The ladies of Kilmarnock (Barassie) beat the drop from Division 1 of the West Of Scotland inter club league competition for the Greenlees Trophy with victory in their final match of the season.
Facing an away trip to play Cochrane Castle, who had won the league and the Greenlees Trophy for the past few seasons, the Barassie ladies knew they needed 4.5 points from a possible 9 to overtake Douglas Park in third bottom place and beat relegation.
In an excellent performance, Barassie managed a 6 - 3 win to secure their place in the first division for 2009, whilst at the same time sending the defending champions, Cochrane Castle, into Division 2 as one of the two relegated teams.
Local clubs Troon Ladies, Prestwick St. Nicholas and Kilmarnock barassie will now be joined in the top flight next season by West Kilbride after they secured one of the promotion places from Division 2.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
SENIORS EUROPEAN TOUR - Torrance runner up and Drummond joint 8th in Scottish Seniors
Sam Torrance was runner up in the 2008 Scottish Seniors Championship, which concluded at Dalmahoy on unday 28th September, his 209 total leaving him two shots behind the winner Peter Mitchell.
An opening round of 71 followed by two successive rounds of 69 gave Torrance a 7 under par total.
Also finishing in the top 10 was Prestwick based Ross Drummond who secured a joint eighth place on one under par after rounds of 74, 69 & 72 for his 215 total.
Leading scores were :-
-9 71 67 69 207 Peter MITCHELL
-7 71 69 69 209 Sam TORRANCE
-6 68 71 71 210 Des SMYTH
-4 72 71 69 212 Eamonn DARCY
-3 70 70 73 213 Jerry BRUNER
-3 71 72 70 213 Simon OWEN
-2 73 70 71 214 Andrew MURRAY
-1 74 69 72 215 Ross DRUMMOND
-1 74 70 71 215 Denis O'SULLIVAN
Par 69 71 76 216 Domingo HOSPITAL
Par 70 73 73 216 Bill LONGMUIR
Par 70 73 73 216 Costantino ROCCA
An opening round of 71 followed by two successive rounds of 69 gave Torrance a 7 under par total.
Also finishing in the top 10 was Prestwick based Ross Drummond who secured a joint eighth place on one under par after rounds of 74, 69 & 72 for his 215 total.
Leading scores were :-
-9 71 67 69 207 Peter MITCHELL
-7 71 69 69 209 Sam TORRANCE
-6 68 71 71 210 Des SMYTH
-4 72 71 69 212 Eamonn DARCY
-3 70 70 73 213 Jerry BRUNER
-3 71 72 70 213 Simon OWEN
-2 73 70 71 214 Andrew MURRAY
-1 74 69 72 215 Ross DRUMMOND
-1 74 70 71 215 Denis O'SULLIVAN
Par 69 71 76 216 Domingo HOSPITAL
Par 70 73 73 216 Bill LONGMUIR
Par 70 73 73 216 Costantino ROCCA
GREENLEES TROPHY - Troon Ladies triumph in West Of Scotland inter club event
Troon Ladies are the 2008 Greenlees Trophy winners after triumphing in Division 1 of the West Of Scotland inter club league.
The Troon Success comes just 12 months after they gained prmotion to the top flight after winning Division 2 in 2007.
Prestwick St. Nicholas finished sixth in Division 1 whilst the one outstanding result in the division will be crucial to the relegation places, with bottom placed Cochrane Castle playing host to relegation threatened Kilmarnock (Barassie), with both teams hoping to gain enough points in their final match to overtake Douglas park in third bottom spot.
Present positions in Division 1 are :-
47.5 - TROON LADIES
42.5 - RANFURLY CASTLE
40.5 - CATHKIN BRAES
40.0 - KILMACOLM
36.5 - HILTON PARK
36.0 - PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS
27.5 - DOUGLAS PARK
23.5 - KILMARNOCK BARASSIE
21.0 - COCHRANE CASTLE
In Division 2, West Kilbride finished runners up to Milngavie. Final placings in Division 2 were :-
46.5 - MILNGAVIE
45.0 - WEST KILBRIDE
42.5 - WHITECRAIGS
36.5 - BOTHWELL CASTLE
35.0 - CARDROSS
33.5 - ERSKINE
33.0 - OLD RANFURLY
28.0 - LANARK
24.0 - COWGLEN
In Division 3, Lenzie and Cawder have still to post the final outstanding result in the section, leaving Largs presently in third place and Turnberry in in eighth position.
Present positions in the section, with the one outstanding result are :-
52.5 - EASTWOOD
52.5 - WILLIAMWOOD
46.5 - LARGS
45.0 - HAGGS CASTLE
39.5 - GREENOCK
36.5 - EAST RENFREWSHIRE
34.5 - CAWDER
32.0 - TURNBERRY
29.0 - LENZIE
28.0 - CATHCART CASTLE
The Troon Success comes just 12 months after they gained prmotion to the top flight after winning Division 2 in 2007.
Prestwick St. Nicholas finished sixth in Division 1 whilst the one outstanding result in the division will be crucial to the relegation places, with bottom placed Cochrane Castle playing host to relegation threatened Kilmarnock (Barassie), with both teams hoping to gain enough points in their final match to overtake Douglas park in third bottom spot.
Present positions in Division 1 are :-
47.5 - TROON LADIES
42.5 - RANFURLY CASTLE
40.5 - CATHKIN BRAES
40.0 - KILMACOLM
36.5 - HILTON PARK
36.0 - PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS
27.5 - DOUGLAS PARK
23.5 - KILMARNOCK BARASSIE
21.0 - COCHRANE CASTLE
In Division 2, West Kilbride finished runners up to Milngavie. Final placings in Division 2 were :-
46.5 - MILNGAVIE
45.0 - WEST KILBRIDE
42.5 - WHITECRAIGS
36.5 - BOTHWELL CASTLE
35.0 - CARDROSS
33.5 - ERSKINE
33.0 - OLD RANFURLY
28.0 - LANARK
24.0 - COWGLEN
In Division 3, Lenzie and Cawder have still to post the final outstanding result in the section, leaving Largs presently in third place and Turnberry in in eighth position.
Present positions in the section, with the one outstanding result are :-
52.5 - EASTWOOD
52.5 - WILLIAMWOOD
46.5 - LARGS
45.0 - HAGGS CASTLE
39.5 - GREENOCK
36.5 - EAST RENFREWSHIRE
34.5 - CAWDER
32.0 - TURNBERRY
29.0 - LENZIE
28.0 - CATHCART CASTLE
BRITISH LADIES OPEN AMATEUR STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Irvine (Bogside) to host 2009 event
The Ladies' British Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship will be held in Ayrshire in 2009.
Irvine (Bogside) will be the venue for the championship which takes place from 19th to 21st August next year, under the auspices of the Ladies Golf Union.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
2009 EVENTS - Ayrshire to host 4 national events next year
Ayrshire will play host to four of the Scottish Golf Union events in 2009.
Top of the list is the Scottish Amateur Championship which will be held at Royal Troon. This will be the fifth time the event has been held at Troon, the last occasion being in 1977 when Alan Brodie won the title.
Othe previous winners at Troon were Irvine Bogside's Jack Cannon (1969), Ronnie Shade (1963)in the first of his five successive title wins, Frank Deighton (1956) and T.M. Burrell (1923).
Ayrshire will also play host to the Boys Under 16 Championship and the Boys Under 14 Championship, which will both be held at Largs, as well as the Scottish Club Championship which will be hosted by Prestwick St. Nicholas.
Top of the list is the Scottish Amateur Championship which will be held at Royal Troon. This will be the fifth time the event has been held at Troon, the last occasion being in 1977 when Alan Brodie won the title.
Othe previous winners at Troon were Irvine Bogside's Jack Cannon (1969), Ronnie Shade (1963)in the first of his five successive title wins, Frank Deighton (1956) and T.M. Burrell (1923).
Ayrshire will also play host to the Boys Under 16 Championship and the Boys Under 14 Championship, which will both be held at Largs, as well as the Scottish Club Championship which will be hosted by Prestwick St. Nicholas.
SGU SCOTTISH AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS - Ayrshire through to semi finals after third successive win
Ayrshire are through to the semi finals of the SGU Scottish Area Team Championships after a 7.5 - 1.5 win over Argyll & Bute in their final Group C qualifying match, played at Troon Portland on Sunday 21st September, gave the Ayrshire team their third successive win in the 2008 competition.
The Ayrshire team (pictured below with President Ricky Magee)got off to the perfect start with a clean sweep of the morning foursomes and continued the good work in the afternoon, with four wins and only one defeat and one half match from the six singles.
MATCH DETAILS (Ayrshire names first)
Morning Foursomes
George Robertson (Ravenspark)& Steven McEwan (Caprington) beat Alan McKee & Gordon Lundie by 4 & 2
John Cairney (Ravenspark) & Tommy McInally (Loudoun) beat Gordon Tyre & Graham Bolton by 6 & 4
Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) & Brian Moore (Largs) beat Greg Watson & Chris Timms by 4 & 3
Afternoon Singles
Steven McEwan beat Greg Watson by 7 & 6
Stephen McBlain lost to Alan McKee by 3 & 2
John Cairney halved with Graham Bolton
George Robertson beat Chris Timms by 3 & 2
Tommy McInally beat Gordon Lundie by 4 & 2
Brian Moore beat Gordon Tyre by 4 & 3
AYRSHIRE 7.5 ARGYLL & BUTE 1.5
The Ayrshire team now travel to Tain for the Area Team Championship finals on 4th & 5th October, which will be their first appearance at this stage since the 1996 finals at Machrihanish.
In the semi finals Ayrshire will face The South Of Scotland, whilst the other semi finals will feature Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire
The Ayrshire team (pictured below with President Ricky Magee)got off to the perfect start with a clean sweep of the morning foursomes and continued the good work in the afternoon, with four wins and only one defeat and one half match from the six singles.
MATCH DETAILS (Ayrshire names first)
Morning Foursomes
George Robertson (Ravenspark)& Steven McEwan (Caprington) beat Alan McKee & Gordon Lundie by 4 & 2
John Cairney (Ravenspark) & Tommy McInally (Loudoun) beat Gordon Tyre & Graham Bolton by 6 & 4
Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) & Brian Moore (Largs) beat Greg Watson & Chris Timms by 4 & 3
Afternoon Singles
Steven McEwan beat Greg Watson by 7 & 6
Stephen McBlain lost to Alan McKee by 3 & 2
John Cairney halved with Graham Bolton
George Robertson beat Chris Timms by 3 & 2
Tommy McInally beat Gordon Lundie by 4 & 2
Brian Moore beat Gordon Tyre by 4 & 3
AYRSHIRE 7.5 ARGYLL & BUTE 1.5
The Ayrshire team now travel to Tain for the Area Team Championship finals on 4th & 5th October, which will be their first appearance at this stage since the 1996 finals at Machrihanish.
In the semi finals Ayrshire will face The South Of Scotland, whilst the other semi finals will feature Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire
AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Caprington and Kilmarnock (Barassie) triumph in finals
Caprington and Kilmarnock (Barassie) triumphed when the first two Ayrshire Junior Golf league finals were played at Largs on Sunday 21st September.
Caprington (pictured above)won the Under 16 Knockout Trophy, beating Ballochmyle on the countback after a 2 - 2 draw.
Kilmarnock (Barassie)(pictured below) retained the Wallace Thornton Trophy after a 3 - 1 win over Ayr Belleisle in the final.
Caprington (pictured above)won the Under 16 Knockout Trophy, beating Ballochmyle on the countback after a 2 - 2 draw.
Kilmarnock (Barassie)(pictured below) retained the Wallace Thornton Trophy after a 3 - 1 win over Ayr Belleisle in the final.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
IAN MASTERTON - Former Ayrshire Boys Champion passes away
Former Ayrshire Boys Champion Ian Masterton died on Sunday 14th September, aged 55. 
Masterton won the Boys Championship as a 17 year old in 1970 over his home courses of Ayr Belleisle and Seafield with rounds of 73 and 71 for a 144 total.
This performance gave Masterton the title by two strokes from Brian Steveley (Irvine Ravenspark) with Alisdair Robertson (Troon St. Meddans) and a young Sam Torrance (Largs Routenburn)joint third on 147.
Masterton was a sporting all rounder and went on to become something of a legend in Scottish cricket circles, particularly through his association with Ayr Cricket Club where he was first XI captain and Club Chairman for a number of years. Masterton also had a brief spell with the Prestwick Cricket Club where he captained the second XI.
Ian's funeral is at Masonhill Crematorium in Ayr at 10.30 a.m. on Thursday 18th September and our sympathies are extended to his wife Stella and children Stevie and Genna.
Masterton won the Boys Championship as a 17 year old in 1970 over his home courses of Ayr Belleisle and Seafield with rounds of 73 and 71 for a 144 total.
This performance gave Masterton the title by two strokes from Brian Steveley (Irvine Ravenspark) with Alisdair Robertson (Troon St. Meddans) and a young Sam Torrance (Largs Routenburn)joint third on 147.
Masterton was a sporting all rounder and went on to become something of a legend in Scottish cricket circles, particularly through his association with Ayr Cricket Club where he was first XI captain and Club Chairman for a number of years. Masterton also had a brief spell with the Prestwick Cricket Club where he captained the second XI.
Ian's funeral is at Masonhill Crematorium in Ayr at 10.30 a.m. on Thursday 18th September and our sympathies are extended to his wife Stella and children Stevie and Genna.
SCOTTISH SENIORS - New date for Area Team event
The inaugural Scottish senior men's amateur area team golf championship due to be played at Cardoss this week has been rearranged and will now be played at Monifieth Links on 21st October.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
SCOTTISH SENIORS GOLF - Innaugural Area Team Championship postponed
The innaugural Scottish Seniors Area Team Championship, due to be held at Cardross Golf Club on Wednesday 18th September 2008 fell victim to the weather, with heavy rain forcing organisers to postpone the event early enough to prevent teams making unnecessary journeys.
Organisers hope to reschedule the event sometime in October.
Organisers hope to reschedule the event sometime in October.
SCOTTISH AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS - Ayrshire bid for semi final place
Ayrshire play host to Argyll & Bute on Sunday 21st September, at Troon Portland, in the 2008 Scottish Area Team Championship, where a win would ensure Ayrshire a place in the semi finals.
In the 31 year history of the event, Ayrshire have only won the Area Team Cghampionship once, in 1986, and will be hoping to come closer to ending a 22 year wait with the right result on Sunday, to secure their place when the remaining four teams play off for the title at at Tain on 4th & 5th of October.
In the 31 year history of the event, Ayrshire have only won the Area Team Cghampionship once, in 1986, and will be hoping to come closer to ending a 22 year wait with the right result on Sunday, to secure their place when the remaining four teams play off for the title at at Tain on 4th & 5th of October.
WEST OF SCOTLAND UNDER 18 INTER COUNTY LEAGUE - Ayrshire crash at home to Renfrewshire
(Report by David Miller)
Ayrshire’s Under 18 Team brought their 2009 campaign to a close on Sunday with a hugely disappointing 6 ½ - 1 ½ defeat by Renfrewshire over Irvine Ravenspark. The boys failed to produce the expected reaction to their recent defeat by Glasgow and, not for the first time this season, allowed a promising early position to evaporate.
Fraser Kerr, Jack McDonald, Scott Clark and Marc Smith all surrendered early leads in their matches with Smith the only member of this group to gain a half point in his match against Philip Gordon. Poor driving proved costly for David Wilson in his 4&3 defeat against Alexander Ferguson whilst Colin Robinson lost by the same margin to Lewis Cullen. Kyle Smith failed to find his usual form and, despite a fine fight back, lost on the last green to Gavin Hay. The only Ayrshire victory came from Andrew Wright who enhanced his growing reputation by producing a fine performance in a comfortable win over Andrew Reid.
Results:
Mark Smith (Barassie) halved with P Gordon (Paisley)
Fraser Kerr (Barassie) lost M McLonnan (Greenock) - 3&2
Jack McDonald (Barassie) lost to F Smith (Paisley) – 3&2
David Wilson (Welbeck) lost A Ferguson (Paisley) – 4&3
Kyle Smith (Barassie) lost to G Hay (Whitecraigs) – 1 Hole
Colin Robinson(Largs) lost to L Cullen (Eastwood) – 4&3
Scott Clark (Belleisle) lost to C Gallacher (Greenock) – 3&2
Andrew Wright (Barassie) beat A Reid (Paisley) – 2&1
Match Result – Ayrshire 1 ½ - Renfrewshire 6 ½
Ayrshire’s Under 18 Team brought their 2009 campaign to a close on Sunday with a hugely disappointing 6 ½ - 1 ½ defeat by Renfrewshire over Irvine Ravenspark. The boys failed to produce the expected reaction to their recent defeat by Glasgow and, not for the first time this season, allowed a promising early position to evaporate.
Fraser Kerr, Jack McDonald, Scott Clark and Marc Smith all surrendered early leads in their matches with Smith the only member of this group to gain a half point in his match against Philip Gordon. Poor driving proved costly for David Wilson in his 4&3 defeat against Alexander Ferguson whilst Colin Robinson lost by the same margin to Lewis Cullen. Kyle Smith failed to find his usual form and, despite a fine fight back, lost on the last green to Gavin Hay. The only Ayrshire victory came from Andrew Wright who enhanced his growing reputation by producing a fine performance in a comfortable win over Andrew Reid.
Results:
Mark Smith (Barassie) halved with P Gordon (Paisley)
Fraser Kerr (Barassie) lost M McLonnan (Greenock) - 3&2
Jack McDonald (Barassie) lost to F Smith (Paisley) – 3&2
David Wilson (Welbeck) lost A Ferguson (Paisley) – 4&3
Kyle Smith (Barassie) lost to G Hay (Whitecraigs) – 1 Hole
Colin Robinson(Largs) lost to L Cullen (Eastwood) – 4&3
Scott Clark (Belleisle) lost to C Gallacher (Greenock) – 3&2
Andrew Wright (Barassie) beat A Reid (Paisley) – 2&1
Match Result – Ayrshire 1 ½ - Renfrewshire 6 ½
AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Team gear up for 2008 finals
The 2008 Ayrshire Junior Golf League competitions will be concluded (weather permitting !!) over the next two weekends, when the finalists in the four events meet to decide the destination of the various trophies.
On Sunday 21st September the Under 16 and Wallace Thornton Trophy finals take place at Largs Golf Club, with the first tee off being at 12.22 p.m..
In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT TROPHY final Caprington meet Ballochmyle whilst the WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY final will be contested by the holders Kilmarnock (Barassie)and Ayr Belleisle.
On Sunday 28th September The League Championship and Champion Of Champions Trophy finals will be held at Caprington Golf Club with the first tee off at 11.00 a.m.
In the LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP final, West Kilbride will play Largs, who reached the final with 4 - 2 win over Prestwick St. Cuthbert in the second leg of their semi final for a 7 - 5 win overall.
The CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY final will be contested by Sean Thorburn (Ayr Belleisle) and Jamie Acheson (Largs Routenburn).
On Sunday 21st September the Under 16 and Wallace Thornton Trophy finals take place at Largs Golf Club, with the first tee off being at 12.22 p.m..
In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT TROPHY final Caprington meet Ballochmyle whilst the WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY final will be contested by the holders Kilmarnock (Barassie)and Ayr Belleisle.
On Sunday 28th September The League Championship and Champion Of Champions Trophy finals will be held at Caprington Golf Club with the first tee off at 11.00 a.m.
In the LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP final, West Kilbride will play Largs, who reached the final with 4 - 2 win over Prestwick St. Cuthbert in the second leg of their semi final for a 7 - 5 win overall.
The CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY final will be contested by Sean Thorburn (Ayr Belleisle) and Jamie Acheson (Largs Routenburn).
AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Troon Welbeck are Champions
Troon Welbeck (pictured above with AGA President Ricky Magee)are the champions after the final of the 2008 Ayrshire Summer League was completed on Saturday 13 September when Caprington and Welbeck met at Kilmarnock, with Welbeck holding a 4 - 2 advantage from the first leg.
Heavy overnight rain made the course damp and playing long, but thankfully the heavy rain stayed away during the match, which was played in the best of spirit in front of a number of interested spectators from both clubs.
The opening match between Steven McEwan and Kenny Houston was a tight affair and despite his opponents reputation, being ranked 69th in the World Amateur rankings and recently securing the Scottish Golf Union Order Of Merit, Houston found himself two up with two holes to play.
McEwan showed his matchplay ability, which took him to the final of the Scottish Amateur Championship this year, finishing with two birdies to snatch a half match and deny Houston a notable victory.
The half point was very welcome for the Welbeck team, Billy Hunter and David Orchison having been defeated by 3 & 1 and 5 & 4 by Barry McDonnell and Gary Neil respectively to square the match overall.
Callum Shaw and Del Chamberlain halved the 4th tie, but by that stage Steven Murray had edgged Welbeck ahead again with a 5 & 4 win over Billy Richmond and Bert Ferguson, playing in the last tie, ensured a Welbeck victory with a 3 & 2 win over John Houston.
Second Leg results (Caprington names first):-
Steven McEwan halved with Kenny Houston
Barry McDonnell beat Billy Hunter by 3/1
Gary Neil beat David Orchison by 5/4
Calum Shaw halved with Del Chamberlain
Billy Richmond lost to Stephen Murray by 5/4
John Houston lost to Bert Ferguson by 3/2
The final score in the second leg was 3 - 3 giving Troon Welbeck the title by 7 - 5 overall.
(2008 Summer League Runners Up - Caprington)
EUROPEAN TOUR QUALIFYING - Locals fail in Stage 1 event
None of the local players who took part in the European Tour Stage 1 event at Dundonald Links from 9th to 12th September were well enough placed to secure one of the 31 qualifying spots available to progress to the next stage.
With the cut coming at 302, Steven McEwan from Caprington (309) and Chris Harkins of Ayr Belleisle (310)were well out the running whilst former West Kilbride Club Champion Graeme Fox (308) finished little closer to qualifying.
With the cut coming at 302, Steven McEwan from Caprington (309) and Chris Harkins of Ayr Belleisle (310)were well out the running whilst former West Kilbride Club Champion Graeme Fox (308) finished little closer to qualifying.
EUROPEAN SENIORS TOUR - Drummond 5th equal at Weston Homes event
Ross Drummond from Prestwick has his second successive top 10 finish in the 2008 European Seniors Tour last week with a joint fifth place in the Weston Homes PGA International Seniors tournament at the Stoke By Nayland Club in Suffolk.
Drummmond finished on 210, six under par, alongside Jerry Bruner (USA) and a distant eight shots behind the winner, Nick Job (England).
Drummmond finished on 210, six under par, alongside Jerry Bruner (USA) and a distant eight shots behind the winner, Nick Job (England).
Thursday, September 11, 2008
SGU ORDER OF MERIT - McEwan & Stewart do double for Ayrshire
Steven McEwan (Caprington) and Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) achieved an Ayrshire double by winning the 2008 SGU Order Of Merit and Boys Order Of Merit titles respectfully.
McEwan led the Order Of Merit for many weeks before being confirmed as the winner after the final event, the Newlands Trophy at Lanark, this week.
McEwan amassed his total over eight of the counting events.
TOP TEN PLACINGS
781.3 - Steven McEwan (Caprington).
692.5 - Wallace Booth (Comrie).
525.0 - Callum Macaulay (Tulliallan).
522.5 - Scott Hendry (Cardross).
476.6 - Scott Borrowman (Dollar).
457.5 - Gordon Yates (Hilton Park).
450.0 - Keir McNicoll (Carnoustie).
381.6 - Kris Nicol (Fraserburgh).
362.5 - Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck).
355.0 - Paul O'Hara (Colville Park).
Stewart, who also finished ninth in the Order Of Merit, took the boys title with 912.5 pts, from David Law (Hazlehead).
Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) was 5th in the Boys Order Of Merit. Andrew Wright (Kilmanrock Barassie) tied for 26th place, David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) was 43rd and Scott Brown (Turnberry) was tied 47th.
Top Ten Places :-
912.50 Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck)
875.50 David Law (Hazlehead)
555.80 James Ross (Royal Burgess)
521.25 Mark Bookless (Sandyhills)
502.50 Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie)
492.50 Paul Shields (Kirkhill)
481.25 Andrew McLachlan (Bonnyton)
413.34 Chris Robb (Inchmarlo)
390.50 Fraser McKenna (Balmore)
342.50 Sam McLaren (King James VI)
SCOTTISH SENIORS GOLF - Ayrshire represented in Team Strokeplay
Ayrshire will be represented in the innaugural Scottish Senior Golfing Society Area Team championship.
The championship, which will be a strokeplay event, will be held at Cardross Golf Club on Wednesday 18th September 2008.
The Ayrshire team is :-
Tony Stafford (Troon St. Meddans)
David J Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Ronald Mclellan (Turnberry)
John Broadfoot (Turnberry)
Keith Howie (West Kilbride)
Jim Bunting (Ballochmyle)
The championship, which will be a strokeplay event, will be held at Cardross Golf Club on Wednesday 18th September 2008.
The Ayrshire team is :-
Tony Stafford (Troon St. Meddans)
David J Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Ronald Mclellan (Turnberry)
John Broadfoot (Turnberry)
Keith Howie (West Kilbride)
Jim Bunting (Ballochmyle)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
SCOTTISH SENIORS - First cap for McLellan at Home Internationals
Ronnie McLellan (Turnberry) will gain his first Scotland seniors cap after being named in the Scotland team for the Seniors Home Internationals to be played at Tenby in South Wales from 30th September to 2nd October.
McLellan's inclusion is just reward for his third place finish in the 2008 Seniors Order Of Merit.
The full Scotland team is :-
Ian Hutcheon (Monifieth)
John Fraser (Royal Burgess)
Gordon MacDonald (Callander)
Ronnie McLellan (Turnberry)
Derek Murphy (Kinross)
Sandy Pirie (Hazlehead)
Robert Stewart (Tulliallan).
McLellan's inclusion is just reward for his third place finish in the 2008 Seniors Order Of Merit.
The full Scotland team is :-
Ian Hutcheon (Monifieth)
John Fraser (Royal Burgess)
Gordon MacDonald (Callander)
Ronnie McLellan (Turnberry)
Derek Murphy (Kinross)
Sandy Pirie (Hazlehead)
Robert Stewart (Tulliallan).
Monday, September 08, 2008
PGA EUROPEAN SENIORS TOUR - Drummond finishes well in Czech event
Ross Drummond from Prestwick fiished in joint 7th place in the Casa Serena Open, played at the Casa Serena Golf course in Prague from 5th to 7th September.
Drummond opened with a one under par 70 but a course record equalling 65 in round two propelled the Scot up the leader board, before a closing 72 gave him a 6 under par total of 207 to leave him trailing the winner Bernhard Langer by six shots.
Leading Scores were :-
201 (-12) - Bernhard Langer (Germany)
204 (-9) - Ian Woosnam (Wales)
205 (-8) - Bob Boyd (USA), Gordon J Brand (England)
206 (-7) - Domingo Hospital (Spain), Peter Mitchell (England)
205 (-6) - Ross Drummond (Scotland), Tony Johnstone (Zimbabwe), Jose Rivero (Spain)
Drummond opened with a one under par 70 but a course record equalling 65 in round two propelled the Scot up the leader board, before a closing 72 gave him a 6 under par total of 207 to leave him trailing the winner Bernhard Langer by six shots.
Leading Scores were :-
201 (-12) - Bernhard Langer (Germany)
204 (-9) - Ian Woosnam (Wales)
205 (-8) - Bob Boyd (USA), Gordon J Brand (England)
206 (-7) - Domingo Hospital (Spain), Peter Mitchell (England)
205 (-6) - Ross Drummond (Scotland), Tony Johnstone (Zimbabwe), Jose Rivero (Spain)
DOC THOM AYRSHIRE ORDER OF MERIT - McEwan still leads with two events to go
Steven McEwan (Caprington) still leads the Ayrshire Order Of Merit for the Doc Thom Salver, as the event reaches a conclusion with the final two counting events this month, at Largs Routenburn and Prestwick St. Nicholas, although his lead has been trimmed to the narrowest of margins at 0.5 points.
Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) leaped into contention by taking maximum points at the Welbeck Links competition.
With the results of the Largs Routenburn event at the weekend still to be recorded, all eyes turn to the final event, The Arrol Cup, at Prestwick St. Nicholas on Saturday 20th September, where the destination of the 2008 Doc Thom award will be decided.
Present leading totals are :-
253.00 - Steven McEwan (Caprington)
252.50 - Michael Smyth (Royal Troon)
205.00 - John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark)
157.50 - Steven Wallace (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
155.00 - George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark)
145.00 - Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland)
142.50 - John Shanks (Irvine)
137.50 - Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle)
Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) leaped into contention by taking maximum points at the Welbeck Links competition.
With the results of the Largs Routenburn event at the weekend still to be recorded, all eyes turn to the final event, The Arrol Cup, at Prestwick St. Nicholas on Saturday 20th September, where the destination of the 2008 Doc Thom award will be decided.
Present leading totals are :-
253.00 - Steven McEwan (Caprington)
252.50 - Michael Smyth (Royal Troon)
205.00 - John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark)
157.50 - Steven Wallace (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
155.00 - George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark)
145.00 - Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland)
142.50 - John Shanks (Irvine)
137.50 - Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle)
HOME INTERNATIONALS CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart and McEwan help Scotland to second place
Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) and Steven McEwan (Caprington) helped Scotland to the runners up spot, behind winners Ireland, in the 2008 Home Internationals Championship played at Muirfield from 3rd to 5th September.
Scotland opened their bid for the Raymond Trophy with a 9.5 - 5.5 defeat by Ireland but rallied in the following two days with victories over England, by 10 - 5, and Wales, by 9.5 - 5.5.
Ireland completed the 'triple crown' by defeating Wales on day 2 and England on day 3.
Mcewan and Stewart, who were paired in the foursomes, both contributed three points overall to the Scotland effort.
McEwan had three wins and three defeats from six matches whilst Stewart had two wins, two halved matches and two defeats.
Scotland opened their bid for the Raymond Trophy with a 9.5 - 5.5 defeat by Ireland but rallied in the following two days with victories over England, by 10 - 5, and Wales, by 9.5 - 5.5.
Ireland completed the 'triple crown' by defeating Wales on day 2 and England on day 3.
Mcewan and Stewart, who were paired in the foursomes, both contributed three points overall to the Scotland effort.
McEwan had three wins and three defeats from six matches whilst Stewart had two wins, two halved matches and two defeats.
WEST OF SCOTLAND UNDER 18 LEAGUE - Ayrshire defeated by Glasgow
(report by David Miller)
Ayrshire’s Under 18 Team saw their bid for this year’s West of Scotland Boy’s Team Championship come to shuddering halt after suffering a a heavy 6 ½ - 1 ½ defeat at the hands of Glasgow over Cowglen on Sunday 31st August.
The boys went into the match with high hopes following two fine victories over Lanarkshire and Dunbartonshire but they struggled to adapt to the heavy conditions following recent heavy rain.
Ayrshire were on the back foot from the outset with the four under 16 matches running into trouble early on. Marc Smith saw an early advantage slip away as he was edged out 2&1 by Gary Foley whilst Fraser Kerr, Jack McDonald and David Wilson all suffered at the hands of some solid golf by the home side.
Kyle Smith did his bit in an attempt to turn things around by producing some outstanding play in his 8&7 trouncing of Mark Murphy. Scott Clark enjoyed a fine debut but just failed to edge out Paul Laughlin in a halved match whilst Colin Robinson never got going in his 4&3 defeat against Graeme McDougall.
The match of the day was anchor-man Scott Brown’s tussle with the in-form Mark Bookless. Brown’s gutsy performance produced a slender lead going into the latter stages of the match but Bookless punished a couple of late mistakes to take the match on the last green and deny Brown a deserved half point.
All in all a disappointing day for the Ayrshire squad but credit has to go to the Glasgow boys who made home advantage count and produced a number of excellent individual performances.
Marc Smith (Barassie) lost to G Foley (Ralson) – 2&1
Fraser Kerr (Barassie) lost to C McLean (Cowglen) – 3&2
Jack McDonald (Barassie) lost to S Connor (Ralston) – 4&3
David Wilson (Welbeck) lost to C O’Neil (Pollock) – 5&4
Kyle Smith (Barassie) beat M Murphy (Cawdor) – 8&7
Colin Robinson(Largs) lost to G McDougall (Bishopbriggs) – 4&3
Scott Clark (Belleisle) halved with P Laughlan (Cawdor)
Scott Brown (Turnberry) lost to M Bookless (Sandyhills) – 1 hole
Match Result - Glasgow 6 ½ - Ayrshire 1 ½
Ayrshire’s Under 18 Team saw their bid for this year’s West of Scotland Boy’s Team Championship come to shuddering halt after suffering a a heavy 6 ½ - 1 ½ defeat at the hands of Glasgow over Cowglen on Sunday 31st August.
The boys went into the match with high hopes following two fine victories over Lanarkshire and Dunbartonshire but they struggled to adapt to the heavy conditions following recent heavy rain.
Ayrshire were on the back foot from the outset with the four under 16 matches running into trouble early on. Marc Smith saw an early advantage slip away as he was edged out 2&1 by Gary Foley whilst Fraser Kerr, Jack McDonald and David Wilson all suffered at the hands of some solid golf by the home side.
Kyle Smith did his bit in an attempt to turn things around by producing some outstanding play in his 8&7 trouncing of Mark Murphy. Scott Clark enjoyed a fine debut but just failed to edge out Paul Laughlin in a halved match whilst Colin Robinson never got going in his 4&3 defeat against Graeme McDougall.
The match of the day was anchor-man Scott Brown’s tussle with the in-form Mark Bookless. Brown’s gutsy performance produced a slender lead going into the latter stages of the match but Bookless punished a couple of late mistakes to take the match on the last green and deny Brown a deserved half point.
All in all a disappointing day for the Ayrshire squad but credit has to go to the Glasgow boys who made home advantage count and produced a number of excellent individual performances.
Marc Smith (Barassie) lost to G Foley (Ralson) – 2&1
Fraser Kerr (Barassie) lost to C McLean (Cowglen) – 3&2
Jack McDonald (Barassie) lost to S Connor (Ralston) – 4&3
David Wilson (Welbeck) lost to C O’Neil (Pollock) – 5&4
Kyle Smith (Barassie) beat M Murphy (Cawdor) – 8&7
Colin Robinson(Largs) lost to G McDougall (Bishopbriggs) – 4&3
Scott Clark (Belleisle) halved with P Laughlan (Cawdor)
Scott Brown (Turnberry) lost to M Bookless (Sandyhills) – 1 hole
Match Result - Glasgow 6 ½ - Ayrshire 1 ½
AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Welbeck take advantage into second leg of final
The first leg of the 2008 Ayrshire Summer league took playce at Troon Darley on Sunday 7th September with the home club, Troon Welbeck taking a 4 - 2 advantage over Caprington, as the teams meet again in the second leg at Kilmarnock on Saturday 13th September, at 11.00 a.m.
The match was played in fine weather which saw the players produce some excellent golf, none more so than Bert ferguson who, after losing a hole to a birdie had 6 birdies in 11 holes to run out a clear winner over Gary Neil
In a nailbiting finish, Joe Gilligan was 2 up with 2 to go in the last match and lost the 17th. John Houston had a four foot putt on the final green to win the hole and reduce the margin of defeat, but the put failed to drop and Welbeck travel to caprington this weekend with the advantage over their opponents.
and lost the17th. 1up going down the last, and John had a 4ft putt to square the match, but it got away.
The Second leg of the Final is at 11.00am at Caprington next Saturday the 6th September.
It is still very close with Caprington having the home advantage.
The tie results were as follows (Welbeck players first):-
1. Billy Hunter lost to Barry McDonnell by 3/2
2. Stephen Murray lost to Steven McEwan by 2 holes
3. David Orchiston beat Calumn Shaw by 6 & 5
4. Bert Ferguson beat Gary Neil by 8 & 7
5. Kenny Houston beat Billy Richmond by 3 & 2
6. Joe Gilligan beat John Houston by 1 hole
TROON WELBECK 4 CAPRINGTON 2
The match was played in fine weather which saw the players produce some excellent golf, none more so than Bert ferguson who, after losing a hole to a birdie had 6 birdies in 11 holes to run out a clear winner over Gary Neil
In a nailbiting finish, Joe Gilligan was 2 up with 2 to go in the last match and lost the 17th. John Houston had a four foot putt on the final green to win the hole and reduce the margin of defeat, but the put failed to drop and Welbeck travel to caprington this weekend with the advantage over their opponents.
and lost the17th. 1up going down the last, and John had a 4ft putt to square the match, but it got away.
The Second leg of the Final is at 11.00am at Caprington next Saturday the 6th September.
It is still very close with Caprington having the home advantage.
The tie results were as follows (Welbeck players first):-
1. Billy Hunter lost to Barry McDonnell by 3/2
2. Stephen Murray lost to Steven McEwan by 2 holes
3. David Orchiston beat Calumn Shaw by 6 & 5
4. Bert Ferguson beat Gary Neil by 8 & 7
5. Kenny Houston beat Billy Richmond by 3 & 2
6. Joe Gilligan beat John Houston by 1 hole
TROON WELBECK 4 CAPRINGTON 2
A.L.C.G.A. GIRLS - McQueen retains St. Nicholas Trophy
(Photos and report courtesy of June Kerr and the www.kirkwoodgolf.com website)
Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies) has successfully defended the St Nicholas Trophy for Ayrshire girls at Ardeer.
Rachael, pictured above with the trophy had an excellent net 67 to win by five strokes from closest challenger Mhairi McKay.
Rachael's gross 68 makes her the qualifier for the Daily Telegraph competition.
Results:
ST NICHOLAS TROPHY
At Ardeer
SILVER
1 Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies) (1) 67
2 Mhairi McKay (West Kilbride) (10) 72
BRONZE
1 Grace Mackie (Troon Ladies) (24) 74
2 Rachel Irvine (Largs) (24) 75
Pictured below are the competitors who took part in the competition.
Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies) has successfully defended the St Nicholas Trophy for Ayrshire girls at Ardeer.
Rachael, pictured above with the trophy had an excellent net 67 to win by five strokes from closest challenger Mhairi McKay.
Rachael's gross 68 makes her the qualifier for the Daily Telegraph competition.
Results:
ST NICHOLAS TROPHY
At Ardeer
SILVER
1 Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies) (1) 67
2 Mhairi McKay (West Kilbride) (10) 72
BRONZE
1 Grace Mackie (Troon Ladies) (24) 74
2 Rachel Irvine (Largs) (24) 75
Pictured below are the competitors who took part in the competition.
AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Semi Finals latest
The 2008 Ayrshire Junior Golf league competitions are nearing conclusion as the few remaining teams battle it out for a place in the finals.
In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT TROPHY competition, Caprington meet Ballochmyle when the final is played at Largs on Sunday 21st September.
Caprington beat Prestwick St. Cuthbert 2.5 - 1.5 at Kilmarnock whilst Ballochmyle beat Ayr Belleisle 3 - 1 to reach the final.
In the CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS competition, the final will be between Sean Thorburn (Ayr Belleisle) and Jamie Acheson (Largs Routneburn. Thorburn had a 1 hole home win over Gary Patterson (Ballochmyle)in the semi final whilst Acheson beat Ayrshire Boys matchplay Champion Malcolm Pennycott by 4 & 3 to go into the final match.The final will be held at Caprington Golf Club on Sunday 28th September.
In the LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP, Kilmarnock Barassie edged out West Kilbride by 6.5 - 5.5 in the two leg semi final whilst the other match between Prestwick St. Cuthbert and largs is poised at 3 - 3 with the return leg at Largs still to be completed. The final is scheduled to take place on Sunday 28th September at Caprington.
The WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY final, scheduled for Sunday 21st September at Largs, will feature defending champions Kilmarnock Barassie, and Ayr Belleisle, who topped their respective qualifying sections.
In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT TROPHY competition, Caprington meet Ballochmyle when the final is played at Largs on Sunday 21st September.
Caprington beat Prestwick St. Cuthbert 2.5 - 1.5 at Kilmarnock whilst Ballochmyle beat Ayr Belleisle 3 - 1 to reach the final.
In the CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS competition, the final will be between Sean Thorburn (Ayr Belleisle) and Jamie Acheson (Largs Routneburn. Thorburn had a 1 hole home win over Gary Patterson (Ballochmyle)in the semi final whilst Acheson beat Ayrshire Boys matchplay Champion Malcolm Pennycott by 4 & 3 to go into the final match.The final will be held at Caprington Golf Club on Sunday 28th September.
In the LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP, Kilmarnock Barassie edged out West Kilbride by 6.5 - 5.5 in the two leg semi final whilst the other match between Prestwick St. Cuthbert and largs is poised at 3 - 3 with the return leg at Largs still to be completed. The final is scheduled to take place on Sunday 28th September at Caprington.
The WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY final, scheduled for Sunday 21st September at Largs, will feature defending champions Kilmarnock Barassie, and Ayr Belleisle, who topped their respective qualifying sections.
SCOTTISH SENIORS - McLellan finishes third in 2008 table
Ronnie McLellan (Turnberry) finished in third place overall in the 2008 Scottish Seniors Golfing Society Order Of merit.
The top 30 players in the table completed a shoot out at the Blairgowrie Lansdowne course recently, and his 4th place finish in the final event raised McLellan into third place in the overall standings.
The leading scores in the shoot out at Blairgowrie were :-
69 Harry Milligan (Hamilton)
71 Ian Brotherston (Dumfries & Co)
72 Peter Lamb (Biggar)
73 Ron McLellan (Turnberry)
74 Ian Taylor (Royal Burgess)
75 David Smith (Stirling), Jim Kinloch (Cardross), John Johnston (Royal Aberdeen)
76 Sandy Pirie (Hazlehead), George Paterson (Northern), Ian Hutcheon
The 2008 Seniors Order Of Merit Leading final totals were :-
1 Gordon MacDonald (Callander) 507.50
2 Bob Stewart (Tulliallan) 501.43
3 Ronald McLellan (Turnberry) 435.63
4 Derek Murphy (Kinross) 425.00
5 Ian Hutcheon (Monifieth) 400.00
6 Ian Brotherston (Dumfries & County) 387.50
7 Iain Stewart (Curragh) 300.00
7 Ronald MacLean (Hamilton) 300.00
9 Colin Christy (Kilmacolm) 277.50
19 George Paterson (Northern) 275.81