The Carmuirs News SEPTEMBER 2012 Last News of the year It s been a good year playing golf at Carmuirs.. between the rainstorms The greens have been superb between rain storms, the visit of the Fire Service for the Sheriff Cup was a wonderful occasion between rain storms, fantastic success by so many of our members winning championships across Scotland between rain storms. Hope we get a drier year next year but hope more importantly that we have another successful year. See you in March. Special General Meeting Please do your best to attend the special meeting on 14th September, listen to what changes are envisaged for the future of the Club and hopefully vote in favour of the motion tabled. Although the Club's cash flow is suffering at the moment and this requires the assistance of members, the proposed 90 levy is nothing more than an advanced payment of the remaining 3 years of the Clubhouse refurbishment charge which is added to the fees each year. Everyone at Falkirk Golf Club is fiercely determined to ensure we do all we can to take the club forward in a progressive manner. No change is not an option. Given the current financial restraints that all clubs (and club members) are experiencing, we believe by undertaking this strategic review, listening to our members and, most importantly, reacting to their needs, we will not only improve the membership experience for our existing members but, equally importantly, be at the forefront to attract new members from other clubs. Page 1
Andrea Walker is in the Scottish Golf Academy Programme. Her story: I was nominated for the Scottish Golf Academy Programme Talent Identification by Elizabeth Goodwin the County Girls Junior Secretary. On the 9 th July 2012 I attended a regional Talent Identification Day at Brucefields Family Golf Centre. The assessment day was supervised by Gregor Monks one of the Academy Golf Coaches. I was assessed on all parts of my game putting, short game and long game. We played the wee course where we had to hit the greens using 3 balls at each hole and record the results. The putting was tested from different distances again all the results were recorded. We then moved onto the long game and we had to hit targets at different distances results were recorded. I was quite nervous being the only girl there. If we were successful we progressed to the National Talent ID Day at St. Andrews 25/26 August 2012. I was really happy I made it to St. Andrews my date was 26 th August 2012. I was nervous because I was there with all the really good girl golfers from all over Scotland. My mum and dad and wee brother Cameron came along to support me. Parents were not allowed to watch though. When we started at 9am parents were given a presentation telling them what the Academy was all about. We were split into groups pairing up with another girl we marked each others results for each of the assessments this was like Brucefield putting short game and long game but more detailed. Kevin Craggs the National Coach was supervising my group he was really good and tried to make us feel relaxed. It took 4 hours to complete the assessments and we were all really tired afterwords. St. Andrews was brilliant the sun was shining the whole day it was a new experience for me to hit shots from links turf. Cameron practiced his short game for 4 hours that helped mum and dad because they were more nervous than me. I think I did fine on the day but I am never too confident. I found out on Monday 3 rd September I had made it into the Scottish Golf Academy. The girls who didn t make it into the Academy will attend a development program to help them and hopefully they will get the chance to progress next time. I attend an induction at the Sport Scotland National Golf Centre Inverclyde from 21-23 September 2012 this is a residential event I am looking forward to it. I am very lucky to get into the Academy and I will work hard on everything that is expected of me. The FGC Ladies have been really nice to me and encourage me. I appreciate everyone s support it means a lot to me Andrea The Scottish Golf Academy is the national development programme for Scotland s talented young golfers. Nurturing boys and girls from the age of 14 and upwards, the Academy provides young players with a comprehensive coaching and support programme tailored to the needs of the individual to maximise their opportunity of succeeding at the highest level. Using some of the country s best facilities and PGA-trained coaches, the Scottish Golf Academy supports around 120 players each year from the Highlands to Dumfries & Galloway with the objective of developing Scotland s future generation of golfing stars. Every young golfer with the potential and ambition to succeed at the highest level has the opportunity of gaining entry to the Scottish Golf Academy. Page 2
Congratulations to Andrea from all of us. She follows Stuart Irvine into the Academy. Return Your Score Card or else! Just to clarify when returning your medal / competition score cards, enter your score in the computer (all no returns should be entered in the computer - enter "0" for no score at hole) and put your card in the appropriate A, B or C Class boxes which clearly indicate the handicap classes that apply. Great Deals Still Available for new members. We are keen to keep attracting more new members as always and further deals are available for anyone thinking of joining late. Please speak to our club secretary for details. Member s introduction deals still apply!! Insurance Members are reminded that it is the individual s responsibility to ensure they have adequate insurance to cover accidental and personal damage. The club will not be held responsible for any accidents occurring on club property. Sponsorship Opportunities Thanks for the sponsors continued commitment. Hole 1 The Spire Hole 2 Hill End Hole 18 Hame We offer businesses the opportunity to sponsor a hole, with publicity in the form of space on a promotional board planned to be located prominently when accessing the club. The in house TV display features the course with promotional opportunities for sponsors. Anyone interested in sponsoring a hole, or who knows of a business who would be willing to be a sponsor please contact the Secretary. Page 3
Gents Scott Barr won the McMillan Trophy with scratch score of 71 & Stuart Murray was the winner of Mitchell Trophy scratch 76 net 66. Ladies Another highlight of the season was Louise MacGregor winning the County Championship for the 3rd year in a row. A great achievement - well done! Unfortunately, this season's play has been severely hampered by the bad weather with competitions being cancelled and rescheduled etc. Hoping for better weather next year! Thanks to all ladies who helped plant the flower tubs at the front of the clubhouse and also thanks to those who keep watering them. They have looked fabulous all season and really brighten up the entrance to the clubhouse and professional shop. Planting team required in October to put the bulbs in and some winter planting so watch the notice board for putting your name down. The Ladies Section Winter Social Programme will be starting in November with the annual Beetle Drive and Gift Stalls. Donations for the members' craft stall are gratefully received and please pass onto Frances or Heather before the event. It was a great fundraiser last year with members and guests buying some early Christmas pressies or just treating themselves to something homemade. The Winter Programme Schedule will be coming out soon so watch out for that. The Ladies Dinner and Prize Giving this year is taking place on Thursday, 11th October at 7.30 pm and the AGM on the following Thursday, 18th October also at 7.30 pm. Watch the notice board for the dinner menu and form for putting your name down and also for all AGM notices. Hope to see you all at these events. The Ladies Committee would like to congratulate those who have done well throughout the season, those who celebrated new arrivals to their family and condolences to those who have lost dear ones. Page 4
Seniors Seniors League Table Club Pld W D L Pts Falkirk Tryst 8 4 4 0 12 Ratho Park 8 5 0 3 10 Falkirk 8 4 2 2 10 Alloa 8 5 0 3 10 Stirling 8 3 3 2 9 Dunblane 8 3 2 3 8 West Linton 8 3 1 4 7 Newbattle 8 1 1 6 3 Buch-Castle 8 1 1 6 3 We tried very hard to win the Seniors League Cup but we fell at the last hurdles. Our rivals the Tryst beat us to the post. We shared second place with two other clubs. It was a very close and most enjoyable season as you can see by the results. The League Presentation Day was held at Dunblane Golf Club on Monday the 3rd Sept, It was well attended by all the clubs. It was great to meet all the players that you meet during the season and had a good laugh about the shots that you missed or the putts that would not drop. If you are over 55yrs retired or in part time employment sign up to play eight of the best courses within a twenty mile radius. Juniors Our Junior Team won the James Ellis Shield for the 2nd year in a row against Kilsyth - a very close match 3-3 with Scott Heron winning a play-off match to win the Shield. The team was - Cameron Walker, George Cannon, Tyler Morgan, Calum Erskine, Euan Simpson and Scott Heron with an average age of our team of 11. A great achievement. The James Ellis Shield a match play league organised by Stirlingshire Golf Union. It is a team of 6, playing off handicap. Players must be under 18 on 1st January 2012 and have an official CONGU handicap Stuart Murray won his second Open of the season winning our own Gents Open (Mitchell Trophy) and Stuart Irving came 4th in the scratch. Page 5
Greenkeeping News Oh dear, can t go forward, don t know how to reverse, daren t tell Matt I m stuck... Who can I call who won t shop me Gary he ll not do anything to embarrass me like taking a photo of me stuck in a hole Ian s Dilemma Gary is Matt's number two and commonly referred to as the First Assistant. He has never been seen walking on his own accord as he tends to use the vast array of equipment to make his way around the course. Also a keen golfer, without any talent but with lots of enthusiasm, he is a much valued member of the team. He has just completed 25 years with the club, and we are grateful for his hard working and committed contribution over this time. Matt wishes to thank all those members who showed their support with contributions towards the annual greenkeepers medal. Great greens despite awful weather are only thanks to our hard working and skilled team. The gang are looking forward to working the course in drier weather next year. Page 6
Pro Shop Is your equipment holding you back? Club fitting sessions are the only way to make sure you get the club that is right for you, Stewart has the leading fitting launch monitor in Flightscope and is offering fitting sessions. Come in and see our Autumn sale offers YMG junior golf clothing is now reduced to clear at 7.50 per garment You can contact Stewart directly at the Pro-Shop on 01324 612219 or email at stewartcraiggolfpro@gmail.com Or why not pop into the shop, and see what takes your fancy! Remember, Members are entitled to a discount at Forthview Golf Range. Page 7
The 200 Club August 2012 Winners Winner 30 th August Anne Hendry (151) ( 100) Winner 23 rd August Derek Symon (218) ( 100) Winner 16 th August Shiela Dixon (179) ( 100) Winner 9 th August Gillies Guthrie (156) ( 100) Winner 2 nd August Michael Quarrell (243) ( 100) Current Membership 157 Membership only 5 per month Anyone who wishes to join can sign up through the website or by contacting John Bennett on johnzbennett@hotmail.co.uk or phone 01324 716489 or Mel Bryce on mel@mbryce.freeserve.co.uk or phone 01324 718885 / mobile 07803897981. Forms are also available behind the bar. Open to members, friends, relatives and visitors Page 8
Don t miss out All 10 including Sandwich Buffet! Book your places at the Club Bar. Page 9