AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Draw for 2011 event at Troon Portland

The draw for the 2011 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship was made at the conclusion of the 2011 Ayrshire Strokeplay event on Sunday.

The matchplay will be held from Monday 2nd to Thursday 5th May over the Troon Portland course, and involves the top 16 available players from the strokeplay.

The cut this year fell at 148, with three players from 6 gaining places in the matchplay field.

Leading qualifier and new Strokeplay champion Jamie mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) faces three times winner Alex Gourlay (Irvine) in round 1, whilst the holder Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) faces a difficult first round match in his defence, against former winner and reigning Champion Of Champions Tommy McInally (Loudoun)

Round 1 matches on Monday 2nd May are :-

1700 hrs - JAMIE MACKAY (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. ALEX GOURLAY (Irvine)
1707 hrs - STEPHEN MURRAY (Troon Welbeck) Vs. EUAN WALKER (Kilmarnock Barassie)
1715 hrs - TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun) Vs. EUAN BROWN (Kilmarnock Barassie)
1721 hrs - GARY BRYDEN (Girvan) Vs. STEPHEN SPENCE (Irvine)
1728 hrs - MICHAEL SMYTH (Royal Troon) Vs. COLIN GRAY (Irvine)
1735 hrs - KEITH HAMILTON (Ayr Belleisle) Vs. MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (Whiting Bay)
1742 hrs - JOHN HAGGARTY (Loudoun) Vs. ALAN CONNERY (Irvine)
1749 hrs - DAVID McLELLAN (largs) Vs. DAVID WILSON (Troon Welbeck)

RESERVES
Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck), Gordon Boyle (Ayr Dalmilling), Alan McLean (Kilbirnie Pl)

Players should note that, although timings are given for first round matches, ties will proceed from the tee as and when players are ready and not necessarily in the order given.

Any player who becomes unavailable prior to the date of the first round match is requested to contact the Association Secretary at ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net or by phone, as soon as possible, in order to allow a replacement to be substituted.

AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - mackay edges title from Smyth after marathon play off

The new Ayrshire Strokeplay Champion is Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) who won the title for the first time, after a marathon play off against Michael Smyth (Royal Troon), when the 2011 championship took place at West Kilbride Golf Club on Sunday 24th April.

A capacity field of 60 players contested the 36 hole event, with the cut being set at an all time low of 1.9 of a handicap.

Jamie Mackay, the 2005 Ayrshire Boys Champion, led the field from the off, posting the best score of the morning round with a three under par 68.

2010 Scottish Mid Amateur Champion Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) trailed by only one shot at the halfway stage whilst John Haggarty (Loudoun), defending champion Tommy McInally (Loudoun), Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle) and Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark) trailed Mackay by two shots, all posting one under par scores of 70 in the morning.

After a 72 in the morning, Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) recorded one of the best rounds of the afternoon with a two under par 69 to set the clubhouse target on 141, one under par, for 36 holes.

The morning leader Jamie Mackay was in the following group and, although he couldn't quite match his morning form, his two over par score of 73 in the afternoon was enough to match Michael Smyth's leading score.

Two under par returns of 69 in the afternoon gave David McLellan (Largs) and Gary Bryden (Girvan) totals of 144 which put them on the prize list at sixth and fifth places respectively, by virtue of the better inward half of the second round.

John Haggarty (Loudoun) followed his sub par morning round with a one over par 72 for a level par total of 142 and overall third place, whilst defending champion Tommy McInally put up a spirited defence with a second round 73 for a 143 total and fourth spot overall.

Michael Smyth & Jamie Mackay

With no other challengers emerging, the winner of the title was to be decided by a four hole play off over the 1st, 16th, 17th and 18th holes between Jamie Mackay and Michael Smyth.

It was Michael Smyth who took the early lead after Jamie mackay three putted the opening play off hole for a bogey five, and despit both players having opportunities, pars at the 16th and 17th saw the players move to the final tee with Michael Smyth still one ahead.

Jamie mackay produced a superb drive to within a few yards of the green at the 18th, and although Michael Smyth secured a solid par four, it was to jamie mackay's real credit that he chipped up and holed an excellent 10 feet putt for a birdie three to take the play off into extra holes.

Both players recorded solid par fours at the first play off hole, and again moved the the final tee to do battle for the county crown.

At what was to prove the final hole of the contest, Jamie Mackay cut his tee shot right, leaving him a difficult approach to the green over a bunker whilst Michael Smyth found a testing lie in the rough just off the right side of the fairway.

Jamie Mackay hit his approach a little heavy and his ball came to rest in the greenside bunker and  Michael Smyth, although coming from testing rough, managed to reach the front of the green, leaving him a putt of around 30 feet for his birdie three.

Jamie Mackay played a good bunker shot to around 10 feet past the hole, leaving him a chance of a par, and then watched as Michael Smyth's bidie effort pulled up 4 feet short of the hole.

The destiny of the title now lay with two putts and Jamie Mackay took the initiative, striking a firm putt which circled the hole before dropping into the cup for a superb up and down from the bunker under the circumstances, and a hard fought par four.

David Miller and Jamie Mackay

The spotlight then fell on Michael Smyth who faced a  four foot putt for his par to take the match further. Despite hitting a good putt which caught the hole, Michael Smyth saw his ball agonisingly horseshoe round the hole and spin out, leaving him with a closing bogey 5 and giving the title to his opponent Jamie Mackay.

At the conclusion of the epic final, Ayrshire Golf Association President David MIller (Kilmarnock Barassie) praised both players before presenting prizes to the succesful competitors and passing the Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship Trophy to the 2011 winner Jamie Mackay.

PRIZEWINNERS :-
Strokeplay Champion - Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) 68 - 73 = 141 (won at 6th play off hole)
Runner up - Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) 72 - 69 = 141
3rd - John Haggarty (Loudoun) 70 - 72 = 142
4th - Tommy McInally (Loudoun) 70 - 73 = 143
5th - Gary Bryden (Girvan) 75 - 69 = 144 (better inward half of second round)
6th - David McLellan (Largs) 75 - 69 = 144

The CSS for the morning round was 72 (+1) and for the afternoon round was 71 (no change)

A full list of scores is available to view via the link on the left of this page under the 'mens info' heading

SGU UNDER 16 DEVELOPMENT QUADRANGULAR TOURNAMENT - Walker and Scots team pipped on final day

Euan Walker

Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) gained his first international honours this week as a member of the Scotland team which competed with Wales, Ireland and The Netherlands in an Under 16 Development Quadrangular Tournament at Royal Musselburgh.

On the opening day on Tuesday, Scotland beat Wales by 7 - 5 whilst defending champions Ireland comfortable overcame The Netherlands by 10 - 2.

On Wednesday Scotland matched Ireland's achievement by beating The Netherlands by 10 - 2 whilst Ireland had an 8 - 4 win over Wales.

Whilst Wales and The Netherlands fought out a 6 - 6 draw on Thursday, it was all to play for on the final day in the match between Ireland and Scotland, with Scotland being denied a win in the tournament as ireland held the Scots to a 6 - 6 draw and retained the title by virtue of most games won over the series.

US COLLEGE GOLF - Ayrshire girl in championship play off defeat

(Report courtesy of Colin Farquharson, from the kirkwoodgolf.co.uk website)

Ayrshire's Linzi Allan, a sophomore (second-year) student at Newman University, Wichita, Kansas, lost a play-off for the individual title at the Heartland Conference Women's Championship at Teravista Golf Club, Round Rock in Texas on Wednesday.

Linzi, pictured, a former pupil of Garnock Academy, had a pair of 74s for a total of 148 over a par-72 course of 6,250yd.

Her score was matched by Melissa Gonzalez (St Edwards University) with rounds of 77 and 71.

Melissa won the sudden-death play-off at the first extra hole.

Linzi's team-mates, Megan Birdsey from Bedfordshire (75-78 for 153) and Alyssa Balding (85-94 for 179) finished sixth and 22nd respectively in a field of 35 players.

Newman (632) finished third of seven behind St Edwards University (613) and Dallas Baptist University (623) in the team event.

This was Newman University's last competition of the 2010-2011 college golf season.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION SPECIAL MEETING - Clubs circulated with details of meeting to discuss SGU and SLGA amalgamation proposals

All member clubs will receive a letter over the next few days, by post or email, inviting representatives to attend a Special Meeting of The Ayrshire Golf Association

at

Caprington Golf Club

on

Tuesday 10th May

at

7.30 p.m.

to discuss the proposed amalgamation of the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies Golfing Association.

Club members and officials will will no doubt be aware of the forthcoming proposal to amalgamate the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies Golfing Association to form a single governing body for amateur golf in Scotland.

As one of the 16 shareholders in the Scottish Golf Union Ltd, The Ayrshire Golf Association will be called upon to vote for or against the proposals at a forthcoming Special Meeting of the Scottish Golf Union Ltd.

There has been considerable consultation undertaken over the last year or more before the final proposals were tabled recently. The Ayrshire Golf Association Executive have raised a number of points and concerns in relation to the proposals throughout the process and these have been considered.

Consequently, the Ayrshire Golf Association Executive have agreed to support the amalgamation proposals, subject to the approval of the member clubs.

All clubs should have been circulated with copies of the amalgamation proposal documents by the SGU and these documents are also available to download from the Scottishgolf website at www.scottishgolf.org .

Whilst the Ayrshire Golf Association will be the voting shareholder, it is considered vital that our vote reflects the feeling of our member clubs and consequently the Special Meeting has been arranged to assess the views of member clubs in order to facilitate a final decision on Ayrshire’s position prior to the SGUL Special Meeting on 26^th May.

The decision to be made at the SGUL Special Meeting is an important one for amateur golf in Scotland and will potentially affect all clubs in the country.

All member clubs are encouraged to send a representation to this meeting to allow the AGA Executive to assess the feeling of all our member clubs and ensure that this position is reflected in any vote taken on their behalf at the SGUL Special Meeting.

Clubs should note the following points

·         A vote will be taken at the meeting, for or against supporting the amalgamation proposals

·         No proxy votes will be considered – if clubs have a view for or against they will need to be represented at the meeting to vote

·         Member clubs are invited to send up to two representatives, only one of which will have a vote

·         To assist with arrangements, all member clubs are requested to inform the Area Secretary, Alasdair Malcolm, of their intention to be represented at the meeting, or otherwise, by Friday 6^th May.

A considerable amount of work has been undertaken on behalf of member clubs throughout the consultation process leading to the final amalgamation proposals, and the AGA Executive are keen to ensure that the views of member clubs are properly considered before any vote is cast on their behalf in such an important decision for Scottish amateur golf.

The association look forward to meeting with club representatives to discuss the proposals.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Wallace Thornton Trophy sections finalised

With the Ayrshire Boys Team Championship being played on Sunday 17th April, the qualifying teams for the 2011 Wallace Thornton Trophy competition have now been finalised.

2010 runners up, and the new Ayrshire Boys Team Champions, Kilmarnock (Barassie) will contest Section 1 alongside Irvine, Prestwick St Nicholas, Largs and Ayr Belleisle

The holders, Troon Welbeck, will contest Section 2 along with Annanhill, Prestwick St Cuthbert, West Kilbride and Ardeer.

Fixtures will be played between May and August with the winners of each section contesting the final at Loudoun in September.

Scheduled fixtures in each section are :-

SECTION 1

Kilmarnock Barassie Vs. Irvine
Kilmarnock Barassie Vs. Prestwick St Nicholas
Largs Vs Kilmarnock Barassie
Ayr Belleisle Vs Kilmarnock Barassie
Irvine Vs Prestwick St Nicholas
Irvine Vs Largs 
Ayr Belleisle Vs Irvine
Prestwick St Nicholas Vs Largs
Prestwick St Nicholas Vs Ayr Belleisle
Largs Vs Ayr Belleisle

SECTION 2

Troon Welbeck Vs. Annanhill
Troon Welbeck Vs Prestwick St Cuthbert
West Kilbride Vs Troon Welbeck
Ardeer Vs Troon Welbeck
Annanhill Vs Prestwick St Cuthbert
Annanhill Vs West Kilbride
Ardeer Vs Annanhill
Prestwick St Cuthbert Vs West Kilbride
Prestwick St Cuthbert Vs Ardeer
West Kilbride Vs Ardeer

THE AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Kilmarnock (Barassie) take county title

Kilmarnock (Barassie) took the Ayrshire Boys Team Championship title on Sunday 17th April at Annanhill GC, winning the Matt Lygate Trophy by a clear 14 shots from defending champions Troon Welbeck.

15 clubs contested the championship this year, with three scores from four determining the team totals.

The Kilmarnock Barassie team of Jack McDonald (73), Euan walker (71), Callum Gorrie (73) & Blair Gaven (76) combined for a team total of 217.

The most likely challengers were defending champions Troon Welbeck but the challenge from the holders never came seriously close to the leaders.

In the handicap team event, for the Andrew D Nimmo Trophy, It was the Annanhill team who used their local knowledge to win the trophy, Greg Vernon (72), Darren Young (70), Laim Middleton (91) & Chris Murchie (73) combinong for a team total of 215 to take the trophy by 1 shot from Loudoun.

The best individual scratch score of the day, for the Prestwick Circuits Trophy, was posted by 4 handicapper Robbie Fitzpatrick (Irvine) whose level par score of 71 edged out Euan walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) by virtue of the better inward half.

The best individual nett score, for the Carrick Trophy, was recorded by 4 handicapper Callum Gorrie (Kilmarnock Barassie) whose nett 69 gave him the silverware by virtue of the better inward half.

In the 0 - 9 handicap class, first place went to Alastair Kyle (Royal Troon) with 76 - 7 = 69

In the 10 - 18 handicap class, first place went to Grant Moore (Loudoun) with 88 - 18 = 70 (bih)

The team totals for the championship were :-

SCRATCH SCORE - TEAM - (NETT SCORE)

217 - KILMARNOCK BARASSIE (210)
231 - TROON WELBECK (222)
233 - IRVINE (218)
237 - ANNANHILL (215)
243 - PRESTWICK ST NICHOLAS (218)
251 - PRESTWICK ST CUTHBERT (232)
253 - LARGS (225)
255 - WEST KILBRIDE (232)
255 - ROYAL TROON (234)
258 - AYR BELLEISLE (236)
262 - ARDEER (238)
265 - LOUDOUN (216)
268 - BALLOCHMYLE (228)
287 - IRVINE RAVENSPARK (223)
301 - SKELMORLIE (234)

A full list of results is available via the link on the left of this page under the 'juniors info' heading

The CSS for the competition was 71 (+1).

WEST OF SCOTLAND GIRLS - Ayrshire success in opening medal at Troon



Emma Hale

Emma Hale (Troon ladies) and Catriona MacDonald (Ballochmyle) featured in the prize list of the opening West Of Scotland Girls competiton of the season, played at Troon Porltnad on Sunday 17th April

(Report courtesy of Carol Fell)

The West of Scotland Girls Golfing Association held its first medal of the season at Troon Portland on Sunday 17 April.

Twenty five girls played in the medal with fifteen pre-handicap girls playing in a development medal over the 9 hole Craigend course.

The weather was bright and sunny with a stiff wind.Many thanks to The Ladies Golf Club ,Troon for their hospitality.The next medal will be held at Kilmacolm Golf Club on 29 May 2011

Results:

Silver: Emma Hale [Troon Ladies] net 72; Catriona MacDonald [Ballochmyle] net 75

Bronze: Katie Scott [Strathaven] net 72; Ellie Bryce [Strathaven] net 75

Scratch: Eilidh Briggs [Kilmacolm]

WEST OF SCOTLAND VETERAN LADIES GOLF - Gilbertson posts best score of the day at St Cuthbert

Former host club member Robina Gilbertson (Prestwick St Nicholas) posted the best score of the day at Prestwick St Cuthbert GC on Tuesday 19th April in the Ladies West Vets Spring meeting.

In the silver division, Ayrshire had further success with Janette Stewart (Kilmarnock Barassie) recording the best nett score and Jess Blackwood (Kilmarnock Barasie) finishing third.

(Report courtesy of Carol Fell)

It was a beautiful day at Prestwick St Cuthbert today in the West Vets Spring Meeting and the scores certainly reflected the good conditions.

Robina Gilbertson (Prestwick St Nicholas) was the best of the day with a scratch score of 74 -- 3 over the SSS of 71.

The best net score of the day was by May McGhee from Balmore who had a fantastic 65 off a handicap of 24. She also, therefore, won the title of "Super Vet."

Highlight of the day was a hole in one at the ninth by Sally Coster (Hilton Park),   who was partnered by Mamie Robin from Elderslie and Anne McKellar (Whitecraigs) who had enjoyed the great event. It was Sally's third hole in one and many of the competitors enjoyed a wee glass of wine back in the clubhouse - compliments of Sally.

Janette Stewart from Kilmarnock Barassie was the winner of the Silver Division with a net 66.

PRIZELIST DETAILS

SSS 71, CSS 71 , 87 Entrants

Scratch - Robina Gilbertson (Prestwick St Nicholas)

Silver:
Janette Stewart - (Kilmarnock Barassie) 85 (19) 66
Kay Murray (Whitecraigs) 87 (19) 68
Jess Blackwood 83 (Kilmarnock Barassie) (14) 69 (bih)

Bronze :
May McGhee (Balmore) 89 (24) 65
Pat Robertson (Caldwell) 88 (21) 67

Super Vet: May McGee 89 (24) 65

BELLEISLE CUP - New sponsor for major Ayrshire amateur event

The Belleisle Cup has a new sponsor this year, Corum Estate Agents, whose kind sponsorship has allowed the Belleisle club to retain the excellent level of prizes, with £250 to the winner.

Entry forms and posters have been distributed to club secretaries and entries can also be made by downloading the entry form from the link on the left of this page, under the 'gents Info' heading. 

An additional attraction this year is an offer of 10% discount on all purchases over £5 from the club professional Richard Gordon, exclusively avalable to competitors when buying from the professional shop.

    

THE BELLEISLE CUP

AYR BELLEISLE GOLF CLUB

Sunday 5^th June 2011

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

36 HOLE SCRATCH COMPETITION

HANDICAP LIMIT 6          Entry fee £10

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The Annual Scratch Competition for the Belleisle Cup will take place at Ayr Belleisle on Sunday 5^th June 2011. 

Play shall be over two rounds of 18 holes stroke play.

Play shall be under R & A Rules and subject to Local Rules.

The Competition is open to amateur golfers having a handicap not exceeding 6 and who are members of a Club within one of the British Golf Unions.

Limited to 75 competitors.  Ballot if necessary.

Qualifying event for Doc.Thom Award and Evening Times Casket Tournament.

Entries shall be made through Club Secretaries and must be in my hands, accompanied by Entry Fees (£10 each)

NOT LATER THAN SUNDAY 22^nd MAY 2011.

 Entries received without entry fees will not be accepted.

All players will be responsible for ensuring that their score cards are signed immediately on completion of their round and returned to the competition office.

PRIZES

WINNER – Custody of BELLEISLE CUP for one year and voucher to the value of £250

RUNNER-UP - Voucher value £170                   THIRD - Voucher value £120

Fourth, Fifth, Six, Seventh and Eighth – Vouchers value £90, £70, £60, £50, £40 respectively

Competitors shall have the courtesy of the Course on Friday 3^rd June 2011 on production of an official entry and subject to availability. Tee times must be booked 7 days in advance.

Competitors shall be notified by postcard of starting times and must report 15 minutes before tee-off time.  Failure to appear timeously may result in disqualification.

First tee-off:  7.30 am.     In the event of ties, places decided on count-back.

Any dispute shall be referred to the Committee of Ayr Belleisle Golf Club whose decision shall be final.

Entries, entry fees, certification of handicap and enquiries to:

ROBERT MORRISON

 Match Secretary, Ayr Belleisle Golf Club, 65 Forehill Road, Ayr KA7 3JR

Telephone:  07708 861569

(Cheques to be made payable to “Ayr Belleisle Golf Club”)

AYRSHIRE SUMMER (SCRATCH) LEAGUE - Beith withdraw from league 3

Due to internal issues at the club at present, Beith GC have reluctantly withdrawn from League 3 of the 2011 Ayrshire Summer (Scratch) League.

League 3 will now progress with only 5 teams in 2011.

A decision will be taken in early May as to how the promotion and relegation in leagues 3 to 5 will be conducted, as a consequence of the withdrawal, with a number of options being considered.

between Leagues Leagues 1, 2 and 3 a simple 1 promotion and 1 relegation system will operate, and competing clubs will be advised in due course as to the proposed system in respect of the remaining leagues.

The revised League draw is :-

LEAGUE 1

TROON WELBECK
LOUDOUN
KILMARNOCK BARASSIE
IRVINE
AYR BELLEISLE
IRVINE RAVENSPARK

LEAGUE 2
CAPRINGTON
WEST KILBRIDE
KILBIRNIE PLACE
NEW CUMNOCK
BALLOCHMYLE
ARDEER

LEAGUE 3
TAM O SHANTER
LARGS
ANNANHILL
TROON ST MEDDANS
PRESTWICK ST CUTHBERT

LEAGUE 4
TURNBERRY
MAYBOLE
AYR DALMILLING
MOORPARK
PRESTWICK ST NICHOLAS
LEAGUE 5
BRUNSTON CASTLE
GIRVAN
DOON VALLEY
ROWALLAN CASTLE
CROSSHOUSE

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - David Wilson takes national boys title after astounding fightback

(Report from Ayrshire Golf Association President David Miller)

Troon Welbeck's David Wilson is the new Scottish Boys Champion following a remarkable fight back to defeat Dumfries and County's Liam Johnston at the second extra hole.

The final score does not reflect the drama which unfolded during an incredible 36 hole Final over a cold and windswept Dunbar East Links. Wilson had looked dead and buried after Johnston built an eight hole lead through fifteen holes of the morning round.

Some fine play, particularly around the greens coupled with an error strewn display by Wilson saw Johnston build, what he must have felt, was an unassailable lead standing on the sixteenth tee.


Wilson, to his credit, found the courage from somewhere to gain crucial wins at the seventeenth and eighteenth to subtly change the momentum in what, until that point, had been a one sided encounter.


The afternoon round saw a different Wilson and, although Johnston moved seven ahead again at the 22nd, the Troon Welbeck player slowly began to chip away at his lead.


The short game which had deserted him in the morning round began to gain assurance as the round progressed and, as he turned into the wind heading for home, some outstanding driving heaped further pressure on Johnston.


Despite a massive effort, Wilson's fight back looked to have been in vain as he lost the 33rd to go back to two down with two to play, but a crucial three putt by Johnston at the 35th, missing a five footer for the Championship, was to prove his undoing.


One down playing the last, Wilson missed the green on right as Johnston's tee shot found sand but a brilliant pitch to three feet saw the comeback complete before moving onto extra holes for more drama.


As Wilson's second shot ran through the green at the 37th, a fine approach by Johnston gave him another match winning opportunity from 12 feet.


Again his putt pulled up short and his final chance was gone as a cast iron par at the 38th hole gave Wilson the title.


Joy for Wilson but it was hard not to feel a great deal of sympathy for young Johnston who had played his part in one of the most incredible Finals in recent history.


Both players were a credit to the game and deserve considerable praise for conducting themselves with great dignity throughout, what must have been, a mentally draining day for both of them.


All in all an unforgettable victory by a young man whose composure, attitude and trust in his golf swing, especially when things were going so badly wrong, belied his youth. Well done David.

(Report from the Scottishgolf website)

Troon Welbeck’s David Wilson produced an astonishing comeback to beat Dumfries and County’s Liam Johnston at the second extra hole of a pulsating final to lift the Scottish Boys Championship title at Dunbar.


The 16-year-old from Troon’s championship challenge looked dead and buried as he found himself eight down after the first fifteen holes, and was still seven down with fourteen to play, but fought back with a superb display of golf in the afternoon round to become the first play-off winner of the event since Andrew Coltart’s triumph at the same venue back in 1985.

Johnston, runner-up in the SGU Boys’ Order of Merit last season, had a ten foot eagle chance to close out victory at the 37th hole, but his putt failed to drop, allowing Wilson to take the match up the 38th after he calmly rolled in his birdie putt from three feet. Playing the par five second extra hole, Johnston’s approach shot sailed over the green leaving him a difficult up and down for par which he couldn’t convert, leaving Wilson two putts for a championship winning par.

An elated Wilson commented: “Once I got a couple of holes back at the end of the morning round I knew I had a chance. My putting finally game good and I managed to get some momentum going after that.”


“It’s fantastic to win such a big tournament and it gives me belief I can on and achieve more. I feel for Liam as he played great this morning but I’m obviously delighted to have fought back so well this afternoon.” added Wilson, who becomes the third winner of the championship from the Troon Welbeck club after Andrew McQueen (1985) and Michael Stewart (2008).

In the morning round, Johnston looked the more assured player and was eight in front after pitching in for birdie from 30 yards at the par four 15th. Just as it looked like the Dumfries 18-year-old was running away with the match, Wilson responded to win the 16th and 17th and salvaged an important half at the 18th to be six down at the halfway stage.

Johnston extended his lead to seven after almost holing a bunker shot for eagle at the 22nd and Wilson three-putted for a par, but the Troon youngster bounced back immediately with a fine birdie two at the 23rd and won the next after a Johnston bogey. The gap was reduced to four after Wilson holed a 20-foot putt at the 26th and he found himself just three down after sinking a 6-foot birdie putt at the 27th.

The fightback continued as he won the 30th and 32nd, but Johnston halted the momentum by winning the 33rd and had a chance to win the match at the 35th, but three putted from long range after an excellent bunker shot approach. Wilson’s razor sharp short game helped him save par at the 36th holes to extend the match as Johnston’s 30-foot par attempt slipped past.

Despite his loss, an upbeat Johnston said: “I found too many bunkers this afternoon off the tee and that’s when it started to slip. I had my chances to win but all credit to David who played great under pressure and produced some fantastic golf. However, I can take a lot of positives from the week and reaching the final.”

The Scottish Golf Union would like to thank Dunbar Golf Club and all the volunteers who helped support the championship and congratulate the players for a wonderful week of golf.

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Wilson bids for Welbeck hat trick

(From the SGU website)

Dumfries and County’s Liam Johnston will play Troon Welbeck’s David Wilson in tomorrow’s Scottish Boys Championship final after both players stormed to victories this afternoon at Dunbar.

Johnston, runner-up in last year’s SGU Boys Order of Merit, proved to be too strong for North Berwick youngster Calum Hill as he racked up an impressive 6 and 5 semi-final win. Wilson, aiming to becoming the second Troon Welbeck player to win the trophy in the space of four years, overcame the challenge of St Andrews’ Benjamin Kinsley to earn his place in the final with a 3 and 2 victory.

It was Johnston who came out of the blocks quickly in his match, winning the opening two holes with a par and a birdie although a rare mistake at the short third allowed Hill to pull him back to one. Johnston pulled four holes clear with a par at the fourth and an excellent birdie two at the fifth before Hill hit back with his first birdie of the afternoon at the seventh.

Hill’s challenge came unstuck as a double-bogey at the tenth put Johnston four up again and the Scotland Boys international clinched the match in style with a birdie three at the thirteenth to become the first South golfer to reach the boys final since John Hempstock’s title win at West Kilbride in 2002.

" didn’t expect to be in the final at the start of the week but I’m happy to be here,” said a delighted Johnston after his round. “My coach Brian Gemmell told me that I had a good enough game to go all the way but also just to go out and enjoy myself.”

“My game plan was to keep the pressure on when I got in front, hit greens and make my opponents work and that’s what I’ve done in both matches today. It was a tougher match than the score suggests and Calum (Hill) has a good future ahead of him with a few more chances in this event.” he added.

Wilson, the Ayrshire Boys Match Play Champion for the past two years, bogeyed the par five first hole but levelled the match with an excellent two-putt par from long range at the third. He moved to one up when Kinsley found trouble at the sixth and the Troon 16-year-old never looked back from there, producing two more birdies and a run of consistent golf to close out the match with two holes to go.

“I’d been playing really solid golf coming into this week so I expected to do well here at Dunbar. I thought if I could play to my potential I could come good eventually,” admitted Wilson, a one-handicapper. “It would be pretty special to get my name on the trophy as the Scottish Boys Championship is such a big event.

Wilson, a pupil at Marr College, will be aiming to become the second Troon Welbeck player to win the title at Dunbar after Andrew McQueen, who tasted victory on the famous East Lothian links back in 1985.

The final will take place tomorrow (Saturday) over 36 holes with the opening tee-shots at 8.30am and the second round commencing at 1.00pm. Spectators are encouraged to come along and watch two of Scotland’s finest junior golfers in action.

AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Record low cut as event is vastly oversubscribed

The cut for the 2011 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship, to be held at West Kilbride on Sunday 24th April, fell at a record low of 1.9 as the entry for the event was oversubscribed by over 50% by the closing date.

With the field limited to 60 players for the 36 hole championship, 100 entries were received from some of the best golfers in Ayrshire, which resulted in those with a handicap over 1.9 being balloted out.

Players unlucky enough to be balloted out will be refunded their entry fee in full after the championship.

The draw for order of play is :-

0800 & 1300 - Keith Hamilton (Belleisle), Scott Brown (Turnberry), Stephen Spence (Irvine)
0808 & 1308 - Tommy McInally (Loudoun), John Haggarty (Loudoun), John Shanks (Irvine)
0815 & 1315 - Gary Bryden (Girvan), Joe Gilligan (Troon Welbeck), Darren Mallinson (Ravenspark)
0822 & 1322 - Colin Gray (Irvine), Ryan Smith (St Cuthbert), Alan McLean (Kilbirnie)
0830 & 1330 - Chris Bone (Loudoun), Hugh Burns (Troon Welbeck), Dominic Booth (Turnberry)
0837 & 1337 - Stephen King (St Nicholas), Barry O'Rourke (Kilbirnie), Gareth Lamb (Irvine)
0845 & 1345 - Iain McDonald (Largs), Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck), Alex Gourlay (Irvine)
0852 & 1352 - Brian Moore (Largs), Fraser McCall (Troon Portland), David Macdonald (Largs)
0900 & 1400 - Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck), Neil Black (Rowallan Castle), Wullie McGill (Ravenspark)
0907 & 1407 - Paul Denim (Loudoun), Stuart Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie), Andrew Kent (Troon Welbeck)
0915 & 1415 - Callum Beveridge (Troon Welbeck), Walter Meiklem (Troon Welbeck), Michael Smyth (Roya Troon)
0922 & 1422 - Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle), Steven McEwan (Caprington), Jamie MacKay (Kilmarnock Barassie)

0930 & 1430 - Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie), Alex Walker (Troon St Meddans), George Robertson (Ravenspark)

0937 & 1437 - Graeme Gimson (St Cuthbert), John Sloan (Doon Valley), Graeme Rowan (Ballochmyle)

0945 & 1445 - Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck), Alan Connery (Irvine), Gregor Dickson (Largs)

0952 & 1452 - Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie), David McLellan (Largs), Ben Gibson (Troon Welbeck)

1000 & 1500 - Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie), Craig Telfer (St Cuthbert), Billy Hunter (Irvine)

1007 & 1507 - Brain Fisher (Largs), Ian Walker (Turnberry), David Wilson (Troon Welbeck)

1015 & 1515 - Gary Tierney (St Nicholas), Gavin Wilson (Loudoun), Gordon Boyle (Dalmilling)

1022 & 1522 - Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay), Graeme Ritchie (Troon Welbeck), Colin Stevenson (West Kilbride)

The players returning the best 16 aggregate scratch scores will contest the 2011 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship  over the Troon Portland course from Monday 2nd to Thursday 5th May. 

AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - 15 clubs contest opening county event of the season

The opening Ayrshire County event of the season, the Ayrshire Boys Team Championship, takes place on Sunday, 17th April, at Annanhill.

15 clubs will contest the Matt Lygate Trophy (Scratch) and A.D. Nimmo Trophy (Nett) with the individual Prestwick Circuits Trophy (Scratch) and the Carrick Trophy (Nett) also up for grabs.

The draw for order of play is :-

1130 - Robbie Fitzpatrick (Irvine), Christopher Murray (West Kilbride), Greg Telfer (St Cuthbert)
1137 - Staurt easton (Irvine), John Montgomery (West Kilbride), Steven Hill (St Cuthbert)
1145 - Stuart Welsh (Irvine), Graeme Duncan (West Kilbride), Marc Reid (St Cuthbert)
1152 - Jack Thomas (Irvine), Kieran Tumilty (West Kilbride), Daniel Webster (St Cuthbert)
1200 - Scott Liddle (St Nicholas), Mark Canning (Skelmorlie), Connor Finnie (Ravenspark)
1207 - Calum Nairn (St Nicholas), Michael Pollock (Skelmorlie), Blair Boyd (Ravenspark)
1215 - Craig McKinlay (St Nicholas), Gareth James (Skelmorlie), Scott Figgins (Ravenspark)
1222 - Tom Nairn (St Nicholas), Ian Riddell (Skelmorlie), Kyle Finnie (Ravenspark)
1230 - Calum Moultrie (Royal Troon), Graham paterson (Loudoun), Ross Conquer (Ballochmyle)

1245 - Dominic Rossi (Royal Troon), Craig Jamieson (Loudoun), Alan Watson (Ballochmyle)

1252 - Gregor Ness (Royal Troon), Grant Moore (Loudoun), Lee Kirkland (Ballochmyle)

1300 - Alistair Kyle (Royal Troon), Ewan Milligan (Loudoun), Eoin Waite (Ballochmyle)
1307 - Greg Vernon (Annanhill), Player 1 (Ayr Belleisle), daniel Forbes (Ardeer)
1315 - Darren Young (Annanhill), Player 2 (Ayr Belleisle), Sandy Walker (Ardeer)
1322 - Liam Middleton (Annanhill), Player 3 (Ayr Belleisle), Nick Carr (Ardeer)
1330 - Chris Murchie (Annanhill), Player 4 (Ayr Belleisle), Alan Milne (Ardeer)
1337 - Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie), David Wilson (Troon Welbeck), Player 1 (Largs)
1345 - Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie), Lewis Murray (Troon Welbeck), Player 2 (Largs)
1352 - Callum Gorrie (Kilmarnock Barassie), calum Beveridge (Troon Welbeck), Player 3 (Largs)
1400 - Blair Gaven (Kilmarnock Barassie), Ruiridh Marshall (Troon Welbeck), Player 4 (Largs) 

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP - County title first for McQueen at Largs

Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies) won the Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Championship for the first time, on Thursday 14th April at Largs, when she defeated the defending champion Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) by one hole in the final.
 

Rachael McQueen



In the morning semi finals Lesley Hendry beat Gillian Arnott (Kilbirnie Place) whilst Rachael McQueen beat Audrey Thompson (Loudoun).

Rachael McQueen, with Ayrshire Mens matchplay Champion Euan Brown acting as her caddie, took the early initiative and forged a three hole lead.

Defending champion Lesley Hendry was not giving up her title easily however and towards the latter stages of the final fought back to square the match before McQueen, to her credit, turned the tide and held on for a one hole victory and her first county title.

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Wilson carries Ayrshire hopes into the quarter finals

Ayrshire Boys Champion David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) is the lone Ayrshire survivor in the quarter finals of the 2011 Scottish Boys Championship, being held at Dunbar this week.

In the fourth round, played on Thursday morning, Wilson defeated Lousi Gaughan (Bathgate) by 3 & 2 to set up a fifth round match with Sean Burgess (Nairn).

In the last 16 match on thursday afternoon, Wilson found himself three down after four holes but used all his matchplay experience to fight back to all square before taking the tie and claiming a place in the last eight with a single hole victory clinched on the final green.

In the quarter finals on Friday morning Wilson will play Connor Marsland (Lincoln).

Ayrshire's other two hopes both bowed out on Thursday morning in the fourth round.

Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost out to Daniel Flannery (Peebles) by one hole whilst Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) saw his title hopes ended with a 4 & 3 defeat by Greig Marchbank (Dumfries & Galloway).

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Wilson, Walker & McDonald make last 32

Jack McDonald

Ayrshire will have three representatives in the last 32 of the Scottish Boys Championship at Dunbar, after the 2nd and 3rd round matches were completed on Wednesday 13th April.

In one of the remaiing second round matches to be completed  on Wednesday, Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) edged through by one hole n his all Ayrshire match against Jack McCluskey (Ayr Belleisle). McDonald followed this in the afternoon with another final green victory, by the narrowest of margins, against Craig Lawrie (Deeside).

In the 4th round on Thursday, McDonald will play Greig Marchbank (Dumfries & Galloway), for a place in the last 16.

Euan Walker

Joining Jack McDonald in the last 32 is clubmate Euan Walker  who had a comfortable third round victory, by 5 & 4, over Aodan Donnelly (Turnhouse). In the last 32, Walker faces the challenge of Daniel Flannery (Peebles).

David Wilson

The third Ayrshire representative still chasing the 2011 national title is Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) who beat Cameron Farrell (Cardross) by 3 & 2 on Wednesday afternoon to book a fourth round meeting with Louis Gaughan (Bathgate)

The fourth and fifth rounds are scheduled to be completed on Thursday, with the quarter finals and semi finals due to be played on Friday, with the 36 hole final on Saturday.

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP - Hendry on course to retain title.

Lesley Hendry

Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) remains on course to defend the Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Championship after coming through the first two rounds of matchplay at Largs on Wednesday 13th April.

The first round matches, played on Wednesday morning resulted as follows :-

CATHERINE MALCOLM (Prstwick St Nicholas) beat ROZ McCULLOCH (Girvan)
ALEX GLENNIE (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to LESLEY HENDRY (Largs Routenburn)

MHARI McKAY (West Kilbride) beat PAULINE PATRICK (Irvine)

LIZ NEILL (Belleisle Ladies) lost to GILLIAN ARNOTT (Kilbirnie Place)

JANE FINNIE (Troon Ladies) beat SANDIE STREETS (Largs)

RACHAEL IRVINE (Largs) lost to AUDREY THOMSON (Loudoun)

ROZ PURDOM (Prestwick St Nicholas) lost to RACHAEL McQUEEN (Troon Ladies)

LESLEY BARKER (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to JENNY LINKLATER (Largs)

In the afternoon quarter finals, Hendry edged out leading qualifier Ccatherine Malcolm (Prestwick St Nicholas) at the 17th to book a semi final place against Gilliam Arnott (Kilbirnie Place), who beat Mhari McKay (West Kilbride) in the quarter finals.

The other semi final is between Audrey Thomson (Loudoun) and Rachael McQueen (Troon ladies) who beat Jane Finnie (Troon ladies) and Jenny Linklater (Largs) respectively in the quarter finals.

The semi final matches will be played on Thursday morning with the final being scheduled for Thursday afternoon.