Isla is Champion of Champions - again
Aberfeldy golfer Isla Moncrieff is this season’s Perth and Kinross Ladies’Champion of Champions.
The three-handicapper lifted the title after carding a six-over par score of 78 at Pitlochry Golf Club on Sunday.
Moncrieff, who also won the event back in 2018, finished two shots clear of Craigie Hill member Carol Muir while Gwen Munro of Dunkeld and Birnam placed third.
“My front nine was a little patchy, but I had a good back nine with four birdies,” Moncrieff said. “That helped tame the madness!
“I putted well and started to get more into the swing of it in the second half, that is for sure.
“I think the front nine I was thinking about the score a little bit too much. Back nine I relaxed and enjoyed it.
“That is how I play my best golf - just playing each shot as it comes.”
Moncrieff ’s success in Highland Perthshire rounded off an impressive season having already won the Aberfeldy Ladies’ Club Championship.
“This season has been such a good one for myself and the county,” she smiled.
“I really wanted to win the Aberfeldy club championship because it’s my first year as captain. On the board you get your name as captain - and I wanted champion too!
“We’re a small group at Aberfeldy but we have a lot of good players. We’re quality over quantity.”
There was also the small matter of winning the Scottish Women’s County Finals with Perth and Kinross at Forres Golf Club.
Moncrieff performed strongly alongside team-mates Katy Alexander,
Megan Ashley, Laura Campbell, Jillian Milne, Jen Saxton, Laura Walker and Eilidh Watson to take a memorable top spot on the national stage.
“That was such a good weekend,” Moncrieff reflected. “I love playing in team sports and, as a team together, we are all really good friends.
“We all pushed each other on and everyone played their part. I was ecstatic with how I played. It was great to be able to contribute.
“It was the first time in 68 years that the county had won this event. It was even more special that we all get on so well.”
All of this success makes repeating - and adding to it - a tricky test next year but Moncrieff will be up for the challenge.
While the clubs may now be packed away for a short break, it will not be long before she is back on the fairway.
“I tend to take November off and then start playing again in December to get my swing going,” Moncrieff told the PA.
“But I’m looking at maybe getting some new clubs - so I might need to play a little more winter golf.
“I’ll be captain of Aberfeldy again next year. We’ll get the competitions going and look to get some new members.”
Gents Norman D McKenzie Trophy (R), October 16 –
Mixed Sunday Medal (Lansdowne), October 17 -
CRAIGIE HILL
Summer League,Wednesday, October 13 - Division 1 - Kenny Scotland 78 (12) 66, Ian Wilson 77 (9) 68, Neil McLeod 77 (9) 68, Jake Thomson 77 (9) 68. Division 2 - Neil Adams 74 (13) 61, John Rice 85 (18) 67, Forbes Smith 93 (25) 68, David Jack 80 (12) 68.
Summer League, Thursday, October 14 - Division 1 - Neil Adams 81 (12) 69, Neil McVean 77 (2) 75, Kenny Scotland 87 (11) 76, Ronnie Marr 88 (10) 78. Division 2 - John Reid 85 (20) 65, Crawford Conochie 90 (21) 69, John Rice 89 (18) 71, Andy Mackie 85 (13) 72. Monthly Medal and Bis McVean Trophy, Saturday, October 16 - Paul Russell 72 (12) 60, Bruce Miln 77 (12) 65, Gary Miller 71 (12) 65, Bryan Cruickshanks 73 (8) 65. Division 2 - Terry Devaney 78 (13) 65, Stuart Wallace 81 (15) 66, Laurie Deuchars 93 (22) 71, Jim Watt 87 (15) 72.
Summer League, Sunday, October 17 - Division 1 - Graeme Lundberg 69 (7) 62, Gary Sherrit 74 (7) 67, Alasdair Crawford 71 (3) 68, Ronnie Marr 78 (10) 68. Division 2 - Bill Miller 92 (14) 78. Remainder of players NR. MURRAYSHALL
Medal, Saturday, October 2 - Division 1 - S Fraser (9) 70, G Farquhar (6) 71, C Jolly (10) 71. Division 2 - D Forgan (15) 72, F Rattray (13) 75, J Meddicks (14) 76. Division 3 - D Still (19) 70. Summer League, Wednesday, October 6 - Division 1 - A Duncan (3) 68, S Fraser (8) 76, M Cox (8) 78. Division 2 - G Anderson (14) 72, T Hayes (12) 74, R Gormley (11) 78. Division 3 - H Cooper (24) 66, S Thomson (17) 68, N Combe (18) 69.
Darrin’s Revenge Texas Scramble, Saturday, October 9 -