PALMER CUP - American Team Named

The American collegiate side who will contest the Palmer Cup match against Europe at Prestwick Golf Club on June 29 and 30 has been named.

Brian Harman, who was a member of the United States’ Walker Cup-winning team at Chicago Golf Club last summer is in the team for the 10th match in the series which the United States leads 5-3 with one match halved.

The full US team is:

Ryan Blaum (Duke)
Ryan Baca (Baylor)
Robert Castro (Georgia Tech)
Kevin Larsen (Georgia Tech)
Brian Harman (Georgia)
Chris Kirk (Georgia)
Luke List (Vanderbilt)
Clay Ogden (Brigham Young)

The American head coach and team manager will be Chris Haack (Georgia).

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL - Third round draw

The third round of the 2006 Ayrshire Golf Association Fourball championship, due to be completed by 2nd July 2006, is :-

Durward Vs. Ayr Seafield

Brunston Castle Vs. Turnberry

Ardeer or Ayr Carrick Vs. Muirkirk

Doon Valley Vs. Irvine Ravenspark

Troon St. Meddans Vs. Tam O Shanter

Ayr Belleisle Vs. Caprington

Kilmarnock Barassie Vs. Glacier

North Beach Vs. Malletsheugh

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL - Second round results

With all second round matches due to be completed by 28th May, a number of results have been posted this week.

Allan Smeaton & Andrew Gibson (Seafield)
beat
Alan Ross & Charlie Brown (Crosshouse)
by 3 & 2

Ian Murray & Tom Bell (Welbeck)
lost to
A.F. Murdoch & D. Murdoch (Brunston Castle)
at the 19th

Ian Yates & Derek Brown (Ayr Belleisle)
beat
Adam Cairns & Clark Robertson (Troon Portland)
at the 20th

John Houston & Cameron Ross (Caprington)
beat
Andrew Scanlon & Alec Hughes (Auchenharvie)
at the 25th

George Lyon & J. Nimmo (North Beach)
walkover against
Eddie Walsh & John Walsh (Moorpark)

The result of the tie between Ardeer and Ayr carrick is still undecided and will be discussed at the next Ayrshire Golf Association Executive meeting.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Barassie and Caprington secure Under 16 quarter final places

Kilmarnock Barassie and Caprington are the first two teams to secure places in the quarter finals of the 2006 Under 16 Knockout Trophy competition.

Barassie made the last eight by virtue of a 2.5 - 1.5 home win over Kilbirnie Place whilst Caprington also won at home to progress, beating Largs by 3 - 1.

A.G.A. SUMMER LEAGUE - Holders Troon welbeck make winning start

All four qualifying sections in the 2006 Ayrshire Golf Association Summer League competition are under way.

In Section 1 West Kilbride lead the way after a 6 - 0 home win over Moorpark in their opening match. Turnberry also recorded a win at home in their first match, beating Tam O Shanter by 4.5 - 1.5.

Defending champions Troon Welbeck opened their campaign with a 4.5 - 1.5 win in their local derby against Troon St. Meddans. In the other match played in the section so far Ballochmyle and their visitors Annanhill shared the spoils in a 3 - 3 draw.

Kilbirnie Place lead section 3 after a 4.5 - 1.5 home win against Irvine Ravenspark whilst Caprington also won at home in their opening match, by 3.5 - 2.5 against Ayr Belleisle.

In the only match played in section 4 so far Irvine (Bogside) recorded a 4 - 2 home win over Kilmarnock (Barassie).

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY - Third round draw

The draw for the third round of the 2006 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition has been announced, with the prospect of a number of interesting ties resulting.

There will be much interst in Largs where the champions of Routenburn and Kelburn, Alan Harrington and Brian Moore, meet in the last 16, whilst last years finalist, Tony Fraser (Annanhill) faces a potentially hazardous trip to meet Henry Thomson at Irvine (Bogside).

The full draw for the third round is :-

COLIN CRAIG (Troon Welbeck)
Vs.
SAMMY COX (Loudoun)

JOHN SHANKS (Ardeer)
Vs.
STEPHEN McBLAIN (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

S. WHITE (Girvan)
Vs.
CHRIS HARKINS (Belleisle)

GEORGE ROBERTSON (Ravenspark)
Vs.
MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (Whiting Bay)

TOMMY LOY (Ballochmyle)
Vs.
G. BETTANY (Saxone)

JOHN SLOAN (Doon Valley)
Vs.
WARREN BLAIR (St. Meddans)

HENRY THOMSON (Irvine)
Vs.
TONY FRASER (Annanhill)

ALAN HARRINGTON (Routenburn)
Vs.
BRIAN MOORE (Largs)

All third round ties are due to be completed by 25th June 2006.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY - second round results

All matches in the second round of the 2006 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy competition were completed this week, with 6 of the 16 matches resuting in walkovers.

With John Sloan (Doon Valley) already through courtesy of a concession, the other four players who progressed without having to play were Chris Harkins (Belleisle), Colin Craig (Welbeck), Warren Blair (St. Meddans), John Shanks (Ardeer) & Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay), who were due to play P. Johnstone (Irvine No. 1), Ross Dixon (Kilmarnock Barassie), David Brackenridge (Dalmilling), J. Brydon (Skelmorlie) and Steven Bolland (Tam O Shanter) respectively.

In other second round matches completed recently

G. Bettany (Saxone) won 4 & 3 on his visit to G. Stuart (Braehead)

Ayrshire Matchplay finalist Tommy Loy (Ballochmyle) had a 7 & 5 win away to Andrew Scanlon (Auchenharvie)

Henry Thomson (Irvine) was a 6 & 5 winner at home against D. Robertson (Crosshouse)

Sammy Cox (Loudoun) beat A. Stewart (Stewarton) by 4 & 2 at Loudoun

In the remaining two matches Alan Harrington (Routenburn) was a 6 & 5 home winner over W. Murdoch (Ayr Carrick) whilst George Robertson (Ravenspark) travelled to meet J. Duff (West Kilbride) and returned a 1 hole win.

2006 S.G.U. AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire open with crushing win over Borders

Ayrshire started their bid for the 2006 Area Team Championship with an excellent 7 - 2 win over Borders at Ballochmyle on Sunday (21st May) in their opening Section C match.

The Ayrshire team took a 3 - 0 lead after the morning foursomes and a 4 - 2 win in the afternoon singles added up to a convincing victory over their visitors.

Match results were (Ayrshire names first)

FOURSOMES

TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun) & TOMMY LOY (Ballochmyle)
beat
Alan Ballantyne and David Martin
3 & 2

JOHN CAIRNEY (Ravenspark) & GEORGE ROBERTSON (Ravenspark)
beat
David Gillie and Derek Gillie
3 & 2

GARY BRYDEN (Girvan) and KEVIN FERGUSSON (St. Cuthbert)
beat
Ian Ford & Simon Hyslop
2 & 1

AYRSHIRE 3 BORDERS 0

SINGLES

TOMMY LOY beat Alan Ballantyne by 4 & 3
TOMMY McINALLY beat Simon Hyslop by 1 hole
GEORGE ROBERTSON lost to David Gillie by 3 & 2
JOHN CAIRNEY beat Derek Gillie by 2 & 1
KEVIN FERGUSSON beat Ian Ford by 3 & 2
GARY BRYDEN lost to David Martin by 2 & 1

AYRSHIRE 4 BORDERS 2

MATCH RESULT

AYRSHIRE 7 BORDERS 2

In the other match in Section C, Renfrewshire beat Stirlingshire by 8 - 1.

Ayrshire's next match in the competition is on 6th August against Stirlingshire at Glenbervie, with the final match, against Renfrewshire, scheduled for Paisley on 24th September.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL - three more teams secure third round places

Doon Valley, Glacier and Malletsheugh are the latest three clubs to secure places in the third round of the 2006 Ayrshire Fourball competition.

James Brown and Ralph Mitchell (Doon Valley) secured their place with a 2 & 1 win over their visitors, Kevin McKeown and Ramsay Eccles (Maybole).

John Elliot and Stephen Kirk (Glacier) had a 3 & 2 win on their visit to William McCormick and Alex Thomson (Dalmilling) whilst Denis Taggart and Paul Appleby (Malletsheugh) beat D. Brand & B. Rutherford (Loudoun) 6 & 4 to reach the last 16.

The remaining ties are due for completeion by Sunday 28th may.

WEST OF SCOTLAND BOYS LEAGUE - Ayrshire open with narrow win at Glasgow

Ayrshire opened their bid for the 2006 West Of Scotland inter county boys league with a narrow 4.5 - 3.5 win over Glasgow at Ralston on Sunday (21st May).

With a number of player unavailable due to a clash with the Hillhouse Cup competition at Royal Troon, the opportunity was taken to give a number of players their first representative outing for the county, and the team performed well to secure a good away win against their hosts.

Individual results were (Ayrshire players first)

ADAM FOLEY (Ayr Belleisle) lost to Mark Bookless (Sandyhills) 4 & 3
MICHAEL ROOS (West Kilbride) lost to David Leck (Ralston) by 1 hole
SCOTT BROWN (Brunston Castle) beat Fraser Smith (Ralston) 3 & 2
CHARLES DOYLE (Troon Welbeck) lost to Conor O'Neill (Pollock) by 1 hole
CRAIG McLAUGHLIN (Largs) beat Mark Souts (Williamwood) 8 & 7
CAMERON GRAY (West Kilbride) halved with John Grant (Ralston)
MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (Whiting Bay) beat Martin Shaw (Haggs Castle) by 1 hole
KYLE SMITH (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Steven Keane (Cathkin Braes) 3 & 1

GLASGOW 3.5 AYRSHIRE 4.5

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL - more clubs secure third round places

With the second round of the 2006 Ayrshire Fourball championship due to be concluded by 28th May, a number of ties have been completed recently.

Ronnie McLellan and Tom Bennett (Turnberry) progressed cortesy of a 3 & 2 home victory over Tom & Claud Gerrish (Prestwick St. Cuthbert).

David Muir and Murray Pringle (Muirkirk) also recorded a home win, beating Robert Gilchrist and Stephen Wozencroft (Chase) by 4 & 3.

Home advantage also saw Ian Wilson and Ayrshire Past President Ronnie Potts (Irvine Ravenspark) through, with a 2 hole victory over I. Steel & B. O'Rourke (Kilbirnie).

St. Meddans and Tam O Shanter will meet in the third round after the St. Meddans pairing of E. McFadden & F. Greer beat J. Boyd & G. Wiggett (Largs Routenburn) and the Tam O Shanter pairing of Glen & Scott Kelly recorded a 4 & 3 win on their visit to meet Roger Parry & Alan Duffy (Prestwick St. Nicholas).

In the other match completed recently, Roger Thyne and Alastair Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Derek Matthews and Alan Bell (Ballochmyle).

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - League Championship update

All four qualifying sections in the 2006 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship are under way, as teams bid for the four semi final places.

In SECTION A, Troon Welbeck lead the way with a 3 - 3 home draw against Annanhill and a 4 - 2 home win over Beith. In the other match played so far, Ballochmyle had a 4 - 2 home win over last seasons Championship finalists Ardeer.

In SECTION B, home advantage has proved crucial so far. Prestwick St. Cuthbert opened with a win at home by 5 - 1 over Kilbirnie. The score however was reversed in the next match at Kilbirnie, to leave honours even between the two sides. In the only other match played so far, Caprington had a 4.5 - 1.5 home win over Prestwick St. Nicholas and now head the section at the early stages.

In SECTION C, the only result posted so far is a 4.5 - 1.5 away win by Ayr Belleisle on their visit to Largs Routenburn.

In SECTION D, defending champions West Kilbride have started well with a 5 - 1 home win over New Cumnock in their opening fixture. Loudoun also began the section strongly with a 4 - 2 home win over Irvine Ravenspark.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Champion Of Champions Trophy first round results

The 4 first round matches in the 2006 AJGL Champion Of Champions Trophy competition have been completed.

Mark Tait (Annanhill) secured a second round place with a home victory over Jared Williams (Troon St. Meddans) whilst Darren Kean (West Kilbride) progressed courtesy of a walkover, having been due to play New Cumnock's representative.

Greame Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) and Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion Euan Brown both progressed to the second round, courtesy of away wins against Steven Carrington (Ayr Belleisle) and David Hewitson (Beith) respectively.

In the second round, Darren Kean (West Kilbride) and Euan Brown (Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champ) have home ties against Steven McEwan (Caprington) and Sean Fallows (Troon Welbeck) respectively.

Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) faces an away match against Ayrshire Boys Champion Jamie Mackay in round 2, whilst Mark Tait (Annanhill) is at home to Stuart Henderson (Kilmarnock Barassie).

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Under 16 Knockout Trophy results

The first round of the 2006 AJGL Under 16 Knockout Trophy has been completed with New Cumnock and Caprington both using home advantage to progress to round 2.

New Cumnock beat Ardeer in round 1 whilst Caprington overcame the challenge of Troon Welbeck.

In the second round, New Cumnock now face an away tie at Prestwick St. Nicholas whilst Caprington are at home to Largs.

S.G.U. AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP 2006 - Ayrshire team for first match announced

The Ayrshire team to face The Borders in the first Area Team Championship match of 2006, on 21 May at Ballochmyle Golf Club, has been selected.

The new Ayrshire matchplay Champion, Tommy McInally (Loudoun) is included in the side, along with the beaten finalist Tommy Loy (Ballochmyle).

The team is :-

Tommy McInally (Loudoun Gowf Club)
Tom Loy (Ballochmyle Golf Club)
John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club)
George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club)
Kevin Ferguson (Prestwick St Cuthbert Golf Club)
Gary Bryden (Turnberry Golf Club)

The team are scheduled to play a practice match against Ballochmyle Golf Club on Sunday 14 May at 3.00pm.

BELLEISLE CUP - Entries for next Doc Thom Salver event now being accepted.

Entries are presently being taken for the next Doc Thom Salver counting event, the Belleisle Cup, which takes place on Sunday 4th June 2006.

With an entry fee of £10 and handicap limit of 6, the closing date for entries for the 36 hole scratch event is Sunday 21st May.

Entries can be made by telephone, contact match secretary of Ayr Belleisle Golf Club, Robert Morrison on 07708 861569.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - McInally leads the chase for 2006 Doc Thom Salver

After his victory in the Ayrshire Matchplay Championship, Tommy McInally (Loudoun) leads the table in the 2006 Ayrshire Order Of Merit for the Doc Thom Salver.

The present positions after the first two counting events are :-

150 - TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun)
130 - STEVEN McEWAN (Kilmarnock Barassie)
100 - TOMMY LOY (Ballochmyle)
100 - BRIAN MOORE (Largs)
67.5 - CRAIG HAMILTON (Ballochmyle)
67.5 - BARRY CRAWFORD (West Kilbride)
50 - ROSS DIXON (Kilmarnock Barassie)
50 - IAN WALKER (Brunston Castle)
50 - NEIL BLACK (Caprington)
20 - JOHN CAIRNEY (Ravenspark)
20 - KEVIN FERGUSSON (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
20 - ALASTAIR LEGGATE (Kilmarnock Barassie)

The remaining counting events are

The Belleisle Cup (4th June) - at Ayr Belleisle
The Viking Krus (TBC) - at Largs Kelburn
The Welbeck Links (TBC) - at Troon Municipal
The Arroll Cup (16th September) - at Prestwick St. Nicholas

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY - Moore joined by four more players in third round

Brian Moore (Largs) has been joined by four more player who have secured places in the third round of this years Champion Of Champions Trophy competition.

John Sloan (Doon Valley) progressed courtesy of a walkover against D. Hollingsworth (CAAGS), whilst S. White (Girvan) had a 2 hole victory in his visit to play J. Philip (Drongan).

Steven McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) enjoyed a 6 & 5 home win over Neil McCormack (New Cumnock) to progress to round 3 whilst last years finalist, Tony Fraser (Annanhill) had a 7 & 6 home win over R. Paterson (Moorpark) to secure his place in the last 16.

The players now await the winners of the remaining second round ties (to be completed by 21st May, before the draw for the third round is made.

2006 Ayrshire Matchplay Champion - Tommy McInally (Loudoun Gowf Club) 

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - McInally wins title in marathon final

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) fought back to take the title against Tommy Loy (Ballochmyle) when play in the 2006 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship final resumed at Troon Portland on Fiday night, following suspension of play after 10 holes the previous evening.

Tommy Loy held a two hole advantage when play was suspended due to lightning on Thursday night, but when the final restarted on Friday evening McInally immediately reduced the defecit by winning the 11th hole.

Tommy Loy restored his two hole advantage at the 13th, and had a putt at the 15th to go dormie three. Loy missed the putt but remained two holes ahead with three to play.

Tommy McInally took full advantage of Loy's failure to take the 15th, and a birdie 2 at 16 followed by a birdie 3 at the 17th secured both holes for McInally and brought the match back to level.

The players then halved the final hole and the match continued into extra holes.

The 19th and 20th holes were halved but when Loy missed the green with his approach at the 21st and failed to get up and down, McInally had only to get down in two from the edge of the green to win the match.

McInally rose to the task, securing his par 4 to win the 2006 Ayrshire Matchplay title at the third extra hole.

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - play suspended due to thunder storm

The final of the Ayrshire Matchplay Championship at Troon Portland on Thursday night, 4th May, was suspended after 10 holes as thunder and lightning swept over the Ayrshire coast.

Tommy Loy (Ballochmyle) gained the early advantage over Tommy McInally (Loudoun) taking two of the first three holes played. McInally reduced the defecit, only to see Loy regain his two hole advantage through ten.

After the players teed off from the 11th tee, the close proximity of the electric storm dictated an immediate suspension of play, with Loy two holes up.

The final will recommence at 5.00 p.m. on Friday evening, 5th May, from the 11th tee at Troon Portland.

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - McInally and Loy secure final places

The final of the 2006 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship, to be held at Troon Portland on Thursday 4th May at 5.00 p.m., will be contested by Tommy McInally (Loudoun) and Tommy Loy (Ballochmyle).

In the semi finals on Wednesday night, McInally ended the hopes of Ian Walker (Brunston Castle) with a 4 & 2 win, whilst Loy had to work very hard to overcome the challenge of Neil Black (Caprington), eventually securing the final place at the first extra hole.

With neither player having previously won the matchplay championship, the final on Thursday will ensure that a new name will be added to the prestigious trophy.

2006 Ayrshire Matchplay semi finalists Neil Black & Tommy Loy 

2006 Ayrshire Matchplay semi finalists Ian Walker & Tommy McInally 

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - McInally continues impressive run

Despite breezy conditions and heavy showers on Tuesday evening, Tommy McInally (Loudoun) continued his impressive form in this seasons Ayrshire Matchplay Championship at Troon Portland this week, with a second successive 5 & 4 win, to secure a semi final place.

McInally will now face Ayrshire Golf Association Executive member, Ian Walker (Brunston Castle) in the semi final, after Walker defeated Tony Fraser (Annanhill) by 3 & 1.

In the second semi final, Tommy Loy (Ballochmyle), who defeated former Tam O Shanter Trophy winner Alan McLean (Kilbirnie Place) by 5 & 4 in the last eight, will meet Neil Black (Caprington) after Black secured a one hole victory over Gary Bryden (Girvan) in the last match on the course on Tuesday night, to reach the last four.

The semi finals, scheduled for Wednesday 3 May are :-

1700 hrs
Ian Walker (Brunston Castle)
Vs.
Tommy McInally (Loudoun)

1715 hrs
Tommy Loy (Ballochmyle)
Vs.
Neil Black (Caprington)

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL - Barassie and Durward claim places in round 3

Roger Thyne and Alastair Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) and R. McCubbin & G. Jess (Durward) are the first two pairings to claim places in the last 16 of the 2006 Ayrshire Fourball Championship.

The Barassie pairings had a home win over Derek matthews and Alex Bell (Ballochmyle) whilst the Durward pairing had a win on their visit to play Cameron and Fraser McLatchie (West Kilbride).

The remaining third round matches are due to be completed by 28th May 2006.

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - McInally and Bryden lead charge for the 2006 title

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) and Gary Bryden (Girvan) led the way in the challenge for the 2006 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship after the first round was completed on Monday evening, 1st May 2006, defeating their respective opponents by a crushing 6 & 5 margin.

Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) came in as a late replacement for Robert McKnight (Kilmarnock Barassie), but narrowly failed to progress to round 2, losing on the final green.

First round results were :-

Brian Moore (Largs) lost to Ian Walker (Brunston castle) 1 hole
Tony Fraser (Annanhill) beat George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) 2 & 1
Tommy McInally (Loudoun) beat C. Mcgowan (Troon Welbeck) 6 & 5
John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) beat Craig McLaughlin (Largs) 2 & 1
Barry Crawford (West Kilbride) lost to Alan McLean (Kilbirnie Place) 2 & 1
Tommy Loy (Ballochmyle) beat Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) 1 hole
Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) lost to Gary Bryden (Girvan) 6 & 5
Alastair Leggate (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Neil Black (Caprington) 2 & 1

Second round ties, scheduled for Tuesday 2nd May, are :-

1700 - Ian Walker (Brunston castle) Vs. Tony Fraser (Annanhill)

1710 - Tommy McInally (Loudoun) Vs. John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark)

1720 - Alan McLean (Kilbirnie Place) Vs. Tommy Loy (Ballochmyle)

1730 - Gary Bryden (Girvan) Vs.Neil Black (Caprington)