SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD GOES TO MARTIN GILBERT FOR SPONSORSHIP OF SCOTTISH GOLF

NEWS RELEASE
The Scottish golf tourism industry has paid tribute to the contribution of Aberdeen Asset Management to golf in Scotland by honouring CEO Martin Gilbert with the coveted Special Achievement Award at the 10th annual Scottish Golf Tourism Excellence Awards.

Gilbert, pictured by Cal Carson Golf Agency, was one of 11 winners on an evening when representatives of the Scottish golf tourism industry voted their top performers of 2013 during Golf Tourism Scotland’s annual awards ceremony at the five-star De Vere Cameron House Hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond.
Members of Golf Tourism Scotland (GTS), the body representing the golf tourism industry, wanted to recognise Aberdeen Asset Management’s commitment to golf in Scotland, which not only includes title sponsorship of both the Scottish and Ladies Scottish Opens, but huge support to players through all levels of the game.
Stewart Walker, chairman of GTS, said: “The golf industry is of vital importance to the Scottish economy and it is therefore key that everyone in the industry works together to build an even bigger future for golf in this country.
“We would like to thank Martin Gilbert for his commitment to golf in Scotland and we are delighted to honour him with the Special Achievement Award for 2013. I would also like to congratulate all our winners on such a special evening. 
"To be honoured among the world-class golf businesses we have here is no mean feat and shows that golf tourism in Scotland is in very good hands for the future.”
More than 130 guests attended the awards ceremony, sponsored by Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental, to pay tribute to the excellent achievements of the Scottish golf industry during a successful 2013. The awards were presented by BBC sport commentator, and keen golfer, Andrew Cotter while guests were also treated to entertainment by the Singer Swingers, sponsored by CalMac Ferries. Official suppliers to the awards were The Leith Silver Company, ScotCrystal and Kilts4U.
The full list of winners recognised were:
1. Young Industry Person of the Year Ruairidh Macdonald
2. Accommodation Experience of the Year (21 bedrooms or fewer) Sandown House, Nairn
3. Accommodation Experience of the Year (22 bedrooms or more) Macdonald Marine Hotel
4. Resort Experience of the Year (Accommodation provider with a minimum of 50 rooms and an attached golf course or courses) The Village at Machrihanish Dunes
5. Transport Provider of the Year St Andrews Executive Travel
6. Domestic Golf Tour Operator of the Year Sponsored by Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental Links Golf St Andrews
7. International Golf Tour Operator of the Year Sponsored by Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental Haversham and Baker, USA
8. Course and Club Experience of the Year (Green fee of £75 or less) Fairmont St Andrews (The Kittocks Course)
9. Course and Club Experience of the Year (Green fee above £75) Kingsbarns Golf Links
10. GTS Sustainability Award 2013 The Village at Machrihanish Dunes
11. Special Achievement Award 2013 Martin Gilbert, CEO, Aberdeen Asset Management

WELSHMAN BALL, 103, ONLY SURVIVOR FROM THE FIRST MASTERS IN 1934

By Tim Rosaforte
From the Dec. 2 edition of Golf World Monday:
Impeccably attired as always, Errie Ball wore a gray cardigan to match his trousers and a white golf shirt with the Willoughby GC "W" on his chest when we sat down in his living room the day after Thanksgiving. The longest lifetime member of the PGA and the only living participant in the 1934 Masters was full of energy and in a cheery mood as he answered questions about his 103-year-old life in a charming but proper Welsh accent. He was born at Bangor, North Wales on November 10, 1910.
With the 80th anniversary of the first Masters coming up in April, Ball is all that's left on this earth from Bobby Jones' original invitation list. When a man lives that long and experiences that much in golf and life, you have to start by asking what he's most thankful for. That was the purpose of the visit.
Related: Little-known facts about the Masters
After saying it was a hard question to answer, Ball answered without hesitation. "I'm thankful for the fact I live in America and the many, many friends I have in the golf world," he says. "I couldn't ask for more."

If Ball did ask for more, it might be to get back on the lesson tee at the Stuart Yacht & CC near his home in Stuart, Fla., or nearby at Willoughby, where he is pro emeritus. Ball has been watching golf on TV, and there's a move he would like to try out himself.
Sean Foley and some of the new-age teachers will love this observation--especially coming from a man who played his first British Open at age 15.
"Today, they keep more weight on their left side, their left foot," Ball said. "They don't shift their weight to the right like we did. With the weight on the left side, they give it a big shoulder turn and that creates a lot of power. In my day we had to shift our weight to make up for it."
Ball smiled, as he does to punctuate most of his thoughts. He is keenly sharp and observant. A heart condition has created balance issues, so he has been swinging in his head with this image since turning 100.
"I've been wanting to try that move, but I haven't been able to get on the practice tee," he said. "But I've been thinking about it a lot. I would like to try it."
Sitting beside him, Ball's wife of 77 years was smiling too. Maxie and Errie met on a ship returning from the 1936 British Open and have been inseparable ever since. His daughter, son-in-law, great-granddaughter and great-great-grandson, 10-month old Terrance Alexander, were also in the room.
When I asked the keys to living so long, Ball said plenty of exercise, minimal drinking and good thoughts. When I asked what those good thoughts were, Ball smiled again.
Related: The most heartbreaking Masters moments
"The nice things that have happened to me in my life so far," he said. "I have a good family around me to help me, particularly now that I'm a little bit under the weather, but I hope to get over that soon."
There is a movement within the PGA to get Ball back to the Masters, have him stand by the tree behind the clubhouse and soak it all in. Ball may take a pass, preferring to watch from the comfort of his living room and remember what it was like in 1934 and 1957, when he was re-invited back to Augusta by Jones. Those were some of the good thoughts that have kept Ball young at any age.

MALCOLM ISAACS TRAILING IN SPANISH GECKO TOUR EVENT

Malcolm Isaacs (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre) shot a 10-over-par 81 to be lying in joint 53rd place in a field of 87 for the Spanish Gecko Pro Tour 36-hole event at La Canada Golf Club, Marbella in southern Spain today (Monday).
Leading the field is Spaniard Raul Quiros Rodriguez with a three-under 68. He leads by one from Jason Kelly (England) and Brian Casey (Ireland).

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GLOBAL GOLF POST ANNOUNCES GLOBAL ALL-AMATEUR TEAMS

NEWS RELEASE

WINTER PARK, FLORIDA – Global Golf Post, the world’s first digital-only golf news publication, has named Global All-Amateur Teams, recognizing on-course amateur excellence around the world. A total of 178 players from around the world were recognized at the amateur, mid-amateur, and senior amateur levels.

“This type of global recognition for amateur excellence at all levels has never been done before,” said Global Golf Post Founder and Publisher Jim Nugent. 

Among the more prominent names from Great Britain and Ireland included among the selections are England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick, Garrick Porteous, and Max Orrin, who were all named to the Men’s First team.

England’s Neil Raymond was named to the Men’s Mid Amateur First team, while the Scottish duo of Matthew Clark and James White and England’s John Kemp were named to the Men’s Mid Amateur Second Team. 

England’s Richard Latham was named to the Men’s Senior First team. 

Ireland’s Stephanie Meadow was named to the Women’s First team, and England’s Georgia Hall was named to the Women’s Second team, along with Amy Boulden, from Wales. Irishman Garth McGimpsey was named to the Men’s Senior Second Team.

A complete list of selections can be found in the December 2 issue of Global Golf Post.

About Global Golf Post 

Global Golf Post is the first digital-only weekly golf news publication in the world, offering the worldwide golf enthusiast an extraordinary online experience that can be accessed across all major devices. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Winter Park, Fla., The Post publishes three distinct editions serving the U.S., Canada and Europe. All are delivered overnight Sunday 50 weeks a year to a passionate audience.

MCDOWELL, DONALDSON, DUBUISSON, F-CASTANO NAMED FOR FIRST EURASIA CUP

 

NEWS RELEASE

Graeme McDowell, the first of four automatic qualifiers, will be among the biggest names starring for Team Europe at the inaugural EurAsia Cup After being unveiled as European Captain at a press conference in Hong Kong, Miguel Angel Jiménez announced the first four automatic qualifiers for his ten-man team to face Thongchai Jaidee’s Asian Team at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur from March 27-29, 2014. 

McDowell will be joined in Malaysia by Jamie Donaldson, Victor Dubuisson and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño, all four securing their places on the team thanks to their final position in The 2013 Race to Dubai.

Having claimed the winning point at The 2010 Ryder Cup and as the current Volvo World Match Play champion, McDowell knows a thing or two about the pressures of team golf and the unique nature of match play. 

The 2010 US Open Champion will be a huge presence both inside and outside the ropes for Jiménez, and he is relishing the chance to contribute to more European success.

“I am really looking forward to playing the EurAsia Cup,” said McDowell, who finished the 2013 season fourth in The Race to Dubai. “It’s a great concept to bring Asia and Europe together and I think it has a lot of potential to become a very big event. 

“Everyone knows the standards in Asian golf are continually rising and I have no doubt it will be a tough job to go away from home and win.

“But if we gel as a team and get the pairings right then we will have a chance because there will be a lot of quality and experienced players in the European Team and I am sure a few of them will be looking to sharpen their match play skills with an eye on The Ryder Cup next year.” 

Donaldson, Dubuisson and Fernandez-Castaño are three such players who know that a strong showing in the EurAsia Cup could boost their Ryder Cup hopes.

“It’s great to have qualified for the team,” said Donaldson, winner of the 2013 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Champions. “I have played for Great Britain and Ireland in the last two Seve Trophies and really enjoyed those experiences so it will be interesting to now represent Europe in a team competition.

“It’s obviously a big year for team golf in Europe with the EurAsia Cup in March and then The Ryder Cup in September so I am looking forward to trying to be involved in two winning European teams.” 

Dubuisson, meanwhile, is still living in dreamland after his unforgettable victory over Tiger Woods and the rest of the best at the Turkish Airlines Open in November changed the path of his career. The young Frenchman’s victory in Turkey helped him finish the year at sixth in The Race to Dubai to qualify for Jiménez’s EurAsia Cup team.

“It’s amazing to qualify for this team,” said Dubuisson. “Winning in Turkey has changed so many things in my career and this is another benefit. It’s been a bit of a dream to be honest but hopefully I can continue to play at this level and help the team win the cup.”

Fernandez-Castaño, winner of the BMW Masters presented by SRE Group in October, is relishing the chance to play under his old friend and compatriot Jiménez.

“It will be an honour to represent Europe and a very special week for to play under Miguel,” said Fernandez-Castaño. “Spanish players have a rich history of playing for and then captaining European teams in Seve Trophies and Ryder Cups and it is nice to be a part of that tradition.

“The EurAsia Cup is a fantastic idea and could become something very special. This could be the beginning of a very special era of team golf for Asia and Europe and it is great to be involved the first match because it will be an historic occasion.”

PGA EUROPEAN TOUR APPOINT DAVID WILLIAMS AS CHAIRMN

NEWS RELEASE 

David Williams, pictured above, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of The PGA European Tour effective January 1^st 2014. This follows the announcement in May 2013 that Neil Coles MBE would be stepping down from the role which he has held for the past 38 years.  David will be responsible for building on the legacy left by Neil Coles MBE, further developing the Tour and its business activities around the world. 
David brings considerable commercial experience to The PGA European Tour having led a wide range of public and private businesses over the last 35 years both as CEO and as Chair. These include senior roles at Whitbread Group PLC, Diageo PLC and PepsiCo Restaurants Inc, Mothercare PLC and the Royal London Mutual Insurance Group Ltd.   
David has worked across the world and his global experience will be invaluable as The PGA European Tour reaches out into new markets. He is currently Chair of the Operating Partners at Duke Street Capital and acts on the Boards of a number of well known businesses in this capacity.    
David has an MSc in Management from the London Business School where he was a Governor. 

The appointment meets all of the original objectives set by the Nomination Committee; key requirements included proven business leadership, an interest in golf, and the ability to deal with the diverse sporting, business and political issues faced by the Tour.

The incoming Chairman, David Williams, has a proven track record of building consensus amongst key stakeholders in consumer, leisure and retail businesses and of taking organisations into new business areas or in a different strategic direction. Williams has won particular praise for his strong interpersonal abilities, leading and motivating management teams, driving change programmes, and positioning businesses and Boards for growth.

Commenting on his appointment, Williams said, “To follow in the footsteps of someone who has been as much of a figurehead as Neil Coles is a tremendous honour. The European Tour brand is strong and I will work with George O’Grady, his Executive team, the Players and the Board to take the organisation forward. In particular I’ll be looking to ensure that the Tour is structured in a way which enables it to further increase its expansion and appeal across the globe as well as working with the players and our business partners to promote long-term sustainable growth.”

The Chief Executive of the European Tour, George O’Grady CBE, welcomed the appointment: “The unique strength of the European Tour is the fact that the Members, through their representatives on the board, govern the Tour. They have chosen David Williams as Chairman as his management expertise, commercial experience, and business credentials will give everyone, those within the Tour and those connected to us, great confidence.  
"I am delighted to personally welcome David to the European Tour, and look forward to working with him, as we face our challenges both on the European and the global stage.”

Thomas Björn, Chairman of The European Tour Players’ Committee said, “On behalf of all of the players on The European Tour, I am delighted to welcome David as our new Chairman. David’s business credentials speak for themselves and I look forward to working with him as we continue to build on the success of The European Tour around the world. 

“I know every one of the players will be delighted to welcome David personally at the first event he attends.”

David Jones, European Tour Board Director and Chairman of the Nomination Committee commented, 

“For the first time ever the Board and Players took the step of looking outside the ranks of professional golf for a Chairman.   What came through most strongly from all of the candidates, is the respect and admiration in which the European Tour is held in the wider commercial world.  

"In David Williams we have chosen a Chairman who brings a powerful business background to the European Tour. His strength of character and broad experience will be a huge asset for the Tour in developing our influence in the world of golf.” 

Paul McGinley, the current European Ryder Cup Captain and a European Tour professional since 1992, said: “These are exciting times for The European Tour and the appointment of someone with the business acumen of David Williams is undoubtedly good news for our development both at home and around the world.

“In my role as a member of the Players’ Committee and, indeed, as Ryder Cup Captain, I have seen at first hand the importance of the commercial aspect of golf and how it needs to work hand in hand with the playing side. In our new Chairman we have someone who will bring these two elements together.

“Finally, I would like to put on record my own appreciation for the tireless work done in the role by Neil Coles over the past 38 years. Everyone involved in golf has the utmost respect for what Neil achieved in the game, both on the golf course and in the boardroom, and we all wish him well in his retirement.”

GEORGE BURNS HAS LOWEST SCORE AT SCOTTISH JUNIOR GOLF TOUR EVENT

FROM WALTER BURNS

Here are the results from the Scottish Junior Golf Tour level 4 and 5 event at Broadlees yesterday. The first day of official winter had pleasant sunshine which made the day all the more enjoyable. George Burns had his first win of the season  with a Faldo style bogey free round to shoot one under par 71. Mitchell Ronald led the Under 15s with 75.

Results

Under 17

71 George Burns (Williamwood)

73 Colin Edgar (Cochrane Castle)

74 Fraser Kane (Kirkhill)

75 Kieran McVicar (East Kilbride), Will Porter (Letham Grange)         

76 Luke Murdoch (Loudoun Gowf), Aran Sinclair (Bearsden)

78 Andrew Thompson (Lanark)

Under 15            

75 Mitchell Ronald (East Kilbride)

78 Jack Williams (Sandyhills)

79 Aidan Husenne (Haggs Castle), Murray McCrone (Troon Welbeck)

80 Lewis Irvine (Kirkhill)          

 

Andrew Crusher (Eastwood) won the handicap prize with nett 69.

Colin Edgar won the skills ‘Grit’ test.

Next event, level 2 and 3, will be at Elie on December 8.

 

Walter Burns

Scottish Junior Golf Tour

 

Mob: 07951 103 827

 

Email: walter@scottishjuniorgolftour.co.uk

Web: www.scottishjuniorgolftour.co.uk

 

FOTHERINGHAM CHALKS UP THIRD WIN ON NORTH SCOTTISH ALLIANCE

Bryan Fotheringham scored his third win on the North Scottish Golfers Alliance 2013-2014 circuit at Kinloss at the weekend.

The Inverness amateur carded a five-under-par 63 to prevail by one stroke over Nairn Dunbar professional Gavin Hay.

Fotheringham, a former Scotland international and winner of the leading amateur award at the Scottish Alliance championship in Ocober, clinched his latest win with birdies at the 13th and 16th, having started at the 10th, and then added further birdies at the fifth, sixth and eighth to come home in three-under-par 30 in a bogey-free card.

Runner-up Hay, who also started at the 10th, covered his first nine holes with six 3s before dropping a shot at the 16th.
Another bogey came at the short fifth before he carded an eagle 2 at the eighth for his four-under 64 (32-32), one shot behind the winner.

LEADING SCRATCH

63 B Fotheringham (Inverness)

64 G A Hay (Nairn Dunbar) p

68 G H Hay (Grantown), A J Duncan (Elgin) p

69 B Cruickshank (Spey Bay), D D Bunker (Nairn Dunbar)

70 K Thomson (Moray), C Gaittens (Fortrose and Rosemarkie), S Mullen (Elgin), S Dingwall (Grantown)

71 N McWilliam (Elgin), T Dingwall (Nairn Dunbar) p

72 R H Stewart (Torvean), K Mackay (Inverness), D Hector (Elgin), R McKerron (Forres), J Simpson (Forres)

73 J K England (Moray)

74 J A Grant (Grantown), A J England (Moray), A Macintosh (Torvean), J Wright (Forres), K Barnett (Torvean)

75 D F Sharp (Boat of Garten), J Glass (Torvean)

76 H M Bunker (Nairn Dunbar), R Mackie (Rothes), G Allan (Nairn Dunbar), A Imrie (Muir of Ord), W B Johnston (Moray) 

77 I Murray (Boat of Garten), W J Donnelly (Fortrose and Rosemarkie), D Mcgrouther (Inverness), G Shanks (Elgin)

78 L Reid (Fortrose and Rosemarkie), W Donnelly (Fortrose and Rosemarkie), W R Duncan (Moray), S Johnston (Elgin), D Macleod (Grantown), J R Ingram (Boat of Garten), D Thom (Grantown), M McDonald (Boat of Garten)

79 S Mitchell (Moray), S Wilson (Inverness), A Waterson (Boat of garten), V Tilman (Muir of Ord)

LEADING HANDICAP

Class 1 (7 and under)

65 S Mullen (Elgin) (5)

67 J K England (Moray) (6), D D Bunker (Nairn Dunbar) (2), A Macintosh (Torvean) (7)

69 A Imrie (Muir of Ord) (7), D Hector (Elgin) (3)

Class 2 (8 to 14)

66 G Shanks (Elgin) (11), W B Johnston (Moray) (10)

67 R Mackie (Rothes) (9)

68 C Small (Nairn) (12)

69 D Macleod (Grantown) (9)