PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS ASSOCIATION - Shona Malcolm appointed PGA Secretary in Scotland

Shona Malcolm has been appointed as the new Secretary of the PGA in Scotland - the first female to hold that post in any of the Association’s seven Regions. 

(From The PGA Website)

Malcolm, who hails from Ayrshire and is a member of Prestwick St Cuthbert golf club, is an experienced golf administrator, having served as both Chairman of the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association and CEO of the Ladies’ Golf Union.

In the latter role, she successfully re-engineered the organisation, managing and growing marketing and promotional sponsorship activities of the St Andrews-based organisation while delivering both professional and amateur golf championships.

“Shona’s experience and passion for the game means that she is extremely well equipped to promote the best interests of the PGA in Scotland, its Members and to realise the Region’s potential,” said Liam Greasley the PGA Director of Regions.

Malcolm officially starts her new role on Monday, August 3, and will be based at the PGA in Scotland regional office at Gleneagles.

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire hopes ended as Robin loses in quarter finals

Ayrshire's hopes of a Scottish Amateur Champion in 2015 ended on Friday morning, 31st July, when Stuart Robin (Prestwick St Cuthbert) lost in the quarter finals at Muirfield.

Robin, in the quarter finals of the national championship for the first time, faced Daniel Young (Craigie Hill) in the last eight, but after losing the first hole to a par was never ahead in his match as Young eventually ran out the winner of the tie by 3 & 2.

Two bogeys in the first three holes to go two down saw Robin up against it early on and despit reducing the deficit to one with a par three at the fourth hole, a further bogey five at the eighth saw Robin go two behind once again. Young conceded the par five ninth to Robin which saw the match turn for home with the Ayrshire player one down, but further bogeys at the tenth an fourteenth from Robin saw Young forge a three hole lead with four to play, with the Craigie Hill player closing out the match by halving both the fifteenth and sixteenth for his 3 & 2 victory.

In the semi finals Young plays Scotland internationalist Graeme Robertson (Glenbervie) whilst the other semi final features Robert McIntyre (Glencruitten) and Greg Marchbank (Thiornhill)

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Stuart Robin caries Ayrshire hopes into the quarter finals.

Stuart Robin (Prestwick St Cuthbert) will carry Ayrshire hopes into the quarter finals of the 2015 Scottish Amateur Championship at Muirfield on Friday morning, after the fourth and fifth rounds were completed on Thursday and saw the other two remaining Ayrshire players bow out.

Robin played Colin Martin (Balbirnie Plark) in the fourth round on Thursday morning and ran out a comfortable winner by 5 & 3 to set up fifth round tie against Chris McLean (Balmore) in the afternoon. In a close match, Stuart Robin prevailed by 2 & 1 to book his place in the last eight of the national championship for the first time.

Stuart Robin

In the quarter finals on Friday morning, Robin plays Daniel Young (Craigie Hill).

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Fraser Davren (Williamwood) by 4 & 3 on Thursday morning to secure a place in the last sixteen, but lost out to the 2001 champion Barry Hume (Haggs castle) on the final green in the afternoon, by a single hole, in his bid to reach the quarter finals this year.

The other Ayrshire player to reach the fourth round, John Shanks (Irvine) was ahead at the turn in his Thursday morning match with David Mitchell (Leven Thistle), but eventually lost out to his opponent by a single hole.

The quarter finals and semi finals are scheduled to be completed on Friday, with the 36 hole final on Saturday.

AYRSHIRE SCRATCH LEAGUES - Division 2 updated

Two more results from Division 2 of the Ayrshire Scratch leagues have been reported today, which moves Ayr Belleisle to the top of the table, just ahead of Turnberry and Troon Welbeck. 




The Ayr Belleisle team lost away to Girvan by 5 - 1 earlier this month but a narrow 3.5 - 2.5 home win over West Kilbride moved them to the top of the table, though Turnberry have three games in hand in their bid to take top spot again.

Present positions in DIVISION 2 are :-

	Played	For	Against	Points
Ayr Belleisle	7	23.5	18.5	16
Turnberry	4	14	10	14
Troon Welbeck	7	21.5	20.5	14
Girvan	6	18	18	12
West Kilbride	6	18	18	12
Ardeer	6	13	23	4

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Shanks, McDonald & Robin carry Ayrshire hopes in the last 32

John Shanks (Irvine), Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Stuart Robin (Prestwick St Cuthbert), who formed half of the Ayrshire team who won the Area Team Championship earlier this year, will carry Ayrshire hopes into the last 32 of the Scottish Amateur Championships on Thursday morning, following completion of the third round ties on Wednesday.





Five Ayrshire players won through to the third round on Wednesday afternoon and there was the prospect of an all Ayrshire fourth round tie when John Shanks (Irvine) beat Adam Dunton (McDonald) by 5 & 4. Unfortunately, local hopes of a certain representative in the fifth round were dashed when Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost out to David Mitchell (Leven Thistle) at the first extra hole, ending his hopes of facing Shanks in the fourth round.







Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) continued his good form in beating Colin Riddle (Torwoodlee) by 4 & 3 and now plays Fraser Davren (Williamwood) in Thursday mornings fourth round.






The all Ayrshire third round clash between James Bunch (Prestwick) and Stuart Robin (Prestwick St Cuthbert) resulted in a 3&1 win for Stuart Robin, who now faces Colin Martin (Balbirnie Park)

All fourth and fifth round ties are scheduled to be completed on Thursday, with the quarter finals and semi finals on Friday and the 36 hole final on Saturday.

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS - Five Ayrshire players make it to the third round

Five of the Ayrshire hopefuls made it through to the third round of the Scottish Amateur Championship at Muirfield, as the remaining second round matches were concluded on Wednesday.

With Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) and John Shanks (Irvine) already through, there were high hopes of more of the ten local playersstill in the championship progressing through the second round ties on Wednesday.

Ayrshire hopes were dented early however, withwith the first six local players in action being defeated.

Steven Stamper (Turnberry) lost by 5&4 to Angus Carrick (Douglas Park), Stephen Spence (Royal Troon) went down by 271 to Kyle Godsman (Moray) whilst Stuart Miller (Kilmanrock Barassie) was edged out by a single hole against Calum Burgess (Musselburgh).

The morning did not improve any when Stuart Easton (Irvine) went down to Scotland internationalist Graeme Robertson (Glenbervie) by 2&1, Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle) lost at the third extra hole to Ryan Campbell (Falkirk) and Charlie Macneal (Prestwick) also suffered a single hole defeat agaist Kieran Cantley (Liberton).






Jack McDonald (Kilmanrock Barassie) stemmed the tide of defeat with a 6&5 win over Conor Neil (Mount Ellen) but hopes of an all Ayrshire third round tie were dashed when Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon) lost by 3&2 to Colin Riddle (Torwoodlee).










At the foot of the second round draw, James Bunch (Prestwick) boosted the local representation in round three with a 4&3 win over Btyan Fotheringham (Inverness) and when Stuart Robin (Prestwick St Cuthbert) beat Craig Pirrie (Millport) at the first extra hole, an all Ayrshire third round tie between Bunch and Robin was confirmed.


All, third round ties were scheduled to be completed on Wednesday evening.

AYRSHIRE SCRATCH LEAGUES - All four leagues updated

With more results being reported in all four leagues on Tuesday 28^th July, the position in Divisions 1 and 3 are beginning to reveal title favourites, whilst the destination of the championship crowns in Divisions 2 and 4 have become very close affairs.

In DIVISION 1, defending champions Irvine moved further ahead in the bid for a second successive title win with a 3.5 – 2.5 win away to Prestwick St Cuthbert last Friday evening.

At the foot of the table, Irvine Ravenspark’s position was made more perilous with a 4 – 2 defeat at Loudoun recently.

Present positions in Division 1 are :-

	Played	For	Against	Points
Irvine	6	26	10	22
Kilmarnock Barassie	7	20.5	21.5	14
Pr. St Cuthbert	6	19.5	16.5	8
Loudoun	4	10.5	13.5	8
Ballochmyle	4	8.5	15.5	8
Irvine Ravenspark	5	11	19	4

In DIVISION 2, Troon Welbeck’s title hopes were dented with a 4 – 2 defeat at Girvan whilst Turnberry maintained their unbeaten record with a narrow 3.5 – 2.5 home win over Girvan. West Kilbride boosted their chances recently with a 4.5 – 1.5 away win at Ardeer.

Present positions in Division 2 are :-

	Played	For	Against	Points
Turnberry	4	14	10	14
Troon Welbeck	7	21.5	20.5	14
Ayr Belleisle	5	19	11	12
West Kilbride	5	15.5	14.5	12
Ardeer	6	13	23	4
Girvan	5	13	17	8

In DIVISION 3, Troon St Meddans created further space between them and their nearest challengers following a comprehensive 6 – 0 win over Caprington at Troon.

Present positions in Division 3 are :-

	Played	For	Against	Points
Troon St Meddans	8	31	17	22
Caprington	7	22	20	14
Kilbirnie Place	5	13.5	16.5	10
Pr. St Nicholas	4	13	11	8
New Cumnock	5	11	19	6
Largs	3	5.5	12.5	4

In DIVISION 4, a 5 – 1 home win over league leaders Rowallan Castle saw tam O Shanter go joint top of the table, whilst Troon Portland maintained their title challenge with a 6 – 0 home win over Ayr Dalmilling.

Present positions in Division 4 are :-

	Played	For	Against	Points
Rowallan Castle	7	26.5	15.5	20
Tam O Shanter	7	24.5	17.5	20
Troon Portland	8	28.5	19.5	18
Brunston Castle	6	17	19	14
Ayr Dalmilling	6	14.5	21.5	8
Moorpark	6	9	27	0

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Walker and Shanks through to round three on Tuesday but three others lose out

Of the five Ayrshire players in second round action on Tuesday 28th July in the Scottish Amateur Championship at Muirfield, Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) and John Shanks (Irvine) booked their places in round three, but the three other local players bowed out of the championship.



 




James Johnston (Ayr Belleisle) had one of the toughest ties of the afternoon against Scotland internationalist Grant Forrest (Craigielaw) and lost out by 4 & 3 in the tie.

Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) kept his title hopes on track with a 4 & 2 win over Oliver Roberts (Hong Kong). In the third round walker is due to face David Mitchell (Leven Thistle).





John Shanks (Irvine) also moved into round three with a 4 & 2 win over his opponent, John Forbes (Muir Of Ord) and now plays Adam Dunton (McDonald) in round three, who defeated Ayrshire Matchplay title holder Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) on the final green, by one hole, in their second round clash.

The last of the Ayrshire players in action on Tuesday evening was Scott Brown (Turnberry) who lost out to Scott McClory (Bathgate) by 3 & 2.


The other ten Ayrshire players remaining in the field are scheduled to complete their second round matches on Wednesday, along with all third round ties, which are scheduled to be completed by the end of play on Wednesday.

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Six more Ayrshire players from 12 survive first round hurdle on Tuesday

Six of the twelve Ayrshire players in first round action at the Scottish Amateur Championship at Muirfield on Tuesday 28th July successfully booked their places in the second round, as all the first round matches were completed on schedule.









Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle) was first through on Tuesday morning as he cruised to a 6 & 5 win over Alasdair Simpson (North Berwick). In the second round Hamilton will face Ryan campbell (Falkirk) on Wednesday.






Former Ayrshire Boys Champion Charlie Macneil (Prestwick) followed hamilton into round two shortly afterwards, recording a 5 & 4 win over Bryan Innes (Murcar) to set up a second round encounter with Kieran Cantley (Liberton).

Mark Robertson (Western Gailes) was not so fortunate, going out to Paul Gault (Haggs Castle) by 5 & 4





Scotland international Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) came out on top in the only all Ayrshire first round tie, beating Christopher Rossi (Western Gailes) by 6 & 5. In the second round McDonald will play Conor Neil (Mount Ellen).






Former Ayrshire Champion Of Champions title holder Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon) was involved in an epic encounter with Conor Scott (Duddingston) before he booked his place in round two with victory at the fourth extra hole. In the second round Moultrie will play Colin Riddle (Torwoodlee), who defeated Bruce Caldow (Kilmarnock Barassie) by 4 & 3 in their first round clash.

Another Ayrshire player to exit in rouind one was George Robertson (Irvine), who lost out by 5 & 3 to Craig Howie (Peebles).

Sandy Buchanan (Prestwick St Nicholas) was involved in the last first round tie to be decided, though it was not good news for him as he lost out at the second extra hole to Nicky Gold (Bonnyton).





James Bunch (Prestwick) beat Stephen Roger (Cruden Bay) by 2 & 1 to set up a second round clash with Bryan Fotheringham (Inverness), who ended the hopes of John McMahon (Prestwick St Nicholas) in the first round with a 7 & 5 win.






The final Ayrshire player winning through to the second round was Stuart Robin (Prestwick St Cuthbert) who defeated Craig Wallace (Balbirnie Park) by 3 & 2. In the second round on Wednesday, Robin will play Craig Pirie (Millport).

Five of Ayrshire's fourteen first round winners are alos in action on Tuesday. James Johnston (Ayr Belleisle), Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie), Michael Smyth (Royal Troon), JohnShanks (Irvine) and Scott Brown (Turnberry) are all scheduled to complete their second round matches on Tuesday evening. 

AYRSHIRE SCRATCH LEAGUES - latest positions

A number of results have been recorded recently in the four Ayrshire Scratch leagues, as the competition in all four leagues progress to the last few weeks of fixtures.

In DIVISION 1, defending champions Irvine have stormed to the top of the table following a 5 – 1 home win over local rivals Irvine Ravenspark, as well as a 5.5 – 0.5 win away at Ballochmyle and a 3 – 3 draw at Kilmarnock Barassie.

In the two other games played recently, Kilmarnock Barassie and Loudoun shared the spoils, both winning their respective home matches against the other by 3.5 – 2.5.

Present positions in Division 1 are :-

	Played	For	Against	Points
Irvine	5	22.5	7.5	18
Kilmarnock Barassie	7	20.5	21.5	14
Pr. St Cuthbert	5	17	13	8
Loudoun	4	10.5	13.5	8
Ballochmyle	4	8.5	15.5	8
Irvine Ravenspark	5	11	19	4

In DIVISION 2, Troon Welbeck remain at the top of the table, just ahead of Ayr Belleisle, who have a game in hand, and Turnberry who have only three match scores returned so far.

Present positions in Division 2 are :-

	Played	For	Against	Points
Troon Welbeck	6	19.5	16.5	14
Ayr Belleisle	5	19	11	12
Turnberry	3	10.5	7.5	10
West Kilbride	4	11	13	8
Girvan	3	6.5	11.5	4
Ardeer	5	11.5	18.5	4

In DIVISION 3, Caprington moved into second place after a 5 – 1 home win over Prestwick St Nicholas, and have a game in hand over the league leaders Troon St Meddans.

Present positions in Division 3 are :-

	Played	For	Against	Points
Troon St Meddans	7	25	17	18
Caprington	6	22	14	14
Kilbirnie Place	5	13.5	16.5	10
Pr. St Nicholas	4	13	11	8
New Cumnock	5	11	19	6
Largs	3	5.5	12.5	4

Rowallan Castle have a clear lead in DIVISION 4 following recent matches which saw home wins over Troon Portland and Moorpark by 5 – 1 and 6 – 0 respectively, as well as a notable 4 – 2 win away at Troon Portland.

Brunston Castle maintained their hopes with two 3.5 – 2.5 wins over Moorpark, both home and away, whilst tam o Shanter also kept their championship hopes on track with 4 – 2 home wins over Moorpark and Ayr Dalmiling recently, whilst dalmilling recorded their second win from four matches with a 4 – 2 home win over Troon Portland.

Present positions in Division 4 are :-

	Played	For	Against	Points
Rowallan Castle	6	25.5	10.5	20
Troon Portland	7	22.5	19.5	14
Brunston Castle	6	17	19	14
Tam O Shanter	5	15.5	14.5	12
Ayr Dalmilling	4	12.5	11.5	8
Moorpark	6	9	27	0