SCOTTISH MEN'S AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire face Dumbartonshire at Dundonald Links in second qualifying match.

Ayrshire will host Dumbartonshire at Dundonald Links on Sunday the 4th of June in the second of three qualifying section matches in the 2023 Scottish Men's Area Team Championship. 

Despite a clash with the Scottish men's Open Championship at Meldrum House the same weekend, which has led to some players being unavailable for selection, Ayrshire will field a very strong and experienced team in the clash, hoping for a home win to add to their drawn match away to Argyll and Bute in their opening fixture last month.

The Ayrshire team carrying the county hopes at Dundonald Links include John Shanks (Irvine) a two time winner of the event, Ayrshire Champion of Champions title holder Blair Morton (Royal Troon), Scottish Senior's Internationalist Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon), former West of Scotland Strokeplay Champion Daniel Forbes (Irvine) and established Ayrshire team stalwarts Keith Hamilton (Royal Troon) and Steven Stamper (Turnberry).

The match will consist of three fourball ties in the morning and six singles ties in the afternoon.

Ayrshire's final qualifying tie will be on Sunday the 9th of July when they make the long trip to Moray to face The North Area.

The teams for Sunday's match are:-

AYRSHIRE

John Shanks (Irvine) 

Blair Morton (Royal Troon)

Steven Stamper (Turnberry)

Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon)

Keith Hamilton (Royal Troon)

Daniel Forbes (Irvine)

DUMBARTONSHIRE

Matt Allen (Hayston)

Steven Stewart (Clydebank & District)

Andy Campbell (Dumbarton)

Craig Bissett (Dumbarton)

David Lindsay (Lenzie)

David McComish (Clydebank & District)

AYRSHIRE BOYS' CHAMPIONSHIP - entries now invited for 2023 competition at Largs GC

Entries are now invited for the 2023 Ayrshire Boys' Championship, which will be held at Largs Golf Club on Thursday the 3rd of August.

The 36 hole strokeplay event, a counting competition along with the Ayrshire Boys' Matchplay Championship for the World Amateur Golf rankings, has a handicap limit of 36. Entries will be determined by handicap ballot if necessary, on the closing date.

The entry fee for the event, where scratch and handicap prizes will be available, is £10, and entries can be made either individually or by block club entry.

Entry forms should be available through Club Secretaries or can be downloaded via the links below, or the links on the left of this page, under the 'Juniors' heading.

Ayrshire Boys' Championship Individual Entry Form

Ayrshire Boys' Championship Club Block Entry Form

THE AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION

PRESENT

THE 2023

AYRSHIRE BOYS’

STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

AT

LARGS GOLF CLUB

BY KIND PERMISSION

ON

THURSDAY 3^rd AUGUST 2023

(OVER 36 HOLES STROKEPLAY)

**********

ENTRY FEE £ 10.00

HANDICAP LIMIT : 36

**********

ENTRY MAY BE LIMITED TO 48 PLAYERS - TO BE BALLOTED BY HANDICAP AFTER THE CLOSING DATE

 

THE WINNER WILL RETAIN THE AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY

FOR ONE YEAR AND WILL RECEIVE A MEDAL FOR RETENTION

 

IN ADDITION VARIOUS PRIZE VOUCHERS WILL BE AWARDED

ON BOTH SCRATCH AND HANDICAP BASIS

**********

The players returning the 8 best aggregate scratch totals will contest

 

THE AYRSHIRE BOYS’ MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

At Prestwick Golf Club from 7^th 10^th August 2023

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

ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FROM CLUB SECRETARIES,

ON THE WEB AT www.ayrshiregolf.blogspot.com

OR FROM THE A.G.A. SECRETARY

ALASDAIR MALCOLM

17 AUCHINCRUIVE AVENUE, PRESTWICK, KA9 2DT

**********

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: - NOON ON SATURDAY 15^th JULY 2023

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

BOTH ON THE COURSE AND IN THE CLUBHOUSE

DOC THOM AYRSHIRE ORDER OF MERIT - Colin Goudie still in front after latest two events.

Ayrshire Strokeplay Champion Colin Goudie (Ayr Belleisle) still holds a slender lead in the Ayrshire Order of Merit, for the Doc Thom Salver, after the latest two events.

The top three places remained unchanged following the Prestwick St Cuthbert Open on the 27th of May, where Harvey McDonald secured the top points with a four under par score of 67 in an event, which also saw Joseph Ian Logan of the host club achieve a hole in one at the par three ninth hole, which moved McDonald up to fourth place in the Order of Merit table.

On the following day, Sunday the 28th of May, at the West Kilbride Open, host club member Shaun Hedger took maximum points with a 69 for the best scratch score of the day to move him into joint seventh place in the Order of Merit.

With the cancellation of the Belleisle Cup on the 4th of June, the next three counting events are the Scottish Men's open Strokeplay at Meldrum House from the 2nd to the 4th of June, the Ayr Seafield Open on the 3rd of June and the McGilchrist Cup at Ardeer on the 17th of June.

Present positions in the Doc Thom Ayrshire Order of Merit are:-

SCOTTISH MEN'S OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP - Ruben Lindsay leads pre qualifying event at Kemnay.

Ruben Lindsay (Turnberry)

lead the field at the Scottish Men's Open Championship pre qualifying event at Kemnay Golf Club on Tuesday the 30th of May, successfully securing one of the places available from the event, to take part in the championship itself, at Meldrum House GC from the 2nd to the 4th of June.

Lindsay, who recently won the West of Scotland Strokeplay Championship at Largs GC,  carded a course record 5 under par total of 66 to take first place amongst the qualifiers, and breaking the previous course record, set earlier in the day, by a shot.

The other successful Ayrshire players in the qualifying event were Shaun Hedger (West Kilbride) and Harvey Broadfoot (Troon Welbeck), who shared 12th place with 1 over par scores of 72, and Harvey McDonald (Turnberry) whose 3 over par score of 74 left him in joint 31st place.

Drew Cleaver (Ayr Belleisle) failed to qualify with his 5 over par score of 76, which left him in 43rd place.

BELLEISLE CUP - Historic event cancelled due to lack of entries

The 2023 Belleisle Cup has been cancelled due to lack of entries. 

The prestigious 36 hole competition, a counting event for the Doc Thom Ayrshire Order of Merit, was due to be held on Sunday the 4th of June, but organisers had to take the difficult decision to cancel the event this week as the entry level made the event unviable this year.

SCOTTISH WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP - Gibson & Russell shine at Ladybank

Luisa Gibson (Irvine) and Freya Russell (Royal Troon) shone in the 2023 Scottish Women's Championship held at Ladybank between the 26th and 28th of May, Gibson reaching the quarter finals of the championship with Russell losing out in the final of the second flight competition for the Clark Rosebowl.

In the 36 hole qualifying, successive rounds of 72 gave Gibson a 2 over par total of 144, which left her as second qualifier for the matchplay stages, five shots behind leading qualifier Lorna McClymont (Milngavie).

Hannah Ounap (Loudoun) also qualified for the matchplay stages with rounds of 73 and 74 giving her a 5 over par total of 147 and equal third place in the qualifying positions.

Though her 14 over par total of 156, with rounds of 76 and 80, saw her miss out on the championship matchplay stages, Freya Russell qualified as one of the sixteen players to contest the second flight matchplay competition for the Clark Rosebowl.

The other two Ayrshire players in the field, Sarah Ramsay (West Kilbride) and Joanne Sharp (Kilmarnock Barassie) both finished in joint 51st place with a 28 over par total of 170 after rounds of 87 and 83.

In the first round of the championship matchplay, Hannah Ounap lost out by 2 & 1 to Rachael Livingstone (Baberton) whilst Luisa Gibson beat Ellie Docherty (Moray) at the 19th before exiting the tournament in the quarter finals with a 6 & 5 defeat to Ailsa Brannock (Southerness).

In the Clark Rosebowl, Freya Russell had successive 3 & 2 victories in the first two rounds over Evie McCallum (Dunfermline) and Freya Constable (Prestonfield), followed by a semi final win by 5 & 4 over Robyn Fowlie (Murcar Links) to set up a final encounter with Eilidh Henderson (Ladybank) which she eventually lost out by 2 & 1.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - line up for last 16 confirmed

The line up for the third round o0f the 2023 Ayrshire Fourball Championship has been confirmed, with the final sixteen clubs involved being confirmed this week.

In the recent second round encounters, George McDonald & Peter Clark (Troon St Meddans) won on their visit to play Alex Graham & Alex Gilmartin (Stewarton) and now have a home tie against Robert Martin & Andrew McMoreland (Ayr Carrick) who had a single hole victory in the second round away to Hamish Gaffney & Jordan Milne (Redburn).

Les Knox & Wullie Young (Auchenharvie 88) beat their visitors Daniel McBride & Greg Vernon (Kilmarnock Barassie) at the 20th in their second round tie and now face a home tie against Robin Gemmell & John Tully (Rowallan Castle) who won by 5&4 on their visit to play Chris Rimmer & Gordon McAndrew (Ayr Belleisle) in round two.

Arran Cameron & Mark Hainey (Prestwick St Nicholas) had a single hole victory over their visitors James Earle & Ian Hamilton (Girvan) in round two, and now face a trip to play Billy Pollock & sandy Riddell (Stewarton) in round three.

Stuart & Sean Thorburn (Ayr Dalmilling) won 2&1 against their visitors Selim Yilmaz & Stephen Bolland (Prestwick St Cuthbert) and will host Mark Anderson & Ian Hogg (Irvine) in round three.  

The full draw for the third round is:-

AYRSHIRE WOMEN'S STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry reminder for new Women's event

Players are reminded that entries are still open for the new Ayrshire Women's Strokeplay Championship that is being introduced by The Ayrshire Golf Association this year. 

Open to women members of Ayrshire Golf Association member clubs, The Association are delighted that the championship is being hosted this year by Irvine Golf Club over the Bogside course on Sunday the 9th of July.

Entry is £10 per person and the handicap limit is 36.0

A field of 120 players can be accommodated for the inaugural championship.

Trophies will be awarded to both a Scratch and Handicap Strokeplay Champion on the day and prize voucher ranging from £150 to £50 on a scratch basis, and £100 to £40 on a handicap basis, will be awarded to the successful players returning the best scores on the day.

There will also be a couple of nearest the hole prizes available.

This is a great opportunity for club members to experience an excellent course in an Ayrshire county event for a nominal entry fee, with the chance of winning great prizes, and perhaps securing a county title. 

Entry forms should be available through Club Secretaries and can also be downloaded via the link below

 Ayrshire Women's Strokeplay Championship Entry Form

Entry forms can be returned by post or by email, and details of payment options are included on the entry form.

Entries should be returned by the 24th of June at the latest.

AYRSHIRE SENIOR MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP - Places filling up for 2023 competition

2022 Champion Derek Joliffe

Places in the field for the 2023 Ayrshire Senior Men's Championship, which takes place at Ayr Seafield golf course on Tuesday the 18th of July are filling up.

The championship is open to members of Ayrshire Golf Association member clubs, over the age of 50 years on the day of the competition, and tee times will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Entry fee is £10 and the handicap limit is 36.0.

The Sandy Provan Trophy will be won by the player returning the best nett score of the day.

There will also be a scratch prize, nett prizes in three handicap categories, two nearest the pin prizes and an optional two's competition.

Matchplay title holder
Alistair Belford

The players returning  the best 8 scratch scores in the event will go forward to contest the Ayrshire Senior Men's Matchplay Championship, with the final to be held again at Royal Troon in August.

Entry forms should be available through Club Secretaries and can also be downloaded via the link below

Ayrshire Senior Men's Championship Entry Form

AYRSHIRE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - Entries now sought for 2023 event

Entries are now being accepted for the 2023 Ayrshire Club Championship competition, for the R.L. Crawford Trophy.

The championship takes place at Prestwick Golf Club on Sunday the 16th of July, where teams of three players representing member clubs will play off on a scratch basis for the trophy, with two scores from three counting towards the team total.

Maximum individual handicap for team me members is 4.0

Closing date for entries is the 1st of July.

Any club secretary who has not received the emailed entry form should contact the Association Secretary at ayrshire.golf@btinternet.com to obtain a further copy.

 

AYRSHIRE WOMEN'S HANDICAP LEAGUE - Both qualifying sections now under way

Both the qualifying sections of the 2023 Ayrshire Women's handicap Team Championship are now in progress, as clubs bid to top the table of their respective leagues and progress to the championship play off in early September during Finals day.

In SECTION A, Loudoun moved to the top of the table with a 3-1 home win over Prestwick St Cuthbert on Sunday 21st May.

Present positions in Section A are:-

	GP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS
LOUDOUN	2	2	0	0	6.0	2.0	4.0	8
PR. ST CUTHBERT	2	1	0	1	4.0	4.0	0.0	4
KILMARNOCK BARASSIE	2	1	0	1	4.0	4.0	0.0	4
TROON WELBECK	2	0	0	2	2.0	6.0	-4.0	0

 In SECTION B, Largs opened with a 3-1 home win over Caprington  whilst Ballochmyle and Caprington shared the spoils with a 2-2 draw at Ballochmyle.

Present positions in Section B are:-

	GP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS
LARGS	1	1	0	0	3.0	1.0	2.0	4
BALLOCHMYLE	1	0	1	0	2.0	2.0	0.0	2
CAPRINGTON	2	0	1	1	3.0	5.0	-2.0	2
AYR BELLEISLE LADIES	0	0	0	0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0

GARY BRYDEN MEMORIAL SALVER - Royal Troon and Turnberry book their last sixteen places

The remaining first round matches in the 2023 scratch club team knockout competition for the Gary Bryden Memorial Salver have been completed, with Largs, Royal Troon and Turnberry claiming the remaining two places in the second round.

Largs had a 3 - 0 home victory over Prestwick Sty Nicholas to progress, whilst Royal Troon had a good away win by 2-1 at Caprington and Turnberry won through by the same score in their home tie against Troon St Meddans.

The full second round line up is:-

AYRSHIRE MEN'S CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Third round line up complete

The line up for the third round of the 2023 Ayrshire Men's Champion of Champions trophy competition has been confirmed, with the remaining two second round matches being completed recently.

The title holder Blair Morton (Royal Troon) was conceded his tie at Royal Troon by his opponent Mark McLelland (Girvan) after they had played six holes.

David Robertson (Prestwick St Cuthbert) won through to the last sixteen by 3&1 in his home tie in the second round against Andrew Thomson  (Routenburn).

The full third round line up is:-

GIRLS GOLF HUB - Scottish Golf announce launch of 2023 initiative

Scottish Golf has announced that the 2023 Girls' Golf Hub initiative is now live and available for clubs to sign up.

The national body have witnessed exponential growth in the participation of girls within junior golf and the Girls' Golf Hub programme provides your club with an opportunity to join the journey.

Scottish Golf’s Girls’ Golf Hubs programme has been designed to help clubs attract girls (aged 5 – 18) to the club as well as providing something fun and exciting for existing members.

A club delivering Girls’ Golf Hubs is required to deliver a six-week coaching programme that will teach participants important fundamentals of golf and encourage them to have fun through game-based activities.

Girls’ Golf Hubs is a funded programme. Each club will receive £200 reinvest into their Girls’ Golf Hubs.

Girls’ Golf Hubs funding can be used for the following:

• Coaching costs (PGA Pro delivery)
• Purchase of equipment
• Reduction in initial junior membership for participants
• Hosting an open day/welcome day for new girls
• Hosting an end of block fun day or away day for your Girls’ Golf Hub (e.g., driving range, mini golf)

To Register, club representatives should visit and log in to the club National Junior Framework account at

https://www.scottishjuniorgolf.org/

If clubs have any questions regarding the initiative then they should email 

juniorgolf@scottishgolf.org

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Irvine march on in title quest

In the 2023 Ayrshire Junior Golf league Championship, Irvine have made it three wins from three in their title quest this season. 

Following their two opening wins in qualifying section A, Irvine added a third with a 4.5 - 1.5 on their their visit to play Prestwick St Nicholas.

Present positions in section A are:-

	GP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS
Irvine	3.0	3.0	0.0	0.0	15.5	2.5	13.0	12
West Kilbride	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0
Kilmarnock Barassie	1.0	0.0	0.0	1.0	1.0	5.0	-4.0	0
Prestwick St Nicholas	2.0	0.0	0.0	2.0	1.5	10.5	-9.0	0

Qualifying SECTION B opened with Troon Welbeck recording a 6 - 0 home win against Ayr Belleisle in a match which was much closer than the final score suggested.

In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT TROPHY competition, Turnberry beat their visitors Troon Welbeck by 8-5 on the countback after a 2-2 draw in the preliminary round, and now face a trip to play Kilmarnock Barassie in their bid for a semi final place.

West Kilbride booked their place with a 13-11 countback win following a 2-2 draw at home to Prestwick St Cuthbert in the first round, whilst irvine also booked a place in the last four with a 3-1 win away to Ayr Belleisle.

The JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY competition has reached the quarter final stage with the following ties due to be completed by the 30th of June

SAM CROZIER (West Kilbride)		V		OLIVER LONG (Kilmarnock Barassie)
ALFIE CLARE (Prestwick St Cuthbert)		V		DYLAN CAIRNS (Prestwick St Nicholas)
HARVEY BROADFOOT (Ayrshire Boys Champion)		V		JACK BROADFOOT (Troon Welbeck)
RYAN KENNEDY (Loudoun)		V		MAX BARCLAY (Ayr Belleisle)

The WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY competition is also at the quarter final stage, with the following ties due to be completed by the 30th of June.

EAST AYRSHIRE		V		TURNBERRY
IRVINE		V		AYR BELLEISLE
PRESTWICK ST NICHOLAS		V		KILMARNOCK BARASSIE
TROON WELBECK		V		WEST KILBRIDE