SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Closing date for entries near

Entries for the Scottish Boys Championship, which will take place at West Kilbride GC from Monday 5 to Saturday 10 April close on Thursday 4th March.

The handicap limit is 6.4 and entry fee is £35.

A list of entries to date can be viewed by clicking on

http://www.golfbox.dk/livescoring/signups.asp?tour={416E0EA5-1EC8-463B-A837-E4CE41DD00B7}&clubOnly=1&color=1&lang=1033

To download an Entry Form please click here

http://www.scottishgolf.org/files/2010_Scottish_Boys_Championship_-_Entry_Form.pdf.

US GOLF - Former Ayrshire player McKnight scores first US win

Photograph and article courtesy of Colin Farquarson and the Scottish Golf View website at http://www.scottishgolfview.com/

Former Kilmarnock (Barassie) golfer and Ayrshire County player Robert McKnight recently recorded his first first win on Florida's Minor League Tour.

Robert McKnight - pictured right - originally from Kilmarnock but now resident in the US,

scored his first win on the Minor League Tour, which operates a circuit of one-day, 18-hole events, several a week.

McKnight won the Hammock Classic at Hammock Creek Golf Club, Palm City by one shot with a four-under-par effort of 68.

That earned him $970 for his first win on this tour, although his total winnings are between $2,000 and $3,000 since he joined the satellite circuit in 2009.

He had five top-10 finishes before his breakthrough victory.

INTERNATIONAL BOYS QUADRANGULAR MATCH - McDonald selected for Scotland team

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured right - has been selected in the 6 strong Scotland boys team who will contest the Boys Quadrangular tournament against Italy, Sweden and France from 4th to 6th March at Chiberta GC, Biarritz, France.

Scotland have won two of the last four Quadrangualr tournaments.

The full Scotland team is :-

Calum Stewart (Brora)
Grant Forrest (Craigielaw)
Jack Scott (Deeside)
Scott Gibson (Southerness)
Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock, Barassie)
Ian Redford (The New Club, St Andrews)

Non-Playing Captain:
Stuart Wilson (Forfar)

AYRSHIRE SUMMER (SCRATCH) LEAGUE - Draw for 2010 competition announced

The draw has been made for the 2010 Ayrshire Summer (Scratch) League competition, with a record number of 21 clubs taking part this year.

After seeking the views of competing clubs it has been decided that the 2010 competition will be played under the existing format, with discussions over any possible change of format for 2011 being considered during the season.

With 21 teams competing, one qualifier from each of the 6 leagues will progress to the quarter finals.

At the quarter final stage the winners of the tie between the qualifiers from leagues 1 & 2 will progress to the final whilst the winners of the quarter finals involving leagues 3,4,5 & 6 will play off in a semi final match to decide who goes through to the final.

In LEAGUE 1, newcomers Maybole are drawn alongside local rivals Irvine & Irvine Ravenspark, with Caprington completing the four team league.

LEAGUE 2 features defending champions Loudoun, alongside Prestwick St. Cuthbert and former winners Ballochmyle and Troon Welbeck.

LEAGUE 3 Features New Cumnock, alongside Ayr Belleisle, Troon St. Meddans and Turnberry.

In LEAGUE 4, West Kilbride and Kilbirnie Place will play off with newcomers Malletsheugh for the quarter final place.

LEAGUE 5 has Largs and Beith from the north of the county along with Tam O Shanter from the south.

LEAGUE 6 brings together Annanhill, Ardeer and Kilmarnock (Barassie)

Fixtures will be played on a home and away basis throughout May, June and July, with the quarter finals and subsequent rounds following thereafter.

Details and relevant documentation has been e-mailed to all the competing clubs nominated representatives.

Should any of the nominated club representatives not have received the e-mail for any reason they should contact the Association Secretary Alasdair Malcolm on 01292 477657 or by e-mail at ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net

AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms now available

Entry forms for the 2010 Ayrshire Boys Team Championship, to be held at Troon Portland on Sunday 18 April 2010, will be distributed to clubs by e-mail this week.

Closing date for entries is Saturday 27th March 2010.

Should any club not receive an entry form, copies can be obtained by e-mail from the Ayrshire Golf Association Secretary, Alasdair Malcolm on ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net

DISABLED GOLFERS FOUR NATIONS CUP - Berry selected for Scotland team in Celtic manor event

Alisdair Berry (Irvine Ravenspark) - pictured right - has been selected for the Scotland team to contest the innaugural disabled golfers Four Nations Cup competition at Celtic Manor in Wales, which begins on Monday 15th March.

The Scotland side was selected on the basis of the 2009 Scottish Order of Merit as well as some captain's wildcard choices.

The event is the first ever team international that involves numerous disabilities, including amputees, those with sensory loss, cerebral palsy, stroke victims and other serious health conditions.

The Scotland side, sponsored by buyit4golf.com, Mirror Tees Ltd and golfblogger is :-

Mark Belcher (Edinburgh)

Alisdair Berry (Ayrshire)

Steve Bramwell -Captain- (Johnstone)

John Copland (Johnstone)

Jim Gales -Vice Captain- (Cupar)

Duncan Hamilton-Martin (Weybridge)

Scott Kerr (Glasgow)

William McEwan (Glenrothes)

US COLLEGE GOLF - Michael Stewart helps East Tennessee State University to title

Report courtesy of the Kirkwoodgolf web site at www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk

Michael Stewart, the 2008 Scottish boys' match-play champion from Troon Welbeck - pictured right - finished joint third in the JU Invitational college tournament at the Players Stadium course, Ponte Vedra, Florida on Tuesday.

Stewart's performance also helped East Tennessee State University win the team title .
Michael, pictured, had rounds of 73, 76 and 73 for a total of 222 over the 7,122yd, par-72 course. He finished four shots behind the winner, Brendan Gielow (Wake Forest) who shot 76, 69 and 73 for 218.

Starting at the ninth hole in his final round, Stewart birdied the 16th, first, seventh and eighth. His two late birdies pulled him up to a share of third place alongside Ben Martin (Clemson), three shots behind runner-up Kelvin Day (Charleston Southern).

Stewart's East Tennessee State team-mates, Seamus Power from Waterford, Rhys Enoch from Cornwall and Paul O'Kane from Castledawson, Northern Ireland finished joint fifth, joint 11th and joint 24th respectively.

Tom Sherreard (Georgia State), an England boy international, finished joint 19th.
Former Scottish schoolboys title-holder and junior champion of champions, Neil Henderson (Old Dominion) from North Berwick finished joint 46th on 240 with scores of 84, 78 and 78.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 216 (3x72). 7,122yd

Individuals
218 Brendan Gielow (Wake Forest) 76 69 73.
219 Kelvin Day (Charleston Southern) 73 75 71.
222 Michael Stewart (East Tennessee State) 73 76 73, Ben Martin (Clemson) 71 75 76.
Selected scores:
223 Seamus Power (East Tennessee State) 80 71 72 (jt 5th).226 Rhys Enoch (East Tennessee State) 76 71 79 (jt 11th).
229 Tom Sherreard (Georgia State) 80 74 75 (jt 19th).
232 Paul O'Kane (East Tennessee State) 81 76 75 (jt 24th).
240 Neil Henderson (Old Dominion) 84 78 78 (jt 46th).

Teams
893 East Tennessee State. 900 Wake Forest. 901 Clemson. 15 Teams took part.

AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms available on line

The 59th Ayrshire Boys Championship will be held on Thursday 5th august 2010 over the Troon Lochgreen Golf Course, and entry forms for the event are now available.

A capacity field is expected to contest the 36 holes strokeplay event as the best boy golfers in Ayrshire bid to follow the 2009 champion Colin Robinson (Largs) - pictured right - in winning the title and championship trophy.

Entry fee for the competition is £10 and entries close on Wednesday 14th July 2010

If necessary, entries will be balloted by handicap after the closing date.

Entry forms and posters will be e-mailed to clubs in the near future, and are also available to download via the relevant link on the left of this page, under the Junior Fixtures heading.

THE AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION
PRESENT

THE AYRSHIRE BOYS
GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
2010
AT
TROON LOCHGREENGOLF COURSE
BY KIND PERMISSION
ON
THURSDAY 5TH AUGUST 2010
(OVER 36 HOLES STROKEPLAY)
**********
ENTRY FEE £ 10.00
HANDICAP LIMIT : 12
**********
ENTRY MAY BE LIMITED TO 48 PLAYERS - TO BE BALLOTTED BY HANDICAP AFTER THE CLOSING DATE

THE WINNER WILL RETAIN THE AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY
FOR ONE YEAR AND WILL RECEIVE A MEDAL FOR RETENTION

IN ADDITION VARIOUS PRIZE VOUCHERS WILL BE AWARDED
ON BOTH SCRATCH AND HANDICAP BASIS
**********
The players returning the 8 best aggregate scratch totals will contest

THE AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
At Prestwick Golf Club from 12 – 14 August 2010
****************
ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FROM CLUB SECRETARIES
ON THE WEB AT http://www.ayrshiregolf.blogspot.com/
OR THE A.G.A. SECRETARY
ALASDAIR MALCOLM
17 AUCHINCRUIVE AVENUE, PRESTWICK, KA9 2DT
(PLEASE ENCLOSE A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE)
**********
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: - NOON ON WEDNESDAY 14th JULY 2010

PLEASE NOTE : COMPETITORS ARE REQUIRED TO OBEY CLUB RULES REGARDING DRESS
BOTH ON THE COURSE AND IN THE CLUBHOUSE

AYRSHIRE SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms available on line

The Ayrshire Seniors Championship, for the Sandy Provan Trophy, moves to a new venue in 2010 when the championship takes place at West Kilbride Golf Club on Tuesday 20th July, after a succesful first two years played over the Kilmarnock (Barassie) course.

The 18 hole handicap strokeplay competition, won in 2009 by Ronnie Young of Irvine Golf Club (pictured receiving the trophy from Sandy Provan). Has prizes for the best nett scores in three handicap classes as well as a voucher for best scratch score and of course the trophy and prize voucher for the best overall nett return.

Entry fee for the competition is £10 and entries close on saturday 26th June 2010.

Entry forms and posters will be e-mailed to clubs in the near future and are also available to download via the relevant link on the left of this page, under the Gents Fixtures heading.

THE AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION
PRESENT

THE 2010 AYRSHIRE
SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP
For the Sandy Provan Trophy
AT
WEST KILBRIDE GOLF CLUB
BY KIND PERMISSION
ON
TUESDAY20TH JULY 2010
(OVER 18 HOLES HANDICAP STROKEPLAY)
**********
ENTRY FEE £ 10.00

MINIMUM AGE LIMIT: 55 years of age on the day of the competition

HANDICAP LIMIT : 24

**********
ENTRY MAY BE LIMITED TO 78 PLAYERS - TO BE BALLOT AFTER THE CLOSING DATE

All entrants must be members of clubs fully affiliated to The Ayrshire Golf Association
**********
THE WINNER WILL RETAIN THE SANDY PROVAN TROPHY
FOR ONE YEAR AND WILL RECEIVE A MEDAL FOR RETENTION

IN ADDITION PRIZE VOUCHERS WILL BE AWARDED FOR BEST SCRATCH SCORE
AND ON HANDICAP BASIS IN THREE AGE GROUP CATEGORIES

**********
ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FROM CLUB SECRETARIES
ON THE WEB AT http://www.ayrshiregolf.blogspot.com/
OR THE A.G.A. SECRETARY
ALASDAIR MALCOLM
17 AUCHINCRUIVE AVENUE, PRESTWICK, KA9 2DT
(PLEASE ENCLOSE A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE)

**********
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: - NOON ON SATURDAY 26th JUNE 2010

PLEASE NOTE : COMPETITORS ARE REQUIRED TO OBEY CLUB RULES REGARDING DRESS
BOTH ON THE COURSE AND IN THE CLUBHOUSE

AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms now available

The 62nd Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship will be held at Prestwick St. Cuthbert Golf Club on Sunday 25th April 2010, and entry forms for the championship are now available.

A capacity field of 60 players are expected to contest the 36 hole strokeplay event in a bid to take the trophy from defending champion John Shanks (Irvine) - pictured right - who won the title in 2009 over his home course.

The handicap limit is 4 and entries will be balloted by handicap on the closing date, if necessary. Closing date for entries is Saturday 3rd April 2010.

Entry forms and posters will be distributed by e-mail to clubs soon, and are also available via the relevant link on the left of this page under the Gents Fixtures heading.

THE AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION
PRESENT

THE 2010 AYRSHIRE
STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
AT
PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT GOLF CLUB
BY KIND PERMISSION
ON
SUNDAY 25TH APRIL 2010
(OVER 36 HOLES STROKEPLAY)
**********
ENTRY FEE £ 20.00

HANDICAP LIMIT : 4
**********
ENTRY MAY BE LIMITED TO 60 PLAYERS - TO BE BALLOTED BY HANDICAP AFTER THE CLOSING DATE

THE WINNER WILL RETAIN THE AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY
FOR ONE YEAR AND WILL RECEIVE A MEDAL FOR RETENTION

The winner qualifies for the 2011 Scottish Champion Of Champions at Leven

IN ADDITION VARIOUS PRIZE VOUCHERS WILL BE AWARDED
ON SCRATCH BASIS
**********
The players returning the 16 best aggregate scratch totals will contest
THE AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
At Western Gailes Golf Club from 3 – 6 May 2010

****************
ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FROM CLUB SECRETARIES
ON THE WEB AT http://www.ayrshiregolf.blogspot.com/
OR THE A.G.A. SECRETARY
ALASDAIR MALCOLM
17 AUCHINCRUIVE AVENUE, PRESTWICK, KA9 2DT
(PLEASE ENCLOSE A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE)
**********
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: - NOON ON SATURDAY 3RD APRIL 2010

PLEASE NOTE : COMPETITORS ARE REQUIRED TO OBEY CLUB RULES REGARDING DRESS
BOTH ON THE COURSE AND IN THE CLUBHOUSE

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION E-MAILS - e-mail address now back on line

The Ayrshire Golf Association e-mail at ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net is now available for use again.

Apologies for any inconvenience this has caused in the interim

SUMMER (SCRATCH) LEAGUE - A Barassie opinion

I think a change to a divisional basis would be a welcome change.Personally i feel that 3 leagues of 7 with 3 up 3 down would mean that there would be very few meaningless games.

You could still have this on a home and away basis as it would be 10 games,much the same as it is now if you are lucky enough to reach the final.

Also could some consideration be given perhaps to having 4 singles and 1 fourball as the make up of the matches as opposed to 6 singles.

If the decision is to leave it in its present format could consideration be given to a quarter final stage as as others have commented,with the small sections and only one team going through one bad result can mean the end of your campaign before it has really started.

Stuart Craig
Kilmarnock Barassie

E-MAIL PROBLEM - Interim arrangements

We are presently experiencing problems with the AGA e-mail address at ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net .

In the interim, if any members require to e-mail then please redirect to aj-malcolm@fsmail.net

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY - 41 players bid for 2010 title

41 players from clubs throughout Ayrshire will contest the 2010 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy competition this year.


18 players will contest the first round with all the other competitors, including title holder Tommy McInally (Loudoun) - pictured right - receiving a bye into round 2.

The full draw for rounds 1 & 2 is :-


ROUND 1 - To Be completed by 11th April 2010


William McCulloch (Brunston Castle) Vs. Scott Johnstone (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
Craig Robertson (Abbotsford) Vs. Craig Menzies (Muirkirk)
Gavin Lawrie (Prestwick) Vs. Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck)
Steven McEwan (Caprington) Vs. Douglas McKinnon (Ballochmyle)
Gordon McCrae (Beith) Vs. Rory Acheson (Largs)
Stuart H. Brown (Doon Valley) Vs. Fraser McCall (Troon Portland)
Stephen Stamper (Turnberry) Vs. Ewan McKinnon (Corrie)
Scott McCune (Moorpark) Vs. Paul Mangan (Skelmorlie)
Adam Sweeney (Largs Routenburn) Vs. Mark H. Stewart (Troon St. Meddans)

ROUND 2 - To Be completed by 16th May 2010

McCulloch or Johnstone Vs. Tommy McInally (Holder - Loudoun)
Robertson or Menzies Vs. Andrew Mathie (Ayr Dalmilling)
Lawrie or Chamberlain Vs. Stuart White (Girvan)
McEwan or McKinnon Vs. Robert Nairn (Kilbirnie Place)
McCrae or Acheson Vs. Nicholas Tindall (Tam O Shanter)
Brown or McCall Vs. Mark Tait (Annanhill)
Stamper or Mckinnon Vs. Ian Yates (Ayr Belleisle)
McCune or Mangan Vs. Scott McCahill (Maybole)
Sweeney or Stewart Vs. Andrew McIntee (North Beach)
Andy Reid (Ayr Carrick) Vs. Robert Gilchrist (Chase)
Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Steven Dunn (Ayr Seafield)
Eric Behan (Ardeer) Vs. Paul Denim (Loudoun)
Kevin Brock (Prestwick St. Nicholas) Vs. Paul Appleby (Malletsheugh)
Gary Cochran (Irvine Ravenspark) Vs. Kevin Davidson (New Cumnock)
Gordon McKelvie (Royal Troon) Vs. Jim Burns (West Kilbride)
Steven Jackson (Wallacetown) Vs. Alex Gourlay (Irvine)

There will be a redraw for round 3 and subsequent rounds, on completion of the second round matches.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - 37 clubs contest 2010 Fourball Trophy competition

The draw for the 2010 Ayrshire Fourball Trophy competition has been made, with 37 clubs from Ayrshire taking part in the handicap matchplay event.

10 clubs have been drawn in the first round of the competition, with the remaining clubs receiving a bye into round 2.

2009 Champions Douglas Anderson & Gary Jordan (Annanhill) return to defend the trophy whilst 2009 runners up Scott McCahill & David Wallace (Maybole) also take part again this year.

The full draw for the first two rounds is :-

ROUND 1 - To be completed by 18th April 2010

Rory & Jamie Acheson (Largs Routenburn) Vs. Billy Goodwin & Steve Armstrong (Ardeer)

David Macpherson & Jim Hopkins (Troon Portland) Vs. Jim & Craig Nichol (New Cumnock)

Tommy Thomson & Iain Rankine (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) Vs. John Brodie & Alan Smeeton(Chase)

Scott & Jim Brown (Girvan) Vs. Douglas Johnstone & John Mitchell (Ayr Belleisle)

Scott McCahill & David Wallace (Maybole) Vs. Jack Torrens & Ronnie Mathieson (Beith)

ROUND 2 - To be completed by 23rd May 2010

Largs Routenburn or Ardeer Vs. Craig & Scott Hillis (Irvine)

Troon Portland or New Cumnock Vs. David Gilmour & Robert Cruickshanks (Moorpark)

Prestwick St. Cuthbert or Chase Vs. Andrew Cunning & Robert Richard (Muirkirk)

Girvan or Ayr Belleisle Vs. Ian Plumbley & David Cunningham (West Kilbride)

Maybole or Beith Vs. Steven Dunn & John Brown (Ayr Seafield)

Dennis Taggart Jnr & Dennis Taggart Snr. (Malletsheugh) Vs. Alex Hughes & Robert Kane (Auchenharvie)

Eamonn McFadden & Alex Cherry (Troon St. Meddans) Vs. Andrew Mathieson & John Murdoch (Ballochmyle)

Neil Mitchell & Colin Tulip (Doon Valley) Vs. James Anderson & Ross McCrorie (Loudoun)

Colin & Ronnie Davidson (Abbotsford) Vs. Johnny O'Neill & Gary Ross (North Beach)

Stuart Lawrie & Paul Miller (Ayr Dalmilling) Vs. Douglas Anderson & Gary Jordan (Annanhill)

Stevie Arrandale & Richard Tait (Tam O Shanter) Vs. Jim Anderson & Paul Church (Skelmorlie)

William McCartney & Dan Higgins (Wallacetown) Vs. Andy Reid & Craig Murdoch (Ayr Carrick)

Michael & Stephen Holland (Troon Welbeck) Vs. Donald Macdonald & Gary Robinson (Largs)

John Houston & Robert Kean (Caprington) Vs. Alastair Brown & Roger Thyne (Kilmarnock Barassie)

Robert Craig & Iain McCall (Prestwick St. Nicholas) Vs. Andrew Stewart & Martin Scott (Irvine Ravenspark)

Leslie Aitchieson & Michael Moore (Brunston Castle) Vs. Lee & Dale McBurnie (Kilbirnie Place)

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - A Beith perspective

I wouldn't be against a change to a divisional system if it was bigger leagues, 3x7 for example going on this years numbers, with 1 game being played against each club. But in saying that to give some support to how it works just now, there are no issues and we would happily continue competing in it as it is.

Beith team captain-Lee Jenkins

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - A St. Meddans opinion

I think the "divisional" format for the summer league would a good thing. I agree with Barry O'Rourke when he said losing just one home game could put you out. If this system is the preferred option how would it be decided which teams go in each division ?

Iain Fraser
Troon St. Meddans team member

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - A Kilbirnie view

Following received by e mail in response to earlier article on the Summer League

From Barry O'Rourke - Kilbirnie Place Team Captain.

I think a divisional format would be a really good idea as altho it is good to play the so called "big guns" it gives the other clubs a realistic chance of winning a team event and think it would generate much more interest throughout the so called "smaller clubs"

It also means that every club has something to play for whether its promotion, avoiding relegation or just josling for league positions and pride, wheras the current format if you lose a home game, you are pretty much out of it.

STUART HUTCHISON MEMORIAL CALENDAR - Appeal to help fundraising project for The Golf Foundation

The undernoted appeal was received via e-mail and has been forwarded to clubs.

We are sure if individuals or other golfing bodies would like to support the project then the organisers would be happy to hear from them.

STUART HUTCHISON MEMORIAL CALENDAR
PROCEEDS TO GO TO THE GOLF FOUNDATION

FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF GOLF IN YOUNG PEOPLE IN SCOTLAND

Stuart Hutchison was an assistant professional golfer who had just completed his first year training with the PGA when tragically he was involved in a fatal traffic accident at the end of September 2009. At his funeral a collection was made for The Golf Foundation and his family and friends intend to continue this fund raising with charity runs and this years major project is the publication of a memorial golf calendar.

The calendar will feature photos of some of his family, friends and fellow assistant professionals (as well as Stuart’s professional Stu Pardoe who was his mentor and best friend) taking golf shots on a variety of golf courses around the UK and Ireland.

In order to help us estimate the number of calendars to be printed (and so maximise money raised) we are asking all golf clubs in Scotland to commit to selling 10 calendars per club. It is hoped to have the calendar ready for sale some time in September 2010 when golfers are still regularly playing and early enough to catch the Christmas market.

If your club is willing to help us with this would you please email at the following email address, stating name of club and number of calendars required :-

stuscalendar@hotmail.co.uk

With many thanks
David, Isobel and Lorna Hutchison

GIRLS GOLF - Ayrshire defend Kennedy salver at cawder in 2010

The Ayrshire Girls team - pictured right - will defend the Kennedy Salver in the West Of Scotland Junior Inter County matches over the Keir course at Cawder on Monday 21st June 2010.

A number of girls fixtures have recently become available. These can be downloaded via the link on the left of this page, under the ladies fixtures heading.

2010 AYRSHIRE GIRLS FIXTURES

MONDAY 21 JUNE - KENNEDY SALVER JUNIOR INTER COUNTY MATCHES (CAWDER)

THURSDAY 29 JULY - WEST KILBRIDE GIRLS OPEN (WEST KILBRIDE)

TUESDAY 3 AUGUST - TOM LEHMAN JUNIOR OPEN (TROON MUNICIPAL)

SUNDAY 15 AUGUST - ST. NICHOLAS TROPHY (BEITH)

If any other club is running a girls event, and would like their fixture added to the list, please e-mail details to :-

ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY GOLF ASSOCIATION - 2010 fixtures announced

The Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Association fixtures for the 2010 season are now available.

The premier event, the Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Championship returns to Prestwick St. Nicholas Golf Club this year, on 13 - 15 April, whilst the qualifying event for the Bronze Matchplay Championship, for the McCall Salver, will be at Ballochmyle on Tuesday 8 June


The full list of A.L.C.G.A. fixtures for 2010 is :-

Tuesday 13 April - County Championship qualifying round & Silver Quaich Finals (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
Wednesday 14 April - County Championship - Matchplay rds 1 & 2 (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
Thursday 15 April - County Championship semi finals & Final (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
Sunday 2 May - West Of Scotland Championship (Cardross)
Tuesday 11 May - Inter County Foursomes & Commonwealth Spoons (Troon Darley)
Tuesday 8 June - Quaich & Bronze Quaich Finals (Ballochmyle)
Monday 14 June - West Division Inter County Matches (Kilmacolm)
Tuesday 15 June - West Division Inter County matches (Kilmacolm)
Wednesday 16 June - West Division Inter County Matches (Kilmacolm)
Tuesday 13 July - Summer Meeting (East Kilbride - Nerston)
Tuesday 10 August - Coronation Medals (Brunston Castle)
Tuesday 14 September - Thistle Brooches (Ayr Belleisle)
Tuesday 12 October - Quaich (Girvan)
Tuesday 16 November - Annual General Meeting (Prestwick St. Nicholas) - 2.30 p.m.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Should we consider a change in format ?

21 clubs will contest the 2010 Ayrshire Summer (Scratch) League. The record number of participating clubs was finalised when entries closed this week.

Whilst the 2010 competition will take place under the present format, with teams being drawn at random in qualifying sections and playing off throughout the summer, with the section winners progressing to the next stage, other formats for the event have been suggested.

Throughout last season a number of participating players expressed an interest in changing the format of the Summer League to a 'Divisions' format, with 4 or 5 leagues and clubs winning promotion or being relegated to a lower league each season.

This format is presently in place in Lanarkshire and is similar to that used in the Greenlees West Of Scotland ladies inter club leagues.

There are a number of arguments both for and against both the present and the 'divisions' format.

In support of the present format some would argue that the competition is open to all every year and any of the participating clubs can win the county title in any one year.

On the other hand, and in support of the 'divisions' format, others have argued that only a small number of clubs can realistically hope to win the Summer (Scratch) League each year whilst others are effectively 'making up the numbers.

On one side some have suggested that the introduction of a 'divisions' format would encourage more clubs to participate and have an opportunity to succeed at their own level, whilst striving to 'better' their position by gaining promotion to a higher league, although others would contend that all the participating clubs should have the opportunity to have a go at beating the 'big guns' on a regular basis, as they do under the present format.

There is no easy answer to this question of a format review and indeed any progression towards a 'divisions' format would leave the Association with the problem of how to decide who goes in each division in year one, as only one of many considerations.

One thing is clear however, that any decision would need to take into consideration the views of the competing clubs and indeed the players who take part in the competition year in and year out.

To this end, we hope, through the web page, to make initial enquiries to guage the feelings of both clubs and players on the suggestion of any format change for 2011 or beyond.

We would therefore encourage anyone, be it a club or individual player, to let us know their views on the subject, either via the comment link at the foot of this entry or by e-mail to the AGA Secretary at ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION ANNUAL DINNER - Limited number of tickets still available

Clubs and individuals alike are reminded that the Ayrshire Golf Association Annual Dinner and Presentation Of Prizes will be held at Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club on Friday 26th February 2010.

A limited number of tickets are still available for the event and can be purchased, on a first come first served basis, from the AGAecretary. Please e-mail for availability.

THE AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL DINNER
&
PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES
At
IRVINE RAVENSPARK GOLF CLUB

FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2010
6.30 P.M. FOR 7.00 P.M.

SPEAKERS

DAVID JOY
&
PROFESSOR DAVID PURDIE

TICKETS PRICED AT
£15.00 EACH
ARE AVAILABLE FROM
THE AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION SECRETARY

ALASDAIR J. MALCOLM
17 AUCHINCRUIVE AVENUE
PRESTWICK
KA9 2DT
Tel. 01292 477657
Email – ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Draws made for 2010 competitions

The draws for the 2010 Ayrshire Junior Golf League competitions were made on Tuesday 2 February at the meeting of the League Executive.

15 teams will contest the Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship in 2010.


Defending Champions West Kilbride - pictured right - have been drawn in the three team Section B alongside 2009 semi finalists Irvine Ravenspark, and Kilmarnock (Barassie).

2008 champions, and last years runners up, Largs are in Section C along with Irvine, Ayr Belleisle and Caprington whislt 2009 semi finalists Loudoun take on Prestwick St. Cuthbert, Ballochmyle and Ardeer in section D.

Section A has local Troon rivals St. Meddans and Welbeck drawn alongside Annanhill and Prestwick St. Nicholas.

The full draw for the League Championship is :-

Section A
Annanhill
Troon Welbeck
Troon St Meddans
Prestwick St Nicholas

Section B
West Kilbride
Irvine Ravenspark
Kilmarnock Barassie

Section C
Caprington
Largs
Ayr Belleisle
Irvine Bogside

Section D
Loudoun
Prestwick St Cuthbert
Ballochmyle
Ardeer


In the Under 16 Knockout Trophy, defending champions Kilmarnock (Barassie) - pictured left - face a tough first round match away to Loudoun in their defence of the trophy.

Annanhill are the only team who avoid a first round match, receiving a bye into round 2.



First round matches are due for completion by Sunday 30th May.

The full draw for the first round of the Under 16 Knockout Trophy competition is :-

Caprington Vs Ayr Belleisle
Irvine Bogside Vs Irvine Ravenspark
Prestwick St Nicholas Vs Prestwick St Cuthbert
Loudoun Vs Kilmarnock Barassie
Ardeer Vs Ballochmyle
West Kilbride Vs Largs
Troon Welbeck Vs Troon St Meddans
Annanhill - Bye

16 players will contest the Junior Champion Of Champions Trophy competition including the Ayrshire Boys Champion Colin Robinson (Largs) - below left -and Boys Matchplay Champion David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) - below right.















All first round ties are due for completion by Sunday 30th May

The full draw for the first round of the Junior Champion Of Champions Trophy competition is :-

Ayr Belleisle Vs Troon Welbeck
Ardeer Vs Prestwick St Nicholas
Troon St Meddans Vs Ballochmyle
Kilmarnock Barassie Vs Ayrshire Boys Match Play
Loudoun Vs Caprington
West Kilbride Vs Annanhill
Largs Vs Ayrshire Boys Stroke Play
Irvine Ravenspark Vs Prestwick St Cuthbert

(Irvine GC not represented in the Champion Of Champions)