ALL THE LATEST NEWS ON AMATEUR GOLF IN AYRSHIRE

Monday, November 22, 2004

WEST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUES - Deciding match postponed again

The deciding match in the West Of Scotland Inter County youth league, between Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire has been postponed again. The match is now scheduled to take place on Saturday 27th November at Hamilton Golf Club.

Monday, November 15, 2004

WEST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUES - Deciding match in youth league postponed

The deciding match in this seasons Inter County youth league, due to be played between Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire on Saturday (13th November) has been postponed and will now take place on Saturday 20th November at Lanark Golf Club.

Sunday, November 14, 2004

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY GOLF ASSOCIATION - Alison Gemmill elected an Honorary Member

At the Annual General Meeting of the Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Association, held at Kilmarnock Barassie on Tuesday 9th November, former Scottish Internationalist Alison Gemmill of the Kilmarnock Barassie Club was elected an Honorary Member of the Association, in recognition of her services to golf, both within the county and on a national level.

Alison first enjoyed national recognition in 1979 with a win in the Scottish Ladies Junior Open Strokeplay Championship.

A regular in the Scottish international teams throughout the 1980's Alison won the Scottish Ladies Championship on two occasions, beating Wilma Aitken in the 1981final at Stranraer by 2 & 1 and regaining the title in 1985 with a 2 & 1 win over Donna Thomson when the Championship was played at Kilmarnock (Barassie). In addition to her two successes, Alison also took the runners up spot in 1984 when Gillian Stewart beat her by 3 & 2 at Royal Dornoch.

Alison also enjoyed unprecidented success in the Ayrshire Ladies County Championship throughout the 1980's and 1990's, winning the title on numerous occasions.

In recent years, Alison has again "answered the call", serving as an official for Scottish International teams at various levels and at a variety of events, and it is for her contribution over the years both in Ayrshire and in Scotland that The Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Association have afforded Alison this well deserved honour.

WEST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUES - Ayrshire finish on a high with victory at Stirling

The Ayrshire A Team finished on a winning note in this seasons West Of Scotland Inter County Leagues with victory in their rearranged match on, Saturday 13th November, against Stirlingshire at Stirling.

Despite a heavy defeat for Tommy Loy in the opening tie, Kilmarnock Barassie's two boys internationalists, David Addison and Robert McKnight hit back in the following ties to put Ayrshire in front, a lead which was further extended with a victory from Steven Spence.

Despite David Glass being defeated in the 5th tie, the Barassie duo of Stewart Macaulay and Alan Dickie ensured at least a draw for Ayrshire, with wins which took the match score to 5 - 2.

The quest for the half point required for victory was hindered by defeats for David Orchison and Steven McEwan, leaving the match score at 5-4 with one match remaining on course.

In the final match, Alastair Leggate of Kilmarnock Barassie had made great efforts to help out the side, being contacted only an hour and a half before the match was due to start, after one of the team was detained elsewhere and had to call off, but Alastair's dedication was well rewarded, his 4 & 3 victory giving the team the all important point required for a 6 - 4 victory.

MATCH RESULTS (Ayrshire Names First)

TOMMY LOY (Ballochmyle) lost to B. Genese (Stirling) 6 & 5
DAVID ADDISON (Barassie) beat S. McLaughlin (Falkirk Tryst) 4 & 3
ROBERT McKNIGHT (Barassie) beat D. Buchanan (Falkirk Tryst) 5 & 3
STEVEN SPENCE (Irvine) beat G. Barrie (Callander) 3 & 1
DAVID GLASS (St. Cuthbert) lost to S. Aitken (Falkirk Tryst) 3 & 2
STEWART MACAULAY (Barassie) beat G. McIntyre (Dunblane) 1 hole
ALAN DICKIE (Barassie) beat C. Mundie (Carmuirs) 3 & 2
DAVID ORCHISON (Welbeck) lost to S. Fergusson (Falkirk Tryst) 6 & 5
STEVEN McEWAN (Barassie) lost to L. Blair (Grangemouth) 3 & 1
ALASTAIR LEGGATE (Barassie) beat J. Donaldson (Brucefields) 4 & 3

STIRLINGSHIRE 4 AYRSHIRE 6


Wednesday, November 10, 2004

Captain Of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club Of St. Andrews - Mr. Richard Cole-Hamilton Posted by Hello

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - R & A Captain joins a full house at the Annual Dinner

For the first time in the 36 year history of the Ayrshire Junior Golf League, the members welcomed the Captain of The Royal And Ancient Golf Club Of St. Andrews as a guest at their Annual Dinner and Presentation Of Trophies, which was held at Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club on Monday 8th November.

Richard Cole-Hamilton, the recently appointed Captain of the R & A headed a guest list which included Scottish Golf Union President Hugh Hunter, Ayrshire Golf Association President Ian Guthrie, David Reynolds of the National Playing Fields Association, Club Captains Eugene O'Donoghue of Prestwick and Milton Murray of Irvine Ravenspark, Past Captain John McK. Gibson of Prestwick St. Cuthbert, Vice Captain Andrew Gray of Kilmarnock Barassie, coaching professionals Graham Ross (West Kilbride) and Richard Gordon (Ayr Belleisle) and all 8 surviving Honorary Members of The League, Sam Coulter (Maybole), Bill Tinsley (Ardeer), Charlie McGregor (Irvine Ravenspark), Alastair Graham and Alasdair Malcolm (both Prestwick St. Cuthbert) and Bob Grassom, Iain Harvey and Russell Cameron (all Ayr Belleisle).

Also present were Andy Clift (Wilsons Sports) and Ian Walker (Ping) who generously sponsored the prizes for the Order Of Merit event which ran throughout the season.

Gordon Cunningham (Largs G.C.), the League Chairman hosted the evening, which attracted a capacity audience of over 100 young golfers, junior convenors and club officials.

After an excellent meal and a lengthy raffle, which attracted a large number of prizes and good support from those who attended the dinner, the evening concluded with the presentation of the trophies and awars for the season.

As has been the tradition since 1990, the presentations began with David Reynolds of The National Playing Fields Association presenting the Macrobert Thistle Junior Golfer Of The Year Trophy. This years winner, who follows a long line of "weel kent" names in Ayrshire golf, was Steven McEwan of Kilmarnock Barassie. Given the award as much for his attitude and demeanour on and off the course, as well as his performance locally and nationally, Steven had an excellent golfing year which included a number of open competition wins, success in A.J.G.L. events and representative honours at county levels. His season culminated in his selection to represent Scotland at boys level in the Boys Home Internationals.

Before presenting the remaining prizes, R & A Captain, Mr. Cole-Hamilton addressed the company, relating some stories from his boyhood golf where he began playing at the Ravenspark course before joining Irvine Bogside where the great Hammy McInally made an early impression on the young Cole-Hamilton with his kindness and willingness to pass on some tips to the next generation.

Mr. Cole-Hamilton then presented the awards to the principal prizewinners for the season, who were:

Macrobert Thistle Junior Golfer Of The Year - STEVEN McEWAN
Matt Lygate Trophy - KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) G.C.
Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy - ARDEER G.C.
Prestwick Circuits Trophy - STEVEN McEWAN (Kil. Barassie)
Carrick Trophy - FERGUS CUNNINGHAM (Ardeer)
Silver Jubilee Trophy - AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOC.
Ayrshire Boys Championship - IAIN MENZIES (Largs)
Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion - JAMIE MURCHIE (Lamlash)
Junior Order Of Merit - 5th equal - SANDY WILSON (West Kilbride)
Junior Order Of Merit - 5th equal - IAIN MENZIES (Largs)
Junior Order Of Merit - 5th equal - NICKY SINCLAIR (Kil. Barassie)
Junior Order Of Merit - 4th - STUART ROBIN (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
Junior Order Of Merit - 3rd - MICHAEL STEWART (Troon Welbeck)
Junior Order Of Merit - 2nd - ROBERT HUTTON (Brunston Castle)
Junior Order Of Merit Trophy - STEVEN McEWAN (Kil. Barassie)
Wallace Thornton Trophy - KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) G.C.
Under 16 Knockout Trophy - WEST KILBRIDE G.C.
Champion of Champions Runner Up - JAMIE MACKAY (St. Meddans)
Champion Of Champions Trophy - CAMERON GRAY (West Kilbride)
AJGL Championship - Semi Finalist - BEITH G.C.
AJGL Championship - Semi Finalist - LARGS ROUTENBURN G.C.
AJGL Championship - Runners Up - KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) G.C.
AJGL Championship - League Champions - ARDEER G.C.

The 36th Annual Dinner concluded with a vote of thanks, proposed by A.J.G.L. Vice Chairman Douglas Aitken (Caprington).


2004 League Championship Runners up - Kilmarnock Barassie Posted by Hello
Ian Walker & Ian Guthrie of The Ayrshire Golf Association with the Silver Jubilee Trophy Posted by Hello
2004 Top Table Guests Posted by Hello
Order Of Merit - 5th equal - Nicky Sinclair (Kilmarnock Barassie) Posted by Hello
Wallace Thornton Trophy winners - Kilmarnock Barassie Posted by Hello
Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion - Jamie Murchie (Lamlash G.C.) Posted by Hello
2004 beaten semi finalists - Largs Routenburn Posted by Hello
David Addison of Kilmarnock Barassie receives the Matt Lygate Trophy Posted by Hello
Prestwick Circuits Trophy winner - Steven McEwan Posted by Hello
Champion Of Champions Trophy Winner - Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) Posted by Hello
Ayrshire Boys Champion (and 5th equal in the Order Of Merit) - Iain Menzies (Largs) Posted by Hello
Order Of Merit - 5th equal - Sandy Wilson (West Kilbride) Posted by Hello
2004 League Champions - Ardeer Posted by Hello
Honorary Members Alasdair Malcolm (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), Bob Grassom (Ayr Belleisle), Bill Timsley (Ardeer and Sam Coulter (Maybole) Posted by Hello
Honorary Members Charlie McGregor (Irvine Ravenspark), Iain Harvey (Ayr Belleisle), Russell Cameron (Ayr Belleisle) and Alastair Graham (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) Posted by Hello
Champion Of Champions runner up - Jamie Mackay (Troon St. Meddans) Posted by Hello
Order Of merit - 4th place - Stuart Robin (Prestwick St. Nicholas) Posted by Hello
Order Of Merit Trophy winner - Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) Posted by Hello
Under 16 Knockout Trophy winners - West Kilbride Posted by Hello
John Shanks (Ardeer) with the Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy Posted by Hello
Carrick Trophy Winner - Fergus Cunningham (Ardeer) Posted by Hello
Order Of Merit - 3rd Place - Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) Posted by Hello
David Reynold (National Playing Fields Association) presenting the Macrobert Thistle Junior Golfer Of The Year Trophy to Steven McEwan Posted by Hello

Monday, November 08, 2004

WEST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUES - Ayrshire A team narrowly defeated at Irvine

The Ayrshire A team were narrowly defeated on Saturday (6th November) by Lanarkshire, in wet conditions at Irvine Bogside, in the last scheduled week of this seasons West Of SDcotland Inter County Leagues, going down by 4.5 - 5.5.

MATCH RESULTS (Ayrshire names first)

STEVEN SPENCE (Irvine) lost to Paul O'Hara (Colville Park) 4 & 3
IAN BROWN (West Kilbride) halved with Wilson Bryson (Drumpellier)
STEVEN WALLACE (St. Cuthbert) lost to Ryan McKenzie (Easter Moffat) 1 hole
JOHN CAIRNEY (Ravenspark) lost to Steven Taylor (Drumpellier) 5 & 4
DAVID ORCHISON (Welbeck) lost to Euan Moir (Hamilton) 2 & 1
BERT FERGUSON (Royal Troon) lost to Allan Dick (Shotts) 3 & 2
STEWART MACAULAY (Barassie) beat Graeme Rodger (Cambuslang) 5 & 3
DAVID GLASS (St. Cuthbert) beat Craig Gibson (Hamilton) 3 & 2
STEVEN McBLAIN (St. Cuthbert) beat Alastair Ritchie (Strathaven) 3 & 2
TOMMY LOY (Ballochmyle) beat Grant Nisbet (Strathaven) 2 & 1

AYRSHIRE 4.5 LANARKSHIRE 5.5

Next saturday (13th November) Ayrshire are due to meet Stirlingshire in their rescheduled match at Stirling.

Saturday, November 06, 2004

WEST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUES - Youth team defeated by Lanarkshire in final match

The Ayrshire Youths side came agonisingly close to claiming the draw against Lanarkshire at Drumpellier on Saturday (6th November) which would have given them the 2004 championship, but instead suffered their first defeat of the season with a 5.5 - 4.5 result in favour of the hosts.

In the early stages of the match, Ayrshire were in front, wins by John Sloan (Doon Valley), Ian Guthrie (Ballochmyle) and Garry Neil (Caprington) more than ofsetting the heavy defeats suffered by Jamie Wilson (Ballochmyle) and Graeme Gebbie (Loudoun). Defeat for Lee Hughes (Belleisle) was again offset by another fine win by Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle), giving Ayrshire a 4-3 lead in the match.

In the eighth tie, Alastair Leggate (Barassie) was 2 ahead with three remaining, but his opponent pegged him back over the closing holes to earn a crucial half match.

Ayrshire's agony was compounded when both Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) and Jamie MacKay (St. Meddans) suffered single hole defeats in the remaining ties, to give Lanarkshire the narrowest of wins.

MATCH RESULTS (Ayrshire names first)

JOHN SLOAN (Doon Valley) beat D. Henderson (Hamilton) 2 & 1
IAN GUTHRIE (Ballochmyle) beat C. McLean (Hamilton) 1 hole
GARRY NEIL (Caprington) beat C. Kelly (Kirkhill) 1 hole
JAMIE WILSON (Ballochmyle) lost to M. Sweeney (East Kilbride) 6 & 4
GRAEME GEBBIE (Loudoun) lost to R. Main (Airdrie) 4 & 3
CRAIG HAMILTON (Ballochmyle) beat M. Russo (Drumpellier) 2 & 1
LEE HUGHES (Belleisle) lost to G. Malloy (Wishaw) 3 & 2
ALASTAIR LEGGATE (Barassie) halved with G. Robertson (Airdrie)
CAMERON GRAY (West Kilbride) lost to C. Bell (Colville Park) 1 hole
JAMIE MACKAY (St. Meddans) lost to R. Kelly (Colville Park) 1 hole


LANARKSHIRE 5.5 AYRSHIRE 4.5

Lanarkshire can now take the title by defeating Dumbartonshire in their rearranged home match next week.

Monday, November 01, 2004

WEST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUES - Ayrshire youth team in pole position

With Only one week remaining in this seasons West Of Scotland Inter County Leagues, the Ayrshire Youth team travel to meet Lanarkshire at Drumpellier on Saturday (6th November), knowing that a win or a draw will give them the 2004 title, after joint leaders Renfrewshire lost 6 - 4 to lanarkshire at Cochrane Castle last week.

Latest results are:

Week 3
Renfrewshire 5 Ayrshire 5
Glasgow 4.5 Lanarkshire 5.5
Dumbartonshire 4 Stirlingshire 6

Week 4
Ayrshire 7 Stirlingshire 3
Glasgow 7 Dumbartonshire 3
Renfrewshire 4 Lanarkshire 6

The fixture between Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire, scheduled for Bellshill on 16th October was postponed due to course closure.

Present positions in the League are:

(County/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts.)

AYRSHIRE 4/3/1/0/25.5/14.5/+11/7
RENFREWSHIRE 4/2/1/1/22.5/17.5/+5/5
LANARKSHIRE 3/2/0/1/15/15/0/4
STIRLINGSHIRE 4/2/0/2/19.5/20.5/-1/4
GLASGOW 4/1/0/3/17/23/-5/2
DUMBARTONSHIRE 3/0/0/3/10.5/19.5/-9/0

In the 'A' League, Ayrshire remain in mid table with three matches from 4 played. The last scheduled fixtures are on Saturday (6th November) when Ayrshire entrertain Lanarkshire at Irvine Bogside.

Latest results are:

Week 3
Ayrshire 3.5 Renfrewshire 6.5
Lanarkshire 6 Glasgow 4
Stirlingshire 2.5 Dumbartonshire 7.5

Week 4
Stirlingshire Vs. Ayrshire - postponed
Dumbartonshire 3 Glasgow 7
Lanarkshire 4 Renfrewshire 6

With only one round of matches to play, Renfrewshire will hope to complete a 100% record when they entertain Dumbartonshire at Old Ranfurly in their final match.

Present positions in the A League are:

(County/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts)

RENFREWSHIRE 4/4/0/0/26/14/+12/8
LANARKSHIRE 4/3/0/1/22/18/+4/6
DUMBARTONSHIRE 4/2/0/2/21/19/+2/4
AYRSHIRE 3/1/0/2/14/16/-2/2
GLASGOW 4/1/0/3/18.5/21.5/-3/2
STIRLINGSHIRE 3/0/0/3/8.5/21.5/-13/0