The ace  negotiaters Gordon MacDonald and Billy Sim have pulled the stops out to bring us another terrific package for 2010. Dates are 24th to 31st October inclusive and a programme of off- course entertainments will be introduced to keep all travellers full of enthusiasm.

Last year's costs  has been maintained or improved in every case.

We shall let you have fuller details shortly. In the meantime, make sure to put the dates in your diary and start checking out flights.

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT

 Distance Measuring Devices

 Members will be aware that the introduction of these devices was discussed at length during our AGM this year. The discussion took place against the backdrop of a very strong probability that the devices would be approved for general use from the beginning of next season.

 Meetings have now been held between R&A and USGA and between R&A and the Home Unions. As a result of these, permission will not now be granted for events held under their auspices. For the time being the English Golf Union remains in isolation outside of this concordat.

 Your committee met to consider our approach, particularly in light of the intervention by R&A, our Rules of Golf authority. It was unanimously decided that we would not proceed with introduction from the start of season 2010. Members will have the opportunity to debate future use during our AGM at Kinross on 10^th June.

 Keith Howie, Captain. December 2009

SSGS DOUBLES TOURNAMENT

We are delighted to announce our new doubles event. The Glen, North Berwick and Haddington have agreed to co-host ini 2010. Format is one round fourball better-ball and one round greensomes. Teams will consist of one member and one guest age 50 plus. Handicap limit is 12. Guests with higher handicaps will play off 12. Full details and entry form see competitions section.

Ian Brotherston retains Murcia Singles Title. Success for Brian Smith and Ian Jeen in Doubles. Amateur record for Brotherston. See Hacienda del Alamo section for details

2010 Fixture list now onsite- See Comps, Season's Fixtures

George Paterson wins Order of Merit. George capped a stunning season by topping the OOM. Full report from Blairgowrie see Competitions- Results. Final table on OOM Update page

 What interest do members have in attending an annual dinner and presentation of prizes?  As with all of our activities this would be on a carefully costed basis, probably in a central location e.g. Stirling, to enable ease of travel.  The idea is that we can all pay tribute to our winners whereas at present only those qualifying for Blairgowrie are present. If the event was held say in November it would allow all of the year's event winners to be presented. We'd very much welcome your views on the Forum Page

Next step in the development of the website will be the appearance of "Regional" Pages. North of Scotland are promoting the move and will form the pilot. Your intrepid Newshound will be David Bunker, current captain of Nairn Dunbar. David will seek to enlist contributions from roving reporters around the region. Anyone interested please contact John Johnston via  john.johnston@woodgroup.com

News for Super Seniors- The Sandy Pirie Trophy.

From 2010 we shall have a new event for over 65s with handsome trophies for a) over 65s and b) over 70s.  The 36 hole event is the brainchild of Sandy Pirie, our new committee representative for North of Scotland and main trophy carries his name. The inaugural event has now been confirmed for Stirling Golf Club on 29th and 30th July 2010. Entry Form now uploaded.

 This is a welcome and well thought out addition to the fixture list and one which received unanimous support from a mailing of our super seniors.

The above event takes place at Moray Golf Club, Lossiemouth on Thursday 24th September.

At this time we have entries from Stirlingshire, Ayrshire, North, North East, Dunbartonshire, Perth and Kinross,Lothians, Angus and Glasgow. We await word from  Fife. Perhaps if any Fife  based players are in contact with their county executive they could clarify for us. Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire and Clackmannanshire are not submitting teams this year but if their is interest in entering as a "select" we would be happy to help a list of members within that county/area.

The draw shall be made on or around 15th Sept.

The course was pronounced closed before the first tee off time at 8am. Because of horrendous road conditions, most players had set off early and only around 15 were contacted before leaving.

Closure was a shock as, in racing parlance, the going was good to firm on Wednesday evening. The rainfall was freakish and in fact the main A1 between Dunbar and Berwick was closed from 10.00am for the rest of the day through flooding. Nonetheless we need to look at the situation and ensure, as far as is possible, we have play available. It is appreciated that members are travelling considerable distances. No course is entirely weatherproof and certainly few could have coped with the deluge that hit East Lothian. Having contacted the Met Office and learned that East Lothian was subject to more heavy rain on the Friday morning we saw no prospect of even an 18 hole event taking place and reluctantly abandoned the event.

The Order of merit table shown after the Matchplay therefore stands going into Finals day at Blairgowrie.  Those who had completed three events but had entered for Haddington will be eligible for Finals day having had the intention to complete the minimum requirement of four events.

Members have the choice of seeking refunds of the entry fee or permitting us to retain these against paymenf of the annual sub for 2010.

Leading players in the order of merit will be contacted re availability for Blairgowrie Landsdowne next Thursday. It would help, if you are in the top 30 and read this, if you  email scottishseniorsgolfingsociety@ntlworld.com with your intentions.

In support of Colin Moir's letter re British Seniors Amateur Championship

I agree with Colin's thoughts and as such would add my name in support however, I would also suggest that if the R&A do wish to improve the quality of the field to feature more "in form golfers" then they should consider having qualifiers as have been held for the Seniors Open Championship for many years.

 

There are many criteria the R&A could use which could facilitate "Elite" exemptions - even 40 available places based on one or more qualifying venues would improve the quality of the field and no doubt improve scoring.

 

Everyone has bad days at "the office" but cutting the handicap qualification to 3 (ballot at 2.2) did not work as is apparent with the scoring this year nor could the R&A's wish to improve the quality of the field be seen as a success. 

 

As for course set up's in recent years - Saunton was difficult in the extreme with the wind, the lightening speed of greens and some "iffy" pin positions, Nairn was almost as difficult and having caddied for Stephen Ellis (2nd round) at Prestwick I made a tongue in cheek comment that there was only "ONE HARD HOLE on the course - the other 17 holes were virtually impossible!!!!!!!!!

 

Are those responsible at the R&A frightened to allow the SENIORS to shoot good scores?

 

Harry Douthwaite, Member Cardross and SSGS

El Presidente was gobsmacked to learn that our membership features several ex-pro footballers. These include Denis McQuade (Partick), David Millar (Aberdeen), Derek Sim (Montrose) Colin Moir (Notts Forest)  and John Russell (Airdrie).  We'd be very interested to learn of any others who have played junior and above. If there are enough we'll try to arrange a group photograph. Come to think of it we'd be interested in members' sporting achievements in anything outside of the Royal and Ancient Game.

Email details to khnextlevel@aol.com

The Queens Road area of Aberdeen rocked to the sounds of singer/songwriter/guitarist Donald "Slack Hand" McCart during the Matchplay tournament. Fame quickly spread from his Johnston Towers base and culminated in a live performance at the famous Dutch Mill Hotel followed by some late night busking outside the local kebab shop.

In subsequent conversations it emerged that there may be a well of musical talent within the Society and if there is anyone out there who would like to blow the dust out of his Sax, find the power lead for his keyboard, remove the oxide from his "Moothie", or indeed feels able to contribute anything musically, we would like to see a regular jam on the Thursday evenings at some of our events. 

We know that Alan "Howlin' Sheep" Ferguson packs a mean guitar. Several of the Hacienda tourists demonstrated vocal prowess in everything from Pavarotti to the Proclaimers.

Why not email khnextlevel@aol.com with your particular skill- no matter how rusty- and we shall try to co-ordinate a few get-togethers culminating in a show at the Windlestrae Hotel, Kinross, next year.

Colin Moir has some forthright views on the changes made to entry criteria for the British. We know that these are shared by a number of the members. Colin proposes to submit the following letter to the R & A. Members will have the chance to sign a supporting document at Nairn and those not travelling North can email khnextlevel@aol.com to add their thoughts.

Colin's letter:

Dear Sirs,

Ref: British Seniors, Prestwick.2009.

Following the results of the above competition, we wish to comment on the changes to the entry requirements.

                        1. Reduction of handicap to 3.

                        2. Reduction of competitors from 250 to 144.

                        3. Reduced from 2 courses to 1.

We understand from your web site that the reasoning behind the alterations to previous year’s competition was to provide a better quality field and to improve the scoring. After studying the results of 2007, 2008 and 2009, it is apparent that your measures to improve scoring have not been successful.

                        1. 2007 qualifying score 154

                        2. 2008 qualifying score 156

                        3. 2009 qualifying score 163

Scores have not improved by your actions in fact, they have significantly increased. Was the intention to improve standard of play or was it simply a cost cutting exercise?

We have spoken to several of this year’s competitors, and the general opinion is that if courses were set up in a way to reflect senior golf rather than Open Championship golf the scores would improve.

We await your reply with interest.

For any of our globetrotters seeking new sunshine adventures the above championships include Men Masters (age 50 and over) and Super Seniors (70 and over).  Full details are shown on www.israelgolffed.org under the Rolex Championships 2009.

For an overseas entry form please access http://www.israelgolffed.org/media/File/ROLEX%20ISRAEL%20OPEN%202009/OverseasEntryForm.doc

There as also a team event and a team of three representiong SSGS would qualify for a subsidy of expenses.

Entries close soon for the matchplay and there are spaces left for latecomers. The course at Newmachar will be a brilliant test and there are a significant number of Order of Merit points at stake.

Entries for Haddington are building up nicely and we anticipate a good field. Again entries are due to close quite soon so don't miss out.

We have a very good number going to Hacienda and it should be every bit as exciting and enjoyable as last year. It is the best golf week deal we have seen and you are encouraged to take advantage. Anyone wishing to book own accommodation on the site rather than go through the appointed agent can access  http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/87500  Some of the home owners have advertised direct on this site. If you prefer this option and have already indicated your needs, please let Gordon know.

Royal Liverpool's Graham Brown compiled an excellent 141 (72-69) to win at Hamilton by two shots from Ian Brotherston. Denis McQuade won the bronze medal. Full results and report see Competition results page

Euan Mordaunt has passed us the letter below in case any of you not competing at Nairn Dunbar would like to help out at the Torrance Course on 21-23rd August.  Package of goodies includes an outfit, free lunch and a helpers golf day over the course in September. If interested please email to address below or to khnextlevel@aol.com if more detail required.

 Dear SGU,

As at 21st July returns show 14 infavour of introduction from 2010 and 2 against introduction of DMDs

During the lively debate at the AGM we were asked if there could be a census taken so that SGU can be aware of the level of support for introduction in time for their annual meeting with the other Home Country Unions. A direct poll would involve setting up passwords and registration.

To avoid this could you simply email khnextlevel@aol.com with the header "DMD Poll"  and  quote your name and club with "Yes" if in favour of introduction from Spring 2010 and "No" if not in favour of introduction at that time.

We shall publish running totals of the votes

Well, he left himself with a bit of work to do after an opening 76 left him four adrift of 1st round leader David Smith. Cruise control was engaged and a superb 68 in far from easy conditions made Ian Hutcheon the only winner during our three year stint at his home course Monifieth.

The Links Management and Club officials were again fantastic hosts and it was with pleasure that we were able to hand over SSGS plaques in appreciation of three very memorable years. Monifieth, alongside Stirling, is something of a spiritual home and there was a feeling that, in the words of Governor Eastwood  "we'll be back"

2009 AGM took place at Monifieth G. C. on Thursday 25th June.

Ian Hutcheon was appointed the first Honorary Member

Gordon MacDonald stepped down as Captain and assumed his position as Life Preseident of the Society. He expressed his pleasure at how the Society had developed and thanked all those who had given of their time to ensure affordable growth. In particular he was delighted with thew appointment of Bill and Dorothy Crighton who had added a friendly but always professional administration of our rournaments. He also expressed gratitude to Abbeyfield Scotland Ltd. whose introduction of sponsor funding had greatly assisted the development of our programme.

Gordon announced the  introduction of the "Super Seniors" event from 2010

New Captain Keith Howie proposed John Johnston (Royal Aberdeen) to be Vice Captain and this was passed unopposed. The Captain announced that the captaincy would move around the regions on an annual cycle in the following sequence (from 2010) North, East, South, Central, West. Vice Captains, once appointed would step down from general committee and successors nominated.

John steps down from his general committee role and will be replaced by Sandy Pirie (Hazlehead) whose nomination was again returned unopposed.

Jim and Peter Kinloch's roles as joint Secretary and Treasurers were not contested and will remain in place.

The financial accounts were reviewed and presented by Jim Kinloch and adopted. Subscription will continue at the current level of £25.00. Jim pointed out that the surplus shown for 2008-09 was almost entirely as a result of green fees rebate offered by Hacienda del Alamo following the highly successful Murcial Seniors Open run by the Society.

It was proposed that the programme of events continue to be flexible to a) demand and b) affordability. General feelinhg is that the OOM events are where we want them to be and the new Super Seniors event will fulfil a demand within that age category. The notion of a reverse ballot event to meet the needs of any members falling victim of ballots was endorsed.

Tournament administration- the members showed their genuine appreciation of the work carried out by Bill and Dorothy Crighton and it was hoped that they remain with us for a long time ahead. In addition there is support from Dave terry and Archie Wohlgemuth, two Greenock members who will act as starters where not provided by the home clubs and are able to fulfil other administrative functions when called upon.

Order of Merit eligibility. The decision reached at the 2008 AGM was that any member, irrespective of nationality would be able to appear in the OOM. This was initially resisted by the Scottish Golf Union, who administer the OOM on our behalf, but they recognised our constitutional rights in the matter and withdrew any resistance. It was re-iterated that the age of entry to SSGS was 50 and that all members were entitled to gather OOM points. That was tyhe situation when members joined the Society and that is the position which remains.

Funding and expenditure. When the Society was set up, handicap and age parameters were set to attract sufficient entry numbers which would keep the Society in business. Accordingly tournament break-even was achieved in year 2. Continued growth in membership numbers (250 fully paid up for 2009) leads to the prospect of  consistently having to ballot and the dis-satisfaction of some members who have been loyal from the outset. With that in mind, handicap maximum for new applicants will reduce from 12.4 to 7.4 with immediate effect.

Sponsorship. As expressed by the both the outgoing and incoming captains, the introduction of funding by Abbeyfield Scotland Ltd., initiated at the suggestion of member Brian Highley, was much appreciated and has allowed confident development of our programme.

The subject of Distance Measurement Devices has been a hot topic on the website forum and the captain detailed the committee's approach and the reasons for that. Basically R & A granted limited dispensation for clubs to allow use on the strength of positive local rules. The Home Countries Unions agreed to hold back until such times as any rules and etiquette anomalies surfaced from around the clubs. English Golf Union broke ranks and issued permission for use at events under their auspices, apparently in light of a significant funding package from a GPS supplier. It is fairly certain that sanction for general use will be given at the next meeting of the home countries unions in November and SGU have asked that we hold fire until then.

In "Any other business" there was a body of opinion that the SGU request should be declined and implementation granted from now. After a vigorous but civilised debate the consensus was that the committee's approach should be supported. It was suggested that a poll of members should take place online and this shall be attempted shortly.

There bing no other business the captain thanksed those attending and closed the meeting.

Official minute will be uploaded when ready.

Stirling was the venue for our first tournament in 2007 and so was first to come off the 3 year rota. As a mark of our gratitude we presented the club with a plaque during this year's event.  The Society has a real affinity with the club and moves are afoot to extend the relationship. Watch this space!

Scottish Title goes South. David Lane (Goring and Streatley) is Scottish Seniors Amateur Champion. His consistent approach and superb distance control were the cornerstones of his victory. Ian Hutcheon, whose opening 67 was best of the week took the silver medal and John Fraser shared bronze with Andrew Campbell (Kinross). See Competitions for full details ond the gallery for some shots.

Bob fast out of the traps. Bob Stewart continued last season's great run of form with a convincing victory in the Glasgow Gailes Spring Open. See Competition results page for details.

Stirling draw now on site.

Entries invited for Autumn Seniors Open at Haddington- see Fixtures and Entry Forms Pages

The Scottish Golf Card. We have links to this innovative SGU product which can save ££££s on golf trips within Scotland. membership of a Scottish Club required (SSGS membership does not qualify as we are a non-affiliated society. See "Useful links"

SSGS Member Andrew Stracey won a thrilling victory in the Irish Amateur Seniors Championship at Bangor Golf Club. Read Andrew's own report on proceedings in our reports section for non-SSGS championships

Ian Hutcheon and John Fraser were amongst the medals at Panmure but the title went south. David Lane (Goring and Streatley) added to his list of successes north of the border with a very fine aggregate of 210 (70,75,74) in slick and breezy conditions. Hallmark of David's success was his distance control when playing the last few holes downwind.

Round of the week was Ian Hutcheon's opening 67 in brisk crosswinds. A troublesome last five holes on day two proved to be costly as he took second place, two shots adrift.

Panmure was in exquisite condition and the head greenkeeper took a well earned bow at the presentation.

Gailes Draw now made. See Menu  "Competitions" the "Competition Draws"

Dear All

Scottish Seniors Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship Entries for the above event close on Thursday 16 April 2009.  If you know of anybody who has still to enter, please remind them to do so as soon as possible.

 Conditions of entry are as follows:

Scottish Seniors Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship Panmure Golf Club, 19 - 21 May 2009

Over 55 at 00.01 hours on 19 May 2009 Handicap Limit: 6.4            Entry fee: £55

Entries close Thursday 16 April.

 A list of entries to date can be viewed by clicking on http://www.golfbox.dk/livescoring/signups.asp?tour={270E0C5B-5CFD-4DD2-B69A-45A78563093C}&clubOnly=1&color=1&lang=1033

  An entry form can be downloaded by clicking on  http://www.scottishgolf.org/index.cfm?objectid=D372A72A-C2E2-C3D8-D0DDD778C1AC6DE6&pageid=1047D490-E20C-A5B4-655687505D998196

 Regards Euan Mordaunt

Events Manager

General Tel: 01334 466477 Direct Tel: 01334 466475 Mobile Tel: 07788 150957 

e.mordaunt@scottishgolf.org  www.scottishgolf.org

STOP PRESS Check out the Hacienda del Alamo page for 2009 details and booking form 

STOP PRESS 2 We are happy to announce that Haddington Golf Club has agreed to host a new event, the SSGS Autumn Open, for a three year period commencing this year. 2009 dates are 3rd and 4th September. The addition of the Autumn Open completes the programme for the foreseeable future and means that the vast majority of our membership can complete the 4 event requirement for the order of merit within  90 minutes of driving. Entries can be processed through the shop using the code "AO" or by sending a cheque and downloaded form to Jim and Peter.

STOP PRESS 3  Glasgow Gailes Update  The management board of Glasgow Golf Club have agreed a concessionary rate of £25 for a practice round on the day before the event. Those wishing to take advantage please phone the pro shop for a time. Initially practice was to be restricted to times after 2pm but this restriction has been lifted.

Early season swing health check. We are in discussion with Ross Aitken, the highly regarded head teaching pro at the neighbouring Bill Lockie Golf Academy. Ross would be interested in taking individuals or small groups to go through their paces in short sessions at the academy teaching bay. This features the most up to date technology aids and is well worth a visit. Full details to follow.

 STOP PRESS  4    Members can now pay their annual subs by Standing Order. Please go to either "Your membership" or "Membership Application"  pages to download a form. The suggestion came from Denis Albutt (Tain) through the website forum.

See Website forum and add your views to this idea