PRESIDENT'S TROPHY MATCH - Ayrshire retain trophy in win over South of Scotland at Wigtownshire County GC

The combined Ayrshire boys and youth team opened the season in winning style on Sunday the 12th of April, with victory in the annual match against the South of Scotland for The President’s Trophy.

The winning Ayrshire team and officials at Wigtownshire County GC

Played at Wigtownshire County Golf Club, the Ayrshire team retained the trophy they won in 2024 over the same course, as the match did not take place in 2025.

The match featured six morning foursomes ties and twelve afternoon singles, with each team comprising four under 16’s, 4 under 18’s and 4 players aged 23 or under.

Ayrshire took a 4.5-1.5 lead after the morning foursomes, with Dylan Scally & Jake Hendry fighting back from two down with three to play in the anchor tie to secure an important half.

The morning foursomes results were:-

Ryan Steven (Ayr Belleisle) & Connor Hunter (Prestwick St Nicholas) won 2&1

Mason Chisholm (Irvine) & Harris Vennard (Ayr Belleisle) lost 2&1

Oliver Kane (Royal Troon) & Lyle Vogwell (West Kilbride) won 5&4

Gregor Hay (Turnberry) & Findlay Andrew (Turnberry) won 5&3

Euan Forrest (Turnberry) & Sam Crozier (West Kilbride) won 4&3

Dylan Scally (Ardeer) & Jake Hendry (West Kilbride) halved 

In the afternoon singles the four under 16’s swept the board, winning all four ties, and with further wins from Oliver Kane, Findlay Andrew, Euan Forrest, and a half from Jake Hendry, won the singles by 7.5 – 4.5 to retain the trophy with an overall match score of 12 – 6

The results in the singles ties were:-

Harris Vennard won 2&1

The South of Scotland team that contested the match

Mason Chisholm won 5&3

Connor Hunter won 6&4

Ryan Steven won 4&2

Oliver Kane won 1 hole

Gregor Hay lost 2&1

Lyle Vogwell lost 3&2

Findlay Andrew won 3&1

Euan Forrest won 4&3

Sam Crozier lost 4&3

Dylan Scally lost 3&1

Jake Hendry halved

The trophy presentation to
AGA President Barry O'Rourke
& Team Captain Euan Forrest

The Association would like to thank the South of Scotland for hosting the match and the members and staff of Wigtownshire County GC for their hospitality and looking after the players and officials throughout the day. 

AYRSHIRE A TEAM - Season preparations continue with pro match at Largs GC

The Ayrshire A team's season preparations continued on sunday the 12th of April with a match at Largs GC against a team of local professional golfers, several of whom were also former Ayrshire county players.

The ten a side match consisted of singles ties, while each group also contested a fourball betterball match within their groupling at the same time.

In the event, the Ayrshire team narrowly won the match by 8.5 - 6.5

Match details

Group 1 - Pro team won 2&1

Jack McDonald beat Blair Morton (Roiyal Troon) by 2&1

Stuart Easton beat Harvey Broadfoot by 4&3

Group 2 - Ayrshire won by 2 holes

Jack Broun lost to Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) by 3&1

Euan Ferguson beat Scott Brown (Prestwick St Cuthbert) by 2 holes

Group 3 - Professionals won by 8&7

Fraser Russell beat Alan McLean (Largs) by 4&3

Hamish Mills  lost to Sandy Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) by 1 hole

Group 4 - Ayrshire won 2&1

George Duncan halved with Calum Nairn (Preastwick St Cuthbert)

Steven Stamper (Girvan) lost to Joe McSorley (Prestwick St Cuthbert) by 3&2

Group 5 - Ayrshire won 2&1

Liam Kirkham lost to Cameron Aitken (Largs) by 5&4

Jamie Hay (Ayr Belleisle) lost to Gavin Chesney (Largs) by 1 hole

The Association would like to that the local professional golfers for their support in staging the match and the committee and members of largs Golf Club for hosting the fixture.

PRESIDENTS TROPHY MATCH - Ayrshire team announced to face South of Scotland

The combined Ayrshire boys and youths team to face the South of Scotland at Wigtownshire County GC on Sunday the 12th of April, in the annual match for the President's Trophy, has been announced.

The 2024 winning Ayrshire team at Wigtownshire County GC

The match did not take place in 2025, with Ayrshire defending the trophy they won in 2024, when nthe match was last played at Wigtownshire County GC.

Each team consists of 4 under 16's, 4 under 18's, and 4 youths (23 and under), and the match consists of 6 morning foursomes and 12 afternoon singles ties.

The Ayrshire team for the 2026 match is :-  

Under 16

Harris Vennard (Ayr Belleisle), Mason Chisholm (Irvine), Connor Hunter (Prestwick St Nicholas, Ryan Steven (Ayr Belleisle)

Under 18

Oliver Kane (Royal Troon), Gregor Hay (Turnberry), Lyle Vogwell (West Kilbride), Findlay Andrew (Turnberry)

Youths

Euan Forrest (Turnberry), Sam Crozier (West Kilbride), Dylan Scally (Ardeer), Jake hendry (West Kilbride)

The match commences at 9.30 am, with the foursomes ties.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - 12 clubs to contest season opener

12 member clubs will contest the traditional season opening Ayrshire Golf Association strokeplay event, when the 2026 Ayrshire Junior Team Championship is played at Prestwick St Cuthbert Golf Club on Sunday the 19th of April.

Turnberry and Loudoun will be defending the team trophies they won in 2025 at Girvan, while the winners of the two individual trophies, Finlay Watt and Robert Meney, will also defend the awards won last year.

The draw for order of play is:-

AYR SEAFIELD OPEN - Entries now being taken for Doc Thom counting event

Entries are now being taken for the 2026 Ayr Seafield Open competition.

The event, a counting competition for the Doc Thom Ayrshire Order of Merit, takes place on Saturday the 30th of May 2026 over the Ayr Seafield course.

Entries can be submitted by using the link below

Ayr Seafield Open entry link

SHISKINE GOLF CLUB - Open event opportunities in Arran this summer

Visitors to Arran this summer have the chance to play the excellent course at the Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club, with two open competitions being advertised, and entries now being taken.

The Gents Stableford Open will take place on Sunday the 19th of July with an entry fee of £15 for visitors.

The Ladies Greensome Open takes place on Thursday the 30th of July with a visitors entry fee of £20 per pair.

Details on how to enter are on the posters below

PRESTWICK GOLF CLUB - Birthplace of The Open seeks new Links Manager

Prestwick Golf Club are seeking a new Links Manager, with the position being advertised this week.

Prestwick Golf Club, one of the world’s most historic and iconic links courses, ranked in the top 100 in the world, is seeking an outstanding leader to take on the role of Links Manager in the year the Club celebrates its 175th Anniversary.

As the birthplace of The Open Championship, Prestwick offers a unique opportunity to lead at a venue steeped in tradition. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving standards, developing people, and safeguarding the natural character and global reputation of the course.

The Role

Reporting to the Secretary and working closely with the Green Committee, the Links Manager will provide clear, confident leadership across all aspects of course management. You will set the vision for course presentation, inspire a high-performing greenkeeping team, and create a culture of accountability, pride, and continuous improvement, all while respecting Prestwick’s historic links heritage.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the greenkeeping team, setting high standards and fostering a strong team culture
• Take full ownership of the planning and delivery of maintenance programs, aligning daily operations with long-term strategic goals
• Drive consistency and excellence in course presentation through a high attention to detail, effective leadership and communication
• Manage budgets, resources, machinery, and procurement with a strategic and disciplined approach
• Champion sustainable turf management practices and continuous improvement
• Build strong working relationships with the Secretary, Greens Committee, and wider stakeholders
• Ensure full compliance with health & safety and environmental responsibilities

The Ideal Candidate

• A proven leader with experience in a senior greenkeeping or course management role, ideally within a links environment
• Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and develop high-performing teams
• Strong decision-making skills with a proactive and solutions-focused mindset
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with confidence engaging stakeholders at all levels
• A deep understanding of fine turf management and sustainable practices
• Minimum qualification of Level 4 qualification in Turfgrass Management (or equivalent).
• A passion for upholding the traditions and standards of a championship golf course

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead at one of golf’s most prestigious and historic venues
• A progressive and supportive club environment that values strong leadership
• Attractive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience

Application Process

To apply candidates should email a letter highlighting their motivation for the role and relevant experience, an up-to-date CV, details of your current remuneration, notice period and ability to relocate if necessary.

Addressed to Rob McGuire, Secretary.

Email: secretary@prestwickgc.co.uk

Contact: 01292 477404

Address: 2 Links Road | Prestwick | KA9 1QG | Scotland

Applications close on Friday 24th April 2026

WEST OF SCOTLAND MEN'S STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Entries now open for Lanark event

Entries are now open for the 2026 West of Scotland Men's Strokeplay Championship, and Club Team Championship, which takes place at Lanark Golf Club on Sunday the 31st of May 2026.

Hosted by the Lanarkshire Golf Association this year, the event unfortunately clashes with two other local Doc Thom Ayrshire Order of Merit events being played the same day, The West Kilbride Open and The Belleisle Cup.

Details on how to enter the West of Scotland Strokeplay are outlined on the poster below.

AYRSHIRE MEN'S STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Closing date reminder

Players are reminded that entry to the 2026 Ayrshire Men's Strokeplay Championship closes at Noon on Saturday the 11th of April.

The 2026 championship takes place over 36 holes at The West Kilbride Golf Club on Sunday the 26th of April.

Entry is open to male members of clubs affiliated to The Ayrshire Golf Association with a handicap index of 3.0 or less.

In the event that the entry is over subscribed on the closing date there will be a ballot on handicap index basis for available places.

Entry is £25 and is being accepted either in 'hard copy' traditional paper form, or on line via the Scottish Golf App.

Details of how to enter are on the poster below

 

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Closing date reminder

Clubs are reminded that the closing date for entering the 2026 Ayrshire Junior Team Championships competition is Sunday the 5th of April.

The 2026 competition takes place at Prestwick St Cuthbert GC on Sunday the 19th of April, as the traditional opening strokeplay fixture of The Ayrshire Golf Association season.

Entries received so far from :-

AYR BELLEISLE

KILMARNOCK BARASSIE

TROON WELBECK 

ROYAL TROON

LOUDOUN

PRESTWICK ST CUTHBERT

IRVINE

Entries should be in the hands of the Area Secretary by Noon on Sunday the 5th of April.

SCOTTISH GOLF AWARDS - Linzi Dye declared Coach Of The Year

On Friday the 27th of March at the Scottish Golf Annual Awards Ceremony, West Kilbride coaching professional Linzi Dye was named Scottish Golf Coach of the Year 2026.

The very deserved award reflects the dedication and exceptional work that Linzi continues to deliver, particularly with her innovative coaching scheme which has attracted a very significant number of women to golf for the first time, and her unwavering commitment to coaching and developing the game.

Sincere congratulations from all at The Ayrshire Golf Association to Linzi on this award, which is a very special shared by all connected with West Kilbride Golf Club.

AYRSHIRE MEN'S TEAM - Prestwick St Cuthbert triumph in latest pre season match

An Ayrshire men's select team took on the Scratch League Division 1 title holders Prestwick St Cuthbert on Sunday the 22nd of March in the latest pre season match before the 2026 campaign.

Playing over the Prestwick St Cuthbert course, the Ayrshire select faced a strong host club team which included several regular members of the Ayrshire A team.

In a competitive and enjoyable match, it was the host club who emerged victorious with a 6-2 victory in the match.

Match details (Ayrshire select first):-

John Haggarty (Loudoun) lost to Calum Nairn  by 1 hole

Greg Jarvie (Loudoun) lost to Steven Gillies by 3&1

Blair Morton (Royal Troon) beat Scott Brown by 4&2

John Shanks (Irvine) lost to Stuart Robin by 5&4

Jamie Hay (Ayr Belleisle) lost to Graeme Gimson by 4&2 

Mark Watt  (Prestwick St Cuthbert) lost to Joe McSorely by 8&7

Steven Stamper (Turnberry) lost to Adam Sweeney by 5&3 

Sandy Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Scott Hannah by 3&2

Prestwick St Cuthbert 6 Ayrshire Select 2 

The Ayrshire squad have another pre season fixture on the 12th of April at Largs, against a team of local golf professionals, before the competitive season begins with the first Scottish Men's Area Team Championship match of the season away to lanarkshire at Kirkhill on Sunday the 3rd of May.

COACHING - Ayrshire elite and development squads conclude coaching programme

The Ayrshire elite and development coaching squads completed their pre season coaching programme at Prestwick Golf Club on Sunday the 22nd of March, in preparation for the forthcoming competitive season starting next month.

The Elite Squad with under 18 team co-manager Paul Kennedy
and coaching professionals David Fleming & Richard Gordon

The Association would like to thank the coaching professionals Richard Gordon, David Fleming, Allan Todd and Lee Hughes, as well as Paul Moultrie of Mind Body Golf and fitness coach Brian Milligan of  Base Line in Dundonald for their continued imput and dedication to The Association's coaching delivery, and also to Prestwick Golf Club and its members for thier unwavering support of the coaching programme and other events each year.

The Development Squad with coaching professionals Allan Todd & Lee Hughes

The enthusiasm and commitment of the members of both squads during the 2026 programme was excellent and The Association hope that the players will benefit from their involvement as the 2026 season progresses.

The young Ayrshire squad members will face their first test of the year on Sunday the 12th of April when a combined Under 16, Under 18 and Youth squad will travel to Wigtonshire County Golf Club to play the South of Scotland team in the annual match for The President's Trophy, hoping to retain the trophy for a third successive time following thier 2024 victory at the same venue, the match having not taken place in 2025.

2026 AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION YEARBOOK - 23rd successive edition now available

The 2026 Ayrshire Golf Association Yearbook has been published and distributed to member clubs recently.

The 40 page booklet, the 23rd successive edition of the yearbook, contains an introduction by Area President Barry O'Rourke, reviews of the work of The Association and the 2025 events as well as contact information for member clubs, historical records, and the 2026 Ayrshire Golf Association fixture list.

The cover photograph features a vintage photograph of a mixed golf match on the twelfth green on the links of Prestwick Golf Club, Ayrshire's oldest existing club, who along with Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club celebrate their 175th anniversary in 2026.

An on-line version of the yearbook can be accessed by clicking on the front cover picture of the yearbook on the left of this page.

The Association is grateful to the publishers, Ayrshire media Services, and all the advertisers who have supported the yearbook, allowing free distribution of the booklet to member clubs.

Link to the 2026 Ayrshire Golf Association Yearbook

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION ANNUAL DINNER - 2025 winners honoured at Carlton Hotel.

The 2025 Ayrshire Golf Association trophy winners from the 2025 season were honoured recently at the Annual Dinner & Presentation of Prizes, held at The Carlton Hotel in Prestwick.

The event was chaired by President Barry O'Rourke, who opened by introducing the top table guests, including Scottish Golf President Lynne Terry who addressed the company, before AGA Executive members Jimmy McGhee said grace and the assembled company enjoyed an excellent meal.

Former sprint champion George McNeill was the guest speaker who entertained the company with his presentation and toasted The Ayrshire Golf Association, before President O'Rourke summarised the previous and forthcoming seasons in Ayrshire.

A prize draw during the evening raised the sum of £960 for The Association's partner charity, Hillhouse, before the culmination of the evening with the presentation of prizes and trophies won in the 2025 season. 

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Ayrshire Golf Association Vice President William Fleming.

The principal prizewinners were:-

Scotish Senior Internationalist
Robert Jenkins

Scottish Senior Internationalist 
Paul Moultrie

West of Scotland Club team Champions
Largs GC

Ayrshire Club Champions
Royal Troon GC
Team member
Blair Morton
accepting trophy 

Gary Bryden Memorial Salver
Prestwick St Cuthbert GC
Team & Club Captain
Steven Gillies

Presidents Putter
Irvine Ravesnaprk GC

Team Captain Scott Singleton 

Ayrshire Womens Handicap League
Largs GC
Team Member Jane Ashdown

Ayrshire Men's Handicap League
Moorpark GC

Scratch League Division 3
Troon St Meddans GC
team captain Louis Alberts

Scratch League Division 2
Caprington GC
Club Captain Robbie Gibson

Scratch League Division 1
Prestwick St Cuthbert GC
Club and team Captain
Steven Gillies

Senior Men's Matchplay Champion
Stephen King

Men's Strokeplay Champion
Harvey Broadfoot

Women's Matchplay Champion
Debbie Watt

Women's Champion of Champions
Orla Moran

Men's Champion of Champions
Harvey Broadfoot

Doc Thom Order of Merit - 3rd
Scott Brown

Doc Thom Order of Merit Runner Up
Harvey Broadfoot

Doc Thom Salver
Order of Merit Winner
John Shanks

Scratch League Division 1 

and

Gary Bryden Memorial Salver

Winners

Prestwick St Cuthbert GC

AYRSHIRE JUG - Forty one pairings bid for mixed greensomes title

The Ayrshire mixed greensomes knockout comeptition for The Ayrshire Jug sees forty one pairings bidding for the 2026 title.

The draw was made recently and circulated to competitors.

If any competitor has not received the draw and contact details they should contact the Area Secretary by email at

ayrshire.golf@btinternet.com

The draw for the opening rounds is:-

 

AYRSHIRE MEN'S FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Forty four clubs represented in 2026 line up

Forty four club pairings will contest the 2026 Ayrshire Men's Fourball Champoionship with nthe draw being circulated to competitors recently.

Should any competitor have not received the draw and information, they shoukld contact the Area Secretary by email at 

ayrshire.golf@btinternet.com

The draw for the opening rounds is:-

AYRSHIRE MEN'S CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY - Forty one players bid for 2026 title

The 2026 Ayrshire Men's Champion of Champions Trophy competition will feature forty one of the best players in Ayrshire, who will be bidding for a place in the final of the competition at Royal Troon in August.

Any competitor who has not yet received the draw and contact details should email the Area Secretary at

ayrshire.golf@btinternet.com 

The draw for the opening rounds is:-

GARY BRYDEN MEMORIAL SALVER - 22 clubs bid for scratch club team knockout competition title

Twenty two member clubs will play in the 2026 scratch club team knockout competition for The Gary Bryden Memorial Salver.

Should any club representative not have received the draw and contact information they should contact the Area Secretary by email at

ayrshire.golf@btinternet.com

The draw for the opening rounds is :-