ARGENTINA MENS AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart loses in extra time in second round

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) lost out in his last 32 clash in round 2 of the Argentina Mens Amateur Golf Championship in Buenos Aires.

After defeating Scottish Champion david Law in round one, Stewart was edged out at the 19th hole in his second round tie against Ryan McCarthy (Australia)

Ross Kellett (Colville park) is the sole Scottish representative in the last 16 after James Byrne (Banchory) also lost in round 2.

LADIES GREENLEES LEAGUES - winners honoured at Troon

The 2009 Greenlees lunch was held on Tuesday 27th October at the Troon Ladies clubhouse where the winner from the three leagues for the 2009 season were honoured.

Greenlees Secretary Fiona Roger thanked Troon Ladies captain Frances Henderson and Greenlees representative Rosemary Donaldson for hosting and co-ordinating the lunch, which was attended by representatives of the 28 clubs who contest the three divisions of the league.

appreciation was also extended to the club and catering staff and also to Carol Fell who worked tirelessly throughout the season to collate and publicise the activities of the Greenlees League.

The Greenlees Champions for 2009 were Milngavie Golf Club and Cathkin Braes were runners up, whilst Hilton park and Prestwick St. Nicholas were relegated to Division 2.

Final placings in Division 1 were :-

44.5 - Milngavie
44.0 - Cathkin Braes
41.5 - Troon Ladies
40.0 - Kilmarnock Barassie
38.0 - Ranfurly Castle
32.5 - Kilmacolm
30.5 - West Kilbride
26.5 - Hilton Park
26.5 - Prestwick St. Nicholas

In Division 2 the winners were Douglas park, who will be promoted to Division 1 alongside the runners up Cardross. Old Ranfurly were relegated from Division 2 along with recent former Greenlees Champions Cochrane Castle who struggled throughout the season to fulfill their fixtures.

Final placings in Division 2 were :-

40.0 - Douglas Park
36.5 - Cardross
35.5 - Whitecraigs
32.5 - Williamwood
30.0 - Bothwell Castle
27.5 - Erskine
25.5 - Eastwood
24.5 - Old Ranfurly
0.0 - Cochrane Castle

The Division 3 champions were Haggs Castle who are now promoted to Division 2 along with runners up Lanark. Ayrshire club Turnberry finished in bottom position in Division 3 and have intimated that they will not be competing in the championship in 2010, although all involved hope that Turnberry's absence will be a short one.

Final placings in Division 3 were : -

57.5 - Haggs Castle
49.5 - Lanark
47.0 - Largs
45.0 - East Renfrewshire
44.0 - Greenock
36.5 - Cawder
36.0 - Cowglen
34.0 - Lenzie
33.0 - Cathcart Castle
20.5 - Turnberry

US TOUR QUALIFYING - Robert McKnight struggling in stage 2 eliminator

Former Caprington & Kilmarnock (Barassie) member Robert McKnight, wh relocated to Weston, Florida in the USA a couple of years ago, looks certain to fail in his bid to secure a place in the final qualifying stage of the US tour qualifying school from this weeks Stage 2 eliminator at Deerwood Golf Club, Texas.

McKnight, who was a winner on the Hooters tour earlier in the year, was lying joint 43rd after round 1, following a one over par 73 but in round 2 McKnight slumped to an 8 over par 80 for a two round total of 153. This leaves Mcknight in 72nd place of the 75 competitors, a full 18 shots behind the leader

ARGENTINA MENS AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Stewart ousts Scottish champion in round 1

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) who is in his second year of studies at East Tennessee State University, enjoyed a notable victory in the first round of the Argentina Mens Open Amateur Gof Championship at Buenos Aires Golf Club when he ousted Scottish Boys and Amateur Champion David Law (Hazelhead) by one hole in an all Scottish first round tie.

All four Scots in the field qualified for the matchplay stages of the event, led by Ross Kellett (Colville Park) in joint 3rd (138) with Stewart in 11th place on 143, James Byrne (Banchory) in 20th place (144) and Law in 54th place on 151.

Stewart's victory sees him into the last 32 where he will face Ryan McCarthy (Australia).

Kellett and Byrne also won their first round matches and now face Toni Hakula (Finland) and Sean Einhaus (Germany) respectively in round 2.

DOC THOM AYRSHIRE ORDER OF MERIT - Keith Hamilton takes 2009 title

Keith Hamilton of Ayr Belleisle is the 2009 winner of the Doc Thom Salver and the Ayrshire Order Of merit title.

Hamilton amassed 312.5 points throughout the counting competitions over the season, both locallly and at national level, leaving him 95 points clear of his nearest rival, Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle).

The Doc Thom Salver will be presented at the Ayrshire Golf Association Annual Dinner at Irvine Ravenspark in February 2010.

Final placings in the 2009 Ayrshire Order Of Merit were :-

312.5 - Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle)
217.5 - Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle)
203.3 - Stephen Spence (Irvine)
180.8 - Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck)
177.5 - Scott Brown (Turnberry)
150.0 - John Shanks (Irvine), George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark)
125.0 - John Sloan (Doon Valley)
112.5 - Tommy McInally (Loudoun)
107.5 - Michael Smyth (Royal Troon)
100.0 - Paul Denim (Loudoun), Roddie Blair (West Kilbride)
88.3 - Joe Gilligan (Troon Welbeck)
87.5 - Ricky Black (Irvine), David Tierney (Ayr Belleisle)
80.0 - Tom Green (Ballochmyle)
77.5 - John Haggerty (Loudoun)
62.5 - Gary Tierney (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
58.3 - Sam Findlater (Troon Welbeck)
53.3 - Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck)
50.0 - Steven McEwan (Caprington), John Houston (Caprington),
Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie)
45.0 - Douglas Gillespie (Ardeer), James Russell (Ardeer), Tom Cumming (Ardeer),
Robin McCaig (Ardeer)
42.5 - Gary Swan (Ayr Belleisle)
35.0 - Graham Rowan (Ballochmyle), Fraser McCall (Troon Portland),
Brian Murray (Loudoun), Kevin Brock (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
27.5 - Chris harkins (Ayr Belleisle)
20.0 - Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland), John McCaig (Ayr Seafield)
15.0 - Billy Campbell (Loudoun), Scott Gilchrist (Loudoun), G. Wlson (Loudoun)
Billy Wilson (Ballochmyle), Andrew Campbell (Ballochmyle)
10.0 - Kevin Ottley (Ballochmyle), Billy Hunter (Troon Welbeck)
7.5 - Paul Robinson (Largs), Drew Robertson (Ardeer), Jim Shearer (West Kilbride)
5.0 - Paul Kennedy (Loudoun), Matt McNeillie (Ayr Seafield),
Francis McNeillie (Ayr Seafield), William Andrew (Ballochmyle)
3.3 - Craig McLaughlin (Largs), Gareth Lamb (Irvine).

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Berry named as Junior Golfer Of the Year at Annual Dinner

Alasdair Berry (Irvine Ravenspark) was named as the 2009 winner of the Macrobert Thistle Trophy and the title of Ayrshire Junior Golfer Of The Year at the 41st Annual Dinner & Presentation Of Trophies of The Ayrshire Junior Golf League, held at Irvine Ravenspark on Monday 9th November.





Above - David Reynolds with Alasdair Berry & above right - with runner up Jack McDonald

Berry, who has been a member of the Ravenspark junior club for a number of years and presently plays off a handicap of 7, won the category 1 nett trophy at the innaugural Disabled Open Golf Championship earlier this year.

Members of the Ravenspark club who were in attendance were visibly moved when the winner was announced by David Reynolds of Fields In Trust (Formerly The National Playing Fields Association).

Runner up in the Junior Golfer Of The Year award was Scottish Boys Strokeplay Champion Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie).

A capacity audience of junior golfers, convenors & invited guests were in attendance at the dinner, chaired by League Chairman Iain Mackay (West Kilbride), which brought the curtain down on the 2009 Ayrshire Junior Golf League season.




Left - Joseph Howie accepts the A.D. Nimmo Trophy for Ardeer

Right - Wallace Thornton Trophy winners Troon Welbeck





Left - Joseph Howie with the Carrick Trophy


Right - Prestwick Circuits Trophy winner David Wilson








Left - Ayrshire Boys Matchplay winner David Wilson

Right - Ayrshire Boys Champion Colin Robinson

Junior Order Of Merit winner Jack McDonald

After an excellent meal and a prize draw raffle, the presentation of prizes commenced with the Junior Golfer Of the Year announcement by David Reynolds.

Ayrshire Golf Association SGU representative, and AJGL Honorary Member, Iain Harvey presented the remaining prizes to the winning individuals and teams for the 2009 season before the evening was drawn to a conclusion with a vote of thanks by AJGL Vice Chairman John Nordbo (Largs).

Above Left - Wallace Thornton trophy runners up Irvine Ravenspark & Right - Wallace Thornton Trophy winners Troon Welbeck

Above Left - Joseph Howie representing Under 16 Knockout Trophy runners up Ardeer & Right - Under 16 Knockout Trophy winners Kilmarnock (Barassie)







Right - Champion Of Champions Trophy winner Scott Brown (Turnberry)



















Above - League Championship semi finalists
Irvine Ravenspark & Below Left - League Championship runners up Largs

Below right - League Champions West Kilbride

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE

PRINCIPAL PRIZEWINNERS 2009

Macrobert Thistle Junior Golfer Of The Year Trophy - ALASDAIR BERRY (Irvine Ravenspark)

Matt Lygate Trophy - TROON WELBECK

Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy - ARDEER

Prestwick Circuits Trophy - DAVID WILSON (Troon Welbeck)

Carrick Trophy - JOSEPH HOWIE (Ardeer)

Silver Jubilee Trophy - ANNANHILL

Ayrshire Boys Championship - COLIN ROBINSON (Largs)

Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion - DAVID WILSON (Troon Welbeck)

Ayrshire Junior Order Of merit - JACK McDONALD (Kilmarnock Barassie)

Wallace Thornton Trophy - TROON WELBECK

Under 16 Knockout Trophy - KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE)

Champion Of Champions Trophy - SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry)

Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship - WEST KILBRIDE

SCOTTISH UNIVERSITIES ORDER OF MERIT - Pennycott wins second counting event

Former Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion Malcolm Pennycott (Herriot Watt University) was the mens winner at the Scottish Universities’ second Order of Merit stroke-play tournament over 36 holes recently at the Crail Golfing Society Craighead Links

Malcolm had rounds of 72 and 76 for a total of 149, in very wet weather, against a CSS of 77 and 76, to win the mens event by one stroke, ahead of last years Scottish Youths Champion David Booth ( Stirling )

LEADING MEN’S SCORES

Par 142 CSS 77 76

148 - Malcolm Pennycott (Heriot Watt) 72 76

149 - David Booth ( Stirling ) 74 75

150 - Andrew Wallace (Stirling) 80 70, Steven Smith (Heriot Watt) 76 74, John Wybar ( Aberdeen ) 75 75

151 - Colin Baird ( Stirling ) 70 81

WEST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUES - Ayrshire finish series in mid table

The West Of Scotland Inter County Leagues concluded last weekend with Ayrshire finishing third of the six teams in both the A League and the Youths League.

The final youth match against Lanarkshire, scheduled for Brunston Castle, was called off due to the course being closed after the recent heavy rain, and with neither team being in contention, officials agreed not to replay the match.

The A team concluded the series with a 6 - 4 defeat against Lanarkshire at Strathaven on Saturday.

In a very close match, with six of the ten ties finishing on the final green, Ayrshire were 8.5 - 1.5 behind after 12 holes but fought back and very nearly snatched a draw.

Match results were :-

George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) lost to S. Douglas by 3 & 2
Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark) lost to S. Rennie by 2 & 1
Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) beat M. Moir by 1 hole
Scott Brown (Turnberry) lost to J.J. Smith by 4 & 3
John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) beat G. Beaton by 1 hole
Tommy McInally (Loudoun) beat S. Henderson by 1 hole
John Shanks (Irvine) lost to K. Louchrie by 2 & 1
Steven Spence (Irvine) lost to S. Gillespie by 1 hole
Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to C. McLean by 1 hole
Gary Bryden (Girvan) beat K. Turnbull by 2 holes

LANARKSHIRE 6 AYRSHIRE 4

The final placings in the leagues were :-

A LEAGUE

1. RENFREWSHIRE (8pts)
2. GLASGOW (8pts)
3. AYRSHIRE (4pts)
4. LANARKSHIRE (4pts)
5. DUMBARTONSHIRE (3pts)
6. STIRLINGSHIRE (3pts)

YOUTHS LEAGUE

1. RENFRWSHIRE (8pts)
2. STIRLINGSHIRE (8pts)
3. AYRSHIRE (5pts)
4. LANARKSHIRE (3pts)
5. DUMBARTONSHIRE (3pts)
6. GLASGOW (1pt)

DISABLED BRITISH OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire teenager wins national trophy

Although the championship took place between 23rd & 25th August 2009, the success of Alasdair Berry in winning the Disabled British Open Category 1 nett trophy has only just been brought to the attention of Ayrshiregolf.

Below is an article reproduced from the Irvine Herald :-

Teenage golf sensation Alasdair Berry shocked a field of more experienced opponents by winning the inaugural Disabled British Open Golf Championship last week.

Alasdair, who was born with no hands, stunned the experts by carding a 78 and a 75 on the notoriously difficult par 72 Old Thane Golf and Country Club Course – which was designed by Peter Alliss – to win his category in the Sky-televised tournament at Liphook in Hampshire.

Former Greenwood Academy pupil Alasdair, 17, uses wrist attachments designed by his car mechanic dad Eddie, also a member of Ravenspark Golf Club, to select and hold his clubs – and once he's lined up he plays his shots just like any able-bodied competitor.

"It was a fantastic experience,"

said Alasdair, of Steps Road, Irvine.

"We had two practise rounds on the Sunday and then the competition was held on the Monday and Tuesday and I was just over the moon when I realised I'd won it.

"And being presented with the trophy by Peter Alliss was a marvellous moment"

Eddie, who acts as Alasdair's 'daddy-caddie' said he was thrilled at his son's performance.

"It was a really difficult course and for him to be just nine over for the two rounds was fantastic," he added.

"The greens were lightning quick – even worse than Augusta – and one six-handicapper who hit his tee shot to within 20 feet of the pin actually took four putts to get down.

"It was a fabulous display from Alasdair and we're all so proud of him."

But Alasdair, who is about to start a college course in accounting, hasn't had time to savour his success just yet.

"It's all been really hectic and what I achieved last week just hasn't sunk in yet,"

said Alasdair.

"But it will eventually hit me."

Congratualtions go to Alasdair from Ayrshiregolf on his achievement in winning this national tournament.

WINTER GOLF OFFERS - Special deals available at top Scottish courses

Info from the PGA :-

Gleneagles Hotel management are offering golfers the chance to purchase a tee time for for four for £199 - a saving of £81.

The tee time charge of £199 applies whether there are three or four players in the group.

Gleneagles has three of the best inland courses in Scotland - the celebrated King’s Course, the scenic Queen’s Course and venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup Matches, the challenging PGA Centenary Course. Gleneagles offers a superb test for any golfer.

The special rate of £199 is available from from Sunday to Thursday inclusive every week until March 31, 2010 and is subject to availability.

No handicap certificate is required to play any of the three championship golf courses.

To check availability or to book please call resort sales on 0800 704 705.

In addition, there are also offers available at Muirfield, Prestwick & Royal Troon, exclusively available to members of Scottish Golf Union affiliated golf clubs. Proceeds from the sales of these tee times will be invested in junior golf.

Muirfield, Prestwick and Royal Troon have all generously donated tee-times to the Scottish Golf Union between November and the end of March, with a four-ball on each course costing just £280. This representts substantial savings against the standard green fee rates.

The Troon Portland course is also available, at £140 per four-ball.

To take advantage of these offers at Prestwick, Troon and Muirfield, call the Scottish Golf Union on 01334 466477 or e-mail sgu@scottishgolf.org

There are restrictions on which days and at what times these offers apply.

More information can be obtained from the Scottish Golf website at www.scottishgolf.org

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION AGM - Leslie Crawford elected Honorary Life President

33 members, representing 15 member clubs, attended the 2009 Ayrshire Golf Association Annual General Meeting, held at Caprington Golf Club on Wednesday 28th October.

Reports submitted included the Presidents Report, Fnancial Report, Coaching Report, Course rating Report as well as reports on the activities of The Ayrshire Junior Golf league and the Scottish Golf Union.

A proposed Revised Constitution was endorsed by the members present and is consequently now in place.

One of the highlights of the evening was the unanimous adoption of the President's proposal that Leslie Crawford (pictured right) be elected an Honorary Life President of The Association, in recognition of his services to Ayrshire golf both as a player and an administrator.

His golfing achievements include :-

1963 Ayrshire Boys Champion

Kilmarnock (Barassie) Club Champion 11 times

Ayrshire Matchplay Champion 7 times

Ayrshire Strokeplay Champion 4 times

Belleisle Cup winner

Evening Times Champion Of Champions twice

Ayrshire Champion Of Champions 3 times

Caprington Club Champion 11 times

Arrol Cup winner 4 times

4th in the 1983 Scottish Strokeplay Championship

Leslie also won representative honours including :-

Scottish & British Boys Internationalist

West of Scotland vs. Ulster

South West District team

Ayrshire County player from 1971 to 1996

Member of the winning Kilmarnock (Barassie) European Club Trophy team in Portugal.

In administration, Leslie's record was equally as impressive :-

Served on Caprington committee for 15 years, being Captain 3 times

Past Captain and Honorary Member of Kilmarnock (Barassie)

Served on the Ayrshire Executive since 1973

Secretary of the Ayrshire Golf Association since 1985.

County President Alasdair Malcolm commented that such an honour for Leslie was long overdue and thanked the members present for their overwhelming support of the proposal.

Leslie Crawford now joins Matt Lygate as an Honorary Life President of The association.

Iain Harvey (Kilmarnock Barassie) was re elected as the representative to the Scottish Golf Union.

Following Leslie Crawford's stroke earlier in the year, he was not in a position to seek re election as Secretary for the forthcoming season, and the County President Alasdair Malcolm (pictured right) was elected to the position of Secretary / Treasurer for next year.

With the adoption of the new constitution, five Executive members will be due for election each year.

serving AGA Executive members, re elected at the meeting for a further three years, were James McMurdo (Ballochmyle) and David McKie (Ballochmyle), whilst John Nordbo (Largs) was also elected to Te Executive, having served as Ayrshire Junior Golf League representative for a number of years.

The other two new members elceted to The Executive this year include Robert Wilson (Ballochmyle) and Cliff Francis (Troon Welbeck).

The Executive now has three vacancies for a one year period and two vacancies for a two year period. Any member of a member club of The Association who would be interested in becoming involved in the work of The Association is welcome to contact any of The Executive members for more information.

The per capita rate for the Area Subscription was set at one pound and ninety five pence for the 2009 - 2010 season, and increse of 10 pence on last year.

NANCY CHISHOLM M.B.E. - Ayrshire golfer's investiture by The Queen

(Report & photographs courtesy of the http://www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk/ website)

Bill Chisholm and daughters, Lindsey and Susan, were in the audience at Buckingham Palace to see Nancy receive the MBE from HRH The Queen at an Investiture ceremony on the 15th October.

Nancy is a member of Prestwick St. Nicholas and West Kilbride golf clubs, is a past chairman and an Honorary Vice President of the LGU, and a past President of the SLGA.

Nancy was awarded the MBE for services to golf in the Queens Birthday Honours list.

Nancy said

"We had the most wonderful day filled with exciting memories meeting interesting people, enjoying new sights, exploring new territories in glorious sunshine and having the thrill of speaking a few words of golf with the Queen!Never thought it would be such a grand experience."

Well done Nancy!

Lindsey, Bill, Nancy & Susan

SCOTTISH JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Championship abandoned due to flooding.

The 2009 Scottish Junior Champion Of Champions competition, due to be played on Sunday 1st November at The Dukes course, St. Andrews was abandoned some one and a half hours after play began due to flooding on the course as a result of persistent rain.

Featuring four players from Ayrshire - David Wilson (Troon Welbeck), Colin Robinson (Largs), Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Rachel Irvine (Largs) - it is holed to reschedule the championship for early next year.

WEST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUES - Mixed fortunes for Ayrshire teams against Stirlingshire

The Ayrshire A team had a fine 7 - 3 win over Stirlingshire at Prestwick St. Nicholas in the penultimate week of the 2009 West Of Scotland Inter County League championships.

Despite losing the opening two ties, Ayrshire bounced back, taking the next six ties before sharing the final two ties on the course.

Match details were :-

George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) lost to Colin Mundie (Falkirk) by 4 & 3
John Shanks (Irvine) lost to Bobby Rushford (Grangemouth) by 1 hole
Tommy McInally (Loudoun) beat Graham Robertson (Glenbervie) by 5 & 3
Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) beat Derek Fish (Grangemouth) by 4 & 3
Stephen Spence (Irvine) beat Neil Cunningham (Falkirk) by 5 & 4
John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) beat David Buchanan (Falkirk Tryst) by 5 & 3
Scott brown (Turnberry) beat Kenny Anderson (Falkirk) by 2 & 1
Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Lindsay Blair (Grangemouth) by 2 & 1
Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark) lost to Mark Cox (Falkirk) by 4 & 3
Gary Bryden (Girvan) beat Scott McLaughlan (Falkirk Tryst) by 6 & 5

AYRSHIRE 7 STIRLINGSHIRE 3

An under strength Ayrshire Youths side suffered their first defeat of the campaign in the corresponding youths match at Falkirk.

With three of the regular team members unavailable due to the SGU Junior Champions Of Champions competition, the team had a difficult task against the home side, who were also undefeated over the first three matches of the series, and went down by 6 - 4. match details were :-

Gregor MacKintosh (Girvan) lost to Jamie Lynch by 4 & 3
Fraser Lawrie (West Kilbride) lost to Ryan Campbell by 5 & 3
Scott Clark (Ayr Belleise) lost to Stephen Tillie by 3 & 2
Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) beat Liam Haldane by 6 & 5
Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) beat Hugh Nelson by 7 & 6
Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Doug Pender by 3 & 1
Malcolm Pennycott (Brodick) beat Calum Bissett by 3 & 2
Craig McLaughlin (Largs) beat Euan Douglas by 3 & 1
Rory Acheson (Largs Routenburn) lost to Dariusz Kunecki by 1 hole
Stewart Henderson (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Greg Nicoll by 5 & 4

STIRLING 6 AYRSHIRE 4

In the final series of matches next week, The A team travel to meet Lanarkshire at Strathaven whilst the youths side play host to the Lanarkshire youths at Brunston Castle.