ALL THE LATEST NEWS ON AMATEUR GOLF IN AYRSHIRE

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Semi Finals - Ardeer remain on course for title defence

ARDEER remain on course for the defence of their Ayrshire Junior Golf League title after a 4 - 2 home win over BEITH in the first leg of their semi final this week.

RESULTS (Ardeer names first)

JOHN SHANKS (3) beat DAVID GRAY (11) 2 holes
FERGUS CUNNINGHAM (4) beat IAIN RYRIE (11) 5 & 4
SCOTT AINSWORTH (5) lost to IAIN GRAY (16) 3 & 2
MARTIN DUNNING (7) beat JAMIE BLACKWOOD (16) 3 & 2
ANDREW KOWALSKI (9) beat ERIK LOWE (17) 1 hole
GARY DIXON (12) lost to JAMES CRAINE (18) 2 holes

ARDEER 4 BEITH 2

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Foursomes Knockout latest

ANNANHILL are the first side through to the final, after victory over BRUNSTON CASTLE, and now await the winners of the tie between BEITH and DOON VALLEY.

The final is scheduled to be played on Sunday 26th September, the same day as the Ayrshire Autumn Meeting, at Ardeer.

Entries for the AUTUMN MEETING at Ardeer on Sunday 26th September are now being taklen. Entry forms should be available through Ayrshire clubs.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Summer League -Semi Final Latest

Kilbirnie finally won through ther section with victory in their final match and now take on Ballochmyle in the semi finals.

In the first leg of the semi final, BALLOCHMYLE travelled to KILBIRNIE and secured a 3 - 3 draw. The return match is scheduled for Ballochmyle on Sunday 5th September.

In the other semi final, IRVINE (BOGSIDE) had a narrow 3.5 - 2.5 win over TROON WELBECK with the return leg due at Troon by the end of August.

Sunday, August 22, 2004

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE Convenors Outing - Ayrshire Golf Association team win Silver Jubilee Trophy

The annual A.J.G.L. Convenors outing took place at Brunston Castle on Sunday 22 August when 14 pairings contested the Silver Jubilee Trophy. Six Honorary members took part, including 82 year old Sam Coulter of Maybole.

The Ayr Belleisle team of Allan Thomson and Andy Brown put up a stout defence of the trophy, just being edged into third place, by virtue of the better inward half stableford scores, by Ardeer, on 65 points.

The trophy however was won comfortably by the Ayrshire Golf Association team of IAN WALKER and IAN GUTHRIE, with a team total of 75 points.

the full list of prizewinners was:-

MAGIC 2's - Ian Walker (8th), Allan Thomson (8th)

Nearest the hole - 5th hole - Bill White (Largs Routenburn)
Nearest the hole - 8th hole - Ricky magee (A.G.A.)
Nearest the hole - 17th hole - Iain Harvey (Honorary Member)

Individual Runner up - Ian Guthrie (A.G.A) - 36 pts
Individual winner - Ian Walker (A.G.A.) - 39 pts

Team Runners Up - ARDEER (Brian Farrelly & James Conlan) - 65 pts (bih)
Winning Team - AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - (Ian Walker & Ian Guthrie) - 75 pts

JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT 2004 - McEwan takes 2004 title.

STEVEN McEWAN of Kilmarnock Barassie has secured the 2004 Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit after the qualifying competitions were concluded last week. With the cancellation of the Ballochmyle Boys Open and the postponement of the Harris Boys Open at West Kilbride until later in the year, both due to torrential rain, the final two qualifying events to be recorded were the Belleisle and Kilbirnie boys opens. Home players took top placings in both events, Lee Hughes at Belleisle and Jordan Waite at Kilbirnie. The final two events did not however affect the final placings at the top of the table.

The top placed players of the 59 individuals who recorded merit trophy points over the season were : -

1 - STEVEN McEWAN (KIlmarnock barassie) - 480 pts
2 - ROBERT HUTTON (Brunston Castle) - 300 pts
3 - MICHAEL STEWART (Troon Welbeck) - 295 pts
4 - STUART ROBIN (Prestwick St. Nicholas) - 195 pts
5= - NICKY SINCLAIR (Kilmarnock Barassie) - 150 pts
5= - IAIN MENZIES (Largs) - 150 pts
5= - SANDY WILSON (West Kilbride) - 150 pts
8= - CAMERON GRAY (West Kilbride) - 145 pts
8= - JOHN SHANKS (Ardeer) - 145 pts
10 - JAMIE McKAY (Troon St. Meddans) 135 pts
11= - DAVID McCAIG (Kilmarnock Barassie) - 120 pts
11= - JOHN COULTER (Irvine Ravenspark) - 120 pts
11= - JAMES TARRANT (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) - 120 pts
11= - GORDON MUNRO (Caprington) - 120 pts
15 - JAMIE MURCHIE (Lamlash) - 110 pts
16 - CRAIG SCOTT (Irvine Ravenspark) - 105 pts

Prizes will be presented to the first 7 placed players at the Ayrshire Junior Golf League annual dinner in November.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Largs and Kilmarnock Barassie through to Wallace Thornton Trophy final

LARGS and KILMARNOCK BARASSIE are through to the final of the Wallace Thornton Trophy after the latest round of matches in the two qualifying sections, and now contest the final match at Largs on Sunday 5th September.

In section 1, Barassie followed a 2 - 2 draw away to Ballochmyle with a comprehensive 4 - 0 home win over Belleisle to complete their section matches undefeated. Although Ballochmyle play host to Ayr Belleisle in the final section match this week, even a 4-0 win would only allow Ballochmyle to match Barassies points total, with Barassie still qualifying for the final on tie difference.

Present positions in Section 1 are :- Kilmarnock Barassie 14 Pts (+11), Ballochmyle 10 pts (+3), Ayr Belleisle 8 pts (+4), Irvine Ravenspark 4 pts (-7) and Caprington 0 pts (-11)

Section 2 was very closely contested, with three teams finishing with three wins and one defeat. With Ardeer posting the target on 12 points, Largs rose to the challenge, beating both St. Meddans and St. Cuthbert by 4 - 0 in their two home matches to match Ardeer's points total and go to the final by virtue of a better tie difference.

Final section 2 positions are :- Largs 12 pts (+7), Ardeer 12 pts (+3), Prestwick St. Cuthbert 12 pts (+2), West Kilbride 4 pts (-2), Troon St. Meddans 0 pts (-10)

Sunday, August 15, 2004

WEST OF SCOTLAND JUNIOR COUNTY LEAGUE - Ayrshire see off Renfrewshire at Brunston Castle

Ayrshire recorded a fine 5 - 3 win over Renfrewshire at Brunston Castle on Sunday in the fourth match of this seasons five games for the Wishart Trophy, played for by the West of Scotland league members.

RESULTS (Ayrshire names first)

Craig McLaughlin (largs) beat Daniel Fitspartrick 5 & 4
Sandy Wilson (West Kilbride) beat Jack Bradley 2 & 1
Jamie McKay (Troon St. Meddans) halved with Michael Daily
Kyle Smith (Troon St. Meddans) lost to Jonathon Campbell 4 & 3
Stuart Robin (Prestwick St. Nicholas) lost to Michael Campbell 5 & 4
Cameron Gray (West KIlbride) beat Ricardo Rebeccio 4 & 3
Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) halved with Peter McLachlan
Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Scott Herald 4 & 3

With a defeat against Dumbarton (6-2), a win over Glasgow (7-1) and a draw with Lanarkshire in previous matches, Ayrshire will be hoping for a good result in their remaining match against Stirlingshire, at Brunston Castle on 26th September, to have any chance of taking the Wishart Trophy for only the second time since its inception.

JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT 2004 - McEwan still out in front

With the cancellation of the West Kilbride and Ballochmyle boys opens this week, and the completion of the Match Play, only the results of the Kilbirnie and Ayr Belleisle events remain to be recorded in this years Order Of Merit. Steven McEwan remains in front, ahead of Robert Hutton and Michael Stewart, who boosted his chances with his runners up spot in the Match Play Championship. Leading positions are:

STEVEN McEWAN (Kilmarnock Barassie) - 480 pts
ROBERT HUTTON (Brunston Castle) - 300 pts
MICHAEL STEWART (Troon Welbeck) - 295 pts
STUART ROBIN (Prestwick St. Nicholas) - 195 pts
NICKY SINCLAIR (Kilmarnock Barassie) - 150 pts
IAIN MENZIES (Largs) - 150 pts
SANDY WILSON (West Kilbride) - 150 pts
CAMERON GRAY (West Kilbride) - 145 pts
JOHN SHANKS (Ardeer) - 145 pts
JAMIE McKAY (Troon St. Meddans) 135 pts

Saturday, August 14, 2004

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY - Jamie Murchie takes the title

Jamie Murchie of Lamlash took the 2004 Ayrshire Boys Match Play Title at Prestwick Golf Club on Saturday evening with a display of excellent golf giving him a 4 & 3 victory over Michael Stewart of Troon Welbeck, Murchie returning figures of three under par when the match concluded on the 15th green.

Stewart made the first move with a superb 40 foot put for a birdie two at the second hole, but Murchie squared the game at the fourth when a par gave him the hole after Stewart had bunkered his tee shot.

Murchie took the lead for the first time at the 5th when he holed from 20 feet for a birdie two, and Stewart narrowly failed from a similar distance. Murchie extended his lead to 2 holes after an excellent approach shot at the 7th to 8 feet set up a birdie three.

Murchie's only deviation from par or better in the front half came at the 9th when he overshot the green with his approach, finding sand. Stewart took full advantage, getting up and down from the front of the green for par, to reduce the deficit to one hole at the turn. Both players excelled over the outward half, Stewart recording level par figures of 35 with Murchie 1 better on 34.

Both players coped admirably with long first putts at the 10th to half the hole in par, but Murchie restored his two hole advantage with a regulation 3 at 11 when Stewart could only manage a bogey 4 after being bunkered on the left from the tee.

At the 513 yard par 5 12th hole, both players hit good drives but Murchie excelled with his second, drilling an iron into the heart of the green and holing from 15 feet for an eagle 3 and a three hole lead in the match.

An impressive regulation par at the 13th increased Murchie's lead to 4 holes, after Stewart missed the green with his approach, but Stewart continued to battle on, taking the 14th with par, to reduce the defecit to three holes, after Murchie took three to get down from the edge of the green.

At the 15th, Stewart pulled his tee shot left, and required a penalty drop. Despite his troubles, Stewart battled to the end, but Murchie's excellent approach to 10 feet, coupled with a missed putt prompted a concession from Stewart and Murchie took the title with a 4 & 3 victory.

Prizes were presented to both finalists at the conclusion of play by Prestwick Golf Club Captain Eugene O'Donoghue.

The successful eagle put by Jamie Murchie at the 12th. Posted by Hello
2004 Match Play Champion Jamie Murchie with Prestwick Golf Club Captain Eugene O'Donoghue Posted by Hello
2004 Boys Match Play Champion Jamie Murchie Posted by Hello
Jamie Murchie tees off at 9 Posted by Hello
Michael Stewart at the 9th tee Posted by Hello
Championship finalists Michael Stewart and Jamie Murchie Posted by Hello

Friday, August 13, 2004

Fisher Direct Ayrshire Champion Of Champions winner 2004 = TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun) Posted by Hello

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY - Murchie and Stewart in the final.

The semi finals of the Ayrshire Boys Match Play at Prestwick tonight were both closely contested affairs, with the two matches finishing at the 19th and 18th holes respectively.

In the first semi final, between Craig Mclaughlin (Largs) and Jamie Murchie (Lamlash), the lead was never more than one hole throughout. Murchie was one ahead after 6, but when he found sand from the tee at 7, McLaughlin squared the match with a solid par. Murchie restired his lead with a par at 11, after McLaughlin bunkered his tee shot, but mClaughlin squared the match again at 13 with a solid par after Murchie fauled to get up an down from the left of the green.

McLaughlin went one ahead at 15, par being enough after Murchie found sand from the tee. Despite bunkering his tee shot at 16, Mclaughlin played a good recovery from the back of the green to half in par 4. At 17, Murchie had a superb two putt from the rear of the green for par, and despite a fine approach shot to 10 feet, McLaughlin narrowly failed to hole his birdie putt which would have given him the match.

Mclaughlin was still favourite with a one hole lead at the last, but Murchie played an excellent approach shot to a few inches, giving him a birdie three and a halved match after McLaughlin narrowly failed with his birdie attempt.

At the 19th hole, McLaughlin followed Murchie's good tee shot by putting his on the railway. Despite this, Mclaughlin played the hole well with his second ball, narrowly missing his put for a five, which left Murchie with two putts from 15 feet to take the match at the first extra hole.

In the second semi final 14 year old Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) faced the defending champion Nicky Sinclair (Kilmarnock Barassie). Sinclair won the first hole after Stewart found trouble from the tee but Stewart squared the match by the 6th. Sinclair had restored his one hole advantage through 10, but a birdie 4 at the 12th gave Stewart the hole and squared the match once again. Sinclair's lead was restored once again at 15, Stewart finding an unplayable lie from the tee requiring a penalty drop, whilst Sinclair posted a solid par to take the hole.

A par at the 16th was enough for Stewart to square the match once again, after Sinclair three putted, and at the 17th Stewart produced his best approach shot of the day, his second coming to rest some 8 feet from the pin. Sinclair missed the green on the right, and despite a good approach chip, was unable do do better than a bogey 5, leaving Stewart two putts for a one hole lead, which he duly took.

At the final hole, Stewart's drive pulled up a mere 5 yards from the green, and despite his best efforts, Sinclair could only match Stewart's par 4, giving Stewart a one hole victory and a place in the final.

FINAL - 1600 hrs on Saturday 14 August at Prestwick Golf CLub

Jamie Murchie (Lamlash) Vs. Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 2004 - McInally retains title in exciting finish

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) retained the Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy at Royal Troon tonight after a final against John Sloan (Doon Valley) which went all the way to the final green, McInally going ahaed for the first time in the match for a one hole victory.

Sloan started very well, taking the opening two holes for a lead which he maintained through the turn. McInally however rallied and managed to square the match at the 14th hole. A half at 15 was followed by some excellent recovery play on 16 by McInally, who managed a par 5 to half the hole,despite being in two bunkers. Afurther halved hole at 17 left the players all square at the 18th tee.

Sloan's drive to the right was some 40 yards behind McInally's from the tee, but the Doon Valley plaayer knocked in a good approach to 20'. McInally however produced the shot of the night, a well struck chip which came to rest some 18 inches from the cup. Sloan's effort for a three just missed, leaving McInally a simple three and the 2004 title of Champion Of Champions.

Thursday, August 12, 2004

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY - Sinclair remains on course to retain title

The first round of the 2004 Ayrshire Boys Match Play Championship took place tonight at Prestwick Golf Club with the holder Nicky Sinclair (Kilmarnock Barassie) remaining on course to retain the title with a 5 & 4 win over John Shanks (Ardeer). Sinclair now meets Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) who edged through in a close match by 2 & 1 against Fergus Cunningham (Ardeer).

In the first match on the course, Largs club mates Ian Menzies and Craig McLaughlin contested a very close match. Menzies, hoping for a double after his win in the Stroke Play Championship last week, found himself one down playing the last, and Mclaughlin made his opponents task even harder, driving the ball just through the green from the tee on the 284 yard par 4 18th. Both players secured solid pars giving Craig McLaughlin the tie by one hole. McLaughlin now meets Jamie Murchie (Lamlash) in tomorrows semi final after Murchie cruised to a 9 & 7 victory over an out of sorts Jamie McKay (Troon St. Meddans).

SEMI FINALS - Friday 13 August

1700 hrs - Craig McLaughlin (Largs) Vs. Jamie Murchie (Lamlash)
1710 hrs - Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) Vs. Nicky Sinclair (Kilmarncok Barassie)

Tuesday, August 10, 2004

JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT 2004

None of the leaduing contenders gained points in the Caprington Junior Open last week, with GORDON MUNRO of the host club taking first place and moving up to joint 11th in the table on 120 pts. MARTIN BELL of West Kilbride took his first points of the season in second place, whilst CALLUM SHAW of the host club counted in his second event of the season in third, taking his total to 55 points. Other points scorers were LUKE FACCHINI (Belleisle), JORDAN FLEMING (West Kilbride), GRAEME McSKIMMING (Ballochmyle) and EUAN BROWN (Kilmarnock Barassie).

STEVEN McEWAN (Kilmarnock Barassie still leads on 480 points, with only the results of this weeks events at Kilbirnie, Ballochmyle, West Kilbride, Belleisle and the MatchPlay at Prestwick to come.

Sunday, August 08, 2004

JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT 2004 - McEwan still leads the way.

Despite missing a number of this weeks events, due to international duty, Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) still leads the Order Of Merit, after 14 events, with 6 remaining.

Robert Hutton (Brunston Castle) regained second spot, courtest of his first placing at the Tom Lehman event and his 3rd place at Barassie, whilst new Ayrshire Boys Champion, Iain Menzies (Largs) jumped immediately in at fifth in the table courtesy of his win.

Leading positions at present are:

Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) - 480 pts
Robert Hutton (Brunston Castle) - 300 pts
Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) - 245 pts
Stuart Robin (Prestwick St. Nicholas) - 195 pts
Iain Menzies (Largs) - 150 pts
Sandy Wilson (West Kilbride) - 150 pts
Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) - 145 pts
John Shanks (Ardeer) - 145 pts
Jamie McKay (Troon St. Meddans) - 135 pts
Nicky Sinclair (Kilmarnock Barassie) - 125 pts
David McCaig (Kilmarnock Barassie) - 120 pts
John Coulter (Irvine Ravenspark) - 120 pts
James Tarrant (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) - 120 pts
Craig Scott (Irvine Ravenspark) 105 pts.
Andrew Connell (Largs) - 100 pts
J. Butler (Irvine Ravenspark) - 100 pts
Stuart Peters (Turnberry) - 75 pts
Liam Timothy (Irvine Ravenspark) - 75 pts
Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) - 70 pts

The remaining events to be included are: Caprington Boys Open, Kilbirnie Place Junior Open, Ballochmyle Junior Open, Harris Boys Open (West Kilbride), Ayr Belleisle Junior Open and the Ayrshire Boys Match Play Championship.

Ayrshire Junior Golf League - WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY

Both qualifying sections in this seasons competition are well under way, with the winners meeting in the final at Largs in early September.

In SECTION 1, Ayr Belleisle and Kilmarnock Barassie have 100% records so far, with two wins each from 2, Belleisle having not lost a single tie.

Present positions are:

AYR BELLEISLE 8 pts (+8), KILMARNOCK BARASSIE 8 pts (+7), BALLOCHMYLE 4 pts (+1), IRVINE RAVENSPARK 4 pts (-7), CAPRINGTON 0 pts (-9)

in SECTION 2, Ardeer suffered their first defeat on Sunday when they went down 3 - 1 at St. Cuthbert, but remain in pole position in the section.

Present positions are :

ARDEER 8pts (+1), ST. CUTHBERT 4 pts (+2), ST. MEDDANS 0 pts (0), WEST KILBRIDE 0 pts (-1), LARGS 0 pts (-2).

Ayrshire golf Association - ANNANHILL TAKE JOHN BOYD QUAICH

The 2004 competition for the John Boyd Memorial Quaich over Caprington on Sunday was a closely contested affair, with the Annanhill (A) team coming out on top of the 21 competing teams, but only by virtue of the best 4th score, after a tie with Hurlford Loco (A) on 215.

North Beach (A) took third place on 217.

Score Details:
ANNANHILL (A) - 215 - J. Boland (71), J. Brown (72), J. Graham (72), C. Pack (77).
HURLFORD LOCO (A) - 215 - A. Bell (69), B. MacDonnell (72), S. Brown (74), W. Clark (90).
NORTH BEACH (A) - 217 - R. Hogg (71), J. Brown (71), I. Harding (75), S. Anderson (76)

The best individual returns were:
A. Watson (Caprington-B) 76-8 = 68
A. Bell (Hurlford Loco) 80-11 = 69
G. Gray (Caprington-C) 78-8= 70

CSS for the competition was a non counter (reduction only).

Saturday, August 07, 2004

St. Cuthbert Gents Division 2 Champion 2004 - Tom Houston Posted by Hello

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 2004

Defending champion Tommy McInally (Loudoun) remains on course for a second successive title after the semi finals of the Champion Of Champions were played over Royal Troon on Friday.

In the first semi final, McInally faced Jamie McCormack of Ayr Dalmilling. McInally laid the foundation of his semi final win over the first nine, turning for home with a 4 hole lead. McInally maintained his 4 hole advantage for the remained of the match running out a 4 & 3 winner to gain a place in the final.

In the second semi final, Graham Johnston of Royal Troon faced John Sloan from Doon Valley. Sloan held a 2 hole lead at the turn and extended the lead to dormie 3. Johnston however was not easily beaten, taking successive holes to take the tie to the last. At the final hole, Sloan drove into the bunker on the right, which had ended Greg Normans hopes in the 1989 Open Championship, and was only able to chip out sideways. Sloan then produced one of the shots of the day, laying his third some 6 feet from the pin. Johnston, in good position from the tee, pulled his second into the left greenside bunker. With a difficult stance, Johnston failed to extracate his ball from the hazard and subsequently conceded, giving Sloan a 2 hole victory.

Tommy McInally and John Sloan will now meet in the final, again at Royal Troon, next friday, 13th August with a 5.00 p.m. tee off.

Friday, August 06, 2004

Gents Champion David Glass Posted by Hello
Ladies Champion Catherine Malcolm Posted by Hello

Ladies Bronze Champion Maureen Paterson Posted by Hello

Junior Champion James Tarrant Posted by Hello
The 2004 St. Cuthbert Club Champions Posted by Hello

PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS

Finalists enjoyed perfect conditions on Friday evening when the 5 Club Championship finals at St. Cuthbert were played.

In the JUNIOR FINAL James Tarrant, recent winner in the St. Cuthbert Boys Open, faced Blair Caddis. Caddis got off to a flying start, taking the first with a birdie 3, but Tarrant fought back to gain a two hole advantage at the turn, covering the first half in level par, despite a double bogey at the final hole of the half. Tarrant maintained his lead through 12 and finished off the match with a chip in at the 16th for a 3 & 2 win.

In the LADIES BRONZE final, Defending champion Maureen Paterson faced Past Captain Judith Pettigrew. An early lead by Pettigrew was countered by Paterson who reached the turn with a 1 hole advantage, with some very effective recovery play around the greens. In the inward half, paterson steadily took control, and wins at 13 and 14 set up an eventual win for Maureen Paterson by 4 & 3, giving her a hat trick of titles following last years win and her innaugural success in 1994.

The GENTS DIVISION 2 final was a closely contested affair between Jim Smith and Tom Houston, whos son Jamie had taken the Gents Championship for the first time 12 months earlier. Tom Houston won the first, but in what was to be an all too familiar pattern, Jim Smith squared the match at the third. The following holes were exchanged before Houston went two ahead, winning 6 & 7. Smith however fought back again, winning successive holes to square the match at the turn. Houston restored his lead winning 11,12 & 13, but Smith again pegged him back reducijng the deficit to one hole at the last. A solid par 5 by Smith left Houston with work to do, but despite being in two bunkers, Houston bravely holed from 10 feet for par to take the title by 1 hole.

The LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP was between Catherine Malcolm, bidding for her 17th win in 19 years, and last seasons beaten finalist Marie Whyte. Despite some fine golf, Whyte had no answer to Malcolm who built a 5 hole lead after 8. The lead was extended to 6 holes at the 10th when Malcolm drove the green at the 245 yard par 4 before holing her put for an eagle 2. Despite being well behind, Whyte continued to battle, reducing the defecit by winning the 12th before Malcolm closed out the match by 7 & 5 at the following hole.

The GENTS CHAMPIONSHIP saw Ian Rankine making his first final appearance, against David Glass who was bidding for his 8th success in the event since 1987. A birdie 4 at the third gave Glass an early lead but Rankine squared the match at the next hole. The match remained tight through the turn, Glass holding a 1 hole lead after 9. Glas however took control of the match , winning successive holes from 12 to 14 to set up an eventual victory by 4 & 3.



A.G.A. SUMMER LEAGUE 2004

In League 4, St. Meddans, runners up 12 months ago, failed in their bid to snatch the semi final place from defending champions Ballochmyle, when they could only manage a 3 - 3 draw in their final match at Belleisle. This left both Ballochmyle and St. Meddans on 18 points, with Ballochmyle progressing to the semi finals by virtue of a better tie difference (+13 to +6).

In League 3, Ravenspark signed off with a 4.5 - 1.5 win at Moorpark to lead the section, with only the Kilbirnie Vs. Moorpark fixture, scheduled for Sunday 8 August, to be completed. With Ravenspark on 12 points (+7), Kilbirnie require at least a 4 - 2 win in thier final match to have a chance of progressing to the last four.

With Troon Welbeck and Irvine already through from their sections, the draw for the semi finals is:

Irvine Vs. Troon Welbeck (to be played by 16 August)
Troon Welbeck Vs. Irvine (tTo be played by 30 August)

Ravenspark or Kilbirnie Vs. Ballochmyle (to be played by 21 August)
Ballochmyle Vs. Kilbirnie or Ravenspark (to be played by 6 September)

2004 AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

The Ayrshire Boys Match Play Championship will be played from Thursday 12th to Saturday 14th August at Prestwick Golf Club, with the players returning the 8 best gross scores in the Strokeplay event qualifing. 2003 winner Nicky Sinclair (Kilmarnock Barassie) successfully qualified to defent the title he won at the same venue 12 months ago. The full draw for the first round on Thursday is:

1600 hrs - Iain Menzies (Largs) Vs. Craig McLaughlin (Largs)
1610 hrs - Jamie McKay (Troon St. Meddans) Vs. Jamie Murchie (Lamlash)
1620 hrs - Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) Vs. Fergus Cunningham (Ardeer)
1630 hrs - Nicky Sinclair (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. John Shanks (Ardeer)

Thursday, August 05, 2004

THE 2004 AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Iain Menzies takes the title to Largs

A capacity field contested the 53rd Ayrshire Boys Championship, at Kilmarnock Barassie today, with Largs Golf Club player Iain Menzies taking the title by two shots after 36 holes strokeplay.

With the course in immaculate condition, and with perfect weather, scoring was good in the morning, Craig Mclaughlin (Largs), John Shanks (Ardeer) and Jamie Murchie (Lamlash) leading the field after the first round with three over par 75's, one shot ahead of the eventual winner.

Iain Menzies and his playing partner Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) posted the best rounds of the day in the afternoon, one over par 73's giving Menzies the title and Stewart the runners up spot.

Best nett score of the day went to David Currie of the host club. Playing in the last match on the course, 7 handicapper Currie posted a net 72 in the morning, which he matches in the afternoon for a 144 total, taking best nett by 2 shots.

Prizes were presented by David Moulds, Captain of the host club.

FINAL RESULTS

Ayrshire Champion - IAIN MENZIES (Largs) 76 - 73 = 149
2nd Scratch - MICHAEL STEWART (Troon Welbeck) 78 - 73 == 151
3rd Scratch - NICKY SINCLAIR (Kilmarnock Barassie) 78 - 74 = 152 (BIH second round)
4th Scratch - JAMIE McKAY (Troon St. Meddans) 78 - 74 = 152 (best 2nd round)
5th Scratch - JAMIE MURCHIE (Lamlash) 75 - 77 = 152 (BIH 2nd round)

Best Nett - DAVID CURRIE (Kilmarnock Barassie) (7) 72 - 72 = 144
2nd Nett - FERGUS CUNNINGHAM (Ardeer) (4) 74 - 72 = 146 (best 2nd round)
3rd Nett - JOHN SHANKS (Ardeer) (3) 72 - 74 = 146

CSS for both round was 74 (no change)

Special mention has to be made to Stuart Muir of Troon Welbeck who would have taken the prize for the best dressed competitor of the day, doing a very creditable impersination of Ian Poulter (fortunately with plus fours and a reverse cap & not in Union Jack trousers !!!......well done Stuart).

The players returning the best 8 gross scores will progress to contest the Ayrshire Boys Match Play Championship.
2004 Championship prizewinners with A.G.A. President Robin Baker and Kilmarnock Barassie Captin David Moulds Posted by Hello
2004 Ayrshire Boys Champion Iain Menzies (Largs G.C.). Posted by Hello

HUTTON TAKES PREMIER TITLE IN 2004 TOM LEHMAN EVENT

The 2004 Bunkered Junior Open Championship, played at the Troon Municipal courses on Tuesday, maintained its position as the biggest one day junior event in the country when 399 junior golfers took part in the various competitions.

The premier event, for the Tom Lehman Trophy, was played over the Darley course, and the title was taken by Robert Hutton of Brunston Castle with a 3 under par 68.

Michael Stewart of Troon Welbeck was runner up with a 70, with Graeme Gimson (St. Cuthbert) and Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) 3rd & 4th respectively on 71.

Best nett went to Mark Kelly (Kirkhill) with 75 - 10 = 65, taking the prize on the better inward half from Scott Robertson (Eastwood) & Thomas Martin (Haggs Castle)

In the handicap event over the Lochgreen course, Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) and Gary Lever (Greenock) both recorded scratch 76 to take the prizes for best girls & boys gross.

Jill Meldrum (Dullatur) (91-19 = 72) was best girls nett, edging out Sarah Hutton (Bentinck Ladies) on the better inward half, whilst Gary Mills made it a double for Dullatur, taking the best boys nett with 77 - 19 = 58

In the other handicap event, over the Fullarton course, Adam Meldrum (Stranraer) took the boys gross prize with a 70.

Best boys nett went to Alexander McAllan of Girvan (74 - 30 = 44), 2 ahead of Blair Nicholl (Kilmacolm) and Kyle Bell (Brighouse Bay) on 46.

Best girls nett was Catherine Rae (Kilmarnock Barassie) with 86 - 36 = 50, 3 ahead of Linzi Allan of Kilbirnie (84 - 31 = 53)

In the 9 hole novices event, Hannah Skeoch (Bentinck Ladies) took the honours with 25 stableford points, one point ahead of Gavin Donald.

Tuesday, August 03, 2004

PAST CAPTAIN DOOTSON - 100 NOT OUT !!

Mrs. Anne. Dootson, Lady Captain of Prestwick St. Cuthbert Golf Club in 1957 celebrated her 100th birthday during Open Championship week, on Saturday 17th July. Both Anne and her late husband Will were enthusiastic members of St. Cuthbert for many years and indeed Will was made an Honorary Member in recognition of his services to the club. Anne and her husband gave the Queens Silver Jubilee Salvers to St. Cuthbert in 1977, for a mixed foursomes competition, and it was appropriate that the last trophy Anne won at the club before she moved south was The Queens Silver Jubilee Salvers in 1991............1 round of stroke play and 4 rounds of match play...............no mean feat at 87 years old !!!.

Now residing with family in Cheshire, where she moved to from Prestwick 4 years ago, she enjoyed a party on the day of her birthday, numbering friends, family and the local mayor amongst the 100 guests. Anne's birthday was marked by Peter Alliss with not one but two mentions during the BBC broadcasts from the Open Championship at Royal Troon.


Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie), the current leader of the junior Order Of Merit Posted by Hello

SGU AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS 2004

After a convincing 6.5 - 2.5 away win against Stirlingshire in their first match at Dunblane in May, Ayrshire failed to maintain the momentum on Sunday when they were narrowly defeated 5 - 4 by The North East at Prestwick St. Nicholas.

The final match in the qualifying section, against Perth & Kinross, takes place at Blairgowrie on September 19th.

A.G.A. SUMMER LEAGUE 2004

The summer league competition is close to the semi final stage, with two of the qualifiers already known.

In League 1, Irvine have qualified for the semi finals, despite two defeats in theri final three matches (4.5 - 1.5 at Caprington and 3.5 - 2.5 at Turnberry). A 5 - 1 home win over Tam O-Shanter saw Irvine through on tie difference (+10 to +3) after matching caprington with 16 points. Final placings in the section were:

Irvine 16 pts, Caprington 16 pts, Turnberry 8 pts, Tam O'Shanter 8 pts.

In League 2 Troon Welbeck have a 100% record from 3 matches and have already qualified, with two matches (Welbeck V. Loudoun & Loudoun V. Barassie) still to be completed. Present positions are:

Welbeck 12 pts, Loudoun 2 pts, Barassie 2 pts.

In League 3 Kilbirnie and Ravenspark are tied after Ravenspark's 3.5 - 2.5 win over Kilbirnie recently. In the 2 matches remaining, Moorpark play host to Ravenspark and travel to meet Kilbirnie. Present positions are:

Kilbirnie 8 pts (+5), Ravenspark 8 pts (+4), Moorpark 0 pts.

In League 4, the remaining match is crucial, St. Meddans requiring to win on their trip to Belleisle if they are to deny Ballochmyle a semi final place. Present positions are:

Ballochmyle 18 pts (+13), St. Meddans 16 pts (+6), Belleisle 10 pts, Dalmilling 0 pts.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 2004

Defending champion Tommy McInally (Loudoun) will meet Jamie McCormack (Ayr Dalmilling) in the first semi final of this years competition, which will take place on Friday 6th August over the Old Course at Royal Troon.

In the second semi final, which will also be held on Friday evening, Graham Johnston (Royal Troon) will play John Sloan (Doon Valley).

JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT 2004

After 11 events in this years Order Of Merit, Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) has established a clear lead, which he consolidated recently with first placings at Irvine Ravenspark, Ardeer and Prestwick St. Nicholas. Stuart Robin (St. Nicholas) took over second place with a fourth placing in his home club event. With the Kilmarnock Barassie trio of McEwan, Robert McKnight and David Addison missing some of this weeks events, including the Ayrshire Boys Championship, due to their selection for the Boys Home Internationals, some of the other players will be hoping to gain ground on McEwan. Leading positions after 11 events, with 9 remaining, are:

Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) 480 pts
Stuart Robin (Prestwicmk St. Nicholas) 165 pts
Robert Hutton (Brunston Castle) 150 pts
Sandy Wilson (West Kilbride) 145 pts
John Shanks (Ardeer) 125 pts
John Coulter (Irvine Ravenspark) 120 pts
James Tarrant (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) 120 pts
Andrew Connell (Largs) 100 pts
J Butler (Irvine Ravenspark) 100 pts
Craig Scott (Irvine Ravenspark) 85 pts
Jamie McKay (Troon St. Meddans) 85 pts
Stuart Peters (Turnberry) 75 pts
Liam Timothy (Iirvine Ravenspark) 75 pts

THE AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE SEMI FINALS 2004

The draws for the semi finals of the Ayrshire Junior Golf League competitions were made on Monday 2 August by League Chairman, Gordon Cunningham (Largs).

In the LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP, 2002 winners Kilmarnock Barassie are at home to Largs Routenburn in the first leg, whilst defending champions, Ardeer, play host to Beith in the first leg of the other semi final.

Ties are due for completion by 8 September with the final at Largs G.C. on Sunday September 12th.

In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT, Prestwick St. Cuthbert are at home to Beith whilst West Kilbride have home advantage against Ardeer. Ties are due for completion by 1 September with the final at Largs on September 5th.

In the CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS competition, 2003 Ayrshire Boys Champion, Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) has his first home tie of the competition, with Craig McLaughlin (Largs) making the short trip to West Kilbride.

In the second semi final, David Robertson (Ballochmyle) travels to meet Jamie McKay (St. Meddans) at Troon.

Ties are due for completion by 8 September with the final at Largs G.C. on September 15th.

In the WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY, section 1, Kilmarnock Barassie and Ayr Belleisle both have 100% records with two wins from two, with Belleisle having a slight advantage at this stage in respect of ties won.

In section 2, Ardeer are out in front with two wins from two. All ties in the sections are due for completion by the end of august, with the section winners meeting in the final at Largs G.G. on September 5th.