AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS COMPETITION - Closing date for entries approaching

the closing date for entries to the 2010 AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS COMPETITION is approaching.

The championship, won in 2009 by Loudoun's Tommy McInally (pictured right) is open to all clubs fully affilliated to the Ayrshire Golf Association.

The semi finals and final of the competition will again be played over the tradition venue of Royal Troon in August.

Member clubs can nominate one player to represent them in the competition.

Entry forms were sent, in the first instance by e-mail, to all member clubs in early December.

The closing date for submission of entries is SUNDAY 31st JANUARY 2010.

If any club is unable to locate the previously forwarded entry form then a further copy can be obtained by contacting the AGA Secretary, Alasdair Malcolm on 01292 477657 or by e-mail at ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Closing date for entries approaching

the closing date for entries to the 2010 AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP is approaching.

The championship, won in 2009 by Douglas Anderson & Gary Jordan (pictured right) of Annanhill is open to all clubs fully affilliated to the Ayrshire Golf Association.

Member clubs can nominate one pair to represent them in the competition.

Entry forms were sent, in the first instance by e-mail, to all member clubs in early December.

The closing date for submission of entries is SUNDAY 31st JANUARY 2010.

If any club is unable to locate the previously forwarded entry form then a further copy can be obtained by contacting the AGA Secretary, Alasdair Malcolm on 01292 477657 or by e-mail at ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net

JONES CUP - McEwan selected in Scotland squad to travel to USA

Steven McEwan (Caprington) - pictured right - has been named in a five strong squad who will represent Scotland at one of the USA's biggest amateur events next month, the Jones Cup.

Along with Ross Kellett (Colville Park), David law (Hazlehead), James White (Lundin) and Philip McLean (Peterhead), McEwan will travel to Sea Island in Georgia for the 54 hole event which takes place over the Ocean Forest course from 4th to 7th February.

Some of the world’s leading amateurs will take part in the event, which was first played in 2001, including world number two and reigning European Individual Champion Victor Dubuisson.

World number four Peter Uihlein will be the top ranked American in the field with England’s Walker Cup player Stiggy Hodgson also in the line-up.

More information on the evnet is available at http://www.jonescupinvitational.com/.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR FIXTURES - dates of Junior order Of merit counting events announced

The Ayrshire Junior Fixture List, including the Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit counting events has been published.

The 19 Junior Order Of Merit counting events begin with the Scottish Boys Championship at West Kilbride in April and conclude with the Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship at Prestwick in August.

THE AYRSHIRE JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT
2010 COUNTING EVENTS
AND OTHER JUNIOR FIXTURES

** Junior Order Of Merit counting event

Sun 28 March - SGU JUNIOR TOUR EVENT 1 (Monifieth)

Mon-Sat - 5-10 April - ** SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP (West Kilbride)
Sun 18 April - AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (Troon Portland)
Sat-Sun 18-19 April - SGU JUNIOR TOUR EVENT 2 (Newmacher)

Sun 2 May - SGU JUNIOR TOUR EVENT 3 (TBC)
Sat 22 May - SGU JUNIOR TOUR EVENT 4 (Brunston Castle)
Sun 30 May - AYRSHIRE U18 Vs DUMBARTONSHIRE U18 (Ardeer)

Sun 6 June - SGU BOYS AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (Peebles)
Sun 13 June - SGU JUNIOR TOUR EVENT 5 (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Sun ? June - AYRSHIRE U18 Vs GLASGOW U18 (Away - TBC)
Mon 28 June - ** PRESTWICK BOYS OPEN (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

Thur 1 July - ** LARGS JUNIOR OPEN (Largs)
Fri 2 July - GIRVAN BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP (Girvan)
Mon 5 July - ** POLLOCK TROPHY (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Tue toThu 6 – 8 July - SCOTTISH BOYS UNDER 16 STROKEPLAY (Auchterarder)
Fri 9 July - ** TROON WELBECK JUNIOR OPEN (Troon Darley)
Fri 9 July - SCOTTISH BOYS UNDER 14 STROKEPLAY (Auchterarder)
Sun 11 July - AYRSHIRE U18 Vs RENFREWSHIRE (Kilbirnie Place)
Tue 13 July - ** HARRIS BOYS OPEN (West Kilbride)
Thur 15 July - ** ANNANHILL BOYS OPEN (Annanhill)
Mon 19 July - ** LOUDOUN BOYS OPEN (Loudoun)
Thur 22 July - ** ARDEER JUNIOR OPEN (Ardeer)
Tue toThu 20 - 22 July - ** SCOTTISH BOYS STROKEPLAY (Craigielaw)
Mon 26 July - ** PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS JUNIOR OPEN (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
Thur 29 July - ** CAPRINGTON BOYS OPEN (Caprington) - provisional

Tue 3 August - TOM LEHMAN JUNIOR OPEN (Troon Municipal Courses)
Tue toThu 3 - 5 August - BOYS HOME INTERNATIONALS (Southerness)
Thu 5 August - ** AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP (Troon Lochgreen)
Sun 8 August - ** KILBIRNIE PLACE JUNIOR OPEN (Kilbirnie Place) - provisional
Mon 9 August - ** BALLOCHMYLE JUNIOR OPEN (Ballochmyle)
Mon toSat 10 - 15 August - ** BRITISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP (Kilmarnock Barassie/ Irvine) Wed 11 August - ** NORTH AYRSHIRE BOYS OPEN (Irvine Ravenspark) - provisional
Thur 12 August - ** AYR BELLEISLE JUNIOR OPEN (Ayr Belleisle)
Thu to Sat 12 - 14 August - ** AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY (Prestwick)
Sun 29 August - AYRSHIRE U18 Vs STIRLINGSHIRE U18 (Caprington)

Sun ? September - AYRSHIRE U18 Vs LANARKSHIRE U18 (Away - TBC)
Sun 19 September - AJGL WALLACE THORNTON FINAL (Largs)
Sun 19 September - AJGL UNDER 16 TROPHY FINAL (Largs)
Sun 26 September - AJGL CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS FINAL (Largs)
Sun 26 September - AJGL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL (Largs)

Mon 8 November - AJGL ANNUAL DINNER (Irvine Ravenspark)

The above list of fixtures can be downloaded via the link on the left of this page, under the Junior heading.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION ORDER OF MERIT - 2010 counting events for Doc Thom announced

The dates of the counting events for the 2010 Ayrshire Order Of Merit for the Doc Thom Salver have been announced.


The 14 counting events begin with the Ayrshire Strokeplay at Prestwick St. Cuthbert in April and conclude with the Arrol Cup at Prestwick St. Nicholas in September.


The full list of counting events for 2010 are:-

THE DOC THOM SALVER – AYRSHIRE ORDER OF MERIT
2010 COUNTING EVENTS

Sun 25 April - AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT)

Mon-Thur 3 to 6 May - AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY (WESTERN GAILES)
Sun 23 May - THE HILLHOUSE CUP (ROYAL TROON)
Fri – Sun 28 - 30 May - SCOTTISH STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP (GLASGOW GAILES)
Sun 30 May - BELLEISLE CUP (AYR BELLEISLE)

Sat 5 June - THE LOUDOUN OPEN (LOUDOUN GOWF)
Sat 5 June - AYR SEAFIELD OPEN (AYR SEAFIELD)
Sat 12 June - BALLOCHMYLE OPEN (BALLOCHMYLE)
Mon – Sat 14 – 19 June - THE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP (MUIRFIELD / N. BERWICK)
Sat 19 June - THE McGILCHRIST CUP (ARDEER) - provisional

Mon – Sat 26 - 31 July - SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP (GULLANE No. 1)

Sun 22 August - VIKING KRUS (LARGS KELBURN)
Sun 29 August - WELBECK LINKS (TROON MUNICIPAL) - provisional

Sat 18 September - ARROL CUP (PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS)

This fixture list can be downloaded from the link on the left of this page, under the Gents Fixtures heading.

NATIONAL FIXTURES 2010 - Ayrshire clubs host national events throughout the year

Ayrshire clubs are to the fore again this year as clubs in the county gear up to host a number of national events in 2010.

West Kilbride (above) start the ball rolling with the traditional opener of the SGU season, The Scottish Boys Championship, which will be held over the Ayrshire links from 5th to 10th April. This will be the 10th occasion West Kilbride has hosted the event since 1979.


Later in the season it is the turn of the ladies to take on the challenges of West Kilbride when the Senior Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship will be held there from 14th to 16th September.


Kilmarnock (Barassie) - pictured right - will host the fifth and final SGU Junior Tour event of the season on 13th June before playing host to the R & A administered British Boys Championship, which will be held there from 10th to 15th August.



After Irvine Golf Club's succesful hosting of the ladies Home Internationals in 2009 (below), they will co-host the Boys Amateur Championship along with Kilmarnock (Barassie).




The SGU Junior Tour event 4 is another national event being held in Ayrshire in 2010, at Brunston Castle on 22nd of May.


Royal Troon will be the venue once again for the Helen Holm Scottish Open Stroke Play from 23rd to 25th of April, which will be the last opportunity for the International Selectors to see the Curtis Cup hopefuls in play before the selection for the team is finalised for the matches in the USA in the summer.

Glasgow Gailes will host two national events in 2010, with the SGU Scottish Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship being held there from 28th to 30th May and the Scottish ladies Champion Of Champions competition scheduled to take place on 10th October.

The full list of Gents and ladies National Events for 2010 are available to download from the relevant links on the left of this page.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION FIXTURES 2010

The dates and venues for the 2010 programme of Ayrshire Golf Association fixtures has been announced.

The season opens with a match against The South Of Scotland in March at Girvan.

The traditional opener of the 'in house' events, The Ayrshire Boys Team Championship, takes place at Troon Porltand on 18th April with the Strokeplay Championship being held the following week at Prestwick St. Cuthbert.

Western Gailes again host the Matchplay Championship in early May whilst the Ayrshire Club Championship on the 4th July will be hosted by the holders, Prestwick Golf Club, who went on to win the Scottish Club Championship last September.

After two years at Kilmarnock (Barassie), the Ayrshire Seniors Championship for the Sandy Provan Trophy, moves to West Kilbride on 20th July.

The Ayrshire Boys Championship, on 5th August, returns to Troon Lochgreen where it was last held in 2002 whilst the Boys Matchplay will again be hosted by Prestwick Golf Club in mid August.

Royal Troon, the traditional venue for the semi finals and final of The Champion Of Champions competition, will again host these matches in August.

The fixture list is reproduced below, and is also available to download via the link on the left of this page, under the Gents Fixtures heading.

THE AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION FIXTURE LIST 2010

DATE EVENT VENUE

21 March Ayrshire Vs. South Of Scotland (Girvan)

18 April Ayrshire Boys Team Championship (Troon Portland)
25 April Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

3 – 6 May Ayrshire Matchplay Championship (Western Gailes)
15-16 May Scottish Area team Championship (Kinross)
30 May Ayrshire U18 Vs. Dumbartonshire U18 (Ardeer)

? June Ayrshire U18 Vs. Glasgow U18 (Away - TBC)

04 July Ayrshire Club Championship (Prestwick)
11 July Ayrshire U18 Vs. Renfrewshire U18 (Kilbirnie Place)
20 July Ayrshire Seniors Championship (West Kilbride)

05 August Ayrshire Boys Championship (Troon Lochgreen)
06 August Champion Of Champions Semi Finals (Royal Troon)
12 – 14 August Ayrshire Boys Matchplay (Prestwick)
13 August Champion Of Champions Final (Royal Troon)
29 August Ayrshire U18 Vs. Stirlingshire U18 (Caprington)

? September Ayrshire U18 Vs. Lanarkshire U18 (Away – TBC)
? September Ayrshire Fourball Final (T.B.A.)
19 September Ayrshire A Vs. Glasgow A (Brunston Castle)
19 September Ayrshire Y Vs. Glasgow Y (Away - TBC)
26 September Ayrshire A Vs. Renfrewshire A (Kilmarnock Barassie)
26 September Ayrshire Y Vs. Renfrewshire Y (Eastwood)

3 October Ayrshire A Vs. Stirlingshire A (Away TBC)
3 October Ayrshire Y Vs. Stirlingshire Y (Ballochmyle)
10 October Ayrshire A Vs. Lanarkshire A (Irvine Ravenspark)
10 October Ayrshire Y Vs. Lanarkshire Y (Away - TBC)
17 October Ayrshire A Vs. Dumbartonshire A (Hayston)
17 October Ayrshire Y Vs. Dumbartonshire Y (Troon Darley)

SCOTTISH GOLF UNION - Kinross to host revised Scottish Area Team Championship in 2010

The Montgomery and Bruce courses at Kinross Golf Club have been named as the host venues for the 2010 Scottish Area Team Championship, which will be played for the first time under a new format this season.

The Championship, which Ayrshire won in 1986 & 2008, also moves to a new date in the domestic amateur calendar, switching from its traditional end of season slot to the early summer weekend of 15 – 16 May, with Scotland’s sixteen Area Associations competing for the country’s most prestigious team title.

The revised format will see the sixteen sides, made up of the six leading amateur golfers from each Area, playing two rounds of stroke play qualifying on the Saturday over both courses, with the four leading qualifying teams playing off in match play format in semi-finals and a final on the Sunday to determine the champions. The five lowest scores over the two qualifying rounds will count towards each team’s aggregate score.

Hamish Grey, SGU Chief Executive, welcomed the move to a new date and format:

“The changes we have made to the Scottish Area Team Championship were vital to keep the event in line with our strategy of developing talent in Scotland, whilst also reducing costs on what was previously a very expensive Championship to run from both a national and Area perspective.”

“Our new format brings together all sixteen Areas at a central location in what will be a celebration of amateur golf in Scotland. By introducing the stroke play qualifying, it will also allow players to compete for world amateur ranking points and the new date should ensure almost all of our top players will take part.”

“We are delighted to be staging the first new version of the Championship at Kinross, which has two fantastic golf courses as well as excellent accommodation facilities for the teams and anticipate a great event in May,” he added.

Located just off the M90 south of Perth, Kinross has two courses in the Montgomery and the Bruce. At 6,508 yards the Montgomery is the longer of the two, with the Bruce measuring 6,231 yards whilst both courses offer a testing but enjoyable challenge for accomplished and occasional golfers alike. Two hotels also form part of the Golf Kinross package, with the four-star Green Hotel and three-star Windlestrae located within close proximity of the courses.

SGU Events Manager Euan Mordaunt added:

“We are very excited about working with Director of Golf Jamie Montgomery and the team at Kinross and look forward to seeing the country’s leading amateur golfers overcome the challenges presented by the Montgomery and Bruce courses.”

The Scottish Golf Union are still seeking a new sponsor for the Championship and any companies interested should contact Ross Duncan, Marketing & Sponsorship Manager, on 01334 466477 to find our further details.

***** HAPPY NEW YEAR !!! *****

With many thanks to all our readers in Ayrshire and beyond who have supported this site throughout 2009, taking the number of visits from 30,000 in 2008 to over 46,000 in 2009.

Looking forward to 2010 we intend making even more Ayrshire Golf related items available through the web page, including entry forms and posters for all The Association's competitions.

Wishing all our readers a happy and healthy 2010 with hopefully some good golf included at least sometime during the season.

42nd AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE AGM - new Secretary and Chairman elected

The 42nd Annual General Meeting of The Ayrshire Junior Golf League was held at Caprington Golf Club on Tuesday 1st December 2009.

Barry Somerville, who held the post of Secretary for the last four years stod down, with Billy Tait (Annanhill) being elected to the post. Barry remains involved however, taking on the supporting role of Assistant Secretary.

The new Chairman for 2010 will be John Nordbo (Largs) - pictured right - who takes over from iain McKay (West Kilbride) who stood down at the meeting.

John Nordbo will also retain Match Secretary responsibilities whilst Iain McKay will take on the role of AJGL representative on the Ayrshire Golf Association Executive.

It was agreed that the supscription and raffle levy remain the same as 2009.

A number of rules alterations were made to deal with various aspects of the AJGL competitions, including the play off proceedure in the under 16 Knockout Competition, clarification of the role of the Convenor and proceedures should a club fail to complete ther fixtures.

The 2010 AJGL finals will be held at Largs Golf Club on Sunday 19th and 26th September 2010 whilst the Convenors Outing will be held at the same venue on Sunday 16th May.

JUNIOR CLUB COACHING GRANTS - 2010 Grant Application Forms now available

The Club Coaching Grant scheme which was revised in 2009 has proved to be a worthwhile exercise and consequently the scheme will continue in 2010, under the same format.


Application forms are now available to club convenors to assist in the cost of coaching junior boys within member clubs.

The application forms can be downloaded direct from the link on the left of this site, under the 'Junior' heading.

Clubs are advised to apply for grants at an early stage as available finance will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

2010 AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION ANNUAL DINNER - Tickets now available

Tickets are now available for the 2010 Ayrshire Golf Association Annual Dinner, with posters and a covering letter having been sent to clubs recently.

As well as honouring the 2009 Championship winners, the attendees at the 2010 dinner will be entertained by two excellent speakers.

David Joy from St. Andrews is an author, artist and actor who is known worldwide for his portrayal of Old Tom Morris in stage shows, television commercials and on video/DVD.

Professor David Purdie, who hails from Ayrshire, is a celebrated after dinner speaker who is nationally acclaimed. One of his claims to fame is his contribution as Sam Torrance’s speaking coach prior to his Ryder Cup captaincy, which is acknowledged in Torrance’s autobiography.

Tickets priced £15 are available from The association Secretary and as usual will be sold on a first come first served basis.

THE AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL DINNER
&
PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES
At
IRVINE RAVENSPARK GOLF CLUB

FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2010
6.30 P.M. FOR 7.00 P.M.

SPEAKERS

DAVID JOY
&
PROFESSOR DAVID PURDIE

TICKETS PRICED AT
£15.00 EACH
ARE AVAILABLE FROM
THE AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION SECRETARY

ALASDAIR J. MALCOLM
17 AUCHINCRUIVE AVENUE
PRESTWICK
KA9 2DT
Tel. 01292 477657
Email – ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net

PEANUTS GOLF TENERIFE - Merry Christmas to all

Bill McLellan sends a Merry Xmas to you and yours from all at Peanuts Golf Tenerife.

Bill keeps up to date with Ayrshire Golf News through ayrshiregolf.blogspot.com, throughout the season.

Good to hear that one of our county players, Ian Robertson was in tenerife two weeks ago and we managed a few rounds of golf with Bill.

We are sure that if anyone from our member clubs are in Tenerife then Bill and other members of the Peanuts Golf Society would be happy to hear from them.

Further information on the society can be found via the link on the left of this page.

Best wishes to Bill and the other Peanuts Golf Society members for a happy and succesful 2010.

EUROPEAN SENIORS TOUR - Torrance & Drummond open 2010 bid with top 12 places in Mauritius

Ayrshire born Sam Torrance and Prestwick resident Ross Drummond made a solid start to the 2010 European Seniors Tour this week in the innaugural Mauritius Commercial Bank Open, which heralded the start of the 2010 tour schedule.

In the tournament, won by Englishman Kevin Spurgeon, Torrance finished in third place on 212, four under par, after a closing five under par round of 67.

Drummond was consistent over the three championship rounds, returning 71-72-72 for a one under par total of 215 for a share of 11th spot.

LEADING FINAL SCORES

210 - K. Spurgeon (Eng) 71 67 72
211 - G Brand (Eng) 72 70 69
212 - S Torrance (Sco) 74 71 67, A Franco (Par) 70 72 70
213 - M Cunning (USA) 74 72 67, B Boyd (USA) 73 69 71, D Frost (RSA) 70 70 73, J Bland (RSA) 72 70 71
214 - R Chapman (Eng) 70 73 71, R Willison (Eng) 72 72 70
215 - J Bruner (USA) 75 69 71, R Drummond (Sco) 71 72 72, D Johnson (USA) 68 77 70
216 - D Merriman (Aus) 74 69 73, N Job (Eng) 71 69 76
217 - P Dahlberg (Swe) 71 70 76, G Ralph (Eng) 67 74 76, P Mitchell (Eng) 68 73 76, G Ryall (Eng) 75 74 68

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION EVENTS - Entry forms for three events distributed

Entry forms for three of the major Ayrshire Golf Association events in 2010 will be in the hands of all club Secretaries, by e-mail or post, early in the coming week.

The forms for the Ayrshire Champion Of Champions, Ayrshire Fourball and Ayrshire Summer Scratch League were sent out to clubs over the weekend.

All entries should be in the hands of the AGA Secretary
by 31st January 2010.

matches in all three competitions will take place throughout the summer of 2010 with the winners being decided in the closing weeks of the 2010 golf season.

Any clubs who do not receive a copy of the forms, either by post or e-mail, are asked to contact the AGA Secretary on ayrshiregolf@fsmail. net as soon as appropriate.

AYR DALMILLING - Succesful campaign brings golf development forum for South Ayrshire into focus

Report by Brian Milligan (Ayr Seafield GC)

the successful campaign run by Ayrshire Dalmilling Action Group (ADAG) resulted in South Ayrshire Council taking the rare step of reconsidering its earlier decision to close Dalmilling Golf Course earlier this year.

The ADAG members are Michael Balfour & Tony Crichton (Captain & Vice-Captain of Dalmilling GC), Jackie Ridge & Gillian Henderson (Captain & Vice-Captain of Dalmilling Ladies GC), Stewart Graham & Charles Hamilton (founder members of Dalmilling GC), Brian Dunlop (Dalmilling GC member and former European Tour Caddy), Joan Downs (Dalmilling Ladies GC).

In addition, four others were invited to join ADAG in light of relevant experience: Jack Boyd (retired solicitor & member of Turnberry & Royal Troon), Bruce Collier (retired Director of Trading Standards with Strathclyde Regional Council & South Ayrshire Council), Brian Milligan (retired Revenue Manager with Strathclyde Regional Council & East Ayrshire Council & Secretary of Ayr Seafield) and Billy Frew (Media & PR Consultant & Web Designer & Vice-Captain of Ayr Seafield Golf Club).

In addition to its 'U-Turn' on the Dalmilling closure, the Council has set up a 'Strategic Group - Development of Golf in South Ayrshire' and the first full meeting was on 12 October 2009. Non-Council participants are Tim Morrison (member of Turnberry, Prestwick & the R&A), Hamish Gray (SGU CE), Jack Boyd, Jackie Ridge and myself from ADAG. The group will be expanded to include others in due course.

Brian provided a copy of the full Council report of 7 October 2009 that was endorsed by elected members and ensured the continuation of Dalmilling Golf Course and its constituent members' clubs. The majority of the report's contents were matters submitted by ADAG and a lot of hard work and negotiations went on 'behind the scenes' in order to achieve our outcome.

The full content of the report can be viewed via the link on the left of this page under the "Golf Links" section.

Brian commented

"What we now have is a very positive and pro-active attitude within South Ayrshire Council regarding the future of municipal golf within its boundaries and an excellent working relationship with Harry Garland, the relevant departmental director, and his assistant Roddy MacDonald who authored the report. I should add that neither of these two officials were directly involved in golf administration within the Council when the original report recommending closure was adopted in February 2009".

PLAY FOR YOUR COUNTRY AND SUPPORT JUNIOR GOLF - New event supports Golf Foundation

(Article from The Golf Foundation publication Junior Golf Matters in conjunction with Consierge Golf Ltd)

The Golf Foundation is delighted to welcome Concierge Golf Limited as a Commercial Supporter for 2010.

Concierge Golf are launching The Four Nations Golf Challenge TM, a unique and exciting tournament offering the opportunity to UK golf club members of all standards, to play for their Nation in a Grand Final between teams representing England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

If you possess a CONGU ‘Active” handicap, you can enter to qualify with your golfing partner and in doing so help to support Junior Golf, as the more ‘Pairs’ that enter, the greater the contribution to The Golf Foundation.

Foundation Chief Executive, Mike Round, said:

“The Four Nations Golf Challenge is not only an attractive and stimulating amateur golf tournament but its creators, Concierge Golf, are helping to generate revenue for the Foundation. By supporting this unique event all clubs and members will help to raise much needed funds for ‘Grass Roots’ golf.”

Roger Brady, Director of Concierge Golf Limited, added:

“We are delighted to partner with The Golf Foundation and through our event, The Four Nations Golf Challenge, contribute funds to support their promotion of the sporting and social development of children and young people through golf.

While there are a number of national knock-out competitions for amateur golfers, there are none as far as we are aware, that result in a chance of an ‘International Team’ appearance for club golfers of all standards.

We also believe that club golfers like to participate in such events with their golfing partner and so The Four Nations Golf Challenge will invite competitors to qualify in “Pairs” through a better-ball format.”

For full details and Tournament Registration, go to

http://www.fournationsgolfchallenge.co.uk/

or phone the Tournament Office at 01276 35505.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION YEARBOOK - Potential advertisers sought for 2010 edition

After the successful launch of the official yearbook in 2004 The Ayrshire Golf Association has once again commissioned D & M Journals to produce our 7th edition in 2010.

The Association have been delighted with the quality of the previous six publications and the positive feedback from club members, players and advertisers.

Indeed it is understood that some advertisers have already been asking to be included in the 2010 edition and other companies, having seen the previous booklets, want to get involved for the first time.

As in previous years this publication will be distributed, free of charge, to members and players of the Association, to all 62 Clubs in Ayrshire and Arran, driving Ranges/Golf Academies, Universities and major Amateur golfing events in Scotland.

The Yearbook will contain information on all golf clubs in Ayrshire, results from the 2009 season, with photographs and editorial comment, and fixture information for 2010. The Association are looking to build on the information provided in the first six editions and give an even better overview of our activities.

This would be an excellent medium to promote local and national business and Mr. Des Buckley from D& M Journals will be contacting previous advertisers and potential new advertisers in the near future.

If any local golfers are interested in advertising their company or business in the publication, and supporting the efforts of The Association in producing the yearbook, then contact can be made directly with Des Buckley of D & M Journals who can provide details of advertising costs.

Des Buckley can be contacted on Tel : 0131 477 1026, Mobile 07970 869293 and email dmjournals@aol.com.

Alternatively, further information can be obtained from Area Secretary Alasdair Malcolm on Tel. 01292 477657, Mobile 07912 026341 or e-mail ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net .

NEW AYRSHIRE COURSE PLANNED AT GAILES IN IRVINE

(Article reproduced from the Irvine Herald)

A new £60 million golf complex centred round an 18 hole course at Gailes will bring 90 full-time jobs and £5m into the local economy, it emerged this week.

Up to 250 construction jobs will be created when work starts on the par 71 course and an adjoining hotel, spa, restaurant and conference facilities.

Work on the ambitious project is expected to start next year.

The Ayrshire Golf Company – the team who created the world’s most environmentally friendly course at the Machrihanish Dunes – and Irvine Bay Regeneration signed the deal last week.

The massive project to be known as The Ayrshire will be open to the public.

Brian Keating, a director of The Ayrshire and founder/developer of Machrihanish Dunes said:

“This will be the newest links course on the west coast of Scotland.

“We see the project as the bookend to Turnberry. One of the most exciting things for me is that it is in Ayrshire.

“A lot of people forget that while St Andrews is the spiritual soul of golf, Ayrshire is definitely the heart of golf. It’s where the Open started and its close to Prestwick Airport which brings in hundreds of thousands of European golfers every year".

At Machrihanish Dunes, developers worked closely with ecologists and Scottish Natural Heritage to ensure the course caused as little environmental disturbance as possible. The course was redesigned to avoid several rare plants and sensitive wildlife while the greens were all cut and laid by hand.

Mr Keating went on:

“The Ayrshire site isn’t as environmentally sensitive but it will still be a major consideration.”

Backers estimate the new course could be worth up to £5m a year to the local economy.

Irvine Bay chief Patrick Wiggins said The Ayrshire was one of their flagship projects creating jobs and improving the appeal of the area. He said:

“We are hoping work will start next year.”

ARGENTINA MENS AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart loses in extra time in second round

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) lost out in his last 32 clash in round 2 of the Argentina Mens Amateur Golf Championship in Buenos Aires.

After defeating Scottish Champion david Law in round one, Stewart was edged out at the 19th hole in his second round tie against Ryan McCarthy (Australia)

Ross Kellett (Colville park) is the sole Scottish representative in the last 16 after James Byrne (Banchory) also lost in round 2.

LADIES GREENLEES LEAGUES - winners honoured at Troon

The 2009 Greenlees lunch was held on Tuesday 27th October at the Troon Ladies clubhouse where the winner from the three leagues for the 2009 season were honoured.

Greenlees Secretary Fiona Roger thanked Troon Ladies captain Frances Henderson and Greenlees representative Rosemary Donaldson for hosting and co-ordinating the lunch, which was attended by representatives of the 28 clubs who contest the three divisions of the league.

appreciation was also extended to the club and catering staff and also to Carol Fell who worked tirelessly throughout the season to collate and publicise the activities of the Greenlees League.

The Greenlees Champions for 2009 were Milngavie Golf Club and Cathkin Braes were runners up, whilst Hilton park and Prestwick St. Nicholas were relegated to Division 2.

Final placings in Division 1 were :-

44.5 - Milngavie
44.0 - Cathkin Braes
41.5 - Troon Ladies
40.0 - Kilmarnock Barassie
38.0 - Ranfurly Castle
32.5 - Kilmacolm
30.5 - West Kilbride
26.5 - Hilton Park
26.5 - Prestwick St. Nicholas

In Division 2 the winners were Douglas park, who will be promoted to Division 1 alongside the runners up Cardross. Old Ranfurly were relegated from Division 2 along with recent former Greenlees Champions Cochrane Castle who struggled throughout the season to fulfill their fixtures.

Final placings in Division 2 were :-

40.0 - Douglas Park
36.5 - Cardross
35.5 - Whitecraigs
32.5 - Williamwood
30.0 - Bothwell Castle
27.5 - Erskine
25.5 - Eastwood
24.5 - Old Ranfurly
0.0 - Cochrane Castle

The Division 3 champions were Haggs Castle who are now promoted to Division 2 along with runners up Lanark. Ayrshire club Turnberry finished in bottom position in Division 3 and have intimated that they will not be competing in the championship in 2010, although all involved hope that Turnberry's absence will be a short one.

Final placings in Division 3 were : -

57.5 - Haggs Castle
49.5 - Lanark
47.0 - Largs
45.0 - East Renfrewshire
44.0 - Greenock
36.5 - Cawder
36.0 - Cowglen
34.0 - Lenzie
33.0 - Cathcart Castle
20.5 - Turnberry

US TOUR QUALIFYING - Robert McKnight struggling in stage 2 eliminator

Former Caprington & Kilmarnock (Barassie) member Robert McKnight, wh relocated to Weston, Florida in the USA a couple of years ago, looks certain to fail in his bid to secure a place in the final qualifying stage of the US tour qualifying school from this weeks Stage 2 eliminator at Deerwood Golf Club, Texas.

McKnight, who was a winner on the Hooters tour earlier in the year, was lying joint 43rd after round 1, following a one over par 73 but in round 2 McKnight slumped to an 8 over par 80 for a two round total of 153. This leaves Mcknight in 72nd place of the 75 competitors, a full 18 shots behind the leader

ARGENTINA MENS AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart ousts Scottish champion in round 1

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) who is in his second year of studies at East Tennessee State University, enjoyed a notable victory in the first round of the Argentina Mens Open Amateur Gof Championship at Buenos Aires Golf Club when he ousted Scottish Boys and Amateur Champion David Law (Hazelhead) by one hole in an all Scottish first round tie.

All four Scots in the field qualified for the matchplay stages of the event, led by Ross Kellett (Colville Park) in joint 3rd (138) with Stewart in 11th place on 143, James Byrne (Banchory) in 20th place (144) and Law in 54th place on 151.

Stewart's victory sees him into the last 32 where he will face Ryan McCarthy (Australia).

Kellett and Byrne also won their first round matches and now face Toni Hakula (Finland) and Sean Einhaus (Germany) respectively in round 2.

DOC THOM AYRSHIRE ORDER OF MERIT - Keith Hamilton takes 2009 title

Keith Hamilton of Ayr Belleisle is the 2009 winner of the Doc Thom Salver and the Ayrshire Order Of merit title.

Hamilton amassed 312.5 points throughout the counting competitions over the season, both locallly and at national level, leaving him 95 points clear of his nearest rival, Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle).

The Doc Thom Salver will be presented at the Ayrshire Golf Association Annual Dinner at Irvine Ravenspark in February 2010.

Final placings in the 2009 Ayrshire Order Of Merit were :-

312.5 - Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle)
217.5 - Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle)
203.3 - Stephen Spence (Irvine)
180.8 - Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck)
177.5 - Scott Brown (Turnberry)
150.0 - John Shanks (Irvine), George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark)
125.0 - John Sloan (Doon Valley)
112.5 - Tommy McInally (Loudoun)
107.5 - Michael Smyth (Royal Troon)
100.0 - Paul Denim (Loudoun), Roddie Blair (West Kilbride)
88.3 - Joe Gilligan (Troon Welbeck)
87.5 - Ricky Black (Irvine), David Tierney (Ayr Belleisle)
80.0 - Tom Green (Ballochmyle)
77.5 - John Haggerty (Loudoun)
62.5 - Gary Tierney (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
58.3 - Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck)
53.3 - Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck)
50.0 - Steven McEwan (Caprington), John Houston (Caprington),
Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie)
45.0 - Douglas Gillespie (Ardeer), James Russell (Ardeer), Tom Cumming (Ardeer),
Robin McCaig (Ardeer)
42.5 - Gary Swan (Ayr Belleisle)
35.0 - Graham Rowan (Ballochmyle), Fraser McCall (Troon Portland),
Brian Murray (Loudoun), Kevin Brock (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
27.5 - Chris harkins (Ayr Belleisle)
20.0 - Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland), John McCaig (Ayr Seafield)
15.0 - Billy Campbell (Loudoun), Scott Gilchrist (Loudoun), G. Wlson (Loudoun)
Billy Wilson (Ballochmyle), Andrew Campbell (Ballochmyle)
10.0 - Kevin Ottley (Ballochmyle), Billy Hunter (Troon Welbeck)
7.5 - Paul Robinson (Largs), Drew Robertson (Ardeer), Jim Shearer (West Kilbride)
5.0 - Paul Kennedy (Loudoun), Matt McNeillie (Ayr Seafield),
Francis McNeillie (Ayr Seafield), William Andrew (Ballochmyle)
3.3 - Craig McLaughlin (Largs), Gareth Lamb (Irvine).

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Berry named as Junior Golfer Of the Year at Annual Dinner

Alasdair Berry (Irvine Ravenspark) was named as the 2009 winner of the Macrobert Thistle Trophy and the title of Ayrshire Junior Golfer Of The Year at the 41st Annual Dinner & Presentation Of Trophies of The Ayrshire Junior Golf League, held at Irvine Ravenspark on Monday 9th November.





Above - David Reynolds with Alasdair Berry & above right - with runner up Jack McDonald

Berry, who has been a member of the Ravenspark junior club for a number of years and presently plays off a handicap of 7, won the category 1 nett trophy at the innaugural Disabled Open Golf Championship earlier this year.

Members of the Ravenspark club who were in attendance were visibly moved when the winner was announced by David Reynolds of Fields In Trust (Formerly The National Playing Fields Association).

Runner up in the Junior Golfer Of The Year award was Scottish Boys Strokeplay Champion Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie).

A capacity audience of junior golfers, convenors & invited guests were in attendance at the dinner, chaired by League Chairman Iain Mackay (West Kilbride), which brought the curtain down on the 2009 Ayrshire Junior Golf League season.




Left - Joseph Howie accepts the A.D. Nimmo Trophy for Ardeer

Right - Wallace Thornton Trophy winners Troon Welbeck





Left - Joseph Howie with the Carrick Trophy


Right - Prestwick Circuits Trophy winner David Wilson








Left - Ayrshire Boys Matchplay winner David Wilson

Right - Ayrshire Boys Champion Colin Robinson

Junior Order Of Merit winner Jack McDonald

After an excellent meal and a prize draw raffle, the presentation of prizes commenced with the Junior Golfer Of the Year announcement by David Reynolds.

Ayrshire Golf Association SGU representative, and AJGL Honorary Member, Iain Harvey presented the remaining prizes to the winning individuals and teams for the 2009 season before the evening was drawn to a conclusion with a vote of thanks by AJGL Vice Chairman John Nordbo (Largs).

Above Left - Wallace Thornton trophy runners up Irvine Ravenspark & Right - Wallace Thornton Trophy winners Troon Welbeck

Above Left - Joseph Howie representing Under 16 Knockout Trophy runners up Ardeer & Right - Under 16 Knockout Trophy winners Kilmarnock (Barassie)







Right - Champion Of Champions Trophy winner Scott Brown (Turnberry)



















Above - League Championship semi finalists
Irvine Ravenspark & Below Left - League Championship runners up Largs

Below right - League Champions West Kilbride

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE

PRINCIPAL PRIZEWINNERS 2009

Macrobert Thistle Junior Golfer Of The Year Trophy - ALASDAIR BERRY (Irvine Ravenspark)

Matt Lygate Trophy - TROON WELBECK

Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy - ARDEER

Prestwick Circuits Trophy - DAVID WILSON (Troon Welbeck)

Carrick Trophy - JOSEPH HOWIE (Ardeer)

Silver Jubilee Trophy - ANNANHILL

Ayrshire Boys Championship - COLIN ROBINSON (Largs)

Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion - DAVID WILSON (Troon Welbeck)

Ayrshire Junior Order Of merit - JACK McDONALD (Kilmarnock Barassie)

Wallace Thornton Trophy - TROON WELBECK

Under 16 Knockout Trophy - KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE)

Champion Of Champions Trophy - SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry)

Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship - WEST KILBRIDE