WOMENS HOME INTERNATIONALS - Winning start for Scotland & Wales at Irvine

(From the Kirkwoodgolf.co.uk website)

Scotland showed true grit to come from behind to beat Ireland 5-4 on the opening day of the women's home internationals at bright and breezy Irvine Golf Club, Ayrshire today (Wed).The bonus for skipper Lesley Nicholson's squad was that Wales walloped England 7-2 in the other match."The girls put me through it today but they got there in the end," said Lesley."I'm delighted. They did so well to turn it around from what could have been a losing position."

Scotland made up their one-point foursomes deficit by winning the first two singles to finish against Ireland.Teenager Carly Booth set the tone for Scotland's rally in the singles by winning the top singles. The Curtis Cup youngster responded to the captain giving her the responsibility of leading off the afternoon play by beating the new British women‘s open amateur stroke play champion Danielle McVeigh by 2 and 1.Booth lost the first hole but squared it at the second – and was never in arrears again after that.One up at the turn, Booth lost the 10th but hit back with a birdie 4 at the long 11th to regain the lead. Booth conceded the 12th to lose the advantage again but won the 13th and then birdied the 14th to take a vital two-hole lead.McVeigh won back the 15th but after a half in 3s at the short 16th, Carly won the 17th for a 2 and 1 margin of a win that should boost the Comrie lass's confidence.

Kelsey MacDonald put Scotland 3-2 ahead by beating Mary Dowling 3 and 2. Kelsey always held the whiphand but could not shake off a determined opponent. MacDonald’s eagle 3 at the ninth enabled her to go two up but Dowling won the 12th only for Kelsey to birdie the 13th to regain a two-hole advantage. The 15th was the decisive hole. The Scot won it to go three up with three to play and a half at the 16th finished the match in her favour.

But Ireland had the advantage in the ties still to finish and Gillian O’Leary’s 3 and 2 win over Laura Murray levelled the overall scoreline at 3-3. Gillian built up a two-hole lead on the outward half and won the 11th and 12th to double that advantage before losing the 14th.

With three matches to finish and Scotland three up in one and Ireland three up in another, it was clear that the Pamela Pretswell (Scotland) v Aedin Murphy (Ireland) tie – all square after 17 – was going to have an important bearing on the overall result.Glasgow University student Pretswell was two down with five to play but won the 14th with a birdie 3 and squared the match with a par 3 at the short 16th.After a half at the next, Pamela hit a massive drive off the 18th and won the hole and the match with a 4.

Kylie Walker beat Niamh Kitching by 3 and 2 in a match that was all square after 11 holes. Walker won the 12th, 13th, 14th and 16th in an strong finish.

Charlene Reid got Ireland’s fourth point by beating Louise Kenney 3 and 1. Reid won the seventh, eighth and nine to go three up and she stayed in the driving seat for the rest of the match.
Day 1 results

ENGLAND 2, WALES 7
Foursomes (1-2)

Charlie Douglass & Holly Clyburn bt Lucy Gould & Sam Birkes 1 hole.
Charlotte Wild & Hannah Barwood lost to Rhian Wyn Thomas & Gemma Bradbury 2 holes.
Rachel Jennings & Kelly Tidy lost to Tara Davies & Amy Boulden 3 and 2.

Singles
Douglass bt Davies 2 holes.
Barwood lost to Thomas 3 and 2.
Clyburn lost to Gemma Bradbury 3 and 1.
Charlotte Ellis lost to Katie Bradbury 2 holes.
Tidy lost to Boulden 4 and 3.
Nikki Foster lost to Gould 8 and 7.

SCOTLAND 5, IRELAND 4

Foursomes (1-2)
Kelsey MacDonald & Carly Booth lost to Danielle McVeigh & Charlene Reid 3 and 2.
Louise Kenney & Pamela Pretswell bt Gillian O’Leary & Victoria Bradshaw 4 and 3.
Kylie Walker & Megan Briggs lost to Mary Dowling & Sarah Cunningham 5 and 4.

Singles (4-2)
Booth bt McVeigh 2 and 1.
Pretswell bt Murphy 1 hole.
MacDonald bt Dowling 3 and 2.
Walker bt Niamh Kitching 3 and 2.
Laura Murray lost to O’Leary 3 and 2.
Kenney lost to Reid 3 and 1.

THURSDAY'S MATCHES

Ireland v Wales
Foursomes start at 8.30 am. Singles at 1.10pm.

Scotland v England.
Foursomes start at 9am. Singles start at 2.20pm

THERE IS NO ADMISSION CHARGE AND PUBLIC CAR PARKING IS FREE.

COME ALONG AND SEE A GOLFING TREAT AT IRVINE GOLF CLUB

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Loudoun on track for Centenary title

Loudoun, in their Centenary year, are through to the final of the 2009 Ayrshire Summer League after a 4.5 - 1.5 home win in the second leg of their semi final against Ballochmyle.

After securing a 3 - 3 draw away from hom, Loudoun's win at home gave them a 7.5 - 4.5 overall win to go through to the final.

In the final Loudoun will face 2007 Champions Irvine (Bogside).

In the final, Loudoun are due to be at home in the first leg, to be played by 21st September with the return match at Irvine due for completion by 8th October.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL FINAL - St. Cuthbert showdown for finalists

The final fo the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship, between Gary Jordan & Douglas Anderson (Annanhill) and Scott McCahill & David Wallace (Maybole) will be held at

Prestwick St. Cuthbert Golf Club

on

Friday 11th September 2009, teeing off at 3.00 p.m.

DOC THOM AYRSHIRE ORDER OF MERIT - Hamilton still leads with two events remaining

Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle) still leads the Ayrshire Order Of Merit for the Doc Thom Salver, with only this weeks Largs & Millport Trophy at Largs Routenburn and the Arroll Cup at Prestwick St. Nicholas later this month remaining to be played.

Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) is the nearest challenger, whilst Stephen Spence (Irvine) propelled himself into third spot with a win at the Welbeck Links last week.

Present leading totals are :-

312.50 - Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle)
217.50 - Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle)
188.30 - Stephen Spence (Irvine)
180.80 - Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck)
177.50 - Scott Brown (Turnberry)
150.00 - John Shanks (Irvine)
125.00 - John Sloan (Doon Valley)
112.50 - Tommy McInally (Loudoun)
100.00 - Paul Denim (Loudoun), Roddie Blair (West Kilbride)

SCOTTISH SENIORS GOLF SOCIETY - Miller lying second in Order Of Merit

Following last week's Matchplay Championship the two finalists, George Paterson and Ayrshire Vice President David Miller - pictured right - find themselves separated by a mere 5 points in the Scottish Seniors Golf Society Order of Merit table.

As this week's Autumn Meeting event at Haddington was cancelled due to flooding, the Order Of merit will be decided during the end of season "shoot out" over Blairgowrie Landsdowne course next Thursday, 10th September.

With players in the first six places in the Order Of Merit still in contention to take the title, it promises to be a dramatic finale.

David Miller was the form man during most of the Matchplay event last week and hopes are high that he can bring the Order Of Merit title back to Ayrshire.

Present leading totals in the Order Of Merit are :-

440 - George Paterson (Northern)

435 - David J. Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie)

422 - Gordon McDonald (Callander)

358 - Ian Brotherston (Dumfries & County)

350 - Ian Taylor (Royal Burgess)

325 - Ian Hutcheon (Monifieth)

315 - Sandy Pirie (Hazelhead)

305 - John Fraser (Royal Burgess)

300 - Bob Stewart (Tulliallan)

252 - Derek Murphy (Kinross)

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Champion Of Champions Final

The final of the 2009 Ayrshire Junior Champion Of Champions Trophy competition will be between Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle) and Scott Brown (Turnberry). Both players won their respective Semi Final matches by 3 & 2.

Scott Brown- pictured left-, a former Ayrshire Boys Champion, is the reigning Ayrshire Matchplay Champion and the 2008 winner of the Junior Order Of Merit and Macrobert Thistle Junior Golfer Of The Year Trophy.

Adam Foley - pictired right - was the beaten finalist in the Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship in 2007.

The 2009 Ayrshire Junior Champion Of Champions Trophy final will be held at West Kilbride Golf Club on Sunday 13th September.

AYRSHIRE UNDER 16 & UNDER 18 COACHING

The Ayrshire Under 16 and Under 18 squads have a coaching session at Inverclyde on Sunday 6th September and all participants in the sessions have been contacted by letter.

As many of the participants will be aware, this date now clashes with the re arranged Ardeer Boys Open.

The coaching session is a very important part of the ongoing squad development programme and consequently we would strongly encourage all selected players to attend.

All selected players will be aware which session they are selected for, either from 1000 - 1200 or 1300 - 1500.

The Association are also mindful however that the Ardeer Boys Open is the final Order Of merit counting event.

As a consequence arrangements have been made with the Ardeer Secretary, Peter Watson, who has agreed in principal to endevour to give or re arrange times for participating players in order to accommodate their participation in the relevant coaching session as well.

For those chasing Order Of Merit points it may be relevant to note that, after the loss of the tournament sponsor last year, the number of prizes will be reduced from 7 to 3 this year, in line with the corresponding senior Order Of Merit.

Players who have not yet entered the Ardeer Boys Open and now wish to do so may also be similarly accommodated.

Arrangements for revised tee times can be made by contacting Peter Watson on 07879 273704 or at the club on 01294 464542.

For the avoidance of any doubt, The Association fully expect all selected players to attend the relevant coaching session which has been arranged at considerable expense to The Association, but hopefully our efforts along with Ardeer will allow thos who wish to take part in both events.

GIRVAN GOLF CLASSIC - Closing date for enries near

The closing date for entries to the 2009 Girvan Golf Classic is Monday 14th September.

The championship takes place over the Girvan links from 25th to 27th September.

Entry fee is £25 for three rounds of golf, discounted to £20 for South Ayrshire Council season ticket holders.

Further information can be obtained from Pamela Struthers on 01292 616212.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - semi final updates

Troon Welbeck have won through from their qualifying section in the WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY competition and will now go forward to meet Irvine Ravenspark in the final.

In the CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY competition, Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle) - pictured right - is through to the final after a 3 & 2 victory over Chris Butler (Irvine Ravenspark) in the semi final.

SGU BELHAVEN BEST CLUB HANDICAP CHAMPIONSHIP - Crosshouse book place in national final following Ayrshire 1-2-3

From the SGU Website :-

The Crosshouse pairing of Ian Brown and Scott Martin were the winners of Belhaven Best Club Handicap Championship Regional Final hosted at Helensburgh Golf Club on Friday 28th August, and in doing so made it a double celebration for their Kilmarnock based club.

Earlier this month their club mates Ross McCluckie and Andy Hannah won their Captains and Secretaries regional qualifier at Hilton Park which is also sponsored by Belhaven Best, enabling both pairs to bid for the national titles in the Grand Finals, both of which are held next month.

The Brown and Martin duo dovetailed perfectly throughout the day to return a four ball better ball score of 65 in what has become Scotland’s largest handicap championship.

Martin said after their winning 4 under par round,

“We are absolutely chuffed for the club having won the double as it is a great achievement for a club of only 100 members.”

With neither Martin or Brown ever having played the Helensburgh course before they made a great start to their debut round with four net birdies by the 5th hole.

Brown added,

“That really set the tone for the day and from there it was steady golf that got us home.”

Martin, a 7 handicapper who only plays golf once a week now after becoming a father for the second time earlier this year said,

“It has been a great day and we are both delighted to have qualified for the final and are looking forward to it immensely.”

His partner, who plays off 21 after reacquainting himself with the game last year after a 20 year break from golf said,

“Considering all the rain we have seen over the last few days, the course was in great condition which is testament to the great green staff and everyone at Helensburgh under the captaincy of Ivor Jones. “He added, “As we are both fans of the Belhaven brand it was a bonus to get a pint as a reward at the end.”

Crosshouse finished two shots ahead of their nearest rivals, Troon Merchants who returned a 2 under par 67 for the runners up place.

West Kilbride took third place, whilst Drumpellier and Fereneze took fourth and fifth place respectively.

With only ten qualification places up for grabs amongst the 61 clubs taking part in the last of the four regional finals, a card play off on 69 decided the final placings which saw Dalmuir, Griers, East Renfrewshire, Mount Ellen and Brunston Castle through to the final which takes place at The Duke’s in St Andrews on September 18.

QUALIFIERS FROM THE REGIONAL FINAL WERE :-

65 - CROSSHOUSE (Ian Brown & Scott Martin)
67 - TROON MERCHANTS (John McMillan & Robert Sanderson)
67 - WEST KILBRIDE (Ian Hoynes & Tommy Saunders)
68 - DRUMPELLIER (Brian Docherty & Hugh Taylor)
68 - FERENEZE (Tom Leitch & Andy Poddar)
69 - DALMUIR (David Copeland & Tommy Walker)
69 - GRIERS (Gerald O'Connell & Scott McMillan)
69 - EAST RENFREWSHIRE (Alex Baskerville & Gordon Young)
69 - MOUNT ELLEN (Graham Kilpatrick & Paul Bradley)
69 - BRUNSTON CASTLE (Donald Anderson & George Scobie)

AYRSHIRE NON QUALIFIERS WERE :-

69 - IRVINE RAVENSPARK (Keith Graham & Colin McKinnon)
70 - AYR DALMILLING (Russell Wyper & Steven Corrigan)
72 - SAXONE (David Kinnell & Stuart Fraser)
73 - AYR CARRICK (Alan Johnston & Mark Pieroni)
73 - CHASE (Bill Rae & David Gerrish)
74 - NEW CUMNOCK (Derek Bryson & Jim Walker)
75 - ABBOTSFORD (Alan Pole & Stuart Pole)
75 - MAYBOLE (Colin McIlraith & Gary Steele)
76 - TAM O'SHANTER (Mike Webb & Jim McNamee)
81 - TROON WELBECK (Peter Davies & Brian Murray)

WOMEN'S HOME INTERNATIONALS - Irvine venue gives locals great opportunity to see the best

LGU PRESS RELEASE
Edited by Colin Farquharson (Cal Carson Golf Agency)
Calcarsongolf@btinternet.com

SCOTLAND LOOKING FOR HOME INSPIRATION WHEN INTERNATIONAL MATCHES ARE PLAYED AT IRVINE

Scotland will be hoping they can follow the example of last year’s winners, Wales, when the
2009 Women’s Home International Matches are played at Irvine Golf Club, Ayrshire from
9th – 11th September.



Playing at home, on a course they knew better than their opponents, and in front of their own
supporters proved to be an inspiration for Wales at Wrexham when they rose to the occasion
to win the title and the Miller Trophy for only the second time.

They beat both Scotland and then Ireland by the same 5 ½-3 ½ margin and even though they
lost by that scoreline to England on the final day, the Welsh had enough in hand to pip
England on the countback.

The Scots have not won the Miller Trophy since their back-to-back triumphs at Hunstanton in 1990 and Aberdovey in 1991.

The only other country, apart from England, who have scored successive trophy triumphs in
recent years is Ireland with victories at Cruden Bay in 2003 and Royal Porthcawl in 2004.


Wales have the same captain, Sue Turner, but it is a much-changed team that will defend the title at Irvine.

New caps in their line-up are 15-year-old Katie Bradbury, who made her
debut as a junior international last year, and Sam Birks who was a member of the Welsh team who won the European Under-21s’ silver medal at Deal.

Katie Bradbury’s sister Gemma, who played in the Wales team at the European Team Championship in Slovenia this summer, is also included.

Recalled to the Welsh team is Katherine O’Connor who last played for the team at Frilford
Heath in 2006. Katie, Gemma and Amy Bouden are all juniors.



There are no new caps in the Ireland team which will be captain by Claire Robinson.


Sarah Cunningham, Mary Dowling and Charlene Reid make their debut in the event but all were members of the Irish line-up in the European Team Championship in Slovenia in July.


They will be joined in the team by Niamh Kitching, Danielle McVeigh and Aedin Murphy and
Victoria Bradshaw, 19, who played in the Home Internationals of 2007 and makes a return
to the Irish team after an injury that ruled her out of contention for a place in the 2008 team.

Gillian O’Leary is the other member of the Ireland team who was not part of the European
side but played in the Home Internationals of 2007 and 2008.

The Ireland team will be led by Danielle McVeigh who achieved a career high the last time
she played on a Scottish links at Royal Aberdeen last month when she won the British
Ladies’ Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship. Danielle is a student at NUI Maynooth
on a Padraig Harrington Golf Scholarship, as are Sarah Cunningham and Aedin Murphy.

The 14-year-old Maguire twins, Lisa and Leona, who helped Ireland win the European
Girls’ Team championship in Finland earlier this year and played in the Junior Solheim Cup
match in America were not available for this year Home International matches.

England, who will be captained by Julie Otto who featured in many winning teams in her stellar career as a player, have three new caps for the matches at Irvine.


The new English Stroke Play champion Charlotte Wild, Junior Solheim Cup player Kelly Tidy and Nikki Foster will all play.

England won the silver medal at the European Team Championship this summer and four of those players are in the team for Irvine – Hannah Barwood, Holly Clyburn, Charlie Douglass, the left-hander who is the English champion, and Vagliano Trophy cap Rachel Jennings.

Kelly Tidy was the European team’s top points scorer at the Ping Junior Solheim Cup match
with three wins from three matches.


Scotland team captain Lesley Nicholson will be hoping that the good form shown over Scottish links by the five Scots who finished in the top ten at the British Women's open amateur stroke-play at Royal Aberdeen, Kylie Walker, Louise Kenny, Pamela Pretswell and Carly Booth will carry over to the Home Internationals.

Scotland’s team includes one new cap – 19-year-old student Jane Turner who just made the
top 20 of the recent British women’s open amateur stroke-play championship at Royal
Aberdeen.

Kylie Walker and Pamela Pretswell played for Great Britain & Ireland against the Continent of Europe in the
Vagliano Trophy match in Hamburg in July. Other team members in action at Irvine will be
Danielle McVeigh (Ireland), Rhian Wyn Thomas (Wales) and Rachel Jennings (England).





Irvine Golf Club was established in 1887 and its course is a traditional links which owes much of its character and lay-out to the famous golf course architect James Braid.

The course can best be described as a mixture of links and heathland. The fairways are built
on sand and are divided by gorse and heather. Every hole has its own identity and character
and the greens are considered to be among the best to be found in Ayrshire where there is no
shortage of great courses.

The peaks of Arran provide a natural and scenic backdrop to complement the bird life and
the River Irvine and the Bogside Flats where wildlife abounds.

The course is not long by present day standards but demands accurate shot-making.
The Irvine club has a long association with the R&A and the PGA. It is used by the R&A as
a qualifying venue when the Open championship is being held at Turnberry or Royal Troon.
Last year it co-hosted with Turnberry the British seniors championship.

Irvine is situated on the Ayrshire Golf Coast and is five miles from Troon, 10 miles from
Prestwick and 30 miles from Turnberry.

TEAMS

ENGLAND
Captain: Julie Otto
Hannah Barwood (Knowle)
Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa)
Charlie Douglass (Brocket Hall)
Charlotte Ellis (Minchinhampton)
Nikki Foster (Pleasington)
Rachel Jennings (Izaak Walton)
Kelly Tidy (Royal Birkdale)
Charlotte Wild (Mere)

IRELAND
Captain: Claire Robinson
Manager: Fiona McComb
Victoria Bradshaw (Bangor)
Sarah Cunningham (Ennis)
Mary Dowling (New Ross)
Niamh Kitching (Claremorris)
Danielle McVeigh (Royal Co Down Ladies)
Aedin Murphy (Carlow)
Gillian O’Leary (Cork)
Charlene Reid (Royal Portrush)

SCOTLAND
Captain: Lesley Nicholson
Manager: Claire Hargan
Carly Booth (Comrie)
Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm)
Louise Kenney (Pitreavie)
Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar)
Laura Murray (Alford)
Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle)
Jane Turner (Craigielaw)
Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle)

WALES
Captain: Sue Turner
Manager: Anna Hubbard
Samantha Birks (Wolstanton)
Amy Boulden (Maesdu)
Gemma Bradbury (Cottrell Park)
Katie Bradbury (Cottrell Park)
Tara Davies (Holyhead)
Lucy Gould (Bargoed)
Katherine O’Connor (Tadmarton Heath)
Rhian Wyn Thomas (Vale of Glamorgan)

EVENT PROGRAMME

Each match consists of three foursomes and six singles played over 18 holes.

Wednesday, September 9

8.30am & 1.10pm: England v Wales.
9.0am & 2.20pm: Scotland v Ireland.

Thursday, September 10

8.30am & 1.10pm: Ireland v Wales
9.0am & 2.20pm: Scotland v England

Friday, September 11

8.30am & 1.10pm: Wales v Scotland
9.0am & 2.20pm: England v Ireland.

Presentation of trophy at 6.45pm approx.

Spectators are welcome and car parking is free.

This is a great opportunity for local golf enthusiasts, and those from further afield, to watch the most talented amateur women golfers from the four home nations up close, in what is sure to be a memorable championship.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Kilmarnock Barassie through to Under 16 final

Kilmarnock Barassie are through to face Ardeer in the 2009 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Under 16 Knockout Trophy final after beating Ballochmyle in the semi final.

TROON GOLF WEEK - Ayrshire champ Brown takes Mills Quaich

Ayrshire Matchplay Champion Scott Brown (Turnberry) - pictured right (photo courtesy of DMC photography) - from the front to win the premier trophy, The Mills Quaich during the recent Troon Golf Week.

Brown led the qualifiers for the matchplay stages after qualifying rounds over Lochgreen & Darley and carried his form into the matchplay, beating Fraser McCall (Troon Porltand) by 5 & 4 in the final.

Dropping shots at both the opening holes, Brown found himself two holes down in the final before he got back in the groove, covering the remaining holes without droppng a shot to par on his way to victory.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Honours even in semi final first leg

In the semi final first leg of the 2009 Ayrshire Summer League, Ballochmyle and Loudoun fought out a 3 - 3 draw at Ballochmyle on Sunday.



The return match is scheduled for Loudoun on Sunday 6th September.



Irvine, who defeated defending champions Troon Welbeck in the semi finals, await the winners in the final.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Largs through to third successive final

In the AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP, defending Champions, Largs Golf Club, qualified for their third successive final of the Ayrshire Junior Golf League when they won the semi final second leg against Irivne Ravenspark by 5-1.

In a tense and exciting match where three of the ties went to the last green, the defending champions squeezed past Ravenspark who had won the first leg 4-2.

The Largs team now await the winner of the tie between 2008 finalists West Kilbride and Loudon which West Kilbride leads by 4.5 - 1.5 after the first leg.

In the WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY competition, Irvine Ravenspark are through to the final after an impressive 4-0 victory against Ballochmyle, to pip Belleisle by 1 in a countback.

The other section remains tight but probably favours Wellbeck who have to take something from their tie against Caprington to go forward to the final.

In the CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY, the semi finals are both scheduled to be completed this week.

SCOTTISH WOMENS FOURSOMES - Troon ladies win match play title

(From the Kirkwoodgolf.co.uk website)

Troon Ladies won the Scottish women's foursomesmatch-play title at Forfar Golf Club today.

In the semi-finals Troon's Sara Ann Bottomley and Angela Ferguson beat Aboyne's Elizabeth Brown and Judy Slater 3 and 2 while Perth Ladies (Myrtle Mailer and Anne Sidey) beat Murcar Links' Donna Pocock and Carol Wilson by 3 and 2.

In the final Troon Ladies, for whom Irene Smith replaced Angela Ferguson, beat Perth Ladies 2 and 1.

The Scottish women's foursomes stroke-play title was won by Kilmacolm sisters Megan and Eilidh Briggs with a gross round of two-under-par 70. Megan is the Scottish women's amateur champion.

Tbey won by four strokes from Helen Faulds and Helen Robertson (Douglas Park).;

HOME INTERNATIONALS - Scotland defeat Ireland but England take title.

England made it three wins from three to take the Raymond Trophy and Home International title at Hillside Golf Club on Friday, beating Wales by 10.5 - 4.5 in their final match.

Scotland finished in second place, doing all they could to push England all the way by beating the 2008 champions Ireland comprehensively in thier final match, by 12 - 3.

In the morning foursomes Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) again paired up with Wallace Booth and recorded a third successive foursomes win, beating Alan Dunbar & Paul Cutler by one hole.

Ayrshire's other representative, Steven McEwan (Caprington), and his partner Glenn Campbell halved their match against Connor Doran & Robert Cannon to contribute towards Scotland's 4 - 1 morning lead.

In the afternoon singles, Stewart lost by one hole to Dara Lernihan whilst McEwan had a 2 & 1 win over Paul O'Kane.

SCOTTISH SENIORS MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Miller pipped at the post in final defeat

Ayrshire Golf Association Vice President David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured right with the winner (photograph courtesy of Calcarsongolf) - fell at the final hurdle in the Scottish Seniors Matchplay Championship at Newmacher on Friday afternoon when he lost out by 3 & 2 to Aberdeen Links champion George Paterson of the Northern Golf Club.

Two down early in the final, Miller fought back, winning the seventh and eighth to level the match before taking the lead at the 11th.

Paterson however rallied and after winning the 12th with a birdie he secured the title by taking the 13th, 15th and 16th for his 3 & 2 win.

In the semi finals on Friday morning, David Miller beat Stephen Ellis (Heritage GS) by 4 & 3 whilst the eventual champion George Paterson beat Ian Taylor (Royal Burgess) by 3 & 1.

HOME INTERNATIONALS - Scotland crush Wales on day 2

Scotland crushed wales by 21.5 - 2.5 on the second day of the 2009 Home Internationals at Hillside Golf Club in England on Thursday

Leading 5 - 0 after the morning foursomes, Scotland continued their good form in the afternoon in the singles.

In the morning, Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) again combined with Wallace Booth for a second successive foursomes victory, this time by 4 & 3 over Rhys Enoch & Oliver Farr whilst Steven McEwan (Caprington) linked up with Glenn Campbell for a 3 & 2 win over Joe Vickery & James Frazer

In the afternoon singles, The Ayrshire pair continued their good form, Stewart having a halved match with Ben Westgate and McEwan enjoying a 4 & 3 win over Rhys Pugh

Match results :-

WALES 2 1/2, SCOTLAND 12 1/2 (Welsh names first)

Foursomes (0-5)
Adam Runice & Ben Westgate lost to Ross Kellett & James Byrne 2 holes
Rhys Enoch & Oliver Farr lost to Wallace Booth & Michael Stewart 4 and 3
Nigel Edwards & Rhys Pugh lost to Gavin Dear & Keir McNicoll 3 and 1
Richard Hoper & Alistair Jones lost to David Law & James White 3 and 1
Joe Vickery & James Frazer lost to Glenn Campbell & Steven McEwan 3 and 2

Singles (2 1/2-7 1/2)
Luke Thomas lost to Gavin Dear 1 hole
Oliver Farr bt Ross Kellett 4 and 3
Rhys Enoch lost to David Law 1 hole
Adam Runcie lost to Wallace Booth 2 and 1
Nigel Edwards lost to James Byrne 3 and 2
Ben Westgate halved with Michael Stewart
Joe Vickery halved with James White
Rhys Pugh lost to Steven McEwan 4 and 3
Alistair Jones lost to Paul O'Hara 3 and 2
James Frazer halved with Glenn Campbell

In the other match played on Thursday, England recovered from losing the morning foursomes to beat Ireland by 9.5 - 5.5.

SCOTTISH SENIORS MATCHPLAY - Miller ousts holder on way to semi finals

The Ayrshire Golf Association Vice President David J Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) stormed into the semi finals of the 2009 Scottish Senior Mens Amateur Match Play Championship at Newmacher on Thursday, beating the holder en route.

Miller, who qualified in fourth place, was two under par in the morning on his way to a 5 & 4 victory over Brian Christie (Wilton).

Miller's play improved even further in the afternoon where he was four under par when beating the 2008 champion, Ronnie Maclean (Hamilton), by 4 and 2 in the quarter finals.

In the semi finals on Friday morning, Miller plays Stephen Ellis (Heritage GS) who beat the top seed Bob Stewart (Tulliallan) by one hole in the last 16.

Ayrshire's other surviving player in the last 16, John Broadfoot (Turnberry) lost by one hole to George Paterson from the Aberdeen Northern club on Thursday morning.

Thursdays results were :-

SECOND ROUND

Stephen Ellis (Heritage GS) bt Bob Stewart (Tulliallan) 1 hole

Robert Jack (Liberton) bt Andrew Laird (Deeside) 2 and 1

David J Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) bt Brian Christie (Wilton) 5 and 4

Ronnie Maclean (Hamilton) bt Sandy Pirie (Hazlehead) 2 and 1

Ian Taylor (Royal Burgess) bt Gordon MacDonald (Callander) 2 and 1

Donald McCart (Sherwood Forest) bt Derek Murphy (Kinross) at the 21st

George Paterson (Northern) bt John Broadfoot (Turnberry) 1 hole

Robert Gill (Gerrards Cross) bt David Downie (Kirriemuir) 2 and 1

QUARTER-FINALS

Ellis bt Jack 2 and 1

Miller bt Maclean 4 and 2

Taylor bt McCart 4 and 3

Paterson bt Gill 2 and 1

HOME INTERNATIONALS - Scotland beaten by England on day 1.

Scotland's bid for the Raymond Trophy at the Home Internationals got off to a bad start at Hillside G.C. on Wednesday with a 9.5 - 5.5 defeat at the hands of the host nation, England.

The foursomes were shared 2.5 - 2.5 with Ayrshire's Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) combining with Wallace Booth to beat Sam Hutsby & Chris Paisley by 5 & 4.

In the singles, Stewart lost to Paisley by one hole whilst fellow Ayrshireman Steven McEwan (Caprington) beat Luke Goddard by the same margin.

Match details were :-

SCOTLAND 5 1/2, ENGLAND 9 1/2

FOURSOMES (2 1/2-2 1/2) - (Scotland names first)

Gavin Dear & Keir McNicoll halved with Matt Haines & Tommy Fleetwood
Wallace Booth & Michael Stewart bt Sam Hutsby & Chris Paisley 5 and 4
James White & David Law lost to Dale Whitnell & Luke Goddard 3 and 2
Ross Kellett & James Byrne bt Jamie Abbott & Stiggy Hodgson 1 hole
Glenn Campbell & Paul O'Hara lost to James Robinson & Matthew Nixon 2 holes

SINGLES (3-7)

Wallace Booth lost to Matt Haines 3 and 2
Gavin Dear lost to Dale Whitnell 3 and 2
Ross Kellett lost to Sam Hutsby 1 hole
Michael Stewart lost to Chris Paisley 1 hole
James Byrne halved with Matthew Nixon
David Law halved with Jamie Abbott
Keir McNicoll lost to Tommy Fleetwood 7 and 5
Steven McEwan bt Luke Goddard 1 hole
Glenn Campbell bt Stiggy Hodgson 3 and 2
Paul O'Hara lost to Farren Keenan 5 and 4

In the other match on Wednesday, Wales beat Ireland by 8 - 7.

SCOTTISH SENIORS MATCHPLAY - Broadfoot provides first surprise result

John Broadfoot (Turnberry) produced the first surprise of the Scottish Seniors Matchplay event at Newmacher on Wednesday when he ousted third seed Iain Stewart (Curragh) in the first round of matchplay.

Broadfoot, who qualified 30th of the 32 qualifiers won by two holes.

Keith Howie (West Kilbride) bowed out after a 5 & 4 defeat by Gordon McDonald (Callander), whilst David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) also secured a second round place alongside Broadfoot when he was awarded a walkover by his opponent Keith Hay (Westhill).

The matchplay rounds continue on Thursday and Friday.

Matchplay first round results :-

Bob Stewart (Tulliallan) bt Bill Methven (Royal Aberdeen) 1 hole
Stephen Ellis (Heritage GS) bt Alistair Fiddes (Deeside) 4 and 3
Andrew Laird (Deeside) bt David Bunker (Nairn Dunbar) at 19th
Robert Jack (Liberton) bt John Hamilton (Murcar Links) 3 and 2
David J Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) w.o. Keith Hay (Westhill) scr
Brian Christie (Wilton) bt Sandy Fairweather (Caledonian) 5 and 4
Sandy Pirie (Hazlehead) bt Les Fowler (Royal Aberdeen) 4 and 3#
Ronald MacLean (Hamilton) bt Keith Bruce (Edzell) at 21st
Gordon MacDonald (Callander) bt Keith Howie (West Kilbride) 5 and 4
Ian Taylor (Royal Burgess) bt Alex Ritchie (Bothwell Castle) 5 and 3
Derek Murphy (Kinross) bt Alan Nelson (Banchory) 3 and 2
Donald McCart (Sherwood Forest) bt David A Millar (St Andrews New) 5 and 4
John Broadfoot (Tunrberry) bt Iain Stewart (Curragh) 2 holes
George Paterson (Northern) bt Michael Jenkins (Duff House Royal) 2 and 1
David Downie (Kirriemuir) bt Patrick Tomisson (Nairn) 4 and 3
Robert Gill (Gerrards Cross) bt Andrew Campbell (Kinross) 2 holes

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Maybole and Annanhill meet in final

The Maybole team of Scott McCahill and David Wallace will meet Gary Jordan & Douglas Anderson of Annanhill in the final of the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship.

The Annanhill pair secured their place in the final alongside maybole with a 2 & 1 semi final win away from home against Kenneth Hankinson & Gibby Lamont of Troon Welbeck.

The final will be played at Prestwick St. Cuthbert Golf Club on a date to be arranged.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Irvine oust holders in semi final clash

2007 winners Irvine Golf Club have defeated the holders Troon Welbeck in the semi finals of the 2009 Ayrshire Summer League.

Leading 4.5 - 1.5 after the home leg, irvine travelled to Troon for the second leg and despite suffering defeat, managed to secure the two points required to win their semi final clash by 6.5 - 5.5 overall.

Irvine now await the winners of the other semi final between Loudoun and Ballochmyle.

SCOTTISH SENIORS MATCHPLAY - 3 Ayrshire qualifiers at Newmacher

Ayrshire have three representatives in the 2009 Scottish Seniors Matchplay after the qualifying rounds were held at newmacher on Tuesday 25th August.

David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie), John Broadfoot (Turnberry) & Keith Howie (West Kilbride) all secured places in the matchplay stages.

Miller led the way amongst the locals, qualifying in fourth place on 153 (78/75).

Broadfoot (84/81) and Howie (80/85) both qualified on 165.

In the first round of the matchplay, which begins on Wednesday, David Miller plays Keith Hay (Westhill), Keith Howie plays Gordon McDonald (Callander) and John Broadfoot faces Iain Stewart (Curragh)

The matchplay continues on Thursday and Friday this week.