AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - West Kilbride meet Loudoun in the final

The final of the 2008 Ayrshire Fourball Championship will be between John Campbell and Robin Paton (West Kilbride) and Chris and Alan Bone (Loudoun).

Chris and Alan Bone were first through to the final earlier this week when they defeated Alex Gourlay and Colin Kennedy (Irvine) by 5 & 3 at Irvine (Bogside)and they were joined on Saturday by John Campbell and Robin Paton who edged through in a tight home match against Craig Murdoch and Andy Reid (Ayr Carrick) by one hole.

The date and venue for the final match have still to be confirmed.

JAQUES LEGLISE TROPHY - Stewart leads G B & I to victory over Europe

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) led the G.B. & I. team to victory over Europein the Jaques Leglise Trophy match at Kingsbarns on 29th & 30th August.

Despite losing in both the foursomes and singles on day one, after which the GB & I team trailed 7 - 5, Stewart rallied his team on day two, leading by example with wins in both his foursomes and singles as GB & I overwhelmed the European team and took 9 from a possible 12 points to take the match by 14 - 10.

In the morning foursomes on day two, Stewart teamed up with Ben Enoch to enact revenge and beat the Italian pairing of Matteo Manassero and Cristiano Terragni by one hole, after losing to the same pairing on day one. In the afternoon singles Stewart defeated Carlos Pigem by 3 & 1.

Stewart now switches his attentions to Muirfield this week where he is a member of the Scotland team, alongside fellow Ayrshire player Steven McEwan (Caprington), who will contest the 2008 Home International matches.

JOHNNIE WALKER CHAMPIONSHIP - McEwan likely to make half way cut

A superb 3 under par round of 70 on day 2 of the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles looks likely to have earned Ayrshire amateur Steven McEwan (Caprington) a place in the final two rounds of the championship this weekend.

Lying five over par after round 1, Mcewan stormed out in 4 under par, with birdies at the 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 9th. On the inward half he opened with five pars before his progress was halted with successive bogeys at the 15th and 16th. A par at the 17th left McEwan at 3 over par and needing a birdie at the final hole to get to the projected cut figure of +2.

McEwan showed true fighting spirit, securing a birdie 4 at the last for a round of 70 and a two round total of 148 (+2).

Details of McEwans round were :-
PAR - 4 5 4 3 4 3 4 4 5 36 3 4 5 4 4 4 5 3 5 37 73
McE - 4 4 3 3 4 2 4 4 4 32 3 4 5 4 4 5 6 3 4 38 70 -3

Ayrshire interest was also boosted by the performance of Colin Montgomerie who also has a three under par second round of 70 for a total of 144 (-2), whilst Ayr resident Jonathan Lomas had an opening round of 72 (-1), with an afternoon start in round 2

SCOTTISH SENIORS MATCHPLAY - McLellan bows out to Anderson in quarter finals

Ayrshire interst was ended when Ronnie McLellan (Turnberry) bowed out of the 2008 Scottish Seniors Matchplay Championship this afternoon, being defeated 5 & 4 by an on form Henry Andreson (Glenbervie).

Anderson was 3 under par when the match against McLellan finished, having already beaten the top seed in the second round tie earlier in the day.

JOHNNY WALKER CHAMPIONSHIP - McEwan opens with 76 in European Tour event

Steven McEwan (Caprington), who hails from the town famous for producing the sponsors product, opened with a 5 over par 76 in the first round of the Johnny Walker Championship being played at Gleneagles this week.

An invited amateur, along with fellow scot Kier McNicoll, McEwan opened well over his first nine holes, having started at the 10th, and reached the turn in one over par, before dropping four more shots on his closing nine.

SCOTTISH SENIORS MATCHPLAY - McLellan marches on at Drumpellier

Ronnie McLellan (Turnberry) marched into the quarter finals of the Scottish Seniors Matchplay Championship on Thursday morning with a one hole victory over D. McCart (Sherwood Forest).

McLellan now plays the reigning Scottish Police Golf Champion, Henry Anderson (Glenbervie)who knocked out top seen Ian Stewart (The Curragh)in round 2.

H Anderson (Glenbervie) bt I Stewart (The Curragh) 1 hole.
R McLellan (Turnberry) bt D McCart (Sherwood Forest) 1 hole.
R MacLean (Hamilton) bt I Taylor (Royal Burgess) 3 and 1.
A Ferguson (Drumpellier) bt Harry Milligan (Hamilton) 1 hole.
D Murphy (Kinross) bt D Millar (St Andrews New) 4 and 3.
G Paterson (Northern) w.o. D Smith (Stirling) scr.
G MacDonald (Callander) bt W Erskine (Kilsyth Lennox) 4 and 2.
B Stewart (Tulliallan) bt J Kinloch (Cardross) 3 and 2.

HSBC WEE WONDERS - Ayrshire girls success at St. Andrews

CONNIE JAFFREY


HAZEL McGARVIE

From the Kirkwoodgolf.co.uk website :-

(Pictures of Connie Jaffrey and Hazel McGarvie at St Andrews supplied by June Kerr)

REPORT FROM JUNE KERR (Ayrshire girls' convener)

Hazel McGarvie (aged 8) won her age group in the GB&I final of the Wee Wonders at St Andrews the weekend.

Rounds of 37 and 36 over the nine-hole Balgove Course secured her victory by two strokes.

Connie Jaffrey (aged 11) was runner-up in her section with rounds of 78 and 77 over the 18-hole Strathtyrum Course.

This was a super performance by both girls who had previously come through local and regional qualifying to get to the final.

Their demeanour, etiquette and golf was a joy to watch. I enjoyed being there!

Results from the Wee Wonders Finals at St Andrews:

BALGOVE

Girls: 5-8yrs - 1 Hazel MacGarvie 73, 2 Martha Lewis 75, 3 Kirsty Brodie 77.
Girls:9-10yrs - 1 Eloise Healy 62, 2 Samantha Fuller 66, 3 Ella Ofstedahl 67.
Boys: 5-6yrs - 1 Dominic Clemons 71, 2 George Leigh 73, 3 Fergus Jacobs 79.
Boys: 7-8yrs - 1 Joshua Davenport 61, 2 Ben Small 64, 3 Jonathan Gerrish 65.
Boys: 9-10yrs - 1 Joshua Taylor 58, 2 Arrun Singh-Brar 61, 3 Marco Penge 61.

STRATHTYRUM

Girls: 11-12yrs - 1 Kyra Horlock 151, 2 Connie Jaffrey 155, 3 India Clyburn 157.
Boys: 11-12yrs - 1 William Aldred 148, 2 Tim Harry 148, 3 Ashton Turner 148.

SCOTTISH SENIORS MATCHPLAY - McLellan carries Ayrshire hopes at Drumpellier

Ronnie McLellan (Turnberry) is the only Ayrshire player still with an interest in the Scottish senior amateur men's match-play golf championship, being played at Drumpellier Golf Club this week, after the first round matches were completed on Wednesday.

The other two Ayrshire qualifiers for the match play stages both lost their first round matches, John Broadfoot (Turnberry) and Keith Howie (West Kilbride) losing by 2 & 1 and 5 & 4 respectively.

FIRST ROUND RESULTS

I Stewart (The Curragh) bt A William Wallace (Strathaven) 3 and 2
H Anderson (Glenbervie) bt J Broadfoot (Turnberry) 2 and 1
D McCart (Sherwood Forest) bt K Howie (West Kilbride) 5 and 4
R MacLellan (Turnberry) bt J W Johnston (Royal Aberdeen) 4 and 3
R MacLean (Hamilton) bt I Cumming (Eastwood) 5 and 3
I Taylor (Royal Burgess) bt S Ellis (The Heritage) 1 hole
A Ferguson (Drumpellier) bt G Thomson (Bearsden) 2 and 1
H Milligan (Hamilton bt N Cameron (Porters Park) at 19th
D Murphy (Kinross) bt W Morton (Dunbar) 6 and 5
D Millar (St Andrews New) bt A Elder (Kirkcaldy) 2 and 1
G Paterson (Northern) bt B Edgar (Blackpool North Shore) 3 and 2
D Smith (Stirling) bt A K Pirie (Hazlehead) 3 and 2
G MacDonald (Callander) bt G Payne (Prestbury) 5 and 4
W Erskine (Kilsyth Lennox) bt C Moir (Worksop) 4 and 3
J Kinloch (Cardross) bt F Clark (Royal Aberdeen) at 19th
B Stewart (Tulliallan) bt C Christy (Kilmacolm) 6 and 5

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Wallace Thornton Trophy latest

Prestwick St. Cuthbert & Ayr Belleisle lead their respective sections as the rase for the final of the Wallace Thornton Trophy nears its conclusion.

In Section 1, St. Cuthbert, with all their matches played, lead with 12 points, whilst Largs and Kilmarnock Barassie, who are still to play at Largs, both hold hopes of winning the final match by a sufficient margin to overtake St. Cuthbert.

When St. Cuthbert won their penultimate match against Loudoun by 4 - 0 the Prestwick club's hopes were high but a 4 - 0 defeat at Largs in thir final match opened the door to Largs and Barassie to pip St. Cuthbert at the post.

Largs maintained their hopes in their penultimate match with a 2.5 - 1.5 win at Loudoun whilst Barassie also won on their trip to Loudoun, by 3 - 1 to keep their hopes alive of defending the trophy.

Present positions in League 1 are :-

Club/p/w/d/l/dif/pts

ST. CUTHBERT/4/3/0/1/+4/12
LARGS/3/2/0/1/+2/8
KIL. BARASSIE/3/2/0/1/+2/8
KILBIRNIE/4/2/0/2/0/8
LOUDOUN/4/0/0/4/-8/0

Ayr Belleisle hold the lead in Section 2, with only an away match at Troon Welbeck to play, and if Belleisle can avoid a 4-0 defeat in their final match they will progress to the final. Belleisle set up their position with home wins over West Kilbride and Ballochmyle by 3-1 and 4-0 respectively.

Present positions in Section 2 are:-

Club/p/w/d/l/dif/pts

BELLEISLE/3/3/0/0/+8/12
WEST KILBRIDE/4/2/1/1/+2/10
TROON WELBECK/3/1/2/0/+4/8
BALLOCHMYLE/4/1/1/2/-5/6
RAVENSPARK/4/0/0/4/-9/0

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Caprington through to Under 16 final

Caprington are through to the final of the Under 16 Knockout Trophy after a 2.5 - 1.5home win over Prestwick St. Cuthbert in ther semi final.

Caprington now await the winners of the tie between Ballochmyle and Ayr Belleisle.

The final will be played over the Largs course on Sunday 21st September 2008.

ORDER OF MERIT TABLES - McEwan leads Ayrshire and Scottish events

Steven McEwan (Caprington)has a commanding lead, with 781 points,in the Scottish Golf Union Order Of Merit. Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck), who also leads the Scottish Boys Order Of Merit is in seventh place in the table.

Present positions are :-

781.30 - Steven McEwan (Caprington)
567.50 - Wallace Booth (Comrie)
525.00 - Callum Macaulay (Tulliallan)
522.50 - Scott Henry (Cardross)
450.00 - Keir McNicoll (Carnoustie)
420.00 - Gordon Yates (Hilton Park)
362.50 - Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck)
296.60 - Scott Borrowman (Dollar)
278.30 - Gavin Dear (Murrayshall)

Steven McEwan also leads the Doc Thom Ayrshire Order Of Merit, with only three counting events remaining to be completed.

Present Leading totals in the Doc Thom Salver are :-

253.00 - S. McEwan (Caprington)
205.00 - J. Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark)
157.50 - S. Wallace (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
145.00 - P. Moultrie (Troon Portland)
137.50 - C. Hamilton (Ballochmyle)
125.00 - G. Dickson (Largs)

EUROPEAN TOUR STAGE 1 QUALIFYING - Locals entered in Dundonald event

A number of local golfers are entered in the Stage 1 European Tour qualifying event which is scheduled to take place at Dundonald Links from 9th to 12th September 2008.

Former West Kilbride champion Graeme Fox, who nows plays professionally from East Kilbride, Is joined by fellow professional Callum Nicoll (Prestwick) as well as Scottish Amateur Championship runner up Steven McEwan (Caprington) and fellow Ayrshire player Chris harkins (Ayr Belleisle)


The qualifiers from this and other Stage 1 events will be joined by those exempt from Stage 1 at four venues for Stage 2 in Spain - Arcos Gardens, Golf Costa Balena, Sherry Golf and Montemedio - from November 5th to 8th, and thereafter the qualifiers from Stage 2 will be joined by those exempt from Stages 1 and 2, at the Final Qualifying School at PGA Golf de Catalunya, Spain from November 13 to 18.

EUROPEAN SENIORS TOUR - Drummond 6th equal at Slaley hall

Ross Drummond from Prestwick finished in equal sixth place at the European Seniors Tour event at Slaley Hall, which concluded on Sunday 24th August.

The event was won, after a play off, by Gordon J. Brand (England) who defeated Gordon Brand Jr (Scotland) in extra holes.

Leading Scores :-

Gordon J BRAND (ENG) +4 (72 77 68 75 = 292)
Gordon BRAND JNR (SCO) +4 (73 75 74 70 = 292)
Eamonn DARCY (IRL) +5 (74 74 74 71 = 293)
Juan QUIROS (ESP) +5 (73 71 76 73 = 293)
Sam TORRANCE (SCO) +5 (76 75 75 67 = 293)
John CHILLAS (SCO) +6 (75 74 72 73 = 294)
Ross DRUMMOND (SCO) +6 (71 73 76 74 = 294)
Tony JOHNSTONE(ZIM) +6 (75 75 71 73 = 294)
Carl MASON (ENG) +6 (77 73 72 72 = 294)
Andrew MURRAY (ENG) +6 (73 76 71 74 = 294)

EUROPEAN SENIORS TOUR - Drummond still leads at Slaley Hall

From the European Tour Website :-

Despite dropping four shots on his last two holes, Scotland’s Ross Drummond is still the joint leader of The De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship alongside Spain’s Juan Quiros, who shot the lowest round of the day.

After some sumptuous strokeplay Drummond, who started on the tenth, had looked to be establishing a healthy advantage, only to come unstuck with a triple bogey at the eighth hole and a bogey at the ninth.

But despite the blip, Drummond’s round of 73 means he still leads the way with Quiros on level par. The Scot said: “I didn’t put a foot wrong until the last two holes. Apart from those, I was three under for the round.

“It was just one bad tee shot at eight, which is a really tough hole. It was into the wind and I tried to hit a three wood, hooked it a little bit and ran out of fairway. It went into bushes and was unplayable so I took a drop, hacked it back on to the fairway, came up short, pitched on to the green and two putted. It was an easy seven!

“I then hit a good tee shot on nine, but pulled my approach to the left of green. I hit a lovely chip to the left of hole, but had a really fast downhill putt and just dribbled it. Overall I’m delighted with way I played, just disappointed with how I finished.”

In damp conditions underfoot at De Vere Slaley Hall, Quiros was one of only two men to break par with a battling round of 71.

The diminutive Spaniard admitted his round had been slightly fortuitous, saying: “I’m very happy. Every time I shoot under par I’m happy, especially today with the course playing so difficult. I think I played better yesterday than today, but this morning I was lucky on a few holes and holed a few good putts – that was the difference. Conditions are wet which means many holes are playing longer, so you have to be careful if you miss the fairway because you can end up losing your ball.”

The pair are three shots clear of a trio of players: England’s Nick Job, the only other man to break par; joint overnight leader Giuseppe Cali of Italy; and Ireland’s Denis O’Sullivan, who shot a 74.

Earlier in the day, Scotland’s Bill Longmuir had looked to be making a charge with three birdies on his outward nine, only for his round to unravel with five dropped shots on the home stretch.

His compatriot Sam Torrance is three shots further back on seven over par, but the Scot is still confident he can pull off an unlikely victory.

Torrance said: “Have I got a chance of winning from here? Absolutely. I may need a couple of 68s, but anything’s possible. What gives me a bit more confidence is that I started sinking some putts over the last few holes. I changed my putting style to get the top of the broom handle a bit lower, and it seemed to work.”

In contrast, Wales’ Ian Woosnam ruled out his chances of adding to his two Seniors Tour titles after a round of 76 saw him fall back to 11 over par.

He said: “I probably can’t win the tournament from this position. “The object of exercise for me now is to try to get things going on Saturday, then hopefully on Sunday I can climb up the field, pick up some Order of Merit points and give the crowd some good golf to watch.”

EUROPEAN SENIORS TOUR - Drummond leads at Slaley Hall

FROM THE EUROPEAN TOUR WEBSITE :-

Italy’s Giuseppe Cali and Ross Drummond of Scotland each carded a one under par 71 at Slaley Hall to grab a share of the first round lead after a tough opening day in the De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship.
The duo both battled the Hunting Course which was playing its full 7081 yards due to the pre-tournament rain, to record the only under par scores from the 120 strong field.

Ironically, neither of the pacesetters looked like leader material after a tough opening nine holes where they both reached the turn in figures of two over par 38. But both men turned their cards around turning for home.

First in the clubhouse was Cali who produced an excellent run of four birdies in six holes from the tenth. The Italian dropped a shot at the 16th, but two par figures to finish saw the 55 year old from San Carlo more than content with his opening effort.

“The course was playing very long because of all the rain so it was a bit of a grind at times but I am more than happy with one under par to start,” he said. “Several tees have been moved up so it’s shortened it a bit for us and it’s definitely playable. The greens are very nice and if you’re stroking your putts nicely you can make some birdies.”

In the match behind, a birdie three at the 18th to crown an excellent back nine of 33 saw Drummond join the Italian at the head of affairs.

“I got off to a pretty slow start with bogeys at the second and third and nothing happened for me to get going at all. I had quite a few birdie chances but couldn’t get the ball in the hole but on the back nine I started rolling the putts better and made four birdies.

“It’s just unfortunate I had a bogey on the 17th when I came up short in the bunker and didn’t get it up and down but had a huge bonus on the 18th with a birdie three. I hit three wood off the tee and the same club for the second shot and put it to two feet which was a great way to finish.

“I’ve been fairly inconsistent this year but today was a lot better. I managed to make some putts and make some birdies that’s something I haven’t managed so far. At least if you can make some birdies it offsets the bogeys and bad shots.”

Cali and Drummond led the way by a shot from Drummond’s compatriots Bill Longmuir and Bill McColl and England’s Gordon Brand Jnr.

Of the trio, Brand was the most consistent in the demanding conditions with two birdies and two bogeys his only departures from par while Longmuir doubled the tally in both departments. However, the most disappointed of the three not to be in a more prominent position was McColl who led the tournament at three under par with two holes remaining before double bogeying the eighth and bogeying the ninth to finish.

Further down the leaderboard it was a tough day for three of the pre-tournament favourites; Scotland’s Sam Torrance, England’s Carl Mason and Ian Woosnam of Wales.

Mason, who won his 20th European Seniors Tour title two weeks ago in the Bad Ragaz PGA Seniors Open in Switzerland, carded a five over par 77 while Torrance could only fare one stroke better with a four over par 76.

“I just need to hole some putts out there to give myself a chance,” said the Scot who topped the Seniors Tour Order of Merit in both 2005 and 2006. “This is a good course but if you go into the rough then you’re dead.”

Most disappointed of the trio, however, was current Seniors Tour Order of Merit leader Woosnam who slipped to an error-strewn seven over par 79, a round which included a run of six dropped shots in six holes around the turn from the sixth to the 11th.

“I just couldn’t get into my rhythm at all out there,” said the Welshman who has already won in Poland and Russia in his rookie Seniors Tour season and whose cause was not helped by the incurring of a penalty stroke on the 11th when his caddie stood on his ball in the rough.

INTERNATIONAL BOYS GOLF - Stewart to captain Jaques Leglise team

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) will captain the Great Britain & Ireland side in the 2008 Jacques Leglise Trophy match being played on 29-30 August.

The nine-man team will take on the Continent of Europe at Kingsbarns Golf Links, near St Andrews.

Stewart, the only Scot in the side, is playing in the match for the second time, having made his debut 12 months ago at Notts Golf Club, winning two of his four matches and halving a third in his team's three-point victory.

Egland have five representatives, Ireland have two whilst Wales have one.

THe full team is :-

Michael Stewart(Troon Welbeck)
Alan Dunbar(Rathmore)
Ben Enoch(Truro)
Tommy Fleetwood(Formby Hall)
Stiggy Hodgson(Sunningdale)
Gary King(Tyrrells Wood)
Luke Lennox(Moyola Park)
Tom Lewis(Welwyn Garden City)
Eddie Pepperell(Drayton Park)

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Caprington meet Troon Welbeck in the final

The final of the 2008 Ayrshire Summer League will be contgested, on a home and away basis, by Troon Welbeck and Caprington after the two teams overcame their semi final opponents this week.

In the first Semi final, Troon Welbeck set themselves up well with a 5 - 1 home win over Kilmarnock Barassie in the first leg, but encountered a few nervous moments in the second leg which Kilmarnock Barassie eventuaslly won by 4.5 - 1.5, falling jiust short of what was required, and sending Troon welbeck to the final on a 6.5 - 5.5 aggregate score.

In the second semi final, 2007 runners up Irvine Ravenspark looked in control after the first leg with a 4.5 - 1.5 win at Irvine, but Caprington had other ideas and a 5 - 1 home win in the second leg saw the Kilmarnock club through to the final on a 6.5 - 5.5 aggregate score.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Brown takes 2008 title

An outstanding season from Scott Brown (Turnberry) was completed this week with confirmation that he is the 2008 Ayrshire Junior Order Of merit winner. With only the results from the Kilbirnie Place Junior Open to be added, none of the other players can match the total points gained by Brown this season.

Leading positions are :-

967.50 - SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry)
523.45 - SCOTT CLARK (Ayr Belleisle)
445.00 - JACK McDONALD (Kilmarnock Barassie)
387.20 - ANDREW WRIGHT (Kilmarnock Barassie)
370.00 - MICHAEL STEWART (Troon Welbeck)
286.70 - FRASER LAWRIE (West Kilbride)
280.00 - SAM FINDLATER (Troon Welbeck)
265.00 - DAVID WILSON (Troon Welbeck)
212.50 - MARC SMITH (Kilmarnock Barassie)
189.80 - CHRISTOPHER BUTLER (Irvine Ravenspark)
185.60 - CRAIG TELFER (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
172.10 - ADAM FOLEY (Ayr Belleisle)
145.15 - GREGOR MACKINTOSH (Girvan)
141.60 - SCOTT JOHNSTON (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
138.10 - NEIL HAMILTON (Kilmarnock Barassie)
107.50 - CALLUM STEWART (Ayr Belleisle)

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY - Brown makes it a double

Scott Brown (Turnberry) became only the second player to win both the Ayrshire Boys Championship and Matchplay title in the same year, when he beat Marc Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) by 4 & 3 in the matchplay final at Prestwick Golf Club on Saturday 16th August.

Having won the Boys Championship a week ago at Ayr Belleisle, Brown started the week hoping to match the record of former Scottish Amateur Champion Hugh McKibbin (Caprington) who won both titles in 1990, and with comfortable wins in the first two rounds, found himself facing fellow Ayrshire county player Marc Smith in what proved to be an outstanding final.

Scott Brown won the first hole with a par four which gave no indication of the quality of play that was soon to follow. At the second, Marc Smith rolled in a 25 foot put for a birdie two, only to see Scott Brown hole from a similar distance for a half.
The par 5 third hole was also halved in birdies and Scott Brown extended his lead with a birdie three at the fourth hole.

Marc Smith reduced the defecit to one at the fifth, with a winning par three and the following three holes were halved before Scott brown increased his lead to two holes at the turn with a winning par at the ninth, to be out in one under par.

A magnificent approach shot to the 10th prompted a conceded birdie three from Marc Smith, and Scott Brown's lead was increased to three holes.

At the 11th, Marc Smith almost holed in one, his ball lipping the hole and striking the pin before spinning away. His birdie two however was sufficient to reduce the defecit to two.

A par 5 at the 12th was good enough to restore Scott brown's three hole lead and with the next two holes halved in pars, time was running out for Marc Smith.

At the 15th, Scott Brown secured the matchplay title with another birdie three for a 4 & 3 win. To the credit of both players, Scott Brown covered the 15 holes played in three under par and both players negotiated the 15 holes in around 2 hours and 20 minutes.


At the conclusion of the final, prizes were presented to both finalists by Prestwick Golf Club Secretary, Ian Bunch.

HOME INTERNATIONALS - McEwan & Stewart named in Scotland squad

Steven McEwan (Caprington) and Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) have been named in the Scotland team who will contest the Home Internationals at Muirfiels from 3rd to 5th September 2008.

McEwan gains his first full Scotland cap during the event whilst Stewart adds to his previous honours gained at the European Team Championships earlier this year.
The honour is a fitting and well deserved culmination of an outstanding season for both players.

LEVEN GOLD MEDAL - Dixon only three behind as McNicoll wins title

Ross Dixon (Kilmarnock Barassie) was only three shots adrift of a play off place in the 72 hole Leven Gold Medal, played at the Fife course over the weekend.

Victory went to Kier McNicoll (Carnousite) with a par 3 at the second play off hole, against Wallace Booth (Comrie)and Scott Borrowman (Dollar).

Steven McEwan (Caprington), with rounds of 83 and 72 for 155, missed the 36 hole cut by nine shots. John Shanks (Irvine) also missed the cut on 156 (78/78).

LEADING FINAL TOTALS

273 S Borrowman (Dollar) 71 68 68 66, W Booth (Comrie) 71 67 66 69, K McNicoll (Carnoustie) 67 69 70 67.

274 S Henry (Cardross) 70 65 69 70, P O'Hara (Colville Park) 69 65 68 72.

275 J Gallagher (Swanston New) 69 69 66 71.

276 R Dixon (Kilmarnock Barassie) 69 70 66 71, R Kellett (Colville Park) 69 68 69 70.

277 B Soutar (Leven GS) 73 70 67 67, G Yates (Hilton Park) 72 68 68 69.

278 G Dear (Murrayshall) 74 68 68 68.

279 B McDermott (Leven GS) 74 70 68 67, L Kirton (Newmachar) 71 69 69 70.

281 R Bell (Downfield) 74 68 70 69, J Byrne (Banchory) 74 66 72 69, M Lamb (Haddington) 79 69 70 72.

282 A Main (Thornton) 70 70 71 71, C Macaulay (Tulliallan) 69 72 69 72, K Nicol (Fraserburgh) 68 71 71 72, S McAllister (Craigielaw) 66 73 67 76.

283 D Gould (Ladybank) 75 70 68 70, G Paterson (St Andrews New) 69 71 73 70.

284 P Betty (Hayston) 72 68 72 72.

285 G Campbell (Blairgowrie) 74 72 69 70, S Smith (Arbroath Artisans) 70 73 70 72, J White (Lundin) 72 70 74 69

286 J Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) 74 72 70 70, D Somerville (St Andrews) 71 73 73 69, C Martin (Balbirnie Park) 73 68 72 73

287 P McLean (Peterhead) 75 69 73 70

288 J Findlay (Fraserburgh) 74 70 69 75

289 S Spiers (Aus) 70 71 77 71

290 K Shanks (US) 74 71 73 72

291 S Stewart-Cation (Balbirnie Park) 71 72 75 73, J Mathers (Haggs Castle) 73 69 72 77

292 M Hillson (Craigielaw) 72 74 73 73, C Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) 71 71 71 79

293 B Erskine (Leven Th) 75 71 73 74, S Robertson (San dyhlls) 75 69 71 78

294 J Fox (Portmarnock) 73 73 75 73, J Welsh (Australia) 74 72 75 73

300 C Sanders (Leven Th) 71 75 77 77

US LADIES GOLF - Pamela Feggans (69) only one shot off the pace in Kentucky

From the kirkwoodgolf.co.uk website

Pamela Feggans was lying joint third at the end of the first round of this week's US Duramed Futures Tour event, the $100,000 Falls Auto Group Classic at London, Kentucky.
The Patna, Ayrshire player had halves of 35 and 34 in compling a three-under-par 69 to be one shot behind the joint leaders, Vicky Hurst from Florida and California's Lisa Ferrero.
Vikki Laing from Musselburgh was back in a share of 42nd place with a 74 (37-37) while Brenda McLarnon from Belfast returned a 77 (39-38) to be in joint 84th place.
LEADING SCORES
Par 72
68 Vicky Hurst (US) 34-34, Lisa Ferrer0 (US) 33-35.
69 Leah Whiting (US) 34-35, Yoora Kim (South Korea) 35-34, Sofie Andersson (Sweden)_35-34, Mindy Kim (US) 356-34, Pamela Feggans (Scotland) 35-34.
Other scores:
74 Vikki Laing (Scotland) 37-37 (jt 42nd).
77 Brenda McLarnon (Northern Ireland) 39-38.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Moultrie beats Moore in extra holes to take 2008 title

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Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland)- pictured with his son, and caddie, Calum - is the 2008 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy winner after a victory in the final at Royal Troon on Friday 8th August, over Brian Moore (Largs), at the second extra hole.

Brian Moore, who won the title in 2006, took the advantage first, having a birdie three at the second to go one ahead. paul Moultrie however was not slow to respond, taking the third hole with a four to level the match.



There was never more than one hole in the match thereafter, although the play in the middle six holes was, by the players own admission, a little scrappy.

In the closing holes the match really stepped up a gear with Brian Moore taking the 13th with a birdie three and the 14th being halved in birdie twos. Pars from both players at the 15th maintained Briian Moore's one hole lead but paul Moultrie squared the match again at the 16th with a birdie four.

Although both players had chances over the closing two holes, both were halved in par to take tha match into extra time.

The first extra hole was halved in fours but at the second Brian Moore bunkered his approach whilst Paul Moultrie safely made the green.

Brian Moore played a good bunker shot to within five feet whilst Paul Moultrie's attempt for birdie slipped just past. Although he had putted well throughout the match, Brian Moore's par putt slipped past the left edge of the hole and paul Moultrie became the 2008 Champion.

In winning the 2008 Champion Of Champions Trophy, Paul Moultrie became only the second player to win both the senior and junior Ayrshire Champion Of Champions titles.

Coincidentally, the only other player to achieve this feat was his opponent Brian Moore who won the junior title in 1994 and the senior equivalent in 2006, a gap of 12 years, whilst Paul Moultrie had to wait 26 years to achieve the double, having beaten Ian Menzies (Kilbirnie) in the 1982 boys final at Ayr Belleisle by 5 & 4.



The 1982 boys final :- L-R : Junior League Secretary Bob Grassom, trophy sponsor Wallace Thornton, Ian Menzies, Paul Moultrie

BOYS HOME INTERNATIONALS - Wooden spoon for Scotland following Wales defeat

Scotland suffered a third successive defeat in the 2008 Boys Home Internationals, played at Royal County Down this week,when they lost out by 9 - 6 to Wales, giving Scotland the wooden spoon in the series.

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) and Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie)were again paired in the morning foursomes but went down by two holes to Ben Enoch and Christopher Nugent as Scotland lost the foursomes by 3 - 2.

In the afternoon singles, Michael Stewart got revenge on Enoch, beating him 2 & 1 whilst Kyle Smith lost by the same margin to Rhys Pugh as Scotland lost the singles 6 - 4 and the match by 9 - 6.

Kyle Smith and Michael Stewart now travel to Little Aston for the British Boys Championship next week.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Largs clinch semi final place

Largs eventually sealed their semi final place in the 2008 Ayrshire Junior Golf league Championship competition with a 5.5 - 0.5 home win over Irvine Ravenspark this week.

Largs now take on Prstwick St. Cuthbert in the semi final.

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Draw for 2008 competition

The 2008 Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship will be held at Prestwick Golf Club from 14th to 16th August, with the 8 best placed players from the 2008 Ayrshire Boys Championship qualifying to contest the matchplay title.

The draw for order of play on Thursday 14th August is :-

1630 hrs - SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry) Vs. JARED WILLIAMS (Kilmacolm)
1640 hrs - CRAIG TELFER (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) Vs. GREGOR MACKINTOSH (Girvan)
1650 hrs - SAM FINDLATER (Troon Welbeck) Vs. FRASER KERR (Kilmarnock Barassie)
1700 hrs - MARC SMITH (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. SCOTT CLARK (Ayr Belleisle)

AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Scott Brown takes 2008 title

Scott Brown (Turnberry)followed his success in the Tom Lehman Junior Open earlier in the week with a victory in the 2008 Ayrshire Boys Championship held at Ayr Belleisle on Thursday 7th August.

A capacity field featuring many of the best young golfers in Ayrshire competed for the Championship over 36 holes, conditions in the morning being particularly testing with a strong breeze and little run on the fairways due to overnight rain.

After the morning round, Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck) - pictured below - led the field with a one over par 72, which gave him a two stroke advantage from Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) and Fraser Kerr (Kilmarnock Barassie) on 74.


The eventual winner was one shot further behind after the morning round, on 75, alongside Colin Robinson (Largs).

As the breeze eased in the afternoon, scoring generally improved.

Scott Brown improved by four shots in the afternoon, his level par 71 giving him a total of 146 and setting the standard for other to aim for. Playing alongside Brown, Marc Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured below left - just failed to match his fellow competitor, adding a 73 to his morning 76 for a 149 total.


Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) could not improve in the second round, being one shot worse with a 75 for a 149 total.

Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck) looked likely to provide the biggest challenge to Scott Brown and when the Welbeck player reached the turn in two under par, he looked to be in pole position, but faded over the latter stages to return a 5 over par 76 for a 148 total and altimate runner up spot.

Fraser Kerr (Kilmarnock Barassie)also failed to improve on his mornign round, being two shots worse with 76 for a 150 total. Kerr provided the last serious challenge to Sciott Brown's total and as the event concluded the Turnberry player secured his second major boys title in three days.

The best nett score of the day was 140, a total matched by three players. Gregor Mackintosh (Girvan) took the best nett prize, by virtue of the best second round, whilst Fraser Kerr (Kilmarnock Barassie) was nett runner up. With Sam Findlater, who also scored 140 nett, taking the overall runners up prize, the third nett award went to Jared Williams (Kilmacolm) on 142.

THE PRINCIPAL PRIZEWINNERS WERE :-

Ayrshire Boys Champion - Scott Brown (Turnberry) 75 - 71 = 146
Runner Up - Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck) 72 - 76 = 148
3rd scratch - Marc Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) 76 - 73 = 149
4th scratch - Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) 74 - 75 = 149
5th scratch - Scott Clark (Ayr Belleisle)77 - 73 = 150

1st nett - Gregor Mackintosh (Girvan) (5) 73 - 67 = 140
2nd nett - Fraser Kerr (Kilmarnock Barassie)(5) 69 - 71 = 140
3rd nett - Jared Williams (Kilmacolm) 72 - 70 = 142

The CSS for both rounds was 72 (no change)

Prizes were awarded at the conclusion of the competition by Ayrshire Golf Association President Ricky Magee (Caprington)- pictured below with prizewinners

SGU ORDER OF MERIT - McEwan & Stewart lead respective tables

Steven McEwan (Caprington)- pictured left - & Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck)presently lead the SGU Order Of merit tables at mens and boys levels respectively.
In the SGU Order Of Merit, McEwan, on 781.30 points, leads the new Scottish amateur Champion Callum Macaulay by some distance, macaulay presently being on the 525 point mark.

Michael Stewart lies fifth in the table 0n 362.5 points.

Ayrshire are also represented on the returns by

21st place - Robert McKnight (Caprington)
26th equal - David Addison (Kilmarnock Barassie)
38th equal - Chris harkins (Ayr Belleisle)
46th equal - Ross Dixon (Kilmarnock Barassie)& Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle)

In the Boys Order Of Merit, Scottish Boys Champion Michael Stewart - pictured above - is on 912.5 points and leads David Law (Hazlehead), who is in second place on 760.5 points.

Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) is presently 4th behind Stewart, on 502.5 points.

Ayrshire are also represented in the SGU Seniors Order Of Merit with Ronnie McLellan (Turnberry) - pictured right - presently lying in 6th place on 245.63 points, behind joint leaders Gordon McDonald (Callander) and Ian Hutcheon (Monifieth)who are on 365 pts.

Also featuring are David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie), joint 31st on 45 pts, and Keith Howie (West Kilbride) who is joint 43rd on 10.0 pts.

DOC THOM AYRSHIRE ORDER OF MERIT - Mcewan leads with four events remaining

Steven McEwan (Caprington) leads the Doc Thom Ayrshire Order Of Merit with only four events remaining in the 2008 competition.


The present positions are :-

253.00 - S. McEWAN
205.00 - J. CAIRNEY
157.50 - S. WALLACE
145.00 - P. MOULTRIE
137.50 - C. HAMILTON
102.50 - M. SMYTH
100.00 - J. MACKAY, J. SHANKS, G. ROWAN
75.00 - T. McINALLY, I. WALKER, D. TAYLOR
70.00 - A. WALKER
65.80 - S. PRICE
62.50 - P McIVOR, K. HAMILTON, J. McMILLAN, D. MALLINSON
45.00 - J. FINNIGAN, H. BURNS, G. ROBERTSON
42.50 - G. WILSON, B. CAMPBELL
37.50 - B. MOORE
35.00 - J. BUNCH, D. CHAMBERLAIN
27.50 - S. BROWN, R. GEMMELL, P. KENNEDY, L. SHAW
15.00 - J. PATON, J. HOUSTON
10.00 - B. CAMPBELL
7.50 - W. MEIKLEM
5.00 - D. LARNAM
3.30 - G. GIMSON, C. HARKINS
3.00 - R. McKNIGHT
2.50 - S. MURRAY, D. CURRIE

BOYS HOME INTERNATIONALS - England defeat Scotland on day two

England beat Scotland by 10 - 5 on day two of the 2008 Boys Home Internationals, being played at Royal County Down this week.

In the morning foursomes the Ayrshire pairing of Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) and Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie)managed a half match against Tommy Fleetwood and Tom Lewis, which proved to be the only comfort to Scotland as they lost the foursomes by 4.5 - 0.5.

In the afternoon singles, Stewart suffered a 4 & 3 defeat to Tommy Fleetwood in the leading tie whilst Smith had a 3 & 2 win over Eddie Pepperell as England took the sinles 5.5 - 4.5 wior a 10 - 5 victory overall.

England now meet Ireland on Thursday, with the winner destined to take the title after the host nation beat Wales by 10 - 5 on Wednesday.

Scotland and wales will meet on Thursday in a play off for the wooden spoon.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP - Semi Final Draw

The draw for the semi finals of the 2008 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship was made on Tuesday 5th August at the Ayrshire Junior Golf League meeting.

Three of the four qualifying sections have been decided but, due to two postponements recently due to unplayable conditions, largs have still two matches to complete in section B.

Prestwick St. Nicholas still lead Section B on 20 pts, but a final match defeat by 4.5 - 1.5 at Belleisle has left the St. Nicholas hopes depending on a collapse by Largs over their remaining matches.

With a 3.5 - 2.5 win at Belleisle recently, Largs now have 18 points with home matches against Belleisle and Ravenspark still to play, leaving them favourites to qualify.

Semi final matches, played on a home and away basis, are due to be completed by 7th September.

The semi final line up is

PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT Vs. PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS or LARGS

WEST KILBRIDE Vs. KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE)

AJGL UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT TROPHY - Semi final matches

The semi final line up for the 2008 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Under 16 Knockout Trophy competition has been finalised.

In the quarter finals, Ayr Belleisle received a walkover against Ardeer, whilst Ballochmyle and Prestwick St. Cuthbert had 2.5 - 1.5 home wins over Kilbirnie and Largs respectively.

The other quarter final saw Caprington through on the countback against Troon Welbeck after a 2 - 2 draw at Caprington.

The semi final line up is

BALLOCHMYLE Vs. AYR BELLEISLE

CAPRINGTON Vs. PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT

Semi final ties to be played by 7th September 2008.

The final of the competition is scheduled to take place at Largs Golf Club on Sunday 21st September

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Semi final line up

The semi final line up for the 2008 Ayrshire Junior Champion Of Cghampions competition is almost complete, after recent matches.

In the quarter finals Gary Patterson (Ballochmyle) received a walkover from Andrew Abercrombie (Largs) and now faces a trip away from home to play Sean Thornton (Ayr Belleisle)in the semi finals.

Ayrshire Matchplay Champion Malcolm Pennycott had a 4 & 3 away win over Martin Ronald (Irvine Ravenspark)in the quarter finals and now has a home match against Jamie Acheson (Largs Routenburn) or Charles Doyle (Troon Welbeck) in the semi finals.

Semi final matches are due for completion by 7th September with the final scheduled to be played at Caprington on Sunday 28th September.

AJGL WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY - St. Cuthbert make it two from two

In Section 1 of the 2008 Wallace Thornton Trophy competition, Prestwick St. Cuthbert followed up their win over holder Kilmarnock (Barassie) with a 3 - 1 home win over Kilbirnie Place.

St Cuthbert have matches remaining against Largs (Away) and Loudoun (Home)

In Section 2, Troon Welbeck opened their bid with a 2.5 - 1.5 win away at Irvine Ravenspark.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - West Kilbride complete semi final line up

John Campbell & Robin Paton (West Kilbride) completed the semi final line up for the 2008 Ayrshire Fourball Championship when they beat Archie McKie and Archie McKie Jr.(Irvine Ravenspark) by 3 & 2 on Tuesday 5th August in their quarter final tie.

The full semi final line up is

John Campbell & Robin Paton (West Kilbride) Vs. Craig Murdoch & Andy Reid (Ayr Carrick)

Alex Gourlay & Colin Kennedy (Irvine) Vs. Chris & Alan Bone (Loudoun)
Semi final ties are due for completion by 7th September 2008.

BOYS HOME INTERNATIONALS - Scotland beaten by Ireland on opening day

Scotland, with Ayrshire represented by Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) & Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck), lost to host nation Ireland on the first day of the Boys Home Internationals at Royal County Down.

The Irish team overturned a morning deficit from the foursomes to win by 8.5-6.5.

Michael Stewart combined to gain a point in the morning foursomes and Stewart maintained his record by winning his afternoon singles by 1 hole. Smith was not so fortunate in the afternoon, losing his sinnges match heavily.

Ireland vs Scotland

Foursomes

Reeve Whitson & Chris Selfridge lost to Michael Stewart & Kyle Smith by 3/2
Alan Dunbar & Luke Lennox beat Sam Binning & Stuart Ballingall 4/3
Paul Dunne & Barry Anderson lost to James Ross & Chris Robb by 2 holes
Richard O'Donovan & Michael Durcan lost to Mark Bookless & Andrew McLachlan by 4/2
Garth Boyd & Garth McGee beat David Law & Paul Shields by 3/2

Singles

Reeve Whitson lost to Michael Stewart by 1 hole
Chris Drumm beat Sam Binning by 2/1
Alan Dunbar beat Kyle Smith by 6/4
Luke Lennox beat James Ross by 7/6
Chris Selfridge lost to Chris Robb by 2/1
Paul Dunne beat Colin Thomson by 5/4
Barry Anderson beat Andrew McLachlan by 1 hole
Michael Durcan lost to Mark Bookless by 3/2
Garth McGee halved with Paul Shields
Garth Boyd beat David Law by 2 holes

IRELAND 8.5 SCOTLAND 6.5


In the other opening day match, England came from behind after the foursomes to defeat Wales by 8.5 - 6.5

SGU AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Shanks secures Ayrshire win with 2 - 2 finish

John Cairney, John Shanks, Stephen McBlain, David Addison, George Robertson, Cameron Gray

Ayrshire made it two wins from two in the 2008 SGU Area Team Championships, on Sunday 3rd August, when they defeated the North East Area at Prestwick St. Nicholas.

The morning foursomes were shared 1.5 – 1.5 with George Robertson and David Addison being defeated by Anthony Bews and Scottish Internationalist James Byrne, Steven McBlain and John Cairney winning against Glenn Taylor and Alan Reith whilst John Shanks and Cameron Gray shared the spoils with Mark Halliday and Philip McLean.

In the afternoon singles, the North East took the early lead, James Byrne defeating Stephen McBlain in the lead match by 3 & 2 and Philip McLean beating David Addison by 4 & 3.

George Robertson, with a 2 & 1 win over Anthony Bews which was undoubtedly assisted by his luminous green trousers, and Cameron Gray who beat Mark Halliday 4 & 2 brought the match back to level.

John Cairney, playing in the final tie, had a 3 & 2 win over Glenn Taylor to give Ayrshire a 4.5 – 3.5 lead overall, and the result of the match rested with the final tie on the course between John Shanks and Alan Reith.

Reith held a one hole lead at the 16th and Shanks had the opportunity to square the match with a short put, but failed in his attempt, leaving him one down with two to play.

Shanks then produced the perfect finish, driving the 17th green to set up an eagle two to square the match and then hitting his tee shot at the last to 15 feet and holing the put for a winning birdie two, to give Ayrshire a match win of 5.5 – 3.5

Ayrshire now face Argyll & Bute in the last match of the series, at Troon Portland on Sunday 21st September where they will be hoping to secure enough to progress to the semi finals of the competition in October.

MATCH DETAILS

FOURSOMES

George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) & David Addison (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to James Byrne & Anthony Bews by 7 & 6

John Shanks (Irvine) & Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) halved with Mark Halliday & Philip Mclean

John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) & Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) beat Glenn Taylor & Alan Reith by 2 & 1

AYRSHIRE 1.5 NORTH EAST 1.5

SINGLES

Stephen McBlain lost to James Byrne by 3 & 2

George Robertson beat Anthony Bews by 2 & 1

David Addison lost to Philip Mclean by 4 & 3

Cameron Gray beat Mark Halliday by 4 & 2

John Shanks beat Alan Reith by 1 hole

John Cairney beat Glenn Taylor by 3 & 2

AYRSHIRE 4 NORTH EAST 2

MATCH RESULT

AYRSHIRE 5.5 NORTH EAST 3.5

AYRSHIRE YOUTHS - Youth team defeated by Florida State

An Ayrshire Youths side were defeated 3.5 - 1.5 by the Florida State University team on the opening day of their tour of Scotland, on Sunday 3rd August.

The University side, who are scheduled to play a number of links courses during their trip, including Turnberry, Carnoustie, Muirfield and North Berwick, are all + 1 handicappers.

They opened their schedule with a round at Turnberry (Kintyre) on Saturday before Sunday's match at the birthplace of The Open Championship, at Prestwick.

The match proved a friendly and worthwhile encounter for both sides, with the players enjoying the match in glorious weather.

Match Results

Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) halved with Matt Savage

Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) lost to Drew Kittleston by 6 & 4

Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Seath Lauer by 3 & 2

Scott Brown (Turnberry) lost to Cameron Knight by 1 hole

Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) lost to Bradley Ruch by 3 & 1 (pictured right)

Ayrshire 1.5 Florida State University 3.5

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Moore and Moultrie for final

The final of the 2008 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition, at 5.00 p.m. on Friday 8th August at Royal Troon will be between Brian Moore (Largs) and Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland).

In the semi finals, played over Royal Troon on Friday 1st August, 2006 trophy winner Brian Moore beat Alex Gourlay (Irvine) 3 & 2 whilst Paul Moultrie had a one hole win over George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark).

Alex Gourlay & Brian Moore

The Moultrie - Robertson semi final was particularly close throughout. Robertson birdied the 16th to square the match but Moultrie immediately restored his lead with a birdie 2 at the 17th.

Paul Moultrie & George Robertson

Whe Moultrie narrowly missed with his birdie putt at the 18th, Robertson had a 20 foot putt to take the match into extra holes. Despite hitting a good putt, Robertson's effort hung agonisingly on the lip of the hole, giving Moultrie a one hole win.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Ravenspark lead in semi final

In the first match played in the semi finals of the 2008 Ayrshire Summer League, 2007 finalists Irvine Ravenspark recorded a 4.5 - 1.5 win at home against their semi final opponents Caprington.

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - McEwan fails at final hurdle

Steven McEwan (Caprington) failed in his bid to become the first Ayrshire player to win the Scottish Amateur Championship since his clubmate Hugh McKibbin took the title at Renfrew in 1994, when he lost by 5 & 3 to Callum Macaulay (Tulliallan) in the 36 hole final at Carnoustie on Saturday.

All square after the morning round, McEwan took an early lead in the afternoon. Hovever, after a disruption in play due to a thunderstorm, Macaulay, the number one seed for the championship, got into a rhythm quickly and overturned McEwan's lead, to eventually take the title.

Despite his defeat in the final, Steven McEwan can be justifiably proud of his performance over the week which was a credit to him, and all involved in Ayrshire golf will no doubt join in congratulating Steven on his performance.

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - McEwan faces Macaulay in final

On Friday afternoon at Carnoustie, Steven McEwan (Caprington) became the first Ayrshire player to reach the final of the Scottish Amateur Championship since clubmate Hugh McKibbin lost the final in 1995 at Southerness, having won the trophy a year before at Renfrew.

Mc Ewan had a 3 & 2 win over Gordon Yates (Hilton park) to set up a final showdown with number one seed Callum Macaulay (Tulliallan).

In the 36 hole final on Saturday, McEwan and Macaulay remain all square after the first round.

GLENMUIR PGA TOURNAMENT - McKinnon finished 7 off the pace

Jim McKinnon (Irvine) finished with a 72 for a 290 total in the Glenmuir PGA Professional Tournament at Moportown, Leeds, this week.

In a tornament hampered by heavy rain, Craig Ronald (Carluke) was top Scot, tying for seventh place on 287.

After a play-off the title went to Paul Simpson who beat Andrew Barnett at the second extra hole.

LEADING FINAL SCORES

283 - P Simpson (West Berkshire) 73 67 67 76, A Barnett (North Wales) 71 68 69 75
284 - P Wesselingh (Kedleston Park) 71 70 73
285 - W Barnes (RBE Golf) 68 72 74 71
286 - Bell (Eaglescliffe) 70 69 73 75, D Shacklady (Mossock Hall) 72 70 69 75
287 - C Ronald (Carluke) 74 70 68 75, D Muscroft (Montecchia) 70 73 69 75, C Shave (Whetstone) 71 72 71 73
288 - Griffiths (Oakdale) 71 74 73 70, J Robinson (Sports Masters Int’l) 69 71 73 75
289 - Dwyer (Ashbourne) 71 73 74 71, J Wells (Cherry Burton) 75 72 71 71
290 - Sherborne (Kendleshire) 68 74 72 76, J McKinnon (Irvine) 69 75 74 72, A Lovelace (Merris Wood College) 73 72 73 72, G Howell (Ferndown Forest) 77 70 71 72, T Maxwell (Knutsford) 72 76 68 74.

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - McEwan in semi finals

Steven McEwan (Caprington) booked his place in the semi finals of the Scottish Amateur Championship, being played at carnoustie this week, with a 1 hole victory over Scott Borrowman (Dollar) in the quarter finals. McEwan was 5 up at one point in the match but Borrowman fought back, although McEwan held on to win at the last hole.

In the semi finals on Friday afternoon, McEwan plays Gordon Yates (Hilton Park).

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Three of four semi finalists now known

Three of the four quarter finals in the 2008 Ayrshire Fourball championship have been completed this week.

Craig Murdoch & Andy Reid (Ayr Carrick) beat Charlie Bell & Andy paton (Braehead) in their Ayr derby match, and now the Ayr carrick duo face an away match against either John Campbell & Robin Paton (West Kilbride) or Archie McKie & Archie McKie Jr. (Irvine Ravenspark).

In the other matches played recently, Alex Gourlay & Colin Kennedy (Irvine) beat Eric & Martin Bradford (Ballochmyle) by 5 & 4 and now have a semi final match at home against Chris & Alan Bone (Loudoun), who secured their place in the last four with a 2 & 1 home win over Mark Hyslop & Steven Bolland (Tam O Shanter)