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Last year I used a quote
from Severiano Ballesteros to describe the ambition of our
top Lothians players. This year I am able to quote directly
from a Lothians player who demonstrated on a big match
occasion exactly that competitive attitude.
At the semi finals of the
Scottish Area Team Championship held over Powfoot, I told
Robert Carson his game was one of two games still playing
which could secure our place in the final – but both games
were losing at the time. Robert was one hole down going to
the eighteenth tee when I told him. However, his calm and
determined response was “I want it to be me”.
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Mens Scottish Area Team Champions |
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John Gallagher |
With that
sharp reply, the +3 handicap, eighteen year old from
Marriott Dalmahoy proceeded to birdie the last and then
birdie the 19th to secure our place in the final. In fact
Robert birdied 5 of the last six holes he played. Truly one
of the most remarkable runs I have ever witnessed in 19
years of watching Lothians golf.
While it was Robert’s turn
to deliver at Powfoot, I know that any one of the players in
Lothians colours that day, given the same opportunity, would
have responded likewise. It is simply the way we “make” them
in the Lothians.
The following day’s final
saw Lothians play Perth and Kinross who boasted four current
Internationalists in their team. Lothians won through after
another close finish to give us a record thirteen
championships with victories in four of the past five years
alone. No other Area has won the championship on more than
three occasions. Some may dismiss this and suggest that the
Lothians should win the Area Team Championship regularly
because we have the largest player pool. But a couple of
Areas who are not too different from the Lothians in size
terms have never won. Our player pool has to be coached,
encouraged and honed to produce results. For this, I am
particularly grateful to Alistair Bisset (Coaching
Convenor), Paul Gibson (Boys Convenor), Scott Knowles (Team
manager) and Denys Flaherty (Selection Convenor). |
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This
win topped off a fantastic year for Lothians golfers. We had
three national winners in 2007. Neil Henderson (Glen) won
the Scottish Schoolboys Championship. Paul Ferrier
(Baberton) won the Scottish Boys Championship. But without
question the most prestigious victory was Swanston New’s
John Gallagher winning of the Scottish Amateur Championship.
Congratulations to all. These players have set a high
standard to follow.
I
must also mention Craigielaw’s Lloyd Saltman who was
selected for a second time to play in the Walker Cup. Lloyd
has now joined the professional ranks with his brother
Elliott. Both have benefited from our coaching programmes
and represented Lothians in many contests. We wish them
every success in their professional careers. |

NEIL HENDERSON
(The Glen)
2007 Scottish Boys
Champion of Champions &
Scottish Schoolboys Champion |
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With all the Lothians
success in 2007, I approach 2008 with a bit of apprehension.
However, the Lothians “formula” has been tweaked for
improvements during the year and our coaching programme has
generated a new crop of players for the selectors to ponder.
As ever I must thank the whole Lothians executive for their
expertise and volunteering thousands of hours. In particular
the Lothians are most fortunate to have the commitment and
abilities of both Allan Shaw (Secretary) and Bob Robertson
(Tournament Secretary).
Turning to the 2007 year of Lothians
events, I would highlight our Championship with qualifying
over Royal Musselburgh and Haddington and the matchplay
stages at Bruntsfield Links..
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I am pleased to say the
seniors championship is at my own club Harburn. A warm
welcome is guaranteed and you will enjoy the benefits of
recent changes on and off the course. Please make your
entries early so as not to be disappointedI must also
express considerable gratitude to our sponsors whose
financial input allows us to put more money towards coaching
and maintain the cheapest Area subscription rate in
Scotland. Additionally, our sponsors name branding of events
enhances the sense of occasion for our players.
I wish all Lothians golfers an enjoyable
year.
Jim Thomson,
(President) |