IS COLIN FARQUHARSON TOO CRITICAL OF SCOTTISH WOMEN'S AND GIRLS' GOLF?

E-MAIL from CECILIA KENNY

Having experienced the 'Scottish golf scene' at all levels over many years, I have to write in support of Graham Dallas' E-mail (Kirkwoodgolf, October 10).

There is no doubt in my mind that some reporting of Scottish ladies golf, at both amateur and professional level, has been unfair and negative. 

This type of reporting can only have a detrimental effect on the promotion of our sport, and more importantly, possibly discourage the input of monies and other much needed resources.

Balanced reporting is essential. There is so much more to celebrate and emphasis should be on this. To represent your country is a dream that comes true for only a few. The commitment and hard work given to ladies' golf by volunteers, players, coaches etc., deserves our highest praise! 

Our best efforts are not always rewarded with trophies!

Cecilia Kenny
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E-MAIL from IAIN TAYLOR

Just been reading the Kirkwoodgolf debate and I actually side with Colin Farquharson on the state of Scottish women's golf at the moment.

They should be doing a lot better than they are, apart from Carly Booth who has had a breakthrough year on the ladies tour.

What has Scottish women's golf done outside national events? Off the top of my head I cannot think of anything.

I believe the SLGA are to blame for this. I do not think they are doing enough whereas I think Scottish men's and boys' golf, supported by the SGU, is thriving and improving year on year in building success.

For example, Jack McDonald has had a great year, making cut at the Scottish Open and reaching the semi-finals at the British Amateur.

Also Paul Lawrie and Richie Ramsay have won and Stephen Gallacher is very close to winning! 

Paul and Stephen have got their own foundations and as everyone knows Paul has done so much for junior golf in Scotland.  

Maybe the SLGA do not have the funding but I thought maybe the merger between two organisations might split the funding? 

For last few years the SGU squads have gone to warm countries in off season and it seems to be making the Scottish amateurs perform better at the big events.

Maybe this is something the SLGA could think about doing with their elite amateurs.  

It's open to debate and everyone has their opinion and there is no right or wrong opinion, but I still think Scottish women's golf should be doing better internationally as this inspires younger girls to take up game.  

I was two years at Elmwood College doing performance and professional golf and in one of my unit's research, I showed in golf club membership in Scotland that only 1% of them are junior girls, which I believe is a shocking statistic.  

Which might back my theory of elite amateurs doing well in bigger events and inspiring more girls to take up the sport, as scottish womens golf has not had a lot of success for a while.

Iain Taylor