AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT - Barry O'Rourke steps down from position

Ayrshire Golf Association President Barry O'Rourke (Caprington) has stepped down from his position as Ayrshire Golf Association President and also the Ayrshire Golf Association Executive due to personal reasons.

He would like to put his thanks on record to Past President Andrew Gilligan for asking him to be Vice President and giving him the honour of being President.

The decision was intimated on the 25th of June 2026.

In the interim, Ayrshire Golf Association Vice President William Fleming (Ballochmyle) and immediate Past President Andrew Gilligan (Royal Troon) will share responsibility for Association matters until the next Annual General meeting in October.

Vice President William Fleming expresses his thanks to Barry for his time on the Executive over the past six years and once again for giving him the opportunity to be his Vice President during his time as Ayrshire Golf Association President.

AYRSHIRE MEN'S HANDICAP LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP - Quarter-final ties under way

The first leg ties in all four Ayrshire Men's Handicap League Championship quarter-final matches have been completed.

With Drongan leading Ayr Belleisle 6-0 and Ayr Seafield leading Caprington 4-2 after theoir home legs of their quarter finals, the other two quarter final first leg ties also resulted in home wins, with Ardeer beating Tam O Shanter 4-2 and Alton beating Beith 3.5-2.5

The second legs of the quarter-final ties are due to be completed by Sunday the 2nd of August.

 

PRESIDENT'S PUTTER - Quarter-finals completed

The quarter-finals of the handicap club team knockout competition for The President's Putter were completed recently and the semi-final line up confirmed.

Prestwick St Cuthbert had a 2-1 home win over Skelmorlie to book an away tie against Tam O Shanter in the last four, while Auchenharvie 88 had a 2-1 win at home to Troon St Meddans and will now travel to play Troon Portland for a place in the final.

The two semi finals are due to be completed by the 30th of August, with the final scheduled to take place during Finals day at Ardeer on Sunday the 6th of September. 

GARY BRYDEN MEMORIAL SALVER - Semi-final line up confirmed

The semi-final line up in the scratch club team knockout competition for The Gary Bryden Memorial Salver has been confirmed with all the quarter final matches being completed recently.

West Kilbride had a 2-1 home win over Redburn to set up a home semi-final tie against Girvan, who booked their place in the last four with a 2.5-0.5 home win over Irvine Ravenspark in the quarter-finals.

Royal Troon had a 2-1 away win over Ayr Belleisle in their quarter-final tie and will now travel to play Kilmarnock Barassie in the semi-finals.

Both semi-finals are due to be completed by the 30th of August, with the final scheduled to be played during Finals day at Ardeer on Sunday the 6th of September.

AYRSHIRE SCRATCH LEAGUES - Troon St Meddans confirmed as Division 3 winners

Troon St Meddans have been confirmed as the Ayrshire Scratch League Division 3 winners with four fixtures remaining to be completed in the league.

Troon Portland's away defeat to Rowallan Castle by 3.5-2.5 recently confirmed that Troon St Meddans could not be caught at the top of the table and will win the title, Division 3 trophy, and promotion to division 2 in 2027.

Rowallan Castle were also confirmed as being relegated to Division 4 in 2027.

With four fixtures still to be completed the remaining promotion and relegation places are still to be confirmed.

Ballochmyle have home matches against Troon Portland and Troon St Meddans to play and an away fixture at Troon Portland, while Troon Portland have also still to visit Prestwick St Nicholas before final placings are decided.

Present postions in Scratch league Division 3 are:-

SCOTTISH MEN'S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Six Ayrshire players through to matchplay at Royal Aberdeen

Six Ayrshire players are through to the matchplay stages of the Scottish Men's Amateur Championship after the two strokeplay qualifying rounds at Royal Aberdeen and Murcar Links were completed on Wednesday the 29th of July.

Harvey Broadfoot (Royal Troon) was the highest placed of the Ayrshire players in the qualifying, fourth spot on 140, two under par for the two qualifying rounds.

Harvey was joined in the matchplay rounds by Jack Crawford (West Kilbride), Jamie Hay (Ayr Belleisle), Jenson Fergusson (Royal Troon), Steven Stamper (Turnberry) and Findlay Andrew (Turnberry), with the qualifying score falling at 149 (+7).

The Ayrshire interest in the matchplay stages extends to Australian resident Campbell Kerr, whose family originate from the Galston area, who qualified in joint 24th place on 146 (+4).

The full list of Ayrshire players qualifying scores and placings were:-

140 (-2) - 4th - Harvey Broadfoot (Royal Troon)

145 (+3) - equal 15th - Jack Crawford (West Kilbride)

147 (+5) - equal 36th - Jamie Hay (Ayr Belleisle)

148 (+6) - equal 42nd - Jenson Fergusson (Royal Troon), Steven Stamper (Turbnberry)

149 (+7) - equal 60th - Findlay Andrew (Turnberry)

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151 (+9) - equal 81st - Cameron McGarvie (Prestwick), Harris Vennard (Ayr Belleisle)

152 (+10) - equal 98th - Matthew Allen (Western Gailes)

153 (+11) - equal 108th - Cameron Aitken (Largs)

154 (+12) - equal 117th - Calum Nairn (Prestwick St Cuthbert)

155 (+13) - equal 124th - Gregor hay (Ayr Belleisle)

156 (+14) - equal 138th - Louis Alberts (Troon St Meddans), Scott Hannah (Prestwick St Cuthbert)    

157 (+15) - equal 149th - Harvey McDonald (Loudoun)

160 (+18) - equal 182nd - Blair Morton (Royal Troon), Kevin Thomas (Troon St Meddans)

161 (+19) - equal 190th - John Shanks (Irvine)

165 (+23) - equal 225th - Dominic Booth (Turnberry)

Thre other former Ayrshire players failed to qualify for the matchplay stages.

Scott Newman (Gourock) was equal 67th on 150 (+8), Malcolm Pennycott (Royal Burgess) was equal 117th on 154 (+12) and Daniel Forbes was equal 124th on 155 (+13).

The matchplay rounds commence over the Royal Aberdeen links on the morning of Thursday the 30th of July.

Harvey Broadfoot plays Charlie Reynolds (University of St Andrews)

Jack Crawford plays Cole Stewart (Carnoustie Caledonia)

Jamie Hay plays Chris Somers (Murcar Links)

Jenson Fergusson plays Daniel Aitken (Aboyne)

Steven Stamper plays Jamie McDonald (St Andrews New)

Finlay Andrew plays Ross laird (Glenbervie)

and

Campbell Kerr plays Ollie Blackadder (Paul Lawrie Foundation)

WEST OF SCOTLAND BOY'S MATCHPLAY - Finlay Watt through to semi-finals

 The new West of Scotland Junior Strokeplay Champion Finlay Watt (West Kilbride) is through to the semi finals of the West of Scotland Boys Matchplay Championship at Falkirk GC, after the quarter final ties were played on Wednesday the 29th of July.

In the quarter finals Finlay beat Cammy Pike (Lenzie) by 8&7 to set up a semi final clash on Thursday morning, the 30th of July, against Thomas watson (Old Ranfurly)

Ayrshire's other qualifier for the matchplay championship, Ryan Steven (Ayr Belleisle) lost out in a marathon quarter final tie against Cameron Burns (Glasgow) which needed three extra holes, with Burns winning on the 21st hole of the tie.

The second semi final on Thursday morning is between Burns and Oliver Gill (Lanark).

SCOTTISH MEN'S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Mixed fortunes for Ayrshire contingent at Royal Aberdeen and Murcar

There were mixed fortunes for the Ayrshire contingent taking part in the 2026 Scottish Men's Amateur Championship on day one at Royal Abrerdeen and Murcar on Tuesday the 28th of July, as the field battled some testing conditions on the North East links.

Best of the day of the Ayrshire players was Harvey Broadfoot (Royal Troon) who lies in joint sixth place after recording a two under par score of 69 in his opening round.

Harvey lies two shots behind the first round leader Campbell Kerr from Brisbane, Australia, who himself has a strong Ayrshire connection with his father hailing from Galston and with several close relatives still living in the Galston area.  

Jamie Hay (Ayr Belleisle) lies in joint twenty first place after an opening round of 73, two over par, while Harris Vennard (Ayr Belleisle) is in joint 39th place on 74, three over par, alongside former Ayrshire Boys Champion Scott Newman (Gourock GC).

The other Ayrshire players first round scores and current positions are:-

76 (+5) - 74th equal - Findlay Andrew (Turnberry), Jack Crawford (West Kilbride), Steven Stamper (Turnberry)

77 (+6) - 95th equal - Jenson Fergusson (Royal Troon), Matthew Allen (Western Gailes)

78 (+7) - 120th equal - Cameron Aitken (Largs), Scott Hannah (Prestwick St Cuthbert)

79 (+8) - 136th equal - Cameron McGarvie (Prestwick)

80 (+9) = 157th equal - Harvey McDonald (Loudoun), Kevin Thomas (Troon St Meddans)

81 (+10) - 175th equal - Dominic Booth (Turnberry)

83 (+12) - 207th equal - Blair Morton (Royal Troon), Lousi Alberts (Troon St Meddans), Calum nairn (Prestwick St Cuthbert)

85 (+14) - 221st equal - Grtegor Hay (Ayr Belleisle)

86 (+15) - 233rd equal - John Shanks (Irvine)

Three former Ayrshire players, Malcolm Pennycott (Royal Burgess), Daniel Forbes (Glasgow) and Cameron Johnstone (Open Play) are tied on 82 (+11) in joint 185th place.

The second strokeplay qualifying round takes place on Wednesday the 29th of July with the top 64 players progressing to the matchplay stages throughout the remainder of the week. 

AYRSHIRE SENIOR MEN'S MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Paul Moultrie books final spot after marathon semi final.

Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon) will face Tom Loy (Irvine) in the 2026 Ayrshire Senior Men's Matchplay Championship final after coming through a marathon semi-final tie on Monday the 28th of July.

At home to Alan Kelly (West Kilbride) in the semi-finals, Paul Moultrie booked his place in the final at the sixth extra hole of the tie, the 24th hole of the match.

The final, along with the Ayrshire Men's and Ayrshire Women's Champion of Champions Trophy finals are scheduled to take place at Royal Troon on Friday the 14th of August, commencing from 5.00 p.m. 

AYRSHIRE SCRATCH LEAGUES - Ayr Belleisle lead Division 1 with six fixtures remaining while Troon St Meddans are on the verge of taking the Division 3 title.

With just six fixtures remaining to be played, Ayr Belleisle lead the Ayrshire Scratch league Division 1 title chase, while Troon St Meddans are on the verge of winning the Division 3 title for 2026.

A 5.5-0.5 home win over Caprington recently kept the Belleisle team ahead of defending champions Prestwick St Cuthbert, who maintained their hopes of defending the title with a 6-0 home win over irvine in their latest fixture.

In the other fixture played recently irvine fought out a 3-3 draw with their visitors from Largs.

The destination of the 2026 title looks to hinge on the two fixtures still to be played between Prestwick St Cuthbert and Ayr Belleisle, while the Belleisle team also have an additional fixture to complete at home to Irvine.

Present postions in Scratch league Division 1 are:-

The remaining fixtures are:-

Ayr Belleisle Vs Irvine

Ayr Belleisle Vs Prestwick St Cuthbert

Caprington Vs Largs

Caprington Vs Irvine

Largs Vs Irvine

Prestwick St Cuthbert Vs Ayr Belleisle

In Scratch League Division 3, Troon St Meddans all but secured the 2026 title with a 4.5-1.5 home win over Ballochmyle in their latest fixture.

The only team still able to match Troon St Meddans' points total are Troon Portland, who would need to win their remaining four fixtures, At home to Ballochmyle and away to Prestwick St Nicholas, Rowallan castle, and Ballochmyle by substantial scores, and hope that Troon St Meddans took nothing from their final fixture away to Ballochmyle.

Present positions in Scratch league Division 3 are:-

WEST OF SCOTLAND JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP - Victory for Finlay Watt at Falkirk

Finlay Watt (West Kilbride) is the new West of Scotland Junior Strokeplay Champion, winning the title on Monday the 27th of July at

Falkirk Golf Club.

Ayrshire had 11 players in the field of 60 for the championship, hosted this year by the Styirlingshire Golf Union, and it was Finlay who posted the best scratch score of the day with a one under par score of 71 to take the title by a single shot.

The full list of Ayrshire scores was:-

Finlay Watt West Kilbride 71 (69)

Ryan Steven (Ayr Belleisle) 75 (73)

Alyssa Gillies (Ballochmyle) 78 (72)

Charlie Scott-Martin (Annanhill) 80 (75)

James McNeillie (West Kilbride) 81 (79)

Jamie Robb (Royal Troon) 82 (75)

Thomas Carlyle (Turnberry) 82 (78)

Lucas Farquhar (Kilmarnock Barassie) 86 (81)

Adam Brown (Ayr Belleisle) 88 (77)

Francisco Trejo (Irvine) 88 (80)

Orla Gillies (Ballochmyle) 99 (73)

Finlay Watt led the eight qualifiers for the West of Scotland Boys Matchplay Championship which takes place at Falkirk GC on Wednesday the 29th and Thursday the 30th of July, and was joined in the matchplay event by Ryan Steven.

In the first round of matchplay on Wednesday morning, the 29th of July, Finlay plays Cammie Pike (Lenzie) and Ryan plays Cameron Burns (Glasgow)

 

AYRSHRE MEN'S HANDICAP LEAGUE - First two ties in quarter finals played

The first two ties in the quarter finals of the 2026 Ayrshire Men's Handicap league Championship competition were completed recently, as the remaining teams bid for places in the semi finals.

Ayr Belleisle have it all to do in their second leg at home to Drongan after losing the first leg tie away from home by 6-0.

Ayr Seafield beat Caprington in the home leg of thier quarter final, and take a 4-2 lead to the return match at Caprington.

All the quarter final ties are due to be completed by the 2nd of August.

AYRSHIRE SCRATCH LEAGUES - Troon Welbeck move joint top in Division 4

Troon Welbeck have moved into joint top position in Division 4 of the Ayrshire Scratch Leagues following their latest fixture.

In their home match against Redburn the Troon Welbeck team recorded a 4.5-1.5 win to move onto the same points as leaders Ardeer.

Present positions in Scratch League Division 4 are:-

WEST OF SCOTLAND JUNIOR STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Good Ayrshire representation at Falkirk

Ayrshire are well represented in the West of Scotland Junior Strokeplay Championship which takes place at Falkirk Golf Club on Monday the 27th of July.

Several Ayrshire players are in the field bidding for the strokeplay title, and also playing for a place in the West of Scotland Boys Matchplay Championship which take splace over the same course later in the week.

The draw for order of play on Monday the 27th of July is:-

WEST OF SCOTLAND INTER COUNTY LEAGUE - First win for Ayrshire as they overwhelm Stirlingshire at Lochgreen

The Ayrshire Under 18 boys team recorded their first win of the season in the West of Scotland under 18 boys league on Sunday the 26th of July when they overwhelmed Stirlingshire at Troon Lochgreen golf course.

Ayrshire defeated their visitors by 7.5 - 0.5 in the match, their third fixture of the campaign which followed a draw with Glasgow and defeat by Renfrewshire. 

Ryan Steven put Ayrshire's first point on the board with a 7&5 win and was soon followed by the other three under 16 players who all won their ties. In the lead tie James McNeillie fought back from five down at one stage to edge out his opponent on the final green for a notable victory.

Three of the under 18 players also won their ties and in the last tie on the course Jack Lammie fought back from four down early in the match to gain a half point, leaving Ayrshire overall winners by 7.5 - 0.5

Match details (Ayrshire names first)

James McNeillie (West Kilbride) beat Craig Dalrymple (Bonnybridge) by 1 hole

Connor Hunter (Prestwick St Nicholas) beat Lucas Higgins (Dunblane New) by 5&4

Mason Chisholm (Irvine) beat Ruariu McNeill (Falkirk) by 3&2

Ryan Steven (Ayr Belleisle) beat Louie Anderson (Falkirk) by 7&5

Jake McLaughlin (Troon Welbeck) beat Flyn n  Mitchell (Stirling) by 4&2

Jack Lammie (Royal Troon) halved with Kai Dickson (Stirling) 

Oliver kane (Royal Troon) beat Ben Wilson (Stirling) by 2&1

Harris Vennard (Ayr Belleisle) beat Reuben Brown (Balfron) by 5&4

AYRSHIRE   7.5    STIRLINGSHIRE   0.5

In the other fixture played on Sunday the 26th of July, Dumbartonshire had an away win over Glasgow by 5 - 3 at Sandyhills.

Present positions in the West of Scotland inter county under 18 boys league are:-

Next month Ayrshire are away to Lanarkshire at Crow Wood on Sunday the 30th of August

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Final spots for Ayr Belleisle and Turnberry

With the Ayrshire Junior Golf League competitions nearing a conclusion, Ayr Belleisle and Turnberry secured their places in two finals recently.

In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT TROPHY semi-finals, Ayr Belleisle hosted Irvine and after a 2-2 draw in the match, Ayr Belleisle progressed to the final on an 18-11 countback score.

The Belleisle team now await either Troon Welbeck or Turnberry in the final.

In the WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY semi final Turnberry visited Kilmarnock Barassie and ran out winners by 4-0 to book their place in the final, where they will face either Troon Welbeck or West Kilbride.

In the AYRSHIRE JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY competition, Gregor Hay (Turnberry) has a 2&1 win on his visit to play Euan Forrest (West Kilbride) in their semi final match and now awaits either Findlay Andrew (Ayrshire Boys Strokeplay champion) or Harris Vennard (Ayr Belleisle) in the final.

AYRSHIRE SCRATCH LEAGUE DIVISION 2 - Royal Troon title setback after West Kilbride defeat

Royal Troon's title hopes in the Ayrshire Scratch League Division 2 suffered a setback recently with a defeat by West Kilbride.

With the chance to overtake Louodun at the top of the table, Royal Troon hosted west Kilbride on Wednesday the 23rd of July, but a fine performance by the visitors saw them win three ties and secure half points in two others for a 4-2 victory, which also boosted their own slim hopes of the 2026 Division 2 title.

Present positions in Scratch League Division 2 are:-

AYRSHIRE JUG - McKinnon and Moffat book semi final place.

Alistair McKinnon and Carol Moffat (Caprington) are the second pairing through to the semi finals of the Ayrshire mixed greensomes knockout competition, for The Ayrshire Jug.

At home in the quarter finals against David & Irene Hodge (Largs) Alistair & Carol won by 4&2 to take their place in the last four.

The remaining two quarter final ties are due to be completed by the 2nd of August.

AYRSHIRE WOMEN'S CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY - Final line up confirmed

The 2026 Ayrshire Women's Champion of Champions Trophy competition final at Royal Troon on Friday the 14th of August will be between Jennifer Linklater (Largs) and Audrey Thompson (Loudoun).

With Audrey already having secured her place in the final following her victory over Joy Young (Ballochmyle) recenlty, Jennifer Linklater booked her place in the final match with a 4&2 win when she visited Pauleen Patrick (Irvine) in their semi final clash.

AYRSHIRE SENIOR MEN'S MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Tom Loy secures final spot

Tom Loy (Irvine) m has secured his place in the final of the Ayrshire Senior Men's Matchplay Championship, to be played at Royal Troon on Friday the 14th of August.

In his semi final tie away to Craig Robertson (Turnberry), Tom ran out a winner by 3&2 to book his final spot.

The other semi final, between Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon) and Alan Kelly (West Kilbride) is due to be completed by the 5th of August.

MUIRKIRK OPEN - Entries invited for August event

Entries are now being accepted for the Muirkirk Open which takes place at the Southside course in Muirkirk on Saturday the 22nd of August.

There are prizes on a scratch and handicap basis for the event, with the player returning the best nett score on the day gaining custody of the James Millar Trophy for the coming year.

Entry fee is £10 and entries can be secured as noted on the poster below.

AYRSHIRE BOY'S STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - draw published for 2026 event at Routenburn

The draw for the 2026 Ayrshire Boy's Strokeplay Championship, to be held at Routenburn Golf Course in Largs on Thursday the 6th of August has been published and emailed to competitors.

The 36 hole strokeplay competition has prizes and trophies on both a scratch and handicap basis.

The draw for the championship this year is :-

AYRSHIRE GIRL'S STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Draw circulated for 2026 event at Routenburn

The draw for the 2026 Ayrshire Girl's Strokeplay Championship, to be held at Routenburn Golf Course in Largs on Thursday the 6th of August, has been circulated to competitors by email.

The 18 hole strokeplay competition is open to girls under the age of 18 on the 1st of January 2026 who are members of any of the 67 Ayrshire Golf Association member clubs.

Trophies and prizes are competed for on both a scratch and handicap basis.

There is avaiability for late entries, that can be secured by emailing the Area Secretary at ayrshire.golf@btinternet.com

The entry fee is £10.

The draw for order of play on the 6th of August is:-

  

SCOTTISH MEN'S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Strong Ayrshire contingent head to Royal Aberdeen

Ayrshire have a strong representation of 19 players in the field of 264 heading to Royal Aberdeen and Murcar Links next week for the Scottish Men's Amateur Championship, which takes place between the 28th of July and the 1st of August.

Strokeplay qualifying will be held over both the Rotyal Aberdeen and Murcar courses, with the matchplay qualifiers playing off over the Royal Aberdeen course throughut the remainder of the week.

The Ayrshire players taking part are:-

Harvey McDonald (Loudoun), Jamie Hay (Ayr Belleisle, Matthew Allen (Western gailes), Blair Morton (Royal Troon), Scott Brown (Prestwick St Cuthbert), Louis Alberts (Troon St Meddans), Findlay Andrew (Turnberry), Scott Hannah (Prestwick St Cuthbert), Kevin Thomas (Troon St Meddans), Cameron McGarvie (Prestwick), Gregor Hay (Ayr Belleisle), Dominic Booth (Turnberry), Mark Anderson (Irvine), Cameron Aitken (Largs), Calum nairn (Prestwick St Cuthbert), John Shanks (Irvine), Steven Stamper (Turnberry), Daniel Forbes (Irvine), and harvey broadfoot (Royal Troon).   

AYRSHIRE SCRATCH LEAGUE DIVISION 4 - Ardeer lead the way in title bid

Ardeer remain in the lead in the chase for the Ayrshire Scratch League Division 4 title after recent fixtures.

In two recent ties, Redburn boosted their own title hopes with a 3.5-2.5 home win over Troon Welbeck, who subsequently bounced back from the defeat with a 5-1 home win over Golf South Ayrshire in their latest fixture.

Present positions in Scrratch League Division 4 are:-