Newsletter. Kirkcudbright Golf Club. Captain s Corner. June/July In this issue...

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1 Kirkcudbright Golf Club Newsletter June/July 2018 Captain s Corner How is it we are suddenly over half way through the season? Perhaps a moment to reflect. In many ways, we can count our blessings. The weather has been tremendous for playing golf, and our green staff have simply worked miracles to have the course in such wonderful condition despite the problems the weather has given them - not to mention the leatherjackets! I thought I always appreciated how much the club owed to the many people who put in the time and energy that enables the club to keep going in these times. However, I am constantly finding new things that folk are working away on to give members and visitors alike the pleasure of playing our course. Please take time to thank them and if you are able to lend a hand in any way, please let us know. The warm welcome and the wonderful condition of the greens has been much appreciated and remarked upon by visitors - both are equally important and we hope that word will spread, along with news of the great food and service being provided by Thai Kitchen. Our open competitions have benefited alike with a great turn out especially for the Tassie and the Winnie Wallace. All these positives, however, do little to take away the sense of loss that Nat Little's sudden passing has left us with. It was not surprising to see such a huge number of members at his memorial service where we were reminded that among his many achievements, it was during his captaincy that the club was voted the friendliest club in Scotland. I feel sure that all Nat would ask of us in return for everything he did for the club is that we continue to deserve that reputation. In this issue... Captain s Corner... 1 Ladies News... 2 Ladies News... 3 Juniors... 4 Match News... 5 Treasurer & Greens... 6 Recent Winners & Photos..7 Recent Winners & Photos..8 Recent Winners & Photos..9 EGGS News EGGS News The Last Word (Editor s Page) Jon, Club Captain. 1

2 Ladies News Competition News The weather has taken a turn for the better and good numbers competing in the weekly competitions. We have noticed a major increase in the number of ladies playing in the 9 hole competitions and have introduced a monthly 9 hole medal which has proven very popular. The participants are predominantly older, more experienced golfers who find 18 holes quite tiring now and it is great to have them still playing competitively. May Charity Medal Tuesday 22nd May was our charity Medal and, including a generous contribution from the Eggs, we raised an impressive 780 for Parkinson s UK. The raffle for the 4 Ball at Troon was drawn at the Medal Meal and prize giving and Gillian Rowlinson was the delighted winner. May Medal winners were 18 holes Joyce Eccles and 9 holes Liz Mackie. Tuesday 5th June was our Daily Mail Foursome Qualifier and Annette Beaton and Elizabeth Davidson will be going forward to represent Kirkcudbright Ladies in next year s national competition. Last years qualifiers, Margaret Stryjewski and Gladys Kelly did us proud by getting through to the 5th round this year. This is the best result we have ever had. Well done ladies! That sinking feeling... We have had 2 instances where Ladies have entered the pond area at the 11th to retrieve balls and sunk very deeply into the mud. The Ladies welcome the clubs response to this and the siting of warning signs at both ponds. Steve Richardson confirmed that the pond warning signs will soon be up. [Editor s note : these are now in place] 2

3 Ladies News, continued More Competition News The condition of the course is suiting us I think and some Ladies have been returning fantastic scores. Winner of the Mary Wallace Trophy was Mari Collins returning a score of = 65 and the following week we played the Gill Russell Cup which was won by Liz Davidson with a fantastic score of = 62!! Residential Outing 14 ladies went to Ramside Hall for our residential outing. The accommodation was luxurious and the courses, although frazzled, were challenging but enjoyable, and a great time was had by all. One of the many memorable moments was when Gladys NEARLY scored a hole in one. How close was that! Pictured here is Liz (right) receiving the Gill Russell Cup from Gill s daughter, Laura Durling (left). June medals were won by Gladys Kelly (18 holes) and Isobel McIntosh (9 holes) and the Vera Tuchewicz 4BBB was won by Gillian Rowlinson and Hilary Austin. In the background we are working towards the Wallace Rosebowl on Saturday 28 th July, our most prestigious open competition of the year. Plenty spaces left for Late Entries, so get in touch. Mystery Maid? Who can guess who this Glam, Golfing Gal is? The Moffat Hills and the sunny weather got to her at the 18 th Tee. Answers on a postcard, please... Isobel, Ladies Captain. 3

4 Juniors Juniors News Numbers for juniors remain similar to last month, good on Saturdays, less so on Thursdays. It is hoped that numbers will increase with the onset of the school holidays at the end of the June. A repeat of last year's successful summer Golf Camp is planned for this year. This will take place on 24th and 25th July from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Kirkcudbright Golf Club. There will also be a 2-day event on 7th and 8th August. Please contact Eddie Carruthers for more details or see the posters on the Junior Noticeboard in the clubhouse. Members achievements Dave Harris was playing recently and on the 17th tee, hit a cracking drive that was fading from the left but heading down the middle of the fairway. With the hot weather and hard ground, it was looking like it was going to be his best drive of the day. Unfortunately, his ball hit the marker post in the middle of the 17th fairway square-on and instead of advancing another 50 or so yards, it rebounded back 45 yards, leaving him a shot of 214 yards instead of perhaps 114. Is this what is meant by the rub of the green? Has something similar ever happened to you? If you have a special golfing feat or memory (or bit of bad luck) you could share, please let us know. Did you know? Junior coaching Junior coaching is also available on 21st July between 1:00 and 2:00 or 2:00 and 3:00 with one session already having taken place on 12th. Booking is essential. Please contact Eddie for more details. Eddie Carruthers, Junior Section. The world s first ever golf tournament for women was held on New Year s Day in 1811 at Musselburgh. Golf balls were originally made of thin leather stuffed with feathers. 4

5 Match News Great weather improves entries and scores The weather has certainly not let us down recently, and this has been reflected in the numbers taking part in our club competitions and also in the quality of the scoring. The most recent being a 63 from Billy Campbell to take the Centenary Cup. Prior to that, we had the President s Prize, generously supported by our Club President Donald Haining, and won by Kevin Morrison with a score of 66. The Club Championship was completed in June and we have a new first time winner in Iain Rae who defeated Robert Patterson Junior 3&2 in a close run final. The Gents B Championship went to Stuart Maxwell 1-up over David McLachlan in an equally close encounter while John Marsden won the C Championship. Silver Tassie Our premier event, the Silver Tassie was played on 9th June with a record entry (at least in recent times) with 163 players taking part. The weather was favourable and the course was in exceptional condition, painting our club in a very favourable light. All credit to the green staff and all feedback I heard was very positive (and that s unlike golfers). Thanks also to everyone who helped on the day and to the catering team. of Southerness was a very worthy winner with a score of 78-13=65. Our own members featured heavily in the prizes too. Following the Tassie, the trophies for the early season were presented (see the photos pages). The 1893 Club You may not have been aware, but this year is the club s 125th Anniversary. Although the club hasn t made any special arrangements as yet, we have joined the 1893 Club. This means that all members of associated golf clubs can play at any other associated club without paying a green fee. This isn t limited to this year, too. There are, as always, limitations, though. Other Competitions Club competitions are ticking over well with around 60 people taking part in most Wednesday Medals and around 30 play in Sunday Stableford Sweeps. The 9-Hole competitions are consistently attracting 3 or 4 players each week and is allowing more people to play competitive golf and retain active handicaps which is good. The match play competitions are underway now. The change to the scheduling of the Gents Championships has had mixed feedback so far. 4 out of 20 first round ties were decided by walkover due to time constraints which is disappointing given that the objective is to play golf. I ve received two informal written complaints about it which I ll take on board but reserve judgement until the competitions are complete. The 6-Man Team lost to Southerness in the Final of the Kirkcudbrightshire Team Championship at Colvend on Monday 4th June after defeating Gatehouse 4-2 in the Semi Final. A good effort. Malcolm Kirkwood, Match Secretary For more details, ring the office or go to wellsgolfclub.webs.com/ Members/1893% 20CLUB.pdf It s the best one I can find, anyway. If you find something better, please let me know. July Medal Gary Middlemas won the July Medal with a 60 - the lowest of the season so far. Well played, Gary! 5

6 Treasurer s Report Visitors fees are picking up and are better than this time last year. Buggy income is also improving while Membership numbers are satisfactory with a few subscriptions still to come in. Golfalotto The winner of the monthly draw in June was Lizzy Shamash, and in July it was Alex Kinnell. They won 60 each. Congratulations to both! YOU CAN STILL JOIN GOLFALOTTO! The cost is now only 172 (down from 180), and a new entrant would participate in the 950+ draw at the AGM this year as well as all other future draws including the BIG ONE in 2022 of approximately 4,000. The payment can be made Annually, or by Monthly Standing Order. The reason for the reduction is that someone joining now will have missed out on the possibility of winning this years monthly draws. Details from the Office, by from Donald Shamash (dgshamash@gmail.com) or telephone Donald Shamash, Treasurer. Greens Report We have been looking at various ways in which the course could be improved, e.g. a brush system for top dressing, monitoring moisture/thatch levels, better fertiliser, professional support from STRI, additional staff, upgrading of machinery fleet. However, in all cases, this would require extra finance. It was suggested that the Greens team meet when I return from Scotland Under 20 duties when achievable targets for further improvement of the course should be discussed. In the meantime, the fight against leatherjackets continues and general maintenance of the course after the highly successful Tassie which drew many compliments from visiting golfers on the condition of the course. Adam Gray, Greens Convenor. 6

7 Recent Competition Winners and photos #1 Ladies We hosted the Galloway Ladies Championship on 27th May which was won by Katie Wright (pictured below) returning very impressive scores = 81 in the first round and =76 in the second round. The Runner-Up was Maria Cowan. Alan Carruthers & Jim Dewar - Winners of the Avonside Greensomes Joint winners of the Winter League were Janet Roff (left) and Gladys Kelly (centre). Winter Ecclectic Winners were Gladys Kelly (Silver) (centre) and Lynn Kane (Bronze) (right). Callum McMillan with the Ben Nicholson Trophy The Ladies outing to Cally Palace. The winner was Liz Dodds (front left). 7

8 Recent Competition Winners and photos #2 Iain McCreath receiving the Silver Tassie John Picken - winner of the McKenzie Tankard Donald Shamash after presenting the The Cresset to Amanda Houston, Sheila McMurtie, Jane Johnstone and Jane Cannon. 8

9 Recent Competition Winners and photos #3 Craig Currie - Selkirk Arms Trophy and 36 Hole Handicap Shield (Craig also won the St Mary s 4-Ball with Calum Ingram) Robert Patterson - Scratch Shield and Captains Cup Other Competitions St Mary s Service Station 4BBB Craig Currie & Calum Ingram (48 Points) The Selkirk Arms Open Competition Craig Currie (65) Maitland Medal John Thomson (148) McKenzie Tankard John Picken (138) 36-Hole Scratch Shield Robert Patterson Junior (148) 36-Handicap Shield Craig Currie (135) Ben Nicholson Trophy Callum McMillan (67) Avonside Trophy Jim Dewar & Alan Carruthers (61) Captain s Cup (Bogey Competition) Robert Patterson Junior (2- Up) 9

10 EGGS news The weather has allowed uninterrupted golf for the EGGS and many members are sporting perfect golfers tans! The weather is providing conditions more like Florida than South West Scotland. The rearranged match with Eden Mallards went well with 8 pairs arriving to do battle. As the results came in it looked very even after four results but the back four Kirkcudbright teams proved strong and the result was a comfortable win for the home team. We also had a home win over the Moffat Baffies (four to one), a loss away to Moffat Baffies (half to four and a half) and most unusually a victory away against Lochmaben Vintage (five and a half to two and a half.) On the 21st May the EGGS and Ladies joined forces for the D.C. Dodds trophy. It was well attended and enjoyed by all who competed. The trophy was won by the pairing of Margaret Locke and Ian McConchie. The proceeds of this and the previous joint event with the ladies amounted to 300 which was donated this year to the Ladies chosen charity, Parkinson s Scotland. The older I get, the better I used to be. Lee Trevino EGGS results from recent weeks Medals Medals have been won by Willie Watson, Paul Stirling and Alex Kinnell. The June Medal was notable for the 42 members who arrived for the draw at 9:45. EGGS Shield Strokeplay Friday 6th July saw the first round of the EGGS Shield Strokeplay Competition with 41 members playing. It was won by Steve Groome with Nett 64, however there were 12 players within 4 shots of Steve. Bill Telfer On Friday 8th June, the EGGS had a turnout of 43 players for the Bill Telfer Strokeplay Competition. Conditions were good and the majority of the scoring reflected this. Bill s son John played and provided the prize for first place while Bill s long term golfing buddy Walter Bell came over from Lochmaben to play and provided prizes for second and third places. Result 1st Steve Richardson 64 2nd Paul Stirling 65 3rd Jack McCreadie 66 (Better Inward Half) There have also been two Senior s Open Tournaments organised by the EGGS. I am sure that you will have noticed the work done on the flower tubs in front of the clubhouse by Jack McCreadie, paid for out of EGGS funds. Join Us The EGGS meet every Friday for the draw at 9:45 and anyone 55 or over who wants good sociable golf and excellent company is welcome to join us for the princely sum of 2 for a year s membership. 10

11 EGGS news continued Ted Houghie On Friday 15th June 36 pairs played in the Ted Houghie 4BBB tournament in breezy conditions. Scoring was excellent with Tommy Learmonth and Alan Murdoch winning with 48 points, Eddie Carruthers and Billy Campbell second with 47 points, Colin Maclaine and Neil Macintosh third with 46 points just pipping Bill Gardner and Jim Dewar on countback. Of all the hazards, fear is the worst. Sam Snead Syd Pascoe On Friday 11th May the EGGS ran their main open singles competition of the year, the Syd Pascoe Trophy. Eighty players faced challenging windy conditions and for the first group out the added excitement of carefully ushering two cows and two calves off the course and back into the Glebe without them panicking and damaging the second green. The overall winner was only decided when the last group came in. The winner was Pete Haslam from Gatehouse with Colin MacLaine, Gibby McCoskry, Steve Richardson, Drew Craven and Jack McCreadie of the EGGS in the prize list. Andy McMinn, EGGS Captain. Editor s note : we also had some bovine visitors to the 9th green on 5th July. Thanks to our Captain for the photo. 11

12 The Last Word (from the Editor) Hotter Than July? Well, certainly hotter than last July. But hasn t the weather been fantastic. I know it s been a little too hot for some of you but we shouldn t complain. Remember all those short, dark, cold, wet and windy days (and the long, dark, cold, wet and windy nights) we had all winter long? Just remember if you are out (especially playing golf) in this hot weather: SLIP SLOP SLAP SEEK SLIDE on a shirt on the 50+ sunscreen lotion on a hat shade or shelter on some sunglasses And do take on plenty of water! I know I said this issue would be another monthly edition but circumstances have dictated otherwise (among them enjoying the weather, gardening, golfing, the World Cup and The Open!) So, not surprisingly, I m not going to make any promises about future editions. My apologies if some of this is out of date by the time you read it - deadlines aren t easy to keep to. The Editor. Keep In Touch Kirkcudbright Golf Club Stirling Crescent Kirkcudbright Dumfries & Galloway DG6 4EZ Telephone: office@kirkcudbrightgolf.co.uk Website: Social media