East Lothian Junior Golf League

Supporting junior golf in East Lothian, Scotland

Pinehurst trip 2026!

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Press Release – 25/1/26. On Saturday the 24th January, the next group of 10 East Lothian Juniors going to Pinehurst and their Parents, met the Group Leaders for lunch at the Glen Golf Club. The meal was excellent, and was followed by a presentation about the trip by the League’s Joint Secretary, Dave Warren. Dave welcomed everyone and, assisted by the other Leaders, Chris Barker, Jim Wilkinson, and Sue Warren, Dave explained all the facets of the trip involving flights, baggage, ground transport, accommodation, finance, meals, equipment etc. Dave then covered the golfing aspects of the visit to the USA’s “Home of Golf” where, between Feb 14 and Feb 20th the 10 Boys will play 7 rounds of golf on top class golf courses. There will be 2 days of open competition with Juniors from all over North Carolina in the “Winternationals,” over the course at Longleaf, which is the HQ of US Kids Golf. Then there will be three days of golf over 3 courses, Mid Pines, Pine Needles, and Southern Pines. These are all famous courses, designed by Scots legend Donald Ross. Pine Needles is the only course to have hosted 4 US Womens’ Opens, all won by very famous golfers, and most recently by Minjee Lee. There will be a match versus the local High School over Pinehurst No. 4, a recent venue of the US Mens’ Amateur Championship. The Teams will play for the Duncan McLean Quaich, in memory of a former Gullane and League Junior who tragically died in his early twenties. Duncan had once visited Pinehurst to compete in the US Kids World Championships. And lastly, we will all be hosted at Forest Creek a very exclusive Club, on their fine North Course. This will be followed by a closing dinner for our group, courtesy of all the friends of the League in Pinehurst, four of whom are Members of either North Berwick or Tantallon Golf Clubs. Invitations to Juniors are issued based on age, participation in League events, and on ability, as these courses are tough! The 10 Boys invited on this trip, with the Clubs they play for in the East Lothian League, are Ben Harley, Seb Harvey, and Oscar Wilkinson, all North Berwick West Links Juniors, Finlay Perry and Cameron Brown, both Kilspindie, Jamie Sievwright and Daniel Hogg, both Gullane, Max Elgin of Musselburgh, and Shane Hay of Dunbar. Usually there are 4 Girls invited on each trip, but sadly, there are not many Girls currently old enough to go on this trip, but there will be opportunities for them on future trips. Dave and Sue issued Team Golf Bags, Team Kit, after which some photos were taken. Sadly, Shane Hay was on holiday and is not in the attached photo. The 9 Players, L-R back row, are:- Jamie Sievwright, Max Elgin, Ben Harley, Daniel Hogg, Oscar Wilkinson, Cameron Brown, and Finlay Perry. Front row L-R, Ewan Stone and Seb Harvey.  Another golfing “trip of a lifetime” awaits the current group. This takes the total number of Boys and Girls whom the League has taken to Pinehurst since 2018, to 106. Thanks are due to our many generous sponsors for funding the League, from which funds the League provides substantial subsidies for the Juniors going on these trips. Dave Warren.

Pinehurst trip Feb 2026

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It is not long now till some of our League Players leave on our annual trip to Pinehurst on February the 13th 2026. The group will be led by Chris Barker and Jim Wilkinson. Sadly, there are not enough Girls in the right age group to be considered this time. However, their opportunity will surely come round in due course. The 10 Boys going this year, and their affiliated Clubs are:- Dunbar – Shane Hay, Gullane – Jamie Sievwright, Daniel Hogg, Kilspindie – Finlay Perry, Cameron Brown, Musselburgh – Max Elgin, Royal Musselburgh Ewan Stone, West Links – Seb Harvey, Ben Harley and Oscar Wilkinson. They will be met at Raleigh Durham Airport by League Secretary Dave Warren and his wife Sue. This trip is slightly shorter than previous trips and will incorporate 7 rounds of Golf,  2 at Longleaf, and 1 each at Mid Pines, Pine Needles, Southern Pines, a match vs. the local High School on Pinehurst No.4 or No. 8, and the final round will be at Forest Creek North, followed by a dinner on our last evening there, hosted by all the friends of the League in Pinehurst. There will also be visits to the Cradle short course, the USGA Golf Hall of Fame etc etc. The photo is of the house where the group will be staying and it is a few yards from the centre of the village of Pinehurst, North Carolina.

 

Goodbye to 50Juniors in 2025!

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The Secretary sent this note below to the 50 Golfers who will now be too old to compete as Juniors in 2026! It was copied to Parents and there have been some very nice responses from them, attached below, stating the effect the League has had on their sons and daughters.   

Dear Players, the time is near when you are leaving Junior Golf and your time competing in ELJGL events is over! On behalf of the League and all the volunteer Junior Convenors and Helpers at our Member Clubs, I would like to thank all of you for your commitment to the League, and I hope you enjoyed competing in it. We wish you well in your further education and careers, and hope that you continue to improve your golf and become regular players in your Club Competitions, in Inter-Club matches, and compete in County and National events. Many of our recent Juniors are attending University or Colleges in the USA or in the UK. Good luck if you are planning a similar future.    

I keep a record of attendances at League events and I mention below a few of those who are leaving the League. The most frequent participant was Harris Munro, with 55 appearances, followed by Jamie Barker and Rory Leishman 49, Ryan Pirie 45, Angus Waddell 39, Rory Leitch 38, Scott Porteous 37, James Hamilton 35, Harry O’Connor 31, Robbie Landles, Riley Porterfield, Rory McArdle and Ellie Bent on 30, Murray Bowsher 26, Liam Graham 21, Ava Paterson and Jamie McLaren 19, Kai Lang 18, Rory Burns and Josh Murray 16. All 20 of these Players, and some others, took part in one of our annual trips to Pinehurst. Hopefully, you all made long-term friends in our events and on our trips, and will remain so. Brodie Cunningham also made 31 appearances, but as he excelled at National level as a Junior, he was unable to continue in the League. Brodie is now off +3.8 and we will follow his career in golf in future. Good luck Brodie!

Jack Collingswood’s record of 81 appearances can still be beaten by a few of the really young Players who, like Jack, started early with their participation in the League. Contenders include Hudson Blair 39, Rory Papakyriakou 35, but my bet would be on Harvey Blair, still age 12, with 36 appearances from 2022 to date! 

Regards to all of you, and to all the patient Parents who financed and encouraged you, and drove you to and from our events! Dave Warren. 

P.S. Keep an eye on our website to stay aware of what we do in the League – still one of the best in Scotland – thanks to you. There is a “Roll of Honour” there, where, if you won any of our trophies, your name is there for posterity!

1 “Lovely to hear from you Dave and again thank you so much for everything you do for EL juniors.”

2 “You have been a very large part of my boys childhood and I know they will look back on their participation in the ELJGL events with a lot of affection. I know probably more than most the effort and energy you have put into running the league and the Pinehurst trips. Those trips to North Carolina will undoubtedly be a memory for the children that will last their lifetimes and something you should take so much pride and satisfaction from.”

3 “XXX would like to thank you and the entire ELJGL team for providing so many wonderful opportunities to play at amazing golf courses. These experiences have helped him improve his game and build many lasting friendships. A special thank you for giving him the opportunity to visit Pinehurst, it’s a memory he will cherish forever. What ELJGL does for all the juniors is truly remarkable. Lovely note Dave thank you.”

4 Sort of sad this is all over! We are so grateful for everything you have done.

SJTC 2025 – Results!

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Apologies, this post about the results of the SJTC on Sunday the 28th September has been delayed. But the following message was sent out later on the day of the event to all the participating Team Convenors. The individual scores were posted to WHS on the day of the event so Players’ handicaps were updated. The full prize list can be seen below. 

“Dear Convenors and others, thanks to you and all your Juniors for making the journey to compete in the 2025 SJTC.  It was great to meet you all and see your young Golfers enjoy their experience over the famous links of North Berwick.”

I attach the final Team results on Golf Genius here at this link. Click on the Team names and you can see how the Team scores were tallied. The individual Boys’ and Girls’ leading scratch and net scores can also be seen there. Well done to all the Teams and Individual winners who have been awarded prizes. Some Teams had to leave early so prizes not awarded on the day, have been delivered in person to local Clubs, or sent out by post to those further afield. Regards all, Dave Warren, SJTC Tournament Organiser.

The winning Team were Drumpellier, pictured below with the trophy. L-R Mason Angus, Declan Slavin, Carrick Watson, Matthew O’Neill, Dave Warren (ELJGL Secretary) Alexander Watson, and Kenny McLean (Junior Convenor, Drumpellier.) The individual scores were excellent with 3 scores exceeding 40 points.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo of the 3 All-Girls Team who participated from West of Scotland, East of Scotland, and Angus. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for all the positive feedback, which I copy below.

FEEDBACK – Many thanks for everything on Sunday! All our girls enjoyed their day!! Well done to you and all your team for an extremely well organised tournament. Amazing to see so many talented young players from all over Scotland. East of Scotland Girls.

Thanks for all your hard work David. The Borders team really enjoyed coming up  and playing such a great course and I have to say the event was very well run and organised. Borders. 

Many thanks for yesterday, the organisation was first class as always and the course was a fantastic experience for our boys who really enjoyed the day. Dumbartonshire

Really wonderful to see the young players-that is exactly what we set out at the Glen 12 years ago and you and your small team have given your all in taking this from strength to strength.—great work. Ian Howarth. Donor of the Trophy. 

I would just like to thank you and all involved, for having us. Our Juniors really enjoyed the competition and playing North Berwick golf course, great course! Superb job.You are doing thanks so much. Portlethen

Thank you for organising this amazing day. The Juniors loved it. Your hard work and efforts are thoroughly appreciated. Barassie. 

On behalf of the Boys and myself, just a quick thanks for yesterday. The Course was superb, made all the better by the weather, and the competition was so well organised. Thanks again. Great to meet you earlier and thanks for bringing the prizes from the weekend in for the team. Turnhouse.

Thank you for organising. The girls had a great day and the course was fantastic. Angus Girls.

Thanks to you and your team for organising today. Strathmore juniors loved the course and the condition it was in. Please pass on our comments to the North Berwick Golf Club and their green staff. We will certainly be desperate to win our League next season and make next years event.  Strathmore

Once again thank you for the invite and also your time and effort organising a wonderful event. Lenzie

 

Dunbar visit

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The League Secretary had a very enjoyable round at Dunbar recently with 2 local Junior members Noah Craigie (L) and Aidan Byars (R) in the attached photo. ( I think I am shrinking!) We enjoyed spectacular weather for mid-October! During the round, I explained some of the Rules of Golf to both Boys and gave them practical examples of common Rules situations. Thank you to Cameron Byrne and all at Dunbar Golf Club for giving me the chance to play their wonderful course, with Junior Members, both of whom in future, I think, will certainly be very good Players. I can report that construction of the new Clubhouse at Dunbar is well underway. Dave Warren, Secretary, East Lothian Junior Golf League.

Cameron Adam now on the DP World Tour!

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I am sure everyone connected with Scottish Junior Golf will welcome the news that Cameron Adam, who recently played for GB&I in the Walker Cup at Cypress Point, has been granted immediate status as a Professional Golfer on the DP World Tour! Cameron, a member at Royal Burgess, was a key Player for the East Lothian and Edinburgh Junior Golf Leagues when he played in the Tom Watson Cup versus the South Carolina Juniors in 2022. He then went on to win the Scottish Amateur Championship at Royal Dornoch and Tain, shooting course records of 63 on both courses. I then had the pleasure, two years ago, of playing with Cameron at North Berwick before he returned to Northwestern University in Chicago. I can report that Cameron went round North Berwick in 64, off the back tees, with me as his partner, receiving 12 shots! I still cannot believe that we lost the match! Clearly, this was Cameron’s fault for not playing well enough! The 2nd photo below shows our fourball which included my friend Kerr Docherty, and Bryan Lewis, on the right. The network of Golf is wide ranging,  and Bryan recently met Cameron at the Walker Cup, as Bryan is now the Chair of the USGA Rules Committee! We wish Cameron all the best of luck on his debut as a Professional. 

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ELJGL Team Strokeplay 2025 – Results

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Many thanks to Winterfield GC for hosting this event at a Club which formerly had a Junior Team in our League. Hopes are high that they may return to the League soon, as they were able to nominate a Team of 4 for this event. Thanks to all the Winterfield Club Management, Greens Staff, Professionals, and Catering Staff for making us welcome. The weather was a bit unkind, but the good scoring was evidence that the course was in good condition. Thanks as usual to Chris Barker who braved the cold to be our Starter. The scoring and leaderboards can be see on the Golf Genius App using this code – PCYBGQ. The trophy is shared for 6 months each between the Teams with the best 3 out of 4 Scratch scores, and the best 3 out of 4 Net Scores. West Links Juniors romped home in the scratch event with a total of 14 over par, with scratch scores of 69, 70, 70 and 70! (Par was 65) Jack Rutherford scored the 69, so Jack also won the best individual scratch score prize. In the Net section, Gullane Juniors won with a total of 3 under par with net scores of 62, 64, 66 and a non counting 68. Rory McCrossan scored the 62 so Rory won the the prize for the best net score. Other prizes went to other Players and can be seen below this photograph. Any vouchers which were not issued to winners etc on the day, will be delivered to the Pro Shops of the Players’ Home Clubs. That concludes the 2025 season, other than the County Cup event which will continue to be played over the winter. 

Dave presented the trophy jointly to (L) Jack Rutherford of West Links, and to Freddie Bradley of Gullane (R) whose Teams will share the trophy for 6 months.  Well done to everyone! 

 

Engraved trophies delivered!

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All the trophies from the 2025 Championships, the Orders of Merit, and the League Trophy have been engraved and have been delivered to the homes of the Players concerned, or to the Pro Shops at their Clubs.  Well done again if you were a winner this year! I have polished them up for you, and would like them returned next year in similar condition.

Cheers, Dave Warren. 16/9/25

ELJGL Girls & U18/U16 Boys Championships 2025

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Due to Storm Floris, all our 2025 Championships, due to be played at Royal Musselburgh, were postponed. Fortunately, due to the flexibility of Royal Musselburgh, and with cooperation from our Member Clubs at Gifford and The Glen, we were able to hold all of our Championships in conjunction with the Match Days being held at those other 2 venues. 

The results from the U18/U16 Boys, and from the Girls Championships, can be seen on the attached spreadsheet. Arrangements will be made to deliver the prizes and vouchers all the winners if not already issued. All trophies to be awarded are being delivered to the engravers asap!

Dave Warren 07595 301425

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