IAN BRATTON'S WRIST OPERATION WILL CURE HIS CARPAL TUNNELL

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Colin@scottishgolfview.com

Newburgh-on-Ythan's popular pro Ian Bratton has this week had his long-waited operation to solve the problem of his left wrist.

"It was 18 months ago that the pain started. It's called carpal tunnell. The tunnell that carries the nerves to the hand through the wrist swells and becomes inflamed, causing pressure on the inside of the wrist, which in turn causes pressure onto the nerves," explained Ian.

"This causes severe numbness in the fingers and pain round the wrist."

Apparently, it is very common, presumably among sportsmen and women whose sport involves gripping a golf club, a tennis racket, etc.

"I had the operation done yesterday. The surgeon was an ex-pupil. Can't go anywhere! She said that the work she did will make a huge difference.

"She said there was a lot of thick inflamtion that she has cut away, releasing the nerves to the hand."

Ian can't drive (a car!) for a few days and should be playing golf in five weeks.

"I couldn't have asked for better service at Woodend Hospital. So it will be back to work on Friday, light duties only, mainly drinking tea!"

JAMIE SAVAGE IN CONTENTION AT PETER McEVOY TROPHY halfway

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Colin@scottishgolfview.com

Professional's son Jamie Savage (Cawder) looked a chip off the old block as he powered his way into a challenge position at the halfway stage of the 72-hole Peter McEvoy Trophy boys' tournament at Copt Heath Golf Club, Solihull in Warwickshire today. Savage (pictured by Tom Ward Photography) who made the last 16 at last week's Paul Lawrie Foundation Scottish boys championship at Murcar Links, followed up an opening 71 with a five-under-par 67 for a two-round tally of six-under 138. That will see him start tomorrow's final two rounds in fourth place, only two strokes behind the leader, Gavin Moynihan. The Dubliner has had a pair of 68s for 136. Bradley Neil (Blairgowrie) (73-71) and new Scottish boys champion Craig Howie (Peebles) (74-70) qualified on 144. Greig Marchbank (Dumfries and  Co) (74-71 for 145) and Alasdair McDougall (Elderslie) (78-70 for 148) also beat the cut. Two Scots who failed to score 148 or better and were eliminated were Anthony Blaney (Liberton) and Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie). SECOND-ROUND LEADERS Par 144 (2x72) 136 Gavin Moynihan (Ire) 68 68 137 Max Orrin (North Foreland) 71 66, Bradley Moore (Kedleston) 71 66 138 Jamie Savage (Cawder) 71 67. SELECTED QUALIFIERS 144 Bradley Neil (Blairgowrie) 71 73, Craig Howie (Peebles) 74 70. 145 Greig Marchbank (Dumfries and Co) 74 71 148 Alasdair McDougall (Elderslie) 78 70. MISSED THE CUT (148 and better qualified) 149 Anthony Blaney (Liberton) 73 76. 155 Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) 79 76. TO VIEW THE SECOND-DAY QUALIFIERS AND THEIR SCORES CLICK HERE

DAVID LAW CHANGES COACH , SCORES FIRST WIN IN NINTH EVENT

    David Law driving to victory and pictured with the trophy (from the EPD Tour website)


By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Colin@scottishgolfview.com

David Law's victory in the Dar Es Salam Open at Rabat, Morocco this week was achieved in only his ninth tournament as a professional

The 20-year-old Aberdonian - he will be 21 next month - left the amateur ranks last October since when he has played in one Asian Tour event and eight EPD Tour (German PGA) competitions.
Law is grateful for the fact that unlike most rookie pros he does not have any financial worries, thanks to a cluster of backers.
"i'm actually in a very privileged position when it comes to sponsorship which I think has reflected in my golf as I can go out and play without financial worry," said David.
"I'd like to thank my sponsors TaylorMade, the Paul Lawrie Foundation, Hunting, Aberdeen Asset Management, Farmfoods and Colmar for their support. it's very much appreciated."
Law, still in Morocco for the next EPD Tour event - the Lixus Open at Port Lixus Golf and Beach Resort - which starts on Saturday, is not only highly chuffed at his maiden pro win but also with the news of an invitation to play in a European Challenge Tour event.

"I had been hoping to gain some invites from the Challenge Tour with the aim of playing maybe as many as seven events on that. And then make up the rest of my schedule with the EPD Tour," Law told me today by E-mail from Morocco.

"And the great news for me, confirmed only on Tuesday, is my invitation to play in the next Challenge Tour event in France, which is fantastic."

Law also revealed that he has switched coaches from  Paul Lawrie's former mentor, Neil Marr, to Billy Fife who is based at the Aspire Golf Centre on the South Deeside Road, near Aberdeen.

Law said: "I've recently started working with Billy Fyfe on my swing and his input has helped a great deal. I worked with Neil Marr for six years and he did an excellent job with my game and there is no doubt in my mind Neil was a huge part of my progress in golf.

"However, I just felt I needed a change to freshen things up a little and it has worked better and more quickly than I could have imagined.

"Now I'm looking to the next event out here in Morocco. It starts on Saturday. Hopefully, I can make a few more Euros!"

JAMIE SAVAGE LEADING SCOT AT END OF McEVOY TROPHY ROUND 1

Professional's son Jamie Savage (Cawder) was the best placed Scot in eighth position at the end of the first round of the Peter McEvoy Trophy boy's open golf tournament at Copt Heath Golf Club today.
Savage had a one-under-par 71 (CSS 73) to be three strokes behind the joint leaders, Irish challener Gavin Moynihan (The Island) and Louis Tomlinson (West Lancs).
Bradley Neil (Blairgowrie) and Anthony Blaney (Liberton) were tied for 20th place on 73.
New Scottish boys champion Craig Howie (Peebles) and Greig Marchbank (Dumfries and Co) were on 74 (jt 29th) while Alasdair McDougall (Elderslie) had a 78 (joint 62nd) and Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) a 79 to be joint 67th.
There are 72 plyaers in the field for the 72-hole tournament.

GLOBAL GOLF POST: Pettersson Among Tour Heavyweights

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S. CAROLINA I Intent on taking the next step in his professional career prior to the 2009 season, Carl Pettersson lost 30 pounds - and his golf swing.

He regained the weight the next year. "Drink 10 beers and eat a tub of ice cream before you go to bed and it'll put it back quick," Pettersson said. But he didn't feel his game fully returned until late last year.

It was vintage Pettersson at Harbour Town Golf Links, winning the RBC Heritage by five strokes overZach Johnson for his fifth career victory.

"It's fun playing again," Pettersson said.

Pettersson has been one of the PGA Tour's steadiest players for a decade, despite the dip in 2009 when he finished outside the top 125 on the money list. He goes about his business, tends to keep to himself and when he finds his groove, he can be very good.

His long-time buddy Tim Clark, who preceded Pettersson at N.C. State, said he saw his friend's game click into gear three weeks ago at the Shell Houston Open. Pettersson finished second there, spent Masters week at home in Raleigh, N.C, and picked up at Harbour Town and finished what he started in Houston.

"Once he gets it going, he can go low," said Clark, with whom Pettersson shared a house at Hilton Head. "He can certainly shape the golf ball, hit it high, hit it low. He's not a super-technical player but (HarbourTown) is great for him."

Pettersson siphoned any potential drama about a gorgeous Sunday afternoon with three birdies in his first five holes. Coupled with a triple-bogey by Colt Knost at the par-4 third hole, Pettersson had a five-stroke advantage by the time he made the turn and only had to avoid falling into Calibogue Sound to win his first tartan jacket.

"With a five-shot lead and nine to go, it's yours to blow," Pettersson said.

He led the field in greens in regulation (50 of 72) and he needed only 104 putts in 72 holes.

Zach Johnson tried to make a run at Pettersson early in the day but couldn't generate enough momentum, finishing second. Knost shook off his early triple-bogey to finish solo third, equalling his best career finish earlier this year at the Mayakoba Golf Classic.

Petterson, wearing his new tartan jacket, has no plans to abandon his current lifestyle, preferring it to the diet and fitness regimen that didn't work for him.

"We're not running marathons here," Pettersson said. "Some of these guys are overdoing it a little bit. I feel fit enough to get around 18 holes."

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NEWBURGH-ON-YTHAN LAUNCH DRIVE TO ATTRACT JUNIOR MEMBERS

By BRIAN CUMMING
Newburgh-on-Ythan GC junior convener
Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club is currently focusing efforts on attracting junior members and anyone interested in joining the section will find they are made to feel very welcome. 
The club possesses excellent facilities for junior golfers including a 6-hole par 3 course, large practice putting green as well as the championship course itself.

There are a variety of membership packages for junior golfers and fees have been set at very competitive rates. And for under 12’s membership is totally free. This will also allow under 12’s to play nine holes on the big course with their dads if their dads are members.

Club golf is the national coaching scheme designed to provide every child in Scotland with an introduction to golf.  The club has re-instated this scheme and now has a collection of Level 1 volunteer golf coaches who have been trained by the Professional Golfers Association (PGA).  The first coaching session takes place on Sunday 22 April 2012 at 3pm.  This will be a 10-week block right up to the summer holidays.

Kids are welcome to try the first session to see if they like golf.

There is a dedicated junior night on Sundays when competitions will be held and golfers can work towards obtaining and improving their handicaps.  Coaching from our PGA Pro, Ian Bratton and our licensed clubgolf coaches will also be available.

The club also has an Open day this Sunday. Come along and try the course and take advantage of our joining incentive on the day.

Further information can be obtained from the Professional or Club Secretary at 01358 789058 (secretary @newburghgolfclub.co.uk).

FORMER SCOTLAND CAP DEFENDS SGU POLICY RE ALLYN DICK FUNDING

E-mail from Steven Carmichael
Scotland international late 1990s-early 2000s.

 

As you will know I received funding for many years from both the Lottery fund and indeed the SGU.

I was a very willing recipient of it as it greatly helped pay expenses but I never felt that I needed it to justify travelling to tournaments.

It's a belief in your own ability that takes you to Lytham, not the fact someone pays your petrol money.

I'm probably a decent example of a 'waste' of SGU / Lottery funds. I was never going to turn Pro and if my understanding of the role of these funds for 'Elite Players'  is correct then it's to nurture and develop talent to be a success at the highest levels of the game.

Of course, guys like Simon Mackenzie, Glenn Campbell, Jonathon King and myself played a part in keeping the amateur team have a strength in depth for a long number of years but its hardly the future to keep fundings guys of a certain age who will one day just 'retire' as I did, Simon did and Jonny did.

If they, the funders, have learned from this experience then they are to be applauded. 

Of course you shouldn't discriminate on grounds of age but I don't believe there's a law discriminating against someone's perceived lack of progress / performance. 

I should add that I don't know Allyn Dick at all so clearly this isn't aimed at the withdrawal of his funding, more a comment on the general issue raised by his article.

Steven W Carmichael

Vikare Investments Ltd

Mayfair
London

GOLF FANS INVITED TO JOIN "RACE TO GLENEAGLES" IN SEPTEMBER

NEWS RELEASEThe Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, has teed up an exciting opportunity for golf enthusiasts to get a flavour of the Ryder Cup, which will be hosted by the 5 star resort in September 2014.
“The Race to Gleneagles” tournament was inspired by The European Tour’s “Race to Dubai” and will give amateur golfers the opportunity to play on the finished PGA Centenary Course – which reopens later this month – and compete for a chance to rub shoulders with winning Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie.
Players can register for two open days, where they will be awarded points based on their medal scores, with the top 24 point scorers overall qualifying for a Gleneagles Grand Final on 16 August 2012 – with a Ryder Cup twist.
Competitors in the Grand Final will be split into two teams - playing a foursomes match in the morning and a singles match in the afternoon, with Ryder Cup attire, carts and fore caddies included. As well as breakfast and lunch, they will also be invited to a two course dinner and prize-giving hosted by Colin Montgomerie in the newly-refurbished Dormy Clubhouse.
Andrew Jowett, Gleneagles’ Head Golf Professional, said:
“As The Ryder Cup fast approaches, and we gear up to host one of the world’s biggest sporting events, the Race to Gleneagles is the perfect opportunity for golf fans to experience the PGA Centenary Course for themselves, before it sees the golfing greats of the US and Europe do battle.
“We’re delighted that Colin Montgomerie can join us for the Grand Final – I’m sure the competitors will be hoping some of his good luck on the course rubs off on them.”
Qualifying medals will take place on Sunday, May 20, Sunday, June 10 and Sunday, July 15. To register, call The Resort Sales team at Gleneagles on 0800 704 705. The cost for entry is £200 per person for two qualifying rounds.
For those unable to take part in the “Race”, Gleneagles has also teed up two Ryder Cup Experience packages for groups of eight to 72, which offer play on the PGA Centenary Course, breakfast and lunch, complimentary use of Gleneagles extensive practice facilities, an exclusive Ryder Cup gifts, and a host of additional amenities.
For more information call Gleneagles Group Sales on 0800 587 8806.

Paul Lawrie leads team of six on Great Glen Way Charity Walk on July 24

MESSAGE FROM PAUL LAWRIE (meantime in China)

Starting on Tuesday, July 24, myself, Marian, Alan and Val Reid, and Brian and Audrey Morrison are walking the Great Glen Way, which is 79 miles from Fort William to Inverness.

All six of us are looking to raise as much as we can for the "Paul Lawrie Foundation" and "Leukaemia Research Beatson."

As many of you are aware, my friend and coach, Adam Hunter sadly passed away last year from leukaemia. Adam was treated at the Beatson in Glasgow and half the money raised will go directly to help others fight cancer.

So please dig deep and help us reach our target.

Thank you

Paul Lawrie

http://www.justgiving.com/paullawriefoundationgreatglenway

ENGLAND GOLF SEND CASEY AND CROOKALL-NIXON TO GEORGIA

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY ENGLAND GOLF
Harry Casey (Enfield, Middlesex) and Seb Crookall-Nixon (Workington, Cumbria), current and former national junior champions, will represent England Golf in the annual junior Invitational at Sage Valley in Georgia from April 20 to 22.
Casey, 18, is the reigning English boy champion following his victory in the Carris Trophy at Broadstone last year. He also won the Duke of York Young Champions tournament and finished tied third on the Lagonda Trophy, and fourth in the Hampshire Hog and the Fairhaven Trophy.
These fine performances helped him finish third on the 2011 Titleist/FootJoy EGU Boys Order of Merit for the second successive year, having finished runner-up in the Carris Trophy in 2010. A boy international, Casey is a member of the England A squad for 2012.
Crookall-Nixon, 18, has enjoyed some remarkable successes since landing the McGregor Trophy, the English Boys under 16 Championship at High Post in 2008 as a 14 year old. He retained the title the following year at Radcliffe on Trent after which he was capped at boys level, having already represented England in under 16 matches.
He helped Workington to win the Champion Club Tournament in 2009 and was a member of the Cumbria team in the Boys County Finals at Goswick the following year. In 2011, he won the Henriques Salver as the best under 20 player in the Brabazon Trophy, when he finished fourth overall, and this year was an England team member in the Costa Ballena Tournament.
Last year was the first time the governing body of English amateur golf sent players to the United States’ event, which is played over 54 holes of stroke play and attracts an international field of players under 19 years of age.
The 7,344-yard Tom Fazio-designed Sage Valley course lies a few miles from Augusta National, home of the Masters Tournament, and is constructed through 10,000 acres of forest.
Lynne Fraser
PR and Marketing Manager
England Golf
l.fraser@englandgolf.org