SWEEDISH RULES CONFERENCE IN AYRSHIRE

A group of 23 golfers from the West coast of Sweden visited Ayrshire this week for a Rules conference and examination, whiclst also sampling the delights of some of the best courses Ayrshire has to offer.

Under the direction of District Rules Official Per-Erik Floren, the majority of the mixed group were embarking on the first rung of the ladder towards becoming rules officials.

It was pleasing to note that all the new delegates passed their rules exam and can now begin their careers as assistant rules officials for the forthcoming season in their homeland

Nine of the attendees were experienced District Rules Officals whilst Mr. Floren and Mr Ulf Ericsson are qualified as National Rules Officals.

During the visit the group sampled Scottish links golf at its best playing, amongst others, Dundonald Links, Troon Darley, Lochgreen and finishing their stay on Sunday with a round over the links at Prestwick.

Ayrshire Golf Association President Alasdair Malcolm ( on the left of the picture) met with the group on Sunday night at Prestwick and gave a short informal presentation to the delegates on what to expect as a rules official and a few tips on how to enjoy the role and make the task as stress free as possible.

The Swedish delegates thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Scotland and very much appreciated the hospitality shown to them, and no doubt many will be eager to make a return visit to Ayrshire in the future.

AYRSHIRE GIRLS - Jaffrey and Irvine take the honours in opening medal

(Report from June Kerr)

8 girls competed in the first medal of the season played over Annanhill in East Ayrshire.

The bright sunshine made up for the strong wind, making conditions overhead very pleasant.

There were a few wet patches on the course and greens a touch on the bumpy side, but despite that the scoring was very good for the start of the season.

Results were as follows:-

Silver
1st - Connie Jaffrey (West Kilbride) 89 (18) 71
2nd - Emma Hale (Troon Bentinck) 93 (14) 79

Bronze
1st - Rachel Irvine (Largs Kelburn) 96 (21) 75
2nd - Hazel McGarvie (Troon Bentinck) 102 (26) 76
3rd - Grace Mackie (Troon Ladies) 101 (24) 77

The group photograph shows

(Standing - left to right) Sophie Love, Gillian Love, Rachel Irvine, Katie McGarva, Emma Hale

(Kneeling - left to right) Grace Mackie, Hazel McGarvie, Connie Jaffrey

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - One in and one out after day 1 at Royal Aberdeen

The Scottish Boys Championship got under way at Royal Aberdeen on Monday 6th April with Ayrshire only having two players starting their bid for the title on day 1.

First of the Ayrshire challengers to tee off was Chris Butler (Irvine Ravenspark) who faced a tought test against Glenn Ramsay (Bathgate), eventually losing out by 6 & 5.

The only other Ayrshire player featuring on day 1 fared better though, David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) - pictured left - winning by 5 & 3 against Jamie Savage (Cawder).

Wilson now faces Fraser Grant (Ralston) in round 2 on Wednesday.

The remaining 9 Ayrshire players begin their bid for the title on Tuesday.

SCOTTISH CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Cairney best of Ayrshire squad at Leven

Former Scottish Amateir Champion Glenn Campbell (Blairgowrie) won the Scottish champion Of Champions at Leven on Sunday beating Philip McLean (Peterhead) in a play off, after the two players tied on 279, five under par, in the 72 hole event.

Ayrshire had a strong contingent in the event and it was John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) - pictured right - who took top place amongst the Ayrshire players, finishing on 289, 10 shots behind the winner.

Leading Scores :- Par 284 (4 x 71)

279 - P McLean (Peterhead) 71 70 69 69, G Campbell (Blairgowrie) 68 69 71 71 (Campbell won the play-off at second extra hole)

281 - W Booth (Comrie) 68 72 71 70

282 - P O’Hara (Colville Park) 73 70 70 69

283 - R Kellett (Colville Park) 70 69 73 71

284 - S Borrowman (Dollar) 73 73 68 70, K McNicoll (Carnoustie) 70 74 72 68

286 - S Rennie (Drumpellier) 76 72 67 71, G Dear (Murrayshall) 71 74 72 69

289 - J Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) 69 76 74 70, G Paterson (St Andrews New) 71 74 72 72

290 - P Betty (Hayston) 72 72 70 76

291 - G Yates (Hilton Park) 68 79 74 70, S Michie (Thornton) 71 75 73 72, S McEwan Caprington) 71 73 72 75, M Main (Thornton) 71 73 77 70

292 - K Nicol (Fraserburgh) 73 78 71 70

Other Ayrshire scores :-

301 - S Wallace (Prestwick St Cuthbert) 74 75 76 76

309 - J Shanks (Irvine) 77 75 79 78

311 - G Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) 80 81 74 76, T McInally (Loudoun Gowf) 75 79 83 75

Withdrew: C Hamilton (Ballochmyle) 74 81

AYRSHIRE SENIORS LEAGUE - Eight clubs bid for 2009 title.

Eight clubs will compete this year for the Ayrshire Seniors League title.

The competition, innaugurated last year, sees the clubs play off in two sections over the summer months with the winners of each section progressing to the final.

The 2008 championship final was scheduled to be played between Prestwick St. Cuthbert and Caprington but after weather postponements at the end of 2008 it was agreed to hold over the final until early 2009.

Subsequently however, Caprington decided to drop out of the league after only one season and consequently Prestwick St. Cuthbert were declared the League Champions for 2008.

In 2009 the defending champions have been drawn in Section 2 alongside Ardeer, Kilmarnock (Barassie) and Kilbirnie Place.

Section 1 will feature Annanhill, Ballochmyle, Loudoun and Irvine Ravenspark

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL - Latest results

Two more first round ties have been completed in the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball competition.

Kenneth Hankinson & Gibby lamont (Troon Welbeck) were 2 & 1 home winners over James Ogilvie & Andrew Stevenson (Auchenharvie) and now face a home tie against G. Stewart & R. Clark (Largs) in round 2.

Also through to round 2 are A. Dunlop & J. Brown (Brunston Castle) who were 3 & 2 home winners over Greg Semple & Jim Brown (Stewarton). The Brunston Castle pair now face a home tie in round 2 against Scott Moore and Barry Calder (Irvine Ravenspark)

The four remaining first round ties are due for completion by 19th April 2009.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - latest results

With less than a week to go until the first round matches in the 2009 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition ar due to be completed, the results of only four of the 13 ties have been intimated.

The remaining ties are scheduled to be played by 12th April.

Through to the fist round courtesy of a walkover are Andrew Carroll ( Drongan) and Craig Adams (Ardeer) who were awarded their respective ties against Andrew Armstrong (Moorpark) and Tony Stafford (Troon St. Meddans).

Andrew Carroll is now at home to Mark Tait (Annanhill) in round 2 whilst Craig Adams is at home to Bert Ferguson (Royal Troon).

In the two ties played, Steven Corrigan (Ayr Dalmilling) beat David Martin (Alton) by 7 & 6 whilst John Broadfoot (Turnberry) edged through at the 20th against Terry Cairns (North Beach).

In round 2, Corrigan is at home to Michael Roos (West Kilbride) whilst Broadfoot also has a home tie, against Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Interim admin arrangements

Many club members in Ayrshire will now be aware that the Ayrshiree Golf Association Secretary, Leslie Crawford - pictured right - is presently recovering in hospital after suffering a stroke last month.

Leslie is progressing slowly and we all hope he has a full and speedy recovery. Good wishes have been sent from throughout the Scottish golfing community to Leslie.

In the interim, all club secretaries and members of AGA affilliated clubs are requested to send any golf related E-mails to a new E-mail address which has been created :-

ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net

In addition it is requested that all AGA related mail send by conventional post is sent to

Alasdair J. Malcolm

Ayrshire Golf Association

17 Auchincruive Avenue

Prestwick

KA9 2DT

Tel. 01292 477657

Mob. 07912 026341

until further notice.

The Ayrshire Golf Association Executive appreciates your assistance in this matter.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL - First result of the season posted

The first result of the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship has been posted, with Jim & Shaun Ryan of Ayr Dalmilling beating M. Callaghan & M. Purvis of Malletsheugh at the 20th hole in their first round tie.

The Dalmilling pair now have a home match against Robert Gillon & Ian Flynn of Alton in round 2.

EUROPEAN SENIORS TOUR - Torrance wins in barbados

Sam Torrance held his nerve to win the DGM Barbados Open on Friday by four strokes from Paraguay’s Angel Franco.

Ross Drummond from Prestwick closed the tournament with a three over par 75 and a share of seventh place with fellow Scot and defending champion Bill Longmuir.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS

202 (-14) - S. Torrance (Sco) 65 63 74
206 (-10)A. Franco (Par) 70 67 69
210 (-6) - M. Harwood (Aus) 68 72 70
211 (-5) - N. Job (Eng) 70 71 70, H. Carbonetti (Arg) 72 70 69
212 (-4) - A. Tapie (USA) 73 71 68
213 (-3) - D. Smyth (Irl) 74 69 70, M. Poxon (Eng) 70 69 74, R. Drummond (Sco) 69 69 75, B. Longmuir (Sco) 71 71 71
214 (-2) - D. Russell (Eng) 71 73 70, G. Ralph (Eng) 72 67 75, J. Bruner (USA) 72 70 72, D. Cambridge (Jam) 71 72 71

AYRSHIRE WINTER LEAGUE - Troon Portland regain title

Troon Portland Golf Club have been crowned Ayrshire Winter League champions for the second time in three years after a 7-5 aggregate win over Troon Welbeck in the final.

Trailing 3.5 to 2.5 after the first leg over the Darley, the Portland team proved too strong for last year's runners-up in the return leg on Sunday 15th March over their home course.

In the opening tie there was never more than one hole in it before veteran Alistair Nicol clinched victory over Welbeck's Walter Meiklem on the last.

In a topsy turvy second match, Portland's Kevin Lammie and Welbeck's Billy Hunter exchanged holes with regularity before eventually halving.

Portland stalwarts Robbie Stewart and Paul Moultrie were in fine form to both see off their opponents - Joe Gilligan and Hugh Burns respectively - by 5 and 4.

Warren Blair wrapped up the Portland points with a last hole victory over Del Chamberlain, while the Welbeck's consolation point went to Steven Murray with a 4 and 3 win over Fraser McCall.

With a playing membership of just 120 to choose from, Portland team captain John Duncan has now led the side to victory in two of the last three finals.He said: "We are delighted to have emerged victorious and would like to thank Welbeck for a sporting match. Thanks also go to all the members from both clubs who caddied or turned up to support their players."

Second leg details (Portland G.C. names first)

Alistair Nicol beat Walter Meiklem 1 up
Kevin Lammie halved with Billy Hunter
Robbie Stewart beat Joe Gilligan 5 and 4
Paul Moultrie beat Hugh Burns 5 and 4
Warren Blair beat Del Chamberlain 1 up
Fraser McCall lost to Steven Murray 4 and 3

2009 BELLEISLE CUP - Slater Hogg & Howison continue sponsorship of Order Of Merit Event

SLATER HOGG + HOWISON, ESTATE AGENTS,
TO RENEW SPONSORSHIP OF THE BELLEISLE CUP 2009.

Report courtesy of David Low

Ayr Belleisle Golf Club are delighted to announce that this year`s Belleisle Cup on Sunday 31ST May, which is the curtain-raiser for Ayr Golf Week, will once again be sponsored by Slater, Hogg and Howison, estate agents.

Belleisle Match Secretary Robert Morrison is delighted and said : “Slater Hogg`s generous renewal of their sponsorship is tremendous news in the difficult current financial climate and allows us to maintain the increased prize fund from last year.

With 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes of £250, £170 and £120 respectively, and prizes down as far as 8th place, it is again hoped to attract a quality field of the top low handicappers in Ayrshire and also further afield.”

The 36-hole scratch event is for golfers up to a maximum of 6 handicap and is a qualifying event for the recently revamped Doc Thom Ayrshire Golf Association Order of Merit.

The event will this year see the introduction of the “Tiger Tee” at the par 5 15th hole, last used many years ago by the Pros in The Sunderland Masters Tartan Tour event.

Block entry forms have been sent out to all Ayrshire Clubs although entries can also be made via the club`s website www.ayrbelleislegolfclub.com , via the link on the left of the Ayrshire Golf Association website or by telephoning Robert Morrison on 07708 861569.

EUROPEAN SENIORS TOUR - Torrance breaks record in Barbados

Sam Torrance shot a course record 63 in the second round of the DGM Barbados Open to extend his commanding lead in the event, with one round to play. His 16 under par total of 128 is the lowest 2 round total ever in a Seniors Tour event, giving him a nine shot lead going into the final round.

Closest to Torrance, on 7 under par is A Franco (Paraguay) whilst Prestwick's Ross Drummond shot a second successive 69 to lie in third place on 6 under par, giving Ayrshire a real opportunity for a 1-2 finish in the championship.

LEADING 36 HOLE TOTALS

-16 - S. Torrance (Scotland) 65 63
- 7 - A. Franco (Par) 70 67
- 6 - R. Drummond (Sco) 69 69
- 5 - G. Ralph (Eng) 72 67, M. Poxon (Eng) 70 69

TENERIFE GOLF - New blog from Old Sir Golf

Ayrshire exile (but only during the winter !) Old Sir Golf has a new Golf Blog which gives lots of useful information on golf in Tenerife, should any of you Ayrshire golfers be thinking of going there for a wee golf holiday.

Amongst other things there are useful tips as well as info on courses, places to eat etc.

A link to the site at http://golftenerife.wordpress.com/ has bee added to the golf links on the left of this page.

EUROPEAN SENIOS TOUR - Drummond 4 strokes behind leader Torrance in Barbados

Ross Drummond from Prestwick shot a three under par first round 69 to lie four behind the leader, Ayrshireman Sam Torrance in the DGM Barbados Open.

Ross Drummond said he was delighted to be contending at the top of the leaderboard alongside his countryman.

He said: “Sam had a great round out there. It was pretty miserable and blustery on my front nine so I was happy just to make the one mistake on my seventh hole when I came up short of the green with a sandwedge and failed to get up and down. I played really well on the way in and managed to find some rhythm. I’m still a bit rusty, I think, but I was delighted with the way I played.”

LEADING FIRST ROUND SCORES

65 (-7) - S Torrance (Sco)
68 (-4) - G Brand (Eng), M Harwood (Aus)
69 (-3) - R Drummond (Sco)
70 (-2) - B Cameron (Eng), A Franco (Par), N Job (Eng), M Poxon (Eng).71 A Murray (Eng), D Cambridge (Jam), D O'Sullivan (Irl), B Lincoln (RSA), G Cali (Ita), B Longmuir (Sco), D Russell (Eng)

US COLLEGE GOLF - Michael Stewart in top 5 in Hawaii

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) recorded his highest finish so far as a student on the US college circuit on Saturday 14 March when he finished fifth in the Kauai Collegiate Cup tournament.

Rounds of 73, 70 and 72 gave Stewart a one-under-par total of 215, leaving him six shots behind the winner Logan Blondell (Georgia Southern) who shot 70, 69 and 69 for eight-under par total of 208.

Stewart and his team mates in the East Tennissee State team, Seamus Power (Ireland), Paul O'Kane (Northern Ireland), Rhys Enoch (Wales) and Jordan Findlay (Scotland) combined for a team total of 860 to tie first place with Georgia Southern in the 11 team event.

AYRSHIRE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms available for Scottish Championship qualifying event

Entry forms for the Ayrshire Club Championship competition have now been distributed to clubs.

The 18 hole strokeplay event, to be held at Loudoun Gowf Club on Sunday 5th July has the added incentive for the winners of qualifying to represent Ayrshire in the Scottish Club Championship, with the final being held this year in Ayrshire, at Prestwick St. Nicholas Golf Club on 27 September 2009.

The format for the Ayrshire Club Championship is a 3 man team playing over 18 holes scratch strokeplay with the 2 best scores counting and the third score counting in the event of a tie.

Each club can be represented by one team only and the entry fee is £20 per team.

Entries close on June 13th 2009.

2009 AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY - Closing date for entries approaching

Players and club officials are reminded that the closing date for entries to the 2009 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship, to be held at Irvine Golf Club on Sunday 26th April, is fast approaching.

The closing date for entries for the competition is

Saturday 28th March

Entry forms are available through clubs, or via the link on the left of this page.

SCOTTISH CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - 7 strong Ayrshire challenge for Leven event

Seven Ayrshire players are in the field of 48 for the 2009 Scottish Champion Of Champions, sponsored by John Smith's, to be held at Leven on 4th and 5th April.

The Ayrshire representative could provide a strong challenge in the event with a number of the players tasting success at a national level in 2008.

Scottish internationalist and Scottish Order Of merit title holder Steven McEwan (Caprington) leads the local challenge alongside four of his Ayrshire team mates who won the Area team Championship at Tain last year, John Shanks (Irvine), George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark), Tommy Mcnally (Loudoun Gowf) and Ayrshire Order of Merit winner John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark).

Also in the field are 2008 Ayrshire Matchplay Champion Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) as well as the 2008 Ayrshire Strokeplay champion Steven Wallace (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), a one time Scottish Amateur Championship semi finalist.

EUROPEAN NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP - McEwan in Scotland side for event in Spain

Steven McEwan (Caprington), the 2008 Scottish Golf Union Order Of merit winner, has been named in the four man Scotland team who will contest the European Nations Championship from 25th to 28th March at the Copa Real Club de Sotogrande.

The other members of the Scotland team are :-

Keir McNicoll (Carnoustie), Scott Borrowman (Dollar) and Gordon Yates (Hilton Park)

Best wishes to Steven and the rest of the team as they carry Scottish hopes in this championship

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - 11 Ayrshire hopefuls aim to follow Michael Stewart

Ayrshire will have 11 representatives in the field of 256 who will contest the 2009 Scottish Boys Championship.

The championship takes place at Royal Aberdeen from Monday 6th to Saturday 11th April, and the Ayrshire contingent will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow Ayrshire player Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right - who took the title in 2008.

In the first quarter, Ayrshire only have one representative, Christopher Butler (Irvine Ravenspark) who opens his challenge in game 22, at 0937 on Monday 6th April, against Glenn Ramsay (Bathgate).

The only Ayrshire player in the second quarter is David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) who faces a first round match, in game 54 at 1401 on Monday 6th April, against Jamie Savage (Cawder).

The remaining Ayrshire players do not start their title challenge until Tuesday 7th April.

In the third quarter Ayrshire have 5 player taking part.

Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) tees off at 0645, in game 75, against Gordon Munro (Fraserburgh), whilst game 79 at 0717 sees Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) take on Douglas Maxwell (Craigielaw).

Also in the third quarter, Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) plays Alasdair Simpson (Tantallon) at 0749 in game 83, Cameron MacLean (West Kilbride) faces Declan Dooey (Colville Park) in game 86 at 0813 and Colin Robinson (Largs) plays Conor O'Neill (Glasgow) in game 92 at 0905.

Four Ayrshire players begin their quest for the title in the fourth quarter, again playing their first round matches on Tuesday 7th April.

game 112 at 1149 features Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) against Fraser Lauder (Paisley), game 119 at 1245 sees Charlie MacNeal (Troon Welbeck) play Mark Thomson (Grange) and in game 124 at 1329 Graeme Ritchie (Troon Welbeck) faces Paul Shields (Kirkhill).

The last Ayrshire player sheduled to start his challenge is Craig Goodwin (Loudoun Gowf) who tees off in the penultimate game, number 127 at 1353, against Angus Forgie (Muckhart)

AYRSHIRE SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP - 2009 entry forms now available

Entry forms for the 2009 Ayrshire Seniors Championship, to be held at Kilmarnock (Barassie) on Tuesday 21 July, are now available.

Ronnie Potts (Irvine Ravenspark) - pictured receiving the trophy from Sandy Provan - is the current holder of the Sandy Provan Trophy which is awarded to the player returning the best nett score of the day.

There are also prizes for best nett scores in three age categories as well as a voucher for the best scratch score of the day.

Entry forms and posters should be available through clubs but are also available to download by clicking on the link on the left of this page. The competition is limited to 78 entrants.

The entry fee is £ 10.00 and closing date for entries is 13 June 2009

AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms distributed for opening event of season

Entry forms for the 2009 Ayrshire Boys Team Championships have been sent out to clubs/junior convenors over the last few days.

The 2009 event takes place at Ardeer on Sunday 19th April with teams of four juniors representing member clubs.

Entries close at noon on Tuesday 31st March

FOR THE ATTENTION OF JUNIOR CONVENORS - County coaching info

The following note is from Vice President, David Miller

Ayrshire Junior Coaching/Match Dates

Dates have now been finalised for the 2009 Ayrshire Under 18 Squad Development Programme.

These sessions will involve professional coaching and assessment and will take place at Inverclyde on the following dates:

March 15th
March 29th
June 28th
August 30th
and
September 6th.

Junior Conveners are asked to avoid these dates, whenever possible, when arranging Ayrshire Junior League matches, especially where there is a likelihood of under 16 or under 18 players being involved in these coaching sessions.

County Team Selectors and Coaching Staff consider attendance at these sessions to be crucial for players hoping to be selected for County matches.

Conveners are also asked to be aware of Under 18 County Match fixture dates, which are listed on http://ayrshiregolf.blogspot.com. These matches will involve 4 under 16 and 4 under 18 players.

Dates for those matches still to be confirmed will be promulgated as soon as they become available.

SENIORS EUROPEAN TOUR - Drummond eight off the pace in opening event

American Mike Cunning shot a final round 70 for victory on his European Senior Tour debut in the Aberdeen Brunei Senior Masters at The Empire Hotel & Country Club.

Prestwick golfer Ross Drummond closed with a 74 for a 214 total, leaving him six strokes behind the winner.

Top Scots were Ayrshire orn Sam Torrance and former Open & Masters champion Sandy Lyle on 210.

LEADING FINAL SCORES
Par 213 (3 x 71)

206 - M Cunning (USA) 69 67 70
208 - J Heggarty (Nir) 73 68 67
209 - K Tomori (Jpn) 70 70 69, G Cali (Ita) 70 69 70, B Cameron (Eng) 67 69 73
210 - S Lyle (Sco) 72 69 69, C Chun-Hsing (Tpe) 69 72 69, S Torrance (Sco) 71 69 70, G Ralph (Eng) 70 68 72
211 - D Johnson (USA) 73 64 74, D Merriman (Aus) 70 65 76
212 - J Chillas (Sco) 73 70 69, N Ratcliffe (Aus) 73 69 70, S Ginn (Aus) 70 72 70, C Rocca (Ita) 72 66 74, S Ebihara (Jpn) 70 68 74
213 - C Sang-Ho (Kor) 69 74 70
214 - E Rodriguez (Esp) 74 70 70, D Good (Aus) 71 72 71, G Banister (Aus) 73 69 72, J Quiros (Esp) 72 70 72, B Boyd (USA) 70 72 72, K Spurgeon (Eng) 69 73 72, J Hall (Eng) 69 72 73, B Ruangkit (Tha) 70 70 74, R Drummond (Sco) 68 72 74