News

Sheppard wins the County Match Play!

After a week of some excellent golf Gary Sheppard, Erskine Golf Club picked up the County Match Play title at his home club. Gary was involved in 4 tight matches across the week. The final was played in some extremely tough conditions but Gary come out on top beating Steven Higgins, Gourock by 2 Holes.

County Stroke Play Champion 2019 – Matthew Clark

Matt (Kilmacolm Golf Club) shot an excellent 36 Hole total of 134 to win by 4 shots and secure his 5th title.

“I thought the course was well presented and seeing the benefit of a bit of heat lately. It was fantastic to see a full field following a few years of limited numbers and great to see a few younger faces. Always a huge honour to win the County Championship. The RGU catapulted me from a club golfer to the next level 19 years ago and I love showing my support in return by playing in this stroke play championship each year.”

Today also seen 14 youths battle it out for the Youth Stroke Play title which was claimed by Euan Cleary, Erskine Golf Club who made an eagle 2 on the 18 to pip Alasdair McDougall, Elderslie Golf Club on a count back.

Thanks to the players and the members and staff of Erskine Golf Club for making the event a success.

Match Play Draws

The 2019 County Match Play Championship Draw is as follows:

The 2019 Youth Match Play Championship is as follows:

Following the conclusion of the 2019 Caven Trophy attached is the draw for the Quarter Finals of the Freedman Trophy to be held at Kilmacolm Golf Club on Sunday 12th May, 2019.

Golf – Roddy McAuley wins the Caven Trophy

East Renfrewshire Golf Club was the setting for the playing of the Renfrewshire Golf Union Boys Stroke Play Championship for 2019.

The Caven Trophy was sponsored once again by Paisley based family run company STRATHAND FIRE AND SECURITY and we thank them for their continued support of the event.

While the weather stayed dry for RGU Competition there was a cold and biting wind to contend with. The course as always was a test for those taking part, and with the recent spell of dry weather the course was playing well with little run available, however the greens were in superb condition. This was reflected in the majority of the scoring on the day.

This event is now played over 18 holes due to various issues, and the handicap limit was also increased to allow the younger Renfrewshire Boys to experience Competition at a higher level and this produced worthy winners in both events, as it was also decided to present a Net Score prize in addition to the main Scratch competition event..

In the Boys Caven Trophy Roddy McAuley of Fereneze Golf Club was the winner of the Renfrewshire Golf Union Boys Stroke Play Championship with a Gross score of 73 having played steadily throughout his round. Roddy was the lowest handicap entrant in the field but the pressure of this did not affect his play, and he played with his usual happy characteristic.

Runner up was Rhys McIlroy of Elderslie Golf Club on 75 who has been impressive at coaching with Cameron Percy – Caldwell third also on 75 losing out to a better back nine, mainly due to the bogeys compiled on the last 4 holes.

The lowest net score was won by Gregor Rawson – Ranfurly Castle with a net score of 68 playing of a handicap of 16.

The 8 available qualifiers in the event go forward to the RGU Match Play Championship for the Boys for the Freedman Trophy being played as always over Kilmacolm Golf Club. The title is currently held by Cameron Percy who will no doubt be keen to repeat his wins over the last 2 seasons.

Full results of the Competition can be found on Howdidido at Renfrewshire Golf Union, with the Draw for the Match Play on the RGU web site.

The courtesy of East Renfrewshire Golf Club, the condition of the course and the hospitality that they provided was much appreciated.

Graham McGee – RGU Press Officer

National Club Golfer – Top 100 Tour

£40 to all RGU Members when booking over the phone quoting ‘Scotland’.

Competitions Update

The RGU exec are currently reviewing some of the events in the calendar. These amendments/considerations are noted below, any suggestions from members or member clubs would be welcome.

Caven Trophy

Firstly the Caven Trophy which is the RGU Boys Stroke Play Championship. This event will take place at East Renfrewshire Golf Course on Sunday 5^th May.

In a bid to return Junior Golf in Renfrewshire to happier times we have decided to increase the handicap limit for this event to 24. The entry fee will be £5 and the event will now take place over 18 holes and no longer 36. The event will be played in 2 classes with prizes awarded in both.

Entry for this should be made on line at the RGU web site under the “BOOK” Tab.

The lowest Gross Score will win the Caven Trophy and the lowest 8 gross scores will then compete for the RGU Match Play Championship for the Freedman Trophy which as always will be played over Kilmacolm G.C. over the following 2 weekends.

Menzies Trophy

The Menzies Trophy is the RGU Youths Stroke Play Championship. This event will no longer take place on its own. Due to a lack of numbers this event will be combined with the County Championship (19th May 2019, Erskine Golf Club). All players will compete for the County Stroke Play Championship with all competitors aged 25 and under also competing for the Menzies Trophy. Further to the Match Play Qualifiers for the County Championship the leading 8 players will also go forward and compete for the Duncan Trophy (Youth Match Play Championship) later in the season. No entry fee will be charged for the Menzies Trophy.

Junior Order of Merit

For a number of years now the Junior Order of Merit, which is based on the results from the Renfrewshire Junior Opens, has struggled for numbers. As a result there will be no Junior Order of Merit held in 2019. A number of options are being considered with a view to reintroducing a Junior Order of Merit for 2020 with Junior County Medals being considered. This requires co-ordination and buy in from local clubs to host these events and further communication will be issued in due course.

Gents Order of Merit

A number of options are being considered for this event with a survey of all players scheduled to take place at the County Championships in May.

Introduction of County Medals

One of the most popular County Events is the RGU Handicap Championship in June. Discussions have taken place about growing that into possibly 3 County Medals spread across the County throughout the season again a survey of all players at the Handicap event in June will take place prior to any further decision being made.