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”.

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).

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

Longniddry  - This Year's Amateur Championship Venue

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..

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)