Monday, August 31, 2009

SGU BELHAVEN BEST CLUB HANDICAP CHAMPIONSHIP - Crosshouse book place in national final following Ayrshire 1-2-3

From the SGU Website :-

The Crosshouse pairing of Ian Brown and Scott Martin were the winners of Belhaven Best Club Handicap Championship Regional Final hosted at Helensburgh Golf Club on Friday 28th August, and in doing so made it a double celebration for their Kilmarnock based club.

Earlier this month their club mates Ross McCluckie and Andy Hannah won their Captains and Secretaries regional qualifier at Hilton Park which is also sponsored by Belhaven Best, enabling both pairs to bid for the national titles in the Grand Finals, both of which are held next month.

The Brown and Martin duo dovetailed perfectly throughout the day to return a four ball better ball score of 65 in what has become Scotland’s largest handicap championship.

Martin said after their winning 4 under par round,

“We are absolutely chuffed for the club having won the double as it is a great achievement for a club of only 100 members.”

With neither Martin or Brown ever having played the Helensburgh course before they made a great start to their debut round with four net birdies by the 5th hole.

Brown added,

“That really set the tone for the day and from there it was steady golf that got us home.”

Martin, a 7 handicapper who only plays golf once a week now after becoming a father for the second time earlier this year said,

“It has been a great day and we are both delighted to have qualified for the final and are looking forward to it immensely.”

His partner, who plays off 21 after reacquainting himself with the game last year after a 20 year break from golf said,

“Considering all the rain we have seen over the last few days, the course was in great condition which is testament to the great green staff and everyone at Helensburgh under the captaincy of Ivor Jones. “He added, “As we are both fans of the Belhaven brand it was a bonus to get a pint as a reward at the end.”

Crosshouse finished two shots ahead of their nearest rivals, Troon Merchants who returned a 2 under par 67 for the runners up place.

West Kilbride took third place, whilst Drumpellier and Fereneze took fourth and fifth place respectively.

With only ten qualification places up for grabs amongst the 61 clubs taking part in the last of the four regional finals, a card play off on 69 decided the final placings which saw Dalmuir, Griers, East Renfrewshire, Mount Ellen and Brunston Castle through to the final which takes place at The Duke’s in St Andrews on September 18.

QUALIFIERS FROM THE REGIONAL FINAL WERE :-

65 - CROSSHOUSE (Ian Brown & Scott Martin)
67 - TROON MERCHANTS (John McMillan & Robert Sanderson)
67 - WEST KILBRIDE (Ian Hoynes & Tommy Saunders)
68 - DRUMPELLIER (Brian Docherty & Hugh Taylor)
68 - FERENEZE (Tom Leitch & Andy Poddar)
69 - DALMUIR (David Copeland & Tommy Walker)
69 - GRIERS (Gerald O'Connell & Scott McMillan)
69 - EAST RENFREWSHIRE (Alex Baskerville & Gordon Young)
69 - MOUNT ELLEN (Graham Kilpatrick & Paul Bradley)
69 - BRUNSTON CASTLE (Donald Anderson & George Scobie)

AYRSHIRE NON QUALIFIERS WERE :-

69 - IRVINE RAVENSPARK (Keith Graham & Colin McKinnon)
70 - AYR DALMILLING (Russell Wyper & Steven Corrigan)
72 - SAXONE (David Kinnell & Stuart Fraser)
73 - AYR CARRICK (Alan Johnston & Mark Pieroni)
73 - CHASE (Bill Rae & David Gerrish)
74 - NEW CUMNOCK (Derek Bryson & Jim Walker)
75 - ABBOTSFORD (Alan Pole & Stuart Pole)
75 - MAYBOLE (Colin McIlraith & Gary Steele)
76 - TAM O'SHANTER (Mike Webb & Jim McNamee)
81 - TROON WELBECK (Peter Davies & Brian Murray)

WOMEN'S HOME INTERNATIONALS - Irvine venue gives locals great opportunity to see the best




LGU PRESS RELEASE
Edited by Colin Farquharson (Cal Carson Golf Agency)
Calcarsongolf@btinternet.com

SCOTLAND LOOKING FOR HOME INSPIRATION WHEN INTERNATIONAL MATCHES ARE PLAYED AT IRVINE




Scotland will be hoping they can follow the example of last year’s winners, Wales, when the
2009 Women’s Home International Matches are played at Irvine Golf Club, Ayrshire from
9th – 11th September.



Playing at home, on a course they knew better than their opponents, and in front of their own
supporters proved to be an inspiration for Wales at Wrexham when they rose to the occasion
to win the title and the Miller Trophy for only the second time.

They beat both Scotland and then Ireland by the same 5 ½-3 ½ margin and even though they
lost by that scoreline to England on the final day, the Welsh had enough in hand to pip
England on the countback.

The Scots have not won the Miller Trophy since their back-to-back triumphs at Hunstanton in 1990 and Aberdovey in 1991.

The only other country, apart from England, who have scored successive trophy triumphs in
recent years is Ireland with victories at Cruden Bay in 2003 and Royal Porthcawl in 2004.


Wales have the same captain, Sue Turner, but it is a much-changed team that will defend the title at Irvine.

New caps in their line-up are 15-year-old Katie Bradbury, who made her
debut as a junior international last year, and Sam Birks who was a member of the Welsh team who won the European Under-21s’ silver medal at Deal.

Katie Bradbury’s sister Gemma, who played in the Wales team at the European Team Championship in Slovenia this summer, is also included.

Recalled to the Welsh team is Katherine O’Connor who last played for the team at Frilford
Heath in 2006. Katie, Gemma and Amy Bouden are all juniors.



There are no new caps in the Ireland team which will be captain by Claire Robinson.


Sarah Cunningham, Mary Dowling and Charlene Reid make their debut in the event but all were members of the Irish line-up in the European Team Championship in Slovenia in July.


They will be joined in the team by Niamh Kitching, Danielle McVeigh and Aedin Murphy and
Victoria Bradshaw, 19, who played in the Home Internationals of 2007 and makes a return
to the Irish team after an injury that ruled her out of contention for a place in the 2008 team.

Gillian O’Leary is the other member of the Ireland team who was not part of the European
side but played in the Home Internationals of 2007 and 2008.

The Ireland team will be led by Danielle McVeigh who achieved a career high the last time
she played on a Scottish links at Royal Aberdeen last month when she won the British
Ladies’ Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship. Danielle is a student at NUI Maynooth
on a Padraig Harrington Golf Scholarship, as are Sarah Cunningham and Aedin Murphy.

The 14-year-old Maguire twins, Lisa and Leona, who helped Ireland win the European
Girls’ Team championship in Finland earlier this year and played in the Junior Solheim Cup
match in America were not available for this year Home International matches.

England, who will be captained by Julie Otto who featured in many winning teams in her stellar career as a player, have three new caps for the matches at Irvine.


The new English Stroke Play champion Charlotte Wild, Junior Solheim Cup player Kelly Tidy and Nikki Foster will all play.

England won the silver medal at the European Team Championship this summer and four of those players are in the team for Irvine – Hannah Barwood, Holly Clyburn, Charlie Douglass, the left-hander who is the English champion, and Vagliano Trophy cap Rachel Jennings.

Kelly Tidy was the European team’s top points scorer at the Ping Junior Solheim Cup match
with three wins from three matches.


Scotland team captain Lesley Nicholson will be hoping that the good form shown over Scottish links by the five Scots who finished in the top ten at the British Women's open amateur stroke-play at Royal Aberdeen, Kylie Walker, Louise Kenny, Pamela Pretswell and Carly Booth will carry over to the Home Internationals.

Scotland’s team includes one new cap – 19-year-old student Jane Turner who just made the
top 20 of the recent British women’s open amateur stroke-play championship at Royal
Aberdeen.

Kylie Walker and Pamela Pretswell played for Great Britain & Ireland against the Continent of Europe in the
Vagliano Trophy match in Hamburg in July. Other team members in action at Irvine will be
Danielle McVeigh (Ireland), Rhian Wyn Thomas (Wales) and Rachel Jennings (England).





Irvine Golf Club was established in 1887 and its course is a traditional links which owes much of its character and lay-out to the famous golf course architect James Braid.

The course can best be described as a mixture of links and heathland. The fairways are built
on sand and are divided by gorse and heather. Every hole has its own identity and character
and the greens are considered to be among the best to be found in Ayrshire where there is no
shortage of great courses.

The peaks of Arran provide a natural and scenic backdrop to complement the bird life and
the River Irvine and the Bogside Flats where wildlife abounds.

The course is not long by present day standards but demands accurate shot-making.
The Irvine club has a long association with the R&A and the PGA. It is used by the R&A as
a qualifying venue when the Open championship is being held at Turnberry or Royal Troon.
Last year it co-hosted with Turnberry the British seniors championship.

Irvine is situated on the Ayrshire Golf Coast and is five miles from Troon, 10 miles from
Prestwick and 30 miles from Turnberry.

TEAMS

ENGLAND
Captain: Julie Otto
Hannah Barwood (Knowle)
Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa)
Charlie Douglass (Brocket Hall)
Charlotte Ellis (Minchinhampton)
Nikki Foster (Pleasington)
Rachel Jennings (Izaak Walton)
Kelly Tidy (Royal Birkdale)
Charlotte Wild (Mere)


IRELAND
Captain: Claire Robinson
Manager: Fiona McComb
Victoria Bradshaw (Bangor)
Sarah Cunningham (Ennis)
Mary Dowling (New Ross)
Niamh Kitching (Claremorris)
Danielle McVeigh (Royal Co Down Ladies)
Aedin Murphy (Carlow)
Gillian O’Leary (Cork)
Charlene Reid (Royal Portrush)


SCOTLAND
Captain: Lesley Nicholson
Manager: Claire Hargan
Carly Booth (Comrie)
Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm)
Louise Kenney (Pitreavie)
Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar)
Laura Murray (Alford)
Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle)
Jane Turner (Craigielaw)
Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle)


WALES
Captain: Sue Turner
Manager: Anna Hubbard
Samantha Birks (Wolstanton)

Amy Boulden (Maesdu)
Gemma Bradbury (Cottrell Park)
Katie Bradbury (Cottrell Park)
Tara Davies (Holyhead)
Lucy Gould (Bargoed)
Katherine O’Connor (Tadmarton Heath)
Rhian Wyn Thomas (Vale of Glamorgan)


EVENT PROGRAMME

Each match consists of three foursomes and six singles played over 18 holes.

Wednesday, September 9

8.30am & 1.10pm: England v Wales.
9.0am & 2.20pm: Scotland v Ireland.

Thursday, September 10

8.30am & 1.10pm: Ireland v Wales
9.0am & 2.20pm: Scotland v England

Friday, September 11

8.30am & 1.10pm: Wales v Scotland
9.0am & 2.20pm: England v Ireland.

Presentation of trophy at 6.45pm approx.
Spectators are welcome and car parking is free.

This is a great opportunity for local golf enthusiasts, and those from further afield, to watch the most talented amateur women golfers from the four home nations up close, in what is sure to be a memorable championship.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Kilmarnock Barassie through to Under 16 final

Kilmarnock Barassie are through to face Ardeer in the 2009 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Under 16 Knockout Trophy final after beating Ballochmyle in the semi final.

TROON GOLF WEEK - Ayrshire champ Brown takes Mills Quaich


Ayrshire Matchplay Champion Scott Brown (Turnberry) - pictured right (photo courtesy of DMC photography) - from the front to win the premier trophy, The Mills Quaich during the recent Troon Golf Week.

Brown led the qualifiers for the matchplay stages after qualifying rounds over Lochgreen & Darley and carried his form into the matchplay, beating Fraser McCall (Troon Porltand) by 5 & 4 in the final.

Dropping shots at both the opening holes, Brown found himself two holes down in the final before he got back in the groove, covering the remaining holes without droppng a shot to par on his way to victory.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Honours even in semi final first leg

In the semi final first leg of the 2009 Ayrshire Summer League, Ballochmyle and Loudoun fought out a 3 - 3 draw at Ballochmyle on Sunday.



The return match is scheduled for Loudoun on Sunday 6th September.



Irvine, who defeated defending champions Troon Welbeck in the semi finals, await the winners in the final.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Largs through to third successive final

In the AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP, defending Champions, Largs Golf Club, qualified for their third successive final of the Ayrshire Junior Golf League when they won the semi final second leg against Irivne Ravenspark by 5-1.

In a tense and exciting match where three of the ties went to the last green, the defending champions squeezed past Ravenspark who had won the first leg 4-2.

The Largs team now await the winner of the tie between 2008 finalists West Kilbride and Loudon which West Kilbride leads by 4.5 - 1.5 after the first leg.

In the WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY competition, Irvine Ravenspark are through to the final after an impressive 4-0 victory against Ballochmyle, to pip Belleisle by 1 in a countback.

The other section remains tight but probably favours Wellbeck who have to take something from their tie against Caprington to go forward to the final.

In the CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY, the semi finals are both scheduled to be completed this week.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

SCOTTISH WOMENS FOURSOMES - Troon ladies win match play title

(From the Kirkwoodgolf.co.uk website)

Troon Ladies won the Scottish women's foursomesmatch-play title at Forfar Golf Club today.

In the semi-finals Troon's Sara Ann Bottomley and Angela Ferguson beat Aboyne's Elizabeth Brown and Judy Slater 3 and 2 while Perth Ladies (Myrtle Mailer and Anne Sidey) beat Murcar Links' Donna Pocock and Carol Wilson by 3 and 2.

In the final Troon Ladies, for whom Irene Smith replaced Angela Ferguson, beat Perth Ladies 2 and 1.

The Scottish women's foursomes stroke-play title was won by Kilmacolm sisters Megan and Eilidh Briggs with a gross round of two-under-par 70. Megan is the Scottish women's amateur champion.

Tbey won by four strokes from Helen Faulds and Helen Robertson (Douglas Park).;

Friday, August 28, 2009

HOME INTERNATIONALS - Scotland defeat Ireland but England take title.

England made it three wins from three to take the Raymond Trophy and Home International title at Hillside Golf Club on Friday, beating Wales by 10.5 - 4.5 in their final match.

Scotland finished in second place, doing all they could to push England all the way by beating the 2008 champions Ireland comprehensively in thier final match, by 12 - 3.

In the morning foursomes Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) again paired up with Wallace Booth and recorded a third successive foursomes win, beating Alan Dunbar & Paul Cutler by one hole.

Ayrshire's other representative, Steven McEwan (Caprington), and his partner Glenn Campbell halved their match against Connor Doran & Robert Cannon to contribute towards Scotland's 4 - 1 morning lead.

In the afternoon singles, Stewart lost by one hole to Dara Lernihan whilst McEwan had a 2 & 1 win over Paul O'Kane.

SCOTTISH SENIORS MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Miller pipped at the post in final defeat


Ayrshire Golf Association Vice President David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured right with the winner (photograph courtesy of Calcarsongolf) - fell at the final hurdle in the Scottish Seniors Matchplay Championship at Newmacher on Friday afternoon when he lost out by 3 & 2 to Aberdeen Links champion George Paterson of the Northern Golf Club.

Two down early in the final, Miller fought back, winning the seventh and eighth to level the match before taking the lead at the 11th.

Paterson however rallied and after winning the 12th with a birdie he secured the title by taking the 13th, 15th and 16th for his 3 & 2 win.

In the semi finals on Friday morning, David Miller beat Stephen Ellis (Heritage GS) by 4 & 3 whilst the eventual champion George Paterson beat Ian Taylor (Royal Burgess) by 3 & 1.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

HOME INTERNATIONALS - Scotland crush Wales on day 2

Scotland crushed wales by 21.5 - 2.5 on the second day of the 2009 Home Internationals at Hillside Golf Club in England on Thursday

Leading 5 - 0 after the morning foursomes, Scotland continued their good form in the afternoon in the singles.

In the morning, Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) again combined with Wallace Booth for a second successive foursomes victory, this time by 4 & 3 over Rhys Enoch & Oliver Farr whilst Steven McEwan (Caprington) linked up with Glenn Campbell for a 3 & 2 win over Joe Vickery & James Frazer

In the afternoon singles, The Ayrshire pair continued their good form, Stewart having a halved match with Ben Westgate and McEwan enjoying a 4 & 3 win over Rhys Pugh

Match results :-

WALES 2 1/2, SCOTLAND 12 1/2 (Welsh names first)

Foursomes (0-5)
Adam Runice & Ben Westgate lost to Ross Kellett & James Byrne 2 holes
Rhys Enoch & Oliver Farr lost to Wallace Booth & Michael Stewart 4 and 3
Nigel Edwards & Rhys Pugh lost to Gavin Dear & Keir McNicoll 3 and 1
Richard Hoper & Alistair Jones lost to David Law & James White 3 and 1
Joe Vickery & James Frazer lost to Glenn Campbell & Steven McEwan 3 and 2

Singles (2 1/2-7 1/2)
Luke Thomas lost to Gavin Dear 1 hole
Oliver Farr bt Ross Kellett 4 and 3
Rhys Enoch lost to David Law 1 hole
Adam Runcie lost to Wallace Booth 2 and 1
Nigel Edwards lost to James Byrne 3 and 2
Ben Westgate halved with Michael Stewart
Joe Vickery halved with James White
Rhys Pugh lost to Steven McEwan 4 and 3
Alistair Jones lost to Paul O'Hara 3 and 2
James Frazer halved with Glenn Campbell

In the other match played on Thursday, England recovered from losing the morning foursomes to beat Ireland by 9.5 - 5.5.

SCOTTISH SENIORS MATCHPLAY - Miller ousts holder on way to semi finals


The Ayrshire Golf Association Vice President David J Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) stormed into the semi finals of the 2009 Scottish Senior Mens Amateur Match Play Championship at Newmacher on Thursday, beating the holder en route.

Miller, who qualified in fourth place, was two under par in the morning on his way to a 5 & 4 victory over Brian Christie (Wilton).

Miller's play improved even further in the afternoon where he was four under par when beating the 2008 champion, Ronnie Maclean (Hamilton), by 4 and 2 in the quarter finals.

In the semi finals on Friday morning, Miller plays Stephen Ellis (Heritage GS) who beat the top seed Bob Stewart (Tulliallan) by one hole in the last 16.

Ayrshire's other surviving player in the last 16, John Broadfoot (Turnberry) lost by one hole to George Paterson from the Aberdeen Northern club on Thursday morning.

Thursdays results were :-

SECOND ROUND

Stephen Ellis (Heritage GS) bt Bob Stewart (Tulliallan) 1 hole
Robert Jack (Liberton) bt Andrew Laird (Deeside) 2 and 1
David J Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) bt Brian Christie (Wilton) 5 and 4
Ronnie Maclean (Hamilton) bt Sandy Pirie (Hazlehead) 2 and 1
Ian Taylor (Royal Burgess) bt Gordon MacDonald (Callander) 2 and 1
Donald McCart (Sherwood Forest) bt Derek Murphy (Kinross) at the 21st
George Paterson (Northern) bt John Broadfoot (Turnberry) 1 hole
Robert Gill (Gerrards Cross) bt David Downie (Kirriemuir) 2 and 1

QUARTER-FINALS

Ellis bt Jack 2 and 1
Miller bt Maclean 4 and 2
Taylor bt McCart 4 and 3
Paterson bt Gill 2 and 1

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

HOME INTERNATIONALS - Scotland beaten by England on day 1.

Scotland's bid for the Raymond Trophy at the Home Internationals got off to a bad start at Hillside G.C. on Wednesday with a 9.5 - 5.5 defeat at the hands of the host nation, England.

The foursomes were shared 2.5 - 2.5 with Ayrshire's Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) combining with Wallace Booth to beat Sam Hutsby & Chris Paisley by 5 & 4.

In the singles, Stewart lost to Paisley by one hole whilst fellow Ayrshireman Steven McEwan (Caprington) beat Luke Goddard by the same margin.

Match details were :-

SCOTLAND 5 1/2, ENGLAND 9 1/2

FOURSOMES (2 1/2-2 1/2) - (Scotland names first)

Gavin Dear & Keir McNicoll halved with Matt Haines & Tommy Fleetwood
Wallace Booth & Michael Stewart bt Sam Hutsby & Chris Paisley 5 and 4
James White & David Law lost to Dale Whitnell & Luke Goddard 3 and 2
Ross Kellett & James Byrne bt Jamie Abbott & Stiggy Hodgson 1 hole
Glenn Campbell & Paul O'Hara lost to James Robinson & Matthew Nixon 2 holes

SINGLES (3-7)

Wallace Booth lost to Matt Haines 3 and 2
Gavin Dear lost to Dale Whitnell 3 and 2
Ross Kellett lost to Sam Hutsby 1 hole
Michael Stewart lost to Chris Paisley 1 hole
James Byrne halved with Matthew Nixon
David Law halved with Jamie Abbott
Keir McNicoll lost to Tommy Fleetwood 7 and 5
Steven McEwan bt Luke Goddard 1 hole
Glenn Campbell bt Stiggy Hodgson 3 and 2
Paul O'Hara lost to Farren Keenan 5 and 4

In the other match on Wednesday, Wales beat Ireland by 8 - 7.

SCOTTISH SENIORS MATCHPLAY - Broadfoot provides first surprise result

John Broadfoot (Turnberry) produced the first surprise of the Scottish Seniors Matchplay event at Newmacher on Wednesday when he ousted third seed Iain Stewart (Curragh) in the first round of matchplay.

Broadfoot, who qualified 30th of the 32 qualifiers won by two holes.

Keith Howie (West Kilbride) bowed out after a 5 & 4 defeat by Gordon McDonald (Callander), whilst David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) also secured a second round place alongside Broadfoot when he was awarded a walkover by his opponent Keith Hay (Westhill).

The matchplay rounds continue on Thursday and Friday.

Matchplay first round results :-

Bob Stewart (Tulliallan) bt Bill Methven (Royal Aberdeen) 1 hole
Stephen Ellis (Heritage GS) bt Alistair Fiddes (Deeside) 4 and 3
Andrew Laird (Deeside) bt David Bunker (Nairn Dunbar) at 19th
Robert Jack (Liberton) bt John Hamilton (Murcar Links) 3 and 2
David J Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) w.o. Keith Hay (Westhill) scr
Brian Christie (Wilton) bt Sandy Fairweather (Caledonian) 5 and 4
Sandy Pirie (Hazlehead) bt Les Fowler (Royal Aberdeen) 4 and 3#
Ronald MacLean (Hamilton) bt Keith Bruce (Edzell) at 21st
Gordon MacDonald (Callander) bt Keith Howie (West Kilbride) 5 and 4
Ian Taylor (Royal Burgess) bt Alex Ritchie (Bothwell Castle) 5 and 3
Derek Murphy (Kinross) bt Alan Nelson (Banchory) 3 and 2
Donald McCart (Sherwood Forest) bt David A Millar (St Andrews New) 5 and 4
John Broadfoot (Tunrberry) bt Iain Stewart (Curragh) 2 holes
George Paterson (Northern) bt Michael Jenkins (Duff House Royal) 2 and 1
David Downie (Kirriemuir) bt Patrick Tomisson (Nairn) 4 and 3
Robert Gill (Gerrards Cross) bt Andrew Campbell (Kinross) 2 holes

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Maybole and Annanhill meet in final

The Maybole team of Scott McCahill and David Wallace will meet Gary Jordan & Douglas Anderson of Annanhill in the final of the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship.

The Annanhill pair secured their place in the final alongside maybole with a 2 & 1 semi final win away from home against Kenneth Hankinson & Gibby Lamont of Troon Welbeck.

The final will be played at Prestwick St. Cuthbert Golf Club on a date to be arranged.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Irvine oust holders in semi final clash

2007 winners Irvine Golf Club have defeated the holders Troon Welbeck in the semi finals of the 2009 Ayrshire Summer League.

Leading 4.5 - 1.5 after the home leg, irvine travelled to Troon for the second leg and despite suffering defeat, managed to secure the two points required to win their semi final clash by 6.5 - 5.5 overall.

Irvine now await the winners of the other semi final between Loudoun and Ballochmyle.

SCOTTISH SENIORS MATCHPLAY - 3 Ayrshire qualifiers at Newmacher

Ayrshire have three representatives in the 2009 Scottish Seniors Matchplay after the qualifying rounds were held at newmacher on Tuesday 25th August.

David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie), John Broadfoot (Turnberry) & Keith Howie (West Kilbride) all secured places in the matchplay stages.

Miller led the way amongst the locals, qualifying in fourth place on 153 (78/75).

Broadfoot (84/81) and Howie (80/85) both qualified on 165.

In the first round of the matchplay, which begins on Wednesday, David Miller plays Keith Hay (Westhill), Keith Howie plays Gordon McDonald (Callander) and John Broadfoot faces Iain Stewart (Curragh)

The matchplay continues on Thursday and Friday this week.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

WEST KILBRIDE LINKS TROPHY - Ayrshire club establish new open winter event

The details of the new West Kilbride Links Trophy event, being innaugurated this year at the Ayrshire venue are listed below. This is an open event and the entry form can be downloaded via the link on the left of this page.

This is a great opportunity to play competitive links golf throughout the winter and keep the swing from going rusty over the closed season.

THE WEST KILBRIDE GOLF CLUB
33-35 Fullerton Drive
Seamill
West Kilbride
KA23 9HT
golf@westkilbridegolfclub.com
01294 823 911

West Kilbride Links Trophy 2009 – 2010:
Winter Stableford Competition (Visiting Gents)

1. The Competition will be a Stableford Competition commencing on Monday 12th Oct 2009 and ending on Thursday 21st March 2010. The competition will be played over the West Kilbride Links with local rules applying.
2. Play will be from the Yellow tees and will not qualify for handicap purposes.
3. West Kilbride Golf Club reserves the right to pair competitors into tee times.
4. The Competition will be open to members of recognised Golf Clubs who have passed their 18th Birthday.
5. The competition is open to all handicaps but a maximum 18 strokes will apply to all rounds.
6. The Entry fee for the competition is £30 per competitor payable by cheque or cash (Cheques payable “The West Kilbride Golf Club”)
7. The entry form should be signed by your Club Secretary or Handicap Convenor.
8. A passport sized photo must be provided with entry forms.
9. Green Fees are £15 per round for both weekdays and weekends
10. To book a starting time telephone 01294 823 042 within 6 days of play.
11. The competitor with the lowest aggregate of their four best Stableford scores over the period, will hold the West Kilbride Links Trophy for one year. There will be no limit on the amount of times each competitor can play the links.
12. Prize vouchers will be awarded as follows: 1st - £125 2nd - £75 3rd - £50 4th - £25
13. Competitors must report to the Professional Shop before commencing each round and sign the Competition Book. At the end of each round the number of stableford points achieved must be recorded in the same book. The completed card signed by both the competitor and marker must be handed into the Professional Shop / Clubhouse at the end of each round. Scorecards submitted without a competitor number will not be processed.
14. There will be an extra one day competition held on Sunday 21st March 2010. The format and timings of the event will be available nearer the time of the competition. All competitors will be invited to enter the competition for an additional cost.

Monday, August 24, 2009

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - McDonald takes 2009 award


Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured right - is the winner of the 2009 Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit with a lead that cannot be surpassed, with only one counting event remaining.

A win at Ballochmyle and a share of first place at Kilmarnock (Barassie) has already secured 703.75 points for McDonald, over 300 points ahead of his nearest rival.

With only the rearranged Ardeer Boys Open to be played on 6th September, McDonald has ensured that 2009 will be a memorable year for him, winning the Order Of Merit alongside the Scottish Boys Open Strokeplay Championship earlier this season.

Vouchers will be awarded to the first three places in the Junior Order Of merit this season and there are still six players who could make a last ditch bid for a prize slot at the Ardeer Boys Open early next month.

Present leading positions, including all those who could still finish in the top three in the Junior Order Of Merit, are :-


703.75 - JACK McDONALD (Kilmarnock Barassie)

391.25 - SCOTT JOHNSTON (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

353.75 - CRAIG TELFER (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

347.50 - DAVID WILSON (Troon Welbeck)

300.00 - ANDREW WRIGHT (Kilmarnock Barassie)

267.50 - MARC SMITH (Troon Welbeck)

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Semi Finals under way

The semi final stages of the 2009 Ayrshire Junior Golf League competitions are underway, as teams bid for a place in the finals of the events in September.

In the Under 16 Knockout Trophy, Ardeer had a 3 - 1 home win over Largs Routenburn to book a place in the final against either Ballochmyle or Kilmarnock (Barassie).

In the League Championship, home advantage was telling in the first leg semi final matches.

Irvine Ravenspark, bidding for their first final appearance for many years, secured a 4 - 2 win in ther opening tie against defending League Champions Largs, whilst 2008 runners up West Kilbride took a step closer to a second successive final with a 4.5 - 1.5 win over Loudoun.

DOC THOM ORDER OF MERIT - Largs counting event cancelled

The Viking Krus, due to be played at Largs on Sunday 23rd August was cancelled due to the weather conditions during the week leading up to the event. No decision has yett been taken as to whether this seasons event will be rescheduled.

There are now only three remaining counting events to be completed this year. First is the Welbeck Links on 30th August, followed by the Largs & Millport Trophy at Largs Routenburn on 5th September and the order of merit closes with The Arroll Cup at Prestwick St. Nicholas on 19th September.

Present leading points totals are :-

312.50 - KEITH HAMILTON (Ayr Belleisle)
217.50 - CRAIG HAMILTON (Ballochmyle)
150.00 - JOHN SHANKS (Irvine), SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry)
125.00 - JOHN SLOAN (Doon Valley)
122.50 - STEPHEN MURRAY (Troon Welbeck)
100.00 - PAUL DENIM (Loudoun), RODDIE BLAIR (West Kilbride)
88.30 - JOE GILLIGAN (Troon Welbeck)
87.50 - RICKY BLACK (Irvine), DAVID TIERNEY (Ayr Belleisle)
80.00 - TOM GREEN (Ballochmyle)
77.50 - JOHN HAGGERTY (Loudoun)
53.30 - STEPHEN McBLAIN (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), DEL CHAMBERLAIN (Troon Welbeck)
50.00 - JOHN HOUSTON (Caprington), STEPHEN McEWAN (Caprington), EUAN BROWN (Kilmarnock Barassie)

SCOTTISH SENIORS OPEN - Drummond slips to joint 14th after final round 78

Prestwick's Ross Drummond, who led after the first round and was only two shots off the pace after round 2, slipped back to joint 14th after a closing round of 78 in the Scotttish Seniors Championship over the Torrance course at Fairmont, St. Andrews last week.

Glenn Ralph from England won the championship to record his maiden victory on the seniors circuit.

Leading scores were :-

208 - G Ralph (Eng) 71 67 70
209 - B Cameron (Eng) 69 68 72, L Carbonetti (Arg) 69 69 71
211 - P Senior (Aus) 70 70 71
212 - C Mason (Eng) 71 68 73, R Chapman (Eng) 71 69 72
213 - G Brand Jnr (Sco) 71 69 73
214 - T Johnstone (Zim) 71 70 73, B Longmuir (Sco) 72 73 69
216 - S Bennett (Eng) 74 72 70, A Murray (Eng) 72 72 72, T Giedeon (Ger) 73 71 72, A Franco (Par) 73 75 68
217 - P Mitchell (Eng) 73 71 73, R Drummond (Sco) 69 70 78, G Cali (Ita) 74 71 72, I Woosnam (Wal) 71 72 74
218 - M Williams (Zim) 76 76 66, D Smyth (Irl) 72 76 70, B Boyd (USA) 71 78 69, E Darcy (Irl) 74 75 69, J Rivero (Esp) 73 73 72
219 - C Williams (RSA) 74 74 71, S Owen (Nzl) 73 70 76,

Sunday, August 23, 2009

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Maybole back in final


The Maybole pairing of Scott McCahill & David Wallace - pictured right -, who were beaten in the final of the Ayrshire Fourball Championship in 2007, are back in the final of the competition this year after beating Dougie McKinnon & Kevin Ottley (Ayr Belleisle) by one hole in their semi final match at Maybole this week.

The maybole pair now await the winners of the semi final tie between Kenneth Hankinson & Gibby Lamont (Troon Welbeck) and Gary Jordan & Douglas Anderson (Annanhill).

WEST OF SCOTLAND UNDER 18 LEAGUE - Ayrshire draw with Renfrewshire

Ayrshire and Renfrewshire fought out a 4 - 4 draw in their latest West Of Scotland inter county league match at Eastwood on Sunday 23rd August.

Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck) secured the draw for Ayrshire in the final match on the course, coming from 2 down with 5 to play to win by 2 & 1.

Match Results (Ayrshire names first) :-

Scott Johnston (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) beat Alastair McDougall (Elderslie) by 3 & 2
Charlie MacNeal (Troon Welbeck) lost to Andrew Cunningham (Ranfurly Castle) by 5 & 4
Gregor Mackintosh (Girvan) lost to J. Bogle (Ranfurly Castle) by 2 & 1
Ross Drain (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Stewart Watt (Old Ranfurly) by 1 hole
Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) beat Michael McClelland (Greenock) by 6 & 5
Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) beat Calum Gallagher (Greenock) by 5 & 4
Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck) beat Alex Ferguson (Paisley) by 2 & 1
Fraser Kerr (Kilmanrock Barassie) lost to Lewis Cullen (Eastwood) by 3 & 2


RENFREWSHIRE 4 AYRSHIRE 4
Any faint chance of Renfrewshire Golf Union winning this year’s West of Scotland Inter Counties Boys League disappeared at a wet and windy Eastwood where the Ayrshire boys were the visitors.In the first game, Elderslie’s Alastair McDougall (14) had to face Scott Johnston who had just won his club’s senior championship at age 15 and lost 3 and 2.Then Andrew Cunningham from Ranfurly Castle evened the score with a comfortable 5 and 4 victory.His clubmate, Josh Bogle then gave hope for a team victory winning 3 and 2 and the last of the Under-16s, Stewart Watt from Ranfurly Castle, had a fine one-hole victory over Ross Drain who had felt confident at the turn when he was five up. A miraculous turn around for Stewart.In the 16 to 18 years games, neither Michael McLellan or Calum Gallacher could cope with their opposition and this left the match victory in the hands of Alex Ferguson (Paisley) and local boy, Lewis Cullen.With home course advantage, Lewis was always in control and his 3 and 2 victory over Fraser Kerr meant that Renfrewshire could not lose the tie. However, full points were needed and a late surge by Ayrshire’s Sam Findlater saw a one hole lead held by Alex turn into a 2 and 1 loss. The points were shared and Renfrewshire will have to wait until next year.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - McDonald leads the way


With only one event to play, the Ardeer Boys Open, and the results of the events at Ballochmyle, Belleisle and Kilmarnock (Barassie) still to be recorded, Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) leads the way in the 2009 Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit.

Despite being restricted in the number of events he was available for due to international committments, McDonald, the reigning Scottish Boys Strokeplay Champion added first places at Annanhill early in the season and Irvine Ravenspark last week to his national success to give him a 200 point lead over his nearest rival, Scott Johnston (Prestwick St. Cuthbert).

Prizes will be awared to the leading players at the Ayrshire Junior Golf League annual dinner at the end of the season.

Present leading totals are :-

487.50 - Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie)
287.50 - Scott Johnston (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
271.25 - Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
267.50 - Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck)
251.25 - Euan walker (Kilmarnock Barassie)
247.50 - David Wilson (Troon Welbeck)
222.50 - Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie)
197.50 - Cameron McLean (West Kilbride)
180.00 - Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck)
162.50 - Declan Flood (Caprington)
150.00 - Colin Robinson (Largs)
127.50 - Chris Butler (Irvine Ravenspark)
122.50 - Ben Gibson (Troon Welbeck)
115.00 - John Robertson (Largs)
92.50 - Graham Ritchie (Troon Welbeck), Jared Williams (Kilmacolm / Troon St. Meddans)

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY - Title for Wilson as final goes into overtime




David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right - captured the 2009 Ayrshire Boys Matchplay title at Prestwick Golf Club on Saturday 14th August with a victory at the first extra hole over Jared Williams (Kilmacolm / Troon St. Meddans).

In winning the title, Wilson became the youngest winner of the trophy, aged 14years and 9 months.

In a well matches final, Jared Williams, who lost out in the Renfrwshire Boys matchplay final earlier in the season, took an early lead after David Wilson hit an uncharacteristically poor second to the opening hole whilst Williams secured a regulatin par four.

The match was squared again when Williams found a bunker from the tee at the second and failed to extracate the ball at the first attempt, whilst Wilson, who was 25 feet away in one, recorded an easy par to square the match.

After Wilson found a bunker from the tee at the third, Williams took full advantage, a 3 foot putt for a birdie four restoring his lead.

Again the match was squared at the following hole, and again a bunkered tee shot proved decisive with Williams finding the James Braid inspired bunker at the edge of the Pow Burn and requiring to take a drop from casual water within the bunker. The drop was not ideal, plugging and restricting his stance, and whilst he struggled on the hole, Wilson played a fine approach to 18 feet to set up a winning par four.

Both players found the green over the Hymalayas at the fifth, and it was Wilson who took the hole and the lead for the first time with a fine 10 foot birdie putt.

Having covered almost a third of the round without sharing a hole, the players finally halved at the sixth with Wilson executing a superb up and down recovery from the left of the green to match Williams' par four.

At the seventh both players negotiated the hole in perfect fashion, Wiloson finishing 12 feet from the hole in two whilst Williams, who was consistently longer from the tee throughout the match, following him in to finish just three feet from the hole. On the notoriously tricky green however, both players birdie putts lipped out and the hole was halved in par.

At the eighth hole a lost ball from the tee cost Wilson a double bogey six, and the match was squared once more.

In one of the telling moments of the match, at the ninth, Wilson got up and down from short of the green, holing a difficult 12 foot putt for a par four whilst Williams, who had safely reached the green in two, took thre putts from around 35 feet to lose the hole and turn for home one down.

Williams had the opportunity to square the match at the 10th but his 6 foot putt for par hit the edge of the hole and stayed out, leaving Wilson still one ahead.

The lead only lasted until the 11th when Williams only required two putts from 15feet for a winning par three after Wilson had missed the green on the left from the tee and came up short of the green with his chip.

Williams looked favourite all the way at the par five 12th as Wilson found two bunker on his way to finding the putting surface in 5 shots. Williams by contrast was on in three but, similar to the events at the ninth, Wilson holed a good 10 foot putt for a six whilst Williams contrived to take three putts from the left side of the green which allowed his opponent to escape with an unlikely half.

The slip was compounded at the 13th when Williams found 'Willie campbells Grave' from the tee and could only play out of the fiendish bunker leaving him with a long third to the green. Whilst Wilson reached the lower apron of the green in two, Williams came up just short of the putting surface in three. Wilson showed great skill with the putter to leave his long uphill putt from the fringe close enough to the hole to ellicit a conceded par four from his opponent, and Williams was extremely unfortunate to see his attemt for a half from off the green turn away at the holeside and finish only inches away, giving Wilson a one hole leadonce more.

At the fourteenth Williams was unfortunate to see his extremely long drive reach the cross bunkers in front of the green and whilst he played out and chipped on to the green to a few feet in three, it was not enough as Wilson holed a decisive 30 foot putt for a birdie three to take a two hole lead for the first time in the match.

Buoyed by his run of winning holes, Wilson's approach to the difficult 15th green pulled up just 4 feet from the hole whilst Williams' effort was unlucky to pull up short of the green, leaving him an extremely difficult task to two putt for par. Despite the challenge, williams holed a brave second putt from 5 feet for par and was boosted when wilson's effort for a winn ing birdie three just missed the hole on the left, leaving Williams still two holes behind, with three to play.

Wilson's tee shot at the 16th was in good position on the left whilst Williams, whose driving length meant the green was well in range, was unlucky to see his tee shot catch the edge of the cardinal bunker after a kick to the right en route to the green. A slightly stroong approach from wilson saw his ball run just through the green whilst Williams played a good chip from a difficult stance on the grass bank within "the Cardinal" to 15 feet beyond the pin. Wilson's effort from off the green ran past the hole a couple of feet and williams took the opportunity with both hands, holing bravely for a winning birdie three to reduce the defecit to one hole.

At the 17th, both players negotiated "The Alps" in two, Wilson just missing the gren on the left whist Williams finished 12 feet from the hole. Wilson's birdie effort ran 4 feet past and after Williams' birdie putt also stayd above ground, wilson missed his par putt, leaving williams to hole from three feet for a winning par to square the match once again.

At the 18th, Williams cut his tee shot slightly right and found rough whilst Wilson played a perfect shot which came up just five yards short of the green in the centr of the fairway. As wilson had done earlier in the match however, it was Williams' turn to show his recovery skills, lofting a delicate chip onto the green which came to rest just 3 feet from the hole. wilson's approach finished just inside Williams' ball and both players holed their putts for birdies, leaving the match all square and going on to extra holes.

The quality of the play from both players in a difficult south west wind was bourne out by the statistics, both players going round the course in 75 strokes on the night, having already negotiated semi final matches earlier in the day.

The first hole at Prestwick has provided many tales of drama and tragedy over the years and this final provided yet another chapter in the tale when Williams teed off first and saw his iron shot drift in the cross wind and drop over the boundary wall into the railway. Wilson was visibly relieved when his own effort with an iron from the tee safely found the fairway. Wilson looked equally relieved when his approach came up safe, but short of the green, but his opponent was not giving up without a fight and Williams' approach, his fourth shot, finished 18 feet from the hole. From the front of the green, Wilson putted up to three feet, but despite a good putt, Williams' effort for a five remained above ground and prompted a concession of the hole and title to the new champion.



At the conclusion of the match, Prestwick Golf Club Secretary Ian Bunch presented vouchers to both finalists - pictured above - and passed over the Ayrshire Boys matchplay trophy and commemorative medal into the custody of the 2009 winner, David Wilson

Saturday, August 15, 2009

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY - Wilson Vs. Williams in final

The final of the 2009 Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship on Saturday evening at Prestwick Golf Club will be between David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) and Jared Williams (Kilmacolm / Troon St. Meddans).

In the semi finals, postponed on friday night and played on Saturday morning, David Wilson had a on hole victory over Cameron McLean (West Kilbride) whilst Jared Williams defeated Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) by 3 & 2.

The final tees off at 4.00 p.m. amd spectators are welcome.

Friday, August 14, 2009

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - McInally Centenary joy for Loudoun



Tommy McInally wrote his own entry in the Loudoun Gowf Club Centenary records when he captured the Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy, for the fourth time, at a wet and windy Royal Troon on Friday 14th August.
A member of the Loudoun club sincehis earliest junior days, Mcinally had previously won the Champion Of Champions title in 2003, 2004 & 2005 before facing his 2009 final opponent, former Ayrshire Boys Champion Neil McCormack (New Cumnock) - pictured right with McInally.


With a good number of hardy souls from both clubs supporting thir players, the match got under way in driving rain and wind.

A good regulation par four at the first gave Mcinally an early lead, but three putts on both the second and third greens by the former champion allowed McCormack to square the match with a par at the third.

The fourth was halved in pars before McInally restored his one hole advantage with a par three at the fifth.

The match was squared again at the long sixth after Mcinally found rough fron the tee and could only play out well short in two. McCormack played the hole well but both players had trouble on the greens and three putts from both players saw McCormack win the hole and square the match.

Despite his early putting problems, Mcinally atoned at the seventh with a fine birdie putt from 15 feet to go one ahead.

In something of a turning point at the short eighth, The Postage Stamp, both players missed the green on the right but it was McInally, with a fine 10 foot putt, who secured his par and extended his lead to two holes.

The lead was further increased as the players turned from home when McCormack missed the ninth green on the left and McInally two putted for a regulation par four to win the hole and turn for home three holes ahead.

As the rain, which had stopped a few holes earlier to give the players and spectators a little respite, returned, both players struggled with the conditions and a run of holes were conceded without being completed.

McInally lost a ball from the 10th tee, the subsequent concession reducing his lead to two holes, but his advantage was restored at the 11th when McCormack conceded after his third shot drifted over the railway wall and out of bounds.

A hooked tee shot, lost in gorse, at the 12th extracted another concession from McCormack to give Mcinally a four hole lead after 12.

At the 13th, McCormack again found heavy rough and a subsequent lost ball led to a triple bogey 7 as opposed to McInally's regulation four, and the match was dormie 5.

At the short 14th, McCormack missed the green on the left whilst Mcinally found the putting surface from the tee.

A superb chip and a putt gave McCormack an excellent par three but McInally laid his approach putt two feet from the hole and subsequently holed the next shot for a three and a 5 & 4 victory.

At the conclusion of the final, Royal Troon Captain Ken Arthur presented prizes to both the finalists and the trophy to the 2009 winner, Tommy McInally.

COLLEGE SPORT USA - Dean Robertson appeals for candidates

The under noted E- Mail has been received from Former European Tour Pro, Dean Robertson :-


"Since my career change in direction from playing on the European Tour to moving into Golf development and Performance Coaching, my vision and drive is to play a leading role in having Scotland re-emerge at the forefront of World Golf.

As a Nation, we have only boasted a single player in the top 150 of the World Rankings for quite some time. We have recently achieved outstanding success at senior amateur level with winning performances in both the Eisenhower Trophy and the European Championships. This however has not translated into the professional ranks.

I am one of many in an initiative to make gains where required in order to make the vision a reality. Talks in many areas are already underway and positive.

I am a great believer that learning is experience and that is what I bring in abundance to the game at all levels.

Experience gained representing Scotland and GB+I was a huge springboard to my success as a Tour Professional and I firmly attribute much of my development to a successful Golf Scholarship within the United States Collegiate Golf Programme.

I recently returned from Cherry Hills CC, Denver, CO where I was head coach to the victorious European Palmer Cup Team against the USA. Mr Arnold Palmer was in attendance for the entire week and the level of play from both teams impressed and highlighted to me the importance that further education in such a programme will play in future development of talented individuals and the game at large. All the participating ‘golfing athletes’ were based around top Universities throughout the US and I had the pleasure of making contact with many of their coaches.

The overriding success factor that such programmes provide is Belief! In Scotland however, we are world champions at telling people what they are doing wrong. In the modern game today, the difference in talent amongst the Worlds top players is miniscule. The difference in Self Belief is huge.

I currently head up the coaching and development for the SJGT (Scottish Junior Golf Tour) and i am working closely with the Swedish Golf Federation and the English Golf Union too. Strides are being made for my coaching skills to be utilised closer to home and as my coaching experience, knowledge and reputation grows it is something I will welcome. There is no Scot more proud to have represented his country than I.

All this bring me round to the main purpose of my e-mail to you. Continuing on from the junior development, I have recently been appointed Golf Development Manager at College Sport USA. We aim to assist talented individuals in fulfilling their golfing and academic potential and welcome the opportunity to present to each player and their family what our comprehensive programme can deliver.

In order to do so I would be extremely grateful if you might assist me in contacting all potential player candidates within your county".




Anyone intersted ? - Dean can be contacted at


info@collegesportusa.com


Kind regards

Dean Robertson

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY - semi finals postponed

The semi final matches in the 2009 Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship, scheduled to be contested at Prestwick Golf Club on Friday evening were postponed due to the wet and windy weather conditions.

The semi finals will now be played at 11.00 a.m. on Saturday 15th August with the final scheduled to tee off at 4.00 p.m. the same day.

Spectators are welcome at both the semi finals and final matches.

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY - First round results

The first round of the 2009 Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship was completed on Thursday evening at Prestwick Golf Club.

Cameron McLean (West KIlbride) and Sean Thorburn (Ayr Belleisle) had a titanic battle in the first match out, with McLean eventually winning through at the 21st hole.

McLean now meets David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) in the semi finals on Friday night after Wilson had a one hole victory over Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie).

Jared Williams (Kilmacolm), who is also a member of Troon St. Meddans, cruised into the last four with a 5 & 4 win over Alasdair McDougall (West Kilbride) and now plays Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) who claimed the semi final place with a 2 & 1 win over Chris Butler (Irvine Ravenspark).

The semi final matches take place at Prestwick Golf Club on Friday evening with the final scheduled to be played on saturday at 4.00 p.m..

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

BRITISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire's representative beaten in round 2

Ayrshire's only representative in the 2009 British Boys Championship at Royal St. georges this week, Colin Robinson (Largs) lost out on Tuesday in the second round when he was beaten at the 20th hole by Edouard Amacher from Switzerland.

Monday, August 10, 2009

BRITISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Robinson through first round




Newly crowned Ayrshire Boys Champion Colin Robinson (Largs), - pictured right - Ayrshire's only representative in this weeks British Boys Championship being played at Royal St. Georges, is through to the second round after a 4 & 2 win over Jordan Smith (Bowood) in the first round on Monday.

Sunday, August 09, 2009

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Semi final line up decided

The four teams in the semi final of the 2009 Ayrshire Summer League are Ballochmyle, Loudoun, Irvine & Troon Welbeck.

In LEAGUE 3, Irvine booked their semi final place with a 5 - 1 defeat of Kilbirnie Place at Irvine.

Troon Welbeck came through the play off with Beith for a semi final place, following their 4.5 - 1.5 away win with a 6 - 0 home win to secure the spot.

The draw for the semi finals is :-
BALLOCHMYLE Vs. LOUDOUN
IRVINE Vs. TROON WELBECK

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Semi final draw

The 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship is down to the last four, after the last outstanding quarter final was completed on Friday.

In the match, Scott McCahill & David Wallace (Maybole) defeated their visitors, Joe Howie & John McMillan (Ardeer) at the first extra hole.

The other quarter final in the lower half of the draw also saw a win at the 19th hole when Douglas Mckinnon & Kevin Ottley (Ayr Belleisle) beat John Byrne & Colin Greenham (West Kilbride)

The full semi final draw reads :-

Kenneth Hankinson and Gibby Lamont (Ballochmyle) play Gary Jordan & Douglas Anderson (Ardeer)
whilst
Scott McChahill and David Wallace (Maybole) face Douglas McKinnon & Kevin Ottley for a place in the final.

Semi final ties are due for completion by 6th September

DUNDONALD LINKS - As many holes as you can play in a day for £50

Beat the young champions to Dundonald’s first tee!

The cream of world junior golf will be coming to Ayrshire next month when Dundonald Links hosts the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy.
The national junior boy and girl champions from more than 40 countries will tee it up over four days of competition, starting September 8.

And to celebrate the event, Dundonald is inviting local players to test their own skills over the prestigious links course.

For just £50 golfers can play as many holes as they can fit in to a day.
Dundonald’s director of golf, Guy Redford said:
“Dundonald Links is proud to have hosted the Duke of York tournament over the past few years and we are looking forward to another successful competition. These youngsters are the rising stars of the game and several will become household names on the amateur and professional circuits in years to come".

“We are also gearing up to host the European Tour Stage 1 Qualifying the following week, when professionals from all over Europe will compete in the first stage of the race to win their European Tour cards. Dundonald Links is the only Scottish course to have hosted one of these qualifying events and we regard that as positive proof of our status within the world of golf".
“From now until the start of the first event, we are inviting local golfers to come and play as many holes as they can fit into the day, for just £50. The invitation also includes a lunchtime soup and sandwiches".

For details of the invitation and to book a superb day’s golf at Dundonald, telephone 01294 314006.

Saturday, August 08, 2009

WEST KILBRIDE GIRLS OPEN - Results

The West Kilbride girls open competition was completed this week. A good field was attracted to West Kilbride despite the rival attraction of the St Andrews Girls Golf Week. The organisers are confident that the event will build from here.

Worthy scratch winner was Emma Hale (Bentinck Ladies) who edged out Katie McCracken (Powfoot) on the better last six holes. Home favourite Mhairi McKay finished third, three shots adrift. Emma won the Nancy Chisholm trophy. Emma capped a good week having already won the Lehman trophy over Lochgreen on Tuesday.

Top handicap prize was won by the youngest and smallest player, Mirren Fraser of Powfoot. The ten year old compiled a suberb 97 less 30 for a net 67 and a two shot advantage over Beth Donohue from Stirling. Mirren has custody of the Kandy Bar Cup and is one to watch for the future.

In the pre handicap section, played in a "Wee Wonders" Format, home member Lindsay Montgomery took the June Kerr trophy, managing all the way to the 9th green to edge out fellow West Kilbride girl Nicola Turner

The photo below shows competitors with Nancy Chisholm MBE.


The West Kilbride Golf Club Girls Open
Leading Scores 2009



Best Scratch (Nancy Chisholm Trophy)
Emma Hale
Troon Bentick Ladies

Best Net: Kandy Bar Cup
Mirren Fraser
Powfoot

Best Pre handicap: June Kerr Trophy
Lindsay Montgomery
West Kilbride

Lindsay Montgomery, Mirren Fraser & Emma Hale

Pre handicap Up to 12
1, Helen Montgomery
West Kilbride
2 Hayleigh Campbell
Louden
3 Emma Paterson
Louden

Pre Handicap over 12
1. Lindsay Montgomery
West Kilbride

2. Nicola Turner
West Kilbride
3. Sarah Davies
West Kilbride

Bronze
1. Mirren Fraser
Powfoot
2. Beth Donohue
Stirling
3. Kirsty McGuckin
Bonnybridge

Silver
1. Rachel Irvine
Largs
2. Nicola Robertson
Dunblane
3. Rachel Howie
West Kilbride

Scratch
1. Emma Hale
Troon Bentinck Ladies
2. Katie McCracken
Powfoot
3. Mnairi McKay
West Kilbride

Nearest the Pin

Katie McCracken - Powfoot

Friday, August 07, 2009

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY - McInally and McCormack meet in final

The final of the 2009 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy competition will be between Tommy McInally (Loudoun) and Neil McCormack (New Cumnock) after the semi finals were completed at Royal Troon on Friday evening.

In the first semi final, McInally faced Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert). In the early stages, the match was close with McInally forging a two hole lead at the turn. Fergusson reduced the defecit to one but a three putt at the 13th by Fergusson let McInally restore his two hole advantage, which was further extended at the 14th to 3 holes. Fergusson rallied but holes simply ran out and two putts on the 16th green were sugfficient for Mcinally to hal;f the hole and claim a 3 & 2 win.

The other semi final saw McCormack against Andrew Carroll (Drongan). McCormack had the best of the start, going two ahead after four holes. Carroll fought back however and when he won the 10th he held a one hole lead over McCormack.

McCormack quickly squared the match again before going one hole clear as the players reached the 16th. A halved hole at 16 was followed by an opportunity for Carroll at 17 where McCormack missed the green short on the left from the tee whilst Carroll was around 15 feed from the hole in one. McCormack played an excellent recovery shot to the green to three feet and when Carroll narrowly missed his birdie putt, McCormack holed his putt for an excellent three to maintain his one hole advantage to the last.

At the final hole, McCormack drove well whilst Carroll found rough from the tee. As Carroll struggled on the final hole, a good approach to the frond of the green was sufficient for McCormack to elicit a concession from his opponent and record a two hole victory.

The final takes place at Royal Troon next Friday, 14th August with a 5.00 p.m. tee off.

Spectators are welcome to attend and support the finalists at the match.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Kilbirnie withdrawal robs St. Cuthbert of semi final place

The 2009 Ayrshire Junior Golf League competitions have reached the semi final stages.

In the LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP, Largs edged out Troon Welbeck in Section A and now face Irvine Ravenspark, winners of Section B, in the semi final.

Section C winners West Kilbride were srawn to face the winners of Section D, with Loudoun progressing to the semi final from that section in controversial circumstances.

With matches remaining to be played against Loudoun at home and away, due to an earlier postponement of one of the matches, Kilbirnie advised their intention not to complete their fixtures due to lack of players. Under the rules of The League all Kilbirnies results were declared void, leaving St. Cuthbert, who had completed all their fixtures which included wins both home and away against Kilbirnie effectively penalised by eight points.

A suggestion of a play off between Loudoun and St. Cuthbert for the semi final place, which was the resolution agreed by two involved clubs in similar circumstances a few seasons previously, was not acceptable to the Loudoun representative to The League and consequently The League had no option to put Loudoun through to the semi final at the expense of Prestwick St. Cuthbert.

Semi final ties are to be played on a home and away basis over the next few weeks.

In the semi finals of the CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS competition, David McLellan (Largs) faces a home tie against the 2008 Ayrshire Boys Champion Scott Brown (Turnberry) whilst Chris Butler (Irvine Ravenspark) s at home to Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle) in the second semi final.

In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT competition, Ardeer and Largs Routneburn meet in the first semi final at Ardeer whilst Kilmarnock (Barassie) play host to Ballochmyle in the other match.

AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Draw for 2009 event

The 2009 Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship will be held at Prestwick Golf Club from 13th to 15th August.

Contested by the best 8 players in the Ayrshire Boys Championship which took place at Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club on Thursday, the cut for the Matchplay event this year fell at 152.

The new Ayrshire Boys Champion Colin Robinson (Largs) is unavailable for the matchplay as he is playing in the British Boys Championship next week.


The first round draw for the Matchplay, to be played on Thursday 13th August is :-


1630 - Cameron Mclean (West Kilbride) Vs. Sean Thorburn (Ayr Belleisle)

1640 - David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) Vs. Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie)

1650 - Alasdair McDougall (West Kilbride) Vs. Jared Williams (Kilmacolm)

1700 - Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Chris Butler (Irvine Ravenspark)

AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Robinson takes 2009 title

Colin Robinson (Largs) - pictured right - is the 2009 Ayrshire Boys Champion after a two stroke victory in the championship held at Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club on Thursday 6th August. The championship attracted a capacity field of some of the best young players in the county.

One handicapper Robinson, who won the West Of Scotland Boys Strokeplay title earlier in the season, opened with a two over par round of 73 which left him two off the halfway lead, held by clubmate Josh Nordbo, but in the afternoon Robinson improved by two shots to return a level par 71 and a two round total of 144.

Cameron McLean (West Kilbride), with a best of the day round of 70 in the afternoon, came closest to Robinson, finishing on 146.

Third place went to host club member Chris Butler with rounds of 74 & 73 for a 147 total.

The best nett return of the day was recorded by local member Liam Gourlay, the 9 handicapper returning 67 & 69 for a 6 under par total of 136.

Leading scores :-

Scratch
144 - Colin Robinson (Largs) - 73/71
146 - cameron McLean (West Kilbride) - 76/70
147 - Chris Butler (Irvine Ravenspark) - 74/73
148 - Jared Williams (Kilmacolm) - 76/72
148 - David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) - 74/74

Nett
136 - Liam Gourlay (Irvine Ravenspark) (9) 67/69
138 - Brad Cathie (Irvine Ravenspark) (10) 69/69
139 - Greg Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) (11) 71/68

Prizes were presented to the succesful competitors - pictured below - at the conclusion of the championship by Ayrshire Golf Association President Alasdair Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas).

Colin Robinson now travels south to take part in the British Boys Championship at Royal St. Georges next week.

HOME INTERNATIONALS - Two Ayrshire players in Scotland side

Steven McEwan (Caprington) and Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) have been named in the 11 strong Scotland team who will contest the 2009 Home Internationals at Hillside Golf Course in Southport, ngladn from 26th to 28th August.