Scottish Disability Golf Partnership

Team winners Derek Milne, Hugh Hutcheon, Steve Smith and Iain McLachlan

with Chairman Jim Gales (extreme left) and Steve Bramwell Secretary (extreme right)

Some forty golfers, from numerous areas of Scotland, took on the challenges of the Dukes Golf Course St Andrews, and the weather, on Monday 20 March.

Players attending participated in the latest Scottish Disability Golf Challenge Charities Cup, which was generated by the SDGP for related charities and other voluntary groups to take part in a new fun golf competition. Players were divided into numerous teams including groups like the SDGP, the Guide Dogs for the Blind, Sense Scotland, East Fife Sports Council and VONEF Cupar.

As well as the challenging course and the traditional nearest the pin competitions, players were all blindfolded for a tee shot and a one-armed putt each during their round.

Jim Gales, the Event Organiser said, "We certainly fell foul of the weather with the biting cold and even some snow, followed closely by persistent rain, but we had a great turn out for our biggest event so far this year. This was also the SDGP's first 2009 competition for our Order of Merit Tables where all golfers, for both 18 and 9 hole competitions compete for the title of the GolfbloggerUK Scottish Order of Merit Champion. We must thank the staff at the Dukes Golf Course and at VONEF Cupar for their assistance in the organisation of this event.

Steve Bramwell the SDGP Secretary mentioned that, "Thanks to companies like Mirror Tess and GolfbloggerUK, which has nominated the SDGP as its charity of the year, we have some Great companies supporting us at the Dukes and we have managed to generate some fantastic golfing opportunities for our members and coaches. As well as our new 2-day Scottish Championship at Machrihanish, we have just extended our Open Championship at Scotscraig Golf Club to 4-days, and these events alongside our regular free training days for anyone with a disability or serious health problem, promise to make 2010 our best year yet."

Results from the Dukes event:

Nearest the pin SDGP Coach sponsored by Glenmure was Stewart Copland of Johnstone
Nearest the pin Disabled sponsored by Sunderland was Jim Gales of Springfield
Nearest the pin Guest sponsored by ProQuip was Alex Brown

3rd SDGP player sponsored by the Open was Kenny Raeburn of Elderslie with 32pts bih
2nd SDGP player sponsred by RAM was Jim Davidson Johnstone with 32 pts
1st SDGP player sponsored by GolfBuddy was Steve Cunningham of Newton with 38 pts

3rd SDGP Coach sponsored by ProQuip was Paul Shepherd of Tayport with 22pts
2nd SDGP Coach sponsored by Scratch Sunglasses was Stewart Copland of Johnstone with 23 pts
1st SDGP Coach sponsored by PING was Rob Steel of Eaglesham with 30 pts

Team runners up winning a fourball golf was Bob Drysdale, Davey More and Jim Samson.
Team Winners winning the Charities Trophy for 2010 and a golf 4-ball were the Guide Dogs for the Blind Team #3 of Derek Milne, Hugh Hutcheon, Steve Smith and Iain McLachlan

For details about the event or disabled golf generally, contact www.sdgp.co.uk or info@sdgp.co.uk

Some of the competitors with the team trophy

WILLIE PARK ANNIVERSARY GOLF SUCCESS

 Lionel Freedman, organiser of the Willie Park Anniversary Tournament,
and Perry Somers from Australia, winner of the hickory division

Last weekend there were two days of golf over the Old Links to celebrate anniversary of the winning of the 150th Open Championship by Willie Park Sr. Saturday’s competition saw around eighty players battling it out with both hickory and modern clubs in a number of different divisions. The conditions of the day, though fine, were cold and blustery.
The men’s scratch prize was won by Christopher Higgins of the Musselburgh Club who scored 72. The ladies scratch prize was won by Ruth Carroll, also from the Musselburgh Club with 80. The hickory scratch was won by Perry Somers from Australia with 82.
The handicap prizes were won by Richard Mackie, Strathaven, with a net 70 and Marion Bell of Musselburgh Links Ladies carded a net 82. The first hickory handicap prize went to John Still of Bruntsfield with 73.
Two juniors figured in the prizes with Oliver Duffy and Catherine Small, both of Craigielaw, winning scratch prizes finishing second and third in their respective divisions.The prizes were awarded at the Gala Dinner in the Brunton Hall where the main speakers were Alex Hay, Mungo Park and David Kirkwood. Among those present were Sheena Richardson, Provost, Irene Tait, Chairperson of Musselburgh & Inveresk Community Council and the organisers, Alan Hay, Vice Chairman, Councillor John Caldwell and Lionel Freedman, Chairman of World Hickory. The evening was a great success and over 160 attended.
Having been treated to some excellent golf in difficult conditions on Saturday, ten amateurs qualified to join ten of our local young professionals in a team competition on the following day. The conditions were, if anything, more difficult than the day before but the Old Links was privileged to see some tremendous golf, where the winner of the Professional individual prize, Sean McAllister of Craigielaw scored a 5 under par 63. In second place was Elliot Saltman, Archerfield with 67 and third was Chris Russell, RAW Golf Design with 69. The Pro-am team prizes went to Sean McAllister and Douglas Harris (Kilspindie) with 61. Second was Chris Russell and Malcolm Roberts (Duddingston) 65 and third went to Chris Kelly and David Kirkwood (Gullane) with 66. Perry Somers from Australia, again playing with hickories, scored 77. Willie Park would have been proud of the calibre of golf played by the young professionals celebrating his historic win.

1st MOROCCO FAMILY GOLF FESTIVAL
October 9 to 16, 2010 – based at MARRAKECH

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TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR: Colin Farquharson

Colin@scottishgolfview.com
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The MOROCCO GOLF FESTIVAL will be an annual golf competition – open to amateur golfers (Senior men, Senior women, men, women, boys & girls). Handicap limits: Men: 28, Ladies/girls 36.
AGGREGATE STABLEFORD TOURNAMENT: Four rounds, best three points totals to count
In addition to competitive golf, there is an exciting programme full of various activities: Cocktails party – City sightseeing tour of Marrakech– Gala Dinners– Accompanying person programme.
This tournament week in the warm of the North African sun in October is certain to be great fun and an enjoyable way of making new friends, enjoying friendly competition and playing a variety of outstanding golf courses in Morocco

PROGRAMME:

Saturday 9th October 2010:
Flight from London Gatwick to Marrakech (operated by ROYAL AIR MAROC (Flight AT673, depart from London Gatwick North Terminal at 20:30 and arrive to Marrakech at 23:05).
Assistance in Marrakech airport and transfer to the PALM PLAZA HOTEL & SPA 5*****
Check-in and overnight at the hotel
* Please note that flights can be arranged from other airport direct to Marrakech (From Edinburgh, Manchester, East Midlands, London Luton, Bristol) at a supplement.
Sunday 10th October 2010:
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel - transfer to the ROYAL Golf Club
Better-ball pairs, with a partner of your choice of with a partner allocated by the Tournament Director.
Transfer back to the hotel
Cocktail party at 19:00 in the hotel
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel
Monday 11th October
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel - transfer to PALMERAIE Golf Club
Individual Stableford Tournament Round 1
Transfer back to the hotel
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel
Tuesday 12th October
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel - transfer to the AMELKIS Golf Club
Individual Stableford Tournament Round 2
Transfer back to the hotel in the hotel, Dinner & overnight
Wednesday 13th October
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel – Guided city tour of Marrakech
Transfer back to the hotel - Afternoon at leisure
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel
Thursday 14th October
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel - transfer to the AL MAADEN Golf Club
Individual Stableford Tournament Round 3
Transfer back to the hotel in the hotel
Dinner & Overnight
Friday 15th October
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel - transfer to the AMELKIS Golf Club
Individual Stableford Tournament Round 4 (Final Round)
Transfer back to the hotel in the hotel
Gala Dinner with entertainment & Prizes presentations ceremony
Overnights at the hotel
Saturday 16th October 2010
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel – Morning at leisure
Transfer to Marrakech airport for the return flight to UK – assistance with the check-in formalities
(Flight AT672, Depart from Marrakech at 15:05 and arrive at 19:40)

WHAT IT WILL COST YOU
Golfer: £789 per person (sharing a Twin or Double room)
Non-Golfer: £630 (Sharing a Twin or Double Room)
Single room Supplement: £80 (for 7 Nights)
The price includes:
*Return schedule flight with Royal Air Maroc from London Gatwick to Marrakech (Flights from other UK airports at a supplement)
*Seven (07) Nights accommodation in the PALM PLAZA HOTEL & SPA 5***** in Marrakech
*Daily buffet breakfast
*Five rounds of competitive golf and playing on the Royal, Amelkis, Plameraie & Al Maaden Golf Courses
*Cocktail Party
*Gala Dinner with Prizes Presentation
*Five (05) Dinners at the hotel as per the programme
*Half Day guided tour of Marrakech
*Ground transfers & Transportation
*Our Permanent assistance in Marrakech

PRIZES
1st, 2nd & 3rd of each category: senior men, senior women, men, women, boys (under-18 and under-16), girls (under-18 and under-16).

OTHER Flight Options:

From EDINBURGH to MARRAKECH
+Saturday 9th October 2010: RYANAIR Flight No FR6824, Depart from Edinburgh at 14:50 and arrive to Marrakech at 18:10
+Saturday 16th October 2010: RYANAIR Flight No FR6825, Depart from Marrakech at 18:35 & Arrive to Edinburgh at 23:55
From BRISTOL to MARRAKECH
+Saturday 9th October 2010: RYANAIR Flight No FR8218, Depart from Bristol at 15:55 and arrive to Marrakech at 18:30
+Saturday 16th October 2010: RYANAIR Flight No FR8219, Depart from Marrakech at 18:55 & Arrive to Bristol at 23:35
From MANCHESTER to MARRAKECH
+Saturday 9th October 2010: EASYJET Flight No 1893, Depart from Manchester at 14:35 and arrive to Marrakech at 17:40
+Saturday 16th October 2010: EASYJET Flight No 1894, Depart from Marrakech at 18:10 & Arrive to Manchester at 22:55
From London Gatwick to MARRAKECH
+Saturday 9th October 2010:
+EASYJET Flight No 8895, Depart from Gatwick at 12:25 and arrive to Marrakech at 15:05
+EASYJET Flight No 8897, Depart from Gatwick at 15:35 and arrive to Marrakech at 18:15
+Saturday 16th October 2010:
+EASYJET Flight No 8896, Depart from Marrakech at 15:40 & Arrive to Gatwick at 20:10
+EASYJET Flight No 8898, Depart from Marrakech at 18:50 & Arrive to Gatwick at 23:20 ===============ENTRY FORM================
Competing as (Please tick the appropriate box)
Senior Man (over 55 yrs on Jan 1)

Senior Lady (over 50 yrs on Jan 1)
Man Lady

Boy (under 16yrs on Jan 1)

Girl (Under 16yr on Jan 1)
Boy (Under 18yr on Jan 1)

Girl (Under 18yr on Jan 1)

Title:
First Name:


Surname

Handicap
(Competitors should take up an up to date handicap from their home club)
Golf Club:

Full Postal
Address

Post Code

Tel (Home)

Tel (Mobile)

Email Address
Name of partner for Better-Ball Pairs
If you wish the Tournament Director to allocate you with a partner at random (Please indicate (Yes / No)

Accompanying Person / Non Golfer

Preferred Airport to fly from & to

Comments / Remarks


I confirm that I agree to abide by all the tournament rules & regulations and I enclose a deposit of £100 (please make cheques payable to MENARA TRAVEL LTD) – payment by cards accepted

Signature:


Please send your complete Entry Form to: Mohamed Fakir at Menara Travel Ltd, 200c Blythe Road, London W14 0HH

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MARRAKECH
The Golf Holiday to remember in a city you will never forget
Lying at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, nested in the midst of a palm-grove is the red pearl, Marrakech! More than an Imperial city, Marrakech legitimately boasts the sumptuous relics of its glorious past: palaces, tombs, gardens and minarets compete with each other for the pleasure of the visitor. A most lively city, a city of thousand and one perfumes, colours and melodies where life is a continuous show, climaxing at the natural theatre of Djemaa El Fna Square where magicians, acrobats, storytellers, and fortune-tellers gather to entertain you. Extending north from the square is the medina within which lies the imperial heritage of Marrakech. Wandering the SOUKS in the Medina is like travelling back in time, some shops glittering with jewellery, some festooned with richly coloured carpets and all around you the sounds of bargaining for that all important “best price”!
A dry and healthy climate adds to the pleasures of visits and excursions, making it possible to practice all kinds of open-air sports.

Palm Plaza Hotel & Spa 5*****
Located in Agdal, a new residential district, Palm Plaza Hotel & Spa welcomes you in a luxury setting in the heart of Marrakech, 10 minutes from the airport and 8 minutes from Djamaâ Elfna Square. Palm Plaza Hotel features comfortable rooms and suites. Savour exotic dishes in the hotel’s restaurants.Have a snack in the pool bar and in the evening, a quiet time in the piano bar or an exciting night in the night club. Enjoy a relaxing stay in Palm Plaza Hotel. The spa features a heated indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a Hammam and a gym
Palm Plaza Hotel & SPA has 230 rooms, including 151 Twin, 52 Double, 2 rooms for disabled persons, 6 junior suites, 20 senior suites and a royal suite. Houses of Palm Plaza Hotel & Spa are equipped by air conditioning, heating, Internet access and free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, safe, mini bar, telephone, hair dryer, voice mail and automatic alarm

Gary Player relishing Carnoustie return

Gary Player will return to Carnoustie and the scene of the ‘greatest shot of his career’ when he takes his place amongst an impressive line up of Major Champions in The Senior Open Championship presented by MasterCard from July 22-25.
Tickets are now on sale at a discounted rate for the 24th edition of the Championship, which this year returns to Scotland, visiting the magnificent Championship Course at Carnoustie for the first time.
It will be an emotional return for Player, who won The Open Championship at Carnoustie in 1968, claiming his second of three Claret Jugs after previously winning at Muirfield in 1959.
The 74 year old, who last week played in the Berenberg Bank Masters over the Fancourt course he designed in his native South Africa, still rates his majestic three wood approach shot to the 14th hole in his final round 42 years ago as the most memorable shot of his marvellous career.
Player’s ball stopped just inches from the pin to give him a tap in for eagle and set up his eventual two stroke victory over the legendary American Jack Nicklaus and New Zealand’s Bob Charles, who had claimed the Claret Jug five years previously.
“I’ve got great memories of Carnoustie,” said Player. “There were five of us going down the last five holes within one shot of each other and I was playing with Nicklaus.
“I got to the 14th hole, which is known as The Spectacles, because of the two large bunkers in the middle of the fairway, and the wind was blowing and I had a three wood in my hand and I had to decide whether to go for the green or not because there’s all this heather and junk around over the bigger of the two bunkers.
“There was only about a five yard gap and I put the ball eight inches from the hole, which enabled me to go on and beat Nicklaus and the others.
“That has to be the best shot of my life. I hit a shot at the PGA when there were nine of us in contention and a shot to a couple of feet at the 17th at Augusta when leading by one but nothing like that. That’s a three wood into the wind with such trouble all around.
“My wife was sitting in the stand and she was so nervous. After I played the shot she said she could hardly walk down the stand because her knees were shaking that much.
“Carnoustie is definitely one of the toughest courses I have played. It will be very tough for a Senior Open. Ben Hogan won The Open there before me, which I watched as a young man, and I always said Ben was the best player I’ve ever seen so Carnoustie has some very special memories for me.”
Player, who has missed only one of the 23 Senior Open Championships played since 1987, is the joint most successful player in the Championship’s history with Tom Watson, winning the title in 1988 and 1990 at Turnberry and in 1997 at Royal Portrush.
The Black Knight, who has 164 professional tournament wins worldwide, believes those victories surpassed even the feat of his nine regular Major Championship victories.
“People ask me what’s the greatest achievement of my life and I say my Grand Slam on the Senior Tour and they are shocked, but you have to do that after you turn 50,” he said.
“My three Senior Open titles were such a great achievement. The tournament is going from strength to strength and if you look at the scores they were shooting last year at Sunningdale it was remarkable. The field just gets better and better every year.”
Spectators can buy tickets now for The Senior Open Championship by visiting www.senioropengolf.com or by calling +44 (0) 800 023 2557 or on the gate. One day tickets are £25 and season tickets are £70.

Substantial savings can now be made both on day passes and season tickets for The 2010 Senior Open Championship, which are priced respectively at £16.50 and £60, with a further 10% discount available to MasterCard cardholders.
To order your tickets, go here or call +44 800 023 2557. Postal enquiries should be sent to European Tour Tickets, Mirren Court Three, 123, Renfrew Court Three, Paisley. PA3 4EA. Alternatively, you can email tickets@europeantour.com.