Renton Laidlaw – A Celebration of his Life (April 25th)
It was a sunny afternoon and a full Holy Trinity Church in St. Andrews for the celebration of the life of Renton Laidlaw on Monday 25th April.
The AGWs former President, Chairman and Secretary passed away last October but given the then pandemic lockdown measures it was not possible for more than just a handful to attend the funeral.
Through the superb efforts of Mitchell Platts, and working with Renton’s sister, Jennifer, it was a wonderful celebration of Renton’s life.
Speakers included former European Tour CEO Ken Schofield, AGW President Lewine Mair, former Sports Editor Tom Clarke of the London Evening Standard, IMGs Ross Hallett and Alistair Low, a former Captain at the R & A and past Chairman of Scottish Golf.
The R & As past Executive Director of Business Affairs, Mike Tate played a video of Renton’s last interview in June last year. The video shows Renton explaining how he got into golf writing while there’s a hilarious revelation from Renton of the mix-up with award winners for the AGW Golf Writers Trophy just hours ahead of the 1989 AGW annual dinner at Royal Troon.
To view Renton’s four-minute tale of the AGW dinner mix-up click on the following: https://twitter.com/AGWgolfwriters/status/1518650787030835201
Others in attendance included former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher, and one of Renton’s closest friends, along with past R&A CEO Peter Dawson, former European Tour CEO George O’Grady, Golf Channel colleague and friend, Ken Brown, and one of Renton’s and Jennifer’s dearest friends in Kathie Shearer, who had travelled from Australia to be present.
It was also wonderful to see a big gathering of AGW members led by Lewine along with the present Chairman and lso many former Chairman. Members also travelling from Ireland and Spain to be in attendance.
You can view the full 70-odd minute celebration by clicking on this link & then going right to the bottom of the page: https://www.funeralstreamingscotland.co.uk/henrylaidlaw
And also, by clicking on https://we.tl/t-miKlr1YgKy However, if you have any difficulty in logging-in you will also find the video on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On4If5_lCp4
The church service was followed by a gathering in the Old Course hotel where many more guests paid tribute to Renton, and with a past AGW Chairman hosting a tribute session with present Chairman Martin Dempster and another past Chairman in Derek Lawrenson.
The report plus a large selection of photographs from the gathering at the Old Course Hotel, and with thanks again to Dave Cannon, can be found on the AGWs website by clicking on: https://www.agwgolf.org/4223-2/
AGW GOLF – DATES FOR YOUR 2022 AGW DIARY
Tuesday May 3rd – Michael Williams Hogget – 2.30pm PGA Course at The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, England.
There may be a space left tee-up in the AGWs outing tomorrow the famed Belfry Club, and on the PGA course with the Brabazon hosting the Betfred British Masters.
The AGW is taking to the PGA course with the first tee-time at 2.30pm.
If you wish to play, you will need to email AGW Golf Captain Peter Dixon asap at email hidden; JavaScript is required or phone +44 (0) 7770 536094
Defending champion – Colin Harding
Tuesday June 7th – AGW – v- Golf Foundation – Berkshire (TBC)
The AGW has been extended an invitation to put together an eight-person team to compete against the Golf Foundation on Tuesday 7th June and more than likely teeing-up at the Berkshire Club.
And in seeking those who wish to compete, the AGW is also looking for our women members to come forward and help their male colleagues win back the Chesterfield Trophy that was first contested in 1987.
AGW Captain Peter Dixon is now taking names and says it will be a first come, first served who gets to pull on the AGW colours. Don’t delay & email Peter – email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required
Wednesday July 13th – Renton Laidlaw Quaich – 4.15pm – Crail (Balcomie Course), Fife, Scotland (10 mins from St. Andrews)
Here is the opportunity, particularly for our overseas members attending the 150th Open, to tee-up at golf’s seventh oldest club on the eve of The Open. The long daylight hours in July will allow members to be probably still wearing sun-glasses when they finish.
Avoid disappointment for this date by booking your tee time NOW with AGW Golf Captain Peter Dixon.
And a reminder for all those looking to play golf in the St. Andrews region during Open week as you may find it extremely difficult. Crail is not up there with next door neighbour Kingsbarns Links in terms of overseas bookings, but it recently advised members that the club is longer taking guest bookings prior to 4pm until April, 2023. Such has been the influx of overseas golfers, and particularly Americans, with the lifting of travel restrictions.
Defending champion – Malcolm Campbell
Monday 26th September – Ron Moseley Memorial Trophy – 1pm – Wallasey GC, Wallasey, England. (20 minutes from Royal Liverpool)
With special thanks to Derek Lawrenson the AGW is very happy to confirm Wallasey GC, and the ‘Home of Stableford’, for the hosting of the Ron Moseley Trophy at 1pm on Monday 26th September.
Looking at the 2022 AGW handbook it will a first for the AGW in teeing-up where Stableford competition, and named after Dr. Frank Barney Gorton Stableford, was first played in 1932.
And for those who have previously visited the club will agree, a trip to Wallasey is very special if only to admire the tributes to Dr. Stableford in the clubhouse.
Defending champion – Dick Turner
Tuesday 27th September, – AGW Championship (Fred Pignon Trophy) – 11.30am at Royal Liverpool Golf Club
Royal Liverpool GC, and host venue for the 2023 Open, has kindly agreed to also host the AGW for a fifth straight year for the 2022 AGW Championship and the Fred Pignon Trophy.
We will be a month earlier this year and with conditions certain to be a little warmer and the sunlight hours a little longer.
Defending champion – Mike Aitken
And the final golf outing of the 2022 season will see the crowning of the 2022 ETIQUS – AGW Golfer of the year.
Defending champions – Peter Dixon & Rob Perkins
AGW GOLF – OPENING EVENT 2022 SEASON
2022 R & A SALVER – Ed Hodge wins on AGW at Home of Golf
Deputy AGW Golf Captain Rob Perkins was at the Home of Golf on Tuesday 26th April and reports on AGW colleague Ed Hodge making his AGW golfing debut with a two-point victory in the R & A – the opening event of the 2022 ETIQUS – Race to Hoylake – AGW Golfer of the Year.
Sixteen AGW members, including Alex Miceli jetting-in from the US plus Irish colleagues, Greg Allen, Denis Kirwin, teed-up on the Old Course as part of the R&As 150th Open Championship media facilitation day.
Read Rob’s report and view more snaps by going to the AGW website – https://www.agwgolf.org/hodge-storms-to-victory-on-agw-debut-at-st-andrews/
Also, if you go to the end of the report, you will see the opening round standings in the quest to be crowned 2022 ETIQUS – Race To Hoylake – AGW Golfer of the Year.
Thanks so much to Rob for helping out with the reports and scores.
LEGENDS TOUR – LINK TO NEW DATABASE
The Legends Tour (former European Seniors Tour) now has a separate database which has all the latest news golf’s European over-50s circuit featuring tournament reports, press releases and media advisories.
Previously, news was sent from the European Tour’s press database but now there is a dedicated Legends Tour database.
If you wish to have you name added in receiving Legends Tour news click here to sign-up to the press database.
Lewis Cockburn is the Press Officer for the Legends Tour and can be reached at phone – +44 (0) 7716782709 & email email hidden; JavaScript is required
MEDIA OUTINGS & TOURNAMENT DEADLINES
LIV GOLF – Media accreditation details
The opening event of the LIV golf series is taking place at the Centurion Golf Club in London from June 9th to 11th.
Those seeking media accreditation should contact the following: Maureen Radzavicz at email hidden; JavaScript is required
Maureen is Director of Tournament Media Operations, having previously worked for the PGA Tour, and more-recently handling media arrangements on the Champions Tour.
I understand there is also a media outing at the club on 10th May but then those interested should check this with Maureen.
JP McManus Pro-Am – July 4th & 5th Adare Manor
Organisers of the JP McManus Pro-Am on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th July are taking applications for media accreditation.
You can register by going to the following website – https://www.jpmcmanusproam.com/media-registration/
Details of those teeing-up you can confirm by going to this website –
https://www.jpmcmanusproam.com/2022-players/
Closing date for media applications is Friday 3rd June.
If you require further information, get in contact with Diana McCabe, MD, DMC Communications email hidden; JavaScript is required or Colm Coakley Senior Account Manager DMC Communications: +353 85 1857910 email hidden; JavaScript is required
150th Open Championship – July 14th to 17th
The R & A is calling for applications for accreditation to the 150th Open Championship.
If you have not received an application, email the R & A at email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required
AGW ANNUAL DINNER – Tuesday 12th July, Links Pavilion, Old Course, St. Andrews
Invitations will be dispatched to members at the end of May/early June for the AGW’s annual dinner and with Cationa Mattew to be present to accept the AGW Golf Writers Trophy on behalf of her victorious 2020 European Solheim Cup team.
This will be the first AGW dinner since 2019, and given the interest in the dinner already from our sponsors and many leading golf bodies, it seems almost certain there will be no concern in reaching a limit of around 250 being in attendance.
INAUGURAL JOCK MACVICAR DOYEN SHIELD – April 23rd – Dunaverty GC
Our chairman Martin Dempster along with AGW member Nick Rodger were in attendance as guests of the Dunaverty GC for the inaugural staging of the Jock MacVicar – Doyen Open Shield on Saturday 23rd April.
Jock was a long-standing member of the club located well down near the Mull of Kintyre, and would always speak fondly of his time spent residing in the quietness and beauty of the region.
Martin posted the following tweet with wife Carol and Nick on the tee at Dunaverty.
STANLEY ELLISON – Passed away
In speaking of the passing of Jock, our handbook and diary co-ordinator Robin Barwick was returned a 2022 handbook he’d sent to Stanley Ellison who lived at Sunbury-on-Thames.
It seems from the note attached to the returned handbook it may have been written by his wife in advising Stanley passed away in 2014.
Of course, it’s somewhat disappointing to learn eight-years on Stanley has died. The AGW called the phone number in the handbook but the number was not connecting.
Did any member know Stanley? Do we know where he worked? He joined the Association in 1977
CONDOLENCES & WELL WISHES
Members will be aware AGW member Isabel Trillo recently losT her mother while we learned Martin Dempster’s wife, Carol also experienced the sadness in losing her father.
The AGW also expressed our condolences to our US-based member and good friend Mark Lampert-Stokes wife tragically passed away.
As we do at the Association, the AGW reached out to Isabel, Carol and Mark expressing our condolences with a small token of our sympathy.
On that theme, the following note was received by Mark, and I am sure he will not mind me sharing with the members.
It is late evening here in St. Augustine where I have just returned home after a brief trip to upstate New York and I discovered that a box had been delivered today containing a lovely selection of cheeses, sausages, roasted salted mixed nuts, walnut crisps and sweet hot mustard from Hickory Farms.
I greatly appreciate this very kind gesture made by all my friends and colleagues at the Association of Golf Writers. Thank you so much to each and every one of you. I deeply appreciate all your good wishes and sympathies.
All the very best,
Mark
You can email Mark at email hidden; JavaScript is required
Also, the AGWs sincerest best wishes to Dave Edward’s wife, Yvonne who is currently undergoing hospital treatment and chemotherapy. Members had the pleasure of meeting Yvonne last year at Hoylake.
PAUL MAHONEY SINGING FOR PROSTATE CANCER
Here’s the chance to listen the glorious tones of AGW member Paul Mahoney singing this Saturday to help raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.
Paul is singing in a male voice choir featuring 40 novices who have been learning eight songs in nine weeks, and led by Peterborough Male Voice Choir and culminating in a concert at Peterborough Cathedral on Saturday May 7th.
You’ve all heard Paul’s glorious singing voice and here’s the chance to donate a few quid for a good cause, and maybe also get along to evening to cheer on the choir, ahaed of raising a few glasses afterwards at a nearby local.
You can donate to my JustGiving page by clicking here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mahoneypage?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=mahoneypage&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=6e59c0317589461787015b3454731738.
Paul points out by donating through JustGiving it’s simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to PROSTATE CANCER UK, so it’s the most efficient way to give – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Paul also sends his thanks to all his friends at the AGW for their support and hopes to see as many as possible making it to the outing this Saturday.
JOHN BOWLES .. Fishing for Rainbow Trout
I was in contact with John Bowles recently and he asked to pass on his best wishes to all AGW members. Many of our more senior members know John well, and with John for many, many years handling the AGWs trophy and engraving needs.
As you may know, John is now dealing with a newer and the toughest challenge in his life, but it hasn’t stopped him taking-up fly fishing close to his residence.
He sent me a couple of videos and a shot of some Rainbow Trout he caught recently.
CHANGE OF CONTACT DETAILS
Finally, if members could note a new contact email address for our Chairman Martin Dempster as follows – email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required
Please, in signing off forward any news and/or photographs from special anniversaries, celebrations that you are happy to share with your fellow members, as I am only too happy to include in the AGW newsletters.
Regards and thanks to everyone for your continuing support.
Secretary.
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