The World Handicap System (WHS) is ready to be launched from January 2020 and will provide golfers with a unified and more inclusive handicapping system for the first time. Though many countries are planning to adopt the new system in January, the system will go live in other parts of the world throughout the year to accommodate different implementation plans and variations in the golfing calendar. Read the full article here

Scottish Golf has issued a new governance guide for clubs in the ongoing drive to modernise and grow the game. Key stakeholders across the sport recognise the value of improving the organisation and structures of clubs in order to maximise their potential for profitability and growth. Scottish Golf is committed to inspiring good governance within the game and has joined forces with The British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association (BIGGA), The Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA), The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), The R&A, England Golf and Wales Golf to provide this invaluable resource for all clubs to consider. 

By co-ordinating a unified approach to good governance and setting this out in an easy-to-read format in the second edition of the guide, clubs the length and breadth of the country will now benefit from a strong template which can either be adopted or adapted to meet needs of individual organisations. For more details, read the full article here

The final match in the Glasgow A team calendar was played against Renfrewshire yesterday at Ranfurly Castle. Up against a strong Renfrewshire team who are currently league leaders, the boys slipped to a 5-3 defeat. That brings the team's record this year to two wins and 3 defeats and a placing of fifth on the West of Scotland league table. Thanks to Team Manager Stephen Machin for looking after the team again this year, and also to President Sandy Anderson for standing in on Stephen's absence. 
View all the scores and current league table placings here

Congratulations to Dumbartonshire on winning the West of Scotland Youths league. The team completed their fixtures yesterday with a 6-2 win over the Glasgow youths to give them a perfect 5 out of 5 wins. Although disappointed to loose the final match, Glasgow Team manager Gordon Jamison commented the unbeaten champions deserved their league win. With the final match, that completes this season's Youth matches. Thanks again to Gordon for looking after the team this year and to all the players who took part in the matches.
View all the scores and final league table placings here

The Glasgow Golf Union Handicap Trophy competition was held at Cathcart Castle Golf Club on Sunday 13th October. A total of 7 teams entered for the event, the last in this year's fixture list. The winners were the Bishopbriggs team of Ian McCulloch, David Sandhu and M Kenny with a total of 71 points. Second were the host club team of Cathcart Castle represented by Donald Sinclair, John Orr, and Colin Currie, also on 71 points. In third place came the Cathkin Braes team of Andrew Moore, Allan Sutherland and David Drain with 69 points. Many thanks all the players and officials who supported the competition, and also to our hosts Cathcart Castle for hosting the event. We hope to have a photo of the winning team with the trophy shortly. The full results table can be viewed here

The GGU Champion of Champions final was played at Glasgow Golf Club on Sunday 13th October. Contesting the final were Andy Fairbairn (Cawder) v Gordon Sangster (Cathkin Braes)

A good quality final with the winner being level par after 17 holes, resulted in Andy Fairbairn of Cawder defeating Gordon Sangster of Cathkin Braes by 2/1. Good golf was played in by both competitors in this close fought match which was completed in 2 hours 30 minutes from tee off.
Both players should be commended for the quality of golf and sportsmanship displayed during the match.
On completion the trophy and vouchers were presented by GGU President Sandy Anderson to both finalists. Photos below - click to zoom

The Seniors Inter Area Team Championships were held at Stirling Golf Club on 26th September. A total of 12 area teams entered the event. In first place were the Lothians team on a total of 363 points. Second place went to the Glasgow team who scored 369 points. Representing Glasgow, the 6 man team were - Stephen Machin, John Lawrie and John MacDonald from Cowglen, Graham Belch and Tommy Thomson from Haggs Castle, and Drew Waddell from the Glasgow club. All the scores including team and individual returns may be viewed here

After a successful series of workshops in 2018, Scottish Golf is pleased to confirm new dates for Box of Tricks workshops available to all affiliated golf clubs in Scotland. Developed by The Golf Foundation, the Box of Tricks outlines more than 40 practical ‘eureka moments’ in junior golf development, including fun game formats, inventive practice methods and ways to build course confidence, all within four categories of skill, play, social and marketing.

Scottish Golf is pleased to confirm a new list of free-to-attend Box of Tricks regional workshops across the country for 2019. They invite clubs to rate their current efforts – using golf scoring, of course – before breaking into workshops to devise future plans for their own club, inspired by the 40+ Box of Tricks ideas across the four categories. The first workshop will take place at The Crichton Golf Club on Tuesday 15 October with further sessions scheduled to take place at venues across Scotland. For more information click here