SGU & SLGA AMALGAMATION PROPOSALS - Golf clubs encouraged to support historic governing body changes

Plans for the most radical changes ever in the running of Scottish golf took another step forward at a press conference in Edinburgh on Tuesday 29 March when a proposal asking the country’s 580 golf clubs to approve the most far-reaching governance changes in the history of Scottish amateur golf was formally announced.

The proposals envisage an historic amalgamation between the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) and the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association (SLGA), while the new structure will also give clubs more say in the running of the game. The radical restructuring is announced in the same week as two Scots golfers themselves made history, with Paul Lawrie and Martin Laird winning on the European Tour and on the US Tour on the same day.

Following a two-year process of consultation with the game’s stakeholders – clubs, Areas and Counties – the final proposal is being sent out this week with clubs invited to indicate their support for the changes before the end of April.

The two governing bodies are calling on clubs, Areas and Counties to support the amalgamation proposal and influence the vote on the proposal at special general meetings in May. A seventy-five per cent vote in favour of amalgamation is required in both bodies before the proposal can be officially adopted.

The male and female governing bodies have been working closely together for a number of years and the proposed new structure reflects this, the increasing number of clubs which are welcoming equality and the desire of ordinary golfers, through their clubs, to have a bigger say in how the amateur game is run.

The proposed new governing body will also bring golf in Scotland into line with the governing bodies of other sports which have all embraced a modern, inclusive and equality agenda while Scotland is currently one of only four countries which does not yet have a unified national amateur golf body.

Shona Malcolm, Chairman of the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association, said:

“The final proposal reflects what we believe is a structure for modern, streamlined governance to take Scottish golf forward. We have listened to our stakeholders and members and incorporated a number of the changes suggested. We are confident that clubs will support the proposal.”

Chairman of the Scottish Golf Union Douglas Connon added:

“Having been round the country at our recent series of seminars, the overwhelming majority of clubs present were in favour of the changes. We would encourage all clubs, Areas and Counties in Scotland to play their part in seeing the amalgamation through to a successful conclusion.”

 

The latest documentation regarding the proposals can be viewed at

http://www.scottishgolf.org/go/sgu/amalgamation

 

AYRSHIRE NOTE - Once the final proposals have been circulated for consideration by member clubs, The Ayrshire Golf Association, who as one of the 16 shareholders in the present SGU company limited by shares will vote on behalf of the mens clubs in the county at any future EGM to approve the proposals, intend to arrange a meeting of member clubs in order to ensure that the Ayrshire vote reflects the views of our member clubs on the matter.

All member clubs will be advised of the date and venue for the meeeting in due course.

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP - Hendry to defend title at Largs

Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) will bid to defend her Ayrshire Ladies' County Golf Association title next month when the 2011 ALCGA Championship takes place from 12th to 14th April at Largs Golf Club

The qualifying round will take place on Tuesday 12th April with the players returning the top 16 scratch scores progressing to the matchplay stages over the following two days.

The Draw for Order Of Play

on Tuesday 12th April is :-

Club key :-

(KB) - Kilmarnock Barassie, (TL) - Troon Ladies

(LR) - Largs Routenburn, (BL) - Belleisle Ladies

(PSTN) - Prestwick St Nicholas, (LK) - Largs Kelburn

(LG) - Loudoun Gowf, (WK) - West Kilbride, (G) - Girvan, (I) - Irvine Bogside, (TW) - Troon Welbeck, (BC) - Brunston Castle, (SK) - Skelmorlie, (KP) - Kilbirnie Place, (TB) - Troon Bentinck, 

0900 - A. Glennie (KB), L Barker (KB)
0907 - R McQueen (TL), L Hendry (LR), D Watt (BL)
0915 - R Purdom (PSTN), J Linklater (LK), F Brawley (KB)
0922 - C Malcolm (PSTN), A Thomson (LG), J Finnie (TL)
0930 - L Keohone (LG), L Neill (BL), M McKay (WK)
0937 - G Henderson (BL), S Adams (LG), R McCulloch (G)
0945 - P Patrick (I), L Parry (I), J Scott (TW)
0952 - L Wilson (KB), M Wilson (BC), K McKellar (SK)
1000 - G Arnott (KP), S Streets (L), D Peberdy (KB)
1007 - A Edgar (KB), M Sharp (TL), J Watson (TL)
1015 - G Mackie (TL), J Pollock (BL), C Philp (TB)
1022 - J Blackwood (KB), M Short (PSTN), R Irvine (LK)
1030 - A Sharp (TL), F Craig (TL), R Macnee (KB)
1037 - J Mackie (TL), D Cree (PSTN), S Sanderson (TB)

1045 - S Shedden (PSTN), F MacPherson (TL), A Wilson (TW)

1052 - J West (I), J McGee (SK), E Girvan (PSTN)

1100 - I Smith (TL), M Miller (TL), M Lindsay (PSTN)

1107 - A Partridge (I), P Thomson (KB), M McGregor (KB)

1115 - L Fitzpatrick (KB), N Stark (LK), C Williamson (PSTN)

1122 - S Muir (TL), S Young (KB), M Magee (KB)

1130 - S Scott (TL),  J Lawson (LK), S Wright (TB)

1137 - S Parker (I), S Shackleton (TB), M McCallum (WK)

1145 - R Maxwell (PSTN), J Stewart (KB), J Fox (LK)

1152 - M Senior (BL), M Aitken (KB), C Gerrard (LG)

1200 - C Anderson (KB), M Jack (PSTN), S Hill (KB)

1207 - E Walker (TL), M Watson (TW), S Bell (TW)  

SGU JUNIOR TOUR - McDonald tied fourth place in 2011 opener

Jack McDonald

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) tied fourth place in the opening event of the 2011 SGU Junior Tour last weekend at Arbroath GC.

With the number of events being reduced this year, but each event being extended to 54 holes, McDonald returned rounds of 71, 72 & 70 over the par 70 course for a three round total of 213, 3 over par.

Euan Walker

This left him five shots adrift of overall winner Ewan Scott (St Andrews) but just one shot behind Grant Forrest (Craigielaw) and Neil Bradley (Blairgowrie) who tied second place on two over par.



Ayrshire's other representative in the competiton, Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) finished tied in 14th place on 8 over par after rounds of  74, 74 & 70.

The Next event in the series takes place at Rowallan Castle Golf Club in Ayrshire on 21st & 22nd May with the final event scheduled for Cardrona near Peebles on 11th and 12th June.

EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP - Stewart leads Scots challenge

(News Release by Ross Duncan, Marketing & Media Manager of the Scottish Golf Union)

Newly-crowned South African amateur champion Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) heads a quartet of Scots looking to emulate Paul Lawrie’s recent Spanish success when they line up in the European Nations Cup at Sotogrande this week (March 30 to April 2).

Stewart is joined by fellow GB and I Walker Cup squad players Ross Kellett (Colville Park) and Kris Nicol (Fraserburgh), with one of Lawrie’s North-east protégés Philip McLean (Peterhead) the fourth man in a strong line-up, all having recently returned from South Africa.

The Scotland team go into the event in confident mood following their recent successes in South Africa and in addition to the inspiration drawn from their countryman’s success in Malaga, the quartet will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of Wallace Booth, Scott Henry, Callum Macaulay and Keir McNicoll who won the title in 2008.

National coach Ian Rae believes the team has a good chance of victory:

“The players have had fantastic preparation for the season ahead with the training in the United Arab Emirates followed by the competitive trip to South Africa and they’re looking forward to competing in this week’s event,” he said.

“Both Paul and Martin Laird’s victories on Sunday have been a great boost for Scottish golf and our amateur players have also enjoyed success this season, so we go into this event in a very positive frame of mind. All four boys are playing well.” he added.

Defending champions England will be looking for a hat-trick of European Nations Championship victories, while reigning world champions France will also start among the favourites. The championship is played over 72 holes with the best three cards counting towards the team total each day, while an individual competition runs alongside it for the Amateur Masters Jacket.

The championship gets underway on Wednesday, concluding on Saturday at the Copa Real Club de Golf.

AYRSHIRE GIRLS GOLF - Ayrshire girls lose season opener to South Of Scotland



(Report and photograph courtesy of June Kerr)

The season opener for the Ayrshire girls team was a match against South of Scotland Girls played over Portpatrick Dunskey golf course on Sunday, 20th March 2011, which ended in a 4.5 - 1.5 defeat for the Ayrshire girls.



In the top match Connie Jaffrey narrowly lost to Rachel Walker - both of these girls had the previous week competed in the Junior Champion of Champions where Rachel finished 3rd and Connie 6th out of a strong field.



Ayrshire's points came from the second match where Mhairi McKay halved with Tara McTaggart, while newcomer to Ayrshire's team, Ali Roy from Maybole, secured a win on the last hole against the more experienced Katie Wright.





The Ayrshire Girls Team at Portpatrick - (Left to Right) - Connie Jaffrey,
Mhairi McKay, Grace Mackie, Rachel Irvine, Hazel McGarvie & Ali Roy.

 

Match details (Ayrshire names first) :-



Connie Jaffrey lost to Rachel Walker, 2/1

Mhairi McKay halved with Tara McTaggart

Grace Mackie lost to Katie McCracken 4/3

Rachel Irvine lost to Danielle Ker by 1 hole

Hazel McGarvie lost to Vicki Wright 4/3

Ali Roy won against Katie Wright by 1 hole



SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - 14 Ayrshire boys bid for title at Dunbar in April

Ayrshire will have fourteeen representatives in the field of 256 players who will bid for the 2011 Scottish Boys Championship, to be held at Dunbar Golf Club from 11th to 16th April.

Kilmarnock (Barassie) will provide seven of the Ayrshire challengers with a further three from near neighbours Troon Welbeck whilst Annanhill, Ardeer, Ayr Belleisle and Prestwick St Cuthbert will also be represented.

First round match details involving Ayrshire players are :-

MONDAY 11th APRIL

Match 16 (0849) - Callum Gorrie (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Robert Johnson (Helensburgh)

Match 19 (0913) - Lee Morgan (Newbattle) Vs. Greg Vernon (Annanhill)
Match 22 (0937) - David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) Vs. jamie Reid (Cruden Bay)
Match 27 (1017) - Louis Muray (Troon Welbeck) Vs. Max Baillie (Glenbervie)
Match 39 (1157) - Cameron Andrew (Kirkhill) Vs. Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Match 41 (1213) - Michael Giovannetti (Douglas Park) Vs. Blair Gavin (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Match 63 (1517) - Kury Yule (Goswick) Vs. Robbie Fitzpatrick (Ardeer)

Match 67 (1549) - Euan Henderson (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Calum Stewart (Brora)

Match 71 (1621) - Gordon owen (West Lothian) Vs. Calum Beveridge (Troon Welbeck)

TUESDAY 12th APRIL

Match 93 (0913) - Fraser Thain (West Linton) Vs. Greg Telfer (Prestwick St Cuthbert)

Match 95 (0929) - Patrick Timmons (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Sam Kiloh (Portlethen)

Match 102 (1025) - Colin Currie (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. George Duncan (Windyhill)

Match 123 (1321) - Michael Boddie (Dunbar) Vs. Jack McCluskey (Ayr Belleisle)

Match 124 (1329) - Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Fergus Sanderson (Blairgowrie)

The 36 hole final match takes place on Saturday 16th April

SCOTTISH AMATEUR GOLF - Scotland’s Top Golfers to do Battle at Crail

(Thanks to Peter Mason for this article)

Scotland’s top amateur golfers are hoping to be the one to lift the Battle Trophy next month (April) at Crail.

The new-look Battle Trophy tournament is to be played over four rounds of Crail Golfing Society’s Craighead Links and points will be awarded which count towards the R&A’s world amateur rankings and the Scottish Order of Merit.

With the entry limit of 69 competitors looking to be exceeded, the field so far includes 40 golfers with handicaps better than scratch. One notable entrant is the current Scottish Amateur champion, 21 year old Michael Stewart from Troon Welbeck club, playing off a handicap of plus 4, who also won the South African amateur championship earlier this month (March).

Local interest will centre on 24 year old Peter Latimer, playing off plus 3, from the New Golf Club in St Andrews and 27 year old Brian Soutar, off plus 2, from Leven. Also vying for the title are Blairgowrie’s 38 year old Scottish internationalist Glenn Campbell, who played for Scotland against Spain over the Craighead Links, and 33 year old Allyn Dick from Kingsknowe, both off handicaps of plus 3.

“This is a field of outstanding quality,” said Crail Golfing Society’s Captain Ian Dickson. “This year is the Society’s 225th anniversary and having the cream of Scotland’s amateur golfers here for the Battle Trophy adds tremendously to our celebrations.”

Defending champion, 21 year old Graeme McDougall from Bishopriggs, who is also a member at Crail and plays off plus 1, will be hoping to retain his title.

The Battle Trophy, which was instituted in 1999, was a two round event until this year, when the R&A decided that world amateur ranking points would be awarded for success and the Scottish Golf Union designated it a counting event for the Order of Merit. This led to its being upgraded to a 72 hole stroke play tournament. It will be played over the weekend of 16/17 April.

Crail Golfing Society was founded 225 years ago in 1786 by 11 local golfers and now has 1400 members across the world. It has two courses: Craighead Links, which opened in 1998 and was designed by American Gil Hanse, winner of the 2009 accolade as Golf Course Architect of the Year, and Balcomie Links, laid out by Tom Morris and opened in 1895.

WORLD AMATEUR GOLF RANKINGS - Michael Stewart into top 30

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) has moved into the top 30 of the World Amateur rankings following his win in the South African Championship recently.

This is Michael's highest ever ranking, up three places from his previous 32nd spot.

The only scot presently higher in the rankings is James Byrne (Banchory) who remains at number 11.

The top three amateur golfers in the world at present are :-

1 - Peter Uihlein (USA)

2 - Patrick Cantley (USA)

3 - David Chung (USA)

AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Closing date for entries approaching

Clubs are reminded that the closing date for entries to the Ayrshire Boys Team Championship, to be played at Annanhill Golf Club on Sunday 17th April 2011, is fast approaching.


The entry fee remains at £25 per team this year and entry forms have been distributed to clubs via email and can also be downloaded direct from the link on the left of this page under the 'juniors Info' heading.

The closing date for entries to the competition this year is SATURDAY 2nd APRIL.

2011 AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Closing date for entries approaching

Players are reminded that the closing date for entries to the 2011 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship, to be played at West Kilbride Golf Club on Sunday 24th April 2011, is fast approaching.

The entry fee for the competition remains at £20 this year and entry forms have been distributed to clubs by email, and are also available to download directly via the link on the left of this page under the 'Mens Info' heading.

The closing date for entries to the championship this year is WEDNESDAY 6th APRIL.

AYRSHIRE SENIORS LEAGUE - Preparations under way for 2011 competition

Competing clubs met recently to make arrangements for the 2011 Ayrshire Seniors League, the fourth season the competition has taken place.

Annanhill, Caprington and Irvine Ravenspark have withdrawn from the league this year but Prestwick St. Nicholas and West Kilbride have provisionally agreed to join.

With the addition of Prestwick St Nicholas and West Kilbride there will now be 8 teams in the league, which also include Ardeer, Ballochmyle, Kilmarnock Barassie, Kilbirnie Place, Loudoun and Prestwick St Cuthbert.

The league this year will not be played in sections as it has been previously but will comprise one section with each club playing seven matches, either 4 home/3 away or 3 home/4 away.

Matches will be generally be scheduled to be played midweek, during the day.

Although this is not an event administered under the auspices of The Ayrshire Golf Association, we are more than happy to report on results and league positions as the competition progresses and if clubs or organisers wish to forward reports and results to the AGA at ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net  throughout the summer then we will try to keep the golfing public updated on the progress of the competition.

SOUTH AFRICAN NORTHERN AMATEUR OPEN - Stewart edged out in quarter final

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) was stopped in his bid for a second major South African title this week having booked his place in the quarter finals of the South African North Amateur Championship, alongside three of his Scotland teammates who provided half of the remaining field.

(yesterdays report from the Scottishgolf website at http://www.scottishgolf.org/ )

Michael Stewart notched a convincing 5&3 win in the last 16 of the Northern Amateur Open to set up an all Scottish quarter-final against Philip McLean with David Law and Scott Gibson also through to the last 8 in Randpark.

Stewart, chasing a historic South African double after securing the South African Amateur title earlier this month was in devastating form in what was another successful day for the Scots in South Africa.

The Scottish Amatuer Champion now faces team-mate Peterhead’s Philip McLean, whose passage to the quarter-finals was not quite as straightforward, a birdie at the 4th play-off hole from McLean required to progress. Scotland are now guaranteed semi-final representation for the second successive event.

Scott Gibson endured an even more dramatic end to his last 16 match, the Southerness star chipped in at the 3rd extra hole to win his match. Meanwhile, qualifying strokeplay winner David Law continued his excellent form and sealed his quarter-final place with a 19th hole victory.

The Northern Amateur Open quarter-finals and semi-finals will be completed today (Thursday) before concluding with a 36-hole final on Friday.

In the quarter finals on Thursday, Stewart was edged out by one hole by fellow Scot Philip McLean.

Another Scotland international, David law, has battled his way through to the 36 hole final tomorrow.

SCOTTISH JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - McDonald third in national junior opener

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) was the best of the Ayrshire players when he took third place in the boys event at the Scotish Junior Champion Of Champions event played at a very wet Dukes Course in St Andrews on Sunday 13th March.

Craig Ross (Kirkhill) and Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) overcame strong boys and girls fields in testing weather conditions to become 2011 Junior Champion of Champions.

Play was delayed for an hour due to water-logged fairways but Jack McDonald managed a creditable level par round of 71 to leave him just two behind the winner and runner up Ewan Scott (St Andrews) who both returned 69, with Scott winning on the better inward half.

Kate McInatosh also won the girls event on the better inward half, edging out Rachael Watton (Broomieknowe) abter both carded three over par scores of 74.

Of the other Ayrshire competitors, Craig Telfer (Prestwick St Cuthbert was joint 17th with a 78 (+7) whilst David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) was 25th on 80 (+9) and in the girls event Connie Jaffrey (Troon ladies) was 7th after carding a 77 (+6).

SCOTTISH JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - four Ayrshire players bid for glory this weekend

Four young Ayrshire golfers bid for glory this weekend in the 2011 Scottish Junior Champion Of Champions competition which will be held at The Dukes, St Andrews on Sunday 13th March.

With the event using a two tee start, Ayrshire Junior Champion Of Champions Trophy holder Craig Telfer (Prestwick St Cuthbert) tees off at hole 1 at 10.10 a.m. in the game ahead of the sole Ayrshire girls representative, Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies), who tees off at 10.20 a.m.

Also in the field is Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) and Scottish Internationalist Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie), who start at tee 10 at 09.35 a.m. and 09.55 a.m. respectively.

CALAMILLORGOLF.COM - win a trip for two to Mallorca in October

Clark Lee from Ayr, who runs www.calamillorgolf.com

and arranges golfing trips to Mallorca is offering readers the chance to win a golfing holiday for two to Mallorca in October 2011 which includes accommodation on a half board basis as well as a couple of rounds of golf during the stay.

The draw will take place in September 2011 with the holiday to be taken in October.

Entry is free and can be made via the calamillorgolf website link on the left of this page, under the 'Golf Links' heading, or by clicking on the link below.

http://www.calamillorgolf.com/winagolfingholidayinmallorca.html

Clark wishes all entrants the best of luck.

DOUGLAS LOW - Herald golf correspondent passes away

(From the Scottishgolf website)

It is with regret that I inform you of the death of Douglas Lowe, golf correspondent of The Herald, at his Helensburgh home yesterday.

Mr Lowe, 59, was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the end of December and had undergone surgery in January. He leaves a son and two daughters and our thoughts are with his family on this very sad day.

A graduate of St Andrews University, he worked for The Herald for 34 years, starting as a reporter and sub-editor in 1977 before making the switch to the sports desk in 1998. He was appointed golf correspondent in 2003, covering the full spectrum of events from the Ryder Cup and Open Championship to many of the SGU’s national championships.

Scottish Golf Union Chief Executive Hamish Grey commented:

“We were very saddened to hear the news that Douglas Lowe had passed away. He has been a fantastic supporter of amateur golf in Scotland and provided Herald readers with excellent in-depth coverage from many of our national events each year,”

“He was a regular at the Scottish Boys Championship and Scottish Amateur Championship every season, reporting on the success of the country’s best young players and following many careers through to professional Tour level.”

“Through his Tuesday column, he enlightened readers with an insight into some of the wider issues surrounding golf and showed a particular passion for supporting our Membership Campaign in recent years, bringing the issue of a positive change in culture among clubs to light. His sharp wit in the press room at events will be sadly missed by the players, staff and officials alike. Our thoughts go to the Lowe family at this sad time.”

SCOTTISH LADIES GOLF - Closing date for two events approaches

(FROM THE SCOTTISH LADIES GOLFING ASSOCIATION WEBSITE)

Scottish Ladies Match-play Foursomes

Monday, March 7 (at 12 noon) is the closing date for clubs to enter the Scottish Ladies Match-play Foursomes. Each club may nominate one team of two or three players to compete in this knock-out match-play foursomes competition. The semi-finals and final will be played at Glenbervie Golf Club on August 28.

For further information see the entry forms which were sent out to the clubs in early February.

SLGA Under-16 Open Stroke Play Championship

This 36-hole stroke play event will once again be held at Strathmore Golf Centre on April 14-15 with a practice round available on April 13. This is always a popular event and no late entries will be accepted so make sure you get your entries in before the closing date at 12 noon on Monday, March 14.

JUNIOR CLUB COACHING GRANTS - Scheme continued into 2011

The Ayrshire Golf Association Club Coaching Grant Scheme will continue in 2011 with application forms now available to clubs.

The scheme allows member clubs to apply for a coaching grant of up to £150 to assist with professional junior coaching within their club.

On approval the club will be notified and on completion of the coaching schedule the nominated professional will apply for payment and be paid direct by The Association as agreed.

Whilst the grant is provided to assist coaching schemes within member clubs, it is hoped that the clubs themselves will at least match fund any approved schedule of coaching for their juniors.

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

Available funds are limited and clubs intending to apply for the grant are encouraged to do so at an early stage.

SCOTTISH GOLF ACADEMY WINTER SERIES - 3rd place for Walker and Jaffrey in series

Euan Walker

The Scottish Golf Academy Under 16 Winter Series concluded on Sunday at Troon Darley Golf Course with the final competition of the four event series, and Ayrshire were represented in the top placings in both the boys and girls final tables, with Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Connie Jaffrey (West Kilbride) both finishing third in their respective events.

Connie Jaffrey

Runner up Ben Kinsley and winner Ewan Scott, both from St Andrews, finished ahead of Ewan Walker in the boys event whilst runner up Lesley Atkins (Gullane Ladies) and winner Clara Young (North Berwisk) pipped Connie Jaffrey in the girls competition.

Ayrshire's other representative in the boys event, Jack Thomas (Irvine GC) finished in joint 23rd place.

In the girls event, Katie McGarva of Troon ladies finished in ninth place overall with clubmate Emma Hale finished in 11th spot.  

In the final event itself, played in testing conditions at Troon Darley, the best return of the day in the boys competition was from Ben Kinsley (St Andrews) with a creditable level par round of 71, with Euan Bowden (The Glen) one shot further back on 72. Ewan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) tied third place on 74 whilst the other Ayrshire competitor, jack Thomas (Irvine) was joint 6th on 77.

kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) was best in the girls event with a3 over par total of 75, with Tara McTaggart (Minto) and Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies) two shots firther back on 77.

Best of the Ayrshire girls was Connie Jaffrey (West Kilbride) in 6th place on 82, whilst Emma Hale (Troon Ladies) was tied 8th on 84 and Katie McGarva (Troon Ladies) finished tied 10th on 86. 

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Closing date for entries near

Entries for the 2011 Scottish Boys Championship, to be held at Dunbar Golf Club from Monday 11 April to Saturday 16 April, close on Thursday 10 March 2011.

Any players still to enter, please do so as soon as possible.

The handicap limit is 6.4 and entry fee is £36.

A list of entries to date can be viewed at via the Scottishgolf WEbsite or by clicking here:-http://www.golfbox.dk/livescoring/signups.asp?tour={8E9AD70A-4886-4938-8A3A-93D71676B9D1}&clubOnly=1&color=1&lang=2057

Entry forms can also be downloaded from the Scottishgolf website or by clicking here:-

http://www.scottishgolf.org/go/events/entry-forms

JACKIE CANNON - Funeral arrangemets

The funeral of Ayrshire golfing legend, the late Jackie Cannon of Irvine Golf Club, will be held on Tuesday 8th March 2011 at 10 a.m. at the Old Parish Church in Irvine and thereafter to Kilmaurs Cemetery at 11.15 a.m.

An invitation is extended to all Jackie's friends and acquaintances to attend and pay their respects.

SOUTH AFRICAN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart boosts Walker Cup chance with win

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) gave his hopes of a place in the Walker Cup team at Royal Aberdeen in September a major boost today when he won the South African Amateur Championship, beating fellow Scot Paul Shields by 5 & 4 in the 36 hole final.

(Report from the SGU website)

Troon Welbeck’s Michael Stewart overcame the challenge of countryman Paul Shields with an emphatic 5 and 4 victory to become the first Scot to lift the prestigious South African Amateur Championship title.


The young Ayrshireman, who celebrates his 21st birthday on Sunday, lost the opening two holes of the morning round but recovered in style to repeat his 2008 Scottish Boys Final victory over Shields with a superb short game performance.

Victory earns Stewart a spot in next season’s South African Open Championship alongside Ernie Els and significantly boosts his chances of a place in Nigel Edwards’ GB&I Walker Cup team to face the USA at Royal Aberdeen in September.

“I’m absolutely delighted to win the South African Amateur Championship. To have my name alongside famous names such as Bobby Locke, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Trevor Immelman, who all went on to win Majors, is an incredible feeling,” said the reigning Scottish Amateur Champion.

“Paul was a fantastic opponent and it was tough to see a friend lose, but he’s had a great week. It’s a brilliant start to the season for Scottish amateur golf and having three of the squad in the last four as well as eight making the cut shows the strength in depth we have,” he added.

“My game seemed to get better as the week progressed and although I got off to slow starts against both Paul and Jordan, I was confident in my ability. I feel really comfortable in the match play format and my short game has been in great shape for the whole trip to South Africa. “ concluded Stewart, who will lead the Scotland side in a Test match against their hosts next week at Leopard Creek.

Reflecting on the competitive winter trip to South Africa and the warm weather training stint in the UAE, Stewart commented: “The training we’ve had over here and in Dubai is really benefiting us all and I’m hugely grateful to the SGU, Aberdeen Asset Management and Johann Rupert for giving us these opportunities. It’s nice to pay our supporters back with results like this and hopefully there’s much more to come from us this season.”

It was Kirkhill golfer Shields who took the initiative early in the 36-hole final with back-to-back birdies at the opening two holes but Stewart bounced back with a birdie at the third and drew level with a stunning eagle at the fifth.

His putter came alive on the back nine, firing birdies at the 13th, 14th and 17th to reach the half-way stage with a four-hole cushion, posting a 7-under par 65 in the morning round. The Troon man increased his lead to five up at the 19th but Shields rallied with a birdie blitz to narrow the lead to two holes with nine to play.

Stewart, however, drew upon his experience of previous match play finals to force the advantage again, winning the 29th before Shields three-putted the next to extend Stewart’s lead to three. He won the 31st to go four up and the match was conceded when Shields came unstuck at the 32nd hole, leaving Stewart to claim his third major national championship.

SGU National Coach Ian Rae, who is out with the squad in South Africa, praised the performance of both players:

“It’s fantastic to see two young Scots who have come through our programme from an early age perform so well on such a big international stage. All the players in the squad have been working very hard over the past few months and it’s great to see all the good results in recent weeks. South African golf is very strong and they’ve both beaten some excellent players along the way.”

SOUTH AFRICAN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Michael Stewart to feature in all Scottish final

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) has the opportunity to complete a notable double tomorrow when he bids to add the South African Amateur Matchplay Championship title to his Scottish Amateur win last season.

During a six week visit to South Africa as part of the Scottish Golf Union Elite Squad, Stewart reached the final of the championship today when he beat Jordan Findlay in a repeat of last years Scottish Amateur final match.

In the final tomorrow, at Vaal de Grace, Stewart will face fellow Scot Paul Shields from Kirkhill Golf Club, Cambuslang.

In the semi final Stewart fought back from three down with five to play, taking the 14th, 16th and 18th to square the match, before winning through at the first extra hole.

Thursday Results :-

QUARTER-FINALS

Jacques Kruyswijk (South Africa) beat Stephen Pienaar (South Africa) by 4 and 2

Paul Shields (Scotland) beat Audrey Barnard (South Africa) at the 22nd

Michael Stewart (Scotland) beat Muzi Methunzwi (South Africa) by 3 and 2

Jordan Findlay (Scotland) beat D J Du Plessis (South Africa) by 2 holes

SEMI-FINALS

Shields beat Kruyswijk by 3 and 2

Stewart beat Findlay at the 19th

JACKIE CANNON - Ayrshire golf legend passes away

It is with great sadness that we learned of the death yesterday of Jackie Cannon of Irvine Golf Club, who passed away aged 94.

One of Ayrshire's true golfing legends, Jackie was, along with his good friends Hammy McInally and Jimmy Walker, famed as a member of the Irvine Triumvirate who were to the fore in Scottish amateur golf circles for many years, having all hailed from the tiny mining village of Bartonholm which stood at one time near to the 15th hole of the Irvine (Bogside) course.

A four time Ayrshire Champion and winner of many other West Of Scotland events and local titles, it was in 1969, at the age of 52, that Jackie Cannon won the Scottish Amateur Championship over the Old Course at Troon, beating Alan Hall by 6 & 4 in the final. In taking the championship that year, Jackie became the oldest player ever to win 'The Scottish', a record which still stand to this day.

His win in 1969 saw Jackie chosen for the Scotland Internation team, a distinction he repeated in 1974.

Jackie competed at the highest level for decades and is said to have held a scratch handicap for over 45 years and represented his county for 50 years until his last appearance in an Ayrshire team in 1985.

Possibly one of his proudest golfing moments came in 1969 when he partnered his son Ian to victory for Irvine Golf Club in The Evening Times Scottish Foursomes competition at Dunbar, the fourth occassion in which Jackie was in a winning pairing in the event.

In his latter competitive years, Jackie gained further national titles, winning the British Seniors Amateur Championship in 1980 at Prestwick St Nicholas as well as winning the Scottish Seniors Championship in the same year at Royal Burgess and being joint winner of that championship on two further occassions, in 1978 at Glasgow (Killermont) and again in 1982 at Royal Burgess.

Jackie Cannon flanked by
Hammy McInally on the left and
Jimmy Walker on the right

In 1971 Jackie, with his two great golfing companions Hammy McInally and Jimmy Walker, presented their Scottish Amateur Championship medals, numbering eight in total, to Irvine Golf Club and these can be seen proudly displayed in the clubhouse to this day.

Never as flamboyant as his two clubmates, Jackie could be considered retiscent about his own golfing prowess, but was considered by all a true gentleman of the game and won admiration within his own club as well as throughout Ayrshire and beyond during his sparkling carreer.

And so another chapter in the rich history of Ayrshire golf closes, as Jackie passes on, perhaps to meet up again and renew friendships and golfing rivalries with Hammy and Jimmy with a round elsewhere than his beloved Bogside.

The association sends its sincere sympathy to Jackie's family at this sad time.

It is hoped to intimate funeral arrangements in due course.