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