AYRSHIRE WINTER LEAGUE - Defending champions reach semi finals

The qualifying sections of the 2008 - 2009 Ayrshire Winter League have been completed with the defending champions Prestwick St. Nicholas (pictured right) remaining on course to retain the title.

Prestwick St. Nicholas qualified from their group and now face Troon Portland in the semi finals.

In the other semi final, Irvine Ravenspark face Troon Welbeck.

If any player or officials of participating clubs are able to keep us updated with details of the semi finals and final matches details, we will publish these on the web page in due course.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - Best wishes for 2009

Wishing all our visitors a happy new year and best wishes for 2009. We have much to look forward to next year, with The Open Championship at Turnberry, The Scottish Amateur at Royal Troon and the Ladies Home Internationals at Irvine (Bogside) amongst the highlights of the forthcoming season in Ayrshire.

Best wishes also go to Loudoun Gowf Club and Troon St. Meddans Golf Club who both celebrate their Centenary year in 2009, as does The Ayrshire Ladies Golf Association.

Hopefully the members of all three clubs will have a memorable year of celebrations to mark this notable milestone.

Finally, many thanks to all our visitors who have contributed to over 30,000 hits on the web page this year, which makes the effort put in in producing the weblog worthwhile for all involved.

Please feel free to e-mail any suggestions for improving the web page or make comments via the link at the bottom right of each page entry.

Very best wishes to all for 2009 !!!!

Alasdair

GOLF IN TENERIFE - Competitive golf invite from the Peanuts Golf Society

We Recently received the following info from Bill McLellan who runs the Peanuts Golf Society in Tenerife.

If you are thinking of a golf holiday in Tenerife, the web site is worth checking out for an opportunity for competitive golf and to meet new friends there during your stay.

There is also a link to the Peanuts Golf Society website on the left of this page.

Bill wrote :-

"I run the Web Site for our Golf Society here in Tenerife,I am also an overseas member of Glasgow Golf Club as I have a house in Alloway which I come over to in the summer. I wondered wither you can give us a link and a small write up on your Ayrshire Golf site as many of your readers will at some time come out to Tenerife to golf and may like to know they can have a competitive game.

Have a look at our site www.peanutsgolf.co.uk and we would be only too pleased to see anyone from Ayrshire out here on the Links

Regards and Happy New Year"

Bill McLellan

FAIRWAY SAVER REWARD - St. Nicholas Ladies lead the way

From the Scottish Golf Union website :-

The ladies section of Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club became only the second in Scotland to earn a £500 reward from Dunfermline Building Society’s Fairway Savers initiative – then generously donated the money to a local charity.

As part of their 3-year sponsorship deal with the Scottish Golf Union, Dunfermline Building Society are rewarding clubs with a donation of £500 if fifty of their members open a Fairway Savers account at their local branch.

Led by Lady Captain Anne Grant and Ayr Branch Manager Katie Hodge, Prestwick St Nicholas quickly reached their target and the duo were presented with a cheque from SGU Chief Executive Hamish Grey recently.

Lady Captain Anne Grant commented :-

“CLIC Sargent in Prestwick is the ladies club’s nominated charity this year and through various initiatives we have ran this year our members raised more than £5,000 for what is a very worthy cause.

We committed to donating the Dunfermline Building Society Fairway Saver reward to the charity if we reached our target, so my thanks go to my fellow club members for their support in making this and our other initiatives this year so successful.”

The Scottish Golf Union has been supported by Dunfermline Building Society for the last two years through their sponsorship of the Junior Masters, Junior Club of the Year and Scottish Golf Dinner. Since the launch of the Fairway Savers affinity account last October, more than 4,000 new accounts have been opened by golf club members up and down the country, generating further investment for grass roots golf in Scotland.

Hamish Grey, Chief Executive of the SGU, said:

“The Fairway Savers affinity account has been a hugely successful part of our sponsorship with Dunfermline Building Society with benefits for everyone involved. I am delighted that Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club has earned their reward through the hard work of their lady members.

Its great to see how a golf club can support their local charity so well and this is just one example of the wider role golf plays in the communities across the country.”

The Dunfermline Building Society Fairway Savers account is available for both adults and juniors and offers a competitive interest rate whilst supporting grass roots golf in Scotland.

Katie Hodge, Branch Manager for Dunfermline Building Society in Ayr, is delighted to see their sponsorship of the SGU working so effectively:

“Golf is a very important part of life in Ayrshire so it’s great from a local perspective that Dunfermline Building Society has such strong links to the sport. The sponsorship has certainly been successful for us both nationally and locally and it’s wonderful to see the club’s charity also benefiting from our partnership.”

SCOTTISH SENIORS GOLFING SOCIETY - new website launched

Keith Howie from West Kilbride, the present Vice captain of the Scottish Seniors Golfing Society is in the process of constructing a website for the society.

The website has recently been launched and can be accessed on www.scottishseniorsgolf.com or through the link on the left of this page.

The website provides news and info about forthcoming events as well as result, photographs and an online shop where members can purchase S.S.G.S. merchandise, as well as information on how to join.

Keith plans to list the regional websites on the site in the near future.

SGU HANDICAP AUDIT - returns now overdue from some clubs

The annual SGU handicap audit of players with one of a handicap or less is underway and club and match secretaries are being urged to complete their club returns as soon as possible and forward the results to the Scottish Golf Union as previously requested.
Negative returns are also required to be notified to the SGU.

A number of Ayrshire club returns have still not been received by the national body. It would be appreciated if club secretaries and officials could ensure that the requested returns are completed and forwarded as previously requested.

GOLFERS GOING TO UNIVERSITY - What about Cardiff ?

Considering going to University ?...... Category one golfer ?.......... this recent correspondence from Cardif University Golf Society Recruitment Officer Gareth Rees may be of interest :-

I write to you on behalf of the Cardiff University Golf Society. I was recently appointed Recruitment Officer as we feel the need to market our society and target potential students and members. I would be very grateful if you could forward this message to relevant individuals and institutions in your constituency (schools, golf clubs, junior golf development programmes etc.). We are mainly looking for golfers with a category 1 handicap but golfers of all standards are welcome in our society.

Here is some information about what our society has to offer:
· The society has two teams that play in British Universities and Colleges Sports leagues; the first team in the South Premier league and the second team in the Western Conference league.
· We offer weekly coaching with PGA National Coach Keith Williams at the Vale of Glamorgan Golf Resort, and also weekly training sessions.
· The society enters a team every year to play in the World University Match-play Championships in Germany and also sends two players to represent the University in the Boyd Quaich Tournament in St Andrews, Scotland.
· Every member of the society has the opportunity to have high quality gear including kit and golf bags.
· The University offers an annual Bursary to students who show outstanding ability and potential in Golf. Applicants must show evidence of a high standard of Golf participation and performance together with a low handicap, typically 2 or 3 for men and 6 for women.
· Golf Bursars will also receive:
o Coaching
o Sport science support
o BUPA physiotherapy
o Free Gold membership to University Sports Facilities
o Free access to sports talks and workshops
o Personal mentoring
· An exuberant social life giving golfers and non-golfers the opportunity to socialise and bond in a variety of ways.

Cardiff University offers a very high standard of education in a huge range of degree programmes, unlimited extra curricular opportunities, and a friendly atmosphere, which is why students should give Cardiff their serious consideration when selecting the University that is best for them.

If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact me either by e-mail on reesg11@cardiff.ac.uk or by phone on 07980195726.

Kind regards,

Gareth Rees, Cardiff University Golf Society Recruitment Officer

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION YEARBOOK - preparations under way for 6th edition

Preparations are now under way for the 6th Ayrshire Golf Association Yearbook, which should hopefully be available at the Annual Dinner at the end of February 2009.

The yearbook will again be produced by Des and Mandy Buckley of D & M Journals and will be distributed free of charge to member clubs, driving ranges and other golf outlets throughout Ayrshire.

With the Open Championship coming to Ayrshire in July, it is hoped that the distribution of the yearbooks will be even more widespread

than previously.

The production of the yearbook relies entirely on the good will of sponsors for its production, and provides an excellent medium to promote businesses throughout the county.

If any readers are intersted in promoting their own business and supporting the Ayrshire Golf Association in the production of the yearbook, through purchasing advertisng in the 2009 edition, or if any readers know of potential advertisers interested in purchasing space in the publication,

please contact Des Buckley direct on :-

Tel no - 0131 477 1026

Mobile - 07970 869293

e-mail - dmjournals@aol.com

There are advertising rates available for Quarter, third, half and full pages, as well as the outside back cover.

The Association would be delighted if any readers are able to support the 2009 yearbook through advertising.

EUROPEAN SENIORS TOUR - Drummond finishes season in 17th place

Prestwick resident Ross Drummond finished in 17th place in the 2008 PGA European Seniors Tour Order Of Merit.

Drummond, who is still awaiting his maiden seniors victory, after a few near misses, was third best placed Scot, with Sam Torrance ahead of him in 8th position and leading Scot Bill Longmuir in 5th.

Winner of the Seniors Order Of Merit this year was Ian Woosnam who took the top spot in his rookie year on the seniors tour.

BRITISH SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP - Change of format for 2009 event at Prestwick

The R & A have announced a change in format for the Seniors British Championship, to be held, for the third time in its history, at Prestwick Golf Club from 5th to 7th August 2009.

In a bid to maintain a high quality field, the handicap limit hasd been reduced to 3 and the field reduced to 144 in number.

Open to players over 55 years of age on 5th August 2009, competitors in the championship will now play 36 holes strokeplay on the Wednesday & Thursday with the field being reduced to 60 for the final days play on the Friday.

The change in format has resulted in Prestwick St. Nicholas no longer being required to be used for the opening qualifying rounds, as it was scheduled to do under the previous competition format, with all rounds now taking place over the links of the Prestwick club.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Brown named Junior Golfer Of The Year at annual dinner

Scott Brown (Turnberry) ended a superb season on a high when he was named Ayrshire Junior Golfer Of The Year at the annual dinner and presentation of trophies of The Ayrshire Junior Golf League, held at Irvine Ravenspark on Monday 10th November.




Brown, who took both the Ayrshire Boys and Ayrshire Boys matchplay titles during the year, as well as winning the Junior Order Of merit underlined, his playing ability, committment and alround mannerly demeanour by securing the Macrobert Thistle Junior Golfer Of The Year Trophy, which was presented by David Reynolds of Fields In Trust (formerly The National Playing Fields Association).


Brown's successes this year have been recognised at his home club, and in particular by the new owners of the Turnberry resort, who have invited him to take part in the Dubai Desert Classic Pro Am in January, where he is scheduled to play alongside world number two Sergio Garcia, in recognition of his 2008 achievements.

The 2008 Junior League annual dinner, Chaired by Fleming Gibson (Caprington), attracted the usual capacity audience, with guests including the Scottish Golf Union President John Somerville and Ayrshire Golf Association President Alasdair J. Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas), as well as coaching professionals and captains of local clubs who have supported The League throughout the season. Special guests also included former League player Steven McEwan (Caprington) who gained full international honours during 2008, as well as winning the Scottish Order Of merit and being runner up in the Scottish Amateur Championship, and Ian Walker who generously sponsored the Junior Order Of Merit in 2008.


Also present were a number of the Ayrshire Junior Golf League Honorary Members, including the latest recipient of the honour, Brian Farrelly (Ardeer) who was elected an Honorary Member in December 2007.

Brian Farrelly (Ardeer) receiving his Honorary Membership certificate


After an excellent meal and the ever popular raffle, which raised a considerable sum for League funds, the winners of the various competitions were presented with their trophies and awards for the season.


The presentations began with Chairman Fleming Gibson presenting his Honorary Membership certificate to Brian Farrelly, and continued with David Reynolds presenting the Macrobert Thistle Junior Golfer Of The year Trophy to Scott Brown.


Secretary Barry Somerville (Prestwick St. Cuthebrt) then called upon SGU President John Somerville to present the remaining awards to the winners.


2008 ROLL OF HONOUR



Matt Lygate Trophy - LARGS G.C.
Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy - TROON WELBECK G.C.
Prestwick Circuits Trophy - ANDREW ABERCROMBIE (Largs)
Carrick Trophy - COLIN ROBINSON (Largs)
Silver Jubilee Trophy - BALLOCHMYLE G.C.
Ayrshire Boys Championship - SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry)
Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship - SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry)
Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit - SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry)
Wallace Thornton Trophy - KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) G.C.
Under 16 Knockout Trophy - CAPRINGTON G.C.
Champion Of Champions Trophy - JAMIE ACHESON (Largs Routenburn)
League Championship Semi Finalists - KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) G.C.
League Championship Semi Finalists - PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT G.C.
League Championship Runners Up - WEST KILBRIDE G.C.
League Champions - LARGS G.C.









Matt Lygate Trophy winners - LARGS G.C.










Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy winners - TROON WELBECK G.G.

Carrick Trophy winner - COLIN ROBINSON (Largs)












Silver Jubilee Trophy winners -
BALLOCHMYLE G.C.











Wallace Thornton Trophy Runners Up -
AYR BELLEISLE G.C.










Wallace Thornton Trophy winners -
KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) G.C.











Under 16 Knockout Trophy Runners Up -
BALLOCHMYLE G.C.









Under 16 Knockout Trophy Winners -
CAPRINGTON G.C.









Champion Of Champions Runner Up -
SEAN THORBURN (Ayr Belleisle)













Champion Of Champions Winner -
JAMIE ACHESON (Largs Routenburn)

Order Of Merit - 7th - SAM FINDLATER (Troon Welbeck)

Order Of Merit - 6th - FRASER LAWRIE (West Kilbride)

Order Of merit - 4th - ANDREW WRIGHT (Kilmarnock Barassie)

Order Of Merit - 3rd - JACK McDONALD (Kilmarnock Barassie)

Order Of Merit Runner Up - SCOTT CLARK (Ayr Belleisle)

SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry) with his seasons haul of county trophies - Junior Order Of Merit, Macrobert Thistle Junior Golfer Of The Year, Ayrshire Boys Championship and Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship

League Championship Semi Finalists -
KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) G.C.







League Championship Semi Finalists -
PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT G.C.

League Championship Runners Up -
WEST KILBRIDE G.C.

League Champions -
LARGS G.C.







At the conclusion of the presentations, League Vice President Iain Mackay (West Kilbride) proposed a vote of thanks.

JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - McQueen runner up in girls event at Kingsbarns

Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies) was runner up behind Carly Booth in the Junioe Champion Of Champions event at Kingsbarns on Sunday 2nd November.

Matching par of 72, McQueen was a distant five shots behind Curtis Cup player Booth, who blew away the opposition with a stunning score of 67.

The boys' event was a tighter affair with Andy McLachlan (Bonnyton) matching Booth’s 67 to win by just two strokes from Mark Dickson (Gullane).

Ayrshire's representative in the boys event, Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) finished in equal 12th spot on 75.

LEADING BOYS' SCORES

67 - Andrew McLachlan

69 - Mark Dickson

70 - Colin Baird

71 - Sam Binning

72 - Mark Bookless, Daniel Young, Kyle Godsman

73 - Paul Shields

74 - Fraser McKenna

75 - Adam Dunton, James Ross, Kyle Smith, David Law

76 - Ryan Campbell, Callum Trahan, Sam McLaren, Colin Thomson

77 - Colin Robinson, Oliver Huish.

LEADING GIRLS SCORES

67 - Carly Booth

72 - Rachael McQueen

76 - Kelsey MacDonald

WEST OF SCOTLAND INTER COUNTY LEAGUES - Frustration for Ayrshire as counties vote to scrap 2008 competition

The Ayrshire county full and youth teams have been left frustrated by the decision of participating counties, by a 4 - 2 majority, to abandon the Inter County League matches for 2008.


The decision came after two particularly wet weekends in October led to the postponement of a number of matches.


With three wins from three, the position of the youths team is particularly unfortunate as they were defending the title won in 2007, and looked to be in an unbeatable position if they managed a win in the scheduled match this coming weekend.


Although the A team have played only two of their scheduled four games so far, they remained undefeated also, with one win and one draw.

The future of the West Of Scotland Inter County League matches will be further discussed by representatives of the participating counties at a later date.

SCOTTISH LADIES' GOLFING ASSOCIATION - Ayrshire’s Shona Malcolm nominated as SLGA Chairman

Press release from the SLGA

The Board of the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association is pleased to nominate Miss Shona Malcolm C.A. as Chairman of the Association for the three years from January 2009. The term of office of the current Chairman, Mrs Pat Wilson, expires at the Annual General Meeting in January 2009.

Currently Chairman of the SLGA’s Business Development Group and the “One Plan for Golf” steering group, and a Board member of clubgolf, the national junior golf initiative in Scotland, Shona will bring a wealth of golf knowledge and experience to the role of Chairman.

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Shona is currently working with the Ladies’ Golf Union to deliver the LGU’s Business Plan.

A native of Prestwick, the venue of the first Open Championship in 1860, Shona became involved in golf administration in the early eighties and served as Treasurer of the SLGA from 1996-2001, before taking on the role of Councillor on the Ladies’ Golf Union in 2007. She is a member of both Prestwick St. Nicholas and Prestwick St. Cuthbert Golf Clubs, and was Lady Captain of the latter in its Centenary Year, 1999.

The appointment of a Chairman for three years marks an important stage in the SLGA’s development which has, in recent years, seen the Association take on responsibility for handicapping, course rating and the running in Scotland of the former LGU medals, as well the implementation of a change in business model from being an unincorporated association to a company limited by guarantee.

Pat Wilson, the present Chairman, says
“I am delighted that Shona is to become our new three year Chairman bringing continuity to the role. Shona brings not only tremendous experience of golfing administration having been Treasurer of the SLGA and an LGU Councillor, but also vast business knowledge from her professional role as a C.A.”

Shona says

“I am very pleased to have been nominated as Chairman of the SLGA at these exciting and challenging times for ladies’ golf. The SLGA has a responsibility to protect and promote the interests of ladies’ golf in Scotland, celebrating the golfing legacies and traditions while encouraging more people to take up the sport.

I genuinely believe that golf should be accessible to anyone, of either gender, who wants to play, and look forward to working in partnership under “One Plan for Golf” with our colleagues at the Scottish Golf Union and the PGA to achieve this goal.

I look forward to contributing to the ongoing modernisation initiatives, and to meeting and consulting with many of the SLGA’s members in the coming months and years.”

Founded in 1904 and incorporated in 2006, The Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association is the governing body for ladies’ and girls’ amateur golf in Scotland.

TURNBERRY HOTEL CLOSED FROM SUNDAY - £30million refurbishment ahead of 2009 Open Championship

Turnberry Hotel in South Ayrshire closed its doors on Sunday for a major refit, ahead of the Open Championship, which will be staged there in July 2009.

FROM THE EUROPEAN TOUR WEBSITE

Leisurecorp, the Dubai World investment company focused on the sports and leisure sector, has taken ownership of its latest acquisition, the Turnberry Resort in south Ayrshire.
First announced in May, the £55 million deal sees Turnberry transferred from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) to Leisurecorp.
Starwood has entered a 50-year management agreement with Leisurecorp to manage the hotel and after extensive restoration, the property will become a member of its Luxury Collection portfolio.
From today the hotel will close for a £30 million refurbishment ahead of the 138th Open Championship in July 2009.
Internationally-renowned interior designer Mary Fox Linton has been appointed to lead the refurbishment which will see the 101-year hotel restored to the original vision of the original architect, James Miller.
Working in conjunction with a heritage consultant, the refurbishment will ensure that the building’s heritage is maintained while delivering beautifully-designed stylish hotel rooms and facilities.
Alan Rogers, Group CEO, Leisurecorp, said: “Turnberry is a significant addition to our property portfolio and we take seriously our responsibility to restoring the hotel and facilities to its former glory. When the eyes of the world fall upon Turnberry next summer, we are determined that the venue will stand tall with pride, taking its rightful place as one of the top golf courses in the world.
"At Leisurecorp, we have been lucky enough to have worked with some of the world’s best performers in their fields, from sporting superstars to designers and architects. Since we announced the deal with Starwood in May we have been working hard on the development plans and are delighted with Mary Fox Linton’s appointment and her vision for Turnberry.
“Next week Shanghai kicks off the inaugural Race to Dubai and arguably one of the most exciting seasons in The European Tour’s history. For Leisurecorp, this will see three of our golf courses rise to the occasion with the South African Open at Pearl Valley Golf Estates, the Open Championship at Turnberry, and the Dubai World Championship to climax the season at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
"We are certain that each of these tournaments will prove our passion and commitment to the golf world.”
Mary Fox Linton has an impressive list of historic hotels to her name, including One Aldwych, London; The Dorchester Hotel, London; The Athenaeum, London; The Grove, Chandler’s Cross; and Carlisle Bay Antigua.
Mary Fox Linton said: “The chance to restore this hotel to its former glory is a wonderful opportunity and I feel so passionate about it. When you arrive, you can’t help but smile. The interiors of the hotel will be brought back to their original grandeur with a contemporary interpretation of James Miller’s original vision for the hotel.
"I have tried to look at the hotel through the eyes of Miller and interpret what I think he would have envisioned for the hotel, maximising open spaces, comfort and of course the very best of quality.”

WEST OF SCOTLAND INTER COUNTY LEAGUES - Three in a row for youths whilst senior team draw

Ayrshire were back in action this week as the West Of Scotland Inter County Leagues recommenced after a weather enforced week off.

In the latest round of matches, Ayrshire faced Renfrewshire, with the full team playing at Largs whilst the youths travelled to Elderslie.

Playing against the county which Ayrshire narrowly defeated last month in the Area Team Championship final, the match at Largs was likely to be a close one, and so it proved.

Sharing the spoils in the opening matches, Ayrshire looked up against it with a middle order collaps, which saw them 5 - 2 behind, before the team rallied for a good half match by winning the last three ties.

Match details (Ayrshire names first)

Steven McEwan (Caprington) halved with Craig Watson
Steven Spence (Irvine) lost to Ronnie Clark 3/2
John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) beat Murdo Carmichael 5/4
Brian Moore (Largs) halved with Nicky Gold
Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to David Walker 4/3
Gareth Lamb (Irvine) lost to Steven Higgins 2/1
Steven Barr (Irvine Ravenspark) lost to Scott Ferguson 4/3
Gary Bryden (Turnberry) beat Scott McGrenaghan 5/4
Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) beat Michael Campbell 4/2
Paul Robinson (Largs) beat David McFarlane 1 up

AYRSHIRE 5 RENFREWSHIRE 5

In the youths match at Elderslie, Ayrshire got off to a poor start with 5 balls lost out of bounds on the first. The games soon settled down.

Ayrshire lost the first tie heavily, and after Scott Brown's opponent holed from off the green at the last, Ayrshire went 2 - 0 behind.

Ayrshire battled on and a series of wins left Rory Acheson securing the match by 5.5 - 4.5 with a two hole win in the final tie on the course.

Match details (Ayrshire names first)

Kyle Smith (Kilmanrock Barassie)lost to Michael Daily 5 & 4
Scott Brown (Turnberry) lost to Ricardo Rebecchi 2 up
Craig McLaughlin (Largs) beat Calum Morrison 1 up
Scott Clark (Ayr Belleisle) halved with Darren Grant
Fraser Lawrie (West Kilbride) lost to Johnny Caldwell 2 up
Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Jack Bradley 5 & 4
Stewart Henderson (Kilmanrock Barassie) beat Alistair Lauder 2 & 1
Jamie Acheson (Largs Routenburn) lost to Alex Ferguson 3 & 2
Rory Acheson (Largs Routenburn) beat Jordan Grant 2 up
Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) beat Alan Ferguson 6 & 5

AYRSHIRE YOUTHS 5.5 RENFREWSHIRE YOUTHS 4.5

In next weeks scheduled matches, against Stirlingshire, the full team travel to Stirling whilst the youths entertain their opponents at Brunston Castle.

SLGA - West Of Scotland Ladies Championship returns to Prestwick

The 2009 West Of Scotland Ladies' Strokeplay Championship is scheduled to be held at Prestwick Golf Club on Sunday 3rd May.


This will be the third occasion in recent years that the championship has been contested over the Prestwick links, the last occasion being in 1997 when former Ayrshire ladies Champion and Prestwick resident Catherine Malcolm (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) took the title

LGU EVENTS - Irvine (Bogside) in 2009 championship switch

Irvine (Bogside) who were scheduled to host the British ladies Strokeplay Championship from 19 - 21 August 2008 have agreed to a venue switch with Royal Aberdeen.



Royal Aberdeen were due to host the Ladies Home Internationals from 9 - 11 September 2009 but a clash with a major oil industry conference has led to little or no accommodation being available that week in the northern city.

With the agreement of both clubs, Royal Aberdeen will now host the British Strokeplay event whilst The Home Internationals will no be played at Irvine (Bogside) from 9 - 11 September next year

BRITISH SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP - Prestwick clubs to host 2009 championship

Ayrshire will be the focus of attention in seniors amateur golf in August 2009 when Prestwick - pictured above - and Prestwick St. Nicholas - pictured below - play host to the British Seniors Championship.

The R & A event will be held over the two courses from 5 - 7 August 2009.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION AGM - Alasdair Malcolm elected President for 2008 - 2010

At the Annual General Meeting of The Ayrshire Golf Association, held at Ballochmyle Golf Club on Wednesday 29th October 2008, Alasdair Malcolm - pictured right - was elected as President of the association for 2008 - 2010, succeeding Ricky Magee (Caprington).

Alasdair, who is a member of both the Prestwick St. Nicholas and Prestwick St. Cuthbert clubs has served in various posts throughout his 20 years service on the Ayrshire Golf Asssociation Executive.

An R & A and SGU qualified referee, he has refereed at both national and international levels in recent seasons.

Alasdair began his involvement in golf administration as junior convenor at Prestwick St. Cuthbert and in 1989 took on the post of Secretary of The Ayrshire Junior Golf League, a position held for over 16 years. In recognition of his service to the junior league, he was elected an Honorary Member of the league in 2002.

In accepting the post of President, Alasdair paid tribute to the work of his predecessor, Riicky Magee, not only during his two year Presidency but also in his many years working for The Ayrshire Golf Association, particularly in the field of coaching. Alasdair commented that it was most appropriate that Ayrshire and individuals from the county had enjoyed much success on a national level during Ricky's term of office, winning the Boys Area Team Championship, West Of Scotland Youths League, Scottish Boys Championship, runner up in the Scottish Amateur Championship and Scottish Boys and gents Order Of Merit titles, as well as the 2008 Area Team Championship, with the latter trophy being on display at the AGM for members to view.

many of the successes over the last two years featured players who had progressed throguh the county coaching programme, which Ricky had been instrumental in developing.

Also at the AGM, David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured below - was elected as Vice President of The Ayrshire Golf Association for 2008 - 2010.



A former junior club champion at Prestwick St. Cuthbert, David is a long standing member of the Kilmarnock Barassie club, having served his home club in various positions including that of junior convenor. During his tenure in charge of the juniors at Kilmarnock Barassie, David also served as Chairman of The Ayrshire Junior Golf League.

Still playing golf to a high standard, David is former winner of the Ayrshire Champion Of Champions title, winning in 1998 where he beat the holder David Glass (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) who was bidding for a hat trick of wins in the event.

David is also a past Club Champion of his home club and three times winner of the Troon St. Meddans Club Championship.

His recent retirement from the Fire Service has seen David compete in the recently formed Scottish Seniors Golf Society tournaments where he has regularly featured in the leading returns.

David is an SGU qualified referee and has officiated in area and national events over the last couple of seasons.

Long serving Secretary/Treasurer Leslie Crawford (Kilmarnock Barassie)- pictured below - was re elected to his post at the AGM, whilst the three vacancies on the Executive were filled by serving members, Allan Muir (Caprington), Ronnie Potts (Irvine Ravenspark) and Milton Murray (Largs).


Representatives of member clubs present also heard reports on the 2008 season with regard to the work of the Scottish Golf Union as well as local reports on the finances of The Association, Coaching, Course Rating, and The Ayrshire Junior Golf League.

TENNESSEE INTER COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart 6th equal in individual event

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) helped his team from East Tennessee State University to second place in the Bank Of Tennessee Intercollegiate Championship this week, at The Ridges Golf & Country Club, Jonesborough, Tennessee.
.

Costal Carolina edged out Stewart and his team by one shot to win the event which involved 8 colleges/universities.

With rounds of 73-69-74 for a 216 total, Stewart finished in a creditable 6th equal place in the individual event.

Leading scores (individual placings in brackets)

1 Coastal Carolina +5 290/288/291=869
(T 2) Zack Byrd -1 71/70/74=215
(T 6) Dan Obremski E 72/69/75=216
(T18) Tripp McAllister +4 74/74/72=220
(T30) Cameron Hooper +6 74/77/71=222
(T30) David Dannelly +6 73/75/74=222

2 East Tennessee St. +6 288/290/292=870
(T2) Rhys Enoch -1 71/73/71=215
(T6) Michael Stewart E 73/69/74=216
(T18) Seamus Power +4 73/74/73=220
(T18) Paul O'Kane +4 72/74/74=220
(T46) Devin Komline +11 72/75/80=227
(T57) Peter Wilson ( I ) +14 80/75/75=230
( 75) Jordan Findlay ( I ) +38 93/83/78=254

3 Wake Forest Univ. +7 291/285/295=871
( T2) Dustin Groves -1 72/72/71=215
( T9) Brendan Gielow +1 73/71/73=217
(T25) Daniel Meggs +5 72/75/74=221
(T37) Lee Bedford +8 F 77/70/77=224
( 43) Travis Wadkins +9 74/72/79=225
( 69) Marc Gladson ( I ) +20 79/80/77=23

US COLLEGE GOLF - David Addison joint 34th in college tournament

Report courtesy of Colin Farquson and kirkwoodgolf.com web site

Ayrshire exile David Addison from Stewarton, a senior-year student at the University of Akron, Ohio, finished tied 34th in the Xavier Invitational college tournament at the Oasis Club, Loveland in Ohio.
David, a former Scotland boy international and a member at Kilmarnock Barassie, had rounds of 70, 76 and 73 for a three-over-par total of 219 over the 6921yd, par-72 course.

The individual winner with phenomenal scoring was Mike Van Sickle (Marquette University) with a 17-under-par total of 199, made up of rounds of 64, 68 and 67.
Addison won the SGU Order of Merit 72-hole tournament, the Cameron Corbett Vase, at Haggs Castle during his summer holidays back home this year.

THE SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP - 50 years ago

2008 marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most notable Scottish Amateur Championships for Ayrshire, which was played that year at Prestwick Golf Club.
The championship was particularly notable for the Ayrshire golf community as the county provided three of the four semi finalists.

The champion that year was a member of the host club, W.D. (Dick) Smith - pictured right - , who played in the championship out of Selkirk.


Smith was a Scottish international from 1957 to 1960 and again in 1963, and played in The Walker Cup in 1959 where he met a 19 year old Jack Niklaus in the final day singles.

Later in his career, in 1983, Smith won the Scottish Seniors Championship to add to his amateur title.

In the 1958 Scottish Amateur Championship semi final Smith beat Irvine (Bogside) legend Jimmy Walker - pictured below - by 3 & 2 to reach the final.


Walker himself won the Scottish Amateur Championship at Western Gailes in 1961, the same year he represented G.B. & I. in The Walker Cup. He also represented Scotland at international level frequently from 1954 to 1963.



In the second semi final Ian R. Harris - pictured below right -, who played out of Hayston and later became a stalwart member of Royal Troon, beat I.G.F. Lee (Cathkin Braes)by 5 & 4 to secure his final place alongside Dick Smith.

Harris, like the other two Ayrshire stalwarts, represented Scotland frequently on the international stage from 1954 to 1959.


In the 36 hole final it was the home club player, Dick Smith, who emerged triumphant by a 6 & 5 winning margin.

50 years on, Ayrshire has enjoyed a number of successes in the national championship in the intervening period.

As well as Jim Milligan (Kilmarnock Barassie) who won the championship over his home course 20 years ago this year, Ayrshire has provided the winner on five other occasions since Dick Smith won in 1958. The other Ayrshire winners over the period are 1961 - Jimmy Walker (Irvine), 1969 - Jackie Cannon (Irvine), 1987 - Colin Montgomerie (Royal Troon), 1989 - J. Allan Thomson (Ayr Belleisle), and in 1994 Hugh McKibbin (Troon Welbeck) who, like Dick Smith, triumphed in an all Ayrshire final against Alan Reid (Kilmarnock Barassie) played at Renfrew Golf Club.

WEST OF SCOTLAND INTER COUNTY LEAGUES - Matches postponed on Saturday

The two Ayrshire matches scheduled this Saturday (25th October) in the West Of Scotland Inter County Leagues have been postponed.

The full team were scheduled to meet Glasgow at Ardeer whilst the youths were due to travel to Ralston for the corresponding fixture in the youths league.

Next Saturday, 1st November, the full team are due to play Renfrewshire at Largs whilst the youths are scheduled to travel to Elderslie.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - 2008 winners picture

Pictured above are the Largs team who won the 2008 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship

Back Row: Josh Nordbo - Robbie Dow - John Robertson
Middle Row: Dave McLellan - Jack Whent
Front Row: Andy Gilmour

SCOTTISH JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Three Ayrshire players go for glory at Kingsbarns

Three Ayrshire junior golfers will be bidding for glory on 2nd November when they take part in the 2008 Scottish Champion Of Champions competition at the Kingsbarns Golf Links.

52 of the best young golfers in the country will compete in the 18 hole strokeplay event.



Included in the field are the former Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion and boys internationalist Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie).


Also taking part is the 2008 Ayrshire Boys Strokeplay and Matchplay Champion and Ayrshire Junior Order Of merit winner Scott Brown (Turnberry).








In the girls competition, Ayrshire is represented by girls internationalist and current Ayrshire Girls Champion Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies)




Best wishes go to all three players for success in this end of season event.