Team Practice at Castle Stuart

On Saturday 5th June the team was very lucky to get in some practice at Castle Stuart, Inverness, in preparation for  the forthcoming Jamboree at Blairgowrie 26th - 28th June.  The weather was excellent, as can be seen from the attached photos, and everyone enjoyed the course.

 
(Top Left) Eilidh Mackay, Julie Vass & Sammy Vass

(Top Right) Eilidh, Julie, Anne Ryan & Sammy


Group Photos:
Back Row:
Eilidh Mackay, Cara Gruber, Mary Smith & Pam Mackay.
Front Row: Sammy Vass, Julie Vass, Alison Bartlett & Anne Ryan



Florence Allan
Captain

SLGA ANNOUNCE TEAMS TO RESPRESENT SCOTLAND

Kelsey MacDonald has been chosen to captain the team including Louse Kenney (Pitreavie) and Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle) for the St. Rule Trophy at St. Andrews - 29th - 30th May.  She will also captain the British Women's Open Amateur Championship team at Ganton 22nd - 26th June comprising Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle) and Sally Watson (elie & Earlsferry Ladies)

Florence Allan
Captain

KELSEY WINS Scottish Women's Amateur Golf Championship

Congratulations to Kelsey MacDonald for winning the Scottish Women's Amateur Golf Championship at Craigielaw on Friday 21st May beating Louise Kenney from Pitreavie 5 and 3.   Well done to Sammy Vass (Tain) and Cara Gruber (Royal Dornoch) who both qualified for the match play.


Florence Allan
Captain

Results of County Open at Nairn Dunbar - 23rd May 2010

Photo of Denise McBride, Alison Bartlett & Nan Burtwell

1st Scratch Silver - Alison Bartlett -Royal Dornoch - 72
2nd Scratch Silver - Anne Ryan - Tain - 74
1st H'cap Silver - Denise McBride - Royal Dornoch - 85 (14) 71
2nd H'cap Silver - Eilidh Mackay - Nairn Dunbar - 78 (7) 71
3rd H'cap Silver - Liz McEwan - Nairn Dunbar - 89 (17) 72
4th H'cap Silver - Eleanor Tunn - Reay - 82 (10) 72
5th H'cap Silver - Ann Nicolle - Granton-on-Speayu - 92 (19) 73
1st Scratch - Bronze - Nan Burtwell - Nairn - 89
1st Handicap - Bronze - Kerry Sinclair - Fortrose & Rosemarkie - 92 (23) 69
2nd Handicap - Bronze - Sally Rowan - Inverness - 98 (22) 76

Dorothy Marshall
Secretary

TEAM FOR JAMBOREE - BLAIRGOWRIE

The team for the Inter-County Championship (Jamboree) at Blairgowrie on 26th - 28th June 2010 is:-

Cara Gruber            Royal Dornoch

Pam Mackay           Royal Dornoch

Alison Bartlett          Royal Dornoch

Mary Smith              Tain

Anne Ryan               Tain

Sammy Vass          Tain

Julie Vass               Tain

Eilidh Mackay         Nairn Dunbar

Reserves: - Hannah McCook - Abernethy and Jenny Milne - Elgin

Florence Allan

Captain

County Open Draw - Nairn Dunbar - Sunday 23rd May 2010

Competitors are from the host club unless stated.

Abbreviations: A, Abernethy; BB, Bonar Bridge; B, Brora; F, Forres; FR, Fortrose & Rosemarkie; G, Gairloch; GK, Garmouth & Kingston; GOS, Grantown-on-Spey; I, Inverness; M, Moray; MO, Muir of Ord; N, Nairn; Ry, Reay; RD, R, Rothes; Royal Dornoch; T, Tain.

0915 - J. Nalder (N) & R. Grant (GK)
0922 - M. Smith (T) & D. Philips (GK)
0929 - C. MacAndrew  & S. Vass (T)
0936 - A. Ryan (T) & E. Mackay
0943 - L. Nixon (FR) & M. Tomisson
0950 - K. Sinclair (FR) & N. Burtwell (N)
0957 - E. Spence (R) & C. Dingwall (MO)
1004 - H. Stuart (MO) & L. Fraser (FR)
1011 - L. MacEwan & L. Ballantine (GK)
1018 - M. Walker (GK) & I Hart (RD)
1025 - W. Spencer (MO) & M. Gauldie GK)
1032 - C. Delaney & M. Grant (M)
1039 - J. Drummond (N) & M. Rennie (RD)
1046 - J. Cameron (FR) & J. Wilkie
1053 - F. Macdonald (RD) & I Croal (G)
1100 - E. Robb (I) & T. Weekes (RD)
1107 - I. McIntosh (I) & A. Bartlett (RD)
1114 - S. Ramsay (I) & V. Wright (F)
1121 - D. McBride (RD) & D. Ma;rshall (F)
1128 - S. Rowan (I) & P Moscati (RD)
1135 - I. Wilson (F) & W.Murray (RD)
1142 - P. Cronin (F) & D. Crawford (M)
1149 - A. MacBeath (B) & M.Ritchie (MO)
1156 - M. James (F) & B. Little (B)
1203 - A. Robertson (B) & E. Tongue (Ry)
1210 - P. Morrison (MO) & F. Bell (I)
1217 - E. Hutton (MO) & J. Nettles
1224 - A. Harding (RD) & M. Hayden (T)
1231 - H. McCook (A) & M. Barr (G)
1238 - S. MacVicar (G) & E. McTavish (F)
1245 - L. Coghill (RD) & F. Allan (N)
1252 - C. Boyd (F) & A. Nicolle (GOS)
1259 - J. Coulthard (GOS) & M Matheson (BB)
1306 - J. Hunter (BB) & A. Fraser

Dorothy Marshall
Secretary

Northern Counties' Girls' Association - Adult/Girls' Foursomes - Sunday 9th May Invergordon

With sunshine and showers for most of the day, 14 pairs of adults and junior girls braved the strong winds at Invergordon last Sunday.  Despite the inclement weather everyone had a great time and enjoyed the course which was in pretty good condition bearing in mind the severe winter just gone (or has it).

May Britovsek did a great job organising this event and is shown here with all the competitors.  The photo below shows May with the winning scratch and handicap pairs - Julie Vass (6) and Mary Smith (3) from Tain returned a gross 81 only just pipping Cara Gruber and her partner Kaylan from Royal Dornoch.  The best net score of 71.5 was returned by Rebecca Riddell (54) and Claire Riddell (5) from Royal Dornoch who also pipped Cara and Kaylan by one shot.

The Girls' Association would like to thank Invergordon Golf Club for giving courtesy of their course for this event.

Dorothy Marshall - Secretary NCLGA

ANOTHER WIN FOR KELSEY

With a final round of 68 on the St. Andrew's, Castle Course, 19-year-old Kelsey Macdonald had the best round of the day ensuring she was the Women's Champion in the R & A Foundation Scholars' Tournament finishing second overall behind fellow Stirling University student Patrick Spraggs.

Florence Allan
Captain

Team training day at Nairn Golf Club

A big thank you to the Nairn Mens' Team who turned out to play members of the Northern Counties team. 
The result was a draw.

Semi Final & Final Results

Scratch - Cara Gruber beat Jenny Milne 8 & 6. 
               Alison Bartlett beat Mary Smith 1 up.



Handicap - Eilidh McTavish beat Sally Rowan 2 up. 
                  Wilma Murray beat Alison Burnett 4 & 3.


Final Results:

Cara Gruber beat Alison Bartlett in the final. The match was all square at the 8th then Cara won the 10th and 11th to go 2 up. Alison won the next two holes to square the match again. They halved the 13th and 14th then Cara won the 15th and 16th and halved the 17th to win 2 and 1.

In the handicap match Wilma Murray beat Eilidh McTavish 1 up. Eilidh was 2 up at the 8th then lost the 9th to a birdie from Wilma who won the next 2 holes as well putting her 1 up. They halved the 12th and 13th then Eilidh won the 14th to bring it back to all square. A bad tee shot from Eilidh on the 15th - par 3 - when Wilma put her tee shot on the green put Wilma 1 up again. Wilma won the 16th and Eilidh won the 17th. Wilma was 1 up going on to the 18th which they halved.

Both games were very well fought. Wilma told me this is the first time she has played in a Northern Counties' competition. It was also Eilidh's first time but I'm sure we'll hear more of her in the future.


Dorothy Marshall
Secretary

County Championships - Quarter Final Results

Scratch:

Cara Gruber beat Anne Ryan 4 & 3
Jenny Milne beat Kay Vincent 4 & 2
Alison Bartlett beat Eilidh MacKay 4 & 2
Mary Smith beat Susan Mackenzie 5 & 4

Handicap:

Eilidh McTavish beat Clair Dingwell 6 & 5
Sally Rowan beat Monica Grant 3 & 2
Wilma Murray beat Sheila Duncan 3 & 2
Alison Burnett beat Anne Harding 1 up

First Round Matchplay for Mary Benton Trophy

Cara Gruber beat Margot Barr 6 & 4
Anne Ryan beat Julie Vass 3 & 2
Jenny Milne beat Susan MacVicar 5 & 4
Kay Vincent beat Gilling Dowling 1 up
Alison Bartlett beat Denise McBride 4 & 2
Eilidh MacKay beat Marion Howieson 3 & 2
Susan Mackenzie beat Dorothy Phillips 1 up
Mary Smith beat Fiona Bell 7 & 5

Championship Draw 18th April 2010 - Scratch & Handicap

0900 - Cara Gruber  -v- Margot Barr
0908 - Julie Vass -v- Anne Ryan
0916 - Jenny Milne - Susan MacVicar
0924 - Gillian Dowling -v- Kay Vincent
0932 - Alison Bartlett - Denise McBride
0940 - Eilidh MacKay -v- Marion Howieson
0948 - Susan Mackenzie -v- Dorothy Phillips
0956 - Fiona Bell -v- Mary Smith

1300 - Eilidh McTavish -v- C. Dingwall
1310 - Monica Grant -v- Sally Rowan
1320 - Wilma Murray -v- Sheila Duncan
1330 - Alison Burnett -v- Anne Harding

County Championship Draw for 17th April 2010

Abbreviations: A, Abernethy; BB, Bonar Bridge; DHR, Duff House Royal; DS, Dornoch-Struie; E, Elgin; F, Forres; FR, Fortrose & Rosemarkie, G, Gairloch; GK, Garmouth & Kingston; I, Inverness; M, Moray; MO, Muir of Ord; RD, Royal Dornoch, N, Nairn; ND, Nairn Dunbar; T, Tain.

0900 - C. Gruber (RD), A. Ryan (T)
0908 - J. Milne (E), G. Dowling (I)
0916 - A. Bartlett (RD, M. Howieson (I)
0924 - J. Vass (T), K. Vincent (M)
0932 - E. MacKay (ND), A.Gowie (I)
0940 - S. Macvicar (G), J. Cumming (I)
0948 - E.Coghill (RD), J. Nicol (I)
0956 - L. Fraser (FR), J. Robertson (M)
1004 - C. Dingwall (MO), M. Barr (G)
1012 - F. Bell (I), S. Mackenzie (E),
1020 - S. Macdonell (I), P. Morrison (MO)
1028 - M. Bagott (RD), T. Weekes (RD)
1036 - D. McBride (RD), J. Maison (DHR)
1044 - C. Marshall (N), D. Marshall (F)
1052 - D. Phillips (GK), W. Murray (RD)
1100 - E. Hutton (MO), I. Wilson (F)
1108 - R. McGregor (DHR), M. Rennie (RD)
1116 - L. Nixon (FR), F. MacDonald (DS)
1124 - I. Croal (G), C. Boyd (F)
1132 - S. Duncan (RDK) J. Corbett (DHR)
1140 - K. Mackay (FR), F. Wood (DHR)
1148 - A. Burnett (RD), S. Rowan (I),
1156 - I. Hart (RD), K. Sinclair (FR)
1204 - J. Darroch (FR), D. MacNeil (I),
1212 - M. Grant (M), E. McTavish (E)
1220 - A. Harding (RD), L. Offin (BB)

A few late entries can be accepted - please call me on 01309 671939

Dorothy Marshall
Secretary - 9th April 2010

Victory in Spain

Kelsey MacDonald has won the Hacienda del Alamo Open in the Murcia region of south-east Spain.  Now at Stirling University, Kelsey started the final round in third place, seven shots behind leader Hayley Davis (Ferndown).  Her final round of 68 included seven birdies in her inward half.  Her winning total was three-under 213.

Florence Allan
Captain

Competition Dates for 2010

Championship - Moray (Old) - 17/18/19th April
County Open - Nairn Dunbar - 23rd May
County Foursomes - Golspie - 19th July
County Open (Vets) - Thurso - 20th August
County Open - Inverness - 12th September
County Open & AGM - Elgin - 3rd October

The winners of our Golf Quiz are,
1st Laura MacLardy Aberdeen £15 book token
2nd Anne Taylor Brora £10 book token
3rd Mrs E E Home Elgin £5 book token
Many thanks to Pam Gordon for not only providing the Quiz but also for donating the prizes, the quiz increased our funds by the sum of approx £180.

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!

SCOTLAND CLINCH FIRST SENIORS TITLE BY BEATING WALES
There may be many a slip twixt cup and lip - but Scotland made none on the final day of the Senior Women's Home International Matches at Newport Golf Club, Wales today.
Having beaten first Ireland and then England, the Scots won the title and the Sue Johnson Trophy for the first time, completing a 100 per cent winning record through the three days by beating last year's winners, Wales, 5 ½-2 ½ today.
England, trailing 2-1 after the foursomes, rallied to draw 4-4 with Ireland and finished with 1 1/2pt, to be runners-up ahead of Wales (1pt) and Ireland (1/2pt).
Skipper Pamela Williamson's Scotland team – unlike their younger "sisters" in the Women's Home Internationals at Irvine three weeks ago - showed no sign of last-day nerves as they captured the morning foursomes by 2 ½ to ½ against Wales to make their task in the five afternoon singles that much easier.
They began the afternoon play needing only 1 ½ pt for a draw which would have been enough to clinch the over-50s team championship but the rampant Scots had their sights set higher than that and had three singles winners.
Heather Anderson (Alyth) beat the Senior British champion Vicki Thomas by one hole.
Fiona De Vries (St Rule), who beat Pamela Valentine by 5 and 3, ending the series with a perfect 6pt from six matches was the MVP of the tournament.
Tain's Mary Smith, who helped Northern Counties win the Scottish women's county championship last week at Baberton, beat Jane Rees by 4 and 3 for her fifth point in six outings. What an end of season it's been for Mary!
Mention should be made of Dunbar's Noreen Fenton who played only in the foursomes each day – and won each time in partnership with Fiona de Vries.
And also that Scotland went to Wales without their potential star player – Lorna Bennett (Ladybank) who withdrew last week due to domestic reasons. But Kathleen Sutherland (Royal Montrose), who took Lorna's place, played, as they say "a blinder." Skipper Williamson used Kathleen only in the singles and she won two out of three ties.

TAIN SISTERS WIN SLGA COMMONWEALTH SPOONS AT LONGNIDDRY
Tain sisters Mary Smith and Anne Ryan, representing Northern Counties, won the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association's Commonwealth Spoons foursomes final at Longniddry Golf Club.They had a good gross round of 76 in windy conditions and, less 2 1/2 (half their combined handicap), they won the day with a net score of 73 1/2.
Mary is a senior Scotland international and county player while Anne was a county team player until a season or two ago.Laura McLardy (Murcar Links) and Cruden Bay's Ros Dunsmuir, (representing Aberdeenshire) finished runners-up with a net 74 1/2 off 5 1/2.The first two pairs finished well clear at the top of the leaderboard.Third best were Fiona Reid and Lynda Birse (Angus), playing off 17, with a net 77 (better inward half).Results were as follows:1st Mary Smith & Anne Ryan Northern Counties 76 (2.5) 73.52nd Laura McLardy & Ros Dunsmuir Aberdeenshire 80 (5.5) 74.53rd Fiona Reid & Lynda Birse Angus 94 (17) 77 BIH4th Joan Gemmell & Anne Ferguson Dunbarton & Argyll 86 (9) 77 BL65th Carol Fulton & Frances Sorlie Midlothian 92 (15) 77

NORTHERN COUNTIES WILL BE THE FIRST NAMES ON THE NEW TROPHY FOR THE SCOTTISH COUNTY CHAMPIONS.

Unfortunately I can't get the pictures I have to upload on to the web page, but they will be available to view at the AGM on Sunday 4th October at Moray Golf Club, Lossiemouth.

Northern Counties are Scottish champions on a countback after rally to draw with MidlothianNorthern Counties won the Scottish women's county team golf championship in a nail-biting finish to the three-day programme at Baberton Golf Club, Edinburgh today.
Northern Counties and Midlothian, the only two teams with 100 per cent records after two days, met in the title decider – and it ended in a 4 ½-4 ½ draw.
The countback of games won previously gave Northern Counties the title (14 ½-14).
It was Northern Counties' first title win in five years but their fourth win of the decade, having previously been national champions in 2000, 2003 and 2004.
And yet, Northern Counties looked to have suffered a body blow to their title prospects when Kelsey MacDonald (Stirling University and Nairn Dunbar), Scottish Under-21 champion for the past two years, hurt her wrist hacking out of the rough during the morning foursomes and had to be taken to hospital where ligament damage was diagnosed. They were also without Mary Smith (Tain) who had to leave Baberton to take part in the Scottish Vets Championship at Blairgowrie.
With Midlothian taking a 2-1 foursomes lead into the six afternoon singles – and Kelsey hors de combat, it looked odds on that the East Division champions would regain the title they won in 2005 and again in 2007.
Midlothian increased their lunchtime advantage to 4-1 when Jane Turner beat Pam Mackay 4 and 3, and Claire Hargan won by 3 and 2 against Alison Bartlett.
But then Northern Counties tail wagged with a vengeance.
Elgin's Jenny Milne stopped the slide by halving her match with Scotland girl international Rachael Watton.
Then Counties won the last three singles to salvage a halved match and win the title on a countback.
Youngsters Julie Vass (15) and Hannah McCook (16) played like veterans to knock 2pt off the deficit. Tain's Julie beat Karen Marshall 5 and 4 while Hannah, the North of Scotland girls champion from Nethy Bridge, beat the experienced Louise Fraser by one hole.
Then the Northern Counties' ploy of saving their champion, Cara Gruber (Royal Dornoch) for the anchor role in the singles paid a huge dividend. In a tight match that went all the way to the 18th green, Cara beat Claire MacDonald by two holes.
Gruber was Counties' outstanding player of the tournament with 4 1/2pt out of six, just ahead of Hannah McCook and Mary Smith (Tain), each with 4pt. Mary, a senior Scotland international, did not play against Midlothian, either in the foursomes or the singles, after winning 4pt out of four through Friday and Saturday. Instead, she left to play at Blairgowrie on Sunday in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Veteran Ladies Golf Association championship as Highland vets' champion - and she lost by 7 and 6!

The team leaves this week for the County Finals at Baberton Golf Club, Edinburgh.
The practice round is on Thursday, with the competition being played Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Our team is mostly the same as won the Jamboree in June at Royal Dornoch, with the exception of Sammy Vass who is now at College in Florida.
Alison Bartlett, Royal Dornoch; Cara Gruber, Royal Dornoch; Pam Mackay, Royal Dornoch; Hannah McCook (Abernethy); Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), Jenny Milne (Elgin), Mary Smith (Tain) and Julie Vass (Tain).
It's a long way to go, but we would be gratful for the support of any of you could make to Edinburgh this weekend.
The team will be doing their best to bring the County Championship Trophy back to the North.

RESULTS FROM TORVEAN OPEN ON SAT 5TH SEPTEMBER 09

CSS 73 (PAR 71)

Silver 1st Scratch - Hannah McCook (Abernethy) 75
Silver H'cap - Christine Marshall (Nairn) 85 (17) 68; Pat Morrison (Muir of Ord) 85 (13) 70; Sheila MacDonell (Inverness) 87 (14) 73.
Bronze 1st Scratch - Jaqui Coulthard (Grantown) 97
Bronze H'cap - Mora Douglas (Royal Dornoch) 103 (31) 72; Florence Allan (Nairn) 99 (23) 76; Sally Rowan (Inverness) 99 (22) 77.

Well done Cara, another course record broken.
Cara has taken the course record at Strathpeffer Spa to 65.
The previous record of 66 was held by Jayne Barnetson for many years.
Her scorecard read:
OUT: 5 3 3 3 3 3 5 3 4 - 32
IN: 3 2 3 4 4 6 4 3 4 - 33
Cara had an eagle 2 at the 11th and birdies at the 4th, 8th, 9th, 12th and 17th, she had bogeys at the 1st, 7th, 14th and 15th.
This is Cara's third course record, she already holds Royal Dornoch at 69 and Invergordon at 67.
Congratulations Cara.

There are still places for late entries for the NORTHERN COUNTIES OPEN at TORVEAN GOLF CLUB on SATURDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2009

10.40 - P Morrison (MofO), J Cumming (Inv)
10.48 - M MacLean (MofO), S Rowan (Inv)
10.56 - I McIntosh (Inv), H McCook (Abnthy)
11.04 - S Ramsay (Inv), F Hunter (Grtwn)
11.12 - L Nixon (F&R), A Nicolle (Grtwn)
11.20 - K MacKay (F&R), E Hill (Grtwn)
11.28 - J Darroch (F&R), J Coulthard (Grtwn)
11.36 - M James (Forres), F Allan (Nairn)
11.44 - C Diethe (Nairn), M Douglas (R/Dornoch)
12.00 - A McBeath (Brora), E Wallace (MofO)
12.16 - M Howieson (Inv), D Marshall (Forres)
12.24 - M Hayden (Tain), A Harding (R/Dornoch)
12.32 - D McNeil (Inv), I Wright (R/Dornoch)
12.48 - M Rennie (R/Dornoch), J Hunter (Bonar)
12.56 - T Weekes (R/Dornoch), C Marshall (Nairn)
13.04 - M Alexander (DHR), J Corbett (DHR)
13.12 - H MacLeod (Inv), A Burnett (R/Dornoch)
13.20 - J Thornton (F&R), M McCulloch (R/Dornoch)
13.28 - S McDonnell (Inv), G Dowling (Inv)

HANNAH McCOOK WINS NORTH OF SCOTLAND GIRLS' CHAMPIONSHIP

Many congratulations to Hannah McCook, has won the North of Scotland girls' golf championship.
A four-handicap member at Abernethy Golf Club, Nethybridge, Hannah, who had her 16th birthday last month, returned a scratch round of 74, which matched the CSS for the day, at Nairn Golf Club to win the title by three strokes from Lauren Duncan (Aboyne).
Tegan Seivwright (Deeside) won the leading handicap award with a net 68 off 13, clubmate Sophie Alexander was runner-up with a net 72 off six.

NORTH OF SCOTLAND GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP - Nairn Golf Club - SCORES (CSS 74)
Scratch
74 H McCook (Abernethy); 77 L Duncan (Aboyne); 78 S Alexander (Deeside);
79 R Polson (Peterculter); 80 L McGillivray (Banchory); J Vass (Tain);
81 T Seivwright (Deeside); 83 K Beveridge (Aboyne); 89 E Tunn (Reay);
92 V Powell (Deeside); 94 K MacCallum (Newburgh); 95 E Reid (Deeside);
96 K Mackay (Durness); 96 F Fullerton (Meldrum House);
101 O Borwick (McDonald Ellon); 123 S McWilliam (Aboyne).
Handicap
68 T Seivwright (Deeside) (13); 70 H McCook (Abernethy) (4), L Duncan (Aboyne) (7).
72 S Alexander (Deeside) (6); 73 J Vass (Tain) (7);
74 R Polson (Peterculter) (5), L McGillivray (Banchory) (6), V Powell (Deeside) (18).
76 K Beveridge (Aboyne) (7); 80 E Reid (Deeside) (15); 81 K Mackay (Durness (15);
83 O Borwick (McDonald Ellon) (19); 84 K MacCallum (Newburgh) (10);
86 F Fullerton (Meldrum House) (10); 87 E Tunn (Reay) (13);
CAMERON COURSE SCORES
48 K Hardie (Fortrose & Rosemarkie); 57 E Murray (Moray).

August News

Rain and more rain, forced the Vets open at Muir of Ord to be abandoned, I am sure all the ladies who were to take part were disappointed, unfortunately we can do nothing about the weather.

The next Open is at Torvean on Saturday 5th September, a chance to get another score in for the aggregate cups, entries are very low for this at the moment so please get your entry in to Christine Marshall on 01463 223024 as soon as possible, closing date is 22nd August.

As you know there will be a change to the Committee at the AGM on 4th October. Florence Allan will be the new Captain and has a Secretary/Treasurer and Junior Convener in place, however, the Vice Captain's position is still vacant. I am sure there are many of you who would be very capable of taking this position and who would enjoy being involved in the County organisation.
Please get in touch with Florence on 01667 455229 or if you want any further information you could get in touch with me on 01261 812848.
We will be waiting for your call and hope that we will be busy answering our phones'

Jan Corbett
Captain

August news

There are still plenty of places in the Northern Counties Vets Open at Muir of Ord on Friday 14th August, please get in touch with Evelyn Hutton on 01463 782309 for a late entry. My apologies to all as I am unable to attend this event.



10.00 - Norma Scrimgeour (MofO); Dorothy Mackay (MofO)
10.06 - Helen Stuart (MofO); Aline Drummond (F&R)
10.18 - Jenny Thornton (F&R)' Wendy Spencer (MofO)
10.24 - Jean Cameron (Strath); Harriet Cumming (F&R)
10.30 - Eveline Hutton (MofO); partner
10.42 - Jean Hunter (BB); Christine Marshall (N)
10.48 - Morag James (F); Marjory Matheson (BB)
10.54 - Denise Goldstein (RD); Dorothy Marshall (F)
11.00 - Kate Lawson (RD); Julie Fraser (MofO)
11.06 - Anne Hardine (RD); Anne Mackay (F&R)
11.12 - Denise MacBride (RD); Elinor Wallace (MofO)
11.18 - May Alexander (DHR); Trish Weeks (RD)
11.24 - Rae Topping (DHR); Margot Barr (Gair)
11.30 -Clair Dingwall (MofO); Susan MacVicar (Gair)
11.36 - Sylvia MacDonald (RD); Carol Diethe (N)
11.42 - Mairi Orr (RD); Elaine Hill (Gr)
11.48 - Pam Moscati (RD); Sheila Smith (Gr)
11.54 - Mary Hayden (T); Rosemary Bruce (MofO)
12.00 - Seonaid Vicerman (Gr); Marlene MacLean (MofO)
12.06 - Anne Armstrong (Strath); Jean Russell (T)
12.12 - Merle Allan (Gr); Maureen Ritchie (MofO)
12.18 - Ann Nicolle (Gr); Pat Morrison (MofO)
12.24 - Alison Burnett (RD); Liz Barras (MofO)
12.30 - Wendy Henry (MofO); partner


Something for us to think about next year is the Tain Four Day Tournament for Ladies and Gents which by all reports was a great success this year. The ladies scratch final was won by Anne Ryan who beat Hannah McCook by 2 and 1, Anne having beat Julie Vass in the semi-final.
Also congratulations Anne on your birthday, one of the special one's

Congratulations also to Mary Smith who was part of the team who retained the Miller Stirling Trophy at the Veteran Ladies Golf Association Jamboree at Bath Golf Club. Scotland bt England 5 1/2 to 3 1/2

In the Girls' Home International golf matches at Fairhaven Golf Club, Lancashire Sammy Vass was part of the team who helped Scotland finish runners-up and take the Swansea Spoon. They lost to England, halved with Wales and beat Ireland.





I am sure you all wish Sammy all the best as she leaves next weekend for Florida to begin a University Course.





Remember, I don't always hear what is going on out there at your Club, so please let me have items of interest which I will post on the web page.



Jan Corbett
County Captain

Girls Championship 2009

Picture from Northern Counties Girls Championship at Tain on Monday 27th July.

Northern Counties Girls Championship at Tain on Monday 27th July.
Sponsored by MacKenzie & Cormack Solicitors & Estate Agents (Tain & Beauly). Lawson Keir of that firm in middle of picture. I 'd like to thank them very much for their very generous sponsorship.
Winner of scratch = K MacKay (Durness) 90
Winner of handicap = E Tunn (Reay) 91 - 13 = 78

Many congratulations to Kelsey MacDonald who has won the Scottish Under-21 Girls' Open Stroke-play Championship which was held at Nairn Dunbar Golf Club. Kelsey showed her 'true grit' winning a play off at the 2nd extra hole, against Lucy Williams of Mid Herts, they halved the first hole with birdies and then Kelsey won at the second extra hole with another birdie. Pictures and a full report on all the prize winners can be seen on http://www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk/

Some other members of the Northern Counties team have also had success this season and must be congratulated also. Playing in the Scottish Girls' Championship at Lanark earlier this month were Sammy Vass, Julie Vass and Hannah McCook, they all qualified and Sammy just lost out in final to Ailsa Bain (Peebles), and I am sure you all know that Sammy is off to the University of Central Florida next month and our best wishes go with her.

Mary Smith (Tain) has been named in Scotland Vets team for bath in August 4-6 and also in the Scottish team for the European Senior Women's team championship in Co Dublin in September 1-4.

Hannah McCook (Abernethy) has been picked for the Grampian Houston Junior Trip to Texas in October 11 for 10 days (the only girl) I am sure she will enjoy the experience.



Results from Grantown: This was a non counting event, we had a great entry of over 60 but the heavens opened and we all experienced a thunder and lightening storm, 26 ladies went out in light rain when the course was re-opened and completed their round.

1st Scr - Alison Bartlett (Royal Dornoch) 80; 1st Silver H'cap - Jean Russell (Tain) (18) 74; 2nd Silver H'cap - Fiona Williams (Inverness) (15) 74; 1st Bronze H'cap - Mora Douglas (Royal Dornoch) (31) 76; 2nd Bronze H'cap - Maureen Walker (Garmouth & Kingston) (22) 79; 3rd Bronze H'cap - Meg Shanks (Brora) (22) 82.



Our next Open is the Vets at Muir of Ord on Friday 14th August.

Jamboree

This time last weekend the Northern Counties has won the first two games of the Jamboree at Royal Dornoch. We beat the defending champions Perth & Kinross 5 1/2 to 3 1/2 and Angus 7 to 2. We awoke on Day 3 to yet another wonderful day and defeated Aberdeenshire 5 1/2 to 3 1/2.
The girls all contribued to a wonderful Championship and we should be very proud of them all.
Alison Bartlett (Royal Dornoch), Cara Gruber (Royal Dornoch), Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) Pam Mackay (Royal Dornoch), Jenny Milne (Elgin), Mary Smith (Tain) Julie Vass (Tain), Sammy Vass (Tain) and reserve Hannah McCook (Abernethy).

Sammy Vass holed her tee shot at the 6th and the only player to beat Carly Booth in the singles was Kelsey MacDonald, playing in her first Jamboree was Julie Vass who had a very exciting game which she won on the 18th to give us a winning point.

I am very proud to have been their Captain and was extremely touched when the girls presented May and myself with a set of lovely Table Mats, this was very much appreciated by us both.

Also, many thanks to all of you who sent the Team 'good wishes' by card and email.

We now go forward to Baberton, Edinburgh in September 18th - 20th for the finals and there we will play Mid Lothian, Renfrewshire and Galloway. Sammy Vass will have moved to the USA by then but we still believe that we are capable of becoming champions again.

There is a great article published in the Northern Times which can be seen on their web page www.northern-times.co.uk this article has already been sent to your club delegate and should be placed on a prominent place in your Clubhouse.

Many thanks
Jan

Monday, June 29, 2009

NORTHERN COUNTIES WIN TITLE
Northern Counties have joined Renfrewshire and Galloway in the line-up for the Scottish women's inter-county team golf championship finals at Baberton Golf Club, Edinburgh from September 18 to 20.
Northern Counties wrapped up the North Division title at Royal Dornoch Golf Club today (Monday) when they beat Aberdeenshire 5 1/2-3 1/2, giving them three wins out of three.
In the other tie, Perth & Kinross beat Angus 6-3

The Inter County Championship (the Jamboree) takes place this coming weekend at Royal Dornoch Golf Club. The team members - Alison Bartlett (Royal Dornoch), Cara Gruber (Royal Dornoch), Kelsey Macdonald (Nairn Dunbar), Pam Mackay (Royal Dornoch), Jenny Milne (Elgin), Mary Smith (Tain), Julie Vass (Tain), Sammy Vass (Tain) and reserve - Hannah McCook (Abernethy) will have a practice round on Friday afternoon.
On Saturday we play Perth & Kinross, Sunday its Angus and on Monday we play Aberdeenshire.
The foursomes start at 9.00am and the singles at 2.00 pm each day.
I hope to see lots of Northern Counties red colours on the course giving lots of support to the girls.
Jan Corbett
Captain

The Foursomes at Tain went very well with an entry of 30 pairs and the results were –
1st Scratch – Mary Smith & Anne Ryan gross score 80.
1st H’cap – E Gruber (Strathpeffer) & C Ross (Royal Dornoch) 74; E Ballantyne & M Walker (Garmouth & Kingston) 76; M Barr & S McVicar (Gairloch) 76.5; A Ross (Tain) & L Beannie (Brora) 77.

Many thanks to Pam Gordon who has done a ‘Golf Quiz’ to help with our funds, this has been sent to your Delegate, so please get a copy, costs £1 and is a lot of fun.

Our next Open is at Grantown on Spey on Wednesday 15th July, the closing date being 1st July. I think this will be a popular venue so please get your entries in early.

Remember your news from your club should be on our web page.

Aberdeenshire is looking for more entries for the North of Scotland Championship at Newmachar 6th to 8th July.

Jan Corbett, Captain

Success at Southerness in the the Scottish Ladies (Close) Amateur Championship.

Well done Sammy and Kelsey.
Sammy Vass beat Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe) by 4and3 in the final of the Clark Rosebowl, this being the competition for those whose scores were below the 32 qualifiers for the Championship.
Kelsey Macdonald also played well and qualified in 6th place for the title, Kelsey won her first round match against Karen Marshall (Baberton) but was beaten in the second round by Elaine Moffat (St Rugulus).

Kelsey and Cara Gruber will be taking part in the St Rule Trophy at St Andrews on 30/31 June and I am sure we all wish them well.

Northern Counties - County Foursomes
Tain Golf Club - Saturday 23rd May 2009
B, Brora; BB, Bonar Bridge; D, Duff House Royal; F, Forres; FR, Fortrose & Rosemarkie; G, Gairloch; Gr, Grantown on Spey; GK, Garmouth & Kingston; I, Inverness; MO, Muir of Ord; N, Nairn; RD, Royal Dornoch; S, Strathpeffer; T, Tain;

11.00 - C Dingwall (MO), W Spencer (MO), and M Smith (T), A Ryan (T); P Morrison (MO), J Fraser (MO), and N Burtwell (N), C morrison (N); P Moscati (RD), I Wright (RD) and C Cranston (FR), C McMartin (FR); E Hutton (MO), M Maclean (MO) and M Wilson (FR), A Drummond (FR);
11.32 - M Vass (T), J Vass (T) and L Fraser (Fr), J Kennedy (FR); T Fraser (FR), K Bissett (Fr) and N Bartlett (S), J Carr (S); M Maclachan (Gr), M Dick (Gr) and A Mackay (FR), H Cumming (FR); E Hill (Gr), E Sloan (Gr) and A Armstrong (S), J Russell (T);
12.12 - I Blease (Gr), J Coulthard (Gr) and F Fraser (FR), M Webster (FR); N Scrimgeour (MO), H Stuart (MO) and M Hayden (T), M Alexander (D); M Barr (G), S MacVicar (G) and L Thompson (T), F Brand (T);
12.36 - J Nicol (I), F Williams (I) and A Ross (T), L Beannie (B); E Ballantyne (GK), M Walker (GK) and D Marshall (F), M James (F); M Orr (RD), P Davis (F) and L Offin (BB), G Mackay (BB).

Magi and Sammy Vass pip Lorraine and Hannah MacKay for Northern Counties adult-girls' prize
There is no rule in the book against organising a golf competition - and then winning one of the major prizes yourself!
Step forward Mrs Magi Vass (Tain) who staged a Northern Counties Girls' adult-girl greensomes at Strathpeffer Spa Golf Club on Sunday - and won the handicap prize with her daughter Sammy with a 68 net on a better inward half countback over Lorraine MacKay and her daughter Hannah, also from Tain, who also returned a net 68.
Magi (as Margaret Russell) was a Scotland junior international team member in her day while Sammy is a Scotland girl international.
Dana Stodart and her mum Margo (Royal Dornoch) won the pre-handicap section with a 75 net.
Magi Vass writes:"The Nairn and Nairn Dunbar Ladies teamed up (spearheaded by Jen Abbott who has 50 girls playing regularly at The Nairn Golf Club!) in a fund-raising effort for the Northern Counties Girls. They held a coffee morning in Nairn on Saturday and raised £1,300.
"They deserve a very big thank you from me and all the girls as this will make a massive difference to the coaching, etc that we can provide."

Kylie, Carly and Kelsey win Welsh Team Trophy for Scotland
Good news Kylie Walker, Carly Booth and Kelsey MacDonald - Scotland won the Nations Cup team event at the weekend's Welsh women's open amateur stroke-play championship at windswept Royal Porthcawl. Kylie said – “Obviously we were disappointed not to do better as individuals but we were happy to do Scotland proud by bringing home the Nations Cup Trophy. Thanks to the SLGA for sending us," Kylie figured in a three-way tie for the lead with one round to go eventually finishing joint sixth, Carly Booth joint 12th and Kelsey MacDonald 17th.

NORTHERN COUNTIES LADIES GOLF ASSOCIATION
PRIZE RAFFLE – FREE FOUR BALL 2009
The draw for the ‘Free Fourball’ during 2009 was done at the end of the prize giving at the Championship at Nairn Golf Club by the Vice Captain, Florence Allan and the Ladies President of Nairn Golf Club, Mrs Jenni Drummond. An estimate of the funds this has generated is £2245 an absolutely wonderful achievement, this sum will greatly help the funds of both the Ladies and Girls Associations. Some of the vouchers were taken by friends of the winners and the rest will be posted this week.
Many thanks to you the members for generating this sum and for your continued support and generosity.
We are extremely grateful to the Clubs who donated the prizes and enabled us to make this fundraising event such a success.
MORAY - ALISON BARTLETT, ROYAL DORNOCH GOLF CLUB
TORVEAN - IRENE BLEASE, GRANTOWN ON SPEY GOLF CLUB
DUFFTOWN - NICOLA THOMAS, CASTLE VIEW, KINTORE
BOAT OF GARTEN - JOANNA FLOCKHART, MAIN STREET NEWMILLS, FIFE
ROYAL DORNOCH (STRUIE) - MAC ALLAN, FORRES GOLF CLUB
FORT AUGUSTUS - SEONAID VICKERMAN, GRANTOWN ON SPEY GOLF CLUB
ELGIN - MGT SPARK, STRAPEFFER GOLF CLUB
STRATHLENE - VIVIEN MCINTOSH, 3 FAIRWAYS, NAIRN
FORTROSE & ROSEMARKIE - SUE HELAL, ROYAL DORNOCH GOLF CLUB
LYBSTER - W PLEASANT,29 PEBRIE CRESCENT ELGIN
TAIN - F HOSSACK.WATERSIDE HOUSE, WEST SHORE STREET, ULLAPOOL
FORT WILLIAM - J ALEXANDER, DUFF HOUSE ROYAL
STORNOWAY - ISOBEL ROBERTSON NAIRN GOLF CLUB (SEE YVONNE GUNN)
NAIRN DUNBAR - D GRAY, CRANGTON N. KESSOCK
BUCKPOOL - D ROSS, ELGIN GOLF CLUB
GOLSPIE - STAN FARQUHAR, DUFF HOUSE ROYAL
ULLAPOOL - A ADAM,EASTER BUTHILL, ELGIN
STRATHPEFFER - E CRUICKSHANK, DUFF HOUSE ROYAL
BONAR BRIDGE - C RIACH,CORONICH ,BOAT OF GARTEN
GAIRLOCH - K GREEN,BREMNER, GAIRLOCH CRESC CONON BRIDGE
HOPEMAN - E MCLAREN,8, HOLM PARK, INVERNESS
ROYAL TARLAIR - K L KELLY,56, INVERGOWRIE DRIVE, DUNDEE
REAY - R CORBETT, DUFF HOUSE ROYAL
BRORA - F MCLEOD,13, STATHERICK PARK, INVERNESS
ABERNETHY - JAN GRANT, KINGUSSIE GOLF CLUB
SKYE - L FRASER, 9 CROWN DRIVE, NVERNESS
DUFF HOUSE ROYAL - P MCPHERSON, 7 TULLOCH DRIVE, NAIRN
CULLEN - MRS GRANTHAM,24, RIVER PLACE, NAIRN
ORKNEY - A FINDLAY,8, WELLSIDE GARDENS, ABERDEEN
FORRES - G K LAWSON,4 THE PILLARS ,DORNOCH
INVERNESS - M MCKAY,6 PORTDUNBAR, WICK
NAIRN - G C WILLIAMS,CRAIGEWEN, CAWFIELD RD ,INVERNESS
THURSO - C BROWN, NAIRN GOLF CLUB

Many congratulations Kelsey from all the Northern County members on your great play at the Helen Holm in Troon and our best wishes go with you to Southerness next month.
Leona Maguire from Northern Ireland finished first, two shots ahead of Scottish Under-21 champion Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), in the 37th Helen Holm Scottish women's open amateur stroke-play golf championship at Troon.
Kelsey’s ambition is to play in the Curtis Cup match in her home town of Nairn in 2012.
She has run into form at the right time with the Scottish women's amateur championship coming up next month at Southerness.
A full report on the Helen Holm and pictures of the prizewinners can be seen at www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk

Our 2009 Championship at Nairn is now over and what a wonderful weekend the 70 participants had. Great location, facilities and weather. We all saw Nairn Golf Club at its best.
We now congratulate our Northern Counties Champion - Cara Gruber, Royal Dornoch who beat Jenny Milne, Elgin in the final by 6 and 5. Cara played some wonderful golf and ended the match at the 13th with a eagle 3 having chipped in from off the green, Jenny could give not a lot more than she gave after having gone to the 22nd hole in the morning against Alison Bartlett, Royal Dornoch. Cara won her semi final against Eileen Manson, Thurso by 4 and 3.
The Handicap champion is Sally Rowan, Inverness who beat Sheila Duncan, Royal Dornoch by 4 and 3.
You can see all the results and photograph of the prizewinners by going on to - www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk



Sally Rowan (Inverness), who plays off 21 and whose mother Sylvia won the same title in 2001, won the handicap championship. She beat Sheila Duncan (Royal Doroch), playing off 19, by 4 and 3 in the final.Today's results:Semi-finals - C Gruber (Royal Dornoch) bt E Manson (Thurso) 4 and 3, J Milne (Elgin) bt A Bartlett (Royal Dornoch) at the 22nd.Final - Gruber bt Milne 6 and 5.Handicap championshipSemi-finals - S Rowan (Inverness) (21) bt A Burnett (Royal Dornoch) (21) 5 and 4, S Duncan (Royal Dornoch) (19) bt D McBride (Royal Dornoch) (13) 4 and 3.Final - Rowan bt Duncan 4 and 3.

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