Ed Rankine – Leven Thistle GC

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Sports Update 12th Sept

Posted on September 12, 2021 | by Ed Rankine

Competitions

Congratulations to our July and August trophy winners:
Links Champion – Fraser Sneddon
Links Hcap Champion – David Dyas
Thistle Open (Jack McKenzie Trophy) – Ian Murray
Skol Pinehurst Pairs – Darryl Ritchie and Jordan West

Thistle Teams

Congratulations to our Thistle A team, Ryan, Fraser, Andy and Darryl for winning the Ranken Todd Bowl at Crail. They beat LGS in the final after winning their semi-final tie against our Social team. This win makes it 3 in a row and the ‘…Thistle have won the Bowl more than all other clubs combined’.

The team had success at the weekend defeating Monifieth GC 8½ – 3½. Well done and thanks to those who played, and especially to those who came into the team at late notice.

North East Fife Winter League

The Handicap and Scratch fixtures for this winter are now set, they are played on Sunday mornings and the format being: team of 8, 4BBB matchplay. The fixtures are available in Club Documents on the app and website. If you’d like to be considered for the teams let us know by sending us an email at sports@leventhistlegc.co.uk.

VMS/iPad

We’ve been experiencing broadband issues in the Club which has rendered the iPad unusable. Work is underway to upgrade the networking in the club so we should see an improvement in performance and reliability soon.

**If when trying to login to the iPad you see the message ‘No members found’, press the Refresh button and try again.**

General Play Scores

Please remember to register for your GP and submit your scores either via the app or the Club’s iPad. If you’re unable to do this, email your scorecard to us so that it can be submitted on the date played. Please do not put scorecards in the box!

For Your Diaries

16th Sept – Thistle Quaich, last one of the season.
25th Sept – Centenary Rosebowl, entry now open. Remember to book a time slot when entering, times booked in the VMS draw will be added to BRS by Sports. Tee times cannot be changed on the day.
29th Sept – Seniors’ Monthly Medal
2nd Oct – Links Pinehurst Foursomes

The complete fixture list can be found in Club Documents on the app or website.

‘Gouff Dings Aw’

Sports Committee

Ed Rankine

Davie Kennedy

Dougie Edwards

Thistle Open Result

Posted on August 14, 2021 | by Ed Rankine

**Winner of the Stan Lawrence Trophy**
Craig Stewart 89 -24 = 65

**Winner of the Jack McKenzie Cup**
Ian Murray 70

Gross Result

1st Ian Murray 70

2nd Ian Hall 74

3rd John Graham 76 BL6

Division 1 Handicap Result

1st Joe Doyle 75 – 4 = 71 BIH

2nd Gerry Semple 77 – 6 = 71

3rd John McAllister 79 – 7 = 72 BL6

4th Graham Wilson Snr 82 – 10 = 72 BL6

5th Mark Smith 78 – 6 = 72 BL6

Division 2 Handicap Result

1st Martin Derrick 86 – 20 = 66

2nd Martin Dunlop 80 – 12 = 68

3rd Rob Marriner 89 – 20 = 69

4th Paul Karacaoglu 84 – 13 = 71

5th James Tipping 87 – 15 = 72 BIH

Congratulations to all our winners. I will be in touch shortly regarding your voucher.

Click the links below to access the final results.

Sports Update 18th July

Posted on July 18, 2021 | by Ed Rankine

Competitions

Congratulations to our June trophy winners:

John Penman – Harrison Quaich

Scott Crichton – Danny Gallagher Memorial

Barry Deas – Mechanics Medal

Andrew Stubbs – Charles Kerr Trophy

Entries to the Jackie Paterson Trophy (handicap matchplay) will open on the 20th July at 8pm and close on the 26th July. You can enter via the Scottish Golf app, website or the iPad in the club. Entry is restricted to 16 players to ensure the final is played by October.

The matchplay competitions are progressing well, a reminder that the dates when each round is to be played by are on the home page of our website. If you are still involved in any of the matchplay competitions, can I ask that you attempt to record your matchplay result via the club’s iPad or SG app before you leave the club. If you are unable to do so then email us your result and details of the issue you were having.

Links 175th Anniversary Match – 31st July

To celebrate 175 years of Leven Links we have a challenge match against the LGS. It’s a social day and the losing pair is expected to have a drink or two in the winners’ club. Tee is booked from 12:15 to 17:03 and the entry is restricted to 64 players from each club. The format will be 4BBB from the yellow tees and 90% handicap allowance. Enter the competition named, Links 175th Anniversary Match from the 21st July at 8pm and select your time (please don’t forget this step). As previously stated, the website does not currently provide the function of selecting a tee time, therefore if you don’t have access to SG app then email Sports and we’ll give you a time. We hope this is well supported, generates much needed revenue and everyone enjoys the day.

Fifeshire Advertiser Trophy

This year’s competition is to be played on the 8th Aug (12:00 – 14:00 tee times) at Balbirnie GC. The format is 4 man team strokeplay, 4 scratch scores count. If anyone is interested in representing the club please email us at sports@leventhistlegc.co.uk.

VMS

I’m fully aware that the move from Handicap Master & MasterScoreboard to VMS, the Scottish Golf app and iPad has not been easy for everyone or without issues and frustrations. However since our first VMS competition on the 17th April I’ve seen a big increase in the number of scores being successfully sent to WHS on competition days – from an administration point this is great to see. I’d like to reiterate and stress the point that we’re here to help. If anyone has access issues or is unsure of how to do things with either the SG app or iPad, or has any other queries then please don’t hesitate to get in touch (sports@leventhistlegc.co.uk).

Finally, I would like to welcome both Dougie and Davie to Sports and thank Jim for his support and help these past few months and wish him the very best in his new role as Captain.

‘Gouff Dings Aw’

Sports Committee

Ed Rankine

Dougie Edwards

Davie Kennedy

Sports Update 13th June

Posted on June 13, 2021 | by Ed Rankine

2021 Club Champions

Congratulations to our winners and commiserations to our runners up. It was a good week of golf where we saw both James and Patrick successfully defending their titles and two new champions in the Seniors.

Baird Cup                          Patrick Cup
Winner: James White                Winner: Patrick McCann
Runner Up: Mark Anderson           Runner Up: Brian Abel

Seniors Silverburn Cup             Veterans Cup
Winner: Derek Forgan               Winner: Tam Shields
Runner Up: John Penman             Runner Up: John McCallum

Thanks to Scott for the photos which are on our website and social media sites.

NSF Invitational Pairs Greensomes 27th June

BRS sheet opens on the 19th at 7pm when you can book in with your playing partner. £10 entry per team (member/member or member/guest) and 2s optional. Entry payable in the shop on the day and card payment only please. The competition won’t be on VMS and scoring will be on paper scorecards. You must clearly mark on the card your Handicap Indexes and Course Handicaps or it will not be accepted, handicap allowances will be 60% of the low & 40% of the high. Completed scorecards must be returned to the bar in the Thistle.

For Your Diaries

16th June: Seniors Stableford

23rd June: Seniors Medal

26th June: Mechanics Medal/Charles Kerr, entries now open and is a no-courtesy medal. Steps to follow: book into the comp, select your time on VMS and book your BRS time when the sheet opens. Your time on BRS will not be changed by the Sports Committee so if you find yourself on your own then the onus is on you to rebook. Your time may be changed slightly on the day by the Shop to ensure no one is left on their own.

Round 1 dates for our matchplay competitions can be found on the Notice Board section on our website. Until further notice, please email Sports the result of your tie. We hope to have the draws on the locker room notice boards soon.

VMS Clubhouse iPad

If the screen is blank, press the home button (left hand side) twice to wake it up.

If the screen looks like this then press the V1 icon (bottom of screen) to launch the VMS app.

QR Code Login

The login screen on the iPad now has the option Use QR Code for an easier login process. No more need to type your name and select your DOB. Your QR Code can be found on the phone app in More then My Membership Card. Click on the code to make it bigger. Select Use QR Code on the iPad then present the code to the camera (red circle on picture below). Once it’s in focus you’ll be logged in.

Click on the link below for a video clip.

https://1drv.ms/v/s!Aof0lKP2klCpwnUJrCnKfX7tvJzd?e=hRd6S2

We’re seeing a high percentage of scores being completed and signed on the iPad, thank you for doing this. Once your score has been signed and submitted it should appear on your HI record with P for Pending. If it isn’t then something has gone wrong.

Phone App

The number of members on the GolfsApp messaging feature is growing, thanks to those who have enabled this on the app. This is the preferred way of contacting your opponent in matchplay ties.

WHS

I would encourage everyone to take 15 minutes to have a read of this guide. One point to note is ‘The maximum hole score for handicap purposes is net double bogey and, if the format of play does allow, you can pick up once you have reached that maximum limit.’ Click the link below for the Player-Reference-Guide-to-WHS https://1drv.ms/b/s!Aof0lKP2klCpwnPfiO7U-2dfuut9?e=6xe3QD This guide has been uploaded to the Club Documents area on the app and website

Competition Entry and Scoring – updated 26th May

Posted on May 26, 2021 | by Ed Rankine

Fixtures. Results and future competitions are shown in multiple places;
- Tournament Information Centre (TIC), the TIC link is on the website’s Notice Board.
- Phone app in the Comps section.
- Website, login to access the Members Section for Past & Future Competitions.
- The 2021 Fixtures List document is available on the website and phone app.
- Login to the website and click the cog (Display User).
- On the app, select More then Club Documents.
Enter Competition. Enter via app, website or Clubhouse iPad. Enter our Thursday and weekend no-courtesy medals on the day of competition, otherwise check Entries Open Date for Competition on the website’s Notice Board.
Inviting another member. If you add another member to a competition, the onus is on that member to accept and check-in before playing.
Select Your Tee Time (VMS virtual time). This step is important if you intend to use scoring on the phone app with your playing partners, your playing partners must be in the same time. N.B. this is not your BRS time.
Check In. This is an extra step which must be done on the day of the competition prior to playing, this states your intent to play in the competition.
Scoring. The options are Normal Scorecard or Score For All. Think of ‘Normal Scorecard’ is the swapping of digital cards, where you select who is marking your card. ‘Score For All’ is the equivalent of writing all scores on the paper scorecard.
Mistakes. Any scoring mistakes or typos can be sorted using the iPad prior to signing.
Signature. You must sign for your score or your card will not be accepted for the competition. If using the Score For All option then you will need to sign using the iPad. If using Normal to score, you can sign on your phone when all scores have been entered.
Signature using iPad. This must be done if the card wasn’t signed on the app.
Paper Scorecards. These are still allowed, however these must be completed correctly with competition name, date and two signatures. You must also enter scores and sign using the iPad (both marker and player signatures are required). Only then should you put your card in the box.
Remember to press Confirm. That green Confirm button needs to be pressed. This action will send your score to WHS to be processed. Your score will show on your Handicap Record with a P for Pending. If it’s not listed then something has gone wrong

Video – ‘Enter a Competition on the App’

https://1drv.ms/v/s!Aof0lKP2klCpwguwbDNhLZ7Z8rKJ?e=Kh5ZgD

Rules

Failure to return your card on the day of competition will result in disqualification from the competition, however your score will be submitted for handicapping.
Once scores are submitted and signed, incorrect scores will not be amended.
Should you sign for a gross score on a hole lower than that actually taken, you will be disqualified.
Should you sign for a higher score on a hole than that taken, the higher score stands, but you will not be disqualified.
If returning a paper scorecards, ensure it is completed correctly and clearly with: players name, competition name, date, Course Handicap and signed. At this time clearly print the name of the player who has verified your score. Remember to enter your score on the iPad in the club then put your card in the box. Cards will not be accepted if not completed correctly.

Yours in Gouff
Sports Committee
Ed Rankine
Jim Soutar

Sports Update 26th May

Posted on May 26, 2021 | by Ed Rankine

Baird Results

Congratulations to our qualifiers for the Baird and Patrick matchplay rounds.

James White with a total of 140 was our leading scratch qualifier, winning the Angus Mackay Trophy.

Calum Milne with a total of 145 was our leading net qualifier, winning the Tom Taylor Trophy.

Tom Cullen wins the Chas Neave Medal (best net score in the 1^st round by a member aged 55+)

James Mackintosh Snr wins the John Todd Trophy (best net score in the 2^nd round by a member aged 55+)

Dates and start times for matchplay rounds

Patrick

Sun 30th May at 17:06
Wed 2nd June at 17:42
Thu 3rd June at 17:24

Baird Cup

Mon 31st May at 17:06
Wed 2nd June at 17:06
Thu 3rd June at 17:06

Finals’ Sunday 6th June

Baird Cup 9:33am & 1:36pm
Patrick Cup 1:45pm
Seniors’ Silverburn Cup 1:54pm
Veterans Cup 2:03pm

We wish everyone all the best and hope for quality golf and good weather.

Strokeplay Competitions

12^th June – Harrison Quaich/Danny Gallagher Memorial

26^th June – Mechanics Medal/Charles Kerr Entries Open date 1^st June @ 8pm

The Harrison/Gallagher competition will be no-courtesy therefore you must select your tee time on VMS when you enter and on BRS when the timesheet opens on the 4th June. If you forget this step then you can enter on the day. If you need to withdraw then please contact the Pro Shop and withdraw from the VMS competition.

The Mechanics/Kerr competition will be drawn therefore you must select your tee time on VMS when you enter. If you forget this step then you can request a late entry. On the Tuesday prior to competition day, the draw will be entered into BRS and the timesheet locked. The Golf Shop staff are authorised to make minor changes on the day to keep the 1st tee running smoothly. If you need to withdraw then please contact the Pro Shop and withdraw from the VMS competition.

Matchplay Competitions

Ogilvie Shepherd – now open for anyone to enter via the app, website or Clubhouse iPad, limited to 32 players.

Jackie Paterson Trophy (hcap) – lowest 32 net scores from both Baird qualifying rounds.

Porter Medal (scratch) – lowest 16 scratch scores from 2^nd round of the Baird.

If you’d like to enter either the Jackie Paterson or Porter Medal please email us at sports@leventhistlegc.co.uk

Links Open Competitions

Enter via the Links BRS page https://www.brsgolf.com/levenlinks/opens_home.php

VMS

I would like to thank everyone for their efforts and due diligence when recording their score either on the phone app or iPad. With each competition we’re seeing a higher success rate of those signing their digital card which is making our job easier. Paper scorecards are still allowed, all we ask is that both Player and Marker use the iPad to enter scores, both sign, submit and confirm. The confirm step will send your score to WHS for processing. I have updated the Competition Entry and Scoring article and removed information from other articles, hopefully this will ease the confusion, which regrettably is still out there. I will continue to make changes to this article if necessary and welcome all feedback.

Yours in Gouff
Sports Committee
Ed Rankine
Jim Soutar

Club Championship Results

Posted on May 22, 2021 | by Ed Rankine

Sports Update 13th May

Posted on May 13, 2021 | by Ed Rankine

Baird Cup 22nd May

The BRS timesheet for the 2nd qualifying round for the Baird Cup will open at 7pm on Friday 14th. As before, the sheet will close on Tuesday 18th at 8pm to allow minor changes to be made, no further changes will be allowed. If you’re playing, please ensure you’ve entered the competition and that you check-in on the day.

Help will be available in the club on the day if you have any issues with the iPad or any questions.

Inform us by email if you’re available for the matchplay rounds.

VMS

It’s been highlighted to us that competition entry emails at times will show a discrepancy in your HI. Scottish Golf are working on a fix with the VMS Developers OCS, they have informed us that ‘the HI on the competition entry email confirmation, on occasions is pulling through the wrong index – advising players to ignore this confirmation for the time being.’ We have been given a workaround which we’re implementing if and when required.

A wee reminder that all scores must be signed either on the app or iPad. If it’s not signed then your score will not be accepted unless a valid reason is given (in email to Sports). Do not put your card into the box without attempting to enter your score on the iPad.

A digitally signed card is verified and immediately sent to WHS to be processed that evening.

Competitions

Two June fixtures are listed on the Notice Board area on our website’s home page. These competitions will be drawn therefore you must select your tee time on VMS when you enter, if you don’t then you won’t be in the draw. On the Tuesday prior to competition day, the draw will be entered into BRS. The Pro Shop staff are authorised to make minor changes only on the day to keep the 1st tee running smoothly. If you need to withdraw then please contact the Pro Shop and remove your name from the competition.

Matchplay round dates are also listed.

Fife Golfing Association have asked us to promote the Fife Seniors’ Strokeplay, details can be found on their website. http://www.fifegolf.org/page.aspx?pid=52328

Yours in Gouff
Sports Committee
Ed Rankine
Jim Soutar

Baird Cup 1st Round Results

Posted on May 9, 2021 | by Ed Rankine

Click on the TIC link below to access the results

https://4103347000.scottishgolf.cloud/tic/tmtic.cgi?season=TOUR~

Congratulations to Tom Cullen, winner of the Chas Neave Medal, lowest NET score for 55s and over.

Those who returned a score are eligible to play in the Ogilvie Shepherd matchplay competition. Enter the competition if you’d like to play, lowest 32 who have entered will go into the draw.

1st round numbers

114 players braved the elements.
68 scores were submitted & signed via the iPad.
29 scores were submitted & signed via the phone app.
Not everyone checked-in prior to going out.
84 qualifying scores were returned.
23 players withdrew, disappointed to say that not everyone contacted us. This meant we had to spend time finding out if they had played.
The Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) was adjusted to +2, this can be found on your handicap record.

Baird Cup Matchplay Rounds

The lowest 16 combined scratch scores over both qualifying rounds who have confirmed their availability for the matchplay stages. In the event of a tie for the final places there will be a play-off on a date appointed by the Sports Committee.

Patrick Cup Matchplay Rounds

The lowest 16 combined net scores over both qualifying rounds, not including any players who have qualified for the Baird cup, and who have confirmed their availability for the matchplay stages. In the event of a tie, a countback of the 2^nd round score will take place.

Please email us sports@leventhistlegc.co.uk if you’re available to play in the matchplay rounds.

Rules for Matchplay Competitions

Posted on May 6, 2021 | by Ed Rankine

Play from the white tees. On the day of your match, ensure you know your Handicap Index to correctly convert it to your Course Handicap. It is hoped that results can be recorded on the SG app or iPad, if this isn’t possible then email the result to Sports and we’ll update the draw. On completion of a round, the next round will be published and you will be advised of the date that ties must be played by.

Arranging of Ties

The SG app has a Contacts section where members of the club are listed. On the home page select GolfsApp which provides: text, email and phone options. The setting to show your details can be found in More > My Personal Data, enable Add to Venue Directory. Whilst you’re in there check your details and fill in any blanks. Another useful setting is Receive Push Notifications which is on the My App page.

If ties aren’t played then proof of communication will be used to determine who goes through. For those of you who don’t have access to the app then Sports will provide contact details if required.

Cowper Cup – foursomes

Handicap Allowance is 50% of the combined team handicap.

Donaldson Jug & Findlay Shield

Handicap Allowance is 100%

Masterton Trophy (bisques)

Handicap Allowance is 100%

How it works: The player receiving strokes (full difference of the CHs) can choose when he would like to take them and the decision to use shots must be taken at the completion of a hole! For example, if a gross five is scored against the opponent’s four, a shot can be taken to earn a half. If a player has a considerable number of shots to play with, more than one can be taken on a single hole. Unlike normal matchplay, if extra holes are required and all bisques have been taken then no further bisques are given. Unused bisques can be used on extra holes.

Please bear with us as we continue to learn how the VMS platform works.

Yours in Gouff
Sports Committee
Ed Rankine
Jim Soutar

" Superb golf course, glorious links. Friendly clubhouse with delicious food, excellent value for money. Visitors will not be disappointed by this outstanding gem."

Graham B - May, 2019