BOYS HOME INTERNATIONALS - Scotland avoid wooden spoon with victory over Wales

Scotland avoided the wooden spoon at the Boys Home Internationals at hankley Common, England, on Thursday with a 11 - 4 victory over Wales in their final match.

In the second match on Wednesday, Scotland lost 9 - 6 to England. Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) was rested in the foursomes and lost 3 7 2 to James Webber in the afternoon singles.

On the final Daty, Jack McDonald teamed up with Ian Redford in the foursomes but was defeated 4 & 3 by Rhys Pugh and Luke Jackson.

McDonald finished his week in style however, beating Mark parry by 4 & 3 in the afternoon singles against Wales to help scotland to victory.

England beat Ireland in the final match to take the Home International series.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE latest results

Two of the semi finalists in the 2009 Ayrshire Summer League have been decided as the qualifying sections near a conclusion.

In LEAGUE 1, Ballochmyle, despite a 5 - 1 defeat at St. Cuthbert, cruised into the semi finals with a 4 - 2 win at home to Caprington taking them to 20 points, 8 points ahead of nearest rivals Ayr Belleisle who signed off with a 4 - 2 defeat at Caprington.

LEAGUE 2 was won by Loudoun who went clear of their rivals with a 6 - 0 win over St. meddans in their final match.

In LEAGUE 3, Irvine, Kilbirne and Ravenspark are fighting it out for the semi final place, with advantage to Kilbirnie, who have 16 points as opposed to 12 for the other two clubs.

The final matches in the section take place on Friday 7th August and see Annanhill hosting Ravenspark and Irvine at home to Kilbirnie.

The play off for the last semi final place, betwen the winners of LEAGUES 4 & 5, sees Troon Welbeck with a 4.5 - 1.5 advantage over Beith with the return match at Welbeck scheduled for Friday 7th August.

In the semi finals Ballochmyle meet Loudoun whilst the winnersof the other sections will be paired in the second semi final.

BOYS HOME INTERNATIONALS - Scotland defeated by Ireland on day 1

Scotland, with Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) in the team, lost their opening match at the 2009 Boys Home Internationals at Hankley Common, England.

McDonald and his partner Daniel Young, who performed well together in the European Boys Team Championships recently, went down by 6 & 5 in the morning foursomes and the Ayrshire boy fared little better in the afternoon, losing his match by 5 & 4.

Match results

IRELAND 9 SCOTLAND 6


Foursomes (3-2)

Paul Dunne & Ciaran Boggan lost to David Law & Paul Shields 1 hole
Chris Selfridge & Michal Durcan bt Sandy Bolton & Chris Robb 5 and 4
Reeve Whitson & Ian O'Rourke bt Jack McDonald & Daniel Young 6 and 5
Brian Casey & Danbiel Muphy lost to Jack Scott & Scott Bibson 1 hole
Colin Fairweather & Garth McGee bt Grant Forrest & Calum Stewart 6 and 5


Singles (6-4)

Dunne bt Law 4 and 3
McElroy halved with Shields
Selfridge lost to Robb 4 and 3
Whitson lost to Bolton 4 and 2
Durcan bt Redford 3 and 1
O'Rourke bt McDonald 5 and 4
Casey lost to Scott 2 and 1
Murphy bt Gibson 1 hole
McGee bt Forrest 5 and 4
Fairweather halved with Stewart.

SGU AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire hold on title smashed

Ayrshire's hopes of retaining the Area Team Championship were shattered on Sunday when they crashed 8.5 - 0.5 to North East at Largs in the second round of matches in the qualifying section.

In the morning foursomes, Ayrshire crashed by 3 - 0 and as the match progressed into the afternoon singles the results continued to go against the home side.

Match details :-

FOURSOMES
Scott Brown (Turnberry) & George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) lost to Anthony Bews & James Byrne by 4 & 3
Tommy McInally (Loudoun) & Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Mark Halliday & Adam Dunton by 3 & 2
John Shanks (Irvine) & Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck) lost to Philip McLean & Lawrie Phillips by 3 & 2

SINGLES
Robertson lost to Byrne by 7 & 6
McInally lost to McLean by 3 & 2
Brown halved with Bews
Mackay lost to Dunton by 3 & 2
Murray lost to Phillips by 5 & 4
Shanks lost to Halliday by 4 & 3

AYRSHIRE 0.5 NORTH EAST 8.5

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - League latest

All matches in the 2009 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship are scheduled to be completed this week.

In SECTION A, Largs kept their hopes alive with a 5 - 1 win at home against Caprington recently whlst Troon Welbeck snatched a 3 - 3 draw at Ardeer.

With three outstanding results to be posted, present positions in the section are :-

Ardeer & Troon Welbeck - 12 pts, Largs 10 pts, caprington 2 pts.

The outstanding results are :- Caprington Vs. largs, Caprington Vs. Troon Welbeck & Largs Vs. Troon Welbeck

In SECTION B, Irvine Ravenspark snatched the semi final place from Annanhill by virtue of a tie difference of + 7 against + 5 after the teams tied on 16 points. With only the result of the Routenburn Vs. Prestwick St. Nicholas tie outstanding, the positions are :-

Irvine Ravenspark & Annanhill 16 pts, Largs Routenburn 8 pts, Prestwick St. Nicholas 6 pts.

in SECTION C, West Kilbride qualified for the semi finals by a clear margin. With all matches completed, the positions are :-
West Kilbride 22 pts, Ayr Belleisle & Ballochmyle 10 pts, Irvine 6 pts.

In SECTION D, Prestwick St. Cuthbert suffered a defeat by 5.5 - 0.5 in their final match at Loudoun and now must await the outcome of the two outstanding ties involving Loudoun and Kilbirnie to see if they will reach the semi finals. With only these two match results awaited, present positions are :-

Prestwick St. Cuthbert 16 pts, Kilmarnock Barassie 12 pts, Loudoun 10 pts, Kilbirnie 2 pts.

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Law claims historic double

The Allied Surveyors 2009 Scottish Amateur Championship ended at Royal Troon on Saturday when David law (Hazlehead) beat Paul O'Hara (Colvill Park) in a very tight final which was not decided until the 38th hole.

In winning the championship, Law became the first player to win both the Scottish Boys Championship and the Scottish Amateur in the same year, having won the Boys title in April at Royal Aberdeen.

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire hopes end in quarter finals.

The hope of a "home" winner of the Scottish Amateur Championship, being played at Royal Troon this week, were dashed on Friday when Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost out narrowly in the quarter finals.

Brown faced Scottish Boys Champion David Law (Hazlehead) in the quarter finals on Friday morning and had the best of the early exchanges, forging a two hole lead after 12. law however hit back, taking the next three holes and a one hole lead in the match after 15.

At the 16th, Brown hit back to sqaure the match, only to slip one behind again with a bogey 4 at the 17th, before law closed out the match by one hole with a par at the last.

The 36 hole final on Saturday will be a historic event for the championship and indeed Royal Troon, who will add another championship record to their history.

Should Law win, he will become the only player to win both the Scottish Boys and Scottish Amateur Championships in the same year, whilst if his oponent Steven O'Hara (Colville park) wins, he will follow in the footsteps of his brother Steven O'Hhara, the 2000 champion, to become the only brother to win the championship.

A win by law would, it is believed, give Royal Troon the distinction of hosting wins by the younget and oldest champions, following the 1969 victory by Jack cannon (Irvine), the oldest winner of the event to date.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - First semi final line up decided

The line up for the first semi final in the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship has been decided.

Gary Jordan & Douglas Anderson (Annanhill) beat their visitors Stuart & David Brown (Doon Valley) by 2 & 1 in the quarter finals to book an away clash against Kenneth Hankinson & Gibby Lamont (Troon Welbeck) in the semi finals.

The other semi final will be between the winners of the tie featuring Maybole and Ardeer, who will be at home in the penultimate round against the winners of the West Kilbride versus Ayr Belleisle match.

The outstanding quarter finals are due for completion by 9th August with the semi finals to be played by 6th September.

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Brown keeps Ayrshire hopes alive in Quarter Finals

Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) kept Ayrshire hopes alive in the Scottish Amateur Championship on Thursday at Royal Troon when he battled his way through two rounds to claim a place in Friday mornings quarter finals.

Brown reached the last 32 in 2007 at Prestwick where he was heavily defeated before rushing off to play two rounds strokeplay later in the day and capture the Ayrshire Boys Championship. This year however he was involved in a much tighter match with Stewart Henderson (Hamilton) in the fourth round, beating his challenger by one hole on the final green to set up an afternoon meeting with 2006 champion Kevin McAlpine (Alyth).

In the fifth round match on Thursday afternoon, Brown had the best of the match, going three ahead at one point before his opponent edged his way back into contention. Brown ws not to be thwarted however, claiming his place in the last eight on the penultimate green with a 2 & 1 win over McAlpine.

In the quarter finals on Friday morning, Euan faces the 2009 Scottish Boys Champion David law (Hazlehead), with an o845 tee off.

The full quarter final draw is :-

08.00 - Grant Carnie (Newburgh-on-Ythan) v Keir McNicoll (Carnoustie).
08.15 - Paul O'Hara (Colville Park) v Peter Latimer (St. Andrews New).
08.30 - Steven Rennie (Drumpellier) v Bryan Innes (Murcar Links).
08.45 - Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) v David Law (Hazlehead).

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Kilmarnock (Barassie) pair carry Ayrshire hopes in last 32

Newly crowned Scottish Boys Strokeplay Champion Jack McDonald and clubmate Euan Brown from Kilmarnock (Barassie) carry Ayrshire hopes into the last 32 of the Scottish Amateur Championship at Royal Troon after the second and third rounds were completed on Wednesday.



McDonald - pictured right - , who reached the third round last night, faced Martin Hamilton (Woking) for a place in the last 32 and ran out winner by 3 & 1. In the fourth round on Thursday morning, McDonald faces 2006 championshp runner up paul O'Hara (Colville Park), teeing of at 0832.


2007 Ayrshire Boys Champion Euan Brown - pictured below - played two matches on Wednesday on his way to the last 32, having previously reached the same stage of the competition in 2007 when the championship was last played in Ayrshire, at Prestwick.



Brown began the day with a one hole victory over fellow Ayrshire player Andrew Abercrombie from Largs in the morning and followed this with a 4 & 3 win over Scott Miche (Thornton) in the third round tie later in the day.


On Thursday morning at 0936, Brown continues his bid for the title with a match against Stewart Henderson (Hamilton).



The other Ayrshire players still in the championship on Wednesday all bowed out at various stages in the day.


In the first quarter, Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) went out in the third round, beaten 4 & 3 by Michael Campbell (Renfrew) whilst Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) went out at the same stage, defeated 2 &1 by 2007 finalist and seed, Kier McNicoll.


In the second quarter, John Shanks (Irvine) and Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck) both won their second round ties in the morning before being defeated in the afternoon in round three.


Shanks beat Colin Mundie (Falkirk) by 2 & 1 in round two but went down by 3 & 2 to Mark Bookless (Sandyhills) later in the day.


Murray beat fellow Ayrshire player and host club member Michael Smyth by 2 & 1 in the morning, in a tie which drew a good crowd amongst locals, but in the afternoon the Welbeck man lost out by 2 & 1 to Andrew McLachlan (Bonnyton).


In the third quarter, George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) lost out by the narrowest of margins on the final green to James White (Lundin) in a second round match in the morning whilst Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) went out at the same stage, defeated 5 & 3 by Michael Gray (Lanark).


The other Ayrshire player still in action on Wednesday was former internationalist Gavin Lawrie (Prestwick St. Nicholas) who came through a marathon tie against John Miller (Gullane) in the morning to win at the 21st.


With a delayed start time in the afternoon to allow the players to get lunch after the marathon morning tie, Lawrie pushed his opponent Kevin McAlpine (Alyth), the 2006 champion all the way in the afternoon befoe going down by one hole ion the final green of their third round encounter.

AYR BELLEISLE OPEN - Stewart Dunn takes the honours

Stewart Dunn (Paisley) who is also a member of the host club, took the honours at the recent Belleisle Open Competition, played over the Ayr course.




Dunn returned 76 - 6 = 67 to take the trophy by one shot.


Plus two handicapper Chris Harkins, also of the host club, returned the best scratch score of the day with a 71.

CSS for both home and away players was 72

The prizewinners were :-

FIRST CLASS
1 - S. Dunn (Paisley) 73 - 6 = 67 (overall winner)
2 - C. McGhee (Tam O Shanter) 74 - 6 = 68
3 - J. McMillan (Ayr Belleisle) 76 - 6 = 70
4 - S. Lawrie (Ayr Dalmilling) 79 - 9 = 70

SECOND CLASS
1 - K. McGhee (Muirkirk) 83 - 15 = 68
2 - N. Hannon (Ayr Belleisle) 82 - 11 = 71
3 - K. Shields (Lochmaben) 83 - 11 = 72
4 - H. Reid (Doon Valley) 87 - 15 = 72


SCRATCH
1 - Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) 71
2 - C. Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) 72
3 - P. Denham (Loudoun) 72
4 - N. Tindall (Tam O Shanter) 73

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Round 1 completed and Round 2 under way

On Tuesday 28th July in the Scottish Amateur Championship, being held this week at Royal Troon, the first round matches were completed as were some second round ties, with a number of Ayrshire successes.


In the early morning first round ties, George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) - pictured right -had the better of the match agains +3 handicapper Jonathan King (Glasgow), who is also a Prestwick member, winning by 3 & 2 to set up a second round match against James White (Lundin).





Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured left - also won his first round match with a 3 & 2 victory over Stephen Harrod (Ballumbie Castle). In the second round Wright faces Michael Gray (Lanark) on Wednesday.


The only other Ayrshire player in action in the third quarter was John Sloan (Doon Valley) who went down by 6 & 5 to Douglas Hunter (Dalmahoy)


In the fourth quarter, another of the seeded players went out when Steven McEwan (Caprington) lost by one hole to Andrew Abercrombie (USA) - pictured right - in what was effectively an all Ayrshire tie with Abercrombie on a US Scholarship at present but originating from Ayrshire where he was a member at Largs.


Abercrombie now faces another Ayrshire challenger in round two when he plays former Ayrshire Boys Champion Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured left - who won through to round 2 with a one hole win over Billy Campbell (Kirkintilloch).




Cameron Gray (West Kilbride), - pictured right - another former Ayrshire Boys Champion also won his first round match on the final green, beating Mark McMillan (Bonnyton) by one hole. Gray now plays Chris Robb (Inchmarlo) in round 2.




Also progressing to the second round was former internationalist Gavin Lawrie (Prestwick St. Nicholas) - pictured left - who defeated fellow former internationalist Euan McIntosh (Newmacher) by one hole in round 1. Lawrie now faces John Miller (Gullane) in round 2.


The other two Ayrshire players in the fourth quarter lost out in their first round ties, Craig McLaughlin (Largs) going down 2 & 1 against Ben Sloan (Cathkin Braes) and Kyle Smith (Troon Welbeck) losing agonisingly at the 20th hole against Daniel Harrison (Crieff).



Of the four Ayrshire players involved in second round ties on Tuesday afternoon, three secured places in round 3.


Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) was the first Ayrshire player into round 3 after a win at the 20th hole against Barry Lindsay (Mount Ellon). Harkins now faces a third round tie against Michael Campbell (Renfrew).


The hopes of Steven Spence (Irvine) were ended in round two with a 4 & 3 defeat by Adam Dunton (McDonald).


Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) eased into round 3 with a 5 & 4 win over Scott Moffat (Alloa) and now plays one of the seeded players, 2007 finalist and current internationalist Keir McNicoll (Carnoustie) for a place in the fourth round.


Scottish Boys Strokeplay Champion Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) became the second member of his club to reach the third round with a 5 & 4 win over Munro Ferries (Tain). McDonald now plays Martin Hamilton (Woking) in round 3.


The remaining second round, and all third round matches, are scheduled for completion on Wednesday.


Remaining second round matches, to be played on Wednesday, involving Ayrshire players are :-


Match 22 (0653) - John Shanks (Irvine) Vs. Colin Mundie (Falkirk)
Match 59 (0757) - Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck) Vs. Michael Smyth (Royal Troon)
Match 40 (0921) - George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) Vs. James White (Lundin)
Match 41 (0929) - Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Michael Gray (Lanark)
Match 50 (1041) - Andrew Abercrombie (USA) Vs. Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Match 51 (1053) - Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) Vs. Chris Robb (Inchmarlo)
Match 55 (1125) - John Miller (Gullane) Vs. Gavin Lawrie (Prestwick St. Nicholas)


The third round matches are scheduled to begin at 1245 on Wednesday.

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Smyth provides major surprise on day 1

The first day of the Scottish Amateur Championship at Royal Troon on Monday 27th July provided a few shocks, with Ayrshire player and host club member Michael Smyth providing the biggest upset of the day when he ousted one of the seeds and pre tournament favourites, James Byrne (Banchory).

Smyth battled all the way in his match, squaring at the 17th before winning the final hole with a par for a one hole victory.

In the second round, Smyth now faces an all Ayrshire tie against former Ayrshire matchplay title holder Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck), - pictured right -who booked his second round place with a 3 & 1 win over Colin Peddie (Kirkintilloch).

Scottish internationalist Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck), another of the seeded players in the championship, crashed out in round one, in what was effectively an all Ayrshire match, when he lost to Paul McKellar (East Renfrewshire). McKellar, who is a member of Royal Troon, ws beaten finalist in the chamioonship the last time it was held at Troon in 1977 as well as in 1979 at Prestwick, and a semi finalist at St. Andrews in 1976. He also reached the final of The Amateur Championship at Troon in 1978. Despite good form recently which saw him help Scotland to a win in the European Team Championship, Stewart was beaten 4 & 3 by McKellar. McKellar now faces Kris Nicol (Fraserburgh) in round 2.

In the four matches in the first quarter on Monday involving Ayrshire players, three progressed to round two with only David Addison (Kilmarnock Barassie) going out by two holes to Jordan McColl (Scotscraig).

Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) beat James Aitken (Alloa) by 3 & 2 and now faces Barry Lindssay (Mount Ellon) in round 2.

2009 Ayrshire Matchplay semi finalist Steven Spence (Irvine) - pictured left -beat barry McDermott (Leven) by 3 & 1 to set up a second round tie against Adam Dunton (McDonald).

Former Ayrshire Boys Champion Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured right - beat Conor O'Neill (Glasgow) by 3 & 2 and now plays Scott Moffat (Alla) in round 2.

In the second quarter, where Steven Murray and Michael Smyth won through, two of the five other Ayrshire players also secured second round places.

Ayrshire Strokeplay champion John Shanks (Irvine) - pictured left -beat Mark Hilson (Craigielaw) by 2 & 1 and now plays Colin Mundie (Falkirk), whilst newly crowned Scottish Boys Strokeplay Champion Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured right - continued his good form with a one hole vistory over Graeme Noblett (Lenzie) to set up a second round match against Munro Ferries (Tain), who defeated James Bunch (Prestwick) by 3 & 2in their first round match.

Other first round Ayrshire casualties in the second quarter were Bert Ferguson (Royal Troon) who lost by 3 & 2 to Steven Robertson (Sandyhills) and Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle) who went down by 3 & 2 to William Bremner (Edzell).

As well as Stewart's defeat by McKellar, the only other third quarter matche involving an Ayrshire player played on Monday saw former champion Allan Thomson (Ayr Belleisle) lose by one hole to Jack Scott (Deeside).

First round matches in the third and fourth quarter continue on Tuesday as well as second round ties in the first and second quarters.

AYR BELLEISLE JUNIOR OPEN - Closing date for entries near

the Ayr Belleisle Junior Open takes place soon and details of the event are posted below.

An entry form for the competition can be downloaded from the link on the leaft of this page under the "junior" heading

AYR BELLEISLE GOLF CLUB


AYR BELLEISLE JUNIOR OPEN
at

AYR SEAFIELD GOLF COURSE
for the Seafield Cup

Thursday 13th August 2009

TWO CLASSES (Entries limited to 80 by ballot)
PRIZES: VOUCHERS TO THE VALUE OF
SCRATCH £40 £25 £10
FIRST CLASS £40 £25 £10
SECOND CLASS £40 £25 £10

AYRSHIRE ORDER OF MERIT AND DAILY TELEGRAPH QUALIFIER
No competitor may qualify for more than one major prize
ENTRY FEE £3.00

Prizegiving at 6pm (approx) in Belleisle House Hotel
Entries will be accepted only if accompanied by Entry Fee (£3) and a stamped and addressed envelope.

Play will be over one round of 18 holes Stroke Play and will be under R & A Rules, subject to Local Rules.

Visiting competitors must report 15 minutes before tee off time.
Failure to appear timeously may result in disqualification. In the event of ties places will be decided on countback.
Any dispute will be referred to the Committee of Ayr Belleisle Golf Club whose decision will be final.

FirstTee-off: 9.00 am. - Last Tee-off: 1.30 pm

Block entry form with your Club Secretary

Closing date for entries: FRIDAY 7th AUGUST 2009

Entries, entry fees, certification of handicap and enquiries to:
BOB CAMERON, Junior Convenor, Ayr Belleisle Golf Club,
Belleisle Golf Course, Doonfoot Road, Ayr
Telephone: 01292 445163
(Cheques to be made payable to “Ayr Belleisle Golf Club”)

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - latest update

The qualifying sectiond for the 2009 Ayrshire Summer league competition are heading towards an exciting conclusion.

In the play off for the semi final place, between the winners of leagues 4 & 5, it is Troon Welbeck who are favourites to go through after a 4.5 - 1.5 away win at Beith in the first leg of their play off.

The second leg of the match takes place at Troon on 7th August.

In League 1, Ayr Belleisle maintained their slim hopes with a 3.5 - 2.5 home win over Prestwick St. Cuthbert in their penultimate match.

Ballochmyle still lead the section on 16 pts with Belleisle on 12 and St. Cuthbert on the same mark as caprington with four points.

Ayr Belleisle travel to Caprington in their final match whilst Ballochmyle visit Prestwick St. Cuthbert and also have another match to play at home against Caprington, which was postponed recently due to flooding on the course.

In League 2, home wins by 4 - 2 and 5.5 - 0.5 against Loudoun and Ardeer respectively put West Kilbride on 12 points, alongside St. Meddans and Loudoun, with Ardeer on 8 pts.

The only match remaining to be played in the section takes place on 31st July, with a winner takes all encounter between the two Centenary clubs, Loudoun and St. Meddans, at Loudoun.

The qualifier from League 3 will be decided on 7th August when Kilbirnie travel to Irvine (Bogside) with the knowledge that a draw will see them through to the semi finals whilst defeat by a large margin may leave the door open for either Irvine (Bogside) or Irvine Ravenspark, who are away to Annanhill the same day, to pip Kilbirnie for the semi final place on tie difference.

Present positions are:- Kilbirnie 16 pts (+9), Irvine 12 pts (+4), Irvine Ravenspark 12 pts (+2)

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Under 16 Semi Final line up

The 2009 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Under 16 Knockout Trophy competition has reached the semi final stage, with all four quarter finals now completed.

Ardeer moved into the last four with a 3 - 1 home win over Prestwick St. Cuthbert whilst Ballochmyle booked their place with a 4 - 0 home win against Caprington.

The other two matches in the quarter finals were drawn 2 - 2 and decided on the countback where the two home teams, Kilmarnock (Barassie) and Largs Routenburn went through against Irvine Ravenspark and Troon Welbeck respectively.

Ardeer, Ballochmyle, Kilmarnock (Barassie) and Largs Routenburn now await the semi final draw which will take place at the next Ayrshire Junior Golf League meeting in early August.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - semi final line up confirmed

The line up for the semi final matches in the 2009 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy competition have been decided after all the quarter final matches were concluded this week.

Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), who was first through to the semi finals, will face three times winner Tommy McInally (Loudoun) - pictured right - in the last four.

McInally booked his semi final spot with a victory at Kilmarnock Barassie over another former winner, David Miller, at the 20th hole.

former Ayrshire Boys Champion Neil McCormack (New Cumnock) won through to the semi finals with a 2 & 1 home win over Ayrshire Strokeplay Champion John Shanks (Irvine) and in the penultimate round will line up against Andrew Carroll (Drongan) who was awarded his quarter final tie by his opponent Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck) who is suffering from a back injury.

SEMI FINALS

TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun) Vs. KEVIN FERGUSSON (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

ANDREW CARROLL (Drongan) Vs. NEIL McCORMACK (New Cumnock)

The semi final matches tee off at 5.00 p.m. at Royal Troon on Friday 7th August and spectators are welcome to attend and support the players involved.

The final is scheduled to take place at Royal Troon the following Friday, 14th August) with a 5.00 p.m. tee off time.

SCOTTISH BOYS STROKEPLAY - Jack's the lad at Ladybank

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) won the Scottish Boys Open Strokeplay Championship at Ladybank on Thursday 23rd July with a superb finishing burst of three birdies in the final four holes of the 72 hole event.

The Ayrshire player, who led by three shots overnight, had his worst round of the week on Thursday morning, a 76 putting him two behind the leader after three rounds.

As the championship neared an end, McDonald still trailed by one shot with only four holes to play, but birdie threes at the 15th, 16th and 17th propelled the boys internationalist into pole position and a par four at the last secured the title.

His performance also won 15 year old McDonald the trophy for the best placed under 16 in the championship.

LEADING SCORES
286 (+2) - Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) 69/70/76/71
290 (+6) - Graeme Duncan (Shotts) 72/74/73/71, Colin Baird (Bothwell Castle) 71/71/75/73,
Scott Gibson (Southerness) 74/68/71/77
291 (+7) - Sandy Bolton (Magnolia Park) 75/72/72/72
292 (+9) - Stuart Boyle (Harburn) 75/71/74/73, Ian Redford (St. Andrews New) 73/71/75/74

The other Ayrshire player to qualify for the final two rounds, Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) finished tied in 39th place on 309 (+25) after rounds of 74,73,82 & 80.

The report on Jack McDonald's victory, from the SGU website at http://www.scottishgolf.org/ , is reproduced below :-

Jack McDonald from Kilmarnock Barassie claimed the Firstpoint USA Scottish Boys Stroke Play Championship following an exciting final round at Ladybank Golf Club this evening.

The SGU Academy player coached by Adam Hunter who had led the field over the opening two rounds went on to claim his first national title and at 16 years of age also claims the George McDonald Memorial Bowl for the leading U16 player in the field. The double was last achieved by Murray Urquhart 21 years ago and before him Lee Vannet, making McDonald only the third player to have won both trophies.

McDonald carded rounds of 69 and 70 before his third round of 76 saw him slip off the pace, enabling Scott Gibson from Southerness to head the field going into the final round. However despite relinquishing his lead, McDonald, the grandson of former Walker Cup player Gordon Cosh, dented Gibson’s two shot margin at the very 1st hole of their final outing and from there on both players were fairly evenly matched until after the turn. From there, it was McDonald who was to head home with a form that again saw him dominate his nearest rivals finishing with a level par 71 and a four round aggregate of 286 (2 over).

Commenting after his final round over the Fife course which is an Open qualifying venue for next year, McDonald said,

“It feels great to win the Scottish Boys Stroke Play. I didn’t putt well this morning which saw me slip back but I stuck to my game plan and knew the birdies would drop eventually. “I hit my driver everywhere today as I was hitting well and straight and my only real mishap was a bogey at the 14th and just didn’t get up and down.”

However McDonald recovered well to birdie the next three holes which included holing two twenty foot putts at the 16th and 17th. A final par at the last saw him 4 shots clear of the field to claim his biggest win of his career. He added,

“I have been playing well this year which is really down to the SGU Academy as it really has made a difference and my handicap has dropped from 3 to plus 1 this year. Hard work over the winter has made everything in my game click.”

Following the presentation, the newly crowned champion paid tribute to the green staff for the superb condition of the course and to his fellow competitors for providing great competition.

Scott Gibson, after taking control of the penultimate round lost momentum over the final few holes and had to settle for a share of second place. Joining Gibson on an aggregate of 290 was Graeme Duncan (Shotts) - who was awarded the silver medal based on a better final 36 holes (144) – and Colin Baird from Bothwell Castle. Both Gibson and Baird received bronze medals.

TROON GOLF WEEK - Closing date for entries near

The closing dates for entries to the Troon Golf Week is Monday 3rd August.


The popular event, which takes place from 16th to 21st August, attracts entries from throughout the west of Scotland and beyond, with competitions for all male and female golfers of all levels of ability.



Details of competitions and entry forms can be obtained from the Golf South Ayrshire website at


http://www.golfsouthayrshire.com/news-events.asp


Anyone requiring any further information can do so by contacting Pamela Struthers on 01292 616212

AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Draw for 2009 event published

The 2009 Ayrshire Boys Championship will be played over Irvine Ravenspark golf course on Thursday 6th August.

the 36 hole event has again attracted a quality field who will be bidding to be the 58th winner of the event.

ORDER OF PLAY :-

0900/1400 - C. Hobson (Ravenspark), J. Howie (Ardeer), L. Murray (Welbeck)
0907/1407 - A. Berry (Ravenspark), S. Liddle (St. Nicholas), D. McBride (Barassie)
0915/1415 - G. Cathie (Ravenspark), D. Forbes (Ardeer), J. Montgomery (West Kilbride)
0922/1422 - B. Gibson (Welbeck), M. Howie (Ardeer), C. Byrne (New Cumnock)
0930/1430 - D. McLellan (Largs), L. McDowall (Barassie), D. Syme (Irvine)
0937/1437 - B. Cathie (Ravenspark, R. Wyllie (Ardeer), P. Timmons (St. Meddans)
0945/1445 - F. Kerr (Barassie), C. Macneal (Welbeck), C. MacLean (West Kilbride)
0952/1452 - M. Smith (Welbeck), D. Flood (Caprington), C. Telfer (St. Cuthbert)
1000/1500 - S. Findlater (Welbeck), J. Williams (Kilmacolm), C. Butler (Ravenspark)
1007/1507 - A. Wright (Barassie), C. Robinson (Largs), D. Wilson (Welbeck)
1015/1515 - E. Walker (Barassie), C. Beveridge (Welbeck), J. Whent (Largs)
1022/1522 - J. Nordbo (Largs), R. McSherry (Royal Troon), S. Thorburn (Belleisle)
1030/1530 - L. Kirkland (Ballochmyle), J. Robertson (Largs), L. Gourlay (Ravenspark)
1037/1537 - G. Telfer (St. Cuthbert), A. Watson (Ballochmyle), M. Evans (Lamlash)
1045/1545 -
1052/1552 -

There are a very limited number of spaces left, which will be filled on a first come first served basis. Late applications to be made initially by phone to Alasdair Malcolm on 01292 477657

The top 8 players in the event will progress to contest the Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship at Prestwick Golf Club from 13 to 15 August 2009.

WEST KILBRIDE BOYS OPEN - Harris trophy goes to Cawder

The West Kilbride Boys open was played in tough conditions on Tuesday 21st July with heavy rain washing out the hopes of a number of competitors.

The Harris Of Saltcoats Trophy for the best scratch 36 hole return was won by J. Savage (Cawder) with two rounds of 74 for a 148 total.

Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) was closest to the winner, with a return over the two rounds of 150 (77/73).

Lowest round of the day was a 70 recorded by home club member John Montgomery, which gave him a share of third place in the scratch event but also contributed to his win in the handicap competition with 140 nett over the two rounds.

Leading Scratch Scores :-

148 - J. Savage (Cawder) 74-74
150 - Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) 77-73
156 - Cameron MacLean (West Kilbride) 76-80 , John Montgomery (West Kilbride) 70-86
159 - Ross McSherry (Royal Troon) 82-77, David McLellan (Largs) 79-80
161 - Iain Reid (West Kilbride) 85-76
162 - Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie)
163 - David Wilson (Troon Welbeck)

SCOTTISH BOYS STROKEPLAY - Jack McDonald three clear at halfway stage

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) built on his joint overnight leader on 69 with Englishman Elliot Wilson when he had a one-under-par second-round 70 for a 36-hole total of 139 ( - 3) in the Scottish Boys' Strokeplay Championship at Ladybank Golf Club on Wednesday.

41 players with aggregates of 151 or better qualified for the final 36 holes, to be played on Thursday.

LEADING SCORES :-

139 - Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) 69 70
142 - Scott Gibson (Southerness) 74 69, Colin Faird (Bothwell Castle) 71 71
143 - Paul McPhee (King James V(I) 73 70, Thomas Rowland (Prudhoe) 75 69, Elliot Wilson (Berwick) 69 75, Ian Redford (St Andrews New) 73 71, David Gallagher (Glasgow) 72 71
144 - Lawrence Allan (Alva) 73 71
146 Tom Blennerhassett (Marriott Dalmahoy) 72 74, Stuart Boyle (Harburn) 75 71, Graeme Duncan (Shotts) 72 74
147 - Chris Moore (West Essex) 76 71, Jack Scott (Deeside) 74 73, Kyle Godsman (Hopeman) 73 74, Jordyn Rhind (Uphall) 75 72, John Fernandes (Enfield) 73 74, Sandy Bolton (Magnolia Park) 75 72, Laurie Potter (Minchinhampton) 75 72, Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) 74 73
148 - Paul Shields (Kirkhill) 75 73, Samuel Chikson (Belgium) 75 73, Ewan Scott (St Andrews) 72 76
149 - Nicholas MacAndrew (Cullen) 73 786, Nicholas Smits (Australia) 74 75, Sam Crenan (Royal Jersey) 76 73, Jordon Williams (Castle Douglas) 75 74, Eamon Bradley (Mount Ellen) 73 76, Gavin Hay (Grantown on Spey) 75 74, David Law (Hazlehead) 73 76, Mitchell Farrer (Ifield) 76 73
150 - Jake Hogg (Germany) 77 73, Gordon Munro (Fraserburgh) 75 75, Gary Anderson 78 72, Andrew McLachlan (Bonnyton) 74 76, Alan Welsh (Torrance House) 76 74, Blair Pelling (Prestonfield) 74 76
151 - Nigel Colbeck (Moor Allerton) 73 78, Ross Gillan (Torrance House) 72 79, Ross Storrier (Downfield) 80 71, Matthias Kaufmann (Austria) 75 76

Other Ayrshire Scores (missed cut) :-

156 - Colin Robinson (Largs) 80 76
158 - Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) 82 76
167 - Gregor Mackintosh (Girvan) 85 82

SCOTTISH BOYS STROKEPLAY - McDonald shares first round lead

As joint leader after the first round of the 2009 Scottish Boys Strokeplay Championship being played at Ladybank this week, Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) is on the way to extending an excellent season, which has already seen him in the quarter finals of the Scottish boys’ Championship and a two times winner in the SGU Junior Tour as well as gaining a first international cap.

Along with Elliot Wilson (Berwick upon Tweed) McDonald returned a two under par 69 to become the only two pklayers in the field to better the par of 71 all day.

Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) was the next best Ayrshire player on 74.

Leading Scores:

69 - Elliott Wilson (Berwick upon Tweed), Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie)
71 - Colin Baird (Bothwell Castle)
72 - Gordon Reilly (Lochwinnoch), Ross Gillan (Torrance House), Ewan Scott (St Andrews), David Gallagher (Glasgow), Tom Blennerhassett (Marriott Dalmahoy), Graeme Duncan (Shotts)
73 - Ross Proctor (Forres), John Fernandes (Enfield), John Drummond (Strathlene), David Law (Hazlehead), Ian Redford (St Andrews New), Paul McPhee (King James VI), Lawrence Allan (Alva), Nicholas MacAndrew (Cullen), Nigel Colbeck (Moor Allerton), Kyle Godsman (Hopeman), Eamon Bradley (Mount Ellen)
74 - Thomas White (Milnathort), Andrew McLachlan (Bonnyton), Blair Pelling (Prestonfield), Jamie Stephen (Aberdour), Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck), Andrew Steven (Easter Moffat), Nicholas Smits (Australia), Scott Gibson (Southerness) Jack Scott (Deeside), David Ryan (Ealing)

Other Ayrshire scores :-

80 - Colin Robinson (Largs)
82 - Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie)
85 - Gregor Mackintosh (Girvan)

AYRSHIRE SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP - Young takes trophy back to Irvine

Following on from the 2008 winner Ronnie Potts (Irvine Ravenspark), Ronnie Young (Irvine G.C.) - pictured below receiving the trophy from Sandy Provan - won the 2009 Ayrshire Seniors Championship at a wet Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club on Tuesday 21st July.

50 hardy souls braved the wet conditions but were rewarded with a course in outstanding condition to contest the Sandy Provan Trophy, awarded to the player returning the best nett score.

Despite the weather conditions there were some very good scores posted, resulting in the CSS remaining unchanged at 72.

Young set the early target, which proved to be unbeatable on the day, when he returned a superb 86 - 19 = 67 which ultimately won the trophy by a clear 3 shots.

Best scratch score of the day was recorded by John Campbell (West Kilbride) who returned a score of 78 to edge out David Tierney (Ayr Belleisle) by virtue of the better inward half.

Net prizes were also awarded in three age categories and the winners were :-

55 - 61 years old

D. Love (West Kilbride) 81 - 8 = 73

W.B. Buchanan (Royal Troon) 84 - 10 = 74 (bih)

E. Sanderson (Muirkirk) 87 - 13 = 74

62 - 67 years old

C. Simpson (Irvine Ravenspark) 84 - 13 = 71

D. McMahon (Troon Welbeck) 85 - 13 = 72

D. Muir (Loudoun) 79 - 6 = 73 (bih)

68 years & over

J. Waddell (Kilmarnock Barassie) 79 - 9 = 70

W. Burns (Muirkirk) 92 - 20 = 72

C. McGregor (Irvine Ravenspark) 84 - 10 = 74 (bih)

A full list of results are available to download via the link on the left of this page, under the results heading

KILMARNOCK (Barassie) Junior Gilrs Open - entries sought

KILMARNOCK (Barassie) LADIES GOLF CLUB
29 Hillhouse Road
Barassie, Troon
KA10 6SY

Kilmarnock Barassie JR Girls Open Competition
Monday 3rd August 2009

Kilmarnock Barassie Junior Girls section would like to invite girl golfers to their Junior Girls Open Day.

There will be an 18 holes stableford competition held over Barassie Links and a 9 hole competition for non- handicappers over the Hillhouse course.

Both competitions open to any girl under the age of 18 as of the 1st of April 2009.

Entry forms are available to download from the link on the left of this page, under the ladies section.