The SLGA regrets to report the death of Moira Milton (nee Paterson) who had been ill for some time.
A semi-finalist in the Scottish Championship in 1950 and 1951, Moira played for Scotland in the Ladies' Home International Matches between 1948 and 1952. In 1952, when the final was contested over 36 holes she defeated Frances Stephens of England at the 39th hole to win the Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship at Royal Troon. She was a member of the 1952 Curtis Cup team when GB&I defeated the USA at Muirfield. Our condolences are extended to her husband John and family.

One of the oldest courses in Scotland, Tain Golf Club is set to stage one of the biggest event in its 122 year history when it hosts the Scottish Ladies' Amateur Championship from May 15 - 19.

Just a few miles from Dornoch - which has staged several Scottish Ladies' Championships - the Ross-shire links is a picturesque venue and enjoys spectacular views to the mountains and across the Dornoch Firth.

View from 11th tee at Tain
Photograph courtesy of Tain Golf Club

The Club has a fine tradition in the women's game - and one family stands out.  Sisters Mary Smith and Anne Ryan helped Scotland win the 2010 European Ladies' Senior Team Championship in Germany and the third sister, Magi Vass, is Tain's Club Secretary.

Sammy Vass, Magi's daughter, is on a US golf scholarship in North Carolina at the Gardner-Webb University and she just hopes she can make it back in time for the Championship over her home course.

"It will be touch and go," said her Mum.  "It depends how well her university is doing on the US college circuit.  Sammy managed to make it back for the Scottish Amateur at Machrihanish last year, but I had to pick her up at Glasgow airport and take her straight to the course."

A last minute rush won't matter this year for the 20-year-old.  She needs no introduction to the course that includes 12 of the original holes designed by Old Tom Morris in 1890.

The stand out holes are the par four 11th - known as The Alps due to the hills in front of the green - and the 17th - a par three hole but one that requires the crossing of a burn twice.

The par three 17th
Photograph courtesy of Tain Golf Club

"We are also hosting the men's North of Scotland Amateur Championship this year so it is going to be very busy," said Magi.  "We have staged a Scottish Girls' Championship so it is nice to add the Scottish Ladies'."

The club is also hoping both events might lead to an increase in numbers.  "We don't have a waiting list at the moment and we have been on a membership drive," said Magi.  "Hopefully, the Championship will help attract interest."

The handicap limit for the Scottish Championship is 20.4 so this event will be a great opportunity for all Silver category players to enjoy the traditional Tain links.  Click here for further details about this Championship. 

Entry forms for all of the SLGA Championships and events will be available to download from this web-site from Wednesday 1 February.

To access a copy of the 2012-2015 CONGU(R) Unified Handicapping System Manual click here.

There are still spaces available for the biennial Rules Course being run by the SGU at Heriot Watt University from 14 - 16 March 2012.

The course is open to any member of an SGU or SLGA affiliated golf club and places are allocated on a first come first served basis.  The three day course takes place in Edinburgh and costs £165 inclusive of lunch, refreshments and publications.

The course is a mix of classroom based tuition and practical work within the indoor golf facility at Heriot Watt University.  Whether you are a club secretary, committee official, expert or novice golfer, this comprehensive three day course will provide something for everyone and is designed to increase knowledge and understanding of the Rules as well as how to officiate at tournaments and administer competitions.

Delegates who succesfully complete the course and assessment will receive an official SGU Rules Course certificate.

Bookings can be made via the SGU online shop, alternatively complete and return an application form from the 2012 SGU Rules Course Information Pack.  If you would like further information call the SGU Events Department on 01334 466477.

ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT EXTENDS SPONSORSHIP DEAL WITH SGU AND SLGA

Aberdeen Asset Management, the global investment group, is to continue its fantastic support of the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) and the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association (SLGA) after yesterday (Tuesday 17 January) announcing a new two-year dual extension of its sponsorship of the respective National Squads.

The investment takes Aberdeen Asset Management’s partnership with the SGU to seven years, having begun their support of the Men’s Elite Squad and Academy back in 2007, coupled with their sponsorship of Scotland’s leading female amateurs which commenced in 2010.

Scotland players competing at Boys’ and Men’s level will continue to wear the Aberdeen Asset Management logo on their national team apparel and golf bags,  as will the SLGA’s Girls’ and Ladies’ Squads.

The deal – until 2013 - again strengthens Aberdeen Asset Management’s commitment to golf in Scotland.  In addition to the investment in the amateur game,  Aberdeen also sponsor a number of leading Scottish tour professionals including former Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, ex-Open champions Paul Lawrie and Sandy Lyle, Scotland’s leading female golfer, Catriona Matthew, and Michael Stewart, the SGU Golfer of the Year in 2011 who recently turned professional. Their events sponsorship portfolio also includes the Ladies Scottish Open and the Northern Open.

Matthew, representing Europe, and Stewart, playing for Great Britain & Ireland, helped secure the Solheim Cup and Walker Cup for their respective teams in 2011 and they were delighted to be reunited with the silverware as the sponsorship announcement was made at Aberdeen Asset Management’s office overlooking Edinburgh Castle.

Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, said: “We are very proud to support Scotland’s National amateur squads and delighted to see the progress many of the players have made since we began our sponsorship back in 2007. It’s vital for Scottish Golf that these young players are given the best opportunities to develop their games.”

“Aberdeen Asset Management is committed to helping Scottish golfers perform at the highest level, from our leading amateurs to our top professionals and keeping our profile as ‘The Home of Golf’ within the global game,” he added.

Matthew, who played a pivotal role in helping Europe regain the Solheim Cup for the first time since 2003 after a dramatic final-day victory over the USA at Killeen Castle, Dublin, also expressed her delight at the sponsorship extension.

Speaking at the announcement, Matthew said: “It's fantastic that Aberdeen Asset Management have renewed their sponsorship with the SGU and SLGA.

“They are great supporters of both amateur and professional golf in Scotland. I am sure that with their help amateur golfers will have more opportunities to take their games to the next level.”

Michael Stewart, part of the winning Walker Cup side at Royal Aberdeen, was also in attendance to announce the two-year sponsorship extension, having benefited hugely from Aberdeen Asset Management’s support during a distinguished amateur career.

The Troon professional said: “During my time as an amateur, I received great support from Aberdeen Asset Management, giving me great opportunities such as warm weather training, working with their sponsored professionals and gaining experience off the course.

“It’s brilliant news for the current male and female squads that such support is going to continue for another two years. I’m sure the players will benefit hugely from Aberdeen Asset Management’s backing.”