SCOTTISH SPORTS AWARDS - Nominations for 2010 awards sought

The Sunday Mail sportscotland Scottish Sports Awards take place in Glasgow on Thursday 2 December.


Widely recognised as the country’s leading sports awards ceremony, the event celebrates the achievements of Scotland’s sportsmen and women in achieving excellence in their sport during the past year. The event also recognises the vital contribution of coaches, volunteers and local heroes.

Amateur golf has been very successful in winning awards at this event in recent years, with Callum Macaulay, David Law and the winning Eisenhower Trophy team all achieving success, while professionals Colin Montgomerie and Catriona Matthew were the main award winners at last year’s event.

We hope that golf will continue to achieve recognition and would encourage you to nominate a team or individual for this year’s awards. There are 13 different categories to nominate on, with the choice (among others) of Local Hero Award – perhaps for a volunteer coach in your area – or Amateur Performance of the Year for the achievements of one of our golfers or golf teams this season.

Nominations can be made at the following website up until Sunday 24 October:

http://www.quaydigitalscotland.co.uk/sites/events/a_sports_awards/nominations.html

SCOTTISH GOLF - SGU and SLGA Begin Countdown Towards Amalgamation

The move to bring the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) and Scottish Ladies Golfing Association (SLGA) together as a single governing body has gathered momentum with a formal proposal being delivered to each organisation’s members this week.

It is proposed that the new joint organisation be called Scottish Golf Limited, and will be operational from 1 October 2011. Consequently the SGU and SLGA have developed a twelve month timetable to consult with members and refine and finalise the details of the proposed amalgamation.

The SGU’s existing shareholders are its 16 Area Associations, while the SLGA comprises affiliated ladies clubs and sections along with 15 County organisations, each with a vote on how the governing bodies are run at present. The proposed changes have now been sent to each of the member groups for consideration, with the two bodies conducting a series of meetings during October, November and December to gather the views of those groups.

Donald Turner, Chair of the amalgamation working group, welcomed the move to meet with the existing members:

“It is vitally important that we harness the views of our existing members while explaining in detail the rationale behind the change which I believe is right for Scottish Golf. The SGU and SLGA have now been working very closely for a number of years and amalgamation is a natural step in the right direction which can have great benefits for the development of the game in Scotland.”

“At a time when we are encouraging clubs to work towards equality, it is important that every golfer – regardless of gender – is given the same level of opportunity to participate and succeed in the game and that can only happen through amalgamation. At the heart of the game lies our clubs and during these particularly challenging times, clubs need the support of a strong governing body.”

“There is much history and heritage within the SLGA and SGU as well as their respective Counties, Areas and clubs. However, we must look to the future together if we are to succeed with the ambitions shared by both governing bodies,” he added.

Funding from sportscotland accounts for more than one third of the combined income of the SGU and SLGA at £1.3m and are key partners in the development of the game. sportscotland’s Chief Executive, Stewart Harris commented:

''sportscotland has been investing in and working with the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies Golfing Association on the amalgamation of the two bodies for a number of years. We look forward to working with SGU & SLGA to finalise the amalgamation process to allow golf to enjoy the benefits of having one united body responsible for governing and developing the amateur game in Scotland. Our support and investment to golf will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. We anticipate that one strong amateur golf body would be a more efficient way for sportscotland to invest in the future, and propel Scottish Golf to even greater heights."

The joint proposals include the creation of a single Board of Directors with a new Chair to be appointed as both Shona Malcolm (SLGA Chair) and Douglas Connon (SGU Chair) have indicated they will step down at the end of their current terms. It is intended that the Company will be limited by guarantee, with the voting members comprising the Areas, Counties and golf clubs throughout Scotland.

Under the proposal, existing Counties and Areas will retain their identity and boundaries, with Counties being offered the opportunity to explore a different method (consistent with the Areas) of promoting membership and collecting club subscriptions. The new body will unify the level of per capita subscription it collects from clubs, which is currently different for men and ladies, and this will remain for playing adults only, with an agreement to continue a policy of not charging for juniors.

Following the consultation period, the amalgamation working group will conduct a debrief and review before updating the proposal, which will be further discussed at the SGU and SLGA AGMs in January 2011. Further seminars will then take place among Areas, Counties and clubs in the spring, with a final proposal anticipated to be put to respective EGMs in May 2011. On approval of the proposal by the respective voting members, an appointment process for the inaugural Board will be undertaken in time for a smooth handover of responsibilities from the SGU and SLGA to Scottish Golf Limited from 1 October 2011.

Shona Malcolm, Chair of the SLGA, said:

“We have made excellent progress throughout 2010 and trust that the various stakeholders will be in agreement with our proposals. We welcome the feedback of our clubs and Counties over the coming months and their input will be invaluable to enable the new body to act in the best interests of Scottish Golf.”

Her counterpart at the SGU, Douglas Connon, added:

“We welcome the proposals put forward by Donald Turner and the working group. We believe the timetable we have put in place can now be achieved. Having worked so closely with the SLGA for a number of years across many key projects, it makes perfect sense to be working together under one single entity for the betterment of Scottish Golf and giving our clubs and golfers the best opportunity to develop. Scottish Golf demands and deserves this step change.”

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Third time lucky for Maybole pair as they triumph in final

It was a case of third time lucky for the maybole pairing of David Wallace & Scott McCahill  when they triumphed in the final of the 2010 Ayrshire Fourball Championship at Kilmarnock (Barassie) on Sunday 10th October, beating the North Beach duo of Johnny O'Neill and Gary Ross.

For the Maybole pair, 2010 marked their third appearance in the final in the last four years but the title had eluded them on both the previous occasions they had appeared.

2010 Fourball Championship winners David Wallace & Scott McCahill

pictured with AGA President Alasdair Malcolm

It was the North Beach team who took the early lead, a par five at the opening hole being enough to edge in front. The next two holes were halved in par before the Maybole side levelled the match at the fourth with a winning par three. Birdies at the fifth and sixth were only enough for the sides to half each hole , as was par at the seventh.

The Maybole pair edged in front for the first time with a winning par five at the eighth and a par four at the ninth was sufficient to extend maybole's lead to two holes as the match turned for home.

A birdie three at the 10th hole increased the margin of the maybole lead to three holes and, despite the best efforts of the North Beach team to reduce the defecit, the following four holes were halved in pars or birdies to leave maybole three ahead with four holes remaining.

At the 15th hole, the North Beach team broke the deadlock, taking the hole with a par and reduce the defecit to two holes.

At the 16th, which proved to be the final hole of the match, Scott McCahill produced two superb shots to reach the 491 yard par 5 in two shots and two putts from the back of the green gave him a birdie four which, despite a valiant effort, the North Beach duo were not able to match and thus Scott McCahill and David Wallace of Maybole took the title with a 3&2 victory.

 The 2010 Ayrshire Fourball Championship finalists

At the conclusion of the final, Ayrshire Golf Association President Alasdair Malcolm (Prestwick St Nicholas) made presentations to all four finalists.

WEST OF SCOTLAND INTER COUNTY LEAGUES - Ayrshire edged out by Lanarkshire in Sunday atches

Both the Ayrshire A and Youths teams suffered defeat by 4.5 - 5.5 at the hands of Lanarkshire on Sunday 10th October in the third of the five match West Of Scotland Inter County series.

The A team were at home, entertaining their visitors at Irvine Ravenspark. Ayrshire got off to a good start with Steven McEwan and Tommy McInally winning the opening ties but the match was levelled with defeats for George Robertson and Michael Smyth.

A narrow win By Craig Hamilton put Ayrshire ahead and Scott Brown added a further half point. Jamie Mackay gave Ayrshire hope for a win in the match with a crushing victory in his tie but, needing onlty one point from the remaining three ties, the Ayrshire side were edged out by their visitors who took the final three ties in the match for the narrowest of wins.

Match details (Ayrshire names first)

Steven McEwan (Caprington) beat Paul Shields (Kirkhill) by 7&6
Tommy McInally (Loudoun) beat Scott Douglas (Drumpellier) by 2&1
George Robertson (Ravenspark) lost to Alan McDonald (Crow Wood) by 4&3
Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) lost to Steven Rennie (Drumpellier) by 4&3
Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) beat Ed Wood (Crow Wood) by 1 hole
Scott Brown (Turnberry) halved with Murray Dubber (Bothwell Castle)
Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat James Reilly (East Kilbride) by 8&7
Steven Murray (Troon Welbeck) lost to James Steven (Kirkhill) by 5&4
Gary Bryden (Girvan) lost to David Ford (Airdrie) by 5&4
Darren Mallinson (Ravenspark) lost to Colin Kerr (Cambuslang) by 2 holes


AYRSHIRE   4.5     LANARKSHIRE   5.5


The corrsponding Youths match, played at Drumpellier, was a very tight affair throughout, with six of the tem ties being decided on the final green.

Match details (Ayrshire names first) :-

Mark Smith (Troon Welbeck) lost to Alan Welsh by 1 hole
Charlie macneal (Troon Welbeck) halved with Martin Scott
Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Jordan Gallacher by 1 hole
David McLellan (Largs) lost to Mark O'Donnell by 1 hole
Craig McLaughlin (Largs) beat Brian Scott by 4&2
Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Declan Dowy by 3&2
Rory Acheson (Largs Routenburn) beat Andrew Steven by 1 hole
Graeme Ritchie (Troon Welbeck) beat Craig Borland by 1 hole
Michael Roos (West Kilbride) lost to Ryan Corrigan by 372
Greg Telfer (Prestwick St Cuthbert) lost to Declan Hayes by 271

AYRSHIRE   4.5    LANARKSHIRE 5.5  
 
Next Sunday, 17th October, Ayrshire face Dumbartonshire with the Ayrshire A Team travelling to Hayston whilst the Youths team are at home at Troon Darley.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER (SCRATCH) LEAGUE - Kilmarnock (Barassie) secure first championship win

Kilmarnock (Barassie) - pictured below - are the new Ayrshire Summer League Champions following a thrilling second leg victory over Irvine (Bogside) in the Final.

The Barassie Links course posted a formidable challenge in the testing windy conditions but it was the home side who eventually took the honours with a 3 ½ - 2 ½ win which gave an overall 6 ½ - 5 ½ result.

Stuart Miller gave the home team the perfect start by taking an early lead against Gareth Lamb in a rock solid display. Wins at 14 and 15 eventually sealed a fine 4 & 3 win. Jamie Mackay and John Shanks then lined up in what looked like the match of the day but Mackay took the first five holes in a one sided encounter and kept his 100% record in this year’s matches intact by recording a 5 & 4 victory.

As the Bogside fightback began, promising youngster Euan Walker ran up against some excellent golf from the visitor’s Alan Connery who built a commanding five hole lead by the seventh. Walker, aware of a possible count back situation, dug in before eventually succumbing on the 15th green. In match four, an out of sorts Andrew Wright gifted Colin Gray the first two holes of their match before fighting back to level the contest by the fifth. However, the Irvine player’s greater consistency in the tough conditions allowed him to ease away to a crucial 4 & 2 win.

This left the two deciding matches out on the course and home Club Captain David Miller played some fine golf in the anchor match to build an early lead against Gordon Dunlop. Miller, also mindful of the potential for a count back, used all of his matchplay experience to build on that lead and secure an important 5 & 4 victory for his team.

Up ahead, the match between Euan Brown and Stephen Spence was producing some quality golf. As the overall match developed it became clear this was likely to be the pivotal encounter and although Brown held a two hole lead with three to play, fine birdies from Spence at 16 and 17 saw the match head up the 18th hole. Both players found the green with their approach shots to set up birdie chances but when Spence’s effort slipped past, Brown nudged his tricky downhill putt to the hole side for the winning half point.

Second Leg details (Barassie names first) :-

Stuart Miller beat Gareth lamb by 4&3

Jamie Mackay beat John Shanks by 5&4

Euan Walker lost to Alan Connery by 4&3

Andrew Wright lost to Colin Gray by 4&2

Euan Brown halved with Stephen Spence

David Miller beat Gordon Dunlop by 5&4         

Runners Up - Irvine GC

Overall, an excellent Final played in great spirit throughout which saw Kilmarnock (Barassie) take the title for the first time

WEST OF SCOTLAND INTER COUNTY LEAGUES - Latest update

Ayrshire have played two of their five matches in the 2010 West Of Scotland Inter County Leagues at both 'A' and Younts levels, although the present position as to the results on week one are still shrouded in confusion and await confirmation.

In the 'A' League, Ayrshire opened with a match at Brunston Castle against Glasgow on Sunday 19th September and, as in the corresponding youths match the same day, the question of Distance Measuring Devices had an influence on the match and still awaits a resolution.

Despite a decision taken by all competing counties earlier in the year that DMD's would not be permitted in the West League matches, officials of both teams erroniously agreed to allow their use at the start of the match and as a consequence members of both teams used DMD's throughout.

In the event, the match score was recorded as 7 - 3 in favour of Ayrshire.

Match details (Ayrshire names first) :-

Steven McEwan (Caprington) lost to Steven Robertson (Sandyhills) by 2&1
Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat John Laurie (Cowglen) by 4&3
Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) beat James Hendricks (Pollock) by 2&1
Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) beat Stephen Machin (Cowglen) by 7&5
Scott Brown (Turnberry) beat Graham McDougal (Bishopbriggs) by 2&1
Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to George Crawford (Williamwood) by 2&1
Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark) beat Martin McCrory (Cathkin Braes) by 1 hole
Gary Bryden (Girvan) beat Chris Wedgeworth (Cowglen) by 2&1
Chris Bone (Loudoun) beat John McDonald (Cowglen) by 2&1
Scott Gilchrist (Loudoun) lost to Ricky Gray (Cowglen) by 1 hole


AYRSHIRE  7   GLASGOW  3

As officials from both sides, in agreement, had instructed the players in error that DMD's could be used both counties have broadly agreed that the result of the 'A' match should stand as played.

In week 2, on Sunday 26th September, Ayrshire went down narrowly by 5.5 - 4.5 at Kilmarnock (Barassie) to a strong Renfrewshire side.

Match Details (Ayrshire names first) :-

Steven McEwan (Caprington) beat Sam Binning (Ranfurly Castle) by 2 holes
Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Michael Campbell (Renfrew) by 5&3
George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) hlaved with Paul Alexander (Caldwell)
Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) beat Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire) by 2&1
Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) lost to Ronnie Clark (Erskine) by 2 holes
Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Michael Daily (Erskine) by 3&2
John Shanks (Irvine) beat Grant Beaton (Bonnyton) by 3&1
Stephen Spence (Irvine) lost to Colin Thomson (East Renfrewshire) by 4&3
Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark) lost to Nicky Gold (Bonnyton) by 4&3
John Sloan (Tam O Shanter) lost to Davy McFarlane (Greenock) by 6&5


AYRSHIRE  4.5    RENFREWSHIRE  5.5

With the scheduled match last week against Stirlingshire being postponed, Ayrshire are back in Action on Sunday 10th October when they entertain Lanarkshire at Irvine Ravenspark, whilst the postponed match agaist Stirlingshire has been rescheduled to Sunday 24th October at Grangemouth GC.

In the corresponding youths match series, matters are not so clear, and again it is the use of DMD's that has caused some controversy.

In the opening week of matches, on Sunday 19th September, Ayrshire Youths team travelled to play Glasgow at Bishopbriggs.

In the case of this match, three Glasgow players were found to have used DMD's, in controvention of the rules, which was brought to the attention of the Glasgow officials by Ayrshire officials.

Despite efforts to clarify the result, no clear decision has been reached as the two counties involved have differing views as to how the result should be recorded, Glasgow claiming the result should stand as played (6 - 4 to Glasgow) whilst Ayrshire's view is that the three Glasgow players concerned should be disqualified (5.5 - 4.5 to Ayrshire) as directed by The Rules Of Golf.

Match results as played (Ayrshire names first) :-

Gregor MacKintosh (Girvan) lost to F Grant by 3&2
Rory Acheson (Largs Routenburn) beat J Thomson by 2&1
Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) lost to J Savage by 6&5
Craig McLaughlin (Largs) beat J Brown by 1 hole
David McLellan (Largs) beat S Weating **by 1 hole
Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to P Loughlin ** by 2 holes
Ben Gibson (Troon Welbeck) lost to C McLean by 3&1
Craig Telfer halved with N McArthur **
Graeme Ritchie (Troon Welbeck) lost to C Anderson by 2&1
Ciar Porciani Ayr Belleisle) halved with C Gray


** players who used DMD's

In the second of the series of five matches, played on Sunday 26th September, Ayrshire travelled to meet Renfrewshire at Eastwood and enjoyed a 8.5 - 1.5 win over their hosts.

Match results (Ayrshire names first) :-

Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St Cuthbert) beat A Lauder by 5&4
Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) beat A Ferguson by 8&6
Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) beat J Alexander by 6&4
Charlie Macneal (Troon Welbeck) beat F Lauder by 4&2
David McLellan (Largs) beat D Muir by 1 hole
Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) halved with R Dzieneck
David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) beat D Docherty by 6&4
Craig McLaughlin (Largs) beat J Binning by 3&2
Rory McKenzie (Troon Welbeck) lost to A O'Donnell by 2&1
Rory Acheson (Largs Routenburn) beat J Bradley by 1 hole

AYRSHIRE   8.5   RENFRWSHIRE  1.5

With the match against Stirlinghshire last week being postponed, the Ayrshire Youths side play again on Sunday 10th October when they travel to meet Lanarkshire at Drumpellier, whilst the postponed match against Stirlingshire will take place on Sunday 24th October at Ballochmyle.

US COLLEGE GOLF - Linzi Allan keeps up good form at Oklahoma City

Linzi Allan From Dalry, Ayrshire, a sophomore student at Newman University, Wichita, Kansas, taking part in the Mahogany UCO Classic, was the overnight leader with a first-round score of 71 over the par 70 (6120yd) course at Lincoln Park East Golf Club, Oklahoma City.

She added a second round score of 76 for a total score of 147 to finish tied for eighth in a field of 93 players, only four shots behind the overall winner, Wallis Spears (St Edward University+.

Linzi’s team-mates, Megan Birdsey from Bedfordshire and Alyssia Balding from Northumberland, had aggregates of 154 and 157 respectfully.

Newman university finished seventh with a new school record of 615 in a field of 17 teams. The competition was won by Central Oklahoma

Coach Don Farquhar said he is proud of his team and is looking forward to the rest of the season even though the girls had been teasing him about the European Victory in the Ryder Cup.

BELHAVEN BEST SCOTTISH CLUB HANDICAP CHAMPIONSHIP - New Cumnock best of Ayrshire clubs at The Dukes

 The 2010 Belhaven Best Scottish Club Handicap Championship final was held at The Duke’s, St Andrews on Friday 1st October and it was the New Cumnock pairing of  Charles Allan & Steven Waddell who were the best finishers amongst the Ayrshire representatives in the field of 40 clubs who took part.

The New Cumnock pair finished in joint sixth place on 75, just one shot outside the winning score of 74, attained by five clubs. Ranfurly castle were declared the winners by virtue of the better inward half.

Leading Scores :-

Ranfurly Castle - Crawford MacKay/Colin MacDonald 12.0 10 74 F (1) +3
Kinross - Robin Caldow/Jason Thomson 6.0 5 74 F (1) +3
Falkland - John Haxton/David Haxton 9.0 7 74 F (1) +3
Mount Ellen - Graeme Kilpatrick/Paul Bradley 7.0 6 74 F (1) +3
Nigg Bay - Gary Stewart/John Allan 8.0 7 74 F (1) +3
New Cumnock - Charles Allan/Steven Waddell 22.0 17 75 F (10) +4
Sanquhar - Ian Macfarlane/Douglas Morrison 11.0 9 75 F (1) +4
Michelin - Ian O'Neill/Derek Anderson 20.0 15 75 F (10) +4
Dullatur - Graeme McMinn/Graham Stronach 9.0 7 75 F (1) +4

Other Ayrshire Scores :-

 13th - Loudoun - Chris Bone/Tommy McInally 0.0 0 76 F (1) +5
16th - Prestwick St Nicholas - Robert Craig/Iain McCall 7.0 5 77 F (1) +6
26th - Chase - Chris Phillips/John Brodie 18.0 13 80 F (10) +9
28th - Tam O' Shanter - Stephen Cole/Stevie Arrandale 16.0 12 81 F (1) +10
29th - Saxone - Michael O'Brien/Gordon Bettaney 23.0 17 81 F (10) +10
30th - Routenburn - Alistir McPhail/Jack Clark 23.0 18 82 F (10) +11

GLASGOW YOUTHS OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP - Scott Brown takes first place at Ralston

Scott Brown (Turnberry) returned the best individual total in the recent Glasgow Youths' Open Championship and Area Team Championship which was held on Sat 18 September at Ralston.

Rounds on 72 and 68 gave the former Ayrshire Matchplay Champion a total of 140. This total was matched by Lewis Fairbairn (Goswick) but Scott Brown took first place by virtue of the better second round with his 68 against Fairbairn's 69.

In the team event, won by Northumberland, Ayrshire were not placed in the top three positions.

Individual scores :-

CSS 71 69

Scott Brown, Turnberry 72 68 140
Lewis Fairbairn, Goswick 71 69 140
Sam Binning, Ranfurly Castle 73 68 141
Scott Costello, Kirkhill 68 74 142
Jordan Gallagher, Crow Wood 71 72 143
John Grant, Ralston 71 72 143
Alan Welsh, Torrance House 77 67 144
James Hendrick, Pollok 74 70 144
Paul Shields, Kirihill 73 71 144
Andrew Scrimshaw, Prudhoe 75 70 145
Elliot Wilson, Goswick 70 75 145
Jamie Lynch, Falkirk Tryst 78 68 146
Euan Brown, Kilmarnock Barassie 74 72 146
Fraser Grant, Ralston 72 74 146
Paul Loughlin, Cawder 72 74 146
Simon Barras, Helensburgh 71 75 146
Euan Douglas, Dunblane New 74 73 147
Jordan Grant, Renfrew 74 73 147
Andrew Cunningham, Ranfurly Castle 76 72 148
Ross Gillan, Torrance House 75 73 148
Antonio O'Donnell, Greenock Whinhill 72 76 148
Jamie Auchenvole, Glenbervie 76 73 149
Declan Hayes, Hamilton 76 74 150
Ryan Campbell, Grangemouth 79 72 151
Lee Milligan, Dumbarton 78 73 151
Craig Ross, Kirkhill 77 74 151
Alistair Lauder, Paisley 75 76 151
James Reilly, East Kilbride 75 76 151
Darryn Grant, Renfrew 74 77 151
Calum Bisset, Hayston 80 72 152
Martin Scott, Hamilton 81 72 153
Greg Nicoll, Glenbervie 74 79 153
Glenn Fotheringham, Grangemouth 80 74 154
Scott Turnbull, Millport 80 74 154
Darius Kunecki, Callander 78 76 154

Greg Paterson, Ranfurly Castle 73 83 156

David Guthrie, Grangemouth 79 78 157

Scott Wearing, Bishopbriggs 80 78 158

David Docherty, Bonnyton 80 80 160

David Graham, Machrihanish 80 81 161

Christie Gray, Williamwood 82 80 162

Craig Pirie, Millport 81 81 162

Jack Brown, Cathcart Castle 80 86 166

Conor Lynch, Ralston 88 79 167

Andrew Campbell, Dumbarton NR 74

Marc Smith, Troon Welbeck 75 NR
Calum McDonald, Ralston NR NR

AYRSHIRE SENIORS LEAGUE Caprington are 2010 champions

Caprington won the Ayrshire Seniors League on Sunday 26th September when the defeated Prestwick St Cuthberts by 4 - 1 in the final.

MAIL ON SUNDAY WOMENS CLASSIC - Skelmorlie march into semi finals and they are off to Spain

The women's team from Skelmorlie Golf Club travelled to contest the Mail On Sunday Women's Classic quarter finals at Worsley Park, Manchester, recently and won through to the semi finals, along with fellow Scots Murrayfield, which will be played in Spain later this year.

QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS

MURRAYFIELD 3, WEST ESSEX 2

SKELMORLIE 3 1/2, CHELMSFORD 1 1/2

BEAU DESERT 3, HAVERFORD WEST 2

WILDWOOD 3, FOREST PINES 2

Skelmorlie, Murrayfield, Beau Desert and Wildwood will travel to El Rompido Golf and Beach Resort on the Costa de la Luz in Spain for a five day trip, from 21 November to 25th November during which the semi finals and final will be contested.

Wishing the Skelmorlie ladies all the best in their great adventure.

(Here's a more detailed report and photo -  with thanks to Gillian Pollock)

MAIL ON SUNDAY LADIES TEAM CLASSIC 2010

Skelmorlie Golf Club Ladies team have just returned from an extremely enjoyable but stressful weekend competing in the Quarter finals of the prestigious Mail on Sunday Team Classic event. These Quarter Finals were played at the Marriott Worsley Park Golf and Country Club in Manchester.

The seven other ladies teams who competed, fielded strong teams with plenty of reserves to choose from after their practice round on Sunday. Unfortunately Skelmorlie team captain Kath MacKellar was not afforded this luxury of choice.

Although a strong team, Skelmorlie only had five players to choose from - Kath MacKellar, Gillian Pollock, Aileen Donaldson, Janet Harkness and Alex Sargent as the other team member, Jenny McGee, was unable to attend the event as she had been called away to America following her daughter Heather’s serious riding accident. Thankfully Heather is now well on the way to recovery and Jenny will be home shortly because against all the odds, this team of five, from the small club of Skelmorlie in Ayrshire faced the might of Chelmsford in Essex and emerged victorious with a 3.5/1.5 win.

They now find themselves in the wonderful position of being off to the Grand finals to be held at El Rompido Golf resort in Southern Spain, at the end of November.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Championship joy for Kilmarnock (Barassie)

 Kilmarnock (Barassie) won the 2010 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship with a comprehensive victory over Ayr Belleisle in the final played at Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club on Sunday 26th September.

The winning team is pictured on the right along with team manager Bill Sherry (back centre) and Ayrshire Junior Golf League Chairman John Nordbo from Largs (far right) - (photograph courtesy of Craig Gilmour)

The 2010 Kilmarnock (Barassie) squad had a 5 - 1 victory over Ayr Belleisle to ad a second League Championship triumph to their only other win back in 2001.

Former West Of Scotland Boys matchplay winner Euan Walker was first out for Barassie and quickly established a 3 hole lead by the 5th over fellow Ayrshire Boys squad member Ciar Porciani. Euan further increased his lead to 5 holes at the turn befire Ciar stemmed the tide a little but was powerless to stop a 5&4 defeat

Callum Gorrie increased barassie's advantage in the second tie, against Sean Thorburn, opening a two hole lead after five and increasing thise lead to four holes at the turn. Five holes down after the 12th, Sean clawed one hole back but eventually lost by 4&3.

In the third tie Euan Henderson was one hole ahead for barassie after five but then pulled away from jack McCluskey by taking thre of the next four holes for a four hole advantage at the turn. Euan maintained his lead throughout the inward half to win by 4&3.

In the fourth tie, Donald Swinley kept Belleisle's slim hopes alive with a run of five winning holes from six against Colin Currie as they turned for home, for a 5&3 victory.

With only a half over the remaining ties required by Kilmarnock (Barassie) for outright victory, it fell to Stuart Hope in the last tie on the course to record a 3&2 win over Bruce Rennie and secure the point needed to give Barassie a clear victory.

The 5th tie went all the way to the final green with Blair Gavin having established a two hole lead after 15 over Ross Cameron. Ross reduced the defecit by winning the 16th and a half at the penultimate hole took the tie to the last with Blair gavin holding the lead. Ross Cameron however found trouble from the final tee and the tie went to Blair gavin, and Kilmanrock (Barassie) by two holes, giving a final match score of Kilmanrock (Barassie) 5 Ayr Belleisle 1.

MATCH DETAILS (Ayr Belleisle names first)

CIAR PORCIANI (2) lost to EUAN WALKER (1) by 5&4
SEAN THORBURN (4) lost to CALLUM GORRIE (4) by 4&3
JACK McCLUSKEY (4) lost to EUAN HENDERSON (5) by 4&3
DONALD SWINLEY (5) beat COLIN CURRIE (5) by 5&3
ROSS CAMERON (9) lost to BLAIR GAVIN (5) by 2 holes
BRUCE RENNIE (10) lost to STUART HOPE (12) by 3&2

AYR BELLEISLE 1   KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) 5

THE FINALISTS - Ayr Belleisle & Kilmarnock (Barassie)

At the presentations after the match AJGL Chairman John Nordbo (Largs) thanked Prestwick St. Nicolas for providing the use of the course at such short notice after the closure of Largs due to substantial storm damage on the Wednesday evening. He also congratulated all participants on reaching their respective finals.

The day had provided not only worthy winners but also gallant losers and the games had been played in a very friendly manner. Each final also attracted a number of supporters adding to the occasion.

On a final note it was observed that the Barassie team were all under 16 and could play as a team for the next two years so there is an challenge for other clubs in the coming years.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Telfer takes the title to St Cuthbert

Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) - pictured right -  is the new Ayrshire Junior Champion of Champions, winning the title with a 2 & 1 victory over Joseph Howie (Ardeer) 2&1 in a very competitive match at Prestwick St Nicholas on Sunday 26th September.

Joseph Howie took the lead at the first after Craig Telfer was in trouble from the tee on the right but Craig fought back to win the 3rd and square the match.

Joseph re-established his lead at the 4th, only to see Craig level the game once more at the fifth.

Craig went ahead in the match for the first time at the 7th but Joseph levelled the match once more as the players reached the turn.

It had been a hard fought game played in wonderful spirit and the following band of supporters found it hard to predict a winner at this stage.

In the second nine Craig began to make his longer hitting tell and eased into the lead at the10th, increasing it further at the 13th to two holes with a birdie at the long and testing par four.

As holes began to run out, Craig Telfer matched Joseph Howie's par figures over the closing holes to claim victory at the 17th by 2&1.

In an exciting match which could have gone either way, League Chairman John Nordbo (Largs) paid tribute to both players for their sportsmanship and conduct.

The finalists

SCOTTISH CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - Creditable performance by Loudoun as Carrickvale take title

A creditable performance by Loudoun Gowf Club saw them finish joint eighth in the 2010 Scottish Club Championship at Fortrose & Rosemarkie on Sunday 26th September.

The Loudoun team total of 287 left them 10 shots adrift of the winners, Carrickvale Golf Club from Edinburgh.

(Report from the SGU website)

Scotland international Allyn Dick helped Lothians’ club Carrickvale to their maiden success in the Scottish Club Championship at Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle this afternoon.

The trio of Dick, Craig Elliot and Dave Ewen posted a four-round total of 277, seven-under par, to finish three strokes clear of St Andrews who claimed the runners-up spot for the second year in a row, with Powfoot and Glenbervie tied third a further shot back.

St Andrews seized the first round lead after excellent rounds of 66 and 67 from Gary Sharp and Daniel Sommerville gave them a nine-under par tally of 133, with Carrickvale a shot behind after a round of 66 from Dick and Elliot’s 68. Glenbervie were also in the hunt four shots adrift, with Stirling University student Graeme Robertson also firing a five-under 66.

The ‘Vale’ applied the pressure in the afternoon and Dick returned his second sub-par round of the day with a second round 70, while Elliot followed up with a 73. The St Andrews challenge faltered and despite a solid level par 71 from Sommerville, team-mates Sharp and Kevin Hastie could only manage a 76 and 77 respectively, leaving Carrickvale to claim the title, becoming the first Lothians’ club to win the championship in the event’s 26-year history.

A three-under par 68 from Powfoot’s Barry Scott and a 70 from team-mate Michael Grunwell gave the South side third place courtesy of the countback, with Glenbervie left to settle for fourth place. A pair of two-under par 69s helped Gourock to a share of fifth place alongside Blairgowrie, whose former Scottish Amateur Champion Glenn Campbell was the pick of their trio after rounds of 71 and 69.

Carrickvale now go on to represent Scotland it the European Club Championship at Estela Golf Club, Portugal from 21 - 23 October.

FINAL PLACINGS

1 Carrick Vale 134 143 277
2 St Andrews 133 147 280
T3* Powfoot 143 138 281
Glenbervie 137 144 281
T5 Gourock 140 144 284
Blairgowrie 146 138 284
7 Moray 141 145 286
T8 Loudoun Gowf 143 144 287
Tulliallan 143 144 287
10 Crow Wood 148 144 292
11 Murcar Links 146 149 295
12 Cowglen 154 146 300
T13 Selkirk 147 155 302
Ballumbie Castle 148 154 302
15 Rothsay WD WD WD
16 Windyhill DQ DQ DQ

* Powfoot claim 3rd place by virtue of the lowest discarded score for the 2nd round
 
The individual scores from the Loudoun team were :-
 
Chris Bone 74 70
Scott Gilchrist 79 74
Tommy McInally 69 75

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Honours even in first leg of final

The first leg of the final of the 2010 Ayrshire Summer League took place at Irvine (Bogside) on Saturday 26th September and in a closely fought match honours were even at the conclusion with a 3 - 3 draw.

Irvine won the first two games by one hole and 2 & 1 beofre the Kilmarnock (Barassie) side took ties 3, 4 & 5 by 4&2 , 2&1 and 2&1 although Irvine comfortably took the last tie by 5&4 to square the match overall.

The stage is now set for a thrillng second leg of the final at Kilmarnock (Barassie) on Saturday 9th October when the match tees off at 2.00 p.m. with all to play for.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Finals switch after Largs washout

The finals of the Ayrshire Junior Golf League and Junior Champion Of Champions competitions this Sunday, 26th September will now take place at Prestwick St Nicholas GC instead of Largs GC.

The torrential rain on Wednesday night which saw considerable flood damage in and around Largs and Fairlie caused a large ammounf of damage to the Kelburn course, making the venue unavailable for the finals this weekend.

Prestwick St Nicholas have kindly stepped in and agreed to host the two finals on Sunday.

The Champion Of Champions final will now tee of at St Nicholas at 1.45 p.m. with the League Championship final following at 2.22 p.m.

LADIES WEST OF SCOTLAND INTER CLUB LEAGUE - Milngavie grab Greenlees Trophy in grandstand finish

The conclusion of Division 1 in the 2010 West Of Scotland Ladies Inter Club League for the Greenlees Trophy proved equally as exciting as the division 2 finish as Milngavie grabbed the title with a comprehensive win over Troon ladies in their final match of the season.

Needing to win by 7 - 2 on Tuesday 21st September, in order to overtake the leaders Cathkin Braes, the Milngavie side dashed Troon Ladies remaining slim hopes of the title by winning six of the nine ties outright. The other three ties were a more nailbiting affair, with all three going to the final green and finishing square in each case. This gave Milngavie 7.5 points and the premier title by one point over Cathkin Braes.

With only the rearranged match between Kilmarnock (Barassie) & Troon Ladies still to be played, the leading places and the relegation positions cannot be altered. Kilmarnock (Barassie) can consolidate their third place in their remaining match whilst Troon Ladies can hoist themselves into fourth or even third place depending on the scoreline in the match.

A defeat by 6 - 3 at home to Cathkin Braes in their final match of the season left West Kilbride in one of the two relegation places along with Cardross, 1.5 points adrift of third bottom team, Kilmacolm.

The standings at present are :-

DIVISION 1

Milngavie 48.5
Cathkin Braes 47.5
Kilmarnock Barassie 38
Ranfurly Castle 34.5
Douglas Park 34
Troon 32
Kilmacolm 30.5
West Kilbride 29
Cardross 21

Prestwick St Nicholas go up to division one next season as Division 2 champions after their heroic 7.5 - 1.5 win over Lanark in their final match, and will be joined by Whitecraigs, whilst Bothwell Castle and Lanark will go down to Division 3.

Final standings in the division are :-

DIVISION 2

Prestwick St. Nicholas 49
Whitecraigs 48.5
Haggs Castle 44
Hilton Park 40.5
Erskine 34
Eastwood 33.5
Williamwood 28
Lanark 27
Bothwell Castle 19.5

Largs will play in division 2 next year after winning the Division 3 title by a comprehensive margin, and will be joined by Cowglen who edged out Old ranfurly by one point for the other promotion spot.

With Turnberry dropping out of the league early on in the campaign, it will be hoped that the club will not remain out of the leagues for too long.

Final placings in the division are :-

DIVISION 3

Largs 46.5
Cowglen 34
Old Ranfurly 33
Greenock 32.5
Lenzie 29
East Renfrewshire 27
Cawder 25.5
Cathcart Castle 24.5
Turnberry 0

SGU Secretaries & Captains Grand Final - Irvine Ravenspark pair finish tied eighth

Ayrshire's sole representatives in the 2010 Secretaries & Captains competition finished in a creditable eighth position in the field of 40 clubs who contested the grand final, played at Murrayshall on Tuesday 21st September.

The ayrshire pair finished just four shots adrift of the winners Downfield.

Leading scores :-

63 (-10) - Downfield - Sam Marshall/David Hart
63 (-10) - Duddingston - Gavin Clark/Duncan Ireland
64 (-9) - Airdrie - Jim Robertson/Robert Marshall
65 (-8) - Vale of Leven - Drew Checkley/Gary Smith
66 (-7) - Cardrona - David McKean/David Miller
66 (-7) - North Berwick - Christopher Spencer/Peter Keeling
66 (-7) - Baberton - Raymond Brown/Scott Girvan
67 (-6) - Turriff - Paul Gallacher/Alistair Davidson
67 (-6) - Irvine Ravenspark - Iain McPhail/Andy McFarlane

AYRSHIRE GIRLS GOLF - Grace Mackie wins Centenary Trophy at Turnberry

(Report & photos from June Kerr)

The Ayrshire Girls' Centenary Trophy (Stableford) competition was played over the Kintyre Course at Turnberry on Sunday 19th September.

On a breezy but dry afternoon ten girls played the Kintyre while 14 pre-handicap girls played a stroke competition over the 9 hole Arran Course.


Emma Hale, the holder, put up a great defence of her trophy finishing on 36 points, but it was Troon's Grace Mackie (pictured above holding the trophy) off 14 who was the runaway winner with a splendid 40 points.

Leading scores :-

Silver Division

1st Grace Mackie (Troon Ladies) 40 points

2nd Emma Hale (Troon Bentinck) 36 points

3rd Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) 34 points

Bronze Division

1st Ali Roy (Maybole) 33 points
2nd Alexandra Brown (Turnberry) 24 points
3rd Lindsay Scott (Troon Bentinck) 15 points

Pre-Handicap Girls (pictured right)

Age 9-10

1st Louise Duncan (West Kilbride) 50

2nd Jodie Cooper (Maybole) 63

3rd Emma Turner (West Kilbride) 68

Age 11
1st Hannah McSorley (Maybole) 49
2nd Sophie Craig (Troon Bentinck) 59
3rd Leona Murray (Loudoun) 64

Age 12-13
1st Emma Paterson (Loudoun) 44
2nd Hayleigh Campbell (Loudoun) 50
3rd Marian Boyd (Brunston Castle) 74

DISABLED BRITISH OPEN - Berry runner up in british championship

Ally Berry (Irvine Ravenspark) was pipped for the title by one shot at the 2010 Disabled British Open held at East Sussex National golf club over the weekend of 20th-22nd September.

Ally returned 2 scratch rounds of 80 on a course with extremeny testing greens.

Highlights of the event can be seen on SKY SPORTS on the 6th and 7th October 2010.

Ally has now reduced his handicap to 4. 

AYRSHIRE GIRLS GOLF - McGarva wins St Nicholas Trophy

Katie Mcgarva (Troon Ladies) - pictured right with trophy -  won the 2010 St. Nicholas Trophy recently, when the Ayrshire Girls met at Beith on one of the hottest days of the summer, by virtue of the better inward half over Alexandra Brown (Turnberry). The best scratch score of the day was a 76, by Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies).

Leading Scores :-

Division 1 (0-13 h/c)

1st Katie McGarva (Tron Ladies) 77 (10) 67

2nd Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) 76 (5) 71
Division 2 (14-36 h/c)

1st Alexandra Brown (Turnberry) 91 (24) 67
2nd Rachel Irvine (Largs) 89 (14) 75

Pre-Handicap Girls (pictured right)

Age 10-11

1st Lindsay Scott (Troon Bentinck)

2nd Louise Duncan (West Kilbride)

3rd Bethan Muir (Troon Bentinck)

Age 12-13

1st Hayleigh Campbell (Loudoun)

2nd Emma Paterson (Loudoun)

3rd Marian Boyd (Brunston Castle)

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Macneal confirmed as 2010 winner

With the results of all the counting events in the 2010 Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit now collated, Charlie Macneal (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right - has been confirmed as the winner of the 2010 title.

Ayrshire Boys Champion Macneal took the title from Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) with clubmate david Wilson (Troon Welbeck) in third place.

FINAL PLACINGS :-

700 ~ CHARLIE MACNEAL (Troon Welbeck)
612.5 ~ EUAN WALKER (Kil Barassie)
465.8 ~ DAVID WILSON (Troon Welbeck)
350 ~ JACK McDONALD (Kil Barassie)
260 ~ MARC SMITH (Troon Welbeck)
202.5 ~ BEN GIBSON (Troon Welbeck)
194.8 ~ GRAEME RITCHIE (Troon Welbeck)
194.55 ~ GARY MORRISON (Annanhill)
117.5 ~ STEPHEN HILL (Pr St Cuthbert)
110 ~ LOUIS MURRAY (Kil Barassie)
107.05 ~ CALUM BEVERIDGE (Troon Welbeck)
102.5 ~ CALUM GORRIE (Kil Barassie)
100 ~ ROBBIE FITZPATRICK (Ardeer)
85 ~ JACK MCCLUSKEY (Ayr Belleisle)
79.1 ~ GREG VERNON (Annanhill)
64.1 ~ JOHN ROBERTSON (Largs)
62.5 ~ STEVEN NORWOOD (Troon Welbeck)
62.5 ~ SANDY DARROCH (Pr St Nicholas)
50 ~ A WOODS (Kilbirnie Place)
45 ~ GREG TELFER (Pr St Cuthbert)
44.8 ~ COLIN CURRIE (Kil Barassie)
42.5 ~ CHRIS HOBSON (Irvine)
35 ~ C LAWSON (Kilbirnie Place)

35 ~ DANIEL FORBES (Ardeer)

34 ~ CAMERON MACLEAN (West Kilbride)

29.1 ~ GREG CATHIE (Irvine)

22.75 ~ ANGUS RITCHIE (Troon Welbeck)

20 ~ ANDREW THOMSON (Royal Troon)

15 ~ DARREN YOUNG (Annanhill)

15 ~ ALAN MILNE (Ardeer)

14 ~ SCOTT LOW (Pr St Nicholas)

10.8 ~ EUAN HENDERSON (Kil Barassie)

8.75 ~ S BROWN (Kilbirnie Place)

7.5 ~ CALUM MOULTRIE (Tr St Meddans)

5 ~ BRUCE RENNIE (Pr St Nicholas)

5 ~ LOUIS MURRAY (Ayr Belleisle)

5 ~ CIAR PORCIANI (Ayr Belleisle)

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Ayr Belleisle win Under 16 trophy

The final of the Ayrshire Junior Golf League Under 16 Knockout Trophy was held at Largs GC on Sunday 19th September with Ayr Belleisle (pictured right) beating Prestwick St Cuthbert by 3 - 1 to win the trophy.

Jack McCluskey led the Belleisle side by example in the first tie, eastablishing a three hole lead over Greg Telfer at the turn before closing out his opponent on the 15th.

Darryl Lynch and Mark Reid were square at the turn in the second tie but Reid had a run of five successive winning holes to take his tie and square the match at 1 - 1.

The final two ties were very close throughout with the two Ayr belleisle players leading by one hole, through nine, and in both cases the Belleisle players held on for 2 & 1 wins in their respective ties to take the trophy back to Ayr Belleisle

Match details  (Ayr Belleisle names first) :-

Jack McCluskey beat Greg Telfer by 4&3
Darryl Lynch lost to Mark Reid by 5&4
Ross Cameron beat Daniel Webster by 2&1
Jordon Sweeney beat Nathan Galloway by 2&1

The finalists

At the presentations following the final, AJGL Chairman John Nordbo congratulated the teams on their considerable efforts to reach the finals and also thanked Largs Golf Club for providing the courtesy of the course, which was in outstanding condition. He also commented on the fairly sizeable contingent of parents and club supporters following their teams.

On Sunday 26th September Largs will once again be the venue for the Junior League final featuring Kilmarnock (Barassie) and Ayr Belleisle and also the Junior Champion of Champions final between Joseph Howie (Ardeer) and Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) and spectators will be most welcome.