SGU ready to help clubs in financial trouble

FROM THE SCOTSMAN.COM WEBSITE Subscribe
By MARTIN DEMPSTER
While Scottish golf has not yet suffered the ignominy of seeing one of its clubs shut due to the recession, a team of experts is waiting in the wings ready to offer help should such a scenario be imminent.
With membership levels in Scotland having dropped by 2.6 per cent in the men's game and 4.6 per cent on the ladies' front over the past year, clubs the length and breadth of the country are struggling to make ends meet.
Last year Dollar Golf Club went public with its problems and organised a 'Drive to Survive' event, which saw four of the country's leading amateurs at the time – Wallace Booth, Gavin Dear, Gordon Yates and Scott Borrowman – visit the club along with European Tour pro Callum Macaulay to help raise funds to keep it alive.
"There are a number of clubs that are being challenged but, at this stage, we are not aware of any (going under]," said Hamish Grey, the Scottish Golf Union's chief executive.
"Some clubs have found people locally to help out. Take Dollar, for example. They made use of SGU squad members and we also sent along the Eisenhower Trophy and European Team Championship Trophy and, for a small club, they raised a substantial amount of money that has secured its immediate future as they look at plans for re-development."
Echoing the SGU's willingness to help member clubs, chairman Douglas Connon added: "We have tried to make people aware that, if they do have issues, we will be able to help or get some leverage by providing the expertise they might need."We have a number of named individuals, experts in finance, legal, general business and so on, who have agreed to be available to help.
"You tend to find people on the committee of a club with issues often have businesses with some issues as well and can't give the club all of their time, so that's why we are trying to help by being pro-active."
Last year the SGU tried to help clubs attract new members by running a campaign under the tag of 'Love Golf? Join The Club'. A similar project will be orchestratedby Glasgow-based agency Merchant Soul this spring.

No stroke-play qualifying in this year's Scottish Amateur Championship

Possible changes to the format for the Scottish Amateur Championship won't be made until next year at the earliest, writes Martin Dempster in the Edinburgh Evening News.
The Scottish Golf Union is looking at the possibility of introducing stroke-play qualifying to allow players to pick up world amateur ranking points but this year's event at Gullane will be unchanged.
"It is a case of looking at what works out best in terms of the world rankings but it will take time to put in place so it's not going to happen this year," said the SGU's CEO, Hamish Grey.

Shona Malcolm and Hamish Grey ... "worked tirelessly behind closed doors."

Unification is the way ahead for Scots golf

FROM THE SCOTSMAN.COM WEBSITE

SAYS MARTIN DEMPSTER

The Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association and the Scottish Golf Union used to be next door neighbours at Drumoig before going their separate ways. The SLGA moved to Perth and, more recently, the SGU transferred its base to The Duke's Course outside St Andrews.
It may be completely off the mark to suggest so, but it always seemed, from the outside looking in at least, that these organisations that run the amateur game in Scotland were not exactly on the best of terms.

Even a year ago talk of a possible amalgamation was a prickly matter, a senior SGU official getting his knuckles rapped for simply commenting on the subject and, believe me, he wasn't even close to saying anything controversial.

Twelve months on, though, it's a case of full steam ahead as far as that amalgamation is concerned and much of the credit for the progress being made should go to Shona Malcolm, the SLGA chairman, and her SGU counterpart, Douglas Connon.

Behind closed doors, they've worked tirelessly to get things moving in their respective associations and, while there's still work to be done, they are definitely getting closer to the day when Scottish amateur golf will be run by one unified body.

Scotland will be falling in line with most of its continental cousins and, closer to home, Wales, where a unified body is now entering its third year of existence. By all accounts, it's an arrangement that works perfectly well and, more to the point, it's something that needs to happen in Scotland at a time when a Single Equality Bill is going to shake things up in golf clubs.

The government intends to extend current discrimination laws to private members' clubs so as to end the treatment of women as "second-class members."

The consultation paper for this Bill specifically mentions the practice of restricting the times when female members have access to golf club facilities.

According to Hamish Grey, the SGU's Chief Executive, the majority of golf clubs in Scotland are already operating equally on a day-to-day basis while the others are working their way towards it.

Unfortunately, nothing is being done to outlaw those pre-historic, male-only and female-only clubs but, for the time being, we should applaud some progress being made and, for the women golfers out there, that's going to mean them having to dig deeper into their pockets, if they're not doing that already, to enjoy their equality at the golf club.

While Shona Malcolm, whose day job is as the LGU's chief executive and, therefore, has her finger on the pulse, believes this will result in some women golfers being lost to the game – it was noted at a seminar before Sunday's SGU annual meeting that female golfers at certain clubs have voted against becoming full members – she thinks the drop-off will be minimal and, what's more, is confident it can be offset by the joint-efforts of the SLGA and SGU in trying to encourage new participants into the sport.

Donald Turner, a man with a strong business and golf background, has been appointed as independent chair to lead a new working group and will oversee the consideration of all measures necessary to achieve the amalgamation which, according to those at the sharp end, is being welcomed at clubs throughout Scotland.

"It seems as though there is a will out there to make this happen," noted Malcolm, while Connon, who sat on the committee that oversaw the amalgamation of the Gordon Highlanders and the Queen's Own Highlanders in 1994, added:

"This amalgamation is a natural progression – it is the right thing for Scottish golf."

In Connon, the SGU currently has a strong individual at its helm and his 'team' for 2010 includes some new faces following the appointment of George Macgregor, Michael Clark and Maurice Shields as directors. Macgregor needs no introduction and the former Walker Cup player and captain is a first-class choice to take over from Robert Burns as the Director of Championships.

As for the SGU's new president Bert Leslie, he's done a pretty good job over the years in backing up Bernard Gallacher, Eric Brown and Stephen Gallacher in putting their beloved Bathgate Golf Club on the map and we wish him well in his year in office.

Any comments? You can E-mail your view to Colin@scottishgolfview.com

Bert Leslie becomes President for 2010

George Macgregor, Michael Clark and Maurice Shields

new directors on the Scottish Golf Union Board

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE SCOTTISH GOLF UNION
The Scottish Golf Union Limited has announced the arrival of three new Directors onto their Board at their AGM on Sunday 24 January, whilst Bathgate Golf Club’s Bert Leslie has been appointed as President for 2010.
Leslie, a former Scotland and Walker Cup selector, has been a key figure within the Lothians Golf Association for the past two decades having served as President and representative on the SGU Council.
The 66-year-old takes over from Ian Ross to become the Scottish Golf Union’s 48th President, whilst Hazlehead’s Gordon Murray becomes Vice President.
George Macgregor, the former Walker Cup player and captain, succeeds the retiring Robert Burns as Director of Championships, whilst Michael Clark has been appointed Director of Business and Marketing activity, with Douglas Corner also stepping down after six years. The third new face on the Board for 2010 is Maurice Shields from Dumbartonshire Golf Union, who takes on the role of Junior Vice President.
New President Bert Leslie said:
“It’s a fantastic honour to be elected President of the Scottish Golf Union at the start of an exciting new decade. The last twelve months have been challenging for many clubs across the country but the SGU Board has committed additional resource to supporting our member clubs during these difficult times.
“Scotland’s leading amateurs have achieved great things over the last two years and I’m very proud to be President of a country boasting the World and European Amateur team titles. I’m sure that success will continue as a result of the work our Academies and coaches are doing,” he added.
Macgregor is a well known and popular face on the Scottish golf scene having been one of the country’s most successful amateurs. He captained the GB&I Walker Cup side in 1997 having played in the event five times, whilst representing Scotland over an 18-year period between 1969 and 1987.
He was Company Secretary at Dalmore Mills until 2004, nearby his home club of Glencorse on the outskirts of Penicuik.
Clark is a much respected businessman in the North-east, having been Managing Director then Chairman of International Fish Canners since 1992. He is also Vice Chairman of the Grampian Food Group and a Director of Scottish Enterprise Grampian.
A 3-handicap golfer, Clark is a past captain of Royal Aberdeen and is also a member of Nairn, Cruden Bay and the Isle of Harris Golf Clubs.
New Junior Vice-President Maurice Shields is a recently retired PE teacher, having worked at a number of schools in the Glasgow area also in the role of acting Principal and Assistant Head Teacher.
A member of Windyhill Golf Club, he has been an executive member of the Dumbaronshire Golf Union since 1993, operating in many roles and has served as Scotland team manager at Boys’ and Men’s level.
Douglas Connon, speaking at beginning of his second year of office as Chairman of the SGU, welcomed the new appointments:
“We are delighted to welcome George, Michael and Maurice onto the Board. They each bring invaluable experience in their respective areas and their input will be vital as we grow the game, develop talent and support our clubs in these challenging but exciting times.
“I’d also like to congratulate Bert Leslie on his appointment as President and take this opportunity to thank Douglas Corner, Robert Burns and Ian Ross for their contributions to Scottish golf.”

Peter Lowe will be Lothians' SGU representative

Peter Lowe (Longniddry) will take over from Bert Leslie as the Lothians' representative on the Scottish Golf Union when the latter becomes president of that organisation next month.
Leslie, a former Lothians president from Bathgate, is due to succeed Ian Ross at the SGU's annual general meeting.

Lawrie launches new Junior

Jug tournament for Under-18s

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE SCOTTISH GOLF UNION
Paul Lawrie reinforced his support of Scottish Golf by hosting a special SGU Academy day staged at The Carrick on Loch Lomond and launching his new Paul Lawrie Foundation Junior Jug tournament, providing a new competitive fixture in the Under-18 domestic schedule.
The former Open Champion demonstrated extraordinary commitment to youth development by taking time out of his packed competitive schedule and sponsorship commitments to spend a day with SGU Academy players, watching Year 1 and Year 2 players compete in an 18-hole competition at the prestigious and challenging course on the shores of Loch Lomond.

After monitoring the players’ progress, Lawrie staged an informative short game clinic before the youngsters were given the unique opportunity of asking the Major winner questions about the game and his new tournament.
The day was rounded off with a presentation to the winners from the morning tournament and the Academy players were given a rare chance to be photographed with Lawrie and his prized Claret Jug which he won at Carnoustie in 1999.
Commenting on the day’s events, Lawrie said, “Today has been a great opportunity to see first hand some of the golfers coming through the SGU coaching system in Scotland who are the players and supporters of the game in the future. I am delighted to have witnessed the calibre and talent of these players and how well they are being supported. I hope to see many of them competing in my Junior Jug tournament.”
He added, “It is vital for young players to gain as much competitive experience as they can in quality events to help them fully realise their talent and aspirations. Tournaments are won and lost by tiny margins and every opportunity at this stage counts in the overall development of a player. I am pleased to be part of the ongoing development of Scottish golfers. “
The Paul Lawrie Foundation Junior Jug tournament comprises seven qualifying events in different regions, hosted at Nairn Dunbar, Inchmarlo, Downfield, Craigielaw, Kingsfield, Cowglen and Southerness with the top four handicap and scratch players (either male or female) qualifying for a place in the final.
Dundonald Links will host the inaugural Paul Lawrie Junior Jug final which has been included as an SGU Boys Order of Merit counting event, on Saturday 5th September.

Hamish Grey SGU CEO said, “The SGU is deeply grateful to Paul for offering his time today, providing our Academy players with an invaluable learning experience and one I am sure they will never forget. His dedication to the game both on and off the course is a great inspiration to our golfers who can learn so much from a player of his achievement and stature.

“Like Paul and his Foundation, I am sure the Junior Jug event will be a great success and I am glad that we can continue to work closely together and have included the final as one of our counting events in the SGU Boys Order of Merit.

Grey added, “I would also like to thank The Carrick on Loch Lomond for their generosity in providing courtesy of the course and hosting the day, playing their part in supporting the development of young Scottish players.”

-

SGU CALL UP NAC AS NEW TELECOMS SPONSOR

SGU Press release

The Scottish Golf Union was toay (11th February) celebrating the signing of a new sponsorship deal with telecoms company NAC Networks who will become official sponsors of the Scottish Club Championship.

The three-year agreement will see Edinburgh-based NAC provide telecoms and engineering services to the Scottish Golf Union, with opportunities for affiliated member clubs to make savings of up to 50% by signing up to their services.

NAC, who were awarded both the British and the Scottish Chamber of Commerce Best Young Business Award in 2005, were established in 1999 and boast a remarkable 97.5% client retention rate among their growing portfolio of business customers. Clubs can also benefit from free 24-hour maintenance cover as well as heavily discounted telecoms and IT equipment.

Robert Scott, Sales Director of NAC, said:

“We are delighted to be working with the SGU, one of the strongest governing bodies in Scottish sport. It’s great for us to be associated with the game of golf in Scotland and we are keen to support the game at club level.

“At a time where golf clubs are tightening their purse strings, NAC can offer them a great service with significant cost savings.”

The NAC Scottish Club Championship celebrated its 21st anniversary last season, with Fife club Thornton clinching the crown for the first time, pipping three-time champions Cowglen to victory.

The Championship is contested by clubs across Scotland, with the sixteen leading
three-man teams from the SGU’s Area Associations qualifying for the final, hosted this year at Prestwick St Nicholas GC on 27 September.

Ross Duncan, Marketing & Sponsorship Manager for the SGU, added:

“Capturing NAC as a new sponsor in the current climate is a great boost for the Scottish Golf Union. They are an exciting young company and we are looking forward to working with them for the benefit of our clubs and to improve our own telecommunications requirements.”

Clubs interested in finding out more about NAC’s telecoms services should call free-phone 0808 202 4944 or visit the website at www.nacnetworks.co.uk. Details will also be available at the SGU’s club seminars which commenced this week.

Scottish Golf Union to launch drive to

boost club's falling memberships

FROM THE SCOTSMAN WEBSITE
The Scottish Golf Union is set to launch a new drive aimed at boosting the country's ailing golf club memberships.
Hamish Grey, the chief executive of the Scottish men's amateur game's governing body, admitted that he is anticipating a three per cent drop in membership numbers when figures are released in the coming weeks.
That equates to a fall of around 6,000 people meaning
the SGU would lose almost £42,000 in revenue from annual subscriptions.
To combat the decrease, the SGU has outlined plans for a 'Scottish golf awareness week' in an effort to promote the benefits of membership and encourage more people to join a club.
The wide-ranging campaign, which will start the week after the Masters in mid-April, will also be used to launch the Scottish Golf Card, a scheme which, for a £10 charge, will give club members 50 per cent off green fees at participating venues across the country.

SGU under fire for not using reserves

to fund area team championship

FROM THE EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS WEBSITE
By WILLIAM DUNCAN
The Scottish Golf Union has come under fire over its refusal to dip into reserves to fund the country's top team tournament.
As revealed in the Evening News last week, the game's governing body in Scotland wants to make changes to the Area Team Championship, won a record 13 times by Lothians.The SGU's proposals were discussed at a workshop prior to Sunday's annual general meeting at Tulliallan and the matter proved a lot more controversial than talk of a possible amalgamation in Scottish golf.
"The consensus was that the majority of the 16 Areas want the event to run as it was originally proposed for this year," revealed Ken Wood, the Lothians President. "What I also said at the workshop was that, between now and the end of August, the SGU's proposals should be discussed with the Areas with a view to making changes from next year onwards."
Hamish Grey, the SGU's Chief Executive Officer, said the proposals had been drawn up in a bid to cut savings. At the moment, the Area Team Championship costs the SGU more than any other event to run due to the grants that are given to the Areas.
"Even if the proposed changes were made, it would still be the third-biggest funded event behind the Scottish Amateur and the Scottish Boys," added Grey.
"It's not just about this year - it's about getting a sustainable championship for the next few years. It's fair to say that no-one likes cuts but we have got to look at reality here and what we can afford."
According to Wood, the Areas believe the SGU should be dipping into its healthy reserve funds to ensure that this year's event takes place in its current format.
"The Areas themselves, including the Lothians, have already gone into their reserves but the SGU appear hell-bent on not going into theirs," he said.
"What are reserves there for? And the money we are talking about here is certainly not going to finish the SGU."
The SGU Board discussed the matter following the agm and further details are expected to emerge later this week.
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Gullane will host the Scottish Amateur Championship in 2010. It will be only the fourth time the East Lothian course has staged the SGU's flagship event, the most recent being in 2004, when Fifer George Murray lifted the title.
The two other Scottish Championships held there were won by Charlie Green (1983) and Craig Everett (1990).

SGU-SLGA amalgamation

being "seriously discussed,"

says Hamish Grey

FROM THE EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS WEBSITE

By WILLIAM DUNCAN

An almagation between the Scottish Golf Union and the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association will not only happen but it will be a positive step for the amateur game, it was claimed today.

Talks about a merger between the two bodies have been taking place and, though still at an early stage, the matter was the subject of a workshop prior to yesterday's SGU annual general meeting at Tulliallan.

"An amalgamation in Scotland is being seriously discussed," confirmed Hamish Grey, the SGU's Chief Executive Officer (pictured above by Cal Carson Golf Agency). "We already have a working group made up of representatives of both bodies and I am hopeful that we will have some details on the matter later this year.

"The amateur game in Wales is already run by an unified body, while talks have recently resumed in England about the same thing happening there.

"We are well aware of what has been done in Wales and also what our Continental counterparts have in place, while similar moves have also been made in both Australia and New Zealand," added Grey.

Speaking after he was installed as the SGU's new vice-president, Bathgate's Bert Leslie welcomed talk of a possible amalgamation.

"While it might not be as straightforward as some people think, it is going to happen and I'm sure everyone will benefit," said Leslie.

"The cost of renting offices would be reduced if everyone was under the one roof while other running costs would also be cut, too."

Alistair Low, the SGU's outgoing chairman, added: "The biggest hurdle in this happening is the existing structure as they are quite different in many respects.

Tain's Ian Ross becomes president for 2009

Douglas Connon MBE is

new chairman

of Scottish Golf Union

NEWS RELEASE ISSUE BY SCOTTISH GOLF UNION
The Scottish Golf Union (SGU) announced Douglas Connon MBE (pictured right) as its new Chairman at the SGU’s Annual General Meeting at Tulliallan.
The AGM marks the start of Connon’s term of office, overseeing the governance of the organisation and succeeding Alistair Low who served as the SGU Chairman for the past six years.
Connon brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from both the private and public sectors to the role. He is currently the Managing Director of Corporate Affairs and is a member of the executive committee for Alliance Trust PLC.
Prior to that, Connon was Head of Sponsorship and Corporate Affairs at Aberdeen Asset Management where he played a key role in the company’s golf sponsorship activity including the Senior Open Championship, Scotland amateur golf team and leading professional players such as Colin Montgomerie and Paul Lawrie.
With a strong military background, having served as an army officer for 29 years, Connon was awarded an MBE in the Gulf Honours list in 1992. A keen golfer with a handicap of 7, Connon is a member of a number of golf clubs throughout Scotland.
Commenting on his new role, Connon said, “It is a great honour to become the Chair of the SGU. I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor Alistair Low, who has helped to influence and shape the SGU into the modern, progressive organisation it has become during his two terms of office, and I look forward to continuing his legacy. “
Alistair Low, on demitting office said, “It has been a privilege to play a role in the governance of the SGU. The organisation has enjoyed many successes both on and off the course and I am sure the SGU will continue to prosper under the guidance of Douglas. He brings an enviable combination of strong management skills and business acumen to the role - as well as a love for golf - which will serve him well. Moving forward, the SGU is in very capable hands facing the challenges ahead.”
At the same meeting, Ian Ross became the new SGU President for 2009. An honorary member at Tain GC and a life member at Kirkintilloch GC, Ross succeeds John Sommerville to be the 47th President of the SGU.
Ross is a past Captain and Committee member of Tain GC and joined the Executive of the North District in 2000. He became the North District representative to the SGU in 2003. Since then, Ross has served on various SGU committees and has a wealth of experience working at many national events and championships.
Commenting on his new role, Ross said, “I am very much looking forward to the year ahead as President of the SGU and count it as a great honour, not only for myself but also for the North District and both Tain and Kirkintilloch Golf Clubs

Scottish Boys Champion - Paul Ferrier (Baberton)

Paul Ferrier from Baberton beat Willian Bremner (Edzell) by one hole in an exciting 36 hole final at Dunbar this afternoon.

The morning round was delayed by one hour because of fog, and when they did start Bremner, pictured left, quickly took the upper hand and was 3 up after 4. Ferrier holed a 12 foot putt to avoid going 4 down at the 7th, and then won 8 and 9 to be 1 down at the turn. In fact he won four holes in a row, and by the 11th he was one up. Holes changed hands on the inward half and Ferrier went in for lunch 1 up.

Bremner squared the match with a 4 at the 20th, but Ferrier, pictured right, quickly regained a 1 hole advantage at the short 21st. Bremner won the short 23rd to square again, and then won the 25th after the Baberton boy found a bunker with his second shot. They halved the next three holes, and Ferrier squared the match again with a downhill birdie putt at the 29th.

The next two holes were halved in regulation, before Ferrier took three from the edge at the 32nd to be 1 down with 4 to play. However he did not stay down for long and birdied the 33rd to square the match, and then they both three putted the 16th, to reach the 35th tee all square.

With Ferrier safely on the green in two, Bremner came out to four feet from the bunker in front of the green, but missed the putt and so was 1 down playing the last. He was first to play his second shot to the 36th green, and left it short. His pitch finished four feet from the hole, but Ferrier, safely on in two, lagged his putt to a foot to win the Championship.

NB. The last Baberton player to win the Scottish Boys was Ewan Murray in 1971, over North Berwick.

FERRIER AHEAD IN SCOTTISH BOYS' FINAL

Paul Ferrier from Baberton was one up after 18 holes against William Bremner (Edzell) in the 36-hole final of the Scottish boys' championship at Dunbar today.

Ferrier was still one up after 22 holes.

The start was delayed half-an-hour because of fog.

Scottish boys' match-play championship at Dunbar

TWO SEEDS, BYRNE AND

STEWART, MAKE IT

THROUGH TO LAST 32

Only two of the original eight seeded players, Banchory's James Byrne and Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck), made it through to the last 32 by the end of a long third day's play in the Scottish boys' match-play championship at a much calmer Dunbar.
Earlier, the number of surviving seeds was trimmed from three to two on the afternoon when Kyle Smith (Barassie) was beaten in the third round by Germany-based Simon Taylor who won by 5 and 4.

Top seed and title-favourite James Byrne cruised through to the fourth round with a 6 and 5 win over Jonathan Caldwell (Greenock).

Byrne, pictured right, reached the semi-finals last year.

Michael Stewart, the No 2 seed, had to play twice today to get into the last 32 but he did so without being really stretched.

Here's how they line up on Thursday:

First quarter

Gary Meechan v Andrew Campbell.

James Byrne v Jack Bradley.
Ryan Elder v Malcolm Pennycott.

Paul Ferrier v Darryn Grant.

Second quarter

Simon Taylor v Josh Anderson.

Thomas Sharkey v Mark Dickson

Jeff O'Malley v Neil Henderson.

Paul Shields v Oliver Huish.

Third quarter

Neil Beattie v Chris Cox.

Roddy Forgie v Scott Clark.

David Currie v Finlay McAndrew.

William Bremner v Kristopher Harper.

Fourth quarter

Mark Kelly v Chris Gaittens.

Fraser McKenna v Daniel Young.

Michael Campbell v Mark Bonas.

Michael Stewart v David Law.

Results:

THIRD ROUND

First quarter

G Meechan (Dullatur) bt P Neil (Craigielaw) 1 hole.

A Campbell (Dumbarton) bt G Richards (Kingsknowe) 3 and 2.

J Byrne (Banchory) bt J Caldwell (Greenock) 6 and 5.

J Bradley (Paisley) bt J Meechan (Dullatur) 2 and 1.

R Elder (Nairn Dunbar) bt D Ibbotson (Murcar Links) 5 and 4.
M Pennycott (Whiting Bay) bt B Munro (Thurso) 3 and 2.

P Ferrier (Baberton) bt A Potts (Berwick upon Tweed) 4 and 3.

D Grant (Renfrew) bt R Dziennik (Leven Thistle) 2 and 1.

Second quarter

S Taylor (Germany) bt K Smith (Barassie) 5 and 4.

J Anderson (Glenrothes) bt B Jamieson (St Andrews New) 1 hole.

T Sharkey (Helensburgh) bt J McColl (Arbroth Artisans) 5 and 3.

M Dickson (Gullane) bt A MacLennan (Dunfermline) 6 and 5.
J O'Malley (Newbattle) bt D Currie (Barassie) at 19th

N Henderson (The Glen) bt G Ronald (Pumpherston) 6 and 5.

P Shields (Kirkhill) bt M McGinley (Eastwood) 1 hole.
O Huish (The Glen) bt C Ruane (Cardross) 4 and 2.

Third quarter

N Beattie (St Andrews) bt T Blennerhassett (Dalmahoy) 4 and 3.

C Cox (Falkirk) bt S Thompson (St Andrews) 1 hole.

R Forgie (Muckhart) bt G Young (Baberton) 2 and 1.

S Clark (Ayr Belleisle) bt A Baillie (Elgin) 3 and 1.

D Currie (Sanquhar) bt A McLachlan (Eastwood) 3 and 1.
F McAndrew (Dalmahoy) bt D Mellon (Carnoustie) 3 and 1.

W Bremner (Edzell) bt M Bell (King James VI) 3 and 2.

K Harper (Carnoustie) bt S Barras (Helensburgh) 3 and 1.

Fourth quarter

M Kelly (Kirkhill) bt C Thompson (Peterhead) 1 hole.

C Gaittens (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) bt A Foley (Ayr Belleisle) 5 and 4.

F McKenna (Balmore) bt M Cunningham (Longniddry) 2 holes.

D Young (Craigie Hill) bt C Baird (Bothwell Castle) 1 hole.

M Campbell (Buckpool) bt G Caldwell (Greenock) 1 hole.

M Bonas (Pumpherston) bt D Fitzpatrick (Greenock) 1 hole.

M Stewart (Troon Welbeck) bt E Brown (Barassie) 4 and 3.

D Law (Hazlehead) bt C Corbett (Dumfries & Galloway) 1 hole.

++Scroll down for earlier news and second round results at Dunbar.

Scottish boys' match-play championship starts at Dunbar

THREE SEEDS MAKE EARLY
EXIT, BUT BYRNE AND
SMITH WIN THEIR TIES

There are no official seeded players in the week-long Scottish boys' match-play championship with started in windy conditions at Dunbar today.
But you can take Scottishgolfview.com's word for it that three players who were earmarked as potential quarter-finalists made an early exit - Scott Fraser (Royal Aberdeen), Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) and Tom Spencer (Inchmarlo), pictured right.
Banchory's James Byrne, the unofficial top seed - he has the lowest handicap in the field, made a solid start with a 2 and 1 win over James Ross (Royal Burgess) who did well to take his international opponent to the 17th green.

Byrne will start a four-year golf scholarship at Arizona State University in August. Last year he became the youngest winner of an SGU Order of Merit 72-hole tournament, the Newlands Trophy at Lanark. He is almost certainly the only boy in the Dunbar field who has his own website.

Kyle Smith (Barassie) was the second seed to progress to the second round. He beat David Millar (Newmachar) by 4 and 3.

Scott Fraser was the first seeded player to be beaten. He lost by 6 and 4 to Paull Ferrier from the Baberton club, Edinburgh.

OLIVER A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK

Later Cameron Gray met his match in Oliver Huish (The Glen), whose professional father David once led the Open championship field at the halfway stage (Carnoustie, 1975). Oliver won the tie against Cameron by 4 and 2.

Tom Spencer went out to Crieff's Jack Thow who edged a tight one by a single hole.

The three "seeds" who were not in action today - Sam McLaren (King James VI), Michael Main (Thornton) and Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) - will come into the thick of things on Tuesday.

Two unfinished Monday ties will resume very early on Tuesday morning. Sean Thompson (St Andrews) and Fraser Moore (Falkirk) Tryst were all square after 18 holes when bad light stopped play.

Ryan Penny (Portlethen) was one up on Justin Coyne (Cowglen) after 16 holes when they too were called in because it was too dark to continue.

Results:

FIRST ROUND
P Neil (Craigielaw) bt D Muir (Cochrane Castle) 3 and 2.
S Brown (Murcar Links) bt B Hamill (Eastwood) 4 and 3.
R Acheson (Routenburn) bt D Melville (Gullane) 1 hole.
G Meechan (Dullatur) bt J Lynch (Falkirk) 2 and 1.
G Nelson (Thornhill) bt E Barrack (Oldmeldrum) 4 and 3.
G Richards (Kingsknowe) bt E Grimes (Cardross) 3 and 2.
R Satterley (Loretto Scholl) bt M Barclay (Alyth) 3 and 2.
A Campbell (Dumbarton) bt A Murdoch (Stranraer) 3 and 1.
E Crawford (Burntisland) bt C Hogg (Bishopbriggs) 2 holes).
J Caldwell (Greenock) bt M Ross (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) 5 and 3.
J Byrne (Banchory) bt J Ross (Royal Burgess) 2 and 1.
G Reid (Newbattle) bt M Bookless (Sandyhills) 1 hole.
J Meechan (Dullatur) bt A Scotland (Alloa) 2 holes.
I Redford (King James VI) bt J Foley (Forres) at 19th.

K Godsman (Hopeman) bt J Irving (Strathaven) 2 and 1.

J Bradley (Paisley) bt T Matthews (West Lothian) 5 and 3.
D Ibbotson (Murcar Links) bt M Reid (Downfield) 2 and 1.
D Beaumont (Cruden Bay) bt A Bruce (Barassie) 1 hole.
R Crummey (Mercahnts of Edinburgh) bt M Roos (West Kilbride) 2 holes.
R Elder (Nairn Dunbar) bt G Ratcliffe (East Renfrewshire) 4 and 3.
M Monteith (Longniddry) bt J Acheson (Routenburn) 5 and 4.
B Munro (Thurso) bt P Scanlan (Hamilton) 6 and 5.
M Pennycott (Whiting Bay) bt J Macdonald (Cochrane Castle) 4 and 3.
G Mitchell (Alyth) bt S Boyle (Harburn) 1 hole.
A Potts (Berwick upon Tweed) bt S Deegan (Craigielaw) 4 and 2.
F Ogston (St Andrews) bt G Stirling (Caldwell) 1 hole.
A Wallace (Glenbervie) bt A Dunton (McDonald Ellon) 4 and 2.

P Ferrier (Baberton) bt S Fraser (Royal Aberdeen) 6 and 4.
F Fotheringham (Nairn) bt J Mooney (Burntisland) 4 and 3.
R Dziennik (Leven Thislte) bt R McKenna (Cathkin Braes) 3 and 2.

D Grant (Renfrew) bt C Duncan (Lothianburn) 5 and 4.

L Reid (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) bt R Higgins (East Renfrewshire) 1 hole.

K Smith (Barassie) bt D Millar (Newmachar) 4 and 3.

M Smith (Royal Aberdeen) bt E McLeod (Craigie Hill) 2 and 1.

S Taylor (Germany) bt R Asher (Nairn) 6 and 4.

A Forsyth (Drumplllier) bt F Lawrie (Largs) at 23rd.

J Reiss (Alyth) bt S Jackson (Craigmillar Park) at 20th.

B Jamieson (St Andrews New) bt D Ramsay (Elgin) at 19th.

J Anderson (Glenrothes) bt S Fulton (Cathcart Castle) at 19th.

J Reid (Royal Musselburgh) bt J Halliday (Kirkcudbright) at 20th.

A Steven (Easter Moffat) bt K Urquhart (Camperdown) 5 and 3.

J McColl (Arbroath Artisans) bt S Barbour (Milnathort) 3 and 1.

T Sharkey (Helensburgh) bt I Melville (Lothianburn) 4 and 2.

C Wyper (Hayston) bt M Thomson (Grange) 5 and 4.

A MacLennan (Dunmfermline) bt J Lambie (Sandyhills) 1 hole.

M Dickson (Gullane) bt A Lauder (Paisley) 5 and 4.

S Ballingall (Dunston Hall) bt N MacAndrew (Cullen) 4 and 3.

J O'Malley (Newbattle) bt M Fraser (Glencruitten) 7 and 5.

L Muir (Longniddry) bt S Stables (Elgin) 2 and 1.

E McLaren (Dumfries & Galloway) bt J Loughlin (Cowglen) 2 holes.

D Currie (Barassie) bt F Clarke (Westhill) 1 hole.

R Murray (Crieff) bt D Dolan (Shotts) 6 and 4.

G Ronald (Pumpherston) bt C Hill (The Pines) 4 and 2.

R Docherty (Bearsden) bt S King (Eastwood) 1 hole.

N Henderson (The Glen) bt A Abercrombie (Largs) 7 and 6.

R Corrigan (Airdrie) bt G Davidson (Winterfield) 3 and 2.

P Shields (Kirkhill) bt M Shaw (Haggs Castle) 2 and 1.

J Yule (Craigmillar Park) bt G Bissett (Craigie Hill) 1 hole.

M McGinley (Eastwood) bt D Stewart (Campsie) 2 and 1.

C Ruane (Cardross) bt C Doyle (Troon Welbeck) 2 and 1.

M McNally (Monifieth) bt D Arthur (Murrayfield) 5 and 3.

W Russell (The Dukes) bt C Trahan (Inchmarlo) 8 and 6.

O Huish (The Glen) beat Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) 4 and 2.

J Thow (Crieff) bt T Spencer (Inchmarlo) 1 hole.

N Beattie (St Andrews) bt J Salmond (Falkirk Tryst) 4 and 2.

I Young (Vale of Leven) bt R Jamieson (Loudoun Gowf) 2 and 1.
T Blennerhassett (Dalmahoy) bt G McDougall (Bishopbriggs) 1 hole.

K McClung (Wigtownshire) bt C Brown (Stonehaven) 2 and 1.

S Thompson (St Andrews) & F Moore (Falkirk Tryst) all square after 18 holes (bad light stopped play).

C Cox (Falkirk) bt M Dickie (Haddington) 8 and 7.

A Sweeney (Carnoustie) bt R McCreath (Kirkcudbright) 3 and 2.

R Penny (Portlethen) one up on J Coyne (Cowglen) after 16 holes (bad light stopped play).

G Young (Baberton) bt D Armstrong (Kirkcudbright).

Thrilling climax to Scottish champion of champions

EAGLE HAS LANDED - LLOYD
SALTMAN WINS PLAY-OFF
WITH 2 AT FIRST HOLE

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Walker Cup man Lloyd Saltman rang the curtain down on the Scottish champion of champions tournament – the first 72-hole event of the Scottish amateur golf season –in dramatic style at Leven Links this evening.
After three-putting the 18th hole in a final round 74 to fall back into a tie on one-over-par 285 with John Gallagher (Swanston), the 21-year-old Craigielaw player sensationally holed an approach shot of 93 yards with a 60 degree lob wedge for an eagle 2 to win the sudden-death play-off almost before it had begun.
“It usually takes me a few weeks to get into my stride in a new season but I played well in the Australian stroke-play and match-play championships and I came here in very good nick,” said Lloyd.
“I’ve been working hard through the winter with my coach, Colin Brooks, and this is an early pay-off for that.”
Saltman led by three strokes at halfway after a magnificent second-round of five-under-par 66 – easily the lowest of the tournament – but a 20 to 25mph wind for the final two rounds over very hard greens saw the conditions get very tough indeed, so much so that the CSS for the Sunday rounds rose to 75, compared with 73 for the first two rounds.
Lloyd dropped back to third place as Gallagher and Scottish match-play champion Kevin McAlpine (Alyth) came with strong runs over the final round.
Gallagher three-putted the last two greens a 72 and 285.
McAlpine saddled himself with a triple bogey 7 after losing a ball off the tee at the 10th and even a birdie-eagle burst at the next two holes could not give him a cushion for bogeys at the 14th, 15th and 17th and a 76 for 288, which gave him third place.
Lloyd Saltman’s older brother, Elliot, was well in contention with one round to go but went bogey-bogey-double bogey from the seventh to the ninth and finished fourth on 290 after a closing 78.
+Picture shows Lloyd Saltman receiving the trophy from Leven Golfing Society captain Alistair Rennie.

FINAL TOTALS
Par 284 (4 x 71). CSS 73-73-75-75
285 J Gallagher (Swanston) 70 71 72 72, L Saltman (Craigielaw) 72 66 73 74 (Saltman won sudden-death play-off at first hole).
288 K McAlpine (Alyth) 71 71 70 76.
290 E Saltman (Craigielaw) 71 72 69 78.
291 M Clark (Kilmacolm) 77 69 72 73.
293 S Elder (Kirkcaldy) 71 72 77 73, J White jun (Lundin) 73 69 75 76
294 I Colquhoun (Ranfurly Castle) 70 74 72 78.
295 G Campbell (Blairgowrie) 71 70 80 74.
296 A Lynch (Glenbervie) 75 72 76 73, P O’Hara (Colville Park) 71 70 77 78.
298 A Farmer (Kilmacolm) 74 73 72 79, M Kerr (Dalmahoy) 73 72 74 79, S Borrowman (Dollar) 73 71 74 80.
299 G Dear (Murrayshall) 70 73 81 75.
301 J King (Glasgow) 72 74 77 78, K Reilly (Silverknowes) 70 74 80 77.
303 A Dick (Shotts) 76 71 80 76.
304 C Watson (East Renfrewshire) 74 73 83 74, F Pintor (Spain) 75 71 79 79.
305 B Fotheringham (Forres) 78 70 79 78.
306 S Hume (Murrayshall) 80 75 76 75.
307 A Culverwell (Dunbar) 81 75 74 77, R Kellett (Colville Park) 74 79 75 79, P McLean (Peterhead) 75 77 78 77, R Coull (Edzell) 75 73 75 84.
308 S McAllister (Craigielaw) 72 76 79 81.
309 M Grunwell (Powfoot) 75 72 82 80, S Wilson (Forfar) 70 73 82 84..
310 C Checkley (Vale of Leven) 71 74 85 80.
311 S McEwan (Barassie) 74 78 80 79.
312 R McKnight (Barassie) 74 76 75 87.
315 E Moir (Hamilton) 78 76 79 82.
318 R McKenzie (Easter Moffat) 78 79 77 84.
319 D Gillie (Galashiels) 76 82 79 82.
320 N Hamilton (Dumfries & Co) 79 80 79 82.
323 M Buchan (Cruden Bay) 79 78 81 85.
324 C Timms (Rothesay) 79 81 81 83.
326 Z Saltman (Craigielaw) 76 80 84 86.
334 M Moir (Hamilton) 88 80 82 84.

No Returns: G Sharp (St Andrews) 77 78 84 - , B Rushford (Grangemouth) 75 77 82 - , K Young (Glencorse) 77 72 77 - , L Miller (Cawder) 75 70 76 - .
Retired: G MacDonald (Callander) 74 76 - , G Taylor (Meldrum House) 70 82 83 - .

BUMPER YEAR FOR SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPS

SGU Press Release

The Scottish Boys Match Play Championship gets underway at Dunbar next week (9-14 April) boasting a bumper number of entrants, with the Boys crown looking set to be one of the most hotly contested national titles in the SGU’s opening major of the season.
With more than 350 entries, the Championship will harness one of the strongest fields of competitors reflected by the handicap ballot set at a record low of 5.3 and more than 90 reserves anxiously anticipating a late call up to angle for the prestigious title.
Hosted at Dunbar Golf Club for the 18th time, last year’s champion James White is now too old to contest his title, but Thornton’s Michael Main who was left in White’s wake will hope to go one better to improve on his 2006 runner- up finish.
Other hopeful contenders include Scottish Boys cap James Byrne, recently back from the Boys Quads in Rome and a member of last year’s victorious team at St Cyprien. The Banchory player has the lowest handicap in the event with +2.3.
Likely lads and fellow Quad team mates Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie), Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) and Inchmarlo’s Tom Spencer will also hope to withstand the eliminating rounds to reach a place in the quarter finals for a chance to contest the title.
Along with national squad member, Troon Wellbeck’s Michael Stewart whose handicap of +1.3 places him among the dozen players in the event with plus handicaps.
Boy wonder John Henry – brother of double champion Scott Henry who recently made it to the quarter finals of the Australian Amateur Stroke Play Championship will hope to replicate his brother’s prowess, and Old Ranfurly brothers Jamie and Sam Binning will add sibling rivalry into the mix.
Commenting on the event, SGU Performance Manager Stuart Turner said, “The Boys Championship is the first title to be contested in the SGU domestic season and this year the competition will be fierce.
Not only is it a record year in terms of the growing popularity of the event, we have a record number of Academy players among the competitive field, with nearly all of the year 2 academy players (bar 2) and 16 year 1 academy players adding to the fray, which will hopefully lead to a very exciting championship.”
Kirkhill’s Paul Shields fresh from his Junior Tour event win at Kingsbarns last weekend, will no doubt now be casting his eye over the silverware up for grabs and Perthshire’s jewel in the crown Sam McLaren, current U16 Stroke Play Champion from King James VI is also not to be discounted.
SGU National Junior Coach Spencer Henderson, coach to many of the players involved, said, “The Boys Championship this year really is wide open with a number of our national squad and academy players ready for action, hoping to capitalise on the long winter months of preparation and training camps.
Henderson added, ‘The weather will play a large part next week as windy conditions on the coastal course will test the shot making abilities of all the players.’
Spectators are welcome to come along and support Scotland’s rising stars, hoping to savour their first taste of national success at the scenic par 71 course nestling along the East Lothian Coast. Past champions at the event include European Tour players Andrew Coltart and Steven O’Hara.

SGU CELEBRATES DOUBLE DINNER SPONSOR

The seventh annual Scottish Golf Dinner takes place tomorrow night (Friday 30 March) to celebrate Scottish golf’s amateur success and the event was given a boost with the capture of two new sponsors.

Leading independent financial advisers MDH Hughes and specialist golf surfaces company Golfcrete will sponsor this year’s Dinner, which is a complete sell-out as clubs, golfers and Scottish Golf’s partners gather to toast one of the most successful seasons in the domestic amateur game.

With Richie Ramsay’s victory in the US Amateur Championship, Scottish teams’ quadruple success in the Girls, Boys, Mens and Seniors Home Internationals and numerous other team and individual performances, the Dinner will be glittering with silverware.

Michael Hughes, Managing Director of MDH Hughes, is delighted to be involved in the 2007 Scottish Golf Dinner:

‘Our association with the Scottish Golf Union stretches back many years as the organisation’s employee benefits advisers and we hope that through the sponsorship we can widen our offering throughout the golf industry.’

‘Last season was a fantastic one for amateur golf in Scotland and the Dinner will provide a great showcase to celebrate the achievements of everyone involved,’ he added.

Ian Tittershill, Managing Director of Sportcrete, who provide an environmentally friendly and ecologically sound lining for lakes and bunkers on golf courses, sees sponsorship of the Scottish Golf Dinner as the perfect platform for launching the product in Scotland:

“Golfcrete has already been successful in continental Europe and the States so we hope that our presence at the Scottish Golf Dinner can build our awareness in Scotland.”

“We would like to congratulate the SGU and the SLGA for their efforts on and off the course in 2006 and wish them every success for the year ahead.”

The Scottish Golfer of the Year and SGU Order of Merit winner will be formally announced on the evening, whilst the leading female golfers from 2006 will also receive their awards on the night, as the SGU and SLGA bring both their awards evenings together for the very first time.

Former Scotland rugby star turned BBC radio presenter John Beattie provides the after-dinner entertainment alongside leading guest speaker Brian Voyle-Morgan.

HUGH HUNTER HONOURED BY SCOTTISH SCHOOLS GOLF ASSOCIATION

Former Scottish Golf Union president Hugh Hunter, who lives in Auchterarder, has been honoured by the Scottish Schools Golf Association of which he has been president twice.
“For all Hugh has done for junior golf in general and schools golf in particular over the last 40 years and more, we felt it was only right that he should become the first life member of the Scottish Schools Golf Association,” said secretary Dorothy Scott.
“Since he retired from teaching, he has been able to devote even more of his time to supporting junior golf. Hugh pops up everywhere there’s a tournament on.”
Robin Fyfe, Nairn Golf Club professional for many years, was one of the young lads encouraged to develop his golf when Hugh Hunter was a teacher at Alloa Academy in the late 1960s.
Hugh then moved to Callander and joined the teaching staff at McLaren High School.
The Scottish Schools Golf Association, which stages an annual championship for boys and girls and also organises an annual match against England, was formed in 1972.
Hugh became its president for the first time in 1983-84 and, 10 years later, he served a second term of office.
“He is the only person to have been president of the SSGA twice,” said Mrs Scott.
“I’m thrilled to become the first life member of the Scottish Schools Golf Association,” said Hugh who was president of the Scottish Golf Union in 2006. �