Jan 2012

SSG Society Wedding of the Year

SSGS Secretary Jim Kinoch and Caroline, his Bride, on their happy day.

 

January 2012

We attended the SGU/SLGA seminar at Glenbervie. The event was largely about the new centralised handicap database (CDH) and the integration of SGU and SLGA but also covered the principal Rules of golf changes for the period 2012-2015.

The whole handicap thing has become highly complex if staging mixed gender or mixed tees events. 

Main implications for SSGS. Once the central database is bedded in, the closing down process will upload scores to the database and away scores will automatically record. The danger would seem to be in "double entering" away scores but the system will highlight a date and venue match and warn the person entering. It remains the player's responsibility to ensure his handicap is up to date at all times. Although the scores will come through to the home club automatically, that needs the home club to be fully part of the system.

We shall need to change the entry forms to include the Central Handicap Identification number. This is a 10 digit number to be assigned to each player once his home club is on the system.

"Home" and "Visitor" players in the same competition. This still requires 20 visitors to create a separate CSS. Home players are any players with playing rights at the competition venue (Irrespective of whether the designated home club for handicap is there or not.)

Vouchers- these may now be exchanged for goods and services offered by the club. That means they can be used to settle subscriptions. meals, drinks or pro shop goods provided the club agrees.

The maximum limit for a hole in one prize has been abolished. That means you can keep the Ferrari!

Mobile phone DMD applications. May not be used on phones where there is info on direction, temperature etc. This disqualifies Blackberries and most smartphones where such information is embedded- although they may still be used during play for making phone calls!!!

Main rules changes are listed below courtesy ofwww.randa.org

Principal Changes Introduced into the 2012 Code

Rules of Golf

Definitions

Addressing the Ball

The Definition is amended so that a player has addressed the ball simply by grounding his club immediately in front of or behind the ball, regardless of whether or not he has taken his stance. Therefore, the Rules generally no longer provide for a player addressing the ball in a hazard. (See also related change to Rule 18-2b)

Rules

Rule 1-2. Exerting Influence on Movement of Ball or Altering Physical Conditions

The Rule is amended to establish more clearly that, if a player intentionally takes an action to influence the movement of a ball or to alter physical conditions affecting the playing of a hole in a way that is not permitted by the Rules, Rule 1-2 applies only when the action is not already covered in another Rule. For example, a player improving the lie of his ball is in breach of Rule 13-2 and therefore that Rule would apply, whereas a player intentionally improving the lie of a fellow-competitor's ball is not a situation covered by Rule 13-2 and, therefore, is governed by Rule 1-2.


Rule 6-3a. Time of Starting

Rule 6-3a is amended to provide that the penalty for starting late, but within five minutes of the starting time, is reduced from disqualification to loss of the first hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Previously this penalty reduction could be introduced as a condition of competition.

VIDEO: Rule 6-3a Explained


Rule 12-1. Seeing Ball; Searching for Ball

Rule 12-1 is reformatted for clarity. In addition, it is amended to (i) permit a player to search for his ball anywhere on the course when it may be covered by sand and to clarify that there is no penalty if the ball is moved in these circumstances, and (ii) apply a penalty of one stroke under Rule 18-2a if a player moves his ball in a hazard when searching for it when it is believed to be covered by loose impediments.


Rule 13-4. Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions

Exception 2 to Rule 13-4 is amended to permit a player to smooth sand or soil in a hazard at any time, including before playing from that hazard, provided it is for the sole purpose of caring for the course and Rule 13-2 is not breached.

VIDEO: Rule 13-4 Explained


Rule 18-2b. Ball Moving After Address

A new Exception is added that exonerates the player from penalty if his ball moves after it has been addressed when it is known or virtually certain that he did not cause the ball to move. For example, if it is a gust of wind that moves the ball after it has been addressed, there is no penalty and the ball is played from its new position.

VIDEO: Rule 18-2b Explained


Rule 19-1. Ball in Motion Deflected or Stopped; By Outside Agency

The note is expanded to prescribe the various outcomes when a ball in motion has been deliberately deflected or stopped by an outside agency.


Rule 20-7c. Playing from Wrong Place; Stroke Play

Note 3 is amended so that if a player is to be penalised for playing from a wrong place, in most cases the penalty will be limited to two strokes, even if another Rule has been breached prior to his making the stroke.


Appendix IV

A new Appendix is added to prescribe general regulations for the design of devices and other equipment, such as tees, gloves and distance measuring devices.


VIDEO: General Overview of the Rules changes


Clickhereto view the principal changes to the Rules of Amateur Status 2012-2015.

 

 

 

Chief Marshal Johnston addresses the troops at Balgownie

 

Behind the scenes at the Walker Cup

By John W Johnston

We were all captivated by the drama of the GB & I victory at Royal Aberdeen. It made for great televiewing even if there was some evidence of a lingering Peter Alliss lunch

Our past Captain John Johnston, also a past Captain of Royal Aberdeen, was given the role of "Chief Marshal" for the event. He was in charge of a team of over 270 marshals ably assisted by Ian Morrison his deputy and also a member of the SSGS. The team came from a' the airts including SSGS regulars Bill and Dorothy, Les Fowler, Andy Brodie, Alasdair McGregor and several others. Some of his recollections are as follows:

First thing I have to say is we thought we were well prepared. 10 training nights with all the marshals in order to get a consistent approach to the public and follow the agreed (with the R&A) safe route round the course. As my other deputy Chris Gallon said on several occasions … "the best military plan only lasts as long as the first engagement with the enemy" … and he was right - it had its stresses but the rewards in terms of teamwork and fun were far greater. We had each hole controller (static) and match controller (with mobile teams of 8) on radio usually about 25 in total … so it was funny sometimes … looking back now .. although at the time it was serious

 Haven't seen it on TV yet and when we were in action we were more concerned with issues coming over the radio channel like ...

- "who the xxxx moved the ropes at the first tee"  -on the first morning, 1000 people, and the ropes have disappeared (that was my first call in anger before roping up the first again through the milling crowd) …

- "how are the marshals on the 9th going to get to their next marshal hole on the 18^th"- and the first game is on the 14^thgreen??!!

- "which marshal nicked the GB&I Captain's buggy -from the sand pit at the back of the 8th to get to the 17^thbefore the first game got there" (at least they used their initiative) "OOPS it was me OVER" "OK I'm off to the R&A portacabin to beg forgiveness OVER"

- "Chief Marshal if you're not back in 30 seconds I'm gonna eat your hamburger OVER"

- "Where are you Marshal HQ Controller OVER" … "In the R&A Marquee with the girls OVER"

- "I've just heard thunder and it's lashing on the 17^thdo we stop play??" "Nae your job … play till the hooter goes OVER" "Ok COPY THAT"

- "Hey **** there's 2,000 spectators coming up the 14th^th… I need mair marshals OVER"

 Conditions were really tough and it was interesting to see the highly accomplished Peter Uhlein go out of bounds at 11 TWICE on the Saturday. There were many balls in the bushes, especially at the 1st far down on the left just behind the 2nd tee.

The par three 17^thalso fooled them on the final afternoon. The wind had settled down a bit and moved direction slightly. Many of the players and caddies did not factor this in and, combined with adrenalin surges, led to some serious trouble over the back.

All in all a great occasion and the course did us proud attracting highly favourable comments from players and spectators alike.

 

 Ian Morrison with the afternoon shift

 

Scotland Seniors International Squad

Announced by Captain Gordon MacDonald August 24th 2011

Ian Brotherston (Dumfries & County)

John Fraser (Royal Burgess)

David Gardner (Broomieknowe)

Gordon MacDonald (Callander)  Captain

Fraser McCluskey (Royal Burgess)

David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie)

Bob Stewart (Tulliallan)

Reserve: Ian Taylor (Royal Burgess)

Best wishes boys!

Scottish Seniors Golfing Society Committee Structure 2011-12
Captain	George Rodaks	Moffat
Vice Captain	David Smith	Stirling
Past Captain	John Johnston	Royal Aberdeen
Committee Members:
Central	Gordon Thomson	Bearsden
North	Sandy Pirie	Hazlehead
East	Derek Sim	Panmure
South	Ian Brotherston	Dumfries & County
West	Brian Smith	Kilmacolm
Honorary President	Gordon MacDonald	Callander
Honorary Vice Pres.	Keith Howie	West Kilbride
Jt Secretary/Treasurer	Jim Kinloch	Cardross
Jt Secretary/Treasurer	Peter Kinloch	Cardross
Support:
Tournament Aministration	Bill Crighton Dorothy Crighton	Banchory Banchory
Membership Admin	Jim Paton	Kirkintilloch
Player Statistics	Alan Nelson	Banchory

  AGM 2011 

SSGS Annual General Meeting

Kinross Golf Club 9th June 2011 7.30pm

 

Order of Meeting

 Adoption of 2010 AGM Minutes

Outgoing Captain's Remarks, Captain John W Johnston

 Election of honorary positions

 

Election of incoming Captain:

Vice Captain George Rodaks proposed by John W Johnston

 

Secretary/Treasurers Report

Auditor's Statement

 

Election of 2011-12 Office Bearers- Nominations for and election for Committee Member vacancies- East of Scotland, Central Scotland

Nominated by Committee:

 

East of Scotland, Derek W Sim  

Proposed Ian C Hutcheon

 

Central Scotland,  Gordon Thomson

Proposed Gordon MacDonald

 

Incoming Captain Comments

 

AGM Business

 

1. Extent of Programme- present and projected.

Committee proposes that the existing programme of events be supplemented by one, in early October, if agreement can be reached with a host club. That event would form part of the following year's Order of Merit.

 

2. Overseas Tournament- venues now and future.

Outline of our options for 2011 and beyond and decisions by vote

 

3. Order of Merit rules, administration and eligibility.

Committee Proposes the introduction of a net Order of Merit and related statistics. Otherwise all rules governing the gross order of merit remain unchanged.

 

4. Funding, sponsorship, expenditure and Fees

a.      Following submission of the Secretaries and Treasurers' Report Proposal is that Annual Fee for existing members remains unchanged at £25.00. Entry Fee for new members to be £40 including an SSGS Tie. Tournament entry fees to be unchanged.

 

b.      Committee proposes a pro rata increase in Administrator fees if the schedule is added to and recognition of inflation, particularly fuel costs..

 

c.       Committee seek permission to expand sponsorship income from organisations compatible with SSGS ethos.

 

d.      Committee proposes an expansion of merchandise opportunities.

 

5. Committee proposes the introduction of an annual Dinner at a Central location which would also include a presentation of prizes.

 

6. Winter Programme. It is proposed that the series of 18 hole close season events continue under the direction of Drew Wilson and his support group.
7. Proposal Denis Albutt, Seconded Bert Nicholson "That the entry form for the SSGS Match Play event be amended to remove the reference to "having competed in closed events other than in Scotland"

      

 

Debate and any counter proposals

 

AOCB

 

 

     

 

Happy New Year to all fellow members. From SSGS Captain John Johnston

 

Here we are in 2011 and to those who have undergone surgery or treatment (and I can think of a few) I hope you are recovering well and will be raring to go come Powfoot on 28^th April.

 

It has been a while since we gathered in any numbers - probably last August which seems a ridiculous gap. Since then there have been some events such as Finals Day at Landsdowne in glorious sunshine, The Counties Teams at West Kilbride  in a monsoon with Arran looking ominous and majestic, plus Spain at the end of October where a merry band of 35 had a great time, on and off the course. This highlights the gap between seasons, however two things have happened recently which may help bridge that gap in future:-

• In a fit of enthusiasm and camaraderie in Spain, Drew Wilson volunteered to arrange three pre season "friendlies" - so I hope they'll be well supported - dates are on the website.
• Purely by accident, with the British being moved by the R&A we had to reschedule the Powfoot event and it leapfrogged forward to 28^th April - only 12 weeks away.

 

On the topic of the more social golf we had last year I was really impressed by the level of enjoyment and participation at our inaugural Doubles. We were based at The Glen and very well looked after by now Captain Mike Currie, with our own lounge overlooking the 18^th and the Firth of Forth. There were 48 who played, it was very keenly contested, it pleased Tullibardine the sponsors and the master distiller John Black played on the day (we might even have our own SSGS branded malt at some point, you never know) and a lot of the 26 non members who played, indicated a keenness to join - if it had been the start of the season they may have signed up on the spot. It was a great success and hopefully we'll get an even bigger take-up this year.

 

The second event I was to mention was very social but keenly contested over 6 rounds in Spain - I don't recall who won!! but for next year - Dougal you're my favourite! I think most who were there really enjoyed it and were committed to try and build it up. The split venues worked well - practice on the singles venue took the form of a match between Captain's and President's teams, although looking after the trophy for the whole evening became a real challenge with several more accessible hostelries . … Most of us encountered various hazards over the week including our intrepid past captain Keith's latest big birthday - which he made a real "splash" of (involving buggy and the lake in front of the 13^th green - did he jump or was he pushed?). 

I collected a season's memories that week - it was great.

 

There are a few changes for the coming season and those that come to mind are;-

• As it's getting tougher to get into the top 15 out of 120 players, we thought we'd extend points to 20 places (in line with the Scottish) and get more members involved in the race to Landsdowne
• The handicap limit has gone up to 9.4 for now (previously 12.4 then reduced to 7.4) just to get the events at full capacity (120) although over last season there were 250 participants in our events so there's a healthy level of support.
• We have a few new courses in 2011 - Powfoot, Monifieth, Elgin and Musselburgh plus The Scottish at Irvine Bogside. We've also tried to space out the events and avoid consecutive weeks if possible.
• To try to spread the admin burden we've co-opted Jim Paton to look after membership details and Allan ( the spreadsheet) Nelson on the Players Stats side. I'd like to raise the profile of the Players Stats - particularly the Net Section, in order to engage the whole membership in a race to … something or somewhere at the end of the season - not sure what yet and ideas welcome if you think it's worth pursuing
• Brian Smith is now officially an aaaaal' mannie like many of the rest of us.  Other Medal winners Ian Brotherston, George Blair and Graham Brown, - are among another 21 who will join Brian in 2011 and there are quite a few who have shot through into the Super Seniors category and heading to Largs …. not to mention a new batch of 50 year olds, keen to burst on to our scene - bring them on!! and we'll make them welcome.

 

This started out as a New Year note to wish you all well, but symptomatic of the SSGS scene, I got excited when thinking about the coming season 2011 and the note took on a life of its own. Apologies if you have read all this way hoping to discover some pearls of wisdom and were disappointed … however if you have got this far … the pearls of wisdom to lower my handicap in 2011 are …. target a cloud >> let the face open >> left thumb under at the top  >> late hit - that cost me thirty quid, but as fellow members you can have it for nothing (PS when you pick a cloud and you have the driver in your hand, do check which way the wind is blowing).

 

All the best for 2011 and I hope to see you soon.

 

John J

(Captain - for a few more months)

 

We had our first good news of the festive season in the form of an e
mail from south of the border - many of you will know Colin Moir, one of
our keenest and longest distance competitors, who has had a tough year
health wise - there was a rumour this was to do with the speed of the
greens at Villaitana in the Spanish followed by the wind at Montrose but
it was more serious than that. The good news after a long summer for
Colin is that he is feeling positive about being able to re-join the
circuit next year if all goes well over the next few months. Here is
Captain John's response passing on our best wishes

Colin
Great to hear from you and that you are optimistic about golf next
season.

Over the year we have had occasional updates from friends and
acquaintances so we have been following your progress and when we had
the AGM at Kinross and voted for DMD's - your absence was noted. It was
a shame you missed the first event with them at Lanark.

It has been an interesting season with some new faces coming on the
scene and many of the old boys still holding their own. Next year we
have some new courses on the rota especially for you including Powfoot
in late April to minimise your travel if you are fit by then, with Elgin
in August to allow you to holiday at your place in Boat of Garten.

The camraderie has been good and although there are a few new faces,
most of the usual suspects are still around so you'll feel at home when
you come back.

Take care over the coming months and haste ye back.

Best regards on behalf of all your friends in the Society.

John Johnston

SSGS has an excellent working relationship with Scottish Golf and we were able to recognise this at our 2010 Finals Day when we presented Director of Golf Development Bill Miller with a commemorative plaque

 

Bill Miller, Scottish Golf's Director of Golf Development

The presentation was kindly acknowledged by Chief Executive Hamish Grey in the following letter.

 

 15 November 2010

 Gordon MacDonald

President

Scottish Seniors Golfing Society

(Via email)

 

Dear Gordon

 I write to thank the Scottish Seniors Golfing Society for their kind presentation of a plaque to the SGU at the recent Seniors OOM Finals Day.

 This is a very kind gesture and a nice way to recognise the SGU's continuing support of the SSGS. I would appreciate if you could pass on our thanks to your committee and all those involved.

 The SGU are committed to supporting the SSGS in any way we can and look forward to continuing to work with you in the years to come.

 Gordon, thank you again and although it may seem a little early we wish you well for a successful 2011 season.

 With kind regards.

 Yours sincerely

 

Hamish Grey

Chief Executive

 

 

Members are represented by committee members drawn from the main Scottish geographic regions- North, East, Central, West and South.

Tournaments since Spring 2009 have been administered by our husband and wife team Bill and Dorothy Crighton.  Bill was previously Secretary of Banchory Golf Club. He and Dorothy are fully familiar with scoring and handicapping software and have brought  a highly professional approach to the running of our events.

Some info on Bill and Dorothy courtesy of Scottish Golf View:

Bill Crighton
Born and brought up in Aberdeen.
Chartered Civil Engineer with Aberdeen County Council and finally NOSWA from 1969 to 1998.
Senior Football Referee 1973 to 1989.
Secretary of SFA Aberdeen and District Referees' Association 1973 to 1989.
SFA Referee Supervisor 1989 to 1999.
Secretary of Banchory Golf Club 1999 to 2008.
Captain of the Scottish Region of the Golf Club Managers Association 2005.

Dorothy Crighton
Also born and brought up in Aberdeen.
Trained as a nurse in Aberdeen.
Left the caring profession to become the Secretary at Linn Moor School, a VSA school for handicapped children.
Secretary's secretary for Referees' Association.
Returned to caring sector and at present Assistant Manager at a Respite Unit in Banchory for adults and children with learning disabilities.
Assisted the Secretary at Banchory Golf Club.
Heavily involved in voluntary work in and around Aberdeen.
Married with two children and two grandchildren.

Members are welcome to express their views to any office bearer personally, by email or by use of the "FORUM" page on the website