CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY - Four more through to round 2

Four more players have booked their places in the second round of he 2021 Ayrshire Champion of Champions Trophy competition, whilst preliminary round matches are also completed.

In the remaining preliminary round match, former winner Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) lost out, beaten 2 & 1 by former Scottish internationalist Steven McEwan (Caprington) over the Kilmarnock course.

Steven McEwan now visits Stephen Murray (Troon Portland) in the first round.

Alan Watson (Ballochmyle) beat his host Alan Gray (Tam O Shanter) by 2 & 1 to book a visite to Redburn or Kilmarnock Barassie in round 2.

Also through to round 2 is John Shanks (Irvine) who beat David Pratt (Annanhill) by 6&4 over the Kilmarnock course to earn a visit to Glacier or Turnberry at the next stage. 

Scott McIlwraith (Prestwick St Cuthbert) eased into the second round with a 7&5 home win over Steve Arrandale (The Chase) to set up a home tie against the Kilbirnie Place or Troon St Meddans representatives in round 2.

James Brown (New Cumnock) received a walkover from Scott Davidson (Largs) and will now visit Caprington or Routenburn in round 2.

The remaining First round matches are due to be completed by the 13th of June.

The updated draw is:-

BELLEISLE CUP - Entries close on Friday 28th

Entries for the 2021 Belleisle Cup, which takes place on Sunday the 6th of June, close this Friday, 28th of May.

The 36 hole event, a counter for the Doc Thom Ayrshire Order of Merit, has a first prize of £300 and prizes down to eight place, in a total prize fund of over £1,000.

This year there are also £50 prizes for the best nett and scratch scores returned in each of the two rounds.

A link to the entry form is available on the left of this page, under the 'Entry Forms' heading.

IRVINE RAVENSPARK SENORS OPEN - Entries open for September event.

Entries are now being taken for the Irvine Ravenspark Seniors Open which takes place over the Ravenspark course on Thursday the 16th of September.

The Stableford competition is open to players who are 50 years of age or older and have a handicap of 28 or less.

The entry fee is £12.00 and entries should be submitted to the Senors Open Convenor of the club, george Millard, at the club address.

The entry form for the competition can be downloaded via the appropriate link on the left of this page, under the 'Entry Forms' heading.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Closing date reminder to clubs

Clubs are reminded that the closing date for entries to the 2021 Ayrshire Junior Team Championship is Sunday 30th of May.

This years championship is scheduled to take place over the Troon Darley course on Sunday 13th of June.

SCOTTISH OPEN STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Six Ayrshire players tee up title challenge at Southerness

Six Ayrshire players are bidding for the Scottish Open Strokeplay Championship title when the 2021 event takes place at Southerness GC from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th May.

Prestwick St Nicholas pair Sandy Buchanan and Alyx Murray are joined in the field by Scottish Internationalists Stuart Easton from Irvine and Ruben Lindsay from Ayr Belleisle, along with Robbie Muir of Kilmarnock Barassie and Turnberry's Jack Broun.

The last Ayrshire player to take the title was Alan Reid of Kilmarnock Barassie who won at St Andrews in 1993.

DOC THOM AYRSHIRE ORDER OF MERIT - Forbes and Morton lead after two events

Daniel Forbes (Irvine) and Blair Morton (Royal Troon) are the early leaders in the 2021 Ayrshire Order of Merit, for the Doc Thom Salver, after completion of the first two counting events.

Their respective wins in the West of Scotland Strokeplay Championship and the Hillhouse Cup see them tied at the top of the table on 100 points.

Present positions are:-

 

The next counting events are The Stevenson Trophy at Girvan on the 22nd of May, the Scottish Men's Open Strokeplay at Southerness on the 28th,29th and 30th of May, The Prestwick St Cuthbert Open on the 29th of May and the West Kilbride Open on the 30th of May.

THE HILLHOUSE CUP - Home win for Blair Morton at Royal Troon

Blair Morton (Royal Troon) won the Hillhouse Cup over his home course at Royal Troon when the 2021 competition took place on Sunday the 16th of May.

A capacity field of the top players from throughout Ayrshire enjoyed fine conditions over the championship course and a level par score of 71 was enough to give Morton a single stroke victory over Robbie Muir (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Sandy Buchanan (Prestwick St Nicholas).

The leading scores were:-

71 - Blair Morton (Royal Troon)

72 - Robbie Muir (Kilmarnock Barassie), Sandy Buchanan (Prestwick St Nicholas)

73 - Alan McLean (Largs), Lee Jenkins (Elderslie)

74 - Michael Smyth (Royal Troon), James Fleming (East Kilbride)

75 - Daniel Forbes (Irvine), Keith Hamilton (Royal Troon), Jay Houston (Prestwick St Nicholas)

76 - Adrian Orton (Kilmarnock Barassie), John McCracken (Kilmarnock Barassie), John Robertson (Largs)

77 - Scott Gilchrist (Loudoun), James McCullagh (Kilmarnock Barassie), Mark McMillan (Western Gailes), John Rushbury (Royal Troon), Scott Hannah (Prestwick St Cuthbert), Ben Gibson (Troon St Meddans), Steven Gillies (Prestwick St Cuthbert)

AYRSHIRE SCRATCH LEAGUES - Kilmarnock Barassie open with a win in Division 1

Kilmarnock Barassie got their Ayrshire Scratch league Division 1 title hopes off to the best possible start on  Friday the 14th of May, with victory in their opening fixture of the campaign.

Hosting Prestwick St Cuthbert in the first match of Division 1 this year, the Kilmarnock Barassie team ran out winners by 4 - 2.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - two more players through to round 2

Two more players have booked their place in round 2 of the 2021 Ayrshire Champion of Champions Trophy competition this weekend.

Scott Ainsworth (Ardeer) received a walkover from John Doolan (Ayr Carrick) and now hosts either Sean Hainey (Prestwick Centre) or Kevin O'Neill (Alton) in round 2.

Paul Denim (Loudoun) went to the third extra hole on his visit to play Gavin Chesney (Kilbirnie) before winning through to round 2, where he will be at home to either Stuart Robin (Rowallan Castle) or Craig Menzies (Muirkirk) 

WEST OF SCOTLAND STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Daniel Forbes wins at Gleddoch

Daniel Forbes (Irvine) won the West of Scotland Strokeplay Championship att Gleddoch on Sunday the 9th of May, when the 2021 championship was hosted by the Renfrewshire Golf Union.

A capacity field f 130 players from the West of Scotland took part in the championship this year and Forbes' one under par scratch score of 71 was good enough to take the title by a single shot from former Scottish Amateur Champion Callum Macaulay (Tulliallan).

The leading scores were :-

71 - Daniel Forbes (Irvine)

72 - Callum Macaulay (Tulliallan)

73 - Steven Stewart (Clydebank & District)

74 - Graham Barr (Gleddoch), Phil Gordon (Paisley), Kenny MacKenzie (Gleddoch), Alan Murphy (Ralston), Steven Hotson (Erskine)

Other Ayrshire scores :-

77 - Greg Cathie (Irvine)

78 - Robbie Muir (Kilmarnock Barassie)

82 - James McCullagh (Kilmarnock Barassie)

83 - Ross Caddis (Kilmarnock Barassie)

84 - Greg Vernon (Kilmarnock Barassie)

N/R - Darren Mallinson (Irvine), George Robertson (Irvine)

AYRSHIRE SCRATCH LEAGUES - First matches in 2021 competitions completed

The first few matches in the 2021 Ayrshire Scratch leagues have been completed in recent days, with results posted in Divisions 2 and 3a so far.

In DIVISION 2, Troon St Meddans lead the way after an opening 3.5 - 2.5 win over their visitors from Troon Portland whilst in the other match completed so far, Caprington shared the spoils with their visitors from Largs in a 3 - 3 draw.

In DIVISION 3a, West Kilbride opened with a 4 - 2 home win over Redburn.

The remaining matches in all leagues will be played over the summer months, to decide the winners of each league, as well as relegation and play off places.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - opening ties played in 2021 competition

A few early first round results have been posted this week in the 2021 Ayrshire Fourball Championship.

Jim Brennan and Archie McLaughlan (Irvine - 1) had a 2 & 1 home win over Scott Gilchrist and Archie Gilchrist (Loudoun) and host the winners of the tie between Prestwick St Cuthbert and Ayr Carrick - 1 in round two.

Also through to round two are Steven Kirk & Colin Steele (Glacier - 2) who won on their visit to play Robert Connor & John Cunningham (Abbotsford) in round one, and will have a home tie against Portmann or Troon Merchants in the second round.

The other first round result reported to date saw Scott Turner & William Bark (Auchenharvie 88) return a 2&1 win on their visit to play Andrew McFarlane & Evan Armstrong (Ayr Belleisle) at Ayr, with the Auchenharvie pairing now due to host either The Chase or Annanhill in round two. 

All remaining first round matches are due to be completed by the 30th of May at the latest.

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY - 2021 competition under way

The 2021 Ayrshire Champion of Champions Trophy competition is under way, with a few results posted recently.

In one of the two preliminary ties, Stephen Murray (Troon Portland) defeated Campbell McCluskie (Crosshouse) and in Round 1 will host the winner of the other preliminary tie, due to be completed by the 30th of May, between Steven McEwan (Caprington and Michael Smyth (Royal Troon).

In the first round of the competition the Holder Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) beat William McGill (Irvine Ravenspark) by 2 & 1 over the Ravenspark course, to progress to round 2.

Also through to round 2 are Andrew Thomson (Routenburn) and Mark Watt (Prestwick St Cuthbert), who received walkovers from Simon Berrie (Prestwick St Nicholas) and Andrew Irvine (Troon Welbeck) respectively.

All remaining first round ties are due to be completed by the 13th of June at the very latest. 

Scottish Golf have issued a guidance update following the First Minister's statement on the further easing of COVID-19 restrictions yesterday.

There are no changes to on course activities, though the relaxation of restrictions will impact on clubs offering catering and hospitality.

The full statement is:-

Following yesterday's announcement by the First Minister, Scottish Golf can confirm the following movement in Protection Levels from Monday 17 May. 

• Level 3: Moray is very likely to remain at Level 3. This decision will confirmed at the end of the week and we will inform all clubs as soon as possible.
   
• Level 2: Mainland Scotland and islands not moving to Level 1 will move to Level 2. 
   
• Level 1: Orkney, Shetland, Na h-Eileanan Siar, all islands in Highland (except Skye) and the following islands within Argyll and Bute will move to Level 1 - Coll, Colonsay, Erraid, Gometra, Iona, Islay, Jura, Mull, Oronsay, Tiree and Ulva

We have received final approval from our partners at sportscotland and the Scottish Government on our updated guidance which is available on the Scottish \Golf web page at www.scottishgolf.org 
 
While there are no further changes to on-course activities, our updated guidance means that from Monday 17th May, the following changes will take place for clubs who can offer hospitality services.
 
In Level 2 areas:

• All indoor hospitality may operate until 22.30.
• Groups may consist of up to 6 people from 3 households.
• Alcohol may be served (2-hour dwell time).
• All outdoor hospitality may continue where groups of Over 18s may consist of up to 8 people from 8 households.

 
In Level 1 areas: 

• All indoor hospitality may operate until 23.00.
• Groups may consist of up to 8 people from 3 households.
• Alcohol may be served.
• All outdoor hospitality may continue and groups of Over 18s may consist of up to 12 people from 12 households.

Please note that detail for all future levels remains indicative at this stage and could be subject to further relaxation or change. 

 
Once again, we would like to thank all of our clubs and gofers across Scotland for your continued co-operation and adherence to the current guidance during these challenging times.  

MYGOLFRANKINGS.NET - Week 2021/17 results in Ayrshire

The latest My Golf Rankings update for week 2021/17 in Ayrshire has been published with Luisa Gibson (Irvine) and Christopher Dougan (Prestwick St Cuthbert) leading the woman's and men's tables respectively.

In the club rankings, Loudoun lead the way in both the woman's and men's tables, from Kilmarnock (Barassie) and Prestwick St Cuthbert respectively

The latest standings are reproduced below.

SKELMORLIE GENTS OPEN - entries invited for June event

Entries are invited for the 2021 Skelmorlie Golf Club Gents Open which takes place on Sunday the 13th of June  over Ayrshire's most Northerly course.

There are scratch and handicap prizes available and the entry fee is £10, with a £2 optional two's sweep.

Entry can be made via the Scottish Golf app or on the Skelmorlie club website via the following link

http://www.skelmorliegolf.co.uk/open-competitons/

2021 AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION YEARBOOK - 18th annual publication will soon be available at Ayrshire clubs

The 2021 Ayrshire Golf Association yearbook has been published and will soon be available and distributed to member clubs throughout Ayrshire.

Despite the cancellation of all events in 2020, the AGA Executive felt that it was important to continue with the publication for the 18th successive year, as we all look forward to a full playing programme in 2021.

The yearbook, featuring the 12th hole at Loudoun Gowf Club on the front cover, contains information on The Association, historical records and fixtures for the forthcoming season among the content. Although the yearbook is a smaller version than in previous years it is hoped that golfers throughout Ayrshire and beyond will find it an interesting and useful read.

The Association very much appreciate the efforts of Ayrshire Media Services in Troon in producing a quality publication again this year, and extend sincere thanks to all the advertisers who have supported the publication, which has allowed it's production and free distribution throughout clubhouses once more.

An on line version of the yearbook is available to download via the appropriate link on the left of this page by clicking on the cover picture, whilst hard copies will be distributed shortly

AYRSHIRE SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP - Entries for 2021 competition at Rowallan Castle now invited

The 2021 Ayrshire Seniors Championship will take place at Rowallan Castle Golf Club on Tuesday the 13th of July, and entries are now invited for the competition.

The event is open to members of Ayrshire Golf Association member clubs who 50 years of age or over on the date of the competition, and have a handicap index f 36 or less.

Entries will be accepted and allocated times on a first come first served basis, up to the maximum entry for the event. Entries close on Saturday the 3rd of July at the latest, subject to availability of times.

The player returning the best net score of the day will hold the Sandy Provan Trophy for a year. There are also scratch prizes, handicap prizes in three age group categories, and nearest the hole prizes to be won.

Entry forms are available through member clubs and can also be downloaded via the appropriate link on the left of this page under the 'Entry Forms' heading. 

AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms now available for Ballochmyle

Entry forms are now available for the 2021 Ayrshire Boys Championship, which will be held at Ballochmyle Golf Club on Thursday the 5th of August.

The 36 hole competition, a World Amateur Golf Ranking event, is open to junior members of clubs affiliated to The Ayrshire Golf Association, with a handicap index of 36.0 or less.

Entries close on Saturday the 17th of July and a ballot on handicap will take place after the closing date if the event is over subscribed.

Entry forms are available through Ayrshire Golf Association member clubs, and can also be downloaded via the link on the left of this page, under the 'Juniors' Heading.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms for Troon Darley event sent to member clubs

Entry forms for the 2021 Ayrshire Junior Team Championship, to be held at Troon Darley on Sunday 13th of June, have been sent to member clubs.

The championship is the traditional opening event of the Ayrshire season of strokeplay competitions in April but due to COVID-19 restrictions, and with the co operation of Golf South Ayrshire, the event was rescheduled to the later date this year.

Entries for the competition close at the end of May.

The event is a four player team competition with three from the four scores counting towards the team total. Both scratch and handicap trophies are competed for on a team and individual basis during the event.

If any club junior convener requires a further copy of the entry form they should contact the Area Secretary by email at ayrshire.golf@btinternet.com

WEST OF SCOTLAND BOYS STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms now available for June event in Ayrshire

Ayrshire will host the 2021 West of Scotland Boys Strokeplay Championship at Rowallan Castle GC on Monday the 28th of June, and entry forms for the event are now available.

The 18 hole strokeplay event is open to junior golfers from Ayrshire, Dumbartonshire, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, Strilingshire and Argyll & Bute.

Entries close on Saturday the 12th of June.

Entry forms should be available through Area Associations, and clubs throughout the West of Scotland.

The entry form can also be downloaded via the appropriate link on the left of this page, under the 'Juniors' heading.

AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms now available for rearranged event at Loudoun in June

Entry forms are now available for the rearranged Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship which takes place at Loudoun Gowf Club on Sunday the 27th of June.

The 36 hole World Amateur Golf rankings event was originally scheduled for April but due to COVID-19 restrictions, and with the very much appreciated co operation of the host club, a new date was identified to allow the event to take place later this year.

Entry is open to members of Ayrshire Golf Association member clubs with a handicap index of  3.4 or less, with a ballot on handicaps taking place after the closing date if necessary.

Entries for the event close on Saturday the 5th of June.

Entry forms should be available through member clubs and can also be downloaded via the link on the left of this page, under the 'Entry Forms' heading.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Draws made for the 2021 competitions

The draws have been made for the 2021 Ayrshire Junior Golf League competitions, as hopes are high that the 2021 events can be completed successfully, after the cancellation of all competitions last year.

In the AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP the seven competing teams have been drawn into two sections, with the section winners due to meet in te final of the competition in September at Irvine GC.

Group A comprises Kilmarnock (Barassie), Irvine and West Kilbride whilst Group B involves Troon Welbeck, Ayr Belleisle, Prestwick St Nicholas and a combined East Ayrshire team with players from Loudoun, Caprington and Ballochmyle.

In the CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY competition, there are four first round ties which are due to be completed by the 30th of June:-

David Blyth (Ballochmyle) Vs Harvey Broadfoot (Troon Welbeck)

Dylan Cairns (Prestwick St Nicholas) Vs Rhys McIlroy (Turnberry)

Kerr Brooks (Loudoun) Vs Connor Wills (Prestwick St Nicholas)

Ryan Kennedy (Irvine) Vs Scott Newman (West Kilbride)

The draw for the subsequent quarter finals is:-

David Blyth or Harvey Broadfoot Vs Ruben Lindsay (Ayr Belleisle) 

Dylan Cairns or Rhys McIlroy Vs Cameron Shanks (Caprington)

Kerr Brooks or Connor Wills Vs Ross McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie)

Ryan Kennedy or Scott Newman Vs Jack Allan (Ballochmyle)

In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT COMPETITION there is one preliminary tie between Caprington and Turnberry before the quarter final matches commence, with all ties due to be played by 31st of May 2021.

The quarter final draw is:-

Caprington or Turnberry Vs West Kilbride

Troon Welbeck Vs Prestwick St Cuthbert

Ayr Belleisle Vs Irvine

East Ayrshire Vs Prestwick St Nicholas

In the WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY, Irvine have received a bye into the semi finals, with the other quarter final ties due to be played by the 30th of June. The full quarter final draw is:-

Irvine received a bye

Prestwick St Nicholas Vs Kilmarnock Barassie

Ayr Belleisle Vs Troon Welbeck

West Kilbride V

HELEN HOLM SCOTTISH WOMAN'S OPEN STROKEPLAY - 2021 championship at Royal Troon rescheduled

The 2021 Helen Holm Scottish Woman's Open Strokeplay Championship at Royal Troon, which was cancelled in April has now been rescheduled by Scottish Golf.

2019 Helen Holm winner Pia Babnik
(Picture - Euan Duff)

The championship will now take place from the 29th of  June to the 1st of July this year at Royal Troon.

The following statement is reproduced from the Royal Troon website:-

2021 Helen Holm rescheduled at Royal Troon

Following the cancellation of the April event due to COVID-19 restrictions, Scottish Golf today announced the 2021 Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open Championship will now take place from 29 June to 1 July at Royal Troon.

With a busy club calendar and wider international fixtures requiring consideration, Scottish Golf expressed gratitude to Royal Troon for making the Portland Course available on this revised date.

The 2021 event marks the 48th staging of the event, which has seen some of the biggest names in women’s golf crowned champion, including Solheim & Curtis Cup players Catriona Matthew and Mel Reid. The event will follow its traditional format of three stroke play rounds, each played over Royal Troon’s Portland Course.

Fraser Munro, Head of Events at Scottish Golf, said, “We are delighted it has been possible to reschedule and I would like to thank the Captain and the Committee at Royal Troon for making this possible. We know clubs across the country are facing severe pressure on tee-sheets following the recent rise in golf club membership and members playing more often, so being able to make this happen is testament to Royal Troon’s ongoing commitment to support both the Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open and women’s golf. 2021 is also a crucial year for female amateurs with the Curtis Cup set to take place in August, so being able to reschedule provides players with an additional playing and selection opportunity this summer.”

Entries are open now for the re-scheduled 2021 Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open and can be made through the Scottish Golf App and Website. Entries close on the 31st of May.

BELLEISLE CUP - 2021 entry forms now available

Entry forms for the 2021 Belleisle Cup, a Doc Thom Ayrshire Order of Merit event, are now available.

The 36 hole competition, sponsored once again by Corum estate agents, will take place over the Ayr Belleisle course on Sunday the 6th of June.

The entry fee this year remains at £15, first prize remains at £300 and in addition to the existing prizes which go down to eighth, organisers have introduced, for the first time, prizes of £50 for both the best scratch and net score in the morning and afternoon rounds.

Entry forms can be downloaded via the link on the left of this page, under the 'Entry Forms' heading