ALL THE LATEST NEWS ON AMATEUR GOLF IN AYRSHIRE

Friday, August 12, 2005

Boys Matchplay semi finalists STUART HENDERSON & EUAN BROWN (both Kilmarnock Barassie) Posted by Picasa
Boys Matchplay semi finalists, CAMERON GRAY (West KIlbride) & CRAIG McLAUGHLIN (Largs) Posted by Picasa

Thursday, August 11, 2005

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Henderson ensures Barassie finalist, after first round win

The Ayrshire Boys matchplay Championship began on Thursday 11th August with the first round ties over the links of Prestwick Golf Club.

In the first tie, the recently crowned Ayrshire Boys Champion, Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) raced to a 4 hole lead after 4 against clubmate Euan Brown. Brown however founght back, securing a halved match with a birdie 3 at the final hole. The match proceeded to extra holes and it was Euan Brown who secured a notable comeback with victory at the second extra hole.

In the semi final Brown faces another Kilmarnock Barassie member, Stuart Henderson, who ensured a Barassie representation in the final with a 1 hole victory over Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert).

With Stuart Robin (Prestwick St. Nicholas) still competing in the British Boys Championship at Hunstanton, Craig McLaughlin (Largs) came in as a late replacement to play Craig McCall (Prestwick St. Nicholas). All square playing the last, McCall bunkered his tee shot, efore playing out and chipping to witnin 10 feet of the hole in 3. Safely on the green in 2, McLaughlin had a brave putt, from around 40 feet, for birdie, which just narrowly missed going in. McCall showed his mettle by bravely holing his par putt to take the match into extra holes, however at the first extra hole it was McLaughlin who secured a semi final spot.

In the semi final, Craig McLaughlin faces former Ayrshire Boys Champion and under 16 internationalist, Cameron Gray (West Kilbride), who had a comfortable 5 & 4 victory over the 2003 Ayrshire Boys Matchplay winner Nicky Sinclair (Kilmarnock Barassie).

The semi finals take place on Friday night, 12th August, at 5 p.m. with the final on Saturday 13th at 4 p.m.

FIRST ROUND RESULTS - Thursday 11 August

Jamie Mackay (Barassie) lost to Euan Brown (Barassie) at the 20th
Stuart Henderson (Barassie) beat Graeme Gimson (St. Cuthbert) 1 hole
Craig Mclaughlin (Largs) beat Craig McCall (St. Nicholas) at the 19th
Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) beat Nicky Sinclair (Barassie) 5 & 4

SEMI FINALS - Friday 12 August

1700 hrs - Brown Vs. Henderson
1710 hrs - McLaughlin Vs. Gray

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE Draws made for the semi finals

The draws have been made for the semi finals of three Ayrshire Junior Golf League competitions, at the League Execuitve meeting on Monday 8th August.

The LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP prompted much discussion, after the failure of Largs Routenburn to honour their commitment, the 4 matches in the qualifying sections having a significant bearing on the result.

Ballochmyle topped section A having been awarded two matches by Routenburn, whilst Prestwick St. Cuthbert matched Ballochmyle's points total, having completed all their matches, which included a defeat at Routenburn.

In an outstandingly sporting gesture, in the best traditions of the Ayrshire Junior Golf League, Ballochmyle were in full agreement with the proposal from some member clubs that Ballochmyle and St. Cuthbert play off in Section A to decide who proceeds to the semi finals.

The semi final draw was subsequently made by League Chairman, Ricky magee (Caprington)

In the first semi final, AYR BELLEISLE will meet the winners of the section D play off between ARDEER and IRVINE RAVENSPARK.

The second semi final pairs the winners of the BALLOCHMYLE versus PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT tie with WEST KILBRIDE.

The play off ties have to be completed, on a home and away basis, by 21st August 2005, with the semi finals due for completion, again on a home and away basis, by Sunday 11th September.

The League Championship final will be held at Caprington Golf Club on Sunday 18th September 2005.

In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT TROPHY semi finals, KILMARNOCK BARASSIE play host to PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT, whilst LOUDOUN entertain BEITH.

The semi finals are due for completion by Sunday 28th August, with the final due to take place at Caprington on Sunday 4th September.

In the CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY copmpetition semi finals, MICHAEL STEWART (Troon Welbeck) is at home to STUART ROBIN (Prestwick St. Nicholas) whilst GORDON MUNRO (Caprington) entertains Scottish Boys Strokeplay Champion, STEVEN McEWAN (Kilmarnock Barassie).

Semi final ties are due for completion by Sunday 11th September, with the final scheduled for Caprington on Sunday 18th September.

JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Mackay storms back to the top after wins in Ayrshire Boys and at Ballochmyle

Wins at Ballochmyle and in the Ayrshire Boys, along with 4th spot at the Tom Lehman tournament have given Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) a clear lead in the Order Of Merit, with only 6 events remaining to be recorded.

Stuart Robin (Prestwick St. Nicholas) regained second spot after his second placing in the Ayrshire Boys Championship, whilst Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) moved into 4th after his win at the Tom Lehman event, and points gained at the Ayrshire Boys.

Results are still awaited from the opens at Beith and Loudoun, whilst the next qualifying events are the Ayr Belleisle Open on Thursday 11th August and the Ayrshire Boys Matchplay from 11 to 13 August. The last two events will be the Kilbirnie Place and Irvine Ravenspark events on Sunday 14th and Tuesday 16th August respectively.

Leading placings, after 14 events, with 6 remaining are :-

610 - JAMIE MACKAY - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
375 - STUART ROBIN - Prestwick St. Nicholas
350 - STEVEN McEWAN - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
230 - GRAEME GIMSON - Prestwick St. Cuthbert
225 - DAVID CURRIE - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
175 - CAMERON GRAY - West Kilbride
175 - CRAIG McLAUGHLIN - Largs
175 - JOHN SHANKS - Ardeer
150 - ANDREW ABERCROMBIE - Largs
130 - DAVID ADDISON - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
100 - LLOYD SMITH - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
90 - MALCOLM PENNYCOTT - Whiting Bay
75 - JEFF BRIGHTON - Girvan
75 - MICHAEL ROOS - West Kilbride
75 - IAIN MENZIES - Largs
75 - CRAIG SCOTT - Irvine Ravenspark
65 - EUAN BROWN - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
60 - STUART HENDERSON - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
55 - ANDREW CONNELL - Largs
50 - DARREN KEAN - West Kilbride
50 - CHRIS YOUNG - Caprington
50 - GRANT McILLONEY - Prestwick St. Cuthbert
50 - NEIL HAMILTON - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
50 - PAUL ROBINSON - Skelmorlie
50 - CURTIS TODD - Ayr Belleisle
50 - STUART MUNRO - Ayr Belleisle
50 - ROBERT McKNIGHT - Kilmarnock (Barassie)

Monday, August 08, 2005

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Barassie through to semi final meeting with Troon Welbeck in Summer League

Kilmarnock Barassie secured a semi final place against Troon Welbeck on Sunday, despite a 4-2 defeat at Irvine Ravenspark in the second leg of their play off matches, on Sunday.

Leading 4.5 - 1.5 from the first leg, barassie struggled to gain the points required to progress, and with only two half points gained by a young Barassie team in the return match, it was left to Euan Brown to secure a win over Kenny Whitfield to give Barassie a 6.5 - 5.5 win overall.

In the other semi final, Loudoun meet Annanhill.

Saturday, August 06, 2005

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Loudoun win nailbiting play off for Summer League semi final place.

The play off between section 1 leaders, West Kilbride and Loudoun, for a place in the semi finals of the Summer League, took place at West Kilbride on Thursday 4th August. Both teams agreed to a single match play off, with the clubs tossing a coin for home advantage, with West Kilbride the successful hosts.

In keeping with the seasons results, the match was close throughout, resulting in a 3-3 draw.

The clubs agreed prior to the match that, in the event of a draw, the first player in each team woulf play off on a sudden death basis for a place in the semi final, and so the pressure fell upon Tommy McInally (Loudoun) and Ian Brown (West Kilbride).

With a 5 & 4 win in the match proper, and with home advantage, circumstances appeared to favour Brown, but McInally rose to the occasion , smashing his drive at the first play off hole onto the second tee before chipping down to 6 feet and holing the birdie putt to win his club a place in the semi final.

In the semi finals, Loudoun face Annanhill, whilst the other semi final features Troon Welbeck and the winner of the Kilmarnock Barassie Vs. Irvine Ravenspark play off. In the latter match, which should be concluded this week, Barassie take a 4.5 - 1.5 advantage to the second leg at Ravenspark.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - McInally still on course for third successive Champion Of Champions title

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) remains on course for a third successive win in the Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition after he defeated David Glass (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) by 4 & 3 in the semi final over Royal Troon on the evening of Friday 5th August.

In the final, McInally will meet Tony Fraser (Annanhill) after Fraser edged out Ian Walker (Brunston Castle) in the other semi final. Despite Walker taking an early three hole lead, Fraser squared the match by the 15th before Walker edged in front again with a fine birdie 3 at 16. A par was good enough for Fraser to square the match with one hole to play, and when Walker bunkered his approach at the last, and was unable to save par, Fraser two putted for a one hole victory.

The final will be played at Royal Troon on Friday 12th August, teeing off at 5.00 p.m., and spectators are welcome to attend what looks likely to be a match of the highest standard, as McInally bids for his hat trick of Championship victories.
CHAMPIONS ALL - 2005 Club Champions at Prestwick St. Cuthbert :- (L to R) - Jim Gillies ( gents 2nd class), Lorna Batchelor (ladies bronze), Stephen McBlain (gents ), Catherine Malcolm (ladies)and Graeme Gimson (junior) Posted by Picasa

PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT GOLF CLUB - McBlain creates family record with championship victory

Prestwick St. Cuthbert Golf Club held their annual Club Championship finals night on Friday 5th August, with the finals of the Junior, Ladies Bronze, Gents 2nd Class, Ladies Championship and Gents Championship all being completed.

In the Junior Championship Graeme Gimson, fresh from his 5th place in the Ayrshire Boys Championship on Thursday and victory in the Tom Lehman event at Troon on Tuesday, faced the challenge of Blair Caddis. Caddis was under pressure from the start against the form player, losing the first hole and never really recovering as Gimson secured a 6 & 5 win, with figures of level par over the holes played.

The Ladies Bronze Championship featured the Lady Captain, Lorna Batchelor, who faced former Ladies Captain Maureen Gillies.
The match was close over the early stages, but when Gillies found trees at the 8th, 9th, 12th and 13th holes, Batchelor gained the advantage, eventually running out the winner by 3 & 2

The Gents 2nd Class Championship featured James Dodds against Past Captain Jim Gillies. Jim Gillies appeared to have the trophy tightly in his grasp, going 5 holes up with 6 remaining, but Dodds staged an amazing fightback, taking five successive holes, including two birdie 2's, from the 13th to square the match with one hole to play.

With nerves playing a part, both players reached the final green in 4 shots before Dodds missed his putt for par. Gillies also missed his par putt and was conceded a bogey, and Dodds then holed his putt for a halved hole. Both players proceeded to the 19th hole, before it was pointed out to the referee by spectators that Dodds had incorrectly replaced his ball onbefore his final putt. Dodds immediately realised his mistake, and consequently the final hole, the match and the trophy was won by Jim Gillies, by one hole.

In the Ladies Championship, Marie White faced a difficult task against defending champion, and 17 times winner of the title, Catherine Malcolm. Despite figurs of 2 over par 38 to the turn, White found herself 3 holes down. Malcolm extended her lead with a birdie 3 at the 400 yard 11th hole, before winning the match, and securing her 18th title, by 6 & 4 on the 14th green. The standard of play was illustrated by the 7 birdies the finalists shared over the 14 holes played.

In the Gents Championship, former Junior Club Champions, Stephen McBlain and Kevin Fergusson met, with McBlain bidding to match his father Ian's win in the event in 1982.

A 20' birdie putt at the first hole gave McBlain the lead before Fergusson levelled at the second, only to see McBlain birdie the third to regain the lead. The match remained close, with McBlain edging further ahead, turning for home with a 2 hole lead. Despite his best efforts, Fergusson never levelled with McBlain again, and it was Stephen McBlain who won the Championship with a 4 & 3 victory.

McBlain's win proved something of a historical moment in the club, as he is though to be the first son of a former winner to win the Championship in the club's 106 year history.

In a match which was played in the best spirit of friendly competition, Fergusson, who is due to be Stephen McBlain's best man at his wedding next year, joked at the conclusion of play that the trophy was an early wedding present to his friend and rival.

The full list of results, and winners are :-

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
Graeme Gimson beat Blair Caddis 6 & 5

LADIES BRONZE CHAMPIONSHIP
Lorna Batchelor beat Maureen Gillies 3 & 2

GENTS 2ND CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP
Leading Qualifier - Jim Smith
Beaten Semi Finalists - John Swiatek & Ronnie Doig
Final - Jim Gillies beat James Dodds 1 hole

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP
Catherine Malcolm beat Marie White 6 & 4

GENTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Leading Qualifier - Kevin Fergusson
Beaten Semi Finalists - Elliot Braddock & Brian Yates
Final - Stephen McBlain beat Kevin Fergusson 4 & 3

Friday, August 05, 2005

Order Of Merit leader, JAMIE MACKAY (Kilmarnock Barassie) Posted by Picasa

JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Mackay back on top after Ayrshire Boys win

Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) is back at the top of the Junior Order Of Merit table after his performance in the Ayrshire Boys Championship this week.

Stuart Robin (Prestwick St. Nicholas), runner up to Mackay in the Ayrshire Boys, has also edged ahead of Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie), the previous leader.

The best placed players after 12 events, with 8 remaining, are :-

475 - JAMIE MACKAY - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
375 - STUART ROBIN - Prestwick St. Nicholas
350 -STEVEN McEWAN - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
225 - DAVID CURRIE - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
175 - CAMERON GRAY - West Kilbride
175 - JOHN SHANKS - Ardeer
150 - ANDREW ABERCROMBIE - Largs
130 - GRAEME GIMSON - Prestwick St. Cuthbert
130 - DAVID ADDISON - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
100 - LLOYD SMITH - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
100 - CRAIG McLAUGHLIN - Largs
90 - MALCOLM PENNYCOTT - Whiting Bay
75 - JEFF BRIGHTON - Girvan
75 - MICHAEL ROOS - West Kilbride
75 - IAIN MENZIES - Largs


Still to be recorded are returns from Beith, Loudoun and the Tom Lehman event.

Next week sees the Ballochmyle and Ayr Belleisle boys opens, with the Ayrshire Boys Matchplay concluding next weekend. The final two qualifying events are the Kilbirnie Place and Irvine Ravenspark events, the following week.

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Sinclair qualifies for third successive year.

The Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship will be held at Prestwick Golf Club from Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th August 2005, with the players returning the 8 best scratch totals in the Ayrshire Boys Championship at Prestwick St. Nicholas on Thursday 4th August, qualifying to contest the Matchplay title.

Nicky Sinclair (Kilmarnock Barassie), the winner of the Innaugural event in 2003, qualified for the third successive time, and is hoping to improve on his semi final appearance last year.

The draw for the order of play in the first round, on Thursday 11th August is :-

1600 hrs
Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Vs.
Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie)

1610 hrs
Stuart Henderson (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Vs.
Grame Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

1620 hrs
Stuart Robin (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
Vs.
Craig McCall (Prestwick St. Nicholas)

1630 hrs
Cameron Gray (West Kilbride)
Vs.
Nicky Sinclair (Kilmarnock Barassie)
2005 Ayrshire Boys Golf Champion JAMIE MACKAY, being presented with the trophy by Prestwick St. Nicholas Vice Captain, Stan Stevenson. Posted by Picasa

AYRSHIRE BOYS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP - Jamie Mackay grabs 2005 title in dramatic finish

Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) took the 2005 Ayrshire Boys Championship at Prestwick St. Nicholas on Thursday 4th August, edging out local member, Stuart Robin, in dramatic fashion.

On a difficult day for scoring, with blustery wind and rain showers, the capacity field of 71 players served up some excellent returns and notable performances in the 55th annual championship, played over 36 holes of strokeplay.

Craig McCall (Prestwick St. Nicholas) set the early pace, with a 3 over par 72 giving him an excellent nett score of 65.

Former Champion Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) remained in the hunt after an opening round of 74, which was marred only by a quadriple bogey 8 at the 8th hole, where Gray found the water of the Bellrock Quarry twice.

Stuart Robin (Prestwick St. Nicholas) with 72 and Stuart Henderson (Kilmarnock Barassie) with 73 were the only players in the middle of the field who challenged for the lead, before the eventual winner, Jamie Mackay returned the best score of the morning, his one over par 70 including an inward half of 33, one under par, courtesy of 3 birdies in the last 5 holes.

Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), fresh from his victory in the Tom Lehman event at Troon onTuesday, kept up his good recent form with a 2 over par 71 in the morning round.

With the rain holding off well, but an increasingly strong south westerly breeze, the players commenced their afternoon round, and it was former Ayrshire Boys matchplay champion, Nicky Sinclair (Kilmarnock Barassie) who set the early target, adding a 70 to his morning round of 75 for a 145 total.

7 handicapper Craig McCall (Prestwick St. Nicholas) maintained his form, which saw him return the best nett score in the morning, adding a 74, nett 67, to his morning round to give him a total of 146 and a nett score of 132, which ultimately won him the honour of returning the best nett score of the day by a clear 5 shots.

Nicky Sinclair's lead in the championship was short lived, lasting only 3 games before Cameron Gray edged ahead by one stroke. In his afternoon round, Gray maintained the unusual scoring exploits from his morning round. A ball out of bounds from the first tee saw Gray run up a triple bogey 7 at the first in the afternoon, although he recovered well to reach the turn in 40. With a following wind for the last 6 holes, Gray took full advantage, returning in an excellent 5 under par score of 29, which included 5 birdies in 6 holes from the 13th, for a best of the day round of 69 and a 143 overall total.

Stuart Robin, who won the St. Nicholas Boys Open over the same course 10 days ago had 6 threes in an inward half of 31, 4 under par, for a second round return of 70 and a championship total of 142, to take the lead from Cameron Gray.

With only three players looking likely to challenge Robin for the title, the first opportunity fell to Stuart Henderson (Kilmarnock Barassie). After a first round 73, Henderson reached the turn in the afternoon in 36, one over par. Birdies at three successive holes from the 15th took Henderson to one under par for his afternoon round, with one hole to play. The 203 yard par 3 final hole, which had caused problems for many players throughout the day, proved to be Hendersons downfall, with the Barassie boy unable to do better that a double bogey 5 for an afternoon return of one over par 70, leaving him one off the pace in the race for the title, on 143.

Despite his lead after the morning round, Jamie Mackay's challenge looked to faulter early in the second round when he bogeyed two of the forst four holes. Despite these setbacks, mackay reached the turn in 38 to maintain his hopes as he turned for home. 4 pars from the turn were followed by a bogey 5 at the long par 4, 14th hole to put Mackay4 over par with 4 holes remaining. Needing to complete the final 4 holes in one under par to tie Stuart Robin's score, Mackay had a par at the short par 4 15th, before getting the all important birdie three at the 16th hole. a par at the penultimate hole took Mackay to the final tee with the knowledge, relayed to him by fellow competitors, that he required a par three to tie Stuart Robin.

The final hole, a 203 yard par three, playing into the teeth of the wind, was far from a certain par finish, but Mackay rose to the challenge, striking his tee shot to within 15 feet of the hole. Despite the pressure, mackay took great care to prepare before dispatching his birdie put for a superb birdie two at the last and a championship total of 141 to take the outright lead.

Only Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) looked likely to provide a challenge to mackays return, but an outward half of four over par (39) proved too much to recover from. Despite a fine level par inward half of 34, Gimson's 73 left him three of the pace on 144.

Notable performances were also recorded by two 10 handicappers, Jonathon Martin (Kilmarnock Barassie) with 68-69 and Scott Clark (Ayr Belleisle) with 66-71 returning nett totals of 143 to take second and third nett prizes respectively.

The biggest improvement of the day between the two rounds was a massive 22 shots by Shaun Fallows (Troon Welbeck). The 6 handicapper had a nightmare round in the morning with a 28 over par return of 97. Despite his morning return, Fallows remained upbeat and was rewarded with a fine score of 75 in the afternoon.

The final prize of the day, a nearest the hole prize at the 18th hole in the afternoon round, was won by Gary Herbertson (Ballochmyle) who hit his tee shot to an impressive 8' 7" from the hole.

The Competition Scratch Scores for the two rounds were 70 (+1) in the morning and 69 (0) in the afternoon.

At the conclusion of the days play, Prestwick St. Nicholas G.C. Vice Captain, Stan Sstevenson presented prizes to the succesful competitors, before handing the trophy to the 2005 Ayrshire Boys Golf Champion, Jamie Mackay.

AYRSHIRE
CHAMPION JAMIE MACKAY (Kilmarnock Barassie) 70-71 = 141

2nd SCRATCH STUART ROBIN (Prestwick St. Nicholas) 72-70 = 142

3rd SCRATCH CAMERON GRAY (West Kilbride) 74-69 = 143
4th SCRATCH STUART HENDERSON (Kilmarnock Barassie) 73-70 = 143

5th SCRATCH GRAEME GIMSON (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) 71-73 = 144

1st NETT CRAIG McCALL (Prestwick St. Nicholas) (7) 65-67 = 132

2nd NETT JONATHON MARTIN (Kilmarnock Barassie) (10) 68-69 = 137
3rd NETT SCOTT CLARK (Ayr Belleisle) 66-71 = 137

Nearest the pin at the 18th (afternoon round) - Gary Herbertson (Ballochmyle) – 8’ 7”
Prizewinners at the 2005 Ayrshire Boys Championship, with Prestwick St. Nicholas Vice Captain, Stan Stevenson. Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Championship qualifying sections completed

Fixtures in the 4 Ayrshire Junior Golf League League Championship qualifying sections have been completed this week.

In Section A, the first section completed, final positions are :-

TEAM P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
BALLOCHMYLE 8/5/2/1/32.5/15.5/+17/24
ST. CUTHBERT 8/5/2/1/29.5/18.5/+11/24
ANNANHILL 8/2/3/3/21/27/-6/14
ROUTENBURN 8/2/1/5/22/26/-4/10
NEW CUMNOCK 8/1/2/5/15/33/-18/6

In the final match in Section B, Kilmarnock Barassie beat their visitors Largs by 4.5 - 1.5. Final positions in the section are :-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
WEST KILBRIDE 8/6/1/1/30/18/+12/26
LARGS 8/4/1/3/26/22/+4/18
BEITH 8/4/1/3/24.5/23.5/+1/18
BARASSIE 8/3/1/4/27/21/+6/14
ST. MEDDANS 8/1/0/7/12.5/35.5/-23/4

In Section C, Troon Welbeck beat visitors, Loudoun, by 5.5 - 0.5 in the final match in the section, to avenge their earlier defeat by the same score in the corrsponding match at Loudoun. Final positions in the section are :-

TEAM P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
AYR BELLEISLE 8/5/2/1/29.5/18.5/+11/24
TROON WELBECK 8/4/2/2/28.5/19.5/+9/20
KILBIRNIE PLACE 8/5/0/3/26/22/+4/20
LOUDOUN 8/3/0/5/22.5/25.5/-3/12
ST. NICHOLAS 8/1/0/7/13.5/34.5/-21/4

In Section D, the two matches between Caprington & Skelmorlie resulted in 5 - 1 home wins for each club, whilst Ardeer and Ravenspark will require to play off for the one semi final place on offer. Final positions in the section are:-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
ARDEER 6/4/0/2/21.5/14.5/+7/16
RAVENSPARK 6/4/0/2/21.5/14.5/+7/16
CAPRINGTON 6/3/0/3/15.5/20.5/-5/12
SKELMORLIE 6/1/0/5/13.5/22.5/-9/4

JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - McEwan moves back to the top after victory at Caprington

Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) has regained top spot in the Junior Order Of Merit after a scratch 67 in the Caprington Boys Open gave him the best return of the day. Early leader in the Order Of Merit, Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie), resurrected his challenge with a second place on 75, edging out Chris Young and David Stratford of the host club on the inward half.
Gary Herbertson (Ballochmyle), Callum Shaw (Caprington) and Neil McDonald (Ravenspark) all gained their first points of the season, with placings from 5th to 7th respectively.

The events which have taken place to date, but have yet to be recorded in the Order Of Merit table are the Beith and Loudoun Boys Opens and the Tom Lehman event at Troon.

Despite leading the event, McEwan is on International duty with the Scotland Boys Team this week, and consequently will miss out on the opportunity to gain further points during the Ayrshire Boys Championship and the subsequent Match Play event later in the month.

The current Order Of Merit placings, after 11 events with 9 remaining, are :-


350 - STEVEN McEWAN - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
325 - JAMIE MACKAY - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
275 - STUART ROBIN - Prestwick St. Nicholas
225 - DAVID CURRIE - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
175 - JOHN SHANKS - Ardeer
150 - ANDREW ABERCROMBIE - Largs
130 - DAVID ADDISON - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
100 - LLOYD SMITH - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
100 - CRAIG McLAUGHLIN - Largs
100 - CAMERON GRAY - West Kilbride
95 - GRAEME GIMSON - Prestwick St. Cuthbert
90 - MALCOLM PENNYCOTT - Whiting Bay
75 - JEFF BRIGHTON - Girvan
75 - MICHAEL ROOS - West Kilbride
75 - IAIN MENZIES - Largs
60 - EUAN BROWN - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
55 - ANDREW CONNELL - Largs
50 - DARREN KEAN - West Kilbride
50 - CHRIS YOUNG - Caprington
50 - GRANT McILLONEY - Prestwick St. Cuthbert
50 - NEIL HAMILTON - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
50 - PAUL ROBINSON - Skelmorlie
50 - ROBERT McKNIGHT - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
40 - DARREN KEAN - West Kilbride
40 - ADAM FOLEY - Ayr Belleisle
35 - DAVID STRATFORD - Caprington
35 - D McLAUGHLAN - Troon St. Meddans
35 - JOHN COULTER - Irvine Ravenspark
20 - GORDON MUNRO - Caprington
20 - GARY HERBERTSON - Ballochmyle
20 - CHRIS McKENZIE - Irvine Ravenspark
20 - CRAIG McCALL - Prestwick St. Nicholas
20 - GREG RORISON - Turnberry
20 - NICKY SINCLAIR - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
10 - CALUM SHAW - Caprington
10 - LIAM McLEOD - Irvine Ravenspark
10 - JOSH NORDBO - Largs
10 - COLIN ROBINSON - Skelmorlie
10 - SCOTT BROWN - Girvan
10 - STUART HENDERSON - Kilmarnock (Barassie)
5 - DANIEL McLEAN - Largs
5 - GRAEME BLACK - Ardeer
5 - ANDREW MILLER - Prestwick St. Cuthbert
5 - FRASER LAWRIE - Largs
5 - NEIL McDONALD - Irvine Ravenspar
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Monday, August 01, 2005

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Belleisle book their place in the League Championship semi finals

Three of the four qualifying sections have now been completed in this seasons Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship, with Ayr Bellesile becoming the latest club into the last four.

In Section 1, the first section complete, final positions are :-

TEAM P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
BALLOCHMYLE 8/5/2/1/32.5/15.5/+17/24
ST. CUTHBERT 8/5/2/1/29.5/18.5/+11/24
ANNANHILL 8/2/3/3/21/27/-6/14
ROUTENBURN 8/2/1/5/22/26/-4/10
NEW CUMNOCK 8/1/2/5/15/33/-18/6

In Section B, West Kilbride have qualified for the semi finals. With only the Kilmarnock Barassie Vs. largs match remaining to be recorded, Present positions are :-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
WEST KILBRIDE 8/6/1/1/30/18/+12/26
LARGS 7/4/1/2/24.5/16.5/+8/18
BEITH 8/4/1/3/24.5/23.5/+1/18
BARASSIE 7/2/1/4/22.5/19.5/+3/10
ST. MEDDANS 8/1/0/7/12.5/35.5/-23/4

In Section C, Ayr Belleisle are through to the semi finals, as none of their challengers were able to gain sufficient positive results to reach the points target set by the Ayr club. Kilbirnie ended Troon Welbeck's hopes with a 5.5 - 0.5 win at home in both clubs' penultimate match. The slim hopes that Kilbirnie fostered after such a comprehensive victory were soon shattered when St. Nicholas travelled to Kilbirnie in their final match, seeking their first positive result of the season, and stunned their hosts with a 3.5 - 2.5 win to end Kilbirnie's slim hopes of a semi final place. With only the Troon Welbeck Vs. Loudoun game still to be recorded, present positions in the section are :-

TEAM P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
AYR BELLEISLE 8/5/2/1/29.5/18.5/+11/24
KILBIRNIE PLACE 8/5/0/3/26/22/+4/20
TROON WELBECK 7/3/2/2/23/19/+4/16
LOUDOUN 7/3/0/4/22/20/+2/12
ST. NICHOLAS 8/1/0/7/13.5/34.5/-21/4

In Section D, the two matches between Caprington & Skelmorlie remaining to be recorded, however only 6 - 0 wins in both ties by Caprington will affect the present position. Should Caprington not attain the required results, there will be a play off between Ardeer and Ravenspark for the semi final place from Section D. Present positions are:-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
ARDEER 6/4/0/2/21.5/14.5/+7/16
RAVENSPARK 6/4/0/2/21.5/14.5/+7/16
CAPRINGTON 4/2/0/2/9.5/14.5/-5/8
SKELMORLIE 4/0/0/4/7.5/16.5/-9/0


The draw for the semi final pairings will take place at the next AJGL Executive meeting on Monday 8th August.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Under 16 Semi final line up decided.

Loudoun became the 4th and final team to reach the semi final of the Under 16 Knockout Trophy competition this season, by virtue of a walkover against Largs Routenburn who scratched from the event this week.

Loudoun now line up alongside Beith, Prestwick St. Cuthbert and Kilmarnock Barassie in the draw for the semi finals which will be made at the next AJGL Executive meeting on Monday 8th August.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - West Kilbride secure Wallace Thornton Trophy final spot

There have been no recent matches in Section 1. Present positions in the section are:-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Diff./Pts
LARGS/2/2/0/0/6/2/+4/8
BARASSIE/1/1/0/0/4/0/+4/4
BELLEISLE/2/1/0/1/4/4/0/4
ROUTENBURN/3/0/0/3/2/10/-8/0

Defending champions, Kilmarnock Barassie are due to face Largs this week, with Largs needing a win to ensure qualification for a second successive final. Victory for Barassie would leave the holders requiring a draw at Belleisle in their final match to make the final once again.

In Section 2, West Kilbride suffered their first defeat of the competition, with a 3-1 reverse away to Ardeer. Despite this defeat, West Kilbride's single point, secured by Grant Weir with a final hole victory over Callum Ainsworth, was sufficient to ensure a place in the final of the competition, with none of the other teams able surpass their record, despit their being 3 matches in the section to complete. Present positions in the section are:-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Diff./Pts
W.KILBRIDE/4/3/0/1/12/4/+8/12
BALLOCHMYLE/3/2/0/1/7/5/+2/8
RAVENSPARK/2/0/1/1/3/5/-2/2
ARDEER/3/1/1/1/5/7/-2/6
WELBECK/2/0/0/2/1/7/-6/0

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - West Kilbride and Loudoun play off for semi final spot

All the qualifying section matches have now been completed in the AGA Summer League competition, with Section 1 going into overtime to decide the semi final qualifier.

In the final match of the section, Loudoun suffered a 4-2 defeat at Turnberry, which left West Kilbride, Loudoun and Turnberry all on 16 points. At this stage Turnberry were eliminated, by virtue of a poorer points differential, however West Kilbirde and Loudoun could not be seperated on this basis, and as a result will play off for the right to meet Annanhill in the semi final. The final placings in Section 1 were :-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
LOUDOUN/6/4/0/2/24/12/+12/16
WEST KILBRIDE/6/4/0/2/24/12/+12/16
TURNBERRY/6/4/0/2/19.5/16.5/+3/16
MOORPARK6/0/0/6/4.5/31.5/-27/0

In Section 2, Annanhill claimed the semi final spot with a comprehensive 5-1 win at Troon Portland in their final section match. Final positions in the section are :-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
ANNANHILL/6/5/0/1/23.5/12.5/+11/20
KILBIRNIE/6/3/2/1/20.5/15.5/+5/16
PORTLAND/6/0/3/3/14/22/-8/6
NACCO/6/1/1/4/13/23/-10/6

In the play off between Kilmarnock Barassie and Irvine Ravenspark, for the right to meet Troon Welbeck in the semi final, Barassie take a 4.5 - 1.5 advantage to the away leg at Ravenspark this week, after victory in the first leg at home.

Saturday, July 30, 2005

JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Robin moves to the top at halfway stage

Stuart Robin (Prestwick St. Nicholas) has edged ahead of Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) as the contest for the Junior Order Of Merit reaches the halfway stage.

In the latest round of results, Andrew Abercrombie (Largs) took the honours in the 36 hole West Kilbride boys open with a 144 total, 4 ahead of nearest rival Lloyd Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie).

At the Prestwick St. Nicholas Junior Open, home player Stuart Robin took maximum points with his 67 being the best scratch of the day, one ahead of Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie), the early leader in this seasons Order Of Merit.

At The Gareth Ferguson Trophy event at Ardeer, home advantage led to John Shanks of the host club taking full points, with a scratch 72. Graeme Gimson (St. Cuthbert) trailed Shanks by three shots for second overall. Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) gained points for the third time this season, with a 5th place at Ardeer.

Leading positions in the Order Of Merit, after 10 events, are :-

275 - STUART ROBIN (PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS)
250 - STEVEN McEWAN (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
250 - JAMIE MACKAY (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
175 - JOHN SHANKS (ARDEER)
175 - DAVID CURRIE (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
150 - ANDREW ABERCROMBIE (LARGS)
130 - DAVID ADDISON (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
100 - LLOYD SMITH (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
100 - CRAIG McLAUGHLIN (LARGS)
100 - CAMERON GRAY (WEST KILBRIDE)
95 - GRAEME GIMSON (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT)
90 - MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (WHITING BAY)
75 - JEFF BRIGHTON (GIRVAN)
75 - MICHAEL ROOS (WEST KILBRIDE)
75 - IAIN MENZIES (LARGS)
60 - EUAN BROWN (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
55 - ANDREW CONNELL (LARGS)


Thursday, July 28, 2005

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Wallace Thornton Trophy update.

There have been no recent matches in Section 1. Present positions in the section are:-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Diff./Pts
LARGS/2/2/0/0/6/2/+4/8
BARASSIE/1/1/0/0/4/0/+4/4
BELLEISLE/2/1/0/1/4/4/0/4
ROUTENBURN/3/0/0/3/2/10/-8/0


Wit home games remaining, against closest challengers Belleisle and Largs, Kilmarnock Barassie remain slight favourites to progress to the final, although they can aford no slip ups in what is proving to be a very closely contested section.

In Section 2, West Kilbride strengthened their grip on the section with a 4-0 win at Welbeck. Ballochmyle maintained their position with a 3-1 home win over Welbeck whilst Ravenspark and Ardeer fought out a 2-2 draw at Irvine. Presnt positions in the section are:-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Diff./Pts
W. KILBRIDE/3/3/0/0/11/1/+10/12
BALLOCHMYLE/3/2/0/1/7/5/+2/8
RAVENSPARK/2/0/1/1/3/5/-2/2
ARDEER/2/0/1/1/2/6/-4/2
WELBECK/2/0/0/2/1/7/-6/0

West Kilbride are almost assured of a semi final place as a result of their wictories so far. Both Ballochmyle and West Kilbride travel away in thie final fixtures, to Ravenspark and Ardeer respectively. Only a 4-0 defeat of West Kilbride, coupled with a 4-0 win by Ballochmyle would deny West Kilbride a place in the final.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE- Champions hopes hang by a thread, whilst West Kilbride and Ballochmyle finish on top of their sections

Three of the 4 League Championship qualifying sections have been decided, with West KIlbride, Ballochmyle and either Ravenspark or Ardeer going into the last four.

In Section A, The season ended in farce, with Routenburn conceding 4 of their 8 section matches in total, including an early match at Ballochmyle and the return on Sunday at Routenburn, for which Ballochmyle turned up as arranged, to find an open competition taking place and no Routenburn team to play. St. Cuthbert completed their programme of matches with a 4-2 win at New Cumnock on Saturday to keep their qualifuication hopes alive, but the inability of Routenburn to fulfill thier fixtures, and the resultant match award to Ballochmyle saw the latter club through to the semi finals by virtue of tie difference over all matches, Ballochmyle and St. Cuthbert being tied on points at the top of the table. Final positions in the section are :-

TEAM P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
BALLOCHMYLE 8/5/2/1/32.5/15.5/+17/24
ST. CUTHBERT 8/5/2/1/29.5/18.5/+11/24
ANNANHILL 8/2/3/3/21/27/-6/14
ROUTENBURN 8/2/1/5/22/26/-4/10
NEW CUMNOCK 8/1/2/5/15/33/-18/6

In Section B, West Kilbride claimed the semi final place by virtue of a 4.5-1.5 win at St. Meddans. This, coupled with a 3-3 draw at largs and a defeat by 4-2 for largs at Beith, halted Largs' hopes for the 2005 Championship. Present positions are :-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
WEST KILBRIDE 8/6/1/1/30/18/+12/26
LARGS 7/4/1/2/24.5/16.5/+8/18
BEITH 8/4/1/3/24.5/23.5/+1/18
BARASSIE 7/2/1/4/22.5/19.5/+3/10
ST. MEDDANS 8/1/0/7/12.5/35.5/-23/4

In Section C, positions remain the same, with three fixures left to play. Present positions in the section are :-

TEAM P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
AYR BELLEISLE 8/5/2/1/29.5/18.5/+11/24
TROON WELBECK 6/3/2/1/22.5/13.5/+9/16
KILBIRNIE PLACE 6/4/0/2/18/18/0/16
LOUDOUN 7/3/0/4/22/20/+2/12
ST. NICHOLAS 7/0/0/7/10/32/-22/0

In Section D, A similar problem to that in Section A has arisen, with Skelmorlie conceding matches away to Ardeer and at home to Ravenspark. Consequently, with only the two matches between Caprington & Skelmorlie remaining to be played, the present positions are:-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
ARDEER 6/4/0/2/21.5/14.5/+7/16
RAVENSPARK 6/4/0/2/21.5/14.5/+7/16
CAPRINGTON 4/2/0/2/9.5/14.5/-5/8
SKELMORLIE 4/0/0/4/7.5/16.5/-9/0