EISENHOWER TROPHY - Stewart helps Scotland to fifth place finish in title defence

(From the SGU website)

A fine display from James Byrne and Michael Stewart (pictured) on the final day saw Scotland finish in fifth place after a spirited defence of the Eisenhower Trophy in Buenos Aires, with France crowned the new World Amateur Team champions.

After Ross Kellett was unable to play again due to illness, it was left to Byrne and Stewart to fly the flag and an excellent one-under 71 from Byrne and a three-over 75 from Stewart in extremely windy conditions saw the Scots post a 54-hole aggregate of 436, six-over par for the championship. That saw Scotland jump from tenth to fifth, one better than their finish in the 2006 championship.

Byrne maintained the excellent form he displayed in Friday’s second round, opening up with a birdie four at the 10th, his first hole of the day. He dropped three consecutive shots at the 13th, 14th and 15th before bouncing back with a superb run of four birdies on the spin at the 17th, 18th, 1st and 2nd. The Banchory man bogeyed the par three fifth, but parred the final four holes to record one of the few sub-par rounds of the day and clinch a share of fourth spot in the individual event.

Stewart endured a frustrating day with the putter, giving himself numerous chances but he was only able to convert one birdie at his opening hole. A bogey at the 11th followed by a double-bogey at the short 14th put him back to two-over for his round, before dropping another shot at the third to sign off for a closing 75, leaving the Scottish Amateur Champion seven-over for the championship.

SGU national coach Ian Rae praised the players’ efforts over the final two days: “The first day really set us back and obviously we’ve been handicapped by Ross’s sickness, but the lads showed tremendous spirit to finish in fifth place with the pressure of both players’ scores having to count for the final round.”

“The course was playing really tough today with such strong winds, which highlights what a good score James had out there. To get four birdies in a row was a remarkable achievement and he can be very proud of his performance. Michael also played very well and but was unlucky with the number of putts which just shaved the hole.” he added.

“Overall, we’re pretty pleased with the way we’ve fought back from the disappointment of the opening day and the players have worked hard to get us high up the leaderboard, beating some strong teams in the process. We’d like to congratulate France, who are worthy champions.”

France are the new world amateur team champions having led the championship from start to finish, posting a three-round aggregate of 423, seven-under par. The team of Johann Lopez-Lazaro, Alexander Levvy and Scottish Stroke Play champion Romain Wattel held off the challenge from Denmark and the United States to record an emphatic four-shot victory, with the Danes clinching the runners-up spot.

The United States finished one behind the Danes in third spot, with New Zealand one ahead of Scotland in fourth and Ireland in sixth.

A full list of scores can be viewed at www.worldamateur2010.org/

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION AGM - David Miller is new County President

David Miller of Kilmarnock Barassie GC is the new President of The Ayrshire Golf Association.

Miller (pictured right), who is the serving Captain of Kilmarnock (Barassie) began his two year tenure as County President when he took over from the outgoing President Alasdair Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas) at the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 27th October.

A past Club Champion at both Troon St. Meddans and Kilmanrock (Barassie), david Miller brings a wealth of experience to the position, both as a player and an administrator at club and county level.

The new Vice President of The Association is Milton Murray (Largs) - pictured below - who is a Past captain of the Irvine Ravenspark club. Milton has served on The Area Executive for five years, leading on the coaching programme and managing the youth teams.

Also at the AGM, Alasdair Malcolm (Prestwick St Nicholas) was re elected to the Secretary / Treasurer post.

Retiring members of The Executive who succesfully sought re election were Past Presidents Iain Harvey and Ricky Magee, with Iain Harvey also being re elected as the Ayrshire Golf Association representative on the SGU Council.

Following reports on various aspects of the work of The Association over the last 12 months, member clubs in attendance were advised that the SGU per capita charge had been set at £9 for the forthcoming year whilst it was agreed at the meeting that the Ayrshire Golf Association per capits charge would be set at £2.25.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of The Ayrshire Golf Association will be held on Wednesday 27th October 2010 at 7.00 p.m within the clubhouse at Caprington Golf Club, Kilmarnock.

All member clubs, who can send two representatives to the meeting, have been circulated with the AGM agenda, either by e-mail or conventional post, along with copies of reports for the year.

Any club secretary who is not yet in possession of the relevant info should contact the AGA Secretary, Alasdair Malcolm, on ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net .

WEST OF SCOTLAND INTER COUNTY LEAGUES - A team lose and youths win in final round of matches

Ayrshire rounded off their 2010 West Of Scotland Inter County Leagues challenge on Sunday 24th October with matches against Stirlingshire.

The A Team travelled to Grangemouth bout found themselves on the wrong end of a 8 - 2 scoreline.

Match details (Ayrshire names first)

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) lost to L Blair (Grangemouth) 1 hole
Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) lost to N Cunningham(Carmuirs) 1 hole
David Miller (Kilmarnock (Barassie)) lost to J Donaldson (Tryst) 3&2
Scott Brown (Turnberry) beat C Hundle (Carmuirs) 4&3
Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St Cuthbert) lost to M Cox 4&3
G Wilson (Loudoun) lost to R Campbell (Grangemeouth) 2&1
Chris Bone (Loudoun) lost to D Fish (Glenbervie) 2 Holes
Joe Hobson (Irvine) lost to S Haddow (Carmuirs) 4&3
Scott Gilchrist (Loudoun) beat C Fotheringham (Grangemouth) 1 Hole
Barry McDonnell (Caprington) lost to T Wilson (Glenbervie) 3&2

STIRLINGSHIRE   8    AYRSHIRE   2

In the corresponding youths match, played at Ballochmyle, Ayrshire rounded off their campaign with their biggest win of the season, running out victors by 9 - 1.

Match details (Ayrshire names first) :-

Charlie McNeal (Troon Welbeck) beat Euan Douglas 3&2

Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Dariusz Kunecki 2 holes
Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Liam Haldane 1 hole
Jamie McKay (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Blair Carnegie 4&3
Craig McLaughlin (Largs) beat David Guthrie 6&4
Rory McKenzie (Troon Welbeck) beat Ben Craggs 6&5
David McLellan (Largs) beat Andrew Grant 6&5
Rory Acheson (Largs Routenburn) walk over
Graeme Ritchie (Troon Welbeck) lost to Andrew Wood 2&1
Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Charlie Linton 7&5

AYRSHIRE  YOUTHS  9   STIRLINGSHIRE YOUTHS  1

US COLLEGE GOLF - Another top 10 finish for Ayrshire girl

Sophomore Linzi Allan from Kilbirnie, Ayrshire recovered from an early hiccup, and posted Newman's only top-10 individual finish at the Shocker Invitational, which concluded Tuesday 19th October at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton, Kansas, USA.

Allan carded rounds of 79 and 74 and led the Jets to a fifth-place finish at the event, which was hosted by Wichita State University.

Allan took advantage of nearly ideal weather conditions in Tuesday's second round, and shaved five strokes off her opening round of 79 (+7). Her final round of 74 (+2) gave her a tournament score of 153 (+9), and put her in a tie with Cal Poly's Alicia Weber for 10th place in the 36-hole tournament. Megan Birdsey was seven strokes behind Allan with a tournament score of 160 (+16), while Andrea Martires finished four strokes back with a 164 (+20). Alyssa Balding and Mikala Payne rounded out the Newman scorecard. Balding carded a 167 (+23), while Payne finished with a 171 (+27).

As a team, Newman posted a team score of 641 (+65), and finished fifth in the eight-team field, which was comprised of mostly NCAA Div. I teams. The Jets finished with a three-stroke advantage on sixth-placed North Dakota, but trailed fourth-placed Northern Colorado by 13 strokes. Wichita State won the event with a 587 (+11).

Newman will conclude its fall schedule this coming Monday at the Oklahoma Intercollegiate, hosted by Cameron University. The tournament will be played at The Territory Golf Club in Duncan, Okla.

SLGA COMMONWEALTH SPOONS - Ayrshire pair third at Cathkin Braes

(From the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association website)

Fife pair Mary Malcolm and Helen Thomson won the 2010 Commonwealth Spoons final over a very windy Cathkin Braes Golf Course on Thursday 21 October.

Mary and Helen shot a nett score of 74 to pip their County colleagues, Lorna Fury and Marie Curran by one shot, whilst the Prestwick St Nicholas duo of Catherine Malcolm & Roz Purdom from Ayrshire (pictured 2nd and 3rd from the right) finished in third place.

Pairs from all fifteen Scottish County Golf Associations were represented in the final.

This two ball Foursomes event was postponed from September 23 when the course was flooded and the SLGA is very grateful to Cathkin Braes for allowing the competition to be rescheduled.

LEADING SCORES :-
1st - Mary Malcolm & Helen Thomson (Fife) 84-10 = 74

2nd - Lorna Fury & Marie Curran (Fife) 81-6 = 75

3rd - Catherine Malcolm & Roz Purdom (Ayrshire) 79-3 = 76 bih

4th - Pauline Warlow & Joanna Scott (Lanarkshire) 83-7 = 76

5th - Venetia Scott & Claire Howden (Borders) 87-10.5 = 76.5

WEST OF SCOTLAND INTER COUNTY LEAGUES - Double defeat for Ayrshire

In the latest round of matches in the 2010 West Of Scotland Inter County Leagues, Ayrshire's A and Youths teams both lost narowly to Dumbartonshire on Sunday 17th October.

The A. team travelled to Hayston GC for their match and were edged out 6 - 4 by a strong Dumbartonshire side.

Match details (Ayrshire names first) :-

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) beat Paul Betty (Hayston) by 2&1
George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) beat Andrew Campbell (Dumbarton) by 5&3 
Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) halved with Fraser McKenna (Balmore)
Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) lost to Kevin Smyth (Windyhill) by 4&3
Scott Brown (Turnberry) lost to Peter Haggerty (Helensburgh) by 5&4
Gary Bryden (Girvan) lost to Craig Checkley (Vale Of Leven) by 6&5
Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St Cuthbert) beat Billy Campbell (Kirkintilloch) by 2&1
John Haggerty (Loudoun) lost to Grant Minnes (Hayston) by 2&1
Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark) lost to Ryan McKenzie (Cardross) by 3&2
John Sloan (Tam O Shanter) halved with Niall Lamond (Blamore)

AYRSHIRE   4   DUMBARTONSHIRE   6 

In the corresponding youths match, played at Troon Darley, the Ayrshire team also lost by the margin of 6 - 4 to their visitors.

Match details (Ayrshire names first) :-

Jamie Aitchieson (largs Routenburn) lost to Cameron Farrell 4 & 3

Ciar Porciani (Ayr Belleisle) lost to Angus Carrick 6 & 5
Callum Beveridge (Troon Welbeck) lost to Michael Eyton 1 up
Mark Smith (Troon Welbeck) beat Eamon McIlroy 8 & 6
Ewan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Robbie King 1 up
Rory Atchieson (Largs Routenburn) lost to Kevin Scott 4 & 3
Graeme Ritchie (Troon Welbeck) lost to David Curtis 4 & 3
Craig McLaughlin (Largs) beat Ewan Ferguson 1 up
David McLelland (Largs) lost to Kevin Moran 3 & 2
Rory McKenzie (Troon Welbeck) beat Chris McEwan 6 & 4

AYRSHIRE   4    DUMBARTONSHIRE    6

The final matches of the series take place on Sunday 24th October, against Stirlingshire, when the youths are at home at Ballochmyle whilst the A Team travel to Grangemouth.

WORLD AMATEUR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Scotland teams head to Argentina

Scotland’s three-man Eisenhower Trophy team , including Ayrshire's Michael Stewart (pictured), arrived in Brazil last night to begin preparations for next week’s World Amateur Championship title defence in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

James Byrne, Ross Kellett and Michael Stewart, the three leading Scots in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, touched down yesterday to begin a week of preparation and acclimatisation ahead of the event, which gets underway next Thursday (28 – 31 October).

The players were joined by SGU National Coach Ian Rae and team captain Scott Knowles at their base in Sao Paulo, using a similar preparation schedule as adopted for Australia two years ago, where Wallace Booth, Gavin Dear and Callum Macaulay emerged as national heroes.

Stewart, who won the Allied Surveyors Scottish Amateur Championship at Gullane in July before lifting the SGU Order of Merit title, was in confident mood with ten days to go until the title defence:

“We’re all raring to go and can’t wait for the tournament to start. This week is very much about acclimatising, sharpening our games and practicing hard before we travel to Buenos Aires on Saturday. Being the first Scottish team to defend the title is an exciting opportunity and one we’re all relishing.” said the 20-year-old from Troon.

“We feel very refreshed having had a break from competitive golf since the end of the domestic season and we’re all going into the event with great energy. Ross has been speaking to Callum Macaulay to learn from his experience and we’ll hopefully speak to Gavin and Wallace this week to help with our build up. ” he added.

The Scots stormed to the 2008 title in Adelaide nine shots ahead of the United States, who finished runners-up with a team that included US Ryder Cup star Ricky Fowler and Stewart believes they will be the team to beat this time around.

“The United States will probably start favourites with the world number one, two and six in their team, having also won the title thirteen times. We expect England to be up there challenging and France have a very strong team, with Romain Wattel in their side, who won a Challenge Tour event recently. We’re confident in our own ability however and knowing what Scotland has achieved in the past, we believe we have a great chance.”

Five of the recent victorious European Ryder Cup team have taken part in the Eisenhower Trophy during the past decade; Luke Donald (2000), Eduardo Molinari, Francesco Molinari, Martin Kaymer (all 2004) and Rory McIlroy (2006), while captain Colin Montgomerie represented the GB&I side back in 1984.

All eyes will be on Louise Kenney, Kelsey MacDonald and Sally Watson this week (20 - 23 October) as they represent Scotland in the Women’s World Amateur Team Championship at the same venues, competing for the Espirito Santo Trophy, with Sweden defending the title.

For more information visit http://www.worldamateur2010.org/

AYRSHIRE GIRLS - Dumbarton & Argyll win friendly match

Ayrshire and Dumbarton & Argyll Girls played their annual friendly match on Sunday 17th October at West Kilbride GC.

Despite a very strong cold wind blowing all the girls played very well, with all but one match being decided on either the 17th or 18th greens.

The Ayrshire team (pictured) eventually lost out to their opponents by 4 matches to 3.

Match Results (Ayrshire names first)

Connie Jaffrey beat Jorden Ferrie 2 holes
Mhairi McKay lost to Kirstin Scott 2/1
Katie McGarva lost to Aileen Campbell 1 hole
Emma Hale lost to Rachel McLellan 3/1
Grace Mackie lost to Megan Duff 2/1
Rachel Irvine beat Heather McKinnie 1 hole
Hazel McGarvie beat Gillian Farrell 3/2

SCOTTISH SPORTS AWARDS - Nominations for 2010 awards sought

The Sunday Mail sportscotland Scottish Sports Awards take place in Glasgow on Thursday 2 December.


Widely recognised as the country’s leading sports awards ceremony, the event celebrates the achievements of Scotland’s sportsmen and women in achieving excellence in their sport during the past year. The event also recognises the vital contribution of coaches, volunteers and local heroes.

Amateur golf has been very successful in winning awards at this event in recent years, with Callum Macaulay, David Law and the winning Eisenhower Trophy team all achieving success, while professionals Colin Montgomerie and Catriona Matthew were the main award winners at last year’s event.

We hope that golf will continue to achieve recognition and would encourage you to nominate a team or individual for this year’s awards. There are 13 different categories to nominate on, with the choice (among others) of Local Hero Award – perhaps for a volunteer coach in your area – or Amateur Performance of the Year for the achievements of one of our golfers or golf teams this season.

Nominations can be made at the following website up until Sunday 24 October:

http://www.quaydigitalscotland.co.uk/sites/events/a_sports_awards/nominations.html

SCOTTISH GOLF - SGU and SLGA Begin Countdown Towards Amalgamation

The move to bring the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) and Scottish Ladies Golfing Association (SLGA) together as a single governing body has gathered momentum with a formal proposal being delivered to each organisation’s members this week.

It is proposed that the new joint organisation be called Scottish Golf Limited, and will be operational from 1 October 2011. Consequently the SGU and SLGA have developed a twelve month timetable to consult with members and refine and finalise the details of the proposed amalgamation.

The SGU’s existing shareholders are its 16 Area Associations, while the SLGA comprises affiliated ladies clubs and sections along with 15 County organisations, each with a vote on how the governing bodies are run at present. The proposed changes have now been sent to each of the member groups for consideration, with the two bodies conducting a series of meetings during October, November and December to gather the views of those groups.

Donald Turner, Chair of the amalgamation working group, welcomed the move to meet with the existing members:

“It is vitally important that we harness the views of our existing members while explaining in detail the rationale behind the change which I believe is right for Scottish Golf. The SGU and SLGA have now been working very closely for a number of years and amalgamation is a natural step in the right direction which can have great benefits for the development of the game in Scotland.”

“At a time when we are encouraging clubs to work towards equality, it is important that every golfer – regardless of gender – is given the same level of opportunity to participate and succeed in the game and that can only happen through amalgamation. At the heart of the game lies our clubs and during these particularly challenging times, clubs need the support of a strong governing body.”

“There is much history and heritage within the SLGA and SGU as well as their respective Counties, Areas and clubs. However, we must look to the future together if we are to succeed with the ambitions shared by both governing bodies,” he added.

Funding from sportscotland accounts for more than one third of the combined income of the SGU and SLGA at £1.3m and are key partners in the development of the game. sportscotland’s Chief Executive, Stewart Harris commented:

''sportscotland has been investing in and working with the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies Golfing Association on the amalgamation of the two bodies for a number of years. We look forward to working with SGU & SLGA to finalise the amalgamation process to allow golf to enjoy the benefits of having one united body responsible for governing and developing the amateur game in Scotland. Our support and investment to golf will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. We anticipate that one strong amateur golf body would be a more efficient way for sportscotland to invest in the future, and propel Scottish Golf to even greater heights."

The joint proposals include the creation of a single Board of Directors with a new Chair to be appointed as both Shona Malcolm (SLGA Chair) and Douglas Connon (SGU Chair) have indicated they will step down at the end of their current terms. It is intended that the Company will be limited by guarantee, with the voting members comprising the Areas, Counties and golf clubs throughout Scotland.

Under the proposal, existing Counties and Areas will retain their identity and boundaries, with Counties being offered the opportunity to explore a different method (consistent with the Areas) of promoting membership and collecting club subscriptions. The new body will unify the level of per capita subscription it collects from clubs, which is currently different for men and ladies, and this will remain for playing adults only, with an agreement to continue a policy of not charging for juniors.

Following the consultation period, the amalgamation working group will conduct a debrief and review before updating the proposal, which will be further discussed at the SGU and SLGA AGMs in January 2011. Further seminars will then take place among Areas, Counties and clubs in the spring, with a final proposal anticipated to be put to respective EGMs in May 2011. On approval of the proposal by the respective voting members, an appointment process for the inaugural Board will be undertaken in time for a smooth handover of responsibilities from the SGU and SLGA to Scottish Golf Limited from 1 October 2011.

Shona Malcolm, Chair of the SLGA, said:

“We have made excellent progress throughout 2010 and trust that the various stakeholders will be in agreement with our proposals. We welcome the feedback of our clubs and Counties over the coming months and their input will be invaluable to enable the new body to act in the best interests of Scottish Golf.”

Her counterpart at the SGU, Douglas Connon, added:

“We welcome the proposals put forward by Donald Turner and the working group. We believe the timetable we have put in place can now be achieved. Having worked so closely with the SLGA for a number of years across many key projects, it makes perfect sense to be working together under one single entity for the betterment of Scottish Golf and giving our clubs and golfers the best opportunity to develop. Scottish Golf demands and deserves this step change.”

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Third time lucky for Maybole pair as they triumph in final

It was a case of third time lucky for the maybole pairing of David Wallace & Scott McCahill  when they triumphed in the final of the 2010 Ayrshire Fourball Championship at Kilmarnock (Barassie) on Sunday 10th October, beating the North Beach duo of Johnny O'Neill and Gary Ross.

For the Maybole pair, 2010 marked their third appearance in the final in the last four years but the title had eluded them on both the previous occasions they had appeared.

2010 Fourball Championship winners David Wallace & Scott McCahill

pictured with AGA President Alasdair Malcolm

It was the North Beach team who took the early lead, a par five at the opening hole being enough to edge in front. The next two holes were halved in par before the Maybole side levelled the match at the fourth with a winning par three. Birdies at the fifth and sixth were only enough for the sides to half each hole , as was par at the seventh.

The Maybole pair edged in front for the first time with a winning par five at the eighth and a par four at the ninth was sufficient to extend maybole's lead to two holes as the match turned for home.

A birdie three at the 10th hole increased the margin of the maybole lead to three holes and, despite the best efforts of the North Beach team to reduce the defecit, the following four holes were halved in pars or birdies to leave maybole three ahead with four holes remaining.

At the 15th hole, the North Beach team broke the deadlock, taking the hole with a par and reduce the defecit to two holes.

At the 16th, which proved to be the final hole of the match, Scott McCahill produced two superb shots to reach the 491 yard par 5 in two shots and two putts from the back of the green gave him a birdie four which, despite a valiant effort, the North Beach duo were not able to match and thus Scott McCahill and David Wallace of Maybole took the title with a 3&2 victory.

 The 2010 Ayrshire Fourball Championship finalists

At the conclusion of the final, Ayrshire Golf Association President Alasdair Malcolm (Prestwick St Nicholas) made presentations to all four finalists.

WEST OF SCOTLAND INTER COUNTY LEAGUES - Ayrshire edged out by Lanarkshire in Sunday atches

Both the Ayrshire A and Youths teams suffered defeat by 4.5 - 5.5 at the hands of Lanarkshire on Sunday 10th October in the third of the five match West Of Scotland Inter County series.

The A team were at home, entertaining their visitors at Irvine Ravenspark. Ayrshire got off to a good start with Steven McEwan and Tommy McInally winning the opening ties but the match was levelled with defeats for George Robertson and Michael Smyth.

A narrow win By Craig Hamilton put Ayrshire ahead and Scott Brown added a further half point. Jamie Mackay gave Ayrshire hope for a win in the match with a crushing victory in his tie but, needing onlty one point from the remaining three ties, the Ayrshire side were edged out by their visitors who took the final three ties in the match for the narrowest of wins.

Match details (Ayrshire names first)

Steven McEwan (Caprington) beat Paul Shields (Kirkhill) by 7&6
Tommy McInally (Loudoun) beat Scott Douglas (Drumpellier) by 2&1
George Robertson (Ravenspark) lost to Alan McDonald (Crow Wood) by 4&3
Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) lost to Steven Rennie (Drumpellier) by 4&3
Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) beat Ed Wood (Crow Wood) by 1 hole
Scott Brown (Turnberry) halved with Murray Dubber (Bothwell Castle)
Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat James Reilly (East Kilbride) by 8&7
Steven Murray (Troon Welbeck) lost to James Steven (Kirkhill) by 5&4
Gary Bryden (Girvan) lost to David Ford (Airdrie) by 5&4
Darren Mallinson (Ravenspark) lost to Colin Kerr (Cambuslang) by 2 holes


AYRSHIRE   4.5     LANARKSHIRE   5.5


The corrsponding Youths match, played at Drumpellier, was a very tight affair throughout, with six of the tem ties being decided on the final green.

Match details (Ayrshire names first) :-

Mark Smith (Troon Welbeck) lost to Alan Welsh by 1 hole
Charlie macneal (Troon Welbeck) halved with Martin Scott
Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Jordan Gallacher by 1 hole
David McLellan (Largs) lost to Mark O'Donnell by 1 hole
Craig McLaughlin (Largs) beat Brian Scott by 4&2
Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Declan Dowy by 3&2
Rory Acheson (Largs Routenburn) beat Andrew Steven by 1 hole
Graeme Ritchie (Troon Welbeck) beat Craig Borland by 1 hole
Michael Roos (West Kilbride) lost to Ryan Corrigan by 372
Greg Telfer (Prestwick St Cuthbert) lost to Declan Hayes by 271

AYRSHIRE   4.5    LANARKSHIRE 5.5  
 
Next Sunday, 17th October, Ayrshire face Dumbartonshire with the Ayrshire A Team travelling to Hayston whilst the Youths team are at home at Troon Darley.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER (SCRATCH) LEAGUE - Kilmarnock (Barassie) secure first championship win

Kilmarnock (Barassie) - pictured below - are the new Ayrshire Summer League Champions following a thrilling second leg victory over Irvine (Bogside) in the Final.

The Barassie Links course posted a formidable challenge in the testing windy conditions but it was the home side who eventually took the honours with a 3 ½ - 2 ½ win which gave an overall 6 ½ - 5 ½ result.

Stuart Miller gave the home team the perfect start by taking an early lead against Gareth Lamb in a rock solid display. Wins at 14 and 15 eventually sealed a fine 4 & 3 win. Jamie Mackay and John Shanks then lined up in what looked like the match of the day but Mackay took the first five holes in a one sided encounter and kept his 100% record in this year’s matches intact by recording a 5 & 4 victory.

As the Bogside fightback began, promising youngster Euan Walker ran up against some excellent golf from the visitor’s Alan Connery who built a commanding five hole lead by the seventh. Walker, aware of a possible count back situation, dug in before eventually succumbing on the 15th green. In match four, an out of sorts Andrew Wright gifted Colin Gray the first two holes of their match before fighting back to level the contest by the fifth. However, the Irvine player’s greater consistency in the tough conditions allowed him to ease away to a crucial 4 & 2 win.

This left the two deciding matches out on the course and home Club Captain David Miller played some fine golf in the anchor match to build an early lead against Gordon Dunlop. Miller, also mindful of the potential for a count back, used all of his matchplay experience to build on that lead and secure an important 5 & 4 victory for his team.

Up ahead, the match between Euan Brown and Stephen Spence was producing some quality golf. As the overall match developed it became clear this was likely to be the pivotal encounter and although Brown held a two hole lead with three to play, fine birdies from Spence at 16 and 17 saw the match head up the 18th hole. Both players found the green with their approach shots to set up birdie chances but when Spence’s effort slipped past, Brown nudged his tricky downhill putt to the hole side for the winning half point.

Second Leg details (Barassie names first) :-

Stuart Miller beat Gareth lamb by 4&3

Jamie Mackay beat John Shanks by 5&4

Euan Walker lost to Alan Connery by 4&3

Andrew Wright lost to Colin Gray by 4&2

Euan Brown halved with Stephen Spence

David Miller beat Gordon Dunlop by 5&4         

Runners Up - Irvine GC

Overall, an excellent Final played in great spirit throughout which saw Kilmarnock (Barassie) take the title for the first time

WEST OF SCOTLAND INTER COUNTY LEAGUES - Latest update

Ayrshire have played two of their five matches in the 2010 West Of Scotland Inter County Leagues at both 'A' and Younts levels, although the present position as to the results on week one are still shrouded in confusion and await confirmation.

In the 'A' League, Ayrshire opened with a match at Brunston Castle against Glasgow on Sunday 19th September and, as in the corresponding youths match the same day, the question of Distance Measuring Devices had an influence on the match and still awaits a resolution.

Despite a decision taken by all competing counties earlier in the year that DMD's would not be permitted in the West League matches, officials of both teams erroniously agreed to allow their use at the start of the match and as a consequence members of both teams used DMD's throughout.

In the event, the match score was recorded as 7 - 3 in favour of Ayrshire.

Match details (Ayrshire names first) :-

Steven McEwan (Caprington) lost to Steven Robertson (Sandyhills) by 2&1
Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat John Laurie (Cowglen) by 4&3
Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) beat James Hendricks (Pollock) by 2&1
Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) beat Stephen Machin (Cowglen) by 7&5
Scott Brown (Turnberry) beat Graham McDougal (Bishopbriggs) by 2&1
Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to George Crawford (Williamwood) by 2&1
Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark) beat Martin McCrory (Cathkin Braes) by 1 hole
Gary Bryden (Girvan) beat Chris Wedgeworth (Cowglen) by 2&1
Chris Bone (Loudoun) beat John McDonald (Cowglen) by 2&1
Scott Gilchrist (Loudoun) lost to Ricky Gray (Cowglen) by 1 hole


AYRSHIRE  7   GLASGOW  3

As officials from both sides, in agreement, had instructed the players in error that DMD's could be used both counties have broadly agreed that the result of the 'A' match should stand as played.

In week 2, on Sunday 26th September, Ayrshire went down narrowly by 5.5 - 4.5 at Kilmarnock (Barassie) to a strong Renfrewshire side.

Match Details (Ayrshire names first) :-

Steven McEwan (Caprington) beat Sam Binning (Ranfurly Castle) by 2 holes
Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Michael Campbell (Renfrew) by 5&3
George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) hlaved with Paul Alexander (Caldwell)
Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) beat Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire) by 2&1
Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) lost to Ronnie Clark (Erskine) by 2 holes
Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Michael Daily (Erskine) by 3&2
John Shanks (Irvine) beat Grant Beaton (Bonnyton) by 3&1
Stephen Spence (Irvine) lost to Colin Thomson (East Renfrewshire) by 4&3
Darren Mallinson (Irvine Ravenspark) lost to Nicky Gold (Bonnyton) by 4&3
John Sloan (Tam O Shanter) lost to Davy McFarlane (Greenock) by 6&5


AYRSHIRE  4.5    RENFREWSHIRE  5.5

With the scheduled match last week against Stirlingshire being postponed, Ayrshire are back in Action on Sunday 10th October when they entertain Lanarkshire at Irvine Ravenspark, whilst the postponed match agaist Stirlingshire has been rescheduled to Sunday 24th October at Grangemouth GC.

In the corresponding youths match series, matters are not so clear, and again it is the use of DMD's that has caused some controversy.

In the opening week of matches, on Sunday 19th September, Ayrshire Youths team travelled to play Glasgow at Bishopbriggs.

In the case of this match, three Glasgow players were found to have used DMD's, in controvention of the rules, which was brought to the attention of the Glasgow officials by Ayrshire officials.

Despite efforts to clarify the result, no clear decision has been reached as the two counties involved have differing views as to how the result should be recorded, Glasgow claiming the result should stand as played (6 - 4 to Glasgow) whilst Ayrshire's view is that the three Glasgow players concerned should be disqualified (5.5 - 4.5 to Ayrshire) as directed by The Rules Of Golf.

Match results as played (Ayrshire names first) :-

Gregor MacKintosh (Girvan) lost to F Grant by 3&2
Rory Acheson (Largs Routenburn) beat J Thomson by 2&1
Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) lost to J Savage by 6&5
Craig McLaughlin (Largs) beat J Brown by 1 hole
David McLellan (Largs) beat S Weating **by 1 hole
Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to P Loughlin ** by 2 holes
Ben Gibson (Troon Welbeck) lost to C McLean by 3&1
Craig Telfer halved with N McArthur **
Graeme Ritchie (Troon Welbeck) lost to C Anderson by 2&1
Ciar Porciani Ayr Belleisle) halved with C Gray


** players who used DMD's

In the second of the series of five matches, played on Sunday 26th September, Ayrshire travelled to meet Renfrewshire at Eastwood and enjoyed a 8.5 - 1.5 win over their hosts.

Match results (Ayrshire names first) :-

Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St Cuthbert) beat A Lauder by 5&4
Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) beat A Ferguson by 8&6
Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) beat J Alexander by 6&4
Charlie Macneal (Troon Welbeck) beat F Lauder by 4&2
David McLellan (Largs) beat D Muir by 1 hole
Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) halved with R Dzieneck
David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) beat D Docherty by 6&4
Craig McLaughlin (Largs) beat J Binning by 3&2
Rory McKenzie (Troon Welbeck) lost to A O'Donnell by 2&1
Rory Acheson (Largs Routenburn) beat J Bradley by 1 hole

AYRSHIRE   8.5   RENFRWSHIRE  1.5

With the match against Stirlinghshire last week being postponed, the Ayrshire Youths side play again on Sunday 10th October when they travel to meet Lanarkshire at Drumpellier, whilst the postponed match against Stirlingshire will take place on Sunday 24th October at Ballochmyle.

US COLLEGE GOLF - Linzi Allan keeps up good form at Oklahoma City

Linzi Allan From Dalry, Ayrshire, a sophomore student at Newman University, Wichita, Kansas, taking part in the Mahogany UCO Classic, was the overnight leader with a first-round score of 71 over the par 70 (6120yd) course at Lincoln Park East Golf Club, Oklahoma City.

She added a second round score of 76 for a total score of 147 to finish tied for eighth in a field of 93 players, only four shots behind the overall winner, Wallis Spears (St Edward University+.

Linzi’s team-mates, Megan Birdsey from Bedfordshire and Alyssia Balding from Northumberland, had aggregates of 154 and 157 respectfully.

Newman university finished seventh with a new school record of 615 in a field of 17 teams. The competition was won by Central Oklahoma

Coach Don Farquhar said he is proud of his team and is looking forward to the rest of the season even though the girls had been teasing him about the European Victory in the Ryder Cup.

BELHAVEN BEST SCOTTISH CLUB HANDICAP CHAMPIONSHIP - New Cumnock best of Ayrshire clubs at The Dukes

 The 2010 Belhaven Best Scottish Club Handicap Championship final was held at The Duke’s, St Andrews on Friday 1st October and it was the New Cumnock pairing of  Charles Allan & Steven Waddell who were the best finishers amongst the Ayrshire representatives in the field of 40 clubs who took part.

The New Cumnock pair finished in joint sixth place on 75, just one shot outside the winning score of 74, attained by five clubs. Ranfurly castle were declared the winners by virtue of the better inward half.

Leading Scores :-

Ranfurly Castle - Crawford MacKay/Colin MacDonald 12.0 10 74 F (1) +3
Kinross - Robin Caldow/Jason Thomson 6.0 5 74 F (1) +3
Falkland - John Haxton/David Haxton 9.0 7 74 F (1) +3
Mount Ellen - Graeme Kilpatrick/Paul Bradley 7.0 6 74 F (1) +3
Nigg Bay - Gary Stewart/John Allan 8.0 7 74 F (1) +3
New Cumnock - Charles Allan/Steven Waddell 22.0 17 75 F (10) +4
Sanquhar - Ian Macfarlane/Douglas Morrison 11.0 9 75 F (1) +4
Michelin - Ian O'Neill/Derek Anderson 20.0 15 75 F (10) +4
Dullatur - Graeme McMinn/Graham Stronach 9.0 7 75 F (1) +4

Other Ayrshire Scores :-

 13th - Loudoun - Chris Bone/Tommy McInally 0.0 0 76 F (1) +5
16th - Prestwick St Nicholas - Robert Craig/Iain McCall 7.0 5 77 F (1) +6
26th - Chase - Chris Phillips/John Brodie 18.0 13 80 F (10) +9
28th - Tam O' Shanter - Stephen Cole/Stevie Arrandale 16.0 12 81 F (1) +10
29th - Saxone - Michael O'Brien/Gordon Bettaney 23.0 17 81 F (10) +10
30th - Routenburn - Alistir McPhail/Jack Clark 23.0 18 82 F (10) +11