ROWALLAN CASTLE GOLF CLUB - New Ayrshire course open for full play on Monday

(From the Rowallan Castle Golf Club website)

The stunning Rowallan Castle Golf Club will open for full play for members and visitors on Monday 3rd May 2010.

Eight times European No 1 golfer and 2010 Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie has chosen one of the finest locations in the heart of picturesque Ayrshire to design his first course in the British Isles.

Those that were fortunate enough to get a sneak preview of the course during limited play last Autumn have already hailed the course layout a masterpiece.

Set in 600 acres of one of Scotland’s most glorious country estates, Rowallan boasts two of the finest castles in the land. Generations have been enchanted by the 13th century castle, birthplace of Elizabeth Muir the mother of Robert II, the first Stewart king of Scotland, with its distinctive sweeping staircase and manicured lawns.

Stretching to 7000 yards from the Championship tees Rowallan is a modern classic, to compliment Ayrshire’s existing golfing gems, from Prestwick, the birthplace of the Open, to Royal Troon, and the 2009 Open Championship venue Turnberry.

Members and guests enjoy an unrivalled welcome in Rowallan’s unique clubhouse, which nestles between the “Old” castle and Europe’s only 19th hole.
A post round drink or meal in the Glasshouse restaurant is the perfect way to complete the Rowallan Castle experience.

From stunning views from the course to Ailsa Craig and Arran glistening in the Firth of Clyde, to the abundance of flora and fauna, a round at Rowallan is a golfing memory that never fades.

Rowallan Castle is a Private Members Golf Club, however visitors are accepted on all weekdays both in the morning and afternoon. There are limited times for visitors on Saturdays between 11:00 and 11:30 and between 16:00 and 16:30. On Sundays during the summer there are times both in the morning and afternoon.

Handicap limits are 24 for gentlemen and 28 for ladies.
3rd of May to 31 October 2010 - £65 for a single round. £200 for a 4 ball.Weekend rate - £85 for a single round. £250 for a 4 ball. These rates will apply throughout 2010.

Caddies may be arranged with advance notice of one full week at a cost of £45.00 plus a gratuity.

Special rates may be granted for large groups and corporate days.

For bookings and membership info contact the Rowallan castle Golf Club General Manager Gary Torbett for details at:-

Rowallan Castle Golf Club

Kilmaurs

Ayrshire

KA3 2LP

Telephone: 01563 530550

Fax: 01563 538648

Email: info@rowallancastle.com

Further information and views of the course can be seen on the Rowallan castle website on http://www.rowallancastle.com/ , which is also available through the link on the left of this page, under the 'Club Links' heading.

THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP - Profits down 2 Million but Turnberry stays on rota.

FROM THE SCOTSMAN WEBSITE
By Martin Dempster

The R&A insists it will stand by Turnberry as an Open Championship venue, despite the event's long-awaited return to the Ayrshire course last summer costing the organisation more than £2 million in profit.While the event almost produced a great sporting fairytale, with Tom Watson nearly claiming a record-equalling sixth Open title at 59, it proved a disappointment financially for the R&A in its first staging at the links in 15 years.

It has been estimated the R&A would lose around £1m in spectator revenue, compared with other venues in Scotland. But yesterday it was revealed that operating profit fell £2.1m to £7m, compared with the 2008 Open at Royal Birkdale.

Corporate hospitality dipped, due to a combination of the recession and the course's remote location in South Ayrshire, but the biggest single factor was a much lower attendance than in recent years. Attendance fell to 123,000 at Turnberry, 78,000 down on the figure at Royal Birkdale and 116,000 fewer than the record 239,000 at St Andrews in 2000.

Peter Dawson, R&A chief executive, admitted in his annual review:

"Our headline financial report quantifies the cyclical effect of taking the Open to less accessible venues."

Despite the drop, the St Andrews-based governing body still managed to hand out grants worth £3.4m – £700,000 more than in 2008 – for golf development projects around the world and, according to an R&A spokesman, Turnberry will not be dropped from the rota. He said:

"The Open Championship goes to nine venues on the rota, and we accept some yield a greater number of spectators and greater profit than others. Last year's Open Championship was a great spectacle, and there was no doubt the challenge and beauty of the course played its part in what was an exciting event for spectators.

"We had forecast all along that the spectator numbers (for Turnberry) would be down substantially on other venues."

Traffic problems were the main reason the Open stayed away from Turnberry for so long, but, after Stewart Cink ended Watson's brave bid in a play-off, the R&A insisted it was thrilled with the venue's return to the golfing limelight.

"It's a fabulous venue and must be kept on the Open rota,"

said David Hill, the director of championships.

"The attendance is never as good at Turnberry as it would be at other venues, but we take a ten-to-15-year view."

Tory MSP for Ayr John Scott said it would be a major blow were Turnberry never to host another Open, given golf was "vital" to the region's future.

"The obvious reason for the reduced attendance last year is that the Open coincided with the deepest point of the biggest recession since the Second World War," he said. "Self-evidently, guests were fewer in number."

Norman Geddes, executive chairman of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle, added: "I think Turnberry is one of the classic venues, in terms of its setting and quality of the course."

David Anderson, chief executive of South Ayrshire Council, said: "Turnberry is an iconic location, and there has not been any indication that the Open would not return there in the future."

*The full article above appears in The Scotsman newspaper today.

AYR GOLF WEEK - Closing date for entries near

The closing date for entries for the 2010 Ayr Golf Week is Wednesday 5th May.

Entry fee for the competition, to be held at Ayr Belleisle and Seafield course from 31st May to 5th June is £55. Season ticket holders pay a reduced entry fee of £35 and the entry fee is reduced to £45 per person for groups of 6 or more from the same club.

For further information contact Pamela Struthers on 01292 616212 or visit the South Ayrshire Website at http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/

US COLLEGE GOLF - Conference selection for Linzi Allan

Fine form this season has paid off for Ayrshire golfer Linzi Allan - pictured right -with news that she is one of three students from Newman University, Wichita named in the All-Heartland Conference teams.

Linzi was named in the first team, being the only one from her University to receive the honour, with Alyssa Balding and Andrea Martires named in the womens second team.

Her selection is just reward for her three top-10 finishes so far this season this season, which included first place at the West Texas A&M Lady Buff Stampede.

Congratulations to Linzi on her excellent season and well deserved honour.

SCOTTISH JUNIOR TOUR EVENT 3 - Welbeck trio carry Ayrshire hopes

Ayrshire interest in the SGU Junior Tour Event 3, being held at Forrester Park Resort on Sunday 2nd May will be carried by a trio of Troon Welbeck golfers.

The three players Charlie Macneal (left), David Wilson (centre) and Callum Beveridge (right) were all members of the Troon Welbeck boys team who retained the Ayrshire Boys Team Championship title at Troon Portland on Sunday 18th April.

The final two SGU Junior Tour competitions of the five evenmt series will be held in Ayrshire, at Brunston castle on 22nd May and Kilmarnock (Barassie) on 13th June.

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Draw for 2010 event

The 2010 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship will be held over Western Gailes from Monday 3rd to Thursday 6th May, with the top 16 players in the Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship playing off for the matchplay title.
.



With Scottish Internationalist Steven McEwan (Caprington) unavailabl for the matchplay due to a clash with the Irish Amateur Championship, the cut fell at 147, with three from four players on that mark securing a place in the starting line up.



The new Strokeplay Champion Tommy McInally (Loudoun) faces a tough first round tie against his predecessor, the 2009 Strokeplay winner John Shanks (Irvine).



The winner will play the victor between clubmates Mark Anderson & 2009 Semi Finalist Steven Spence, both from Irvine Golf Club, in round two.



2008 Matchplay Champion Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) faces Cris Bone, one of Loudoun's three qualifiers, in round one, with the winner due to meet either Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) or irvine Ravenspark Club Champion Gary Cochran in the quarter finals.



In the bottom half of the draw, Strokeplay runner up Euan Brown (Kilmanrock Barassie) plays Walter Meiklem, one of the three Troon Welbeck players in the field. The winner will face a quarter final match against either Iain MacDonald (Largs) or Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck).



Loudoun's Scott Gilchrist faces 2007 Matchplay Winner Steven Murray (Troon Welbeck) in the first round, with the winner due to play either Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) or Gordon Boyle (Ayr Dalmilling) for a place in the semi final.



First round matches on Monday 3rd May tee off between 5.00 and 6.00 p.m. whilst the final on Thursday evening, 6th May, is due to commence at 5.00 p.m.

FIRST ROUND DRAW

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) Vs. John Shanks (Irvine)

Mark Anderson (Irvine) Vs. Stephen Spence (Irvine)

Chris Bone (Loudoun) Vs. Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle)

Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) Vs. Gary Cochran (Irvine Ravenspark)

Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Walter Meiklem (Troon Welbeck)

Iain MacDonald (Largs) Vs. Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck)

Scott Gilchrist (Loudoun) Vs. Steven Murray (Troon Welbeck)

Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) Vs. J. Gordon Boyle (Ayr Dalmilling)

AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Second County Title for McInally

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) won the 2010 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship over the Prestwick St. Cuthbert course on Sunday 25th April with a two stroke victory over the field of 66 of the best players in the county.

McInally, the reigning Champion Of Champions title holder, added to his one previous win in the Strokeplay, which was back in 2003, with a level par total of 142 over 36 holes.

McInally posted the second best round of the morning with a one under par total of 70, but found himself trailing the first round leader, Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) who posted a best of the day 68 in his morning round.

Seven other players matched the par of 71 over the opening round to stay in touch with the leader.

McInally playing in the second group in the afternoon, posted a second round score of 72 for his 142 total, just edging ahead of local player Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) who was first in the clubhouse on 144 (71 - 73).

With scoring generally higher in the afternoon rounds, Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) added a score of level par 71 to his morning 73 for a 144 total which ultimately gave him second place in the championship.

In what proved to be a good tournament for Loudoun Gowf Club players, Scott Gilchrist and Chris Bone also matched the 144 total to secure a place in the prize list.

Marc Smith was unable to maintain his first round form, slipping to a 77 in the afternoon for a total of 145 adn the challenge to McInally was effectively finished.

The honours for best afternoon round were shared by Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark), Iain Macdonald (Largs) and Gordon Boyle (Ayr Dalmilling) who all returned one under par 70.

Competition Standard Scratch for both rounds remained at 71.

With McInally taking the title on 142, the remaining five prizewinners were tied on 144, with Brown taking the runner up spot by virtue of the best second round and the other four players being seperated by the better inward half over the second round.

At the conclusion of the event, Ayrshire Golf Association President Alasdair Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas) presented prizes to the succesful competitors.

PRINCIPAL PRIZEWINNERS :-

Strokeplay Champion - TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun) 142 (70-72)

2nd - EUAN BROWN (Kilmarnock Barassie) 144 (73-71)

3rd - SCOTT GILCHRIST (Loudoun) 144 (71-73)

4th - CHRIS BONE (Loudoun) 144 (71-73)

5th - GRAEME GIMSON (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) 144 (71-73)

6th - STEPHEN McBLAIN (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) 144 (71-73)

FINAL SCORES

142 - Tommy McInally (Loudoun) 70-72

144 - Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) 73-71, Scott Gilchrist (Loudoun) 71-73, Chris Bone (Loudoun) 71-73, Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) 71-73, Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) 71-73

145 - Iain MacDonald (Largs) 75-70, Mark Anderson (Irvine) 73-72, Stephen Spence (Irvine) 71-74, Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) 68-77

146 - Gordon Boyle (Ayr Dalmilling) 76-70, Gary Cochran (Irvine Ravenspark) 74-72, Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) 74-72, Steven McEwan (Caprington) 72-74

147 - Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck) 76-71, Walter Meiklem (Troon Welbeck) 74-73, John Shanks (Irvine) 73-74, Andrew Kent (Troon Welbeck) 72-75

148 - Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon) 75-73, Lee Jenkins (Beith) 74-74, Colin Gray (Irvine) 74-74, Fraser McCall (Troon Portland) 75-73

149 - Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark) 79-70

150 - Scott McCahill (Maybole) 76-74, David Power (Troon St. Meddans) 75-75, Gary Bryden (Girvan) 74-76, Gary Tierney (Prestwick St. Nicholas) 73-77, Billy Hunter (Troon Welbeck) 71-79, George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) 71-79

151 - Drew Wallace (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) 76-75, Gareth Lamb (Irvine) 76-75, Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) 75-76

152 - Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) 80-72, Craig McLaughlin (Largs) 77-75, Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) 75-77, George Higgins (Largs) 74-78, Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) 74-78, Graeme Rowan (Ballochmyle) 72-80

153 - Scott Brown (Turnberry) 82-71, Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) 77-76, Gary McTaggart (Annanhill) 77-76, Neil McCormack (New Cumnock) 75-78

154 - Ewan Mckinnon (Corrie) 81-73, Craig Adams (Ardeer) 74-80

156 - John Haggerty (Loudoun) 83-73, Charlie Macneal (Troon Welbeck) 80-76, Paul Robinson (Largs) 80-76, Iain Fraser (Troon St. Meddans) 79-77, John Sloan (Doon Valley) 76-80, Ian Yates (Ayr Belleisle) 76-80

157 - Darren McConnell (Kilmarnock Barassie) 74-83, Stuart Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) 74-83

158 - Tommy Keddie (New Cumnock) 80-78, Frank Henderson (Troon Welbeck) 79-79, Stephen King (Prestwick St. Nicholas) 78-80

161 - Robert Marshall (Beith) 81-80

162 - Paul Giffney (Ardeer) 84-78, Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle) 82-80

164 - Kevin Ward (Maybole) 84-80, Kenny Milliken (Troon St. Meddans) 81-83

N/R - Kenny Houston (Troon Welbeck) 78-nr, Gordon Cree (Troon Welbeck) 80-nr, Paul Denim (Loudoun) 74-nr, Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck) 79-nr

D/Q - Scott Clark (Ayr Belleisle) 80-dq, Kirk Russell (Doon Valley) 78-dq

A full list of scores is also available via the link on the left of this page, under the 'Gents Fixtures' heading.

CLUBGOLF JUNIOR CLUB OF THE YEAR - Nominations invited

Entries are now being accepted for this year’s Clubgolf Junior Club of the Year competition.

Six finalists from throughout Scotland will be shortlisted and the winning club will receive £1000 to re-invest in their junior section, and as an added bonus a team of adults from the winning club will be entered in a European Tour Pro-am later this year.

The five runners-up will receive £300 each for junior development within their club.

Full details and entry form are available via the link below:

www.clubgolfscotland-youth.co.uk/cluboftheyear.html

SCOTTISH STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Closing date for Gailes event near

The 2010 Scottish Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship will be held over the Glasgow Gailes course from 28 - 30 May.

The closing date for entries is Thursday 29 April 2010

The handicap limit for the event is 0.4 anf the entry fee is £ 65.

Entry forms and an updated list of entrants can be obtained on the Scottish Golf website at http://www.scottishgolf.org/

SCOTTISH MID AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms available from SGU

The 2010 Scottish Mid Amateur Championshp will be held at the East Renfrewshire Golf Club from 12 - 14 June.

The closing date for entries is Thursday 13th May.

Handicap Limit is 5.4 and the entry fee is £ 42.

Players must be aged 25 or over on 12 June

Entry Forms are available from the Scottish Golf Union at

http://www.scottishgolf.org/

or call 01334 466477

US COLLEGE GOLF - Michael Stewart scores second win

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck), who is presently studying in his secod year at East Tennessee State University, scored a second win on the US College circuit recently in the Coca Cola Wofford Invitational at Country Club of Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Stewart birdied the final hole, getting up and down from over 100 yards, to win by a single shot.

Opening with a 72, Stewart had a second round of 66 which bettered his lowest score of the 2009 - 2010 college season by three strokes, before closing with a 71 for seven under par, 209.

Joint runners up on 210 was Michael Stewart's teammate Seamus Power from Waterford, who had rounds of 68, 71 and 71, and Jacob Pastor (Charleston Southern) with rounds of 72, 70 and 68.

East Tennesssee State, with a team score of 847, won the team title ahead of USC Upstate on 862 and Wofford College on 863. 13 teams were in the fieeld.

US COLLEGE GOLF - Linzi Allan in top six at Oklahoma

Ayrshire golfer Linzi Allan (Newman University, Wichita) had another good finish this week when she tied for sixth place in a field of 44 players at the Heartland Conference Tournament which was held at Rose Creek Golf Club, Edmond in Oklahoma.

Linzi returned rounds of 76 and 75 for 151 over the par 72 course to finish just five shots behind the winner, Emily Kvinta (St Edwards University).

Team mate Alyssa Balding from Northumberland shot 81 and 79 for a share of 18th place on 160 as Linzi's team finished on 624, and in third place out of nine teams, behind St Edwards University on 592 and Incarnate Word University on 620.

BELLEISLE CUP - Slater Hogg & Howison renew sponsorship

Ayr Belleisle Golf Club are delighted to announce that this year`s Belleisle Cup on Sunday 30th May, which is the curtain-raiser for Ayr Golf Week, will once again be sponsored by Slater, Hogg and Howison, estate agents.

Belleisle Match Secretary Robert Morrison said :

“Slater Hogg`s generous renewal of their sponsorship for a 4th year is great news and allows us to maintain the increased total prize fund of £850 from last year. With 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes of £250, £170 and £120 respectively, and prizes down as far as 8th place, it is again hoped to attract a quality field of the top low handicappers in Ayrshire and also further afield.”

The 36-hole scratch event is for golfers up to a maximum of 6 handicap and is a qualifying event for the Doc Thom Ayrshire Golf Association Order of Merit.

Block entry forms have been sent out to all Ayrshire Clubs although entries can also be made via the club`s website http://www.ayrbelleislegolfclub.com/ , via the link on the left of this page, under the 'Gents Fixtures' heading or by telephoning Robert Morrison on 07708 861569.

Closing date for entries is Sunday 16th May.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - First round matches completed

The first round matches in the 2010 Ayrshire Fourball Championship were completed on Sunday 18th April, with five clubs securing a place in round 2.

2009 finalists Scott McCahill & David Wallace (Maybole) edged through by one hole on the final green against their visitors Jack Torrens & Ronnie Mathieson (Beith) to set up a home tie in round 2 against Steven Dunn & John Brown (Ayr Seafield)

Also edging through by one hole on the last green were Billy Goodwin & Steven Armstrong (Ardeer) with an away win on their visit to Largs Routenburn. In round 2 Goodwin and Armstrong are at home to Craig & Scott Hillis (Irvine).

David Macpherson & Jim Hopkins (Troon Portland) beat their visitors Jim & Craig Nichol (New Cumnock) by 3 & 2 to secure a home tie in round 2 against David Gilmour & Robert Cruickshanks (Moorpark) whilst John Brodie & Alan Smeeton (Chase) enjoyed a similar margin of victory on their visit to play Tommy Thomson & Ian Rankine (Prestwick St. Cuthbert). Brodie & Smeeton are at home to Andrew Cunning & Robert Richard (Muirkirk) in round 2.

The final first round match resulted in victory for Scott & Jim Brown (Girvan) against their visitors Douglas Johnstone & John Mitchell (Ayr Belleisle) by 4 & 3, and the Girvan pair now face a home match in round 2 against Ian Plumbley & David Cunningham (West Kibride)

The Full Second Round Draw is :-

ARDEER Vs IRVINE

TROON PORTLAND Vs MOORPARK

CHASE Vs MUIRKIRK

GIRVAN Vs WEST KILBRIDE

MAYBOLE Vs AYR SEAFIELD

MALLETSHEUGH Vs AUCHENHARVIE

TROON ST. MEDDANS Vs BALLOCHMYLE

DOON VALLEY Vs LOUDOUN

ABBOTSFORD Vs NORTH BEACH

AYR DALMILLING Vs ANNANHILL

TAM O SHANTER Vs SKELMORLIE

WALLACETOWN Vs AYR CARRICK

TROON WELBECK Vs LARGS

CAPRINGTON Vs KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE)

PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS Vs IRVINE RAVENSPARK

BRUNSTON CASTLE Vs KILBIRNIE PLACE

All second round ties are due for completion by 23rd May 2010

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Fixture dates due to be submitted

Club representatives for the teams competing in the 2010 Ayrshire Summer (Scratch) League are reminded, in terms of the letter dated 18 February to all Club Representatives, that the fixture dates for all matches should be forwarded to the tournament administrator Cliff Francis at the very latest by 30th April 2010.

Any change in club representatives should also be notified to Cliff as soon as possible.

AYRSHIRE GIRLS - Rachel Irvine scores home win in Spring Medal

(Report & photographs courtesy of June Kerr)


Rachel Irvine - pictured left - playing over her home course, won the Ayrshire Girls' Spring Medal at Largs Golf Club on Sunday, but only on the better inward half from Grace Mackie of Troon.



9 girls competed in the 18 hole competition, while 13 pre-handicap girls played 10 holes from forward junior tees.

Handicap Results:-
(competitors pictured right)

Silver Division

1st Rachel Irvine (Largs) 90 (15) 75 bih
2nd Grace Mackie (Troon Ladies) 92 (17) 75

Bronze Division

1st Hope Lyden (Skelmorlie) 115 (35) 80
2nd Alexandra Brown (Turnberry) 115 (31) 84



Pre-Handicap results :-
(competitors pictured right)


10-11 years

1st Lindsay Scott (Troon Bentinck)
2nd Rachael Blair (Largs)
3rd Bethan Muir (Troon Bentinck)

12-13 years

1st Megan McCaig (Barassie)
2nd Jemma Wylie (Barassie)
3rd Emma Paterson (Loudoun)

US COLLEGE GOLF - Linzi Allan keeps up good form

Ayrshire girl Linzi Allan, a freshman student at Newman University, Wichita, Kansas, finished joint 21st in a field of 93 players at the Tarleton State Coca-Cola Classic tournament at The Par 72 6,216yards Championship Course Harbor Lakes in Granbury Texas.

Linzi, pictured, had rounds of 77 - 79 for a total of 156, She finished 9 six shots behind the winner Carla Cooper from Tarleton State with rounds of 73-74.

Linzi will be in action this week for Newman University in the Heartland Conference Championship’s which takes place at Rose Creek GC Edmond Oklahoma.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Wallace Thornton Trophy draw and fixtures

The teams contesting the two qualifying sections of the 2010 AJGL Wallace Thornton Trophy competition were decided on Sunday at the Ayrshire Boys Team Championship, with the top ten teams being placed in each section depending on how they finished in the competition.

SECTION 1

Troon Welbeck, Prestwick St. Cuthbert, Irvine, West Kilbride, Ballochmyle

SECTION 2

Kilmarnock (Barassie), Ardeer, Ayr Belleisle, Prestwick St. Nicholas, Troon St. Meddans

With the fixture shedule also determined bby the teams finishing positions, the qualifying fixtures will be :-

SECTION 1

Troon Welbeck Vs. Prestwick St. Cuthbert

Troon Welbeck Vs. Irvine

West Kilbride Vs. Troon Welbeck

Ballochmyle Vs. Troon Welbeck

Prestwick St. Cuthbert Vs. Irvine

Prestwick St. Cuthbert Vs. West Kilbride

Ballochmyle Vs. Prestwick St. Cuthbert

Irvine Vs. West Kilbride

Irvine Vs. Ballochmyle

West Kilbride Vs Ballochmyle

SECTION 2

Kilmarnock (Barassie) Vs. Ardeer

Kilmarnock (Barassie) Vs. Ayr Belleisle

Prestwick St. Nicholas Vs. Kilmarnock (Barassie)

Troon St. Meddans Vs. Kilmarnock (Barassie)

Ardeer Vs. Ayr Belleisle

Ardeer Vs. Prestwick St. Nicholas

Troon St. Meddans Vs. Ardeer

Ayr Belleisle Vs. Prestwick St. Nicholas

Ayr Belleisle Vs Troon St. Meddans

Prestwick St. Nicholas Vs. Troon St. Meddans

SCOTTISH YOUTHS CHAMPIONSHIP - 5 Ayrshire players in the field

Five players from Ayrshire will be amongst the 120 strong field for the 2010 Scottish Youths Championship, which is being held over the Monifieth Medal Course between 7th and 9th May.

With the handicap cut being at 1.7, Kilmarnock (Barassie) clubmates Euan Brown (centre) and Jack McDonald (bottom left) will be joined by fellow Ayrshire team members Marc Smith of Troon Welbeck (top left), Scott Brown of Turnberry (bottom right) and Malcolm Pennycott from Whiting Bay (top right).

AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - More of the same as Troon Welbeck and Ardeer retain trophies

It was a case of 'same again' on Sunday 18th April when Troon Welbeck and Ardeer retained the Matt Lygate and Andrew D. Nimmo Trophies at the 2010 Ayrshire Boys Team Championships, held over the Troon Portland course.

Troon Welbeck - pictured above - began the scratch event, for the Matt Lygate Trophy, as favourites. Fielding the lowest handicapped team of fourteen competing clubs, they did not disappoint on their way to retaining the title of Ayrshire Boys Team Champions which they won for the first time in the history of the event at Ardeer 12 months ago.

Marc Smith led his team by example, carding a superb two under par 69 to set the standard. David Wilson (75) and Charlie Macneal (77) provided the other two counting scores for the Welbeck team, with Calum Beveridge (80) posting a good fourth score, to be considered in the event of a tie.

A tie however looked far from likely as the other teams came in, and ultimatelythe Welbeck team retained the Lygate Trophy by a 13 shot margin from their closest challengers, Kilmarnock (Barassie) whose team of Euan Henderson (83), Euan Walker (70), Callum Gorrie (81) & Blair Garven (89) combined for a scratch total of 234.

In the handicap competition, for the Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy and the Handicap Champions title, Ardeer set the early target with Robbie Fitzpatrick (67), Daniel Forbes (81), Sandy Walker (70) and Nick Carr (70) posting a team total of 207.

This ultimately proved to be a winning score for Ardeer - pictured above - who retained the trophy won on their home course in 2009, with the only real challenge coming from the team from Irvine Golf Club as Chris Hobson (66), Greg Cathie (80), Stuart Easton (72) & Jack Thomas (70) came up only one stroke short of the winning score on 208.

In individual competition, Marc Smith - pictured right - took the Prestwick Circuits Trophy, for the best individual scratch score of the day, back to Troon Welbeck after his superb 69, following on from teammate David Wilson's win at Ardeer last year.

The Carrick Trophy, awarded to the player returning the best nett score of the competition, was won by 12 handicapper Robert Montgomery (West Kilbride) - pictured below - who returned a 6 under par score of 65 to take the trophy by one stroke.

The two handicap class vouchers were won by Chris Hobson (Irvine) with 75 - 9 = 66 and Matthew Smith (Loudoun) with 86 - 18 = 68.

At the conclusion of the competition, Ayrshire Golf Association President Alasdair Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas) presented the winning teams and individuals with their prizes and trophies.

CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS :-

Ayrshire Boys Team Champions (Matt Lygate Trophy) - TROON WELBECK (221) - Marc Smith, David Wilson, Charlie Macneal, Calum Beveridge)

Second Scratch team - KILMARNOCK BARASSIE (234) - Euan Henderson, Euan Walker, Calum Gorrie, Blair Garven)

Handicap Team Champions - ARDEER (207) - Robbie Fitzpatrick, Daniel Forbes, Sandy Walker, Nick Carr)

Best Individual Scratch (Prestwick Circuits Trophy) - MARC SMITH (Troon Welbeck) - 69

Best Individual Nett (Carrick Trophy) - ROBERT MONTGOMERY (West Kilbride) - 77-12=65

Handicap 0 - 9 Nett - CHRIS HOBSON (Irvine) - 75-9=66 bih

Handicap 10 - 18 Nett - MATTHEW SMITH (Loudoun) - 86-18=68

SCRATCH TEAM SCORES

221 - Troon Welbeck

234 - Kilmarnock (Barassie)

237 - Prestwick St. Cuthbert

237 - Ardeer

239 - Irvine

241 - Ayr Belleisle

242 - West Kilbride

244 - Prestwick St. Nicholas

248 - Ballochmyle

253 - Troon St. Meddans

266 - Largs

268 - Loudoun

288 - Skelmorlie

294 - Irvine Ravenspark

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP - Five from six for Hendry

Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) won the Ayrshire Ladies County Championship at Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club on Thursday afternoon, her fifth win in the event in six years.

Hendry beat Rachel McQueen (Troon Ladies) by 6 & 5 in the final, having beaten Connie Jaffrey (West Kilbride) by the same score in the morning semi final.

McQueen booked her place in the final with a win at the 21st in her semi-final against the 2004 champion, Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie), on Thursday morning.

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP - Semi finalists decided

The semi final line up for the 2010 Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Association Championship was completed on Wednesday, with the four remaining players going forward to contest the semi finals and final on Thursday.

The first semi final will be between 13 year old Connie Jaffray (Troon Ladies) and Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) who is bidding for her fifth title in six years.

In the other semi final, Past Champion Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) will play Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies).

Results from Wednesday :-

FIRST ROUND

Catherine Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas) beat Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 5 & 4
Jenny Linklater (Largs) lost to Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) at the 20th
Audrey Thomson (Loudoun) lost to Sheila Adams (Loudoun) 2 & 1
Morag McPherson (Troon Ladies) lost to Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) 4 & 3
Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Jane Finnie (Troon Ladies) 2 & 1
Liz Wilson (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Emma Hale (Troon Bentinck) at the 19th
Liz Keohone (Loudoun) lost to Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies) 6 & 4
Rachael Irvine (Largs) lost to Ros Purdom (Prestwick St. Nicholas) 6 & 5

QUARTER FINALS

Malcolm lost to Jaffrey at the 20th
Hendry beat Adams 6 & 4
Glennie beat Wilson 6 & 5
McQueen beat Purdom 2 & 1

FRASER IN THE WINNERS CIRCLE AT THE MASTERS

Ian Fraser of Troon St. Meddans, pictured with his brother, in the winners circle at the 2010 Masters at Augusta.

3 handicapper Ian will be hoping that some of Phil Mickelson's magic touch has rubbed off on him, as he takes his place in the field for the 2010 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship at Prestwick St. Cuthbert next week (that is Ian Fraser, not Phil Mickelson).

Thanks to Ian for sending on the photo.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - First round matches completed

The nine first round matches in the 2010 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Competition were completed this week.

William McCulloch secured a home tie against the holder Tommy McInally in round 2, with a home win over Scott Johnston (Prestwick St. Cuthbert).

Craig Robertson (Abbotsford) and Steven McEwan (Caprington) were also home winners, against Craig Menzies (Muirkirk) and Douglas McKinnon (Ballochmyle) respectively. Robertson is now at home to Andrew Mathie (Ayr Dalmilling) in round 2 whilst McEwan is at home to Robert Nairn (Kilbirnie Place)

Despite being drawn away from home, Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck) and Fraser McCall (Troon Portland) won through to round two against Gavin Lawrie (Prestwick) and Stuart H. Brown (Doon Valley) respectively. Chamberlain is at home to Stuart White (Girvan) and McCall is at home to Mark Tait (Annanhill) in the second stage.

Also through to round two is Lee Jenkins (Beith) after a home tie against Rory Acheson (Largs) in round one. Jenkins is at home again in round two, against Nicholas Tindall (Tam O Shanter).

Ewan McKinnon (Corrie) got through after an away tie against Stephen Stamper (Turnberry) and is now at home to Ian Yates (Ayr Belleisle) in round two.

The two remaining ties went with home advantage, Scott McCune (Moorpark) and Adam Sweeney (Routenburn) progressing against Paul Mangan (Skelmorlie) and Mark Stewart (St. Meddans) respectively.

In round two, McCune is at home to Scott McCahill (Maybole) and Sweeney plays host to Andrew McIntee (North Beach).

The 16 second round ties remaining are due to be played by 16th May.

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP - Malcolm leading qualifier for matchplay

Catherine Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas), a two time winner of the title, was the leading qualifier for the matchplay stages of the 2010 Ayrshire ladies County Golf Association County Championship which is being played this week over the Prestwick St. Nicholas course.

Malcolm - pictured right - returned a two over par score of 74 in the 18 hole strokeplay qualifying round on Wednesday, three ahead of clubmate Rosalin Purdom who qualified in second place.

The CSS for the strokeplay round was 73.

The Championship continued into the matchplay stages on Wednesday and Thursday, with the final scheduled for a 2.00 p.m. tee off on Thursday.

The draw for the first round of the matchplay on Wednesday is :-

0900 - Catherine Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas) Vs. Pauline Patrick (Irvine)

0908 - Jenny Linklater (Largs) Vs. Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies)

0916 - Audrey Thomson (Loudoun) Vs. Sheila Adams (Loudoun)

0924 - Morag McPherson (Troon Ladies) Vs. Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn)

0932 - Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Jane Finnie (Troon Ladies)

0940 - Liz Wilson (Kilmanrock Barassie) Vs. Emma Hale (Troon Bentinck)

0948 - Liz Keohone (Loudoun) Vs. Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies)

0956 - Rachael Irvine (Largs) Vs. Ros Purdom (Prestwick St. Nicholas)

SCOTTISH LADIES GOLF - Katie wins national Under 16 trophy

Katie McGarva (Troon Ladies) won the nett aggregate trophy at the 2010 SLGA Under 16 Open Championship which was held on 9 April at the Strathmore Golf Centre.

Emily Taylor (Royal Lytham St Annes) won the scratch title with a four under par total of 140.

In perfect scoring conditions, Katie McGarva - pictured right courtesy of the ALCGA website - fired an impressive two round nett total of 132, 12 Under par, to win the nett award.

An Ayrshire player also returned the lowest nett round of the Championship, Rachel Irvine (Largs) returning a scratch 79 off a handicap of 19 for a nett 61.

AYRSHIRE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms now available for Prestwick event

Entry forms are now available for the 2010 Ayrshire Club Championship Competition, for the R.L. Crawford Trophy.

The Championship will be held at Prestwick Golf Club on Sunday, 4th July 2010, with starting times between 3.00pm and 4.30pm.

The winning team will qualify to represent Ayrshire in the Final of the Scottish Club Championship to be held at Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club on 26th September 2010.

Prestwick Golf Club won the 2010 Ayrshire Club Championship event at Loudoun and went on to win the Scottish title at Prestwick St. Nicholas later in the year.

The Entry form and rules of competition have been e-mailed to all clubs who have provided e-mail addresses and the entry form is also available to download via the link on the left of this page under the 'Gents fixtures' heading.

MAXIMUM HANDICAP PER INDIVIDUAL PLAYER IS 4, and only one team per club is permitted.

If a ballot of entries is required this will be done on a handicap basis.

An entry fee of £25 per team applies and entries must be in the hands of the Association Secretary by Noon on Saturday 19th June 2010

AYRSHIRE WINTER LEAGUE - Prestwick St. Nicholas triumph in final

Prestwick St. Nicholas won the 2009 - 2010 Ayrshire Winter league on Sunday 11 April when they secured a 3 - 3 draw in the second leg of the final, away to Troon Welbeck.


After winning thier home leg by 4 - 2 a couple of weeks Ago, St. Nicholas clinched a 7 - 5 victory overall with their draw over Darley, in what proved to be an extremely tight match with five of the six ties finishing on the final green and the other one being decided at the 17th.


The victorious Prestwick St. Nicholas team with the Winter League Trophy, pictured above, is :-

(l to r) Steven Bolland, Stephen King, Gordon Gilchrist (Club Capt)

Allan Poole, Kevin Brock,Gary Tierney,Alistair Belford.

(Thanks to Steven King for the photograph & details)

AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - draw for the 2010 event

69 of the best golfers in Ayrshire will contest the 62nd Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship at Prestwick St. Cuthbert Golf Club on Sunday 25th April 2010.

2009 winner John Shanks (Irvine) - pictured right - returns to defend the trophy he won over his home course last year.

The players returning the best 16 scratch aggregate scores in the 36 hole strokeplay event will go forward to contest the Ayrshire Matchplay Championship over Western gailes from Monday 3rd to Thursday 6th may 2010.

THE DRAW FOR ORDER OF PLAY FOR THE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP IS :-

0745 & 1245 - Stephen McBlain (St. Cuthbert), Kenny Houston (Welbeck), Darren McConnell (Barassie)

0753 & 1253 - Tommy McInally (Loudoun), John Sloan (Doon Valley), Gary Bryden (Girvan)

0800 & 1300 - Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland), John Shanks (Irvine), Stephen Murray (Welbeck)

0808 & 1308 - Mark Anderson (Irvine), Chris Bone (Loudoun), Craig Telfer (St. Cuthbert)

0815 & 1315 - Gordon Cree (Welbeck), Kirk Russell (Doon Valley), Stuart Miller (Barassie)

0823 & 1323 - Kevin Fergusson (St. Cuthbert), Scott Brown (Turnberry), Stephen Spence (Irvine)

0830 & 1330 - Andrew Kent (Welbeck), Darren Mallinson (Ravenspark), Fraser McCall (Troon Portland)

0838 & 1338 - John Haggerty (Loudoun), Billy Hunter (Welbeck), Ewan McKinnon (Corrie)

0845 & 1345 - Gareth Lamb (Irvine), Graeme Gimson (St. Cuthbert), Joe Gilligan (Welbeck)

0853 & 1353 - Scott Clark (Belleisle), Del Chamberlain (Welbeck), Euan Walker (Barassie)

0900 & 1400 - Stephen King (St. Nicholas), Charlie Macneal (Welbeck), Gary McTaggart (Annanhill)

0908 & 1408 - Frank Henderson (Welbeck), George Robertson (avenspark), Ian Yates (Belleisle)

0915 & 1415 - Walter Meiklem (Welbeck), J Boyle (Dalmilling), Craig McLaughlin (Largs)

0923 & 1423 - Gary Tierney (St. Nicholas), Colin Robinson (Largs), Colin Gray (Irvine)

0930 & 1430 - Adam Foley (Belleisle), Kevin Ward (Maybole), Paul Robinson (Largs)

0938 & 1438 - George Higgins (Ardeer), Paul Denim (Loudoun), Robert Marshall (Beith)

0945 & 1445 - Wullie McGill (Ravenspark), Paul Giffney (Ardeer), Scott Gilchrist (Loudoun)

0953 & 1453 - Jamie Acheson (Routenburn), Lee Jenkins (Beith), Craig Adams (Ardeer)

1000 & 1500 - Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay), Gary Cochran (Ravenspark), Euan Brown (Barassie)

1008 & 1508 - Marc Smith (Welbeck), Rory Acheson (Routenburn), Graeme Rowan (Ballochmyle)

1015 & 1515 - Drew Wallace (St. Cuthbert), iain Fraser (St. Meddans), Tommy Keddie (New Cumnock)

1023 & 1523 - Kenny Milliken (St. Meddans), Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle), Scott McCahill (Maybole)

1030 & 1530 - Kevin Ottley (Belleisle), Neil McCormack (New Cumnock, David Power (St. Meddans)

All players are requested to book in with championship officials at the starters desk at least 15 minutes prior to their allocated tee time.

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire challenge ends in semi finals

The last remaining Ayrshire player in the 2010 Scottish Boys Championship, being played at West Kilbride this week, bowed out in the semi finals on Friday afternoon.

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie), who reached the quarter final stage of the competition 12 months ago, had a 5 & 3 win over Conor O'Neil (Pollock) in his morning quarter final match, to set up an afternoon semi final against fellow Scotland Boys Internatioanlist Grant Forrest (Craigielaw).

In a very close match in the afternoon however, McDonald was edged out by two holes as Forrest grabbed a place in the final.

Although McDonald was never ahead throughout the semi final tie, there was never more than two holes between the players throughout the match.

With the first three holes halved in figures of par-birdie-par, Forrest then birdied the par three fourth to go one ahead and then followed that with another birdie at the sixth to increase his lead to two holes. A par four at the sixth and a birdie four at the seventh were enough for McDonald to square the match but he immediately went one behind again with a bogey at the eigth before a birdie two at the ninth saw McDonald square the match once more, as the players turned for home.

The quality of the scoring in the inward half matched that of the first nine, both players starting back par-birdie-par before forrest again had successive birdies, with threes at the thirteenth and fourteenth to restore a two hole advantage.

When Forrest bogeyed the fifteenth, the defecit for McDonald was reduced to one hole and after the sixteenth and seventeenth were halved in pars, the players proceeded to the final tee with Forrest holding a one hole advantage.

In a match where the players had recorded ten birdies between them over the first seventeen holes, it was appropriate that the final hole of the tie was decided with a winning birdie. Unfortunately for local hopes, the winning birdie was recorded by Grant Forrest who took the last hole with a three against McDonald's par four to win the tie by two holes.

In the 36 hole final on Saturday, Grant Forrest takes on fellow Scotland Boys Internationalist Ian Redford (St. Andrews New).

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Malletsheugh withdraw from 2010 competition

With most clubs well advanced in arranging their qualifying matches in the 2010 Ayrshire Summer (Scratch) League competition, Malletsheugh have advised that they will be unable to take part and have withdrawn from the event.

With Malletsheugh drawn in League 4, a three team section alongside West Kilbride and Kilbirnie Place, this left the six qualifying sections comprising 4 - 4 - 4 - 2 - 3 & 3 teams.

Two options were considered, these being to leave the sections as drawn which would effectively have West Kilbride and Kilbirnie playing off for a quarter final spot or to move one of the four teams in League 3 into league 4 to give a six section set up of 4 - 4 -3 - 3 - 3 & 3 teams.

Bearing in mind the advanced stage that some teams were at in their match arrangements, the views of all clubs potentially involved, beingn the clubs in both Leagues 3 and 4, were sought and it has been decided to continue with the leagues as originally drawn. This decision was predominently based on the preferred options expressed by the clubs involved, the majority of whom expressed a preference to continue as originally drawn.

The format for the event this year will therefore now be :-

LEAGUE 1 - Caprington, Maybole, Irvine & Irvine Ravenspark.

LEAGUE 2 - Loudoun, Ballochmyle, Troon Welbeck & Prestwick St. Cuthbert

Winners of leagues 1 & 2 to play off in the semi final

LEAGUE 3 - Troon St. Meddans, Ayr Belleisle, Turnberry & New Cumnock

LEAGUE 4 - West Kilbride & Kilbirnie Place

Winners of Leagues 3 & 4 to play off in a quarter final

LEAGUE 5 - Beith, Tam O Shanter & Largs

LEAGUE 6 - Ardeer, Annanhill & Kilmarnock Barassie

Winners of Leagues 5 & 6 to play off in a quarter final

Winners of the 3/4 and 5/6 quarter finals to play off in a semi final match

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - McDonald carries Ayrshire hopes into quarter fianls

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured right - maintained the Ayrshire interest in the 2010 Scottish Boys Championship at West Kilbride on Thursday when he reached the quarter final stage of the championship for the second year in succession.

Of the four Ayrshire players in the last 32 of the championship on Thursday morning, Ciar Porciani bowed out in his fourth round tie in the morning, losing by 4 & 2 to Grant Forrest (Craigielaw), whilst the other three Ayrshire boys securefd places in the last 16 after their morning ties.

Callum Beveridge (Troon Welbeck) had a 2 & 1 win over Euan Bowden (The Glen) in the morning to set up a fifth round match against Calum Stewart (Brora), but went down by 3 & 1 in his bid for a quarter final place in the afternoon.

Charlie Macneal, also from Troon Welbeck beat Jamie Arthur (Milnathort) by 4 & 2 in the morning but in the afternoon saw his championship hopes dashed with a 3 & 2 defeat by boys internationalist Ian Redford (St. Andrews New).

It was however Jack McDonald who led the way for the Ayrshire contingent, beating Willem Kerr (Craigmillar Park) by 5 & 3 in the first tie out on the course in the morning, which he follwed with an equally impressive 5 & 4 victory over Ewan Scott (St. Andrews) in the afternoon, to secure his place in the last eight.

In the quarter finals on Friday morning, Jack McDonald plays in the first match, at 8.00 a.m., against Conor O'Neil (Pollock) as he continues his quest to secure a second national boys title.

CHARITY GOLF MARATHON - Callum Stewart bids to help Ayrshire Hospice in memory of dad

On 29th June 2010 Callum Stewart (Ayr Belleisle) will attempt to play golf continuously around Millport Golf Club from sunrise to sundown to raise funds for the Ayrshire Hospice in memory of his father, Gordon Stewart, who sadly passed away from cancer on 25.12.2008.

Callum, 19, is a student studying Biology at St. Andrews University, and on this summer he will be taking on a challenge that could see him play 6 rounds of golf in one day, walking over 25miles with his clubs and hitting over 500 shots. When not at university Callum lives at home with his family at Ewenfield Gardens in Ayr and is a former pupil at Belmont Academy.

The Ayrshire Hospice helped Callum and his family through a tough time when his father was diagnosed with cancer. They provide free palliative care to patients and their families with cancer and other life limiting illnesses. As such they rely entirely on donations and get very little contribution from the health board and require fundraising of up to £3.8m annually.

“Millport was where my father’s side of the family were based when they were younger and they spent many holidays on the island. My grandparents retired there and it became a frequent holiday destination for my family. My father was club champion 6 times and my uncle was club champion 7 times and an honorary life member. I have been a member of the club for the past ten years and played there frequently during the summer and have also represented the Millport senior team on a number of occasions.

“I plan to play from about 4.30am – 10.30pm, using the long Scottish daylight in the summer,” says Callum.

He’s going to invite many of his father’s friend’s to come and join him during the day to play a round.

“My initial fundraising target was £1,000 but the response from some people already has been fantastic I think I will manage to pass this and set a new target well before the event. I set up the fundraising page a few days ago and I already have £210.”

“I have no idea how I am going to manage this,” says Callum who plays off a handicap of 4. “The most golf I’ve played in a day before is 2 rounds and I’m usually gone after that. Once my university exams are out the way in May I will be doing a lot of fitness training as well as practicing my golf. I honestly think half-way through the day I will get very tired but it won’t matter as I will be able to carry on mentally.”

The hard work will all be worthwhile for Callum if he succeeds in raising over £1,000 for The Ayrshire Hospice. "When Dad was moved in to the hospice it was a very tough time for us. But they went out their way to do anything they could to make his and our lives easier. "The Ayrshire Hospice has done so much for us, now it's time I did something for them. They have a very dedicated team of fundraisers and volunteers and if I can help them out by playing golf I will.”

Callum is also planning a series of stunts as well as inviting his father’s old friends for a round. “I said to myself if we reached the target of £1000 I would do something wacky, like play a round in my some fancy boxers or a huge animal costume. I am well known around the club for my rather bright trousers and will certainly bring out a few pairs for the occasion. Someone suggested a Borat mankini but somehow I don’t think the local members would approve too much! I’m still open to ideas though.”Callum is a keen sportsman who as well as golf, plays volleyball for St. Andrews university and Team Fife, as well as recently trying out for the Scottish Universities team. He enjoys playing cricket during the summer months and has a part-time job for the ESPN-owned website Cricinfo."My university friends have been very generous and I hope others will sponsor me if they can," said Callum. "Even a couple of quid makes a difference and means The Ayrshire Hospice can continue their invaluable work supporting families like mine. And don’t forget to the Gift Aid box if you’re eligible.”You can sponsor Callum by visiting his online fundraising page on www.justgiving.com/cjstewart. You can pay by credit or debit card, and the money will go directly to The Ayrshire Hospice. Where supporters are UK taxpayers, the charity will automatically receive 28% extra in Gift Aid, which makes Justgiving the most efficient way of sponsoring Callum.

ANYONE WISHING TO SPONSOR CALLUM

CAN DO SO VIA THE LINK BELOW

www.justgiving.com/cjstewart

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For the facebook group please visit http://bit.ly/c4hIC0

Please join the facebook support group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=110521998965726&ref=mf

See Callum’s own facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/callumjs

For further information about the Ayrshire Hospice please visit http://www.ayrshirehospice.org/

For further information on Justgiving.com, please contact Mike Wells on 0845 021 2110.

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Four Ayrshire players in last 32

Ayrshire have four players in the last 32 of the 2010 Scottish Boys Championship, after rounds 2 & 3 were all but completed at a sunny West Kilbride on Wednesday.

In the first quarter, reigning Scottish Boys Strokeplay Champion Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) was first into the last 32 with a narrow win over Bradley Neil (Blairgowrie). Two ahead with two to play, McDonald was unable to close out his opponent and the match progressed to extra holes. Neil had opportunities to take the tie before McDonald secured victory at the 21st hole. On Thursday morning, McDonald faces Willem Kerr (Craigmillar Park) for a place in the last 16.

The other Ayrshire player in the first quarter, Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) bowed out of the competition in the third round, suffering a 5 & 4 defeat by Anthony Blaney (Liberton).

In the second quarter of the draw, Graeme Ritchie (Troon Welbeck) was defeated 3 & 2 in his second round match against Euan Douglas (Dunblane New) but there was better news from Ciar Porciani (Ayr Belleisle) who progressed to round three with a 4 & 3 win against Sean Burgess (Nairn) and in the afternoon defeated Jordan Williams (Castle Douglas) at the 19th to go into the last 32. On Thursday morning Porciani faces a fourth round match against Grant Forrest (Craigielaw).

The remaining two Ayrshire players in the last 32 are both in the third quarter of the draw.
In the top half of the quarter, Callum Beveridge (Troon Welbeck) beat Ross Black (Alness) by 4 & 3 on Wednesday morning in his second round match and followed this with a 4 & 2 win over Martin McAulay (Easter Moffat) in the afternoon. In the fourth round , on Thursday, Beveridge faces Euan Bowden (The Glen) in the last 32.

In the bottom half of the third quarter, Charlie Macneal (Troon Welbeck) had a 2 & 1 victory over James Reilly (East Kilbride) on Wednesday morning and a 3 & 2 win over Ross Proctor (Forres) in the afternoon, on his way to securing a fourth round match against Jamie Arthur (Milnathort) on Thursday.

The only other Ayrshire player featuring on Wednesday was Ross McSherry (Royal Troon) whose hopes ended with a second round defeat, by 7 & 6, against Robbie Gault (Cruden Bay).

The fourth and fifth round matches are scheduled to be completed on Thursday with the quarter finals and semi finals due on Friday.

The final match, over 36 holes, will be played on Saturday.