***** HAPPY NEW YEAR !!! *****

With many thanks to all our readers in Ayrshire and beyond who have supported this site throughout 2009, taking the number of visits from 30,000 in 2008 to over 46,000 in 2009.

Looking forward to 2010 we intend making even more Ayrshire Golf related items available through the web page, including entry forms and posters for all The Association's competitions.

Wishing all our readers a happy and healthy 2010 with hopefully some good golf included at least sometime during the season.

42nd AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE AGM - new Secretary and Chairman elected

The 42nd Annual General Meeting of The Ayrshire Junior Golf League was held at Caprington Golf Club on Tuesday 1st December 2009.

Barry Somerville, who held the post of Secretary for the last four years stod down, with Billy Tait (Annanhill) being elected to the post. Barry remains involved however, taking on the supporting role of Assistant Secretary.

The new Chairman for 2010 will be John Nordbo (Largs) - pictured right - who takes over from iain McKay (West Kilbride) who stood down at the meeting.

John Nordbo will also retain Match Secretary responsibilities whilst Iain McKay will take on the role of AJGL representative on the Ayrshire Golf Association Executive.

It was agreed that the supscription and raffle levy remain the same as 2009.

A number of rules alterations were made to deal with various aspects of the AJGL competitions, including the play off proceedure in the under 16 Knockout Competition, clarification of the role of the Convenor and proceedures should a club fail to complete ther fixtures.

The 2010 AJGL finals will be held at Largs Golf Club on Sunday 19th and 26th September 2010 whilst the Convenors Outing will be held at the same venue on Sunday 16th May.

JUNIOR CLUB COACHING GRANTS - 2010 Grant Application Forms now available

The Club Coaching Grant scheme which was revised in 2009 has proved to be a worthwhile exercise and consequently the scheme will continue in 2010, under the same format.


Application forms are now available to club convenors to assist in the cost of coaching junior boys within member clubs.

The application forms can be downloaded direct from the link on the left of this site, under the 'Junior' heading.

Clubs are advised to apply for grants at an early stage as available finance will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

2010 AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION ANNUAL DINNER - Tickets now available

Tickets are now available for the 2010 Ayrshire Golf Association Annual Dinner, with posters and a covering letter having been sent to clubs recently.

As well as honouring the 2009 Championship winners, the attendees at the 2010 dinner will be entertained by two excellent speakers.

David Joy from St. Andrews is an author, artist and actor who is known worldwide for his portrayal of Old Tom Morris in stage shows, television commercials and on video/DVD.

Professor David Purdie, who hails from Ayrshire, is a celebrated after dinner speaker who is nationally acclaimed. One of his claims to fame is his contribution as Sam Torrance’s speaking coach prior to his Ryder Cup captaincy, which is acknowledged in Torrance’s autobiography.

Tickets priced £15 are available from The association Secretary and as usual will be sold on a first come first served basis.

THE AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL DINNER
&
PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES
At
IRVINE RAVENSPARK GOLF CLUB

FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2010
6.30 P.M. FOR 7.00 P.M.

SPEAKERS

DAVID JOY
&
PROFESSOR DAVID PURDIE

TICKETS PRICED AT
£15.00 EACH
ARE AVAILABLE FROM
THE AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION SECRETARY

ALASDAIR J. MALCOLM
17 AUCHINCRUIVE AVENUE
PRESTWICK
KA9 2DT
Tel. 01292 477657
Email – ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net

PEANUTS GOLF TENERIFE - Merry Christmas to all

Bill McLellan sends a Merry Xmas to you and yours from all at Peanuts Golf Tenerife.

Bill keeps up to date with Ayrshire Golf News through ayrshiregolf.blogspot.com, throughout the season.

Good to hear that one of our county players, Ian Robertson was in tenerife two weeks ago and we managed a few rounds of golf with Bill.

We are sure that if anyone from our member clubs are in Tenerife then Bill and other members of the Peanuts Golf Society would be happy to hear from them.

Further information on the society can be found via the link on the left of this page.

Best wishes to Bill and the other Peanuts Golf Society members for a happy and succesful 2010.

EUROPEAN SENIORS TOUR - Torrance & Drummond open 2010 bid with top 12 places in Mauritius

Ayrshire born Sam Torrance and Prestwick resident Ross Drummond made a solid start to the 2010 European Seniors Tour this week in the innaugural Mauritius Commercial Bank Open, which heralded the start of the 2010 tour schedule.

In the tournament, won by Englishman Kevin Spurgeon, Torrance finished in third place on 212, four under par, after a closing five under par round of 67.

Drummond was consistent over the three championship rounds, returning 71-72-72 for a one under par total of 215 for a share of 11th spot.

LEADING FINAL SCORES

210 - K. Spurgeon (Eng) 71 67 72
211 - G Brand (Eng) 72 70 69
212 - S Torrance (Sco) 74 71 67, A Franco (Par) 70 72 70
213 - M Cunning (USA) 74 72 67, B Boyd (USA) 73 69 71, D Frost (RSA) 70 70 73, J Bland (RSA) 72 70 71
214 - R Chapman (Eng) 70 73 71, R Willison (Eng) 72 72 70
215 - J Bruner (USA) 75 69 71, R Drummond (Sco) 71 72 72, D Johnson (USA) 68 77 70
216 - D Merriman (Aus) 74 69 73, N Job (Eng) 71 69 76
217 - P Dahlberg (Swe) 71 70 76, G Ralph (Eng) 67 74 76, P Mitchell (Eng) 68 73 76, G Ryall (Eng) 75 74 68

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION EVENTS - Entry forms for three events distributed

Entry forms for three of the major Ayrshire Golf Association events in 2010 will be in the hands of all club Secretaries, by e-mail or post, early in the coming week.

The forms for the Ayrshire Champion Of Champions, Ayrshire Fourball and Ayrshire Summer Scratch League were sent out to clubs over the weekend.

All entries should be in the hands of the AGA Secretary
by 31st January 2010.

matches in all three competitions will take place throughout the summer of 2010 with the winners being decided in the closing weeks of the 2010 golf season.

Any clubs who do not receive a copy of the forms, either by post or e-mail, are asked to contact the AGA Secretary on ayrshiregolf@fsmail. net as soon as appropriate.

AYR DALMILLING - Succesful campaign brings golf development forum for South Ayrshire into focus

Report by Brian Milligan (Ayr Seafield GC)

the successful campaign run by Ayrshire Dalmilling Action Group (ADAG) resulted in South Ayrshire Council taking the rare step of reconsidering its earlier decision to close Dalmilling Golf Course earlier this year.

The ADAG members are Michael Balfour & Tony Crichton (Captain & Vice-Captain of Dalmilling GC), Jackie Ridge & Gillian Henderson (Captain & Vice-Captain of Dalmilling Ladies GC), Stewart Graham & Charles Hamilton (founder members of Dalmilling GC), Brian Dunlop (Dalmilling GC member and former European Tour Caddy), Joan Downs (Dalmilling Ladies GC).

In addition, four others were invited to join ADAG in light of relevant experience: Jack Boyd (retired solicitor & member of Turnberry & Royal Troon), Bruce Collier (retired Director of Trading Standards with Strathclyde Regional Council & South Ayrshire Council), Brian Milligan (retired Revenue Manager with Strathclyde Regional Council & East Ayrshire Council & Secretary of Ayr Seafield) and Billy Frew (Media & PR Consultant & Web Designer & Vice-Captain of Ayr Seafield Golf Club).

In addition to its 'U-Turn' on the Dalmilling closure, the Council has set up a 'Strategic Group - Development of Golf in South Ayrshire' and the first full meeting was on 12 October 2009. Non-Council participants are Tim Morrison (member of Turnberry, Prestwick & the R&A), Hamish Gray (SGU CE), Jack Boyd, Jackie Ridge and myself from ADAG. The group will be expanded to include others in due course.

Brian provided a copy of the full Council report of 7 October 2009 that was endorsed by elected members and ensured the continuation of Dalmilling Golf Course and its constituent members' clubs. The majority of the report's contents were matters submitted by ADAG and a lot of hard work and negotiations went on 'behind the scenes' in order to achieve our outcome.

The full content of the report can be viewed via the link on the left of this page under the "Golf Links" section.

Brian commented

"What we now have is a very positive and pro-active attitude within South Ayrshire Council regarding the future of municipal golf within its boundaries and an excellent working relationship with Harry Garland, the relevant departmental director, and his assistant Roddy MacDonald who authored the report. I should add that neither of these two officials were directly involved in golf administration within the Council when the original report recommending closure was adopted in February 2009".

PLAY FOR YOUR COUNTRY AND SUPPORT JUNIOR GOLF - New event supports Golf Foundation

(Article from The Golf Foundation publication Junior Golf Matters in conjunction with Consierge Golf Ltd)

The Golf Foundation is delighted to welcome Concierge Golf Limited as a Commercial Supporter for 2010.

Concierge Golf are launching The Four Nations Golf Challenge TM, a unique and exciting tournament offering the opportunity to UK golf club members of all standards, to play for their Nation in a Grand Final between teams representing England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

If you possess a CONGU ‘Active” handicap, you can enter to qualify with your golfing partner and in doing so help to support Junior Golf, as the more ‘Pairs’ that enter, the greater the contribution to The Golf Foundation.

Foundation Chief Executive, Mike Round, said:

“The Four Nations Golf Challenge is not only an attractive and stimulating amateur golf tournament but its creators, Concierge Golf, are helping to generate revenue for the Foundation. By supporting this unique event all clubs and members will help to raise much needed funds for ‘Grass Roots’ golf.”

Roger Brady, Director of Concierge Golf Limited, added:

“We are delighted to partner with The Golf Foundation and through our event, The Four Nations Golf Challenge, contribute funds to support their promotion of the sporting and social development of children and young people through golf.

While there are a number of national knock-out competitions for amateur golfers, there are none as far as we are aware, that result in a chance of an ‘International Team’ appearance for club golfers of all standards.

We also believe that club golfers like to participate in such events with their golfing partner and so The Four Nations Golf Challenge will invite competitors to qualify in “Pairs” through a better-ball format.”

For full details and Tournament Registration, go to

http://www.fournationsgolfchallenge.co.uk/

or phone the Tournament Office at 01276 35505.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION YEARBOOK - Potential advertisers sought for 2010 edition

After the successful launch of the official yearbook in 2004 The Ayrshire Golf Association has once again commissioned D & M Journals to produce our 7th edition in 2010.

The Association have been delighted with the quality of the previous six publications and the positive feedback from club members, players and advertisers.

Indeed it is understood that some advertisers have already been asking to be included in the 2010 edition and other companies, having seen the previous booklets, want to get involved for the first time.

As in previous years this publication will be distributed, free of charge, to members and players of the Association, to all 62 Clubs in Ayrshire and Arran, driving Ranges/Golf Academies, Universities and major Amateur golfing events in Scotland.

The Yearbook will contain information on all golf clubs in Ayrshire, results from the 2009 season, with photographs and editorial comment, and fixture information for 2010. The Association are looking to build on the information provided in the first six editions and give an even better overview of our activities.

This would be an excellent medium to promote local and national business and Mr. Des Buckley from D& M Journals will be contacting previous advertisers and potential new advertisers in the near future.

If any local golfers are interested in advertising their company or business in the publication, and supporting the efforts of The Association in producing the yearbook, then contact can be made directly with Des Buckley of D & M Journals who can provide details of advertising costs.

Des Buckley can be contacted on Tel : 0131 477 1026, Mobile 07970 869293 and email dmjournals@aol.com.

Alternatively, further information can be obtained from Area Secretary Alasdair Malcolm on Tel. 01292 477657, Mobile 07912 026341 or e-mail ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net .

NEW AYRSHIRE COURSE PLANNED AT GAILES IN IRVINE

(Article reproduced from the Irvine Herald)

A new £60 million golf complex centred round an 18 hole course at Gailes will bring 90 full-time jobs and £5m into the local economy, it emerged this week.

Up to 250 construction jobs will be created when work starts on the par 71 course and an adjoining hotel, spa, restaurant and conference facilities.

Work on the ambitious project is expected to start next year.

The Ayrshire Golf Company – the team who created the world’s most environmentally friendly course at the Machrihanish Dunes – and Irvine Bay Regeneration signed the deal last week.

The massive project to be known as The Ayrshire will be open to the public.

Brian Keating, a director of The Ayrshire and founder/developer of Machrihanish Dunes said:

“This will be the newest links course on the west coast of Scotland.

“We see the project as the bookend to Turnberry. One of the most exciting things for me is that it is in Ayrshire.

“A lot of people forget that while St Andrews is the spiritual soul of golf, Ayrshire is definitely the heart of golf. It’s where the Open started and its close to Prestwick Airport which brings in hundreds of thousands of European golfers every year".

At Machrihanish Dunes, developers worked closely with ecologists and Scottish Natural Heritage to ensure the course caused as little environmental disturbance as possible. The course was redesigned to avoid several rare plants and sensitive wildlife while the greens were all cut and laid by hand.

Mr Keating went on:

“The Ayrshire site isn’t as environmentally sensitive but it will still be a major consideration.”

Backers estimate the new course could be worth up to £5m a year to the local economy.

Irvine Bay chief Patrick Wiggins said The Ayrshire was one of their flagship projects creating jobs and improving the appeal of the area. He said:

“We are hoping work will start next year.”

ARGENTINA MENS AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart loses in extra time in second round

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) lost out in his last 32 clash in round 2 of the Argentina Mens Amateur Golf Championship in Buenos Aires.

After defeating Scottish Champion david Law in round one, Stewart was edged out at the 19th hole in his second round tie against Ryan McCarthy (Australia)

Ross Kellett (Colville park) is the sole Scottish representative in the last 16 after James Byrne (Banchory) also lost in round 2.

LADIES GREENLEES LEAGUES - winners honoured at Troon

The 2009 Greenlees lunch was held on Tuesday 27th October at the Troon Ladies clubhouse where the winner from the three leagues for the 2009 season were honoured.

Greenlees Secretary Fiona Roger thanked Troon Ladies captain Frances Henderson and Greenlees representative Rosemary Donaldson for hosting and co-ordinating the lunch, which was attended by representatives of the 28 clubs who contest the three divisions of the league.

appreciation was also extended to the club and catering staff and also to Carol Fell who worked tirelessly throughout the season to collate and publicise the activities of the Greenlees League.

The Greenlees Champions for 2009 were Milngavie Golf Club and Cathkin Braes were runners up, whilst Hilton park and Prestwick St. Nicholas were relegated to Division 2.

Final placings in Division 1 were :-

44.5 - Milngavie
44.0 - Cathkin Braes
41.5 - Troon Ladies
40.0 - Kilmarnock Barassie
38.0 - Ranfurly Castle
32.5 - Kilmacolm
30.5 - West Kilbride
26.5 - Hilton Park
26.5 - Prestwick St. Nicholas

In Division 2 the winners were Douglas park, who will be promoted to Division 1 alongside the runners up Cardross. Old Ranfurly were relegated from Division 2 along with recent former Greenlees Champions Cochrane Castle who struggled throughout the season to fulfill their fixtures.

Final placings in Division 2 were :-

40.0 - Douglas Park
36.5 - Cardross
35.5 - Whitecraigs
32.5 - Williamwood
30.0 - Bothwell Castle
27.5 - Erskine
25.5 - Eastwood
24.5 - Old Ranfurly
0.0 - Cochrane Castle

The Division 3 champions were Haggs Castle who are now promoted to Division 2 along with runners up Lanark. Ayrshire club Turnberry finished in bottom position in Division 3 and have intimated that they will not be competing in the championship in 2010, although all involved hope that Turnberry's absence will be a short one.

Final placings in Division 3 were : -

57.5 - Haggs Castle
49.5 - Lanark
47.0 - Largs
45.0 - East Renfrewshire
44.0 - Greenock
36.5 - Cawder
36.0 - Cowglen
34.0 - Lenzie
33.0 - Cathcart Castle
20.5 - Turnberry

US TOUR QUALIFYING - Robert McKnight struggling in stage 2 eliminator

Former Caprington & Kilmarnock (Barassie) member Robert McKnight, wh relocated to Weston, Florida in the USA a couple of years ago, looks certain to fail in his bid to secure a place in the final qualifying stage of the US tour qualifying school from this weeks Stage 2 eliminator at Deerwood Golf Club, Texas.

McKnight, who was a winner on the Hooters tour earlier in the year, was lying joint 43rd after round 1, following a one over par 73 but in round 2 McKnight slumped to an 8 over par 80 for a two round total of 153. This leaves Mcknight in 72nd place of the 75 competitors, a full 18 shots behind the leader

ARGENTINA MENS AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart ousts Scottish champion in round 1

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) who is in his second year of studies at East Tennessee State University, enjoyed a notable victory in the first round of the Argentina Mens Open Amateur Gof Championship at Buenos Aires Golf Club when he ousted Scottish Boys and Amateur Champion David Law (Hazelhead) by one hole in an all Scottish first round tie.

All four Scots in the field qualified for the matchplay stages of the event, led by Ross Kellett (Colville Park) in joint 3rd (138) with Stewart in 11th place on 143, James Byrne (Banchory) in 20th place (144) and Law in 54th place on 151.

Stewart's victory sees him into the last 32 where he will face Ryan McCarthy (Australia).

Kellett and Byrne also won their first round matches and now face Toni Hakula (Finland) and Sean Einhaus (Germany) respectively in round 2.

DOC THOM AYRSHIRE ORDER OF MERIT - Keith Hamilton takes 2009 title

Keith Hamilton of Ayr Belleisle is the 2009 winner of the Doc Thom Salver and the Ayrshire Order Of merit title.

Hamilton amassed 312.5 points throughout the counting competitions over the season, both locallly and at national level, leaving him 95 points clear of his nearest rival, Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle).

The Doc Thom Salver will be presented at the Ayrshire Golf Association Annual Dinner at Irvine Ravenspark in February 2010.

Final placings in the 2009 Ayrshire Order Of Merit were :-

312.5 - Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle)
217.5 - Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle)
203.3 - Stephen Spence (Irvine)
180.8 - Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck)
177.5 - Scott Brown (Turnberry)
150.0 - John Shanks (Irvine), George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark)
125.0 - John Sloan (Doon Valley)
112.5 - Tommy McInally (Loudoun)
107.5 - Michael Smyth (Royal Troon)
100.0 - Paul Denim (Loudoun), Roddie Blair (West Kilbride)
88.3 - Joe Gilligan (Troon Welbeck)
87.5 - Ricky Black (Irvine), David Tierney (Ayr Belleisle)
80.0 - Tom Green (Ballochmyle)
77.5 - John Haggerty (Loudoun)
62.5 - Gary Tierney (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
58.3 - Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck)
53.3 - Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck)
50.0 - Steven McEwan (Caprington), John Houston (Caprington),
Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie)
45.0 - Douglas Gillespie (Ardeer), James Russell (Ardeer), Tom Cumming (Ardeer),
Robin McCaig (Ardeer)
42.5 - Gary Swan (Ayr Belleisle)
35.0 - Graham Rowan (Ballochmyle), Fraser McCall (Troon Portland),
Brian Murray (Loudoun), Kevin Brock (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
27.5 - Chris harkins (Ayr Belleisle)
20.0 - Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland), John McCaig (Ayr Seafield)
15.0 - Billy Campbell (Loudoun), Scott Gilchrist (Loudoun), G. Wlson (Loudoun)
Billy Wilson (Ballochmyle), Andrew Campbell (Ballochmyle)
10.0 - Kevin Ottley (Ballochmyle), Billy Hunter (Troon Welbeck)
7.5 - Paul Robinson (Largs), Drew Robertson (Ardeer), Jim Shearer (West Kilbride)
5.0 - Paul Kennedy (Loudoun), Matt McNeillie (Ayr Seafield),
Francis McNeillie (Ayr Seafield), William Andrew (Ballochmyle)
3.3 - Craig McLaughlin (Largs), Gareth Lamb (Irvine).

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Berry named as Junior Golfer Of the Year at Annual Dinner

Alasdair Berry (Irvine Ravenspark) was named as the 2009 winner of the Macrobert Thistle Trophy and the title of Ayrshire Junior Golfer Of The Year at the 41st Annual Dinner & Presentation Of Trophies of The Ayrshire Junior Golf League, held at Irvine Ravenspark on Monday 9th November.





Above - David Reynolds with Alasdair Berry & above right - with runner up Jack McDonald

Berry, who has been a member of the Ravenspark junior club for a number of years and presently plays off a handicap of 7, won the category 1 nett trophy at the innaugural Disabled Open Golf Championship earlier this year.

Members of the Ravenspark club who were in attendance were visibly moved when the winner was announced by David Reynolds of Fields In Trust (Formerly The National Playing Fields Association).

Runner up in the Junior Golfer Of The Year award was Scottish Boys Strokeplay Champion Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie).

A capacity audience of junior golfers, convenors & invited guests were in attendance at the dinner, chaired by League Chairman Iain Mackay (West Kilbride), which brought the curtain down on the 2009 Ayrshire Junior Golf League season.




Left - Joseph Howie accepts the A.D. Nimmo Trophy for Ardeer

Right - Wallace Thornton Trophy winners Troon Welbeck





Left - Joseph Howie with the Carrick Trophy


Right - Prestwick Circuits Trophy winner David Wilson








Left - Ayrshire Boys Matchplay winner David Wilson

Right - Ayrshire Boys Champion Colin Robinson

Junior Order Of Merit winner Jack McDonald

After an excellent meal and a prize draw raffle, the presentation of prizes commenced with the Junior Golfer Of the Year announcement by David Reynolds.

Ayrshire Golf Association SGU representative, and AJGL Honorary Member, Iain Harvey presented the remaining prizes to the winning individuals and teams for the 2009 season before the evening was drawn to a conclusion with a vote of thanks by AJGL Vice Chairman John Nordbo (Largs).

Above Left - Wallace Thornton trophy runners up Irvine Ravenspark & Right - Wallace Thornton Trophy winners Troon Welbeck

Above Left - Joseph Howie representing Under 16 Knockout Trophy runners up Ardeer & Right - Under 16 Knockout Trophy winners Kilmarnock (Barassie)







Right - Champion Of Champions Trophy winner Scott Brown (Turnberry)



















Above - League Championship semi finalists
Irvine Ravenspark & Below Left - League Championship runners up Largs

Below right - League Champions West Kilbride

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE

PRINCIPAL PRIZEWINNERS 2009

Macrobert Thistle Junior Golfer Of The Year Trophy - ALASDAIR BERRY (Irvine Ravenspark)

Matt Lygate Trophy - TROON WELBECK

Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy - ARDEER

Prestwick Circuits Trophy - DAVID WILSON (Troon Welbeck)

Carrick Trophy - JOSEPH HOWIE (Ardeer)

Silver Jubilee Trophy - ANNANHILL

Ayrshire Boys Championship - COLIN ROBINSON (Largs)

Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion - DAVID WILSON (Troon Welbeck)

Ayrshire Junior Order Of merit - JACK McDONALD (Kilmarnock Barassie)

Wallace Thornton Trophy - TROON WELBECK

Under 16 Knockout Trophy - KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE)

Champion Of Champions Trophy - SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry)

Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship - WEST KILBRIDE

SCOTTISH UNIVERSITIES ORDER OF MERIT - Pennycott wins second counting event

Former Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion Malcolm Pennycott (Herriot Watt University) was the mens winner at the Scottish Universities’ second Order of Merit stroke-play tournament over 36 holes recently at the Crail Golfing Society Craighead Links

Malcolm had rounds of 72 and 76 for a total of 149, in very wet weather, against a CSS of 77 and 76, to win the mens event by one stroke, ahead of last years Scottish Youths Champion David Booth ( Stirling )

LEADING MEN’S SCORES

Par 142 CSS 77 76

148 - Malcolm Pennycott (Heriot Watt) 72 76

149 - David Booth ( Stirling ) 74 75

150 - Andrew Wallace (Stirling) 80 70, Steven Smith (Heriot Watt) 76 74, John Wybar ( Aberdeen ) 75 75

151 - Colin Baird ( Stirling ) 70 81

WEST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUES - Ayrshire finish series in mid table

The West Of Scotland Inter County Leagues concluded last weekend with Ayrshire finishing third of the six teams in both the A League and the Youths League.

The final youth match against Lanarkshire, scheduled for Brunston Castle, was called off due to the course being closed after the recent heavy rain, and with neither team being in contention, officials agreed not to replay the match.

The A team concluded the series with a 6 - 4 defeat against Lanarkshire at Strathaven on Saturday.

In a very close match, with six of the ten ties finishing on the final green, Ayrshire were 8.5 - 1.5 behind after 12 holes but fought back and very nearly snatched a draw.

Match results were :-

George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) lost to S. Douglas by 3 & 2
Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark) lost to S. Rennie by 2 & 1
Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) beat M. Moir by 1 hole
Scott Brown (Turnberry) lost to J.J. Smith by 4 & 3
John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) beat G. Beaton by 1 hole
Tommy McInally (Loudoun) beat S. Henderson by 1 hole
John Shanks (Irvine) lost to K. Louchrie by 2 & 1
Steven Spence (Irvine) lost to S. Gillespie by 1 hole
Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to C. McLean by 1 hole
Gary Bryden (Girvan) beat K. Turnbull by 2 holes

LANARKSHIRE 6 AYRSHIRE 4

The final placings in the leagues were :-

A LEAGUE

1. RENFREWSHIRE (8pts)
2. GLASGOW (8pts)
3. AYRSHIRE (4pts)
4. LANARKSHIRE (4pts)
5. DUMBARTONSHIRE (3pts)
6. STIRLINGSHIRE (3pts)

YOUTHS LEAGUE

1. RENFRWSHIRE (8pts)
2. STIRLINGSHIRE (8pts)
3. AYRSHIRE (5pts)
4. LANARKSHIRE (3pts)
5. DUMBARTONSHIRE (3pts)
6. GLASGOW (1pt)

DISABLED BRITISH OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire teenager wins national trophy

Although the championship took place between 23rd & 25th August 2009, the success of Alasdair Berry in winning the Disabled British Open Category 1 nett trophy has only just been brought to the attention of Ayrshiregolf.

Below is an article reproduced from the Irvine Herald :-

Teenage golf sensation Alasdair Berry shocked a field of more experienced opponents by winning the inaugural Disabled British Open Golf Championship last week.

Alasdair, who was born with no hands, stunned the experts by carding a 78 and a 75 on the notoriously difficult par 72 Old Thane Golf and Country Club Course – which was designed by Peter Alliss – to win his category in the Sky-televised tournament at Liphook in Hampshire.

Former Greenwood Academy pupil Alasdair, 17, uses wrist attachments designed by his car mechanic dad Eddie, also a member of Ravenspark Golf Club, to select and hold his clubs – and once he's lined up he plays his shots just like any able-bodied competitor.

"It was a fantastic experience,"

said Alasdair, of Steps Road, Irvine.

"We had two practise rounds on the Sunday and then the competition was held on the Monday and Tuesday and I was just over the moon when I realised I'd won it.

"And being presented with the trophy by Peter Alliss was a marvellous moment"

Eddie, who acts as Alasdair's 'daddy-caddie' said he was thrilled at his son's performance.

"It was a really difficult course and for him to be just nine over for the two rounds was fantastic," he added.

"The greens were lightning quick – even worse than Augusta – and one six-handicapper who hit his tee shot to within 20 feet of the pin actually took four putts to get down.

"It was a fabulous display from Alasdair and we're all so proud of him."

But Alasdair, who is about to start a college course in accounting, hasn't had time to savour his success just yet.

"It's all been really hectic and what I achieved last week just hasn't sunk in yet,"

said Alasdair.

"But it will eventually hit me."

Congratualtions go to Alasdair from Ayrshiregolf on his achievement in winning this national tournament.

WINTER GOLF OFFERS - Special deals available at top Scottish courses

Info from the PGA :-

Gleneagles Hotel management are offering golfers the chance to purchase a tee time for for four for £199 - a saving of £81.

The tee time charge of £199 applies whether there are three or four players in the group.

Gleneagles has three of the best inland courses in Scotland - the celebrated King’s Course, the scenic Queen’s Course and venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup Matches, the challenging PGA Centenary Course. Gleneagles offers a superb test for any golfer.

The special rate of £199 is available from from Sunday to Thursday inclusive every week until March 31, 2010 and is subject to availability.

No handicap certificate is required to play any of the three championship golf courses.

To check availability or to book please call resort sales on 0800 704 705.

In addition, there are also offers available at Muirfield, Prestwick & Royal Troon, exclusively available to members of Scottish Golf Union affiliated golf clubs. Proceeds from the sales of these tee times will be invested in junior golf.

Muirfield, Prestwick and Royal Troon have all generously donated tee-times to the Scottish Golf Union between November and the end of March, with a four-ball on each course costing just £280. This representts substantial savings against the standard green fee rates.

The Troon Portland course is also available, at £140 per four-ball.

To take advantage of these offers at Prestwick, Troon and Muirfield, call the Scottish Golf Union on 01334 466477 or e-mail sgu@scottishgolf.org

There are restrictions on which days and at what times these offers apply.

More information can be obtained from the Scottish Golf website at www.scottishgolf.org

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION AGM - Leslie Crawford elected Honorary Life President

33 members, representing 15 member clubs, attended the 2009 Ayrshire Golf Association Annual General Meeting, held at Caprington Golf Club on Wednesday 28th October.

Reports submitted included the Presidents Report, Fnancial Report, Coaching Report, Course rating Report as well as reports on the activities of The Ayrshire Junior Golf league and the Scottish Golf Union.

A proposed Revised Constitution was endorsed by the members present and is consequently now in place.

One of the highlights of the evening was the unanimous adoption of the President's proposal that Leslie Crawford (pictured right) be elected an Honorary Life President of The Association, in recognition of his services to Ayrshire golf both as a player and an administrator.

His golfing achievements include :-

1963 Ayrshire Boys Champion

Kilmarnock (Barassie) Club Champion 11 times

Ayrshire Matchplay Champion 7 times

Ayrshire Strokeplay Champion 4 times

Belleisle Cup winner

Evening Times Champion Of Champions twice

Ayrshire Champion Of Champions 3 times

Caprington Club Champion 11 times

Arrol Cup winner 4 times

4th in the 1983 Scottish Strokeplay Championship

Leslie also won representative honours including :-

Scottish & British Boys Internationalist

West of Scotland vs. Ulster

South West District team

Ayrshire County player from 1971 to 1996

Member of the winning Kilmarnock (Barassie) European Club Trophy team in Portugal.

In administration, Leslie's record was equally as impressive :-

Served on Caprington committee for 15 years, being Captain 3 times

Past Captain and Honorary Member of Kilmarnock (Barassie)

Served on the Ayrshire Executive since 1973

Secretary of the Ayrshire Golf Association since 1985.

County President Alasdair Malcolm commented that such an honour for Leslie was long overdue and thanked the members present for their overwhelming support of the proposal.

Leslie Crawford now joins Matt Lygate as an Honorary Life President of The association.

Iain Harvey (Kilmarnock Barassie) was re elected as the representative to the Scottish Golf Union.

Following Leslie Crawford's stroke earlier in the year, he was not in a position to seek re election as Secretary for the forthcoming season, and the County President Alasdair Malcolm (pictured right) was elected to the position of Secretary / Treasurer for next year.

With the adoption of the new constitution, five Executive members will be due for election each year.

serving AGA Executive members, re elected at the meeting for a further three years, were James McMurdo (Ballochmyle) and David McKie (Ballochmyle), whilst John Nordbo (Largs) was also elected to Te Executive, having served as Ayrshire Junior Golf League representative for a number of years.

The other two new members elceted to The Executive this year include Robert Wilson (Ballochmyle) and Cliff Francis (Troon Welbeck).

The Executive now has three vacancies for a one year period and two vacancies for a two year period. Any member of a member club of The Association who would be interested in becoming involved in the work of The Association is welcome to contact any of The Executive members for more information.

The per capita rate for the Area Subscription was set at one pound and ninety five pence for the 2009 - 2010 season, and increse of 10 pence on last year.

NANCY CHISHOLM M.B.E. - Ayrshire golfer's investiture by The Queen

(Report & photographs courtesy of the http://www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk/ website)

Bill Chisholm and daughters, Lindsey and Susan, were in the audience at Buckingham Palace to see Nancy receive the MBE from HRH The Queen at an Investiture ceremony on the 15th October.

Nancy is a member of Prestwick St. Nicholas and West Kilbride golf clubs, is a past chairman and an Honorary Vice President of the LGU, and a past President of the SLGA.

Nancy was awarded the MBE for services to golf in the Queens Birthday Honours list.

Nancy said

"We had the most wonderful day filled with exciting memories meeting interesting people, enjoying new sights, exploring new territories in glorious sunshine and having the thrill of speaking a few words of golf with the Queen!Never thought it would be such a grand experience."

Well done Nancy!

Lindsey, Bill, Nancy & Susan

SCOTTISH JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Championship abandoned due to flooding.

The 2009 Scottish Junior Champion Of Champions competition, due to be played on Sunday 1st November at The Dukes course, St. Andrews was abandoned some one and a half hours after play began due to flooding on the course as a result of persistent rain.

Featuring four players from Ayrshire - David Wilson (Troon Welbeck), Colin Robinson (Largs), Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Rachel Irvine (Largs) - it is holed to reschedule the championship for early next year.

WEST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUES - Mixed fortunes for Ayrshire teams against Stirlingshire

The Ayrshire A team had a fine 7 - 3 win over Stirlingshire at Prestwick St. Nicholas in the penultimate week of the 2009 West Of Scotland Inter County League championships.

Despite losing the opening two ties, Ayrshire bounced back, taking the next six ties before sharing the final two ties on the course.

Match details were :-

George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) lost to Colin Mundie (Falkirk) by 4 & 3
John Shanks (Irvine) lost to Bobby Rushford (Grangemouth) by 1 hole
Tommy McInally (Loudoun) beat Graham Robertson (Glenbervie) by 5 & 3
Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) beat Derek Fish (Grangemouth) by 4 & 3
Stephen Spence (Irvine) beat Neil Cunningham (Falkirk) by 5 & 4
John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) beat David Buchanan (Falkirk Tryst) by 5 & 3
Scott brown (Turnberry) beat Kenny Anderson (Falkirk) by 2 & 1
Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Lindsay Blair (Grangemouth) by 2 & 1
Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark) lost to Mark Cox (Falkirk) by 4 & 3
Gary Bryden (Girvan) beat Scott McLaughlan (Falkirk Tryst) by 6 & 5

AYRSHIRE 7 STIRLINGSHIRE 3

An under strength Ayrshire Youths side suffered their first defeat of the campaign in the corresponding youths match at Falkirk.

With three of the regular team members unavailable due to the SGU Junior Champions Of Champions competition, the team had a difficult task against the home side, who were also undefeated over the first three matches of the series, and went down by 6 - 4. match details were :-

Gregor MacKintosh (Girvan) lost to Jamie Lynch by 4 & 3
Fraser Lawrie (West Kilbride) lost to Ryan Campbell by 5 & 3
Scott Clark (Ayr Belleise) lost to Stephen Tillie by 3 & 2
Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) beat Liam Haldane by 6 & 5
Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) beat Hugh Nelson by 7 & 6
Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Doug Pender by 3 & 1
Malcolm Pennycott (Brodick) beat Calum Bissett by 3 & 2
Craig McLaughlin (Largs) beat Euan Douglas by 3 & 1
Rory Acheson (Largs Routenburn) lost to Dariusz Kunecki by 1 hole
Stewart Henderson (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Greg Nicoll by 5 & 4

STIRLING 6 AYRSHIRE 4

In the final series of matches next week, The A team travel to meet Lanarkshire at Strathaven whilst the youths side play host to the Lanarkshire youths at Brunston Castle.