UNDER 16 BOYS QUADRANGULAR TOURNAMENT - Two Ayrshire boys make Scotland debut in day 1 success

Jack Broun

Two Ayrshire boys made their Scotland debut on Wednesday, 30th March 2016, having been selected for the Under 16 Scotland team to contest the Quadrangular International against Ireland, wales and The Netherlands at Hilton Templepatrick in Ireland this week.

Cameron Johnstone

Jack Broun, a member of Ayr Belleisle and Turnberry, and Cameron Johnstone of Troon Welbeck were chosen as members of the eight man Scotland side, who got off to a winning start in their opening match.

Thanks go to Colin Farquharson for the report on the opening days play.






Young Scots beat Wales in opening match at 
Hilton Templepatrick, Northern Ireland 

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Scotland made a good start to the three-day Under-16 boys' quadrangular international at Hilton Templepatrick Golf Club, Northern Ireland.

They beat Wales 7-5 after sharing the foursomes 2-2 and taking the singles 5-3.

Four of the Scottish team had 100 per cent records on the day, winning their foursomes and singles ties.

They were Jack Broun, Lewis Irvine, Cameron Dunn and Aidan O'Hagan.

In the other match, Netherlands came back from a 3-1 deficit in the foursomes to beat hosts Ireland 6.5-5.5

The Dutch boys took the singles 5.5 to 2.5.

The match went down to the 18th in the last tie to finish ... and it was halved.

Results:

SCOTLAND 7, WALES 5

Foursomes (2-2)
R Carey and A Simpson lost to A Greville and E Price 1 hole.
J Broun and L Irvine bt H Bartley and S Mayer 1 hole. 
C Black and C Dunn bt J Archibald and T Peet 4 and 2.
C Johnstone and A O'Hagan lost to A Davies and C James 3 and 1.

Singles (5-3)
Simpson bt Greville 3 and 2.
Carey lost to Bartley 3 and 2.
Irvine bt Price 4 and 2.
Broun bt Mayer 2 and 1.
Black lost to Davies 3 and 2.
Dunn bt J Ashfield 2 holes
O'Hagan bt Peet 1 hole.
Johnstone lost to James 5 and 4.

IRELAND 5.5, NETHERLANDS 6.5
Foursomes: 3-1
Singles: 2.5-5.5

MAYBOLE GOLF CLUB - Bid to resume full SGL membership

Positive moves are under way to return Maybole Golf Club to full membership of  SGL, following recent discussions with other local clubs. After suspending their membership of the SGU a couple of years ago due to falling membership numbers, recent discussions with other clubs in the town looks likely to prompt the re establishment of the club as full Scottish Golf members.

The undernoted Daily Record article and picture is reproduced from the website www.dailyrecord.co.uk

Kevin Mckeown, Ruth Donnan, Cath Ramsay & Robert Green
Representing Maybole Golf Club (gents and ladies) and Pontoon Golf Club

The battle to prove there’s a future for golf in Maybole has begun.

The municipal Maybole Golf Club has been in existence since 1905 and at the Memorial Park since 1924, but its existence is being questioned due to ongoing budget cuts to South Ayrshire Council.

As with many nine hole golf courses, Maybole has struggled to retain members and with illustrious neighbours such as Turnberry, Royal Troon and Old Prestwick, membership at Maybole has steadily declined over the years.

With limited facilities and a lack of investment from South Ayrshire Council, the future of Maybole Golf Course and Golf Club will constantly be under scrutiny as a viable facility.

A source told the Ayrshire Post: “There is a strong desire among golfers in Maybole to do all they can to secure a future for Maybole Golf Club.

“At recent meetings the Maybole Golf Club Ladies, the Pontoon Golf Club and the Carrick Speakers Golf Club have agreed to resurrect the Maybole Gents Section as a SGU/AGU registered club.

“There will be a limited fixture of six competitions to be played during the week from May-August; three mixed Texas scramble events in June, July and August with a member from each club forming teams.

“The Maybole Open will be played on Sunday, May 29 and local sponsors will be sought to support the Open. All monies raised from the Maybole Open will be donated to local groups or charities.

“Membership of the Maybole Golf Club will be £20 to cover registration expenses. If you would like to register for the Maybole Golf Club membership please contact us.

“In addition to the above fixtures, members of Maybole Golf Club will be able to play handicap rounds with the Speakers Club and The Pontoon Club by giving notice to the Maybole Captain to ensure additional tee times are booked if required.

“It is essential that all golfers who play Maybole Golf Club, whether on a casual basis or in the above competitions, register for play at the Maybole Swimming Pool before commencing their round.

“Golfers need to do this to provide South Ayrshire Council with evidence that Maybole Golf Course is still being used as season ticket sales do not provide that evidence at present. The swimming pool’s opening hours are 7am-10pm, Mon-Friday.”

The Maybole ladies section are also holding a golf taster night for all ladies and girls (14 and over) golfers and beginners at Maybole Golf Clubhouse on Friday, April 1 at 6pm, all current and new members are welcome to attend.

Richard Gordon, golf professional at Belleisle Golf Course, will be there on the night to support the event. If interested contact lauramcsorley@hotmail.co.uk or lynrodge@aol.com
The Carrick Speakers Golf Club will also be holding their Open competition at Girvan Golf Club on Sunday, April 24.

This is an excellent Open competition with numerous prizes on offer. Again support of local golfers is encouraged. The Carrick Speakers Golf Club holds its regular fixtures at Girvan Golf Club on Sunday mornings, new members are welcome.

For more information in respect of any of these details, golf club membership for Maybole, Open Competitions, taster evenings, contact Robert Green on 0741 124 2061 or email at robertgreen2809@gmail.com.

Over the years, the club has produced some incredible talent such as Alistair Kidd, Tony McEwan and Laurence Hearton, all of whom achieved professional status; Derek McCulloch, Kirk Campbell, Scott McCahill, Harry McEwan, Winnie McCulloch, Ann McDowall, all who have achieved success in Ayrshire competitions; junior teams who have won the Ayrshire Championships on numerous occasions; Derek McCulloch who won the Ayrshire Champion of Champions; Scott McCahill and David Wallace who have won the Ayrshire Doubles and currently Jack Broun and Ewan Fergusson who are representing Golf at National Level, both of whom initially cut their golfing teeth at Maybole Golf Course.

The Clubgolf junior golf initiative has been very successful in Maybole and it is hoped that this can be continued as the short term future of the golf course has been agreed by South Ayrshire Council.

SCOTTISH STUDENTS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP - Fourth place finish for Greg Telfer

Greg Telfer (Prestwick St Cuthbert), a student at Glasgow University, finished in fourth place at the 94th Scottish Students Golf Championship, played at Moray GC this week.

Just one shot off the pase at the halfway stage, Telfer had closing rounds of 75 & 73 for a four over par total of 286, which left him trailing the winner, Craig Howie (Stirling University) by 14 shots, after Howie had decimated the rest of the field with a course record 62 in the third round.

Leading Final Scores

272 - Craig Howie (Stirling) 69/70/62/71

279 - Lukas Michael (St Andrews) 69/68/70/72

282 - Laird Shepherd (Stirling) 72/68/70/72

286 - Greg Telfer (Glasgow) 71/67/75/73 

288 - Jack Harling (Highlands and Islands) 73/72/68/75

AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Four days until entries close

Clubs are reminded that entries for the 2016 Ayrshire Boys Team Championship, which will be held at Irvine Ravenspark GC on Sunday 17th April, should be submitted to the Association Secretary by Saturday 2nd April.

The entry fee for the championship is £25 per team and trophies are competed for, on scratch and handicap basis, in both individual and team competition.

Entry forms have been forwarded to Club Secretaries and Junior Convenors. If any club is in need of another copy they should contact the Area Secretary for a further one to be forwarded.

AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Entries for 2016 event close in four days

Entries for the 2016 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship, to be held at Prestwick St Cuthbert Golf Club on Sunday 24th April, close in four days time.

Entry forms should be available through member clubs and can also be downloaded from this site, via the appropriate link on the left of this page under the 'Entry Forms' heading.

Entry is open to members of clubs affiliated to The Ayrshire Golf Association and the maximum handicap at time of entry is 3.

Entry to the 36 hole strokeplay event is £20 and the top 16 placed players will progress to contest the Ayrshire Matchplay Championship, at Western Gailes GC, from 2nd to 5th May.

The championships are counting events for the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

Entries close at 12 noon on Saturday 2nd April

SCOTTISH STUDENTS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS - Greg Telfer lies second at halfway stage

Greg Telfer

Ayrshire golfer Greg Telfer (Glasgow University) lies in second place at the halfway stage of the 94th Scottish Students Golf Championship, being held this week at Moray Golf Club.

Despite an enforced lay off over the winter months, the Prestwick St Cuthbert GC member recorded six 6 birdies in his second round for a best of the day score of 67, three under par, which left him just one shot of the halfway lead.

The concluding two rounds of the strokeplay competition are scheduled to be completed on Tuesday 29th March. The event will then progress to matchplay.

LEADING SCORES

137 - Lukas Michel (St Andrews) 69/68
138 - Greg Telfer (Glasgow) 71/67
139 - Craig Howie (Stirling) 69/70, Chris Low (Abertay) 68/71
140 - Laird Shepherd (Stirling) 72/68

SCOTTISH JUNIOR TOUR - Hazel McGarvie best from Ayrshire in opening event of the year

Hazel McGarvie
Best placed Ayrshire player

Hazel McGarvie (Troon Ladies) was the best placed Ayrshire player in the opening Scottish Junior Tour event of the season, played at Forrester Park Golf Club over the weekend of 26th and 27th March.

In the girls event, won by Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne) with a five over par total of 227, Hazel McGarvie finished in third place on 235 (+13) after rounds of 85 - 78 - 72.

The other Ayrshire player in the field, Louise Duncan (West Kilbride) finished in ninth place on 251 (+29) with rounds of  87 - 75 - 89.

In the boys event, won by sandy Scott (Nairn) with a four under par total of 212, the only Ayrshire player to complete all three rounds was Euan Ferguson (Turnberry) who finished in 20th place overall, with a total of 233 (+17) following rounds of 78 - 73 - 82.

Jack Broun (Ayr Belleisle) retired after the second round on 12 over par, following rounds of 82 & 79 whilst Alyx Murray (Troon Welbeck) missed the cut with rounds of 82 & 79 for a 17 over par total of 161.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Saxone duo through to round two

The first tie in the 2016 Ayrshire Fourball Championship has been completed, with William Creevy and John Paterson (Saxone) booking their place in round two.

Playing away from home against Robert Paterson & Andrew MacDonald (Moorpark), the Saxone pairing recorded a 2 & 1 win to progress.

The Saxone representatives will now be at home in round two, against either Crosshouse or Ayr Seafield.

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY - Alistair Wright cruises through to round two

Alistair Wright (Royal Troon) has successfully negotiated the opening round of the 2016 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy competition.

Playing against Andrew Lindsay (Ayr Dalmilling), who elected to forego home advantage and play the match at Troon, Wright cruised through the tie with a 6 & 5 victory.

Wright now faces an away tie in the second round, against either James Johnston (Prestwick St Nicholas) or Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle)

PRESIDENTS TROPHY - Ayrshire youngsters win at Southerness

A young Ayrshire team tasted early season success on Sunday 27th March with victory over South Of Scotland at Southerness in the annual challenge match for the Presidents Trophy.

The winning Ayrshire team at Southerness
In the Presidents trophy match against South Of Scotland

With a team comprising four under 16's, four under 18's and four youths, Ayrshire were attempting to defend the trophy for the first time in a number of years, having won the corresponding fixture at home twelve months ago.

The overall victory had its foundation in an excellent team display in the morning foursomes where Ayrshire forged a 4 - 2 lead to take into the singles in the afternoon.

Ewan Milligan (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Ruben Lindsay (Ayr Belleisle) led the way with a 2 & 1 win over Dumfries & County pairing Harry Austin & Mitchell Cowie in the opening Under 16 tie.

In the other Under 16 tie, Sean Addie (Ayr Belleisle) and Liam Kirkham (Trooon Welbeck) made it 2 - 0 for Ayrshire with a 4 & 3 win over Kirkcudbright duo Cameron Gray & Callum McMillan.

A crushing 7 & 5 win in the first Under 18 tie, by Jordan Sweeney (Ayr Belleisle) and  Robbie Muir (Kilmarnock Barassie) over William Squires (Kirkudbright) and Ross White (Thornhill) put Ayrshire 3 - 0 up, with the lead being extended to 4 - 0 courtesy of a 3 & 1 win by Ayr Belleisle duo Andrew Gordon & Callum Irving over Nathan Watson (Kirkcudbright) and Ryuan Cano (Thornhill) in the other Under 18 tie.

The Ayrshire progress was stalled in the two youths foursomes ties, Jordan Fraser (Ayr Belleisle) and Murray McCrone (Troon Welbeck) losing by 5 & 4 to Alex Chalk (Castle Douglas) & Rory Brunton (Dumfries & County) and Charlie Cameron (Ayr Belleisle) & Shaun Hedger (West Kilbride) being beaten 6 & 5 by the Dumfries & Galloway pairing of Conor Harkness and Ross Barbour.

In the afternoon singles, the four Under 16 ties saw the Ayrshire players emerge unbeaten, Ewan Milligan beating Harry Austin by 3 & 2 and Liam Kirkham crushing Callum McMillan by 7 & 5, whilst Ruben Lindsay and Sean Addie halved their ties against Mitchell Cowie and Cameron Gray respectively, which gave Ayrshire a 7 - 3 lead with eight ties remaining.

In the four under 18 ties, honours were even with two wins and two defeats.

Jordan Sweeney lost out to Nathan Watson by 4 & 3 and Robbie Muir went down by 2 & 1 to William Squires, before Andrew Gordon, with a 2 & 1 win over Ross Whyte, and Callum Irving, with a 5 & 4 win over Ryan Cano, brought the team score to 9 - 5 for Ayrshire.

The series of four youths matches was the only one in which the South Of Scotland got the upper hand during the match, narrowly edging the series by 2 1/2 - 1 1/2.

Jordan Fraser halved his tie with Alex Chalk and Shaun Hedger beat Conor Harkness by 2 holes, whilst Murray McCrone lost out by 2 & 1 to Rory Brunton and Charlie cameron went down by 3 & 2 to Ross Barbour.

At the end of the days play, Ayrshire retained the Presidents Trophy with a final match score of 10.5 - 7.5.

MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT - Annanhill Golf Club events raised substantial donation in 2015

The efforts of the members and supporters of Annanhill Golf Club are to be congratulated for their efforts during 2015, which saw them raise a substantial sum to e donated to the MacMillan Cancer Support charity.

Two fundraising events held at the club during the year raised over £11,000 and along with recent confirmation of a generous contribution towards the fund of £9,000 from Diageo, the club have confirmed the total raised for MacMillan Cancer Support was £20,744.

Hearty congratulations are extended to all the members and supporters involved, who contributed towards this tremendous achievement.

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY - Early win for Gary Steele in round 1

The first tie in the 2016 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions trophy competition has already been completed.

In his first round clash with Robert Johnstone (Stewarton), Gary Steele (Brunston Castle) wasted no time in booking his place in te second round with a 6 & 5 victory over the South Ayrshire course.

In the second round Steele will be away from home, against either Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St Cuthbert) or Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark)

All first round ties are due for completion by 17th April

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - record low entry for national championship as 9 Ayrshire players bid for title

The 2016 Scottish Boys Championship takes place at Murcar Links, Aberdeen, from Monday 4th  to Saturday 9th April, with a total of nine Ayrshire boys bidding for the national title.

Calum Irving, Robbie Muir, Murray McCrone, Jordan Sweeney
Andrew Gordon, Cameron Johnstone, Jack Broun, Alyx Murray, Ewan Milligan

In a record low entry for the event, 22 players received byes into round two after the maximum entry number of 256 was not reached on the closing date for entries.

Calum Irvine (Ayr Belleisle) is the first Ayrshire player in action, teeing off at 0749 on Monday 4th against Jack McMorris (East Kilbride)

Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion Robbie Muir (Kilmarnock Barassie) begins his title bid at 0829 on Monday 4th against Ethan Ross (Fraserburgh), whilst Murray McCrone (Troon Welbeck) begins his challenge at 1237 on Monday 4th, against Brad Murray (Fraserburgh).

Jordan Sweeney (Ayr Belleisle) is also in action on Monday 4th, teeing off at 1313 against Daniel Gaines (Musselburgh).

The other two Ayrshire players in action on Monday 4th are Andrew Gordon (Ayr Belleisle) who plays Cameron Carneigie (Kemnay) at 1549, and Cameron Johnstone (Troon Welbeck) who tees off at 1613 against John paul ralph (Loretto School).

The three remaining Ayrshire players in the field do not begin their title challenge until Tuesday 5th April.

Jack Broun (Ayr Belleisle) tees off at 1109 against Marcus Rickard (Cupar), Alyx Murray (Troon Welbeck) takes on Dominic Bradburn (Aboyne) at 1149 whilst Ewan Milligan (Kilmarnock Barassie) begins at 1329 against Rory Franssen (Inverness)

SCOTTISH MENS CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Three Ayrshire players in field at Leven

The Scottish Mens Champion Of Champions competition takes place at Leven from 2nd to 3rd April, with three Ayrshire players in the field, bidding for the title.

 Scott Brown (Turnberry), a member of last years Area Team Championship winning team, tees off in his first round at 0840 alongside Jack Currie (Greenock)  & paul Reilly (Kilmacolm)










Ayrshire Champion Of Champions title holder Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon) begins his title bid at 0900 on day one, alongside Christopher Low (Tantallon) and Robert McIntyre (Glencruitten)









Ayrshire Order Of Merit title holder John Shanks (Irvine) begins his first round at 0940 alongside Steven Stewart (Clydebank & District) and Byan Fortheringham (Forres)

SCOTTISH JUNIOR UNDER 18 TOUR - 5 Ayrshire players in season opener

Five players from Ayrshire will take part in the opening Scottish Junior Under 18 Tour event of the season, which takes place at Forrester Park Golf Club on 26th and 27th March.

Alyx Murray (Troon Welbeck) is first off amongst the Ayrshire contingent at 0730 in the opening round, followed by Jack Broun (Ayr Belleisle) at 0833 and Euan Ferguson (Turnberry) at 0851.

In the girls event, Hazel McGarvie (Troon Ladies) plays at 0900 on the opening day with Louise Duncan (West Kilbride) off at 0918.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Knockout competitions for 2016 gt under way

The draws for the Ayrshire Junior Golf league knockout competitions for the season have been made, as the bid to find the 2016 winners gets under way

In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT TROPHY, West Kilbride, Loudoun and Irvine all get byes into the last eight, with five first round ties scheduled to be completed by 5th June.

In the opening round, title holders Ballochmyle are at home to Ardeer whilst 2015 runners up Ayr Belleisle have a home tie against Prestwick St Cuthbert.

Newcomers Turnberry start their title bid away at irvine Ravenspark whilst Troon Welbeck are at home to caprington and Kilmarnock Barassie entertain Prestwick St Nicholas in the other ties.

In the CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY there are seven first round ties with only Elliot Spence (Loudoun) receiving a bye into round two.

The first round ties, to be completed by 5th June, are :-

Hamish Mills (Largs) vs. Ross McDonald (Irvine)
Ruben Lindsay (Ayr Belleisle) Vs. Graeme Greer (Prestwick St Nicholas)
Declan Chalmers (Ballochmyle) Vs. Blair Fleming (Troon Welbeck)
Robbie Muir (Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion) Vs. Andrew Shaw (Prestwick St Cuthbert)
Euan Ferguson (Turnberry) Vs. David Stark (Caprington)
Craig McKenzie (Ayrshire Boys Champion) Vs. Fraser Rigby (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Louis Dymond (West Kilbride) Vs. Greg Breadon (Irvine Ravenspark)

U.S. UNIVERSITY GOLF - Stuart Easton shines in Tennessee

Stuart Easton (Irvine) made his mark recently playing for his Western Kentucky University team in an Intercollegiate event in Tennessee.

Report courtesy of Colin Farquarson at www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk 

Stuart Easton helps Western Kentucky win 
' Bobby Nicols' team trophy in Tennessee

By COLIN FARQUHARSON 

Stuart Easton, a freshman from Irvine, Ayrshire at Western Kentucky University, played a big part in his college coming from 10 shots off the lead to win the team title in the Bobby Nicols Intercollegiate at River Course, Sevierville, Tennessee in a three-day tournament that ended today.

Stuart finished T11 in a field of 78 players. He had a four-over-par total of 220 with scores of 76, 72 and 72, seven shots behind the individual winner, Preston French (Murray State) (67-75-71 for 213). 

Murray State also provided the individual runner-up and looked set for a double whammy until Western Kentucky made up a 10-shot leeway over the final round for an aggregate of 876 - three ahead of Murray State and 16 ahead of third-placed Southern Illinois in a field of 12 teams. 

It was the Hilltoppers', Western Kentucky's nickname. first win since October 2013. Said head coach Phillip Hatchett. 
"Everyone played really solid golf today, in particular Stuart Easton," Hatchett said. 
"Stuart birdied three of his last six holes to help pull us into the lead. The golf course played really tough today. There was a lot of wind and a lot of slope in the greens, so I was very proud of the way the guys fought back."

SCOTTISH SENIORS GOLF SOCIETY WINTER SERIES - Ayrshire players to the fore in winter events

Ayrshire players have been to the fore in recent Scottish Seniors Golf Society winter series competitions.

Four Ayrshire players travelled to a Monifieth on Friday 18^th March for the 3rd event of the SSGS winter series.
 
Top performer was Donnie Lindsay (Kilmarnock Barrassie) who was joint runner up with 37 points one behind winner Kevin McArthur (Balbirnie Park).

Keith Ross (Beith) was 14th= with 34 points, with Alan Harrington (Western Gailes) inside the top 20 with 33points
 

The first event of the series was held at Stirling Golf Club and John Broadfoot (Turnberry) took the spoils with a superb stableford score of 44 points.

Alan Harrington (Western Gailes) was 5th with 37  points and Keith Ross (Beith) a further 4 points back in 20th place.

The second event was held at a West Kilbride G.C. Again scoring reflected the fine weather and course conditions.

Keith Ross took second place with 40 points, Ricky Gray (Rowallan Castle) was 7th with 38 points, Alan Harrington 14th on 37 points and John Broadfoot just outside the top 20 with 34 points.

The current Order of Merit table has last year's winner Alan Harrington on 80.5 points in second place 8.5 points behind the current leader David Smith of Stirling G.C. 

Keith Ross is in 3rd spot with 79 points, John Broadfoot 6th on 69 points and Ricky Gray just inside the top 20 with 50.1 points.

2 events remain, at Largs and the Prestwick St. Cuthbert, which will be the first visit to this club by the S.S.G.S. –

All events have full fields so there are plenty points still to be played for by all the Ayrshire players involved.

Full results and details can be found on the Scottish Seniors Golf Socviety website at

www.scottishseniorsgolf.com

AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Entries close for season opener on 2nd April.

All clubs are reminded that entries for the 2016 Ayrshire Boys Team Championship close on 2nd April.

The championship will be held this year at Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club on Sunday 17th April.

Entry forms have been distributed to club secretaries and Ayrshire Junior Golf league representatives. If any club representative requires another copy of the form they should contact the Area Secretary.

The event is open to all member clubs of the Ayrshire Golf Association and teams comprise four players with the best three scores from four counting towards the team total.

Individual and team trophies will be played for on both a scratch and handicap basis.

AYRSHIRE SCRATCH TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Good entry for new event

The new Ayrshire Scratch Team Championship has attracted a good entry from the member clubs for the first year of competition.

28 member clubs have entered the competition, which will be played throughout the season in a four man team format, with two singles ties and one foursomes tie, with all ties in the match being played to a finish.

The full draw for the opening two rounds is :-

1st Round	2nd Round
Played By:- 29th May 2016	Played By:- 26th June 2016
Tam O'Shanter
Prestwick St Cuthbert
Ayr Seafield
Caprington
Troon Welbeck
Ardeer
Ballochmyle
Turnberry
Girvan
Royal Troon
Ayr Belleisle
Largs
West Kilbride
Brunston Castle
Muirkirk
Troon St Meddans
New Cumnock
Kilmarnock Barassie
Crosshouse
Abbotsford
Ayr Dalmilling
Rowallan Castle
Irvine
Troon Portland
	Loudoun
	Kilbirnie Place
	Irvine Ravenspark
	Moorpark

AYRSHIRE HANDICAP TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Over half of Ayrshire clubs enter new event

33 clubs have entered the new Ayrshire Handicap Team Championship, the draw for which has now been published and sent to nominated club representatives.

The championship will run throughout the season under a four man team format, with two singles ties and one foursomes, with each tie in the match being played to a finish.

Moorpark and Troon Welbeck meet in the only first round tie, with the winners at home to Caprington in round two.

The full draw for the opening two rounds is :-

1st Round	2nd Round
Played By:- 24th April 2016	Played By:- 29th May 2016
Moorpark	Moorpark or Troon Welbeck
Troon Welbeck
	Caprington
	Girvan
	Loudoun
	Rowallan Castle
	Ayr Neptune
	Irvine Ravenspark
	Ayr Seafield
	Tam O'Shanter
	Kilmarnock Barassie
	Ardeer
	Skelmorlie
	Kilbirnie Place
	Troon Portland
	Abbotsford
	Turnberry
	Prestwick St Cuthbert
	Troon Merchants
	Drongan
	Crosshouse
	Muirkirk
	Largs
	Troon St Meddans
	Saxone
	Braehead
	NB Parkstone
	New Cumnock
	Ballochmyle
	Ayr Dalmilling
	Brunston Castle
	Ayr Belleisle
	Stewarton

BONALLACK TROPHY - McDonald helps Europe to victory in Portugal

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) helped Europe to victory in the Bonallack Trophy match against Asia-Pacific last week in Portugal.

The match, played at the Vidago Palace Golf Club, resulted in a comfortable victory for the hosts by 20 1/2 - 10 1/2.

Despite losing his singles tie on day three, McDonald made a significant contribution to the team success, playing alongside fellow Scot Grant Forrest in the foursomes and fourball format ties on the opening two days and recording two wins, one halved tie and suffering one defeat as a pairing.