ELLON GIRLS' GOLF STALWART ETHEL DAVIDSON DIES

Ethel Davidson, junior girls’ convener at McDonald Ellon Golf Club for many years, died on Thursday night. She had been ill for some time.

She did much to bring on young girl golfers in Ellon over the years, including Michele Thomson who became Scottish women’s champion and a Curtis Cup player in 2008.

“Very sad to hear the news. Ethel was a lovely lady who did so much for girls' golf in Ellon,” said Willie MacCallum whose two daughters were among those who benefited from her help in their early golfing years.

Michele Thomson's father Graham told Kirkwoodgolf"Michele asked me to send you a short note passing on her comments re the sad passing of Ethel. Michele has taken the news really hard.
"Ethel played a very important role during Michele's junior career but she continued to support her through her amateur and professional career, always sending notes and text messages whenever and wherever Michele was playing.
"Michele said that Ellon Golf Club had lost a true star of junior and ladies golf. Over the past year or so Ethel has been missed by her friends both on and off the golf course. We feared this day would come and we are all so sad that we have lost a dear friend and mentor.
"God bless you Ethel."
Michel Thomson herself later told Kirkwoodgolf:
"If it wasnt for Ethel's incredible commitment to junior girls golf I wouldnt be where I am today. She was an incredible lady and dedicated practically all of her time into the developement of all the girls.
"Ethel was my biggest supporter and i am devestated by the news, but i have many fond memories and will be forever grateful."
Tribute from Brian Borwick, whose daughter Olivia plays in Aberdeenshire girls' competitions:

"Ethel was a great advocate of junior golf at Ellon. She encouraged and supported Olivia all the time with regular notes of congratulations of her achievements. She will be missed."

FROM DAVID HEAP, captain of McDonald Ellon Golf Club
McDonald Golf Club, Ellon are sad to announce the passing of one of its most dedicated members, Ethel Davidson.
Ethel was well known for her unreserved help she gave to junior girls of Ellon. Over 20 years ago, Ethel and Jenny Hutchison founded what today is the junior girls section. Via Ethel’s coaching and motivation, two girls went on to represent Scotland , Jillian Pennie and of course Michele Thomson, Curtis Cup player and ladies professional golfer. As Michele said “I would not have made it without Ethel’s help and encouragement”.
 Ethel was Lady Captain at McDonald Golf Club 1987 to 1989 and a long standing committee member. For 17 years she was the Ellon rep for Aberdeenshire Ladies County Golf Assoc and in 2004 she was made an Honorary Life Member of McDonald Golf Club for her dedication to the Juniors Girls and County Golf.
Ethel had played golf for over 40 years and up to three years ago was a regular player in both County and Buchan Seniors, when ill health limited her involvement in the game she loved. She will be sadly missed by all at McDonald Golf Club.