AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Drongan through to Fourball quarter finals

The Drongan pair of S. Linwood & Ian McKinlay became the fifth team to reach the quarter finals of the 2007 Ayrshire Fourball competition when they beat their visitors, Colin Brown & Martin Gray of Ardeer, by 2 & 1 in the third round.

The Drongan pair are now at home to the winner of the NACCO Vs. Loudoun tie, which is scheduled to be played on Friday (29th June)

SCOTTSIH YOUTHS Vs IRELAND - McKnight shines in Scots victory

Robert McKnight (Kilmarnock Barassie) contributed to 1.5 points from 2 as Scotland reversed last year’s 7-2 drubbing by Ireland at Blairgowrie by winning the annual youths international 6-3 at West Waterford Golf Club today.
2.5 - 0.5 ahead after the morning foursomes, the Scottish Under-21 team were stung early on in the singles when Seamus Power beat Newmachar’s Lewis Kirton 6 and 4 in the top singles.
Scott Borrowman (Dollar)won the second tie by 2 and 1 against Andrew Hogan, and despite Ireland securing a second win in the singles when Niall Kearney beat Philip McLean (Peterhead) on the last green, the last three Scots secured a further 2.5 points from 3, Jordan Findlay (Fraserburgh) halving his match against Neil O’Briain before Robert McKnight (Barassie) beat Dara Lernihand 3 and 2 and Ross Kellett won 2 and 1 over Fergal Rafferty.
The Scots team will now take part in the Irish youths open stroke-play championship at the same venue, starting on Thursday.

Match scores
IRELAND 3 SCOTLAND 6

Foursomes
N Kearney & S Power lost to L Kirton & S Borrowman 3 and 1
A Hogan & D Lernihan lost to J Findlay & P McLean 7 and 6
N O’Briain & F Rafferty halved with R McKnight & R Kellett
(1/2-2 ½)

Singles
Power bt Kirton 6 and 4
Hogan lost to Borrowman 2 and 1
Kearney bt McLean 1 hole
O’Briain halved with Findlay
Lernihan lost to McKnight 3 and 2
Rafferty lost to Kellett 2 and 1
(2 ½-3 ½).

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY GOLF ASSOCIATION - Ayrshire Girls triumph in Kennedy Salver

(Report courtesy of Gillan Kirkwood at www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk)

Ayrshire triumphed in the West Division Junior Inter-County matches played at Cowglen this week, which produced exciting golf played in lovely weather.

A new format was introduced which incorporated foursomes in the morning and singles in the afternoon, with each county playing against the other three. This format proved to be most successful.

Ayrshire were half a point ahead of Renfrewshire after the morning foursomes with D & A and Lanarkshire close behind. This close contest continued into the afternoon with the last two games on the course determining the overall result!

Pictured above is the winning Ayrshire team. From left to right:-Gillian Arnott, Hannah Gaunt, Alex Sargent, Sarah Hutton, Lynsey Weadon, Mhairi McKay, Linzi Allan

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Champion Of Champions Trophy quarter final draw

The draw has been made for the quarter finals of the 2007 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy competition.

Alan McLean (Kilbirnie Place) faces a home tie against Barry McDonnell (Caprington) for a place in the semi finals whilst Bert Ferguson (Royal Troon) needs to negotiate a home match against Andrew Kent (Troon Welbeck) to set up a semi final game over his home course.

John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) plays host to two times former winner David Glass (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) whilst Billy Campbell (Ballochmyle) will enjoy home advantage against Nicholas Tindall (Tam O Shanter) in the remaining quarter final tie.

All Quarter Final ties to be completed by 22nd July 2007, with the semi finals and final scheduled to be played at Royal Troon on Friday 3rd & Friday 10th August respectively.

QUARTER FINAL DRAW

Alan McLean (Kilbirnie Place) Vs. Barry McDonnell (Caprington)

Bert Ferguson (Royal Troon) Vs. Andrew Kent (Troon Welbeck)

John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) Vs. David Glass (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

Billy Campbell (Ballochmyle) Vs. Nicholas Tindall (Tam O Shanter)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Glass ousts the holder as Champion Of Champion Quarter Final line up completed

With Barry McDonnell (Caprington), Andrew Kent (Troon Welbeck) and John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) already through to the last eight in the 2007 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition, the final five places were decided this week.

The holder, Brian Moore (Largs) was ousted by two time former winner David Glass (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) who won their clash at Largs by 2 & 1

Alan McLean (Kilbirnie Place) progressed by virtue of a walkover against Barry Crawford (West Kilbride).

Nicholas Tindall (Tam O Shanter) had the only home win of the remaining matches, beating Alan Harrington (Largs Routenburn) by one hole.

Bert Ferguson (Royal Troon) eased through to the last eight with a 5 & 4 victory on his visit to play David Robertson (Crosshouse).

In the remaining match, Billy Campbell (Ballochmyle) travelled to play Charlie Bell (Braehead) and went through courtesy of a 4 & 3 victory.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Summer League latest

There have been no matches this week in SECTION 1, with a number of matches scheduled to be played over the next few days. Present positions in the section are :-

TROON WELBECK.......played 3 - 8 pts
LOUDOUN.....................played 3 - 8 pts
AYR BELLEISLE...........played 4 - 6 pts
TAM O SHANTER.........played 2 - 2 pts

In SECTION 2, Irvine (Bogside) returned from their visit to Kilmarnock (Barassie) with a 3 - 3 draw, in the only result posted this week. Present positions are :-

IRVINE (BOGSIDE)....................played 4 - 14 pts
KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE).......played 4 - 6 pts
CAPRINGTON.............................played 3 - 4 pts
WEST KILBRIDE.........................played 3 - 4 pts

In SECTION 3, Kilbirnie Place conceded their match to Ardeer, due to a fixture clash. This being Kilbirnie's second conceded match of the season, under the rules of the competition they have been withdrawn from the competition and the results of their previous matched declared void.
Present positions in the section are :-

ARDEER..................played 2 - 6 pts
BALLOCHMYLE......played 2 - 4pts
MOORPARK............played 2 - 2 pts

In SECTION 4, Turnberry conceded their match at New Cumnock, due to lack of players. Present positions are :-

IRVINE RAVENSPARK.....played 3 - 10 pts
TROON ST. MEDDANS.....played 3 - 8 pts
NEW CUMNOCK.................played 3 - 6 pts
TURNBERRY.......................played 3 - 0 pts

TENNANT CUP - Booth wins rain shortened competition

Robert McKnight (Kilmarnock Barassie) was the best placed Ayrshire player in the 2007 Tennant Cup competition held at Glasgow Golf Club over the weekend.

McKnight finished joint 7th on 213 (71, 72, 70), 9 shots behind Wallace Booth (Comrie) who compiled a three round total of 204 (69, 71, 64), before torrential rain washed out the final round over the Killermont course on Sunday afternoon.

Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) also secured a top 20 place in the event with a three round total of 219 (76, 75, 68)

WORLD BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Scotland finish 12th

Scotland finished well down the field in the World Boys Team Championship in Japan, ending the event in 12th place of the 14 competing countries.

Scotland's final total of 872 was a full 49 shots behind the winners Sweden, whose 823 shot total gave them a 9 stroke victory over runners up, and defending champions, Norway

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) carded a final round 76 for an individual total of 287, leaving him one shot behind fellow Scot James Byrne, and 17 shots adrift of the individual winner, A. Kristiansen (Norway)

LONDON SENIORS MASTERS - Torrance wins as Drummond finishes well placed again

Despite a closing 74, Prestwick's Ross Drummond finished in the top 6 of the London Seniors Masters tournament at The London Golf Club this week.

Two strokes behind the leader, fellow Ayrshireman Sam Torrance, after two rounds, Drummond's closing 74 pushed him down to 6th place on 212, whilst Torrance closed with a 70 for 206, claining the title with a one shot victory over Spaniard Jose Rivero.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Two more through to Foursomes quarter finals

Two more teams have secured their place in the last eight of the 2007 Ayrshire Fourball competition.

Scott McCahill and David Wallace (Maybole) had a home win by 2 & 1 over Kevin Nisbet and Robert Ross (New Cumnock), and now face a trip to visit the winners of the Braehead Vs. Brunston Castle tie.

Also through are Joe Hobson and Brian Gibson (Irvine Ravenspark) who won 2 & 1 on their visit to play George and John Mathieson (West KIlbride). The Ravenspark pair will host the winners of the Troon St. Meddans Vs. Troon Portland tie in the last eight.

EUROPEAN TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS - would you like to help ?

The SGU are looking for some help for local Ayrshire club members at the forthcoming European Team Championships from Tuesday 3rd to Saturday 7th July.

A small number of volunteers are sought to man the scoreboards throughout the week of the event.

If you would be interested in helping out, please e-mail Alasdair Malcolm at aj-malcolm@fsmail.net in the first instance, along with contact details / phone numbers etc.

It would be best if the volunteers were available for the duration of the event, but even if people are only available for a few of the days, there may be slots available.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Ballchmyle and St. Nicholas through to Fourball quarter finals

The first two places in the quarter finals of the 2007 Ayrshire Fourball competition have been claimed by Ballochmyle and Prestwick St. Nicholas.

Both sides required extra holes in their respective third round ties. Billy Andrew and James McMurdo (Ballochmyle) were taken to the 19th hole by Luke Facchini and Chris Todd (Ayr Belleisle) over the Ballochmyle course, whilst Alan Poole and Gary Tierney (Prestwick St. Nicholas) won away from home, beating John Broadfoot and Duncan McFarlane (Turnberry) at the 21st hole.

The quarter final draw pairs Ballochmyle and St. Nicholas, who will play off at Ballochmyle for a semi final place.

WORLD BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart best of struggling Scots

Scotland slipped to 12th of the 14 competing teams at the World Boys Team Championship in Japan after round 3, their 646 total for the three days being a full 30 shots behind the leaders, Sweden.

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) was best of the Scots with a one over par 72, his three team mates all taking 4 over par 75's.

WORLD BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Scotland slip to 9th place

James Byrne carded an superb six-under-par 65, whilst the rest of the Scotland team struggled
in the second round of the Toyota world boys’ team golf championship in Japan

Byrne returned the joint best of the day and is now sixth in the individual standings with an aggregate of four-under-par 138.

Ayrshire golfer Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) only managed a 72, after his first day 67, whilst Shaun McAllister’s 75 in the second round was Scotland's third counting score

With a 36-hole tally of 424 Scotland slipped from eighth to ninth place among the 14 competing nations.

Sweden are five shots in the lead over Norway, with a 21-under-par tally of 405, with third placed Mexico a further nine shots behind Norway.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Shanks leads Doc Thom Order Of Merit

At the mid way stage of the 2007 Doc Thom Order of Merit, Ayrshire Strokeplay champion John Shanks (Irvine) - pictured right - leads the way.

With three of the six qualifying events completed, Shanks has amassed 247.5 points, almost 100 points ahead of his nearest rival, matchplay Champion Steven Murray (Troon Welbeck)

The remaining three qualifying events are the Viking Crus at largs (26th August), the Welbeck Links at Troon Darley & Lochgreen (2nd September) and the Arroll Cup at Prestwick St. Nicholas (15th September).

Present standing in the Order Of Merit are :-

247.5 pts....John Shanks (Irvine)

155 pts.......Steven Murray (Troon Welbeck)

145 pts.......Ross Milligan (Troon Welbeck)

115 pts.......Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert & Brian Moore (Largs)

100 pts......Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

67.5 pts......Barry Crawford (West Kilbride), Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark) & Michael Smythe (Royal Troon)

50 pts.........Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie)

45 pts.........Steven McEwan (Caprington), John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) & Mark Watt (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

25 pts.........Ian Walker (Turnberry), George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) & Dougie McKinnon (Ballochmyle)

WORLD BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart leads the Scots

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) led the Scottish challenge in the opening round of the World Junior Golf Team Championships, which got underway in Japan today, returning a superb 4 under par 67 to tie for 2nd place on the individual leaderboard.

Stewart had 3 birdies on the outward 9, at the 2nd, 7th and 9th, along with a couple of bogeys to turn at one under par. Further birdies at the 13th, 14th and 16th over the last 9 holes with no bogeys took him to 4 under for the round.

The Scots are currently tied for 8th place in the team event, with a total of 212 (1 under), and are 5 shots adrift of the hosts, Japan, in third place.

Sweden lead with defending champions Norway in second place.

Sweden’s Jesper Kennergard is leading the individual competition with a 6 under 65.

AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms now available

Entry forms for the 2007 Ayrshire Boys Golf Championship should now be available from Club Secretaries throughout the county.

The Championship will be held this year at Ballochmyle on Thursday 2nd August.

This date falls during the week of the Scottish Amateur Championship. Eligible players considering entering the Scottish Amateur are encouraged to enter the Ayrshire Boys in addition as any player reaching the matchplay stages of the Scottish Amateur on the Thursday can be assured of their Ayrshire Boys entry being refunded in that event.

Any players having difficulty obtaining an entry form should contact the Championship Secretary on aj-malcolm@fsmail.net .

SCOTTISH GOLF UNION - Reid bows out in Mid Amateur Match Play

Kenny Reid (Prestwick), the only Ayrshire player to qualify for the matchplay stages of the DM Hall Scottish Mid Amateur Championship being played this week at Duddingston, bowed out at the last 16 stage when he lost by one hole to Andrew Farmer (Kilmacolm)

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Championship latest

In Section A, Caprington beat New Cumnock by 4 - 2 at home to keep the presssure on leaders Ballochmyle. Presnt positions are :-

BALLOCHMYLE..................played 4 - 14 pts
CAPRINGTON.....................played 4 - 12 pts
NEW CUMNOCK.................played 4 - 6 pts
IRVINE RAVENSPARK.......played 3 - 4 pts
ANNANHILL.......................played 5 - 4 pts

There have been a number of matches completed recently in Section B.

The good start Ayr Dalmilling made to the section ground to a halt with successive 4 - 2 defeats at Kilmarnock Barassie and Prestwick St. Nicholas. The St. Nicholas campaign got further on track with a 5 - 1 home win over Troon St. Meddans and a win by 4 - 2 in the corresponding fixture at Troon. Present positions are :-

WEST KILBRIDE...................... played 4 - 14pts
PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS....played 4 - 12 pts
KILMARNOCK BARASSIE........played 4 - 8 pts
AYR DALMILLING...................played 5 - 8 pts
TROON ST. MEDDANS.............played 5 - 2 pts

In Section C, Prestwick St. Cuthbert moved to the top of their section with a 4 - 2 win at Loudoun. Present positions are :-

PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT.....played 4 - 10 pts
ARDEER......................................played 3 - 8 pts
TROON WELBECK.....................played 2 - 6 pts
LOUDOUN..................................played 3 - 0 pts

In Section D, Largs had a good 4 - 2 away win in their local derby against Routenburn, but suffered a defeat by the same scoreline in their next match at Ayr Belleisle. In the other match played recently, Routenburn had a 6 - 0 win over their visitors, Kilbirnie Place. Present positions are :-

AYR BELLEISLE.................played 2 - 8 pts
LARGS ROUTENBURN.......played 2 - 4 pts
LARGS................................played 2 - 4 pts
KILBIRNIE PLACE ............played 2 - 0 pts

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Summer League latest

In League 1, only one result has been posted recently, with Troon Welbeck overtaking Ayr Belleisle after beating the Ayr club by 4 - 2 in their match agt Troon Present positions are :-

LEAGUE 1
LOUDOUN..................... 3 - 2 - 0 - 1 - + 5 - 8 pts
TROON WELBECK....... 3 - 2 - 0 - 1 - +5 - 8 pts
BELLEISLE.................... 4 - 1 - 1 - 2 - -5 - 6 pts
TAM O SHANTER........ 2 - 0 - 1 - 1 - -5 - 2 pts

In League 2, Irvine Bogside consolidated their position at the top of the section with a 3.5 - 2.5 win at Caprington, whilst West Kilbride recorded their first win of the campaign with a 5 - 1 home win over Kilmarnock Barassie. Presentpositions are :-

LEAGUE 2
IRVINE (BOGSIDE)...................... 3 - 3 - 0 - 0 - +10 - 12 pts
CAPRINGTON............................... 3 - 1 - 0 - 2 - - 1 - 4 pts
WEST KILBRIDE.......................... 3 - 1 - 0 - 2 - -4 - 4 pts
KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE)....... 3 - 1 - 0 - 2 - -5 - 4 pts

In League 3, Ballochmyle moved to the top with a 4 - 2 win at Moorpark. Present positions are :-

LEAGUE 3

BALLOCHMYLE............... 3 - 2 - 0 - 1 - +3 - 8 pts

ARDEER............................. 2 - 1 - 1 - 0 - +1 - 6 pts
KILBIRNIE........................ 2 - 1 - 0 - 1 - +3 - 4 pts
MOORPARK...................... 3 - 0 - 1 - 2 - -6 - 2 pts

In League 4, Ravenspark overtook St. Meddans at the top of the table with a 5 - 1 home win over the troon club. Present positions are :-

LEAGUE 4

RAVENSPARK................... 3 - 2 - 1 - 0 - + 6 - 10 pts
ST. MEDDANS................... 3 - 2 - 0 - 1 - + 1 - 8 pts
NEW CUMNOCK................2 - 0 - 1 - 1 - - 4 - 2 pts
TURNBERRY..................... 2 - 0 - 0 - 2 - - 3 - 0 pts

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - McDonnell & Kent book Champion Of Champions quarter final places

Barry McDonnell (Caprington) and Andrew Kent (Troon Welbeck) have joined John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) in the last eight of the 2007 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition.

McDonnell had a 6 & 5 home win over Ben Cooney (Abbotsford) to progress, whilst Kent also won at home, by 6 & 4 against Andy Clark (Carrick Lodge)

SGU JUNIOR TOUR - Ayrshire players well down the field in final event

The fifth and final event of the 2007 SGU Junior tour was held on Sunday 17th June at Kilmarnock (Barassie).

Despite a number of home players taking part, the Ayrshire contingent could not make any impression on the lead of the runaway winner, Neil Henderson (The Glen), who took the plaudits with a 6 stroke victory, being the only player to return a 36 hole total under par with 69 - 70 = 139 (- 5)

Best placed of the Ayrshire players was David Currie (Kilmarnock Barassie) who tied 12th on 149 (76-73).

other Ayrshire scores were :-

tied 18th - Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) - 152 (73-79)
tied 21st - Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) - 153 (82-71)
tied 29th - Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) - 156 (76-80)

DRUMMOND EDGED OUT BY MASON IN RYDER CUP WALES SENIORS OPEN

Prestwck Golfer Ross Drummond produced another fine performance at the weekend, in this his maiden year in Seniors competition, finishing joint runner up in Wales.

CARL MASON WINS RYDER CUP WALES SENIORS OPEN

By STEVEN FRANKLIN
Press Officer, European Seniors TourEngland’s

Carl Mason captured his 15th title in four years on the European Seniors Tour in front of huge galleries at the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open on Sunday.

Mason, four strokes behind after eight holes of his final round, produced four birdies down the testing back nine at Conwy (Caernarvonshire) Golf Club to win by two strokes from overnight leader Juan Quiros of Spain and Ross Drummond.

The Oxfordshire golfer’s closing round of four under par 68 gave him a winning 54 hole total of six under par 210 and a healthy winner’s cheque of £75,000 (€110,358).

“This is the second biggest event on the European Seniors Tour and I needed to win this week if I am to challenge for a third Order of Merit title,” said Mason, who moved up to second spot on the money list with this victory, his second in the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open.

Drummond was bitterly disappointed after missing out on his maiden Seniors title. The Scot’s challenge ended with a three-putt bogey at the 17th for a round of 69, which left him on four under par 212.

“I saw that Mason had birdied the 16th so I had to give my first putt from 25 feet a go. I ran it three and half feet past and missed the return. It was a hugely disappointing way to finish as I had played well,” he said.

Quiros, who had matched the course record with a brilliant 64 on Saturday, could not produce similar heroics and closed in 73.

Fourth place on three under par was shared by Italy’s Costantino Rocca (72) and Ireland’s Des Smyth, who stormed through the field with a best-of-the-day five under par 67.

LEADING FINAL TOTALSConwy (Caernarvonshire) Golf Club, North Wales
Par 216 (3 x 72)

210 Carl Mason (Eng) 73 69 68
212 Ross Drummond (Sco) 73 70 69, Juan Quiros (Esp) 75 64 73
213 Costantino Rocca (Ita) 70 71 72, Des Smyth (Ire) 71 75 67
214 Bob Cameron (Eng) 75 69 70
215 Luis Carbonetti (Arg) 71 73 71
216 Eamonn Darcy (Ire) 71 73 72, Guillermo Encina (Chi) 69 78 69,
José Rivero (Esp) 75 71 70,Horacio Carbonetti (Arg) 72 70 74
217 Martin Gray (Sco) 73 71 73, Tommy Horton (Eng) 72 73 72,
Tony Johnstone (Zim) 74 73 70, Noel Ratcliffe (Aus) 74 70 73,
Adan Sowa (Arg) 79 65 73, Sam Torrance (Sco) 74 74 69
218 Emilio Rodriguez (Esp ) 73 74 71, Jimmy Heggarty (Nir) 73 74 71,
Denis Watson (Zim) 76 69 73, Peter Teravainen (USA) 75 74 69219
David Good (Aus) 77 72 70, Ray Carrasco (USA) 71 76 72,
Jim Rhodes (Eng) 74 72 73, Maurice Bembridge (Eng) 70 73 76

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Championship latest

In Section A, Ballochmyle consolidated their position at the top recently with a 5 - 1 win away at Annanhill.
In the other match played recently, New Cumnock recorded their first win of the season in emphatic style with a 6 - 0 home win over Annanhill.

Present psitions in the section are :-

BALLOCHMYLE played 4 - 14 pts
CAPRINGTON played 3 - 8 pts
NEW CUMNOCK played 3 - 4 pts
IRVINE RAVENSPARK played 3 - 4 pts
ANNANHILL played 5 - 4 pts

In Section B, West Kilbride moved to the top of the table with a 4 - 2 home win over Kilmarnock (Barassie) whilst Prestwick St. Nicholas secured their first points of the season with a 4 - 2 win at Troon St. Meddans. Presnt positions in the section are :-

WEST KILBRIDE played 3 - 10 pts
AYR DALMILLING played 3 - 8 pts
KILMARNOCK BARASSIE played 3 - 4 pts
PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS played 2 - 4 pts
TROON ST. MEDDANS played 2 - 2 pts

In Section C, the one match resulted recently was a 5 - 1 home win for Prestwick St. Cuthbert over Ardeer. Present positions in the section are :-

ARDEER played 3 - 8 pts
TROON WELBECK played 2 - 6 pts
PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT played 3 - 6 pts
LOUDOUN played 2 - 0 pts

There have been no further results from Section D, with Belleisle's 4 - 2 win over Kilbirnie the only match completed so far.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - St Meddans out in front in League 4

In the Ayrshire Summer League, only two results have been posted this week, both in League 4.

Following their opening draw at home to New Cumnock, Irvine Ravenspark recorded an away win in their second outing, beating Turnberry by 4 - 2.

St. Meddans kept their 100% record intact in their second match with a 5 - 1 home win over New Cumnock.

Present positions are

St. Meddans 2/2/0/0/+ 5/ 8 pts
Ravenspark 2/1/1/0/ + 2 / 6 pts
New Cumnock 2/0/1/1/ - 4 / 2 pts
Turnberry 2/0/0/2/ - 3 / 0 pts

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Cairney in Champion Of Champions Quarter finals

John Cairney (Irvine ravenspark) is the first player to win a place in the quarter finals of the 2007 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition.

Cairney, the holder of the Doc Thom Order Of Merit Trophy secured his place in the last eight with a 2 & 1 home win over Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland)

SCOTTISH BOYS AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire storm to victory with outstanding singles performance and Gray wins Niagra Cup

The Ayrshire Boys Team of Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck), Cameron Gray (West Kilbride), David Currie (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) won the Scottish Golf Union Boys’ Area Team Championship at Forres Golf Club on Sunday 10th June with a two stroke victory over seven times winners Lothians.


The victory is only the second time in the 30 year history of the event that Ayrshire has won the title, the previous win being in 1998 when the team of Gordon Fraser (Troon St. Meddans), Steven Wallace (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), Neil Lockie (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Gary Holland (Ballochmyle) triumphed at Cowglen.



(above - Euan Brown : top right - Michael Stewart : right - David Currie)

Lothians led the tournament after the morning foursomes, with Ayrshire in fourth place, trailing by 5 shots. In the afternoon singles however, the Ayrshire team produced some spectacular scoring, with three of the team going round in under par for best three scores from four team total of 198, 12 under par. This gave Ayrshire a 7 shot swing against Lothians, a total of 339, and a two shot victory. North took third place on 353.

Cameron Gray (pictured right) took pride of place in the afternoon, his brilliant five under par 65 securing him the Niagra Cup for the best individual score of the day, with his teammate Michael Stewart being only one shot adrift on 66 and Euan Brown one shot further back on 67.

FINAL TOTALS

339 AYRSHIRE (C Gray & E Brown 67, M Stewart & D Currie 75). Gray 65, Stewart 66, Brown 67, Currie 75).

341 LOTHIANS (P Ferrier & M Cunningham 65, N Henderson& O Huish 71; Ferrier 66, Henderson 67, Huish 72, Cunningham 80).

353 NORTH (F Fotheringham & K Godsman 69, C Gaittens & R Elder 71; Fotheringham 69, Elder 71, Godsman 73, Gaittens 74).

354 GLASGOW (M Bookless & J Hendrick 68, T Martin & G McDougall 72; Bookless 68, McDougall 71, Hendrick 75, Martin 75).

355 DUMBARTONSHIRE (A Campbell & S Barras 71, F McKenna & D Parlane 73; Barras 69, Campbell 67, McKenna 75, Parlane 77).

356 FIFE (M Main & B Jamieson 75, J Anderson & N Beattie 75; Main 67, Anderson 68, Jamieson 71, Beattie 76).

357 NORTH-EAST (T Spencer & S Fraser 68, A Dunton & D Law 75; Law 68, Dunton 72, Fraser 74, Spencer 79).

358 RENFREWSHIRE (M Daily & C Thompson 73, J Caldwell & D Grant 74; Daily 69, Thompson 71, Grant 71, Caldwell 73).

362 PERTH & KINROSS (S McLaren & P McPhee 74, M Bell & R Forgie 75; McLaren 68, Forgie 69, Bell 76, McPhee 80).

364 ANGUS (K Harper & A Sweeney 73, W Bremner & M. Reid 75 ; Reid 69, Harper 73, Bremner 74, Sweeney 75).

364 LANARKSHIRE (P Shields & C Baird 71, A Graham & B Sloan 81; Shields 69, Sloan 71, Baird 72, Graham retired);

368 STIRLINGSHIRE (A Wallace & F Moore 76, H Nelson & C Cox 77; Cox 70, Moore 71, Wallace 74, Nelson 85).

370 SOUTH (E McLaren & K McClung 73, A Murdoch & C Hill 80; Hill 71, McLaren 73, McClung 73, Murdoch 74).

374 ARGYLL & BUTE (C Robinson & M Fraser 75, I McNab & S Turnbull 80; Fraser 71, Robinson 73, McNab 75, Turnbull 77).

388 CLACKMANNANSHIRE (G Dowie & A Scotland 76, A Borek & J McPherson 82; Borek 73, Scotland 78, Dowie 79, McPherson 82).

392 BORDERS (R Gordon & B Herriot 81, S Fairbairn & B Walker 82; Walker 76, Herriot 76, Gordon 77, Fairbairn 79).

On the Ayrshire victory and his performance in particular, Cameron Gray said "It feels absolutely great, I have been coming back to form recently and this is a sign of a lot of hard work paying off. It has been a very satisfying and enjoyable day.”

The team was captained by AGA Executive member Ian Walker (Turnberry), assisted by David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie). Walker has been involved with the team since 2000, and during this time he has seen the team finishing runners up in the event three times. On the 2007 victory Walker said, “It’s a very proud day for Ayrshire golf and it has been nice to put our Area back on the map. It was a privilege to captain this team and a great achievement for them to secure this title after coming so close on many occasions before. Hopefully this is a sign of more wins to come for Ayrshire.”

JERSEY SENIORS CLASSIC - Final round 75 pushes Drummond down the field

After a couple of good opening rounds, which left him only four off the lead, Ross Drummond from Prestwick slipped down the field to a final placing of 17th, after a final round 75 gave him a 217total, in the 2007 Jersey Seniors Classic at La Moye this week.

South African Bobby Lincoln had an excellent 67 in the final round for a 205 total and a two stroke winning margin over Bill Longmuir.

SOUTH AYRSHIRE GOLF - Pre Handicap event and Tom Lehman trophies scheduled for early August

Monday 6th August 2007 will see the second staging of the South Ayrshire Junior Golf Pre-handicap Open.
This event is for all boys and girls aged between eight and eighteen years of age who have not yet achieved an official golf handicap. The aim is to introduce young golfers to ‘open’ competitions at an early stage, with the hope that those who play in 2007 will have obtained a handicap and will be able to play in the Troon Junior Open in 2008.
The competition will be played from specially installed forward junior tees on Troon Fullarton Golf Course with boys and girls playing from the same tees.
The emphasis of this competition is on participation, with a goody bag being given to each competitor rather than having a prize list that only rewards those who score well.
A trophy will be presented to the lowest score in each age category, which will be displayed on the draw sheet.
Do not miss out on the opportunity to play in this event - places are limited.

For further information and an entry form click onto

www.golfsouthayrshire.com/events2007/junioropen

In the same week the 2007 Troon Junior Golf Open for the Tom Lehman Trophies in association with Golf Holidays Ltd. will be held.
This year will mark the tenth anniversary of this hugely successful one-day junior golf tournament, which is reputedly the World’s largest event of its kind.
The two silver replica claret jugs are presented to the best boy’s and girl’s gross score.

The 2007 Troon Junior Golf Open will be held on Tuesday 7th August and will, as in previous years, consist of five separate handicap competitions, open to boys and girls from eight to eighteen years of age.

For further information and an entry form click onto www.golfsouthayrshire.com/events2007/junior-open2007

BELLEISLE CUP - MCBlain wins 2007 event

Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) ---- pictured with Belleisle Captain Robert Morrison & Colin McCrossin of spponsors Slater Hogg & Howison ---- won the 2007 Belleisle Cup on Sunday 3rd June, to follow up his win in the Prestwick Links the week previously.

With a number of call-offs because of the terrible weather conditions, a field of 64 started out to attempt to win the event, sponsored this year by Slater, Hogg and Howison.

McBlain, with rounds of 72 and 71 won by virtue of lower 2nd round, from 1st round leader Brian Moore of Largs who followed his tremendous morning 68 with an afternoon 75.

Belleisle Golf Club would like to thank all who took part, particularly given the non-stop rain throughout the day.

The CSS was 73 am and 72 pm.

Leading scores and prize-winners were :

Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) - 72/71= 143 (£250)
Brian Moore (Largs) - 68/75 = 143 (£170)
Michael Smythe (Royal Troon) - 77/70 = 147 (£120)
John Shanks (Irvine) - 75/72 = 147 (£90)
Mark Watt (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) - 77/71 = 148 (£70)
John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) - 76/72 = 148 (£60)
George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) - 77/72 = 149 (£50)
Dougie McKinnon (Ballochmyle) - 72/77 = 149 (£40)

Drummond well placed in Irish Seniors

Ross Drummond continued his good opening to his first seniors season when he finished well up the field in the recent AIB Irish Seniors Open, played at the PGA National Ireland golf course.

The prestwick resident, a regular competitor on the European Tour in the past and a multiple winner of the Scottish Professional Championship, ended the tournament 7 shots behind the winner, former Ryder Cup star, Constantino Rocca, and two adrift of best placed scot, Sam Torrance.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS

211 - Costantino Rocca (Ita) 69 71 71
213 - Juan Quiros (Esp) 73 68 72, Kevin Spurgeon (Eng) 71 70 72
214 - Doug Johnson (USA) 69 71 74, Stewart Ginn (Aus) 67 71 76
216 - Sam Torrance (Sco) 71 74 71, Tony Allen (Eng) 73 72 71, David Merriman (Aus) 72 70 74, John Bland (SAf) 71 73 72, David Good (Aus) 73 71 72
217 - Glenn Ralph (Eng) 73 74 70, Guillermo Encina (Chi) 72 73 72, Horacio Carbonetti (Arg) 71 73 73, Bob Cameron (Eng) 74 72 71
218 - Ross Drummond (Sco) 74 74 70

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Champion Of Champions quarter final draw

The draw for the quarter finals of the 2007 Ayrshire Junior Champion Of Champions competition was made this week.

With the result of the tie between Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion, Kyle Smith, and Chris Bennett (Ardeer) still to be notified, 9 players names went into the draw.

The draw is :-

GARY PATTERSON (Ballochmyle) Vs. CALLUM CROWE (Kilbirnie)

EUAN BROWN (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. MICHAEL ROOS (West Kilbride)

CRAIG McLAUGHLIN (Largs) Vs. KYLE SMITH (AB Mp Ch) or CHRIS BENNETT (Ardeer)

CIERAN BYRNE (New Cumnock) Vs. JARED WILLIAMS (Troon St. Meddans)

Quarter final ties are due to be completed by 29th July 2007.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Loudoun & Barassie complete Under 16 quarter final line up

The draw for the quarter finals of the 2007 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Under 16 Knockout competition has been made.

Loudoun, 3.5 - 0.5 home winners agains Troon St. Meddans, and Kilmarnock (Barassie) who received a walkover from Kilbirnie Place were the last two teams to book their place in the quarter finals.

The quarter final draw is :-

NEW CUMNOCK Vs. AYR DALMILLING

ARDEER Vs. LOUDOUN

KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) Vs. LARGS ROUTENBURN

AYR BELLEISLE Vs. WEST KILBRIDE

All quarter final ties are due for completion by 29th July 2007

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - League Championship latest

In SECTION A, Ballochmyle and Annanhill enjoyed home wins in their recent matches, Ballochmyle beating Caprington by 5 - 1 and Annahill winning by 4 - 2 against Ravenspark. Present position in the section are :-

BALLOCHMYLE........ played 3 - 10 points
CAPRINGTON........... played 3 - 8 points
RAVENSPARK........... played 3 - 4 pts
ANNANHILL............. played 3 - 4 pts
NEW CUMNOCK...... played 2 - 2 pts

In SECTION B, West Kilbride have taken the lead by virtue of a 5.5 - 0.5 home win over St. Meddans and a 3 - 3 away draw in the corresponding return match. In the other match played recently, Dalmilling beat St. Meddans by 3.5 - 2.5 at home. Present placings in the section are :-

WEST KILBRIDE....... played 3 - 10 pts
DALMILLING............ played 3 - 8 pts
BARASSIE.................. played 2 - 4 pts
ST. MEDDANS.......... played 3 - 2 pts
ST. NICHOLAS......... played 1 - 0 pts

There have been no further results posted in SECTION C or SECTION D. Present positions in these sections are :-

ARDEER................... played 2 - 8 pts
WELBECK................ played 2 - 6 pts
ST. CUTHBERT...... played 2 - 2 pts
LOUDOUN............... played 2 - 0 pts


BELLEISLE............. played 1 - 4 pts
LARGS..................... played 1 - 0 pts
ROUTENBURN...... played none
KILBIRNIE............. played none

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Champion Of Champions competition nears quarter finals

7 of the 8 quarter finalists in the 2007 Ayrshire Junior Champion Of Champions Trophy competition are now known, after a number of matches were played recently.

David Gillespie (Caprington) lost out at home to Ciaran Byrne (New Cumnock), with the match finishing at the 2nd extra hole.

Away wins were also recorded by Craig McLaughlin (Largs), a 3 & 2 winnner over Christopher Butler (Ravenspark), Garry Patterson (Ballochmyle), who beat Jack Bone (Annanhill) at the first extra hole, and Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) who won by 3 & 2 against Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle).

In the other match played recently, Jared Williams (St. Meddans) won by 2 & 1 at home to Steven Mancini (St. Nicholas).

With Callum Crowe (Kilbirnie) and Michael Roos (West KIlbride) already in to the last 8, the only result awaited is the match between Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion Kyle Smith and Chris Bennett (Ardeer).

The draw for the quarter finals is scheduled to be made on tuesday 5th June.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Under 16 knockout nears quarter finals

With the quarter final draw for the 2007 Under 16 Knockout Trophy competition scheduled to be made next week, there have been a number of first round matches completed recently.

Ayr Belleisle and New Cumnock both reached the last 8 with 3 - 1 home wins over Caprington & Prestwick St. Nicholas respectively.

West Kilbride also progressed with a 3 - 1 win, although theirs was an away win at Ballochmyle.

The two other matches resulted recently, featuring Ardeer against Annanhill and Largs Routenburn against Troon Welbeck, both ended in 2 - 2 draws, with Ardeer and Routenburn going through to the quarter finals by virtue of a countback.

With Ayr Dalmilling already into the last 8, the only two results remaining to be concluded before the draw are the matches featuring Loudoun against Troon St. Meddans and Kilmarnock Barassie against Kilbirnie

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Summer League latest

Teams in three of the sections completed the second series of matches in the 2007 Ayrshire Summer League this week.

In SECTION 1, Loudoun crushed their visitors Troon Welbeck by 4.5 - 1.5 whilst Ayr Belleisle fought out a 3 - 3 draw with local rivals Tam O Shanter. Present positions in the section are :-

LOUDOUN..................... 3 - 2 - 0 - 1 - + 5 - 8 pts
BELLEISLE.................... 3 - 1 - 1 - 1 - -3 - 6 pts
TROON WELBECK....... 2 - 0 - 0 - 2 - +3 - 4 pts
TAM O SHANTER........ 2 - 0 - 1 - 1 - -5 - 2 pts

In SECTION 2, Irvine (Bogside) made it two wins from 2, with a 5.5 - 0.5 home win over West Kilbride. Kilmarnock (Barassie) also had a home win in the latest series, beating Caprington by 4.5 - 1.5. Presnt positions are :-

IRVINE (BOGSIDE)...................... 2 - 2 - 0 - 0 - +9 - 8 pts
CAPRINGTON............................... 2 - 1 - 0 - 1 - 0 - 4 pts
KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE)....... 2 - 1 - 0 - 1 - -1 - 4 pts
WEST KILBRIDE.......................... 2 - 0 - 0 - 2 - -8 - 0 pts

In SECTION 3 Kilbirnie opened with a 5.5 - 0.5 home win over Moorpark, but had to conced their next match ay Ballochmyle, the home club being awarded a 4 - 2 match result.
In the other match played recently, Ardeer fought out a 3 - 3 draw with thier visitors, Moorpark. Present positions are :-

ARDEER............................. 2 - 1 - 1 - 0 - +1 - 6 Ppts
KILBIRNIE........................ 2 - 1 - 0 - 1 - +3 - 4 pts
BALLOCHMYLE............... 2 - 1 - 0 - 1 - +1 - 4 pts
MOORPARK...................... 2 - 0 - 1 - 1 - -4 - 2 pts

In SECTION 4, no further results have been intimated this week. Present positions are :-

ST. MEDDANS ............... 1 - 1 - 0 - 0 - +1 - 4pts
NEW CUMNOCK............ 1 - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0 - 2 pts
RAVENSPARK................ 1 - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0 - 2 pts
TURNBERRY.................. 1 - 0 - 0 - 1 - -1 - 0 pts