COURSE MAINTENANCE - Scottish Golf issue further industry guidelines

Scottish Golf have issued further industry guidelines regarding the level of maintenance considered appropriate during the present COVID-19 restrictions

The industry statement sets out a reduced, essential maintenance regime for greenkeeping that protects workers, jobs and secures golfing facilities.

The article includes advice on working practices as well as grass cutting schedules, irrigation and nutrition advice for courses and equipment maintenance.

The full article can be accessed via the following link

 👉bit.ly/EssentialMaintenanceSG

COVID-19 - Scottish Golf Club eligible for £25,000 Government grant

The Scotsman today reports that Scottish golf clubs forced into temporary closure by the coronavirus crisis are eligible for a one-off grant of £25,000 from the Scottish Government.

The report is based on the latest COVID-19 news release from Scottish Golf.

Scottish Golf continues to seek the latest Government advice to share with golf clubs on Coronavirus (COVID-19). We recognise that this is a time of great uncertainty for all affiliated golf clubs and wanted to provide all clubs with an update on some of the support measures that have been put in place by Government to support businesses.

The news bulleting contains a number of links to the latest updates issued by both the Scottish and UK Governments outlining financial support measures available to businesses in Scotland.

This information is being shared by Scottish Golf to sign-post golf clubs to the relevant Government information.

Scottish Government advice is available on

• Help with non-domestic rates in Scotland during COVID-19
• Information on Grants and types of retail, hospitality and leisure businesses who qualify for one-off £25,000
• Scottish Government helpline to support Scottish businesses 

UK Government advice is available on

• COVID-19 Support for Businesses
• COVID-19 Guidance for Employees
• Support for those affected by COVID-19

Ohter links include

• Scottish Chamber of Commerce information on Business Support during COVID-19
• Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations - Third Sector COVID-19 Hub
• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development - Advice for Employers
• COVID-19 Updates from Scottish Golf
• Xact Business Assist Service
• Golf Industry Guidelines – Financial Support Measures

Scottish Golf remains committed to working together with all affiliated clubs to provide up to date guidance and support. If you have any additional information that you believe could help another golf club, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Scottish Golf.

The link below gives access to the full article and the relevant information links

https://scottishgolf.org/covid-19-update-resources-for-golf-clubs/

PUT THE CLUBS AWAY - Latest info published by the PGA leaves nobody in any doubt.

The latest update published by the PGA Chief executive Robert Maxfield leaves everyone in no doubt as to what the position of golf's combined governing bodies is on continuing playing the game during the COVID-19 crisis.



Following last night’s Government announcement (23.03.20), The PGA is fully coordinated with Golfs other governing bodies and is wholly supportive that golf cannot continue to operate within these government restrictions.

It is an unprecedented time for us all and the health and wellbeing of our members and their families comes first. Its on that basis, and following the Government guidelines that mean golf clubs, Proshops and courses must now be closed and courses maintained until further notice.

These measures are designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus and restrict the pressure on the National Health Service.

The full article can be read via the following link

https://buff.ly/3doTLkd

Time to put the clubs away for the time being and look after each other.

Stay safe folks.

COVID-19 - Ayrshire courses take on Government advice to close

Following the advice issued last night and this morning by Scottish Golf in response to the Government announcements yesterday, most Ayrshire clubs are shutting their courses with immediate effect, to ensure the safety of their members and the wider community in general.

The Scottish Golf statement last night urged all golfers to stay at home and stop playing until further notice. The full text of the announcement is:-

In its latest measures to contain the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the UK Government has announced that everyone must now stay at home except in exceptional circumstances. 

The new measures announced state that you may only leave home: 

to go to work (if you are a key worker)
to infrequently shop for groceries, medicine and other essentials
to exercise outside once a day 
to provide care or help a vulnerable person 
for any medical need
While golf is an outdoor sport that allows players to exercise in the fresh air, the message to all of us is clear, we must stay home and play our part in containing the spread of COVID-19. 

With this in mind, Scottish Golf asks that all golfers in Scotland refrain from golfing until further notice. 

We understand that this advice will have a significant impact on golf clubs across the country and we will continue to consult with industry partners to provide clubs with all information and support possible during this time of deep uncertainty. 

We know that these decisions are difficult ones to make, but right now, it is our shared responsibility to prioritise the health of our local communities by working together to follow the Government guidelines. In doing so, this will ensure that we get the opportunity to play the game that we all love as soon as it is safe to do so.

Last week, North Ayrshire Council and East Ayrshire Council took the decision to close their municipal courses and since the announcement late last night a number of other clubs and courses have followed suit.

It has been confirmed that the courses administered by Golf South Ayrshire in Troon, Ayr, Maybole and Girvan will also be closed with immediate effect and an announcement to that effect is imminent.

Many private clubs around the county such as Kilmarnock Barassie, Prestwick St Cuthbert, Loudoun, Prestwick St Nicholas have also announced the closure of their courses until advice to reopen is forthcoming, and it is hoped that all courses in the county will take the same position going forward.

At the moment, advice from Scottish Golf published today indicates that essential maintenance of courses will be able to continue at present,

The full text of the advice is :-

COVID-19 Update – Advice for greens staff

Following last night’s announcement, Scottish Golf has been working with partners from across the golf industry to seek further information from the Government on guidance for greens staff.

Scottish Golf has today received the following advice from the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport:

For security and essential maintenance purposes, greenkeeping staff can still attend work.
All work must be carried out in strict accordance with government guidelines on social distancing.
We are aware that this is an uncertain time and would like thank you for your understanding during this ever-changing situation. 

COVID-19 - Time for clubs to close their courses ?

With the joint announcement from the UK and Scottish Governments tonight, restricting movement for essential purposes only, is it time for clubs throughout the country to close their courses for the meantime.

England Golf have tonight issues a statement to that effect, which can be read in full via the following link.

https://www.englandgolf.org/clubs-and-courses-must-close-covid-19-update/?fbclid=IwAR2IEcd_zo1zRAwKgv6xg8AyrQgaoNXU2mxDoCaKv71JO-ujfS-ET7WQpMs

It is fully expected that Scottish Golf will issue similar instructions in the very near future.

Hopefully, for the safety of all club and staff members, our clubs will not need to wait for further instructions, embrace the advice already issued at Government level and, whilst regretable, close the courses and facilities for the forseeable future to minimise the impact on the golfing and wider community and try to ensure that things return to normal as soon as possible.

Stay safe folks.

COVID-19 - Scottish Golf confirm adoption of R & A Guidance for counting competitions during current pandemic

After consulting with CONGU, Scottish Golf would like to inform its members that all recommendations listed by The R&A will be adopted and count for handicapping purposes in Scotland with immediate effect.



COVID-19 – Related guidance on the Rules of Golf

The R&A has received a number of enquiries from organisers of golf competitions seeking guidance on the Rules of Golf in view of the COVID-19 outbreak. The purpose of this communication is to provide some guidance on the Rules of Golf.

Further to guidance provided by The R&A and after consulting with CONGU, the official handicapping authority for all golf governing bodies in Great Britain and Ireland, Scottish Golf would like to inform its members that any of the options listed below can adopted and count for handicapping purposes in Scotland with immediate effect.

Scorecards 

In view of concerns around handling and exchanging scorecards (which may be in paper or electronic form as already provided in the Rules), on a temporary basis, Committees may choose to allow methods of scoring in stroke play that do not strictly comply with Rule 3.3b, or do not comply with the normal methods used under Rule 3.3b.

For example:

Players may enter their own hole scores on the scorecard (it is not necessary for a marker to do it).
It is not necessary to have a marker physically certify the player’s hole scores, but some form of verbal certification should take place.
It is not necessary to physically return a scorecard to the Committee provided the Committee can accept the scores in another way.

Flagsticks

Committees may choose to adopt the following policies on a temporary basis:

Requiring that players leave the flagstick in the hole at all times. It is a matter for the Committee to decide whether it establishes this policy by way of a Code of Conduct or Local Rule, and whether it provides a penalty under the Code of Conduct or for a breach of the Local Rule.
Not have flagsticks at all. 


Hole

No modifications to the Definition of Hole are offered, but if a Committee chooses not to follow the requirements in the Definition of Hole, which may also have an impact on the Definition of “Holed”, the Committee should consult its national association for guidance on whether scores submitted in such circumstances are acceptable for handicapping purposes.

The following will be deemed acceptable for use in qualifying competitions:

Clubs can invert the cup so that there is only a shallow cup allowing players to remove the ball without touching the flag please see photo below.



Bunkers

If rakes have been removed from the course, or if the Committee has requested that rakes not be used, it is recognised that bunkers may not be smoothed as well as when there are rakes on the course. But it is recommended that no modification is made to the Rules of Golf in such circumstances, and that players are requested to smooth bunkers using their feet or a club. 

If, as a result of there being no rakes, the Committee decides to introduce a Local Rule relating to bunkers, scores submitted under the following Local Rules acceptable for use in qualifying competitions:

Preferred lies in bunkers within 6 inches to allow players to get out of un-raked areas or bunkers marked as GUR.

If you have any further queries relating to Handicapping and qualifying competitions, please email handicapping@scottishgolf.org

LATEST AYRSHIRE CORONOVIRUS UPDATE - Sad news from West Kilbride

From the Ayrshire Live Facebook page Sincere condolences from The Ayrshire Golf Association executive members is extended to the bereaved family and all the members and staff at West Kilbride Golf Club affected by this sad news. The first Ayrshire patient who tested positive for coronavirus has died. Members of West Kilbride Golf Club received notification that one of their members passed away on Tuesday morning. A message from the club to its members said: “We understand [he] had underlying health issues but the information we have suggests he had also contracted the COVID-19 virus. “We are deeply saddened by this news and are obviously concerned about the safety of our members.” The man had attended a quiz night held at the club on Friday, March 13. Following advice from NHS, the club has told members who have been in contact with the man in the last week and who are over 70 and/or have underlying health conditions to self-isolate immediately, for a minimum of 7 days if living on their own, or 14 days if living with their family. The club has also announced it had closed its lounge, dining room and toilets with immediate effect until a thorough deep clean can be carried out. It comes after Nicola Sturgeon announced schools will close will close on Friday. The First Minister announced the total number of COVID-19 cases is now 227 in Scotland, an increase of 32 since yesterday.

PLAYING AND ACCESS RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED ON LOCAL AUTHORITY COURSES - But the Ayrshire golfing community come together

The departments running municipal golf courses in the three local authority areas in Ayrshire announced restrictions on 18th March 2020, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation.

KA Leisure, who administer the courses at Irvine Ravenspark, Auchenharvie and Routenburn in Largs announced the closure of all their leisure facilities, including full closure of the three golf courses, for an indeterminate period.

Similarly east Ayrshire leisure have announced the closure of all their facilities, incuding the municipal course at Annanhill, until further notice.

Golf South Ayrshire, who look after the three municipal courses in Troon, three in Ayr as well as the courses in Maybole and Girvan have announced that, in the meantime, the courses remain open for play but clubhouse facilities will not be available at the course locations until further notice.

In a heartwarming show of togetherness and consideration for fellow golfers, an appeal from Irvine Ravenspark Club Captain Colin McKinnon on social media during the afternoon, asking other local clubs to consider allowing access to the Ravenspark members to other local courses at a reduced fee, to enable them to keep playing following the closure of their course, received quick positive responses from a number of clubs throughout the county. Great to see the Ayrshire golfing community coming together to help each other out during these testing times.

COVID-19 RESPONSE - All Ayrshire Golf Association events and competitions suspended until 12th May

The Ayrshire Golf Association Executive have decided, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and considering current government advice and information available at present, to cancel all scheduled Ayrshire Golf Association county competitions until 12th May 2020, and suspend all extended competitions until that date also.

The scheduled competitions to be postponed as a result of this decision are the Ayrshire Junior Team Championship, the Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship and the Ayrshire Matchplay Championship. It is hoped that circumstances will allow all three events to be rescheduled later in the year.

The two team matches due to take place by the end of march this year have also been postponed.

Entry forms for the Ayrshire Seniors Championship, The Ayrshire Boys Championship and the West of Scotland Boys Championship, due to be held later in the season, will not be made available until after the position is reevaluated on 12th May.

In addition there will be no play in the six extended competitions until at least 12th May, when the position will be reviewed and further information circulated.

The following information has been circulated to club secretaries by email

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION – COVID-19 RESPONSE

After considering the latest national guidelines and all current information available, the Ayrshire Golf Association Executive have decided to postpone all Ayrshire Golf Association competitions and suspend all Ayrshire Golf Association extended competitions until at least 12^th May 2020, when the position will be re-assessed and further information distributed.

In summary, the effect of this decision as far as county events is concerned is: -

1.       The AYRSHIRE JUNIOR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP due to take place on Sunday 19^th April at Routenburn GC has been postponed. It is hoped to reschedule this event later in the year if circumstances allow.

2.       The AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP due to take place at Prestwick St Cuthbert GC on Sunday 26^th April 2020 has been postponed. It is hoped to reschedule this event later in the year if possible.

3.       The AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP due to take place at Dundonald Links from 4^th to 7^th May 2020 has been postponed. It is hoped to reschedule this event later in the year to suitable dates, as and when the Strokeplay Championship is rescheduled.

4.       The annual fixture against the South of Scotland, due to take place on 29^th March 2020 has been postponed and it is hoped to reschedule the fixture later in the season if circumstances allow.

5.       The annual fixture against the Scratch league Division 1 winners, due to take place on 22^nd March 2020 has been postponed and it is hoped to reschedule the fixture later in the season if circumstances allow.

6.       Entry forms for the AYRSHIRE SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP, due to take place in mid-July will not be made available until after the position is reviewed on 12^th May at the earliest.

7.       Entry forms for the AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP, due to take place in early August will not be made available until after the position is reviewed on 12^th May at the earliest.

8.       Entry forms for the WEST OF SCOTLAND BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP, due to take place in late June at Rowallan Castle GC will not be made available until after the position is reviewed on 12^th May at the earliest.

9.       The Association will be liaising with the other five West of Scotland Area Associations in due course regarding the scheduled West of Scotland Under 18 inter county matches due to commence in May and the Youth/A team matches due to take place in September.

All ties and matches in the following Ayrshire Golf Association extended competitions are suspended pending further consideration of the position on May 12th, after which further advice will be circulated regarding dates for ties to be played and fixture schedules etc. The events concerned are:

THE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY

THE AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

THE GARY BRYDEN MEMORIAL SALVER

THE PRESIDENT’S PUTTER

THE AYRSHIRE HANDICAP LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

THE AYRSHIRE SCRATCH LEAGUES

If there are any further questions on the six extended competitions, participants should contact the respective event administrator in the first instance, or the Area Association Secretary.

The Ayrshire Golf Association executive appreciate that this decision will have a considerable impact on county events this season but are sure that the member clubs and players will appreciate the background to which this difficult decision has been made.

At the moment Golf remains one of the few sporting activities which can be enjoyed within the confines of the present government advice on the COVID-19 outbreak and The Ayrshire Golf Association would encourage member clubs to keep informed of the current advice available and formulate an appropriate plan of action relevant to their own individual circumstances.

To assist clubs to access information, the following web link issued by the PGA may help member clubs.

https://www.pga.info/covid-19-resource-hub/

The Ayrshire Golf Association would like to thank clubs and players for their understanding during these unprecedented circumstances which we are all subject to at the present time, and hope to provide a further positive update following the review of the position as far as the county events are concerned on 12^th May.

Keep safe.

Alasdair J Malcolm

AGA Secretary

MYGOLFRANKING.NET - leading positions of week 2020/10

MyGolfRanking.net Ayrshire golfers of Week 2020/10 are Pauline Patrick ( Irvine Ladies GC) who retains her number one position on MGR Ayrshire Ladies Ranking, and Martin Philips (Routenburn GC) who takes sole possession of No 5 on MGR Ayrshire Men’s Ranking.

The present positions are:-

AYRSHIRE LADIES

1 Pauline Patrick (Irvine) 1022 points

2 Audrey Thompson (Loudoun Gowf) 1017

3 Lorna Spencer (Largs) 968

4 Gillian Kennedy (Troon Welbeck) 959

5 Aileen Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 955

6 Anne Burns (Loudoun Gowf) 951

7 Robina Gilbertson (Prestwick St Nicholas) 950

8 Linda Thompson (Prestwick St Nicholas) 931

9 Margaret Robertson (Irvine) 929

10 Christine Whitelaw (Largs) 919

AYRSHIRE LADIES CLUBS

1 Loudoun Gowf 868

2 Largs 864

3 Troon Welbeck 830

4 Skelmorlie 819

5 Prestwick St Nicholas 803

6 Irvine 731

7 Girvan Ladies 722

8 Brodick Ladies 447

AYRSHIRE MEN

1 Ian Macdonald (Loudoun Gowf) 1295 points

2 Iain Fisher (Largs) 1217

3 John Paton (Loudoun Gowf) 1178

4 John Doolan (Ayr Carrick) 1038

5 Martin Philips (Routenburn) 1128

6 Mark Mason (Prestwick St Nicholas) 1119

7 Daniel Forbes (Irvine) 1102

8 James Anderson (Loudoun Gowf) 1096

9 David Grant (Prestwick St Nicholas) 1082

10 Gordon Munro (Loudoun Gowf) 1067

AYRSHIRE MEN CLUBS

1 Loudoun Gowf 942

2 Prestwick St Nicholas 892

3 Skelmorlie 880

T4 Ayr Carrick, Largs 868 

6 Irvine 852

7 Drongan 846

T8 Girvan, Moorpark 833

10 Routenburn 823

To see where you, your fellow members and your club rank on the full 2020 Club, Regional, National and International Rankings, register and browse www.mygolfranking.net – IT IS FREE!

SCOTTISH GOLF - Three national championships cancelled and AGM postponed in response to COVID-19 outbreak

Scottish Golf have cancelled three national championships in April and the Scottish Golf AGM, scheduled to take place on Sunday 15th March has been postponed, following the COVID-19 outbreak.

The following statements were released by Scottish Golf on Friday 13th March.


National Championship Cancellations 

Scottish Golf continues to monitor developments of the COVID-19 Virus, including the impact that this will have on events that bring together groups of people.

With this in mind and following the latest Government advice, it is with regret that we have taken the decision to cancel the first three Scottish Golf National Championships of the 2020 calendar.

The cancelled events are: 
8 – 10 April 2020      Scottish Boys’ Open Championship (North Berwick)
8 – 10 April 2020      Scottish Girls’ Open Championship (Powfoot)
17 – 19 April 2020    Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open Championship (Royal Troon)

While golf is a sport that allows players to exercise outdoor in the fresh air where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low, Scottish Golf’s decision has been made recognising that these events all attract international fields, to ensure the risk to competitors, officials and spectators is minimised.

Scottish Golf will continue to respect government advice and work in partnership with organisations across the golf industry and more information about other National Championships will be communicated as this developing situation continues.

All entrants of the impacted events will receive a full refund and Scottish Golf will issue further guidance to those affected in due course. 

We thank you for your understanding at this time.


Scottish Golf Annual General Meeting, Sunday 15 March 2020

The team at Scottish Golf has been carefully monitoring the situation regarding Corona Virus COVID-19.

Following the announcement in the past few hours regarding Scottish Football and golf worldwide, I am taking the decision to postpone the Scottish Golf AGM to a date to be clarified once the current crisis has passed.

This decision is based entirely on the health and well being of our volunteers and employees. I simply do not believe it reasonable to expose attendees to the unnecessary risk in both making the journey and in attending the event.

I send everyone my very best wishes at this worrying time. Stay safe.

Yours Aye
Eleanor Cannon
Chair, Scottish Golf

2020 AYRSHIRE JUNIOR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms now available

Entry forms for the 2020 Ayrshire Junior Team Championship, to be held at Routenburn Golf Club, Largs on Sunday 19th April 2020, have been forwarded to relevant club secretaries.

Should anyone require a further copy of the entry form they shopuld contact the Ayrshire Golf Association Area Secretary, Alasdair Malcolm, direct.

THE AYRSHIRE JUNIOR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP 2020

LARGS ROUTENBURN GOLF CLUB

SUNDAY 19^th APRIL 

THE UNDERNOTED TROPHIES WILL BE COMPETED FOR

**********

THE MATT LYGATE TROPHY - AYRSHIRE JUNIOR TEAM CHAMPIONS

HOLDERS – TROON WELBECK GC

THE A.D. NIMMO TROPHY - HANDICAP TEAM CHAMPIONS

HOLDERS – LOUDOUN GC

THE PRESTWICK CIRCUITS TROPHY - BEST INDIVIDUAL SCRATCH SCORE

HOLDER – ROB YORSTON (Loudoun GC)

THE CARRICK TROPHY - BEST INDIVIDUAL NETT SCORE

HOLDER – DAVID BLYTH (Ballochmyle GC)

MEMENTOES WILL BE PRESENTED TO ALL TROPHY WINNERS BY THE AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE

*************************

THE UNDERNOTED VOUCHERS WILL BE AWARDED

SCRATCH TEAM WINNERS         

NETT TEAM WINNERS                 

SCRATCH TEAM RUNNERS UP   

BEST INDIVIDUAL SCRATCH    

BEST INDIVIDUAL NETT          

BEST NETT

FIRST CLASS (0-9)

SECOND CLASS (10-28)          

********************

NO TEAM MAY WIN TWO TEAM PRIZES

****

NO INDIVIDUAL MAY WIN TWO INDIVIDUAL PRIZES

****

ALL PRIZEWINNERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE PRESENT AT THE PRESENTATION OF AWARDS AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE COMPETITION

**************************

PLAYERS SHOULD MAKE THEMSELVES AWARE OF ALL LOCAL RULES PRIOR TO COMMENCING PLAY.

****

PLAYERS AND OFFICIALS MUST COMPLY WITH CLUB RULES IN RESPECT OF DRESS BOTH ON THE COURSE AND IN THE CLUBHOUSE, ALONG WITH ANY OTHER RESTRICTIONS IN OPERATION AT THE HOST CLUB.

Championship Committee

2020 AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms now available

Entry forms are now available for the 2020 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship, which will be held at Prestwick St Cuthbert Golf Club on Sunday 26th April.

The competition is open to any male member of and Ayrshire Golf Association affiliated club with a handicap of 3 or less.

The top sixteen players in the strokeplay event will go forward to contest the Ayrshire Matchplay Championship over Dundonald Links from 4th to 7th May 2020

Entry fee for the strokeplay championship is £20 and entry forms are available through member clubs or can be downloaded from the appropriate link on the Ayrshire Golf Association web page.

THE AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION

PRESENT

THE 2020 AYRSHIRE

STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

AT

PRESTWICK ST CUTHBERT GOLF CLUB

BY KIND PERMISSION

ON

SUNDAY 26^th APRIL 2020

(OVER 36 HOLES STROKEPLAY)

**********

ENTRY FEE £ 20.00

HANDICAP LIMIT : 3

**********

ENTRY MAY BE LIMITED TO 60 PLAYERS - TO BE BALLOTED BY HANDICAP AFTER THE CLOSING DATE

THE WINNER WILL RETAIN THE AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY

FOR ONE YEAR AND WILL RECEIVE A MEDAL FOR RETENTION

IN ADDITION VARIOUS PRIZE VOUCHERS WILL BE AWARDED

ON SCRATCH BASIS

**********

The players returning the 16 best aggregate scratch totals will contest

THE AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

At Dundonald Links Golf Club from 4^th – 7^th May 2020

****************

ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FROM CLUB SECRETARIES

ON THE WEB AT www.ayrshiregolf.blogspot.com

OR THE A.G.A. SECRETARY

ALASDAIR MALCOLM

17 AUCHINCRUIVE AVENUE, PRESTWICK, KA9 2DT

(If no email address is provided, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope)

**********

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: - NOON ON SATURDAY 11^th APRIL 2020

PLEASE NOTE : COMPETITORS ARE REQUIRED TO OBEY CLUB RULES REGARDING DRESS

BOTH ON THE COURSE AND IN THE CLUBHOUSE

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION ANNUAL DINNER - 2019 winners honoured

The Ayrshire Golf Association Annual Dinner & Presentation of Trophies was held at Prestwick St Cuthbert Golf Club on Friday 21st February, where the successful Ayrshire players in 2019 were honoured for their achievements.

Hosted by AGA President John Watt, attendees included the President of Scottish Golf Malcolm Mitchell as well as Presidents and officials of the other West of Scotland Area Associations and captains from many of the clubs who hosted Ayrshire Golf Association events in 2019.

Following the meal, President Watt gave a review of the 2019 season before the company were very well entertained by the speaker for the evening, former football manager Jim Leishman MBE.

Before the presentation of prizes there was a lucky programme draw and a raffle towards Area coaching funds, for some Ayrshire Golf Association equipment including a Wilson golf bag kindly donated by Amer Sports.

The kind donation of a framed signed photograph of Lee Westwood by Caprington member George Morton, saw the photograph auctioned by guest speaker Jim Leishman with the sum of £130 being raised. The proceeds will be donated to the Chris Mitchell Foundation, a sporting charity which offers mental health support in football.

The presentation of prizes opened with special presentations to four Ayrshire golfers who were selected to represent Scotland in 2019.

Ruben Lindsay with his special award

Ruben Lindsay (Ayr Belleisle) was selected for the Under 16 Boys Quadrangular Tournament played at Troon in April 2019, making a major contribution to Scotland’s win in the event. He was also selected to represent Scotland in the European Boys Team Championship in Poland and the Boys Home Internationals in Wales.

Stuart Easton (Irvine) played in the Home Internationals at Lahinch in Ireland in 2019 whilst Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) represented Scotland at the European Team Championships in Austria and had an outstanding season which culminated in selection for the Great Britain & Ireland team who contested the Walker Cup at Royal Liverpool in September 2019.

Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon) represented Scotland in the Senior European Mens’ Team Championships in Denmark and the Seniors Home Internationals at Alnmouth GC in 2019

Ruben was present to accept his award personally but due to other commitments, Stuart, Euan & Paul were unable to attend the annual dinner and their awards were accepted on their behalf by representatives of their respective clubs.

As well as the Ayrshire Golf Association trophies for annual competition, there were three other trophies on display on the night.

After waiting 22 years to win the West of Scotland Boys League for only the second time in 2018, the Ayrshire boys team retained the title and the Wishart Trophy in 2019. In recognition of the achievement, a number of the successful 2019 team were present at the annual dinner and received their commemorative medals from AGA President John Watt.

The West Of Scotland Under 18 Inter County League winners

Players presented with medals on the night were Ruben Lindsay, Harvey McDonald, Harvey Broadfoot, John McCracken, Fraser Russell, Dylan Cairns, Kyle McCaig, Rob Yorston, Jack Allan, Max Barclay, Jamie McKinnon and Ross McDonald whilst for various reasons Sean Addie, Kerr Brooks, Josh Davies and Christopher Hunter could not attend the dinner and will receive their medals at a later date.

Robert Wilson
With The President's Trophy

Team officials Scott Gilchrist, Martin Cairns, Robert Wilson & Andrew Gilligan were also presented with commemorative medals before the Wishart Trophy was presented for the second successive year to team manager Scott Gilchrist.

Also on display was the President's Trophy which Ayrshire won in their annual youths/boys fixture against The South of Scotland, and the trophy was accepted by team manager Robert Wilson.







The third external trophy on display on the night was the Scottish Boys Championship trophy which was won by Ruben Lindsay at Blairgowrie GC in July 2019, the ninth Ayrshire player to win the title, in what proved to be an excellent season for Ruben which saw him also win the Stephen Gallacher Foundation trophy in June and the Italian Under 16 International Championship in September.

Ruben Lindsay with the Scottish Boys Trophy
and commemorative framed print

To mark Ruben's achievement in winning the Scottish Boys title, President Watt presented him with a framed photograph of Blairgowrie GC on behalf of The Association.







The event culminated in the presentation of the annual county awards for 2019 which included a first county title for Alton GC and an outstanding season from Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) who won three of the four major county titles in 2019, the Strokeplay, Matchplay and order of merit awards.

The full list of 2019 winners were:-

Ayrshire Boys Champion - Kerr Brooks (Irvine GC)
Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion (Ross McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Ayrshire Junior Order of Merit - Ross McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie)
The Ayrshire Fourball Championship - N.B. Parkstone GC (Stuart Wilson & James Mason)
The Ayrshire Club Championship - Irvine GC (Darren Mallinson, Andrew Gibson & Daniel Forbes)
The Gary Bryden Memorial Salver - Royal Troon GC
The President's Putter - Alton GC
Handicap League Championship - Kilbirnie Place GC
Scratch league Division 4 - Prestwick St Nicholas GC
Scratch league Division 3 - Royal Troon GC
Scratch League Division 2 - Ballochmyle GC
Scratch league Division 1 - Loudoun GC
Ayrshire Seniors Champion - Stephen Lucas (Ayr Belleisle GC)
Ayrshire Matchplay Champion - Michael Smyth (Royal Troon GC)
Ayrshire Strokeplay Champion - Michael Smyth (Royal Troon GC)
Ayrshire Champion Of Champions - Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle GC) 
Doc Thom Ayrshire Order of Merit - Michael Smyth (Royal Troon GC)

Fourball winners Stuart Wilson & James Mason
of NB Parkstone GC

Club Champions Daniel Forbes & Andrew Gibson
of Irvine GC

Royal Troon GC Captain Des Bancewicz
with the Gary Bryden Memorial Salver

President's Putter winners Alton GC

Scratch league Winners
Div 4 - Prestwick St Nicholas (Captain Stuart Miller)
Div 3 - Royal Troon (Captain Des Bancewicz)
Div 2 - Ballochmyle (William Fleming)
Dive 1 - Louodun (Captain John Goodwin)

Champion of Champions
Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle GC)

Michael Smyth (Royal Troon GC)
Matchplay Champion
Strokeplay Champion
Doc Thom Salver - Ayrshire Order of Merit

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by AGA Vice President Scott Gilchrist.

SCOTTISH AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS - Venues announced

Scottish Golf have announced the venues for the 2020 Men's & Boy's Area Team Championships.

The Men's Area Team Championships, in which Ayrshire finished as runners up in 2019, will take place from 4th to 6th September at the Kings Golf Club in Inverness.

The Boy's Championship will be held the following weekend, on 12th and 13th September at Dullatur Golf Club.