AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - McLure takes Strokeplay title to Troon Welbeck

The reigning Ayrshire Match Play Champion, David McLure (Troon Welbeck) took the 2005 Ayrshire Strokeplay title by 2 shots, in perfect conditions at Prestwick Golf Club on Sunday 24th April.

With a capacity field and the lowest handicap ballot in many years, the standard of play was expected to be very high, and the competitors did not disappoint.

David McLure (Troon Welbeck) led the way after the morning round, a level par 71 being one shot ahead of local player Gavin Lawrie (Prestwick St. Nicholas) and Scottish Boys Internationalist, Robert McKnight (Kilmarnock Barassie). Steven Wallace (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) and P. Denim (Loudoun) were a shot further back on 73, whilst Tommy McInally (Loudoun), Kevin Lammie (Troon Portland) and Jim Callaghan (Largs) trailed McLure by 3, on 74.

In the afternoon round, McLure continued his good form, carding a fine round of 72 for a 143 total.

Robert McKnight maintained his challenge, but was unable to gain ground on McLure, his 73 giving him a total of 145, two shots off the pace but ultimately sufficient to secure the runners up spot.

Tommy McInally gaind two strokes in his afternoon round, his 72 for a 146 total giving him third place by virtue of the best second round score over Steven Wallace.

With an afternoon round of 74 for 149, Tom Fraser (Annanhill) edged into 5th place , ahead of Gavin Lawrie.

Honours for best round of the day went to Brian Moore (Largs) whose 1 under par 70 in the afternoon was 10 shots better than his morning round, for a total of 150, which saw him qualify for the match play championship next month.

David McLure (Troon Welbeck) also took the trophy for the best placed player under 24 years of age.

David Mitchell, Captain of Prestwick Golf Club, presented prizes to the succesful competitiors at the conclusion of the event, and handed over the trophy to 2005 Strokeplay Champion, David McLure.

RESULTS

1st - DAVID McLURE (Troon Welbeck) :- 71 + 72 = 143

2nd - ROBERT McKNIGHT (Kilmarnock Barassie) :- 72 + 73 = 145

3rd - TOM McINALLY (Loudoun) :- 74 + 72 = 146

4th - STEVEN WALLACE (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) :- 73 + 73 = 146

5th - TOM FRASER (Annanhill) :- 75 + 74 = 149

6th - GAVIN LAWRIE (Prestwick St. Nicholas) :- 72 + 77 = 149

C.S.S. - Morning round :- 75 (+2)

C.S.S. - Afternoon Round :- 74 (+1)