Club Championship Week: Results

This year's Club Championship Week took place from Monday 27 June to Saturday 2 July. With the course in superb condition, it was a great week of golf for players competing in the various categories, culminating with the finals on Saturday 2 July.

Well done to all those who qualified and also those who won.

The results of all finals are listed below:

Gents Championship  - Steven Waldie beat Kevin Wood

Gents B Championship - David Bone beat Calum Borthwick

Gents Championship - Les Shortreed beat Chris Byers

Ladies Championship - Sheila Cuthbertson beat Patricia Wood

Ladies B Championship - Mandi Bain beat Iris French

Peebles Selected to Host American Golf Ladies Championship Qualifier

Peebles Golf Club is delighted to announce its partnership with nationwide golf retailer American Golf for its inaugural Ladies Championship this June.

New to the 2016 American Golf events schedule, qualifiers for the Ladies Championship will take place throughout June. Peebles Golf Club has been chosen as a one of four host venues where the qualifier takes place on Thursday 2nd June.  

> Click here to enter the event.

“After the success of the 9 Hole and Junior Championships last year, we wanted to get more people to play golf more often, so added new events to include something for everyone,” comments Daniel Gathercole Head of Marketing at American Golf. “We wanted to work with venues who share our ideas for driving participation in golf and Peebles Golf Club has been the perfect partner for getting this new Ladies Championship idea off the ground.”

Entry to all of the events, including the one at Peebles Golf Club, is entirely free.  This is thanks to the co-operation of all of the clubs involved who are working to increase participation in the sport.

Graham Lowther, club captain at Peebles Golf Club,  said, “We’re really excited about being part of the American Golf Ladies Championship and look forward to welcoming the region’s best golfers to the golf club. We started our new Get into Golf ladies coaching programme this winter which has attracted more ladies to the club and I’m sure this new event will further boost our appeal.”

Other regional finals take place at Hexham in Northumberland, High Legh Park in Cheshire and Rustington in Sussex.

The winning pair at this qualifier will win a fantastic prize and will also make their way to the Grand Final at The Belfry in September.

Details of all of this year’s events can be found here: http://www.americangolf.co.uk/events/Events-Page.html  

Ladies Knock-Out Competitions: Match Play Draws

The draws are now live for the Alexander Rosebowl and the Ladies Ballot Foursomes.

Please note first round ties should be played by 29 May and second round ties in both events must be completed by 3 July. Full details for each event including handicap information are listed below the draws.

> Click here to view the full draws.

Course Development Team Update : April 2016

After the opinions viewed at the AGM with regard the course development plans it was agreed to involve a cross section of the members with differing handicaps and experiences to assist in the future plans for the course.

After receiving a large number of emails from members to be part of the team it was clear that not all could not be accommodated so based on the above the following team was chosen:

Jamie Morris; Colin Brown; Walter Forsyth; Keith McIntosh; Donald Alexander; Andy Pearson and Brian Faulkener.

These are added to the original team members from the committee and staff:

Jim Dickson (Greens Convenor); Steve Borthwick (Lead Greenkeeper); Steve Johnston (Club Professional); Graham Lowther (Club Captain).

The first meeting of the group was held on Tuesday 22nd March. The meeting opened with an explanation of the teams aims general principles around maintaining and improving the course for the benefit of members and visitors; to try and develop the club’s main asset to increase visitor income and member numbers whilst also increasing the reputation of the club within Scotland and further afar.

The idea of providing ability tees as against the current gender specific tees was warmly welcomed. The only caveat on this is that priority is given to the maintenance and development of the existing tees as against the creation of new tees for the long course. This includes making some of the existing ladies tees larger to suit the future increased traffic. Jim Dickson and Steve Borthwick are to review the existing tees and draw up a list of the work required in this area. It was unanimously agreed that the three tees (3rd, 9th and 18th holes) that are part completed should be finished. 

The four holes previously rolled out to the members (3rd, 4th, 9th and 18th holes) were discussed in detail by the group, in an open and frank exchange. The main contention was over the growing of semi-rough to divide the fairway on the 4th and 9th holes. This was discussed and finally rejected by the group to maintain the current open fairways.

Bunkering at the 9th is being reviewed for various options with aim of increasing the protection to the green whilst still allowing all handicap ranges to have a second or third shot to the green. The fairway bunker at 150 yds will remain in the rough on the right of the fairway to maintain playability for the higher handicap player.

The ladies tee at the 3rd is to be enlarged. A small copse of trees is to be planted in the left rough near the corner of the road in lieu of a fairway bunker. This will add a premium on the accuracy of a drive to the right of the fairway, and will assist the drainage of a constantly wet area.

The 4th hole will remain as it is, with a reduction in the height of rough to a small area at the right hand side of the hole, behind the large group of mature trees. This is to aid recovery of balls from a wayward slice and also to maintain speed of play and eliminate the danger of unsighted golfers being hit by tee shots while searching for balls in a blind hollow.

At the 18th hole we have an ongoing health and safety issue with the length of the trees at the top of the embankment. An agreement with the Local Authority to maintain a certain protection to the houses on the left of the hole has only just come to the notice of this group. The development team has agreed to create a long-term solution to the problem by planting a small copse of trees at the corner of the protective fence, with a row of trees running down the hill at the base of the embankment to the area before the green. These trees over time will grow to replace the protection to the houses and result in either the regular pruning of the existing trees or their removal dependent on the cover afforded by the new planting.

Revised sketches of the holes will be published at the end of the completed process, when a full course plan will be unveiled to the members. For any immediate course work associated with this plan the group will publish updates and/or sketches ahead of the full plan.

The next meeting of the development team is planned for later in April.

Graham Lowther, Club Captain

Take Part in the Jim Carruthers Memorial Walk

Club members, friends and family are invited to take part in the now traditional part of the club’s opening weekend celebrations – the Jim Carruthers Memorial Walk.

Held on Sunday 27 March alongside the Captain’s v Vice-Captain’s Team Challenge, the walk is held in memory of the hugely popular club stalwart Jim Carruthers, giving those not playing golf the chance to enjoy a fabulous walk round some of the best views in Peebles.

The walk will commence immediately after the remembrance ceremony from the Millennium Cairn on the 9th tee at around 11.10 am. It is open to anyone, including children, whether golf club members or not.  Since we will be walking through farmland, dogs unfortunately won’t be allowed. The route will take us past Jedderfield Farm, leading to a short climb through a wooded area and on to Hamilton Hill for some stunning views, returning via Standalane Farm.  The walk is about 4 miles and will last around 2.5 hours long including a snack break, fairly level but possibly muddy in parts.

Even if the golf on the day is postponed because of the weather, the walkers will brave the elements and will hopefully go ahead on the above date. 

There is no definite plan to return to the clubhouse car park by a particular time.  However, any walkers who wish to visit the clubhouse for food and refreshments are welcome to do so.  A suitable change of footwear should be brought.  Please note that non-members may need to be signed in when entering the clubhouse.

For further information, please contact organisers Gordon Sanderson (720511) or David Brown (721680).

As the date is Easter Sunday, the clubhouse is expected to be very busy so anyone wishing to book a table in the restaurant should contact Jazz or Yvonne on 720197 as soon as possible to make arrangements.

We look forward to your support!

Captains v Vice-Captains Team Challenge - Draw

The draw for the Captain's and Vice-Captain's Team Challenge, taking place on Sunday 27 March, has now been made, with 21 pairings representing Graham Lowther up against 21 pairings aiming to pick up points for Ross Duncan.

The match is an 11.30am shotgun start and will be preceded by the official opening ceremony at the Millennium Cairn on the 9th tee at 11.00am, which will remember some of the golfers who have passed away in the last 12 months. All competitors are encouraged to attend the opening before the matches get underway.

> Click here for the full draw

As the match is on Easter Sunday, anyone wishing to book a meal in the clubhouse after the completion of the match should contact Jazz or Yvonne on 720197. Call now to avoid disappointment.Soup and sandwiches will be available for pre-order before play for all competitors taking part in the match.

Course Changes for 2016/17

Click here to see the planned changes from the course development team.

Peebles Pair Set for Turkish Delight in Club Final

The stunning Regnum Carya Golf Resort in Belek

Peebles Golf Club duo Gary French and Stuart Dickson are bidding to become national champions when they jet out to the sun for the final of the Belhaven Best Scottish Club Handicap Championship.

The Borders pair are among 40 club golfers from across Scotland who have booked dream spots for the showpiece final, staged at one of the European Tour’s most prestigious venues in Turkey.

It will be the first time Scottish Golf has staged one of its championships overseas, with the move part of the governing body’s ongoing campaign to provide exclusive benefits to its 222,000 member golfers.

Regnum also has a floodlit golf course allowing golfers to play at night

Thanks to a ground-breaking new sponsorship deal that has boosted the nation’s most popular participation event, the luxurious Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort in Belek will host the 20 leading club pairings after they all battled through stiff competition from 280 other clubs in last August’s four Regional Finals.

> Follow the scores from the Belhaven Club Final in Turkey

They will all be flown out to Turkey early next month courtesy of Turkish Airlines, another new official partner for the event, where they will enjoy four nights’ accommodation, a practice day on Friday 5 February, before the weekend 36-hole final from 6 – 7 February.

The 5-star Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort is one of Turkey’s premier golfing destinations and will host the Turkish Airlines Open as part of the lucrative Final Series on the European Tour in November, while the venue also staged a Ladies European Tour event in 2015.

Peebles’ French said: “I’m really excited to be representing Peebles Golf Club in Turkey. It’s a fantastic competition and a chance to meet other club golfers playing competitive golf.

“I’ve golfed a lot in Spain, and I’ve heard the courses in Turkey are really good. Everyone has the chance of winning, it’s all on the day after all. It’s like winning anyway by making the trip, such is the prize we have won.”

Turkish Airlines General Manager for Edinburgh, Ahmet Serhat Sari, said: “With Turkish Airlines now having a permanent base in Edinburgh, we are delighted to be supporting this fantastic event and investing in the game in Scotland. One of our added benefits for golfers is that golf bags fly for free with Turkish Airlines, which is great news for golfers taking trips overseas with us.”

General Manager for the host venue, Hakan Duran, added: “The Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort is delighted to be involved in supporting Scottish Golf’s club members by hosting the championship’s first overseas Final. It’s an exciting time, with Regnum also hosting the Ladies European Tour in 2015 and we look forward to playing host to a key event on the European Tour’s Final Series schedule in November.”

The Belhaven Best Scottish Club Handicap Championship has been the country’s biggest participation event since its launch in 1999, with around 20,000 club members taking part in local qualifying each year. Belhaven Best has been Scottish Golf’s official partner since the inception of the event, making it one of the longest standing sponsorships in the domestic game.

Every club in Scotland was invited to host a qualifying event for golfers of all abilities during the spring and summer, with the top two players based on nett scores earning the chance to represent their club at the Regional Finals and secure a spot to Turkey.

Graham Baird, Sales Director for Belhaven, also welcomed the new final venue, and noted: “Golf clubs and golfers have been the foundation of Belhaven Best’s brand success and it’s fantastic to welcome Regnum, Turkish Airlines and GolfKings as new partners of the championship. Their support has helped us take the event to another level and reward clubs and golfers across Scotland.”

For more information on golf packages to Turkey, visit www.golfkings.co.uk, official travel partners of Scottish Golf.

Job Vacancy - Club Manager: Peebles Golf Club

Peebles Golf Club is seeking suitable applicants for the exciting new post of Club Manager to commence work this Spring.

Located just 23 miles south of Edinburgh, Peebles is a successful, family-friendly club at the heart of the local community, boasting a picturesque golf course and modern clubhouse facilities to match.  With a buoyant membership and current holders of Scotland’s Junior Club of the Year title, the new post has been created in line with the Club’s Business Plan, with the key objectives of managing the continued growth of the club’s membership, increasing revenue streams and improving communication with our key audiences.

Having appointed a new PGA professional last April, the Club is continuing to professionalise the management of its business with the creation of this new post, to build on the foundations of its recent growth and maximise the opportunities created by the Club’s good profile, both locally and nationally.

Peebles is a family-friendly club with a solid membership base

Applicants should possess strong leadership, team management and communication skills, with experience or knowledge of the golf industry and sound financial and commercial acumen. Experience of business development is desirable and candidates should have excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and as well as a sound understanding of digital and social media.

The post-holder will report to the Club Captain and Board and the role will be supported by the club committee, sub-committees and PGA professional.

A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience. The role will be based in the clubhouse with complimentary membership offered as part of the package. The club will also support further training and development through opportunities with Scottish Golf’s education programmes.

A full Job Description can be found via the link below:

> Club Manager - Job Description

If you wish to apply, please send your CV and covering letter by e-mail to secretary@peeblesgolfclub.com for the attention of Club Captain, Alan Boocock. Closing date for applications is Monday 25 January 2016. Further details on the club can be found at www.peeblesgolfclub.com or on our Facebook page.

Peebles Golf Club Members’ Update

CLICK HERE TO READ A LETTER FROM CAPTAIN ALAN BOOCOCK

Get into Golf - Beginners Coaching at Peebles

The first group of 'Get into Golf' girls get out on the course!

If you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution that involves getting healthier, enjoying the great outdoors more and burning off those Christmas calories, then you might be surprised to find that golf can deliver on all three fronts…and without needing to spend endless hours in the gym!

By enjoying a round 18 holes, the average golfer will walk 8.9km on average and in turn burn 1,442 calories during their round. Coupled with three and a half hours of fresh air and the stunning scenery offered at Peebles, golf is a great sport to take up and a more relaxed alternative than many sports.

Our new ‘Get into Golf’ programme has been a real success with our initial group of ten women having a ball in November and December and we’re on the lookout for new recruits to join our expanding golfing community at Peebles.

Led by our PGA professional Steve Johnston, beginners with little or no experience of the game now have the opportunity to give golf a go, with indoor lessons at Peebles High School taking place in January and February.

The Get into Golf classes tee off on Sunday 24 January for four consecutive weeks, between 12.30pm and 1.30pm for women, while the men’s classes are an hour later at 1.30pm – 2.30pm. There’s no need to buy equipment as this will be provided and the four-week block costs only £40 per person. The classes will be held indoors with a warm and friendly environment guaranteed, giving you the chance to build up your confidence ready to get out onto the course for the sun shining in the spring.

To book your place, call Steve Johnston on 01721 720197 or e-mail peeblespro@yahoo.co.u

Golf Club to Support Peebles Scotland Stars

Two young golfers who have been flying the flag for Peebles on the national and international stage this season have been given a boost with funding support from the club’s membership.

 Brothers Craig and Darren Howie (above), who represented the Scotland men’s and boy’s teams respectively in various international championships, have both been awarded £500 each by the club to cover competition playing expenses next season.

Craig, a former Scottish Boys Champion, enjoyed his most impressive year on the course to date, earning his Scotland men’s debut in August’s Home Internationals having led the qualifying in the British Amateur Championship at Carnoustie in June and finishing third in the prestigious St Andrews Links Trophy over the Old Course during the same month. He has also been starring for the University of Stirling, who have dominated the British and European Universities Championships during Craig’s time

Elder brother Craig with club captain Alan Boocock

Younger brother Darren also excelled, winning the Scottish Schools Championship at Murrayshall, finishing third in the Scottish Under-16s Championships and runner-up in the Scottish Junior Champion of Champions, while representing Scotland in the Boys Quadrangular Series and European Young Masters. Highlight of a great season however was helping Scotland claim their first Boys Home Internationals title in ten years, beating Auld Enemy England in the process.

Club captain Alan Boocock said: “We are delighted to provide this support to Craig and Darren next season. Competing on the biggest stages comes with a cost and hopefully this will go some way to covering their expenses and helping continue their success in 2016.

“Everyone at Peebles Golf Club is very proud of their achievements and they are fantastic ambassadors for the club, helping to put Peebles very much on the golfing map. We are the only club in recent years to have two members representing Scotland in the same season at boys and men’s level and the fact that they are brothers makes that feat even more remarkable.”

“We have a flourishing junior section with more than 120 kids enjoying golf at Peebles and I’m sure Craig and Darren’s achievements can help inspire a few more boys and girls to come through our ranks and onto the national stage.”