SENIOR PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - Bill Lockie wins in dramatic fashion

Celebrated Ayrshire professional Bill Lockie won the Senior PGA Professional Championship at Northamptonshire County Golf Club today in dramatic fashion, holing a monstrous 75-foot putt for eagle at the 18th to snatch the title.

Lockie's three at the 504-yard par five final hole gave him a two-under-par 68 for the round and gave him a one stroke victory in the tournament with 211, 1 over par.

A bogey at 16 looked to have cost Lockie, but he hit a huge drive at the last followed by a long wood from the fairway to the front of the green.

"I was just thinking 'don't do anything silly," Lockie revealed. "I learned a lot from Bill McColl's putt which was in a similar place and I saw it slow up. I couldn't believe it when it dropped."

Lockie, who teaches at North Gailes in Irvine, had been two shots off the pace overnight and appeared to be slipping out of contention when he reached the turn in 36, but a superb 32 on the inward half saw him edge out Mike Gallagher and Donald Stirling for the title and winners cheque for £4,750.

Both his nearest challengers Gallagher, from Farthingstone, and Stirling, who is based in Austria, had putts on the 18th to force a play-off but both failed to convert their efforts, leaving Lockie victorious.

In interview, Lockie commented "This is a wonderful end to my career - I'm not going to play much tournament golf after this. This is my career major. It's my first British title. I lost a play-off here in 2003 and thought my chance had gone. To do this at 60 is wonderful."

Undoubtedly this is a highlight of Bill Lockie's long career, which started in ernest with victory, as a 13 year old, in the 1961 Ayrshire Boys Championship and again in 1965, betwen which he recorded a win in the Scottish Boys Championship in 1964.

A long professional career followed when he entered the paid ranks in 1970, during which he spent many years at Kilmarnock (Barassie), gaining repute as a teaching professional which led to senior posts in coaching with both the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies Golfing Association.

very many congratulations to Bill Lockie from all in Ayrshire on his latest achievement in winning this national title.

SGU AREA BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire team to defend the title is announced

The four Ayrshire Boys chosen to represent the county in the 2008 Area Boys Team Championship, and defend the trophy won in 2007, have been chosen.

The championship will be held this year on Sunday 8th June at Kingsknowe.

This year, Ayrshire will be represented by :-

Andrew Abercrombie ( Largs)

Scott Brown (Turnberry)

Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle)

Colin Robinson (Largs)




Wishing the four boys every success in their bid to defend the trophy won, for only the second time, by Ayrshire last year at Forres.

AYRSHIRE SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP - closing date for entries extended.

The closing date for entries into the re established Ayrshire Seniors Championship has been extended to Monday 30 June 2008.

The handicap competition, for the new Sandy Provan Trophy, will be held at Kilmarnock (Barassie) on Tuesday 22nd July 2008.

The date has been extended principally as a result of some competitors having difficulty in sourcing entry forms for the event.

To alleviate this problem, a link has been created on the left of this web log page, from which the entry form can be downloaded and printed off as required.

WEST OF SCOTLAND BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Entries still being taken for 2008 event in Ayrshire

Spaces are still available for the 2008 West Of Scotland Boys Championship, being administered this year by Ayrshire, which will be played at Ardeer Golf Club on Tuesday 24th June.

The championship, which will be a counting event for the Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit for the first time this year, is open to junior boys from clubs throughout the West Of Scotland. There is a handicap limit of 12.

Entries close on 9th June, although late entries will be accepted up to the maximum entry limit of 69 players.

It has come to the attention of the organisers that some players are having difficulty sourcing entry forms for the event.

These are now available to download through the link on the left of this web log page, and can be easily printed off as required.

The Matchplay Championship, for the best 16 placed players in the strokeplay event, takes place at Ardeer the following two days, Wednesday 25th & Thursday 26th June.

NEW FEATURES ON THE AYRSHIRE GOLF WEB LOG - Fixtures and entry forms now available to download & print

A couple of new links have been attached to the Ayrshire Golf web log this week, with some competition entry forms and county and national fixtures now downloadable and printable from the links.

You will find the relevant links on the left of the page.

It is hoped that this will assist our members, some of whom have had difficulty tracking down entry forms for some of our competitions and information on when certain events are due to take place.

SCOTTISH YOUTHS vs IRELAND - Stewart and McEwan star in Scots win

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) - pictured top - and Steven McEwan (Caprington) - pictured below - were both undefeated and contributed considerably to a Scottish win in the annual youths match against Ireland, played at Scotscraig on Tuesday 27 May 2008.

In the morning foursomes, Stewart combined with Ross Kellett to gain a half match against Paul cutler and Fergal Rafferty, whilst McEwan and Philip Mclean had a 4 & 3 win over Dara Lernihan and David Leathern.

The two Ayrshire players efforts contributed to a 2.5 - 1.5 lead from the morning foursomes that Scotland took into the afternoon singles.

In the singles, Stewart won 3 & 2 against Stephen Healy whilst McEwan halved his singles tie against Dara Lernihan.

Scotland again edged the afternoon matches, winning the singles 3.5 - 2.5 for an overall winning score in the match of 6 - 3.

BELLEISLE CUP - capacity field for prestigeous event

A total of 32 clubs from all over Scotland, and one club from England will be represented in the close to capacity field for the prestigeous 36 hole Belleisle Cup competition, which will be held on Sunday 1st June 2008 at Ayr Belleisle.

The competition is once again a counting event in the Doc Thom Ayrshire Order Of Merit.

Defending champion Steven McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) - pictured right - will return to defend the trophy against a first class field.

The full draw for Order Of Play is :-

0730 & 1200 - G. McInroy (Ayr Belleisle), J. Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark), S. McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

0740 & 1210 - K. Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle), G. Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark), B. Moore (Largs)

0750 & 1220 - I. Forbes (Ayr Belleisle), D. Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark), M. Watt (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

0800 & 1230 - S. Price (Ayr Belleisle), M. Pennycott (Whiting Bay), C. Hume (Ayr Belleisle)

0810 & 1240 - D. Cumming (Ayr Belleisle), G. Rowan (Ballochmyle), M. Crawford (Ayr Belleisle)

0820 & 1250 - D. Low (Ayr Belleisle), S. Clark (Ayr Belleisle), F. McCall (Troon Portland)

0830 & 1300 - A. McLean (Kilbirnie Place), G. McCall (Ayr Belleisle), J. Shanks (Irvine)

0840 & 1310 - D. Brown (Ayr Belleisle), M. McBride (Ayr Belleisle), C. Welsh (Kilbirnie Place)

0850 & 1320 - I. Walker (Turnberry), G. Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), I. Duff (Troon Welbeck)

0900 & 1330 - R. Innes (Cawder), S. McCahill (Maybole), K. Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

0910 & 1340 - S. Mitchell (Ayr Belleisle), K. Ottley (Ballochmyle)

0920 & 1350 - C. Anderson (Murcar), S. McCulloch (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), S. Ryan (Ayr Dalmilling)

0930 & 1400 - P. Savage (Falkirk Tryst), T. Bradley (Cawder), C.R. Kilpatrick (Ayr Belleisle)

0940 & 1410 - C. Bradley (Ayr Belleisle), D. McKinnon (Ballochmyle), C. dawson (Cawder)

0950 & 1420 - C. Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), I. Yates (Ayr Belleisle), I. Menzies (Wilmslow)

1000 & 1430 - F. Lawrie (West Kilbride), J. Kinning (Cochrane Castle), T. McInally (Loudoun)

1010 & 1440 - M. Smyth (Royal Troon), E. Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie), G. Tierney (Prestwick St. Nicholas)

1020 & 1450 - E. McGrath (Cowal), S. Findlater (Troon Welbeck), J. Graham (Loudoun)

1030 & 1500 - S. Dunn (Paisley), A. Farmer (Cochrane Castle), R. Achison (Largs Routenburn)

1040 & 1510 - D. Henderson (Hamilton), J. Achison (Largs Routenburn), C. Carson (Cowglen)

1050 & 1520 - G. Cree (Troon Welbeck), I MacDonald (Largs Routenburn), C. McLean (Hamilton)

1100 & 1530 - C. McGhee (Tam O Shanter), A. Thomson (Largs Routenburn), G. Young (Cowglen)

1110 & 1540 - J. Mathieson (Cowglen), D. Loudoun (Hamilton), K. Turnbull (Larkhall)

1120 & 1550 - S. Keane (Cathkin Braes), A. Henderson (Hamilton), D. McPherson (Tam O Shanter)

1130 & 1600 - C. Bell (Whitecraigs), S. Brown (Turnberry)

For Withdrawals, cancellations and late entries, please call R. Morrison on 07708 861569

WEST OF SCOTLAND UNDER 18 LEAGUE - Ayrshire defeated in opening match

The Ayrshire Under 18 Team got their 2008 campaign off to a disappointing start by losing 4.5 – 3.5 to Stirlingshire At Brunston Castle on Sunday 25th may, in their opening match in the West Of Scotland Inter County competition for The Wishart Trophy.

The visitors got off to a strong start in the difficult windy conditions by taking three of the first four matches. Victories by Jack McDonald and Kyle Smith eased Ayrshire back into contention with the last two matches on the course becoming the deciding factors. Adam Foley gained a vital point by staging a excellent fightback, overcoming a two hole deficit to win on the last green. In the deciding match, Colin Robinson just failed to hang onto his two hole lead with his opponent squaring the match at the last hole to gain the deciding half point for Stirlingshire.


Match Results:

M. Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to J. Lynch (Falkirk) by 3&2
F. Kerr (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to R. Campbell (Grangemouth) by 6&5
J. McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat C. Moore (Falkirk Tryst) by 3&2
D. Wilson (Troon Welbeck) lost to G. Nicoll (Bonnybridge) by 1 Hole
K. Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat F. Moore (Glenbervie) 2 Holes
S. Brown (Turnberry) lost to J. Auchinvole (Glenbervie) by 2&1
C. Robinson (Largs) halved with S. Johnston (Glenbervie)
A. Foley (Ayr Belleisle) beat L. Haldane (Stirling) by 1 Hole

AYRSHIRE 3.5 STIRLINGSHIRE 4.5

LOCHWINNOCH PRO AM - Lockie rolls back the years

Bill Lockie (North Gailes) rolled back the years on Friday 23 May with a 69 in the Lochwinnoch Pro Am which gave him a share of third place in the event.

In the competition, won by R. Arnott (Bishopbriggs) who carded a 66, Lockie was matched by 7 other players, including fellow Ayrshireman Jim McKinnon (Irvine).

Ohter Ayrshire players in the leading returns included A. Fullen of Largs (70) and G. Fox of West Kilbride (72)

Leading scores :-

66 R Arnott (Bishopbriggs)
68 C Doak (unatt)
69 J McKinnon (Irvine), S Taylor (Bothwell Castle), S Gray (Hayston), S Cairns (Westerwood), J McCreadie (Buchanan Castle), A Lockhart (Ladybank), G Hardy (Dundonald Links), B Lockie (North Gailes Golf Centre)
70 M Loftus (Cowglen), A Fullen (Largs), E Cameron (Hamilton), M Urquhart (Inverness)
71 C Ronald (Carluke), D Orr (East Renfrewshire), S Kerr (Strathaven), M King (Kingsfield)
72 G Fox (West Kilbride)

SGU JUNIOR TOUR - Smith well placed in 4th event

Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) was best placed of the Ayrshire challengers in the 4th Junior Tour event, held at Lossiemouth on Saturday 24 May.

In the event, won by David Law (Hazelhead) with a 139 total (69/70), Smith finished on 145 (74/71) for a share of 5th place.

The other Ayrshire player in the field, Scott Brown (Turnberry) was two shots further back on 147 (71/76).

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Summer league latest

All four qualifying sections in the 2008 Ayrshire Summer League competition are under way.

in LEAGUE 1, Annanhill lead the way after two opening home matches that saw them beat Troon Welbeck by 3.5 - 2.5 and draw 3 - 3 with Ayr Belleisle. In the other match played so far, Moorpark had a 3.5 - 2.5 home win over Belleisle.

In LEAGUE 2, Kilmarnock (Barassie) undefeated in their first two ties, lead the way.

An opening match win by 4 - 2 at Dalmilling was followed by a 4.5 - 1.5 home win over West Kilbride. In the other match played in the section so far, West Kilbride beat their visitors Kilbirnie by 4 - 2.

In LEAGUE 3, defending champions Irvine bounced back from their opening draw against Ardeer to crush Ballochmyle by 5 - 1 in their second match.

Ravenspark and Ballochmyle shared the spoils in a 3 - 3 draw at Irvine, in the other sectional match completed to date.

In LEAGUE 4, Caprington opened with a 3.5 - 2.5 win at New Cumnock whilst Tam O Shanter won their opener by 4 - 2 at home against Loudoun.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - 4 more teams through to Under 16 quarter finals

Four more clubs have secured their places in the quarter finals of the 2008 AJGL Under 16 Knockout Trophy competition.

Troon Welbeck were 2.5 - 1.5 winners over their visitors Prestwick St. Nicholas whilst Ballochmyle were comfortable home winners, by 4 - 0 , against New Cumnock.

The other two ties decided recently both finished 2 - 2 with the winners being decided on countback.

Despite home advantage, both Annanhill and Loudoun were beaten by visitors Largs and Caprington respectively on the countback, to deny both teams a quarter final palce.

The outstanding first round ties, to be completed by 8th June 2008, are

AYR BELLEISLE Vs. WEST KILBRIDE

TROON ST. MEDDANS Vs. PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT

ARDEER Vs. IRVINE RAVENSPARK

WELSH OPEN STROKEPLAY - Final round crash ends hopes of Mcknight.

All his hard work over the opening three round of the Welsh Amateur Championship at Conwyn this week came to nothing for Robert McKnight (Caprington) when a final round 82 saw him drop from a serious contender to an ultimate 14th place in the event.

In difficult conditions over the first three rounds, scores of 70, 77 & 75 saw McKnight elevated to a best position of third, before the final round took its toll and gave him a four round total of 304 (+16).

The only other Ayrshire player in the field, Steven McEwan (Caprington) finished in 20th place on 308 (73/80/77/78).

Chris Wood (Long Ashton) won the championship by one shot, with a 289 (+ 1) total, comprising rounds of 74, 75, 69 & 71.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Second round results & third round draw

The second round matches in the 2008 Ayrshire Fourball Knockout competition were completed this weekend, and the draw for round 3 finalised.

On Sunday 25 May John Campbell & Robin Paton (West Kilbride) beat David & George McCulloch (Brunston Castle) by 2 & 1 to book a home match in round 3 against Campbell & Ross McCluskie (Crosshouse).

Archie McKie and Archie McKie Jr. (Ravenspark) also progressed at the weekend, beating Brian Worrall & Michael Penman (Ayr Seafield) by 5 & 4. The Ravenspark pair now have a home match against William Alexander and Joe Kilpatrick (North Beach) in round 3.

James & Paul McKinnon (Alton) travelled to play David Hay & David Bray (Kilmarnock Barassie) in round 2 and won through to secure a home tie in the third round against Charlie Bell & Andy paton (Braehead).

Alan Hayes & Chris Rimmer (Belleisle) had a 3 & 2 away win against Douglas Gillespie & Ian Young (Ardeer) in round 2, and are rewarded with a home tie in round 3 against Craig Murdoch & Andy Reid (Ayr Carrick) who had an away win against Ian Austin & John Young (Annanhill) to reach the last 16.

In a tight match, Eric & Martin Bradford (Ballochmyle) had a last green victory by two holes over visitors Eamon McFadden & Frank Greer (Troon St. Meddans) to ensure a home tie in round 3 against David Glass & Robert Steele (Prestwick St. Cuthbert).

Chris & Alan Bone (Loudoun) were 2 & 1 home winners over Ian Girvan & Stuart Angus (Muirkirk) and now face a trip to play Graham McLaughlin & david Munro (Troon Portland) in round 3.

In the remaining outstanding tie, Mark Hyslop & Steven Bolland (Tam O Shanter) comfortably defeated their visitors George Ross & David Burns (Malletsheugh) by 6 & 4and now travel to face Andrew Kent & Dean Gibson (Troon Welbeck) in the third round.

Third Round ties, to be completed by 29th June 2008 are :-

WEST KILBRIDE Vs. CROSSHOUSE

IRVINE RAVENSPARK Vs. NORTH BEACH

ALTON Vs. BRAEHEAD

AYR BELLEISLE Vs AYR CARRICK

IRVINE Vs. CAPRINGTON

BALLOCHMYLE Vs. PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT

TROON PORTLAND Vs. LOUDOUN

TROON WELBECK Vs. TAM O' SHANTER

SGU SCOTTISH SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP - McLellan finishes top Ayrshire player

Ronnie McLellan (Turnberry) - pictured right - finished the top Ayrshire player in the 2008 Scottish Seniors Championship at Elgin this week.

The event was won, after a play off, by Bob Stewart (Tulliallan) who finished on 216 (77/70/69).

Mclellan finished in joint 12th place on 223 (73/77/73) whilst the only other Ayrshire player to qualify for the final round, Tony Stafford (Troon St. Meddans) , finished on 226 (73/77/76), having matched McLellan over the first two rounds, but finishing with a 76 to McLellan's 73.

SGU SCOTTISH SENIORS STROKEPLAY - Mclellan and stafford lead Ayrshire challenge

Ronnie Mclellan (Turnberry) and Tony Stafford (Troon St. Meddans) led the Ayrshire challenge after day one of the 2008 SGU Scottish Seniors (over 55) Strokeplay Championship being played at Elgin Golf Club this week.

The first round lead, on one over par 70, is held by Ian Mason (Royal Cinque Ports) with McLellan and Stafford three further back on 73.

There are two other Ayrshire players in the field, John Broadfoot (Turnberry) who opened with 76, the same score as defending champion Ian Hutcheon (Monifieth) and former international George Mcgregor (Glencorse), and Jim Bunting (Ballochmyle) who opened with a 78.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Results

Three of the four sections in the 2008 AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP are now under way.

In Section A, Troon Welbeck further atoned for their opening match home defeat, which they followed with an away win, by recording a second successive win away from home, beating Kilbirnie Place by 3.5 - 2.5.

Section B gets under way next week with the fist scheduled match between Prestwick St. Nicholas and Irvine Ravenspark.

In Section C, Ayr Dalmilling suffered a second successive 5 - 1 defeat away from home, going down to Caprington by the same margin as their opening match at Ballochmyle.

Section D got under way last weekend with Ardeer beating their visitors Loudoun by 4 - 2.

In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT TROPHY, Kilbirnie Place are through to the quarter finals after being awarded a walkover by Largs Routenburn.

In the JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY, Charles Doyle (Troon Welbeck) had a 3 & 1 home win over Craig Goodwin (Loudoun) to book his place alongside Ayrshire Matchplay Champion Malcolm Pennycott in the last eight of the competition.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - 3rd Round Draw

The draw has been made for the 3rd round of the 2008 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition.

Holder John Cairney has a home tie against Jim Kerr (Annahill) whilst 2006 winner Brian Moore (Largs), who defeated Steven Mcewan in round 2, has been rewarded with a home tie against Scott Brown (Brunston Castle).

All third round ties have to be completed by 22nd June 2008.

The full draw for Round 3 is :-


JOHN CAIRNEY (Holder) Vs. JIM KERR (Annanhill)

EWAN McKINNON (Corrie) Vs. NICK TINDALL (Tam O Shanter)

GEORGE ROBERTSON (Ravenspark) Vs. ALAN McLEAN (Kilbirnie)

FRASER LAWRIE (West Kilbride) Vs. ALAN STEWART Jr (Stewarton)

PAUL MOULTRIE (Troon Portland) Vs. STEVEN DUNN (Seafield)

ALEX GOURLAY (Irvine) Vs. CRAIG ADAMS (Ardeer)

BRIAN MOORE (Largs) Vs. SCOTT BROWN (Brunston Castle)

STUART MILLER (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. RORY ACHESON (Largs Routenburn)

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Round 2 results

Round 2 of the 2008 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions has been completed, with the remaining ties having been decided last weekend.

Injuries to competitors led to Alan Stewart Jr (Stewarton) and Rory Acheson (Largs Routenburn) receiving walkovers from Tony Stafford (Troon St. Meddans) and Gavin Lawrie (Prestwick St. Nicholas) respectively.

Craig Adams (Ardeer) had a crucshing 8 & 6 win over James Graham (Doon Valley) to go through.

A 2 & 1 win was enough to see Ewan Mckinnon (Corrie) through against Graeme Johnstone (Royal Troon), at Troon, whilst 2006 winner Brian Moore (Largs) had a notable win at home, by the same margin, over Youth Internationalist Steven McEwan (Caprington).

The remaining two ties played were decided on the final green, Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland) and James Kerr (Annanhill) going through at home against their respective visitors Gavin Wilson (Loudoun) and Bert Ferguson (Troon Welbeck).

In the only other second round tie, Alan McLean (Kilbirnie) was awarded the match against Andrew Carroll (Drongan)

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - results

With the Ayrshire Fourball second round due for completion by 25th May, a number of results have been posted this week.

Campbell & Ross McLuskie (Crosshouse) are through to round 3 after beating 2007 Finalists Scott McCahill & David Wallace (Maybole) by 2 & 1. Crosshouse now await the winner of the West Kilbride Vs. Brunston Castle tie.

Charlie Bell & Andy Paton (Braehead) were awarded a walkover by Barry Stewart & Lohn Burns (Stewarton) and now await the winners of the Kilmarnock Barassie Vs. Alton tie.

J. McCall & D. Barr (Caprington) beat Jim Pearson & A. McLuckie (Glacier) to progres to round 3 and now face a trip to play Alex Gourlay & Colin Kennedy (Irvine).

Graham McLaughlan & David Munro (Troon Portland) await the winners of the Loudoun Vs. Muirkirk tie in round 3, after beating their second round opponents Lee & Dale McBurnie (Kilbirnie Place).

In the only other result received so far, Andrew Kent & Dean Gibson (Troon Welbeck) had a narrow 2 & 1 victory over Jim Young & Roddy Davidson (Drongan), the match turning in Welbeck's favour when Kent chipped in to win the 16th hole. The Welbeck pair now await the winners of the tie between Tam O Shanter and Malletsheugh.

SGU SCOTTISH AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS - Ayrshire open with victory

Ayrshire opened their challenge for the 2008 SGU Scottish Area Team Championship on Sunday 18th May with a 5 - 4 victory away from home, over Clackmannanshire at Braehead

(The Ayrshire team at Braehead - Michael Stewart, Barry Crawford, John Cairney, Tommy McInally, Euan Brown & George Robertson, with team manager Ronnie Potts).

The morning foursomes was won 2 - 1 by Ayrshire, and this ultimately proved decisive to the overall result.

John Cairney and Tommy McInally set Ayrshire off on the road to victory with a fine 2 & 1 win over Clackmannanshire's to pairing of internationalists Steven Horne and Scott Borrowman, and with the other two foursomes resulting in one win and one defeat, Ayrshire took a one point lead into the afternoon singles.


Ayrshire looked to be struggling a little in the early stages of the singles, with the last three matches being down.

Michael Stewart increased Ayrshire's lead to 3-1 before the lead was reduced again when John cairney lost on the last green to current Scottish cap Scott Borrowman. With Euan Brown being beaten by 5 & 3 the match was tied, before Tommy McInally restored Ayrshire's lead once again with a 2 & 1 victory.

Although behind early on, the last two Ayrshire players rallied and it was George robertson who ensured at least a draw for Ayrshire when he halved with former internationalist Horne, before Barry Crawfored sealed a narrow win for Ayrshire with a half in his tie.


In the other Group C match played on Sunday, the North East beat Argyll and Bute by 8 - 1.


The next round of matches take place on 3rd of August when Ayrshire play host to the North East.



Match details

FOURSOMES

Scott Borrowman & Steven Horne lost to John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark)& Tommy McInally (Loudoun) by 2 and 1
Ross Benvie & Jamie Aitken beat Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) & Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) by 4 and 3
Scott Moffat & Mike Rust lost to George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) & Barry Crawford (West Kilbride) by 2 and 1

SINGLES

Benvie lost to Stewart by 4 and 2
Borrowman beat Cairney by 1 hole
Aitken lost to McInally by 2 and 1
Moffat beat Brown by 5 and 3
Horne halved with Robertson
Ross halved with Crawford

CLACKMANNANSHIRE 4 AYRSHIRE 5

WEST OF SCOTLAND GIRLS - Two Ayrshire girls in West Division team for S.L.G.A. event

Hannah Gaunt (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Linzi Allan (Kilbirnie Place), members of the Ayrshires Ladies Team have been selected to represent the West of Scotland Girls at the S.L.G.A Inter Division Matches at Ballumbie Castle Golf Club on Sat and Sun the 7th and 8th of June

The event consists of teams of six girls from North, South, East and West Divisions the format for the weekend will be a round robin format each Division will play each other and the matches will consist of 3 foursomes

The other girls representing the West Division are :-

Zoe Differ (Dullatur)
Lauren Meldrum (Dullatur)
Nicola Ferguson (Clober)
Natasha Qayum (Ranfurly)

SCOTTISH WOMENS' CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire's interest ends in first round

The remaining Ayrshire interest in the 2008 Scottish Womens' Championship at Lossiemouth ended on Thursday morning when Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) lost to Karen Marshall (Baberton) by one hole, in the first round of the matchplay stages.

BELLEISLE CUP … SUNDAY 1ST JUNE 2008

Just a reminder that the closing date for this year`s Belleisle Cup, sponsored by Slater Hogg + Howison estate agents, is this Sunday, 18th May.

Entries may be via your club secretary, via Ayr Belleisle`s website
http://www.ayrbelleislegolfclub.com or by telephoning match secretary Robert Morrison on 07708 861569.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - two more teams through to round 3

Irvine (Bogside) and Prestwick St. Cuthbert are the latest two teams through to round 3 of The Ayrshire Fourball Championship.

Alex Gourlay and Colin Kennedy (Irvine) eased comfortably past Andrew Scanlon & Alex Hughes (Auchenharvie) by 5 & 4, whilst David Glass and Robert Steele (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) had an even bigger winning margin, beating Robert Gilchrist and Duncan McCreadie (Chase) by 6 & 5.

In round 3, Irvine play either Glacier or Caprington whilst Prestwick St. Cuthbert will meet the team from Ballochmyle or Troon St. Meddans.

SCOTTISH LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP - Hendry 9th qualifier for matchplay

Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn), with two successive 78's, comfortably qualified for the matchplay stages of the Scottish Womans Championship at Lossiemouth on Wednesday 14 May.

In the first round of the matchplay on Thursday morning, Hendry plays Karen Marshall (Baberton).

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - League Champions off to winning start

Defending Champions Ballochmyle got off to a winning start this week in the 2008 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship competition.

In their opening Section C match, Ballochmyle beat their visitors Ayr Dalmilling by 5 - 1.

In Section A, Troon Welbeck bounced back from their opening match defeat to crush local rivals Troon St. Meddans by 5 - 1 in their second sectional match.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Champions held at home in opening match

The Ayrshire Summer league competition is under way, as teams bid for a place in the semi final matches later in the year.

In the first match of the 2008 season, Defending champions Irvine (Bogside) were held to a 3 - 3 draw by Ardeer in the opening League 3 encounter.

Teams will play home and away matches in four league sections, by the end of July, with the section winners progressing to the semi finals.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - second round results

With all scond round ties due to be played by Sunday 18th May, a number of results have been notified this week.



Steven Dunn (Ayr Seafield) inflicted a crushing 6 & 5 victory on his visitor, Jim Mckinnon (Alton) whilst Nick Tindall (Tam O Shanter) had an away win over Billy Campbell (Ballochmyle), by 3 & 2, to go through also.

With 8 ties still to be decided, the final week looks likely to be a busy one.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - North Beach pair are first through to 3rd round

Billy Alexander and Joe Kilpatrick of the North Beach Golf Club are the first pair through to round 3 of the 2008 Ayrshire Fourball Championship.

The Prestwick duo booked their place with a one hole victory on their visit to play William Brown and William Hunter at Doon Valley.

NICK FALDO SERIES - Gray & Mackay through to national final

Two former Ayrshire Boys Champions have qualified for the Scottish final of the Nick faldo Series, to be held at The Roxburghe on 22nd August.






Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured right - and Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) - pictured below - qualified in the under 21 section behind Craigielaw's Zack Saltman who headed the 24 qualifiers. Saltman had a 73 over Carnoustie in April and a 75 over The Carrick at Cameron House on Wednesday 7th May, for a total of 148 to win the Under-21 boys' section by three shots, as well as returning the lowest total in all the categories.






The winners of the age groups will go on to the Grand Final in the autumn at an English final yet to be announced.






Jamie Mackay was runner up to Saltman, with 76 & 75 respectively for 151, whilst Cameron Gray was third in the section on 154, after returning rounds of 79 and 75.

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHI[P - Hamilton takes title in final hole triumph

Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) - pictured below - is the 2008 Ayrshire Matchplay Champion after a thrilling final at Western Gailes on Thursday 8th May where Hamilton edged out his opponent John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) on the final green.


The match got of to a good start with the first 4 holes being halved in par, with both players making good recoveries from greenside during the run of holes.

Cairney made the first move, taking holes 5 & 6 with birdies, the latter being courtesy of a spectacular long iron to 8ft with the resultant putt being holes.

After hole 7 was halved, with two excellent par threes from off the green, Hamilton reduced the defecit at the 8th with a birdie three.

A half at the 9th sw the players turn for home with Cairney holding a one hole advantage.

Hole 10 was halved but after Cairney found heavy rough on the right from the tee at the 11th, hamilton took the hole to square the match.

Cairney restored his lead at the 12th when Hamilton failed to get up and down from just short of the green.

After the 13th was halved in par threes, Cairney found trouble on the right again from the 14th tee which resuted in a lost ball in the gorse and the match treturned to all square.

As the match drew to a close, the 15th, 16th and 17th were all squared with regulation pars.

Both players hit excellent drives at the 18th, both coming to rest just short of the green. Hamilton played first and his effort came to rest 4ft from the pin.

Cairney's approach shot hit Hamilton's ball and both balls came to rest 3ft from the hole.

Hamiton replaced his ball in its original position and slotted home the putt for a birdie three, leaving Cairney needing to hole his putt to take the match into extra holes.

Despite putting well earlier in the round, Cairney could not convert his putt and the miss from 3 feet gave Hamiton the lead for the first time in the match and, more importantly, the 2008 Ayrshire Matchplay title.

At the conclusion of the final, prizes, and the trophy, were presented by Ayrshire Golf Association President Ricky magee.

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Hamilton and Cairney in final

The final of the 2008 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship will be between Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) - pictured right- and John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) - pictured left - after the semi finals were played at Western Gailes on Wednesday night, 7th May.

In the first semi final, Craig Hamilton beat Alex Walker (Troon St. Meddans) by 3/2.

In the second semi final, John Cairney beat Brian Moore (Largs) by one hole.

Cairney had been 3 up with 4 to play but Moore took three successive holes to square the match after 17.

Both players hit great drives to the front of the green at the 377 yard final hole, with Cairney chipping and putting for a winning birdie 3.

Spectators are welcome to watch the final which takes place on Thursday evening, 8th May, with a 5.00 p.m. tee off.

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Wallace and Murray crash at quarter final stage

The hopes of Strokeplay Champion Steven Wallace (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) and defending champion Steven Murray (Troon Welbeck) were ended on Tuesday night, in the quarter finals of the 2008 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship at Western Gailes.

Wallace lost out by 2 & 1 to Craig Hamilton, the Ballochmyle player ending the match in style with a winning birdie 3 at the 17th.

Murray faced a local derby in his quarter final tie against Alex Walker (Troon St. Meddans), but it was the less fancied Walker who edged through by one hole to take a place in the semi finals.

In the third quarter final, 2006 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions winner Brian Moore (Largs) had a comfortable 3 & 2 win over second seed Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland) whilst the present Champion Of Champions title holder, John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) edged through by one hole in his tie against Colin Robinson (Largs)

The semi finals take place on Wednesday 7th May, with the fibnal being played the following night.

SEMI FINAL DRAW

Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) Vs. Alex Walker (Troon St. Meddans)

Brian Moore (Largs) Vs. John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark)

POWERADE PGA ASSISTANTS CHAMPIONSHIP - 71 means joy & despair for Ayrshire pair in regional qualifying

It was a case of joy and despair for two Ayrshire golfers who carded 71 in the qualifying event for the Powerade PGA Assistants' Championship, played at Auchterarded this week.

With a field of 55 young assistants, 16 places were available for the Championship to be held in August at The London Club, and the axe fell on two over par 71, with four from 6 on that score qualifying.

The leading score on the day was 68, and the Ayrshire pair of Stuart Robin (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured above - and David McLure (Troon Municipal) - pictured below - found themselves in the play off for the four remaining places.

One of the earlier starters, Stuart Winter (Callander), was not present when called for the start of the play-off and it was David McLure who lost out in the play off, courtesy of a bogey at the first play off hole.

David Knapp (North Gailes) also narrowly missed out, his 3 over par 72 leaving him one adrift of a place in the play off.

LEADING SCORES

68 - Lee Harper (Archerfield Links), Christopher Currie (Caldwell), Stuart Reekie (Blairgowrie)

69 - Greg McBain (Royal Dornoch), James McGhee (Turnhouse), Kenneth Glen (Royal Musselburgh), Ross Neill (Drumpellier), Neil Peter Fenwick (Dunbar), Mark Finlayson (Edzell)

70 - Scott Pithie (Carluke), Alastair Love (Charleton), Graeme Lornie (King Links)

71 - Scott Finlayson (Charleton), Sean O'Donnell (Balbirnie Park), Stuart Robin (Kilmarnock Barassie), Joel Hopwood (Carnegie) - Eliminated after play off - David McLure (Troon Municipal) & Stewart Winter (Callander)

72 - David Knapp (North Gailes), Richard Valentine (Craigielaw), David Broadfoot (Dumfries & County)

SCHOOLS GOLF - Foley leads Belmont Academy to South Ayrshire title

Belmont Academy are the new South Ayrshire Schools Champions after their recent win in the local event at Ayr Dalmilling.

The team of Callum Stewart, Adam Foley (pictured right), Ross Donaldson and Craig Telfer beat the opposition to the title, with Adam Foley recording the best round of the day with a fine score of 70.

Foley's efforts were rewarded with a place in the team to represent South Ayrshire in the Scottish Schools Championship later in the year at Inchmarlo in Aberdeenshire.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Brown books 3rd round place

Brunston Castle youngster Scott Brown - pictured right - has booked his place in the 3rd round of the 2008 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition.

Ayrshire boys team member Brown, who also plays at Turnberry, went through courtesy of a 2 & 1 win at home to local rival Scott McCahill (Maybole)

SCOTTISH WOMAN'S CHAMPIONSHIP - Only three Ayrshire players in 2008 competition

Ayrshire will have only three representatives in the field of 96 players who will contest the 2008 Scottish Woman's Golf Championship over the Moray Golf Club old course at Lossiemouth from Tuesday 13th to Saturday 17th May.

The Ayrshire challenge will be led by former County Champion Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) - pictured right.

The only other Ayrshire players in the field are Gillian Lockhart and Charlie Taylor who are both from Kilmarnock Barassie.

SCOTTISH GOLF UNION - Two Ayrshire players in Youth team to face Ireland

Two Ayrshire players have been named in the Scottish Golf Union Youths team to play ireland in a friendly international on Tuesday 27th May 2008 at Scotscraig.

Newly crowned Scottish Boys Champion Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) steps up to the six man youth side, and will be joined by fellow Ayrshireman Steven McEwan (Caprington).

The full squad is

Ross Kellett ( Colville Park)
Philip McLean ( Peterhead)
Scott Borrowman (Dollar)
Steven McEwan ( Caprington)
Shaun McAllister (Craigielaw)
Michael Stewart ( Troon Welbeck)

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Wallace starts well in bid for double

Newly crowned Ayrshire Strokeplay Champion Steven Wallace (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) got off to a flying start on Monday 5th May, at Western Gailes, as he bids to win the County strokeplay and matchplay titles in the one year.

Wallace opened his challenge with a 5 & 4 victory over Hugh Burns (Troon Welbeck).

Also through to the quarter finals is the defending champion Steven Murray (Troon Welbeck) who had a 2 & 1 win over Gareth Lamb (Irvine) on Monday.

Full list of round 1 results :-

Steven Wallace (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) beat Hugh Burns (Troon Welbeck) by 5 & 4
Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) beat Ian Walker (Turnberry) by 2 & 1
David Currie (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Alex Walker (Troon St. Meddans) by 2 holes
Steven Murray (Troon Welbeck) beat Gareth lamb (Irvine) by 2 & 1
Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland) beat Gary Tierney (Prestwick St. Nicholas) by 4 & 3
Brian Moore (Largs) beat Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) by 5 & 4
John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) beat Barry Crawford (West KIlbride) by 2 & 1
Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) lost to Colin Robinson (Largs) at the 19th.

The Quarter Final draw, with matches being played on Tuesday evening, is :-

Steven Wallace Vs. Craig Hamilton

Alex Walker Vs. Steven Murray

Paul Moultrie Vs Brian Moore

John Cairney Vs. Colin Robinson

PALMER CUP - Junior Caddies still required for international event

A few volunteer caddies are still required for the 2008 Palmer Cup which takes place at Glasgow Gailes Golf Club from Tuesday 24th to Friday 27th June.

The event is a prestigeous international match between the top collegiate golfers representing the United States Of America and Europe, in a similar format to the Ryder Cup.

The event was last staged in Britain in 2006 at Prestwick Golf Club. on that occasion Europe were winners, although USA took back the title the following year.

A total of 16 young volunteer caddies will be required for the competition, with each caddie being drawn to accompany one of the players for the duration of the 4 days of the event.

This is a great opportunity for young golfers from Ayrshire to work closely with some of the stars of the future in a competitive environment.

Previous participants have included Open Champion Ben Curtis, US Amateur winner Ritchie Ramsay, as well as Europen tour players including Luke Donald, Alahandro Canizares, Joost Luiten and Pablo Martin.

It is essential that all volunteer caddies are available for all four days of the event.

Applicants will ideally be between 15 and 18 years of age and be enthusiastic golfers of a fairly good standard (category 1 or 2).

As well as a monetary reward for helping out, the caddies will benefit from working with the best players and coaches on the college golf circuit.

There may also be a possibility of the young caddies playing golf with the players from both teams on the Monday prior to the event.

If any young golfer would like to help out as a caddie at this event, please contact Alasdair Malcolm as soon as possible on
aj-malcolm@fsmail.net
for an application form.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY - Second round results

The second round of the 2008 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Competition is due for completion by 18th May, but a number of ties have already been decided.

Stuart Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) is through to round 3 after receiving a walkover against David Gilmour (Moorpark).

Also through to round 3 is the holder John Cairney and his Irvine Ravenspark clubmate George Robertson. Cairney went through courtesy of a 6 & 4 home win against Neil McCormack (New Cumnock) whilst Robertson had a 6 & 5 win on his visit to meet Billy Murdoch (Ayr Carrick).

Fraser Lawrie (West Kilbride) progressed by virtue of a 2 & 1 win against David Low (Ayr Belleisle), whilst in the only other tie completed at this stage, Alex Gourlay (Irvine) had a 3 & 1 win against Ian Harding (North Beach) to go through to the third round.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Kilbirnie off to good start

Kilbirnie Place are the first team to record a win in the 2008 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship.

In the opening match in Section A, Kilbirnie had a good away win at Troon Welbeck by 4 - 2.

SGU JUNIOR TOUR - Smith best of Ayrshire Quartet in 3rd event

Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) was best placed of the four Ayrshire players in the 3rd SGU Junior Tour event which was held at Whitekirk on Sunday 4th April 2008.

The competition was won by David Law (Hazlehead) who celebrated his 17th birthday in style in winning the event by two shots on 141 (69-72).

Smith was joint ninth on 148 (74-74) with the other three Ayrshire representatives finishing well down the field.

RESULTS :-

141 - D Law (Hazlehead) 69 72
143 - J Ross (Royal Burgess) 71 72
145 - D Young (Craigie Hill) 73 72, S Boyle (Harburn) 73 72, A McLachlan (Bonnyton) 73 72, M Bookless (Sandyhills) 71 74
146 - B Sloan (Hamilton) 73 73
147 - C Gaittens (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) 75 72
148 - C Robb (Inchmarlo) 75 73, C Trahan (Royal Aberdeen) 75 73, K. Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) 74 74
149 - K Godsman (Hopeman) 76 73, J Scott (Deeside) 76 73, O Huish (North Berwick) 75 74
150 - S Thompson (St Andrews) 75 75, S Ballingall (Dunston Hall) 74 76
151 - B Pelling (Prestonfield) 78 73, I Allan (Hopeman) 74 77
152 - M Stewart (Troon Welbeck) 77 75, C Baird (Bothwell Castle) 76 76, A Forsythe (Caldwell) 76 76
153 - P Shields (Kirkhill) 77 76, G McDougall (Bishopbriggs) 76 77, S McLaren (King James VI) 74 79
154 - S Brown (Turnberry) 83 71, F Moore (Glenbervie) 81 73, T Blennerhassett (Marriott Dalmahoy) 80 74, B Jamieson (St Andrews New) 73 81
155 - C Thomson (East Renfrewshire) 78 77
156 - I Redford King James VI) 81 75, C Stewart (Brora) 80 76
157 - S Gibson (Southerness) 79 78
158 - R Clarke (Moray) 82 76, F McKenna (Balmore) 74 84
159 - S Binning (Ranfurly Castle) 85 74, C O'Neil (Pollok) 82 77
161 - A Wight (Kilmarnock Barassie) 83 78, L Johnson (Pines) 80 81, C Corbett (Dumfries & Galloway) 78 83.

SGU JUNIOR TOUR - Four Ayrshire players feature in event 3

Four Ayrshire players will feature in the SGU Junior Tour event 3 on Sunday 4th May 2008 which takes place at Whitekirk Golf Club.



















Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck), winner of the opening event and Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie), joint winner of event 2 - pictured above - will be joined in the field by Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Scott Brown (Turnberry) - pictured below.