US COLLEGE GOLF - Michael Stewart scores first win on college circuit

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right - has recorded his first win in this, his first year of a golf scholarship at East Tennessee State University.

Stewart shot rounds of 72, 70 and 71 for a three-under-par total of 213 to win the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship by one stroke at Keith Hills Country Club in North Carolina.

The 2008 Scottish Boys Champion and SGU Junior Order Of Merit winner was in 10th place going into the final day but his one under par 71 in windy conditions of 25 to 30mph with even stronger gusts saw him surge through the field to the top of the leader board as the other challengers faultered in the conditions, whilst Stewart came back in 33, three under par for his winning total.

Stewart's performance helped East Tennessee State finish fourth of 11 in the team event.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS

213 - Michael Stewart (East Tennessee State) 72 70 71

214 - Vaita Guillaume (Campbell University) 69 69 76

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Order of play for Prestwick event

The 2009 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship will be held at Prestwick Golf Club from 4th to 7th May 2009.

The field for the event was decided at the Strokeplay Championship at Irvine with the cut being at 151, one player on that score gaining a place in the field of 16. By virtue of the best second round score, Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) secured the last qualifying place and faces Strokeplay Champion John Shanks (Irvine) in the first round.

Matches commence at 5.00 p.m on Monday 4th May.

The first round ties are :-

JOHN SHANKS (Irvine) Vs. MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (Whiting Bay)
STEPHEN SPENCE (Irvine) Vs. GARETH LAMB (Irvine)
JOE GILLIGAN (Troon Welbeck) Vs. SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry)
JOHN HAGGERTY (Loudoun) Vs. PAUL MOULTRIE (Troon Portland)
STEPHEN MURRAY (Troon Welbeck) Vs. WALTER MEIKLAM (Troon Welbeck)
CRAIG McLAUGHLIN (Largs) Vs. IAN WALKER (Turnberry)
RICKY BLACK (Irvine) Vs. TOM McINALLY (Loudoun)
GRAHAM ROWAN (Ballochmyle) Vs. BILLY HUNTER (Troon Welbeck)

Any players who are unavailable are asked to contact Alasdair Malcolm (01292 477657 / mob 07912 026341) or e-mail aj-malcolm@fsmail.net as soon as possible, to allow for a replacement to be arranged.

Full details of the draw can be accessed via the link under the RESULTS heading on the left of this page.

EDWARD TROPHY - second round 77 pushes McEwan down field

A second round of 77 ended the hopes of Steven McEwan (Caprington) in the Edward Trophy at Glasgow Gailes over the weekend.

Sandwiched between an opening 69 and a final round 71 in the weather shortened event, McEwan finished on 217, leaving him six strokes adrift of the winning total of 211 by James White (Lundin), who won after a play off against Paul O'Hara (Colville Park).

Leading scores :-

211 - James White (Lundin) 73 69 69, Paul O’Hara (Colville Park) 68 71 72
212 - Ross Kellett (Colville Park) 66 70 76
213 - Keir McNicoll (Carnoustie) 72 69 72
214 - Gordon Stevenson (Whitecraigs) 75 70 69, Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire) 72 72 70
215 - James Ross (Royal Burgess) 72 71 72
216 - Daniel Somerville (St Andrews) 71 73 72, Gavin Dear (Murrayshall) 69 71 76
217 - Greg Paterson (St Andrews New) 71 73 73, Steven McEwan (Caprington) 69 77 71
218 - Kris Nicol (Fraserburgh) 74 75 69, Gordon Yates (Hilton Park) 73 75 70, Wallace Booth (Comrie) 72 75 71, Liam McGowan (St Andrews New) 72 72 74

The other Ayrshire players who qualified for the final two round were :-

223 - Chris Harkins (Ayr Bellleisle) 73 74 76
224 - Jamie MacKay (Kilmarnock Barassie) 73 76 75
236 - Kyle Smith (Troon Welbeck) 77 80 79

AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - John Shanks wins 2009 title by nine

Host club member John Shanks - pictured right - won the 2009 Ayrshire Strokeply Championship by nine shots when the competition was held at Irvine (Bogside) on Sunday 26th April.

Shanks, the winner in 2007 at West Kilbride, left the capacity field in his wake after a superb morning round of 65, 6 under par, gave him a five stroke advantage over his nearest rival, Boys Champion Scott Brown (Turnberry) at the halfway stage.

With a cold breeze making conditions testing, the best second round score was recorded by Craig Mclaughlin (Largs) with a two under par 69. John Shanks maintained his form in the afternoon, a one over par 72 being bettered by only three players in the second round, giving Shanks a total of 137 which ultimatelly left him nine shots ahead of the rest of the field.

A distant runner up to Shanks in the championship was the 2007 Matchplay Champion, Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck) whose two round of 73 for a 146 total gave him second place, by virtue of the best second, ahead of Ricky Black (Irvine) who returned 71 - 75 for 146.

The remaining prizewinners all tied on 147, being seperated only by the better second rounds.

Fourth place went to Joe Gilligan of Troon Welbeck (76 - 71), fifth was John Haggerty of Loudoun (75 - 72) and in sixth place was Graham Rowan of Ballochmyle (73 - 74).

Ayrshire Golf Assocaition President Alasdair Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas) presented prizes to the winners at the conclusion of the competition and handed over the Strokeplay Championship Trophy and champions medal to the 2009 winner, John Shanks.

The leading scores were :-

137 - John Shanks (Irvine) 65/72

146 - Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck) 73/73, Ricky Black (Irvine) 71/75

147 - Joe Gilligan (Troon Welbeck) 76/71, John Haggerty (Loudoun) 75/72, Graham Rowan (Ballochmyle) 73/74

148 - Craig McLaughlin (Largs) 79/69, Stephen Spence (Irvine) 75/73, Gareth lamb (Irvine) 74/74

149 - Ian Walker (Turnberry) 77/72, Billy Hunter (Troon Welbeck), 75/74, Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland) 72/77, Scott Brown (Turnberry) 70/79.

The CSS For both the morning and afternoon rounds were 73 (+1)

All the scores can be accessed via the link under the RESULTS heading on the left of this page

EDWARD TROPHY - McEwan lying third in weather shortened event

Steven McEwan (Caprington) is lying in third place in the Edward Trophy at Glasgow Gailes, after the 72 hole event was cut to 54 holes due to thunder and lightning on Saturday 25th April which caused the cancellation of the second round.

McEwan shares third place with a two under par 69, and lies three shots behind the leader, Ross Kellett (Colville Park).

Players scoring 77 or better will complete the final two rounds on Sunday 26th April.

The Ayrshire players qualifying for the final days play are :-

69 - Steven McEwan (Caprington)
73 - Jamie MacKay (Kilmarnock Barassie)
73 - Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle)
77 - Kyle Smith (Troon Welbeck)

Ayrshire players who missed the cut were :-

83 - Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle)

GOLFBLOGGER UK - new golf web log launched

Page Rank 5 GolfbloggerUK has launched its new golf website design which is aimed at covering ‘everything golf’.

The new layout is aimed at easier navigation for visitors to cover golf categories such as golf news from Great Britain, Ireland and from around the globe and to cater for golf networking visitors from over 140 different countries each calendar month. Golf Blogs shall be posted enabling golfers from each corner of the globe to network.

There will be coverage of golf at boys, girls, ladies, gents and seniors amateur grass root golf through to all the latest news at county and national representative level. In addition, there will be full coverage of all the latest happenings on the golf development and main professional golf tours from around the globe.

Categories covered are golf gear, golf courses, golf books, golf travel, golf property, golf fitness, golf instruction, golf videos, golf polls, golf gifts, golf rankings, golf gadgets, golf rules, golf competitions and all things golf!

Site functionality shall include a golf course finder and an online source for golf tee times and green fees.

Golf video footage shall be regularly available to visitors covering areas such as putting, chipping, long game, swing analysis, event highlights, golf humour, new products, and ‘what’s in the bag’ of the leading tour players.

The site content is administered by webmaster Graham Gordon, who said, ”We are trying to make the site as easy to use as possible and this allows the visitor to either focus on golf in a particular country or find out what is going on elsewhere. We are aiming to be a one-stop golf arcade for all things golf, to deliver interesting golf coverage from grass root golf level outwards.”

The new site design went ‘live’ on 22 April 2009 and can be accessed by visiting golf website www.golfblogger.co.uk

SCOTTISH GOLF UNION - 4 Ayrshire players in Scottish Seniors

Four Ayrshire players take their place in the field for the Scottish Seniors Open Strokeplay Championship being held at Panmure from 19th to 21st may 2009.

The Turnberry pair of John Broadfoot and Ronnie McLellan will be in the field alongside Keith Howie from West Kilbride and Jim Bunting from Ballochmyle.

SCOTTISH GOLF UNION - Closing date for Stroke Play Championship near

The closing date for the Bidwells Scottish Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship is Thursday 30 April 2009.

Conditions of entry are as follows:

Bidwells Scottish Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship
Murcar Links 29 - 31 May 2009
Handicap Limit: 0.4 Entry fee: £62.00

An entry form can be downloaded by clicking on
http://www.scottishgolf.org/index.cfm?objectid=D35A76D9-D572-7064-B7513E582895EDE0&pageid=104B3418-F082-DC0B-C5B7ABCD639730E2

SCOTTISH SENIORS GOLF SOCIETY - Ballot for places in new spring event

Nine Ayrshire players are included in a capacity field for the new Scottish Seniors Spring Open which will be played at Glasgow Gailes on 14th and 15th may 2009.

For the first time in the seniors tour, players have been ballotted out due to the popularity of the event, the maximum number for the field being over subscribed.

The Ayrshire players taking part are :-

William Moore (Irvine Ravenspark)
John Broadfoot (Turnberry)
Tony Stafford (Troon St. Meddans)
Alistair Nicol (Troon Portland)
Jim Bunting (Ballochmyle)
Ronnie McLellan (Turnberry)
Keith Howie (West Kilbride)
John Campbell (West Kilbride)
Peter Grey (Brunston Castle)

AYR DALMILLING ACTION GROUP - Fight continues to save Ayr course

The campaign to fight the closure of the Ayr Dalmilling course, scheduled for the end of the year, continues with the recently formed Ayr Dalmilling Action Group (ADAG) having now gone live with a website and e-petition. Reproduced below is a copy of an e-mail circulated to local clubs which the group have asked to have published on this web page.

With five SGU affilliated clubs and one SLGA affilliated club facing the loss of their course and the real possibility of their clubs going out of existence as a result, the effects of this closure are likely to have a real and direct impact on the golfing community in Ayrshire, any support from the wider golfing community in Ayrshire and beyond would be welcomed by the ADAG members.

The e-mail reads :-

No doubt, by now, you are aware that Dalmilling Golf Course is set for closure at the end of this year. The decision to close the course was taken at a budget meeting of full council on Wednesday 11th February 2009 as part of a package of “efficiency savings”, despite the savings from closing the golf course being nil. The fact of the matter is, regardless of profit or loss, the council has an obligation to provide sport and cultural amenities for its residents.
BREAKING NEWS...This email is to let you know that the e-PETITION is now live on the ADAG website and will officially launch in the Ayrshire Post (publication date 24th April). Please encourage all your members, friends and relatives to log on to www.adag.co.uk and register their opposition to the course closure by signing the e-PETITION. There is an optional box to leave a comment if you wish to do so.
When you have signed the e-PETITION, you will be sent an automatically generated email from info@epetitions.net to verify that it is you recording an objection. This (digital signature verification) is necessary to validate that you have signed the e-PETITION yourself and that someone else is not using your email to lodge an objection in your name. Please note that when you are sent this verification email you must access it and click on the link to record your entry in the e-PETITION. This is standard practice for an e-PETITION.
You may be among the many local people who learned to play golf at Dalmilling before moving on to other clubs. In order to support the campaign to save Dalmilling Golf Course, you may also want to make a donation to the ADAG fighting fund to save this course for future generations of golfers to learn. You can do so online at www.adag.co.uk by clicking on the DONATE link or sending a cheque payable to “ADAG” to the ADAG Treasurer c/o Dalmilling Golf Course, Westwood Avenue, Ayr KA8 0QY.

Thank you for supporting the ADAG campaign to SAVE DALMILLING GOLF COURSE!

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Notable victory by Beith in championship opener

(Report by Sandy Provan)

Beith opened their bid for the 2009 Ayrshire Summer League title with a stunning 6 - 0 home victory over Kilmarnock (Barassie) in League 4.

Lee Jenkins, Beith's Team Captain, commented :-

"Yeah that was a great result for us, I think we got lucky in our timing of the game as Barassie had a few of their team regulars away playing in other events or over in America just now on scholarships so they didn't on paper have their strongest team up with them, but none the less I was delighted at my boys all winning."

Commenting, when asked if this was not a bit of a shock, Stuart Craig (Barassie's Team Captain) said

"Sure was, 2 weeks divot patching and bunker raking for those involved me thinks!!!!!!"

This makes for an interesting return match at Barassie on the 25th May.

AYRSHIRE GIRLS - Honours even in match Vs. South Of Scotland

(Report by June Kerr - photos courtesy of June Kerr & Marian Wilson)

The Ayrshire Girls team - pictured right - played their first friendly match of the season on Sunday 19th April against the South of Scotland at Stranraer.

Despite a cold strong wind at the start, it was a glorious day and the girls enjoyed their game over this beautiful but testing golf course.

The games are played off handicap.

The individual match results were

(South names first) :-

Katie McCracken halved with Gillian Arnott

Rachel Walker beat Linzi Allan by 4 & 3

Amy Little halved with Hannah Gaunt

Vicky Wright lost to Mhairi McKay by 1 hole

Emma Greenlees beat Connie Jaffrey by 4 & 2

Katie Wright lost to Katie McGarva by 1 hole

A halved match was a fair result with so many close games.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Round 1 completed whist Brunston castle book third round place

The first round of the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship was completed last week with the remaining two ties being played.

Gordon Hamilton and Martin Spence (Loudoun) were 2 & 1 home winners over Brian and Eric Armour (Abbotsford) and now face a home tie in round 2, against John Fleming & Gordon Bettany (Saxone)

In the other remaining first round tie, Stuart & David Brown (Doon Valley) beat Gary Ross & James Brown (North Beach) by 3 & 2. The Doon Valley pair now facce a home tie in round 2 against Ian Currie & Robert Williamson (Crosshouse)

A. Dunlop & J. Brown (Brunston Castle) are ther first pair through to the third round of the competiton after a 3 & 2 home win over Scott Moore and Barry Calder (Irvine Ravenspark)

SGU JUNIOR TOUR - Jack McDonald makes winning tour debut

Jack McDonald of Kilmarnock Barassie - pictured right - followed on from his run to the quarter finals of the 2009 Scottish Boys Championship at Royal Aberdeen recently with a spectacular winning debut in the SGU Junior Tour at the second scheduled event, played at North Berwick on Sunday 19th April.

A three over par score of 74 in the first round left McDonald 5 shots adrift of first round leaders Ross Proctor (Forres) and Chris Low Tantallon) but in a stunning second round he shot ta three under par 68, the best score of the day, for a level par total of 142 and a one stroke victory in the competition.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS

142 - Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) 74 68

143 - Simon Fairburn (Gala) 73 70

144 - Kyle Godsman (Hopeman) 75 69, Conor O'Neil (Glasgow) 73 72, Grant Forrest (Craigielaw) 72 72, Ross Storrier (Downfield) 71 73, Ross Proctor (Forres) 69 75

145 - Chris Robb (Inchmarlo) 70 75, Chris Low (Tantallon) 69 76

147 - Tom Blennerhassett (Dalmahoy) 73 74, Colin Baird (Bothwell Castle) 71 76

The two other Ayrshire players in the field finished well of the pace, Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) scoring 152 (75 77) and Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) scoring 154 (82 72)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - 2009 Yearbook now available

The 2009 Ayrshire Golf Association yearbook is now available and will be distributed through member clubs over the next couple of weeks.

The front cover of the 40 page yearbook pays tribute to Ayrshire's Scottish champions from 2008, the Area Team Championship winning team, as well as Scottish Boys Champion and SGU Junior Order Of Merit winner Michael Stewart and SGU Order Of merit winner Steven McEwan.

In its sixth year, and produced once again by D & M Journals of Edinburgh, the yearbook includes a message from The President, reviews of the 2008 competitions and achievements as well as local and national fixtures for the 2009 season and a club directory.

The yearbook has become a useful and popular reference publication for Ayrshire golf over the last few years. Look out for copies of the Yearbook in your local club.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Holders out of Wallace Thornton competition

The two qualifying section in the 2009 Wallace Thornton Trophy competition were decided at the Ayrshire Boys Team Championship on Sunday 19th April, with the main talking point being the failure of the holders, Kilmarnock Barassie, to qualify for one of the ten sectional places available.

Having proudly held the Wallace Thornton Trophy for six successive years, the absence of Kilmarnock (Barassie) from the 2009 event is a major shock.

Troon Welbeck and Ardeer led the chase for qualifying places.

SECTION 1 involves Troon Welbeck, West Kilbride, Largs, Caprington and Prestwick St. Cuthbert.

SECTION 2 brings together Ardeer, Loudoun, Ayr Belleisle, Irvine ravenspark and Ballochmyle.

Matches will be played on a home or away basis over the summer months with the winners of the two qualifying sections playing off for the trophy in September

AYRHSIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Troon Welbeck win 2009 title

Troon Welbeck - pictured below - won the Matt Lygate Trophy and title of Ayrshire Boys Team Champions for the first time, on Sunday 19th April, when the 2009 event was held at Ardeer Golf Club.

15 clubs contested the championship, which was first played in 1988, and it was the host club, Ardeer, who set the early target with a three scores from four total of 236.

Led by 2008 Ayrshire Boys Championship runner up, Sam Findlater, who returned 78, the Welbeck team of Sam Findlater, Charles Macneill, Callum Beveridge and David Wilson overtook the total with all four players scoring in the 70's for a team total of 227.

The Ardeer team of Daniel Forbes, Joseph Howie, Michael Howie and Richard Wyllie - pictured left - had the consolation of recording the best nett team total and winning the Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy for their efforts.

Runners up in the scratch championship were West Kilbride - pictured right - represented by Cameron McLean, Kieran Howie, Fraser McKay and Ross Hunter, who returned a team total of 242.

In the competition for individual prizes, David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) - pictured left - won the Prestwick Circuits Trophy for the best scratch score of the day with his one over par 72.

The best nett score returned was 74 - 8 = 66 from Joseph Howie (Ardeer) - pictured right - who won the carrick Trophy for his performance.

The 0 - 9 handicap class was won by Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) with 73 - 4 = 69 whilst the 10 - 18 handicap class was won, by virtue of the better inward half, by Craig McClure (New Cumnock) with 89 - 18 = 71

The team placings in the championship, on a scratch basis, were :-

227 - TROON WELBECK

236 - ARDEER

242 - WEST KILBRIDE

243 - LOUDOUN

244 - LARGS

245 - AYR BELLEISLE

246- CAPRINGTON

247 - IRVINE RAVENSPARK

249 - PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT

252 - BALLOCHMYLE

254 - PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS

254 - KILMARNOCK BARASSIE

272 - TROON ST. MEDDANS

284 - NEW CUMNOCK

284 - IRVINE

Prizes were presented to the successful individuals and teams, at the conclusion of the championship, by Ritchie McCulloch, Captain of Ardeer (on left of picture).

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP - Lesley Hendry wins fourth title at Glasgow Gailes

Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) won her fourth Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Association Championship at Glasgow Gailes on Thursday 16th April with a 4 & 3 win over 18-year-old Hannah Gaunt (Troon Ladies) in the final. The finalists are pictured with Glasgow Golf Club Vice Captain Ian Lockhart.


In the morning semi finals, Lesley Hendry beat former County Champion Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) by one hole whilst Hannah Gaunt beat Liz Keohone (Loudoun Gowf) by 4 & 3.

In the final, the match was very close over the opening nine holes but Hendry edged ahead in the inward nine to close out Gaunt on the 15th green and secure the title.


At the conclusion of the final, Glasgow Golf Club Vice Captain Ian Lockhart presented prizes to the players who had enjoyed success during the championships, including the championship finalists and Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies) - pictured right - who won the award for the best score in the strokeplay qualifying round played on Tuesday.

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP - Top seed McQueen ousted in quarter final

The top seed in the 2009 Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Championship being played over Glasgow Gailes this week, Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies), was knocked out of the tournament at the quarter final stage on Wednesday afternoon when she was beaten 4 & 3 by Liz Keohone (Loudoun).

The results of the first round matches, played on Wednesday morning, were :-

R. McQueen (Troon Ladies) bt G. Arnott (Kilbirnie) by 3 and 2
L. Keohone (Loudoun) bt L. Parry (Irvine) by 5 and 4
R. Purdom (Prestwick St Nicholas) bt L. Williamson (Kilmarnock Barassie) by 3 and 2
H. Gaunt (Troon Ladies) bt B. Beckett (Caprington) by 3 and 2
A. Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) bt E. Taylor (Troon Ladies) by 3 and 2
A. Thompson (Loudoun) bt R Donaldson (Troon Ladies) by 6 and 5
G. Smith (Ardeer) bt J. West (Irvine) by 5 and 4
L. Hendry (Largs Routenburn) bt L. Allan (West Kilbride) by 2 holes

The results of the quarter finals, played on Wednesday afternoon, were :-

Keohone bt McQueen by 4 and 3
Gaunt bt Purdom at 19th
Glennie bt Thompson at 19th
Hendry bt Smith 2 and 1

The semi finals, scheduled to be played on Thursday morning, are :-

L. Keohone (Loudoun) Vs. H. Gaunt (Troon Ladies)
&
A. Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. L. Hendry (Largs Routenburn)

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP - McQueen leads matchplay qualifiers in Centenary year

Rachel McQueen (Troon Ladies) - pictured right -lead the 16 qualifiers for the matchplay stages of the 2009 Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Championship, being played over the Glasgow Gailes course this week.

Bidding for her first win in the championship, Rachel returned a six-over-par 77 from the blue tees to lead the qualifiers ahead of two former champions, Lesley Hendry (Routenburn) and Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie).

Leading scores :-

77 - R McQueen (Troon Ladies)

78 - L Hendry (Routenburn)

79 - A Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie)

80 - H Gaunt (Troon Ladies), R Purdom (Prestwick St Nicholas)

83 - A Thompson (Loudoun Gowf)

84 - G Smith (Ardeer)

85 - L Keohone (Loudoun Gowf)

86 - L Parry (Irvine), J West (Irvine)

87 - R Donaldson (Troon Ladies)

88 - L Williamson (Kilmarnock Barassie)

89 - B Beckett (Caprington), E Taylor (Troon Ladies), L Allan (West Kilbride), G Arnott (Kilbirnie).

The draw for the matchplay stages, which will be held over Glasgow Gailes on Wednesday and Thursday is :-

R. McQueen (Troon Ladies) Vs. G. Arnott (Kilbirnie Place)

L. Parry (Irvine) Vs. L. Keohone (Loudoun Gowf)

R. Purdom Vs. L. Williamson (Kilmarnock Barassie)

B. Beckett (Caprington) Vs. H. Gaunt (Troon Ladies)

A. Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. E. Taylor (Troon Ladies)

R. Donaldson (Troon Ladies) Vs. A. Thompson (Loudoun Gowf)

G. Smith (Ardeer) v J. West (Irvine)

L. Allan (West Kilbride) Vs. L. Hendry (Largs Routenburn)

SCOTTISH SENIORS OPEN STROKEPLAY - closing date for entries approaching

Message from Euan Mordunt, SGU Events Manager :-

Scottish Seniors Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship

Entries for the above event close on Thursday 16 April 2009. If you know of anybody who has still to enter, please remind them to do so as soon as possible.

Conditions of entry are as follows:

Scottish Seniors Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship
Panmure Golf Club, 19 - 21 May 2009
Over 55 at 00.01 hours on 19 May 2009
Handicap Limit: 6.4 Entry fee: £55
Entries close Thursday 16 April.

A list of entries to date can be viewed by clicking on http://www.golfbox.dk/livescoring/signups.asp?tour={270E0C5B-5CFD-4DD2-B69A-45A78563093C}&clubOnly=1&color=1&lang=1033

An entry form can be downloaded by clicking on http://www.scottishgolf.org/index.cfm?objectid=D372A72A-C2E2-C3D8-D0DDD778C1AC6DE6&pageid=1047D490-E20C-A5B4-655687505D998196

GOLF POETRY - web page reflects on links between golf and poetry

Leon White was recently in contact regarding his web page entitled " Golf Course Of Rymes".

Leon wrote :-

"I would like to introduce you to a unique golf blog that I have started that might appeal to your readers. The blog is called “Golf Course of Rhymes” and I use it to share some of what I have learned about the links between golf and poetry. Much of the poetry that I have discovered was written by Scottish golfers before (sometimes well before) 1930. Some of this poetry is included in the posts that I write each week. Examples include some lines by George Fullerton Carnegie (1800-1851) from his famous poem, “The Golfiad.”

My purpose is writing the posts is to entertain but also to provide some opportunities to learn a little about the history of the great game. The URL for my blog is www.golfpoet.com. I hope your readers will find my blog of interest".

A direct link to "Golf Course Of Rymes" has been added to the Golf Links on the lfet of this page.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY - First round results completed

The first round of the 2009 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions was completed this week, with the results of all remaining ties being declared.

Jamie McPherson (Whiting Bay) beat Andy Scanlon (Auchinharvie) by 3 & 2 and is now at home to John Sloan (Doon Valley) in round 2.

Scott McCahill (Maybole) beat Steven Jackson (Wallacetown) by 6 & 5 and is now at home to Ross Clark (Braehead) in round 2.

Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) beat Ewan McKinnon (Corrie) by 2 & 1 and is now at home to the holder Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland) in round 2.

Alan Stewart Jr. (Stewarton) lost to Gregor Dickson (Largs) at the 19th. Dickson is now at home to Gavin Lawrie (Prestwick St. Nicholas) in round 2.

Peter Bond (Irvine Ravenspark) beat Chris Merry (Tam O Shanter) by 2 & 1 and is now at home to Campbell McCluskie (Crosshouse) in round 2.

Neil McCormack (New Cumnock) beat Gordon Bettany (Saxone) by 4 & 2 and is now at home to David Muir (Muirkirk) in round 2.

Alan McLean (Kilbirnie Place) beat Jonathan Nicol (Routenburn) by 9 & 7 and is now at home to Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck) in round 2.

Billy McCulloch (Brunston Castle) received a walkover from Steven McEwan (Caprington) and now faces a home tie against Gary Bryden (Girvan) in round 2.

David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Colin Robertson (Glacier) by 8 & 6 and is now at home to Sandy Riddell (Skelmorlie) in round 2.

The full revised draw for the second round
(to be played by 17th may 2009) is :-

Jamie McPherson (Whiting Bay) Vs. John Sloan (Doon Valley)
Scott McCahill (Maybole) Vs. Ross Clark (Braehead)
Andrew Carroll (Drongan) Vs. Mark Tait (Annanhill)
Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) Vs. Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland - holder)
Craig Adams (Ardeer) Vs. Bert Ferguson (Royal Troon)
Gregor Dickson (Largs) Vs. Gavin Lawrie (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
Peter Bond (Irvine Ravenspark) Vs. Campbell McCluskie (Crosshouse)
Neil McCormack (New Cumnock) Vs. David Muir (Muirkirk)
Alan McLean (Kilbirnie Place) Vs. Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck)
Billy McCulloch (Brunston Castle) Vs. Gary Bryden (Girvan)
David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Sandy Riddell (Skelmorlie)
Steven Corrigan (Ayr Dalmilling) Vs. Michael Roos (West Kilbride)
John Broadfoot (Turnberry) Vs. Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle)
Fraser McCall (Troon Portland) Vs. Tommy McInally (Loudoun)
Gordon McCrea (Beith) Vs. Billy Murdoch (Ayr Carrick)
Billy Wilson (Ballochmyle) Vs. John Shanks (Irvine)

There will be a redraw for round 3, after completion of the second round matches.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - St. Cuthbert book second round spot

A 4 & 3 home win over Tom Armstrong & Leslie Knox of Moorpark saw David Murdoch & Gordon Blunt of Prestwick St. Cuthbert through to the second round of the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship.

In round 2 the St. Cuthbert pair have another home tie, this time against Gary Jordan & Douglas Anderson of Annanhill.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Skelmorlie through to round 2

The Skelmorlie pair of Paul Church & Jim Anderson are through to the second round of the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship, courtesy of a 2 & 1 home win over Craig Menzies & Kevin McMahon of Muirkirk.

In round 2 the Skelmorlie pair have another home tie, against John Anderson & Sean Ingle of Braehead.

With one week to go until the completion of round 1, the results of three ties remain outstanding. The matches still to be played are Prestwick St. Cuthbert Vs. Moorpark, Loudoun Vs. Abbotsford and North Beach Vs. Doon Valley.

ARTIFICIAL MEASURING DEVICES - Not permitted for Ayrshire Golf Association competitions in 2009

As in 2008, The Ayrshire Golf Association have decided that artificial measuring devices will not be permitted in any of their competitions in 2009, again following the lead of the national body, the Scottish Golf Union.

In a note to Rule 14-3 of the new Rules Of Golf, effective from 1st January 2008, Committees may make a Local Rule allowing players to use devices that measure or gauge distance only.

In 2009, regardless of any local rule of the host club, such a local rule will not be in operation for any Ayrshire County event.This includes all strokeplay and matchplay competitons administered by the Ayrshire Golf Association.

Any player using such a device, in breach of Rule 14-3 will be subject to disqualification.

However, in respect of Doc Thom counting events, if the local organising committee for a counting event administered by a club decides to allow the use of such devices during their competition, the local rule of the competition will prevail.

The Ayrshire Golf Association would prefer all counting events not to allow the use of Artificial measuring Devices, but should the rules of competition allow their use then that will not preclude the relevant event being a Doc Thom Order Of merit counting event.

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS - Captain Pennington drives St. Meddans into Centenary year

Troon St. Meddans Centenary captain, Jim Pennington (pictured below, on the right), opened a year of Centenary celebrations in the club when he drove the ceremonial first ball on the evening of Saturday 11th April 2009, from the first tee of the Troon Lochgreen course.

Assisting in the ceremonial drive off was club treasurer David Hay whose tee shot - pictured right -was equally as impressive as that of the Centenary Captain, in the presence of a large gathering of members and guests.

Th evening also saw the unveiling and dedication of a memorial cairn, near to the first tee at Lochgreen. The large cairn bears two marble plaques. One is in memory of club members no longer with us whilst the other notes that the cairn contains a time capsule which is destined to be opened in 2109, during the bicentennial celebrations of the club.

The cairn was dedicated by the Reverend David Harper of Troon St. Meddans church and the club secretary, Frank Greer, thereafter introduced two special guests, Sir James Armour - pictured on the right - and Stewart C. Wilson - on the left -, who had both been boyhood members of St. Meddans and had both brought honour to the club by winning the British Boys Championship in 1947 and 1955 respectively. Both gentlemen spoke to the assembled crowd, speaking highly of the club and other notable former members including J.B. Stevenson, Peter Howie, George Mills and Bill Lockie.

At the conclusion of the official ceremony the assembled company enjoyed a drinks reception with a toast to the club being proposed by Captain Jim Pennington.

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshires hopes for 2009 end in quarter finals

Hopes of a second successive Ayrshire win in the Scottish Boys Championship ended on Friday when the county's two remaining representitives in the competition bowed out in the quarter finals.

Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) lost by 2 & 1 to Daniel Kay (Dunbar) whilst Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) was defeated 4 & 3 by Paul Shields (Kirkhill)

The 36 hole final on Saturday will be between the top two seeds in the competition, Paul Shields and David Law (Hazlehead)

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Smith & McDonald in quarter finals

Ayrshire provide two of the quarter finalists in the 2009 Scottish Boys Championship aft Marc Smth (Troon Welbeck) and Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) won through to the last eight on Thursday.

Marc Smith (pictured left) had a one hole victory over Craig Ross (Kirkhill) on Thursday morning and secured his quarter final place in the afternoon by beating John Drummond (Strathlene) by 3 & 2.

In the quarter finals on Friday morning, Smith plays Daniel Kay (Dunbar).

Jack McDonald (pictured right) beat Calum Stewart (Brora) by 3 & 1 to reach the last 16 and then crushed Philip Gordon (Paisley) by 6 & 5 to reach the last eight.

In the quarter finals on Friday, McDonald faces Paul Shields (Kirkhill), with the prospect of an all Ayrshire semi final should the two players succeed in winning their morning matches.

The other Ayrshire player in the last 32, Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) bowed out of the championship on Thursday morning with a 4 & 3 defeat by Gary Meechan (Dullatur).

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Three Ayrshire players in last 32

Three Ayrshire players remain in the competition as the second and third rounds of the Scottish Boys Championship were completed at Royal Aberdeen on Wednesday.

Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right - was the first Ayrshire player into the last 32, beating Jordan Lamb (Peebles) in round 2 in the morning and following on with a comfortable 4 & 3 win over Grant Forrest (Craigielaw) in his third round match in the afternoon.

In the last 32 on Thursday morning Smith plays Craig Ross (Kirkhill), who ended the hopes of Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) on Wednesday morning with a 2 & 1 victory in their second round match.

Marc Smith was soon joined in the last 32 by Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) - pictured left - who followed a win over Stuart Gray (West Lothian) at the first extra hole in his morning second round match with a one hole victory in the afternoon over Ryan Simpson (Bonnyton).

In the fourth round, on Thursday morning, Telfer faces Gary Meechan (Dullatur).

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured right - completed the trio of Ayrshire players in the last 32 with a pair of wins by the margin of 4 & 3, over Andrew Loch (Pumpherston) in round 2 and Louis Gaughan (Bathgate) in round 3.

In the fourth round on Thursday morning, McDonald plays Calum Stewart (Brora)

Two other Ayrshire players made their exit from the championship on Wednesday. Cameron MacLean (Troon Welbeck) was beated on the final green in round 2 by Calum Bisset (Glenbervie) whilst Craig Goodwin (Loudoun) won his second round match against Stephen Machin (Cowglen) by one hole before being defeated 2 & 1 in round 3 by Alexander Ferguson (Paisley)

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - full draw for 2009 competition

The full draw has now been completed for the 2009 Ayrshire Juior Champion Of Champions competition.

After the draw was made, two Ayrshire Junior Golf League clubs failed to nominate a player to represent them in the competition and consequently Craig Goodwin (Loudoun) received a bye in one of the preliminary rounds, where he was due to play the Largs Routenburn representative, whilst Ross Black (Ardeer) received a walkover into the quarter finals after Troon St. Meddans failed to notify a representative in the competition.

The full draw is :-

Preliminary ties (to be played by 03.05.2009)

Craig Goodwin (Loudoun) W/O Vs. Largs Routenburn
Gary Patterson (Ballochmyle) Vs. Scott Brown (Ayrshire Boys Champion)

First Round Matches (to be played by 31.05.2009)

David McLellan (Largs) Vs. Craig Goodwin (Loudoun)
Fraser Lawrie (West Kilbride) Vs. Gary Patterson or Scott Brown
Rory McKenzie (Troon Welbeck) Vs. Jake Higgins (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
Chris Butler (Irvine Ravenspark) Vs. Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Ross Arthur (Caprington) Vs. Steven Murray (Irvine)
Gary Morrison (Annanhill) Vs. Calum Crowe (Kilbirnie Place)
Ross Black (Ardeer) W/O Vs. Troon St. Meddans
Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle) Vs. Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

SCOTTISH SENIORS GOLF SOCIETY - Entries close soon for 2009 opening event

Keith Howie (West Kilbride), the Vice Captain of the Scottish Seniors Golf Society advises that the 2009 SSGS season kicks off in Ayrshire with the introduction of the new Spring Open at Glasgow Gailes.

This event takes place on May 14th and 15th with entries closing on 17th April.

Full details of this and other events are on the SSGS website at www.scottishseniorsgolf.com.
There is also a link to the web page on the left of this page.

There has been a good intake of new Ayrshire members to the Scottish Seniors Golf Society this year, now pushing 20 out of a total SSGS membership of 320.

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - 6 from 9 Ayrshire players through on Tuesday

The Scottish Boys Championship at Royal Aberdeen continued today with 9 Ayrshire players involved in first round matches.

Of the 9 playing today, 6 booked their place in round 2 whilst the other three made a first round exit.

First game out in the morning featured Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) - pictuured right - who edged out Gordon Munro (Fraserburgh) by 2 & 1 to book a second round match against Jordan Lamb (Peebles).

Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured left - had a similar winning margin over Douglas Maxwell (Craigielaw) and now plays Craig Ross (Kirkhill) in round 2.

Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) made short work of his opening match, beating Alasdair Simpson (Tantallon) by 8 & 6 on hs way to a second round match against Stuart Gray (West Lothian)

Cameron Maclean (West Kilbride) made it four through from four when he beat Declan Dooey (Colville Park) by 4 & 3. Maclean now plays Callum Bisset (Glenbervie) in the second round.

The first defeat of the day for and Ayrshire player came in match 92 when Colin Robinson (Largs) lost out to Conor O'Neil (Glasgow) at the first extra hole.

Also out in round one went Troon Webeck pair Charlie Macneal, beated 4 & 3 by Mark Thomson (Grange), and Graeme Ritchie who lost by a similar margin in an extremely tough tie against Paul Shields (Kirkhill).

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) had a comfortable 4 & 3 win over Fraser Lauder (Paisley) and now plays Andrew Loch (Pumpherston) in the second round, whilst in the second last match in round 1 Craig Goodwin (Loudoun) edged through by one hole against Angus Forgie (Muckhart) to book a second round tie against Stephen Machin (Cowglen).

Of the 11 Arshire players who started the week, 7 made it through to the second round matches which will all be completed on Wednesday.

AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - 15 clubs to contest 2009 title

15 clubs will contest the 2009 Ayrshire Boys Team Championship over Ardeer on Sunday 19th April.

Largs - pictured left - return to defend the Matt Lygate Trophy and Team Champions title whilst Troon Welbeck defend the Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy for the Handicap Team Championship.

Colin Robinson (Largs) - pictured right -, winner of the Carrick Trophy for the best nett score last year, will be hoping to challenge for the individual scratch award, The Prestwick Circuits Trophy, this year.

The draw for order of play is :-

1121 - DANIEL FORBES (ARDEER), ANDREW WRIGHT (KIL. BARASSIE), CHRIS BUTLER (RAVENSPARK)

1128 - JOSEPH HOWIE (ARDEER), JACK McDONALD (KIL. BARASSIE), LIAM GOODLEY (RAVENSPARK)

1135 - MICHAEL HOWIE (ARDEER), FRASER KERR (KIL. BARASSIE), ALASDAIR BERRY (RAVENSPARK)

1142 - RICHARD WYLLIE (ARDEER), EUAN WALKER (KIL. BARASSIE), BRAD CATHIE (RAVENSPARK)

1149 - ROSS CONQUER (BALLOCHMYLE), CRAIG GOODWIN (LOUDOUN), STUART EASTON (IRVINE)

1200 - ANDREW SCOTT (BALOCHMYLE), DARREN TANNOCK (LOUDOUN), STUART FAIRGRIEVE (IRVINE)

1207 - ALAN WATSON (BALLOCHMYLE), ALISTAIR McGREGOR (LOUDOUN), BLAIR LARMOUR (IRVINE)

1214 - COLIN McKAY (BALLOCHMYLE), ROSS McCORMACK (LOUDOUN), ALISTAIR ANTHONY (IRVINE)

1221 - SCOTT McDONALD (NEW CUMNOCK), CIAR PORCIANI (AYR BELLEISLE), PATRICK TIMMONS (ST. MEDDANS)

1228 - JORDAN McSEVENEY (NEW CUMNOCK), SEAN THORBURN (AYR BELLEISLE), MARK EAGLESHAM (ST. MEDDANS)

1235 - LEE DORNAN (NEW CUMNOCK), DONALD SWINLEY (AYR BELLEISLE), ANDREW CRAIG (ST. MEDDANS)

1242 - No. 4 (NEW CUMNOCK), ANDREW THOMSON (AYR BELLEISLE), ALASDAIR BIRRELL (ST. MEDDANS)

1249 - CAMERON MACLEAN (WEST KILBRIDE), JOHNATHON NICOL (LARGS), SAM FINDLATER (TROON WELBECK)

1300 - KIERAN HOWIE (WEST KILBRIDE), COLIN ROBINSON (LARGS), MARC SMITH (TROON WELBECK)

1307 - FRASER MCKAY (WEST KILBRIDE), JOSH NORDBO (LARGS), DAVID WILSON (TROON WELBECK)

1314 - ROSS HUNTER (WEST KILBRIDE), DAVID MCLELLAN (LARGS), RORY McKENZIE (TROON WELBECK)

1321 - CRAIG TELFER (ST. CUTHBERT), No. 1 (ST. NICHOLAS), ROSS ARTHUR (CAPRINGTON)

1328 - SCOTT JOHNSTON (ST. CUTHBERT), No. 2 (ST. NICHOLAS), ROBBIE McFARLANE (CAPRINGTON)

1335 - ANDREW RIDDICK (ST. CUTHBERT, No. 3 (ST NICHOLAS), MARC SMITH (CAPRINGTON)

1342 - STEPHEN HILL (ST. CUTHBERT), No. 4 (ST. NICHOLAS), ROSS GRANT (CAPRINGTON)

JUNIOR CASH BOOST FROM DUBAI - Donation received at launch of South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club

Junior golf in South Ayrshire received a boost last week with the presentation of a cheque for £8651 at the launch of the South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club at Belleisle House Hotel on Sunday 29th March.

The funding was secured by council officials in an agreement with Leisurecorp, the new owners of the Turnberry Hotel and golf courses, as part of the recent visit by councillors and council officers to the Dubai Desert Classic to promote golf in South Ayrshire. Michael Padden, representing Turnberry owners Leisurecorp, handed over the cheque to SAJGC Chairman Tom Watt.



A charity golf event is played each year in conjunction with the Dubai Desert Classic, with proceeds going towards the development of junior golf in Dubai, but on this occasion it was agreed that the proceeds would be split between the Dubai programme and the newly formed South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club.


The donation is a massive boost to the South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club, complementing the support already received by local sponsors Alistair Fleming Car Sales and The Abbotsford Hotel.

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan hosted a civic reception for young golfers and their parents who attended the launch, having been introduced to the game of golf through the national Clubgolf initiative in schools.









During the reception Provost Sloan presented a trophy to Club Chairman, Tom Watt, on behalf of South Ayrshire Council









The South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club was established in 2007 due to the high numbers of young golfers living or attending school in South Ayrshire and participating in the 'clubgolf' programme initiated by the Scottish Parliment and Sport Scotland in conjunction with the SLGA and the SGU.

With many of the local clubs junior sections unable to accept new members at present the South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club is considered an ideal solution, ensuring young golfers are not lost to the sport, but by using South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club as a holding club untill vacancies are available within individual clubs the members can gain their handicap, progress their game and learn about the rules of golf and course etiquette.

Membership of the South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club is open to all individuals who are resident or attend school within South Ayrshire and are aged between 8 and over and under 18 at the 1st of January of the year during which person would wish to be a member.

A full programme of competitions has been established this year, with reduced green fees for SAJGC members to compete in competitions and a modest entry fee of £ 1 per competition.

Initial membership costs £10, payable when submitting an application form. Further details of the South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club are available on the club website.

www.southayrshirejuniorgolf.co.uk

2009 AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW

The 2009 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship, to be played over 36 holes at Irvine Golf Club on Sunday 26th April, has been over subscribed, 10 players being ballotted out of the capacity field of 66.

The handicap ballot fell at 3.3.

The Order Of Play is:-

0800/1300 - K. Lammie (Portland), K. Fairley (Irvine), T. McInally (Loudoun)
0808/1308 - J. Shanks (Irvine), G.J. Robertson (Ravenspark), F. McCall (Portland)
0815/1315 - M. Anderson (Irvine), D. mallinson (Ravenspark), S. King (St. Nicholas)
0823/1323 - T.P. Loy (Ballochmyle), C. McLaughlin (Largs), W. Meiklem (Welbeck)
0830/1330 - S. Wilson (Irvine), B. Hunter (Welbeck), G. Rowan (Ballochmyle)
0838/1338 - P. Denim (Loudoun), K. McGill (Welbeck), G. Dunlop (Irvine)
0845/1345 - J. Haggerty (Loudoun), A. Kent (Welbeck), R. Black (Irvine)
0853/1353 - G. Wilson (Loudoun), J. Hobson (Ravenspark), S. Spence (Irvine)
0900/1400 - C. Hamilton (Ballochmyle), D.A. MacDonald (Largs), S. Barr (Ravenspark)
0908/1408 - C. Thomas (Largs), G. Cochran (Ravenspark), A. Huxtable (St. Nicholas)
0915/1415 - I. MacDonald (Largs), D. Chamberlain (Welbeck), B. Fisher (Largs)
0923/1423 - A. Wright (Kil. Barassie), S. Murray (Welbeck), S. McEwan (Caprington)
0930/1430 - I.S. MacDonald (Largs), S. Miller (Kil. Barassie), P. Moultrie (Portland)
0938/1438 - J. Gilligan (Welbeck), S. Pennington (St. Meddans), G. Lamb (Irvine)
0945/1445 - J. Acheson (Routenburn), S. McCahill (Maybole), R. Whittaker (St. Nicholas)
0953/1453 - S. Clark (Belleisle), R. Acheson (Routenburn), K. Houston (Welbeck)
1000/1500 - A. Foley (Belleisle), F. lawrie (Largs), B. McDonnell (Caprington)
1008/1508 - M. Smyth (oyal Troon), G. Cree (Welbeck), A. Gourlay (Irvine)
1015/1515 - J.G. Boyle (Dalmilling), A. Walker (St. Meddans), J. McDonald (Kil. Barassie)
1023/1523 - G. Tierney (St. Nicholas), M. Smith (Welbeck), S. Brown (Turnberry)
1030/1530 - G. Higgins (West Kilbride), D. Power (St. Meddans), S. Peters (Doon Valley)
1038/1538 - A. Brown (West Kilbride), B. Moore (Largs), J. Sloan (Doon Valley)

With the Ayrshire Secretary Leslie Crawford presently in hospital, there is a possibility that there may be entries that have not been received.

If any player feels there is such an issue then they are asked to contact AGA Executive member James McMurdo on o7883064320 or email details to ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net .

Copies of the draw will be posted out to clubs his week.

SWEEDISH RULES CONFERENCE IN AYRSHIRE

A group of 23 golfers from the West coast of Sweden visited Ayrshire this week for a Rules conference and examination, whiclst also sampling the delights of some of the best courses Ayrshire has to offer.

Under the direction of District Rules Official Per-Erik Floren, the majority of the mixed group were embarking on the first rung of the ladder towards becoming rules officials.

It was pleasing to note that all the new delegates passed their rules exam and can now begin their careers as assistant rules officials for the forthcoming season in their homeland

Nine of the attendees were experienced District Rules Officals whilst Mr. Floren and Mr Ulf Ericsson are qualified as National Rules Officals.

During the visit the group sampled Scottish links golf at its best playing, amongst others, Dundonald Links, Troon Darley, Lochgreen and finishing their stay on Sunday with a round over the links at Prestwick.

Ayrshire Golf Association President Alasdair Malcolm ( on the left of the picture) met with the group on Sunday night at Prestwick and gave a short informal presentation to the delegates on what to expect as a rules official and a few tips on how to enjoy the role and make the task as stress free as possible.

The Swedish delegates thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Scotland and very much appreciated the hospitality shown to them, and no doubt many will be eager to make a return visit to Ayrshire in the future.

AYRSHIRE GIRLS - Jaffrey and Irvine take the honours in opening medal

(Report from June Kerr)

8 girls competed in the first medal of the season played over Annanhill in East Ayrshire.

The bright sunshine made up for the strong wind, making conditions overhead very pleasant.

There were a few wet patches on the course and greens a touch on the bumpy side, but despite that the scoring was very good for the start of the season.

Results were as follows:-

Silver
1st - Connie Jaffrey (West Kilbride) 89 (18) 71
2nd - Emma Hale (Troon Bentinck) 93 (14) 79

Bronze
1st - Rachel Irvine (Largs Kelburn) 96 (21) 75
2nd - Hazel McGarvie (Troon Bentinck) 102 (26) 76
3rd - Grace Mackie (Troon Ladies) 101 (24) 77

The group photograph shows

(Standing - left to right) Sophie Love, Gillian Love, Rachel Irvine, Katie McGarva, Emma Hale

(Kneeling - left to right) Grace Mackie, Hazel McGarvie, Connie Jaffrey

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - One in and one out after day 1 at Royal Aberdeen

The Scottish Boys Championship got under way at Royal Aberdeen on Monday 6th April with Ayrshire only having two players starting their bid for the title on day 1.

First of the Ayrshire challengers to tee off was Chris Butler (Irvine Ravenspark) who faced a tought test against Glenn Ramsay (Bathgate), eventually losing out by 6 & 5.

The only other Ayrshire player featuring on day 1 fared better though, David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) - pictured left - winning by 5 & 3 against Jamie Savage (Cawder).

Wilson now faces Fraser Grant (Ralston) in round 2 on Wednesday.

The remaining 9 Ayrshire players begin their bid for the title on Tuesday.

SCOTTISH CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Cairney best of Ayrshire squad at Leven

Former Scottish Amateir Champion Glenn Campbell (Blairgowrie) won the Scottish champion Of Champions at Leven on Sunday beating Philip McLean (Peterhead) in a play off, after the two players tied on 279, five under par, in the 72 hole event.

Ayrshire had a strong contingent in the event and it was John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) - pictured right - who took top place amongst the Ayrshire players, finishing on 289, 10 shots behind the winner.

Leading Scores :- Par 284 (4 x 71)

279 - P McLean (Peterhead) 71 70 69 69, G Campbell (Blairgowrie) 68 69 71 71 (Campbell won the play-off at second extra hole)

281 - W Booth (Comrie) 68 72 71 70

282 - P O’Hara (Colville Park) 73 70 70 69

283 - R Kellett (Colville Park) 70 69 73 71

284 - S Borrowman (Dollar) 73 73 68 70, K McNicoll (Carnoustie) 70 74 72 68

286 - S Rennie (Drumpellier) 76 72 67 71, G Dear (Murrayshall) 71 74 72 69

289 - J Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) 69 76 74 70, G Paterson (St Andrews New) 71 74 72 72

290 - P Betty (Hayston) 72 72 70 76

291 - G Yates (Hilton Park) 68 79 74 70, S Michie (Thornton) 71 75 73 72, S McEwan Caprington) 71 73 72 75, M Main (Thornton) 71 73 77 70

292 - K Nicol (Fraserburgh) 73 78 71 70

Other Ayrshire scores :-

301 - S Wallace (Prestwick St Cuthbert) 74 75 76 76

309 - J Shanks (Irvine) 77 75 79 78

311 - G Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) 80 81 74 76, T McInally (Loudoun Gowf) 75 79 83 75

Withdrew: C Hamilton (Ballochmyle) 74 81