Meldrum House Hotel & Country House chairman Bob Edwards shaking hands with Sir Alex Ferguson after the Manchester United manager had performed the official opening ceremony. They are flanked by brothers Davie and Terry Buchan, members of the Meldrum House Hotel & Country House board of directors.

Sir Alex Ferguson opens luxury suites in renovated

stable block at Meldrum House Country Hotel

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY FIFTH RING COMMUNICATIONS
Sir Alex Ferguson visited Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course to launch the renovated 17th century stable block last week (4 November).
Meldrum House, which has invested £2.5 million in a development programme, has transformed the stable block into 13 modern, luxury suites for guests as part of the investment, augmenting the nine already available at Meldrum House itself and five rooms in the historic Chain Lodge.
In addition, the A-listed stable block, which dates back to 1628, also houses new conference facilities that can accommodate up to 50 delegates. The conference centre has an impressive vaulted ceiling and is fully equipped – including sound and IT systems – for the modern corporate and residential conference markets.
The Manchester United manager joined members of the golf club for a round of golf at the 18-hole course in the afternoon before joining 100 guests for the official opening.
Bob Edwards, chairman of Meldrum House. said: “We are delighted Sir Alex was able to take the time out of his busy schedule to open The Stables and join us for a round of golf. We continually strive to raise the bar in terms of the facilities. By making significant investment in the stable block and the accommodation at the hotel we can create a closer relationship between the hotel, conference and weddings, short breaks and our golf offering.
“The course is in fantastic condition as is our clubhouse, practice facilities, tuition services and all- round package. With additional top class accommodation, conference room and our plans for a spa and permanent banqueting options we are well placed to create an unrivalled experience for our visitors.
"We foresee Meldrum House complementing the proposed golf developments at Donald Trump’s Menie Estate, Ury, Blairs and Hazlehead that would put Aberdeenshire on the world map as premier golf tourism destination.”
Sir Alex, said: “I am delighted to be back in the North-east and visiting Meldrum House. It was great to get the opportunity to play the course. The new facilities are very impressive, successfully complementing the hotel’s other facilities.”
Meldrum House Golf Club celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, which coincided with the spectacular 18-hole course becoming the first in the North-east of Scotland and one of only a handful of courses in Scotland that measures more than 7,000 yards, the benchmark by which talented golfers measure their ability.
It now ranks alongside Muirfield, Kingsbarns, Royal Troon, St Andrews and the Gleneagles Centenary Course in the select group.
The extended course, designed by local golf architect Graeme Webster, now measures 7,024 yards (up from 6,375 yards) and is the first 7,000-yard plus course in the North-east.

Queen knights Sir Nick - an

unbelievable experience,

says six-time Major winner


FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEBSITE
Sir Nick Faldo has described being knighted by the Queen today as an ''unbelievable experience''.
The most successful British golfer in the modern era said he never dreamed of receiving such an honour following the ceremony at Windsor Castle.
The 52-year-old, who was dressed in smart grey tails, said: ''It was amazing. That was an unbelievable experience. I had dreams as a young boy of being a golfer and winning tournaments, but you don't dream of this.
''When I found out in the summer, my thoughts went back to riding my bike through the woods to the golf course when I was just starting out. I played my first round of golf on my 14th birthday.''
A comparatively late starter by modern standard, Faldo progressed at a phenomenal rate and was a leading amateur before he turned pro in 1976. He had been born in Welwyn Garden City on July 18, 1957.
The sportsman becomes a ''sir'' on the back of a pro career which has seen him win six majors, including three Opens.
He added: ''The Queen said: 'You've been in the game a long time.' I said: 'Yes, ma'am - for 30 years'.''
Examining his medal in its presentation box, Sir Nick said: ''That's pretty special - look at that fella.''
Asked which of his majors he was most proud of, the golfer said: ''Majors are like children. It's impossible to pick, but the first one is special because you finally break through.
''Next year, I celebrate 20 years of winning in 1990. They all mean a hell of a lot.''
Sir Nick was captain of Europe's Ryder Cup team, which lost to the US last year.
''Of course, that week we had 24 players that played their heart out, but the Americans beat us that time,'' he said.
He added that he had loved the experience of the cup, obviously apart from the result, and said the players would be determined to win next year after being beaten.
''I'm rooting for the guys to go and win the Ryder Cup back,'' he added.
Sir Nick, who has been coaching in Brazil, welcomed the move to reintroduce golf to the Olympics in 2016 for the first time since 1904.
''As a golfer, I would have loved in my trophy cabinet to have had a gold medal.
''The Olympics is such a special event. I'm sure it's going to be amazing.''
He was watched during the castle investiture by his four children, Natalie, Matthew, Georgia and Emma.

James Byrne (above) and Ross Kellett (right)
Both images by Cal Carson Golf Agency

JAMES BYRNE KEEPS WORLD NO 35 RANKING

BUT ROSS KELLETT DROPS TWO TO NO 56.

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Arizona State University student James Byrne from Banchory remains in the No 35 spot - his highest ever rating - in the Week 45 Royal & Ancient World Amateur Golf Rankings.
He and Ross Kellett (Colville Park), who has gone down two places to No 56, are the only Scots in the top 160.
Mark Hillson (Craigielaw), who reached the quarter-finals of the British amateur championship this year, has gone up 11 spots to No 168, one ahead of former Scottish amateur match-play champion Glenn Campbell (Blairgowrie).
East Tennessee State University student Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) has gone down two places to No 219
Stirling University student and past Scottish boys' match-play champion James White (Lundin) has dropped three places to 232 - two places ahead of David Law (Hazlehead), winner of both the Scottish men's amateur match-play and Scottish boys' match-play championships this year. David has gone down three places from last week.
The only other Scots in the top 500 are Peterhead's Philip McLean, down two places to No 335, and Steven McEwan (Caprington), up two places to No 380.
There is no change in the top 11 rankings with Victor Dubuisson (France) and British amateur champion Matteo Manassero (Italy) holding down the top two placings.
The leading British or Irish player is Walker Cup man Stiggy Hodgson (Sunningdale), ranked No 11.
WEEK 45 RandA WORLD AMATEUR GOLF RANKINGS
(No change in leading 11)
1 Victor Dubuisson (France).
2 Matteo Manasseo (Italy).
3 Nick Taylor (Canada).
4 Bud Cauley (US).
5 Morgan Hoffman (US).
6 Matt Hills (Canada).
7 Peter Uihlein (US).
8 Nicol Van Wyk (South Africa).
9 Blayne Barber ((US).
10 Russell Henley (US).
11 Stiggy Hodgson (England).
Scots' rankings:
35 James Byrne (Banchory and Arizona State University) (no change).
56 Ross Kellett (Colville Park) (down two).
168 Mark Hillson (Craigielaw) (up 11).
169 Glenn Campbell (Blairgowrie) (down four).
219 Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck and East Tennessee State Univ) (down two).
234 David Law (Hazlehead) (down three).
335 Philip McLean (Peterhead) (down two).
380 Steven McEwan (Caprington) (up two).

Graeme Brown wins Midland Allaince with 65 at Montrose

By LEE SUTHERLAND
This week's Midland Golfers Alliance competition was held over the medal course at Montrose Links. Conditions were perfect and Graeme Brown, the local assistant professional, made the most with a superb five-under-par score of 65.
There was a tie for the handicap prize between five-handicapper John Paisley (Lundin) and Keith Thomson, who plays off 14 at Alloa. They both had net 64s.
LEADING SCRATCH
65 G Brown (Montrose Links) ap.
67 M Finlayson (Edzell) ap.
69 S O’ Donnell (Balbirnie Park) ap, J Paisley (Lundin), P Brookes (Pitreavie) p.
70 A J Webster (Edzell) p.
71 M Brown (Monifieth).
72 G Gillespie (Crieff), K Hutton (Downfield) p.
73 M Niven (Alloa), R Stewart (Tulliallan), K Bruce (Edzell).
74 G Abel (Alloa) ap, D Redford (Murrayshall).

LEADING HANDICAP
64 J Paisley (Lundin) (5), K Thomson (Alloa) (14).
65 G Gillespie (Crieff) (7), J Cree (Thornton) (11).
66 D Vickary (Craigie Hill) (7), D Redford (Murrayshall) (8).
68 M Niven (Alloa) (5), D Tully (Panmure) (8), J S Millar (Blairgowrie) (7).
69 A Smith (Edzell) (7), J Meddicks (Murrayshall) (8), K Egan (Downfield) (5), A McEwan (Carnoustie) (12), J Cree (Carnoustie) (14)
70 K Bruce (Edzell) (3), D Black (Dunfermline) (12), J Milne (Blairgowrie) (9), D Adams (Carnoustie) (6).

Qualifiers for the JTC Interiors Express Championship in April at Montrose Links
G Brown (Montrose Links) ap.
M Finlayson (Edzell) ap
J Paisley (Lundin)

Next weeks meeting: Tuesday, November 17.
Crail (Craighead): Tee booked from 8.30am to 12.15
]

Carnoustie's 16th green on the championship links with the Carnoustie Golf Hotel providing the backdrop (click on the Cal Carson Golf Agency image to enlarge it).

CARNOUSTIE IS RIGHT ON LINE: Internet bookings soar by 18%

Tee time bookings via the Internet for Carnoustie's championship links and its two subsidiaries, the Burnside and Buddon courses, have soared by 18% over the 12 month period from October 1 last year to October 31 this year.
The value of online green fee sales rose by 24% during the same period and for the first time exceeded £400,000.
"We launched our online booking system back in 2003 and each year since then we have seen significant increases in online sales," said Colin McLeod, the Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee's Golf Services Manager.
"The income we take from online bookings is now approximately 20% of our green fee revenue but we expect it to continue to grow in the years ahead particularly as, unlike many other websites, CGLMC does not make an additional charge for credit card bookings."
Golfers anywhere in the world who want a tee time to play at Carnoustie can now log onto http://www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk where they can check availability on all three of its courses and book a tee time on any day up to October 31 2010.
Two of the most exciting Opens over the past decade have been played over the Carnoustie championship course: 1999 when Paul Lawrie won a three-man play-off and in 2007 when Padraig Harrington defeated Sergio Garcia, also in a play-off.
Carnoustie will stage its first Senior Open Championship presented by MasterCard on July 22-25 next year and then 12 months later in 2011 will welcome the world's leading women professionals for the Ricoh Women's British Open, won this year by North Berwick's Catriona Matthew who, as Catriona Lambert, won the 1991 Scottish women's amateur championship over the Carnoustie links, beating Fiona Anderson (Blairgowrie) in the final.

Thousands turn up to see Tiger Woods'

practice round for Australian Masters

FROM THE PGA.COM WEBSITE
The size of the gallery this morning at Kingston Heath, Melbourne was nothing new for Tiger Woods, who also played before some 7,000 people two days ago in China.
That was the final round of a World Golf Championship.
This was merely a practice round for the Australian Masters, and it showed just what kind of buzz Woods has generated in his return to Australia for the first time in 11 years.
Perhaps even more peculiar than TV network helicopters circling overhead as Woods played nine holes with Craig Parry was the sign posted at the ticket office: "Sold Out." Australia sporting events, particularly golf, thrive on walk-up sales, and no one could remember the last time a tournament had no tickets available.
Just another day in the life of the world's No. 1 player? Not quite.
"No, it's not normal," Woods said at his press conference, which was broadcast live around Australia. "Thank God it's not normal."
Woods is looking for a different result than from this weekend in Shanghai, when he started the final round only two shots behind Phil Mickelson and quickly fell out of contention, finishing in a tie for sixth as Mickelson won the HSBC Champions.
Woods is making his fourth appearance in Australia, which he described as one of his favorite spots in the world for golf, particularly the sandbelt courses around Melbourne.
He tied for fifth in the 1996 Australian Open at the end of his rookie season, then tied for eighth in Australian Masters early in 1997. His last appearance was the Presidents Cup in 1998, when the International team gave the Americans their only loss. Woods played Australian icon Greg Norman, beating him in singles at Royal Melbourne.
This was his first time playing Kingston Heath, which already is firm and fast under hot sunshine.
"Unbelievable golf course," Woods said. "I always have been a huge fan of the sandbelt courses. The bunkering is just phenomenal. You never get a chance to see bunkering like this is any other place in the world. You don't need a golf course that is 7,500 yards for it to be hard. You can build it just like this and have it nice and tricky, and it's just a treat to play."
Woods is being paid a $3 million appearance fee, an investment by the Victorian government that supporters say already has been returned by the massive crowds.
Rod Pampling is the defending champion, a fact that has been lost in the build-up to the tournament. Pampling, who used to frequently play practice rounds with Woods at the majors, doesn't mind.
"I think it's a stroke for us," Pampling said. "It's great for Australian golf. It's what Australian golf needed, was to have this impact. Seeing the crowds are sold out, we haven't had that since the days of Greg Norman. Hopefully, this will spur on other tournaments to realize that yes, you have to spend the money to get the money back."
The course was subdued late in the afternoon. A half-hour after Woods finished his nine holes, one fan walked out to his car and said, "Nothing more to see for the day."

David Drysdale recalls turning point in career:

2008 British Masters increased determination

FROM THE SCOTSMAN WEBSITE

By Martin Dempster
David Drysdale, the sole Scot in the field for next week's season-ending Dubai World Championship, has spoken about the day that changed his career after he'd become a regular at the dreaded European Tour Qualifying School.
It came during last year's British Masters at The Belfry, where the 34-year-old, pictured, admitted he'd been jolted when he looked up at a giant TV screen at the side of the 18th green to see some monetary statistics about him and his two playing partners that day.

"I was playing with two very established golfers and, on a TV screen that must have been 20 feet long and 12 feet wide, they put up our respective earnings for the season," recalled Drysdale, who already knew at that point he was heading back to the Qualifying School.

"The two lads I was playing with (while Drysdale didn't reveal their identities, it is believed they were Paul McGinley and Franceso Molinari] had won about 800,000 euros and were lying in the top 25 on the Order of Merit.
"I looked up there, having outplayed those guys that day, to see I had earned a quarter of what they had. I remember saying to myself: 'How can this be happening?'"
Drysdale left The Belfry that week more determined than ever to regain his card at the end of last year, vowing to journalists after achieving that objective near Girona that he wouldn't be back at the Qualifying School ever again.
"That day was a massive turning point," he added. "It wasn't a case of re-dedicating myself or anything like that. I simply decided I would go back to the Tour School, get my card and kick on."
Kick on he certainly he has. Thanks to six top-10 finishes and a string of other consistent performances, he's currently sitting 46th on the money-list with 624,221 euros and, in the end, has got into the big-money event in Dubai with a bit to spare.
"After finishing second in Seville (in the Andalucian Open] in April, my goals changed from trying retain my card to trying to make top 60," said Drysdale."Since then, I think I've been in the top 60 all year, which is a great achievement, and I think my place in Dubai is something I deserve for the way I've played all season.
"To be honest, I think the way things have turned around for me is simply down to mindset and confidence. I've always had the ability to play good golf, but people say 98 per cent (of it) is in the head and they are absolutely right. If you get your mind right and have the confidence, you can achieve anything."
The Dubai event is just the start of an exciting end to the season. Straight after that, Drysdale's off to China with Alastair Forsyth to try to give Scotland a second World Cup success in three years before heading to South Africa for two events there before Christmas.
"Finishing 116th effectively on the European Tour money-list two years in a row was quite hard to take," said Drysdale when asked to pick out what had been the low point for him during the period when he struggled to establish himself on the European circuit.
"But I had still made a living those years – it wasn't as though I was bankrupt or anything like that. Both those seasons were probably the lowest point but I didn't have time to dwell on it. I had to start practising for Tour School and it never upset me to the point where I actually became bothered by it."
Looking to the future, he added: "I've not set any targets for next year yet, though I would love to play in the States at some point in the future. All I am concentrating on are the events I've still got to play this season and, if myself and Alastair Forsyth can re-create the golf we produced on the final day in the European qualifier in Estonia, there is no reason why we can't go close in the World Cup."
To help him prepare properly, Drysdale, who has just signed a new sponsorship with the International Beverage group that will see him promote their Scottish drinks products around the world, headed out to Dubai yesterday along with his coach David Downie, the pair having struck up an excellent understanding since they started working together in the summer of 2009.
"I was trying to get an invitation to this week's event in Hong Kong but that's not going to happen," he said. "I also thought about going to Australia (Tiger Woods is the star attraction in the co-sanctioned Australian Masters in Melbourne] but, after coming off ten weeks in a row, I think a couple of weeks off is more beneficial.
"I changed my plans to go to Dubai a bit earlier than I had originally planned and it is really just to try and get away from the weather here. I will practise and play some golf on courses that will be in a similar condition to the course (the Earth at the Jumeirah Golf Estates] for the Dubai World Championship."