ST NICHOLAS GOLF CLUB ST NICHOLAS LINK ISSUE 18 JULY 2016 NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE CLUB

the changes made to this iconic course cabinets, our Archivists have been Captain’s Log have improved it to ‘world class’ allocated the former M and H standard. Secretary’s office on the ground floor Myself and three other members to store and protect the Club’s visited Glenbervie Golf Club on This year in consideration that the archives. Sunday 26th June and enjoyed our Open was at Royal our David Campbell game over this lovely parkland marketing sub-group came up with Captain course. The course was in very good the initiative of inviting press sports condition with staff and members journalists who were working at the LADIES SECTION CAPTAIN’S LOG Open to come and enjoy a round at our very welcoming. We had a great Each year, on an alternating annual own links course. Journalists from golfing day out. At our Committee basis, the ladies get the opportunity to Meridian Media (Ireland), LA Times/ meeting in August we shall be play friendly games with three other Chicago Tribune, ESPN Cable TV discussing this reciprocal agreement Clubs – Brunston, West Kilbride and (USA), New York Post, Daily Express and making a decision on behalf of our Irvine. In May this year we invited and Daily Express Newspapers members whether this should the ladies of West Kilbride to St were hosted by one of our continue in its present form. Should Nicholas. On Friday 8th July, eight of own members, former Daily Express you have any comments to make us had a most enjoyable game at journalist Bob McKenzie. All were please do not hesitate to email me at Irvine Golf Club. In September we very complimentary about our Golf [email protected] play host to Brunston. These Club and course. Hopefully, over the During the previous 6 weeks we as a matchplay games can vary from 9 next few weeks and months we shall Club have hosted Wallasey Golf Club holes to 18 holes (depending on the get a mention by these sports Stableford Society, Kilmarnock weather), either Greensomes or journalists which may help to promote Barassie Golf Club, and The MCC Foursomes but most importantly Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club at Cricket Society, all were very played in a friendly and relaxed home and abroad. impressed with the Links and of our manner. On the same day that the journalists bar and catering facilities. As the Ladies Sections of West were at the Club I bumped into Paul As a Club we always look forward to Kilbride, Irvine and Prestwick St , Honorary Life Member and our annual Committee match against Nicholas all celebrated their 100th former Walker Cup player, playing the Turnberry Golf Club, this year even anniversary in 1993, it was decided to course for the first time in 20 years. It more so, since the game was to take hold an annual Tri-am Competition. was good chatting to him and he can place at the newly opened Ailsa Mrs. Gladys Wallace was the Ladies still hit a golf ball right up the middle Championship Course. What a delight Section Captain at St Nicholas at the of the first fairway with a 5 iron! for Committee and invited Club time. This format continues 23 years members to play this redesigned The Committee have approved repairs later. As far as possible, the teams course. We are all of the opinion that and upgrading of the Gents shower comprise of a player from each Club. room, extension to the existing trophy

PAUL GIRVAN OPEN DAY 45 visitors were shown the All 18 holes were sponsored thanks clubhouse and introduced to the to Captain David Campbell’s efforts Club – some even played a few and some great Fourballs were holes. Some took out the temporary organised, by Eddie, for the auction. membership offer and a couple Close to £8000 was raised during joined as full, or associate members the day and the charities benefiting on the day. from this were Diabetes UK and In the past many of the temporary Cancer Support. Mrs members have gone on to join the Sandra McCall, CEO of Ayrshire Club. If this repeats then the day Cancer Support came along in the will have been a success. evening to thank the Club and give some insight into the work of this CHARITY AM – AM Honorary Life Member and former charity. Walker Cup Player. 19 Teams participated on an Thanks go to Grant and his Staff for incredibly wet day but this did not the meal, and service, provided dampen the enthusiasm and the that day. winning score was an incredible 53! RICKIE FOWLER - Giving a mini masterclass.

SEVEN OF OUR JUNIORS (one looking slightly shocked!) were given the opportunity, along with Junior Members from other Clubs, to meet Rickie Fowler at THE OPEN. GROUP PHOTOGRAPH WITH Journalists at St Nicholas RICKIE FOWLER AT THE OPEN, ROYAL TROON 2016. July 11 and 13 saw more than Steve Stricker accompanied the 20 journalists from Ireland, ESPN media and walked the United States, Sweden and other course, although he was already parts of the UK playing the committed to golf elsewhere so Course as our guests. was unable to play! He was, however, very complimentary Thanks go to David Campbell, about the condition of the course George Davidson, Bob McKenzie and declared the 3rd and the and Irene and the bar staff for 16th his particular favourites. hosting the events. The journalists appreciated the The events have resulted in a opportunity to experience the number of very positive warmth of welcome of the comments on social media and clubhouse and more than one recommendations to come and described St Nicholas as ‘an play the course. unheralded gem.’ Some of our Juniors were given the opportunity to hit balls for him. He also took questions from the group.

GARETH HARDY From the 1st August 2016, Gareth Hardy has been appointed as our new Professional, following the announcement in the last ‘Link’ of the departure of Richard Gordon.

We congratulate Gareth on this appointment and encourage the Membership to wish him well and support him as he starts into this new venture as Professional to Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club. Dates for your Diary

The Louise Crooks Trophy is played It was a pleasure to see these young for annually between Prestwick St golfers enjoying our course on a Friday 5 August Nicholas and St Cuthbert. Miss beautiful day. Louise Crooks was a member of both Ladies Committee v Clubs and sadly died of multiple Management Golf Match sclerosis at a young age. The Ayrshire branch of ‘Crack MS’ Sunday 7 August presented a trophy to be played for between the two Clubs. This year Louise Crooks Match v St we host the competition and will Cuthbert provide supper for our St Cuthbert guests. Friday 12 August Competition in sport is important but so is friendship. Glenbervie Outing (Ladies) Have you read our Centenary GREENSIDE booklet? Sunday 14 August The second seeding and divoting Sheena Spence Mixed Open session took place over two days Ladies Section Captain during the last week in June and IRISH/SCOTTISH GIRLS many thanks go to those who took Saturday 20 August DEVELOPMENT MATCH part. Seed mix containers are James Martin Salver (Disco in th available at the back door of the On Monday, 6 June an Irish team the evening) and a Scottish team of under 16 year Clubhouse and using them will old girls (three under 14 and three continue to improve the condition of under 16 in each team) played in a the course – just take one with you Saturday 27 August development match at Prestwick St on your round, fill in some divots, Ladies Past Captains Golf and Nicholas. The managers said that refill it at the next tee and do some Dinner this was to give the girls some more. Thanks to those who have experience of an international already embraced this initiative, match and hopefully the girls would every little helps! PRESTWICK ST NICHOLAS represent Scotland and Ireland in We can also announce the arrival of HAS SCOTTISH GOLF MIXED the coming years. The girls have a new member to the Green Staff FOURSOMES WINNERS! made some new friends and had team. Greg Young has joined us Congratulations to Sandra and really enjoyed the experience. from Council Keith Carruthers on winning Clare Queen, Programme where he has worked for the last 4 Coordinator, Scottish Golf thanked years. He holds a Level 2 in the Tullibardine Trophy held everyone at Prestwick St. Nicholas Horticulture and enters the 3rd at Kirriemuir, from a field of for making them feel so welcome and year of his apprenticeship with us. around 150, to become This increases the level of for access to the course and Scottish Golf Mixed Foursomes Clubhouse. She commented that the experienced staff to where we Champions course was in great shape and a were before recent resignations. really good test for the girls. WELL DONE!

MARSHALLING AT THE OPEN

Once again Prestwick St Nicholas provided marshals for the 7th Hole at THE OPEN at Troon. Thanks to all those who gave of their time to do this and represent the Club.