SCOTTISH SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP - Turnberry pair best finishers from Ayrshire

Ronnie McLellan and John Broadfoot of Turnberry were the best placed Ayrshire players in the 2007 Scottish Seniors Championship which was held at Drumpellier between 22nd and 24th May.

McLellan was well placed to challenge for the title after two rounds but a disappointing final round saw him drop to joint 17th on +18, 12 shots behingd the winner, Ian Hutcheon.

Broadfoot recovered from a poor opening round to return a total of +19 for a share of 22nd place.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Four more teams book places in last 16 of Fourball Championship

Four more teams have booked their places in the last 16 of the 2007 Ayrshire Fourball competition, after further second round matches played last weekend.

Kevin Nisbet and Robert Ross (New Cumnock) won by 5 & 4 against their visitors, Billy Dunn & Charlie Hamilton (Ayr Carrick) to secure a visit to face Scott McCahill & David Wallace (Maybole) in round 3.

Luke Facchini & Chris Todd (Ayr Belleisle) won by 2 & 1 away to William Hunter & William Brown (Doon Valley) and now face a 3rd round viit to the winners of the Ballochmyle Vs. Glacier tie.

In the other two matches played this week, home wins saw D. McCulloch & G. McCulloch (Brunston Castle) and Gordon & John Mathieson (West Kilbride) through to round 3, at the expense of J. Carruthers & J. Houston (Wallacetown) and G. & R. Purdon (Largs Routenburn) respectfully.

The Brunston Castle pair now face a trip to play Sean Ingle & Andy Paton (Braehead), whilst the West Kilbride team are at home to the winners of the Ravenspark Vs. Tam O Shanter tie.

BRITISH SENIORS OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP - Royal Troon to host 2008 event

Royal Troon Golf Club will be the venue for the 2008 Senior Open Championship from July 24th to 27th.

2008 will be the the fourth consecutive year that the Seniors Brituish Open been staged in Scotland with Royal Aberdeen (2005), Turnberry (2006) and Muirfield (2007).

The staging of the championship at Royal Troon will also represent the seventh time that the championship has been held in Ayrshire.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - League Championship update

A number of results in the four qualifying sections have been posted recently.

In SECTION A, Ballochmyle kept the pressure on leaders Caprington with a 5 - 1 home win over Irvine Ravenspark to folow their opening draw at New Cumnock. Caprington still lead with two wins from two.

After an opening match win in SECTION B, Ayr Dalmilling were just edged out in their second match, losing by 3.5 - 2.5 in their visit to West Kilbride.

No further results have been posted from SECTION C, whilst in SECTION D the opening match of the campaign saw Ayr Belleisle defeat their visitors Kilbirnie Place by 4 - 2.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Champion Of Champions preliminary round completed

The three preliminary round matches in the 2007 Ayrshire Junior Champion Of Champions competition have been completed recently.



Jamie Achison (Largs Routenburn) had a 3 & 1 home win over 2006 Ayrshire Boys Strokeplay Champion John Shanks and now travels to meet Callum Crowe at Kilbirnie in the first round.



Chris Bennet (Ardeer) used home advantage to the full in an 8 & 7 win over Craig Goodwin (Loudoun) and now travels to meet 2006 Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion Kyle Smith in round 1.



In the other preliminary tie, Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle) had a walkover against Chris Kirk (Troon Welbeck) and now has a home tie against Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) in round 1.



The first player through to the quarter finals is Michael Roos (West Kilbride) who won by 6 & 5 in his visit to play Grant McIlloney (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) in the first round.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Summer League results

With the first series of qualifying matches in the 2007 Ayrshire Summer League due for completion by nezxt week, a number of results have been posted recently.

In LEAGUE 1 Belleisle's 4 - 2 win at home over Loudoun was avenged in the return match when Loudoun ran out winners by 5.5 - 0.5. In the only other match played in the section so far, Troon Welbeck opened with a crushing 5.5 - 0.5 home win over tam O Shanter.

In LEAGUE 2 only one result has been notified so far, Irvine (Bogside) beating Kilmarnock (Barassie) by 5 - 1 at home.

Matches in LEAGUE 3 have still to get under way, with no fixture dates notified so far.

In LEAGUE 4, Troon St. Meddans enjoyed a narrow victory over their visiotors in their opening fixture, beating Turnberry by 3.5 - 2.5, to head the section.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Draw for third round

The draw has been made for the third round of the 2007 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition.



Third round matches are due to be completed by 24th June 2007, with the quarter final draw being made thereafter.



The scheduled third round matches are :-

BARRY McDONNELL (Caprington) Vs. BEN COONEY (Abbotsford)

BARRY CRAWFORD (West Kilbride) Vs. ALAN McLEAN (Kilbirnie Place)

NICHOLAS TINDALL (Tam O Shanter) Vs. ALAN HARRINGTON (Largs Routenburn)

ANDREW KENT (Troon Welbeck) Vs. ANDY CLARK (Carrick Lodge)

DAVID ROBERTSON (Crosshouse) Vs. BERT FERGUSON (Royal Troon)

BRIAN MOORE (Largs) Vs. DAVID GLASS (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

JOHN CAIRNEY (Irvine Ravenspark) Vs. PAUL MOULTRIE (Troon Portland)

CHARLIE BELL (Braehead) Vs. BILLY CAMPBELL (Ballochmyle)

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - second round matches completed

The second round matches in the 2007 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition were completed this week.

Bert Ferguson (Royal Troon) maintained his hopes of a semi final match over his home course with a 3 & 2 home win over Kirk Russell (Doon Valley). Also through to round 3 is two time former winner David Glass (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) who travelled to meet Ian Gray (Chase) and returned with a 4 & 3 win.

David Robertson (Crosshouse) is also through to the last 16 after a 4 & 3 win over 2006 beaten finalist Henry Thomson (Irvine), whilst Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland) had a marathon match against Gary Bryden (Girvan) before winning the tie at the 23rd hole.

Alan McLean (Kilbirnie) faced a tricky home tie against Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) but came through the challenge with a 5 & 4 win, whilst Billy Campbell (Ballochmyle) eased into the third round with a 3 & 2 home win over Tony Stafford (Troon St. Meddans).

Also through to the last 16 are Barry Crawford (West Kilbride) and Barry McDonnell (Caprington), who had away wins over Joe Hobson (NACCO) and Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) respectively, whilst Brian Moore (Largs) and Ben Cooney (Abbotsford) progressed courtesy of walkovers against their opponents, Steven Dunn (Seafield) and R. Marshall (Beith).

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Fourball competition results

With less than a week to go until the second round matches are completed in the 2007 Ayrshire Fourball competition, a number of teams have booked their thir round places this week.

Scott McCahill and David Wallace of Maybole enjoyed a 4 & 3 home win over J. Handvige and M. Tod of Beith, and now await the winner of the tie between New Cumnock and Ayr Carrick

John Broadfoot & Duncan McFarlane of Turnberry also used home advantage to record a 3 & 2 win over Gordon Ferguson and Alexander McKenzie of Annanhill, and now await the winners of the match between St. Nicholas and Abbotsford.

The Troon Portland pairing of Alistar Nicol & John Duncan edged through at the 20th hole against John Taylor and Robert Gilchrist of The Chase, over the Portland course. The Portland pair now face a short trip for a local derby in round 3, against Frank Greer & Eamon McFadden of Troon St. Meddans.

In the other three ties played in round 2 so far, the visitors in each case gained a victory away from home.

Ian McKinlay and S. Linwood of Drongan beat their hosts Paul Bryden & Stuart Ross, at Dalmilling by 1 hole, and now look forward to a home match against the winners of the Ardeer Vs. Caprington match.

The NACCO pair of Tom McFarlane & T. McConnell won by 5 & 4 against their hosts, George Ross and Billy Nichol of Malletsheugh and now face a home match against John Bonar and Jim Graham of Loudoun, who secured their place in round 3 with a 3 & 2 win at Troon Welbeck against Bryan Mulgrew & Scott McCartney.

WEST OF SCOTLAND UNDER 18 LEAGUE - Ayrshire snatch draw against holders in opening match

Ayrshire under 18's opened their 2007 bid for the Wishart Trophy and West Of Scotland Under 18 title on Sunday 20 May, with a 4 - 4 draw against the defending champions, Renfrewshire, at Whitecraigs.

With some players opting to play in the Hillhouse Cup at Royal Troon, rather than playing in the county match, the opportunity was taken to bring in some new players from the coaching squads and the newcomers acquited themselves very well to secure a notable point away from home.

Match details were (Ayrshire names first) :-

Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat A. McLaughlan (Eastwood) by 4 & 3
Lloyd Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Jamie Binning (Ranfurly Castle) by 2 & 1
Charles Doyle (Troon Welbeck) beat Daniel Muir (Cochrane Castle) by 4 & 3
Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck) lost to Lewis Culle (East Renfrewshire) by 2 & 1
Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) lost to Michael Dailly (Erskine) by 6 & 5
Scott Brown (Brunston Castle) beat Sam Binning (Ranfurly Castle) by 5 & 4
Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle) lost to Jonathon Caldwell (Greenock) by 5 & 3
Michael Roos (West Kilbride) beat Colin Thomson (East Renfrewshire) by 3 & 2

RENFREWSHIRE 4 AYRSHIRE 4

In their next match Ayrshire travel to Kilsyth to meet Stirlingshire on 17th June

SGU AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS - Ayrshire crash to South Of Scotland in opening match

Ayrshire were whitewashed 9 - 0 by the South Of Scotland at Stranraer on Sunday 20 May, in the first qualifying match of this years Scottish Area Team Championship.

The team of John Shanks (Irvine), Brian Moore (Largs), Darren Mallinson (Ravenspark), George Robertson (Ravenspark), Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) and Ross Milligan (Troon Welbeck) faced an uphill battle after being defeated 3 - 0 in the morning foursomes but it was the South Team who enjoyed the better of the greens in the afternoon as well, leaving the visiting Ayrshire team with nothing to show for their efforts.

The next match for Ayrshire in the competition is on 5th August against Lanarkshire at Ballochmyle.

EUROPEAN SENIORS TOUR - Ross Drummond edged out in Italian Open

Former Scottish Professional Champion Ross Drummond, from Prestwick, finished just one shot off the pace in this weeks Italian Seniors Open in Venice.

Drummond, making only his third appearance on the European Seniors Tour, carded rounds of 70, 69 & 70 for a 209 total, which left him one short of the winning mark of 208, shared by Simon Owen (New Zealand), Carl Mason (England), John Benda (USA) and Tony Allen (England).

In the four way play off for the title, Simon Owen birdied the first play off hole to win the event.

SCOTTISH LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire pair lose in Clark Rosebowl semi finals

Ayrshire interest in the 2007 Scottish Ladies Championship, being held at Kilmarnock Barassie this week, ended on Friday morning when the last two Ayrshire players lost out in the semi finals of the Clark Rosebowl competition.

Lesley Williamson (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost by 4 & 3 to Wensy Nicholson (Broomieknowe) whilst Liz Keohone (Loudoun) was defeated 5 & 4 by Pam Williamson (Baberton).

In the final, Nicholson beat Williamson by 2 & 1

In the Championship final on Saturday, Jenna Wilson (Strathaven) beat Emily Ogilvy (Auchterarder) by 2 & 1.

SCOTTISH LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP - Williamson & Kehone in Clark Rosebowl semi finals

Whilst Ayrshire hopes for a home winner in the 2007 Scottish Ladies Championship at Kilmarnock (Barassie) ended on Thursday, two local players are still on course for silverware in the second flight competition, for the Clark Rosebowl, with Pamela Williamson (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Liz Keohone (Loudoun) both through to the semi finals.

Thursdays results, involving Ayrshire players were :-

CHAMPIONSHIP - ROUND 1

Elaine Moffat (St. Regulus) beat Audrey Thomson (Loudoun) 4 & 3
Krystle Caithness (St. Regulus) beat Rachael McQueen (Bentinck Ladies) 2 & 1
Ros Purdom (Prestwick St. Nicholas) beat A. Bushby (Strathmore) 1 hole

CHAMPIONSHIP - ROUND 2

Claire Hargan (Mortonhall) bt Rosalind Purdom (Prestwick St Nicholas) at 19th

CLARK ROSEBOWL

FIRST ROUND
L Williamson (Kilmarnock Barassie) bt M Easton (Dalmahoy) 5 & 4
J Harrison (Cruden Bay) bt M Rae (Kilmarnock Barassie) 4 & 3
L Keohone (Loudoun Gowf) bt K Marshall (Baberton) 2 & 1

QUARTER-FINALS
Lesley Williamson (Kilmarnock Barassie) bt Jill Harrison (Cruden Bay) 1 hole.
Liz Keohone (Loudoun) bt Sarah Herd (Dunblane New) at 20th

FRIDAY MATCHES

CHAMPIONSHIP

0830 Jenna Wilson v Martine Pow
0840 Heather MacRae v Elaine Moffat
0850 Edwina Lowery-Gold v Emily Ogilvy
0900 Claire Hargan v Michele Thomson

Semi-finals at 1330 and 1350

CLARK ROSEBOWL

0920 Lesley Williamson v Lesley Nicholson
0930 Liz Keohone v Pamela Williamson

Final at 1410

SCOTTISH LADIES GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

MARTINE POW (SELKIRK) IS SAFELY THROUGH TO THE MATCH PLAY STAGES IN DEFENCE OF HER TITLE IN THE SCOTTISH LADIES’ AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP AT KILMARNOCK BARASSIE GOLF CLUB.

THE STARTING FIELD OF 78, WHICH INCUDED HEATHER MACRAE (DUNBLANE), LAST WEEK’S WINNER OF THE WELSH WOMEN’S OPEN AMATEUR STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP AT NEWPORT AND KRYSTLE CAITHNESS (ST REGULUS), JUST HOME FROM AN IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE IN THE FIVE NATIONS COMMONWEALTH TOURNAMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA WHICH WAS WON BY THE GB & I TEAM, WAS CUT TO 32 AFTER TWO ROUNDS OF STROKE PLAY ON TUESDAY 15TH AND WEDNESDAY 16TH.

THE FINAL WILL BE PLAYED AT 9.00AM ON SATURDAY 19 MAY.

THE FIRST SCOTTISH LADIES AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP WAS HELD AT ST ANDREWS IN 1903. ALEXA GLOVER OF ELIE WON, BEATING MOLLY GRAHAM IN THE FINAL. THE COMPETITORS AT THAT MEETING DECIDED THAT THE SCOTTISH LADIES GOLFING ASSOCIATION SHOULD BE FORMED TO RUN FUTURE CHAMPIONSHIPS, WHICH HAVE CONTINUED ANNUALLY APART FROM BREAKS FOR THE WAR YEARS.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP HAS BEEN PLAYED AT BARASSIE ONCE BEFORE IN 1985 WHEN LOCAL PLAYER ALISON GEMMILL BEAT DONNA THOMSON FROM PENRITH 2 & 1 IN THE FINAL.

IN THE FIRST ROUND OF MATCH PLAY, THE DEFENDING CHAMPION FACES HEATHER ANDERSON (DOWNFIELD)

THREE AYRSHIRE PLAYERS QUALIFIED IN THE TOP 32, WITH HOST CLUB PLAYER LESLEY WILLIAMSON JUST MISSING OUT IN A THREE WAY PLAY OFF FOR THE LAST TWO PLACES.

IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE MATCHPLAY, RACHAEL McQUEEN (BENTINCK LADIES) FACES ONE OF THE FAVOURITES, KRYSTLE CAITHNESS, AUDREY THOMSON (LOUDOUN) TAKES ON FORMER CHAMPION ELAINE MOFFAT (ST. REGULUS) AND ROS PURDOM (PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS) FACES ALEXANDRA BUSHBY (STRATHMORE).

AYRSHIRE ALSO HAS THREE PLAYERS IN THE COMPETITION FOR THE CLARK ROSEBOWL, PLAYED FOR BY THE PLAYERS RETURNING THE BEST 16 SCORES, OUTWITH THE 32 CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIESRS.

LESLEY WILLIAMSON (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE) PLAYS MANDY EASTON (DALMAHOY), MAGGIE RAE (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE) TAKES ON JILL HARRISON (CRUDEN BAY) AND LIZ KEOHONE (LOUDOUN) FACES KAREN MARSHALL (BABERTON)

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Caprington set the early pace

Caprington have got off to a superb start in their bid to qualify from their section in the 2007 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship, with back to back wins over their close rivals, Annanhill, in recent weeks.

Following their narrow opening win in their opening fixture of the season, at Annanhill, Caprington completed the double over their rivals in the latest match, with a 5.5 - 0.5 win at home in the return fixture.

With two wins from two, and the only other match in the section so far being drawn, Caprington hold a clear lead in the section at an early stage.

Ayr Belleisle, beaten finalists last season, opened well with a win in the first match in Section D, by 4 - 2 at home to Kilbirnie.

Section matches will be played from May to July, with the section winners progressing to the semi finals in August.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Summer League matches under way

Matches in the qualifying sections of the 2007 Ayrshire Summer League are under way, with opening fixtures in League 1 and League 4 being played recently.

In League 1, Ayr Belleisle got off to a good start with a 4 - 2 win at home to Loudoun.

In League 4, Irvine Ravenspark shared the spoils with their visiotors, New Cumnock, in a 3 - 3 draw in the opening fixture.

Qualifying matches in the four leagues will be played over the summer months, with the league winners progressing to the semi final stages.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Two more through to Champion Of Champions third round

Andy Clark (Carrick Lodge) and Alan Harrington (Largs Routenburn) recently booked their place in the last 16 of the 2007 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition, with home wins in their respective second round matches.

Andy Clark was victorios over Martin Riddall (New Cumnock) by 2 & 1 whilst Alan Harrington had a notable but narrow win over Tony Fraser (Saxone), who has a fine record in this event and was the winner in 2002, when he edged through at the 20th hole.

With 6 players through to the last 16 already, there are a number of results expected this week, with the remaining 10 second round ties due for completion by 20th May.

The draw for the third round will be made after completion of round 2.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Murray is 2007 matchplay Champion

Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right - is the 2007 Ayrshire Matchplay Champion after he defeated clubmate Ross Milligan by 5 & 3 in the final at Irvine (Bogside) Golf Club on Thursday 10th May.

In the match, played in fine conditions with a light prevailing breeze from the south west, both players had a nervy start.

Murray conceded the first hole to Milligan after losing his opening tee shot in rough on the right but immediately squared the match with a birdie four at the second, getting up and down from a greenside bunker whilst his opponent could only manage a par at best, after finding trouble from the tee.

After the third was halved in par, Murray took the next two holes as Milligan found trouble from the tee at both holes. Milligan reduced the defecit to one at the 6th when he was conceded a birdie three after Murray found a gorse bush with his tee shot and had to take a penalty drop.

Both players began to settle into some good golf by the 7th, Milligan hitting his approach to 3 feet and holing for birdie to square the match, after Murray had just missed with his birdie effort.

Despite losing his two hole lead, Murray showed his fighting qualities at the 8th, putting his tee shot to 6 fee before holing out for a birdie two. Murray pressed home his advantage over the next three holes, playing some fine iron approach shots to put his opponent under pressure. Milligan struggled a little around the turn, missing greens with approach shots and failing to recover for pars, which led to Murray taking the 9th, 10th and 11th holes to increaase his lead to 4 up.

Milligan stopped the onslaught temporarily at the 12th, halving th hole in par, but a loose approach shot at the 13th, after Murray had again safely made the green in regulation, lost Milligan another hole and Murray was five ahead with five holes remaining.

At the 14th, both players found the green in two. Milligan putted first and just failed with his birdie effort. Needing two putts for the match from 25 feet, Murray was a little bold with his first effort, which ran a couple of feet past the hole. Murray still had the opportunity to close out Milligan but his par putt hit the back of the hole and spun out, giving Milligan the hole.

At the 337 yard 15th, which proved to be the final hole of the match, both players drove to within 30 yards of the green. Milligan played first and was a little bold with his chip which pulled up 12 feet past the hole. Murray's chip to the green was a little closer than Milligan's but when Milligan just failed to hole his birdie effort, he graciously picked up Murrays marker, conceding a 5 & 3 victory to his Welbeck clubmate.

At the conclusion of the final, which was played in a friendly and sporting manner, Ayrshire Golf Association President Ricky Magee (Caprington), along with Irvine Golf Club Captain, Jim Irvine, paid tribute to both finalists before Jim Irvine presented vouchers to the semi finalists and both finalists and handed the Ayrshire Matchplay Trophy to the 2007 Winner Stephen Murray


L-R :- Jim Irvine (Irvine G.C. Captain), Stephen Murray, Ross Milligan, AGA President Ricky Magee

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - All Welbeck final in Matchplay Championship

The Ayrshire Matchplay Championship Trophy is destined for Troon Welbeck this year after the Troon clubs two remaining representatives in the 2007 Championship both won their semi final matches at Irvine (Bogside) on Wednesday 9th May.

In the first semi final, Stephen Murray - pictured right - faced the Ayrshire Boys and Ayrshire Strokeplay champion John Shanks (Irvine), but despite his opponent playing over his home course, Murray produced a notable win by 2 & 1 to book a place in Thursdays final.

In the second semi final, Ross Milligan - pictured below - , the conqueror of defending champion Tommy McInally (Loudoun) on Tuesday night had an electrifying, and ultimately decisive, start against former Boys Champion Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie), with three successive birdies at the opening holes giving Milligan a two hole lead.

Mackay fought back to square the match at the 16th, but Milligan ensured an all Welbeck final by taking the 17th and 18th for a two hole victory.

Murray and Milligan face each other in the final at 5.00 p.m. on Thursday 10th May over the Irvine (Bogside) course.

SLATER HOGG & HOWISON SPONSOR BELLEISLE CUP

this year’s Belleisle Cup on Sunday 3rd June,administered by Ayr Belleisle Golf Club, will be sponsored, for the first time, by Slater Hogg and Howison, Estate Agents.

The Belleisle Cup, a 36 hole scratch competition and Doc Thom Ayrshire Order Of merit event, is the curtain raiser for the Ayr Golf Week

The generous sponsorship by Slater Hogg and Howison has allowed the prize fund to be increased from previous years with the event now having a top prize of £250, and prize money down to 8th position. Merit .

With Belleisle golf course being in much improved condition this year it is hoped to attract a quality field for the competition which was won last year by Michael Smyth of Royal Troon.

The competition is open to golfers up to a maximum handicap of six.

Entry forms have been distributed to Club Secretaries, however anyone wishing to enter can also do so by using the downloadable entry form on the club’s website,

www.ayrbelleislegolfclub.com

or by telephoning match secretary Robert Morrison on 07708 861 569.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Milligan ousts holder in Matchplay quarter finals

Ross Milligan (Troon Welbeck) defeated defending champion Tommy McInally (Loudoun) in the quarter finals of the 2007 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship at Irvine (Bogside) on Tuesday 8th May to set up a semi final meeting with former Ayrshirer Boys Champion Jamie Mackay in the penultimate round.

Milligan was on top form in defeating McInally by 3 & 2 in their match.

Jamie Mackay won through to the semi finals with a 4 & 3 win over Andy Kent (Troon Welbeck) after Kent had secured his quarter final place earlier in the evening with a first hole sudden death win in his first round match which was held over from the previous evening.

Both the other quarter final matches finished on the final green, Strokeplay Champion John Shanks (Irvine) defeating Champion Of Champions Trophy holder Brian Moore (Largs) by one hole and Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck) beat Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) by the same margin.


The Semi Final matches, due to be played on Wednesday 9th May are :-

1700 hrs - John Shanks (Irvine) Vs. Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck)
(right)
1715 hrs - Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Ross Milligan (Troon Welbeck) (above)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Ayrshire Matchplay Championship first round results

The first round of the 2007 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship was held at Irvine (Bogside) Golf Club on Monday 7th May, with the top 16 available qualifiers from the Strokeplay Championship opening their bid for the Matchplay title.

In the first match out, Strokeplay Champion John Shanks, of the host club, had a comfortable 7 & 6 win over Alan Harrington (Largs Routenburn), and now meets Brian Moore (Largs) in round 2, after Moore won 5 & 4 against T. Stafford (Troon St. Meddans).

Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck) had a 2 & 1 win over Alan McLean (Kilbirnie Place) and now faces Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) in the quarter finals after Hamilton edged out 2006 semi finalist Ian Walker (Turnberry) at the 19th hole.

Former Ayrshire Boys Champion Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) secured a quarter final place with a one hole victory over Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravensaprk). In the quarter finals, Mackay awaits the winner of the tie between B. Campbell (Ballochmyle) and A. Kent (Troon Welbeck). This tie finished all square on Monday and with failing light the players agreed to return on Tuesday evening to play off on a sudden death basis prior to the start of the quarter final matches.

The last quarter final will be between Ross Milligan (Troon Welbeck) and Tommy McInally (Loudoun). Milligan secured the quarter final place with a 6 & 5 win over P. Denim (Loudoun) whilst McInally edged into the last eight with a one hole victory over Gareth Lamb (Irvine)

The Quarter final matches, due to be played on Tuesday 8th May are :-

1700 hrs - J. Shanks (Ardeer) Vs. B. Moore (Largs)
1710 hrs - S. Murray (Troon Welbeck) Vs. C. Hamilton (Ballochmyle)
1720 hrs - J. Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. B. Campbell (Ballochmyle) or A. Kent (Troon Welbeck)
1730 hrs - R. Milligan (Troon Welbeck) Vs. T. McInally (Loudoun)

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - 2007 League Championship latest

Matches are under way in the four qualifying sections of the 2007 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship, as teams bid to top their respective sections ad secure a semi final place in August.

In Section A, Caprington opened with a 3.5 - 2.5 home win over local rivals Annanhill. In the other match played so far in the section, local rivals New Cumnock and Ballochmyle shared the spoils in a 3 - 3 draw at New Cumnock.

In the only match so far in Section B, Ayr Dalmilling had a notable 4.5 - 1.5 home win over Kilmarnock Barassie.

Two matches have been played so far in Section C, with Ardeer crushing their hosts by 5 - 1 at Loudoun, whilst Troon Welbeck also enjoyed an away win in their opener, by 4 - 2 at Prestwick St. Cuthbert.

No matches have been played so far in Section D.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Full Champion Of Champions competition draw announced

The full draw for the 2007 Ayrshire Junior Champion Of Champions competition has recently been announced, with preliminary round matches due for completion soon.

The draw is

Preliminary Round

Jamie Achison (Largs Routenburn) Vs. John Shanks (Ayrshire Boys Strokeplay Champion)
Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle) Vs. Chris Kirk (Troon Welbeck)
Chris Bennett (Ardeer) Vs. Craig Goodwin (Loudoun)

First Round

Calum Crowe (Kilbirnie Place) Vs. Achison or Shanks
David Gillespie (Caprington) Vs. Ciaran Byrne (New Cumnock)
Christopher Butler (Irvine Ravenspark) Vs. Craig McLaughlin (Largs)
Kyle Smith (Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion) Vs. Bennett or Goodwin
Jack Bone (Annanhill) Vs. Gary Patterson (Ballochmyle)
Foley or Kirk Vs. Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Jared Williams (Troon St. Meddans) Vs. Steven Mancini (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
Grant McIlloney (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) Vs. Michael Roos (West Kilbride)

All first round ties are due for completion by 3rd June 2007