ALL THE LATEST NEWS ON AMATEUR GOLF IN AYRSHIRE

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

EUROPEAN CLUB CUP - Prestwick team announced.


After their victory last Sunday in the Scottish Club Championship at Prestwick St. Nicholas, The Prestwick Golf Club team who will represent Scotland in the European Club Cup at Klassis Golf & Country Club in Turkey from 22nd to 24th October has been announced.

The team going forward to represent Prestwick is the team who won the Ayrshire Club Championship event at Loudoun earlier in the season to secure the right to represent Ayrshire in the Scottish championship, and comprises James Bunch, Allan Thomson (Captain) and Jonathan King.

SCOTLAND UNDER 16's - McDonald selected to face England


Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) has been selected for the 10 man Scotland Under 16 team to play England on Sunday 4th October at Arbroath Golf Links.

The full team is

Calum Stewart (Brora) Captain
Grant Forrest (Craigielaw)
Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock (Barassie)
Liam Johnston ( Dumfries & County)
Ewan Scott (St Andrews)
Eamon Bradley (Mount Ellen)
Lawrence Allan (Alva)
Fraser Thain (West Linton)
Ewen Donaldson (Craigielaw)
Josh Jamieson (The New Club, St Andrews)

US COLLEGE GOLF - Ayrshire Girl Leads the way In Canyon Texas

Linzi Allan a Freshman at Newman University Wichita opened her Collage Golf career with a tie for first place as the Newman women's golf team finished fourth at the Lady Buff Stampede, which concluded Tuesday at La Paloma Golf Club Amarillo, Canyon, Texas

Allan posted the best score of the entire tournament, a 72 (+1) in Monday's opening round, and followed that with an 84 (+13) in the second round, but still managed to force a tie for first with Tarleton State's Jacqueline Lau. Using the #1 handicap hole from the scorecard to break the tie, Allan was awarded second place after bogeying the hole, while Lau posted a birdie on the tiebreaking hole.

Allan finished with a tournament score of 156 (+14) and led the Jets in the two-round event. Louise Sjoberg (Sweden) was seven strokes back, posting a 163 (+21) and finishing in 17th, while Alyssa Balding (England) was one stroke back, finishing 19th after posting a 164 (+22). Andrea Martires (Uruguay) and Megan Birdsey (England) rounded out the Newman scorecard. Martires carded a 172 (+30), while Birdsey carded a 174 (+32) in the event. A total of 85 players took part in the college tournament

As a team, the Jets finished in fourth place with a team score of 654. Newman finished five strokes behind third-placed Angelo State, and 19 strokes behind Tarleton State, who won the event with a team tally of 635. The Jets finished highest out of the Heartland Conference teams in the event. Dallas Baptist (eighth), St. Mary's (12th), Lincoln (15th) and Oklahoma Panhandle State (16th) were also present in the 16-team field.

The girls are preparing for their next tournament next week at the UCO Broncho Classic In Oklahoma

PLAY ON !!! - Reprieve in sight for Dalmilling


October 7th looks to be D-day for the future of the Ayr Dalmillng Golf Course when South Ayrshire Councillors are due to vote on a number of matters, including a long term plan for council run golf courses throughout South Ayrshire.

It is understood that this is expected to include a recommendation to scrap the planned closure of Dalmilling in the new year.

With the recent announcement of funding for a new Ayr Academy and a council quote stating that the Dalmilling course is not the prefereed site for a new school, hopes are high that the decision to close Dalmilling will be overturned and the facility will remain for the benefit of the present users and golfing generations to come.

GIRVAN GOLF CLASSIC - Brown secures another title





Scott Brown (Turnberry) is the 2009 winner of the Girvan Golf Classic, finishing five shots ahead of the 145 strong field to take the main award. Weir McCulloch (Carrick Sports) and Gary Bryden (Girvan) were the nearest challengers to Brown.

Handicp trophy winner was Martin Hoggitt (Brunston castle) on 185, who won by one shot from clubmate Hugh Boyd, with Mark Cameron (Troon St. Meddans) one shot further adrift on 187.

FALDO SERIES FINAL QUALIFYING - Ayrshire pair narrowly miss trip to Brazil




Colin Robinson (Largs) and Rachael McQueen (Troon ladies) narrowly missed out on a dream trip to Brazil at the recently held final qualifying for the Faldo Series Grand Final, over the Renaissance Club course at Archerfield Links




With the winners in each section qualifying for the Grand Final at Itanhanga Golf Club, in Brazil from 28 to 30 October, Colin finished second in his section whilst Rachael finished third.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS

BOYS
Under-21

153 - Sam Binning (Ranfurly Castle) 79 74, Adam Dunton (McDonald Ellon) 76 77 (Binning won play-off at first extra hole)
154 - Robert Carson (Dalmahoy) 77 77
161 Jamie Hendrick (Pollok) 80 81

Under-18

148 - Scott Young (Turnhouse) 73 75
152 - Colin Robinson (Largs) 75 77, Conor O’Neil (Glasgow) 77 75
155 - Ian Redford (St Andrews New) 74 81

Under-16

154 - Ewan Scott (St Andrews) 78 76
155 - Grant Forrest (Craigielaw) 77 78
156 - Calum Stewart (Brora) 76 80, Liam Johnston (Dumfries & Co) 78 78

GIRLS
Under-21

145 - Carly Booth (Comrie) 76 69
158 - Jenna Birch (Royal Lytham) 80 78
160 - Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies) 83 77

Under-16

154 - Lesley Atkins (Minto) 78 76
166 - Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) 83 83
168 - Linsey Stevenson (Elie & Earlsferry) 86 82

AYRSHIRE GIRLS GOLF - Emma Wins Ayrshire Girls’ Centenary Trophy


(Report & photos from June Kerr)

Emma Hale (Bentinck Ladies) - pictured right - is the first winner of the Centenary Trophy which was presented by North and South Ayrshire Councils to Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Association to commemorate 100 years of the Association.

We are delighted that the local authorities recognised the importance of the younger members of the County when they presented the trophy specifically for junior competition.

This inaugural event was played over the Kintyre Course at Turnberry, a venue which we were privileged to be invited to and which the girls enjoyed enormously.
15 girls with Congu handicaps played a Stableford competition while 20 pre-handicap girls played the delightful 9 hole Arran Course.
Results are as follows:-

The winner Emma Hale with the handicap section competitors

Silver

1st Emma Hale (Bentinck Ladies) - 36 points
2nd Katie McGarva (Troon Ladies) - 34 points
3rd Mhairi McKay (West Kilbride) - 29 points (bih)
4th Connie Jaffrey (West Kilbride) - 29 points

Bronze

1st Alexandra Brown (Turnberry) - 34 points (better last 3 holes)
2nd Sophie Love (Skelmorlie) - 34 points (better last 6 holes)
3rd Gillian Love (Skelmorlie) - 34 points
4th Lindsay Montgomery (West Kilbride) - 31 points

Nearest the Pin at the 2nd: Emily McGarva (Troon Ladies)
Putting: Connie Jaffrey
Longest Drive: Connie Jaffrey



The pre handicap section winners

Pre-handicaps 9-11 year olds

1st Olivia Hill (Bentinck Ladies) - 52
2nd Harley Murray (Bentinck Ladies) - 54
3rd Lindsay Scott (Bentinck Ladies) - 58
4th Yvonne Anderson (Maybole) - 61

Putting: Lauren White (Loudoun)
Target chipping: Lindsay Scott

Pre-handicaps 12-13 year olds

1st Emma Paterson (Loudoun) - 48
2nd Jemma Wylie (Barassie) - 50
3rd Rachel Evans (Kilbirnie) - 51
4th Megan McCaig (Barassie) - 53

Putting: Marian Boyd (Brunston Castle)
Target: Emma Paterson

KINGARROCK HICKORY GOLF - Step back in time for an enjoyable challenge at St. Andrews venue


If any readers are in the St. Andrews area between April and October then a trip to the Kingarrock course at Hill Of Tarvit near St. Andrews is an absolute must.

Hill Of Tarvit is a National Trust property, not presently open to the general public, but the grounds are freely accessable and it is her, near to the mansion house that the Kingarrock course lies.

The Sharp family owned the house in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Both Frederick - pictured below - and his son Hugh were enthusiastic and gifted golfers who, during their time in residence, laid out a nine hole course on the land at the front of the mansion house, for the use of the family and their guests.








After the death of Frederick in 1932 and Hugh in a train crash in 1937, the course was abandoned and returned to nature.


That was, until recent years where, in conjunction with the National Trust, the dream and passion of one man to tell the story of Frederick & Hugh, and recreate their golf course resulted in a wonderful project which gives every modern golfer the opportunity to experience the challenges of playing with hickory shafted clubs from the 1920's and an appreciation of just how good golfers from that era really were.

My sister and I were fortunate to enjoy the Kingarrock Hickory Golf experience recently and would recommend a visit to any golf enthusiast.

Driving up towards the Hill Of Tarvit mansion house we came upon the Forresters Cottage which serves as the clubhouse of the Kingarrock course, and were met at the door by the man behind the project, David Anderson, resplendent in shirt & tie, waistcoat and pluss fours of the 1920's period.

Two locals were already there waiting to play when we arrived and so we were shown into the small clubhouse reception area where, along with the two other visitors, we were given a lively and entertaining short history of the Sharp family at Hill Of Tarvit, the course and other intersting facts about golf in the 1920's.

Mr Anderson is a delightful gentleman whose enthusiasm and passion for the project, as well as the adjacent mansion house and the story of the Sharp family is plainly evident.

Surrounded by bags of hickory clubs and golfing memorabilia, the atmosphere in the little clubhouse was convivial and set the mood for the experience to come.

And so, after some delightful home made shortbread and a glass of port (or whisky if you prefer) just as the family would have done 100 years ago, bags of clubs were selected from those available, of which there were many, and we were nearly ready for the off.

All golfers are catered for with mens, ladies, juniors and left handed clubs there for use and all the clubs are originals, refurbished as required, with a bag generally consisting of five clubs.

One final choice- do we opt for the 1898 or the 1924 ball ?. Either type of ball is provided - the choice is yours, with the 1898 ball flying approximately 20 yards less than its 'newer' equivalent.

Oh, and we also had to pick up a handful of small red wooden tees, known as 'Reddy's' patented by a New Jersey dentist in 1924.

And so out to the course, a nine hole layout on rolling parkland with fine views over the Fife countryside and the nearby mansion house and gardens and holes varying in length from 368 yards to 97 yards.

This is golf as it really was in the 1920's. Little or no chemicals are used on the course and cutting of grass is done by the traditional method, with a gang mower being gifted recently for cutting the fairways and the greens being hand cut.

We opted for the 1898 ball and off we set for the first hole. My sister had never played with hickory clubs before and so, true to form, I found myself two down after two holes !!.

I did manage to pull one hole back and looked to be going two behind again until I laid a succesful stymie and managed to half the hole. Stymies are of course played at Kingarrock as they were not outlawed by the Rules Of Golf until 1952.

As the round wore on, we both began to get into the swing of things and shots began to become straighter and better. Remembering the need to slow your swing down with hickory clubs was adequately brought to your mind on every shot as the balls had Bobby Jones' maxim 'wait for it' printed on the side of them !!

One ahead after 6, I was on the green with a holeable birdie putt for a two at the 7th when my sister got her own back for the earlier stymie, laying her ball up betwen mine and the hole and , despite my best efforts to get past, her ball nudged mine away from the hole and we halved in par threes. Over the remaining holes I managed to hold on to my one hole lead for a narrow win.

Despite a shaky start, matching the 1898 bogey for the last five holes left me very satisfied with my efforts.

The details of the holes are :-

1 - Ha-Ha - 289 yds
2 - Stand Sure - 166 yds
3 - Kingarroch - 201 yds
4 - Copse - 97 yds
5 - Wemyss - 368 yds
6 - Monument - 313 yds
7 - Cundy - 101 yds
8 - Doocot - 279 yds
9 - Sharp - 208 yds

Total 2022 yds - 1898 bogey 37 - 1924 par 32


Then it was back to the clubhouse to be met again by David Anderson who sat us down in the 'ither room' and served up more shortbread and delightful home made ginger beer, just like the concoction served up by his namesake 'Da' Anderson on the old couse at St. Andrews over 100 years ago at the hole that now bears the name Ginger Beer.

And so, after a second glass of the delightful ginger beer, we bade farewell to Kingarrock, for the time being, but I have no doubt that a return visit is on the cards when I am in the area again.



And the cost - a very reasonable £20 which includes the use of 5 hickory clubs in a bag, three balls for use, 'reddy' tees as well as your port (or whisky) shortbread and ginger beer at the end.
A second round can be played the same day, time permitting, for £10.

Players who bring their own hickory clubs - because you are not permitted to play the course with modern equipment - can play for half price whilst those players who play in dress typical of the 1920's period will receive a wrapped golf ball to take home.

Under 21's can play for £15 whilst under 16's can play for £10 or £5 if accompanied by a paying adult.

There is also a Kingarrock special package, costing £35, with guaranteed tee times betwen parties to give an air of privicy as the family would have enjoyed, as well as a gift pack including a whisky minature and wrapped balls.

All in all, this is a great golfing experience which falls into the 'not to be missed' category, and well worthy of a visit if you are in the St. Andrews area.

Players wishing to enquire about playing can make contact by e-mail at michelle@golfandthistle.com

or by phone at 01334 653421

More information can be found on the Kingarrock website at http://www.golfandthistle.com/

The website can also be accessed via the link on the left of this page under 'Golf Links'

Monday, September 28, 2009

NAC SCOTTISH CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - Prestwick win national title

Prestwick Golf Club are the 2009 NAC Scottish Club Champions after winning the title at Prestwick St. Nicholas on Sunday 27th September.


The Prestwick team, which included three former Scotland internationalists, Allan Thomson, Gavin Lawrie and Jonathan King - pictured below - took the title by five shots at an overcast and windy St. Nicholas links, presented in excellent condition by John McLaughlin and his greenkeeping staff.



Prestwick qualified to represent Ayrshire in the championship after the team of Allan Thomson, James Bunch and Jonathan King won the Ayrshire Club Championship title at Loudoun earlier in the year.


The event was staged over 36 holes strokeplay with the best two scores from three in the morning and the best two scores from three in the afternoon being combined to give the team total.


Prestwick led the way after the first round on 144 with Gavin Lawrie's score of 71 being the best return from the field in the morning round.


After the first 18 holes, Glasgow Golf Union cloub sandyhills were prestwick's closest challengers on 145 with St. Andrews, from Fife, one shot further back on 146.


In the afternoon, former Scottish Amateur Champion Allan thomson came back in a superb one inder par 33 for a best of the day score of 69 to give Prestwick an excellent chance of taking the title.


In the following game, Gavin Lawrie was three over par standing on the final tee but his tee shot drifted right and flirted with the out of bounds at the clubhouse before coming back into play near the first tee. Unperturbed, Lawrie chipped onto the green and holed the put for a par three and a score of 72. to give Prestwick the lead over the 16 club field.


Jonathan King completed Prestwick's efforts with a fine 73 to ensure a useful countback score in the event of a tie.


With Glasgow's Sandyhills fading away in the second round, Prestwick's only challengers appeared to be St. Andrews and when the Fife club team completed their rounds their total came up five adrift of the Ayrshire side.


Final placings were :-


285 - PRESTWICK (144/141)
290 - ST. ANDREWS (146/144)
295 - POWFOOT (152/143)
(third by virtue of the lowest discarded 2nd round score)
295 - McDONALD (150/145)
298 - FORRES (153/145)
299 - SANDYHILLS (145/154)
300 - BLAIRGOWRIE (150/150)
301 - CAMBUSLANG (150/151)
301 - GLENBERVIE (153/148)

303 - COCHRANE CASTLE (153/150)
307 - BEARSDEN (156/151)
307 - KELSO (158/149)

310 - BATHGATE (155/155)

310 - INNELLAN (161/149)

312 - DOLLAR (156/156)

316 - FORFAR (156/160)




At the conclusion of the championship the medals were presented to the winners by Championship Chairman Don Bremner and the Club Championship Trophy was handed over to the Prestwick trio by Prestwick St. Nicholas Captain Bill Rae (pictured right).





This win is Prestwick's first in the 22 year history of the event and is the first win by an Ayrshire club since Kilmarnock (Barassie) took the title in 1994. Other Ayrshire winners were Troon Welbeck (1993) and Kilmarnock Barassie (1992).



Prestwick now go forward to represent Scotland in the European Club Championship final in Antalya, Turkey, from 22nd to 24th October this year.

(The winning team with Prestwick GC Secretary, Ian Bunch)

Friday, September 25, 2009

R & A CAPTAIN 'DRIVES IN' - Former Prestwick Captain takes office
















Colin Brown, who was Captain of Prestwick Golf Club in 2001, the year the club celebrated its 150th anniversary, 'drove in' as captain of The Royal And Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in the traditional ceremony at 8.00 a.m. on a breezy but bright autumn morning on Thursday 24th September.
Watched by a group of R & A Past Captains, including fellow Prestwick member Richard Cole-Hamilton and a large crowd of R & A members, augmented by groups of supporters from both Prestwick and Kilmacolm, where Colin was Centenary Captain, the new captain had his golf ball teed up by R & A Honorary Professional Jim Farmer.









To the sound of the traditional cannon, Colin struck his tee shot towards the assembled group of caddies in the distance, although the caddies found that for once the chase for the Captains golf ball was not a flat race but something of a steeplechase as his drive drifted over the fence on the right of the fairway, leading to a scramble over the obstacle for the caddies in their bid to be first to lay hands on the ball.



As Colin waited on the tee the succesful caddie ( pictured below)returned the ball to the new captain of the club and received a gold soverign in exchange.


Something of a 'anniversary specialist' Colin's captaincy of the R & A coincides with the 150th anniversary of the fist Open Championship which was played at Prestwick on 17th October 1860.
Many congratulations go to Colin from golfers throughout Ayrshire, with best wishes for an enjoyable year in office.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

2009 ARROL CUP - Robertson takes the honours at St. Nicholas


George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) - pictured right -is the 2009 winner of the 36 hole Arrol Cup competition, played at Prestwick St. Nicholas on Saturday 19th September.

Out in the first game of the day, Robertson made the most of the good weather early onwhen he covered the firs eighteen holes in five under par 64 to lead the field by four clear shots after round one, with home club player Gary Tierney in second place at the halfway stage on 68.

As the weather worstened in the afternoon, scores in general rose and ultimately only 36 of the 66 competitors returned a two round total.

Robertson followed his stunning morning round with 79 in the afternoon for a 143 total which ultimately gave him the trophy by a single shot over Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) who returned a pair of 72's for 144.

Ed Wood (Crow Wood) was third with 72 - 73 for 145 which edged out local player Gary Tierney (68 - 77) by virtue of the better second round.

CSS in the morning was 72 and in the afternoon was a non counter (reduction only)

The full list of returned scores was :-

143 - G. Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark)
144 - M. Smyth (Royal Troon)
145 - E. Wood (Crow Wood), G. Tierney (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
146 - K. Brock (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
147 - S. Spence (Irvine), G. Wilson (Loudoun)
148 - J. Savage (Cawder), D. Lamond (Balmore)
149 - I. McCall (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
150 - G. Dobbie (Cowglen)
151 - F. Campbell (Cawder), G. Lamb (Irvine), K. Fairbrother (Cochrane Castle), F. Henderson (Troon Welbeck)
152 - A. McLean (Balmore)
153 - J. Ashton (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
154 - J. Mathieson (Cowglen), A. Belford (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
155 - M. Pennycott (Whiting Bay)
156 - S. Gillespie (Cambuslang), G. Paterson (Prestwick St. Nicholas), A. Huxtable Jr. (Prestwick St. Nicholas), C. Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), L. McLaughlan (Cowglen)
157 - K. Ward (Maybole), A. Poole (Prestwick St. Nicholas), J. Boyle (Ayr Dalmilling)
158 - A. McDougall (Elderslie), J. McCormack (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
159 - P. gault Sr. (Westerwood), P. Robinson (Largs)
160 - A. Henderson (Hamilton)
162 - K. Bell (Elderslie)
163 - S. Darroch (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
166 - J. Kinning (Cochrane Castle)

Sunday, September 20, 2009

WEST OF SCOTLAND UNDER 18 INTER COUNTY LEAGUE - Ayrshire beat Stirlingshire in final match of the season


The Ayrshire Under 18 team rounded of their West Of Scotland Inter County league matches for the season with a fine 5 - 3 away win at Grangemouth against Stirlingshire.

This win came despite having to conced one match after Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) was taken ill and did not travel to the match as a result.

The opening four Under 16 ties were shared evenly whilst the three Ayrshire Under 18 players who played each recorded wins to give their team a winnignadvantage.

Match results (Stirlingshire names first) were :-

Euan Douglas Lost To David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) by 1 hole
Dariuusz Kunecki Beat Gregor McIntosh (Girvan) by 1 hole
Blair Carnegie Beat Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) by 4 & 2
Glen Fotheringham Lost To Callum Gorrie (Kilmarnock Barassie) by 4 & 2
Greg Nicol Lost To Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) by 4 & 2
Jamie Lynch Lost To Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck) by 3 & 2
Ryan Campbell Lost To Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) by 2 & 1
Neil McGregor W/O against Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie)

Stirlingshire 3 Ayrshire 5

AYRSHIRE GIRLS GOLF - Rachel Irvine winst St. Nicholas Trophy at Troon

(Report from June Kerr)


14 year old Rachel Irvine (Largs) - pictured in the front row with the trophy - won the Ayrshire Girls' St. Nicholas Trophy over Troon Portland yesterday beating 12 year old Emma Hale (Bentinck Ladies) on the better inward half.



Both girls matched the SSS with nett 75's on a day which started wet but improved later in the afternoon.


Results are as follows:-


Rachel Irvine (Largs) - 93 (18) 75 bih
Emma Hale (Bentinck Ladies) - 88 (13) 75
Katie McGarva (Troon Ladies) - 89 (13) 76


The Pre-handicap girls - some of whom are pictured below - played the 9 hole Craigend Course.



Results are as follows:-

9-11 year olds


Lindsay Scott (Bentinck Ladies) - 49
Hayleigh Campbell (Loudoun) - 55
Harley Murray (Bentinck Ladies) - 56


12-14 year olds



Ali Roy (Maybole) - 46
Emma Paterson (Loudoun) - 51 (better last 4)
Jemma Wylie (Kilmarnock Barassie) - 51

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Loudoun take advantage into second leg of final


The first leg of the 2009 Ayrshire Summer League final took place at Loudoun on Sunday 20th September with LOUDOUN at home to IRVINE.

I fine weather and with the course looking in excellent condition, Tommy McInally lead the Loudoun side in their bid for the Summer League title in the club's Centenary year.

McInally played the captain's part securing the first point for his side with a 3 & 1 win over Colin Craig to inspire his team to a 4.5 - 1.5 victory in the match.

The individual match results were:-

Tommy McInally beat Colin Craig by 3 & 1
Scott Gilchrist lost to Gordon Dunlop by 5 & 4
Sammy Cox halved with Keith Fairley
Chris Bone beat Mark Anderson by 4 & 3
Gavin Wilson beat Stephen Spence by 5 & 4
Paul Kennedy beat Gareth Lamb by 2 & 1

LOUDOUN 4.5 IRVINE 1.5

The return leg of the final will be played at Irvine Golf Club on Sunday 4th October 2009 with a 9.30 a.m. tee off.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE =- West Kilbride are 2009 League Champions

West Kilbride Golf Club, who last won the championship in 2005, gained revenge for defeat in the 2008 final against Largs when they won the 2009 League Championship against the defending champions in the final on Sunday 20th September.

As West Kilbride hold the chair of the Ayrshire Junior Golf League this year, the finals were scheduled early in the year to be played on the West Kilbride Links, and the efforts of the West Kilbride team in reaching the final gave a condsiderable advantage to the host club side.

The team made good use of the advantage on a chilly and blustery afternoon to win 4.5 -1.5 against the title holders.

The winning team are pictured below receiving the League Championship Trophy from Ayrshire Junior Golf League Chairman Iain McKay (West Kilbride)

Match results (West Kilbride names first) -

Cammy Maclean beat Johnny Nichol by 2&1
Kieran Howie lost to David McLellan by 2&1
Ross Hunter beat Josh Nordbo by 1 hole
Ryan Kelly halved with Jack Whent
Robert Montgomery beat John Robertson by 6&5
Christopher Murray beat Andy Gilmour by 4&2

WEST KILBRIDE 4.5 LARGS 1.5

SCOTTISH AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Holders reign ends with defeat against The Borders

An experienced Borders team had a 6.5 - 2.5 win over a young Ayrshire side in the Area Team Championship at Hawick on Sunday.

After a 2-1 foursomes win, Borders took the singles by 4.5 - 1.5.

FOURSOMES - (Borders names first) :- 2 - 1

David Gillie & Alan Ballantyne beat Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) & Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) by 3 & 1
Colin Fraser & Alan Turnbull lost to Scott Brown (Turnbery) & Colin Robinson (Largs) by 4 & 3
Warren Renwick & Alan Chalmers beat Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) & Craig McLaughlin (Largs) by 2 & 1

SINGLES :- 4.5 - 1.5.

Gillie beat Euan Brown by 6 & 5
Fraser Beat McLaughlin by 4 & 3
Turnbull beat Scott Brown by 4 & 2
Ballantyne beat McDonald by 4 & 3
Chambers lost to Robinson by 1 hole
Renwick halved with Gimson

BORDERS 6.5 - AYRSHIRE 2.5

Friday, September 18, 2009

BELHAVEN BEST SCOTTISH CLUB HANDICAP CHAMPIONSHIP - West Kilbride best of Ayrshire sides in grand final.


The grand final of the 2009 Belhaven Best Scottish Club handicap Championship was held at The Dukes, St. Andrews on Friday 18th September with the winners being the team of Graham Kilpatrick & Paul Bradley of Mount Ellen who finished on six under par, two ahead of their nearest challengers Balbirnie Park.

West Kilbride, represented by Ian Hoynes and Tommy Saunders, were the best placed of the Ayrshire clubs, finishing in 15th place on two over par.

Donald Anderson & George Scobie of Brunston Castle also finished on two over par, in 17th place.

The Troon Merchants pairing of John McMillan & Robert Sanderson were in 34th place on eight over par whilst Ian Brown & Scott Martin of Crosshouse finished in 37th place on 10 over par.

NAC SCOTTISH CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - Prestwick represent Ayrshire in national event

The 2009 NAC Scottish Club Championship event will be held at Prestwick St. Nichols Golf Club on Sunday 27th September.

16 clubs, representing each of the 16 SGU Area Associations, will contest the Scottish title and the winners will progress to represent Scotland in the European Club Championship at Klassis Golf & Country Club in Turkey from 22nd to 24th October 2009.

Prestwick Golf Club, who won the Ayrshire Club Championship at Loudoun earlier in the year, carry local hopes in the national final, with Allan Thomson, Gavin Lawrie and Jonathan King named in the Prestwick team.


The clubs taking part this years are :-

PRESTWICK (Ayrshire)
SANDYHILLS (Glasgow)
INNELLAN (Argyll & Bute)
BEARSDEN (Dumbartonshire)
CAMBUSLANG (Lanarkshire)
COCHRANE CASTLE (Renfrewshire)
DOLLAR (Clackmannanshire)
KELSO (Borders)
POWFOOT (South Of Scotland)
BATHGATE (Lothians)
BLAIRGOWRIE (Perth & Kinross)
GLENBERVIE (Stirlingshire)
ST. ANDREWS (Fife)
FORRES (North)
McDONALD (North East)
FORFAR (Angus)
The best two scores from three in the morning and afternoon will be added to give the club a 72 hole total.

The draw for Order Of play is :-
0730 & 1220 - Allan Thomson (Prestwick), Mark Bookless (Sandyhills) & Chris Carson (Innellan)
0738 & 1228 - Gavin Lawrie (Prestwick), Steven Robertson (Sandyhills) & Stephen Ellis (Innellan)
0746 & 1236 - Jonathan King (Prestwick), Andrew Quinn Jr. (Sandyhills) & Dennis Docherty (Innellan)
0754 & 1244 - Mark Ferguson (Bearsden), Paul Foy (Cambuslang) & Kenneth Fairbrother (Cochrane Castle)
0802 & 1252 - Paul Semple (Bearsden), John Smith (Cambuslang) & John Kinning (Cochrane Castle)
0810 & 1300 - Chris Prior (Bearsden), Colin Kerr (Cambuslang) & Derek Anderson (Cochrane Castle)
0818 & 1308 - Darren Hulston (Dollar), Ian Lauder (Kelso) & Michael Grunwell (Powfoot)
0826 & 1316 - Gary Chalmers (Dollar), Bryan Graham (Kelso) & Iain Thomson (Powfoot)
0834 & 1324 - Steve McPherson (Dollar), Wayne Lawrence (Kelso) & Scott Wightman (Powfoot)
0842 & 1332 - Stuart Crookston (Bathgate), Stuart Graham (Blairgowrie) & Graeme Robertson (Glenbervie)
0850 & 1340 - Scott McLory (Bathgate), Tom McLevy (Blairgowrie) & Thomas Wilson (Glenbervie)
0858 & 1348 - Gerard O'hara (Bathgate), David Murray (Blairgowrie) & mark Hislop (Glenbervie)
0906 & 1356 - Daniel Somerville (St. Andrews), Robert McKerron (Forres) & Lachlan Hutchison (Forfar)
0914 & 1404 - Gary Sharp (St. Andrews), Bryan Fotheringham (Forres) & Adam Dunton (McDonald)
0922 & 1412 - Jim Woods (St. Andrews), Kevin Duncan (McDonald) & Graham Doig (Forfar)
0930 & 1420 - John Goodward (McDonald), Jim Simpson (Forres) & Ewan Wilson (Forfar)

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

AYRSHIRE GIRL ANNOUNCED AS NEWMAN UNIVERSITY NEWCOMER


Linzi Allan from Ayrshire is one of Newman University's three newcomers to Wichita from United Kingdom

NEWS RELEASE FROM NEWMAN UNIVERSITY, WICHITA

Newman University in Wichita, Kansas,USA is pleased to announce the arrival of its three newest players. Linzi Allan, Megan Birdsey and Alyssa Balding all arrived on campus last week. All three girls hail from the UK.

Women's Golf Coach Don Farquhar said

“All three girls will be able to have an immediate impact on our team. They are all very dedicated to their school work and their golf games. We should be much stronger this season.”

Linzi (a member at West Kilbride, where she is women's club champion, and Kilbirnie Place Golf Club) comes from Ayshire Scotland. She is a tall, smooth swinger who drives the ball very well. Her strongest part of the game is her long game.

Coach Farquhar says that with a little work on her short game she will be “a force to be reckoned with.”

Megan, from Caddington Golf Club, Luton, is another smooth swinger with a contagious personality. She is also going to be a regular in the line-up. She is the kind of player every coach dreams of having on a team.

Alyssa comes from Parklands, Northumberland in the North of England. She has a very sound technical swing. There are very few weak spots in her game. A little more seasoning is all she needs. She has a strong work ethic that will bode her well the rest of her life.

Newman University is very lucky to have all three young ladies on the Women’s Golf team. NU competes in the NCAA Division II in the Heartland conference. Their season starts on Sept 14th with their first tournament in Dallas Texas. Keep an eye out for these three ladies as they make their splash into NCAA golf!

Monday, September 14, 2009

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Revised constitution proposed at AGM


The Annual General Meeting of the Ayrshire Golf Association will be held in Caprington Golf Club, Ayr Road, Kilmarnock, on Wednesday October 28th 2009 at 7.00pm.

At the AGM, approval is being sought from member clubs for a revised Constitution for The Association. The present constitution has not been updated since 1988.


It would be desirable if all member clubs could be represented by one or two appointed representatives at the Annual General Meeting. One representative will be permitted to vote on behalf of the club.

One of the proposals in the new constitution is to increase the number of ordinary members on The Executive from 9 to 15. It s felt that this is required to fulfill the increasing responsibilities of The Association.

In this respect, clubs have been requested to consider nominating individuals for vacant posts on The Executive. Under the proposed constitution, Nominees must be proposed and seconded by members of clubs affilliated to the Ayrshire Golf Association.

The work of The Association Executive is varied and encompasses, amongst other things, Competitions, Course rating, handicapping, team administration at all age groups, rules and working with the National body and local agencies in the promotion of golf in the county.

All nominations for Executive posts require to be in the hands of the Ayrshire Golf Association President, in writing, by 27th September 2009 at the latest, to allow for inclusion in the Agenda for the AGM.

Anyone who is a member of a club affilliated to The Ayrshire Golf Association and is interested in becoming involved in the work of The Association is encouraged to consider standing for election to The Executive at the AGM. This is bet approached through discussion with the parent club.


If any person is interssted and requires further information then initial contact should be made by e-mail to ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net .

SCOTTISH SENIORS HOME INTERNATIONALS - No Ayrshire representation after surprise omission of Miller

The Scotland team for the Senior Home Internationals, to be held at Westport Golf Club, County Mayo, in Ireland from 29th September to 1st October has been announced.

There will be no Ayrshire representation this year to follow Ronnie McLellan's call up last year, after the surprise omission of David J. Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) from the Scotland team this season.

Despite reaching the final of the Scottish Seniors Matchplay Championship and four top four finishes and a further top ten finish in Senior Order Of merit events on his way to third place overall in the Scottish Seniors Order Of merit, there is no place for Miller in the seven man Scotland squad.

The selected players are :-

Ian Hutcheon (Monifieth)
Gordon MacDonald (Callander)
John Fraser (Royal Burgess)
Robert Stewart (Tulliallan)
Alexander Pirie (Hazlehead)
George Paterson (Northern)
Derek Murphy (Kinross)

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Brown is Champion as Welbeck and Barassie also triumph in finals of 2009 events

The first three of the four finals of the 2009 Ayrshire Junior Golf League competitions were held at West Kilbride Golf Club on Sunday 13th September in glorious weather on a course presented in the best of condition.


In the CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY final, Scott Brown (Turnberry), the former Ayrshire Boys Matchplay & Strokeplay Champion and reigning Ayrshire Matchplay Champion, took on Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle), a former finalist in the Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship.

The final was highly competitive throughout and by the turn Scott Brown had forged a two hole lead. Despite his best efforts, Adam Foley found it difficult to make inroads in the inward nine against probably the best performing young player in the county over the last year, and Scott Brown finished with a flourish to win the trophy by 6 & 4.



The WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY final was between Troon Welbeck and Irvine Ravenspark. Welbeck were looking to win the trophy for the third time, although their previous triumphs had been as far back as 1983 and 1992, whilst Ravenspark were bidding for their first win in the event.

Welbeck started as favourites with Ayrshire Boys matchplay Champion David Wilson and former finalist Marc Smith in the team, alongside Sam Findlater and Charlie MacNeal, whilst the Ravenspark team, weakened by two of the regular team members being unavailable, comprised Ally Berry, Greg Cathie, Brad Cathie and Chris Hobson.
Welbeck did not have everything their own way however and at the turn in the matches Welbeck lead in three and were behind in one. Ravenspark fought to reduce the defecit but the stronger Welbeck team eventually ran out winners by 4 - 0.

In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT TROPHY competition, Kilmarnock (Barassie) and Ardeer looked well matched and so it proved as the match got under way.


By the turn, Kilmarnock Barassie, represented by Daniel McBride, Colin Currie, Blair Gavin and Euan Henderson, had forged a 3 - 1 lead in the ties against the Ardeer team of Robbie Fitzpatrick, Daniel Forbes, Sandy Walker and Nick Carr.



Ardeer fought back however and by the time the last tie had reached the 16th hole Kilmasrnock Barassie had won two ties and Ardeer had won one, whilst the remaining tie was all square.

With Ardeer sure to win on countback in the event of a 2 - 2 draw the final match was crucial. At the 17th hole both players were short on the green in two leaving both players to chip on. Sandy Walker from Ardeer finished slightly closer in three than Blair Gavin of Barassie, but to the credit of the Barassie boy, he holed a good putt for a four to pile the pressure on his opponent and Sandy Walker's putt for a half, despite looking good, cruely lipped out and stayed above ground to leave Blair gavin one hole up with one to play and effectively giving Barassie at least the half match they required to win the trophy. Blair gavin held on to his slinm advantage at the last for a final 3 - 1 score in the final in favour of Kilmarnock (Barassie).
Ian Mckay (West Kilbride), the Ayrshire Junior Golf League Chairman, presented the trophies to the winners at the conclusion of the finals and all the contestants enjoyed a buffet and drinks kindly provided by the host club, to round off a fine day. Scott Brown drew matters to a close by proposing a vote of thanks to the host club and organisers.

The final of the Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship takes place at West Kilbride next Sunday, 20th September, when the holders Largs take on West Kilbride in a repeat of the 2008 final of the event.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - First leg of final next week at Loudoun


The 2009 Ayrshire Summer League final between Loudoun and Irvine (Bogside) tees off next week when the first leg of the final is held at Loudoun on Sunday 20th September at 2.30 p.m..

2007 winners Irvine will be looking for their second title in three years whilst Loudoun will be striving for their first victory in the competition to round off a memorable Centenary year for the club.

The second leg of the final looks likely to be scheduled for Sunday 4th october at irvine at 10.00 a.m.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

SCOTTISH SENIORS GOLF SOCIETY - Miller third in Order Of Merit


David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) finished third overall in the 2009 Scottish Seniors Order Of merit table, after completion of the final event of the season last week.

SSGS Order of Merit 2009 Final Table

490.00 - George Paterson (Northern)
445.00 - Gordon MacDonald (Callander)
437.50 - David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie)
410.00 - Bob Stewart (Tulliallan)
358.30 - Ian Brotherston (Dumfries & County)
350.00 - Ian Taylor (Royal Burgess)
325.00 - Ian Hutcheon (Monifieth)
317.50 - Sandy Pirie (Hazlehead)
308.75 - David Downie (Kirriemuir)
305.00 - John Fraser (Royal Burgess)
252.50 - Derek Murphy (Kinross), George Rodaks (Moffat)
222.50 - Graham Brown (Royal Liverpool)
208.75 - Donald McCart (Sherwood Forest)
197.50 - Tony Stafford (Dun Ochil)
196.25 - Eric Lindsay (Blairgowrie)
189.10 - Ronnie Maclean (Hamilton)
176.60 - John Broadfoot (Turnberry)
170.00 - John Johnston (Royal Aberdeen)
163.30 - Brian Smith (Kilmacolm)
155.00 - William Brown (Strathaven)
151.60 - Stephen Ellis (Heritage)
142.50 - Michael Jenkins (Duff House Royal)
140.00 - Jim Watt (Edzell)
137.50 - Tony McIntyre (Lundin)
133.75 - David Smith (Stirling)
128.75 - Colin Christy (Kilmacolm)
128.30 - Iain Stewart (Curragh)
125.00 - Adrian Donkersley (Gerrards Cross), Robert Gill (Gerrards Cross)
111.25 - Keith Bruce (Edzell)
102.50 - Alistair Fiddes (Deeside), John Johnston (Lanark)
100.00 - Brian Christie (Wilton), Andrew Laird (Deeside)
97.50 - George Payne (Prestbury)
92.50 - Alex Ritchie (Bothwell Castle)
87.50 - Keith Howie (West Kilbride)
82.50 - Peter Lamb (Biggar)
80.00 - Bill Methven (Royal Aberdeen), Glyn Rees (Fleetwood)
75.00 - Alan Ferguson (Drumpellier)
72.50 - Henry Anderson (Glenbervie)
60.00 - Stuart Pond (Worksop)
57.50 - Ian Jeen (Milngavie)
55.00 - Alistair Harkness (Southerness), Hugh Clunas (Nairn Dunbar), Maitland Pollock (Lochmaben)
52.50 - David Gardner (Broomieknowe)
50.00 - Alan Nelson (Banchory), David Millar (New Club St Andrews), Patrick Tomisson (Nairn), David Bunker (Nairn Dunbar), Les Fowler (Royal Aberdeen), Sandy Fairweather (Carnoustie Caledonian), David Dickson (Lochmaben), John Hamilton (Murcar Links)
42.50 - Richard Gray (Cowglen), David Imrie (Thornton), Robert Thomson (St Andrews), Brian Bingham (Haggs Castle)
30.00 - Jalil Aman (Grangemouth)
25.00 - Denis Mcquade (Glenbervie)
20.00 - Jim Kinloch (Cardross), Peter Jamieson (Cathkin Braes)
17.50 - Graeme Millar (Swanston New), Ken Russell (Wigtown & Bladnoch), William Moore (Irvine Ravenspark)
15.00 - Aiden Grounds (Falkirk Tryst), Scott McDonald (Dunfermline), Andrew Wright (Glencorse)
5.00 - Ken Forrest (Lenzie)
1.60 - Keith McAllister (South Shields), Michael Currie (Glen)

SCOTTISH SENIORS GOLF SOCIETY - Miller edged out in finals day at Blairgowrie

The 2009 Scottish Seniors Golf Society finals day at Blairgowrie last week was a fascinating prospect with any of the top six at the start of play in with a mathematical chance of succeeding Ian Hutcheon and Gordon MacDonald as order of merit title holder.

David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) lay in second place before the start of play but as the day progressed it became more and more likely that matchplay champion George Paterson would hold on to his Order Of merit lead.

The day's low scores were posted by the in-form George Rodaks and Bob Stewart with fine 72s.

Unfortunately Ian Brotherston suffered a back injury before leaving home and had to withdraw.

Other challengers Ian Hutcheon and Ian Taylor advised their disqualifications as they had played from the wrong tee at one hole. Ironically it was 40 yards behind the correct one but the Rules display no leniency in such situations.

Scores from Blairgowrie

72 - Bob Stewart (Tulliallan), George Rodaks (Moffat)
75 - Dave Downie (Kirriemuir), David Smith (Stirling), Eric Lindsay (Blairgowrie), John Broadfoot (Turnberry)
76 - George Paterson (Northern)
77 - Keith Howie (West Kilbride), Michael Jenkins (Duff House Royal), Tony Stafford (Dun Ochil), William Brown (Strathaven)
78 - Alistair Fiddes (Deeside), Gordon MacDonald (Callander)
79 - John Johnston (Lanark)
80 - David J Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie), Graham Brown (Royal Liverpool), Keith Bruce (Edzell), Sandy Pirie (Hazlehead)
81 - Alex Ritchie (Bothwell Castle), Derek Murphy (Kinross)
82 - Brian Christie (Wilton), Jim Watt (Edzell)
84 - Bill Methven (Royal Aberdeen), Brian Smith (Kilmacolm), Henry Anderson (Glenbervie)
dq - Ian Hutcheon (Monifieth), Ian Taylor (Royal Burgess)
nr - Andrew Laird (Deeside), Steve Ellis (Heritage of St Andrews)
wd - Ian Brotherston (Dumfries and County)

Friday, September 11, 2009

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - McDonald champ and St. Cuthbert pair follow.

The 2009 Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit Trophy winner is Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie). The Scottish boys internationalist and current Scottish Boys Strokeplay Champion secured the title before the final event, The Ferguson Trophy at Ardeer, was played.

In the final event none of the top placed players featured in the returns, leaving the St. Cuthbert duo of Scott Johnston & Craig Telfer in second and third place respectively.

THE FINAL PLACINGS IN THE 2009 JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT WERE :-

703.75 - Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie)
391.25 - Scott Johnston (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
353.75 - Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
350.00 - Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie)
347.50 - David Wilson (Troon Welbeck)

267.50 - Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck)
251.25 - Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie)
225.00 - Cameron McLean (West Kilbride)
180.00 - Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck)
177.50 - Colin Robinson (Largs)
162.50 - Declan Flood (Caprington)
150.00 - Callum Gorrie (Kilmarnock Barassie)
127.50 - Chris Butler (Irvine Ravenspark) & Ben Gibson (Troon Welbeck)
116.25 - Sean Thorburn (Ayr Belleisle)
115.00 - John Robertson (Largs)
97.50 - Graham Ritchie (Troon Welbeck)
92.50 - Jared Williams (Kilmacolm / Troon St. Meddans)
87.50 - Ryan Evans (Kilbirnie Place) , Graeme Reid (Beith)
81.25 - Callum Beveridge (Troon Welbeck), Charlie MacNeal (Troon Welbeck)
75.00 - Callum Nairn (Prestwick St. Nicholas), Robbie Fitzpatrick (Ardeer)
62.50 - John Montgomery (West Kilbride)
57.50 - Rory Mckenzie (Troon Welbeck)
50.00 - Sandy Darroch (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
38.75 - Jonny Stevenson (Troon Welbeck)
35.00 - Ciar Porciani (Turnberry), Joseph Howie (Ardeer),
30.00 - David McLellan (Largs)
28.75 - Stephen Craig (Caprington) & Alan Watson (Ballochmyle)
27.50 - Gregor Mackintosh (Girvan), Ross McSherry (Caprington), Fraser Kerr (Kilmarnock Barassie), Callum McLean (Troon Welbeck)
20.00 - Grant McLean (Kilbirnie Place), Greg Telfer (St. Cuthbert)
15.00 - Colin Currie (Kilmarnock Barassie), Alasdair McDougall (West Kilbride)
12.50 - Gary Morrison (Annanhill)
10.00 - Alastair Berry (Irvine Ravenspark), Ian Reid (West Kilbride), Scott Hannah (Ballochmyle), Chris Lawson (Kilbirnie Place), Daniel Forbes (Ardeer)
8.75 - Scott Low (Prestwick St. Nicholas), Jack Whent (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
7.50 - Ian Napier (Ayr Belleisle)
5.00 - Alasdair Macgregor (Loudoun), Craig Hodge (Beith),
J. McCluskey (Ayr Belleisle)
2.50 - Andrew Gilmour (Largs)

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL - Defeat again for Maybole pair as Annanhill take the title

The Annanhill pairing of Douglas Anderson & Gary Jordan (pictured right) are the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Champions after a final hole victory over Scott McCahill and David Wallace (Maybole) in the final played at Prestwick St. Cuthbert Golf Club on Friday 11th September.

The defeat was a double blow for the Maybole pair, coming two years after they were defeated on the final green of the 2007 competition.

McCahill (2) was the back marker in the tie with Jordan (4), Wallace (11) and Anderson (15) all receiving shots in the final.


The Annanhill pairing got off to a great start, taking two of the first four holes before Maybole reduced the defecit to one at the fifth and leveled the match after six holes.

A missed putt for a half by Anderson at the eighth gave Maybole the lead for the first time and this was extended to two holes at the turn for Maybole with a winning par at the ninth.

Strokes proved telling at the next two holes, Jordan and then Anderson using these to great effect in order to square the match again after 12 holes.

A superb second shot, after his tee shot came up short at the 14th, set up a winning par three for Annanhill and their lead was restored once more, and held over the 15th and 16th holes.

At the 17th, McCahill hit an excellent tee shot to 12 feet, setting up a winning par three to level the match once more.

With Anderson and Wallace both receiving shots at the last, the tee shot was vital, and whilst Anderson split the fairway from the tee, Wallace found trouble in the trees on the right and could only play out sideways to get back into play.

With all four players at or near the green in three, Anderson played a lovely pitch which pulled up some distance past the hole. Two putts secured a safe nett birdie four and, with McCahill and Jordan unable to beat his effort, Anderson could only wait and see if Wallace could hole from 20 feet for a nett birdie to square the match and take it into extra holes.

In the event, Wallace's putt just slipped past the hole and Annanhill were the 2009 Championship winners by a narrow one hole margin.

At the conclusuion of the final, Ayrshire Golf Association President Alasdair Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas) presented vouchers to all four finalists - pictured below - and medals to the winning pair.

The winning team will be presented with the Ayrshire Fourball Trophy at the annual dinner of The Association in February 2010.

WOMENS HOME INTERNATIONALS - Agony for Scots as singles collapse gives Wales victory

(from the www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk website)

It was the Wonder of Wales all over again at Irvine Golf Club today.

Last year, the Welsh won the women's home internationals title in a "photo-finish" at Wrexham.Twelve months later, Wales have won the title again - but much more emphatically.They won the home internationals crown for the first time at Royal Dornoch in 1999. Now they have won it three times over 10 years and for the second time on a Scottish course.

Scotland played themselves into a potentially-winning situation but finished the tournament in second place.Having beaten Ireland and then England, the Scots crashed 6-3 in the title decider against the title-holders.

Scotland took a 2-1 lead from the final set of foursomes and with a draw going to be good enough, they needed "only" 2 1/2pt out of the six at stake in the afternoon singles.But after an impressive, three-under-par win by Carly Booth put Scotland 3-1 ahead, it all went pear-shaped for skipper Lesley Nicholson's squad.

Wales won the last five singles to snatch the Miller Trophy almost out of the Scots' grasp..Skipper Lesley Nicholson said: “I’m gutted by how it finished but I’m proud of my girls for their performance over the three days. Wales were a very strong side, even stronger than last year.”

Wales won the title with 2 1/2pt. Scotland were runners-up with 2pt.England beat Ireland 7-2 to total 1pt and finish third ahead of Ireland with 1/2pt.

Welsh captain Sue Turner paid tribute to the team spirit of her young squad - it included three juniors and the oldest member is 23."We are a small country and we have to bond together to achieve anything against the bigger nations in any sport. For the second year it a row, Wales' golfing women/girls have done just that. I'm so proud of them," said Sue."It's a squad that requires 'low maintenance' from me. And I must pay tribute to our national coach Jeremy Bennett. He only joined us a couple of years ago - and what a difference he has made - just look at what we've done in this tournament over these two years."

Scotland had taken a 2-1 lead from the foursomes and extended that advantage to 3-1 when Carly Booth beat Rhian Wyn Thomas in the singles.That was the high point for Scotland – Wales won the remaining five singles for a 6-3 victory.

Scotland needed a minimum of 2 ½ pt from the six afternoon singles to win the title and they got the first one from Carly Booth at the expense of Rhian Wyn Thomas. It was Carly’s fourth win and Rhian’s first defeat in six games.Carly, two down after two, produced three-under-par figures in winning by 3 and 2 after trailing through the first seven holes. She squared it at the eighth and then went ahead at the ninth.Booth won the 13th and 14th for a three-hole lead which the Welsh player could not peg back.

Wales hit back by winning the next two ties to level it overall at 3-3.Welsh champion Tara Davies produced possibly the best individual performance by anyone over the three days. She was six under par against the luckless Jane Turner and beat her 6 and 4.Davies went three up after only four holes and there was no way back for Turner against an opponent playing sub-par golf.

Gemma Bradbury beat Scottish Under-21 champion Kelsey MacDonald by 2 and 1 in a tight match in which there was never more than a hole in it either way until Gemma won the 16th and 17th for victory.

With three ties to finish, Wales were two up in one and all square in the two others, a position which would give them the championship if they held it to the finish.

Kath O’Connor, making only her second appearance, put Wales ahead 4-3 with a 2 and 1 win over Pamela Pretswell. O’Connor went two up after eight and though Pretswell twice reduced her deficit to one hole, she could not get on terms. The Welsh player, won the short 16th with a par to go two up and a half at the next was enough to clinch a good win.

Amy Boulden and Lucy Gould delivered victories for Wales in the last two matches to finish which gave Wales a 5-1 capture of the singles and 6-3 overall victory which retained the championship.Boulden beat Megan Briggs by two holes after being one down with four to play. The Welsh player squared it with a par at the 15th and went one up with another par at the 16th.

Lucy Gould scored a 3 and 1 win over Kylie Walker, again with a strong finish. The Scot was two up at one stage on the outward half and Gould did not get on terms until the 13th. She then led for the first time with a birdie at the 15th ; and went two up with a par at the 16th.

British stroke-play champion Danielle McVeigh won the top singles match for Ireland against England by beating their native champion, left-hander Charlie Douglass by two holes.Douglass was two up at the turn but McVeigh was suddenly level again by winning the 10th with a birdie and the 11th with a par. Douglass got her nose in front again with a birdie at the 14th but bogeyed the short 16th to be pulled back to square, McVeigh staged a grandstand finish to win the 17th and 18th with birdies for an impressive two-hole win in a quality match.

England won the next three ties to finish.Rachel Jennings beat Charlene Reid by 2 and 1; Hannah Barwood won by one hole over Aedin Murphy and Nikki Foster was a 4 and 2 winner over Sarah Cunningham.That gave England a 6-1 lead.

The Jennings-Reid tie was all square after 12 before Jennings won the 13th and 17th for victory.Barwood and Murphy were also level pegging on the 13th tee. Barwood edged ahead by winning that hole with a birdie but Murphy pulled her back to square at the 15th. Barwood took the lead in this ding-dong tie once again at the 16th and was able to maintain that advantage to the finish. Foster finished strongly to beat Cunningham. The match was all square after 12 holes. Then Foster won the next four holes for victory.

English girls champion Holly Clyburn was a 4 and 2 winner over Gillian O’Leary after winning the first three holes. Clyburn led by two at the turn and clinched victory with further successes at the 14th and 16th.Ireland got their second point from the last tie to finish.

Mary Dowling, four holes to the good at one stage, eventually beat Charlotte Wild by one hole.

Wales will be going for a hat-trick of victories on home ground next year - Whitchurch Golf Club, Cardiff is the 2010 venue.