Christmas Greetings

The Captain of Northern Counties would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy 2006.

Mairi Orr

New Vice-Captain

Congratulations to Eileen Manson (Doyenne of Caithness) who has accepted the post of Vice-Captain of Northern Counties.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Lifetime Membership

Northern Counties entend their congratulations to "Press Officer" Robin Wilson who has been awarded a lifetime membership of Brora Golf Club for his services to the club.

Mairi Orr
Captain

BIG Thank you

Pam Gordon would like to THANK Northern Counties most sincerely for the Honorary Membership bestowed upon her which was a great surprise when she was at Radyr with the Scottish Senior Team. All good wishes sent from members was most appreciated and lifted the girls, who played very well, but unfortunately did not lift the trophy.

Mairi C Orr
Captain

Training Squads

Congratulations to the following Northern Counties Girls on their selection for Scottish Winter Training Squads:-
National under 18 - Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar)
National Training Squad - Kerri Harper (Inverness), Ashton Ingram (Fort William), Laura Walker (Nairn Dunbar)
Under 18 Development Squad 1 - Eilidh Mackay (Nairn Dunbar)
Under 18 Development Squad 2 - Sammy Vass (Tain)

Regards
Mairi C Orr
Captain

Results from Open at Moray on 2/10/05

Silver Scratch - Ashton Ingram (Fort William) - 74

1st Handicap - Aline Drummond (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) (20) 73
2nd handicap - Merle Allan (Grantown on Spey) (19) 73
3rd Handicap - Edna Rattray (Moray) (19) 73

Bronze

1st Handicap - Lauren Duncan (Aboyne) (30) 69
2nd Handicap - Maria Duncan (Aboyne) (21) 70
3rd Handicap - Helen Macleod (Inverness) (25) 70
4th Handicap - Ellen Spence (Rothes) (25) 71

CSS - 73 Par - 72 SS - 70

Mairi C Orr
Captain

Pictures from Ranfurly Castle

Honorary Memberships

It gives me great pleasure to announce that the following Memberships of our Association were awarded at our A.G.M. yesterday.

Pam Gordon for outstanding services to Northern Counties as a Past Captain, Junior Organiser and Scratch League Assessor. Also for outstanding service to Scottish Golf as Captain of the following teams:-
1996, Junior Home Internationals at Formby Links; 1997, Junior Home Internationals at Forfar; 1998, Junior European Team in Oslo; 1999, Scottish Home Internationals at Royal Dornoch; 2000, Scottish Home Internationals at Royal St. Davids; 2001, Scottish European Team in Spain; 2004, Scottish Senior Home Internationals at Kilkeel and finally 2005, Scottish Senior Home Internationals at Radyr.

Isobel McIntosh for outstanding service to Northern Counties as a Past Captain and as President, Handicap Advisor, Scottish Selector and Scratch Score Assessor. Also for outstanding service to Scottish Golf as Captain of the following teams:-
(All Scottish Home Internationals) 1991, Aberdovey; 1992, Hamilton; 1993, The Hermitage.

Best regards
Mairi C. Orr

Draw for Moray New Course 2/10/05

10 am - A. Park (Moray) & M. James (Moray)
10.06 - J. Grant (Moray) & A. Gourlay (Moray)
10.12 - N. Forbes (Moray) & S. Zanre (Moray)
10.18 -
10.24 -
10.30 - E. Rattray (Moray) & B. Grant (Garmouth)
10.36 - M. Grant (Moray) & G. More (Hopeman)
10.42 - J. Anderson (Garmouth) & M. Walker (Rothes)
10.48 - E. Manson (Thurso) & I. Wilson (Forres)
10.54 - J. Elder (Nairn Dunbar) & M. McLauchlan (Grantown)
11.00 - P. Brown (Nairn Dunbar) & C. Matheson (Grantown)
11.06 - F. Fraser (Fortrose) & M. Allan (Grantown)
11.12 - A. Drummond (Fortrose) & E. Smith (Moray)
11.18 - M. Dick (Grantown) & M. Douglas (Royal Dornoch)
11.24 - M. Orr (Tain) & P. Morrison (Muir of Ord)
11.30- M. Philip (Moray) & J. Paterson (Fort Augustus)
11.36 - S. McLennan (Nairn Dunbar) & M. Smith (Moray)
11.42 - A. Ingram (Fort William) & M. Smith (Tain)
11.48 - S. Vass (Tain) & I. Mackintosh (Inverness)
11.54 - H. McLeod (Inverness) & M. Hayden (Tain)
12.00 - S. Ramsay (Inverness) & P. Moscati (Royal Dornoch)
12.06 - A. Ryan (Tain) & G. Dowling (Inverness)
12.12 - J. Russell (Tain) & T. Cumming (Inverness)
12.18 - M. Barclay (Buckpool) & R. Marden (Buckpool)
12.24 - J. Nichol (Inverness) & M. Bagott (Royal Dornoch)
12.30 - L. Coghill (Royal Dornoch) & J. Milne (Elgin)
12.36 - S. Mackenzie (Elgin) & S. McDonell (Inverness)
12.42 - M. Duncan (Aboyne) & A. Burnett (Royal Dornoch)
12.48 - L.Duncan (Aboyne) & S. MacDonald (Royal Dornoch)
12.54 - L. Walker (Nairn Dunbar) & L. Munro (Moray)

OVERALL RESULTS

Friday 16 September

• FOURSOMES
• Lanarkshire 1.5 Northern Counties 1.5
• Midlothian 3 Borders 0
• SINGLES
• Lanarkshire 3 Northern Counties 3
• Midlothian 3 Borders 3
• POINTS
• Midlothian 2
• Northern Counties 1
• Lanarkshire 1
• Borders 0

Saturday 17 September

• FOURSOMES
• Borders 3 Lanarkshire 0
• Northern Counties 0 Midlothian 3
• SINGLES
• Borders 4.5 Lanarkshire 1.5
• Northern Counties 1.5 Midlothian 4.5
• POINTS
• Midlothian 4
• Borders 2
• Lanarkshire 1
• Northern Counties 1

Sunday 18 September

• FOURSOMES
• Northern Counties 3 Borders 0
• Midlothian 3 Lanarkshire 0
• SINGLES
• NorthernCounties 4.5 Borders 1.5
• Midlothian 4 Lanarkshire 2
• POINTS
• Midlothian 6
• Northern Counties 3
• Borders 2
• Lanarkshire 1

County Finals

Your team is back from their weekend of wonderful golf and are a credit to Northern Counties for their outstanding performance.
To read the results I must tell you, does not reflect the golfing abilities of the team in a positive way. The camaraderie between the four competing counties was wonderful and most people left in a happy frame. Ranfurly Castle ladies were tremendously supportive and rushed about caddying and giving electric trolleys, and a huge thank you goes to them, as we were short of our own supporters. In fact, there were five of us, including me, and it was lonely out there!! Comments were made as to how nice it was to see a new young team from the North and it will strengthen with new girls coming to the fore, and once again we will get the big one! It would be wrong of me to single out any one player because they each gave their best on and off the course, and many a laugh was had between us. Isobel, as your President, was put on a bag and caddied 6 times. A tremendous achievement up all those hills, and a hugh thank you goes to her for that and for all her words of encouragement etc. We brought the runner-up trophy back to the North and "the Comeback Kids" are already preparing for next year. To all those who sent good wishes, thank you very much as the team appreciated it, especially when they were all displayed on the lunch table for all to see!! See you all at Moray on 2nd October - Late entries to Iris Wilson -01309 675594

Full match details to follow.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Ranfurly Castle

Good morning to everyone,
Sadly, I have to advise that Linda Smith is unable to travel with us to Ranfurly Castle due to family commitments and we wish her well.

However, a little surprise for you all - our president Mrs Isobel McIntosh has graciously agreed to be named as a player and as you know that will surely bring a complete strength and depth to our very successful team.

Mairi
Captain

Ness Open Winner

Team Announcement

We are pleased to announce our team for The County Finals at Ranfurly Castle.

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

Mairi Orr
Captain

Caddies required

As you know Northern Counties will be defending their title at Ranfurly Castle in September and they will be requiring caddies on Friday 16th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th. Unfortunately the pay is rubbish, but the benefits are enormous!! If you can be of assistance, please e-mail Susan Mackenzie on macken86@aol.com or telephone 01343 544304

Mairi Orr
Captain

North v North East Match

Results of match between Northern Counties Girls and North East Girls at Newmachar.

(North girls first)
Niketa Cruickshank lost to Laura Murray 8 & 7
Aimee Taylor lost to Michele Thomson 8 & 6
Jennifer Stewart lost to Mhairi Johnstone 9 & 7
Kelsey Macdonald beat Lauren MacCallum 8 & 6
Sammy Vass beat Amanda Bowie 3 & 2
Nadia Green beat Kirsty Moss 3 & 2
Donna Mackinnon lost to Lauren Whyte 2 & 1
Chloe Macloed lost to Samantha Leslie 4 & 3

Final result - North 3 North East 5.
A great day was had by all and we even got great weather!

Cara Gruber
Junior Secretary

Northern County Junior Championships

The results of the Northern County Junior Championships held at Fortrose & Rosemarkie were -

1st Scratch - Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) 72
2nd Scratch - Eilidh Mackay (Nairn Dunbar) 79
1st Handicap - Donna Mackinnon (Durness) 65
2nd Handicap - Julie Vass (Tain) 68

Cara Gruber
Junior Secretary

British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championships

Northern County Girls proved their determination by entering the above competition last week. They were Cara Gruber, Kerri Harper, Ashton Ingram, Christine MacAndrew, Kelsey MacDonald and Laura Walker. Unfortunately Ashton, Christine and Laura did not make the "cut". Laura missed it by two but they were undaunted and represented themselves and the County admirably. Sunday was two further rounds of stroke play and Kerri went from strength to strength finishing on +13, Cara +19 and Kelsey +31 over the four rounds. Well done to them all and maybe it was just a wee practice for next year at Nairn when the British Mid Amateur will be played there in July. There again, maybe it was getting into the zone for Ranfurly Castle next month!

Mairi Orr
Captain

Results from Fortrose

Silver section -
Scratch - 1st - M. Ritchie (MO) 83; 2nd - W. Ross (E) 84.
Handicap - 1st - J. Thornton (F&R) (17) 68; 2nd - R. Ross (T) (19) 70; 3rd - M. Hayden (T) (18) 71

Bronze section -
1st - B. Bremner (F&R) (23) 62; S. Macdonald (D) (24) 69 bih; A. Drummond (F&R) (21) 69; 4th - K. A. Brown (F&R) (30) 70; 5th - A. Ross (T) (22) 72

Dorothy Marshall from Forres won the Putter in the raffle and Barbara Bremner from Fortrose won the Cathy Ross Salver for the best nett score overall.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Draw for Vets Open Thursday 11th August at Fortrose

9.08 - J. Nalder (N) & M. Ross (F&R); 9.16 - S. Duncan (RD) & B. Bremner(F&R); 9.24 - A. Burnett (RD) & H. Cumming (F&R); 9.32 - M. Lane (Ta) & S. Mackenzie (E); 9.40 - W. Ross (E) & M. Gordon (Ta); 9.48 - L. Barras (MO) & A. Smitten (F&R); 9.56 - J. Stewart (T) & KA Brown (F&R); 10.04 - W. Spencer (MO) & R. Ross (T); 10.12 - J. Fraser (MO) & J. Russell (T); 10.20 - E. Hutton (MO) & T. Weekes (RD); 10.28 - M. McLean (MO) & N. Scott (I); 10.36 - H. MacLeod (I) & S. Dunn (F&R); 10.44 - P. Moscati (RD) & E. Morrison (F&R); 10.52 - P. Smith (I) & A. Armstrong (S); 11.00 - N. Bowie (I) & A. Strauss (RD); 11.08 - E. Rattray (M) & J. Thornton (F&R); 11.16 - E. Smith (M) & E. Robb (I); 11.24 - W. Hendry (MO) & P. Webster (BB); 11.32 - A. Ross (T) & J. Noble (MO); 11.40 - M. Anderson (T) & P. Magee (MO); 11.48 - M. Orr (T) & E. Wallace (MO); 11.56 - M. Hayden (T) & D. Mackay (MO); 12.04 - D. Marshall (F) & M. Baggott (RD); 12.12 - J. Paterson (FA) & A. Mackintosh (F&R); 12.20 - J. Gunn (MO) & M. Douglas (RD); 12.28 - S. Bruce (B) & M. Blair (RD); 12.36 - M. Jones (BoG) & B. Little (B); 12.44 - B. Hughes (BoG) & R. Bruce (MO); 12.52 - S. Ramsay (I) & M. Ritchie (MO); 13.00 - I. Mackintosh (I) & L. Munro (M); 13.08 - S. Macdonald (RD) & J. Gilchrist (F&R); 13.16 - I. Wilson (F) & A. Macdonald (Ta); 13.24 - C. Vass (Ta) & V. Moen (GoS); 13.32 - S. Vickerman (GoS) & A. Drummond (F&R)

Congratulations

Well done to Kelsey MacDonald who played really well in the British Girls Championship this week.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Good luck message

Good luck to Cara in the Welsh Championship at Machynis Peninsula which starts tomorrow, 11th August. This is a professional event and Cara is the SLGA nominated player.

Mairi Orr
Captain

British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championships

Next week Nairn Golf Club is to host the above tournament and we are indeed fortunate to have another prestigious event this year on "our patch". Northern Counties have 6 players entered - Cara Gruber, Kerri Harper, Ashton Ingram, Kelsey MacDonald, Christine McAndrew and Laura Walker and every good wish must go to them. Please do turn out to spectate and support. I am sure our girls will really appreciate it.
The dates are 17th - 19th August.

BP Scottish Girls (Close) Amateur Championships

Next week Tain Golf Club has the honour of hosting the above competition. There is a field of 50 girls coming from all over Scotland and I am pleased to say that a number of our County Girls are playing. Kelsey Macdonald will tee off first on Tuesday morning at 8.00 am. The girls will play 2 rounds that day and then go onto matchplay on Wednesday, Thursday and the final on Friday morning. The prize giving will be at 12.30 approx. on Friday, so do come along to Tain and support the Northern County Girls. They would appreciate it and I am sure you will have a nice day out and I guarantee you will see some terrific golf.

Remember the County Vets Open at Fortrose on 11th August. For entries phone Aline Drummond on 01381 620326.

Mairi Orr
Captain

North of Scotland Girls Championship Results

The above championship took place at Nairn Dunbar Golf Club on Wednesday 20th July and the results are as follows:-

1st Scratch - Kelsey Macdonald (Nairn Dunbar) 77;
2nd Scratch - Laura Murray (Alford) 78;
3rd Scratch - Roseanne Niven (Crieff) 79

1st Handicap - Donna MacKinnon (Durness) (26) 70;
2nd Handicap - Sammy Vass (Tain) (11) 73 bih;
3rd Handicap - Rebecca Wilson (Monifieth) (6) 73

Cara Gruber
Junior Convenor

Island Games

12 Islands sent golf teams to take part in the Island Games. Shetland Ladies Golf Team made up of Heather Hogg, Irene Tait, Andelina Sandisan and Lorraine Anderson had a tense time before the official result was anounced that they had tied in Gold Medal position with Bermuda in the Island Games hosted this year by Shetland from 12th - 15th July. The two teams had to nominate a player to play sudden-death and Heather Hogg was chosen for Shetland and Ebonie Burgess for Bermuda. Heather won the toss and cooly played the drive of her life and had a par 4 against the 2 handicapper Ebonie's 5 to take Gold for the girls to the great delight of all watching. The Orkney team of Shona Croy, Elspeth McLean, Eileen Spence and Audrey Poke finished on 5th position with Shona being their best player finishing 6th in the Individual event. Irene Tait just missed out on the Individual Medals finishing 4th. The 2 Bermudans, Laura Robinson, handicap 1 and Ebonie Burgess, handicap 2 won Golf & Silver with Soshie Beardsall I.O.W. in Bronze. A great occasion for both Northern Counties Islands Ladies Teams and a fantastic result for Shetland "Girls".

Reported by Liz Munro

Jamboree photographs

Counties Open

Entries for the County Open at CARDROSS on 23th AUGUST will be taken until 1st AUGUST on 01738 442357 or through the web site www.slga.co.uk

Mairi Orr
Captain

Winners at Fort Willaim - Ashton Ingram & Sammy Vass

Tarbat Extra Open

With regret, the above Open will not take place due to unforseen circumstances and we apologise for any inconvenience. Morag Lane shall return all monies soonest. Hopefully we will be able to re-schedule soonest.

Regards
Mairi Orr, Captain

Update

Just back from a very succesful County Open at Fort William where we were made most welcome and you really should have a visit there sometime. The weather was extremely kind to us and we were relatively midgie free! New friendships were formed and hopefully we will someday be back in the west. Tarbat Extra Open is next week - 22nd July and entries are still being accepted on 01862 871598.
Don't forget we are delighted when the county girls play in these opens and their entry fee is £5, so please encourage them.
Next month is the County Veterans at Fortrose and all entries should go to Aline Drummond on 01381 620326.
Please display all County notices in a prominent position in your locker rooms then all the members can see what is going on and indeed hopefully encourage more people to join us.
Next week I shall send you a 2006 fixture list which I would like you to discuss with your Captain/Secretary before you finalise your club fixtures. Increasingly fixtures are clashing and can cause inconvenience.
On the Scratch League front, Ross-shire are through from the North to the Final on September 11th at Tain. We still await results from the South.
The County Team are working hard in order to defend the Scottish Trophy at Ranfurly Castle in September. It would be terrific if you could make the trip south to support us.
Susan Mackenzie is to be the caddy mistress and will be pleased to take a call or e-mail from you as of course volunteers are always welcome.

Regards
Mairi Orr, Captain

County Open at Fort William

It was the first time Fort William golf club had ever hosted an Open and I know it will not be the last. The weather was extremely kind to us and Ben Nevis emerged from the clouds to provide a stunning backdrop to a wonderful golf course. There was not a midgie in sight! The young guns, Ashton ingram and Sammy Vass delighted us all by cutting their handicaps ahead of travelling to Prestwick for the BP Scottish Ladies Junior Championships. Ashton Ingram playing on her home course equalled the course record of 70 set by Rosemary McIntyre in July 1997. Ashton's scores were:

par 4 4 3 5 5 3 4 4 5 37 5 4 3 3 5 3 3 4 4 34 5 4 2 5 5 3 5 4 4 37 4 4 3 4 5 3 2 4 4 33

The results as follows: SS 71 CSS 72

Silver Scratch - Ashton Ingram 70 (Fort William)
1st Handicap - Sammy Vass (13) 66 (Tain)
2nd Handicap - Kathleen Leitch (12) 73 (Fort William)

Bronze 1st Handicap - Jan Paterson (22) 72 (Fort Augustus)
Bronze 2nd Handicap - Gail Anderson (21) 73 (Fort William)
Bronze 3rd Handicap - Jean Cameron (28) 77 (Strathpeffer)

The County Putter was won by Maraid Mackay of Fort Augustus and we know she will put it to good use. Thanks to Fort WIlliam for their courtesy and hospitality and we would recommend you all try to play there.

Mairi Orr
Captain

TARBAT OPEN

Reminder of the TARBAT OPEN on FRIDAY 22nd JULY.

Late entries still being accepted for OPEN at FORT WILLIAM on SUNDAY 10th JULY. Telephone 01397 772568

Draw for Open Meeting at Fort William

Sunday 10th July
11.08 - Paula Halas (FW), Jean Cameron (S) Division B
11.16 - Joan Barker (FW), Pam Gordon (I) Division S
11.24 - Kathleen Leithch (FW), Isobel MacIntosh (I) Division S
11.32 - Dot Rae (FW), Rosemary Bruce (MO) Division B
11.40 - Rosie MacIntyre (FW), Mairi Orr (T) Division S
11.48 - Patricia Miller (FW), M Douglas (D) Division B
11.56 - Helen Brian (FW), Mary Heyden (T) DIvision S
12.04 - Sheila Ramsay (I), L Lloyd Baker (G) Division S
12.12 - Iris Wilson (F), Maureen Ritchie (MO) Division S
12.20 - Dorothy Marshall (F), Liz MacLaren (I) Division S
12.28 - Sheena MacLennan (ND), Janice Cummings (I) DIvision S
12.36 - Jean Tims (FW), E Dey (K) Division B
12.44 - P Ross (K), Sally Rowan (I) DIvision B
12.52 - J Grant (K), Jean Russell (T) Division S
13.00 - Kim Topping (FW), A Ryan (T) Division S
13.08 - Ashton Ingram (FW), Mary Smith (T) Division S
13.16 - S Vass (T), Gail Anderson (FW) Division S/B
13.24 - Ann Lovatt (FW), Jan Paterson (FA) Division B
13.32 -

FW - Fort William; G - Grantown; I - Inverness; K - Kingussie; MO - Muir of Ord; ND - Nairn Dunbar; D - Dornoch; T - Tain; S - Strathpeffer; FA - Fort Augusus

THANKYOU

I would like to congratulate the team for another outstanding performance in defence of the Gibb Trophy. This now brings Northern Counties victories to 14 since 1980. The players were very supportive of each other, and throughout the weekend, had a terrific spirit and it was a pleasure to be the captian of Northern Counties Team.

Further, I would like to thank all the caddies and supporters who so willingly gave of their time. It was much appreciated. I would make special mention of Susan Mackenzie who seemed tireless throughout and was the mistress of all trades.

To Elgin golf Club and all the staff for so generously affording their facilities and course for the weekend - thank you on behalf of us all.

Some of you may have noticed the team had new sweaters and these were very generously donated by Johnstons of Elgin, and a big thank you also goes to them.

Your Northern Counties Squad shall shortly be getting into County Final mode for their trip to Ranfurly Castle 16th - 18th September where they shall be defending the Scottish County Trophy.

Thank you all

Mairi
Captain

JAMBOREE

HAT TRICK for NORTHERN COUNTIES. RUNFARLY CASTLE GOLF CLUB here we come in September. Well done to all players.

Jamboree

Very best wishes to all the Northern Counties Team this week-end from Inverness Golf Club
Sally Rowan, Secretary

JAMBOREE

Best of luck to all the team at ELgin - Bonar Bridge Ardgay Golf Club

Good wishes to the Northern County Ladies at the Jamboree - Buckpool Golf Club

Good Luck to all members of Northern Counties at Elgin this weekend - Elgin Golf Club Ladies

REMINDERS

County open at Fort William on SUNDAY 10th JULY - closing date for entries is 24th June to Mrs R. Macintyre, 13 Clerk Drive, Corpach, Fort WIlliam PH33 7LE Tel: 01397 772568.

JAMBOREE - All members are cordially invited to attend, dressed in RED JERSEYS, Elgin Golf Course to experience some wonderful golf. Look forward to seeing you there to support Northern Counties - Saturday 25th, Sunday 26th and Monday 27th JUNE

Mairi Orr
Captain

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

We would all like to wish the Junior Convenor, Cara Gruber a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY and BEST WISHES from us all on the 18th June 2005

Mairi Orr
Captain

COUNTY PUTTER

Morag Lane from Tarbat won the County Putter at Grantown on Spey. Congratulations to her.

Mairi Orr
Captain

RANKINGS TABLE

Well done to Cara Gruber who is climbing her way up the rankings table. We wish her well next week at Littlestone where she is playing in the Ladies British Open.

Mairi Orr
Captain

COUNTY OPEN

The next County Open will be held at FORT WILLIAM GOLF CLUB on SUNDAY 10th JULY. Closing date is the 24th June.
Entries to be sent to - Mrs R. Macintyre, 13 Clerk Drive, Corpach, Fort William PH33 7LE - Telephone 01397 772568. Entry fee £7 for members and £10 for non-menbers.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Results of Northern Counties Foursomes

The above competition was held at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club on 26th May and the results are as follows:-
1st Scratch - Mary Smith & Jean Russell (Tain) (9) - 85
1st Handicap - Elda Morrison & Sheena Dunn (Fortrose) (20.5) - 69.5
2nd Handicap - Joan Barker & Kathleen Leech (Fort William) (15.5) - 70.5
3rd Handicap - A. Mackintosh & A. Smitton (Fortrose) (22) - 75
4th Handicap - Sheila Duncan & Anne Barnett (Royal Dornoch) (19.5) - 76.5

Mary Hayden
Hon. Secretary

COURSE RECORD

Cara Gruber played in the Ladies Medal and SLGA Brooch on Wednesday 25th May at Royal Dornoch Golf Club and had a gross 69.

par: 4 3 4 5 4 3 5 4 5 - 37 3 5 5 3 5 4 5 4 5 - 39

score: 3 4 3 3 5 3 5 4 4 - 34 2 4 5 3 5 3 4 5 4 - 35

The previous record was 71 and was held by Lindsey Anderson.
Unfortunately, Cara did not win the Brooch as she was beaten on a better inward half by Joan Dean!

Cara is now playing off a handicap of +1. Well done!

Mairi Orr
Captain

North of Scotland Championship

Just a reminder of the above championship at BANCHORY GOLF CLUB on Monday 4th, Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th July 2005. This competition is open to all county members. Please refer to the Gillian Kirkwood Website for more details.

Mairi Orr
Captain

County Foursomes on 26th May at Grantown

The County foursomes competition at Grantown on Spey is looking for a late entry to play at 12 noon on 26th May. One pair is all that is required. If you would like to enter, please ring Lorna Lloyd-Baker on 01808 521361, leave a message and she will return your call as soon as. Cost £10 per pair and an optional £2 for the Commonwealth Spoons. Hope the sun shines on Thursday!

Mairi Orr
Captain

Congratulations

Wonderful news - Kelsey MacDonald has been selected to play in the European Girls Team Championships at Lucerne in Switzerland from July 5th to 9th and we wish her every success.

Mairi Orr
Captain

The "Past Its"

On Sunday 22nd May in glorious sunshine, the Past Captains of the Northern Counties team played against the Northern Counties 2005 team. A Great time was had by all who participated with 2 games being won and 2 games being lost. A cup was donated by Pam Gordon for the occasion and hopefully it will become an annual event.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Scratch League

"North Counties"
Sunday 8th May, Ross-shire played Inverness at Invergordon.
Mary Smith v Marion Howieson 3 up; Audrey Scott v Christine Mackay 5 up; Sonna Sinclair v Janice Cumming 5 up; Anne Ryan v Alison Gowie 8 up.

Sunday 15th May, Inverness played Caithness/Sutherland at Inverness.
Ashto Ingram v Eileen Manson all square; Marion Howieson v Marion Mackay 7 up; Christine Mackay v Liz Coghill 5 down. The fourth game was awarded to Inverness as Caithness/Sutherland fielded only 3 players.

Delegates note - please continue to send your handicap stats. of people reducing, who knows you might have a champion in your midst, and also let us know about your category 1 and 2 players.

For information the handicaps of the above players are as follows:-
M. Smith 5; M. Howieson 7; A. Scott 5; C. Mackay 9; D. Sinclaiar 5; J. Cumming 9; A. Ryan 6; A. Gowie 11; E. Manson 6; M. Mackay 7; L. Coghill 12; A. Ingram 6;

Mairi Orr
Captain

Scottish Ladies Championship

I am sure you will join me in congratualting Kelsey MacDonald and Cara Gruber on their fine scores thru the difficult weather conditions of the last two days at Cruden Bay Golf Course. They are both through to the match play stages of the Scottish Ladies Close Championships; Kelsey with scores of 83 & 76 and Cara 77 & 82.

Our other entries put up a valiant display of golf given the attrocious weather conditions and so well done to Laura Walker, Jenny Milne and Pam Mackay.

Good luck to Laura who has qualified to play in the Rosebowl.

Watch this space for the hopefully positive results over the next two days.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Scottish Close Championships at Cruden Bay

Kelsy MacDonald and Cara Gruber were knocked out of the above. Kelsey played K. Marshall and lost 4 & 2 and Cara played C. N. Carlton and was beaten 4 & 3.

Clark Rosebowl
Laura Walker won in the morning against Louise Fraser by one hole and lost in the aftrnoon to Dawn Dewar 3 & 2.

Well done to them all.

Mairi Orr
Captain

NORTHERN COUNTIES TEAM 2005

The Northern Counties Team for the Inter-County Championship at Elgin on 25th, 26th & 27th June will be -

Cara Gruber (Royal Dornoch), Kerri Harper (Inverness), Christine McAndrew (Nairn Dunbar), Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), Jenny Milne (Elgin), Meg Sievewright (Keith), Linda Smith (Buckpool), Laura Walker (Nairn Dunbar)

Reserves - Marion Howieson (Inverness) & Mary Smith (Tain)

Mairi Orr
Captain

Scottish Ladies Close Championship

Northern Counties would like to wish every success to our players who are participating in the above competition at Cruden Bay - good luck to CARA GRUBER, PAM MACKAY, KELSEY MACDONALD, LAURA WALKER and JENNY MILNE.

Mairi Orr
Captain

County Foursomes Draw

County Foursomes/Commonwealth Spoons - Thursday 26th May at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club
10.45 - P Ingram & I Shannon (BG), L Fraser & M Addison (I)
10.52 - V Patrick & C Boyd (F), J. Glenn (S) & H Cumming (FR)
11.00 - M Wilson & E Allan (FR), E Hutton & M MacLean (MO)
11.08 - P Morrison & partner (MO), F James & S Cobban (F)
11.15 - S Duncan & A Barnett (RD), I Mackintosh & A Smith (FR)
11.22 - J Cumming & L Maclaran (I), B Grant & M Fowler (G)
11.30 - A Lovatt & D Rae (FW), H Macleod & L Barrie (I)
11.38 - J Henderson & M Grant (G), J Grant & partner (K)
11.45 - E Rae & J Grant (I), M Webster & F Fraser (MO)
11.52 - J Tulloch (M) & G More (H), M Dick & M Allan (Gr)
12.00 - W Spencer & W Hendry (MO), C Mackay & N Hogg (I)
12.08 - M Ritchie & R Bruce (FR), J Wilson (F) & S Maclennon (ND)
12.15 - T Weekes & A Burnett (RD), M Lane & M Gordon (T)
12.22 - G Anderson & R MacIntyre (FW), M Smith & J Russell (Ta)
12.30 - J Barker & K Leitch (FW), J Thornton & J Gilchrist (FW)
12.38 - B Bremner & A Drummond (FR), E Wallace & D Mackay (FR)
12.45 - E Morrison & S Dunn (FR), L Lloyd-Baker & M McLachlan (Gr)
12.52 - M Orr & M Haden (Ta), M Douglas & S McDonald (RD)
13.00 - P Brown & J Elder (ND), P Smith & P Macgee (I)
13.08 - C Grant & A Oakes (Gr), S Helal & M Mackay (RD)
13.15 -
13.22 - I McIntosh (I) & M James (F), M Sharp & H Littler (Gr)

Abbreviations - BG - Boat of Garten; I - Inverness; F - Forres; FR - Fortrose & Rosemarkie; MO - Muir of Ord; RD - Royal Dornoch; G - Garmouth & Kingston; K - Kingussie; H - Hopeman; Gr - Grantown-on-Spey; ND - Nairn Dunbar; FW - Fort William; Ta - Tain; T - Tarbet; M - Moray; S - Strathpeffer

Challenge Bowls

The closing date for the above competition has been extended to MONDAY 16th MAY. The Competition is to be held at Forrester Park Golf CLub on TUESDAY 7th JUNE.

Regards
Mairi Orr, Captain

Girls McDermott Trophy

The Northern Counties Girls McDermott Trophy took place on Sunday 8th May at a rather wet & windy Garmouth & Kinston. The Par and CSS were 71.
Results were as follows:-

1st Scratch - Kelsey MacDonald - Nairn Dunbar - 80
2nd Scratch - Ashton Ingram -Fort William - 82

1st Handicap - Sammy Vass - Tain - 67
2nd Handicap - Chloe MacLeod - Nairn Dunbar - 78

Cara Gruber
Junior Convenor

County Foursomes

Please note that the County Foursomes/Commonwealth Spoons are being held at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club on Thursday 26th May. Closing Date is the 10th May. Entry fee £10 per couple with an optional £2 per couple for Spoons competition. Entries to Mrs L.Loyd-Baker, Brin House, Fichity, Inverness IV2 6XE - Telephone 01808 629361

Championship Final Results

Mary Benton Trophy
Semi-Final - K. MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) beat K. Harper (Inverness) 2 & 1; M. Howieson (Inverness) beat J. Milne (Elgin) 3 & 2
Final - K. MacDonald beat M. Howieson by 2 holes

Chetham Trophy (Handicap)
Semi-Final - S. MacDonell (Inverness) beat S. Mackenzie (Elgin) 6 & 5; F. Allan (Inverness) beat A. Strauss (Royal Dornoch) 2 & 1
Final - S. MacDonell beat F. Allan 4 & 3

Next year the Championship will be held at Forres Golf Club.

Championship Results

Mary Benton Trophy - Qualifiers
K. Harper (4) (Inverness) 74; J. Milne (2) (Elgin) 75; M. Howieson (8) (Inverness) 79; K Macdonald (3) (Nairn Dunbar) 79; E. Manson (6) (Thurso) 80; W. Ross (5) (Elgin) 80; L. Clark (7) (Nairn) 81; C. McAndrew (3) (Nairn Dunbar)83

Quarter Finals -
K. Harper beat C. McAndrew 3 & 2; K. Macdonald v E. Manson 1 up; M. Howieson beat W. Ross 5 & 3; J. Milne beat L. Clark 4 & 3

Chetham Trophy (Handicap) - Qualifiers
S. MacDonell (Inverness) (17) 72; A. Strauss (Royal Dornoch) (13) 73; F. Allan (Inverness) (23) 73; S. Mackenzie (Elgin) (12) 75

Winner of the Raffle prize which was a wonderful putter was - Trish Fraser from Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club - Congratulations to you!

Congratulations

Wishing Cara Gruber and Kelsey Macdonald good golf at the Helen Holm at Troon this weekend.
Mairi Orr, Captain

Congratulations

Congratulations go to Cara Gruber for being selected for Scotland no. 2 at the Welsh Championship and we wish her every success. As our Junior Convenor and Secretary, she is doing a magnificent job rounding up the troops and encouraging them to play and what a role model the girls have to follow.

Congratulations to Kelsey MacDonald, Sammy Vass and Chloe Macleod for their efforts at the St. Leonards last week.

Congratulations to Christine McAndrew in the Vets. match against Ireland.

Northern Counties Championship Draw

Inverness Golf Club - Saturday 30th April

B - Brora; BB - Bonar Bridge; Bu -Buckpool; E - Elgin; F - Forres; F&R - Fortrose & Rosemarkie; FW - Fort William; I - Inverness; MO - Muir of Ord; N - Nairn; ND - Nairn Dunbar; RD - Royal Dornoch; S - Strathpeffer; T - Tain; TB - Tarbat; Th - Thurso; W - Wick

8.00 - L. Smith Bu & J. Milne E
8.06 - K. MacDonald ND & K. Harper I
8.12 - C. MacAndrew ND & M. Smith T
8.18 - W. Ross E & E. Manson Th
8.24 - A. Ryan T & A. Dunnett Th
8.30 - A. Ingram FW & N. Scrimgeour MO
8.36 - L. Clark N & M. Howieson I
8.42 - D. MacAngus W & P. Gordon I
8.48 - V. Spark S & C. MacKay I
8.54 - M. MacDonald Bu & G. Hutcheon I
9.00 - A. Gowie I & M. MacDonald RD
9.06 - L. Fraser FR & S. Mackenzie E
9.12 - H. Stuart MO & E. Coghill RD
9.18 - P. Morrison MO & M. Gordon TB
9.24 - E. Hutton MO & D. Marshall F
9.30 - M. Bagott RD & M. Barclay Bu
9.36 - A. Strauss RD & S. MacLennan ND
9.42 - D. McBride RD & A. Miller N
9.48 - T. WEekes RD & J. Nalder N
9.54 P. MacPherson ND & M. Ross FR
10.00 - N. Bowie I & D. Mackay MO
10.06 - M. Lane TB & E. Wallace MO
10.12 - M. Ritchie MO & M. Rennie RD
10.18 - F. Fraser FR & J. Glen S
10.24 - H. Cumming FR & M. Brennan RD
10.30 - S. Macdonell I & S. Vass T
10.36 -
10.42 - M. MacLean MO & V. Balfour W
10.48 - A. Rose MO & A. Burnett RD
10.54 - R. Bruce MO & F. Allan I
11.00 - A. Drummond FR & K. LAwson RD
11.06 - A. Ross T & K. MacKay ND
11.12 - C. MacKay MO & H. MacLeod I
11.18 - T. Miller ND & B. Little B
11.24 - M. Matheson BB & M. Hill RD
11.30 - S. MacDonald RD & M. Webster FR
11.36 - J. Elder ND & W. Hendry MO
11.42 - P. Webster BB & J. Cameron S
11.48 - S. Bruce B & M. Douglas RD

NC Girls Competition

The first Senior/Girl Foursomes stableford competition was held at Strathpeffer Spa Golf Club and was a great success. Results are as follows:-

1. Kelsey MacDonald & Cara Gruber (Nairn Dunbar & Royal Dornoch) 38 pts.
2. Rachel & George Clubb (Royal Dornoch) 32 pts.
3. Ashton Ingram & Mairi Orr (Fort William & Tain) 28 pts.
4. Chloe MacLeod & Sheena MacLennan (Nairn Dunbar) 24 pts.
5. Alice & Sally Rowan (Inverness) 23 pts.

Also Cara Gruber had her first ever hole in one at the 142 yard par 3 14th hole, using an 8 iron - Well done to her!!

County Championships

If you do not have your entry in for the Championships, what are you waiting for! Liz Maclaren is waiting for the postman every day. Look forward to seeing you all in Inverness.

Mairi Orr, Captain

County Gear

Enamel badges can be bought at £4 each and Polo shirts at £10 each. A small selection of sweaters are also available. We need you to purchase these items as without your support, county funding could be a problem.

Best wishes
Mairi Orr, Captain

Celebrations in Tenerife

Ten Northern County members are in Tenerife for Gillian Hutcheon's pre-nuptials and took time out to support Lix McKinnon at the Tenerife Open where she is on +2 after the first day. Liz did extremely well in Bangkok and will be back in Northern Counties on the 12th April to give us all her news.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Junior Training

The Junior Convenor intends to split the county into four areas - Caithness, Sutherland/Ross-shire, Ross-shire/Inverness-shire, Inverness-shire/Morayshire (roughly). It is hoped that the SLGA National Coach, Karyn Dallas, will come and teach the volunteers/leaders in the various areas. They will be taught the basics of a coaching programme and given some games to play with the girls. It is all about making golf fun and trying to keep them interested. The coaching will be run entirely by the volunteers (if she can get enough). All sessions will be free if they are members of the County. Coaching will also be available for more developed golfers (this will be done by pro's). 4 - 6 sessions are planned for the year, with the first being in May.
So as I am sure you have all guessed by now, she is on the hunt for volunteers.
Eileen Manson (Caithness), Mary Smith (Sutherland/Ross-shire), possible Mairi Orr in the same area and Jenny Milne (Morayshire) have already offered their services, but more are needed for the programme to work. Please let Cara Gruber (Junior Convenor) know if you are interested -
e-mail address - caz55_uk@yahoo.co.uk
telephone no. - 01997 421336
The above mentioned ladies, could you please contact Cara with possible times to get together with Karyn.

Reminder for Junior Girls

NEW COMPETITION - The Senior/Girl competition will take place on Sunday 17th April at Strathpeffer Spa Golf Club. Everybody is welcome and a handicap is not necessary. There will be fun competitions with prizes as well as prizes for the main competition. Please come along. I look forward to meeting you all then.

Cara Gruber
Junior Convenor

Reminder

Please note that the Closing Date for entries to the COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS is 15th April. This year they are being held at INVERNESS GOLF COURSE on 30th April and 1st May.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Pam's Quiz

A big thank you to all who took part in the quiz night at Fairways on Wednesday 23rd March. An outstanding amount of over £400 was raised for the junior girls. The entry was also the biggest ever received with 16 teams participating. A special THANK YOU must go to Pam Gordon for all her hard work in organising and running the competition. Great job Pam!

Cara Gruber
Junior Convenor

News from Liz McKinnon

Hi All,
Just to let you know that Roy and I will be back in Inverness on 12th April. We fly out of NZ this Saturday and go to Thailand where I am playing in the 2005 Thailand Ladies Open and then we go to Tenerife for the Tenerife Ladies Open. I met up with Annette Laing for a few holes at Auckland Golf Club. At the moment she can only play 9 holes as she recently had a back operation, though she should be back to full swing in a couple of months. She was asking after a lot of people and was very interested to know what life was now like in Scotland and the difference with New Zealand. See you all in 2 weeks.

Liz McKinnon

County Squad & Scratch League Organisers

REMINDER
The next Training Meeting wil be held at Elgin on Sunday 20th March at 10.00 am. If you have not done so already, please notify Captain of attendance (or not) as soon as possible.

Jenny Louden

Quiz Reminder

Everybody please note that Pam's Quiz Night is on 23rd March at Fairways, Inverness. 7 for 7.30 pm and the cost is £5 per head which will include light refreshments. Telephone 01667 453392 with your team details.

Mairi Orr
Captain

New Secretary

I would like to welcome Mary Hayden as our new secretary for Northern Counties. Our previous secretary, Pam Moscati, has had to retire due to ill health and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking her for the work she has done over the past few months.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Congratulations to Kelsey

The Officials of NCLGA send heartfelt congratulations to Kelsey MacDonald on being selected to represent Scotland in Team 2 on the 7th & 8th April 2005 in The St. Leonards 16s.
We are very proud of the effort which Kelsey has put in and we know she will be an inspiration to all of our junior girls.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Training meeting at Elgin 20/2/05

Sunday 20th February

Training day cancelled due to poor weather report and we have no wish for people to travel in bad conditions. See you all in March.

Keep watching this site for updates of forthcoming events.

Mairi Orr
Captain

DELEGATES MEETING

All Delegates are reminded of the meeting at Nairn Dunbar Golf Club on Sunday 27th February at 2.00pm.

Look forward to seeing you all.

Mairi Orr

PAM'S QUIZ NIGHT

Members and Guests are advised that Pam's quiz night is arranged for Wednesday 23rd March at Fairways, Inverness - 7 for 7.30 and the cost is £5 per head, which will include light refreshments. Please come one come all in teams of 3 or 4. All proceeds go to the Junior Girls, and should you not be able to attend, donations will be gratefuly accepted.

Please contact Pam on 01667 453392 with your team details or enquiries.

Pam Gordon

County Squad information

REMINDERAnyone who has not yet responded to the Captain with request for information, please do so as soon as possible.


TRAINING MEETING: County Squad & Scratch League Organisers
The next Training Meeting will be (you know where) at 10.00 am on Sunday 20th February. If you have not already notified Captain of your attendance (or not), please do so as soon as possible.

Information for Junior Girls

To - All girls interested in golf whether you have a handicap or not.

NEW COMPETITION
A Senior/Girl competition has been added to the fixture list for 2005. It is open to girls with or without a handicap. The idea is to encourage girls to get more involved in the game, particularly those who are members of a club but do not have a handicap. There will be fun competitions with prizes along with the main competition and prizes. For more information, check out your notice board, or contact your Junior Convenor.

TOURNAMENT DATES
Senior/Girl, Strathpeffer Spa GC, Sunday 17th April 2005
McDermott Trophy, Garmouth & Kingston GC, 8th May 2005
North of Scotland Championship, Nairn Dunbar GC, 17th July 2005
Junior Championship, Fortrose & Rosemarkie GC, 20th August 2005

Date and venue still to be confirmed for the match North v North-East

SLGA Annual General Meeting will be held in the SLGA Offices in Perth on 19th February. A Girls Jamboree is to be discussed - check out this web page after the 19th for more information.

FUND RAISING
Although our funds are in a healthy state this year, the importance of having available money cannot be stressed enough for the time when girls come through and need financial suppport to enable them to play in major competitions. The donations which were received last year from several clubs were most welcome. Pam Gordon is again running her quiz night in March - many thanks to her for this - everybody is more welcome - again look up this page for further details nearer the time.

Cara Gruber
Junior Convenor

SITUATION VACANT

An opening has been created due to the previous incumbent being absent without leave! The applicant must be prepared to wear team colours and must be -

M otivated A able to travel S miling C onfident
O utgoing T rained

There is no salary attached, but we offer a terrific working environment.

Should the previous M..... return, then of course your task would be as an assistant.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Honorary Membership

Mrs Anne Ryan has been awarded Honorary Membership of Northern Counties for outstanding achievement as Captain of 2 winning Northern County Teams at the Scottish Finals in 2003 and 2004. This puts her in the company of Mrs Francis Souter, the founder of Northern Counties Girls Golf Association and President for 12 years of Northern Counties Ladies Golf Association, and Mrs Janet Ross, who achieved the same success as Anne in 1980 and 1981.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Useful Names & Addresses

President - Mrs Isobel McIntosh, Woodside, 11 Leys Drive, Inverness
Telephone - 01463 235475
Captain - Mrs Mairi Orr, Tigh na Oir, Dornoch
Telephone - 01862 811439
e-mail - orr_mairi@hotmail.com
Vice-Captain - Mrs Mary Law, 10 Scotstown, Banff
Telephone - 01261 818325
Hon. Secretary - Mrs Mary Hayden, Uisge-Beatha, Tarlogie Rd., Tarlogie, By Tain
Telephone - 01862 892545
e-mail - maryhayden1@aol.com
Junior Secretary - Miss Cara Gruber, Braidhill, Strathpeffer
Telephone - -1997 421336
e-mail - caz55_uk@yahoo.co.uk

WELCOME
On behalf of the Officials and myself, I would like to welcome you to the Northern Counties "website". We feel it will be very beneficial to us all, especially given the geography of our County.

Susan Mackenzie from Elgin has graciously agreed to be our "webmistress" and we know you will keep her busy. At the Delegates meeting next month, Susan will explain the ins and outs to us all.

The first training day for our County Squad will take place this Sunday at Tain Golf Club (by kind permission) and we look forward to giving you a report next week, hopefully with some pictures.

Happy Golf - Mairi Orr

Scratch League 2005

The NCLGA is pleased to announce the formation of a Scratch League. There will be two mini-leagues with three 'County' teams in each section. As the new league will also promote training and development, every effort will be made to involve young golfers. However, their involvement will not merely be restricted to playing! The average age of the three team organisers in one of the sections is 17!. As Mairi Orr (Captain) said ...."We feel in the Northern Counties that if young people are given the opportunity to take part in the administrative side of the sport, not only will they feel more 'connected' to the game, but it will also provide them with the opportunity to enhance and develop all important life skills." She continued ... "The new league will not only provide existing team members with the opportunity for additional match play practice, but it will be used as a selection aid for those on the periphery of County Team selection". She concluded ..."By introducing a league with a County Team format, we hope to turn our large geographical spread from a disadvantage into an advantage."

Congratulations

The Officials and members of NCLGA congratulate Pam Gordon, a past Captain of the County, on being re-appointed Captain of the Scottish Senior International Team and wish her every success. Pam has been a stalwart to the County and is always available to give advice and support.
Mairi Orr, Captain