AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Latest positions

In LEAGUE 1, Irvine lead the way from close rivals Ravenspark following a 6 - 0 home win over Maybole. Ravenspark kept up the pressure on their neighbours with a 5.5 - 0.5 win at maybole in their last fixture.

Present positions are :-

Irvine - played 4 - 14 pts
Ravenspark - played 3 - 8 pts
Maybole - played 4 - 4 pts
Caprington - played 3 - 2 pts

In LEAGUE 2, Loudoun lead after a 3.5 - 2.5 win away to Ballochmyle and a 5 - 1 home win over Prestwick St. Cuthbert. Troon Welbeck recorded their first win of the season with a 3.5 - 2.5 home win over Ballochmyle.

Present positions are :-

Loudoun - played 3 - 12 pts
Prestwick St Cuthbert - played 3 - 8 pts
Troon Welbeck - played 3 - 4 pts
Ballochmyle - played 3 - 0 pts

In LEAGUE 3, Ayr Belleisle are just ahead of Turnberry after a 6 - 0 home win over New Cumnock and a 3 - 3 draw at Troon St Meddans. Turnberry maintained their hopes with a 3.5 - 2.5 win at home to St Meddans.

Present positions are :-

Ayr Belleisle - played 5 - 12 pts
Turnberry - played 4 - 10 pts
Troon St Meddans - played 5 - 8pts
New Cumnock - played 4 - 6pts

In LEAGUE 4, the two teams remaining will play the return match to decide the qualifier on 2nd July. Kilbirnie Place lead West Kilbride 3.5 - 2.5 after the first leg

In LEAGUE 5, Largs lead the way after successive 5 - 1 home wins over Tam O Shanter and Beith in their last two matches.

Present positions are :-

Largs - played 3 - 10pts
Tam O Shanter - played 3 - 4pts
Beith - played 3 - 2pts

In LEAGUE 6, Kilmarnock (Barassie) are well in the lead after a 5 - 1 home win over Ardeer in their latest match.

Present positions are :-

Kilmarnock (Barassie) - played 3 - 12pts
Annanhill - played 2 - 2pts
Ardeer - played 3 - 2pts

SCOTTISH BOYS STROKEPLAY - Six Ayrshire boys in title bid

Ayrshire will have six representatives in the 2010 Scottish Boys Strokeplay which takes place at Craigielaw GC from 20th to 23rd July.

Along with the defending champion Jack McDonald, Kilmarnock (Barassie) are represented by Callum Gorrie.

Ciar Porciani (Ayr Belleisle) is also in the field, along with the Troon Welbeck trio of Marc Smith, Graeme Ritchie and Charlie Macneal.

The ballot for the final line up took place on 3.4 of a handicap.

Tee times on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st, involving Ayrshre players are:-

0915/1408 - Callum Gorrie
0935/1425 - Jack McDonald
1225/0735 - Marc Smith
1249/0759 - Ciar Porciani
1320/0830 - Graeme Ritchie
1356/0906 - Charlie Macneal

AYRSHIRE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - Record entry as Prestwick defend title

A record entry of 22 clubs will contest the 2010 Ayrshire Club Championship at Prestwick Golf Club on Sunday 4th July, with a place in the Scottish Club Championship finals on offer to the winners.

Prestwick GC, who won the championship 12 months ago at Loudoun and went on to win the Scottish Club Championship in September at Prestwick St. Nicholas, will field a strong team over their home course in their bid to retain the R.L. Crawford trophy this year.

For the first time, organisers will be using a two tee start in the competition, with players starting from both the 1st and 10th tees.

The draw for order of play is :-

1st TEE START

3.00 pm - Gavin Lawrie (Prestwick), Bert Ferguson (Troon Welbeck), Alan Connery (Irvine)

3.08 pm - Jonathan King (Prestwick), Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck), Stephen Spence (Irvine)

3.15 pm - James Bunch (Prestwick), Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck), Alex Gourlay (Irvine)

3.23 pm - Lee Jenkins (Beith), Mark Tait (Annanhill), Neil McCormack (New Cumnock)

3.30 pm - Rab Marshall (Beith), Tony Fraser (Annanhill), Tommy Keddie (New Cumnock)

3.38 pm - Brian Gray (Beith), Gary McTaggart (Annanhill), Martin Riddall (New Cumnock)

3.45 pm - Barry o'Rourke (Kilbirnie Place), Mark Stewart (Troon St Meddans), Dominic Booth (Turnberry)

3.53 pm - Robert Nairn (Kilbirnie Place), Ian Fraser (Troon St Meddans), Graham Rowan (Ballochmyle)

4.00 pm - George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark), Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle), Scott Brown (Turnberry)

4.08 pm - Kenny Milliken (Troon St Meddans), Grant Mcivor (Turnberry), Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark)

4.15 pm - Alan McLean (Kilbirnie Place), William Fleming (Ballochmyle), Gary Cochran (Irvine Ravenspark)

10th TEE START

3.00 pm - Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St Cuthbert), iain McDonald (Largs), Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie)

3.08 pm - Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St Cuthbert), Gregor Dickson (Largs), Jamie mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie)

3.15 pm - David Glass (Prestwick St Cuthbert), Craig McLaughlin (largs), Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie)

3.23 pm - Peter Gossman (West KIlbride), Billy McCulloch (Brunston Castle), Nicholas Tindall (Tam O Shanter)

3.30 pm - John Duff (West Kilbride), Steven Capstick (Brunston Castle), John Sloan (Tam O Shanter)

3.38 pm - Sandy Wilson (West Kilbride), Frank Murdoch (Brunston Castle), Joseph Gillon (Tam O Shanter)

3.45 pm - Gordon Boyle (Ayr Dalmilling), Kevin Brock (Prestwick St Nicholas), John Haggerty (Loudoun)

3.53 pm - James McCormack (Ayr Dalmilling), Alastair Belford (Prestwick St Nicholas), Kevin Ottley (Ayr Belleisle)

4.00 pm - Scott Gilchrist (Loudoun), Lee Hughes (Ayr Belleisle), Kirk Russell (Doon Valley)

4.08 pm - Steven Corrigan (Ayr Dalmilling), James Graham (Doon Valley), Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle)

4.15 pm - Stuart Peters (Doon Valley), Gary Tierney (Prestwick St Nicholas), Chris Bone (Loudoun)

The winning team in the Ayrshire Club Championship will go forward to represent Ayrshire in the Scottish Club Championship finals at Fortrose & Rosemarkie in September.

EUROPEASN BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - McDonald named in Scotland team

(SGU news release)

Scottish Boys Champion Grant Forrest has been rewarded for his sparkling form this season with a place in the Scotland side bidding for glory at next month’s European Amateur Boys Team Championship in Turkey (6 – 10 July).

Forrest, who finished runner-up in the prestigious Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters at the weekend, won the Scottish Boys Championship at West Kilbride in April, adding to the national U16s title he collected last summer. The 16-year-old from Craigielaw also helped Lothians to victory in the recent Scottish Boys Area Team Championship and made his Scotland debut in the Boys Home Internationals last August.

Reigning Scottish Boys Stroke Play Champion Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) - picture right - is the only player from last year’s line-up in the team travelling to Klassis Golf Club in Istanbul, aiming to become the first Scottish side in ten years to lift the European title.

Torwoodlee’s Simon Fairburn, who leads the SGU Boys Order of Merit race following two Junior Tour wins and a victory in the Junior Champion of Champions event, earns a well deserved call-up, while Liam Johnston (Dumfries & County), who fired a superb six-under par 66 to win the recent Junior Tour event at Barassie, also makes the team.

Scott Gibson (Southerness), who accumulated an impressive five wins out of six in last year’s Boys Home Internationals and recently won his second consecutive Scottish Schools Championship title, earns an inclusion, with Scottish Youths Championship joint runner-up Paul McPhee (King James VI) also selected on the back of his consistent form this season.

National junior coach Spencer Henderson looked forward to the championship:

“All the players in this year’s team have shown excellent form this season both domestically and in events further afield so we’ll go to Turkey with a lot of confidence and belief. The level of boys’ golf across Europe seems to improve year on year but we’ll look forward to the challenge.”

“It’s been ten years since Scotland last won the event with Martin Laird in the side back then but we’ve had some good performances over the last few years and we’ll take inspiration from how the men’s team have performed on the big stage.” he added.

The Scotland Boys’ team is sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management and TaylorMade-adidas Golf.

Full Team:

Grant Forrest (Craigielaw)
Scott Gibson (Southerness)
Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock, Barassie)
Simon Fairburn (Galashiels)
Paul McPhee ( King James VI)
Liam Johnston (Dumfries & County)

EUROPEAN TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart named in Scotland team to defend title

(SGU news release)

Banchory’s James Byrne, the beaten finalist in last week’s Amateur Championship, will headline a strong Scotland line-up bidding to defend the European Amateur Team Championship in Sweden next month (6 – 10 July).

The Scots overcame England in the final at Conwy GC in Wales last July to become World and European champions and this year’s six-man team will be looking to become the first Scotland side to defend the title since 1977, with a team which included amateur legends Charlie Green and Ian Hutcheon.

Byrne, who is now in the top 20 of the world amateur rankings, missed out on a place in last year’s side, but made his full Scotland debut alongside Richie Ramsay in the European bronze-medal winning team of 2007 at Western Gailes.

Colville Park’s Ross Kellett and Troon Welbeck’s Michael Stewart - pictured right - are the only members of last year’s team still in the side, with Gavin Dear, Wallace Booth, Paul O’Hara all turning making the switch to the paid ranks.

Kellett’s confidence will be boosted by a four-shot win in last weekend’s Tennant Cup – his first SGU Order of Merit success – while Stewart has returned from the United States in positive fashion with a seventh place finish in the St Andrews Links Trophy before reaching the third round of the match play stages in the Amateur Championship.

Philip McLean, joint runner-up in the St Andrews Links Trophy, makes his European Team Championship debut, as does Fraserburgh’s Kris Nicol who achieved second place finishes in both the Lytham Trophy and Irish Stroke Play Championship earlier this season. Both players helped the North East team to victory in last month’s Moneygate Scottish Area Team Championship at Kinross.

Greg Paterson, third in the recent Welsh Stroke Play Championship and one of seven Scots to qualify for the match-play stages at Muirfield last week, has been rewarded with his first European team inclusion, while Paterson’s fellow Fifer James White has been named reserve.

The Championship takes place at Osterakers Golf Club in Sweden (6 – 10 July), with two rounds of stroke play qualifying determining the top flight of eight for the match play stages. Scotland has won the Championship on six occasions, while England lead the way with nine wins.

The Scotland team is sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management and TaylorMade-adidas Golf.

Full Team:

1. James Byrne (Banchory)
2. Ross Kellett (Colville Park)
3. Philip McLean (Peterhead)
4. Kris Nicol (Fraserburgh)
5. Greg Paterson (The New Club, St Andrews)
6. Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck)

Reserve : James White (Lundin)

WEST OF SCOTLAND GIRLS - Ayrshire runners up in Kennedy salver

(From the Kirkwoodgolf.co.uk website)

Ayrshire were runners up to Renfrewshire in the West of Scotland junior inter-county matches for the Kennedy Salver at Cawder Golf Club on Monday 21st June.

Renfrewshire secured 6.5 pts, Ayrshire followed with 5.5 pts, Dumbarton and Argyll were third with 4.5 pts and Lanarkshire were fourth with 1.5 pts.

Results:

Foursomes:

Katie McGarva and Grace Mackie (Ayrshire) beat Jorden Ferrie and Kirsten Scott (D and A) by 3 and 2
Natasha Qayum and Lesley Cosh (Renfrewshire) beat Nicole Benson and Abbi Gliksten (Lanarkshire) by 1 hole
Amanda McLeod and Aileen Campbell (D and A) beat Samantha Cowan and Saorcha Warren (Renfrewshire) by 4 and 3
Emma Hale and Rachel Irvine (Ayrshire) beat Julie Glencorse and Nicole Muir (Lanarkshire) by 7 and 6
Robyn Michie and Alex Rennie (D and A) beat Eva O'Connor and Lisa Bathgate (Lanarkshire) by 6 and 4
Mairi Gray and Alexandra Qayum (Renfrewshire) beat Conni Jaffrey and Alexandra Brown (Ayrshire) by 4 and 3

Singles:

Kirsten Scott (D and A) beat Nicole Benson (Lanarkshire) by 2 holes
Natasha Qayum (Renfrewshire) beat Connie Jaffrey (Ayrshire) by 3 and 2
Amanda McLeod (D and A) beat Samantha Cowan (Renfrewshire) by 7 and 6
Eva O'Connor (Lanarkshire) halved with Katie Mcgarva (Ayrshire)
Emma Hale (Ayrshire) beat Jorden Ferrie (D and A) by 4 and 3
Saorcha Warren (Renfrewshire) beat Nicole Muir (Lanarkshire) by 4 and 3
Abbi Gliksten (Lanarkshire) beat Rachael McLelland (D and A) by 4 and 2
Alexandra Qayum (Renfrewshire) beat Rachel Irvine (Ayrshire) by 3 and 2
Aileen Campbell (D and A) halved with Mairi Gray (Renfrewshire)
Grace Mackie (Ayrshire) beat Julie Glencorse (Lanarkshire) by 7 and 6
Robyn Michie (D and A) lost to Hazel McGarvie (Ayrshire)
Emma Kennedy (Renfrewshire) beat Abbi Kidd (Lanarkshire) by 4 and 3

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Quarter final line up complete

The eight remaining players in the quarter finals of the 2010 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition have been decided this week.

Scott McCahill (Maybole) had a 3 & 2 win on his trip to play Ewan McKinnon (Corrie) and now faces an away tie against Craig Robertson (Abbotsford) in the quarter finals.

Lee Jenkins (Beith) was also an away winner, by 2 & 1 over Stuart White (Girvan), and now faces a quarter final home tie against Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie), who beat Eric Behan (Ardeer) at home in round 3 by 2 & 1 also.

The other remaining tie to be completed saw Scottish Internationalist Steven McEwan (Caprington) win by 2& 1 away from home against Adam Sweeney (Largs Routenburn). McEwan is now at home to Kevin Brock (Prestwick St. Nicholas) in the last eight.

The full quarter final draw is :-

CRAIG ROBERTSON (Abbotsford) Vs. SCOTT McCAHILL (Maybole)

LEE JENKINS (Beith) Vs. JAMIE MACKAY (Kilmarnock Barasie)

GORDON McKELVIE (Royal Troon) Vs. TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun - holder)

STEVEN McEWAN (Caprington) Vs. KEVIN BROCK (Prestwick St. Nicholas)

All Quarter Final ties are due to be completed by 26th July with the semi finals scheduled to be played at Royal Troon on Friday 6th August.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL - Two more through to quarter finals

Two more teams have booked their place in the quarter finals of the 2010 Ayrshire Fourball Championship.

John Brodie & Alan Smeeton (Chase) recorded a 2 & 1 home win over Scott & Jim Brown (Girvan) and now face a trip to either Irvine or Moorpark in the last eight.

After a superb match which included 12 birdies, Alastair Brown & Roger Thyne (Kilmarnock Barassie) defeated their visitors Michael & Stephen Holland (Troon Welbeck) by 2 & 1 and are now at home to Andrew Stewart & Martin Scott (Irvine Ravenspark) in the quarter finals.

The remaining five third round matches are due to be completed by 28th June.

TENNANT CUP - Stewart runner up in SGU Order Of merit event

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) finished in joint runner up spot in the Tennant Cup, played at Glasgow Golf Club Gailes & Killermont courses over the weekend.

Along with Sam Binning (Ranfurly Castle), Stewart finished on 284 for four rounds, leaving him four strokes adrift of the winner Ross Kellett (Colville Park) on 280

Steven McEwan (Caprington) finished on 290, with rounds of 74 & 71 over each of the courses whilst the other Ayrshire players to make the cut, John Shanks (Irvine) & Chris harkins (Ayr Belleisle) finished on 299 & 300 respectively.

Jonathan King (Glasgow), a member of the winning Prestwick team in the Scottish Club Championship last year, finished on 295.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS

280 - Ross Kellett (Colville Park) 71 68 68 73

284 - Sam Binning (Ranfurly Castle) 76 72 71 65, Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) 70 74 72 69

287 - Scott Larkin (Banchory) 73 77 68 69, Kris Nicol (Fraserburgh) 74 74 69 70, James White (Lundin) 70 72 73 72

288 - Adam Dunton (McDonald) 72 74 72 70

289 - Peter Latimer (St Andrews New) 74 77 69 69, Greg Nicolson (Mortonhall) 71 73 72 73

290 - Chris Robb (Inchmarlo) 75 73 69 73, Mark Bookless (Sandyhills) 73 74 72 71, Scott Crichton (Aberdour) 75 71 72 72, Fraser McKenna (Balmore) 69 76 70 75, Steven McEwan (Caprington) 74 71 74 71

Other Ayrshire Scores

299 - John Shanks (Irvine) 70 76 77 76

300 - Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) 76 74 75 76

Missed Cut

154 - Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle) 78 76

157 - Jamie MacKay (Kilmarnock Barassie) 77 80

N/R - George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) 76 NR

AYRSHIRE SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP - Closing date approaching for West Kilbride event

The closing date for entries to the 2010 Ayrshire Seniors Championship is fast approaching.

This year the competition, for the Sandy Provan Trophy, will be held at West Kilbride Golf Club on Tuesday 20th July.

Entries for the event should be in the hands of The Association Secretary by noon on Saturday 26th June.

Entry forms should be available through clubs, or can be downloaded via the link on the left of this page under the 'gents' heading.

THE 2010 AYRSHIRE
SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP
For the Sandy Provan Trophy
AT
WEST KILBRIDE GOLF CLUB
BY KIND PERMISSION
ON
TUESDAY20TH JULY 2010
(OVER 18 HOLES HANDICAP STROKEPLAY)
**********
ENTRY FEE £ 10.00

MINIMUM AGE LIMIT: 55 years of age on the day of the competition

HANDICAP LIMIT : 24

**********
ENTRY MAY BE LIMITED TO 78 PLAYERS - TO BE BALLOT AFTER THE CLOSING DATE

All entrants must be members of clubs fully affiliated to The Ayrshire Golf Association
**********
THE WINNER WILL RETAIN THE SANDY PROVAN TROPHY
FOR ONE YEAR AND WILL RECEIVE A MEDAL FOR RETENTION

IN ADDITION PRIZE VOUCHERS WILL BE AWARDED FOR BEST SCRATCH SCORE
AND ON HANDICAP BASIS IN THREE AGE GROUP CATEGORIES

**********
ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FROM CLUB SECRETARIES
ON THE WEB AT http://www.ayrshiregolf.blogspot.com/
OR THE A.G.A. SECRETARY
ALASDAIR MALCOLM
17 AUCHINCRUIVE AVENUE, PRESTWICK, KA9 2DT
(PLEASE ENCLOSE A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE)

**********
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: - NOON ON SATURDAY 26th JUNE 2010

PLEASE NOTE : COMPETITORS ARE REQUIRED TO OBEY CLUB RULES REGARDING DRESS
BOTH ON THE COURSE AND IN THE CLUBHOUSE

THE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart defeated in last 32

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) bowed out of the 2010 Amatuer Championship at Muirfield on Thursday morning when he was edged out by one hole by Irish internationalist Paul Cutler (Portstewart) in their last 32 tie.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - four players through to quarter finals

Four of the eight quarter finalists in the 2010 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions have booked their places in the last eight of the tournament.

Craig Robertson (Abbotsford) booked his quarter final berth with a 2 & 1 home win over Gary Cochran (Irvine Ravenspark). Robertson now faces a home tie against Euan McKinnon (Corrie) or Scott McCahill (Maybole)

Also through to the last eight is Gordon McKelvie (Royal Troon) who had a one hole win over Fraser McCall (Troon Portland) in round 3. Mckelvie now has a home tie in the quarter finals against the holder Tommy McInally (Loudoun) who beat Andy Reid (Ayr Carrick) by 4 & 3 to progress.

The other player through to the quarter finals so far is Kevin Brock (Prestwick St. Nicholas) who had a 4 & 2 away win against Steven Jackson (Wallacetown). Brock will travel in the quarter finals to play either Adam Sweeney (Largs Routenburn) or Steven McEwan (Caprington).

The remaining third round ties are due to be completed by Monday 21st June.

KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE JUNIOR OPEN - Entry forms for Pollock Trophy now available

Entry forms are now available for the 2010 Kilmarnock (Barassie) Junior Open for the Pollock Trophy.

The event, a counting competition in the Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit, takes place over the Barassie links on Monday 5th July.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the link on the right of this page, under the 'Juniors' heading

Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club
Junior Open
for the
POLLOCK TROPHY
Monday 5th July 2010

Handicap limit-20 Open to juniors under 18 yrs on 1st January 2010

Best overall scratch score- POLLOCK TROPHY & £75
Runner-up - £50
Best overall nett score £40. Runner-up £20
Prizes will also be awarded for nett scores as follows:
Under 18 yrs 1st, 2nd & 3rd £30 - £20 - £15
Under 16 yrs 1st, 2nd & 3rd £30 - £20 - £15
Under 14 yrs 1st, 2nd & 3rd £30 - £20 - £15
Additional prizes for longest drives, nearest the pin and hidden holes.

Entries with entry fee of £6.00 must be received by Monday 28th June 2010
A limited number of entries may be available on the day of competition.

Entry fee on day will be £7.00

WEST OF SCOTLAND WOMEN'S INTER COUNTY MATCHES - Ayrshire finish with draw in final match

Ayrshire, beaten on the first two days of the 2010 West Of Scotland Women's Inter County Matches at Kilmacolm GC, finished off the series with a 4.5 - 4.5 draw with Lanarkshire on day 3.

Ayrshire won the foursomes in the morning 2 - 1 but could not gain the required points in the afternoon singles to record a victory.

Match details

AYRSHIRE 4 1/2 LANARKSHIRE 4 1/2

Foursomes
C Malcolm and M McKay lost to F Norris and S Wood by 1 hole
L Hendry and L Barker beat L Lloyd and M Hughes by 1 hole
L Allan and M McPherson beat E Cuthill and E Caddow by 4 and 2

Singles
Hendry lost to Norris by 3 and 2
R McQueen lost to Wood by 2 holes
D Watt lost to Cuthill by 6 and 4
Barker beat F Scott by 2 holes
Allan beat Hughes by 5 and 4
Malcolm halved with A Devine

In the other match Renfrewshire completed their 100% record and retained the West Division Women's Inter County Team Championship with a 7 - 2 win over Dumbarton & Argyll.

Match details :-

RENFREWSHIRE 7 DUMBARTON & ARGYLL 2

Foursomes
E Briggs and M Briggs beat S Bishop and L McGeachy by 5 and 4
A McKechin and C-M Carlton beat N Ferguson and J Meldrum by 4 and 3
G Kyle and C Whyte beat S Cadden and L Campbell by 4 and 3

Singles
E Briggs lost to Bishop by 3 and 2
Carlton beat Ferguson by 2 and 1
M Briggs beat Meldrum by 3 and 1
McKechin beat Cadden by 7 and 5
L Stewart lost to H Faulds by 4 and 3
D Jackson beat McGeachy by 7 and 6

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - League Championship latest

The Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship matches are progressing, as teams bid for a place in the semi finals in August.

In SECTION A, Troon welbeck presently lead the way with 10 points from four matches played. The Troon team enjoyed good away results recently with a 4 - 2 win against local rivals Troon St. Meddans and a 3 - 3 draw at Prestwick St. Nicholas.

at the moment Annahill present the closest challenge to Troon Welbeck, having full points from two home matches after being awarded a walkover against Troon St. meddans in their latest scheduled game.

Present positions are :-

TROON WELBECK - Played 4 - 10 pts

ANNANHILL - Played 2 - 8 pts

PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS - Played 2 - 2 pts

TROON ST. MEDDANS - Played 2 - 0 pts

In SECTION B, there has still only been the one match played, a 4.5 - 1.5 home win for Kilmarnock (Barassie) over West Kilbride, although there are three further matches this week with the remaining ties scheduled to be completed by the end of June.

With only three teams remaining in SECTION C, no matches have been played so far, with the first one scheduled for Sunday 20th June.

Prestwick St. Cuthbert lead SECTION D after completing a 100% record in their three home matches with a 5 - 1 win over Loudoun.

Ardeer provide the nearest challenge to St. Cuthbert after securing a notable 4 - 2 win away to Ballochmyle in their last match.

What is looking increasingly like a crunch match is scheduled for Sunday 20th June when St. Cuthbert travel to Ardeer for their final fixture of the section.

Present positions are :-

PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT - Played 5 - 12 pts

ARDEER - Played 3 - 8 pts

BALLOCHMYLE - Played 3 - 4 pts

LOUDOUN - Played 3 - 4pts

GREENLEES LADIES INTER CLUB LEAGUE - Mixed fortunes for Ayrshire clubs in recent matches

Ayrshire clubs competing in the Ladies West Of Scotland Inter Club Leagues for the Greenlees Trophy have had mixed fortunes in recent matches.

In Division 1, Kilmarnock (Barassie) suffered a 6 - 3 defeat on their recent visit to Cathkin Braes.

In contrast, West Kilbride enjoyed a 9 - 0 win over cardross in their latest match at home in the competition.

Ayrshire's only representatives in division 2, Prestwick St. Nicholas, have still to play their second match of the campaign after opening with a 7.5 - 1.5 home win over haggs Castle.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Irvine Ravenspark through to last eight

Irvine Ravenspark are the first side to book their place in the quarter finals of the 2010 Ayrshire Fourball Championship.

The Ravenspark duo of Andrew Stewart & Martin Scott beat their visitors Lee & Dale McBurnie (Kilbirine Place) by 3 & 2 to set up an away tie in the last eight against Michael & Stephen Holland (Troon Welbeck) or Alastair Brown & Rodger Thyne (Kilmarnock Barassie).

All the remaining third round ties are due for completion by 28th June.

SCOTTISH BOYS & GIRLS UNDER 14 CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire well represented in championship field

Six boys and three girls from Ayrshire are in the line up for the 2010 Scottish Boys & Girls Under 14 Championship which will be held at Auchterarder Golf Club on Friday 9th July.

West Kilbride and Troon Welbeck both provide a duo of competitors in the boys event, with Largs & Kilmarnock (Barassie) prioviding the other two.

Connie Jaffray (West Kilbride), a semi finalist in the Ayrshire Ladies County Championship in April, leads the trio of Ayrshirre girls bidding for the title.

Tee times involving Ayrshire players are :-

0850 - Keiran Tumilty (West Kilbride)
0910 - Ross McDonald (Troon Welbeck)
0920 - Euan Jack (West Kilbride)
0930 - Blair Gavin (Kilmarnock Barassie)
0940 - Hamish Mills (Largs)
1000 - Murray McCrone (Troon Welbeck)
1030 - Connie Jaffray (West Kilbride)
1140 - Emma Hale (Troon Bentinck)
1240 - Hazel MacGarvie (Troon Ladies)

SCOTTISH BOYS UNDER 16 CHAMPIONSHIP - Six Ayrshire players in Auchterarder field

Ayrshire will have six players in the field for the 2010 Scottish Boys Under 16 Championship which takes place at Auchterarded Golf Club from 6th to 8th July.

Kilmarnock (Barassie) and Troon Welbeck have two representatives each with Ayr Belleisle and Royal Troon providing the other local hopefuls.

Tee times for the opening two rounds, on 6th and 7th July, involviong Ayrshire players are :-

0750 / 1120 - Callum Gorrie (Kilmarnock Barassie)
0800 / 1130 - Ross McSherry (Royal Troon)
0950 / 1320 - David Wilson (Troon Welbeck)
1150 / 0820 - Jack McCluskey (Ayr Belleisle)
1200 / 0830 - Callum Beveridge (Troon Welbeck)
1350 / 1020 - Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie)

THE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart books place in last 32 at Muirfield

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) has booked his place in the last 32 of the 2010 Amateur Championship, being played at Muirfield this week.

In the first round of the matchplay, on Wednesday morning, the other Ayrshire player in the field, Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) lost out by 3 & 2 to Elias Bertheussen (Norway).

Michael Stewart faced a second round match against Philipp Westermann (Germany) on Wednesday afternoon and secured a place in the last 32 with a 4 & 3 win over his opponent.

In the last 32, on Thursday morning, Stewart plays Irish internationalist Paul Cutler (Portstewart).

WEST OF SCOTLAND LADIES INTER COUNTY MATCHES - Defeat for Ayrshire after foursomes whitewash on day 2

Ayrhsire suffered a second successive defeat on Tuesday in the 2010 West Of Scotland Ladies Inter County matches, being held this week at Kilmacolm GC.

It was always an uphill struggle for Ayrshire against Dumbarton & Argyll, after losing the morning foursomes by 3 - 0, although the team almost fought back by winning four of the six singles ties in the afternoon, but ultimately being beaten 5 - 4 in the match.

Match details :-

DUMBARTON & ARGYLL 5 AYRSHIRE 4

Foursomes
S Bishop and L McGeachy beat L Hendry and L Barker by 3 and 1
N Ferguson and J Meldrum beat D Watt and M McKay by 1 hole
S Cadden and L Campbell beat R McQueen and L Allan by 1 hole

Singles
J Meldrum beat Hendry by 1 hole
Ferguson beat M McPherson by 6 and 5
McGeachy lost to C Malcolm by 3 and 2
H Faulds lost to McQueen by 3 and 2
L McColl lost to Allan by2 and 1
Campbell lost to Watt by 6 and 5

In the other match, Renfrewshire, the defending champions, secured a second successive win when they defeated Lanarkshire and now look set to retain the West title.

match Details :-

RENFREWSHIRE 7 LANARKSHIRE 2

Foursomes
E Briggs and M Briggs beat F Norris and S Wood by 4 and 3
A McKechin and C-M Carlton beat E Cuthill and A Devin by 2 and 1
D Jackson and G Kyle lost to L Lloyd and M Hughes by 1 hole

Singles
E Briggs beat Norris by 6 and 4
M Briggs beat Wood by 2 holes
McKechin beat Cuthill by 5 and 4
C-M Carlton beat Hughes by 2 holes
C Whyte beat E Caddow by 8 and 6
L Stewart lost to Lloyd by 6 and 5

The final matches are on Wednesday when Ayrshire play Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire take on Dumbarton & Argyll.

THE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Two in, one out for matchplay stages

Two of the three Ayrshire players in the 2010 Amateur Championship, being held at Muirfield and North Berwick this week, have progressed to the matchplay stages after qualifying over two rounds of strokeplay on Monday & Tuesday.

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck), who led the qualifying after a four under par first round at North Berwick, shot a three over par 74 over Muirfield on day two for a 141 total (-1) and a share of 27th place.

His score secured Stewart a place in round 2 of the matchplay where he will face Philipp Westermann (Germany) on Wednesday.

Also grabbing a slot in the matchplay was Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) who followed his level par first round of 71 with a second round 72 for a 143 total (+1) to tie for 57th place, right on the eventual cut score.

In the first round of the matchplay Chris Harkins will face Elias Bertheussen (Norway) on Wednesday morning, with the winner scheduled to play Andrea Pavan (Italy) in the second round on Wednesday afternoon.

After a four over par opening round, Steven McEwan (Caprington) was struggling to make the cut but a second round of 70 gave him a 36 hole total of 145 which ultimately left him only two shots adrigft of securing a place in the matchplay stages.

SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIPS - Closing dates near for Boys Strokeplay & Scottish Amateur

The closing dates for the 2010 Scottish Boys Open Strokeplay Championship and Scotttish Amateur Champioships are fast approaching.

The Scottish Boys Open Strokeplay Championship, being defended by Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) who won the title at Ladybank last year, takes place at Craigielaw GC from 20 to 22 July 2010.

The closing date for entries is Thursday 17 June 2010

Entry conditions are :-

Scottish Boys Open Stroke Play Championship
Craigielaw Golf Club, 20 - 22 July
Under 18 at 00.01 hours on 1 January 2010
Handicap Limit: 4.4 Entry fee: £35

The 2010 Allied Surveyors Scottish Amateur Championship will be held at Gullane No. 1 from 26 to 31 July.

Entries for this event close on Thursday 24th June.

Entry conditions are :-

Allied Surveyors Scottish Amateur Championship
Gullane No. 1, 26 – 31 July
Handicap Limit: 2.4 Entry fee: £65

A list of entries received to date for both competitions, and the relevant entry forms can be downloaded direct from the Scottishgolf website at www.scottishgolf.org

THE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart joint leader after day 1

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right - finished joint leader, on four under par, after day one of The Amateur Championship which is being played at Muirfield and North Berwick this week.

Playing his first round at North Berwick, Stewart started and finished with two successive birdies on his way to a score of 67, which left him tied at the head of the field.

Two other Ayrshire players are in the field for the champiuonship.

Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) - picture right - finished on level par after the first round whilst Steven McEwan (Caprington) - pictured left - has some work to do to qualify for the matchplay stages after an opening round of four over par.

After Tuesday's second strokeplay qualifying round the top 64 players progress to the matchplay stages with the final scheduled for Saturday

LADIES WEST OF SCOTLAND INTER COUNTY MATCHES - Ayrshire lose out to hosts on day 1

Ayrshire lost to hosts Renfrewshire on day 1 of the 2010 West Of Scotland Ladies Inter County matches, being played this week at Kilmacolm.

2.5 - 0.5 down after the morning foursomes, Ayrshire took only two of the four singles in the afternoon.

In the other match, Lanarkshire crushed Dumbarton & Argyll by 8.5 - 0.5.

MATCH DETAILS

RENFREWSHIRE 6 1/2 AYRSHIRE 2 1/2

Foursomes
M Briggs and E Briggs beat L Allan and M McKay by 8 and 6
D Jckson and L Stewart halved with L Hendry and M McPherson
C-M Carlton and A McKechin beat C Malcolm and D Watt by 5 and 4

Singles
E Briggs beat Hendry by 6 and 5
Carlton beat L Barker by 7 and 5
M Briggs beat R McQueen by 4 and 2
McKechin beat McPherson by 5 and 4
G Kyle lost to Malcolm by 1 hole
C Whyte lost to Watt by 4 and 2

LANARKSHIRE 8 1/2 DUMBARTON & ARGYLL 1/2

Foursomes
F Norris and S Wood beat L McGeachy and S Bishop by 2 holes
E Cuthill and A Devin beat L Campbell and N Ferguson by 2 holes
L Lloyd and M Hughes beat H Faulds and S Cadden by 3 and 2

Singles
Norris beat Bishop by 4 amd 3
Wood beat Ferguson by 5 and 4
Cuthill beat J Meldrum by 2 holes
F Scott halved with Faulds
E Caddow beat L McColl by 2 holes
Lloyd beat McGeachy by 5 and 4

SCOTTISH MID AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Craig Hamilton takes national title

Craig Hamilton from Ballochmyle is the 2010 Scottish Mid Amateur Champion, after beating former winner Craig Watson of the host club at The East Renfrewshire Golf Club in the final on Monday afternoon.

In his morning semi final Hamilton beat Scott Ritchie (New Zealand) by 3 & 1 to book his place in the final whilst Watson beat Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon) by 2 & 1 in the other semi final.

In the final, Hamilton got the upper hand early on, winning the second hole with a par and following that with successive birdies at the third and fourth to forge a three hole advanatage. A further birdie at the par five eighth increased Hamilton's lead to four holes but Watson hit hback with a birdie three at the ninth to reduce the defecit to three holes at the turn.

A fourth birdie of the round for Hamilton at the tenth restored his four hole lead but again Watson produced a winning birdie thre at the eleventh to reduce the defecit to three holes once more.

A birdie two at the 13th for watson reduced the defecit further, to two holes but Hamilton stemmed the tide with pars at the fourteenth and fifteenth to maintain his two hole lead with three to play.

With a three at the sixteenth hole, Hamilton produced his fifth birdie of the final round and importantly won the hole for a 3 & 2 win and the Scottish Mid Amateur title for 2010.

EUROPEAN SENIORS TOUR - Runner Up place for Drummond in Ireland

Ross Drummond from Prestwick finished runner up in the 2010 Handa Irish Seniors Open, presented by Fáilte Ireland, when the championship concluded on Sunday 13th June at Carton House GC near Dublin.

Frenchman Marc Farry shot a final round of 69 to finish two strokes clear of Drummond who closed with a round of 70 for an eight under par total.

This was the fourth occasion that Drummond has finishe in the runner up position since joining the seniors tour three seasons ago.

One shot behind Farry overnight, Drummond slipped further behind when Farry birdied the opening hole of the final round but hit back with consecutive birdies on the second and third to grab a share of the lead. Farry however birdied the fourth and eighth to restore a two shot advantage but Drummond again reduced the defecit to one hole at the turn with a birdie at the ninth.

After both players bogeyed the tenth hole, play was suspended for an hour due to the threat of thunder and lightning.

On the resumption of play, Drummond dropped a shot at the 12th to go two behind once again. A birdie at the 15th brought Drummond back to within one stroke of Farry, and he narrowly missed a second succesive birdie, and a share of the lead again, at the 16th when his put shaved the hole. Farry however produced a vital birdie two at the penultimate hole to seal his win and push Drummond into second place.

LEADING FINAL SCORES :-

206 (-10) - Marc Farry (France) 67 70 69

208 ( - 8) - Ross Drummond (Scotland) 71 67 70

209 ( - 7) - Angel Franco 71 71 67, Glenn Ralph (England) 68 71 70

SGU JUNIOR TOUR - McDoanld best placed Ayrshire player in final event

The fifth and final SGU Junior Tour event of the season took place at Kilmarnock (Barassie) on Sunday 13 June and resulted in an eight shot win for Liam Johnston (Dumfries & County) with a score of 138 (72-66).

Best placed of the three Ayrshire players in the field was Jack McDonald of the host club who finished in eighth place on 148 (78-70).

Euan Walker of the host club finished on 154 (76-78) and Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) returned 158 (81-77).

SCOTTISH MID AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire duo in semi finals

The two Ayrshire players who won through to the matchplay stages of the 2010 Scottish Mid Amateur Championship, being played from 12 to 14 June at The East Renfrewshire Golf Club, have both won a place in the semi finals after the matchplay stages commenced on Sunday.

Former Ayrshire Matchplay title holder Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) had a 4 & 3 forst round win over Garry Duncan (Carnoustie Caledonia) and followed on in the afternoon to record a one hole win over Ben Renfrew (Wynyard) to book a place in the semi final.

In the semi final on Monday morning Hamilton will face Scott Ritchie (New Zealand) for a place in the final.

The other Ayrshire player in the semi finals is former Ayrshire Champion Of Champions title holder Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon).

A finalist in the last British Mid Amateur Championship in 2007, Moultrie beat Gordon Young of the host club by 4 & 3 in the first round of the matchplay and followed that with a 2 & 1 win over Michael Grunwell (Powfoot) in the quarter finals.

In Monday's semi final Paul Moultrie faces former Amateur Champion Craig Watson of the host club.

WEST OF SCOTLAND BOYS STROKEPLAY - Draw for 2010 championship

The draw for the 2010 West Of Scotland Boys Strokeplay championship, to be held at Grangemouth Golf Club on Tuesday 22nd June, has been published.

Ayrshire will have 7 players bidding to follow in the footsteps of 2009 Strokeplay Champion Colin Robinson (Largs).

The field for the 2010 championship includes Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) who won the associated Matchplay Championship in 2009.

The Ayrshire players taking part are :- Graeme Ritchie (Troon Welbeck), Greg Telfer (Prestwick St. Nicholas), Jack McCluskey (Ayr Belleisle) Euan Walker, Blair Gavin, Euan Henderson & Louis Murray (all Kilmarnock Barassie).

The full draw for the Strokeplay Championship can be downloaded via the link on the left of this page, under the 'Juniors' heading.

LADIES WEST OF SCOTLAND INTER COUNTY MATCHES - Ayrshire county side named for matches

The Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Association have announced the team of eight players who will represent the county in the West Of Scotland Inter County Matches from Monday 14th to Wednesday 16th June at Kilmacolm Golf Club.

County Champion Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) is joined by 2010 beaten finalist Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies) and former County and West Of Scotland title holder Catherine Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas).

Debbie Watt (Belleisle Ladies), Lesley Barker (nee Williamson) (Kilmarnock Barassie) and former county champion Morag Macpherson (Troon Ladies) will bring further experience to the side which will include two new faces in Mhari McKay (West Kilbride) and Linzi Allan (Kilbirnie Place), who is back home after a succesful season in the US College circuit.

(The Ayrshire Team :- Top (l-r) - Lesley Hendry, Rachael McQueen, Catherine Malcolm, Debbie Watt - Bottom (l-r) - Morag MacPherson, Lesley Barker, Mhari McKay, Linzi Allan)

The Ayrshire Ladies Association would welcome as many supporters as possible, hopefully wearing their green county jerseys, to Kilmacolm over the three days of the matches.

The team will be playing against Dumbarton & Argyll, Renfrewshire & Lanarkshire over the three days, for a place in the County Finals at Bothwell Castle Golf Club in September.

ANNANHILL JUNIOR OPEN - Places still available in competition

Annanhill Junior Open Competition

Thursday 15th July 2010

For the McMurtrie Cup
(Best Scratch Score)

One Round of Stroke Play Under Handicap

1st Class Handicap - scratch to 10
2nd Class Handicap - 11 to 18
3rd Class Handicap - 19 to 28

Prizes

Best Scratch - £40

1st Class
1st £30
2nd £20
3rd £10

2nd Class
1st £30
2nd £20
3rd £10

3rd Class
1st £30
2nd £20
3rd £10

Nearest Hole At 4 Pars 3’s – Pro VI balls

Plus additional prizes

Entry forms can be downloaded via the link on the left of this page, under the 'Juniors' heading.

ALAN JONES - Dumbartonshire lose county stalwart

It is with great sadness that we have to intimate that Alan Jones, Secretary of The Dumbartonshire Golf Union passed away on Tuesday evening.

Many Ayrshire golfers will know Alan, who served Dumbartonshire for many year in a variety of posts including President and Secretary of the area association.

AYRSHIRE ORDER OF MERIT - Super Saturday for McInally as he tops Doc Thom table

It was a case of 'Super Saturday' on the 5th June for Ayrshire Strokeplay Champion Tommy McInally (Loudoun) - pictured right - when he gained full points from not one but two Doc Thom counting events to propel himself into a commanding lead after seven of the fourteen counting events.

At the Ayr Seafield Open McInally posted the best scratch score by a full five shots with a superb three under par 65 to leave four others in the field trailing behind on 70.

A one under par total of 67 at the Loudoun Open gave McInally the best scratch score by a full three shots from five other local players.

McInally has, surprisingly, never won the Doc Thom Ayrshire Order Of merit before but at the halfway stage in this seasons table he presently has over twice the number of points as his nearest rival, title holder Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle), as he bids for his maiden win in the event.

Present positions are :-

350.00 - TOMMY MCINALLY (LOUDOUN)
160.00 - KEITH HAMILTON (AYR BELLEISLE)
141.00 - EUAN BROWN (KIL. BARASSIE)
112.50 - CRAIG HAMILTON (BALLOCHMYLE)
101.00 - CHRIS BONE (LOUDOUN)

100.00 - CHRIS HARKINS (AYR BELLEISLE)

90.00 - JOHN HAGGERTY (LOUDOUN)

62.50 - DARREN MALLINSON (RAVENSPARK)

56.00 - STEPHEN MCBLAIN (ST. CUTHBERT), GRAEME GIMSON (ST. CUTHBERT), SCOTT GILCHRIST (LOUDOUN)
45.00 - STEPHEN PRICE (AYR BELLEISLE), FRANCIS MCNEILLIE (AYR SEAFIELD), STEVEN DUNN (AYR SEAFIELD)

38.00 - JIM MILLIGAN (KIL. BARASSIE), PAUL KENNEDY (LOUDOUN), GRAEME
GEBBIE (LOUDOUN), BILLY CAMPBELL (LOUDOUN), COLIN BERRY (LOUDOUN)
37.50 - STEPHEN SPENCE (IRVINE)

35.00 - GORDON BOYLE (AYR DALMILLING)

27.50 - DEL CHAMBERLAIN (TROON WELBECK)

17.50 - GRAHAM ROWAN (BALLOCHMYLE), GEORGE ROBERTSON (RAVENSPARK), SCOTT BROWN (TURNBERRY)

10.00 - COLIN ROBINSON (LARGS)

5.00 - DAVID TAYLOR (AYR SEAFIELD), KEVIN OTTLEY (AYR BELLEISLE), STEPHEN BARR (RAVENSPARK), CRAIG GOODWIN (LOUDOUN)

2.50 - MARC SMITH (TROON WELBECK), IAIN MACDONALD (LARGS), MARK
ANDERSON (IRVINE)

NOEL STURROCK - Former Seniors champion passes away

Ayrshire has lost a national champion with the passing of Noel Sturrock on 4th June after a long illness.

A member of Prestwick and Royal Troon golf clubs, Noel was twice a winner of the Scottish Seniors Championship, winning it on both occasions over the Killermont course of the Glasgow Golf Club.

In 1981 Noel shared the title with fellow Royal Troon members Ian Harris and Dr. Jimmy Hastings with a score of 146 over two rounds, and in 1985 playing out of Prestwick he won the title again on his own with a two round score of 143.

The following year, 1986, Noel won the British Open Seniors' Championship at Panmure, to add to his honours.

Our sympathies go to his wife Agnes, daughter Fiona and all the family at this time.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Latest positions

The qualifying sections in the 2010 Ayrshire Summer League competition are well under way, as clubs bid for a place in the quarter finals later in the season.

In LEAGUE 1, Irvine lead the way with 10 points after a draw at Caprington was followed by two successive wins, by 4 - 2 away to local rivals Irvine Ravenspark, and by 6 - 0 in the return match with Caprington.

After opening their first season in the Summer league with a 6 - 0 defeat at Irvine Ravenspark, Maybole bounced back in their second match with a 4 - 2 home win over Caprington.

Present positions are :-

Irvine - Played 3 won 2 drawn 1 - 10 pts

Ravenspark - Played 2 won 1 lost 1 - 4 pts

Maybole - Played 2 won 1 lost 1 - 4 pts

Caprington - Played 3 lost 2 drawn 1 - 2 pts

In LEAGUE 2, Prestwick St. Cuthbert top the table after successive home wins over Ballochmyle, by 3.5 - 2.5, and Troon Welbeck, by 4 - 2, in thier opening fixtures.

Holders Loudoun opened their defence with a 4.5 - 1.5 home win over Troon Welbeck.

Present positions are :-

Prestwick St. Cuthbert - played 2 won 2 - 8 pts

Loudoun - played 1 won 1 - 4 pts

Ballochmyle - played 1 lost 1 - 0 pts

Troon Welbeck - played 2 lost 2 - 0 pts

LEAGUE 3 is very close with all four teams having a win, a draw and a defeat in their first three games played.

In the opening fixtures, Turnbeerry and Ayr Belleisle secured draws away from home against Troon St. Meddans and New Cumnock respectively.

Whilst New Cumnock had a 3.5 - 2.5 home win over Turnberry in thier second match, Troon St. Meddans suffered another defeat, by 4 - 2, on their visit to Ayr Belleisle.

St Meddans however bounced back in style with a 6 - 0 home win over New Cumnock, a scoreline which was matched by Turnberry in their third fixture, at home against Ayr Belleisle.

All four teams in the section presently have 6 points from three matches played.

LEAGUE 4, which was reduced to two teams after the withdrawal of Malletsheugh has not yet started, with West Kilbride and Kilbirnie due to play off in the two match series to determine who progresses to the next stage.

Tam O Shanter are the early leaders in LEAGUE 5, a 5 - 1 home win over Beith giving them the edge after beith and Largs fought out a 3 - 3 draw in their opening fixture.

Present positions are :-

Tam O Shanter - Played 1 won 1 - 4 pts

Largs - Played 1 drawn 1 - 2 pts

Beith - Played 2 drawn 1 lost 1 - 2 pts

In LEAGUE 6, Kilmarnock (Barassie) are unbeaten and lead the way after a 4 - 2 win at Ardeer was followed by a 6 - 0 home win over Annanhill.

In the other fixture played so far, Annanhill and Ardeer fought out a 3 - 3 draw over the Kilmarnock course.

Present positions are :-

Kilmarnock (Barassie) - Played 2 won 2 - 8 pts

Ardeer - Played 2 drawn 1 lost 1 - 2 pts

Annanhill - Played 2 drawn 1 lost 1 - 2 pts

AYRSHIRE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - Closing date near for Prestwick event

Club reps are reminded that the closing date for entries to the 2010 Ayrshire Club Championship, for the R.L. Crawford Trophy, is
SATURDAY 19TH JUNE.

The Club Championship competition this year will be held at Prestwick Golf Club on Sunday 4th July with the winner going forward to represent Ayrshire in the Scottish Club Championship finals at Fortrose & Rosemarkie in September.

Open to all Ayrshire Clubs, the competition is played on a scratch basis. Teams will consist of three players with the best two scores from three counting for the team total. The handicap limit for each individual player is 4.



The entry fee is £25 per team and entry forms can be downloaded via the link on the left of this page, under the 'Gents Fixtures' heading.

AREA BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Niagra Cup for Smith as Ayrshire finish joint fourth

Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) won the Niagra Cup for the best individual round in the 2010 Scottish Boys Area Team Championship on Sunday 6th June at Peebles, as Ayrshire finished in joint fourth place behind the winners, Lothians.

After the morning foursomes Ayrshire were in joint tenth place out of the 16 areas, a formidable 16 shots behind the Lothians team who went on to win the title.

The pairing of Marc Smith and Euan Walker had 14 pars in their round but penalty shots cost them dearly as they struggled to a 8 over par 78.

The other foursomes pairing of Jack McDonald and David Wilson returned a six over par 76, but were hampered by a back injury to Wilson, sustained the previous afternoon.

The injury to Wilson prevented him taking part in the afternoon singles and his retiral left the three remaining Ayrshire players scores required to count towards the team total.

The Ayrshire side rose to the challenge and McDonald was first in the clubhouse, with a level par round of 70, despite running up a double bogey seven at the final hole.

Marc Smith was next in and his display of controlled and accurate golf was rewarded with a three under par round of 67 which included birdies at the final two holes.

The final Ayrshire player on the course, Euan Walker, dropped a shot at the seventeenth to go to two over par but a superb approach shot at the final hole set up a closing birdie four for a one over par round of 71.

Ayrshire's resultant singles total of 208 proved to be the best of the day and pushed the team up to joint fourth place in the final table, just six shots behind the winners.

Marc Smith's triumph in winning the Niagra Cup was the third such success for Ayrshire players following on from Graham Fox (1995) and Cameron Gray (2007).

(The Ayrshire Team - David Wilson, Jack McDonald, Euan Walker & Marc Smith)

FINAL PLACINGS

356 - LOTHIANS (138 - 218)

360 - LANARKSHIRE (151 - 209), SOUTH (143 - 217)

362 - AYRSHIRE (154 - 208), CLACKMANNANSHIRE (153 - 209), FIFE (152 - 210)

363 - BORDERS (150 - 213)

366 - RENFREWSHIRE (149 - 217), STIRLINGSHIRE (145 - 221)

371 - NORTH EAST (154 - 217), PERTH & KINROSS (151 - 220)

375 - DUMBARTONSHIRE (160 - 215)

376 - GLASGOW (160 - 216)

393 - ANGUS (159 - 234)

396 - ARGYLL & BUTE (159 - 237)

DISQ - NORTH (DQ - 214)

(Defending champions, The North District, were disqualified when a player in one of their foursomes pairings teed off out of turn and the error was not discovered until after the players had played the next hole)

ST. ANDREWS LINKS TROPHY - Top ten finish for Stewart

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) finished in joint seventh place in the 2010 St Andrews Links Trophy on Sunday 6th June, behind the winner Matthew Southgate (Thorpe Hall).

Runner up in the same event two years ago, Stewart shot rounds of 73 and 68 over the Jubilee Course on Saturday to lie four of the pace, and followed on with rounds of 72 and 69 on The Old Course on Sunday for a 282 total which left him seven shots adrift of Southgate.

LEADING FINAL SCORES :-

(Rounds 1 & 2 over the Jubilee Course and rounds 3 & 4 over The Old Course)

275 - Matthew Southgate (Thorpe Hall) 68 70 70 67

280 - Philip McLean (Peterhead) 70 70 72 68, Stiggy Hodgson (Sunningdale) 69 71 67 73

281 - Todd Adcock (Nevill) 71 73 70 67, Jack Senior (Heysham) 70 73 67 71, Tom Lewis (Welwyn Garden City) 69 70 70 72

282 - Victor Dubuisson (Fra) 72 72 69 69, Romain Wattel (Fra) 74 69 68 71, Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) 73 68 72 69, Chris Lloyd (Kendleshire) 72 68 69 73, Ben Westgate (Trevose) 67 71 70 74

283 - Alexander Levy (Fra) 73 69 71 70, Adrian Otaegui (Spain) 72 69 71 72, Patricio Salem (Peru) 67 73 71 72.

SCOTTISH SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP - 5 Ayrshire players bid for national title

Ayrshire will have five players in the 136 strong field who will contest the 2010 Scottish Seniors Strokeplay Championship at Pollock Golf Club from 30th June to 2nd July.

David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured right - who was third in the Scottish Seniors Order Of Merit last year, will be joined in the field by Tom Gilchrist (Western Gailes), John Broadfoot (Turnberry), Gordon Graham (Irvine) as well as former Scottish Senior internationalist Ron McLellan (Turnberry) - pictured below.

Tee times for the Ayrshire players on Wednesday 30th June and Thursday 1st July are :-

0730 & 1130 - David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie)

0930 & 1330 - Ron McLellan (Turnberry)

1040 & 1440 - Tom Gilchrist (Western Gailes)

1110 & 1510 - John Broadfoot (Turnberry)

1350 & 0950 - Gordon Graham (Irvine)

SGU JUNIOR TOUR - Ayrshire trio play in final event

Three Ayrshire players are in the field for the fifth and final SGU Junior Tour event of the season, which takes place at Kilmarnock (Barassie) on Sunday 13th June.

Scottish internationalist Jack McDonald, of the host club, will take part alongside clubmate and West Of Scotland Boys Matchplay title holder Euan Walker and fellow Ayrshire county player Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck).

Tee times for the three Ayrshire players, in the 36 hole event, are :-

0900 & 1400 - Euan Walker

0910 & 1410 - Marc Smith

1000 & 1500 - Jack McDonald

LADIES INTER COUNTY FOURSOMES - Loudoun pair triumph at Ballochmyle

From the Kirkwoodgolf.co.uk website

Liz Keohone and Audrey Thompson of Loudoun Gowf Club, Ayrshire won the West Division inter-county foursomes tournament at Ballochmyle Golf Club on Thursday 3rd June.

Liz & Audrey had a round of five-over-par 76 and headed the scratch returns by two shots from Donna Jackson (Cochrane Castle) and Liz Stewart (Glenburn).

Lesley Lloyd (Hayston) and Fioan Scott (Bothwell Castle) were third with an 80.

In the Handicap section, the winners were Jackie MacDonald and Denis Cown of Ranfurly Castle with a net 69 1/2 off a handicap of 13 1/2.

Anne Lloyd (Hayston) and Pat Casey (Mount Ellen) (13) tied with Merope Dunlop and Maureen Taggart (Old Course Ranfurly) (14) on the net 70 mark. Anne and Pat were awarded second place with the better inward half.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Quarter Final draws

The draws have been made for the quarter finals of the Ayrshire JUnior Golf League Under 16 and Champion Of Champions competitions.

In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT competition, LOUDOUN will be at home to PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT and TROON ST. MEDDANS entertain AYR BELLEISLE whilst ARDEER will make the short trip up the coast to face WEST KILBRIDE and ANNANHILL will play host to IRVINE (Bogside).

Ties are due for completion by 1st August 2010.

In the CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS competition, JACK WHENT (Largs) is at home to ANDREW WRIGHT (Kilmarnock Barassie), PATRICK TIMMONS (Troon St. Meddans) entertains CIAR PORCIANI (Ayr Belleisle) whilst CAMERON MACLEAN (West Kilbride) is due to visit JOSEPH HOWIE (Ardeer).
Due to one tie in the previous round not being completed, CRAIG TELFER (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) receives a bye into the semi finals.

All quarter final ties in this competition are also due for completion by 1st August 2010.

DOC THOM AYRSHIRE ORDER OF MERIT - hamilton moves to the top after Belleisle Cup success

Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle) - pictured right -, the holder of the Doc Thom Salver for the Ayrshire Order Of Merit, is again leading the way in the 2010 table after his recent success in the Belleisle Cup over his home course.

With five of the fourteen counting events completed, hamilton took over the top spot this week from Ayrshire Strokeplay winner Tommy McInally (Loudoun).

PRESENT POSITIONS ARE :-

160.00 - Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle)

150.00 - Tommy McInally (Loudoun)

141.00 - Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie)

112.50 - Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle)

100.00 - Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle)

90.00 - John Haggerty (Loudoun)

62.50 - Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark)

56.00 - Scott Gilchrist (Loudoun, Chris Bone (Loudoun), Graeme Gimson (St. Cuthbert), Stephen McBlain (St. Cuthbert)

37.50 - Stephen Spence (Irvine)

35.00 - Gordon Boyle (Ayr Dalmilling)

27.50 - Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck)

17.50 - George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark), Graham Rowan (Ballochmyle), Scott Brown (Turnberry)

10.00 - Colin Robinson (Largs)

2.50 - Iain McDonald (Largs), Mark Anderson (Irvine), Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck)

There are a further five Ayrshire Order Of Merit counting events in June. The first two take place on Saturday 5th June, with the Loudoun Open at Loudoun Gowf Club and the Ayr Seafield Open in Ayr.

The Ballochmyle Open at Ballochmyle is on Saturday 12th June, followed by The Amateur Championship over Muirfield and North Berwick from 14th to 19th June and the McGilchrist Cup over Ardeer on Saturday 19th June.