IONA DOES WELL IN THE SCOTTISH STUDENT GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2013 Scottish Student Golf Championship at Moray Golf Club, Lossiemouth there was a nail-biting climax to the Ladies Championship.
The morning round for the ladies saw the overnight lead of Georgia Gilling closed to one shot, from playing partner Ranfurly Castle's Iona Stephen (St Andrews).
During the afternoon round, the lead between these players and St Andrews Captain, Gabrielle MacDonald, changed hands a number of times and, standing on the eigteenth tee, all was to play for.
A final hole bogey was enough for Lossie rookie Georgia, pictured below, to lift the trophy with a score of 76, 72, 78, 82 = 308, with Gabrielle and Iona tying on scores of 311.
In the Ladies Team Championship, Iona and Gabrielle were joined by Gemma Bradbury and Maranda Brain to take the prize of leading team.

Winter Greensomes for the Carvic Rosebowl is Postponed

Due to the adverse weather conditions (and the fact the higher holes are covered with snow!),
I have decided to postpone the Winter Greensomes Competition due to be played this Wednesday (27th March) until 30th October 2013.
A new entry sheet will be posted on the notice board in September.
More snow is forecast for later in the week, but  I hope it will all be away for our first Medal on Wednesday 3rd April.

Sheila Biggart (Captain)

Ranfurly Castle Ladies are well represented at the Renfrewshire County Dinner

Carol and Anne

Pat and Nancy

Morag and Trish (Kilmacolm) and Pamela

Mary, Rosemary and Morag

Moira, Susan and Norah (Kilmacolm)

Mary, Marion and Jean

Marion, Jean and Fiona

The Bi- Annual RLCGA County dinner was held at Haggs Castle Golf Club on Wednesday 20th March.

To read more go the the Renfrewshire Ladies' County Website.

Marie Curie Stableford 5 Club Competition

The 8th Green with Ben Lomond in the background with snow

Played Wednesday 13th March on a beautiful sunny day, non counting, (25 entrants.)

Silver Winner:         -  Helen Abram (20) 32 pts, better last three holes
Silver Runner Up:   -  Pamela McKenzie (15) 32 pts
Bronze Winner :      -  Joy McLeod (34) 38 pts
Bronze Runner Up:  -  Evelyn McDermid (23) 33 pts

Greenock Friendly Match -- Date Change

Please note that the date for the above away fixture has been changed.  It will now be played on Friday 19th July.  See notice board for details.

Bridge Night Success

18 tables, 72 players, attended the Annual Bridge Night held at the Clubhouse on the 6th March 2013.  The same format was played as in previous years, with the tables divided between the two lounges.

The Lady Captain, Sheila Biggart, presented the prizes.

Small slam - Morag Smith and David Sangster
3rd Place - Alison Robertson
2nd Place - Vicky Rennie
1st Place - Sheila Moore

Lucky Chair in Smoke Room - Jean Irvine
Lucky Chair in the Mixed Lounge - Susan Murphy

Thanks go to Linda, June and Vicky who checked the scoring.  Also to Maureen, Vivien, Joy, June, Jane and Vicky for their help organising the supper and all the committee members for supplying the delicious food.
A big thank you to Ishbel and Arthur for their assistance throughout the day and for the generous donation of our Star Raffle Prize - a Bistro dinner for 4.
Thanks also to the Bridge of Weir Ladies Bridge Club and other players for the use of their tables.
And finally, a big thank you to everyone who supported this evening which, as always, was greatly appreciated.

The 2013 Scottish Golf Awards

Carol and Helen Faulds (Scottish Seniors and Vets Captain) - with the Ryder Cup

Your webmaster Carol Fell was at the 2013 Scottish Golf Awards last Friday at the Hilton Hotel Glasgow.
To read the full review and see photographs and videos go to the West of Scotland Website

MAIL ON SUNDAY TEAM WIN AGAINST ELDERSLIE

The Mail on Sunday team had their first match yesterday, at home, against Elderslie. --
The team was -- Anne Judge, Marion Munro, Evy MacGregor, Maureen Cook and Rosemary Reedie.

The games were close, but they won 3 and 2.  Congratulations to you all!

ADDITIONAL 9 HOLE & STROKEPLAY COMPETITIONS

Ladies, you may have noticed in your Fixture Diary that there are four Gents/Ladies 9 Hole Competitions (Stablefords) and five Gents/Ladies midweek Strokeplay Competitions available this year over and above the two 9 Hole Ladies Competitions mentioned at the AGM.

These are not mixed competitions, merely being played on the same days. The Strokeplays are by arrangement and the 9 Holes have tee  reservations at the 4th between 10.30 and 11.30. Just find a playing partner(s)  and play on a first come first play basis within these times.

At this point in time we are unsure how the gents are going to run their competitions, but, whether it's Strokeplay or 9 Hole, all ladies should enter their names in the appropriate place in the competition book in the locker room.

In the case of the 9 Hole Competitions, please pick up a 9 Hole scorecard from the locker room and check the conversation table on the wall above the computer to confirm the number of 9 Hole strokes you are entitled to. No need to enter your score in the computer, just put the completed signed card in the box, even if it's an NR. Enjoy.

G/L Midweek Strokeplay Dates: May 2nd, June 6th, July 4th, August 20th, August 29th
G/L 9 Hole Stablefords Dates: May 16th, June 4th, July 9th, August 13th

Vicky

Mail on Sunday

The team has been picked for this years Mail on Sunday. They will play their first match on Sunday 3rd March at home against Elderslie.  We wish them all the best of luck!

2013 Fixture Diary

The Fixture Diary is now available for collection from the Club Secretary, this is to help reduce postage costs.
Here is a reminder of what is printed in the diary for March:-

6th March - Bridge Night.  See main notice board to book a table.
13th March - Marie Curie Stableford 5 Club.  Tee reserved 9-10.30am and 12.45-1.30pm.
27th March - Winter Greensome Stableford. Tee reserved 9.15-10.15am.

Hope both the snow and rain stop by then!

BURNS SUPPER SUCCESS

The annual Burns Supper was held in the Clubhouse on Friday 1st February 2013.   After an enjoyable supper of haggis, neeps and tatties and steak pie, we were treated to an evening of recitals, songs, prayers, stories and jokes.  Helen Dunn replied for the lassies and make excellent use of the opportunity to have the last word!
Thanks also to Marion and Bill and all the others involved in organising such an enjoyable evening.
 Here are some photos taken by Jean Irvine -- Thanks Jean

 


 Altenatively CLICK HERE and then on slideshow to see larger photographs

IONA MEETS ARNOLD PALMER

St Andrews Training Squad - Iona just behind Arnie

The St Andrews University Developmental golf squad's two-week warm weather training camp began on January 12. The squad consists of seven boys and seven girls, two coaches; Kevin Hale and David Watt, and Debby Sargent. performance manager.

 Ranfurly Castle's Iona Stephen is with the squad and is having a wonderful time

We are training at World Woods Golf Club on the west coast of Florida. We have had the luxury of two courses, both having been in Golfers Digest top 100 courses. The facilities are excellent and perfect for sharpening our game.
The highlight of week one has been our trip to Bay Hill where we were hosted by Arnold Palmer and on arrival got the chance to meet and greet him.
Bay Hill is an amazing course and made extra special by witnessing some of the world's best players also practising there - Suzann Petterson, Daniel Chopra and Sophie Gustaffson.
We all thoroughly enjoyed the experience and we are very grateful to the Golf Development Programme for the opportunity.

Ladies AGM -- Sheila Biggart is our new Ladies Capatin

Past Present and Future Captains -- Vivien, Sheila and Eileen

Outgoing Lady Captain Vivien Howe welcomed 50 ladies to the 83rd AGM.

After a Special General Meeting, Vivien reviewed the year after reports were read out by the Treasurer Eileen Walker, Handicap Secretary Vicky Rennie, Greenlees Secretary Anne Judge and Junior Report Sheila Biggart. 

Vivien finished her year of office and Sheila Biggart is our new Captain and Eileen Walker the new Vice Captain. 

After the business was completed the presentation of trophies took place  and Denise Cowan then gave a vote of thanks.

After the meeting was closed by our new Lady Captain Sheila, tea and coffee was served in the lounge.

 Thanks go to Jean Irvine for the photographs

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL AT RANFURLY CASTLE

CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO REVEAL MORE

Season's Greetings to all at Ranfurly Castle

CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO REVEAL MORE

CHRISTMAS STABLEFORD AND LUNCH

Vicky is the best Festive Outfit Winner

12 ladies played 6 holes in the Christmas Stableford in wintry conditions.The results were very close with Helen Crichton, Karin MacKenzie, Joy McLeod and Vivien Howe just winning. 

The Christmas Lunch was enjoyed by nearly 40 ladies.  As usual, there was a lot of chat and festive cheer.  Moira Wilson won the lucky chair prize and Vicky Rennie won the festive outfit prize.

Thanks to Ishbel and Arthur for the lovely lunch.

Click on the Play button below to see more -- Please give time to load and make sure your sound is turned on.

Alternatively CLICK HERE to see the photos and then click on slideshow

AND HERE IS A SHORT VIDEO WITH LINDA AND THE BEST FESTIVE OUTFIT WINNER VICKY

PROPOSED RULE CHANGE

PROPOSED RULES CHANGE TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF ANCHORED STROKES
 Rule Would Take Effect on January 1, 2016, Allowing for Transitional Period.
 Belly-Length and Long Putters Would Remain as Conforming Clubs
 To read more go to the SCOTTISH GOLF VIEW WEBSITE

SUN SHINES AT RANFURLY CASTLE AND CAROL TESTS OUT A NEW MAT.

Good turn out at the Wednesday bounce game today -- Carol, Helen and Linda were the winners and Carol was very impressed with her new Rocket Launcher Smart Mat as was Linda who tried it as well.
PLEASE NOTE THAT LINDA DID NOT CONTINUE HER STRIKE AT HELEN !!

This is the article from the Scottish Club golfer magazine that tells you all about it.


WITH bad weather affecting summer as well as winter revenues, clubs need to be more innovative, so a new device seems a logical step in the right direction.
Damian Kilby, managing director of divotEND Scotland Ltd, describes his product as the‘first, true Performance Winter Rules Mat’. He’s not far wrong.
Simple yet highly engineered to give the sensation of taking a divot. It even fits in your pocket. divotEND’s Rocket Launcher was voted No.1 Best Product at this year’s Scottish Golf Show and may be the only device of its kind approved by the R&A for competition when local rules are mandated. A brief scan of customers’ comments at www.divotend.com certainly gives the golfer in each of us great confidence - but what does it mean for Clubs and Pros?

SAVING

“Well, for one,” says Kilby, “they’ll not be spending thousands on large teeing ground mats which damage the

underlying grass and there’ll be no need to buy hundreds of giveaway mats either. Golfers can use it off the teeing ground all year round so there’s literally hundreds of greenkeeping hours saved at each club. Greenkeepers will see improved fairways in winter as even the better golfers prefer to use our mat and won’t simply discard it when not under supervision.”

IMPACT

So how does it work? “Well, on the fairway when you’re using irons it gets the ball much lower, the ball actually touches the grass. On impact it works in concert with the natural grass cushioning underneath. It permits golfers to maintain their normal downward divot-taking arc but with no resultant divot.”

It certainly seems like this device is the ‘must have’ golf gadget of the coming winter.
Indeed, Kilby states that the Rocket Launcher often flips over when struck, “so sponsors see it as a prime mechanism for promoting their message”. That could be a tidy earner, too. No wonder their catch cry is:“divotEND pays dividends, to clubs, golfers and our planet”. For enquiries, please email info@divotend.com

CHRISTMAS STABLEFORD AND LUNCH

The Christmas 9 hole Stableford and lunch will be held on Wednesday 12th December 2012.  There will be a ballot at 10 am for those wishing to golf followed by lunch at 12.30 pm. 
The cost of the lunch will be £6 which includes either Lentil Soup OR an Open Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich, Mince Pie and Tea OR Coffee.

If you are interested in attending the lunch please add your name and choice to the list in the locker room.  Alternatively, if you email me your choice (soup or sandwich) I will add your name to the list.  Please email Vivien at ---- vivienhowe@btinternet.com

There's a prize for the best festive dress!