LINKS   DEFENDING CHAMPION CRASHES OUT AT 19^TH

Defending champion, Alan Doig was a surprise casualty in the first round of the Links Championship beaten at the 19^th hole by Peter Coutts of the Bon Accord.  There was little to separate the two players until Coutts took a one lead with a par on seventeen.  However, Doig held his nerve and a par on the last took the match to extra holes.  Coutts was not going to be denied and a 10-foot birdie putt on the 19^th ensured his passage into the next round.

Past champions Ron Evett (top seed), Barrie Edmond, Stewart Finnie and Matty Greig all progressed comfortably into the quarter finals.

Links Championship First Round Results

Bon Accord (B); Northern (N); Caledonian (C)

R Evett (N) beat A Sheldrick (C) 5 & 4

D Leslie (N) beat S Slessor (N) 2 & 1

P Coutts (B) beat A Doig (C) at 19^th

B Edmond (B) beat Mark Greig 3 & 2

S Finnie (C) beat R Pirie (C) 5 & 3

L Minty (N) beat C Somers (B) 6 & 5

Matt Greig (B) beat A Shand (B) 5 & 4

D Oliver (C) beat C McBain (N) 4 & 3

Quarter Final Draw

Monday, 15^th June

1645 R Evett (N) v D Leslie (N)

1653  P Coutts (B) v B Edmond (B)

1701 S Finnie (C) v L Minty (N)

1709 Matt Greig (B) v D Oliver (C)

Handicap Shield Draw

Friday, 12^th June

1645 J Duff (N) v L Ross (C)

1652  G Nicholson (N) v S Allison (C)

1659  M Beattie (C) v G Robertson (N)

1706 A Mitchell (N) v D Grieve (B) 

1713 W Guyan (B) v W Smith (B)

1720 R Allerton (B) v W Rae (N)

1727 R Smith (C) v L Hadden (B)

1734 W Shand (B) v S Kennedy (N)

Murray Cup Draw

Friday, 12^th June

1741 R Dunn (B) v N Stewart (N)

1748  B Lumsden (N) v J Muir (N)

1755  B Smith (C) v A Hunter (C)

1802 D Cumming (B) v F Kennedy (C)

1809 T Still (N) v G Mackie (C)

1816 J McKechnie (B) v D MacPherson (C)

1823 S Kelly (B) v C Murphy (B)

1830 G FiddAM

Montrose Links Texas Scramble tee times for Sunday

Draw for the Texas Scramble on Sunday 14th June over the Montrose Medal Course.

 

TEAM NAME

0700            LITC

0710

0720            Team Monteith

0730

0740

0750

0800                     

0810  

0820           

0830

0840

0850            Team McKnight     

0900            Acquaintances

0910             Gregor Auld Team

0920            Norman’s Numpties                   

0930            West Lothian Golf Club

0940            Stoney Broke Fore         

0950            Hendo’s Heroes              

1000             The Gun Slingers

1010             Team McHardy

1020             Team Peace

1030             New Levenites

1040             Carmoigsters        

1050             The Dangle Scarecrows

1100             Scoonie Scramblers

1110              Team Taylor

1120             Hitmen and Her              

1130             The Jackson Five; No Call That Four

1140             The Chuckle Brothers  

1150             Team Reid             

1200             Pat Carroll Team

1210             The Fore Mustavbeers   

1220             The Broons

1230             Chevin On Tour

1240             Penman’s Warriors   

1250             Team Farquharson

1300             Pot Hunters

1310             Team Gordon

1320             Dovey Sweep

1330             Hepburn Heroes

1340             Davidson’s Warriors

1350             Team McGill

1400             The What If’s                

1410             Team Hulse/Reoch

1420             Team Burness

1430             Team Mitchell ‘A’

1440             Team Mitchell ‘B’

1450            

1500

1510  

1520  

1530            

1540  

1550  

1600  

Late entries will be accepted by contacting 01674 672932 or entering online at http://www.brsgolf.com/montroselinks/opens_home.php

New Aberdeen Links Golf Club opposed to commercial development on Broadhill Bar site
:

NEWS RELEASE

The three Aberdeen Links golf clubs - the Bon Accord, Caledonian  and the Northern have now agreed a target date of July 1, 2015 as the date which will officially see the three clubs amalgamate into

the Aberdeen Links Golf Club.  

The captains of the clubs would like to make it clear that discussions with the (Town) Council and the proposed developer of cthe Broadhill Bar have taken place and the clubs remain of the view that a commercial development on the site as is envisaged is NOT in the interests of the clubs or the long term benefit of golf at the Links.

 Everything which has been proposed to date clearly demonstrates the commercial return which the developers wish to make and this seems in direct conflict with the interests which the clubs wish to promote with the community use of the facilities and wider promotion of the game of golf, assist with continuing improvements to the course which will be possible with a closer working relationship between the clubs, Aberdeen City Council, Sport Aberdeen and neighbours at the Driving Range – none of whom will be looking at the development of the Bar as a profit making venture. 

During the discussions the developer has made it clear that for the clubs to benefit from the development it will cost the club members significant sums to be part of the development either through direct costs to the development or as a result of the direct competition which the Bar will create if it operates without the clubs. 

The goal of the (Aberdeen Links) Golf Club will be to ensure the long term future of golf within the community, with all of its members and future generations to come at the Kings Links Golf Course.

 

Sean Murray

Captain

Bon Accord Golf Club

07786 178269

Chris Robb's T5 finish in Austria

Chris Robb (Meldrum House) finished joint fifth in the German PGA Developmental Tour's St Polton Open in Austria.

The Banchory-based man had rounds of 68, 68 and 67 for a 12-under-par total of 203. four shots behind the winner, Dutchman Reinier Saxton who had scores of 65, 65 and 69 for 14 under par 199.

Ironically Robb had fewer birdies (six) than he had in his first and second rounds (nine, then seven) but had his lowest score of the three days.

Reason was that he had only one bogey in his final round compared with a profusion of bogeys over the first 36 holes.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS

Par 213 (3x71)

199 Reinier Saxton (Ned) 65 65 69

200 Philipp Mejow (Ger) 64 68 68

201 Stephan Gross (Ger) 66 69 66

SELECTED TOTAL

203 Chris Robb (Sco) 68 68 67 (T5)

Donald opens new Trump Turnberry Clubhouse

NEWS RELEASE

The new Trump Turnberry Clubhouse, the iconic home of golf on the world famous Turnberry golf links, was formally opened today following a multimillion pound luxurious upgrade by The Trump Organization.

VIPs, guests and members gathered at a special ribbon cutting ceremony and launch reception hosted by Mr Donald J. Trump and his son, Mr Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization.

The historic clubhouse, home to four Open Championships, has been lavishly refurbished in its design and decoration, creating an unrivalled destination for golfers and visitors. 

Changes have included the creation of a new East-facing balcony, an extended retail shop, and a new restaurant named “The Duel in the Sun” in honour of the legendary play-off between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in the 1977 Open Championship. Also new to the clubhouse is a replica claret jug which is on display along with a collection of memorabilia which reflects the resort’s rich Open history.

The renovation of the clubhouse completes the first phase of a two year extensive upgrade to Trump Turnberry which commenced last year and includes dramatic and sensitive improvements to the Ailsa Championship course, a rebuilding of the Kintyre course, and a world class makeover of the hotel to the highest standards of luxury.  All of this work will begin in October. 

Speaking at the clubhouse, Mr Donald J Trump, Chairman and President of the Trump Organization, commented;

 

“Our vision for Trump Turnberry is to make this unique and special place the finest golf resort in the world.  I am honoured to unveil the new clubhouse and I hope that our members and guests from all over the world enjoy the first class facilities. With the work we’ve carried out on the clubhouse, it is on track to becoming the world’s most impressive 19^th hole.

 

“I would like to thank the members for their unanimous support for all our plans here at Trump Turnberry, including the plans for the Ailsa and Kintyre which are very exciting and will bring the course and the facilities to world leading standards.”

 

The renovation has created a richly decorated, well-appointed clubhouse featuring the highest of specifications.  Every inch has been improved, including the locker rooms which have been reconfigured to include more lockers without comprising on space and furnished in mahogany and gold.

 

The Duel in the Sun restaurant, which commands exceptional views over the golf course, has been redesigned with a new food concept using a steak and lobster theme.  While a number of food favourites for golfers remain, new additions include a Josper Grill menu which uses a unique a Spanish cooking style adding a delicious charcoal flavour to meat or fish.

 

The unrivalled golfing history of the resort has also been acknowledged with the creation of new meeting rooms, including the new Champions Suite and Tom Watson Boardroom.  A new business centre is also new and now in operation, while the professional shop has almost doubled in size and now offers 3,600sq ft of retail space and will stock the latest of Trump Turnberry merchandise and apparel.

 

I

West of Scotland Seniors Open at Cardross later this week

By GORDON THOMSON

The fourth event in the Scottish Seniors Golfing Society season takes place on Thursday and Friday with the West of Scotland Seniors Open (sponsored by McCrea Financial Services) at Cardross. Surprisingly, there is not a full field for the event and spaces are still available by contacting Ian Kerr at admin@scottishseniorsgolf.com.

Bob Stewart (Tulliallan), fresh from a great win in the East of Scotland Seniors at Downfield last week, defends his West title at Cardross and will be keen to repeat his triumph of last year. Bob struck a blow for the older brigade last week following wins in the first two events by members under the age of 55 and showed that he is still a major competitive force.

Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon) who is 50 and plays off plus three is the new leader of the Order of Merit and is in action this week but Keith Reilly (Silverknowes), who lies second and who is also 50, is unable to play. Ronnie Clark (Erskine), who won the North Seniors  at Elgin is back in action at Cardross.

The established group of leading players who are over the age of 55 including John Fraser (Royal Burgess), David Gardner (Broomieknowe) and Ian Brotherston (Dumfries & County) will be hoping to do well and gain form in advance of the  Scottish Seniors Open championship  being played next week at Deeside and for which the minimum age limit is 55.The holder of that title, Barry Brooks (Meldrum House) is also in action at Cardross.

Formed in November 2006, the Scottish Seniors Golfing Society is the brainchild of former amateur internationalist, Gordon MacDonald. It was formed to meet a significant demand for high level competition for senior amateur golfers still keen to test their games at a high level. All the events take place in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere on good courses.There are age group prizes and separate order of merit titles on a handicap basis and for members over the age of 65.

Membership of the Society is open to golfers over the age of 50 with handicaps of 9.4 or less. Further details can be obtained via the website –www.scottish seniorsgolf.com or by contacting Ian Kerr at admin@scottishseniorsgolf.com.

RandA sign 12-year TV deal with NBC

NEWS RELEASE FROM RandA

The RandA has announced NBC Sports Group will become its media partner in the United States for a 12-year term from 2017 – 2028 inclusive. 

The agreement includes coverage across all media of The Open, The Senior Open, Walker Cup and The Amateur Championship and will feature coverage on NBC and Golf Channel in English and NBC Universo in Spanish.

RandA Chief Executive, Peter Dawson, said “We are delighted to announce that from 2017, The Open will be broadcast by NBC Sports Group.  They have unparalleled experience in golf and have demonstrated a genuine desire to showcase and promote The Open and The RandA’s elite championships through their extensive range of channels and digital platforms.  

“The United States is home to millions of fans of The Open and we know that through NBC Sports Group, they will enjoy world class coverage of the Championship.

The 146^TH Open will be played at Royal Birkdale in 2017, with golf’s oldest and most international championship being hosted at Carnoustie for its 147^TH playing in 2018.

This year’s Open Championship will be played next month at St Andrews with ESPN, The Open’s broadcast partner of the last five years, providing the coverage. 

 ESPN will also broadcast The Open in 2016 at Royal Troon. 

Dawson said, “We have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, an excellent relationship with ESPN.  They have raised the bar in terms of covering major championship golf and their commitment to telling The Open’s story and delivering the most compelling coverage of The Open Championship has been outstanding.”

Scotland, South Africa and Australia in tri-am at Castle Stuart this week

FROM THE SGU WEBSITE
A six-player Scotland side will play South Africa and Australia in a Tri-Am international match at Castle Stuart Golf Links this week.
As preparation for next week's Amateur Championship at Carnoustie and Panmure, leading players from all three countries will compete from Tuesday to Thursday
Three of the five Scots currently ranked in the top 100 of the World Amateur Golf Ranking will tee up, namely Grant Forrest from Craigielaw, Bearsden’s Ewen Ferguson and Daniel Young of Craigie Hill
  Ex-Scottish Amateur champion Forrest is back on home soil after his college season at the University of San Digeo, with Ferguson, last year’s Scottish Boys matchplay and strokeplay champion, and South African Amateur winner Young all looking to maintain their form.
Another US-based Scot, Glencruitten’s Robert MacIntyre, is also back for the domestic summer season after a strong first year at McNeese State University in Louisiana, with GolfKings Scottish Area Team Championship winner Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Greig Marchbank (Thornhill) making up the six-player team.
 Bradley Neil and Graeme Robertson were unavailable for selection.
 Australia have a number of their leading names teeing up, including world amateur ranked No. 14 Ryan Ruffels, Lucas Herbert – who set a new course record at Moray en route to a share of fourth place in the Carrick Neill Scottish Open stroke-play  – Taylor MacDonald, Cameron Davis and Antonio Murdaca.

Memorial Tournament late drama

 Lingmerth beats Rose at third hole of play-off

FROM GOLF CHANNEL.COM
By DOUG FERGUSON
DUBLIN, Ohio – David Lingmerth kept telling himself it was his turn to win Sunday in the Memorial, even amid so many signs that suggested otherwise.
The Swedish-born player  thought his 3-under 69 would be enough when England's Justin Rose shanked a shot from a fairway bunker, plunked a spectator in the head and had to get up-and-down from 55 yards on the final hole to force a playoff. And he did.
Lingmerth was looking at a 10-foot par putt for the win on the first extra hole until Rose made a 20-footer for par that fell in from the right side of the cup, and suddenly the Swede's putt was simply to stay in the game.
Lingmerth made them all until he was shaking hands with tournament host Jack Nicklaus to celebrate a victory he won't soon forget. He ended the three-hole playoff – the longest in 40 years at Muirfield Village – with a par putt from just inside 5 feet.
But it was that first extra hole and his 10-foot putt to match Rose's par that showed his resolve.
''I was thinking to myself that I'd probably have a putt to win the tournament right there,'' he said. ''And then he drops it in ... and this big, huge roar. Crazy feeling. So I took a few moments just to let the crowd and myself calm down because I knew how big that next putt was going to be. I've been in a few playoffs. You win some, you lose some. But I didn't feel that it was my turn to lose this time. I was telling myself that I was going to make that putt.''

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Memorial Tournament: Articles, videos and photos

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Stoic through all the pressure, the most emotion he showed was after it was all over.
His first PGA Tour victory came on the birthday of his father, Thomas, and his parents' anniversary. Lingmerth's wife used FaceTime for the father to watch the press conference, and when it ended, Nicklaus spoke to him as Lingmerth smiled wider that he did all day.
There were a few other gifts.
Lingmerth is headed to the Masters for the first time, but not the U.S. Open. He has a qualifier on Monday, as if 21 holes on Sunday wasn't enough. The victory also gets him into the PGA Championship, two World Golf Championships and gives him a three-year exemption on the PGA Tour.
Rose, who closed with a 72 with that superb par save on No. 18 in regulation, looked like a winner when he made the bending 20-foot par putt in the playoff. Nicklaus threw his hands up. Rose's son, 5-year-old Leo, shrieked with delight.
''When I made that putt on the first extra hole, I thought, 'Wow, I'm going to steal this one.' But it wasn't to be,'' Rose said.
He lost a three-shot lead at the start of the final round and closed with a 72. And on the third extra hole, he went from right rough to left gallery, chipped 18 feet by the hole and still had more than 4 feet for bogey when Lingmerth ended it.
''He needs to look back at that putt that kept it going on the first extra hole,'' Rose said. ''He did everything he needed to.''
Masters champion Jordan Spieth closed with a 65 and wound up two shots behind in a tie for third with Francesco Molinari of Italy, who was tied for the lead until hitting into the water on the 16th for a double bogey. He shot 71.
Tiger Woods showed improvement – it was hard not to after a career-worst 85 on Saturday. He shot 74 and finished last, 29 shots behind, with his worst 72-hole score (302) in his PGA Tour career.
''I did not win, and I wasn't even close,'' Woods said. ''So hopefully in two weeks' time, things will be a lot better and I'll be ready to try to win a U.S. Open.''
Spieth was nine shots behind going into the final day and could not have imagined having to spend an extra three hours in Ohio. He chipped in twice – for birdie on the par-5 seventh and for eagle on the par-5 15th – and closed with a birdie. He posted at 13-under 275 and stuck around all afternoon to see if it would be enough.
Lingmerth made sure it wasn't with a solid finish – a short birdie on the 15th to reach 15 under, and pars the rest of the way to reach 15-under 273. He did not make a bogey over the last 11 holes he played.
Rose had the wild finish.
A fan yelled in his swing from a tough bunker shot on the 14th, where he made bogey. He made birdie on the par-5 15th. He three-putted the 16th, only to make a 12-foot bending birdie putt on the 17th. And right when it looked like he was in trouble after the shank, he saved par with a pitch out of deep rough to 3 feet.

TO VIEW ALL THE FINAL TOTALS

CLICK HERE

Mark Calcavecchia won the Champions Tour's Principal Charity Classic wearing bacon-themed pants. ( Associated Press ) 

Calcavecchia wins on Champions Tour

By Golfweek Staff

Parts of Mark Calcavecchia’s Principal Charity Classic victory on Sunday were hardly traditional. There were the bacon-themed pants and the putter purchased from a nearby sporting-goods store. Given those details, the victory was one of Calcavecchia’s most satisfying yet.
Calcavecchia’s third Champions Tour victory was a close one. He finished 54 holes at Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Iowa at 12 under, one shot ahead of Joe Durant and Brian Henninger.
Calcavecchia, who missed the cut in the Senior PGA Championship two weeks ago, never trailed during the final round at the Wakonda Club. The 13-time PGA Tour winner closed with a final-round 3-under 69.
“It’s kind of out of nowhere. I’m kind of in a little state of shock right now,” said Calcavecchia, the 1989 British Open champion.
Durant shot a 69, missing a long birdie putt on the 18th hole. Henninger had a 68.
Rod Spittle was fourth at 10 under after a 68.
Davis Love III had a 68 to top the group at 9 under. He was making his fourth Champions Tour start since turning 50 in April 2014.
Still, the weekend belonged to Calcavecchia, who picked up his first win since a gruesome injury to his right hand in November that left him wondering if his career was finished.
“It still bothers me. I wake up and these fingers hurt,” Calcavecchia said. “But I get out there and start playing. ... I kind of get over the pain and forget about it.”
Calcavecchia missed the cut at the Senior PGA in French Lick, Indiana last month. He broke two clubs during a second-round 77 at that event. He broke the first over his knee after a bad second shot. After missing the green with his third, he snapped the shaft on that club by slamming it into the ground.
Calcavecchia stopped by a local golf shop earlier in the week, grabbed a putter he liked and drilled a dozen in a row on the store’s putting green. The new putter was a hit on the course as well, helping Calcavecchia pick up his first Champions Tour win since 2012.senior
As for the pants, those came from the organizers of an annual bacon-themed festival in Des Moines. He wore them Friday, went back to traditional pants Saturday, but knew he needed them for the final 18 holes.
“All of a sudden I grabbed the lead and I’m like, ‘I’ve got to wear them. I’ll give them one more shot,’” Calcavecchia said.

TO VIEW ALL THE FINAL TOTALS

CLICK HERE