Ladies' amateur golf has changed

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for the better, says coach Craggs

FROM THE SCOTSMAN WEBSITE

By MARTIN DEMPSTER

The latest staging of the Helen Holm Scottish Ladies' Open Stroke Play Championship at Troon provided conclusive proof the face of ladies' golf has been changed for good.
And, without wanting to cause any offence to the players who did their bit for the Scottish game over the years – Belle Robertson in particular springs to mind – it's certainly a change for the better.

My first real experience of women's amateur Golf came more than 20 years ago. I was a junior reporter on my local newspaper in Berwickshire and one of our readers, Gay Buchanan from Eyemouth – the sister of former Kenyan Open winner Craig Maltman – qualified to represent Scotland in the (now defunct] Ford Women's Home Internationals at Royal Lytham.

I went down to Lancashire to caddie for her and recall the journey well, due to the fact it took us a lot longer than it should have because we initially ended up in Stockport instead of Southport. George Will, who played in three Ryder Cups in the 1960s, captained the Scottish team that week and, to this day, it remains one of the many marvellous experiences golf has provided me over the years due mainly to the friendly nature of everyone involved.

All the players who took part in that event were – and I sincerely hope I don't upset anyone with this recollection – a fair bit older than me and, at the time, I didn't give it a thought.

Catriona Lambert, as she was at the time, was probably the first younger woman I really came across on a golf course yet even the current Ricoh Women's British Open champion would surely be surprised to see so many players under the age of 18 in the field for the Helen Holm event played over Troon Portland and, for the final day, Royal Troon.

Kevin Craggs, pictured above by Cal Carson Golf Agency, the national coach of the Scottish Ladies Golf Association, believes the women's game is making great progress.

"It is becoming attractive to watch," he said, "and, while the cynics out there may have said in the past that it was a case of 'all gear and no idea', now it's 'all gear and a bloody good idea'."

That is definitely the case with the 15-year-old Maguire twins, Leona and Lisa, from Ireland. They played in a professional event at the age of 12 and Shane O'Grady, their coach, remarked at the time: "I've never coached anyone that good at that age. They are exceptionally good. They have the maturity of 17-year-old boys."

A year after finishing first and third, the Maguires tied for sixth on this occasion in the Helen Holm and look to have exciting futures ahead of them.

Scotland also has some promising young talent coming through, the likes of Kelsey MacDonald, Louise Kenney and Pamela Pretswell having good reason to be looking over their shoulders at the progress being made younger players such as Rachael Watton, Alyson McKechin, Gabrielle MacDonald, Ailsa Summers and Lesley Atkins.

Watch out for some of them being in the frame when the Curtis Cup comes to Nairn in 2012.

"For so long Scotland has prided itself on tradition but the wheel is finally turning," added Craggs, who has worked with the SLGA for the past four years and was delighted to see both Carly Booth and Kylie Walker show they had games that were good enough to earn Ladies European Tour cards this season.

"People still understand the values of tradition but they are also seeing the importance of progression and that's a big thing for me."

Strength and conditioning work as well as nutrition is also playing a far bigger role.

"The days of women's golf being a game where they tickled it up the middle and relied on being good pitch and putters to make their score are gone," said Craggs. "They are ball strikers who can shift the ball a fair distance off the tee."

Over the years we have often heard women golfers being criticised for lacking creativity with their shots but, on Sunday, we saw players showing wonderful imagination as they produced a variety of shots on an Open Championship course.

"I'm really excited about the direction women's golf is heading," continued Craggs, "and, when we were lucky enough to have Catriona Matthew with us on a training trip to Spain, she said a wonderful thing that was a compliment to the players. She told them that when she first went on the Tour she had to learn her apprenticeship but nowadays she believes the top amateurs have the tools to do well straight away in the professional game, something that's been proved by the likes of Anna Nordqvist."

East Lothian Spring

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Meeting

The East Lothian Girls Spring Meeting took place at Haddington Golf Club.
On a bright but cold day the scratch prize and East Lothian Girls Strokeplay Championships went to Keren Ward (North Berwick) with a fantastic 75.
In the handicap event the first prize went to Lara Frostwick (Gullane Ladies) with a nett score of 69 winning on the better inward half from her clubmate Rachel McAnany.
Below are selected scores from the day
Par – 73, CSS – 72
East Lothian Girls Strokeplay Championship and scratch prize -
Keren Ward - 75 (5) 70
1st Handicap – Lara Frostwick – 87 (18) 69 BIH
2nd Handicap – Rachel McAnany – 116 (47) 69
3rd Handicap – Clara Young – 76 (6) 70
4th Handicap – Jenny Sewell - 88 (13) 75

Some of the competitors at Largs Golf Club on Sunday.

Ayrshire Girls' Spring Medal

Rachel Irvine, pictured right, playing over her home course, won the Ayrshire girls' spring medal at Largs Golf Club on Sunday, but only on the better inward half from Grace Mackie of Troon. Both returned net 75s, Rachel off 15, Grace off 17.
Nine girls competed in the 18-hole competition, while 13 pre-handicap girls played 10 holes from forward junior tees.
Results
Silver Division
1st Rachel Irvine (Largs) 90 (15) 75 bih
2nd Grace Mackie (Troon Ladies) 92 (17) 75.
Bronze Division
1st Hope Lyden (Skelmorlie) 115 (35) 80.
2nd Alexandra Brown (Turnberry) 115 (31) 84.

Pre-Handicap
10-11 years 12-13 years
1st Lindsay Scott (Troon Bentinck) ................ Megan McCaig (Barassie)
2nd Rachael Blair (Largs) ................................. Jemma Wylie (Barassie)
3rd Bethan Muir (Troon Bentinck) ................. Emma Paterson (Loudoun)

Midlothian's winning line-up (left to right): Rachael Watton, Kate McIntosh, Gabrielle Macdonald, Hannah Scott (reserve) and Gillian Simpson (image courtesy of Tracy Laughland).

MIDLOTHIAN GOLF GIRLS MAKE IT FIVE

IN A ROW AT CUTHBERTSON CUP

Midlothian Under-18 girls golf team have won the Cuthbertson Cup for the fifth year in a row. They beat Fife 3 1/2-1/2 in the final at Ratho Park while East Lothian beat Stirling & Clackmannan 2-0 in the play-off for third place in cold and wet conditions.
In the semi-finals, Midlothian beat Stirling & Clackmannan 4-0, and Fife had a 2 1/2-1 1/2 win over East Lothian.
Results:
Semi-finals
MIDLOTHIAN 4, STIRLING & CLACKMANNAN 0
Rachael Watton bt Alison Goodwin 5 and 4.
Gabrielle Macdonald bt Alexis Hutton 5 and 3.
Gillian Simpson bt Tiffiny Wood 5 and 3.
Kate McIntosh bt Nicole Underhill 4 and 2.

FIFE 2 1/2, EAST LOTHIAN 1 1/2
Rachael Hanlon halved with Keren Ward.
Samantha Munro lost to Clara Young 1 hole.
Lauren Whyte bt Catherine Small 8 and 7.
Shannen McGuire bt Jenny Sewell 3 and 2.

Final
MIDLOTHIAN 3 1/2, FIFE 1/2
Rachael Watton halved with Rachel Hanlon.
Gabrielle Macdonald beat Samantha Munro 5 and 4.
Gillian Simpson beat Lauren Whyte 3 and 2.
Kate McIntosh beat Shannen McGuire 5 and 3.

Third-place play-off

EAST LOTHIAN 2, STIRLING & CLACKMANNAN 0
Keren Ward & Clara Young bt Alison Goodwin & Tiffiny Wood 5 and 4.
Catherine Small & Jenny Sewell bt Alexis Hutton & Beth Donaghue 5 and 4.

Ann and Alex Peters, winners of the Mothers & Daughters foursomes for a third year in a row (images by courtesy of Sally Phipps Hornby, a member of Royal Mid Surrey GC).

A MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS’
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HAT-TRICK FOR PETERS

By JO THESIGER
Sixteen-year-old, Alexander Peters and her mother Ann from Notts Ladies were in unbeatable form as they claimed their third successive victory in the Mothers and Daughters 27-hole scratch foursomes at Royal Mid Surrey Golf Club on SaturdaY.
Alex, the Daily Telegraph Junior Champion, who plays off plus-two, played immaculately with her five-handicap mother, to score a virtually flawless level par 71 in their morning round. The only blot on their card, a double bogey 6 on the long par 4, 14th hole was completely hidden by their three birdies on the back nine on the 11th, 13th and 16th.
The Peters, who have played in the event for the last six years, were delighted with their lowest 18-hole score, which gave them a six-shot lead ahead of their playing partners Sue and Hayley Todd from Royal Ashdown Forest, who carded a creditable round of 77, and Elizabeth and Flora McPhail from Frilford Heath who also scored six-over-par in the morning.
Alex’s mother, Ann Peters, admitted that nerves got the better of her in the afternoon, and blamed herself for the pair squandering a few shots to finish with a disappointing six-over-par, 41, over the remaining nine holes .
Nevertheless, their magnificent morning round had given the holders an unassailable lead which the other contenders were unable to catch.
Jennifer Fallows and Kathryn McGawley from Manchester played the best golf of the afternoon with a two-over-par 37, to finish in second place, a position they have had to settle for on several occasions before!
With many young golfers competing this year, it was the very youngest, Martha Lewis, aged only ten, who outplayed the large field of 64 couples with her mother Evelyn to score a brilliant 123 gross, net 99, to win the 27-hole handicap prize. It was an outstanding, nerveless, performance by the minute Martha, a 23-handicapper, who said the highlight of their round was a 2 on the par-3 sixth, followed by another birdie on the par-5 seventh hole!
Alex Peters was also ten when she first played in the Mothers and Daughters and to have won a hat-trick of titles by the age of 16 is a remarkable feat that has never been achieved before. Ann Peters praised her daughter’s golf, admitting in her winner’s speech, that she was very lucky to have such a brilliant partner.
“Any mother playing with Alex would win!” said Mrs Peters modestly.
FINAL TOTALS
27 holes foursomes
Par 71 (18 holes) and 35 (nine holes): 106
112 Ann Peters (Notts Ladies) & Alexandra Peters (Notts Ladies) 71 & 41.
116 Jennifer Fallows (Manchester) & Kathryn McGawley (Manchester) 79 & 37.
117 Elizabeth McPhail (Frilford Heath) & Flora McPhail (Frilford Heath) 77 & 40; Christine Griffith (Walton Heath) & Charlotte Griffith (Walton Heath) 79 & 38.
118 Sue Todd (Royal Ashdown Forest) & Hayley Todd (Royal Ashdown Forest) 77 & 41.
121 Bea Cummins (Parkstone) & Carly Cummins (Parkstone) 79 & 42; Gillian Atwood (Gog Magog) & Sarah Atwood (Gog Magog) 78 & 43.
122 Sue Stradling (Worplesdon) & Annie Stradling (Worplesdon) 82 & 40; Wendy Laud (Thurlestone) & Katie Fewster (Worplesdon) 83 & 39.
123 Evelyn Lewis (St George's Hill) & Martha Lewis (St George's Hill) 83 & 40; Pat Huntley (Frilford Heath) & Sarah Webb (Frilford Heath) 82 & 41.
124 Judy Kendall (Wentworth) & Vicky MacDonald (Worplesdon) 83 & 41; Linda Sneath (Puttenham) & Hannah Sneath (Puttenham) 83 & 41; Vi Dolton (Basingstoke) & Diana Holt (Basingstoke) 84 & 40; Jill Thornhill (Walton Heath) & Caroline Weeks (Walton Heath) 83 & 41;
Elaine Barrow (Brockenhurst Manor) & Laura Barrow (Brockenhurst Manor) 85 & 39.
125 Barbara Round (Tadmarton Heath) & Sam Round (Cotswold Hills) 81 & 44; Elsie Provan (East Herts) & Sarah Saggers (East Herts) 86 & 39.
126 Jenny Hamilton (Dartford) & Nicole Hamilton (Dartford) 84 & 42; Alison Taylor (Walton Heath) & Katie Taylor (Walton Heath) 81 & 45; Sue Heeles (Royal Norwich) & Rebecca Heeles (Royal Norwich) 85 & 41.

Prizewinners at Portlethen (left to right): Becky Flaherty, Louise McGillivary, Shannon McWilliam, Olivia Borwick, Eve Manson. Image by Cal Carson; click on it to enlarge.

WEE SHANNON (only 10) WINS SHIRE

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GIRLS' OPENER AT PORTLETHEN

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Shannon McWilliam, a 10-year-old from Aboyne Golf Club with 22 of a handicap, won the first event of the 21st consecutive year of organised Aberdeenshire girls' golf competitions.

Shannon, pictured right, who lives at Torphins, totalled 38 Stableford points at Portlethen Golf Club today to be the overall winner with a scorecard which included a gross birdie at the 489yd 13th hole where the pint-sized youngster managed to hit the green in two shots and two putt. It gave her a net 2 at the hole and earned her 5pt under the Stableford scoring sytem.

Shannon, who will be competing in the Wee Wonders world final in the United States this summer, had a gross score of 93 (48-45) for a net 71 over the par-73 women's course at Portlethen.

Louise McGillivary (Banchory) won the Silver Dvision with 37pt off seven, while another Banchory junior, Becky Flaherty, had the best points score of 37 off 26 in the Bronze Division.

LEADING POINTS SCORES

Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne) (22) 38pt

Louise McGillivary (Banchory) (7), Becky Flaherty (Banchory) (26) 37pt

Eve Manson (Deeside) (21) 36pt

Olivia Borwick (McDonald Ellon) (17) , Lauren Watson (Deeside) (24) 34pt

Kirsten MacCallum (Newburgh) (10), Sophie Alexander (Deeside) (6) 33pt

Fiona Sutherland (Deeside) (28) 28pt

Hannah Bycroft (Alford) (14) 27pt

Caroline Campbell (Aberdeen Ladies) (29) 26pt.

AILSA SUMMERS KEEPS

ANGUS GIRLS' TITLE

Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies) has retained the Angus girls golf championship at Montrose. She beat Heather Munro (Monifieth) by 8 and 7 in the rearranged final which was postponed due to bad weather on April 6. Summers took a grip on the outcome when she covered the first nine holes in two-under-par 34.

Ailsa is pictured by Cal Carson Golf Agency; click on image to enlarge.

Aberdeen girl Gemma runner-up in Florida

despite a 9 in her second round

US-based Aberdeen teenager Gemma Dryburgh finished runner-up in an international field for the Innisbrook Easter Junior championship near Tampa, Florida.
Gemma, who had four birdies in each of her last two rounds, had scores of 81, 77 and 74 over a tough, 6,250yd course, for a total of 232.
She was very unfortunate in the second round on her 16th hole, hitting a cart path which kicked her ball into a lateral hazard and then having to take a drop from a greenside bunker when her ball was unplayable and initially thought to be lost. She finished with a costly 9 at the par-5 hole.
The four shots dropped at that one hole came back to haunt her because she finished four shots behind the winner, Lauren Grogan from Jack Nicklaus's home town of Columbus, Ohio. Lauren scored 75, 73 and 80 for 228.
Dryburgh finished seven shots ahead of the third-placed Fazella Sukho (78-81-80 for 239) and Clara Teixeira (Brazil), who came fourth, was farther back on 243 (83-83-77).

Prizewinners from left to right:- Rachael Watton , Kate McIntosh, Rosie Everett, Chloe Goadby & Tiffany Wood

Chloe Goadby (St Regulus) wins East of Scotland

Girls’ spring meeting at Pitreavie, Dunfermline

Twelve-year-old new member Chloe Goadby from the St Regulus club, St Andrews took the overall prize at the East of Scotland Girls' Golf Association spring meeting at Pitreavie Golf Club, Dunfermline on Monday.
Chloe showed her potential for the future with a brilliant net score of 62 off a handicap of 19.

The glorious sunshine and almost perfect playing conditions produced some great scores. Rachael Watton from Mortonhall won the scratch prize with an excellent three under par round of 69. Rachael just missed out on equalling the course record of five under the par, held by Scotland international Louise Kenney, whose home course is Pitreavie).

Rachael misjudged her approach to the two-tiered 18th green, leaving herself an impossible Augusta-like downhill putt. Rachael then had to settle for her par rather than an eagle.

Other prize winners were:

Net score prizewinners:

Under-18s - Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) 68.

Under-16s - Tiffany Wood (Glenbervie) 67.

Under-14s - Rosie Everett ( Craigielaw) 66.

Full Net Results :-
(Par 72 SSS 71 CSS 70)
Chloe Goadby 81 (19) 62
Rosie Everett 83 (17) 66
Tiffany Wood 80 (13) 67
Lauren Whyte 75 (8) 67
Rachael Watton 69 (2) 67
Catherine Small 80 (12) 68
Kate McIntosh 74 (6) 68
Alexandra Tait 83 (14) 69
Catherine Goodwin 99 (29) 70
Clara Young 79 (8) 71
Alison Goodwin 78 (7) 71
Rachel Hanlon 75 (3) 72
Shannen McGuire 81 (8) 73
Gabrielle Macdonald 76 (3) 73
Nicola Taylor 82 (8) 74
Sam Munro 80 (5) 75
Hannah Scott 83 (8) 75
Sophie Maguire 93 (16) 77
Gillian Simpson 84 (5) 79
Katherine Fisher 109 (27) 82
Jennifer Allan NR
Kirsty Simpson NR

Stephanie Meadow keeps in the GB&I

Curtis Cup team picture with US win

United States-based Stephanie Meadow kept herself in the GB&I Curtis Cup selectors' thoughts by winning the AJGA Junior tournament Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club, Palm Harbour, Florida.
Stephanie, who had her 18th birthday on January 20 and hails from Jordanstown, Northern Ireland and is a member at Royal Portrush, had rounds of 72, 69 and 70 for a one-over-par total of 211.
She won by two shots from Ginger Howard.
Teenager Stephanie, a member of the GB&I I preliminary squad for the match against the Americans at Essex County Club in June, will be stepping up from the Hank Haney Junior Golf Academy at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, to the University of Alabama in the autumn.
FINAL TOTALS
Par 216 (3x72) 5800yds
1 Stephanie Meadow Jordanstown, Northern Ireland 72-69-70--211
2 Ginger Howard Bradenton, Fla. 74-68-71--213
3 A.J. Newell Tampa, Fla. 72-66-77--215
T4 Doris Chen Bradenton, Fla. 77-67-72--216
T4 Kelly Shon Port Washington, N.Y. 70-71-75--216
T4 Simin Feng Orlando, Fla. 71-73-72--216
7 Jaye Marie Green Boca Raton, Fla. 73-71-73--217
8 Robbi Howard Bradenton, Fla. 73-75-70--218
T9 Vivian Tsui Markham, ON 74-72-74--220
T9 Hally Leadbetter Bradenton, Fla. 75-74-71--220
11 Annie Park Levittown, N.Y. 74-73-74--221
12 Yueer Cindy Feng Orlando, Fla. 77-73-72--222
13 Anna Newell Tampa, Fla. 72-78-75--225
T14 Daniela Ordonez Bogota, Colombia 75-72-79--226
T14 Monifa Sealy Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla. 78-72-76--226
T14 Laura Camila Blanco Trujillo Bogota D.C., Colombia 72-74-80--226
T14 Michelle Butler Dunedin, Fla. 70-75-81--226
T18 Christina Foster Concord, ON 76-78-73--227
T18 Silvia Garces Cali, Colombia 76-76-75--227
T18 Ri Hyang Park Hilton Head Island, S.C. 77-73-77--227
T18 Nicole Quinn Windermere, Fla. 76-73-78--227
22 Amira Alexander Alpharetta, Ga. 78-74-76--228
T23 Heather Proctor Silver Spring, Fla. 78-76-75--229
T23 Lauren Coughlin Chesapeake, Va. 76-75-78--229
T25 Irene Jung Jacksonville, Fla. 75-78-77--230
T25 Suzie Lee East Northport, N.Y. 79-77-74--230
T25 Daniela Lendl Bradenton, Fla. 80-78-72--230
T28 Alexandra Milan Lutz, Fla. 77-74-80--231
T28 Samantha Marks Maitland, Fla. 82-73-76--231
T30 Brogan McKinnon Mississauga, ON 78-75-79--232
T30 Tisha Alyn Abrea Murrieta, Calif. 80-77-75--232
T30 Audrey Monssoh Howey in the Hills, Fla. 76-76-80--232
T30 Cristina McQuiston Amherst, Mass. 79-79-74--232
34 Noriko Inoue Bluffton, S.C. 73-83-77--233
T35 Bailey Cocca Latham, N.Y. 79-76-79--234
T35 Vivian Hsuan Chen Bradenton, Fla. 83-74-77--234
T35 Kristine Odaiyar Ocala, Fla. 79-75-80--234

English pair lead Scottish U16 girls' open championship

England's Bronte Law and Elizabeth Mallett are leading the Scottish Under-16 girls' open stroke-play at Strathmore Golf Centre on 70 (2 under the par), one shot ahead of Brogan Townend and two shots ahead of Jessica Carty.
The leading Scot after the first round is Jessica Meek who shot a gross 73 off a handicap of 7. Her net score of 66 was the best of the day.

Full results available on:
http://www.golfbox.dk/livescoring/leaderboard.asp?tour={865D57D0-C743-4762-BB52-2D9D9297959D}&lang=1033

Angus County Ladies Junior Championship at Montrose Links

By AILEEN HUNTER
Another horrible day at Montrose today saw the semi finals being played, but the final postponed until Friday 16th April at 9am.
Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies) booked her place in the final with a 7&6 victory over Jemma Chalmers (Monifieth). Ailsa was level par at the end of the game - tremendous scoring in a howling gale and horizontal rain.
In the other semi, Heather Munro (Monifieth) beat Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies) by 3&2. This was a great win for 10 handicapper Heather over her 7 handicapped opponent.
So it's Ailsa v Heather in the final on 16th April.

ANGUS GIRLS' SPRING MEETING AND CHAMPIONSHIP
QUALIFIER AT MONTROSE

FROM AILEEN HUNTER
The scoring was high today over a very windy Montrose course. The winner of the spring meeting was Clare Robertson (Carnoustie Ladies) 92 (17) 75.
The 4 best scratch scorers who go on to contest the junior championship tomorrow are
Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies) 85
Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies) 88
Jemma Chalmers (Monifieth) 89
Heather Munro (Monifieth) 90
So tomorrow at 9am its Jessica v Heather and Jemma v Ailsa
The final is at 1.30pm.

SCOTS U16 GIRLS FACE STRONG
CHALLENGE AT STRATHMORE

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE SCOTTISH LADIES GOLFING ASSOCIATION
Lesley Atkins (Minto) and Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie) will be heading the home challenge at the SLGA Scottish Under-16 Open Strokeplay Championship at Strathmore Golf Club near Alyth on Thursday and Friday, April 8-9.
Last season, 14-year-old Lesley underlined her potential by reaching the quarter-finals of the Scottish Ladies’ Amateur Championship at Southerness, while Ailsa is the reigning Scottish Schools’ Champion. Both youngsters played for Scotland in last year’s European Girls’ Team Championship.
Lesley was the leading Scot when she finished fourth in the Under-16 Open last year, and the prestigious Championship has attracted an exceptionally strong entry from south of the border.
Woburn’s Lauren Taylor is the back marker with a plus two handicap, while Bramhall’s Bronte Law is plus one and Brogan Townend (Pleasington) plays off scratch. Lesley and Ailsa, who was 16 in January, both play off three.
The Championship is over 36 holes with one round on Thursday and another on Friday.

KELSEY'S CONQUEROR RETAINS FRENCH U21 TITLE

Ireland's 15-year-old Leona Maguire, conqueror of Scottish Under-21 champion Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) by 2 and 1 in the first round, retained the French Under-21 girls golf championship at Paris St Cloud Golf Club today.
The twin from the Slieve Russell club beat Norway's Tonje Daffinrud by 3 and 2 in the 36-hole final.
Kelsey, the No 32 qualifier for the match-play stages, gave Leona, the No 1 seed, arguably her toughest test of the championship, which should count in her favour with the GB&I Curtis Cup team selectors.

Leona Maguire in French Under-21 final for second

year in a row after win over Hayley Davis

Defending champion and No 1 seed, 15-year-old Leona Maguire from the Slieve Russell Club, Ireland, is through to the final of the French Under-21 girls championship for the second year in a row at Paris St Cloud Golf Club.
Leona, conqueror of Scottish Under-21 champion for the past two years, Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar & Stirling University) by 2 and 1 in the first round contested by the 32 qualifiers for the match-play stages, has gone on to reach the final in impressive style.
In today's quarter-finals she beat England's sole survivor, Hayley Davis, by 2 and 1 and then entered Monday's 36-hole final with a 4 and 3 win over French hope Lea Charpier.
Leona's opponent in the final will be Norway's Tonje Daffinrund who beat the very highly rated Czech Republic girl, Klara Spilkova by one hole in the semi-finals.
Leona Maguire's twin sister, Lisa reached the last eight before losing to Klara Spilkova.
TODAY'S RESULTS
Quarter-finals
Leona Maguire (Ireland) bt Hayley Davis (England) 2 and 1.
Lea Charpier (France) bt Rocio Sanchez (Spain) at 20th.
Klara Spilkova (Czech Republic) bt Lisa Maguire (Ireland) 3 and 2.
Tonje Daffinrud (Norway) beat Manon Gidali (France) 1 hole.
Semi-finals
Leona Maguire bt Lea Charpier 4 and 3.
Tonje Daffinrud bt Klara Spilkova 1 hole.

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE ENGLISH WOMEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION
England’s Hayley Davis bowed out of the French lady junior championship at St Cloud when she lost 3/1 in the quarter final to title-holder Leona Maguire.
Hayley, 17, (Ferndown) was playing in this event for the first time and was England’s sole survivor at this stage of the tournament. She made a great start to her match, winning the first three holes, but was pegged back by the Irish girl who, although younger, is vastly more experienced.
The 15-year old is already a GB&I international, helped Ireland win the European girls’ team championship last season and is also the reigning Scottish open strokeplay champion. However, Hayley kept the fight going, helped by a chip-in for an eagle on the 15th – and she won high praise from Linda Bayman, the English Women’s Golf Association performance director.
“Hayley came here for experience and has moved up notches and notches this week. She gave an extremely polished performance and has huge potential. She can play all the shots and she’s got an absolutely beautiful putting stroke,” she said.
Hayley is an England girl international and last year won the 2009 Scottish U16 strokeplay championship and the Liphook Scratch Cup, while reaching the semi-finals of the English girls’ championship and the quarter-finals of the British girls.
She is a member of the English Women’s Golf Association Performance squad.
Leona Maguire went on to win her semi-final again Lea Charpier of France 4/3. In the final she plays Tonje Daffinrud of Norway, who defeated Klara Spilkova (Cze) 1 up in her semi-final.

Faldo Series

A Record Number of Young Golfers Enter the 2010 Faldo Series Europe

Almost 2,000 of Europe’s leading young golfers will follow in the footsteps of Rory McElroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, Oliver Fisher and Melissa Reid when they tee up in the 2010 Faldo Series Europe which began with the opening event at Frilford Heath Golf Club, Oxfordshire, on March 31–April 1.

McIlroy, Dougherty, Warren, Fisher, and Reid all won at least one event on previous Faldo Series’ before using their experiences to help them to forge successful professional careers.

McIlroy, a Faldo Series champion in both 2004 and 2006, is currently the Touring Professional at the Lough Erne Resort in Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, which recently became the European Home of the Faldo Series and which will stage both a Faldo Series Ireland Championship on May 24-25 and the 2010 Faldo Series Grand Final on September 21-23.

The Faldo Series was created by six-time Major champion, Sir Nick Faldo, back in 1996 to help to identify and nurture the next generations of young champions and with his support and with the help of the likes of The R&A, the European Tour, and Lough Erne Resort it has developed into one of the most prestigious events on the youth golfing calendar.

This year’s Faldo Series Europe comprises a record 16 events in England, Greece, Northern Ireland, Poland, Russia, Scotland, Slovakia, The Netherlands and Wales and comes hard on the heels of the successful 2009 Faldo Series Asia which comprised 15 tournaments in 12 countries across Asia and the Middle East and culminated in March when Japan’s Masamichi Ito won the Grand Final over the Faldo Course at Mission Hills Golf Club in China.

Ito, 2010 Faldo Series Asia Girls’ champion Thidapa Suwannapura from Thailand, and the other age group champions at Mission Hills, have all been invited to the 2010 Faldo Series Europe Grand Final at The Lough Erne Resort where they will come face to face with the winners from all 16 tournaments that lead into this year’s Grand Final. 

“I am delighted to announce this year’s Faldo Series Europe has been extended to include new events in Greece, Slovakia and The Netherlands and will see more players participating than ever before,” said Faldo.

“It is very encouraging and it’s particularly pleasing to see a significant increase in the number of girls entering the Series,” he added. “It all bodes well for what I am sure will be an excellent Series and a tremendous Grand Final at the new home of the Faldo Series Europe at Lough Erne Resort.”

The Race to Lough Erne starts with the opening event at
Frilford Heath, Oxfordshire, on March 31-April 1
and then takes in further Championships at
Moortown Golf Club, Yorkshire (April 7-8),
West Lancs Golf Club, Lancashire (April 22-23),
Walton Heath Golf Club, Surrey (May 5-6),
Royal Ashdown Forest, East Sussex (May 18-19),
Lough Erne Resort, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland (May 24-25),
Le Meridien Moscow Country Club, Russia (June 8-10),
Notts Golf Club, Nottinghamshire (June 9-10),
The Roxburghe Golf and Country Club, Kelso, Scotland (June 23-24),
Goyer Golf and Country Club, near Amsterdam, The Netherlands (July 21-21),
Costa Navarino Resort, Messinia, Greece (July 26-28),
The Vale Resort, near Cardiff, Wales (August 17-18),
Black Stork Golf Resort, Velka Lomnica, Slovakia (August 24-26),
Trentham Park Golf Club, Staffordshire (August 25-26)
and a Faldo Series South America Championship (tbc) .

All age group winners (Boys’ Under-21, Boys’ Under-18, Boys’ Under-16, Girls’ Under-21 and Girls’ Under-16) then progress to the 2010 Faldo Series Europe Grand Final at the Lough Erne Resort, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland (September 21-23), where they will come face to face with the winners from the 2010 Faldo Series Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills.

Sir Nick Faldo created the Faldo Series (charity number 1102719) back in 1996 and it now comprises over 30 tournaments in more than 25 countries in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Each year over 5,000 talented young boys and girls aged between 12 and 21 benefit from a unique combination of tournament experience and expert advice, including support and advice from Sir Nick Faldo himself. The Faldo Series also aims to create access to the sport for a younger audience through a number of grass-roots initiatives. 
For more information about the Faldo Series Europe call+44 (0)1753 829711 or visit www.nickfaldo.com.

Ireland name girls for Paris and Scottish Under-16 stroke-play

FROM THE IRISH LADIES GOLF UNION WEBSITE
The following selections have been made to represent Ireland at upcoming International events:

French Under-21 Championship at St Cloud Golf Club, Paris (April 1 to 5)
Sarah Cunningham (Ennis)
Leona Maguire (Slieve Russell)
Lisa Maguire (Slieve Russell)
Aedin Murphy (Carlow)

Scottish Under-16 Stroke Play Championships at Strathmore Golf Centre, Blairgowrie (April 8-9).
Jessica Carty (Hollywood)
Ariana Coyle-Diaz (Elm Park)
Laura Fekkes (Larne)
Collette McNicholl (Royal Portrush)
Emma Murphy (Wexford)
Jean O'Driscoll (Muskerry)

Managers: Ber Murphy (Castletroy) & Marie Collins (Headfort)

GEMMA PLACED FOURTH IN RAIN-HIT FLORIDA

US-based Aberdeen teenager Gemma Dryburgh was placed fourth in the IMGA/DLGA girls' golf championship after the weekend bad weather which hit Florida stopped the tournament for good after only six holes of the second round on Sunday at IMG Academies Golf & Country Club, Bradenton.
Gemma had a score of 74 in the first round, three shots behind leader Ginger Howard.

Gemma lying 4th in United States after solid 74

United States-based Aberdeen teenager Gemma Dryburgh is back in action again this weekend at the IMGA/DLGA Girls' Championship, played at the IMG Academies Golf & Country Club in Florida.

Gemma, pictured, is lying fourth in an international field after a two-over-par opening round of 74, three shots off the pace.
TOP TEN LEADERBOARD

Par 72
Ginger Howard (Bradenton, Florida) 71
Nelly Korda (Bradenton, Florida) 73.

Sammi Stevens (Hereferd, Texas) 73.

Gemma Dryburgh (Aberdeen, Scotland) 74.

Irene Jung (Bedford, Canada) 75.

Marika Liu (Beverly Hills, California) 75.

Katerina Krasova Ricany (Czech Republic) 76.

Katerina Prorokova Roznov (Czech Republic) 76.

Pei-Chun Chen (Bradenton Florida) 77.

Cristina McQuiston (Rome, Italy) 78.

Robbi Howard (Bradenton, Florida) 78.

Gemma down the field in Kathy Whitworth Invitational

Aberdeen teenager Gemma Dryburgh was not at her best in a quality field for the Kathy Whitworth Invitational, one of the leading girls' tournaments of the junior winter season in the United States.
In the two-round event, hosted by the former LPGA Tour star, at Mira Vista Country Club, Fort Worth in Texas, Gemma had rounds of 86 and 82 for a total of 168.
American Emily Collins and Tanaporn Kongkiatkri tied at the head of the leaderboard on 147. Emily, who earlier had rounds of 74 and 73, won the play-off. Tanaporn had scored 72 and 75 in regulation play.
LEADING FINAL TOTALS
147 Emily Collins 74 73, Tanaporn Kongkiatkri 72 75 (Collins won play-off).
148 Ai Myazawa 76 72.
151 Amy Ruengmatekhun 71 80.
152 Sierra Sims 77 75, Mariana Sims 75 77, Sammi Stevens 77 75, Morgan Thompson 77 75.
Selected scores:
161 Daniela Lendl 75 86.
162 Hally Leadbetter 79 83.
168 Gemma Dryburgh 86 82.

Gemma begins with an 86 in Kathy Whitworth Invitational

Aberdeen's Gemma Dryburgh made a disappointing start to the Kathy Whitworth Junior Invitational tournament at Mirta Vista Country Club, Fort Worth in Texas yesterday.
She had a first round of 86 to be 15 shots behind the leader, Amy Ruengmateekhun from Texas.
LEADING SCORES
71 Amy Ruyengmateekhun (Texas).
72 Tanaporn Kongkiatkrai (Thailand).
74 April McCoy (Texas), Emily Collins (Texas), Summer Roachell (Arkansas).
75 Daniela Lendl (Florida), Mariana Sims (Texas), Monifa Sealy (Trinidad & Tobabo), Talia Campbell (Texas).
Selected score:
86 Gemma Dryburgh (Scotland).

Rachel Polson tops Academy Winter Series Order of Merit

SCOTTISH GOLF ACADEMY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Under-16 Girls' Winter Series
Final Order of Merit

1 Rachel Polson (Peterculter) 4 665.00 (pictured)
2 Ailsa Bain (Peebles) 4 615.00
3 Clara Young (North Berwick) 4 600.00
4 Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) 4 585.00
5 Connie Jaffrey (West Kilbride) 3 573.33
6 Samantha Munro (Aberdour) 3 510.83
T7 Eilidh Watson (Muckhart) 3 425.00
T7 Linsey Stevenson (Elie & Earlsferry) 3 425.00
9 Tara McTaggart Minto 3 423.33
10 Lauren Whyte St Regulus 2 415.00
T11 Jessica Meek Carnoustie Ladies 3 340.00
T11 Hannah McCook Abernethy 2 340.00
13 Eleanor Tunn Reay 3 332.50
14 Mhairi McKay West Kilbride 2 280.00
15 Alison Goodwin Glenbervie 2 195.00
Dates and venues of competitions:
Event 1 - Nairn Dunbar, October 18, 2009.
Event 2 - Whitekirk, November 22, 2009.
Event 3 - Eden course, St Andrews, February 7, 2010.
Event 4 - Forrester Park, March 7.
+Under-16 boys' Final Order of Merit table is on www.scottishgolfview.com

SLGA Under 16s Championship at Strathmore

FROM THE SLGA WEBSITE
Entries for the SLGA Under 16 Open Stroke Play Championship are now closed. The event has once again been over subscribed with 108 entries for 102 places. Entrants with a handicap of 20 or better have been entered into the draw which will be posted to competitors in the next couple of days. Those with handicaps higher than 20 will be given the opportunity to be placed on the waiting list.

SLGA name teams for stroke-play tournaments

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE SCOTTISH LADIES GOLFING ASSOCIATION
The SLGA is pleased to announce the following teams to represent Scotland:

SLGA Under 16 Open Stroke Play Championship, Strathmore Golf Centre, April 8-9:
Team 1: Lesley Atkins (Minto), Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies), Clara Young (North Berwick).
Team 2: Connie Jaffray (West Kilbride), Tara Mactaggart (Minto), Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies).
Reserves: 1 Linsey Stevenson (Elie & Earlsferry Ladies), 2 Lauren Whyte (St Regulus)

Helen Holm Scottish Open Stroke Play Championship, Troon, April 23-25:
Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle).
Reserves: 1 Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), 2 Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm)

Welsh Ladies' Open Amateur 54 Hole Stroke Play Championship, Southerndown Golf Club, May 1-2:
Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Laura Murray (Alford), Jane Turner (Craigielaw).
Travelling reserve: Rachael Watton (Mortonhall)

Irish Ladies' Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship, Newlands Golf Club, June 5-6:

Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm), Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Jane Turner (Craigielaw).

Travelling reserve: Laura Murray (Alford).

Reserve: Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar)

England sending strong squad
-
to Strathmore for Scottish U16
-
girls' open stroke-play

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE ENGLISH WOMEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION

Two national girls’ champions are included in the English Women’s Golf Association squad for the Scottish Under-16 girls' open stroke-play championship at Strathmore Golf Centre near Blairgowrie, Perthshire from April 8-9.
They are English Under-15 champion Elizabeth Mallett (Sutton Coldfield Ladies), pictured by Cal Carson Golf Agency, and the Under-13 title-holder, Georgia Hall (Ferndown). They are joined by: Bronte Law, (Bramhall), Emily Taylor (Royal Lytham & St Annes), Lauren Taylor (Woburn) and Brogan Townend, (Pleasington).
The teams for the Nations Cup competition are:
A – Bronte Law, Elizabeth Mallett and Lauren Taylor.
B – Georgia Hall, Emily Taylor, Brogan Townend.
In the 2009 championship, Dorset’s Hayley Davis (Ferndown) won the individual title and the England teams were first and second in the Nations Cup.
The squad:
Elizabeth Mallett, 15, won the 2009 English U15 title and was also runner-up at the British girls’ championship. She is a past winner of the English U16 schools’ title.
Georgia Hall, 13, won last year’s English U13 title and was runner-up in the South West girls’ championship. At the age of 12 she represented Dorset at County Finals.
Bronte Law, 15, is the English U18 strokeplay champion, the North of England U16 champion, the Northern girls’ champion and already this year has retained the Andalucia Junior European Open title.
Emily Taylor, 15, is the Lancashire ladies’ champion and has twice been runner-up in the English U15 championship. She represented England in last year’s European Young Masters.
Lauren Taylor, 15, is an England girl international and a past winner of the English U15 championship and the English U18 strokeplay title
Brogan Townend, 15, won the 2009 Faldo Series U16 title and was in Lancashire’s winning team at County Finals.
All the players are member of EWGA training squads.
Lyndsey Hewison
Press & PR Officer

England name top squad for Paris St Cloud event

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY ENGLISH WOMEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION
A top-class squad of national champions and internationals will represent the English Women’s Golf Association in the French Lady Juniors’ Championship at St Cloud from April 1-5.
It includes: English champion Charlie Douglass (Brocket Hall), English stroke-play champion Charlotte Wild (Mere), English girls’ champion Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa), 2008 English champion Hannah Barwood (Knowle), and 2009 Scottish U16 open stroke-play champion Hayley Davis (Ferndown).
Every member of the squad is either a full England international or a girl international and it is completed by Heidi Baek (Felixstowe Ferry), Nikki Foster (Pleasington), Alex Peters (Notts Ladies), Kelly Tidy (Royal Birkdale) and Hannah Turland (Tidworth Garrison).
The teams for the Vilmorin Cup, the nations’ cup competition, are:
1 Hannah Barwood, Holly Clyburn, Charlie Douglass.
2 Alex Peters, Kelly Tidy, Charlotte Wild.
Lyndsey Hewison
Press & PR Officer

Aberdeen girl sixth in Florida junior golf

Aberdeen teenager Gemma Dryburgh finished sixth in a strong field for the Future Collegians' World Tour's Plantation Inn Open at Crystal River, Florida at the weekend.
Gemma had rounds of 78 and 77 for 155 - six shots behind the American winner, Minami Levonovich (76-73).
She had two double bogeys over the 36 holes and two birdies, both at the long 11th.
Gemma is now lying third in the FCWT's standings for the season.

Cuthbertson Cup girls' draw for Ratho Park

By Martin Dempster (Edinburgh Evening News)
Midlothian will face Stirling & Clackmannan in the East Junior Girls' Inter-County Matches for the Cuthbertson Cup at Ratho Park next month.
East Lothian take on Fife in the other opening tie on Sunday, April 18, with the two winners meeting in the afternoon to decide the title.

New Midlothian squad member Arlene McGarty bounced back from a broken arm she suffered last autumn to win the Scottish Universities Ladies' Golf Association's Stableford competition at Troon Portland.

July 29 date for West Kilbride Under-21 girls' open

The West Kilbride Golf Club Under-21 girls open will this year be played on Thursday, July 29.
Keith Howie, one of the organisers, explained: "We were encouraged by a good entry last year despite a clash with St Andrews Girls Golf Week. This year we have moved to Thursday, July 29, which seems relatively clear.
The event has trophies for pre-handicap, handicap and scratch categories, presented in turn by County Girls Convenor June Kerr, local bakery The Kandy Bar and ex SLGA President Nancy Chisholm MBE.
The pre-handicap girls will play nine holes in an adaptation of Wee Wonders format and then will staff a marquee dispensing cakes and soft drinks while the main body of the field passes through.
Hoping to defend their titles will be
Pre handicap - Lindsay Montgomery (West Kilbride)
Handicap - Mirren Fraser (Powfoot)
Scratch - Emma Hale (Troon Ladies)

Entry forms from the Club or by email request to khnextlevel@aol.com

...

Captain Lesley Nicholson tips
-

Rachael Watton to step up

-
FROM THE EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS
By MARTIN DEMPSTER
Rising Lothians star Rachael Watton has been pinpointed as one of the players capable of forcing their way into the Scottish women's team this year.
Lesley Nicholson, who has been re-appointed as captain by the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association, believes the Mortonhall player, pictured by Cal Carson Golf Agency, can be among those vying to fill the gaps left by the departure of Carly Booth and Kylie Walker to the professional ranks.
"Rachael has come on leaps and bounds," said Nicholson. "I have played with her a couple of times and she's a great striker of the ball."She also has a tidy short game which is a real benefit at the top level."
Nicholson, who has been appointed to lead the Scots in both the European team championship and the Home Internationals, is also hoping to see Jane Turner retain her place in the side.
"Jane really impressed us all on her debut in last year's Home Internationals," she added. "It can be a daunting experience when you are winning your first cap but she took it in her stride."
The Scots agonisingly missed out on a first success in the Home Internationals for 18 years as they lost to Wales on the final day at Irvine Bogside last September.
But Nicholson insisted: "It is only a matter of time until we get over that final hurdle again. The whole set-up has come on leaps and bounds since Kevin Craggs came on board as the Scottish national coach."


+The full article above appears in the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.

Stephanie Meadow's jt 16th finish in Annika Invitational

Stephanie Meadow from Northern Ireland finished joint 16th in a quality field of 62 players for the Annika Sorenstam Girls' Invitational tournament over three rounds at the Indepence Course at Reunion Resort, Florida.
Stephanie, a student at the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, had rounds of 76, 74 and 76 for a total of 226 over the 6420yd course.
The winner was 16-year-old Victoria Tanco from Argentina. She had rounds of 73, 66 and 72 for 211. She finished three shots ahead of Israel's Laetitia Beck who is a student at a golf academy in Florida but will be enrolling at Duke University, Durham in North Carolina in the autumn.
Laetitia had scores of 68, 71 and 75, having been level with Victoria at the start of the final day's play.
LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 216 (3x72)
211 Victoria Tanco (Argentina) 73 66 72.
214 Laetitia Beck (Israel) 68 71 75.
216 Karen Chung 75 70 71.
218 Jessica Korda 77 72 69.
221 Ashlan Ramsay 77 71 73, Tiffany Lim 73 72 76.
Selected scores:
226 Stephanie Meadow (Northern (Ireland) 76 74 76 (jt 16th).
239 Daniela Lendl 81 76 82 (57th).

Annika Girls' Invitational Scoreboard
Reunion Resort, Renuin, nr Orlando, Florida
SECOND-ROUND TOTALS
Par 144 (2x72) 6420yd.
139 Victoria Tanco 73 66, Laetitia Beck (Israel) 68 71.
145 Karen Chung 75 70, Tiffany Lim 73 72.
146 Kristen Park 75 71, Simin Feng 74 72.
147 Doris Chen 69 78, Maria Stackhouse 74 73, A J Newell 74 73.
Selected scores:
149 Jessica Korda 77 72.
150 Stephanie Meadow (Northern Ireland) 76 74 (jt 16th).
+Final round will be played on Monday.

Gemma Dryburgh fourth in Florida FCWT event

Florida-based Aberdeen girl Gemma Dryburgh finished fourth in a field of 26 playeres for the Future Collegians World Tour's Mission Inn Challenge girls' tournament at Mission Inn, Howey-in-the-Hills, north of Orlando, Florida at the weekend.

Gemma was lying joint second with a 76, only one shot off the pace, after the first round but a second-round 81 saw her finish on 157, seven shots behind the winner, Audrey Monssoh (Los Angeles) with scores of 76 and 74.

Gemma's father, Aberdeen businessman John Dryburgh, reports:

"Unfortunately Florida was hit with the tail of the weather that produced record snow falls across the east coast of America and the girls played in conditions found more akin to Britain than Florida.

"Gemma's 76 on Saturday was good golf in the conditions .Unfortunately her start from the 10th on Sunday was not what she was looking for and she finished with an 81.
"Although she is still waiting for her first win on the tour she is finishing consistently in the top fifth and is now sitting 4th in the Laura Diaz FCWT season rankings."

LEADING FINAL TOTALS

150 Audrey Monssoh (Los Angeles) 76 74.

152 Isabel Southard (Massachusetts) 75 77.

153 Katerina Krasova (Czech Republic) 79 74.

157 Gemma Dryburgh (Aberdeen) 76 81.

For more information: http://www.lauradiazjrgolf.com/

Stephanie Meadow's solid

start with a 74

Northern Ireland's US-based Stephanie Meadow has made a solid start to this week's top junior tournament in America, the Verizon Junior Heritage 36-hole event over the Sea Pines Resort's Ocean Course and the Harbour Town golf Links, both on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Stephanie, pictured, had a 74 over the par-72 Ocean Course. This put her in joint third place, one shot behind Israel's Laetitia Beck, who attends a golf academy in Florida, and defending champion, 14-year-old Alexis Thompson from Florida.

Stephanie, a member at Royal Portrush Golf Club, Co Antrim and named in the GB&I Curtis Cup team short leet for the June match against the Americans at Essex County Club, Massachusetts, is a resident student at the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy on Hilton Head Island.

FIRST ROUND SCOREBOARD
Ocean Course, Sea Pines Resort

Par 72 for boys and girls

GIRLS

73 Laetitia Beck (Israel), Alexis Thompson
74 Sierra Sims, Stephanie Meadow (Northern Ireland)
75 Irene Jung, McKenzie Talbert, Ri Hyang Park, Katherine Perry, Juliet Vongphoumy
76 Collins Bradshaw, Monifa Sealy, Linda Luo, Suzie Lee
77 Portland Rosen, Janie Jackson, Simin Feng, Brittany Mai
78 Tanaporn Kongkiatkrai, Katie Rose Higgins, Minami Levonwich
79 Anne Marie Covar, Joyce Kim, Hally Leadbetter
80 Elizabeth Thompson, Jackie Chang, Daniela Lendl
81 Lauren Salazar
82 Alison Emrey, Jaye Marie Green, Jessica Korda
84 Harin Lee
86 Noriko Inoue
87 Yuri Otsuka

LEADING BOYS

72 Cody Proveaux.

73 Jim Liu, Andrew Knox.

74 Geoff Vartelas, Damon Postal, Stephen Behr, Nicholas Read.

Lancome continue support of ILGU championships

FROM THE IRISH LADIES GOLF UNION WEBSITE
The Irish Ladies Golf Union are delighted to announce the continued support of cosmetics giant Lancôme as sponsors of the ILGU/Lancôme National Greensomes Championship, in addition to the Lancôme Irish Women's Close Championship and the Lancôme Irish Girls' Close Championship.
The ILGU/Lancôme National Greensomes Championship, which to date has raised over €2 million for Irish Charities, will consist of qualifying rounds held at 24 venues across the country with the National finals taking place on the October 3.
Qualifying venues and venue for National final will be announced at a later date and published on http://www.ilgu.ie/ once confirmed.
The Lancôme Irish Women's Close will be held at Portstewart Golf Club, 22-26 May 2010, while the Lancôme Irish Girls' Close will be played at Grange Golf Club, Dublin, 13-16 July 2010.

New look to Midlothian girls' squad

FROM THE EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS WEBSITE
By MARTIN DEMPSTER
Four newcomers have been included in this year's Midlothian County Ladies' junior golf squad, which will be coached by Mark Berrie at the Braid Hills Golf Centre.
Katherine Fisher (Baberton), Heather Laing (Glencorse), Jane Finlay (New Swanston) and Rebecca Trimble (Murrayfield) join 'old hands' Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe), Kirsty Simpson (Murrayfield) and Heather Tumblety (Liberton) in the much-changed group.
Broomieknowe's Kate McIntosh has been elevated into the main squad, while Natasha Shivji (Ratho Park) moves out of the junior section.
In addition, Samantha Lamb (Glencorse) has been forced to give up golf due to an injury while Isobel Hinds (Liberton) and Sally Naysmith (Dalmahoy) have decided to concentrate on their school studies.
Berrie will hold coaching sessions with the squad over the next three months, as well as spending some time on course management with them.

Alex Thompson (only 14) has already

switched to new grooves!

FROM THE GOLFWEEK.COM WEBSITE
By Sean Martin
With Alexis Thompson’s 15th birthday not coming until February. 10, it’s safe to say the pro game is still a couple years away for the young phenom
But rising American star Thompson, pictured right, recently made a change that should help her when she does start playing for pay, and in the handful of LPGA starts she’s expected to make this year. Thompson switched to irons and wedges with the new, conforming grooves the December week of the Junior Orange Bowl, which she won.
Players competing in LPGA events (including amateurs) have to use the new grooves starting this season, but the new grooves won’t be mandatory for elite amateur events (like the U.S. Women’s Amateur) until 2014. Everyone else has to switch in 2024.
Thompson, Golfweek’s female junior amateur player of the year for 2009, could use the old grooves in amateur events this year, but hopes the full-time switch will put her ahead of the curve when she competes against professionals.
Thompson will likely be one of the amateurs invited to the Kraft Nabisco Championship (she shared low-amateur honors last year), and has qualified for the past three U.S. Women’s Opens.
Thompson’s success hasn’t been slowed by the change. With the new grooves, she won the Orange Bowl girls' title, tied for second at the Women's Dixie Amateur, lost a play-off at the Harder Hall Invitational and finished third at The Sally (South Atlantic Ladies Amateur) which finished at the weekend.
Editor's Note: Look out for Alexis (new grooves and all) making her Curtis Cup debut against GB&I at Essex County Club, Manchester by the Sea, Massachusetts in June.

Claire Hargan appointed SLGA's
-
Championship Manager

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY SCOTTISH LADIES GOLFING ASSOCIATION
Claire Hargan, a former Scottish internationalist, has been appointed the new Championship Manager for the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association and will take up the post on January 18.
After 11 years working for Scottish Widows in the insurance industry, the 33-year-old Dundee University graduate is delighted to make the career change.
“I was wanting to do something in sport and the post with the SLGA came up at just the right time,” said Hargan. “I’ll be involved in running all the major events and it will be a great new challenge.”
A member of Mortonhall Golf Club and a six-time Midlothian County Champion, Hargan reached the quarter-finals of the British Women’s Amateur Championship and achieved a career highlight when she finished runner-up at the Scottish Women’s Amateur Championship in the SLGA’s centenary year at the Old Course, St Andrews, in 2003.
Having played for Scotland in Home Internationals, she added to her administrative experience through her role as Captain of last year’s Scottish Under-16 team and Manager of the Home International side that finished runner-up to Wales at Irvine Golf Club last September.
“I hope to defend my county title, but I’ll not be able to play in any of the major Championships,” added Hargan. “But this is just a fantastic opportunity to work in golf and do something new.”

English initiative to create more female golfers

NEWS RELEASE BY ENGLISH GOLF UNION
Supporters of English county golf will be able to take advantage of a more streamlined English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) grant system in 2010 to encourage more girls and women into the sport.
The grant, which was aimed at girls only last year, has now been opened up to include provision for welcoming new women players of all ages to start and develop their golf at golf clubs. The scheme has the express aim of creating more female players in England and ensuring they stay in the game.
For 2010 the English Golf Union (EGU) and EWGA Development Team is combining two former grants (Development and Subscription Grants) into a single ‘Women & Girls’ Grant. This simpler grant for reaching a wider age group of new golfers will be accessed through the England Golf County Golf Partnership (CGPs) structure.
There are currently 31 CGPs in England and for further details on their specific websites visit www.englishgolfunion.org/CGPs
It is believed that the new streamlined grant will build on some positive achievements last year in girls’ golf development. In 2009, every one of 35 County Golf Associations in England ran girls’ golf coaching, thanks to the EWGA grants, which were administered by the EGU and EWGA Development Team.
Coaching activity was directed at junior club members and girls at the early stages of playing the game. In each county there was an average of 90 girls taking part, with over 80 per cent of counties running some form of follow-on activity to sustain the girls’ involvement moving forwards.
County Associations already run a series of very successful junior events and activities, and this combined grant will provide further support for the women’s game to ensure that club membership is healthy in the future.
The EWGA Women & Girls Grant is an initiative jointly provided by the EWGA and EGU in support of the EWGA’s strategy to ‘Drive Women’s Golf’, and forms part of England Golf’s ‘Whole Sport Plan’ for golf and vision to ‘Grow the Game.’

Ireland name captains, managers for 2010 international teams

FROM THE IRISH LADIES GOLF UNION WEBSITE
Claire Robinson (Knock), Sinead Keane (The Curragh), Roma English (Larne) and Ailish McCartan (Greenore) will captain the Irish women's, girls' and senior international teams for the 2010 season.
Sinead Keane, a past international, will continue as captain for the Irish girls' European team championships at Aalborg, Denmark from July 6 to 10. Keane will look to lead her team to a successful defence of the title won by Irish side in Finland in 2009.
Ailish McCartan (Greenore) will accompany Sinead as team manager for the European championships before taking over the reigns as team captain for the girls' home international matches at Bangor from August 4 to 6. Aisling O'Leary (Wexford) will act as team manager for this event.
Claire Robinson, a past Curtis Cup player, will once again lead the Irish team for both the European women's team championships at La Manga, Spain from July 6 to 10 and the women's home international matches at Whitchurch, Cardiff from September 8 to 10.
Ballycastle's Fiona McComb will accompany the sides as team manager.
Roma English, with many years' experience of international events, will serve as captain of the Irish senior teams for both the Seniors' Europeans team championships at Berlin, Germany, from August 31 to September 4 and the Seniors Home Internationals at Sheringham, from September 28 to 30.

COURSE DEVELOPMENT KOs THIS YEAR'S

ROEHAMPTON GOLD CUP

NEWS RELEASE
The 84th Ladies’ Open Gold Challenge Cup, scheduled for April 17 at Roehampton Club, London, will NOT take place this year.
It is with much regret that the Organising Committee has had to take this decision due to major development works at the Roehampton Club, which began last September and unfortunately are likely to continue well into April.
This work includes the implementing of a flood mitigation programme. In addition, there is to be extensive bunker renovation. The Organising Committee would like to present the course in the best possible condition.
They ask for your understanding and invite you to support the Gold Cup next year when the event will be played on SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2011.

+The Roehampton Gold Cup is a two-round competition open to lady professionals and amateurs.

REPORT AND SCORES FROM FLORIDA

Holly Clyburn in challenging position

with a par-matching 72

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY ENGLISH WOMEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION
England international Holly Clyburn kept up her fine transatlantic form to challenge the leaders in the Harder Hall Invitational, the first event on the amateur women’s Orange Blossom Tour in Florida.
Holly (Woodhall Spa), pictured right by Cal Carson Golf Agency, shot a level par 72 in the opening round and is two shots behind a trio of American players who share first place. Another US golfer, the 14-year-old star, Alexis Thompson, is sandwiched in between on 71.
Play was delayed by rain for 90 minutes and 14 competitors have yet to complete their first round.
Last year, Holly finished seventh on her first appearance in this 72-hole strokeplay event. The 18-year-old English girls’ champion has arrived at Harder Hall fresh from a fine performance in the Women’s Dixie Amateur, also in Florida, where she tied for second place.
Holly is also the reigning French U-18 Open champion, the Faldo Series girls’ title-holder and the winner of the 2009 English Women’s Golf Association girls’ Order of Merit, sponsored by Lorrin Golf. She is in the GB&I squad for this year’s Curtis Cup team.
Lyndsey Hewison
Press & PR Officer, EWGA

Lauren Mackin from Majorca leads

Scots in rainy start at Harder Hall

Majorca-based Scot Lauren Mackin, a member at Ranfurly Castle Golf Club, was the third best placed British or Irish player in the rain-hit first round of the Harder Hall Women's Invitational, the first event on the Orange Blossom Tour for female amateurs in Florida.
Lauren, pictured right, who has successes as a runner on her sporting CV, returned a two-over-par 74 over the 6,151yd course at Sebring to be lying joint 16th behind the three joint leaders, Taylor Karle (Arizona), Dolores White (Florida) and Kyle Roig (Florida).
British girls champion and Curtis Cup team place contender Holly Clyburn from Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire headed the challenge from this side of the Atlantic. Winner of the Nick Faldo Series' girls' title in Brazil and joint second in last week's Women's Dixie Amateur in Florida, Holly matched the par of 72 to share fifth place.
Another member of the GB&I Curtis Cup squad for the 2010 match at Essex County Club, US-based teenager Stephanie Meadow was joint ninth with a 73.
Stephanie is a student at the Hank Hainey International Golf Academy, Hilton Head, South Carolina and hails from Northern Ireland where she is a member of Royal Portrush Golf Club.
Stirling University's Kesley MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) and Rachel Cassidy (The Island, Dublin) were in joint 35th place after returning 78s.
Another Stirling student, Rebecca Wilson from Monifieth had a 81 for joint 52nd place.
Welsh international Lucy Gould (Bargoed), a student at East Tennessee State University and a Curtis Cup squad member, had an 83 for a share of 62nd place.
Stirling University's Harriet Beasley from Woburn was in joint 72nd place after an 86.
Play was held up for 90min because of rain and 14 players were unable to finish their rounds because of darkness. They included Stirling students Jordana Graham from Southerness and Eilidh MacKay (Nairn Dunbar).
Fourteen-year-old Alexis Thompson from Coral Springs, Florida, winner of the Junior Orange Bowl girls' title at Coral Gables, Florida over the Festive period and joint runner-up alongside Holly Clyburn at the Women's Dixie Amateur, is handily placed in fourth spot, only one stroke behind the joint leaders with a one-under-par 71.
Defending champion Candace Schepperle (Birmingham, Alabama) is on the same 72 mark as Holly.

FIRST ROUND SCORES
(14 players still to finish)
Par 72, 6151yd
70 Taylor Karle (Arizona), Dolores White (Florida), Kyle Roig (Florida).
71 Alexis Thompson (Florida).
72 Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa, England), Candace Schepperle (Alabama), Michelle Shin (Florida), Dawn Woodard (South Carolina).
73 Brittany Benvenuti (Pennsylvania), Cydney Clanton (North Carolina), Courtney Ellenbogen (Virginia), Megan Grehan (New York), Stephanie Meadow (Hilton Head Island & Northern Ireland), Calle Nielson (Tennessee), Meghan Stasi (Florida).
74 Nicola Agnello (Florida), Abby Bools (North Carolina), Lauren Mackin (Majorca), Haley Wilson (Alabama).
75 Isabelle Lendle (Florida), Amela Lewis (Florida), Aimee Neff (Indiana).
76 Alexandra Bodemann (Florida), Jackie Chang (Arizona), Joy Kim (Virginia), Nora Lucas (Illinoir), Mary Mattson (Maryland), Whitney Neuhauser (Virginia), Paloma Nunez (Texas), Tovie St Louis (Florida), Alex Stewart (Nevada).
77 Ashley Lance (Tennessee), Emma Lavy (Arizona).
78 Jan Bowers (Illinoir), Rachel Cassidy (Stirling Univ & The Island, Dublin), Kelsey MacDonald (Stirling Univ & Nairn Dunbar), Wendi Golden (Florida), Kristen Simpson (Virginia), Ashley Jo Smith (Arizona), Jaclyn Sweeney (Massachusetts).
79 Jordan Allyne (Washington), Melanie Audette (Florida), Gennifer Mendez (Florida), Nicole Quinn (Florida), Sarah Thead (California), Carlie Yadloczkey (Florida).
80 Karlin Beck (Alabama), Emily Flanigan (Florida), Jaye Marie Green (Florida), Mayura Skowronski (New Jersey).
Selected scores:
81 Rebecca Wilson (Stirling Univ & Monifieth) (jt 52nd).
83 Lucy Gould (East Tennessee State Univ & Bargoed, Wales) (jt 62nd).
86 Harriet Beasley (Stirling Univ & Woburn) (jt 72nd).
Still to finish include:
Jordana Graham (Stirling Univ & Southerness), Eilidh Mackay (Stirling Univ & Nairn Dunbar).
LEADING SENIORS
Par 72, 5,119yd
79 Gail Brown (Florida).
82 Mary Lou Edwards (Florida).
83 Dollie Watson (North Carolina).
84 Nancy Newberry (North Carolina).
85 Helen Ferneyhough (Virginia), Susan Trombley (Pennysylvania).
86 Carroll Dethrow (Nevada), Brenda Frye (South Carolina).

Amelia Taylor with her trophy at the US Kids Desert Shootout.

Lancashire lass Amelia finishes fourth in Arizona

Amelia Taylor, a junior member of St Anne’s Old Links Golf Club, finished fourth in the US Kids Desert Shootout Age 14 category at Phoenix, Arizona from December 28 to 30.
After lying second after two rounds, Amelia slipped back to finish fourth after the third round, 11 shots back from the winner Heather Nail from Alabama.
Four shots behind Heather in joint second place were Alexis Sedeghy from Oklahoma and Abigail McGrew from California.
The course chosen for Amelia’s age group at the Wigwam Golf Resort was the Gold Course (5762yd, par 72) and nicknamed the ‘Monster,’ containing 60 bunkers and water coming into play on 12 holes.
Annika Sorenstam represented this golf club and lists the Gold Course as one of the most favourite courses she has ever played.
After finishing runner-up on the Red Course last year, Amelia enjoyed the experience of the more testing Gold Course and was pleased with a fourth place finish.

+Amelia Taylor is competing again in next month's 3rd Hacienda del Alamo February Festival (13th to 20th). Entry forms available by clicking on the relevant words at the top of the left hand column on this website.

Women's Dixie Amateur Championship Scoreboard HERON BAY GOLF CLUB, CORAL SPRINGS, FLORIDA THIRD-ROUND TOTALS (one round to play on Sunday) Par 216 (3x72) 211 Alexis Thompson (Coral Springs, Florida & Eagle Trace GC) 69 69 73, Lindy Duncan (Davie, Florida & Duke Univ) 70 71 70. 214 Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa GC, Lincolnshire, England) 67 72 75. 215 Sandra Changkija (Orlando, Florida & Nova Southeastern Univ) 72 70 73. 216 Marina Alex (Wayne, New Jersey & Vanderbilt Univ) 73 70 73. 218 Candace Schepperle (Birmingham, Alabama & Auburn Univ) 71 72 75, Laura Blanco (Colombia & Pendleton School) 75 72 71. 220 Emilie Alonso (France) 74 70 76, Suzie Lee (East Northport, New York & Commack High) 73 72 75. 222 Alex Stewart (Carson City, Nevada) 76 74 72. 223 Kyle Roig (Puerto Rico & American Heritage School) 74 72 77, Stefanie Kenoyer (Lighthouse Point, Florida & Furman Univ) 74 74 75. 224 Jaye Green (Boca Raton, Florida & Florida Virtual School) 74 75 75, Yueer Feng (Orlando, Florida & Windermere Prep) 75 74 75. 225 Jessica Alexander (Riverview, Florida & Coastal Carolina Univ) 74 75 76, Isabelle Lendl (Bradenton, Florida) 78 75 72. 226 Rebecca Lee-Bentham (Scarborough, Canada & Northview Heights High) 75 77 74. 227 Taylor Collins (Davie, Florida) & Nova Southeastern Univ) 79 74 74, Shelby coyle (Pembroke Pines, Florida & American Heritage School) 76 78 73. 228 Trisha Witherby (Richmond, Indiana & Richmond High) 76 76 76. 229 Brittany Smith (Rancho Murieta, California & UC Davis) 70 75 84, Nicola Race (Essex, England & Missouri Univ) 75 74 80, Katia Joo (Rancho Palos Verdes, California & Peninsula High) 75 77 77, Elizabeth Alger (Tequesta, Florida & Florida Atlantic Univ) 79 77 73. 230 Laura Raffo (US) 80 74 76. 231 Abby Bools (Hickory, North Carolina & East Carolina Univ) 76 78 77, Andrea Watts (Gainsville, Florida & Univ of Florida) 76 78 77, Olivia Lansing (Dellwood, Minnesota & Drake Univ) 78 76 77, Alex Buelow (Palm City, Florida & Stetson Univ) 78 78 75, Paula Reto (Coral Springs, Florida & Purdue Univ) 79 78 74. 232 Courtney McKim (Raleigh, North Carolina & Oklahoma State Univ) 79 73 80, Ani Gullugian (Irvine, California & UCLA) 77 77 78. 233 Ashley Mooney (Port St Lucie, Florida & Dayton State Univ) 76 78 79, Nicole Quinn (Windermere, Florida & TFA) 77 77 79, Meghan Chapman (Seminole, Florida & North Carolina State) 78 76 79, Federique Bruell (Aventura, Florida) 74 81 78. 234 Anna Keith (Moultrie, Georgia & Vanderbilt Univ) 81 76 77. 235 Ashley Malinchak (Parkland, Florida & Westminster Acad) 77 74 84, Ashleigh Albrecht (Murrieta, Georgia & Kentucky Univ) 84 74 77. 236 April McCoy (Carrolton, T4exas & Creekview High) 76 80 80, Kailey Walsh (Boca Raton, Florida & St Andrews Univ) 78 78 80, Victoria Trapani (Hollywood, Florida & St Thomas Aquinas) Univ) 80 77 79. 237 Carly Ragains (Highland Village, Texas & Marcus High) 81 76 80, Meghan Stasi (Oakland Park, Florida) 77 81 79, Nora Lucas (Glenview, Illinois & Illinois Univ) 82 76 79. 238 Alexandra Bodemann (Palm City, Florida & Wake Forest Univ) 79 81 78. 243 Marilynne Cadieux (Quebec, Canada & Florida Atlantic Univ) 79 79 85. 244 Andrea Kaelin (Fleming Island, Florida & Florida State Univ) 83 75 86. 245 Rachel Kropf (Pompano Beach, Florida & Broward Virtual) 84 77 84, Whitney Neuhauser (Barboursville, Virginia & Virgina Univ) 82 80 83. 247 Catherine Elliott (Malvern, Pennysylvania & Pennsylvania Univ) 84 78 85. SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP - FINAL TOTALS Par 216 (3x72). 6,000yd course. 218 Diane Lang (Weston, Florida & Weston CC) 76 69 73. 223 Lisa Schlesinger (Laytonsville, Maryland & Norbeck CC) 77 76 70. 234 Brenda Pictor (Marrietta, Georgia & Pinetree CC) 79 71 74. 226 Marian Barket (Lubbox, Texas & Lubbock CC) 78 74 74. 230 Mimi Hoffman (Springfield, Virginia & Belle Haven CC) 79 75 76. 235 Maggie Weder (Greenville, North Carolina & Ironwood) 79 79 77. 239 Anna Schultz (Rockwall, Texas & Honors Club) 83 77 79. 241 Ivy Steinberg (Cedar Valley, Canada & Granite Golf) 84 79 78. 242 Lynn Thompson (Cincinnati, Ohio & Obannon Creek GC) 85 73 84, Jewell Malick (Rockwall, Texas & Honors Club) 81 80 81. 243 Kelly Koselek (Toronto, Canada & Cedar Brae) 84 82 77. 244 Angela Stewart Greenville, North Carolina & Ironwood) 82 78 83. 253 Kathy Baker (Wellington, Florida & Wanderers) 87 80 86. 259 Jean Mowry (Hot Springs Village, Arizona) 92 85 82. 278 Rita Dominguez (Rockville, Maryland & Redgate GC) 99 93 86. 284 Than Parham (Murrells Inlet, South Carolina & Wachesaw Plantation) 101 94 89.

+SCROLL DOWN FOR A REPORT ON THE THIRD DAY'S PLAY

WOMEN'S DIXIE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

Holly Clyburn lying third with one

round to go in Florida

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY JEFF HUNT
The brutal cold winds that swept over Heron Bay Golf Club, Coral Springs, Florida during Saturday's third round of the Women's Dixie Amateur championship made moving day a truly memorable experience for the best women's amateurs in the world. Sunday's final round will feature a final pairing of three players that will surely all make their marks on the world's professional tours in the very near future. Lindy Duncan (pictured right) of Davie, Florida and Duke University fired the round of the day with a two-under par 70 to tie with Alexis Thompson of Coral Springs, Florida in the lead at five-under-par 211.
England's Holly Clyburn shot a 75 to put her three strokes off the lead.
Sandra Changkija of Orlando, Florida is four strokes back after complimenting her 72 and 70 with a 73 on Saturday.
The Inaugural Senior Dixie Amateur's final round ended as many expected it would. Three time US Senior amateur champion Diane Lang fired an impressive 73 to hold onto her five-shot lead that she took into the final round.
Making the strongest move of the day was Lisa Schlesinger of Laytonsville, Maryland whose field-leading 70 in the final round gave her a second-place finish, one stroke ahead of Brenda Pictor of Marrietta, Georgia who finished who finished with a total of 224.