AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY - Murray will now face Lamb in first round

Defending champion Steven Murray (Troon Welbeck) faces a change of opponent in the first round of the Ayrshire Matchplay Championship to be played next week at Western Gailes.

Murray was originally scheduled to play his clubmate Ian Duff but will now begin his defence against Gareth Lamb (Irvine).

Mum and Dad's Ayrshire chip van also serves news on how Pamela is faring on Futures Tour

FROM THE US FUTURES TOUR NEWSLETTER
(Courtesy of Gillian Kirkwood)
(Photo by Gillian Kirkwood - all rights reserved)

Friday night is always the busiest night in the chip van for Campbell Feggans.

Truth to tell, he’d rather be home watching his daughter’s golf scores over in America as they trickle in on the Internet.But then again, the camaraderie of an entire village makes it that much more fun as he rolls his van, known as the “Nippy Chippy,” through the streets of Patna in Ayrshire.

On a Friday night, which most often happens to be the first round on the Duramed Futures Tour where his daughter Pamela Feggans plays, Campbell serves up his trademark fish and chips to the locals, while getting golf scores from his wife, Jean.

Jean is also in the chip van, bouncing between waiting on customers and calling friends with computers for regular updates from the Tour’s “Real-Time Scoring.” Once they get the scores, Jean and Campbell relay the news to the locals along with their steaming fish and chips, haggis and sausages.It’s the usual ritual, and those regular customers are pleased to get both the crispy fish and potatoes, along with the news of how one of their own is doing outside the village.

And for the record, Feggans – playing in her first full season as a professional – is off to a solid start. She has made the 36-hole tournament cut in all four events she has played, posting a career-best tie for seventh two weeks ago in Louisiana.With sub-par opening rounds of 67-71 that week, Feggans played in the leader’s group for the last two rounds. She was a bundle of nerves that week, and her friends back home could just about feel it an ocean away as the steam from the fish fogged their faces in the gloaming.

“It’s kind of cool to know that so many people in the whole village are watching my scores,”

said Feggans, 25, who came to the States to play college golf.

“Everybody knows everybody there.”

With a population of less than 3,000, Patna is a working-class village 35 miles south of Glasgow. The village was established in the 1800s to provide housing for coal workers. It has a nine-hole golf course on hilly terrain where young Pamela got her start in the game at age 12.

“You need one leg shorter to play there, but I learned every lie in the book on that course,”

she said.

“When I went to a flat course, it was easy.”

Feggans was the only girl in Patna to embrace the game, so she spent her time on the course with the boys, trying to out-slug them from the same tees. In the summer months in Scotland, daylight allowed the youngsters to play until 11 p.m. If her family wanted Pamela to come home, they had to go find her on the course.

By the time she was 18, she wanted to follow others from her homeland to play college golf in the U.S. She had never been Stateside and didn’t know that all of America did not look like Midland, Texas, where she enrolled at Midland Junior College

"It was the desert with a lot of oil wells and cowboys,”

said Feggans.

“I was so naïve. That was my first taste of America and I just thought that was the way it was everywhere.”

But after one year at Midland, the school canceled its golf program, so Feggans went on a recruiting trip to Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Fla. Florida Southern boasted a competitive NCAA Division II program that had just won two national championships.

The Scot was a welcome addition to an already successful program and the sophomore-transfer quickly went to work, playing in the team’s No. 1 position.Feggans was an NCAA Division II All-American for three years, made the Sunshine State All-Conference team for three years, was the 2005 Conference Golfer of the Year during her senior season, and finished second, third and second individually in three consecutive NCAA Championships.

“Pamela is a terrific, goal-oriented young lady and she knows that whatever she wants, she has to work for it,”

said Norm Benn, the Florida Southern assistant coach who recruited Feggans.

Of course, Feggans once told Benn that she didn’t plan to graduate from college – she just planned to play golf and turn pro. That was a statement that still makes Benn laugh out loud.

“She did graduate and she was the first one in her family to graduate from college,”

said Benn.

“Her family came over from Scotland for her graduation and her father wore the kilt and everything.”

Celebration, it was. But instant success, Feggans was not.During her last semester of college, she played poorly at the Duramed FUTURES Tour’s Q-School and went home to Scotland in December 2005.

During those winter months, she and her dad operated the chip van, up and down the streets of Patna. All she could do was daydream about golf. She didn’t touch a club until April 2006.A recurring back injury minimized her playing time. All of the lifting and leaning over in the van didn’t help. Feggans took more time away from the game to rest her back and to perform strengthening exercises in physical rehab.

“My dad told me to go get another job, but I was working in the van to give my mom a break,”

said Feggans

“She’s a cleaner in the morning and worked with my dad at night. I was trying to help them out.”

Feggans also began preparing for her second attempt at the Duramed FUTURES Tour’s Qualifying Tournament in November 2006. But like the first effort a year before,

“that one didn’t go too good, either,”

she said.

“I put too much pressure on myself instead of relaxing and just letting it happen,”

said Feggans.

So it was back to the chip van for most of 2007. Feggans played in the U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier and advanced into the second stage, but fell short of qualifying for the Open. She also tried to qualify for the Women’s British Open, but missed by a couple of shots. She even was unsuccessful in getting an invitation to play in the Scottish Women’s Open.

“I just didn’t know where I was heading and I was getting down in the dumps,”

said Feggans.

“I was starting to wonder how many chances I was going to get?”

The Scot knew she wanted one more chance at the Duramed FUTURES Tour’s Q-School, so she began working with teaching professional Karyn Dallas at home. Dallas helped her with the mental side of her game and worked with Feggans on a swing change until the middle of 2007 – a change that also helped with her sore back.

“I guess I needed a lot of encouragement and Karyn tried to talk me into not giving up,”

said Feggans.

“Maybe it was ‘third time lucky,’ but it was great to finally call home and tell my parents that this time, I did it.”

Feggans earned her exempt status at the Tour’s Q-School last fall, which paved the way for her to return to America. Friends in Lakeland helped the player find some financial backing to get her started. It’s still hit or miss. And it’s still hard for Feggans to be away from her family.

When her grandmother died in February just before the 2008 Lakeland tournament, Feggans was still grieving when she teed it up on the familiar course she played often in college.

“When I left home, I knew deep down it would be the last time I’d see her,”

said Feggans of her grandmother.

“And at the Lakeland tournament, I couldn’t just call her and tell her how I played.”

But the Scot’s grandmother, like the rest of Patna, would be proud of how far the chipper’s daughter has come. With a quiet determination, a calm smile and a big drive off the tee, Feggans seems to be finding her comfort zone this year.She knows her best golf is just ahead. And she knows the faces all too well back home who cue up for battered fish and fresh news about her game.

“I’m excited about this year because I’ve been given the opportunity to be out here and do something I love doing,”

she said.

“My parents want to give me the opportunity to chase my dream and I’m very lucky to have a family that sacrifices as much as they do.”

And while Pamela Feggans is no longer riding in the chip van, in a way, she still is. Her scores and her ability to compete alongside some of the best women professionals in the world are right there on the menu and in the imaginations of so many every Friday night, rumbling along the streets of Patna with a direct link all the way to America.

THE EDWARD TROPHY - Steven McEwan Runner up to Scott Henry in extended 72 hole event

In the Edward Trophy played at Glasgow Gailes on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th April, Steven McEwan (Caprington) - pictured right - was runner up to former Scottish stroke-play champion Scott Henry (Cardross).

This year the event was played over 72 holes for the first time, instead of its traditional 36 hole format.

McEwan finished with rounds of 69 and 67 for an 8 under par total which left him two adrift of Henry.

Scottish Boys Champion Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) was back on form, a final round 65 giving him a 285 total and fifth place overall, whilst Ross Dixon (Kilmarnock Barassie) also performed well for a 291 total and joint 9th place.

LEADING SCORES :-

278 - Scott Henry (Cardross) 70 68 67 73

280 - Steven McEwan (Caprington) 72 72 69 67

283 - Gavin Dear (Murrayshall) 73 71 70 69

285 - Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire) 73 71 68 73

286 - Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) 72 76 73 65

288 - Greg Patterson (New Club St Andrews) 73 71 73 71

289 - Paul O'Hara (Colville Park) 78 72 68 71, Gordon Yates (Hilton Park) 76 73 71 69

291 Ross Dixon (Kilmarnock Barassie) 78 78 66 69, Graeme Gorrie (Glasgow) 71 74 71 75.292 Kris Nicol (Fraserburgh) 76 75 75 66, Andrew Campbell (Dumbarton) 77 70 73 72

The only other Ayrshire player to survive the cut was John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark), who finished on 300 (73 77 75 75)

The Ayrshire players who missed the 36 hole cut were :-

157 - Stephen Spence Irvine 81 76

158 - Keith Hamilton Ayr Belleisle 77 80

159 - George Robertson Irvine Ravenspark 74 85

159 - Ewan Brown Kilmarnock Barassie 78 80

160 - Jamie McKay Kilmarnock Barassie 79 80

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - First round matches completed whilst Pennycott is given bye to quarter finals

The 2008 Ayrshire Junior Champion Of Champions competition is under way, with the three preliminary round matches having been completed.

Douglas Robertson (Annanhill) had a one hole home win in his local derby against Marc Smith (Caprington) to set up a first round tie at home to Jamie Achison (Largs Routenburn).

Alistair McIntyre (Ardeer) booked a first round match away to Martin Ronald (Irvine Ravenspark), courtest of a 4 & 3 home win over Cieran Byrne (New Cumnock) in the preliminary round, whilst Kieran Howie (West Kilbride) crushed Calvin Ross (Troon St. Meddans) by 7 & 6 in his preliminary match, and now plays host to Sean Thornton (Ayr Belleisle) in round 1.

The anticipated first round tie between The Ayrshire Matchplay Champion Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) - pictured right, with trophy - and the Strokeplay Champion, and current holder of the Champion Of Champions Trophy, Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) did not materialise, Euan Brown having to withdraw from the event due to other commitments, leaving Malcolm Pennycott with a bye into the quarter finals.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Champions ousted in Under 16 Preliminary round

Kilmarnock (Barassie), holders of the Under 16 Knockout Trophy for the last two years were put out in the preliminary round of the 2008 competition recently.

The defending champions were drawn away to Ardeer in the one preliminary match this year, and were defeated 3 - 1 by their hosts.

Ardeer now have a home tie against Irvine Ravenspark in the first round.

THE BELLEISLE CUP - Slater Hogg & Howison, Estate Agents, to renew sponsorship in 2008

Ayr Belleisle Golf Club are delighted to announce that this year`s Belleisle Cup on Sunday 1st June, which is the curtain-raiser for Ayr Golf Week, will once again be sponsored by Slater, Hogg and Howison, estate agents.

Belleisle Match Secretary Robert Morrison enthused,

“Slater Hogg`s generous renewal of their sponsorship allows us to maintain the increased prize fund from last year and with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes of £250, £170 and £120 respectively, and prizes down as far as 8th place, it is again hoped to attract a quality field of the top low handicappers in Ayrshire and also further afield.”

The 36-hole scratch event, won last year by Steven McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) - pictured right - is for golfers up to a maximum of 6 handicap and is a qualifying event for the recently revamped Doc Thom Ayrshire Golf Association Order of Merit.

Block entry forms have been sent out to all Ayrshire Clubs although entries can also be made via the club`s website http://www.ayrbelleislegolfclub.com/ or by telephoning Robert Morrison on 07708 861569.

PRESTWICK BOYS OPEN - Date change to avoid clash

The Prestwick Boys Open, scheduled to be held at Prestwick St. Cuthbert on Monday 7th July 2008, has been rescheduled to

MONDAY 30th JUNE 2008

This rescheduling will avaid a clash with the Pollock Trophy at Kilmarnock Barassie which is on &th July.

An Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit counting event, The Prestwick Boys Open began in 1980 and has proved to be one of the most popular events of its kind in the South West.

With prizes and trophies for two handicap classes, under 16 Scratch and overall Scratch there is something for evertyone within the event.

The main award, The Scott Gillon Trophy, is presented to the player returning the best scratch score of the day and boasts some prominent former winners, including four players who went on to play in the Walker Cup :- Jim Milligan (Kilmarnock Barassie), Paul Girvan (Prestwick St. Nicholas), Dean Robertson (Cochrane Castle) and Gordon Sherry (Kilmarnock Barassie).

Entry forms will soon be available through local clubs or further information can be obtained from Prestwick St. Cuthbert Golf Club on 01292 477101.

SGU JUNIOR TOUR - Smith joint first at Irvine in second event

Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie), the only Ayrshire player in the field, finished tied for first place in the second of the 2008 SGU Junior Tour events, held at Irvine (Bogside) on Sunday 20th April



Former Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion Smith, from Kilmarnock Barassie, tied for first place with Paul Shields (Kirkhill) who lost out in the final of The Scottish Boys Championship earlier in the month to Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck).

Leading scores were :-

146 - PAUL SHIELDS (Kirkhill) 74/72, KYLE SMITH (Kilmarnock Barassie) 73/73
149 - TOM BLENNERHASSETT (Mariot Dalmahoy) 77/72
150 - CHRIS ROBB (Inchmarlo) 73/77
151 - ADAM DUNTON (McDonald) 75/76

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Fourball Championship first round results

The three first round ties in the 2008 Ayrshire Golf Association Fourball Knockout Championship were completed this week.

The West Kilbride pair of John Campbell and Robin Paton had a 4 & 3 home win over William Simpson and David Breckenridge of Ayr Dalmilling to set up a home tie in round 2 against the Brunston Castle pair of David & George McCulloch, who booked their place in rond 2 with a home win over John Harris & Brian Graham of New Cumnock.

In the other first round tie, Campbell & Ross McCluskie of Crosshouse beat Willie Marshall and Andrew Blackwood of Moorpark and now have a home tie in the second round against the 2007 beaten finalists, Scott McCahill and David Wallace of Maybole.

These and all other second round ties are due to be completed by 25th May.

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Draw for 2008 competition

The draw has been finalised for the 2008 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship, which will be held at Western Gailes from Monday 5th to Thursday 8th May.



With a few players unavailable, the qualifying score from the strokeplay championship was 159.

defending champion Steven Murray (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right - qualified to defend his title, and faces a first round match against clubmate Ian Duff.

The full draw for the first round, on Monday 5th May is :-

5.00 p.m.
STEVEN WALLACE (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) Vs. HUGH BURNS (Troon Welbeck)
5.06 p.m.
CRAIG HAMILTON (Ballochmyle) Vs IAN WALKER (Turnberry)
5.12 p.m.
DAVID CURRIE (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. A. WALKER (Troon St. Meddans)
5.18 p.m.
STEVEN MURRAY (Troon Welbeck) Vs. IAN DUFF (Troon Welbeck)
5.24 p.m.
PAUL MOULTRIE (Troon Portland) Vs. GARY TIERNEY (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
5.30 p.m.
BRIAN MOORE (Largs) Vs. EUAN BROWN (Kilmarnock Barassie)
5.36 p.m.
JOHN CAIRNEY (Irvine Ravenspark) Vs. BARRY CRAWFORD (West Kilbride)
5.42 p.m.
MICHAEL SMYTH (Royal Troon) Vs. COLIN ROBINSON (Largs)

AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Wallace leads from the front to take title

Steven Wallace (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) led from the front to land the 2008 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship at Prestwick Golf Club on Sunday 20th April.

Plus 2 handicapper Wallace, a Scottish Amateur Championship semi finalist in 2002 and multiple winner of The Tam O Shanter Tournament won his first Ayrshire County title by two strokes from Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland) after leading the field by one shot after the first round.

A level par 71 in testing conditions in round 1 put Wallace one shot ahead of John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) with defending champion John Shanks (Irvine) and youth internationalist Steven McEwan (Caprington) two further back on 74.

With the wind increasing in the afternoon, competitors found scoring more difficult, but as many of the challengers faded away, Steven Wallace returned a creditable 76 for a 147 total.

Playing with Wallace, Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland), a semi finalist in the British Mid Amateur Championship last year, was one of the few players who improved in the second round, his afternoon 74 being one stroke better than his morning effort, for a total of 149.

Steven McEwan (Caprington) took third place with 74 and 76 for a 150 total followed by three players on 151 which included Del Chamberlain of Troon Welbeck, James Bunch of the host club and John Cairney from Irvine Ravenspark.

The CSS for both rounds of the championship was reduction only.

At the conclusion of the Championship, Tim Morrison, Captain of Prestwick Golf Club, assisted by Ayrshire Golf Association President Ricky Magee (Caprington) distributed prizes to the leading players and presented the Ayrshire Strokeplay Championshiop trophy to Steven Wallace.

LEADING SCORES

147 - STEVEN WALLACE (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) 71/76

149 - PAUL MOULTRIE (Troon Portland) 75/74

150 - STEVEN McEWAN (Caprington) 74/76

151 - DEL CHAMBERLAIN (Troon Welbeck) 79/72, JAMES BUNCH (Prestwick) 78/73, JOHN CAIRNEY (Irvine Ravenspark) 72/79

154 - BRIAN MOORE (Largs) 75/79, DAVID CURRIE (Kilmarnock Barassie) 76/78, MICHALE SMYTH (Royal Troon) 76/78, STEVEN MURRAY (Troon Welbeck) 76/78

155 - CRAIG HAMILTON (Ballochmyle) 77/78

156 - EUAN BROWN (Kilmarnock Barassie) 79/77, IAN WALKER (Turnberry) 80/76

157 - COLIN ROBINSON (Largs) 79/78, IAN DUFF (Troon Welbeck) 80/76

158 - A WALKER (Troon St. Meddans) 82/76, BARRY CRAWFORD (West Kilbride) 80/78, GARY TIERNEY (Prestwick St. Nicholas) 75/83

159 - HUGH BURNS (Troon Welbeck) 76/83, STEPHEN McBLAIN (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) 82/77

160 - GARY BRYDEN (Girvan) 82/78, GARETH LAMB (Irvine) 82/78, JAMIE MACKAY (Kilmarnock Barassie) 76/84, KEVIN BROCK (Prestwick St. Nicholas) 82/78, P QUIGLEY (Western Gailes) 81/79, STEVEN KING (Prestwick St. Nicholas) 80/80

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - The Sandy Provan Trophy - Ayrshire Seniors Championship

Senior golfers in Ayrshire will have a new fixture on the calendar this year with the relaunch of The Ayrshire Seniors Championship.

The winner of the main event will be the player who returns the best Nett score on the day, who will hold the new Ayrshire Seniors Championship Trophy for the year.

The new Trophy, presented by AGA President Ricky Magee (Caprington) and AGA Vice President Alasdair Malcolm (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) is to be known as The Sandy Provan Trophy, in recognition of the service given to the Ayrshire Golf Association by Tournament Director Sandy Provan, during many years of service to the association, particularly in the competition field.

Sandy Provan is pictured with the new trophy which will be played for for the first time this year, on the 22nd July, appropriately at Sandy's home club of Kilmarnock (Barassie).

The Ayrshire Seniors Championship should prove to be a welcome addition to the "Senior Tour" in the county. Entry forms have been distributed to members clubs and players are advised to enter early to avoid disappointment.

2007-2008 AYRSHIRE WINTER LEAGUE - Prestwick St. Nicholas beat Troon Welbeck for title.

Prestwick St. Nicholas won the 2007 - 2008 Ayrshire Winter League with victory over Troon Welbeck in the two leg final recently.

The St. Nicholas campaign started off in a group including the holders Troon Portland, along with Caprington & Ayr Dalmilling.

5 points out of 8 took St. Nicholas through to the semi-final against a strong Irvine Ravenspark team.

Two great 4-2 victories, both home and away, took St. Nicholas into the final to face Troon Welbeck.

The final was a very close affair, each side winning their respective home matches by 3.5 - 2.5, with Prestwick St. Nicholas winning the match on a countback by the narrow margin of two holes.

The winning Prestwick St. Nicholas team of Russell Whittaker, John Ashton, Stephen King, Alastair Belford, Gary Tierney and Kevin Brock ar pictured above.

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY GOLFING ASSOCIATION - McPherson goes one better to win County title.

Morag McPherson (Troon Ladies) - pictured below - went one better than last year to take the Ayrshire ladies County Golfing Association Championship at West Kilbride on Thursday 17 April.

Morag lost out in the final, at her home club, 12 months ago, but made no mistake this year to take the County title for the first time, having been leading qualifier for the matchplay stages after the strokeplay qualifying round on Tuesday.

In the final, Morag beat the second best qualifier, Jennifer Linklater (Largs) - pictured below with Morag Mcpherson- , who was appearing in her first county final.

The final was an exciting affair which Morag Mcpherson eventually won at the 19th.

Three up after 13 holes, Morag looked to be in control, but Jennifer squared the match by winning the 14th, 15th and 16th before Morag stopped the slide with halves at both the 17th and 18th and then provided the killer blow at the first extra hole.

In the semi finals on Thursday morning, Morag Macpherson bt Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies) by 5 and 4 whilst Jennifer Linklater bt Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) by 4 and 3.

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP - Holder ousted in first round

Defending champion Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) was beaten in the first round of matchplay in the 2008 Ayrshire ladies County Golfing Association Championship at West Kilbride on Wednesday morning when she lost to Catherine Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas) by 3 & 2.

Malcolm however lost out in the quarter finals to leading qualifier Morag Macpherson (Troon Ladies) by 5 and 4.

First round results :-

Morag Macpherson (Troon Ladies) bt Jane Ashdown (Largs) by 8 and 7
Catherine Malcolm (Prestwick St Nicholas) bt Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) by 3 and 2
Linzi Allan (Kilbirnie Place) bt Sheila Adams (Loudoun) by 2 and 1
Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies) bt Lesley Williamson (Kilmarnock Barassie) by 5 and 3
Debbie Watt (Belleisle Ladies) bt Greta Smith (Ardeer) by 4 and 3
Alex Glennie(Kilmarnock Barassie) bt Roz Purdom (Prestwick St Nicholas) by 1 hole
Jane Finnie (Troon Ladies) bt Linda Parry (Irvine) by 3 and 2
Jennifer Linklater (Largs) bt Eleanor Taylor(Troon Ladies) by 5 and 3

Quarter-final results :-

Morag Macpherson bt Catherine Malcolm by 5 and 4
Rachael McQueen bt Linzi Allan at 19th
Alex Glennie bt Debbie Watt by 4 and 3
Jennifer Linklater bt Jane Finnie at 22nd

The Semi finals take place on Thursday morning

Morag McPherson (Troon Ladies) Vs. Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies)
Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Jennifer Linklater (Largs)

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY GOLFING ASSOCIATION - McPherson leads hunt for 2008 County title

Morag Macpherson (Troon Ladies) took the top seeding as the quest for the 2008 Ayrshire Ladies County Golfing Association Championship got under way at West Kilbride on Tuesday 15th April.

In testing conditions, Macpherson's 78 was good enough to take top placing by 3 shots.

The defending champion Lesley Hendry (Routenburn) had to be content with 8th place in the field of 16 for the matchplay, which takes place at West Kilbride on Wednesday and Thursday.

LEADING SCORES :-

78 - Morag Macpherson (Troon Ladies)
81 - Jennifer Linklater (Largs), Greta Smith (Ardeer)
82 - Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies)
84 - Linzi Allan (Kilbirnie Place), Roz Purdom (Prestwick St Nicholas), Jane Finnie (Troon Ladies)
85 - Lesley Hendry (Routenburn)
86 - Catherine Malcolm (Prestwick St Nicholas)
87 - Linda Parry (Irvine)
88 - Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie)
89 - Sheila Adams (Loudoun)
90 - Lesley Williamson (Kilmarnock Barassie)
92 - Debbie Watt (Ayr Belleisle)
96 - Eleanor Taylor (Troon Ladies)
100 - Jane Ashdown (Largs)

The opening Matchplay ties on Wednesday, which begin at 9.00 a.m., are :-

Morag Macpherson (Troon Ladies) Vs. Jane Ashdown (Largs)
Catherine Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas) Vs. Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn)
Linzi Allan (Kilbirnie Place) Vs. Sheila Adams (Loudoun)
Lesley Williamson (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies)
Greta Smith (Ardeer) Vs. Debbie Watt (Belleisle Ladies)
Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Roz Purdom (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
Jane Finnie (Troon Ladies) Vs. Linda Parry (Irvine)
Eleanor Taylor (Troon Ladies) vs. Jennifer Linklater (Largs)

AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Host clubs take the honours at Largs

Largs Golf Club (pictured above) are the 2008 Ayrshire Boys Team Champions.

The host club saw of the challenge of 16 other Ayrshire Clubs over the Kelburn course on Sunday 13 April to claim the Matt Lygate Trophy and the title of Ayrshire Boys Team Champions.

In a day which saw good weather, with a stiff breeze, the slick greens at Kelburn proved testing for many of the competitors and no doubt contributed to the rise in the C.S.S to 73 (+ 2).

The Largs team of David McLellan, Josh Nordbo, Andrew Abercrombie and Colin Robinson combined for a team total of 228, to give them a five shot wining margin, ahead of Troon Welbeck.

In the handicap team event, the competition for the Andrew D. Nimmo trophy was extremely close, with Troon Welbeck and Prestwick St. Cuthbert locked together on 220. With both teams fourth score being the same, the Troon Welbeck team of Charles Doyle, David Wilson, Sam Findlater and Marc Smith (pictured below) were declared the winner by virtue of a 157.5 - 160.0 countback over the inward halves of the four individual scores.

With Troon Welbeck winning the handicap title, second scratch went to the Kilmarnock Barassie team of Kyle Smith, Andrew Wright, Ross Drain and Neil Hamilton on 236.

In the individual competition, the Prestwick Circuits Trophy for the best scratch score of the day went to 2 handicapper Andrew Abercrombie (Largs) - pictured right - with a level par round of 70, whilst the Carrick Trophy for the best nett score of the competition was won by Colin Robinson (Largs) - pictured below - with 71 - 3 = 68.

In the two handicap classes, Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck) took the prize for the 0-9 handicap category with 74 - 5 = 69 whilst Robbie McFarlane (Caprington) won the 10 to 18 handicap section with 82 - 12 = 70.

At the conclusion of the event, Ayrshire Golf Association President Ricky Magee (Caprington) presented the prizes and trophies to the succesful teams and individuals.

Final scratch team placings were:-

228 - Largs

233 - Troon Welbeck

236 - Kilmarnock (Barassie)

240 - Ayr Belleisle

247 - Prestwick St. Cuthbert

249 - West Kilbride

251 - Kilbirnie Place

258 - Ballochmyle

263 - Royal Troon

265 - Loudoun

267 - Irvine Ravenspark

267 - Caprington

274 - Prestwick St. Nicholas

277 - Annanhill

282 - Ardeer

285 - New Cumnock

289 - Troon St. Meddans

As a result of the Championship placings, the qualifying sections for the 2008 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Wallace Thornton Trophy will be :-

SECTION A - Largs, Kilmarnock Barassie, Prestwick St. Cuthbert, Kilbirnie Place & Loudoun

SECTION B - Troon Welbeck, Ayr Belleisle, West Kilbride, Ballochmyle and Irvine Ravenspark.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - First round matches completed

The 9 first round matches in the 2008 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition were completed this week.

As previously reported, Stuart Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) and John Cairney (Holder) were the first to progress to roud 2 and they have now been joined by seven others from round 1.

Alan Stewart Jr (Stewarton) had a one hole home win over Andy Mathie (Dalmilling) to set up a second round tie against Tony Stafford (Troon St. Meddans).

Steven Dunn (Ayr Seafield) was on form in beating Colin Robertson (Glacier) by 9 & 7. He now plays James McKinnon (Alton) in the next round.

Andrew Carroll (Drongan) had a walkover against Ian Davidson (Prestwick) and now plays 2007 finalist Alan McLean (Kilbirnie) in round 2.

Scott Brown (Brunston Castle) beat Alan Burns (Malletsheugh) in the opening round and now faces a local derby against Scott McCahill (Maybole).

Billy Murdoch (Ayr Carrick) won his first round tie away to Jim Arnott (Crosshouse) by 6 & 5 and now plays George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark).

In the remaining two first round ties, Craig Adams (Ardeer) beat Stuart Angus (Muirkirk) at the 19th and now plays James Graham (Doon Valley), whilst Graeme Johnston (Royal Troon) won by 3 & 2 against David Gemmill (Braehead) to set up a second round clash with Ewan McKinnon (Corrie).

The secod round ties, numbering 16 in total, are due for completion by 18 May 2008.

SCOTTSIH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart brings title to Ayrshire for first time in 16 years

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) is the 2008 Scottish Boys Champion after a commanding 8 & 7 win in the 36 hole final at Southerness on Saturday.

One up after 15 against Paul Shields (Kirkhill) in the morning round, Stewart finished impressively over the closing holes winning the last three, including the 18th courtesy of a second successive eagle this week, to take a four hole lead into the afternoon.

Stewart stamped his authority on the match at the opening hole of the afternoon where a birdie at the first put him further in front with a lead which was extended to 6 holes when Stewart also took the second with a par.

Despite Shields recording two successive birdies in the middle of the second round, they were only sufficient for halved holes and Stewart stormed to a 7 & 5 overall win.

Stewart now joins a select band of 7 Ayrshire players who have won the premier boys golf tournament in Scotland who are :-

A Miller - Marr College (1950)
K. Thomson -Ayr Academy (1961)
W.R. Lockie - Marr College (1964)
A. McQueen - Troon Welbeck (1985)
A. Tait - Irvine (1986)
A.E. Reid - Kilmarnock Barassie (1992)
M. Stewart - Troon Welbeck - (2008)

LIKE TO CADDIE FOR THE STARS OF THE FUTURE - Young caddies sought to assist with international event in June

Glasgow Gailes Golf Club will host the 2008 Palmer Cup, which is a collegiate match, inaugurated in 1997, and contested between the United States of America and Europe, between 24th and 27th June this year.


The last time the event was played in Britain was at Prestwick Golf Club in 2006. Other previous venues, in what is undoubtedly a prestige event, have included Bay Hill, Florida, The Old and New Courses at St. Andrews, The Honors Course, Chattanooga, Royal Liverpool (Hoylake), Baltusrol, Kiawa Island and Ballybunnion, amongst others.

Participants in previous years have included Luke Donald of England US Amateur Champion Ritchie Ramsay from Scotland, European and Open Champion Ben Curtis.

The organisers have asked that approaches be made to clubs in Ayrshire, to recruit interested junior golfers to act as caddies for the event.

There will be a total of 16 caddies required, one for each competitor, and a draw will take place to match caddies with players. Caddies will remain with their allocated player throughout the 4 days of the event.

REQUIREMENTS

It is essential that successful applicants will be available for ALL FOUR DAYS.

Ideally, applicants will be between 15 and 18 years of age

Applicants should be a good standard of golfer (preferably single figure handicap)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tuesday 24 June – Practice Day
Wednesday 25 June – College Am Event
Thursday 26 June – Palmer Cup matches (36 holes)
Friday 37 June – Palmer Cup matches (36 holes)


Once again there will be a level of monetary payment for those selected to caddie in the event.
Another obvious benefit to those involved will be their participation in a major event, being on the range and on the course with the best players and coaches from the European and United States colleges circuits.

There will also be a junior coaching clinic on the afternoon of Tuesday 24 June.

In addition, the possibility of the competing players and the caddies playing golf together on Monday 23 June is being investigated.

This event provides a great opportunity to local junior golfers to be involved in a top event with the best players.

Interest in participation is expected to be high, and consequently an early return of the application forms is advised

Application forms can be obtained from Junior Convenors of Ayrshire Junior Golf League clubs or direct from Alasdair Malcolm at aj-malcolm@fsmail.net

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart carries Ayrshire banner into final

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) has secured his place in the final of the 2008 Scottish Boys Championship at Southerness on Saturday 12 April, where he will meet Paul Shields (Kirkhill) in the 36 hole final.

Stewart beat Mark Bookless (Sandyhills) by 3 & 2 in the quarter finals and edged through by 2 holes in the semi final against fellow internationalist David law (Hazelhead), courtesy of a 3 - 3 finish to his round, an eagle on the final hole closing out his opponent.

Stewart becomes the first Ayrshire player to grace the final since Alan Reid (Kilmarnock Barassie) took the title at West Kilbride in 1992, and will be hoping to win the trophy and emulate the only Troon Welbeck member to win the boys title, Andrew McQueen, who won back in 1985 beating clubmate Fraser McCulloch in the final.

The final tees of at 0830 on saturday morning and the best wishes of all members of The Ayrshire Golf Association go to Michael in his bid for the Scottish Boys title.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Strokeplay Championship Draw

The draw for the 2008 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship, to be played over the links at Prestwick Golf Club on Sunday 20th April, is :-

0752 & 1252 - J. Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark), T. McInally (Loudoun), D. Glass (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
0800 & 1300 - J. Bunch (Prestwick), G. Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark), G. Bryden (Girvan)
0807 & 1307 - A. Kent (Troon Welbeck), D. Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark), P. Denim (Loudoun)
0815 & 1315 - P. Bond (Irvine Ravenspark), K. Hankinson (Troon Welbeck), S. Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie)
0822 & 1322 - C. Hamilton (Ballochmyle), D. Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck), B. Crawford (West Kilbride)
0830 & 1330 - S. McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), W. Meiklem (Troon Welbeck), P. Quigley (Western Gailes)
0837 & 1337 - K. McGill (Troon Wlbeck), C. Sharp (Kilmarnock Barassie), D. Low (Ayr Belleisle)
0852 & 1352 - E. Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie), P. Moultrie (Troon Portland), S. Wallace (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
0900 & 1400 - D. Currie (Kilmarnock Barassie), A. McLean (Kilbirnie Place), K. Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
0907 & 1407 - R. Fulker (Kilmarnock Barassie), G. Gimson (Ayr Belleisle), G. Higgins (Largs)
0915 & 1415 - S. King (Prestwick St. Nicholas), C. McLaughlin (Largs), I. Duff (Troon Welbeck)
0922 & 1422 - B. Campbell (Ballochmyle), C. Adams (Ardeer), A. Leggate (Kilmarnock Barassie)
0930 & 1430 - G. Wilson (Loudoun), R. Aspin (Kilmarnock Barassie), J. Ashton (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
0937 & 1437 - S. Henderson (Kilmarnock Barassie), I. Walker (Turnberry), S. Murray (Troon Welbeck)
0945 & 1445 - J. Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie), D. Strachan (Turnberry), A. Walker (Troon St. Meddans)
0952 & 1452 - D. Booth (Turnberry), K. Brock (Prestwick St. Nicholas), S. Pennington (Troon St. Meddans)
1000 & 1500 - D. McKinnon (Ballochmyle), A. Abercrombie (Largs), D. Power (Troon St. Meddans)
1007 & 1507 - I. Lynn (Largs), S. McEwan (Caprington), M. Smyth (Royal Troon)
1015 & 1515 - S. Brown (Turnberry), S. McCahill (Maybole), J. Shanks (Irvine)
1022 & 1522 - M. Pennycott (Whiting Bay), I. Brown (West Kilbride), H. Burns (Troon Welbeck)
1030 & 1530 - A. Foley (Ayr Belleisle), A. Brown (West Kilbride), G. Tierney (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
1037 & 1537 - C. Berry (Loudoun), P. Robinson (Largs), R. Whittaker (Prestwick St. Nicholas)

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart remains on course as last Ayrshire player at Southerness

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) remain on course to capture the Scottish Boys Championship, being played at Southerness this week, as the remaining Ayrshire challenge has fallen away throughout the week.

As well as Michael Stewarts' performance, one of the Ayrshire highlights of the week came on Monday morning when Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck) holed his tee shot at the 169 yard 4th hole, with a five iron, to record the first hole in one in the 2008 championship.

In Fridays quarter final, Stewart takes on fellow boys internationalist Mark Bookless (Sandyhills).

Results involving Ayrshire players so fare are :-

ROUND 1

Alan Bruce (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Steven Sidowra (Camperdown) by 1 hole
Scott Brown (Turnberry) beat Liam Johnston (Pines) by 2 & 1
Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) beat jamie Binning (Ranfurly Castle) by 5 & 4
Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck) beat Stuart Wylie (Mount Ellen) by 4 & 3
Andrew Wright (Kilmanrock Barassie) beat Ali Begg (Muir Of Ord) by 5 & 4
Callum Stewart (Ayr Belleisle) beat Greg Haddow (Balmore) by 5 & 4
Fraser lawrie (West Kilbride) beat Ryan Asher (Nairn) by 6 & 4
Colin Robinson (Millport) beat Bryan Wharton (Kirkhill) by 1 hole
Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) lost to Jack Scott (Deeside) by 2 & 1
Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle) beat Taylor Matthews (West Lothian) by 2 & 1
Murray McBride (Ayr Belleisle) beat Graeme Duncan (Shotts) by 2 holes
Michael Roos (West Kilbride) beat Jeff Wright (Forres) by 2 & 1
Calum Crowe (Kilbirnie Place ) lost to Fraser McKenna (Balmore) by 3 & 1
Scott Clark (Ayr Belleisle) lost to Bryan Robertson (Renfrew) at the 20th
Charles Doyle (Troon Welbeck) lost to Taylor Edwards (Lochmaben) by 4 & 3
Christopher Butler (Irvine Ravenspark) lost to Sean Thomson (St. Andrews) by 4 & 2
Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Sam Binning (Ranfurly Castle) by 1 hole
Craig Goodwin (Loudoun) lost to Christopher McManus (Douglas park) by 2 & 1
Craig Hessett (Prestwick St. Nicholas) lost to Colin Thomson (East Renfrewshire) by 6 & 5

ROUND 2

Alan Bruce (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Grant Dowie (Alloa) by 5 & 4
Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) beat Scott Brown (Turnberry) by 8 & 7
Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck) beat Ryan Higgins (East Renfrewshire) by 6 & 4
Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Scott Brown (Murcar Links) by 5 & 4
Callum Stewart (Ayr Belleisle) lost to Lee Milligan (Dumbaerton) by 5 & 4
Fraser Lawrie (West Kilbride) lost to mark Bookless (Sandyhills) at the 20th
Colin Robinson (Millport) beat Jack Scott (Deeside) by 2 & 1
Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle) lost to Conor Finlay (Scotscraig) by 5 & 4
Murray McBride (Ayr Belleisle) lost to Graeme McDougall (Bishopbriggs) by 1 hole
Michael Roos (West Kilbride) beat James White (St. Andrews New) by 5 & 4
Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Mark Scanlan (Greenock) by 3 & 1

ROUND 3

Alan Bruce (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Tom Spencer (Inchmarlo) by 4 & 3
Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) beat Ross Milne (Aboyne) by 3 & 2
Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck) beat Jare Williams (Kilmacolm) at the 19th
Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Lewis Cullen (Eastwood) by 2 & 1
Colin Robinson (Millport) lost to Jack Scott (Deeside) by 6 & 4
Michael Roos (West Kilbride) lost to Graeme McDougall (Bishopbriggs) by 5 & 3
Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Andrew McLachlan (Bonnyton) by 3 & 1

ROUND 4

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) beat Tom Spencer (Inchmarlo) by 7 & 5
Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck) lost to Stuart Ballingall (Dunston Hall) by 3 & 2
Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Jamie Thomson (Cawder) by 3 & 2

ROUND 5

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) beat Stuart Ballingall (Dunston park) by 3 & 2
Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Mark Bookless (Sandyhills) by 7 & 5

DOC THOM AYRSHIRE ORDER OF MERIT - number of counting events increased to 15 for 2008.

The Ayrshire Order Of merit, for the Doc Thom Salver, has undergone a review which has resulted in the number of counting events being increased to 15 for 2008.

The additional counting competition include the 6 previous counting events, along with additi0onal national competitions an local club open events.

Points will be awarded for the best placed in each of the counting events, which will be graded according to the level and format of competition.

As in previous years, the opening counting competition will be the Ayrshire Strokeplay and the last counting event will again be the prestigeous Arrol Cup at Prestwick St. Nicholas.

The Order Of merit is open to any member of a club affiliated to The Ayrshire Golf Association. No entry fee is involved and players can play in as many or as few of the events as they wish, as long as they meet the criteria for the competition concerned.

The counting events for 2008 are :-

20 April - Ayrshire Strokeplay (Prestwick)

5-8 May - Ayrshire Matchplay (Western Gailes)
25 May - The Hillhouse Cup (Royal Troon)
30 May - 1 June - The Scottish Strokeplay Championship (The Dukes, St. Andrews)

1 June - The Belleisle Cup (Ayr Belleisle)
7 June - The Loudoun Open (Loudoun Gowf)
7 June - Ayr Seafield Open (Ayr Seafield)
14 June - Ballochmyle Open (Ballochmyle)
16-21 June - The Amateur Championship (Turnberry)
21 June - The McGilchrist Cup (Ardeer)

28 July - 2 August - The Scottish Amateur Championship (Carnoustie)

24 August - Viking Krus (Largs)
31 August - Welbeck Links (Troon Municipal)

6 September - Largs & Millport Trophy (Largs Routenburn)
20 September - Arrol Cup (Prestwick St. Nicholas)

The 15 events have been categorised as follows :-

CATEGORY A - Scottish Strokeplay Championship
CATEGORY B - Scottish Amateur Championship, The Amateur Championship
CATEGORY C - The Ayrshire Strokeplay, The Belleisle Cup, The Viking Krus, The Welbeck Links & The Arrol Cup.
CATEGORY D - The Hillhouse Cup, The McGilchrist Cup, The Loudoun Open, Ayr Seafield Open, Largs & Millport Trophy & Ballochmyle Open.
CATEGORY E - Ayrshire Matchplay Championship

Points will be awarded as follows :-

CATEGORY A - (1) 250 (2) 175 (3) 120 (4) 75 (5) 50 (6) 35 (7) 20 (8) 10 (9) 5
CATEGORY B - Winner 250, Runner Up 175, Semi Finalists 100, Quarter Finalists 50
CATEGORY C - (1) 150 (2) 100 (3) 75 (4) 50 (5) 35 (6) 20 (7) 10
CATEGORY D - (1) 100 (2) 75 (3) 50 (4) 35 (5) 20 (6) 10 (7) 5
CATEGORY E - Winner 75, Runner Up 50, Semi Finalists 35

In the event of two players being tied for any placings, the points for the relevant placings will be equally shared.

There will be regular updates of the curent leading players throughout the season on this page.

ARTIFICIAL MEASURING DEVICES - not permitted in Ayrshire events

Taking their lead from the national body, The Ayrshire Golf Association have decided that artificial measuring devices will not be permitted in any of their events in 2008.

In a note to Rule 14-3 of the new Rules Of Golf, effective from 1st January 2008, Committees may make a Local Rule allowing players to use devices that measure or gauge distance only.

In 2008, regardless of any local rule of the host club, such a local rule will not be in operation for any Ayrshire County event.

Any player using such a device, in breach of Rule 14-3 will be subject to disqualification.

AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Ballot on 3.2 for Prestwick event

The 2008 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship, to be played at Prestwick Golf Club on Sunday 20th April, will feature a capacity field of the best golfers in the county, with the ballot for entries falling at the 3.2 handicap level, with only one player on that mark gaining a place in the field.

Lowest handicapped entrant is the former Scottish Boys Strokeplay Champion and youth cap, Steven McEwan (Caprington) - pictured- on + 2.4.

The full draw for order of play will be published soon.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Cairney impresses in defence

John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) opened his defence of the Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy with an impressive 7 & 5 away win over Elliot Braddock (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) in the first round of this years competition.

Cairney now plays host to former Ayrshire Boys Champion Neil McCormack (New Cumnock) in round 2.

In the other first round match played so far, Stuart Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) had a 3 & 1 home win over Robert Gilchrist (Chase) and now plays host to David Gilmour (Moorpark) in the second round.

The remaining first round ties are due for completion by Sunday 13th April.

SGU JUNIOR TOUR - Stewart wins 2008 opener

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) stormed to victory in the first of the five SGU Junior Tour events on Sunday 30 March 2008 with an astounding 8 shot victory at Kingsbarns.

In his morning round, an eagle at the fifth when he holed a 103 yard shot with a wedge set Michael on his way and two further birdies saw Stewart take the lead with a 3 under par 69, despite a minor slip with a bogey at the last hole.

Michael continued his fine form into the afternoon round, with 6 birdies in a round of 67 giving him a total of 136, 8 under par.

Former Scottish U16 Stroke Play champion Sam McLaren (King James VI) finished in second place, on level par 144 and Stuart Ballingall (Dunston Hall) was 3rd on 146.

The only other Ayrshire boy in the field was Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) who performed well and finished tied fourth on 147, three over par.

Now both Michael Stewart and Kyle Smith turn their attention to the forthcoming Scottish Boys Championship at Southerness next week.

LEADING SCORES

1 - MICHAEL STEWART (Troon Welbeck) - 69/67 (-8)
2 - SAM McLAREN (King James VI) - 70/74 (Par)
3 - STUART BALLINGALL (Dunston Hall) - 73/73 (+2)
4 = - ANDREW MCLACHLAN (Bonnyton) - 76/71 (+3)
DAVID LAW (Hazlehead) - 75/72 (+3)
CHRIS GAITTENS (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) - 73/74 (+3)
KYLE SMITH (Kilmarnock Barassie) - 72/75 (+3)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Fixtures and Junior Order Of Merit events

The Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit gets under way next week with the first counting event, The Scottish Boys Championship, taking place at Southerness Golf Club on the Solway coast.

There are 23 counting events this year, with the West Of Scotland strokeplay and matchplay events, being held at Ardeer, being included for the first time.

The list of counting events, and other junior fixtures for 2008 are :-

THE AYRSHIRE JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT
2008 COUNTING EVENTS
AND OTHER JUNIOR FIXTURES

** Junior Order Of Merit counting event

Sun 30 March SGU JUNIOR TOUR EVENT 1 (KINGSBARNS LINKS)

Mon-Sat 7-12 April ** SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP (SOUTHERNESS)
Sun 13 April AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (LARGS)
Sun 20 April SGU JUNIOR TOUR EVENT 2 (IRVINE BOGSIDE)

Sun 4 May SGU JUNIOR TOUR EVENT 3 (WHITEKIRK)
Sat 24 May SGU JUNIOR TOUR EVENT 4 (MORAY OLD)
Sun 25 May AYRSHIRE U18 Vs STIRLINGSHIRE U18 (BRUNSTON CASTLE)

Sun 8 June SGU BOYS AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (KINGSKNOWE)
Sun 15 June SGU JUNIOR TOUR EVENT 5 (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE 0
Tue 24 June ** WEST OF SCOTLAND BOYS STROKEPLAY (ARDEER)
Wed-Th 25-26 June ** WEST OF SCOTLAND BOYS MATCHPLAY (ARDEER)
Fri 27 June ** GIRVAN BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP (GIRVAN)
Sun 29 June AYRSHIRE U18 Vs LANARKSHIRE U18 (DRUMPELLIER)

Mon 30 June **PRESTWICK BOYS OPEN (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT)
Thur 3 July ** LARGS JUNIOR OPEN (LARGS)
Mon 7 July ** POLLOCK TROPHY (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
Tue-Thu 8-10 July SCOTTISH BOYS UNDER 16 STROKEPLAY(THE GLEN)
Fri 11 July ** TROON WELBECK JUNIOR OPEN (TROON MUNICIPAL)
Fri 11 July SCOTTISH BOYS UNDER 14 STROKEPLAY (THE GLEN)
Sun 13 July AYRSHIRE U18 Vs DUMBARTONSHIRE U18 (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT)
Mon 14 July ** LOUDOUN BOYS OPEN (LOUDOUN GOWF)
Tue 15 July ** HARRIS BOYS OPEN (WEST KILBRIDE)
Thur 17 July ** ANNANHILL BOYS OPEN (ANNANHILL)
Tue 23 July ** ARDEER JUNIOR OPEN (ARDEER)
Wed-Th 23-24 July ** SCOTTISH BOYS STROKEPLAY (BLAIRGOWRIE)
Fri 25 July ** CAPRINGTON BOYS OPEN (CAPRINGTON)
Mon 28 July ** PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS JUNIOR OPEN (PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS)

Tue 5 August ** TOM LEHMAN JUNIOR OPEN (TROON MUNICIPAL)
Tue-Thu 5-7 August BOYS HOME INTERNATIONALS (ROYAL COUNTY DOWN)
Thu 7 August ** AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP (AYR BELLEISLE)
Sun 10 August ** KILBIRNIE PLACE JUNIOR OPEN (KILBIRNIE PLACE)
Mon 11 August ** BALLOCHMYLE JUNIOR OPEN (BALLOCHMYLE)
Mon-Sat 11-16 August ** BRITISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP (LITTLE ASTON)
Tue 12 August ** NORTH AYRSHIRE BOYS OPEN (IRVINE RAVENSPARK)
Thur 14 August ** AYR BELLEISLE JUNIOR OPEN (AYR SEAFIELD)
Thu-Sat 14-16 August ** AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY (PRESTWICK)
Sun 31 August AYRSHIRE U18 Vs GLASGOW (COWGLEN)

Sun TBC September AJGL WALLACE THORNTON FINAL (TBC)
Sun TBC September AJGL UNDER 16 TROPHY FINAL (TBC)
Sun TBC September AJGL CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS FINAL (TBC)
Sun TBC September AJGL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL (TBC)
Sun 14 September AYRSHIRE U18 Vs RENFREWSHIRE U18 (IRVINE RAVENSPARK)

Mon TBC November AJGL ANNUAL DINNER (IRVINE RAVENSPARK)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Ayrshire Boys Team Championship draw

13 clubs have entered the 21st Ayrshire Boys Team Championship which will be held at Largs Golf Club on Sunday 13th April.

Prestwick St. Cuthbert defend the Matt Lygate Trophy and title of Ayrshire Boys team champions, which they won for the first time in 2007, whilst Loudoun look to win the Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy as Handicap Champions for the third successive year.

Darren Tannock of Loudoun will defend the Carrick Trophy for the best individual nett score whilst Fraser Lawrie of West Kilbride will bid to win the Prestwick Circuits trophy, for the best individual scratch score, for the third year in a row.

Tee times and pairings are :-

1128
ANDREW ABERCROMBIE (LARGS) 2
ALISTAIR McINTYRE (ARDEER) 9
FRASER LAWRIE (WEST KILBRIDE) 2

1135
COLIN ROBINSON (LARGS) 3
RICHARD WYLLIE (ARDEER) 9
MICHAEL ROOS (WEST KILBRIDE) 4

1142
JOSH NORDBO (LARGS) 5
CHRISTOPHER BENNET (ARDEER) 7
KIERAN HOWIE (WEST KILBRIDE) 6

1149
DAVID McLELLAN (LARGS) 6
MICHAEL HOWIE (ARDEER) 10
ROSS De COURCY (WEST KILBRIDE) 6

1200
CRAIG GOODWIN (LOUDOUN) 5
CALLUM CROWE (KILBIRNIE PLACE) 5
CIARAN BYRNE (NEW CUMNOCK) 8

1207
DARREN TANNOCK (LOUDOUN) 11
CHRISTOPHER LAWSON (KILBIRNIE PLACE) 6
TOMMY HERON (NEW CUMNOCK) 16

1214
ALISTAIR MACGREGOR (LOUDOUN) 12
RYAN EVENS (KILBIRNIE PLACE) 11
SCOTT McDONALD (NEW CUMNOCK) 18

1221
ROSS McCORMACK (LOUDOUN) 17
SCOTT BROWN (KILBIRNIE PLACE) 17
JORDAN McSEVENEY (NEW CUMNOCK) 18

1228
GARY PATTERSON (BALLOCHMYLE) 5
DAVID BROWN (PR. ST CUTHBERT) 5
KYLE SMITH (KIL. BARASSIE) 1

1235
MICHAEL MULLEN (BALLOCHMYLE) 6
CRAIG TELFER (PR. ST CUTHBERT) 6
ANDREW WRIGHT (KIL. BARASSIE) 3

1242
ROBBIE WILSON (BALLOCHMYLE) 7
PAUL HAINEY (PR. ST CUTHBERT) 10
FRASER KERR (KIL. BARASSIE) 5

1249
COLIN McKAY (BALLOCHMYLE) 14
ANDREW RIDDICK (PR. ST CUTHBERT) 12
NEIL HAMILTON (KIL. BARASSIE) 6

1300
CHRISTOPHER BUTLER (RAVENSPARK) 5
STUART FULTON (ROYAL TROON) 6
MATTHEW DUNLOP (PR. ST NICHOLAS) 9

1307
CHRISTOPHER DETZNER (RAVENSPARK) 11
STUART ROBERTS (ROYAL TROON) 4
DOUGLAS ROBERTSON (ANNANHILL) 10

1314
ALASDAIR BERRY (RAVENSPARK) 11
ANDREW THOMSON (ROYAL TROON) 10
MICHAEL BRYSON (PR. ST NICHOLAS) 9

1321
SEAN BYRNE (RAVENSPARK) 11
LLOYD SMITH (ROYAL TROON) 6
DAVID PATERSON (ANNANHILL) 11

1328
STEPHEN MAIN (PR. ST NICHOLAS) 9
RYAN ANDREWS (ANNANHILL) 12

1335
MARK McCLAY (PR. ST NICHOLAS) 11
DARREN YOUNG (ANNANHILL) 14