MAYBOLE OPEN - Places available on Sunday 7th June

The 2009 MAYBOLE OPEN GOLF COMPETITION, sponsored by John Cuthbert Groundworks, will be held on SUNDAY 7TH JUNE over the Memorial park course.

Three trophies are played for during the event, the Valspar Cup (best scratch), the Kidd Cup (best nett) and the Ranch Cup (long drive).

The undernoted prize vouchers will also be presented to the successful competitors :-

Best scratch - £ 80.00
1st class(scr - 9) = 1st £80.00, 2nd £40.00 ,3rd £20.00
2nd class(10-18) = 1st £80.00, 2nd £40.00,3rd £20.00
3rd class(19-28) = 1st £80.00,2nd £40.00,3rd £20.00

There will also be a £ 50 hole in one prize as well as nearest the pin prizes.

The competition will be 18 holes strokeplay and all entrants must have an SGU handicap. The Minimum age for competitors is 18years.

The Entry fee is £7.00 and there will be an optional sweep.

Players can enter the competition by simply turning up on the day and registering with the club officials.

First tee-off is at 8.00 am and the last tee-off is at 3.30 pm (approx)

Snacks will be available at the clubhouse.

PGA SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP - Lockie runner up in defence of title

Bill Lockie (North Gailes) put up a spirited defence of the Senior PGA Club Professional Championship at Northants this week, finishing runner up to the 2009 champion George Ryall.

Ryall had an outstanding inward half on the final day to forge a 5 stroke winning margin over Lockie.

LEADING FINAL SCORES :-

208 - George Ryall (Players Club) 73 67 68
213 - Bill Lockie (North Gailes) 72 70 71
214 - Murray White (Penfold Park) 74 69 71
216 - Peter Barber (Didsbury) 73 71 72
217 - John McTear (Mar Hall) 73 72 72
218 - Alan Hemsley (Norfolk) 72 72 74, Donald Stirling (Wien-Sussenbrunn) 68 75 75, Michael Greenough (Ashton & Lea) 70 73 75
219 - Garry Harvey (Kinross Golf) 75 70 74, Peter O'Hagan (PM Corporate) 73 72 74, Mitch Kierstenson (Searle's Leisure) 71 72 76

BELLEISLE CUP - capacity field of 75 for Doc Thom Order Of Merit event.

A capacity field of 75 players will contest the Belleisle Cup on Sunday 31st May.

The challenge for the Doc Thom Ayrshire Order Of merit counting event will be led by Ayrshire Strokeplay Champion John Shanks (Irvine), who is in the first game.

Also in the quality field is reigning Ayrshire Matchplay champion Scott Brown (Turnberry).

The Draw for Order Of Play is :-

7.30 & 12.00 - J SHANKS (IRVINE), G ROBERTSON (IRVINE RAVENSPARK), S McBLAIN (P'WICK ST CUTHBERT)
7.40 & 12.10 - S SPENCE (IRVINE), D BROWN (IRVINE RAVENSPARK), G SWINDELLS (WOKING)
7.50 & 12.20 - M WATT (P'WICK ST CUTHBERT), G LAMB (IRVINE), R MURRAY (COCHRANE CASTLE)
8.00 & 12.30 - R INNES (CAWDER), S CUNNINGHAM (LARKHALL), I STEWART (COCHRANE CASTLE)
8.10 & 12.40 - T McINALLY (LOUDOUN), K TURNBULL (LARKHALL), I FORBES (AYR BELLEISLE)
8.20 & 12.50 - G RORISON (TURNBERRY), R BARTON (LARKHALL), C ANDERSON (MURCAR)
8.30 & 1.00 - K FERGUSSON (P'WICK ST CUTHBERT), J HAGGERTY (LOUDOUN), F McCALL (TROON PORTLAND)
8.40 & 1.10 - G GIMSON (P'WICK ST CUTHBERT), C HAMILTON (BALLOCHMYLE), J BOYLE (AYR DALMILLING)
8.50 & 1.20 - J SLOAN (TAM O' SHANTER), G ROWAN (BALLOCHMYLE), S WISEMAN (ANSTRUTHER)
9.00 & 1.30 - S MITCHELL (AYR BELLEISLE), A REID, S McCLEMENTS (K'NOCK BARASSIE)
9.10 & 1.40 - K HAMILTON (AYR BELLEISLE), C HUME (AYR BELLEISLE), S McCAHILL (MAYBOLE)
9.20 & 1.50 - C TELFER (P'WICK ST CUTHBERT), A KERR (LARGS), C BRADLEY (AYR BELLEISLE)
9.30 & 2.00 - D CUMMING (AYR BELLEISLE), S RYAN (AYR DALMILLING), C SHARP (K'NOCK BARASSIE)
9.40 & 2.10 - J SYKES (AYR BELLEISLE), M SMYTH (ROYAL TROON), S BROWN (TURNBERRY)
9.50 & 2.20 - R CUNNINGHAM (AYR BELLEISLE), G SWAN (AYR BELLEISLE), D BOOTH (TURNBERRY)
10.00 & 2.30 - K OTTLEY (BALLOCHMYLE), D STRACHAN (TURNBERRY), I FRASER (TROON ST MEDDANS)
10.10 & 2.40 - D McKINNON (BALLOCHMYLE), K MILLIKEN (TROON ST MEDDANS), A WRIGHT (K'NOCK BARASSIE)
10.20 & 2.50 - S FINDLATER (TROON WELBECK), S DUNN (AYR BELLEISLE), G CREE (TROON WELBECK)
10.30 & 3.00 - A FOLEY (AYR BELLEISLE), B McDONNELL (CAPRINGTON), G TIERNEY (P'WICK ST NICHOLAS)
10.40 & 3.10 - S CLARK (AYR BELLEISLE), G WILSON (LOUDOUN), M SMITH ( TROON WELBECK)
10.50 & 3.20 - C ROBERTSON (ABBOTSFORD), J GILMOUR (LOCHWINNOCH), R MARSHALL (BEITH)
11.00 & 3.30 - L JENKINS (BEITH), H THOMSON (IRVINE), B GRAY (PINES)
11.10 & 3.40 - S MAXWELL (WINDYHILL), R HYSLOP (PINES), E McGRATH (THE CARRICK)
11.20 & 3.50 - R COLL (WINDYHILL), C HILL (PINES), D McGILL (THE CARRICK)
11.30 & 4.00 - P McCARRON (WINDYHILL), R McBETH (PINES), G GILMOUR (THE CARRICK)

USA SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP - Drummond slips to 37th after closing two rounds

Ross Drummond, who led after two rounds with scores of 70 and 66, finished disappointingly with two rounds of 76 in the USA Senior PGA Championship at Canterbury Golf Club, Beechwood, Ohio, this week.

Drummond, who was not helped by his record of 37 putts in round 3, returned a final total of eight-over-par 288, finishing joint 37th behind the winner Michael Allen on 274.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Line up in last 16 decided

The remaining second round ties in the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship have been completed and the full line up in the last 16 is now known.

John Fleming & Gordon Bettany (Saxone) booked a trip to face Gary Jordan & Douglas Anderson (Annanhill) in round three, with a 2 hole victory over Gordon Hamilton & Martin Spence (Loudoun).

In the other remaining second round tie, Joe Howie & John McMillan (Ardeer) beat their visitors Andy Reid & Craig Murdoch (Ayr Carrick) by 6 & 4 and now play host to Roddy Davidson & James Young (Drongan) in round 3.

The full third round line up is :-

Kenneth Hankinson & Gibby Lamont (Troon Welbeck) Vs. Paul Church & Jim Anderson (Skelmorlie)
A. Dunlop & J. Brown (Brunston Castle) Vs. Jim & Shaun Ryan (Ayr Dalmilling)
Gary Jordan & Douglas Anderson (Annanhill) Vs. John Fleming & Gordon Bettany (Saxone)
Stuart & David Brown (Doon Valley) Vs. Fraser McCall & Adam Cairns (Troon Portland)
Scott McCahill & David Wallace (Maybole) Vs. Daniel McGee & John Brennan (Tam O Shanter)
Joe Howie & John McMillan (Ardeer) Vs. Roddy Davidson & James Young (Drongan)
Mark Anderson & Ian Hogg (Irvine) Vs. John Byrne & Colin Greenham (West Kilbride)
James & Craig NIchol (New Cumnock) Vs. Douglas McKinnon & Kevin Ottley (Ayr Belleisle)

Third round ties are due for completion by 28th June.

SGU JUNIOR TOUR - McDonald two off pace at 4th event

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) was only two strokes away from a second SGU Junior Tour win of the season on Saturday, when the penultimate tour event of the year was played at Brunston Castle.

McDonald returned scores of 76 & 74 for a 6 over par total of 150, leaving him two shots behind joint winners Ian Redford (St. Andrwews New) and Stuart Boyle (Harburn).

Two other Ayrshire players took part in the event.

Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) tied 21st on 160 (81 - 79) whilst David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) was 34th on 168 (85 - 83)

The final SGU Tour event of the season takes place at Kilmarnock (Barassie) on 14th June.

SCOTTISH BOYS AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire side named

Ayrshire have named their team for the 2009 Scottish Boys Area Team Championships, being held at Ballumbie Castle golf course on Sunday 7th June.

The four man team is :-

Colin Robinson (Largs)

Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie)

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie)

David Wilson (Troon Welbeck)

Colin Robinson (left) was the winner of the Carrick Trophy at the Ayrshire Boys Team Championship in 2008 and was third in the 2007 Ayrshire Boys Championship. Robinson was a member of the Ayrshire side who were fourth in the event in 2008.

Andrew Wright (right) was a member of the Kilmarnock (Barassie) teams who won the Wallace Thornton Trophy in 2007 and 2008 and was fourth in the 2008 Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit. He has also played SGU Junior Tour events this year.

Jack McDonald (left) has been a winner on the SGU Junior Tour this year, in his debut in the event, and was a quarter finalist in the 2009 Scottish Boys Championship.

Third in the 2008 Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit, David Wilson (right) has also played on the Junior Tour this season and was the winner of the Prestwick Circuits Trophy in the 2009 Ayrshire Boys Team Championship.

The pairings for the morning foursomes will be

Andrew Wright & Jack McDonald

Colin Robinson & David Wilson

US SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP - Ross Drummond leads at halfway stage

From the European Tour website :-

Prestwick's Ross Drummond opened a two shot lead at the US Senior PGA Championship after a four under par 66 at Canterbury Golf Club, and admitted he had surprised even himself.

Drummond is playing his third year on The European Senior Tour after a 26 year career on The European Tour which failed to yield a tournament win.

But he put himself on course for a first Senior title in some style as he attempts to become the first European winner of the event in 52 years.

"I felt my game was good enough to make the cut," Drummond said. "But I didn't expect to be in or near the lead. I would say, yes, I'm very surprised."

Among the chasing pack on two under going into the weekend is another of the European contingent – Germany’s Bernhard Langer, who compiled a second round 70.

Langer is joined on 138 by the American quartet of Jeff Sluman, Scott Hoch, Tom Purtzer and Larry Mize.

While Langer, Mize and Sluman have all won majors, Drummond's most notable success came when he won four Scottish Professional Championships in the late 1980s.

When asked about winning, Drummond said. "It would be a dream come true, obviously. It would be an unbelievable achievement, and something to be very proud of. But I don't think I can even contemplate that."

The 52 year old had both his birdies on the front nine cancelled out by bogeys the very next hole but picked up shots on consecutive holes straight after the turn.

A two at the 198 yard 13th took him three under for the day and Drummond completed his scoring with a birdie at the 16th.

LEADING SCORES

136 - Ross Drummond (Sco) 70 66
138 - Jeff Sluman 70 68, Scott Hoch 66 72, Bernhard Langer 68 70
139 - Gil Morgan 71 68, Tom Kite 69 70, Jay Don Blake 70 69, Chris Starkjohann 71 68

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL - three more teams book places in last 16

Doon Valley, Troon Welbeck and Ayr Dalmilling are the latest clubs to book their places in the last 16 of the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship.

Stuart and David Brown (Doon Valley) had a 6 & 5 win at home over Ian Currie and Robert Williamson (Crosshouse) and now face another home match against Fraser McCall and Adam Cairns (Troon Portland).

Kenneth Hankinson and Gibby Lamont (Troon Welbeck) edged out their visitors G. Stewart & R. Clark (Largs) by one hole in round 2 and now have another home match against Paul Church and Jim Anderson (Skelmorlie) for a place in the quarter finals.

Jim and Shaun Ryan (Ayr Dalmilling) beat Robert Gillon and Ian Flynn (Alton) by 4 & 3 at home and now face an away trip to play A. Dunlop & J. Brown (Brunston Castle) in the last 16.

The two remaining ties are due for completion by 24th May.

Ties still to be decided are :- Loudoun Vs. Saxone and Ardeer Vs. Ayr Carrick.

SCOTTISH LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP - McQueen beaten in first round of matchplay

Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies), Ayrshire's only representative in the matchplay stages of the Scottish ladies Championship this week, was beaten 5 & 3 in the first round of matchplay on Thursday morning by Louise Kenney (Pitreavie).

US SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP - Drummond and Torrance top scots after round 1

Ayrshire are well represented after round one of the 2009 US Senior PGA Championship at canterbury Golf Club. Beechwood, Ohio

Prestwick resident Ross Drummond - pictured right - and Sam Torrance who learned his golf in Largs, both scored level par 70 in the first round to lie four behind leaders Scott Hoch & Tom Purtzer.

Leading scores (American unless stated):-

66 - Scott Hoch, Tom Purtzer

68 - Bernhard Langer (Ger)

69 - John Morse, Mark James (Eng), Joey Sindelar, Larry Mize, Dana Quigley, Tom Kite, Gary Hallberg

70 - Ross Drummond (Sco), John Jacobs, Dave Stockton, Jeff Sluman, Dan Forsman, Tim Simpson, Hale Irwin, Denis Watson (SA), Butch Sheehan, Tim Simpson, Sam Torrance (Sco), Jay Don Blake

71 - Bruce Fleisher, Jay Haas, Tom Jenkins, Hal Sutton, James Blair, Wayne Grady, Ian Woosnam, Fred Funk, Robert Gibbons, John Aubrey, Gil Morgan

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - latest results.

All four qualifying sections in the 2009 Ayrshire Summer league are under way, with a number of results being posted recently.

In LEAGUE 1, the only result still forthcoming is a 3.5 - 2.5 away win by Ballochmyle over Ayr Belleisle.

In LEAGUE 2, Troon St. Meddans opened their bid for the title with a 4.5 - 1.5 home win over Ardeer whilst Loudoun also began with a home win, by 5 - 1 against West Kilbride.

LEAGUE 3 is headed by Irvine after a 6 - 0 home win over Annanhill, with Kilbirnie Place close behind following a 4.5 - 1.5 home win over Irvine Ravenspark.

In LEAGUE 4, Beith followed their opening 6 - 0 win over Kilmarnock (Barassie) with a 4.5 - 1.5 win away from home over Tam O Shanter.

LEAGUE 5 looks to be very close with home wins by all three clubs so far. Troon Welbeck had a 4.5 - 1.5 win over Largs whilst New Cumnock beat Troon Welbeck by 3.5 - 2.5 and Largs defeated new Cumnock by 5.5 - 0.5.

SCOTTISH LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP - McQueen is sole Ayrshire survivor for matchplay

Rachael McQueen (Troon ladies) is the sole Ayrshire representative in the matchplay stages of the Scottish Ladies Championship, being played at Southerness this week.

McQueen came through the qualifying rounds to qualify in 23rd place.

On Thursday morning she takes on 10th qualifier Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), for a place in the last 16.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GO0LF LEAGUE - early season results

The competition for the various Ayrshire Junior Golf League trophies have begun, with a number of early season results having been posted.


In the LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP, Troon Welbck opened with a 4 - 2 home win over Ardeer in Section A.



Largs Routenburn got off to a winning start in Section B with a 3.5 - 2.5 away win at Annanhill.



Ballochmyle began section C with a 3.5 - 2.5 home win over Ayr Belleisle whilst no matches have been played so far in Section D.

In the JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY competition, Ayrshire Boys Champion Scott Brown is through to the first round after a one hole preliminary rond win over his host, Gary Patterson, at Ballochmyle.

Craig Goodwin (Loudoun) also progressed from the preliminary round after Largs Routenburn failed to nominate a representative.

With the loss of Troon St. Meddans from League Competitions this year, Ross Black (Ardeer) received a bye into the quarter finals of the competition.

In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT TROPHY competition, Largs beat Kilbirnie 3.5 - 0.5 at home in the preliminary round match and now entertain Irvine Ravenspark in round 1.

Caprington, 2.5 - 1.5 home winners over Ayr Belleisle, and Kilmarnock Barassie, 4 - 0 home winners over Loudoun, are both through to the quarter finals.

Also through to the last eight are Prestwick St. Cuthbert who recorded a 3 - 1 win away from home against near neighbours Prestwick St. Nicholas.

Fixtures in the WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY competition have been finalised but no matches have been played so far.

AYRSHIRE GIRLS - 22 couples contested Adult & Girls Foursomes

(Report from June Kerr)

The 2009 Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Association Adult & Girl Foursomes were held at Prestwick St. Nicholas Golf Club on Sunday 17th May.

Numbers were up on last year for this annual event with 22 couples playing.


There was a strong wind blowing all afternoon, and some heavy showers later in the day making conditions very difficult, particularly for the second half of the field.



Final Results :-

Division 1

1st - Connie & David Jaffrey 35 points
2nd - Katie & Colin McGarva 33 pts
3rd - Rachel & Andrew Irvine 30 pts (bih)
4th - Rachel & Keith Howie 30 pts

Nearest the pin at the 10th Katie McGarva
Nearest the pin in 2 at the 15th Rachel Irvine

Jenny Linklater & Linzi Allan deserve a special mention for an eagle at the Par 4 3rd hole.

Division 2

1st - Hope Lyden & Kath McKellar 34 pts
2nd - Ali Roy & Laura McSorley 26 pts
3rd - Helen & John Montgomery 23 pts (bih)
4th - Sophie Love & Jenny McGee 23 pts

Nearest the pin at the 12th Lindsay Montgomery

The organisers and players are very grateful to the committee and members of Prestwick St. Nicholas for allowing courtesy of the course for the event.

Some of the prizewinners are pictured below - back row (L-R) Hope Lyden, Katie McGarva, Ali Roy - Front Row (L-R) Sophie Love, Connie Jaffrey

SGU AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire start defence of title in winning style

Ayrshire began their defence of the SGU Area Team Championship title on Sunday 17th May with a 5 - 4 victory over Stirlingshire at Falkirk Tryst.

In the morning foursomes, Scott Brown (Turnberry) and George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) lost out by 2 & 1 but the pairing of Tommy McInally (Loudoun) and Jamie MacKay (Kilmarnock Barassie) levelled the match with a 3 & 2 win before John Shanks (Irvine) - pictured right - and Steven Murray (Troon Welbeck) gave Ayrshire a 2 - 1 lunchtime lead with a 3 & 1 win in their match.

Tommy McInally lost in the lead singles by 2 holes in the afternoon but the middle order secured the match for Ayrshire, County Strokeplay Champion John Shanks winning by 4 & 3, Jamie Mackay - pictured below right - crushing his opponent by 6 & 5 and new Ayrshire Matchplay Champion Scott Brown - pictured left - securing the crucial point with a 3 & 2 win in his match.

In the two remaining ties Steven Murray and George Robertson both lost on the last green to their respective opponents.

MATCH DETAILS (Ayrshire names first):-

Foursomes

Scott Brown (Turnberry) & George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) lost to B. Rushford & C. Lawton by 2 & 1

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) & Jamie MacKay (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat K. Anderson & J. Lynch by 3 & 2

John Shanks (Irvine) & Steven Murray (Troon Welbeck) beat J. Donaldson & S. McLauchlin) by3 & 1

AYRSHIRE 2 STIRLINGSHIRE 1

Singles

T. McInally lost to K. Anderson by 2 holes

J. Shanks beat B. Rushford by 4 & 3

J. MacKay beat C. Lawton by 6 & 5

S. Brown beat J. Lynch by 3 & 2

S. Murray lost to S. McLauchlin by 1 hole

G. Robertson lost to J. Donaldson by 1 hole

AYRSHIRE 3 STIRLINGSHIRE 3

AYRSHIRE 5 STIRLINGSHIRE 4

In the other match in Section A, North East beat Borders 6 - 3 at Newburgh on Ythan

FULL RESULTS -

GROUP A

North-East 6 - Borders 3

Stirlingshire 4 - Ayrshire 5

GROUP B

Angus 6 1/2 - Lothians 2 1/2

Lanarkshire 7 - Perth & Kinross 2

GROUP C

Clackmannanshire 5 1/2 - Fife 3 1/2

Renfrewshire 6 1/2 - Argyll & Bute 2 1/2

GROUP D

North 3 1/2 - Dumbartonshire 5 1/2

South 7 1/2 - Glasgow 1 1/2

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Founder members out of 2009 competitions

Troon St. Meddans, one of the six founder members of The Ayrshire Junior Golf League, will not compete in the 2009 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship as a result of internal administrative difficulties which threatened to prevent the club's team fulfilling their fixture committments.

As a result the St. Meddans juniors, League Champions in 1969, 1974 and 1978, will not compete for the Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship crown for the first time in the 40 year history of the event.

It is hoped that St. Meddans will be in a position to contest the League Championship again next season.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Second round results and draw for third round.

All the remaining second round matches in the 2009 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy competition have now been completed.

recent results received are :-

Jamie MacPherson (Whiting Bay) beat John Sloan (Doon Valley) by 5 & 4
Scott McCahill (Maybole) beat Ross Clark (Braehead) by 8 & 7
Andrew Carroll (Drongan) beat Mark Tait (Annanhill) by 4 & 3
Gregor Dickson (Largs) W/O Gavin Lawrie (Prestwick St. Nicholas) Scr.
Peter Bond (Irvine Ravenspark) beat Campbell McCluskie (Crosshouse) by 5 & 4
Alan McLean (Kilbirnie Place) Scr. Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck) W/O
Billy McCulloch (Brunston Castle) beat Gary Bryden (Girvan) by 3 & 1
Steven Corrigan (Dalmilling) lost to Michael Roos (West Kilbride) by 4 & 2
John Broadfoot (Turnberry) lost to Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) by 5 & 3
Gordon McCrea (Beith) beat Billy Murdoch (Ayr Carrick) at the 22nd
Billy Wilson (Ballochmyle) Scr John Shanks (Irvine) W/O

The draw for the third round is :-

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) Vs. Michael Roos (West Kilbride)
Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) Vs. Neil McCormack (New Cumnock)
Scott McCahill (Maybole) Vs. Gregor Dickson (Largs)
Billy McCulloch (Brunston Castle) Vs. Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Bert Ferguson (Royal Troon)
Andrew Carroll (Dongan) Vs. Jamie MacPherson (Whiting Bay)
Gordon McCrea (Beith) Vs. Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck)
John Shanks (Irvine) Vs. Peter Bond (Irvine Ravenspark)

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - completion of second round matches approaches

With only one week to go for second round matches to be completed, a number of ties in the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship have been completed this week.

Paul Church & Jim Anderson (Skelmorlie) are through to round 3 after a 1 hole home win over John Anderson & Sean Ingle (Braehead).

Gary Jordan & Douglas Anderson (Annanhill) travelled away to record a 2 & 1 win over David Murdoch & Gordon Blunt (Prestwick St. Cuthbert).


John Byrne & Colin Greenham (West Kilbride) and Douglas McKinnon & Kevin Ottley (Ayr Belleisle) progressed courtesy of 1 hole home wins over Neil McKinnon & Billy Hamilton (Ballochmyle) and Kenny Milliken & Ian Fraser (Troon St. Meddans) respectively.

In the other match decided recently, Roddie Davidson & James Young (Drongan) received a walkover from Alan & George McLean (Kilbirnie Place).

The fixtures for the third round, to be completed by 28th June, are :-

Troon Welbeck or Largs Vs. Skelmorlie
Brunston Castle Vs. Ayr Dalmilling or Alton
Annanhill Vs. Loudoun or Saxone
Doon Valley or Crosshouse Vs. Troon Portland
Maybole Vs. Tam O Shanter
Ardeer or Ayr Carrick Vs. Drongan
Irvine Vs. West Kilbride
New Cumnock Vs. Ayr Belleisle

BRABAZON TROPHY - McEwan top scot in rain shortened event

Steven McEwan (Caprington) finished top scot in the rain shortened Brabazon Trophy competition at Moortown, Leeds on Sunday 17th May.

Irish internationalist Niall Kearney from Royal Dublin won the trophy with a closing round of 70 for an aggregate of 208 and a five shot victory.

McEwan shared fourth place on six-over-par 216

LEADING FINAL TOTALS

208 - N Kearney 70 68 70
213 - L Burns 70 70 73
214 - J Vickery 72 74 68
216 - A Dunbar 73 74 69, D Whitnell 74 73 69, M Nixon 71 75 70, S McEwan 74 71 71, A Hogan 74 71 71, T Fleetwood 71 73 72, S Hodgson 71 73 72, S Haywood 72 71 73
217 - B Martin 70 80 67, G Campbell 72 73 72, H P Bacher 71 73 73, C Ford 71 73 71, R Carter 74 68 75

Selected Scottish scores:

219 - R Kellett 73 73 73 (joint 20th)
225 - G Dear 69 81 75 (joint 43rd)
227 - P O'Hara 73 80 75 (joint 46th).

CLUBGOLF - Ayrshire youngsters coached by Jack Nicklaus

A lucky group of young golfers from South Ayrshire enjoyed the experience of a lifetime at a sunny Colin Montgomerie Golf Academy at Turnberry on Wednesday 13 May, when they were selected for an afternoon coaching clinic with the worlds greatest golfer, Jack Nicklaus.

The Royal Bank Of Scotland event saw 30 local youngsters from the Maybole and Prestwick areas being given some tips from The Golden Bear before the winner of 18 major championships invited a few of the young golfers to hit some shots and gave them some individual tuition.

All the young golfers present have been involved in the Clubgolf initiative in South Ayrshire for the last year or more.

The young golfers were accompanied at the session by a few of their Clubgolf Level 1 volunteer coaches along with South Ayrshire Council Junior Golf Co-ordinator Catherine Malcolm.

Clubgolf is the Scottish Government backed initiative aimed at, by 2009, giving every nine year old in Scotland the opportunity to play golf.

Also in attendance to meet Mr. Nicklaus were representatives from the sponsors, RBS, as well as South Ayrshire Council representatives including Provost Winnifred Sloan and Council Leader Hugh Hunter.

After the coaching session, during which many of the youngsters taking part impressed the great man with their ability to hit the ball well in front of an audience, Jack Nicklaus answered some questions from the young golfers and happily signed autographs for the participants.

All the youngsters also received a Golden Bear golf hat as a momento of a truly unforgettable experience.

BUCHANAN CASTLE PRO-AM - Lomas wins

English professional Jonathan Lomas, who resides in Ayr, chipped in at the last to win the Buchanan Castle Golf Club pro-am this week.

Lomas, the 1994 European Tour Rookie Of The Year in 1994 who won the 1996 Czech Open during his European Tour career, birdied the last for a six-under-par 64 to edge out Mark King (Kingsfield Golf Cenre) by one shot.

LEADING SCORES :-

64 Jonathan Lomas (unatt)
65 Mark King (Kingsfield)
67 Stephen McNally (Scottish Institute of Sport), Paul McKechnie (Braid Hills), Jason McCreadie (Buchanan Castle), James Clive (Carrick)
68 Colin Gillies (Perry Golf), Stephen Gray (Hayston), Alan Lockhart (Ladybank)
69 Ewan Davie (Dunblane New), Lindsay Mann (Carnoustie), Mark Loftus (Cowglen), Robert Farrell (Cardross)
70 Edward Thomson (Senit Associates), David Orr (East Renfrewshire), Alastair MacKenzie (Duddingston)
71 Christopher Russell (RAW Golf Course Design), Robert Arnott (Bishopbrigs GR), Gordon Law (Uphall)
72 Euan Cameron (Hamilton)
73 Kevin McAleer (Gleddoch), Fraser McLaughlan (Bothwell Castle), Ewan Hogarth (Peebles)
74 Lee Vannet (Carnoustie GL), Dean Robertson (Mearns Castle)
75 Keith Baxter (Buchanan Castle), Gordon Niven (Stirling Univ)
77 Karyn Burns (Mearns Castle), Kenneth Monaghan (Bothwell Castle)
78 Sean O'Donnell (Balbirnie Park)
79 Greg Paxton (Ralston)
Retired: Chris Campbell (Grantown on Spey)

EASTWOOD PRO AM - McKinnon shares victory

Jim McKinnon (Irvine GC), fresh from his win at the Wateraid pro-am at Kilmarnock (Barassie) recently, was joint first in the Eastwood Pro-am this week, sharing victory with Alastair Forrow (Whitecraigs).

McKinnon and Forrow both recorded one-under-par 69's to head the field of 19 professionals in the invitational event.

PROFESSIONAL SCORES :-

69 Alastair Forrow (Whitecraigs), Jim McKinnon (Irvine).
70 Stephen Duncan (Cathcart Castle), Stewart Russell (East Renfrewshire).
71 Gordon Stewart (Cawder).
73 Alan Lockhart (Ladybank).
74 David Orr (East Renfrewshire).
75 Peter McLachlan (West Kilbride), Russell Smith (Gleneagles Hotel).
76 Scott Gillespie (Burntisland).
77 Paul Hubner (Eastwood).
79 Craig Donnelly (Balbirnie Park).
81 Kris McGowan (Burntisland).
82 Iain Darroch (West Kilbride).
83 Stuart Wilson (Eastwood), Andrew Jowett (Gleneagles Hotel), Paul Carpenter (Royal Troon), Donald McKay (Wellsgreen).
Disq - Andrew MacRae (Gleneagles Hotel).

SENIOR PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - Bill Lockie defends title at Northants

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE PGA

Bill Lockie will return to the scene of his greatest triumph when he defends the Senior PGA Professional Championship at Northants County later this month.

The North Gailes Golf Centre pro - pictured right - leads the Scottish challenge at the 54-hole event (May 27-29) with vivid memories of his dramatic victory still fresh in his mind.

The 61-year-old clinched the £35,000 tournament by holing a 75ft putt on the last to win by a stroke from Mike Gallagher (Farthingstone) and Donald Stirling (Wien-Sussenbrunn).

“It was a memorable way to finish,” recalls Lockie

“It was 25 paces – we measured it out – and it was like an electric shock when it went in.

It was my first British title. I said last year that the win puts a good full stop on my playing career although I hope I can successfully play for a few more years to come.

I’m looking forward to returning to Northants County. It’s a parkland course with undulating fairways that fall off to the left or right so you need to put the ball in the right place but it’s a very fair test of golf. It’s also the club’s centenary year so it’s extra special to be returning to defend as champion. I’ve no real game plan - I just hope to play well put up a reasonable defence.”

Lockie’s victory had added significance as he had lost in a play-off for the same title at Coventry five years before at the age of 55.

"As you get a bit older you tend to think that was my opportunity and I didn’t manage to win so it was a tremendous feeling,” he added.

“I think it was a surprise for somebody of my age (60) managing to win it because you tend to imagine that it’s the younger guys just past 50 who would have the best chance.”

Lockie played on the fledgling European Tour back in the early 70s, earning a ninth place finish behind Zimbabwe’s Mark McNulty in the Manchester Open. Another more painful memory is a broken nose courtesy of a wayward shot by Graham Burrows.

Among the Scots competing will be Lockie’s close friend John McTear (Mar Hall), who won the event in 2001. The tournament will have a strong Scottish contingent in the Midlands with the likes of Garry Harvey (Kinross Golf), Alistair Thomson (Inverness), Duncan Williamson (Kirkhill) and Ian Butcher (Kings Acre) making the trip along with a number of Anglo-based Scots.

An added incentive for top 20 finishers in the tournament is qualification for the De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship at Slaley Hall (June 25-28).Competitor draw and full list of entries for the event at Northants County can be found under ‘Schedule, Scores and Results’ at http://www.pga.info/SeniorPGAProfessionalChampionship.aspx

BELLEISLE CUP - Slater, Hogg & Howison Estate Agents renew sponsorship for 2009

Ayr Belleisle Golf Club are delighted to announce that this year`s Belleisle Cup on Sunday 31st May, which is the curtain-raiser for Ayr Golf Week, will once again be sponsored by Slater, Hogg and Howison, estate agents.

Belleisle Match Secretary Robert Morrison is delighted and said :-

“Slater Hogg`s generous renewal of their sponsorship is tremendous news in the difficult current financial climate and allows us to maintain the increased prize fund from last year. With 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes of £250, £170 and £120 respectively, and prizes down as far as 8th place, it is again hoped to attract a quality field of the top low handicappers in Ayrshire and also further afield.”

The 36-hole scratch event is for golfers up to a maximum of 6 handicap and is a qualifying event for the recently revamped Doc Thom Ayrshire Golf Association Order of Merit.

The event will this year see the introduction of the “Tiger Tee” at the par 5 15th hole, last used many years ago by the Pros in The Sunderland Masters Tartan Tour event.

Block entry forms have been sent out to all Ayrshire Clubs although entries can also be made via the club`s website www.ayrbelleislegolfclub.com , via the link on the Ayrshire Golf Association website or by telephoning Robert Morrison on 07708 861569.

Closing date for entries is SUNDAY 17th MAY.

If spaces are available then late entries may be accepted, on a first come first served basis, by telephoning Robert Morrison.

SGU JUNIOR TOUR - Two Ayrshire players in Brunston Castle event

The fourth SGU Junior Tour event of the season takes place at Brunston Castle Golf Club on Saturday 23rd May 2009.

Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) and Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) will carry Ayrshire hopes of a home county win in the penultimate tour event of the season.

LGU MEDAL AREA FINAL - Ayrshire to the fore in West Of Scotland event

(Report from the http://www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk/ website)

Prestwick St Nicholas's Kathleen Dauthieu had the best net round of the day by far to book one of the eight qualifying places in the LGU Medal Grand Final at Crieff on Sunday June 7, which were up for grabs at the rescheduled West area final at Ranfurly Castle Golf Club on Thursday 14th May.

Only 64 of the original field for the rain-abandoned competition on May 6 turned up second time round but even if they had all turned up it is doubtful if anyone would have got close to Kathleen's net 71 off a handicap of 24.

The ladies' par at Ranfurly Castle is 74 and the standard scratch 73. The CSS was 76 on a bright and breezy day.

Kathleen's net return was the best of the day by six clear shots.

It was an Ayrshire double on the day with Christine Whitelaw (Largs) taking top spot in the silver division.

The full list of qualifiers for Crieff is:

Silver Division - Christine Whitelaw (Largs) (9) (better inward half). Nichola Ferguson (Clober) (5) 78; Sheila Sergenson (Palacerigg) (11) (better inward half), Anna Boyd (Biggar) (14) 79.

Bronze Division - Kathleen Dauthieu (Prestwick St Nicholas) (25) 71; Margaret Bremner (Caldwell) (23) (better inward half), Joyce McGregor (Windyhill) (22) (better inward half), Helen Abram (Ranfurly Castle) (23) 77 (better inward half).

Helen Abraham, the Ranfurly Castle ladies captain pipped Kay Gillies (Vale of Leven), who had a net 77 off 23 for the fourth and last qualifying place in the Bronze Division.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Ballochmyle start with win on the road

Ballochmyle started their bid for the 2009 Ayrshire Summer League with a win away from home against Ayr Belleisle.

Ballochmyle, the winners in 2003, 2004 and 2006, had a notable 3.5 - 2.5 win over their hosts to get their campaign off to a flying start.

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - McInally through to 3rd round

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) - pictured right - is through to the third round of the 2009 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions after a win away from home against Fraser McCall (Troon Portland).

McInally, the winner of the title in three successive years from 2003 edged past his host at the second extra hole of the match.

McInally now plays the winner of the tie between Steven Corrigan (Ayr Dalmilling) and Michael Roos (West Kilbride).

All outstanding second round ties are due to be completed by 17th May.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL - latest results

Maybole, Tam O Shanter, Irvine and New Cumnock have joined Brunston Castle and Troon Portland in the last 16 of the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship.

Bruce Manderson and Neal Robertson (Beith) awarded their tie to Scott McCahill and David Wallace (Maybole) whilst Daniel McGhee and John Brennan (Tam O Shanter) beat Dan Higgins and W. McCartney (Wallacetown) by 5 & 3.

The Maybole side now play host to tam O Shanter in the next round.

Mark Anderson and Ian Hogg (Irvine) had a one hole victory at home over R. Kennedy and D. Bartlett (Caprington) and now face another home tie against the winners between West Kilbride and Ballochmyle.

James and Craig Nichol (New Cumnock) are the other side through to the last 16 after a 3 & 2 away win against Ron Carney and J. McGown (Largs Routenburn). New cumnock now face a home tie against the winners between Troon St. Meddans and Ayr Belleisle.

All remaining second round ties are due for completion by 24th May.

WEST OF SCOTLAND BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms now available

Entry forms for the 2009 West Of Scotland Boys Championship are now available to download, by clicking on the link on the left of this page, under the Junior Competitions heading.

This years championship is being organised by the Dumbartonshire Golf Union and takes place on Tuesday 23rd June at Balmore Golf Club.

The players with the best 16 scratch aggregate scores in the Championship will contest the West Of Scotland Boys Matchplay Championship, also at Balmore, on 24th and 25th June.

SCOTTISH YOUTHS AND MID AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS - Closing date for entries to both events near

Euan Mordaunt of The Scottish Golf Union advises :-

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the following closing dates:

DM Hall Scottish Open Mid Amateur (Over 25's) Championship Thursday 14 May 2009

Golf Data Lab Scottish Youths Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship Thursday 21 May 2009

Conditions of entry are as follows:

DM Hall Scottish Open Mid Amateur Championship
Royal Burgess, 13 - 15 June 2009
Over 25 at 00.01 hours on 13 June 2009
Handicap Limit: 5.4 Entry fee: £40

To download an Entry Form please click here:

http://www.scottishgolf.org/index.cfm?objectid=D37ED07F-945E-3051-3C7FF60E402529F8&pageid=1047D490-E20C-A5B4-655687505D998196

To view a current list of entries received please click here:

http://www.golfbox.dk/livescoring/signups.asp?tour={5FBF1B87-DF4E-497B-BDA8-D55BEC067369}&clubOnly=1&color=1&lang=1033

Golf Data Lab Scottish Youths Championship
Renfrew GC, 19 - 21 June 2009
Under 21 at 00.01 hours on 1st Jan 2009
Handicap Limit: 2.4 Entry fee: £45

To download an Entry Form please click here:

http://www.scottishgolf.org/index.cfm?objectid=D389DF97-E94D-1431-43B3999CBA358A07&pageid=1047D490-E20C-A5B4-655687505D998196

To view a current list of entries received please click here:

http://www.golfbox.dk/livescoring/signups.asp?tour={90B0EB74-E745-423B-BDA7-377070E767C3}&clubOnly=1&color=1&lang=1033

If you know of anybody who has still to enter can you please remind them to do so as soon as possible.

SCOTTISH AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire announce team for opening match

Team manager Ronnie Potts has announced the Ayrshire team for their first match in the defence of the Scottish Area Team Championship, which takes place against Stirlingshire at Falkirk Tryst on Sunday 17th May.

Three members of the team who secured the title for Ayrshire at Tain in 2008 return to open the defence of the title.

John Shanks (Irvine), George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) and Tommy McInally (Loudoun) - pictured above - will be joined by 2007 Ayrshire Matchplay Champion Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck), as well as the new Ayrshire Matchplay Champion Scott Brown (Turnberry) and former Ayrshire Boys championship winner Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured below.

After the May 17th match, further qualifying section matches against the North East and Borders will take place in August and September.

SCOTTISH STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Four Ayrshire players in Murcar event

Ayrshire will have four representatives in the field for the 2009 Scottish Strokeplay Championship to be held at Murcar Links, Aberdeen, from 29th to 31st May.

David Addison (Kilmarnock Barassie), Cameron Gray (West Kilbride), Chris harkins (Ayr Belleisle) and Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) will be hoping to become the first Ayrshire winner since Alan Reid (Kilmarnock Barassie) who took the title at St. Andrews in 1993.

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Prestwick matchplay double for Brown

Scott Brown (Turnberry) - puictured right - held off a great fight back by Tommy McInally (Loudoun Gowf) to win the 2009 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship in gale force conditions at Prestwick Golf Club on Thursday 7th May.

In winning the senior title, Scott Brown became the first player to hold both the senior and junior Ayrshire Matchplay titles at the same time, having won the junior event over the same course in August last year.

In a match which produced drama right to the last green, both players deserve great credit for producing an absorbing final in conditions which made quality golf almost impossible.

Brown started the match brightly and forged a two hole lead by the third after McInally found sand with tee shots at the 2nd and 3rd.

Further bunker trouble for McInally at the 5th and 6th saw Brown’s lead extend to 4 holes before McInally began to hit back with a solid par to win the 7th.

Brown missed a short putt on the 10th green to see his lead cut to two before producing a superb up and down at the short 11th to gain a crucial half after McInally had hit a glorious tee shot through the wind to the heart of the green.

Brown then re-established his three hole advantage at the difficult 13th before McInally battled back, taking three of the next four holes to square the match going into the final hole.

Sadly, a terrific encounter was settled by a mistake, when McInally three putted from the edge of the green leaving Brown to claim the title with a text book par 4.

Ayrshire Golf Association President Alasdair Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas) presented prizes to both players at the conclusion of the match.

SCOTTISH LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP - Four Ayrshire players in the field at Southerness

Ayrshire will have four representatives in the 2009 Scottish Ladies' (Close) Championship which takes place at Southerness Golf Club from 19th to 23rd May.

Starting times involving Ayrshire players for the first qualifying round on Tuesday 19th may are :-

0840 Lesley Hendry (Routenburn), Laura McLardy (Murcar Links), Elaine Cuthill (Lanark)
1040 Jane Turner (Craigielaw), Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies), Emily Ogilvy (Auchterarder)
1200 Fiona Hay (Deeside), Lynne Terry (Cruden Bay), Charlie Taylor (Kilmarnock Barassie)
12.20 Gail Wilson (Monifieth), Tracy Masterton (Windyhill), Gillian Lockhart (Kilmarnock Barassie)

PGA WATERAID PRO AM - Jim McKinnon wins at Barassie

Irvine Golf Club professional Jim McKinnon won the Scottish PGA Wateraid 36-hole pro-am at Kilmarnock (Barassie) on Thursday 7th May with excellent rounds of 71 and 72 for a one under par total of 143, over two wet and windy days of competition.

Joint runners-up were Mark King (Kingsfield) and Ken Campbell (Machrihanish) who were two shots further back on 145.

Former Amateur champion Gordon Sherry, playing over his home course, shot a best of the tournament 70 in his second round for a total of 147 and 6th place overall.

Other players with an Ayrshire connection who finished well up the field included Calum Nicoll (Prestwick), Ayr resident Jonathan Lomas as well as former Ayrshire player Graeme Fox (East Kilbride) and former Barassie member Alan Reid (West Lothian)

LEADING SCORES :-

143 - Jim McKinnon (Irvine) 72 71
145 - Mark King (Kingsfield) 72 73, Ken Campbell (Machrihanish) 72 73
146 - Gareth Wright (West Linton) 72 74, Stewart Savage (Dalmuir) 72 74
147 - Gordon Sherry (Kilmarnock Barassie) 77 70
148 - Fraser Mann (Musselburgh) 75 73, Callum Nicoll (Prestwick) 75 73, David Orr (East Renfrewshire) 73 75
149 - Graham Fox (East Kilbride) 78 71, Jonathan Lomas (unatt) 75 74, David Patrick (Elie) 75 74, Ian Taylor (Drumpellier) 73 76, Mark Loftus (Cowglen) 72 77, Hamish Kemp (Bishopbriggs) 71 78
150 - Murray Urquhart (Spey Valley) 77 73, Steven Duncan Balbirnie Park) 75 75, Steven Taylor (Bothwell Castle) 74 76
151 - Lindsay Mann (Carnoustie) 75 76, Alan E Reid (West Lothian) 75 76

PRESTWICK MEMBER NOMINATED AS R & A CAPTAIN - Colin M Brown proposed for Captaincy in 2009 - 10

Report and photo courtesy of the R & A Website :-

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has announced Colin M Brown as Captain for the year 2009 – 2010.

Each year the Past Captains meet to confer upon the nomination and the announcement was made today at the Club’s May Business Meeting.

The new Captain will assume office later this year following the traditional driving in ceremony on Thursday 24 September.

Colin Brown joined The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in 1994. He served on the Finance Committee from 2000 – 2005 and is currently Chairman of the Membership Committee and a member of the General Committee.

He is a past Captain of Kilmacolm Golf Club and, in 2001, captained Prestwick Golf Club in its 150th anniversary year. He plays to a handicap of 7.

Educated at Glenalmond College, he is a Chartered Accountant and has retired following a career in stockbroking and investment management.

He is a former Chairman of the Scottish Stock Exchange and is a Deputy Lieutenant of Renfrewshire.

Resident in Kilmacolm, Colin is married to Patricia, also an ardent golfer, who is Vice Captain of Renfrewshire Ladies’ County Golf Association.

They have three adult children all of whom attended St Andrews University.

The Ayrshire Golf Association congratulates Colin on his election to the R & A captaincy and wishes him every success in his year in office.

Colin is the second Prestwick member in recent years to be elected as Captain of The Royal And Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, following Richard Cole-Hamilton, who was captain in 2004 - 2005.

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIIP - Brown and McInally win through to final

The final of the 2009 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship, to be played at 5.00 p.m. on Thursday 7th May at Prestwick Golf Club, will be between Scott Brown (Turnberry) -pictured right - and Tommy McInally (Loudoun) - pictured left.

On Wednesday, the four semi finalists endured another wet and windy evening as they bid for a place in the final.

Reigning Boys Strokeplay and Matchplay Champion Scott Brown was first into the final after a 5 & 3 win over Stephen Spence (Irvine).

Tommy McInally, the 2006 winner of the Matchplay title secured his place in the final with a 3 & 2 win over Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck).

Both players will be hoping for better conditions for the final on Thursday evening at which spectators are very welcome.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Second round results so far and third round redraw

A number of matches in the second round of the 2009 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy competition have been recently and the redraw for the third round finalised.

Defending champion Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland), being unavailable for latter rounds due to other commitments, sportingly awarded a walkover to Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) in their second round tie rather than possibly having to scratch at a later stage.

Bert Ferguson (Royal Troon) maintained hopes of a plce in the semi finals over his home course with a 19th hole victory over Craig Adams (Ardeer), at Ardeer, in round 2.

Neil McCormack (New Cumnock) recorded a 2 hole win at home over David Muir (Muirkirk) to reach round 3 whilst Gordon McCrea (Beith) edged past his visitor Billy Murdoch (Ayr Carrick) at the 22nd in their second round encounter.

The other second round match played so far saw Ayrshire Golf Association Vice President David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat his visitor Sandy Riddell (Skelmorlie) by 6 & 5 to progress.

All remaining second round matches are due for completion by 17th may 2009

The draw for the third round (to be played by 21 June 2009) is :-

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

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Troon Portland duo into last 16

The Troon Portland pair of Fraser McCall & Adam Cairns are the latest pairing into the last 16 of the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship.

Mccall and cairns beat Stuart Craig & Peter Thomson of Kilmarnock Barassie by two holes at Portland in round 2 and now face a trip to play Doon Valley or Crosshouse in round 3.

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Spence, Brown, Murray and McInally in semi finals

The quarter finals of the 2009 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship were held at a wet and windy Prestwick Golf Club on Tuesday evening, 5th May.

In the first match out on the course, Steven Spence (Irvine) - pictured right - recorded par figures to the turn to go four up against Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay). Spence maintained his advantage with four to play, but to his credit malcolm Pennycott fought back to win the 15th and 16th. At the 17th however Spence produced a magnificent recovery shot after finding the left rough from his drive and his ball settled only eight feed from the pin. Sufficient for a half in par, Spence took the first semi final place by 2 & 1.

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) - pictured left - was always in control in his match against Billy Hunter (Troon Welbeck) turning for home with a four hole advantage which he converted into a 5 & 3 win.

In a close match, Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right - and Ian Walker (Turnberry) traded holes until Murray forged a telling two hole lead after 15, which he converted to a 3 & 2 win at the following hole.

In the final match on the course, Ayrshire Boys Champion Scott Brown (Turnberry) - pictured left - faced Champion Of Champions Trophy holder Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland) and the match was close throughout with Brown holding a one hole lead as the players teed off at the final hole.

Moultrie hit a fine tee shot just short of the green and chipped up to 8 feet from the hole whilst Brown let his tee shot drift right and founsd a bunker. Unperturbed however, Brown played an excellent recovery shot to 15 feet and followed up by holing for an excellent birdie three and a one hole win.

In the semi finals, at 5.00 p.m. on Wednesday night, Stephen Spence faces Scott Brown whilst Stephen Murray and Tommy McInally, the winners of the title in 2007 and 2006 respectively, battle it out for a place in the 2009 final.

QUARTER FINAL RESULTS

MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (Whiting Bay) lost to STEPHEN SPENCE (Irvine) by 2 & 1

SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry) beat PAUL MOULTRIE (Troon Portland) by 1 hole

STEPHEN MURRAY (Troon Welbeck) beat IAN WALKER (Turnberry) by 3 & 2

TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun) beat BILLY HUNTER (Troon Welbeck) by 5 & 4

SEMI FINALS

STEPHEN SPENCE (Irvine) Vs. SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry)

STEPHEN MURRAY (Troon Welbeck) Vs. TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun)

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - First round exit for Strokeplay champion

2009 Ayrshire Strokeplay Champion John Shanks (Irvine) suffered a first round defeat in the Matchplay Championship, held at Prestwick Golf Club on Monday 4th May.

Shanks lost out by 4 & 2 to Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) - pictured right - who won the Boys Matchplay title over the same course in 2007.



Malcolm Pennycott now plays Stephen Spence (Irvine) in the quarter finals after spence won 5 & 4 against his clubmate Gareth Lamb in round 1.



Current Ayrshire Boys Matchplay and Strokeplay Champion Scott Brown (Turnberry) - pictured left - faced Joe Gilligan (Troon Welbeck), who won the boys matchplay title in 1993, in round 1 and in a very tight game it was Brown who won through to the quarter finals at the fourth extra hole.






Brown now faces an interesting quarted final match against the Ayrshire Champion Of Champions title holder Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland), - pictured right - after Moultrie defeated John Haggerty (Loudoun) by 6 & 5 in the first round.



2007 Matchplay winner Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck) - pictured left - defeated his clubmate Walter Meiklem by 2 & 1 and now plays Ian Walker (Turnberry) - pictured right - for a place in the semi finals after Walker won at the 19th against Craig McLaughlin (Largs).




The remaining quarter final is between Tommy McInally (Loudoun) - pictured left - and Billy Hunter (Troon Welbeck). McInally, the 2006 matchplay champion beat Ricky Black (Irvine) by 4 & 3 to reach the last eight whilst Hunter defeated Graham Rowan (Ballochmyle) by 5 & 3.




The remaining matches continue each evening this week, with the final scheduled for Thursday evening with a 5.00 p.m. tee off.



ROUND 1 RESULTS

MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (Whiting bay) beat JOHN SHANKS (Irvine) by 4 & 2
STEPHEN SPENCE (Irvine) beat GARETH LAMB (Irvine) by 5 & 4
JOE GILLIGAN (Troon Welbeck) lost to SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry) at the 22nd
JOHN HAGGERTY (Loudoun) lost to PAUL MOULTRIE (Troon Portland) by 6 & 5
STEPHEN MURRAY (Troon Welbeck) beat WALTER MEIKLEM (Troon Welbeck) by 2 & 1
CRAIG McLAUGHLIN (Largs) lost to IAN WALKER (Turnberry) at the 19th
RICKY BLACK (Irvine) lost to TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun) by 4 & 3
GRAHAM ROWAN (Ballochmyle) lost to BILLY HUNTER (Troon Welbeck) by 5 & 3



QUARTER FINALS (Tuesday 5/5/09 from 1700 hrs approx)



MALCOLM PENNYCOTT Vs. STEPHEN SPENCE
SCOTT BROWN Vs. PAUL MOULTRIE
STEPHEN MURRAY Vs. IAN WALKER
TOMMY McINALLY Vs. BILLY HUNTER