EDWARD TROPHY - McInally is top placed Ayrshire competitor

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) was the top place Ayrshire player in the 2007 Edward Trophy competition at Glasow Gailes on Saturday 27/04/2007, his total of 151 being seven shots behing the winner, Matthew Clark (Kilmacolm). In breezy conditions, Clark won the event by two strokes from defending champion Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire), and Keith Hamilton (Whitecraigs), who hails from Ayr.

Leading scores were :-

144 - M Clark (Kilmacolm) 72 72.
146 - K Hamilton (Whitecraigs) 71 75, C Watson (East Renfrewshire) 71 75.
147 - J King (Glasgow) 75 72.
148 - K Smyth (Windyhill) 76 72.
150 - G Bolton (Bute) 77 73.
151 - T McInally (Loudoun) 75 76.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - First round of Fourball competition completed

The first round matches in the 2007 Ayrshire Fourball competition have been completed this week.

Four matches remained to be played in round 1 this week. D. & G. McCulloch (Brunston Castle) beat the Moorpark pairing of Alan Mulholland & David Mason to set up a home second round tie against J. Carruthers & J. Houston (Wallacetown).

Scott McCahill and David Wallace (Maybole) received a walkover against Graham Donald & Bill McFie (CAAGS) and now have a home match against J. Handvige and M. Tod of Beith.

Kevin Nisbet and Robert Ross (New Cumnock) used home advantage to crush Andy Breadon and John Fleming (Saxone) by 8 & 6 and now have another home tie in round 2, against Billy Dunn & Charlie Hamilton (Ayr Carrick).

In the remaining first round tie, Alan Poole and Gary Tierney (St. Nicholas) were pushed all the way by their visitors A & A Stewart (Stewarton) before the home pair emerged as victors by one hole. The St. Nicholas pairing now entertain Charlie Hendren & Dick Lorimer (Abbotsford) in the second round.

All second round ties are due for completion by 27th may 2007.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Ayrshire Matchplay Championship draw

The draw for the 2007 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship, to be held at Irvine (Bogside) from 7th to 10th May was made at the conclusion of the Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship on Sunday 22 April.

With some players unavailable for the matchplay event, the qualifying score for the 16 competitors was 150, with two from three on that score securing places in the event.

the 2006 winner and holder Tommy McInally (Loudoun) - pictured right - qualified comfortably to defend his title in 6th place.

The full draw for the first round matches, to be played on Monday 7th May is

1700 - J. Shanks (Irvine) Vs. J. Callaghan (Largs)

1706 - B. Moore (Largs) Vs. T. Stafford (Troon St. Meddans)

1712 - S. Murray (Troon Welbeck) Vs. T. Loy (Ballochmyle)

1718 - I. Walker (Turnberry) Vs. C. Hamilton (Ballochmyle)

1724 - D. Mallinson (Ravenspark) Vs. J. Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie)

1730 - B. Campbell (Ballochmyle) Vs. A. Kent (Troon Welbeck)

1736 - R. Milligan (Troon Welbeck) Vs. M. Pennycott (Whiting Bay)

1742 - T. McInally (Loudoun) Vs. G. Lamb (Irvine)

Reserves list

P. Denim (Loudoun)

D. Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck)

A. McLean (Kilbirnie Place)

S. Pennington (Troon St. Meddans)

W. Meiklam (Troon Welbeck)

Any player in the draw, or reserve list, who will not be available to play in the championship are requested to contact the Ayrshire Golf Association Secretary, Leslie Crawford, as soon as possible.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Shanks is 2007 Strokeplay Champion

John Shanks (Irvine) - pictured right - won the Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship at West Kilbride on Sunday 22 April, his three under par total of 136 giving him a one stroke victory over Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

Shanks , the 2006 Ayrshire Boys Champion, became only the 4th player in 54 years to follow a win in the Boys Strokeplay with victory in the senior Strokeplay event, following Billy Lockie (boys 1961 & 1965 & senior 1968), Leslie Crawford (boys 1963 & senior 1975,1983, 1985 & 1990) & Brian Aitken (boys 1972 & senior 1997).

Shanks posted his early intention, being firt round leader on one under par 71, one shot ahead of Darren Mallinson (Ravenspark) & defending champion Steven McEwan (Caprington), with Brian Moore (Largs), Gareth Lamb (Irvine) and Kevin Fergusson (St. Cuthbert) one shot further back on 72.

In the afternoon, the early target was set by Mallinson, a second successive 71 giving him a level par total of 142. Mallinsons total was soon equalled by host club player Barry Crawford, an afternoon 68, three under par being added to his morning 74, also for 142.

With scoring generally lower in the afternoon, a number of player edged into the 140’s, with Ramsay Milligan (Welbeck), with a best of the day 67 in the afternoon, coming up one short of the leaders on 143.

Ian Walker (Turnberry) also posted an under par afternoon round but his one under par 70 was two short of the 142 leading score, whilst defending champion Steven McEwan saw his grasp on the trophy slip with an afternoon 72 for 143.

Morning leader Shanks was in the penultimate group alongside Kevin Fergusson and the pair had quite a tussle in the afternoon, Fergusson getting the better of Shanks by one stroke in the afternoon although his three under par 68 gave him a total of 140, just a single shot behind his playing partner and title winner John Shanks.

At the conclusion of play, Ayrshire Golf Association President Ricky Magee (Caprington) presented prizes to the first 6 placed players.

CSS for the morning round was 72 ( + 1) and for the afternoon was 71 ( 0)

Full results

139 J. Shanks (Irvine) 70/69
140 K. Fergusson (St. Cuthbert) 72/68
142 Crawford (West Kilbride) 74/68, D. Mallinson (Ravenspark) 71/71
143 R. Milligan (Welbeck) 76/67, S. McEwan 71/72
144 S. Murray (Welbeck) 74/70, I. Walker (Turnberry) 74/70
145 T. McInally (Loudoun) 76/69, B. Campbell (Ballochmyle) 75/70,

R. McKnight (Barassie) 74/71
146 B. Moore (Largs) 72/74
147 A. Kent (Welbeck) 73/74, T. Stafford (St. Meddans) 76/71
148 G. Lamb (Irvine) 72/76
149 C. Hamilton (Ballochmyle) 75/74, C. Adams (Ardeer) 74/75,

T. Loy (Ballochmyle) 74/75, M. Pennycott (Whiting Bay) 73/76
150 J. Mackay ((Barassie) 77/73, J. Callaghan (Largs) 75/75,

P. Denim (Loudoun) 75/75
151 D. Chamberlain (Welbeck) 81/70, A. McLean (Kilbirnie) 78/73,

S. Pennington (St. Meddans) 78/73, G. Dobbie (St. Meddans) 77/74,

W. Meiklen (Welbeck)
152 T. Fraser (Annanhill) 77/75, S. Spence (Irvine) 76/76
153 K. Fairley (Irvine) 79/74, S. McCahill (Maybole) 79/74,

G. Higgins (Largs) 74/79, G. Gimson (St. Cuthbert) 75/78
154 G. Cochran (Ravenspark) 80/74
155 P. Quigley (Western Gailes) 80/75, I. Brown (West Kilbride) 80/75,

D. Macdonald (Largs) 79/76, A. Brown (West Kilbride) 75/80

S. McBlain (St. Cuthbert) 82/73K. Hankinson (Welbeck) 83/72
157 Gibson (Ravenspark) 79/78
158 C. Kerr (Largs) 79/79, F. Lawrie (Largs) 82/76
160 A. Campbell (Ballochmyle) 83/77, F. Henderson (Welbeck) 74/86
161G. Neil (Caprington) 83/78
163 D. Moore (Largs) 82/81
164 S. King (St. Nicholas) 83/81

No Returns – G. Robertson (Ravensaprk), P. Bond (Ravenspark), K. Houston (Welbeck), A. Graham (Largs), A. Walker (St. Meddans), D. Booth (Turnberry), F. Drum (St. Meddans)

AYRSHIRE LADIES - Hendry makes it three in a row

Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) (pictured right) retained the Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Championship at Troon Portland course on Thursday 19th April, beating the top qualifier, Audrey Thompson (Loudoun) by two holes in the morning semi-finals before winning the final for the third successive year with a 6 and 5 win over Morag McPherson (Troon Ladies)

In the semi-finals Morag McPherson beat Jennifer Linklater (Largs) by 3 and 2

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

Semi-finals

L Hendry (Largs Routenburn) bt A Thompson (Loudoun) 2 holes
M McPherson (Troon Ladies) bt J Linklater (Largs) 3 and 2

Final

Hendry bt McPherson 6 and 5.

L-R :- Runner Up Morag McPherson (Troon Ladies), County Captain Eleanor Taylor MBE, Troon Ladies Golf Club Captain, Denise Johnstone, who presented the prizes and 2007 County Champion Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Fourball results

With first round matches in the 2007 Ayrshire Fourball competition due to be completed by the weekend, a number of matches have been played this week.

Billy Andrew and James McMurdo of Ballochmyle are through to a home second round tie against Colin Robertson and Alan Howat (Glacier), after a narrow two hole win over Robert Griffiths and Grant Wison of Ayr Seafield, at ballochmyle, in the first round.

Also through from the first round are John Broadfood and Duncan McFarlane of Turnberry who edged through against their visitors J. Drummond & I. McPherson (Kilmarnock Barassie), at the 19th.

The turnberry pair now have a home match against Gordon Ferguson & Alexander Mackenzie (Annanhill) in round 2.

In the other match completed recently, Paul Bryden & Stuart Ross of Dalmilling used home advantage to record a 3 & 2 win over Bobby Strawhorn and Barry Cairns (Crosshouse).

In the second round the Dalmilling due have another home tie, this time against S. Linwood & I. McKinlay (Drongan).

AYRSHIRE LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP - Hendry on course for third title

Holder Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) remained on course for a third successive title after the first two matchplay rounds in the 2007 Ayrshire Ladies County Championship being held at Troon Portland this week.

In the semi finals, Hendry will play the top seed, Audrey Thomson (Loudoun).

The second semi final will be between Jenny Linklater (Largs) and Morag McPherson (Troon Ladies).

Results from Wednesday were :-

FIRST ROUND :-

A Thompson (Loudoun) bt M MacGregor (Barassie) 10 and 8
R Donaldson (Troon Ladies) bt C Malcolm (Prestwick St Nicholas) at 20th
R McQueen (Troon Bentinck) bt L Laing (Troon Ladies) at 21st
L Hendry (Routenburn) bt L Parry (Irvine) 7 and 6
J Linklater (Largs) bt A Glennie (Barassie) 5 and 4
L Keohone (Loudoun) bt D Watt (Belleisle) 4 and 2
M McPherson (Troon Ladies) bt G Smith (Ardeer) 1 hole
J Finnie (Troon Ladies) w.o. C Williamson (Prestwick St Nicholas) scr.

QUARTER FINALS :-

Thomson bt MacGregor 1 hole
Hendry bt McQueen 1 hole
Linklater bt Keohone 1 hole
McPherson bt Finnie at 19th.

The semi finals and final will be completed on Thursday.

AYRSHIRE LADIES - Thomson leads matchplay qualifiers

Audrey Thomson (Loudoun) led the qualifiers as 101 players began the 2007 Ayrshire Ladies' County Golf Championship, being held this week at Troon Portland. Thomsons five over par score of 80 was one ahead of host club member Jane Finnie (Troon Ladies) and three ahead of Alex Glennie (Barassie Ladies), 17 year old Rachael McQueen (Troon Bentick) and the holder Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn).

The 16 qualifiers for the matchplay stages, which begin on Wednesday morning are :-

1. Audrey Thompson (Loudoun) - 80
2. Jane Finnie (Troon Ladies) - 81
3. Alex Glennie (Barassie) - 83
4. Lesley Hendry (Routenburn) - 83
5. Rachael McQueen (Troon Bentinck) - 83
6 . Debbie Watt (Belleisle) - 84
7. Greta Smith (Ardeer) - 84
8. Rosemary Donaldson (Troon Ladies) - 86
9. Catherine Malcolm (Prestwick St Nicholas) - 86
10. Morag McPherson (Troon Ladies) - 87
11. Liz Keohone (Loudoun) - 88
12. Lynda Laing (Troon Ladies) - 88
13. Linda Parry (Irvine) - 89
14. Jennifer Linklater (Largs) - 90
15. Catriona Williamson (Prestwick St Nicholas) - 94
16. M Macgregor - 97

The draw for the first round of the matchplay, on Wednesday morning, is :-

A. Thompson v M. MacGregor
C. Malcolm v R. Donaldson
R. McQueen v L. Laing.
L. Parry v L. Hendry
A. Glennie v J. Linklater
E. Keohone v D. Watt
G. Smith v M. McPherson
C. Williamson v J. Finnie

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Stewart and Clark make early start

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) and Scott Clark (Ayr Belleisle) have made an early start in their bid for the 2007 Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit title, taking 100 and 50 points respectively as reward for their efforts in the Scottsih Boys Championship at Dunbar, the first qualifying event for the Order Of merit this season.

The full list of Junior Order Of Merit qualifying events and dates this year is :-

Scottish Boys Championship (Dunbar) - 9th to 14th April
Girvan Boys Championship (Girvan) - Friday 29th June
Prestwick Boys Open (St. Cuthbert) - Monday 2nd July
Largs Junior Open (Largs) - Thursday 5th July
Pollock Trophy (Kilmarnock Barassie) - Monday 9th July
Welbeck Boys Open (Troon Municipal) - Friday 13th July
Loudoun Boys Open (Loudoun Gowf) - Monday 16th July
West Kilbride Boys Open (36 hole) (West Kilbride) - Tuesday 17th July
Scottish Boys Strokeplay (Cardrona) - 24th to 26th July
Caprington Junior Open (Caprington) - Thursday 26th July
Prestwick St. Nicholas Junior Open (St. Nicholas) - Monday 30th July
Gareth Ferguson Trophy (Ardeer) - Tuesday 31 July
Ayrshire Boys Championship (36 hole) (TBC) - Thursday 2nd August
Tom Lehman Trophy (Troon Municipal) - Tuesday 7th August
Ayrshire Boys Matchplay (Prestwick) - 9th to 11th August
Belleisle Boys Open (Ayr Municipal) - Thursday 9th August
Kilbirnie Junior Open (Kilbirnie Place) - Sunday 12th August
Ballochmyle Junior Open (Ballochmyle) - Monday 13th August
Irvine Ravenspark Boys Open (Irvine Ravenspark) - Wednesday 15th August
Beith Boys Open (Beith) - Sunday 26th August

Points will be awarded, on a scratch basis, on the above competitions throughout the season, with prizes being presented to the seven top placed players at the Ayrshire Junior Golf League Dinner at the end of the season.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - 2007 Wallace Thornton Trophy draw

The draw for the two qualifying sections in the 2007 Wallace Thornton Trophy competition was decided at the conclusion of the 2007 Ayrshire Boys Team Championship held at Prestwick St. Cuthbert on Sunday 15th April 2007.

Prestwick St. Cuthbert, the new Ayrshire Boys Team Champions, will contest Section A, alongside Ayr Belleisle, West Kilbride, Largs and Ballochmyle.

Defending champions Kilmarnock (Barassie) begin their defence of the Wallace Thornton Trophy in Section B, against Largs Routenburn, Loudoun, Troon Welbeck and Irvine Ravenspark.

mathces will be played on a home or away basis throughout the summer, with the winners of the two sections contesting the final in September.

AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - St. Cuthbert take the Lygate Trophy

Host club Prestwick St. Cuthbert won the Ayrshire Boys Team Championship for the first time on Sunday 15th April 2006 when 16 clubs from the county contested the Matt Lygate Trophy over the St. Cuthbert course.

The team of Grant McIlloney (81), David Brown (78), Andrew Miller (77) & Stephen McConnell (75) - pictured right with Ayrshire Golf Association President Ricky Magee - edged out the holders Kilmarnock Barassie by 2 shots, with a 230 team total.

Loudoun ( pictured below right) defended the Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy, for the best nett team score, Craig Goodwin (70), Robert Jamieson (76), Michael cameron (N/R) & Darren Tannock (64) combining for a 210 team total, 6 ahead of their nearest challengers

Darren Tannock (pictured below) won the Carrick Trophy, his score of 80-16 = 64 being the best nett return of the day.

The Prestwick Circuits Trophy, for the best scratch score of the day was retained by Fraser Lawrie (West Kilbride) - pictured right - who returned a 4 over par score of 75 which edged out Stephen McConnell (St. Cuthbert) by virtue of the better inward half .

Handicap class winners were :-

0 - 6 handicap - Craig Goodwin (Loudoun) 76 - 6 = 70
7 - 9 handicap - Robbie Wilson (Ballochmyle) 78 - 10 = 68
10 - 18 handicap - Cieran Byrne (New Cumnock) 78 - 12 = 66 (bih)

Final Team Totals were :-

CLUB / SCRATCH / NETT

PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT / 230 / 216
KILMARNOCK BARASSIE / 232 / 231
AYR BELLEISLE / 235 / 217
LARGS ROUTENBURN / 236 / 222
WEST KILBRIDE / 237 222
LOUDOUN / 237 / 210
LARGS / 238 / 222
TROON WELBECK / 240 / 225
BALLOCHMYLE / 246 / 220
IRVINE RAVENSPARK / 248 / 219
TROON ST. MEDDANS / 252 / 233
ARDEER / 253 / 228
CAPRINGTON / 253 / 224
PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS / 260 / 220
NEW CUMNOCK / 263 / 217
ANNANHILL / 287 / 245

Prizes were presented to the successful teams and players, at the conclusion of the competition, by Ayrshire Golf Association President Ricky Magee (Caprington).

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Champion Of Champions first round completed

The first round matches in the 2007 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy competition were completed this weekend with the original field of 47 now reduced to the final 32.

First round results were :-

Bert Ferguson (Royal Troon) beat Alan Jeffrey (Shiskine) 3 & 2
Andy Clark (Carrick Lodge) beat Paul Ferguson (Maybole) at the 19th
Jamie McCormack (Dalmilling) lost to Charlie Bell (Braehead) 1 hole
Nicholas Tindall (Tam O Shanter) beat Sammy Cox (Loudoun) 4 & 3
Ewan McKinnon (Corrie) Scr. R Marshall (Beith) w/o
Alan Stewart Jr. (Stewarton) Scr Ian Gray (Chase) w/o
Andrew Kent (Welbeck) beat John Shanks (Ardeer) at the 19th
Brian Moore (Largs) beat B McCulloch (Brunston Castle) by 1 hole
David Robertson (Crosshouse) beat R McCutcheon (Drongan) 6 & 5
Alan Dickie (Barassie) Scr. Billy Campbell (Ballochmyle) w/o
Gary Bryden (Girvan) beat Alan Mulholland (Moorpark) 6 & 5
Alan McLean (Kilbirnie) beat Fraser Lawrie (Largs) 4 & 3
David Strachan (Turnberry) Scr. Chris Harkins (Belleisle) w/o
Gavin Lawrie (St. Nicholas) Scr. W McCartney (Wallacetown) w/o
Alan Harrington (Routenburn) beat David Clydesdale (Glacier) 4 & 3

Round 2 - to be played by 20/05/2007

Bert Ferguson (Royal Troon) Vs Kirk Russell (Doon Valley)
Andy Clark (Carrick Lodge) Vs. Martin Riddall (New Cumnock)
Charlie Bell (Braehead) Vs. George Ross (Malletsheugh)
Nicholas Tindall (Tam O Shanter) Vs. Andrew Scanlon (Auchenharvie)
R Marshall (Beith) Vs. Ben Cooney (Abbotsford)
Ian Gray (Chase) Vs. David Glass (St. Cuthbert)
Andrew Kent (Welbeck) Vs. David Martin (Alton)
Brian Moore (Largs) Vs. Steven Dunn (Seafield)
David Robertson (Crosshouse) Vs. Henry Thomson (Irvine)
Billy Campbell (Ballochmyle) Vs. Tony Stafford (St. Meddans)
Gary Bryden (Girvan) Vs. Paul Moultrie (Portland)
Alan McLean (Kilbirnie) Vs. Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay)
Chris Harkins (Belleisle) Vs. B McDonnell (Caprington)
W McCartney (Wallacetown) Vs. John Cairney (Ravenspark)
Alan Harrington (Routenburn) Vs. A Fraser (Saxone)
Joe Hobson (NACCO) Vs. Barry Crawford (West Kilbride)

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire challenge ends at semi final stage

William Bremner (Edzell) completed an Ayrshire double when he defeated Scott Clark (Ayr Belleisle) and Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) in the quarter and semi finals respectively in the Scottish Boys Championship at Dunbar on Friday 13th April.

In the morning quarter finals, Clark managed to square his match after three holes, despite Bremner opening with two successive birdies, bur the Ayr Belleisle player fell behind at the fourth hole after a bogey 5, and Bremner never surrendered his lead for the remainder of the match. Brebner turned for home with a two hole lead and extended his lead to three with a par three at the 10th. Clark reduced the defecit with a birdie three at the 14th, but despite a further birdie three at the next hole, which only earned him a half, Clark ran out of holes in his comeback bid and Bremner ran out a 2 & 1 winner.

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) wend behind by a hole after two in his morning quarter final against Fraser McKenna (Balmore) when his opponent opened with two birdie 4's, but Stewart squared the match with a par 3 at the 4th hole and a birdie 3 at the 6th put him ahead for the first time. Par fours were sufficient to give Stewart the next two holes and a 3 hole advantage through 8, and pars at the 10th and 11th extended Stewarts lead to 5 holes after 11. Stewart went on to half the next three holes for a 5 & 4 win and a place in the semi finals, where he faced Scott Clark's conqueror, William Bremner.

In the semi final, Bremner again opened with two birdies, to take an early two hole lead over Stewartwhich he maintained until the 7th hole where par was enough for Stewart to reduce the defecit to one.

The comeback from Stewart was short lived however, Bremner taking the 8th with par before recording his third birdie 4 of the afternoon, at the par 5 9th hole, to take a 3 hole lead at the turn.

Bremner maintained his three hole advantage until Stewart took the 14th hole with par, but Bremner again restored his 3 hole lead, with three to play, when he recorded his 4th birdie of the round with a three at the 15th.

Stewart did not give up however, and pars at the 16th and 17th were sufficient to reduce the defecit once more, the match going to the final hole with Bremner one ahead. Bremner did managed to rally at the final hole, matching Stewarts par 4 for a 1 hole victory and a place in the 2007 Scottish Boys Championship Final.

In the final Bremner will play Paul Ferrier (Baberton) who beat Jeff O'Malley (Newbattle) by 5 & 4 in the semi final.

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Two Ayrshire boys remain in final eight

Two Ayrshire boys will provide a quarter of the field in the quarter finals of the Scottish Boys Championship at Dunbar, after winning through rounds 4 & 5 on Thursday 12 April.

The one casualty of the remaining Ayrshire players on Thursday was Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) who bowed out in round 4 after a 2 hole defeat by Ryan Elder (Nairn Dunbar).

Scott Clark (Ayr Belleisle) maintained his good form beating Roddy Forgie (Muckart) by 4 & 3 in the morning before securing a quarter final place with a 2 & 1 victory over Chris Cox (Falkirk).

In the quarter finals on Friday morning, Clark faces William Bremner (Edzell).

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) became the lowest handicapper and only current Scottish cap remaining in the competition after a nailbiting win at the 20th hole over David Law (Hazlehead) in the morning was followed by an impressive 5 & 4 victory in the afternoon over Michael Campbell (Buckpool).

In the quarter finals Stewart faces Fraser McKenna (Balmore), and should Stewart and Clark both emerge victorious on Friday morning, there is the prospect of an all Ayrshire semi final awaiting in the afternoon.

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - 3 Ayrshire boys in last 32

3 players from Ayrshire survived Wednesdays matches to secure a place in the last 32 of the 2007 Scottish Boys Championship at Dunbar.

Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) was first through, a 3 & 2 victory over Brent Munro (Thorso) giving Pennycott a 4th round match on Thursday morning against Ryan Elder (Nairn Dunbar).

Also through to the last 32 is Scott Clark (Ayr Belleisle)who had a 1 hole victory over Stuart Roberts (Cathcart Castle) in a second round tie on Wednesday morning which he followed with a 3 & 1 victory over Andrew Baillie (Elgin) in the afternoon. Clark now meets Roddy Forgie (Muckart) in the fourth round.

Boys Internationalist and seed Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) is the third Ayrshire player through to round 4. Stewart ousted Michael Daily (Erskine) by 4 & 3 in the second round on Wednesday morning before defeating fellow Ayrshireman Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) by the same margin in the afternoon, to set up a fourth round match on Thursday morning against David Law (Hazlehead).

The interest in the championship of 5 other Ayrshire boys ended on Wednesday.

Scott Brown (Turnberry) went out in round 2 against Andrew Mclachlan (Eastwood) by 3 & 1, with the other four players reaching round 3 before making their exit.

Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) met his match in round 3, going down by 5 & 4 against Simon Taylor (Germany).

David Currie (Kilmarnock Barassie) negotiated a morning second round match, beating Euan McLaren Dumfries & Galloway) by 5 & 3, but went out in the afternoon, losing in round 3 to Jeff O'Malley (Newbattle) at the 19th hole.

Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) had a 6 & 5 victory over Mark Murphy (Cawder) in round 2 before being defeated by fellow Ayrshireman Michael Stewart in their 3rd round clash.

The other remaining Ayrshire player was Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle) who won through by 1 hole over Stephen McKinnon (Tantallon) in their Wednesday morning second round match before suffering a 5 & 4 defeat against Chris Gaittens (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) in their afternoon third round match.

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - 5 more Ayrshire boys through to round 2

5 more Ayrshire players won through to round 2 of the Scottish Boys Championship at Dunbar on Tuesday 10/04/2007, whilst Malcolm Pennycott and Kyle Smith also won through to round 3.

Scott Clark of Ayr Belleisle won by 1 hole over Derek paterson (Ralston) to set up a second round match with Stuart Roberts (Cathcart Castle). Scott Brown (Turnberry) also won through to round 2, beating Thomas Moffat (Crow Wood) by 2 & 1, and now plays Andrew Mclachlan (Eastwood) in round 2.

Calum Crowe (Kilbirnie) crashed out by 6 & 5 to Wiliam Bremner (Edzell) and Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) also made a first round exit, losing by 1 hole to Colin Baird (Bothwell Castle).

Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle) playsa Steven MacKinnon (Tantallon) in round 2 after a 1 hole win over Stephen Gentle (Cowglen).

Lloyd Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost out in round 1, by one hole, to Alex gardner (Radyr), whilst the remaining two ayrshire hopes both won through to round 2, Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) beating Jamie Littler (Inchmarlo) by 4 & 3 to set up a second round match with Mark Murphy (Cawder), whilst Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) crushed Ross Muir (Swanston New) by 8 & 7 and will now meet Michael Daily (Erskine) in the second round.

In the first series of second round matches, Rory Achison (Largs) lost by 3 & 2 to Gary Meechan (Dullatur) but there was better news for Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) who won by 4 & 3 against Graeme Mitchell (Alyth). Pennycott now plays Brent Munro (Thurso) in the third round.

Also through to the third round is Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) who beaat Matthew Smith (Royal Aberdeen) by 4 & 3 to set up a third round tie with Simon Taylor (Germany)

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Mixed fortunes for Ayrshire boys

There were mixed fortunes for the 11 Ayrshire players who played their first round matches in the Scottish Boys Championship at Dunbar on Monday 9th April 2007, with 7 making an early exit.

First through in the morning was Rory Achison of Largs, with a 1 hole win over Duncan Melville (Gullane). Achison now faces Gary Meechan (Dullatur) in round 2.

Michael Roos (West Kilbride) was edged out on the last green, by Ross Crummey (Merchants Of Edinburgh), by two holes, whilst Rory Achisons brother, Jamie Achison, was unable to emmulate his siblings effort, going down by 5 & 4 to Michael Monteith (Longniddry).

Malcolm Pennycott of Whiting Bay reached round 2 with a comfortable 4 & 3 win over James MacDonald (Cochrane castle) and now plays Graeme Mitchell (Alyth) in round 2.

Boys Internationalist Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) was a 4 & 3 winner over David Miller (Newmacher) nad will play Matthew Smith (Royal Aberdeen) in the second round.

Fraser Lawrie of Largs was unfortunate to exit in round 1, in the longest match of the day, when he went out at the 23rd hole against Alan Forsythe (Drumpellier).

David Currie (Kilmarnock Barassie) was a last hole winner over Fraser Clarke (Westhill) and now faces Robbie Murray (Crieff) in the second stage.

The three remaining Ayrshire players tasking part in day 1 all made an exit from the competition.

Andrew Abercrombie (Largs) crashed out by 7 & 6 to Neil Henderson (The Glen) whilst Charles Doyle (Troon Welbeck) went down by 2 & 1 against Christopher Ruane (Cardross).

The most notable Ayrshire loss of the day was boys internationalist & seed, Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) who lost out by 4 & 2 to Oliver Huish (The Glen).

The remaining 9 Ayrshire players open their bid for the title on Tuesday 10th April when the first round matches are completed.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - 2007 Fourball Championship under way

The quest for the 2007 Ayrshire Fourball title is under way with two of the first round ties being completed this week.

Irvine (Bogside) pair, T. Adrain & J. Patrick had a 4 & 3 first round home win over D & L. McBirnie of Kilbirnie Place and now have a home tie against the Braehead team of Sean Ingle & Andy Paton in round 2.

William Borwn & William Hunter of Doon Valley travelled away from home in round 1 and returned a 2 & 1 victory over Robert Gillon & I Flyn of Alton.

The Doon Valley pair were rewared with a home tie in round 2, against Luke Facchini & Chris Todd of Ayr Belleisle.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Capacity field for 2007 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship

A capacity field of 60 players will contest the 2007 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship over 36 holes at West Kilbride on Sunday 22nd April. Holder Steven McEwan (Caprington) - pictured right - returns to defend the title he won last year at Kilmarnock (Barassie).

With the entry being over subscribed, players were balloted on handicap, the ballot being on 3.1.

The draw for order of play (including morning times only) is :-

0800
J. CAIRNEY (RAVENSPARK)
G.J. ROBERTSON (RAVENSPARK)
M. PENNYCOTT (WHITING BAY)

0807
T. McINALLY (LOUDOUN)
T. LOY (BALLOCHMYLE)
D. MALLINSON (RAVENSPARK)

0815
C. THOMAS (LARGS)
T. FRASER (ANNANHILL)
K. FAIRLEY (IRVINE)

0822
P. BOND (RAVENSPARK)
P QUIGLEY (WESTERN GAILES)
D. CHAMBERLAIN (TROON WELBECK)

0830
B. GIBSON (RAVENSPARK)
C. KERR (LARGS)
H. BURNS (TROON WELBECK)

0837
I. BROWN (WEST KILBRIDE)
S. MURRAY (TROON WELBECK)
S. KING (PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS)

0845
W. MEIKLEM (TROON WELBECK)
K. HANKINSON (TROON WELBECK)
G.A. COCHRAN (RAVENSPARK)

0852
A. KENT (TROON WELBECK)
B. CAMPBELL (BALLOCHMYLE)
K. HOUSTON (TROON WELBECK)

0900
S. PENNINGTON (TROON ST. MEDDANS)
C. McLAUGHLIN (LARGS)
R. MILLIGAN (TROON WELBECK)

0907
A. McLEAN (KILBIRNIE PLACE)
D. MACDONALD (LARGS)
L. JENKINS (BEITH)

0915
F. HENDERSON (TROON WELBECK)
B. FISHER (LARGS)
P. DENIM (LOUDOUN)

0922
S. McCAHILL (MAYBOLE)
G. HIGGINS (LARGS)
C. ADAMS (ARDEER)

0930
G. WILSON (LOUDOUN)
G. DOBBIE (TROON ST. MEDDANS)
A. BROWN (WEST KILBRIDE)

0937
F. FAWRIE (LARGS)
L. McDONALD (BEITH)
A. WALKER (TROON ST. MEDDANS)

0945
I. WALKER (TURNBERRY)
A. GOURLAY (IRVINE)
J. MACKAY (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)

0952
D. BOOTH (TURNBERRY)
J. CALLAGHAN (LARGS)
F. DEVINE (TROON ST. MEDDANS)

1000
D. STRACHAN (TURNBERRY)
S. McEWAN (CAPRINGTON)
B. MOORE (LARGS)

1007
S. McBLAIN (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT)
S. SPENCE (IRVINE)
C. HAMILTON (BALLOCHMYLE)

1015
G. GIMSON (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT)
T. STAFFORD (TROON ST. MEDDANS)
G. LAMB (IRVINE)

1022
R. McKNIGHT (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
J. SHANKS (ARDEER)
K. FERGUSSON (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT)

RESERVES

A. GRAHAM (LARGS)
I. HOUSTON (TROON ST. MEDDANS)
R. GIBSON (TROON ST. MEDDANS)
J. MACKISON (IRVINE)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - 15 clubs to contest 2007 Ayrshire Boys Team Championship

15 clubs will take part in the opening event of the 2007 Ayrshire golf championships when they meet at Prestwick St. Cuthbert Golf Club on Sunday 15th April to contest the Ayrshire Boys Team Championship.

Holders Kilmarnock (Barassie), who have taken the main title and Matt Lygate Trophy for the last three years return with a strong team in their bid to make it four in a row.

Loudoun will defend the Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy and title of Handicap Team Champions, which they won 12 months ago at Caprington

The draw for order of play is :-

1114
STEPHEN MAIN (ST. NICHOLAS)
CIARAN BYRNE (NEW CUMNOCK)
No. 1 (ANNANHILL)

1121
MATTHEW DUNLOP (ST. NICHOLAS)
SCOTT HANNAH (NEW CUMNOCK)
No. 2 (ANNANHILL)

1128
MICHAEL BRYSON (ST. NICHOLAS)
TOMMY HERON (NEW CUMNOCK)
No. 3 (ANNANHILL)

1135
MARK McCLAY (ST. NICHOLAS)
JORDAN McSEVENEY (NEW CUMNOCK )
No. 4 (ANNANHILL)

1142
CRAIG GOODWIN (LOUDOUN)
ADAM FOLEY (AYR BELLEISLE)
CHRIS BENNETT (ARDEER)

1149
ROBERT JAMIESON (LOUDOUN)
SCOTT CLARK (AYR BELLEISLE)
ALASTAIR McINTYRE (ARDEER)

1200
MICHAEL CAMERON (LOUDOUN)
MURRAY McBRIDE (AYR BELLEISLE)
CALLUM AINSWORTH (ARDEER)

1207
DARREN TANNOCK (LOUDOUN)
CRAIG HESSETT (AYR BELLEISLE)
GREG KEAN (ARDEER)

1214
RORY ACHESON (ROUTENBURN)
MARK SMITH (TROON WELBECK)
CAMERON GRAY (WEST KILBRIDE)

1221
JAMIE ACHESON (ROUTENBURN)
SAM FINDLATER (TROON WELBECK)
FRASER LAWRIE (WEST KILBRIDE)

1228
KEVIN LEAHY (ROUTENBURN)
CHARLES DOYLE (TROON WELBECK)
MICHAEL ROOS (WEST KILBRIDE)

1235
JOHN NICOL (ROUTENBURN)
RORY McKENZIE (TROON WELBECK)
ROSS DE COURCY (WEST KILBRIDE)

1242
EWAN BROWN (KIL. (BARASSIE))
GARY PATTERSON (BALLOCHMYLE)
CHRISTOPHER BUTLER (RAVENSPARK)

1249
KYLE SMITH (KIL. (BARASSIE))
ROBBIE WILSON (BALLOCHMYLE)
CALLUM ROBB (RAVENSPARK)

1300
DAVID CURRIE (KIL. (BARASSIE))
MICHAEL MULLEN (BALLOCHMYLE)
CHRISTOPHER DETZNER (RAVENSPARK)

1307
ALAN BRUCE (KIL. (BARASSIE))
PAUL PIEROTTI (BALLOCHMYLE)
LIAM GOURLAY (RAVENSPARK)

1314
JARED WILLIAMS (ST. MEDDANS)
ANDREW ABERCROMBIE (LARGS)
ANDREW MILLER (ST. CUTHBERT)

1321
ADAM BROWNLOW (ST. MEDDANS)
COLIN ROBINSON (LARGS)
GRANT McILLONEY (ST. CUTHBERT)

1328
DUNCAN MULLEN (ST. MEDDANS)
DAVID McLENNAN (LARGS)
STEPHEN McCONNELL (ST. CUTHBERT)

1335
GREGOR NESS (ST. MEDDANS)
ROBBIE DOW (LARGS)
DAVID BROWN (ST. CUTHBERT)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

The draw for order of play in the 2007 Ayrshire Boys Team Championship, to be held at Prestwick St. Cuthbert Golf Club on Sunday 15th April, will be available from the weekend of 6-8 April.

The draw will be published on this web page and copies forwarded to convenors of all participating clubs.