G), M Barr (Gai), A Rose (MO), E Colvin (I); S Macvicar (Gai), T Weekes (RD), E Sloan (G), S Smith (G); E Coghill (RD), R Bruce (MO), L Mackay (Du), L Fraser (Fo); D McBride (RD), M Ritchie (MO), J Milne, S Mackenzie

First Junior Golf Competition

A new session is just starting with the golf and the first competition will be on SUNDAY 15 APRIL at FORTROSE & ROSEMARKIE at 1.30pm. Whether you have a handicap or not, find a lady member whom you can team up with and come and play in the Juniors/Ladies Competition. NO charge. This is a fun competition to get you started for the season.
I look forward to seeing you all then and please, let me know if there are any questions.

Lorna Lloyd Baker
Junior Girls Convenor

Pam Gordon's Quiz

The above Quiz went very well and a big thank you has to go to Pam for her hard work in putting the quiz together and also to the ladies who participated and raised £275 that will go towards helping the juniors. Thank you to the ladies who provided raffle prizes too.
There were 8 teams of 4 and everybody had tea and biscuits at half time. Sweets were at hand to munch, whilst trying to think of answers to the questions.

Thanks again
Lorna Lloyd Baker
Junior Convenor

Pam Gordon's Quiz

HELP, HELP, HELP

Numbers for the above Quiz are short! Please try and support this if at all possible.

Wednesday 28 March at 2.00pm at Fairways, Inverness
£20 per team of 4 including Tea & Biscuits.
All proceeds to Junior Girls Funds

National Playing Fields Association

Many congratulations to Kelsey MacDonald on being awarded a medal at the above awards in Edinburgh, by Ethel Jack, President of SLGA.

PAM GORDON QUIZ

Pam Gordon is holding another quiz for Junior Girls Funds on
WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH at 2pm in FAIRWAYS, INVERNESS.

£20 per team of 4
Tea and biscuits included

To enter, contact Pam on 01667 453392

See you there

NOTICE OF DELEGATES MEETING

Please be advised that a meeting of the Northern Counties Delegates will take place on SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY at 2.00pm in NAIRN DUNBAR CLUBHOUSE.

It is hoped that all clubs will be represented.

Apologies should be sent to the County Secretary.

Mary Hayden

Secretary

Happy Birthday

Congratulations to our President, Isobel McIntosh on reaching the ripe old age of 70 on 11th January 2007. Maybe you will have to give up the caddying this year at Cruden Bay Isobel!!

Best Wishes from all County Members and Officials

xxxx

Christmas Wishes

We would like to wish all of our members and golfing friends a Very Happy Xmas and successful New Year in 2007, hopefully Santa will bring you what you would wish for

Mairi Orr

Captain

County Member's Celebrations

Tain Golf Club will be celebrating this weekend as one of their well known Lady Members who is also a member of the County Team reaches a special birthday number. I don't think anyone needs any more information to guess who this is -

Many Happy Returns Mary, from your fellow members of the County.

County Party

1967 - 2007

Northern Counties will celebrate their 40th Birthday at Elgin Golf Club on Sunday 22 April 2007

Grand County Raffle Draw

Prizes - Numerous 4 Ball Times for Courses throughout Northern Counties

(to be drawn at Elgin on 22 April)

Contact your Delegate for full details

Mairi Orr

Captain

County Update November 2006

Hello from the Command Centre. I know you all thought "oh joy she has hibernated"quite the contrary, I have to say, indeed, we administrators have been busy with next years diary and 2008 and in fact already working on 2009. How time flies during a stormy few days. There are a number of important points which we wish to address at this time of year and your full co-operation will be hugely appreciated.

Curtis Cup 2008
It has been announced today that the above will be played at St. Andrews 30th May - 2nd June 2008, something for the diary and special attention re: fixtures as you will all no doubt wish to go.

Guidance on running a competition
The R&A have written to us asking if we would let you know about the above publication. Mary and I have both read it and we would recommend your club have one. It may be purchased from the R&A at www.randa.org. While you are on that site, you will also see a number of other booklets which are free, as is the postage.

Xmas Stocking Fillers
I know you are always wondering what to do about this, so why not buy 3 County Pens for a £1 and a Keyring for £1.50

County Sweaters
Ahead of our 40th Birthday next year, why not get yourself a new county sweater to look the part at the party. Order from Mary on 01862 892545 or maryhayden1@aol.com It would be lovely to see you all in red tops!!

Reporting
Speaking of which, you will have read how Ashton is doing in America. Unfortunately, the report suggested she was struggling, as indeed Michelle Thomson was the following day. I would suggest tho, that the only struggle comes from the reports which continually call us "The WUMINS" Association. Maybe in our 40th year we might at last be called ladies. Indeed, sometimes the record is stuck. One of your county players is described always as a 46 year old, however, I can let you into a little secret, she is to be eligible to play in the senior events come the 26th of this month!!

Winter Training Squads
These have not been officially reported yet to the press. However, I can tell you that Kelsey is in the National Squad, Kerri in the under 22, Sammy and Eilidh in the under 18, so well done to them all.

Ladies and Girls Rankings
These have now been finalised and in the ladies the following county members are - no. 14 Laura Walker, no. 16 Kerri Harper. Terrific news, well done. In the girls rankings no. 3 Kelsey MacDonald, no. 16 Sammy Vass, no. 21 Eilidh Mackay.

Fixtures 2007
These are all well in hand and hopefully we will have a good year. There is to be a meeting to discuss the Party at Elgin in April and I will let you know soonest what is planned. After our successful trip to Orkney, I have had a call to say that approx. 12 Orkney Ladies are doing a "tour" of the County next summer. A number of clubs are to be involved, namely Dornoch, Muir of Ord, Inverness, Tain and Grantown.

Membership
Delighted to report that the above ladies would like to join the County and so I have surpassed my target to recruit at least one new member and hopefully you have been encouraging new people to join.

SLGA Fixtures
These have now been published and you can read them on SLGA Webpage.

Our Webpage
Access it by www.nclga.blogger.com Next year we hopefully will again have all the draws and results available on time.

Fixtures 2008
We have prepared a list for then and Mary Doll is writing to each club concerned. She will advise the delegate under separate cover.

News of the girls
Sammy won the Donald Ross held at Dornoch and Kelsey won the Highland schools at Spey Valley.

Course Records
Pleased to report that most clubs have now returned this despite a certain amount of embarrassment, however one club in Yorkshire even replied. The power of technology. Delighted not to have 1000 posters and minutes etc. all over our tables, worktops, beds and indeed any flat surface. It will be the delegates responsibility to print the minutes and posters for her club. Hopefully you will all see the benefits. Reduced postage, printing costs, paper and most importantly our time, as we are only two people. Further, we hope that this initiative will encourage more volunteers to step forward. We are hoping to arrange for a speaker to give a talk to the delegates on the simple use of computers aimed at county documents.

Must away and get ready for a wee trip Mary and I are going on this weekend, to the Harrods of the north in Banff.

Technology
As I mentioned in my Captain's report, we intend to use this more in the future, being ever conscious of County Funds. Posters etc. will be put onto a disc for each club and this will be sent out at the end of January.


Mairi Orr
Captain

2007 Fixture List

April 22 - Elgin 40th Birthday
April 28,29 & 30 - Royal Dornoch for County Championship

May 17 - Strathpeffer - County Open
May 20 - Duff House Royal - Captains Match
May 26 - Isle of Skye - County Open

June 6 - Fort Augustus - Delegates Day
June 10 - Brora - County Foursomes
June 23,24 & 25 - Cruden Bay - Inter County Championships

July 2,3 & 4- Moray Old - North of Scotland Championships
July 13 - Alness - County Open

August 17 - Tarbat - County Open & Vets Trophy
August 26 - Boat of Garten - County Open
August 31, September 1 & 2 - Tulliallan - County Finals

September 8 - Buckpool - County Greensomes
September 9 - Inverness - Scratch League Final
September 20 - Tain - Commonwealth Spoons Final

October 7 - Nairn Dunbar - County Open & AGM


Junior Girls
April 15 - Fortrose - Ladies/Juniors Foursomes
May 13 - Fairways - McDermott Trophy
June 9 & 10 - Ballumbie Castle - Inter Div Girls
July 9 - Hopeman - Medal
August 1 - Moray New - Junior Championship
August ? - TBA - Girls North of Scotland

Mairi C Orr
Captain

County Open at Tain

The final county open at Tain had to be stopped as unfortunately the greens flooded. The field returned to the clubhouse wet, but in good spirits. Well done to all those who played. The AGM was held immediately afterwards and the members voted unanimously to adopt the re-written constitution and were pleased to note that the entry fees for girls was reduced as part of the ongoing attempts to encourage the young ones to play. Also decided at the meeting was to revert to 16 scratch qualifiers and 8 handicap qualifiers. It was also agreed to place the following courses on our list of approved Championship venues - Brora and Spey Valley, when they have completed their affiliation process with the SLGA and hopefully we will be able to play there in 2009. The following Officials were unanimously re-elected for a year:-
Hon President - Isobel McIntosh
Captain - Mairi C Orr
Vice-Captain - Eileen Manson
Secretary/Treasurer - Mary Hayden
Junior Secretary - Lorna Lloyd-Baker

The Scratch League trophy was won by Morayshire. The Silver Aggregate Trophy was presented to Susan MacVicar who is from Gairloch. The Bronze Aggregate Trophy was won by Aline Drummond of Fortrose & Rosemarkie. The Francis Souter Trophy for the most improved girl was shared this year between Hannah McCook of Abernethy who cut her handicap from 30 to 15, and Julie Vass of Tain who cut her handicap from 31 to 16. Next year Northern Counties shall be 40 years old and we plan a special day at Elgin on 22 April where the first Northern Counties event was played.

Mairi C Orr
Captain

Visit to Spey Valley Golf Course

County Open at Tain Golf Club 1st October

Due to the field going out in three balls, the AGM starting time will probably be delayed from our estimated time of 5 pm and will now be nearer 6 pm, as we will be having the prize giving for the Open before the AGM. Hopefully you are all able to stay, as there is a full Agenda and a number of important issues to be addressed.

See you on Sunday.

11.08 - H Vass (Tain), M Lane (Tarbat)
11.16 - L Coghill (Dornoch), M Gordon (Tarbat), A Ryan (Tain)
11.24 - M Ross (F&R), D Macbride (Dornoch), A Macdonald (Tarbat)
11.32 - T Weekes (Dornoch), S Rowan (Inverness), L Thomson (Tain)
11.40 - A Burnett (Dornoch), C Selwyn (Fort Augustus), F Nicholas (Nairn)
11.48 - J Patterson (Fort Augustus), A Ross (Tain), P Moscati (Dornoch)
11.56 - M Smith (Tain), D Sinclair (Tain), H Stuart (Muir of Ord)
12.04 - M Hayden (Tain), J Russell (Tain), C Malcolm (Dollar)
12.12 - B Little (Brora, M Douglas (Dornoch), C Vass (Tarbat)
12.20 - D Sutherland (Tain), S Bruce (Brora), H Macleod (Inverness)
12.28 - M McCook (Abernethy), C Macleod (Nairn Dunbar), F Brand (Tain)
12.36 - D MacKinnon (Durness), N Green (Nairn), L Lloyd-Baker (Grantown)
12.44 - A Drummond (F&R), M Orr (Tain), A Strauss (Dornoch)
12.52 - M Barr (Gairloch), J Loudon (Nairn), M Ritchie (Muir of Ord)
13.00 - S MacVicar (Gairloch), K Graham (Muir of Ord), S Ramsay (Inverness)
13.08 - M Sutherland (Tain), L Mackay (Durness), W Spencer (Muir of Ord)
13.16 - S Vass (Tain), M Vass (Tain), I McIntosh (Invernes)
13.24 - J Vass (Tain), K Mackay (Durness), H Mackay (Tain)

Mairi Orr
Captain

County Team at Spey Valley GC, Aviemore

County Update

Hello to you all from a dreich mist-enshrouded Dornoch. The last few weeks have been very busy for everyone, all trying to cut the handicaps before the end of the season. Some have been successful and others less so, although on information supplied by Delegates, it looks like handicaps are coming down, which can only augur well for the future of Northern Counties.

More mature golfers in the County drove the long winding road to Machrihanish to play in the Scottish Seniors, although none qualified for the matchplay championship. On the first day, Pam Moscati had a gross 92 and Evelyn Hutton had a 95. In the scheme of things, this was excellent golf - the greenkeeper had a sense of humour. Three ladies putted off the 17th green into a bunker. I am pleased to say none were from the north.

Next month is of course the Senior Home internationals at Hamilton and Pam Gordon is Captain of the Scottish Team. Please do try to take a trip down there to give your support. Contact Florence Allan as she is trying to organise a bus.

Last Sunday was the Scratch League Final played at Moray Golf club between Morayshire and Ross-shire, Moray won the match and congratulations to them; also to Moray golf club for the courtesy and the warm welcome we received from Aileen Johns, Lady Captain. The League is open to all cat. 1 & 2 players who are County members and although primarily designed to give the squad more matchplay practice, it is essential to encourage more people to take part as the golf does improve and of course brings more people into the "limelight". Ours is a big County and we must give everyone an equal opportunity to participate in County events.

News of the young ones is always encouraging and terrific to see them all travelling about, not only the County, but beyond. Kelsey was selected to be a reserve in the Home International Team, a terrific achievement. Kelsey if off to England this week to play in the Scottish Schools team.

Ashton has settled into her new life at Belmont College in America and plays 7 days in the week; not sure she is relishing the 3 mile runs, pilates and special diets.

Gordonstoun School have asked to play a match against the girls and Lorna is busy organising this.

The County Greensomes were a great success and the entry was encouraging; although the plan to back to back with the highland vets did not altogether work as a lot of the vets did not play in our competition.

We have distributed a number of pens and keyrings and the delegates who have them will hopefully be able to return the monies to Mary at the AGM.

Tain County Open on Sunday 1 October. Entries to Ann Ryan on 01862 892100. Members £7, Juniors £5 and £12 for non-member. Late entries will be accepted until next Sunday 24 September.

Regards
Mairi Orr, Captain

County Update

Hello to you all from a dreich mist-enshrouded Dornoch. The last few weeks have been very busy for everyone, all trying to cut the handicaps before the end of the season. Some have been successful and others less so, although on information supplied by Delegates, it looks like handicaps are coming down, which can only augur well for the future of Northern Counties.

More mature golfers in the County drove the long winding road to Machrihanish to play in the Scottish Seniors, although none qualified for the matchplay championship. On the first day, Pam Moscati had a gross 92 and Evelyn Hutton had a 95. In the scheme of things, this was excellent golf - the greenkeeper had a sense of humour. Three ladies putted off the 17th green into a bunker. I am pleased to say none were from the north.

Next month is of course the Senior Home internationals at Hamilton and Pam Gordon is Captain of the Scottish Team. Please do try to take a trip down there to give your support. Contact Florence Allan as she is trying to organise a bus.

Last Sunday was the Scratch League Final played at Moray Golf club between Morayshire and Ross-shire, Moray won the match and congratulations to them; also to Moray golf club for the courtesy and the warm welcome we received from Aileen Johns, Lady Captain. The League is open to all cat. 1 & 2 players who are County members and although primarily designed to give the squad more matchplay practice, it is essential to encourage more people to take part as the golf does improve and of course brings more people into the "limelight". Ours is a big County and we must give everyone an equal opportunity to participate in County events.

News of the young ones is always encouraging and terrific to see them all travelling about, not only the County, but beyond. Kelsey was selected to be a reserve in the Home International Team, a terrific achievement. Kelsey if off to England this week to play in the Scottish Schools team.

Ashton has settled into her new life at Belmont College in America and plays 7 days in the week; not sure she is relishing the 3 mile runs, pilates and special diets.

Gordonstoun School have asked to play a match against the girls and Lorna is busy organising this.

The County Greensomes were a great success and the entry was encouraging; although the plan to back to back with the highland vets did not altogether work as a lot of the vets did not play in our competition.

We have distributed a number of pens and keyrings and the delegates who have them will hopefully be able to return the monies to Mary at the AGM.

Tain County Open on Sunday 1 October. Entries to Ann Ryan on 01862 892100. Members £7, Juniors £5 and £12 for non-member. Late entries will be accepted until next Sunday 24 September.

Regards
Mairi Orr, Captain

Northern Counties Scratch League FInal

The above competition was played on Sunday 10 Spetember in possibly the best conditions at Moray Old Course. The Counties are divided into South and North; the South comprising Banff, Moray & Nairn; while the North is Inverness, Ross-shire and Cathness & Sutherland. The Teams of four are selected from all Category 1 & 2 County members available to play. Todays final was between Moray and Ross-shire, the defenders.
Results -
Moray names first - Jenny Milne beat Pat Morrison, Winnie Ross beat Lynne Fraser, Audrey Gill beat Fiona Brand and Susan Dean lost to Helen Stuart.
Well done to Morayshire and many thanks to Moray Golf Club for the courtesy of their course and to Aileen Johns, Lady Captain for the welcome we received. The golf was superb and the girls are wondering how they can better the course record of 65 set by Elaine Farquharson Black. The par is 75. The opportunity may well come at the Northof Scotland Championships early July next year.

Mairi Orr, Captain

County Greensomes

The Northern Counties Greensomes were played on 6th September at Bonar Bridge/Ardgay Golf Club, a little known gem at the top of the Dornoch Firth and well worth a visit. We are indebted to them for their hospitality and courtesy of their course. We had players from as far away as Wick and Gairloch. Bonar Bridge was presented to us looking at its' best and with the heather blooming, we could almost have been on our holidays.

The prize list is as follows -
1st - B Bremner & M Webster (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) 63.4
2nd - S Hamilton (Brora) & M Hayden (Tain) 64.2
3rd - M Lane & M Gordon (Tarbat) 64.6

The winner of the County Putter was Elda Morrison (Fortrose)

Regards
Mairi Orr, Captain

Golspie Open and Vets Trophy

The above competition was played at Golspie Golf Club on 14th August by kind permission. The course was in excellent condition and as usual the weather was kind to us. Par 71, SSS 71, CSS 73.
The Cathy Ross Salver for ladies of a certain age was won by Barina Little of Brora (24) 71. The Cathy Ross Trophy was donated 25 years ago.

Silver Scratch - Sammy Vass, (Tain) 81
1st Handicap - S McVicar (Gairloch) (11) 75
2nd Handicap - I McIntosh (Inverness) (7) 76

Bronze 1st Handicap - B Little (Brora) (24) 71
2nd Handicap - M Johnson (Wick) (25) 73

Regards
Mairi Orr, Captain

Kerri's Course Record

Kerri Harper set a new course record at Nairn Golf Club on Tuesday 5th September, playing in the Ladies Medal
Par 75, SSS 75. The previous record of 70 was held by her team mate Laura Walker.

Par 4 5 4 3 4 3 5 4 4 36 5 3 5 5 3 4 5 4 5 39 75

Kerri 3 5 2 3 4 3 5 4 4 33 5 2 4 4 3 4 3 4 5 34 67

Well done to Kerri, whose golf is going from strength to strength.

Regards
Mairi Orr, Captain

County Open

There is a County Open at Cullen on Friday 25th August. Entries to be sent to Dorothy Shepherd, 22 Reidhaven Street, Cullen AB56 4SY or telephone 01542 840685

Mairi Orr, Captain

County Vets Open

The above competition will take place at Golspie Golf Club on Monday 14th August. Entries are being taken by Marie Macleod on 01408 634030. Cost is £7 for members, £5 for girls and £12 for non-members.

Mairi Orr, Captain

Scottish Mixed Foursomes

This competition is to be played at Deeside Golf Club on Sunday 10th September. Entries are being taken until 14th August. Why not find a nice partner and have a great day out. Entry forms are available from SLGA on 01738 442357 or from the Sponsors, Paul & Williamsons 01224 621621 and ask for Elaine.

Regards
Mairi Orr, Captain

Northern Counties Junior Girls Championship

On a very warm day at Moray New Golf Club course, the junior girls played their Championship. Eilidh Mackay of Nairn Dunbar posted a gross 80 to win for the first time. Eilidh has battled with a sports injury, but has obviously overcome it. In the handicap section, Chloe Macleod, also of Nairn Dunbar, did the double playing off 12 had a 75 nett to win, not only this trophy, but also the senior handicap trophy at Forres in May of this year. Nadia Green, Nairn Golf Club, off 10, was the runner up on a better inward half with a 78 nett.
Well done to all the girls who took part. We know you have all been working hard over the summer months to cut your handicaps and at the same time have a bit of fun. We would also like to thank Moray Golf Club for their continuing support of Northern Counties Ladies Golf by granting us courtesy of the courses. It is most appreciated.
We hear that Julie Vass posted a 71 at Tain in the Ladies Open, but her young clubmate Hannah Mackay posted a 68 nett. Hannah won the bronze medal earlier this year at Crieff, and as a cousin of Lindsay Anderson must have the genes to do well, if her bagpiping does not interfere, so also, well done to them.

Regards,
Mairi Orr, Captain