Torrance House juniors make history with the Lanarkshire County Team title

September 2009

For the first time in its history Torrance House Junior Golf Academy’s boys team won the Lanarkshire County Team Championship at Kirkhill Golf Club.

The team won their semi final against a strong team from Mount Ellen GC 3∏ to 2∏. The match was a hard fought affair with notable performances from three Torrance House boys who all clawed back from what looked like inevitable defeats to gain a half point each. The victory was sealed by good wins from Chris Wright and Jack Thomson to take them through to the final

The final was a comfortable win for Torrance House against a formidable team from Colville Park GC, but it could have been very different.

“Our first boy and Captain of the team, Alan Welsh, led the way with an inspired victory against his doubles partner from the Lanarkshire Junior Boy’s Team,” said Academy Head Coach and Junior Convener, Ian Welsh.

“Getting off to bad start and being 3 down at one stage, Alan played some delightful golf on the back 9 to win his match 2&1.

“Ross Gillan also struggled at the start and turned his match around from being 3 down to gain a valuable half point.

“Blair MacDonald, playing some of the best golf of the day, won easily 4&3. It was an almost flawless performance from Sean Paul Gallagher who won comfortably 6&4.

“Chris Wright fought back from a tired start to win 4&3, giving him the only 100% record on the day.

“And last and by no means least Jack Thomson who, after a recent dip in form, came good on the day and played steady throughout, halving his match in the afternoon.  He also hit 2 of the best shots of the day at the 11th and 12th holes.”

 “The boys played fantastic golf all day, having prepared well and being totally committed all year.

“This has been a superb year for Torrance House junior golf with some great performances culminating in today’s great victory. 

Torrance House was one of the first clubs in Scotland to offer a clubgolf programme.  clubgolf is a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union (SGU), the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association (SLGA), the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA), the Golf Foundation and sportscotland launched after Scotland’s successful bid to host the 2014 Ryder Cup.

Of the eight boy in the Torrance House team, four completed clubgolf Stage 3 programme in 2008 with PGA Pro, Ricky Gray.  The other four are on the current Stage 3 course with PGA Pro, John Mulgrew.

“The clubgolf program has been a revelation for our juniors, adding structure and positive goals,” said Ian Welsh.

“I would like to thank our coaches and administrators for their tireless efforts over the past five years. When you see what we have achieved in that short space of time it takes your breath away. It proves that the hard work by our numerous coaches and administrators is paying off.
“I would like to thank Colin Girvan, our Golf Development Officer, who has been 100% supportive throughout our journey. He has given his time freely, advice when required and backed us all the way. We would not be the success we are without him.

“With the structure we have in place hopefully Torrance House Junior Golf Academy will be a breeding ground for successful golfers for years to come.”

Results

Semi Final
Alan Welsh halved, Ross Gillan halved, Blair MacDonald halved, Sean Paul Gallagher lost 2 down, Chris Wright won 7&5, Jack Thomson won 5&3.
Semi Final Result 3∏ points to 2∏ points.

Final
Alan Welsh won 2&1, Ross Gillan halved, Blair MacDonald won 4&3, Sean Paul Gallagher won 6&4, Chris Wright won 4&3, Jack Thomson halved.
Final Result 5 points to 1 point.