Yorkshire’s Benjamin Schmidt knocked out Brandon Dietzel winning 3&2 in the second round of the 2020 Amateur Championship at Royal Birkdale. Picture by THE R&A

YORKSHIRE’S Benjamin Schmidt comfortably advanced in his quest to win The 125th Amateur Championship.

Taking on Germany’s Brandon Dietzel, Schmidt – the highest ranked player in the field at No. 35 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking – recorded a 3&2 victory across the famed Royal Birkdale links.

The 18-year-old, from Rotherham GC, will meet Royal Lytham’s fellow England junior international Callan Barrow in Friday’s third round.

The Lancastrian, who finished runner-up in the English Amateur Championship, defeated Scotland’s Lewis Irvine 2&1.

Schmidt created history last summer by winning the Carris and Brabazon in the same season at the age of just 16, breaking Sandy Lyle’s record from 1975 in the process.

He said: “I feel like the first match is pretty tough. Everyone is wanting to just get through that first stage, so I am very happy.

“I played pretty solid. I had a couple of holes in the middle of the match where I probably went a little flat. But I finished with two birdies which was very nice.

“If you are bad off the tee around here it’s going to be pretty tough. But off the tee I have been pretty good.

“I also hit some good shots into the greens to give myself birdie chances,” said Schmidt, who also won the New South Wales Amateur in February.

There will be disappointment for another Scot Ruben Lindsay, the leading qualifier.

The 16-year-old was knocked out after losing 2&1 to Finland’s Ilari Saulo, who had disposed of Hallamshire’s in-form Sam Bairstow in the morning first round by 3&1.

The Finnish Amateur Champion will now go head-to-head with Denmark’s Victor Sidal Svendsen, who won by 1 hole to end the hopes of Welshman Ben Chamberlain.

Somerset’s Tom Plumb beat Robert Moran 4&3 to move int the last 32 at The British Amtaeur at Royal Birkdale on Thursday. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN / AMG PICTURES

Plumb happy to be in the last-32

SOMERSET’S Thomas Plumb, a member of the 2019 Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup team, moved into the last-32 thanks to a 4&3 victory over Ireland’s Robert Moran.

Plumb got off to a fast start and was six-up through the turn, but found the going much tougher on Birkdale’s challenging back nine.

“I started really well and was six-up through the turn,” said Plumb.

“I started to stick the brakes on a little bit and got a little bit lazy and lackadaisical. But I was happy to get the job done in the end.

“The back nine is just so difficult once you get past 12. You start going back out towards the sea.

“It’s hard to gauge the wind and the course gets longer. It’s obviously late in the round as well so it definitely plays so much harder than the front nine.

“I’m playing some good golf and I’m confident with how I played in the strokeplay in the bad weather on the first day – and then yesterday,” added Plumb, who qualified in a share of 30th place.

Qualifying was reduced to just one round on Wednesday, after Tuesday’s first round was abandoned because of high winds.

“I just want to stay confident each day and play each match as well as I have today and I should do okay.”

The England international will now face team-mate Callum Farr, from Northamptonshire County, in the third round.

Farr, who reached the semi-finals of the English Amateur in 2018 and 2019, beat Italian Davide Buchi by one hole.

France’s Brabazon Trophy winner David Ravetto has a chance to match the unique feat of Sir Michael Bonallack, who completed the English Strokeplay and Amateur double twice.
Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

Ravetto can match Bonallack’s unique feat

HAVING qualified for the matchplay stage by a single stroke, Frenchman David Ravetto, went head-to-head with Gloucestershire’s English Amateur champion Jack Cope, from The Players Club.

Opening with a birdie, Ravetto – who won the Brabazon Trophy last week – went one-up after the first before comfortably winning the match 5&4.

He will now play Marc Hammer on Friday after the German beat Finland’s Rasmus Karlsson 2&1.

Ravetto said: “It was a tough day yesterday because I knew it was just one round of qualifying.

“I didn’t play a great round. I was maybe a little scared that I would mess it up. But I had plenty of confidence in my game this morning.

“I played pretty solid golf, nothing too crazy, added Ravetto, who has a chance to equal the achievement of Sir Michael Bonallack by becoming just the second player to win the Brabazon and The Amateur Championship in the same season.

Ravetto reflected: “I birdied the first hole to go one-up. I birdied six as well and managed a chip in bogey on seven and birdied 10. I shot two-under through 14 holes – so a solid round of golf.

“Jack played a really good round. He is a really good player. We had a great match. He didn’t make many putts and that was the difference between us.”

Power inspired by Harrington’s heroics in 2008 Open

DRAWING inspiration from Padraig Harrington – who won the 2008 Open at Royal Birkdale – Ireland’s Mark Power won his match against Jannik de Bruyn of Germany thanks to a 2&1 victory.

He advanced to play England’s Jack Dyer in the last-32.

Power said: “At the start of the week we were all watching that video of Harrington hitting that five-wood on 17.

“I was standing on the 17th tee two-up. It was a big moment, as I was considering if I should take it on or not.

“It’s just cool to be playing these type of golf courses that all the greats have played on.

“It’s a magnificent golf course, the back nine is so tough, pars are great scores out there.

“I have played Jannik before and I knew how good he was and that it would be a tough game.

“We both probably didn’t have our best stuff today. But it was a good battle. To know that even when I’m not playing my best, I can win gives me a lot of confidence.”

The famous Art Deco clubhouse at Royal Birkdale – one of the best courses on the R&A’s Open Championship rota – and where Jordan Spieth claimed the Claret Jug in 2017

Birkdale hosting The Amateur for fourth time in 74 years

ROYAL Birkdale is staging The Amateur Championship for just the fourth time in 74 years, having hosted it in 1946, 1989 and 2005.

The matchplay stage continues on Friday with the last-16 and last-eight ties before the quarter and semi-finals on Saturday.

Also through to the third round are Wiltshire’s Scottish Strokeplay Amateur Champion Jake Bolton, Tillman Trophy winner Matty Lamb, from Hexham, former Carris Trophy winner Barclay Brown, from Hallamshire, and Gloucestershire’s England international Joe Long.

They are in the draw alongside Northampton County’s Ben Jones, a semi-finalist last year, who also reached the last four in this year’s Australian Amateur.

Dubai-based England junior Josh Hill, the youngest amateur to win a professional event on the Mena Tour in 2019, will face Long.

Canterbury’s Joshua Bristow and Dartford’s Mason Essam, who helped Kent win the English County Championship last September, while Essex’s Jack Dyer, and Aaron Edwards-Hill – last year’s North of Ireland Open winner, are also bidding for a place in the last-16.

A total of 17 English players have made it through to the third round with Castle Park’s Stephen Gallacher Foundation Ambassador Connor Wilson – and Peebles Darren Howie – the only Scots left in the competition.

The winner of Sunday’s 36-hole final will gain exemptions into the 149th Open at Royal St George’s next July, and by tradition, an invitation to play in the Masters at Augusta National – as well as an exemption to the 2021 US Open.

•For live scoring, go to www.randa.org as well as on The R&A’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

The post Ben Schmidt on the trail of The Amateur crown and place in Masters and Open appeared first on Golf North.

The 22-year-old, who claimed victory at Royal County Down last year, is aiming to become the first player since Sweden’s Louise Stahle to retain the championship, back in 2005.

Having progressed on the cut mark during qualifying, Toy found her form in the matchplay stages to continue her quest for a historic success at the spectacular North-West links.

In the championship’s 117th staging, Toy saw off the challenge of Roehampton’s Isabelle Simpson.

Her one-hole win in the morning, was followed by a comfortable 5&4 triumph over Ireland’s Jessica Ross.

Toy said: “I’m trying not to give up the title. Obviously, making the cut on the mark was a relief and coming through two rounds I’m pleased to be where I am.

“It was a really good match this morning and I was pleased to get the win,” added the Carlyon Bay member.

“This afternoon I played nicely again. I have been struggling a little bit with form coming into this event. So it has been nice to actually see some nice shots.

“At the start of the week, in my eyes, the trophy was out there for anyone to win.

“I’m just coming to an event trying to win like everyone else. If I can keep doing the right things and if that is good enough at the end of the week then great.

It’s my first time here and I’m really enjoying it,” said Toy, who missed out on the chance to play at Augusta in April because of the COVID-19 crisis, which saw the second ever Augusta National Women’s Amateur cancelled along with the Masters.

Is Price right for Emily’s double?

LUDLOW’S in-form Emily Price, who won the English Women’s Amateur Championship earlier this month, maintained her bid for more glory.

She beat Iceland’s Hulda Clara Gestsdottir 2&1 to reach the last-16 where she will face Lithunia’s Gilė Bitė Starkutė.

Denmark’s Amalie Leth-Nissen – who was the leading qualifier on countback – lost out to her older sister, Cecilie, at the final hole in an emotional contest in the opening tie of the day.

It was a notable triumph, given Cecilie is ranked 765th on the World Amateur Golf Ranking compared to Amalie who sits at 47th.

However, Scotland’s Hannah Darling, the Girls’ Under 16 Open Champion in 2018, then ended the hopes of Leth-Nissen in the afternoon with a one-hole victory.

Seventeen-year-old Darling said: “It feels good to reach the last-16. I was just solid out there today.

“In both matches I think I was two-down after three. So I’m just really proud of how I ground it out and stuck in there.

“It’s the type of golf course where anything can happen. I wouldn’t say it is a course you can go low on. You have to grind it out and scramble.

“I heard Cecilie had a close game in the morning with her sister. I’m friends with them both, and it was then nice to have a good match against her too.

“It’s my first time in the Women’s Amateur. But it’s matchplay and I’ve done well in those events in the past. So I just have to keep it going.

“I’m probably younger than most people out there. But as my dad says, age has nothing to do it with it, and it’s about performing,”said the Broomienknowe teenager.

Florida’s Fuller still in as German marches on

ROEHAMPTON’S newly crowned English Strokeplay champion Annabell Fuller is also in the last-16.

The University of Florida ace first beat Royal Cromer’s fellow England international Amelia Williamson 2&1, and St Mellion’s Megan Giles 5&4 in the second round.

Of the other leading qualifiers, Whitley Bay’s Rosie Belsham lost to Annabel Bailey, from Leicestershire’s Kirby Muxloe by one hole.

Bailey was then knocked out by Kent’s Shama Dutrieux at the 23rd hole.

Italian Alessia Nobilio, the World No. 5, quietly went about her work to reach the last 16. Meanwhile two German players – Paula Schulz-Hanssen and Aline Krauter – also progressed.

Schulz-Hanssen, who has already won the Swiss Amateur title this year, was delighted with her progress.

She said: “I’m happy to be in the last-16. I played pretty good today.

“I played 32 holes in the two matches and I had 12 birdies and only four bogeys. It is tough playing 36 holes in the one day.

“I was level par for the strokeplay qualifying, but today was even better,” said last year’s European Young Masters winner.

“The course is so beautiful to play, so amazing. There are so many holes where you can really attack the flag.

“If you hit good shots, you can get good results. It’s my first time playing in the event and I’m playing well,” said Schulz-Hanssen, a member of Europe’s 2019 Solheim Junior Cup team.

Humphreys waiting for putts to drop

ESSEX’S Lily May Humphreys, the highest-ranked English player in the field, now faces Schulz-Hanssen in Friday’s showdown.

The Stoke-by-Nayland player who was runner-up to Price at Woodhall Spa, said: “It feels really good. It’s my best so far in this championship.

“I haven’t done that great in it before. Hopefully I can carry on through tomorrow to the semi-finals,” added Humphreys, who won the Irish and Welsh Strokeplay titles last year.

“I feel like I played solid today, tee-to-green – just didn’t hole a massive amount of putts,” Lily May added.

“It was less breezy out there today. A little drizzle in the afternoon, but the conditions were better.”

Meanwhile Italian Carolina Melgrati also exited at the 19th to Wales’ Ffion Tynan.

Tynan continued her form as she defeated Berkshire’s Irish international Laura Webb, the oldest player in the field at 57, with a 2&1 victory against the East Berkshire veteran.

Webb was named captain of Ireland’s national team for 2020 and won the Irish Seniors championship in 2019.

That win completed the first-ever Irish Ladies slam by winning the Girls, Women’s and Over 50s titles during her career.

West Lancashire’s Hollie left to Muse after defeat

THERE was disappointment however for West Lancashire’s Hollie Muse and Scotland’s Hazel MacGarvie, who were knocked out at the last-64 stage.

The other England players still in the hat are Carus Green’s Caitlin Whithead after her wins over Scot Lorna McClymont, from Milngavie, by 4&3 – and last year’s English Amateur Champion Ellen Hume, from Mill Green, in Hertfordshire, by 4&2.

Fourteen-year-old Chiara Noja, who was born in Germany and raised in the UK, faces another teenager in Nobillo.

The latter is the current Italian and Portuguese Amateur Stokeplay Champion.

Dutrieux, from Wrotham Heath, will play another Italian in the shape of Emilie Paltrinieri, last year’s German Girls Champion, after her win at the fifth extra hole.

The matchplay continues, with the last-16 and quarter-final ties played, ahead of Saturday’s semi-finals and the 18-hole final.

There are significant rewards for the champion with exemptions into the AIG Women’s Open and traditionally, the US Women’s Open, The Evian Championship and Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship.

•Follow live scoring at RandA.org as well as on The R&A’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

The post Toy takes her time in defence of Amateur Championship title at West Lancashire appeared first on Golf North.

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in Aberdeen, Scotland, was founded in 1780 as the Society of Golfers at Aberdeen and became the Aberdeen Golf Club in 1815. Until 1888 members played on the Queen’s Links close to the city before moving across the River Don to the links at Balgownie. The Course was originally designed by the Simpson Brothers, Archie and Robert of Carnoustie and later re-bunkered and lengthened by James Braid to ensure our classic links kept pace with the modern game.

The club’s ‘Royal’ patronage was awarded by King Edward VII in 1903.

We hope you enjoy your virtual visit to Royal Aberdeen Golf Club and look forward to welcoming you when your visit to our wonderful links becomes a reality.

Visitors & Green Fees

BALGOWNIE GREEN FEES (2020)WINTER SEASON

25 October 2019 – 12th April 2020  £95 per person per round.

 

SHOULDER SEASON

13th April – 10th May £139 per person per round.

 

SUMMER SEASON

11th May – 18th October £195.00 per person per round or we offer a day ticket for £270.00 per person per day.

COURSE MAINTENANCE CLOSURE

Balgownie will be closed for maintenance work between 19th – 21st October inclusive.

WINTER SEASON 2020/2021
22nd October -11th April £95 per person per round.JUNIOR RATES

Juniors will receive a 50% discount on all of the above listed prices.

SILVERBURN COURSE

£70.00 per person per round

£100 per person per dayVISITOR TEE TIME AVAILABILITY
Monday & Wednesday 10.00 – 11.30 a.m. & 2.00 – 3.30 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday 2.00 – 3.30pm
Friday 10.00  – 11.00 a.m. &  2.30  – 3.30 p.m
Weekends – after 3.30 p.m.

Additional visitor times may be available (1,2 & 3 balls only) on weekdays between 8.00 and 8.30 a.m.

BALGOWNIE GREEN FEES (2021)WINTER SEASON

21 October 2020 – 11th April 2021  £95 per person per round.

 

SHOULDER SEASON

12th April – 9th May £139 per person per round.

 

SUMMER SEASON

10th May – 17th October £195.00 per person per round or we offer a day ticket for £270.00 per person per day.

COURSE MAINTENANCE CLOSURE

Balgownie will be closed for maintenance work between 18th – 20th October inclusive.

WINTER SEASON 2021/2022
14th October -10th April £95 per person per round.JUNIOR RATES

Juniors will receive a 50% discount on all of the above listed prices.

SILVERBURN COURSE

£70.00 per person per round

£100 per person per dayVISITOR TEE TIME AVAILABILITY
Monday & Wednesday 10.00 – 11.30 a.m. & 2.00 – 3.30 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday 2.00 – 3.30pm
Friday 10.00  – 11.00 a.m. &  2.30  – 3.30 p.m
Weekends – after 3.30 p.m.

Additional visitor times may be available (1,2 & 3 balls only) on weekdays between 8.00 and 8.30 a.m.

CLUB CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESSES

Contact Wendy at wendy@royalaberdeengolf.com

Contact Shona at admin@royalaberdeengolf.com

Contact Keith at gm@royalaberdeengolf.com

PAYMENT OF GREEN FEES 

We accept Visa and Mastercard for payment of green fees. A 25% non returnable deposit is required on confirmation of the booking and the balance paid in full one month before play.

REFUNDS

Please note, no refund of green fees if cancelled within 7 days of date of play.

DRESS CODE

Please note cargo style trousers, jeans, trainers and tee shirts are UNACCEPTABLE on the Course and in the Clubhouse. Hats should be removed before entering the Clubhouse. Mobile phones are not permitted in the Clubhouse (apart from the phone area), Professional’s shop and anywhere on the Club grounds.

HANDICAP CERTIFICATE

All players should hold a current handicap certificate and a letter of introduction from an accredited golf club and must be brought along for inspection. Failure to do so may, regrettably, result in the facility of the course being refused. The Championship Course (Balgownie Links) is indeed a challenging course and so handicaps for both ladies and gentlemen should be no higher than 24.
We will endeavour to provide caddies if requested but unfortunately at certain times during the season our caddy pool is limited.CADDY INFORMATION

Caddies on request – £50.00
Club hire – £45.00
Pull Trolley hire – £7.00
Electric Trolley – £15.00

Ride on Buggies – £75.00 We have a limited number of buggies which must be driven by a caddy, this cost is included in the price listed. (Medical certificate required all year round)

Request a Tee Time

Local Accommodation

Contact Us

MEMBERSHIP & ADMINISTRATION

Contact Shona – 01224 702571 (Option 1)

Email: shona@royalaberdeengolf.com

RESERVATIONS

Contact Wendy – 01224 702571 (Option 1)

Email: wendy@royalaberdeengolf.com

PGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL

Contact David – 01224 702571 (Option 3)

Email: davidross.pga@btinternet.com

CLUBHOUSE & CATERING

 Contact Maria – 01224 702571 (Option 4)

Email: clubhouse@royalaberdeengolf.com

GENERAL MANAGER

Contact Keith – 01224 702571 (Option 5)

Email: gm@royalaberdeengolf.com

www.royalaberdeengolf.com

The post Royal Aberdeen Golf Club appeared first on Golf North.

The Old Course at St Andrews is set to reopen to St Andrews Links Trust yearly ticketholders on Friday, along with the New, Eden and Balgove courses.

THE Old Course at St Andrews – the Home of Golf – is set to reopen on Friday, subject to an 11th hour approval by the Scottish Government on Thursday night.

But visitors will have to wait as tee times are restricted to St Andrews Links Trust’s yearly ticketholders from around the town in Fife – as the Scottish Government’s restricition on journeys remains at five miles.

The oldest golf course in the world will be back in play in time for the weekend, along with the New, Eden and Balgove.

The Strathtyrum, Jubilee and Castle will reopen in stages in the coming days and weeks. The Eden will be split into two loops to encourage people to play nine holes.

St Andrews Links Trust – which operates the seven courses at the Home of Golf – will insist on the following restrictions and guidelines for the coming weeks as players return.

Play will be restricted to Links ticketholders, who will play in a maximum of two-balls – 12 minutes apart. They must have a pre-booked tee time.

The ballot system will remain for the Old Course for Monday to Saturday. There is no play on Sundays.

Once the daily ballot is published, unallocated tee times can be booked by phone on (01334) 466666.

Yearly ticketholders can book a tee time for the other three courses online from 7pm – two days before play – and over the phone from 9am the day before.

Golfers can be from the same household, or two different ones – providing the players have no COVID-19 symptoms, are not in self-isolation or have been out of the country in the previous 14 days.

Social distancing must be observed on arrival at the Old Course and at all times during rounds.

The St Andrews Links Clubhouse will remain closed during the first phase of golf returning to St Andrews Old Course later this week.

Links Trust delighted to reopen Old

THE St Andrews Links Tust said it was “delighted” to share its plans for a phased reopening of the Old Course, known as the “Old Lady.”St

A spokesman said: “The return of golf is hugely important for our community and eagerly anticipated by us all.

“We will continue to monitor and review our policies and practices before we consider re-introducing guests and visitors in the coming weeks.

“We would like to thank everyone for their patience and continued support throughout this unprecedented period.

“Everyone in our community, every individual, every family, every business, every organisation has been impacted by this global pandemic.

“We are committed to ensuring that as we overcome these challenging times, the Links provides a safe and enjoyable environment for us to all come together – and play our part in a sensible and responsible manner.

“In order to move forward, we have had to begin preparing for the new normals – and new responsibilities that we must adhere to – if golf is to play an active role in emerging from this crisis.”

The Trust’s clubhouses, restaurants, the St Andrews Golf Academy and shops also remain closed in line with government guidance.

Players should change in the car park. No toilet facilities will be available in the first phase.

Flagpoles should not be touched – holes have been modified for simple ball retrieval.

All bunker rakes have been removed. Players should smooth sand with their club/feet, and must not pick up other players’ equipment or ball – nor exchange food or drinks.

ST ANDREWS LINKS TROPHY CALLED OFF

The Scottish Government’s decision to scale back some of the lockdown restrictions was announced on Friday.

But it has taken another week for golf to get the green light north of the border. England’s golf courses reopened two weeks ago on May 13.

But Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon refused to be rushed into allowing certain sports – including golf – the chance to resume after more than two months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The St Andrews Trust spokesman added: “We urge everyone to be respectful of our guidelines to ensure that, in time, we can move to a fully phased reintroduction of the game – as we all know and love it.

“The health and wellbeing of colleagues, customers and golfers remains our priority, and we have developed our operations – and phased return – to promote social distancing at all times.”

•For full details on how to book a tee time at St Andrews, and to read the guidelines in full click here.

‘No rush to reschedule existing bookings’

VISITING golfers, who have existing bookings for the Old Course, should contact their authorised provider, to discuss prepaid bookings.

The Trust stressed this week there was no urgency to discuss reschedule times if you booked direct.

The reservations team is dealing with a high volume of queries. Contacting them via email in the first instance would be appreciated, the Links Trust said.

“We will continue to deal with queries throughout the weeks and months ahead. We thank you in advance for your patience. Thank you for your continued support,” said the spokesman.

The post St Andrews Old Course set to reopen on Friday along with Eden, The New and Balgove appeared first on Golf North.

The Scottish Golf Union has reminded golfers and golf clubs to sitck to the ban on the sport despite a relaxation of rules in England. Picture by ANDY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR

SCOTTISH Golf has reminded golfers north of the border to continue to observe the lockdown affecting its golf clubs after the UK Government signalled a relaxation in the COVID-19 rules.

After Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon attacked Prime Minister for changing the advice to “Stay Home, Stay Safe” to “Stay Alert,” on Sunday night, Scottish Golf bosses acted quickly to stress it is supporting the existing ban on playing on golf.

A spokesman said on Monday morning: “The position outlined by Scottish Golf on Friday, for golf in Scotland remains unchanged.

“The message is still clear – Stay at home and save lives.

“We remain in daily dialogue with the Scottish Government and other golfing bodies throughout the UK, to ensure that when it is deemed safe to do so in Scotland, that we are ready to support our golf clubs with a concise protocol for reopening.

“We will update our membership as soon as the Scottish Government agrees a plan on a safe return to golf.

“Scottish Golf would like to thank all of our members for their continued support in following the guidelines in such difficult times.

Last week, Karin Sharp, who was made Scottish Golf’s acting chief executive following last month’s resignation of Andrew McKinlay, hit out at those clubs that were considering jumping the gun after speculation increased that the ban on golf was going to be lifted in May.

She said: “It has been disappointing to hear that some golf clubs in Scotland have communicated to members their intent to re-open their golf course ahead of restrictions being lifted.

“We urge all member clubs to continue to follow the Scottish Government advice, that continues to have the best interest of the public at heart.

“Golf is a sport where integrity and rules sit at the very heart of the game and we ask all golfers to respect the position of Scottish Government and show patience at a time when the virus continues to have a devastating impact on society.

“I appreciate the frustrations and desire to play golf as soon as possible, but I urge you to continue following Government guidelines and save lives.”

The Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) and the Irish Ladies Golf Association announced last week that golf clubs in Eire would be reopening from May 18, while speculation was mounting the UK Government would relax a number of restrictions brought in during the lockdown to combat the coronarivus pandemic, which as seen more than 30,000 people die in the UK.

The post Scottish Golf urges golfers and golf clubs to stick to ban on sport during lockdown appeared first on Golf North.

Winning Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew (left) and 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie (right) with Scottish Golf club buisness manager Iain Evans, during the Zoom call

MORE than 300 people from across Scotland came together for an exclusive Zoom panel call with Major champions Paul Lawrie and Catriona Matthew.

Both Paul and Catriona contributed to discussions on a number of topics including junior golf in Scotland – their individual career highlights – and how they are adapting to challenges posed by the current COVID-19 outbreak.

Matthew, the only Scottish woman to ever win a Major after victory at the 2009 Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Lytham, went on to lead Europe to victory at the Solheim Cup in September.

Meanwhile Lawrie, who survived the carnage on the last day of the 1999 Open at Carnoustie to come from 10 shots back to lift the Claret Jug, was named as Europe’s captain the Junior Ryder Cup in Wisconsin, in September – if the biennial clash against the USA gets the go-ahead.

The 30-minute call was the second in a series of events being delivered by the governing body to help club managers and golfers in dealing with the disruption facing the golf industry during the coronavirus pandemic.

The conversation, which can be watched back in full online here, was another huge success with a retention rate of 96 per cent, according to the organiser.

Iain Evans, who is Scttish Golf’s club business manager, said: “I would like to say a massive thank-you to our excellent panellists, Paul and Catriona for providing all of our attendees with fascinating insight into their illustrious careers and all things golf in Scotland.

“We know that these are uncertain and challenging times for everyone involved in our great game and it was a pleasure to be able to bring two of Scotland’s greats together to answer questions from golf club managers and golfers across Scotland.

“Our Zoom panel calls are providing some really valuable insights and we are delighted we can continue to embrace digital technology during this period to bring people from across our golfing community together.”

Details of the next Zoom panel call will be issued to all affiliated golf club in the coming days.

A Scottish Golf spokesman said: “We look forward to welcoming everyone online again soon.”

The post Lawrie and Matthew take part in Scottish Golf Zoom call watched by 300-plus appeared first on Golf North.

Scottish Golf has appointed Karin Sharp as its chief executive after Andrew McKinlay stepped down to

SCOTTISH Golf chief executive Andrew McKinlay has been replaced by Karin Sharp after he stood down yesterday, in the wake of the financial hit the governing body is suffering as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Chief operating officer Sharp was asked to lead the organisation with immediate effect by Eleanor Cannon, who chairs Scottish Golf, which has now lost three chief executives in four years since the former Scottish and Newcastle brewery director took over as head of its board in 2015.

McKinlay, who joined from the Scottish Football Association in February 2018, decided to leave Scottish Golf on Tuesday to “ensure a sustainable future for Scottish Golf.”

His successor has already taken a 20 per cent pay cut, as has chief commercial officer Iain Forsyth, who will assist Sharp in her new role.

Earlier this month, the game’s governing body significantly reduced staffing numbers through the Government furlough scheme.

In addition – and in response to the global health crisis – the board acted quickly to cancel all of this year’s championships and Scottish Golf events, as well coaching session for its performance squads for the remainder of the 2020 season.

That move meant available resources could be prioritised towards supporting Scottish Golf’s 575 affiliated golf clubs through the “extreme financial challenges” brought on by the closure all clubs in the UK under the Government lockdown, introduced on March 23.

Eleanor Cannon said in a statement: “The board and executive team have had to make very tough decisions in order to focus on ensuring we are in a sustainable position going forward when courses reopen.

“With many clubs feeling the financial strain, which in turn has had a knock-on effect on our income, we have prioritised expenditure accordingly.

“Now more than ever we need strong leadership backed up by robust actionable plans.

“I am very pleased to announce the board has invited Karin Sharp to lead the organisation with immediate effect, from her current role as chief operating officer.”

Scottish Golf chief executive Andrew McKinlay stepped down yesterday to help the governing body cope with the financial problems caused by the COVID-19 outbreak

From banking to golf administration

SHARP worked for RBS for 23 years, mostly in its corporate and commercial banking division before moving into golf adminstration.

She joined Scottish Ladies Golfing Association in November 2013 as chief operating officer and, following the amalgamation in 2015, continued in the same role for Scottish Golf.

Karin said: “In response to these unprecedented circumstances we have issued a short financial health check survey to our member clubs which seeks to gather key information, specifically around the impact of COVID-19 to golf club operations.

“This detail will directly contribute to, and significantly inform, our ongoing dialogue with Scottish Government in relation to the struggles faced by golf in Scotland.

“This information is crucial. To enable us to represent the situation accurately and effectively, I urge all clubs to complete the survey at the earliest opportunity.”

Scottish Golf is also hosting the first of its weekly support webinars, open to all member golf clubs, later today.

Sharp added: “We have brought together experts from golf club management, finance, marketing and commercial disciplines that are on hand to offer advice on the significant challenges our clubs are currently facing.”

A spokesman added that Scottish Golf: “Continues to be in active dialogue with Scottish Government, sportscotland and the R&A on the up-to-date guidance and advice relative to the current health and economic crisis.”

Sharp will be supported by Forsyth, who has spent more than 30 years working in the golf industry, and is behind the introduction of Scottish Golf’s venue management system (VMS).

The new product has attracted public criticism from some clubs who feel they are being forced to ditch their existing software systems.

That is because the new World Handicapping System will only be accessible via Scottish Golf’s new VMS, when it is rolled out north of the border later this year.

The VMS will allow clubs to sell tee times online and manage other club functions as do rival software systems.

The latter can also calculate handicap allowances for all club competitions, home and away under the current arrangement with CONGU, but have been told they will not be able to when WHS is introduced.

Eleanor Cannon, who chairs Scottish Golf, thanked outgoing chief executive Andrew McKinlay for his service

Former Scottish Football chief leaves after two years

McKINLAY, who left the Scottish Football Association in Feburary 2018, paid tribute to the team he worked with at Scottish Golf, for just over two years.

He said: “It has been a privilege to lead this fantastic organisation and I am grateful to Eleanor and the board for the opportunity.

“Above all I am indebted to the team at Scottish Golf for their commitment in implementing the objectives to take the game forward towards a sustainable and, indeed, prosperous future.”

Cannon thanked the outgoing chief executive who was forced to put two-thirds of his staff on furlough leave under the UK Government scheme last month.

Cannon said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Andrew for his contribution to Scottish Golf over the past two years.

“He brought a wealth of experience to what can be a pressurised role. He has helped take the organisation forward and has now taken a very difficult decision at this challenging time.

“I thank him for doing so and wish him the very best for the future.”

• Andrew McKinlay took over after the short-lived reign of Blane Dodds, the former Scottish tennis international who left after 14 months in October 2017.

Dodds succeeded Hamish Grey, who had steered the Scottish Golf Union through its drawn-out merger with the Scottish Ladies Golf Association – which was finally approved in 2015.

Grey stepped down from his increased role as head of the combined organisation just three months after his formal appointment to the new role.

 

The post Scottish Golf CEO Andrew McKinlay steps down in cost-cutting move appeared first on Golf North.

The Renaissance Club was set to stage the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open in July – the European Tour is looking to move it back in the season. Picture by SHIRLEY PINDER

TWO more European Tour tournaments have been cancelled while the Scottish Open – part of the Rolex Series – has been postponed as a result of the continuing threat posed by the spread of the coronavirus.

The BMW International Open and the French Open will not take place in 2020 while European Tour staff are looking to move the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open from its July date to later in the season.

The BMW International Open, which has been played every year in Germany since 1989, was due to take place at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried, in Munich, from June 25-28.

The French Open – continental Europe’s oldest national open, was scheduled to take place a week later, July 2-5, at Le Golf National, near Paris, which staged the 2018 Ryder Cup.

It has been cancelled following the French government’s decision to cancel all mass public gatherings and events until mid-July.

The Scottish Open was one of eight Rolex Series events announced at the start of the 2020 season.

It was scheduled to return to The Renaissance Club, in North Berwick, from July 9-12 – but could now form part of a plan to stage several events in the UK later in the season (see below).

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: “The decision to cancel the BMW International Open, which has been a cornerstone of the European Tour calendar for three decades, and the Open de France – one of our most historic national opens – was made in consultation with our long-term partner BMW and the French Golf Federation, respectively, with public health and well-being the absolute priority for all of us.

“Both Germany and France have been significantly impacted by Coronavirus, and our thoughts go out to everyone affected in both countries, as well as elsewhere around the world.

“In consultation with Aberdeen Standard Investments, VisitScotland and Rolex, we have also decided to postpone the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, which is part of our prestigious Rolex Series.

“Discussions about the possibility of rescheduling this event will continue as we look at a variety of different scenarios for our schedule for when it is safe and permitted to resume playing.

“We will only announce details of these plans when we have clarity on the global situation.”

•The latest cancellations bring the total number of events postponed in 2020 by the European Tour to nine, with five more events cancelled completely.

The Wentworth-based European Tour is working on plans for its UK events later this year

‘European Tour considers UK swing’

A LETTER sent from Pelley to Tour players earlier this week – and backed up by a Sky TV interview with Eddie Pepperell – revealed the tour are considering running up to four events in the UK over a condensed period.

They could even be played without fans, the European Tour has said – the PGA Tour announced the first four events of its resumed season will be played behind closed doors, yesterday.

The likely scenario being discussed would see the BMW PGA Championship go ahead at Wentworth, to be followed or preceded by a rearranged Betfred British Masters, which was due to be played at Newcastle’s Close House, at the end of July.

The BMW PGA it is currently scheduled to be played the week before the US Open, at Winged Foot (September 17-20), which was rearranged earlier this month by the USGA.

The Scottish Open and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship – due to be played at St Andrews the week after the Ryder Cup (September 25-27) – could form part of a British Swing to resurrect the 2020 season.

The biggest problem is that European stars heading to the States for the US Open face being isolated for up to 14 days, which could force the European Tour into moving the BMW PGA back til after the Ryder Cup which would mean October.

Wentworth hosted the World Match Play Championship in October between 1964 and 2007 – but with a much smaller field.

The lack of daylight would affect any events the European Tour hopes to stage in October – the Alfred Dunhill Links has been a celebrity pro-am since 2001, attracting stars from sport and entertainment in the US and UK, including Hollywood actors.

It also traditionally has one of the biggest purses on the European Tour – and was easily the biggest outside the 2020 Rolex Series with €5million at stake.

Combining the Dunhill Links with a rearranged Scottish Open would make the most sense logistically, given the need to make it easy for players from all over the world to compete in any rearranged tournaments – before the climax to the Race to Dubia, due to take place in Italy, China, Turkey, South Africa and Dubai in November or early December.

The post Scottish Open put back with chance of a British Swing to save European Tour season? appeared first on Golf North.

Wiltshire’s Jake Bolton will be unable to defend his Scottish Amateur Strokeplay title with the 2020 Scottish Men’s Open at Muirfield now cancelled because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Picture by SCOTTISH GOLF

SCOTTISH Golf has become the first of the four Home Nations to completely cancel its entire domestic season as a result of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Eleanor Cannon, who chairs Scottish Golf, announced her board had decided to postpone all remaining events in its championship calendar as the number of deaths from COVID-19 continues to climb – and with no sign of the Government lockdown being lifted as it nears the end of its third week.

A number of Scottish Golf’s early season events in April were called off last month. But the complete suspension of all activities means there will be no Scottish Amateur Championship for either men or women in 2020.

The Scottish Amateur Championship was due to be held at Murcar at the end of July, while the Scottish Women’s Amateur was heading to Ladybank in early June.

Also scrubbed from the calendar is the Scottish Men’s Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship, which Muirfield was set to host from May 29-31.

The strokeplay event – won in 2019 by Wiltshire’s Jake Bolton – was moving to an earliier date in the season, the week before England’s Brabazon Trophy, which attracts a strong international field, and was being played at Sherwood Forest GC, before it was also cancelled last month.

The Scottish Girls Amateur was set to be played at Strathhaven at the same time as July’s Open Championship, while the Scottish Boys was to be played at Haggs Castle, from July 15-19.

Eleanor Cannon, who chairs Scottish Golf

Eleanor Cannon said: “This is the most difficult time we have all had to face in a generation, both personally and professionally.

“All of us have been affected by COVID-19 either directly or indirectly.

“Scottish Golf, like its member clubs, is having to make some tough decisions in light of a significant delay in our member income, so that we can continue to support our clubs as we come through these difficult times.

“To this end, we have furloughed the majority of our employees and made the necessary decisions as regards our season’s calendar of events.

“We have taken the decision to cancel all our events and our performance programmes for the remainder of the 2020 season.

“I recognise that, for each of our 575 affiliated clubs, our committees, employees and members, it is a time of uncertainty and stress.

“Tough decisions are being taken by your management teams so that your clubs can re-open their doors in as strong a position as is possible.

“Clubs need their members more than ever to support them financially so that they can survive the lockdown in an already tough market – and so that we each have our club to come back to.”

Scottish Golf is working on implementing the new WHS handicapping system which CONGU is due to roll out in the UK later in 2020

Work on VMS and WHS continues

SCOTTISH Golf stressed important work is still being carried out during the lockdown to ensure it was in a “positive position” when clubs and courses reopen.

The Hive eLearning platform is being developed further. which will allow clubs to access self-learning tools to manage various aspects of the club, including assistance with educating members on the WHS handicapping system, which had been set to be rolled out in 2020.

Work is also being finalised on the controversial Venue Management System project, which will control all future centralised handicapping under the new WHS system, as well as offering clubs a different way to manage their tee booking systems.

Some unhappy clubs have spoken out over statements that the current CONGU system, which is licensed for individual software companies that service golf clubs across the UK, will only be used north of the border in conjunction with the VMS system and app developed by Scottish Golf.

Scottish Golf’s chairwoman Eleanor Cannon said: “Work continues on the development and testing of VMS.

“We know that many clubs are using the current down time to learn the new system and we have retained team members to support (clubs) in this.

“We continue to liaise with Sport Scotland and the Government and we will ensure we communicate with you as and when decisions about the game are made.

“As a community we represent so much more than golf. Together, locally, we represent camaraderie, friendship, and support.

“We are all pulling together in the golf clubs that we love, reaching out to each other – making sure our golfing friends who are on their own and vulnerable are being looked after and feel supported by their club, and their fellow members.

“In time we will all get back out there onto our courses. For now, we must look after each other and the communities our clubs serve.

“Once we can start playing the game we love again, we will all work together to re-establish golf as the life blood of our communities.

“Thank you for the commitment you have shown us. We look forward to working with you all both now and in the future.”

Jake Bolton reached the South African Amateur Championship semi-finals in February before losing to Scotland’s James Wilson. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN / AMG PICTURES

Bolton fast out of the blocks in 2020

JAKE Bolton joined an illustrious list when he became just the seventh Englishman to win the Scottish Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship at The Duke’s St Andrew’s last summer.

The Wiltshire England A squad member capped off a fine season in which he led qualifying at the English Amateur at Hankley Common and North Hants GC at the end of July.

The Ogbourne Downs member had lost a play-off in the Selborne Salver, in April 2019, taking second place in the Hampshire Salver for the aggregate at Blackmoor GC and 24 hours later in the Hampshire Hog at North Hants GC.

The 21-year-old finished with back to back birdies to claim the Scottish Strokeplay – the biggest win of his career so far – to complete a wire-to-wire win at St Andrews.

Jake finished one shot ahead of Yorkshire’s Sam Bairstow – ironically it was the left-hander from Sheffield’s Hallowes club, who denied him the Hampshire Salver on countback.

Bolton said after his win: “This is a really nice way to end my season and to win in such an iconic place as St Andrews is special.

“Knowing my name is going to be beside some of these great players in this trophy is brilliant and a reward for the way I played.”

Former winners of the Scottish Strokeplay include Tommy Fleetwood, Paul McGinley, Stephen Gallacher, Andy Sullivan and Richie Ramsay, who have all gone on to win on the European Tour.

Bolton has committed to staying amateur for at least 18 months more to push for a place in the 2021 Walker Cup, which is due to be played in May, as Florida’s legendary Seminole GC is the planned host, meaning August’s traditional date would be too hot, and September – the normal date in the UK – would be in the hurricane season.

Bolton, who helped Wiltshire win the English Boys County Finals in 2015 and 2016, made a good start to the 2020 season in South Africa.

He reached the semi-final of the South African Amateur Championship, at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, in February.

But he was beaten by James Wilson, from Balmore GC, who went on to lose 7&6 to South Africa’s Casey Jarvis, in the final.

That was in the last week of February before the coronavirus pandemic took hold, cancelling the rest of the early amateur events of the new season and cancelling nearly all international travel within a month.

The post Every Scottish Golf event in 2020 has been cancelled as COVID-19 death toll rises appeared first on Golf North.

The UK Golf Federation is urging golfers to sign its Keep Golf Open petition so that two million people who play every week can do so despite the growing coronavirus threat.
Picture by ANDY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR MEDIA

GOLFERS are being urged to sign a petition to ensure the Government allows courses to stay open.

The UK Golf Federation has launched a petition urging the Government to ‘Keep Golf Open’ during the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

Some two million people play golf every week – and while many golf clubs’ weekday regulars are senior golfers who the Government are looking to increasingly self-isolate, there are many under 70.

The UK’s Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance was quizzed told a House of Commons Health Select Committee hearing on Tuesday, it was perfectly safe to play golf – providing certain precautions were taken – such as not taking the flag out when putting.

MP Dean Russell asked Sir Patrick: “If someone wants to play golf, can they still do that if they are not close together?”

The science expert, who has been one of a team advising Government ministers and the Prime Minister on how to contain the COVID-19 virus, said: “It is OK – if you keep a distance.

“We’re not asking everyone to be completely isolated. The specific advice is to avoid close contact.

“A walk is OK if you keep a distance.”

Golf UK Federation chief executive Doug Poole is worried if his members, who own nearly 600 proprietary clubs across the UK, are forced to close their courses as well as their clubhouses, many will face suffer serious financial losses, and in some cases, even bankruptcy.

The Golf UK Federation have organised a petition at www.change.org calling on the Government to ‘Keep Golf Open’

Mr Poole told Golf North after the launch of the Keep Golf Open petition: “We believe golf is one of the safest places in our current environment as it requires no person-to-person contact.

“You have the ability to change in the car park, there is no reason to take the flag out these days and likely you can always remain two metres apart from your playing partners.

“We hope this petition will be the catalyst in helping members, golfers, golf club employees, managers, and all those in our industry share our message to the government and the country to #KeepGolfOpen and emerge stronger.

“We cannot do this alone, which is why we need your help!

“A nationwide effort is required for all golfers to share this petition with everyone who loves this great game.

“We are at such a critical and pivotal time and we need your support and care more than ever.

“We want to update you with our plans and how we aim to not only survive but thrive in this situation, and also provide some value to ensure your safety.

Mr Poole added: “Please act urgently and share the petition by forwarding with your friends, family and fellow golfers so we can #KeepGolfOpen!”

•To sign the Keep Golf Open petition, click here

Golfers are told to keep at least six feet apart while playing and leave the flag in when putting. Picture by ANDY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR MEDIA

US expert backing Keep Golf Open

THE advice of Sir Patrick Vallance has also been backed up by a leading infectious disease epidemiologist in the USA.

Dr Catherine Troisi, from the University of Texas Health Science Centre, said: “Golf as it’s normally played – outdoors, with natural social-distancing built in – would be fairly safe.

‘I would say that in the actual playing of golf, you’re not at much risk.

“Sunlight and other environmental conditions can kill viruses like this, so it is probable that that is true for this novel coronavirus, as well.

“Also, relieving stress by playing golf outdoors helps your immune system.

“Physical activity boosts your immune system, so for both mental and physical health it’s good to get activity however you can get it without putting yourself at risk.”

How to play golf as safely as possible during coronavirus pandemic

GOLF South is publishing a list of tips drawn up by golf PR specialist Andy Hiseman – from a number of best practices currently spreading around clubs in the UK – on how to play the game without exposing yourself un-necessarily to the coronavirus.

PLAYER & ON-COURSE BEHAVIOUR
•Always stay two paces away from other players

•The club should remove all bunker rakes – players should smooth sand with their feet

•Players should putt with the flagstick in

•Only pick the ball out of the hole with a gloved hand

•Change shoes in car park and come ready to play – no changing clothes before or after your round

•On the first tee and 18th green give the thumbs-up – don’t shake hands, or even fist or elbow bump

•Bring your own refreshments – the bar/restaurant will be closed

•Do not use golf ball-washers

•No buggies allowed

•No push-trolley rentals allowed – either carry your bag, or use your own trolley

ADVICE FOR CLUBS & PRO SHOPS
•Close food and bar service completely

•Close the clubhouse apart from toilet facilities

•Prop open all internal doors en route to the toilets

•Remove all hand towels – replace with paper towels

•Provide alcohol hand-gels in all toilets

•PGA pros should give non-contact lessons ie stay two paces apart

•No group lessons or clinics

•Close indoor simulators and the driving range

If your club has come up with any interesting ways of ensure there is less risk from COVID-19 at your golf club, email andy@hiseman.com

The post Petition to Keep Golf Open launched by club owners to help in coronavirus fight appeared first on Golf North.