AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Wilson edges closer to retaining title

The semi finals of the 2010 Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship took place at Prestwick Golf Club on Friday evening with the title holder David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) - pictured left - edging one step closer to retaining his title when he defeated the new Ayrshire Boys Champion, and Order Of Merit leader, Charlie Macneal (Troon Welbeck) in an exciting clash.

Charlie Macneal, who has had a number of first place finishes in recent weeks, was three ahead after ten holes, and retained the lead through 14 when the match turned into Prestwick's famous finishing loop, which has been the scene of many a story of triumph and tragedy in matchplay ties over the years. Over the closing holes, David Wilson turned the tie on its head and won the final hole to square the match and send the match into extra holes.

The opening hole at Prestwick has been the scene of as many matchplay disasters as has the closing loop, and this match proved no different. Playing into a stiff breeze, david Wiolson struck a crisp four iron straight down the fairway at the first but Charlie Macneal looked on in dispair as his effort drifted over the railway wall and out of bounds.

This quickly brought a concession of the hole and the match to Wilson by Macneal.

In the other semi final, Graeme Ritchie (Troon Welbeck) faced Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie).

Like Charlie Macneal, Euan Walker - pictured right - found himself three ahead after 10 holes and also maintained his three hole advantage through 14. Graeme Ritchie, like david Wilson in the other match, staged something of a fightback over the closing holes but Euan Walker rallied and won through to the final with a 2 & 1 victory.

The final between David Wilson and Euan Walker is at 4.00pm on Saturday evening at Prestwick and supporters are very welcome to attend.

HOME INTERNATIONALS - Stewart completes unbeaten series as Scotland beat Ireland

In the final day of the 2010 Home Internationals, Scotland beat Ireland 10 - 5 to finish runners up overall to the champions, England, who defeated hosts Wales by 11 - 4 on the final day.

With three wins and a halved match over the first two days, Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) completed an unbeaten series when he again teamed up with Ross Kellett in the foursomes to beat the Irish pairing of Connor Doran & Paul Cutler by one hole, before going on to record a one hole victory in his afternoon singles match against Dara Lernihan

FINAL PLACINGS

1. England
2. Scotland
3. Wales
4. Ireland

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Quarter finals played at breezy Prestwick

The quarter finals of the 2010 Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship were completed on Thursday evening at a breezy Prestwick Golf Club with three Troon Welbeck players and one Kilmarnock (Barassie) member winning through to the semi finals.

The first quarter final was between the new Ayrshire Boys Champion Charlie Macneal (Troon Welbeck) - pictured left -and Ciar Porciani (Ayr Belleisle). Macneal, who has hit a rich vein of form over the last two weeks, was always in control of the match as he secured a semi final place with a 5 & 4 victory.

Defending champion David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right - faced clubmate Ben Gibson in the second quarter final and the match remained close throughout. Wilson held a one hole advantage going to the 15th but bunker trouble allowed Gibson to square the match, only for Wilson to win the 16th to restore his lead, which he maintained to the final green for a one hole win.

The third quarter final paired Greg Telfer (Prestwick St Cuthbert) and Graeme Ritchie (Troon Welbeck) - pictured left -  and again the match remained close throughout, with Telfer holding a one hole advantage playing the 17th. Trouble in the rough from the tee saw Telfer surrender his advantage and a halved hole at the 18th saw the match progress to extra holes.

With a strong left to right wind against, Ritchie safely found the fairway from the tee but Telfer saw his effort drift over the railway wall and out of bounds. Telfer battled on but ultimately conceded Ritchie a par four and the match at the first extra hole.

The final match on the course involved Sean Thorburn (Ayr Belleisle) and Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured right. Three ahead at the turn, Walker increased his lead to five holes after the short 11th and despite losing the 12th to par, closed out his opponent by taking the 13th and 14th for a 6&4 victory.

The semi finals, which are scheduled for Friday evening are :-

1600 - CHARLIE MACNEAL (Troon Welbeck) Vs. DAVID WILSON (Troon Welbeck)

1615 - GRAEME RITCHIE (Troon Welbeck) Vs. EUAN WALKER (Kilmarnock Barassie)

HOME INTERNATIONALS - Second defeat for Scotland

Scotland suffered their second successive 8 - 7 defeat on day 2 of the Home Internationals at Ashburnham GC, Wales, on Thursday.

Facing England on the second day of competition, Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) retained his unbeaten record in the series.

Again partnering Ross Kellett in the morning foursomes, Stewart had a half match with Tommy Fleetwood & Laurie canter as the Scotland team went in 3.5 - 1.5 down at lunch. Stewart beat Tom Lewis 3&1 in the afternoon singles which Scotland fouught back to take 5.5 - 4.5. This was not however enought to prevent a 8 - 7 defeat overall.

In Thursday's other match, Ireland defeated Wales by 8.5 - 6.5.

On the final day of play on Friday, Scotland face Ireland and England take on Wales.

GREENLEES TROPHY - Latest from local clubs

Local clubs are still fairing well in Divisions 1 & 2 of the West Of Scotland Inter Club Leagues for the Greenlees Trophy, despite some poor results recently.

In Division 1, Troon had a 7 - 2 home win over Ranfurly Ccastle but the other two Ayrshire clubs in the division did not fare so well in their recent matches away from home, West Kilbride losing 8 - 1 at cathkin Braes and Kilmarnock (Barassie) losing 7.7 - 1.5 at Milngavie.

The three local clubs are still comfortably mid table in the division. Presnt positions are :-

DIVISION 1
Milngavie 36.5
Kilmacolm 29
Cathkin Braes 28
Kilmarnock Barassie 26.5
West Kilbride 24
Troon 24
Ranfurly Castle 15
Douglas Park 12
Cardross 12

In Division 2, the only Ayrshire club involved, Prestwick St. Nicholas, had a good 5.5 - 3.5 win away from home on their latest outing at Bothwell Castle. Although sitting third from the foot of the table in the division, the St. Nicholas ladies have still four of their scheduled eight fixtures to complete, as have one other club, with all others having played more.

The present positions in the division are :-

DIVISION 2
Whitecraigs 38.5
Hilton Park 33
Eastwood 30.5
Haggs Castle 27
Williamwood 22
Erskine 19.5
Prestwick St. Nicholas 24
Lanark 17
Bothwell Castle 13.5

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Quarter final latest

Ayr Belleisle have booked their place in the semi final of the 2010 Ayrshire Summer League after a quarter final win over Kilbirnie Place in the play off between the winners of Leagues 3 & 4.

Belleisle took the home leg of their match by 5 - 1 and followed with a 3 - 3 draw at Kilbirnie for a 8 - 4 overall win.

In the other quarter final, between the winners of Leagues 5 & 6, Kilmarnock (Barassie) hold a 5 - 1 advantage over Largs, with the return leg due to be played next week. The winners of this match will play off with Ayr Belleisle for a place in the final.

In the semi final match, between the winners of leagues 1 & 2, Irvine hold a slim 3.5 - 2.5 advantage over defending champions Loudoun after the first leg at irvine, with the return at Loudoun still to be played.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Semi final line up completed

The four teams going forward to contest the semi finals of the 2010 Ayrshire Fourball Championship have been decided.

John Brodie & Alan Smeeton (Chase) booked their semi final place after a tough match away to David Gilmour & Robert Cruickshanks (Moorpark). The duo from The Chase found themselves three down after seven holes but fought back to clinch the narrowest of victories on the final green.

In the semi finals, the Chase duo are at home to fourball specialists Scott McCahill & David Wallace (Maybole), who are bidding for their third final appearance in four years in the competition.

The other semi final will feature Johnny O'Neill & Gary Ross (North Beach) who are at home to Alastair Brown & Roger Thyne (Kilmarnock Barassie).

The two semi final ties are due to be completed by 5th September.

BOYS AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Local hopefuls fail to make matchplay rounds

The two local hopefuls taking part in the Boys Amateur Championship, being played at Kilmarnock (Barassie) and Dundonald this week, both failed in their bid for a place in the matchplay stages as the strokeplay rounds concluded on Wednesday.

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) opened with a 75 (+2) at Barassie on Tuesday but crashed to an 83 (+11) over Dundonald on Wednesday to finish in joint 171st place.

Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) finished in equal 181st place after an opening round of 79 (+6) at Barassie was followed with a round of 84 (+12) at Dundonald.

The top 64 players and ties, which ammounts to a total of 74 players, will progress to the matchplay rounds which begin at Kilmarnock (Barassie) on Thursday.

HOME INTERNATIONALS - Two wins, but Stewart can't stop Scotland defeat

New Scottish Champion Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) recorded two wins from his two ties on Wednesday in the opening day match against Wales at the 2010 Home Internationals, being held this week at Ashburnham Golf Club, but this did not prevent his side going down by 8 - 7 in the match.

Stewart teamed up with Ross Kellett in the morning foursomes to record a 3 & 1 win over Rhys Enoch and Nigel Edwards as Scotland took a 3 - 2 lead into the singles in the afternoon.

Despite Stewart winning his singles match by 2 & 1 against Alastair Jones, Scotland slumped to a 6 - 4 defeat in the singles for an overall match score of Wales 8 Scotland 7.

In the other match played on Wednesday, Encland crushed ireland by 11 - 4.

Scotland take on England on Thursday whilst Wales and ireland meet in it the other match.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - McInally & McCahill contest final

Reigning champion Tommy McInally (Loudoun) - pictured left - continued his defence of the title on Friday with a semi final win in the Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy competition at Royal Troon.

Four times winner of the title, and the only player to win the trophy three years in succession when he triumphed in 2003, 2004 and 2005, McInally faced a tough semi final against Scottish Internationalist Steven McEwan (Caprington) but won through to the final with a 3 & 2 victory.

In the other semi final Scott McCahill (Maybole) - pictured right - faced Lee Highes (Beith). Already a semi finalist in this years Ayrshire Fourball Championship, McCahill secured his first appearance in the Champion Of Champions final with a two hole victory over Hughes.

The final of the Champion Of Champions competition will be played at Royal Troon on Friday 13th August with a 5.00 p.m. tee off. Spectators are welcome to attend and support the finalists in their bid for the title.

BOYS AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire hopes with McDonald and Smith at Barassie Links

Two of Ayrshire's best young golfers will be in the field of 252 when the 2010 Boys Amateur Championship begins at Kilmarnock (Barassie) & Dundonald Links on Tuesday 10th August.

Scottish Boys Internationalist Jack McDonald, of the host club, begins his challenge at 0744 on Tuesday at Kilmarnock (Barassie) with Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right - setting off an hour later, again at the Barassie Links, at 0844.

(The following report on the championship is reproduced courtest of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews)

252 of the world’s best players, aged 18 or under, are arriving on the west coast of Scotland ahead of the 2010 Boys Amateur Championship, which begins next Tuesday 10 August at Kilmarnock (Barassie) and Dundonald Links. 20 nations, including Israel, Hungary, Nigeria, Korea and New Zealand, will be represented at the six-day event.

In the field is Italian Domenico Geminiani, who, in May, became the youngest player ever to compete in a European Tour event, at the BMW Italian Open. The Florida-based 14-year-old plays off a handicap of +3.6.

2010 Scottish Boys Champion Grant Forrest leads a strong home contingent of 47 players, including Barassie member Jack McDonald, who are attempting to become the first Scot to win the title on home soil since Steven O’Hara won at Ladybank in 1998.

“Barassie is a course where it’s important to have local knowledge,” explained McDonald (pictured right). “I’ve played at Barassie loads of times and I’ve played Dundonald a lot, too, so that will be an advantage at the Boys Amateur. I’m feeling pretty confident going into it.”

In a change to the event, the Boys Amateur will now mirror the format of the Amateur Championship. 36 holes of stroke play qualifying will be played over two days, 18 holes at both Kilmarnock and Dundonald, before four days of match play take place solely at Barassie.

Kilmarnock (Barassie) started its association with R&A championships in 1948, when it welcomed the Boys Amateur for the first time. Since then, it has staged five Boys Home Internationals, two Jacques Leglise Trophy matches, stroke play qualifying for the 2001 Amateur Championship, and a further four Boys Amateurs, two of which were won by Howard Clark and Ronan Rafferty in 1971 and 1979, respectively. It has also acted as a final qualifying venue when The Open has been staged at Royal Troon or Turnberry.

Despite only having opened for play in 2003, Dundonald has already hosted the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy event, as well as qualifying for The Senior Open Championship and a stage of European Tour Qualifying School. The Boys Amateur, past winners of which include Sir Michael Bonallack, Jose Maria Olazabal, Sergio Garcia and Rhys Davies, is the first R&A Championship to be hosted by Dundonald.

The 2010 Boys Amateur Championship begins on Tuesday 10 August, with the 36-hole final taking place the following Sunday. The winner will receive an exemption into the 2011 Amateur Championship, which will be held at Hillside and Hesketh.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Macneal takes over from McDonald at top

His win in the 2010 Ayrshire Boys Championship on Thursday has propelled Charlie Macneal (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right - to the top of the Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit table, ahead of long time leader and title holder Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie)

Four of the top five places are filled by Troon Welbeck golfers with Marc Smith and David Wilson close together in third and fourth places along with Ben Gibson in fifth place.

The remaining counting events where points are available or have still to be recorded are :-

29.07.10 - Caprington Boys Open
08.08.10 - Kilbirnie Boys Open
09.08.10 - Ballochmyle Boys Open
10-15.08.10 - British Boys Championship
11.08.10 - North Ayrshire Boys Championship (Irvine Ravenspark)
12.08.10 - Ayr Belleisle Boys Open
12-14.08.10 - Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship
16.08.10 - Loudoun Boys Open

PRESENT POSITIONS ARE :-

477.50 - CHARLIE MACNEAL (Troon Welbeck)
350.00 - JACK McDONALD (Kil Barassie)
260.00 - MARC SMITH (Troon Welbeck)
248.30 - DAVID WILSON (Troon Welbeck)
202.50 - BEN GIBSON (Troon Welbeck)
200.00 - EUAN WALKER (Kil Barassie)
185.80 - GARY MORRISON (Annanhill)
149.80 - GRAEME RITCHIE (Troon Welbeck)
100.00 - ROBBIE FITZPATRICK (Ardeer)
  75.00 - STEPHEN HILL (Pr St Cuthbert)
  62.50 - STEVEN NORWOOD (Troon Welbeck), SANDY DARROCH (Pr St Nicholas)
  45.00 - GREG TELFER (Pr St Cuthbert)
  44.80 - COLIN CURRIE (Kil Barassie)
  42.50 - JOHN ROBERTSON (Largs), JACK MCCLUSKEY (Ayr Belleisle)
  42.50 - CHRIS HOBSON (Irvine)
  34.00 - CAMERON MACLEAN (West Kilbride)
  20.80 - CALUM BEVERIDGE (Troon Welbeck)
  15.00 - DARREN YOUNG (Annanhill), ALAN MILNE (Ardeer), DANIEL FORBES (Ardeer)
  14.00 - ANGUS RITCHIE (Troon Welbeck), SCOTT LOW (Pr St Nicholas)
  10.80 - EUAN HENDERSON (Kil Barassie)
    7.50 - CALUM MOULTRIE (Tr St Meddans)
    5.00 - BRUCE RENNIE (Pr St Nicholas), LOUIS MURRAY (Ayr Belleisle)
    2.50 - GREG CATHIE (Irvine)

AYR BELLEISLE BOYS OPEN - late entries being accepted

The 2010 Ayr Belleisle Boys Open will be held on Thursday 12th August.

Late entries to this Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit counting event are being accepted. 

Further details can be obtained by contacting the organiser, Bob Cameron, on 01292 445163

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Wilson crosses first hurdle in defence of title

Defending champion David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) succesfully crossed the first hurdle in his defence of the Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship on Thursday when he secured one of the eight places available during the Ayrshire Boys Championship at Troon Lochgreen.

Wilson took the fourth qualifying place of the eight in his bid to become the first player to successfully defend the County boys matchplay trophy.

The 2010 Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship will again be hosted by Prestwick Golf Club. First round ties will be played on Thursday 12th August with the semi finals on Friday 13th and the final on Saturday 14th.

FIRST ROUND TIES

Thursday 12th August

1630 hrs

Charlie Macneal (Troon Welbeck) Vs. Ciar Porciani (Ayr Belleisle)

1640 hrs

David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) Vs. Ben Gibson (Troon Welbeck)

1650 hrs

Greg Telfer (Prestwick St Cuthbert) Vs. Graeme Ritchie (Troon Welbeck)

1700 hrs
Sean Thorburn (Ayr Belleisle) Vs. Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie)

AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Charlie takes Route 66 to county title

Charlie Macneal of Troon Welbeck stormed to a three shot victory in the 2010 Ayrshire Boys Championship, held over the Troon Lochgreen course on Thursday 5th August with a stunning eight under par second round of 66. 

16 year old Macneal, who plays off a handicap of one, opened in the morning with a two under par total of 72 which left him in joint third place behind the first round leader Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie), who carded a four under par 70, and clubmate Ben Gibson who returned a three under par 71.


In the afternoon however, Macneal blew the field apart with his spectacular 66 which was the best second round score, and indeed the best 18 hole total of the day, by a full four shots.

Macneal opened his round with three successive birdies and carded a further three birdies at the 5th, 7th & 8th holes along with three pars to cover the outward nine in 32 shots, six under par.

The new champion carded his only bogey of the second round at the par three 10th hole but recovered with further birdies at the 12th, 4th and 16th holes for an inward nine of 34, two under par, and a superb eight under par round of 66, and a two round total of 138.

First round leader Euan Walker had a three under par 71 in the afternoon to take the runner up spot with a 36 hole total of 141.

The remaining three scratch placings were all filled by Charlie Macneal's clubmates, Marc Smith (73-72=145), David Wilson (72-75=147) and Ben Gibson (71-76=147).

The prize for the best nett score of the day was won by Graeme Ritchie, also of Troon Welbeck, who returned nett scores of 70 & 67 off his 3 handicap for a total of 137.

Other nett prizes went to 9 handicapper Ian Napier of Ayr Belleisle (67-71=138) and 4 handicapper Greg Telfer of Prestwick St Cuthbert (67-72=139)

The CSS for both home and away players in the morning was 73 (no change) and in the afternoon was 72 (-1).

Ayrshire Golf Association Vice President David Miller of Kilmarnock (Barassie) presented the prizes at the conclusion of the championship

Prizewinners were :-

Scratch

138 - CHARLIE MACNEAL (Troon Welbeck)  72/66

141 - EUAN WALKER (Kilmarnock Barassie) 70/71

145 - MARC SMITH (Troon Welbeck) 73/72 

147 - DAVID WILSON (Troon Welbeck) 72/75

147 - BEN GIBSON (Troon Welbeck) 71/76

Nett

137 - GRAEME RITCHIE (3) (Troon Welbeck) 70/67

138 - IAN NAPIER (9) (Ayr Belleisle) 67/71

139 - GREG TELFER (5) (Prestwick St Cuthbert) 67/72

 A full list of the scores in the championship can be downloaded via the link on the left of this page, under the 'Juniors' heading.

BOYS HOME INTERNATIONALS - Scotland beat England but Ireland take title

(SGU press release)

Scotland’s Boys team defeated England for the first time in 13 years at the Boys Home Internationals at Southerness today to claim an extremely credible runners-up spot.


In team coach Spencer Henderson’s final event before taking up a new coaching post in Turkey later this month, the young Scots played some sensational golf to ensure the Scots coach signed off with a victory, winning 8.5–6.5.

Ireland secured the R&A Trophy with victory over Wales for their second Championship triumph in three years. The Irish side were in full control of the match from the off on their way to a 3.5-1.5 morning foursomes win. The young Welsh side rallied well in the afternoon but Ireland's strength was evident for the third consecutive day as they ran out 10.5-4.5 winners.

Scotland got off to the perfect start on their way to securing second place and seal an impressive turn around in fortunes having lost their opening match 12-3 to the Irish. The Scottish pairs of Grant Forrest and Conor O'Neil, and Daniel Hendry and Ewan Scott claimed two of the first three matches of the day with 2&1 victories.

England were able to level the match score at 2-2 with a 4&2 victory for Oliver Carr and Nathan Kimsey over Jamie Lynch and Simon Fairburn.

However, the Scottish twosome of Southerness member Scott Gibson and his partner Jack MacDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) ensured that they would take their team to lunch in the driving seat with an emphatic 6&4 win.

Pollock’s Conor O’Neill was the star performer again for Scotland, the Scottish Boys Strokeplay runner-up won both of his matches and dropped just half a point across his six matches during the Championship. Craigielaw’s Grant Forrest showed the fighting spirit that won him the Scottish Boys Matchplay title at West Kilbride in April, coming back from three down after eight holes to win his match on the final green.

Another notable performance came from Dumfries & County’s Liam Johnston who continued his recent fine form defeating current English Strokeplay Champion Callum Shinkwin 3&2. Scott Gibson was again comfortable in victory, this time 5&3 over Paul Lockwood before a dramatic finish to the match. While debutant Ewan Scott was birdying his final hole to seal a crucial half point, Daniel Hendry was executing a magnificent chip on the seventeenth which struck the pin, setting up a 2&1 victory for the Dubai-based youngster. The fine display of short-game was no stroke of luck from Hendry, having got up and down at the three previous holes in a performance of true grit to claim the point that sealed victory for Scotland.

BOYS HOME INTERNATIONALS - Mixed fortunes for Scotland on first two days

(SGU news release)

Scotland suffered a 12-3 defeat in their opening match at the 2010 Boys Home Internationals at Southerness on Tuesday.

The Scots team were unable to turnaround a 4.5 – 0.5 morning deficit as the impressive Irish youngsters built on their morning lead taking the afternoon singles 7.5 – 2.5 to secure a comfortable victory.

Scott Gibson, playing with home advantage this week and 2009 Scottish Boys Strokeplay Champion Jack McDonald were sent out in the opening pairing to get the team off to a flying start but were instead victim to a narrow 2&1 defeat.

SGU Boys Order of Merit leader Simon Fairburn and recent Scottish Amateur quarter-finalist Liam Johnston also suffered a surprise loss, going down 3&1 to their Irish counterparts.

Scotland’s defeat was sealed as early as the fourth match of the afternoon singles with just three Scots picking up points across the matches. Scottish Boys Matchplay Champion Grant Forrest claimed a half point against Chris Selfridge and fifteen year-old Ewan Scott (St Andrews New) secured a debut victory, winning on the final green.

Kilmarnock (Barassie)'s Jack McDonald suffered his second successive 2 & 1 defeat of the day in his afternoon singles.

The shining light for Scotland was recent Scottish Boys Strokeplay runner-up Conor O’Neil who picked up 1.5 points including a 4&2 victory over Liam Harnett in the afternoon singles, this followed his halved morning foursomes match playing alongside King James VI’s Paul McPhee.

Team manager Spencer Henderson reflected on a disappointing defeat for his team:

‘It was an extremely disappointing team performance from the boys, we were simply outplayed by the Irish who thoroughly deserved their victory. We weren’t good enough today, the boys will need to pick themselves up and come out fighting against Wales tomorrow’

In Tuesday’s other match, defending champions England and Wales shared a dramatic 7.5 – 7.5 draw after a sensational afternoon comeback from the Welsh team.

On Wednesday Scotland’s Boys team responded from their opening day defeat to Ireland in emphatic style with a comprehensive 10-5 victory over Wales.

However it is Ireland that will go into their final match against Wales in pole position. They followed their opening day victory over the Scots with a 7.5 – 7.5 draw against England on day two. Despite this the Scots team will go into tomorrow’s final matches knowing that they still have a chance to get their hands on the trophy for the first time since 2007.

Spencer Henderson’s Scots got off to the perfect start this morning with some terrific foursomes displays from his team. Only Ian Redford and Jamie Lynch were defeated as the Scots marched into an early 4-1 lead.

Incredibly, the now established pair of Scott Gibson and Jack McDonald, playing in the fifth game of the match, overcame their Welsh opponents 9&7 thanks to a stunning display of foursomes golf.

Earlier, the pairs of Grant Forrest and Conor O’Neil, Liam Johnston and Paul McPhee and Daniel Hendry and Ewan Scott had secured three of the first three points available, with each completing comfortable 4&3 wins.

Clearly lifted from their morning display and with their opening defeat to Ireland well behind them the young Scots went on to win their singles matches 6-4 to seal victory.

Scott Gibson, enjoying home advantage this week was a convincing 4&3 victor with morning playing partner Kilmarnock Barassie’s Jack McDonald followed suit winning 2&1.

Further victories from Paul McPhee, Jamie Lynch and undefeated Conor O’Neil together with halved matches in the opening and closing singles matches featuring Scottish Boys Matchplay champion Grant Forrest and debutant Ewan Scott respectively confirmed an emphatic return to form for the Scottish team.

Team coach Spencer Henderson taking charge of the side for the final time this week was delighted with his team’s response after Tuesday’s heavy defeat:

‘The boys played great today, it was a really good response after yesterday’s defeat. Winning the foursomes was key and it set up a fantastic platform going into the afternoon singles. We’ve now got it all to play for against England tomorrow and the boys are well up for it’

The 2010 Boys Home Internationals winners will be decided tomorrow with Ireland in the hot seat, facing a Welsh team looking for their first victory of the round robin format. England, despite being undefeated following two draws will also be searching for their maiden victory of the event but will be up against a Scottish side high in confidence after today’s victory, and looking to ensure the host nation emerges victorious for the third consecutive year.

HOME INTERNATIONALS - Champion Stewart named in Scotland squad

(SGU press release)

Jordan Findlay, runner-up in the Allied Surveyors Scottish Amateur Championship, is one of four new caps in the Scotland side named today for next week’s Home Internationals at Ashburnham GC in Wales (11 – 13 August).


Findlay is joined by the Fife pair of Brian Soutar (Leven) and Peter Latimer (St Andrews New), who sit third and fourth respectively in the SGU Order of Merit, and Allyn Dick (Kingsnowe), recent winner of the Newlands Trophy and the man who pushed James Byrne all the way in the fifth round at Gullane last week.

“I’m delighted to be back in the Scotland set-up and I believe that’s where I deserve to be. I want to be playing for my country and having had such a great week at Gullane my confidence will be high going into the Home Internationals. We’ve got a good team with players on form so hopefully we can come back with the trophy.” said Findlay, who has represented Scotland at both boys and youths level.

New Scottish Amateur Champion Michael Stewart, who beat Findlay 3&2 in a fantastic final on Saturday, is in the Home Internationals side for the third year in a row and he lines up alongside James Byrne, a semi-finalist at Gullane and runner-up in the Amateur Championship earlier this season.

The North East duo of Philip McLean (Peterhead) and Kris Nicol (Fraserburgh) will make their Home Internationals debuts having played for Scotland in last month’s European Amateur Team Championship, as does St Andrews’ Greg Paterson who reached the fifth round last week.

Lundin’s James White, winner of the recent Sutherland Chalice is the fourth Fife golfer in the eleven man team, while Ross Kellett, the second highest ranked Scots amateur in the world and also a winner on the domestic circuit this season, will play in his third successive Home internationals.

Scotland’s last Home Internationals win came in Wales back in 2006 at Pyle & Kenfig with England defending the title after their win on home soil at Hillside last year.

Full team:

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck)
Ross Kellett (Colville Park)
James Byrne (Banchory)
James White (Lundin)
Greg Paterson ( The New Club, St Andrews)
Kris Nicol (Fraserburgh)
Philip McLean (Peterhead)
Peter Latimer (The New Club, St Andrews)
Brian Soutar (Leven Golfing Society)
Allyn Dick (Kingsknowe)
Jordan Findlay (Fraserburgh)


Non Playing Captain:
Scott Knowles (Kingsknowe)

LOUDOUN BOYS OPEN - Rescheduled date announced

The date for the rearranged Loudoun Junior Open has been announced. The competition will now take place on Monday 16th August, which avoids a clash with the Irvine Ravenspark Junior Open the previous week.

As a result of the change of date, a revised draw has required to be made and the revised tee times are listed below.

As a result of the revised date, the Loudoun Junior Open will now be the final qualifying event in the Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit this year.

If any player is unavailable for the revised date, a full refund of entry fees paid will be available by contacting the organiser, Gavin Scott on  0141 959 5085 or 07545891474 or by e-mail at gavscott@doctors.net.uk .

Some spaces are still available for players who did not take part in the event when it was abandoned last month, and these can be secured by contacting the organiser on the phone numbers or e-mail listed above.

09:45
09:53
10:00 S. Johnston St Cuthbert A Dempster Pollok J McCluskey Welbeck
10:07 I. Easterbrook Ballochmyle N. Johnston Pollok G Telfer St Cuthbert
10:14 C Murray West Kilbride D Young Annanhill C Beveridge Welbeck
10:21 D McBride Barassie A Ritchie Welbeck G Morrison Annanhill
10:28 L Murray Barassie G Vernon Annanhill K Tumilty West Kilbride
10:35 G Cathie Irvine J Thomas Irvine R Reid West Kilbride
10:42 M Sheppard Barassie M. Smith Loudoun C Hobson Irvine
10:49 A Craig Barassie R Marshall Welbeck R McCormack Loudoun
10:56 G Moore Loudoun C Waite Ballochmyle F McKenzie Welbeck
11:03 R Clarke Ballochmyle L Murdoch Loudoun C Lothian West Kilbride
11:10 S Hedger West Kilbride B Jackon Bogside G Baird Welbeck
11:17 E Henderson Barassie A Watson Ballochmyle D Forbes Ardeer
11:24 O. Rossi Welbeck J Dearie Welbeck L Kirkland Ballochmyle
11:31
11:38 D Rossi Welbeck B Gavin Barassie B Smith Welbeck
11:45 R Mcdonald Welbeck C. Snow Barassie S Howatt Irvine
11:52 A Bowman St Nicholas C McKay Loudoun A Bryson Ballochmyle
11:59 R Fisher Loudoun S Russell St Nicholas C Watson Barassie
12:06 L Hamphire Loudoun A McBride St Nicholas J Kyle Ballochmyle
12:13 J Keohone Loudoun C Bryson Ballochmyle D Graham Bellisle
12:20 R. Canning Abu Dhabi D Wilson Welbeck P Timmons St Meddans
12:27
12:34 C. Finnie Ravenspark E Milligan Loudoun C Grant Caprington
12:41 A Dore Loudoun N Galloway St Cuthbert G Callaghan Caprington
12:48 G McAvoy Loudoun N Finnie Ravenspark D Lynch Bellisle
12:55 S Figgins Ravenspark A Wylie, M Reid St Cuthbert
13:02 C Reid Ravenspark S Dunlop St Cuthbert
13:09
13:16
13:23
13:30
13:37
13:44

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Draws made for competition semi finals

The draws have been made for the semi finals of three of the four major Ayrshire Junior Golf League competitions.

In the LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP,  the first semi final, played on a home and away basis, will be between ANNANHILL and AYR BELLEISLE whilst the other semi final will be between KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) and ARDEER.

Both legs of the semi finals are due for completion by 12th Septewmber with the final scheduled to take place at largs GC on Sunday 26th September

In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT TROPHY - Ayr Belleisle received a walkover against Troon St. Meddans to claim a semi final place whilst Prestwick St Cuthbert recorded a notable 3 - 1 win away to Loudoun to book the last spot in the draw.

The draw for the semi finals, which are played on a one match basis, gave AYR BELLEISLE a home match against WEST KILBRIDE whilst PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT will be at home to IRVINE.

The semi final ties in this competition are also due to be played by 12th September with the final scheduled to be played at Largs on Sunday 19th September.

In the quarter finals of the CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS competition, the tie between Jack Whent (Largs) and Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) was not completed by the due date and the AJGL Executive decided that both players should be scratched from the tournament.

The draw for the semi finals was made and resulted in JOSEPH HOWIE (Ardeer) receiving a bye into the final.

The other semi final sees PATRICK TIMMONS (Troon St Meddans) playing host to CRAIG TELFER (Prestwick St. Cuthbert). This tie is due to be completed by 12th September with the final scheduled to be played at Largs on Sunday 26th September.

In the WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY, matches in the two qualifying sections are due to be completed by mid September with the final scheduled to take place at Largs on Sunday 19th September.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - qualifiers finalised

The qualifying sections in the 2010 Ayrshire Summer League have been completed with Loudoun taking the last place in the latter stages.

In League 2, Troon Welbeck crashed to a 5 - 1 defeat in their final match at Ballochmyle which confirmed Loudoun as the qualifiers from that league.

The remaining fixtures in the competition are :-

QUARTER FINALS (To be plyed by 16th August)

Ayr Belleisle Vs. Kilbirnie Place

Kilbirnie Place Vs. Ayr Belleisle

Largs Vs. Kilmarnock (Barassie)

Kilmarnock (Barassie) Vs. largs

SEMI FINALS (to be played by 13th September)

Irvine Vs. Loudoun

Loudoun Vs. Irvine

Ayr Belleisle or Kilbirnie Place Vs. Largs or Kilmarnock (Barassie)

Kilmarnock (Barassie) or Largs Vs. Ayr Belleisle or Kilbirnie Place

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart brings national title to Ayrshire

(Report from the Scottishgolf website at www.scottishgolf.org)

Troon Welbeck’s Michael Stewart is the new Allied Surveyors Scottish Amateur Champion after defeating his close friend Jordan Findlay 3&2 in a superb final at Gullane’s No 1 course.

The 20-year-old from Ayrshire’s victory comes just two years after winning the Scottish Boys Championship at Southerness and underlines his potential as one of the country’s brightest golfing talents.

Having been four up at the turn, Stewart was made to fight all the way by Findlay, who closed the gap to just two holes with three holes to play. However, Stewart responded as he has all week, drilling a stunning 7-iron to seven feet at the par three 16th hole and calmly rolling the putt in for a winning birdie, before embracing his dad and caddie Robbie.

Findlay started brightly in the afternoon round, firing a birdie three at the tough second hole to narrow the gap to three after a great approach to 6 feet. Stewart’s second shot to the next hole found deep rough and he was forced to concede the hole after the ball couldn’t be found by the army of spectators.

The next seven holes were halved as both players shaved the hole with several birdie attempts but Stewart’s breakthrough came at the 29th hole, when Findlay failed to get up and down for a par after a loose tee shot. Stewart began to turn the screw at the 30th hole when a 4-iron approach from 188 yards landed within 8-feet of the pin and the Scotland star sank the eagle putt to restore his four-hole lead.

Findlay, the former British Boys Champion, responded in some style, almost holing his 8-iron tee shot at the 31st hole to win the hole with a birdie two. Findlay then made a brilliant four at the next for a half to stay in the game and a birdie four at the 33rd hole narrowed the gap to two holes once more.

With the pressure on and a large crowd circling the green, Stewart hit the “tee shot of his life” for the winning birdie at the 33rd hole, becoming the first golfer since Steven O’Hara back in 2000 to win the national men’s championship two years after collecting the boys.

“It’s a very special moment for me winning the Allied Surveyors Scottish Amateur Championship here at Gullane. Jordan played some fantastic golf but I got some good breaks and hit great shots at crucial times. I went out this afternoon as if I was still level and needed to be at my best to hold him off.” Said a delighted Stewart.

“It’s a fantastic achievement and extra special to have my dad on the bag and family and friends through from Troon. I worked hard over the last few weeks to be able to shape the ball both ways, which you need to do here and it’s paid off. It’ll be a quiet celebration back at my home club tonight before I head off to Finland for the European Individual Championship.” He added.

Findlay can take heart from a fantastic performance all week, where he knocked out number one seed James Byrne and continued his impressive form this season.

“I’m disappointed just now as you want to win big events, but you don’t get to finals like this without playing good golf. That’s probably the best I’ve played tee to green but it was a frustrating day with the putter and nothing seemed to drop. It’s great to play in front of a big crowd and it was a great experience. All credit to Michael who played wonderful golf. He’s a gritty competitor as well and I’m delighted for him.” said Findlay.

Ian Thomson, Managing Director of sponsors Allied Surveyors concluded:

“We’ve had another great championship with some superb golf on show. It was a great advert for amateur golf in Scotland and it’s very encouraging to see two talented young players who have come through the junior ranks performing at the top of their game. We are proud to support the SGU and their flagship event and I’m sure everyone has enjoyed their week here at Gullane.”

Michael Stewart reached the final with successive 4&3 wins on Friday over Jordan McColl (Scotscraig) and Stephen Neilson (Dunbar) in the quarter and semi finals respectively.

Ayrshire's other player in the last eight, Michael Smyth (Royal Troon), lost out to James Byrne (Banchory) in their Friday morning quarter final by 3&2.

KILMARNOCK BARASSIE GIRLS OPEN - Event cancelled

Organisers of the 2010 Kilmarnock Barassie Girls Open competition have advised that the event, due to take place on Thursday 5th August, has been cancelled due to low entry numbers.

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Smyth and Stewart through to Quarter Finals.

Ayrshire have two players in the quarter finals of the 2010 Scottish Amateur Championship which is being played this week at the Gullane No 1 course.

Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) and Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) booked their places in the last eight of the event on Thursday as the five other Ayrshire players left in the competition bowed out in rounds 4 or 5.

In his morning match in round 4, Smyth defeated Michael Watson (Elgin) by 3 & 2 and had a notable win in the afternoon when he beat the eighth seed Greg Paterson (St Andrews New) by one hole.

Paterson had booked his fifth round place in the morning by beating Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle) by two holes.

In the quarter finals on Friday morning, Smyth will face the number one seed James Byrne (Banchory) whom he defeated in the early stages of the championship 12 months ago at Royal Troon.

After three comfortable wins in the earlier rounds, Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon) had a very close match in the fourth round before eventually losing at the first extra hole to John Duff (Newmacher)

Although he took an early lead in his fourth round tie, John Shanks (Irvine) eventually lost by 2&1 to Colin Baird (Bothwell Castle).

In the fourth round Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) faced the former British Boys Champion Jordan Findlay (Fraserburgh) who had shown good form throughout the week. Despite taking Findlay to the final hole for the first time in the competition, Pennycott bowed out of the championship with a one hole defeat.

Michael Stewart - pictured right -,who is bidding to add the senior title to his 2008 win in the Scotttish Boys Champioship, beat Kyle Godsman (Hopeman) by 3&2 in his Thursday morning fourth round meeting, to set up a fifth round match against fellow Ayrshire player Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) who had beaten Thomas Sharkey (Helensburgh) by 3&1 in the morning.

Stewart continued the fine scoring he had been producing all week to record a 3&2 win over Mackay and book his quarter final place.

In his Friday morning quarter final, Stewart will play Jordan McColl (Scotscraig).

There will be no daily reports on the championship on this site on Friday or Saturday but you can keep up with the progress of the two rermaining Ayrshire players on the Scottish Golf website at http://www.scottishgolf.org/

WEST KILBRIDE GIRLS OPEN COMPETITION - Linzi Allan wins Chisholm Trophy

(Report by June Kerr)

Despite a very strong north wind at West Kilbride on Thursday 29th July, the girls still managed to produce excellent scores and a high percentage of magic two's were recorded in the 2010 West Kilbride Girls Open Competition.

(A group of the competitors with the trophy winners)

Local girl Linzi Allan, who has completed her 1st year on a golf scholarship at university in Kansas, had the best scratch, a 78 (SS 73) and won the Nancy Chisholm Trophy.

(Trophy winners Linzi Allan, Louise Duncan & Samantha Cowan)

The leading nett prize and winner of the Kandy Bar Cup went to Samantha Cowan (Cochrane Castle) who had a splendid 68 playing off 15.

In the Pre-handicap competition, 10 year old Louise Duncan (West Kilbride) was the best overall and won the June Kerr Cup. Louise only started playing golf this year and already is showing lots of promise.

Local girls and visitors alike were a delight to have and we look forward to them returning next year.

RESULTS

SSS 73 CSS 73

SCRATCH SECTION

1st Linzi Allan (West Kilbride) 78 Winner of the Nancy Chisholm Trophy
2nd Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) 82
3rd Samantha Cowan (Cochrane Castle) 83

HANDICAP SECTION

Division 1 (Handicaps 0-14)

1st Linzi Allan (West Kilbride) 78 (6) 72
2nd Katie McGarva (Troon Ladies) 86 (10) 76
3rd Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) 82 (5) 77

Division 2 (Handicaps 15-36)

1st Samantha Cowan (Cochrane Castle) 83 (15) 68 Winner of the Kandy Bar Cup
2nd Hazel McGarvie (Troon Ladies) 91 (18) 73 bih
3rd Beth Donoghue (Brucefields) 96 (23) 73

Nearest the Pin
4th - Samantha Cowan
9th - Rachel McClelland (Balmore)
12th - Linzi Allan
16th - Samantha Cowan

PRE-HANDICAP GIRLS
(9 holes from forward junior tees)

10-11 year olds

1st Louise Duncan (West Kilbride) 50 Winner of the June Kerr Cup
2nd Iona Duff (Hilton Park) 72
3rd Katie Parker (West Kilbride) 74

12 years and above

1st Nicola Turner (West Kilbride) 52
2nd Helen Montgomery (West Kilbride) 54

Nearest the Pin

4th - Nicola Turner