Christmas Wishes

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

Mairi Orr

Captain

County Member's Celebrations

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

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

County Party

1967 - 2007

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

Grand County Raffle Draw

Prizes - Numerous 4 Ball Times for Courses throughout Northern Counties

(to be drawn at Elgin on 22 April)

Contact your Delegate for full details

Mairi Orr

Captain

County Update November 2006

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Mairi Orr
Captain

2007 Fixture List

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 7 - Nairn Dunbar - County Open & AGM


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

Mairi C Orr
Captain

County Open at Tain

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

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

Mairi C Orr
Captain

Visit to Spey Valley Golf Course

County Open at Tain Golf Club 1st October

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

See you on Sunday.

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

Mairi Orr
Captain

County Team at Spey Valley GC, Aviemore

County Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Regards
Mairi Orr, Captain

County Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Regards
Mairi Orr, Captain

Northern Counties Scratch League FInal

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

Mairi Orr, Captain

County Greensomes

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

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

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

Regards
Mairi Orr, Captain

Golspie Open and Vets Trophy

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

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

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

Regards
Mairi Orr, Captain

Kerri's Course Record

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

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

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

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

Regards
Mairi Orr, Captain

County Open

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

Mairi Orr, Captain

County Vets Open

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

Mairi Orr, Captain

Scottish Mixed Foursomes

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

Regards
Mairi Orr, Captain

Northern Counties Junior Girls Championship

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

Regards,
Mairi Orr, Captain

Kelsey and Roseanne for Belgium

Roseanne Niven (Crieff) and Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) have been selected by the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association to represent Scotland in the Belgium International Junior Open at the Royal Golf Club of Belgium, Brussells from August 23 to 26. Roseanne won the Scottish Under-18 Girls' match-play championship at Peebles recently, while 15-year-old Kelsey won the Under 16 award in the Scottish Under-21 girls open stroke-play championship which ended at Stirling on 28 July

Mairi Orr
Captain

County Open results

Muir of Ord County Open 20 July 2006
Silver Scratch - Louise Hampton (Forres) 79
Silver Handicap - 1st Dorothy Mackay (Muir of Ord) (17) 65; 2nd Jenny Thornton (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) (17) 66; 3rd Merle Allan (Grantown on Spey) (19) 67
Bronze Handicap - 1st Paddy Ross (Kingussie) (29) 63; 2nd Jan Paterson (Fort Augustus) (21) 66; 3rd Wendy Henry (Muir of Ord) (28) 68; 4th Aline Drummond (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) (21) 69

Mairi Orr
Captain

County Open Draw at Muir of Ord on 20 July 2006

10.00 - M Ross (FR), W Spencer (MO)
10.08 - J Glen (Spa), J Thornton (FR)
10.16 - H Cumming (FR), E Robb (Inv)
10.24 - A Drummond (FR), J Cairns (Boat)
10.32 - P Roxburgh (Boat), B Bremner (FR)
10.40 - P Morrison (MO), M Barr (Gair)
10.48 - E Hutton (MO), S McVicar (Gair)
10.56 - M Maclean (MO), J Cameron )Spa)
11.12 - E Wallace (MO), D Marshall (F)
11.20 - D Mackay (MO), S Cobham (F)
11.28 - R Rollo (Gair), S Rowan (Inv)
11.36 - L Hampton (F), T Weekes (RD)
11.44 - V Wright (F), L Fraser (FR)
11.52 - R Brown (F), J Fraser (MO)
12.00 - M James (F), J Paterson (FA)
12.08 - D Rae (FW), D McKinnon (Dur)
12.24 - I McIntosh (Inv), L Lloyd Baker (Gr)
12.32 - S Vickerman (Gr), S Ramsay (Inv)
12.40 - M Orr (Tain), M Ritchie (MO)
12.48 - M Allan (Gr), J Russell (Tain)
12.56 - W Hendry (MO), M Douglas (RD)
13.04 - P Magee (MO), S Dunn (FR)
13.12 - L Barras (MO) & partner
13.20 - P Moscati (RD), J Grant (King)
13.28 - P Webster (Tain), M Murray (King)
13.36 - P Ross (King), E Dey (King)
13.44 - N Bain (MO), A Armstrong (Spa)


Mairi Orr
Captain

British Mid Amateur Championships at Nairn

Congratulations to Northern County members, Christine McAndrew and Gillian Dowling who have 'made the cut' for the final round on Sunday. We wish them good golf and perhaps some members will be there to support them.

Mairi Orr
Captain

North of Scotland Championships

Well done to Sammy Vass from Tain who is the new Handicap Champion of the North of Scotland and to Kerri Harper who was the runner-up to Michelle Thomson in the Scratch.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Jamboree Results

Crieff Golf Club - Saturday 24 June - Monday 26 June

Northern Counties 5.5 - Aberdeenshire 3.5
Northern Counties 3.5 - Perth & Kinross 5.5
Northern Counties 5 - Angus 4

Overall Match Points -
Aberdeenshire - 1
Angus - 1
Northern Counties - 4
Perth & Kinross - 6

Northern Division Winners 2006 - Perth & Kinross

County Update 29 June

Hello from Dornoch, I am still in the twilight zone and not yet reached the darkened room. I managed a game myself yesterday and having been inspired over last weekend, managed a win. Your County Team was awesome this weekend. Their golfing skills were the talk of a few buggies (mostly ours of course). That really is a joke because the golf produced by all of the teams was a joy to watch and left us all speechless. In fact, the thesaurus probably does not have words to describe it; eg: on Monday, Kelsey lost her match 4&2, Kerri was having to eagle and birdie each hole to stay alive, and was 4 under when it finished. Ashton was 1 over par at the 13th when she lost to Ann Ramsay 7&5. Ann was 6 under par!!! Last year, Ann Ramsay did the same thing to Christine McAndrew, another wifie of this parish, and also one who had played wonderful golf. Other matches from your team were also in the calibre of brilliant, and if I were to detail it all, I would be hours doing so. I can say they were all playing scratch golf or under and if they were to enter the 'Q' school who knows????

I would like to thank all those who sent messages of goodwill to the team. They really do appreciate it and especially I wish to thank the following for their presence each day - Jock of Auchterarder, Sheila and Mary Price for breaking their journey home from Duff House, Moira Grant of Garmouth and Alan Kessack and Marion Thomson of Elgin who caddied and said the golf was better at Crieff than Gleneagles!! To Aileen, Liz and Fiona who are members at Nairn and travelled from Glenrothes to caddy - also thank you.

Perth & Kinross County of course hosted this year and they certainly put a lot of work into the event, and we thank them for that. We were made most welcome by the Officials of the County. Crieff Golf Club were gracious hosts and their staff were courteous and professional at all times in assisting us, thank you to them all.

The penultimate thanks go to Isobel, Mary and Susan for their hard work, support and dedication to the team and of course to myself.

Finally, to Kerri, Kelsey, Laura, Mary, Donna, Eileen, Jenny and Ashton, thank you all for giving so generously of your time to play in the Northern Counties Team

Moving on, I have to advise that Ashton is going to America for 4 years to Belmont Abbey in Charlotte, North Carolina and will be majoring in computer studies.

Muir of Ord 20 July
Entries for the above County Open close on 4 July and Wendy Spencer is anxiously awaiting the post.

North of Scotland at Montrose on 3 July
A number of our members are travelling to Montrose next week to take part in the above and we wish them all good golf.

British Mid Amateur at Nairn
This is also being played next week and good luck to our members who are playing.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Golf Champion of Nairn

Laura Walker is Miss Golf Champion of Nairn 2006. Earlier winning at Nairn West, she has now won at Nairn Dunbar.
Par 75 SSS 75
1st rd - 75, css 74
2nd rd - 74, css 75
3rs rd - 76, css 75
The last double champion was Louise Clark. Well done Laura.

Mairi Orr
Captain

County players prepare for Jamboree

This week the County team goes to Crieff for the Inter-County Championships. Their preparations have been outstanding with Jenny Milne retaining the Club Championship at Elgin, Kerri Harper being runner-up in the University Championships at Macclesfield and also winning a prize at the Munross Trophy and Ashton Ingram setting a new course record. Well done to Kelsey who broke another course record at Kingussie.

Card 4 5 4 5 4 4 3 3 5 37 3 4 4 5 5 3 4 4 4 36
Kelsey 3 4 4 5 5 3 4 3 4 35 2 4 3 5 4 3 3 3 3 30
par 73 sss 70 css 71

We have been fortunate to have our Match Balls sponsored by Cairngorm Windows, and we thank them for that. Thanks also go to Gleaner Oils Elgin, Munro Fruit of Tain, Johnstons of Elgin and a Cool Drink Supplier who wishes to remain anonymous.

I would also like to thank those clubs who have so generously sent us donations over and above the subscriptions.

If anybody is in the vicinity of Crieff this weekend, we would love to see you. Bring your golf shoes and a trolley!!

Mairi Orr
Captain

Ashton sets new course record

County member Ashton Ingram set a new course record at Fort William in the Captains' Prize and Gleneagles Medal. She equalled the record of 70 last July at a County meeting.

Par - 71 SSS - 70

Card 4 4 3 5 5 3 4 4 5 37 5 4 3 3 4 3 3 4 4 34

Ashton 4 4 3 4 4 2 6 5 5 37 4 4 3 2 4 3 3 4 4 31

Mairi Orr
Captain

County update

It has been a busy period for the County, what with team practice and the County foursomes at Garmouth & Kingston. Garmouth was looking terrific and that is probably because Rebecca Grant is working there over the summer months. Some of the ladies would like her to lower the cutting blades in the rough!! Should you be looking for a great course to take your summer visitors, so pop along to Garmouth.
Prize winners were:-
1st Scratch - G Dowling & A Gowie (I)
1st Handicap and winners of the County Foursomes trophy - L Ballantyne & M Walker (G&K)
2nd Handicap - P Clarke & J Anderson (G&K)
3rd Handicap - S Cobban & F James (F)
The two Garmouth couples will go forward to represent Northern Counties at The Commonwealth Spoons to be played this year at Loundon Golf Club on 19 September, and we wish the well.

The Girls Inter-Divisional at Ballumbie was a huge success for the North Division as they won the trophy. The team was Eilidh Mackay, Sammy Vass, Lauren McCallum, Annabel Niven, Kirsty Moss and Ashley Smith. Well done to Lorna Lloyd Baker for being the team captain - splendid job.

I have just heard that Ashton Ingram has just broken the course record at Fort William. Details to follow.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Kelsey does it again

Kelsey has smashed another course record, this time at her home club Nairn Dunbar on 31 May in the Mouaidh Trophy. Laura Walker was the record holder previously.

Kelsey's score was as follows -
card 4 4 3 5 5 5 4 3 5 38 4 3 4 5 4 3 5 4 5 37 75
kelsey 4 4 2 5 4 4 4 3 4 34 4 3 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 33 67

par 75 sss 75 css 75

Very well done to Kelsey and good luck in The St Rule

Mairi Orr
Captain

County Foursomes/Commonwealth Spoons Draw

Friday 9 June 2006 at Garmouth & Kingston Golf Club

Abbreviations: B - Boat of Garten; F - Forres; FR - Fortrose & Rosemarkie; G - Grantown on Spey; GK - Garmouth & Kingston; HO - Hopeman; I - Inverness; M - Moray; MO - Muir of Ord; S - Strathpeffer; T - Tain

10.00 - L Ballantine (GK) & M Walker (GK); J Tulloch (M) & G More (HO)
10.10 - MJ Gauldie (GK) & D Cruickshank (GK); S Vickerman (G) & M Allen (G)
10.20 - F Fraser (FR) & M Webster (FR); W Hendry (MO) & J Cameron (S)
10.30 - H Macleod (I) & J Grant (I); E Hutton & M Maclean (MO)
10.40 - M Ross (FR) & A Macintosh (FR); P Morrison (MO) & Partner
10.50 - J Glen (S) & H Cumming (FR); B Bremner (FR) & A Drummond (FR)
11.00 - J Cairns (B) & P Roxburgh (B); L Munro (M) & V Mullin (M)
11.30 - S Cobban (F) & F James (F); J Scotland (GK) & M Grant (GK)
13.00 - M James (F) & D Marshall (F); M Hayden (T) & M Orr (T)
13.10 - M Fowler (GK) & B Grant (GK); B Hughes & M Jones
13.20 - G Dowling (I) & A Gowie (I); E Morrison (FR) & S Dunn (FR)

Orkney Results

County Open at Kirkwall Golf Club on 27 May 2006

Silver Scratch - Shona Croy (Kirkwall) 81
1st Handicap - Sheila Ramsay (Inverness) 88 (16) 72
2nd Handicap - Liz Coghill (Royal Dornoch) 85 (12) 73
3rd Handicap - Sheila Hourston (Kirkwall) 92 (19) 73

Bronze
1st Handicap - Morag McCallum (Kirkwall) 99 (21) 78
2nd Handicap - Maggie McGregor (Kirkwall) 102 (22) 80
3rd Handicap - Hazel Gray (Kirkwall) 110 (30) 80
4th Handicap - Elizabeth Drever (Kirkwall) 108 (27) 81

Mairi Orr
Captain

Orkney Trip

The "goiles" are back on this mainland from a hugely successful trip to Orkney where we were met with the most wonderful hospitality and friendship. Most people who travelled spent a few days sightseeing and partaking of the terrific food to be had on the island. The travel tales will have to be glossed over, but I do believe some people were not very good on the high seas, indeed the RDGC Ladies had a plan to shout "we are sinking" and the purser rushed out to ask what they were thinking about!! The advance party, led by Pam Gordon, included Isobel McIntosh and Sheila Ramsay and thanks to them all, both Kirkwall and Stromness (pronounced Strumniss) have been rated. Friday evening was a soiree in Kirkwall Golf Club. The ladies had spent weeks deciding on a wonderful menu for us all. The entertainment was eclectic, and the main turn was Arthur Pottinger and his brother Stuart. The Inverness ladies sang a song, Pam Moscati took her keyboard, but unfortunately it was described, by the suddenly not so honorable secretary, as not being in playing mode! We were also introduced to Ellie May, a new member at Grainbank and she very obviously had a bit of adjusting to do, in all sorts of ways. Saturday dawned with what is known locally as a gentle Orkney breeze (gale force), the skies turned blue, as did the hands and faces of many of the competitors, and the rain went away; must have been the song what did it! There was not a pair of braces in sight and most of the scores reflected this. Congratulations to all the prizewinners, especially those who won their county voucher. We had 10 clubs represented and it was encouraging to see many new friendships being formed. I had the honour to play with Doreen Garson, the Captain of Stromness and Marianne Tait, Captain of Orkney. It would seem, even in Orkney, nicknames are fashionable, although Marianne is called The Dictator. I could not quite think why she had her other name on her gloves "ogre". That was until we got the the 18th, but I have recently come out the darkened room so don't want to say anymore, apart from the flagpole is in a very interesting spot!! Thank you for the golf ball, I will remember the 18th forever. It was almost a course record!
To Orkney Golf Club and all their staff and helpers who worked so hard to prepare for our visit, thank you so much, Simon Henderson the greenkeeper is a star.
We are still to confirm, but the Stromness Ladies would welcome a County Open there is May of 2008.
I would urge you to take your golf clubs to Orkney and enjoy a wee break. For more reporting of the event, see www.theorcadian or www.orkneytoday.co.uk (comes out on Thursday) and thank you to Robert Leslie and his photographer for their interest in Northern Counties.
A reminder about Colin Farquharson's new website www.scottishgolfview.com, should be worth a look.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Orkney Open Draw

County Open at Kirkwall Golf Club on Saturday 27 May

D - Durness; E - Elgin; G - Grantown-on-Spey; I - Inverness; K - Kirkwall; M - Muir of Ord; RD - Royal Dornoch; S - Stromness; T - Tain

9.0 - L Campbell (K), M Irvine (K), C Matheson (G);
9.10 - H Gray (K), M Douglas (RD), E Drever (K);
9.20 - F Allan (I), J O'Connor (K), S Salter (K);
9.30 - J Sharpe (S), L Ross (K), E Maclaren (I);
9.40 - L Reeve (K), A Barnett (RD), M Macgregor (K);
9.50 - M MacCallum (K), W Spencer (MO), M Daiziel (K);
10.10 - S Shearer (K), L Seator (S), S MacKinnon (D);
10.20 - P Gordon (I), S Walls (K), L Milne (K);
10.30 - I McIntosh (I), H Smith (K), S McDonnal (I);
10.40 - P Moscati (RD), S Ramsay (I), S Hourston (K);
10.50 - E Sloan (K), M Hayden (T), D McBride (RD);
11.00 - M Tair (K), M Orr (T), D Garson (S);
11.20 - G Gilbert (K), E Coghill (RD), S MacVicar (G);
11.30 - D Hutchison (K), A Gilmour (K), S Mackenzie (E);
11.40 - E Spence (K), M Barr (G), L Lloyd-Baker (G);
11.50 - K Sutherland (S), E Manson (T), J Cumming (I);
12.00 - M Leonard (K), A Dunnett (T), A Poke (S);
12.10 - E McLellan (S), S Croy (K), J Milne (E)

Congratulations

Congratulations to Kelsey MacDonald who has been selected to play in the European Girls Team Championships in Esbjerg Golf Club, Denmark on July 11-15. Kelsey has also been selected as a reserve for the European Junior Masters in Austria on July 27-29.
Congratulations to Kerry Harper who has been selected as a reserve for the European Junior Womens Team Championships in the Netherlands on July 11-15.
Eilidh Mackay and Sammy Vass are in the North Division team for the Girls Inter-Divisional at Ballumbie Castle in June.
Thank you all for your support of the squad, they really do appreciate it.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Team Members

We are pleased to announce our team for the Inter-County Championships at Crieff Golf Club on 24 - 26 June 2006

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

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

Mairi Orr
Captain

County Championships at Forres GC

The ambience and friendliness provided by the ladies of Forres Golf Club was much appreciated by all who participated - to Louise Hampton, the Lady Captain and her dream team of Northern Counties Delegates, Val Wright and Sheila Cobbam, well done, and to Dorothy Marshall, the ever efficient secretary, a big thank you.
The other staff at Forres are also to be praised for their professionalism, the course was well presented and proved to be challenging for the majority of players.
Rodney the rooster kept us entertained and had the odd crow or two when people were putting!
The entry was down this year due to various stalwart members having other commitments, eg: The doyenne was in Dubai checking out the winter training venue for the County Team (JOKE)! Sadly, other members were injured or had family arrangements. May I take this opportunity to welcome the two new members from Gairloch. Thank you to all who entered and helped make the championship the premier event in our calendar.
The County Putter was won by June Glenn from Strathpeffer and we wish her happy days with it.
It was especially pleasing to see so many of the junior girls playing and what a lively bunch they are. This years' fashion statement is definitely braces, and what fun we had with them. Indeed, County Team players might have to get red ones!
Speaking of dress, congratulations to Laura for her well turned out appearance in County Uniform on Sunday and indeed to you all who wore the red.
The mood of the weekend was set by Kelsey who took 2 hours 30 minutes to go round the course and SMASHED the course record set in 1997 by Pat Maclennan of Forres.

Card 4 4 4 4 3 5 3 4 5 36 4 4 5 4 4 4 4 3 4 36 72
Kelsey 3 5 3 4 3 3 2 4 3 30 4 4 4 4 5 3 3 3 4 34 64
SSS - 71 CSS - 71

The matchplay started in the afternoon with 8 qualifiers.
Kelsey Macdonald bt Ashton Ingram
Ann Ryan bt Laura Walker
Jenny Milne bt Donna Sinclair
Kerri Harper bt Christine McAndrew

Sunday dawned - we provided lollipops on the first as the semi-finalists were mostly juniors or just come of age. The handicap semi included Liz Coghill and the combined age of the other semi finalists plus their caddies almost equaled hers!! However, not daunted, and in true sporting fashion, Liz posed for photographs and declared that instead of the County scheme of adopting a junior, it was now, Foster a Granny!
Kelsey beat Ann in a game of brilliant golf from both players, Anne will have to try again next year. The other semi-final was hotly contested between Kerry and Jenny, going to the 21st when Jenny pitched to within a foot of the pin while Kerry was through the green.
In the handicap semi, Sammy Vass caddied for her sister Julie, with Julie beating Liz Coghill. Chloe Macleod and Aimee Taylor, both making their debut at the Championships, also had a good match ,with Chloe winning.
The Referee for the Handicap Match was the Lady Captain of Forres and she came prepared with her length of string etc. Julie and Chloe both enjoyed their game with Chloe winning at the 17th. Well done to both of them.
The final was refereed by our very own top Scottish Referee, Liz Munro. Kelsey and Jenny squared up and like all of the girls, very much enjoyed the moment. The scores for your information below:-

Kelsey 4 4 5 5 4 6 3 3 4 4 c 3 4 4 4 4
Jenny 5 5 5 4 4 4 3 c c 3 3 4 5 5 4 5

Well done to all the finalists and thank you to all the spectators who came to watch such superb golf.
The venue for next year's Championship will hopefully be announced shortly. I apologise for the delay, but we have had what I shall describe as technical difficulties.
The County Team shall be announced at the earliest opportunity and hopefully you will come to Crieff to support us in our defence of the Inter-County Championship. Caddies are urgently required. Contact Susan. You don't need to be young or wear braces!!

Mairi Orr
Captain

N.C.L.G.A. Championship Draw - Forres GC 6th & 7th May

8.0 - K Macdonald (ND) & K Harper (I)
8.06 - J Milne (E) & L Walker (ND)
8.12 - C McAndrew (ND) & S Ingram (FW)
8.18 - M Smith (T) & M Howieson (I)
8.24 - W Ross (E) & A Ryan (T)
8.30 - D Sinclair (T) & A Gowie (I)
8.36 - M Vass (T) & G Dowling (I)
8.42 - M Barr (G) & P Gordon (I)
8.48 - L Lloyd-Baker (Gr) & E Mackay (ND)
8.54 - S Vass (T) & L Fraser (F&R)
9.0 - K McBeath (F) & H Stuart (MO)
9.06 - S Mackenzie (E) & S MacVicar (G)
9.12 - L Coghill (RD) & A Strauss (RD)
9.18 - M Bagott (RD) & J Maison (DHR)
9.24 - D Marshall (F) & P Morrison (MO)
9.30 - D McBride (RD) & S MacDonell (I)
9.36 - P Moscati (RD) & M Rennie (RD)
9.42 - I Wilson (F) & J Glen (S)
9.48 - M Hayden (T) & E Morrison (F&R)
9.54 - W Spencer (MO) & M Brennan (RD)
10.0 - A Burnett (RD) & R Cruickshanks (I)
10.06 - F Allan (I) & H Cumming (F&R)
10.12 - C MAcleod (ND) & M Maclean (MO)
10.18 - A Drummond (F&R) & S Dunn (F&R)
10.24 - J Paterson (FA) & M James (F)
10.30 - D Rae (FW) & S McDonald (RD)
10.36 - A Taylor (F) & C Proctor (F)
10.42 W Henry (MO) & J Cameron (S)
10.48 - J Vass (T) & Partner

Abbreviations -
DHR - Duff House Royal; E - Elgin; F - Forres; FA - Fort Augustus; FW - Fort William; F&R - Fortrose & Rosemarkie; G - Gairloch; Gr - Grantown; I - Inverness; MO - Muir of Ord; ND - Nairn Dunbar; RD - Royal Dornoch; S - Strathpeffer; T - Tain

Highland Vets Fixture List 2006

April 26 - Grantown-on-Spey GC
May 19 - Championship qualifying at Nairn Dunbar GC
May 22 - Semi & Final of Championship at Nairn Dunbar GC
August 14 - Home Match v Northern Division at Elgin GC
September 5 - Greensomes at Tain GC
September 20 - Open and Prizegiving at Newtonmore GC

Happy Birthday

Many Congratulations to Kerri on her 21st birthday from everybody in Northern Counties.

Mairi Orr
Captain

County Championships at Forres 6/7 May 2006

Entries will close for the above competition on 21st April. Please get your entries in now to Val Wright on 01309 673650.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Quiz Evening

Thankyou very much to all who supported the Quiz last week held at Fairways. We raised £280 for the Junior Girls and I was absolutely delighted.

Regards
Pam Gordon

Devices

After discussion, The NCLGA Management Committee and The North Divisional Committee for Scottish County Golf have decided the following:-

Notwithstanding any local rule that a golf club may have invoked, the use of distance measuring devices is PROHIBITED in any County event during 2006.

The use of such a device is in breach of rule 14.3, the penalty for which is disqualification.

Mairi C Orr
Captain

COUNTY GIRLS QUIZ

A quiz has again been organised by Pam Gordon this year for WEDNESDAY 22 MARCH at Fairways, Inverness, tee-off at 2 PM.
The cost of each team will be £20 which includes tea and biscuits.

Team members do not necessary have to be golfers and the prizes will of course be outstanding!!

Entry forms will be available at the AGM on Sunday 25th February at Nairn Dunbar, or alternatively call her on 01667 453392

All proceeds go towards the development of the girls golf and every penny is precious.

Mairi Orr
Captain

Junior Girls Fixture List 2006

23rd April - Senior/Girls at Craggan Golf Club
14th May - McDermott Trophy at Invergordon
10th/11th June - Girls Inter-Division at Ballumble Castle
9th July - Medal at Boat of Garten
5th August - Junior Championships at Moray (New)
20th August - North of Scotland Championships at Kirriemuir

For further information, Lorna Lloyd Baker can be contacted on 01808 521361 or lorna.lloyd-baker@virgin.net

Kind regards
Mairi Orr
Captain

Fixture List 2006

May 6th & 7th - County Championships at Forres; May 21st Captain v County Team at Spey Valley; May 27th County Open at Kirkwall; May 28th County Open at Thurso

June 6th Delegates Day at Hopeman; June 9th County Foursomes at Garmouth; June 23rd - 26th Jamboree at Crieff

July 3rd, 4th & 5th North of Scotland Championships at Royal Montrose; July 20th County Open at Muir of Ord

August 14th County Veterans at Golspie; August 25th County Open at Cullen

September 6th County Greensomes at Bonar Bridge; September 10th Scratch League Final at Moray; September 15th - 18th County Finals at The Hirsel

October 1st County Open and AGM at Tain

Mairi Orr
Captain

New Junior Secretary

I am pleased to announce that Lorna Lloyd Baker from Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club has graciously agreed to take on the role of Junior Secretary for the County. Lorna is full of bounce and enthusiasm, and I am sure she will be a great asset to the girls.

Mairi Orr
Captain