AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Crawford leads Doc Thom Order Of Merit

Barry Crawford (West Kilbride) has overtaken Tommy McInally (Loudoun) at the top of the Doc Thom Ayrshire Order Of Merit, after the Viking Krus at Largs. John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) moved into second place, ahead of McInally.

Present positions in the Order Of Merit are :-

197.5 - Barry Crawford (West Kilbride)
195 - John Cairney (Ravenspark)
150 - Tommy McInally (Loudoun)
130 - Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock (Barassie)
130 - Michael Smyth (Royal Troon)
100 - Tommy Loy (Ballochmyle)
100 - Brian Moore (Largs)
100 – J. Colraine
67.5 - Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle)
67.5 - Chris Harkins (Belleisle)
67.5 - George Robertson (Ravenspark)
60 – L. Innes
50 - Ross Dixon (Kilmarnock Barassie)
50 - Ian Walker (Brunston Castle)
50 - Neil Black (Caprington)
40 – Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck)
20 - Kevin Fergusson (St. Cuthbert)
20 - Alastair Leggate (Kilmarnock Barassie)
17 - D. Booth (Turnberry)
17 - Stephen McBlain (St. Cuthbert)
17 - Alan McLean (Kilbirnie)


Only two qualifying events remain in the 2006 Order Of Merit, the Welbeck Links Championship on 3rd September and the Arrol Cup at Prestwick St. Nicholas on 16th September.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE Sweeney will meet McEwan in Champion Of Champions final

In the second semi final of the 2006 Ayrshire Junior Champion Of Champions competition, between Mark Tait (Annanhill) and Adam Sweeney (Largs Routenburn), Adam edged out his opponent on the final green in an excellent match which finished 1up in favour of Adam.

Adam will now face defending champion Steven McEwan (Caprington) in the final, scheduled to take place at Troon Darley on Sunday 17th September.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Irvine storm into Summer League final

Irvine (Bogside) overturned a 4.5 - 1.5 first leg defecit against Caprington to storm into the final of the 2006 Ayrshire Summer League.

After defeat in the away leg, Irvine had their work cut out, but a 6 - 0 home win, with the final two matches concluding on the last green, saw Irvine through to the final on a 7.5 - 4.5 aggregate score.

Irvine now await the winners of the Ballochmyle Vs. West Kilbride semi final, in which West Kilbride hold a 3.5 - 2.5 advantage after the first leg.

JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Pennycott moves to second after Beith win

Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) moved into second spot in the 2006 Junior Order Of Merit at the weekend with a first place in the Beith Boys Open.

Order of merit leader John Shanks (Ardeer) consolidated his position with second place in the event, whilst Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle) moved up to third by virtue of his 5th placing at Beith.

present positions are :-

550 - JOHN SHANKS (ARDEER)
340 - MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (WHITING BAY)
335 - ADAM FOLEY (AYR BELLEISLE)
325 - JAMIE MACKAY (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
305 - EUAN BROWN (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
260 - CRAIG McLAUGHLIN (LARGS)
190 - KYLE SMITH (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
170 - DAVID CURRIE (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
155 - FRASER LAWRIE (LARGS)
150 - STUART HENDERSON (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
125 - JAMIE ACHISON (LARGS)
110 - SCOTT BROWN (GIRVAN)
100 - ROSS DONALDSON (AYR BELLEISLE), CRAIG McCALL (PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS), CAMERON GRAY (WEST KILBRIDE)
85 - JASON BUTLER (IRVINE RAVENSPARK)
75 - DAVID GILLESPIE (CAPRINGTON), ALASTAIR McINTYRE (ARDEER)
70 - CHRIS BUTLER (IRVINE RAVENSPARK)
60 - NEIL HAMILTON (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
50 - DAVID BROWN (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT), MICHAEL ROOS (WEST KILBRIDE), CHRIS O’DONNELL (BEITH)
45 - STEPHEN STAMPER (GIRVAN)
40 - STEPHEN McCONNELL (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT), ALAN TODD (AYR BELLEISLE)
35 - SCOTT CLARK (AYR BELLEISLE), GREG KEAN (ARDEER), KIERAN HOWIE (WEST KILBRIDE), DAVID HEWITSON (BEITH)
30 - RORY ACHISON (LARGS)
20 - ANDREW MILLER (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT), CHRISTOPHER YOUNG (CAPRINGTON), CRAIG HESSETT (AYR BELLEISLE), J. McPHILLIMY (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE), MARTIN RONALD (IRVINE RAVENSPARK), C. GOODWIN (LOUDOUN), ROSS BLACK (ARDEER), GREG McPIKE (BALLOCHMYLE)
10 - LIAM McLEOD (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE), MARTIN KENNY (CAPRINGTON), KEIRAN BYRNE (NEW CUMNOCK), CHRIS BENNETT (ARDEER), SCOTT DOUGLAS (BEITH)
5 - CRAIG TELFER (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT), GARY HERBERTSON (BALLOCHMYLE), SCOTT LIDDEL (PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS), ANGUS RITCHIE (TROON WELBECK), CALLUM ROBB (IRVINE RAVENSPARK), JOSH NORDBO (LARGS), GARY PATTERSON (BALLOCHMYLE), CHRIS LAWSON (KILBIRNIE PLACE)

All the qualifying events have been played, however the results of the West Kilbride and Kilbirnie boys open competitions are still awaited. Final placings will be published when the outstanding results are received.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - McEwan on course for Champion Of Champions title defence

Steven McEwan (Caprington) remains on course to defend the junior Champion Of Champions title after victiory in the semi final recently.

In the semi final, McEwan faced the 2005 Ayrshire Boys Champion, Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie). In the match, played at the Barassie links, McEwan edged home by 3 & 1 to set up a final meeting with either Mark Tait (Annanhill) or Adam Sweeney (Largs Routenburn). The final is scheduled to take place at Troon Darley on Sunday 17th September.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Barassie edge through to under 16 final

Defending champions, Kilmarnock Barassie have secured a place in the final of the 2006 Under 16 Knockout tournament with a nailbiting victory over Ballochmyle in the semi final.

Barassie played host to Ballochmyle in the penultimate round and with the match tied at 2 - 2, Barassie edged through by virtue of a countback over the individual tie results.

Barassie now play the winners of the Largs Routenburn Vs. West Kilbride match in the final, scheduled to be played at Troon Darley on Sunday 10th September.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER ,LEAGUE - First leg of two semi finals completed.

The first leg matches in both semi finals of the 2006 Ayrshire Summer League were completed last week, with West Kilbride and Caprington taking the lead in their respective ties.

In the first semi final, West Kilbride recorded a 3.5 - 2.5 win over the holders Ballochmyle and now face a tricky away match in the second leg on 3rd September.

In the second semi final, Caprington take a 4.5 - 1.5 advantage from their first leg against Irvine (Bogside) with the return leg on 25th August.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT

John Shanks (Ardeer) extended his lead in the 2006 Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit with a second place at the Ballochmyle Boys Open last week. Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) took top spot, which moved him up to 6th place overall in the 2006 table.

Present positions are :-

475 - JOHN SHANKS (ARDEER)
325 - JAMIE MACKAY (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
315 - ADAM FOLEY (AYR BELLEISLE)
305 - EUAN BROWN (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
260 - CRAIG McLAUGHLIN (LARGS)
240 - MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (WHITING BAY)
190 - KYLE SMITH (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
170 - DAVID CURRIE (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
155 - FRASER LAWRIE (LARGS)
150 - STUART HENDERSON (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
125 - JAMIE ACHISON (LARGS)
110 - SCOTT BROWN (GIRVAN)
100 - ROSS DONALDSON (AYR BELLEISLE), CRAIG McCALL (PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS), CAMERON GRAY (WEST KILBRIDE)
85 - JASON BUTLER (IRVINE RAVENSPARK)
75 - DAVID GILLESPIE (CAPRINGTON), ALASTAIR McINTYRE (ARDEER)
70 - CHRIS BUTLER (IRVINE RAVENSPARK)
60 - NEIL HAMILTON (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
50 - DAVID BROWN (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT), MICHAEL ROOS (WEST KILBRIDE)
45 - STEPHEN STAMPER (GIRVAN)
40 - STEPHEN McCONNELL (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT), ALAN TODD (AYR BELLEISLE)
35 - SCOTT CLARK (AYR BELLEISLE), GREG KEAN (ARDEER), KIERAN HOWIE (WEST KILBRIDE)
30 - RORY ACHISON (LARGS)
20 - ANDREW MILLER (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT), CHRISTOPHER YOUNG (CAPRINGTON), CRAIG HESSETT (AYR BELLEISLE), J. McPHILLIMY (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE), MARTIN RONALD (IRVINE RAVENSPARK), C. GOODWIN (LOUDOUN), ROSS BLACK (ARDEER), GREG McPIKE (BALLOCHMYLE)
10 - LIAM McLEOD (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE), MARTIN KENNY (CAPRINGTON), KEIRAN BYRNE (NEW CUMNOCK), CHRIS BENNETT (ARDEER)
5 - CRAIG TELFER (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT), GARY HERBERTSON (BALLOCHMYLE), SCOTT LIDDEL (PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS), ANGUS RITCHIE (TROON WELBECK), CALLUM ROBB (IRVINE RAVENSPARK), JOSH NORDBO (LARGS), GARY PATTERSON (BALLOCHMYLE)

There is only one qualifying event left in this years competition, the Beith Boys Open on Sunday 27th August.

NOTE :- The points for the WEST KILBRIDE and KILBIRNIE PLACE boys open competitions are not yet included in the table, as the results of these events are still awaited from the respective organisers.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL - Turnberry complete semi final line up

The Turnberry pairing of Ronnie McLellan & Tom Bennett cruised into the semi final of the 2006 Ayrshire Fourball competition with a 4 & 3 win at home against the Ayr Seafield team of Alan Smeaton and Andrew Gibson.

the full semi final line up is :-

TURNBERRY (Ronnie McLellan & Tom Bennet)
Vs.
MUIRKIRK (David Muir & Murray Pringle)


AYR BELLEISLE (Ian Yates & Derek Brown)
Vs.
NORTH BEACH (George Lyon & Jim Nimmo)

Semi final ties are due for completion by 10th September, with the final scheduled for Sunday 24th September at Kilmarnock (Barassie)

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Shanks extends lead whilst Foley boosts challenge

John Shanks (Ardeer), the new Ayrshire Boys Champion extended his lead at the top of the Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit, with only 4 counting events still to be recorded, after a second place in the recent Irvine Ravenspark boys open competition.

Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle) has made the biggest move on the table in recent weeks, winning both the Ravenspark and Ardeer open competitions to move up to third place, only 85 points behind Shanks and 10 points behind second placed Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie).

Present positions are :-

400 - JOHN SHANKS (ARDEER)
325 - JAMIE MACKAY (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
315 - ADAM FOLEY (AYR BELLEISLE)
305 - EUAN BROWN (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
260 - CRAIG McLAUGHLIN (LARGS)
190 - KYLE SMITH (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
170 - DAVID CURRIE (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
155 - FRASER LAWRIE (LARGS)
150 - STUART HENDERSON (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
140 - MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (WHITING BAY)
125 - JAMIE ACHISON (LARGS)
110 - SCOTT BROWN (GIRVAN)
100 - ROSS DONALDSON (AYR BELLEISLE), CRAIG McCALL (PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS), CAMERON GRAY (WEST KILBRIDE)
85 - JASON BUTLER (IRVINE RAVENSPARK)
75 - DAVID GILLESPIE (CAPRINGTON)
70 - CHRIS BUTLER (IRVINE RAVENSPARK)
60 - NEIL HAMILTON (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
50 - DAVID BROWN (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT)
45 - STEPHEN STAMPER (GIRVAN)
40 - STEPHEN McCONNELL (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT)
35 - SCOTT CLARK (AYR BELLEISLE), GREG KEAN (ARDEER)
30 - RORY ACHISON (LARGS)
20 - ANDREW MILLER (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT), CHRISTOPHER YOUNG (CAPRINGTON), CRAIG HESSETT (AYR BELLEISLE), J. McPHILLIMY (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE), MARTIN RONALD (IRVINE RAVENSPARK), C. GOODWIN (LOUDOUN), , ROSS BLACK (ARDEER)
15 - ALAN TODD (AYR BELLEISLE)
10 - LIAM McLEOD (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE), MARTIN KENNY (CAPRINGTON), KEIRAN BYRNE (NEW CUMNOCK)
5 - CRAIG TELFER (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT), GARY HERBERTSON (BALLOCHMYLE), SCOTT LIDDEL (PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS), ANGUS RITCHIE (TROON WELBECK), CALLUM ROBB (IRVINE RAVENSPARK), JOSH NORDBO (LARGS)

The results from the West Kilbride, Kilbirnie Place and Ballochmyle open competitions are still awaited, with only the Beith Boys Open, on Sunday 27th August, remaining to be played.

Order Of Merit leader John Shanks (Ardeer) 

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT Shanks in front as competition nears conclusion

With only a handful of counting competitions remaining, Ayrshire Boys Champion John Shanks (Ardeer) is back in front in the chase for the title. His semi final placein the Matchplay championship allowed Shanks to regain the lead from Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie).

Jamie Mackay also boosted his hopes with points in the Matchplay championship, whilst a win in the Loudoun Boys Open raised Craig McLaughlin (Largs) to fourth place. The performance of Matchplay champion Kyle Smith and runner up David Currie moved the Barassie pair up to 5th & 6th places respectively, whilst Fraser Lawrie (Largs) holds the final place in the prizelist at present.

The results from the Boys Open Competitions at Ardeer and West Kilbride are still to be received from the event organisers, and are not yet included in the totals.

Present positions, after 14 events , are :-

325 - JOHN SHANKS (ARDEER)
305 - EUAN BROWN (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
275 - JAMIE MACKAY (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
250 - CRAIG McLAUGHLIN (LARGS)
190 - KYLE SMITH (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
170 - DAVID CURRIE (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
155 - FRASER LAWRIE (LARGS)
150 - STUART HENDERSON (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
125 - JAMIE ACHISON (LARGS)
115 - ADAM FOLEY (AYR BELLEISLE)
110 - SCOTT BROWN (GIRVAN)
105 - MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (WHITING BAY)
100 - ROSS DONALDSON (AYR BELLEISLE), CRAIG McCALL (PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS), CAMERON GRAY (WEST KILBRIDE)
85 - JASON BUTLER (IRVINE RAVENSPARK)
75 - DAVID GILLESPIE (CAPRINGTON)
50 - N. HAMILTON (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE), DAVID BROWN (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT)
45 - STEPHEN STAMPER (GIRVAN)
40 - STEPHEN McCONNELL (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT)
35 - SCOTT CLARK (AYR BELLEISLE)
30 - RORY ACHISON (LARGS)
20 - ANDREW MILLER (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT), CHRISTOPHER YOUNG (CAPRINGTON), CRAIG HESSETT (AYR BELLEISLE), J. McPHILLIMY (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE), MARTIN RONALD (IRVINE RAVENSPARK), C. GOODWIN (LOUDOUN), CHRIS BUTLER (IRVINE RAVENSPARK)
15 - ALAN TODD (AYR BELLEISLE)
10 - LIAM McLEOD (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE), MARTIN KENNY (CAPRINGTON), KEIRAN BYRNE (NEW CUMNOCK)
5 - CRAIG TELFER (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT), GARY HERBERTSON (BALLOCHMYLE), SCOTT LIDDEL (PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS), ANGUS RITCHIE (TROON WELBECK), CALLUM ROBB (IRVINE RAVENSPARK)

Events remaining include the competitions at Irvine Ravenspark, Kilbirnie, Ballochmyle & Beith

2006 Ayrshire Boys Champion Kyle Smith finished on top of the pile, ahead of the other semi finalists, John Shanks, David Currie & Jamie Mackay. 

2006 Ayrshire Boys Matchplay winner Kyle Smith, with Ayrshire Golf Association Vice President Ricky Magee & Prestwick G.C. Captain, John Greenall 

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY - Kyle Smith is 2006 champion

Kyle Smith won the 2006 Ayrshire Boys Matchplay title at a breezy Prestwick links on Saturday night, 12th August. The scottish boys under 16 internationalist edged home by two holes against his Kilmarnock (Barassie) clubmate, David Currie.

In a match where he was never behind, Smith took the first hole after Currie had driven out of bounds. A good recovery from a greenside bunker for a par 3 at the second maintained his lead and Smith extended his advantage to 2 holes after Currie found a bunker from the tee at the third.

A bogey five at the 6th hole was sufficient for Smith to extend his lead to 3 holes but Currie hit back immediately, going par birdie at the 7th and 8th to reduce the defecit to one hole. Two good pars at the ninth saw the players turn for home with Smith holding a narrow lead.

Currie levelled the match for the first time since the opening hole at the 11th with a fine par 3, but Smith immediately restored his advantage with a birdie at the par 5 12th hole.

With both players playing some fine golf in the testing conditions, Currie again levelled the match with a birdie 3 at the 14th, a position which was maintained over the next two holes, with the 16th being halved in excellent birdie threes.

The defining hole of the match came at the 17th where Smith was short and left in two, whilst Currie had hit the tee shot of the day to the foot of " The Alps". Currie however overhit his approach to the green which led to a double bogey and the loss of the hole.

With a one hole advantage on the final tee, Smith almost ensured the title with his tee shot, which he struck to the middle of the par 4 18th green.

Currie could only make a par at the last, giving Smith the two putts he needed to take the title by two holes.

The Captain of Prestwick Golf Club, John Greenall, made presentations to both finalists at the conclusion of the match.

Boys Matchplay finalists - Kyle Smith & David Currie 

Ayrshire Boys semi finalists - David Currie, John Shanks, Jamie Mackay & Kyle Smith 

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY - all Barassie final for 2006 competition

The 2006 Ayrshire Boys Matchplay trophy final will be an all Kilmarnock Barassie affair after the semi finals were played on Friday night, 11th August, and David Currie won through to play Kyle Smith.

In the first semi final, David Currie ended Ardeers John Shanks' hopes of becoming the first player to take both the strokeplay and matchplay titles in the same year. The match was all sqaure at the turn but Shanks took the 10th & 11th for a two hole advantage. Currie reduced the defecit at the 12th and squared the match with a birdie at the 14th. Another winning birdie at the 16th gave Currie a one hole advantage with two to play, and he closed out the tie by winning the 17th for a 2 & 1 victory.

In the second semi final, Kyle Smith faced clubmate and former boys strokeplay champion Jamie Mackay. Neither player forged a clear advantage in the opening half, and the match remained all square at the turn. The match remained close throughout the inward 9, with never more than one hole between the players. At the 16th, Mackay chipped to a foot in 2, to set up a winning birdie and a one hole lead. Smith was fortunate that a bold approach bounced back from the rough onto the fringe at the 17th, but took full advantage to par the hole and level the match.

Smith looked favourite at the final hole, hitting his second to within a foot for a conceded birdie, but Mackay showed his mettle, holing from 20 feet for birdie to take the match into extra holes.

With the first into an unusual north wind, the challenge in extra holes was a stiff one. Both players found the fairway from the tee, but whilst Mackay pulled his approach wide of the green on the left, Smith enjoyed more good fortune, with his approach hitting the boundary wall and bouncing back onto the green. Smith two putted for par, and when Mackay was unable to get up and down from off the green, Smith won the first extra hole and a place in the final.

The final will be held at Prestwick Golf Club on Saturday 12th August, teeing off at 1430 hrs.

2006 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions - Brian Moore (Largs)

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Moore takes trophy to Largs

Brian Moore (Largs) is the 2006 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions trophy winner after an entertaining final at a breezy Royal Troon on Friday 11th August.

Playing from the blue championship tees, Moore went behind for the only time in the match at the first when his opponent Henry Thomson (Irvine) started with a par.

Moore squared the match at the second, won the third to go one up and was never behind again, racing to a three hole lead at the turn.

The margin of lesad was never reduced to less than 2 holes in the inward half, with Moore eventually closing out the match by 3 & 2.

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY - three Barassie boys through to semi finals

The 2006 Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship got under way on Thursday 10th August with the top 8 qualifiers from the strokeplay championship battling it out over the Prestwick course for the matchplay trophy.

In the first tie, strokeplay champion John Shanks (Ardeer) was pushed all the way by Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) and only secured a two hole victory by driving to 8 feet at the last hole to set up a winning birdie three.

In the other three ties it was the Kilmarnock Barassie representatives who won through. David Currie and Kyle Smith both recorded 4 & 3 wins, over Fraser Lawrie (Largs) and Craig McLaughlin (Largs) respectively, whilst 2005 strokeplay champion, Jamie Mackay, beat Michael Roos (West Kilbride) by 2 & 1.

In the semi finals on Friday night, Shanks faces Currie whilst Mackay takes on Smith.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL - Belleisle go through to face North Beach

Ian Yates and Derek Brown of Ayr Belleisle will meet the North Beach pairing of George Lyon & Jim Nimmo in the semi finals of the 2006 Ayrshire Fourball competition after the Ayr Belleisle team won their quarter final match against E. McFadden & F. Greer of Troon St. Meddans by one hole this week.

The semi final matches are due to be played by 10th September.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Championship Semi Final draw

The draw for the semi finals of the 2006 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship was made recently.

In the semi finals, played on a home and away basis, the four section winners were drawn in two knockout ties to decide who will progress to the final.

The semi final pairings are

AYR BELLEISLE Vs LOUDOUN

&

BALLOCHMYLE Vs CAPRINGTON

SCOTTISH AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire & Renfrewshire set for showdown

Ayrshire made it two wins from 2 in the 2006 Area Team Championship after defeating Stirlingshire at Glenbervie at the weekend and now face a showdown with defending champions Renfrewshire in the final section match at Paisley on 24th September, after the holders also made it two wins from two this week.

Ayrshire took a 2 - 1 lead from the morning foursomes in their match against Stirlingshire and followed this with a 4 - 2 win in the afternoon singles for a match win by 6 - 3.

Details of the individual ties were :-

Alex Gourlay (Irvine) & David Addison (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat B. Rushford & D. Wallace by 4 & 3
John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) & George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) halved with A. Lynch & T. Wilson
Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) & Robert McKnight (Kilmarnock Barassie) halved with J. Donaldson & B. Paterson

STIRLINGSHIRE 1 AYRSHIRE 2

Cairney beat Lynch 2 & 1
Robertson beat Rushford 2 holes
McEwan beat Paterson 3 & 1
Gourlay lost to Donaldson 2 & 1
McKnight beat Wilson 7 & 6
Addison lost to Blair 4 & 3

STIRLINGSHIRE 2 AYRSHIRE 4

MATCH RESULT :- STIRLINGSHIRE 3 AYRSHIRE 6

In the other match in the section, Renfrewshire pulled off a resounding 7 ½ – 1 ½ win over the Borders at Cardrona, leaving them at the top of the table.

Elsewhere, Lothians faced Fife at Thornton and pulled off a narrow 5 - 4 victory, to remain at the top of their group. Argyll & Bute also had a 5 – 4 victory, over Lanarkshire, at Machrihanish.

2001 and 2002 title winners Perth & Kinross lead their group, having won their match 6 ½ - 2 ½ against the North at Crieff. Also in their group, Glasgow lost 5 - 4 to the South at Southerness.

Angus lead their group after defeating Dunbartonshire at Windyhill by 5 - 4, but are being tracked by Clackmannanshire who secured a 7 – 2 victory over the North East at Alloa.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL - Muirkirk through to semi finals

The Muirkirk pairing of David Muir & Murray Pringle are through to the semi finals of the 2006 Ayrshire Fourball competition.

The Muirkirk side brushed aside the challenge of James Bryce & Ralph Mitchell (Doon Valley) in the quarter finals, a seven hole lead at the turn for the Muirkirk duo leading to a concession of the tie by the Doon Valley pair.

The Muirkirk representatives now face the winners of the Ayr Seafield Vs. Turnberry tie.

The second semi final will feature the winner of the Troon St. Meddans Vs. Ayr Belleisle tie against North Beach.

The final, scheduled for Sunday 24th September, will be played at Kilmarnock (Barassie).

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Brown back on top after 10 events.

A fifth place in the Largs boys open was sufficient to put Euan Brown back on top of the Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit table recently.

In the event, Fraser Lawrie (1st) and Craig McLaughlin (2nd) from the host club moved into the top 5 in the table with points secured in their home clubs' competition Jamie Achison (Largs) also moved into contention with a third place at Largs and a second spot in the Prestwick St. Nicholas boys open.

Winner of the St. Nicholas event was local member Craig McCall.

Present positions in the table, after 10 events, are :-

300 - JOHN SHANKS (ARDEER)
305 - EUAN BROWN (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
250 - JAMIE MACKAY (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
155 - FRASER LAWRIE (LARGS)
150 - CRAIG McLAUGHLIN (LARGS)
125 - JAMIE ACHISON (LARGS)
110 - SCOTT BROWN (GIRVAN), KYLE SMITH (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
105 - MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (WHITING BAY)
100 - CRAIG McCALL (PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS), CAMERON GRAY (WEST KILBRIDE)
85 - DAVID CURRIE (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
75 - STUART HENDERSON (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE), DAVID GILLESPIE (CAPRINGTON)
50 - DAVID BROWN (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT)
45 - STEPHEN STAMPER (GIRVAN)
40 - ADAM FOLEY (AYR BELLEISLE)
35 - STEPHEN McCONNELL (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT), JASON BUTLER (IRVINE RAVENSPARK)
30 - RORY ACHISON (LARGS)
20 - ANDREW MILLER (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT), CHRISTOPHER YOUNG (CAPRINGTON), CRAIG HESSETT (AYR BELLEISLE), MARTIN RONALD (IRVINE RAVENSPARK)
10 - CHRIS BUTLER (IRVINE RAVENSPARK), LIAM McLEOD (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE), MARTIN KENNY (CAPRINGTON), KEIRAN BYRNE (NEW CUMNOCK)
5 - ALAN TODD (AYR BELLEISLE), CRAIG TELFER (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT), GARY HERBERTSON (BALLOCHMYLE), SCOTT LIDDEL (PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS), ANGUS RITCHIE (TROON WELBECK), CALLUM ROBB (IRVINE RAVENSPARK)

Qualifying events which have been played but for which results have yet to be notified include :-

Loudoun Boys Open
West Kilbride Boys Open
Ardeer Boys Open

Qualifying events remaining to be played are :-

Irvine Ravenspark BOys Open (8th August)
Ayrshire Matchplay Championship (10-12 August)
Ayr Belleisle Boys Open (10 August)
Kilbirnie Place Boys Open (13 August)
Ballochmyle Boys Open (14 August)
Beith Boys Open (27 August)

2006 Prestwick St. Cuthbert Club Champions 

PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT G.C. - Glass secures title no. 9 at finals night

Prestwick St. Cuthbert held their annual Club Championship finals night on Friday 4th August, with the 5 championship finals being completed.

In the JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP a new name on the trophy was guaranteed with Grant McIlloney and David Brown both seeking their first win in the event.

This proved to be the closest final of the night, with the players being all square after 18 holes and Grant McIlloney securing the title at the second extra hole.

The LADIES BRONZE CHAMPIONSHIP featured Lorna Batchelor and Eileen Cord. The match was close throughout the first nine with Lorna Batchelor pulling away in the inward half to secure a 4 & 2 victory.

The LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP featured 2003 winner Shona Malcolm and first time finalist Jennifer Hill. This match was also closely fought, with the match all square through 15. Shona Malcolm won the 16th with a par, and a further par at the short 17th was sufficient to secure her second championship with a 2 & 1 victory.

The two gents championship ties had been contested throughout the week prior to the finals night.

In the GENTS SECOND CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP, Ronnie Doig was the leading qualifier. Beaten semi finalists were John Swiatek and James Dodds, which left Ronnie Doig and Alex McPherson to contest the final.

In a good match, with the winner in particularly good form, Alex McPherson beat Ronnie Doig to secure his first championship title.

Leading Qualifier in the GENTS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP was Billy Templeton, with Graeme Gimson and defending champion Stephen McBlain being beaten in the semi finals, leaving the 2002 champion, Kevin Fergusson to contest the final against David Glass, who had won the championship on eight previous occasions between 1987 & 2004.

An eagle 3 at the par 5 third gave Fegusson the lead and he extednded his advantage to two holes after 5. Glass reduced the defecit at the 8th hole and secured the 10th to square the match.

Fergusson immediately restired his lead by winning the 11th, but the match turned in favour of Glass from the 13th when successive birdies at 13 and 14, followed by Fergusson bunkering his tee shot at the 15th, gave Glass three successive holes and a two hole advantage in the match. Successive halved holes at the 16th and 17th was enough to give David Glass a 2 & 1 win and his ninth Club Championship title.

Prizes were presented at the conclusion of the finals by club Captain, Alastair McLean.

2006 gents champions at Prestwick St. Cuthbert - Alex McPherson & David Glass 

Prestwick St. Cuthbert ladies' champions 2006 - Lorna Batchelor & Shona Malcolm 

Grant McIlloney - 2006 Prestwick St. Cuthbert junior champion 

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - West Kilbride claim remaining semi final place in Summer League

West Kilbride are the fourth and final team to reach the semi finals of the 2006 Ayrshire Summer League after winning 4.5 - 1.5 in their crunch match against Turnberry this week.

West Kilbride will now meet Ballochmyle in the two leg semi final.

Caprington and Irvine (Bogside) will meet in the other semi final.

Semi final matches are due to be completed by 4th September.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Thomson and Moore for final

Henry Thomson (Irvine) & Brian Moore (Largs) will contest the final of the 2006 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions trophy competition, over Royal Troon on Friday 11 August at 5.00 p.m., after winning through from the semi final matches on Friday 4th August.

Henry Thomson was 3 up through 13 against Colin Craig (Troon Welbeck) and played steadily over the closing holes for a 4 & 3 win.

In the other semi final, Moore edged out Warren Blair (Troon St. Meddans) by 3 & 2.

Warren Blair (Troon St. Meddans) & Brian Moore (Largs) - semi finalists in the 2006 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions 

Champion Of Champions semi finalists - Henry Thomson (Irvine) & Colin Craig (Troon Welbeck) 

JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - County win takes Shanks to top of table

John Shanks (Ardeer) heads the Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit after 8 events, after his win in this weeks Ayrshire Boys Championship.

Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) kept his hopes of retaining the title alive with his performance at Largs in the county championship bringing him closer to previous Order Of Merit leader, second placed Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie).

Present positions in the order of merit, after 8 events are :-

300 - John Shanks (Ardeer)
285 - Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie)
250 - Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie)
110 - Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie)
100 - Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay), Cameron Gray (West Kilbride)
85 - David Currie (Kilmarnock Barassie)
75 - Stuart Henderson (Kilmarnock Barassie), David Gillespie (Caprington), Scott Brown (Girvan), Craig McLaughlin (Largs)
55 - Fraser Lawrie (Largs)
45 - Stephen Stamper (Girvan)
40 - Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle)
35 - Stephen McConnell (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), Jason Butler (Irvine Ravenspark)
20 - Andrew Miller (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), Christopher Young (Caprington), Craig Hessett (Ayr Belleisle), Martin Ronald (Irvine Ravenspark)
10 - Chris Butler (Irvine Ravenspark), Martin Kenny (Caprington), Keiran Byrne (New Cumnock)
5 - Alan Todd (Ayr Belleisle), Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), Gary Herbertson (Ballochmyle), Scott Liddel (Prestwick St. Nicholas), Angus Ritchie (Troon Welbeck)

2006 Ayrshire Boys Golf Champion - JOHN SHANKS (Ardeer) 

AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Shanks leads from the front to edge out Mackay for title

John Shanks (Ardeer) is the 2006 Ayrshire Boys Golf Champion after edging out defending champion, Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) by a single shot in the 36 hole event held at Largs Golf Club on Thursday 3rd August.

Shanks led from the front, recording the equal best morning round of level par 70, alongside Mackay and Craig McLaughlin (Largs).

In the afternoon, Shanks was the first of the trio to complete his round, adding a one over par 71 for a total of 141.

Mackay just failed to become the first player to retain the title since Hugh McKibbin in 1991, returning a two over par 72 in the afternoon, to come up one short of Shanks' total on 142.

McLaughlin was unable to produce his morning form in the afternoon, returning a 75 for a 145 total and an ultimate third place in the event.

Best round of the day was returned by former champion and Scottish Boys internationalist, Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) who followed a disappointing 79 in the morning with a fine two under par 68 in the afternooon, giving him a fourth place in the competition.

The prize for the best nett return of the day went to 4 handicapper Michael Roos (West Kilbride), with a 67 - 74 =141.

Principal prizewinners were :-

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION
JOHN SHANKS (Ardeer) 70 – 71 = 141
2nd SCRATCH
JAMIE MACKAY (Kilmarnock Barassie) 70 – 72 = 142
3rd SCRATCH
CRAIG McLAUGHLIN (Largs) 70 – 75 = 145
4th SCRATCH
CAMERON GRAY (West Kilbride) 79 – 68 = 147 (best 2nd rd)
5th SCRATCH
DAVID CURRIE (Kilmarnock Barassie) 75 – 72 = 147

1st NETT
MICHAEL ROOS (West Kilbride) 67 – 74 = 141
2nd NETT
JONATHAN NICOL (Largs) 72 – 70 = 142 (best 2nd rd)
3rd NETT
COLIN ROBINSON (Largs) 71 – 71 = 142 (bih rd. 2)


C.S.S. in both rounds was 72 (+1)

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshires hopes for the 2006 title end in last 16

Ayrshire hopes of a winner in the 2006 Scottish Amateur Championship ended on Thursday afternoon with Steven McEwan's exit in the last 16 of the event.

With only two representatives in the last 32, Ayrshire's hopes rested solely with McEwan, after Jamie Murchie (Lamlash) lost out on Thursday morning by 1 hole to Bobby Rushford (Grangemouth).

Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) gained a place in the last 16 with a 7 & 6 win over Jamie Farmer (St. Andrews) on Thursday morning, but his hopes for the title ended in the afternoon with a 2 & 1 defeat by Callum Macaulay (Tulliallan).

Two Ayrshire boys are in the eleven man Scotland squad who head to the Boys Home Internationals at Moray Golf Course, from the 8th to the 10th of August.

SGU National Junior Coach, Spencer Henderson regards the Scotland team as one of the strongest teams the country has in recent years, taking into account the form of many of the players this summer, and is confident Scotland can make a good challenge for the title.

Following closely on from their excellent performance in the European Boys Championship last month, the team’s current form bodes well for Scotland’s chances.

Amongst the Scotland contingent are Scottish Boys Champion James White, former British Boys Champion Jordan Findlay and current Boys Stroke Play Champion, Shaun McAllister and they are joined by the Ayrshire pair, Cameron Gray (West KIlbride) and Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck).

Scotland who last won the title in 1995, will be hoping that home advantage gives them the edge against favourites England, who have won the title eight consecutive times.

The players selected to represent Scotland are :-

James Byrne (Banchory)
Cameron Gray (West Kilbride)
Ross Kellet (Colville Park)
Lewis Kirton (Newmacher)
Michael Stewart (Troon Wellbeck)
James White (Lundin)
Chris Robinson (Wigtown & Bladnoch)
Shaun McAllister (Craigielaw)
Jordan Findlay (Fraserburgh)
Zack Saltman (Craigielaw)
Gordon Stevenson (Whitecraigs)

Jamie Murchie (Lamlash) 

Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie)  

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - McEwan and Murchie carry Ayrshire hopes in last 32

Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Jamie Murchie (Lamlash) will carry Ayrshire hopes into the last 32 of the 2006 Scottish Amateur Championship at Nairn on Thursday.

McEwan beat Chris Baron (Oldmeldrum) by 3 & 2 on Wednesday morning before edging out Gordon Black (Fereneze) by 2 holes in the afternoon to reach the last 32.

McEwan now faces Jamie Farmer (St. Andrews) in the next round, at 0840 on Thursday morning.

Murchie, a late substitute in the competition, started his bid on Tuesday morning with a 1 hole win over Philip McLean (Peterhead) in round 1 and followed this with wins on Wednesday over Arron Howard (Murrayshall), by 3 & 2, and Colin Kelly (Kirkhill), by 2 & 1, to reach the fourth round.

At 0920 on Thursday morning, Murchie meets Bobby Rushford (Grangemouth) for a place in the last 16.

Ayrshire players who made an exit on Wednesday included the Kilmarnock Barassie pairing of Robert McKnight & Ross Dixon.

McKnight had a second round win, by 5 & 4, over Michael Buchan (Cruden Bay) in round 2 in the morning, before going down by 5 & 4 in round 3 to former Amateur Champion Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire).

Dixon also had a morning win in round 2, by 5 & 4 over Andrew Weir (Montrose Merchantile), before bowing out to Peter Jamieson (Cathkin Braes), by 2 & 1.

David Strachan (Turnberry) lost out to Steven Robertson (Sandyhills), at the 19th, in round 2 on Wednesday morning.

Wednesday morning also saw Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) exit from the event in round 2, losing to Gavin Dear (Murrayshall) by 2 holes.

Junior Order Of Merit leader - Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) 

JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Brown extends lead after 7 events

With the results of 7 qualifying events in the 2006 Ayrshire Junior Order of Merit returned, Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) boosted his lead at the top of the table this week with a win in the Tom Lehman tournament at Troon Darley.

Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle) also moved up the table with a 4th place in the event.

John Shanks (Ardeer) took top spot in the Caprington Open, whilst Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) boosted his position with a third place finish at Caprington.

Present positions after 7 events are :-

285 - Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie)
150 - Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie), John Shanks (Ardeer)
100 - Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie), Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay)
75 - Stuart Henderson (Kilmarnock Barassie), David Gillespie (Caprington), Scott Brown (Girvan)
50 - David Currie (Kilmarnock Barassie), Cameron Gray (West Kilbride)
45 - Stephen Stamper (Girvan)
40 - Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle)
35 - Stephen McConnell (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), Jason Butler (Irvine Ravenspark), Fraser Lawrie (Largs)
20 - Andrew Miller (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), Christopher Young (Caprington), Craig Hessett (Ayr Belleisle), Martin Ronald (Irvine Ravenspark)
10 - Chris Butler (Irvine Ravenspark), Martin Kenny (Caprington), Keiran Byrne (New Cumnock)
5 - Alan Todd (Ayr Belleisle), Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), Gary Herbertson (Ballochmyle), Scott Liddel (Prestwick St. Nicholas), Angus Ritchie (Troon Welbeck)

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Harkins wins through to round 2 whilst two exit

The final Ayrshire player still to begin his bid for the 2006 Scottish Amateur Championship at Nairn won through on Tuesday, whilst two Ayrshire players made their exit in the early second round matches.

Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) reached rounsd 2 with a 2 hole win over Alan Carlyle (Monifieth) and now meets Gavin Dear (Murrayshall) in round two on Wednesday.

In the first batch of second round matches, completed on Tuesday, David Addison (Kilmarnock Barassie) bowed out with a one hole defeat by Stephen Clark (Haggs Castle) whilst Andrew Brown (West Kilbride) was soundly beated by defending champion Glenn Campbell (Blairgowrie) by 7 & 6.

The remaining second round matches, and all the third round ties will be completed on Wednesday.