HAPPY CHRISTMAS !!!

Hope all our readers get all the golfing gifts they hoped for today.

We're sure that a couple of these elves could be very much in demand amongst the dodgy putters of the world !!

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - New format agreed for 2011

The Ayrshire Summer Scratch League will be competed for under a new format in 2011.

Since its innauguration in 2003 the Summer Scratch League has involved an all in draw for qualifying sections, with the winners progressing to the latter stages of the competition.

Whilst the format for playing individual matches will remain the same, the format of the event itself will alter considerably.

After seeking the views of competing clubs in early 2010, it has been agreed that the 2011 competition will be played in League Divisions, with promotion and relegation between leagues coming into operation, the winning team in the league gaining promotion to a higher division and the bottom team being relegated to a lower division.

It is anticipated that the formation of a such a league set up will promote keener competition throughout the competition, with all matches being closely contested and meaningful throughout the full league programme.

It is envisaged that the initial championship will involve four leagues of five teams, with the lower two leagues possibly involving more or less teams depending on the number of entrants, although there will be the option of introducing a fifth league if interest demands.

For the 2011 competition, the teams entering the event will be placed in divisions using a formula based on performance and position in the competition over the last three years of the event, and this will be agreed by the AGA Executive once all the entrants for 2011 are known.

The present Summer Scratch League trophy will be presented to the winner of Division 1 in 2011, with new trophies being introduced for the winners of the other divisions also.

Entry forms for the 2011 competition were distributed to club secretaries in early November. The closing date for entries is 31st January 2011.

SEARCH IS ON TO FIND SCOTTISH GOLF’S UNSUNG HEROES - New award announced

(SGU press release)

A new award is being launched by the Scottish Golf Union to honour the country’s unsung golfing heroes with the inaugural winner to be presented alongside the stars of the game at February’s XOS Scottish Golf Awards.

The Scottish Golf Volunteer of the Year Award has been created to recognise the contribution made by thousands of club volunteers up and down the country whose efforts give so much to the running of the game, both locally and nationally.

The SGU is inviting clubs to nominate their unsung volunteers for this prestigious new award, with the fantastic prize of two places on offer at the XOS Scottish Golf Dinner on Friday 18 February at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow. The leading five nominees as selected by our judging panel will be invited to attend the event with a guest and the winner being presented with their award on the night by one of the leading names in Scottish Golf.

The Volunteer of the Year will also receive a fantastic individual prize, in addition to a donation towards golf development at their home club.

“We’ve seen so many fantastic examples of volunteering at clubs across the country that we felt it was important to recognise the commitment of these individuals. Like many sports, golf relies on the contribution of so many people at a local level and so we are delighted to launch this new award.” said Andy Salmon, Scottish Golf Development Manager.

“Next year’s XOS Scottish Golf Awards will be a fantastic occasion and it’s important that we honour golf club members involved in the grass roots of the game as well as those performing at the highest level. We look forward to receiving many nominations from clubs and while there can only be one winner, it will be great to recognise all our volunteers’ outstanding efforts through this award.” he added.

Nomination forms will be available on-line at http://www.scottishgolf.org/ and clubs will also be sent information on the Awards through the post and via e-mail. Entries for the Award will close on Thursday 20 January with the five leading volunteers selected by our judging panel to be profiled on the website and the winner announced on Friday 18 February.

Entry is open to anyone aged 16 or over who is a member of an SGU or SLGA affiliated golf club and an active volunteer on a club committee, junior section or another recognised unpaid position within the club.

AYR SEAFIELD GOLF CLUB - Funeral arrangements for the late Captain Billy Frew

Club Secretary Brian Milligan has advised that the funeral of Ayr Seafield Golf Club Captain Billy Frew, to which all friends are respectfully invited, will be held at 1.00 p.m. on Wednesday 8th December 2010 at St. Marnock's Church, St Marnock Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 1DZ and thereafter to Kilmarnock Cemetery, Grassyards Road, New Farm Loch, Kilmarnock, KA3 7SH.

The family has requested no flowers and there will be a collection in Billy's memory.

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY GOLF ASSOCIATION - Officials for 2011 elected at AGM

The committee and officials of the Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Association for the 2011 season were elected at the recent Annual General Meeting.

The full list of Officials and Committee members are :-

Hon. President: Mrs Phyl Wylie

President: Eila MacLennan

Captain: Alex Glennie
Vice-Captain Sandie Streets


Hon. Secretary: Lesley Barker untill February then Ann Wallace
Hon. Treasurer: Jill West
Junior Secretary: June Kerr

Committee
Sandra Shackleton (Troon Bentinck)
Lynda Cochrane (Brunston Castle)
Linda Parry (Irvine)
Sheila Sheddon (Prestwick St Nicholas)

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY GOLF - 2011 Fixtures announced

The Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Association fixture list for the 2011 season has been announced.

The season opens with the County Championship at Largs whilst Ayrshire also host the West Of Scotland Inter County Matches this year, with Kilmarnock Barassie the venue for the event in June

The full list of fixtures is :-

2011 AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY FIXTURES


12- 14 April - Ayrshire Ladies County Championship (Largs)
8 May - West Of Scotland Ladies Championship (Lanark)
10 May - County Foursomes (West Kilbride)
14 June - Quaich (Troon Lochgreen)
20 - 22 June - West Of Scotland Inter County matches (Kilmarnock Barassie)
19 July - Summer Meeting (Bonnyton)
9 Aug - Coronation Medals (Ardeer)
13 Sept - Thistle Brooches (Prestwick St Cuthbert)
11 Oct - Quaich (Ayr Belleisle)


The fixture list is also available to download via the link on the left of this page, under the Ladies Info heading

SCOTTISH GOLF DINNER - New look & new sponsor for annual event

(From the Scottishgolf website)

Xerox Office Solutions (XOS) are the new sponsors of the Scottish Golf Dinner as part of a new two-year partnership agreement with the Scottish Golf Union announced last week.

The XOS Scottish Golf Dinner 2011 will take place on the new date of Friday 18 February at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow, with BBC Sport’s Andrew Cotter taking over the reigns as event host and a number of Scottish Golf’s leading names lined up to attend. The Ryder Cup trophy will also be on show at the event following Colin Montgomerie’s successful captaincy at Celtic Manor last month.

Hamish Grey, Chief Executive of the Scottish Golf Union, welcomed the new partnership:

“We are delighted to bring in XOS as our new sponsor, not only for their sponsorship of the Scottish Golf Dinner but as a company who can provide an excellent service to our member clubs. They have a proven track record in customer service and cost savings and we look forward to working with them.”

“The XOS Scottish Golf Dinner will be one of the highlights of the golfing calendar and we have made a number of changes to the event for next year which I’m sure will attract an even wider audience of golfers to attend. It will be a fantastic celebration of Scottish Golf and will raise funds for the development of junior golf in Scotland,” he added.

Managing Director of XOS, Lindsay Wallace, commented:

“As an ambitious Scottish company we are very proud to be associated with the SGU and look forward to celebrating the achievements of Scottish golfers at next year’s dinner. XOS already has a number of golf clubs as clients and we are delighted to be putting something back into the game with this sponsorship.”

“We offer a fantastic service to golf clubs with our range of office solutions and our Account Managers will also work with clubs on local sponsorship activity.” he added.

Tickets for the XOS Scottish Golf Dinner 2011 are now available to purchase by calling the SGU on 01334 466 477, with a table of ten priced at £650 or individual tickets costing £70 per person. A booking form is also available at www.scottishgolf.org .

Further details of the event will be announced over the next few weeks, including new award categories and guest appearances.

XOS are a fully accredited Xerox premier partner and are the official supplier of office printing and copying equipment to the SGU. XOS are also offering to sponsor local golf club competitions, club teams or tee boards in 2011 for every Xerox multifunctional installation made.

MAIL ON SUNDAY WOMENS CLASSIC - Skelmorlie edged out in semi finals in Spain

The great adventure for the Skelmorlie ladies team ended in the semi finals of the Mail On Sunday Ladies Classic at El Rompido Golf & Beach Resort on the Costa De La Luz this week.

The local side lost out to Beau Desert in the semi finals by 3-2 whilst Murrayfield from the East of Scotland beat Wildwood GC by 5 - 0 to go through to the final.

In the final, Murrayfield took the title with a 3.5 - 1.5 win over Beau Desert GC.

Despite their semi final defeat, the ladies from Skelmorlie did their club and county proud throughout the season in their progress to the latter stages of the competition, and will be looking forward to trying to go one step further in 2011.

AYR SEAFIELD GOLF CLUB - Club Captain Billy Frew passes away

The following intimation has been received from Ayr Seafield Golf Club Secretary, Brian Milligan.

"It is with much sadness and very deep regret that I intimate the passing of our club captain Billy Frew. Billy passed away at Ayr Hospital in the early evening of Thursday 25th November 2010 after a lengthy illness.
Billy's partner Jacqueline and his two sons Martin and Callum were present.
I will let you know about the funeral arrangements as soon as I am aware of them".


The Ayrshire Golf Association would like to extend sincere condolences to Jaqueline, Martin, Callum and Billy's family, as well as the members of the Ayr Seafield Club, at this very sad time.

SCOTTISH GOLF ACADEMY UNDER 16 SERIES - Walker & Jaffrey best for Ayrshire

The second event of the Scottish Golf

Academy Under 16 Winter Series took

place at Strathmore Golf Centre, Alyth, on Sunday 21st November.

Following on from his second place in the opening event, Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) was fourth at Strathmore, his one over par 73 leaving him five shots adrift of the winner Ewan Scott (St Andrews)

Leading scores in the boys event were :-

68 - Ewan Scott (St Andrews).

70 - Ben Kinsley (St Andrews).

72 - Ben Craggs (Glenbervie).

73 - Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie).

74 - Andrew Burgess (Nairn), Christopher MacLean (Clydebank & Dist), George Burns (Williamwood).

75 - Ewen Ferguson (Bearsden), Alasdair McDougall (St Andrews New), Euan Bowden (The Glen).

Other Ayrshire scores :-

81 - Jack Thomas (Irvine)

Best placed Ayrshire player in the girls event was Connie Jaffrey (West Kilbride) who finished joint 7th with a 7 over par 79, leaving her four shots behing the winning score of 75.

Leading scores in the girls event were :-

75 - Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies), Gabrielle McDonald (Craigielaw), Clara Young (North Berwick).

76 - Lesley Atkins (Gullane Ladies), Lauren Whyte (St Regulus), Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm).

79 - Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies), Connie Jaffrey (West Kilbride).

80 - Samantha Munro (Aberdour), Eilidh Watson (Muckhart).

Other Ayrshire scores :-

82 - Katie McGarva (Troon Ladies).

89 - Emma Hale (Troon Ladies)

CHARITY CHALLENGE - Rules man gets on his bike !!

Many golfers throughout Scotland, and indeed throughout the world, will know the name of David Rickman (pictured right) who is the Director Of Rules & Equipment Standards at the R & A.

David has recently set himself a massive challenge for 2011 as he has undertaken to cycle the length of Britain next June, a distance of over 1,000 miles.

David has undertaken this challenge in memory of his dad, who died in February 2010, and in aid of the British Lung Foundation.

The target for David is to raise the substantial sum of £10,000.

The undernoted link to David's fundraiser page explains more.

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/davidrickman

It would be great if golfers throughout the country and beyond would consider sponsoring David by any ammount, large or small, and help him towards, and hopefully beyond, his target ammount.

The Fundraiser webpage above allows you to donate online by credit or debit card - all donations are secure and sent electronically to the British Lung Foundation.

If, however, you would prefer to send a cheque, this could be sent direct to David at The R & A in St. Andrews.

We wish David all the best with his challenge and hope that many golfers will support David in his big adventure by sponsoring him for this worthwhile cause.  

GOOD LUCK SKELMORLIE LADIES - Mail On Sunday semi finalists jet off at the weekend

The great adventure for the Skelmorlie ladies team continues at the weekend when they jet off to Spain for the Semi Finals and Final of the Mail On Sunday ladies Classic, to be held at El Rompido Golf & Beach Resort on the Costa De La Luz.

Skelmorlie will contest the latter stages alongside Murrayfield, Beau Desert and Wildwood during a five day trip from 21 November to 25th November.

We all wish the Skelmorlie team the best of luck and hope that they can bring back the title to Ayrshire.

COUNTY PRESIDENTS - Can you fill in the gaps ?.

Recent research has established that the Ayrshire Golf Association was established In February or March 1955 to replace the former Ayrshire Golf Committee, whcih was part of the Western District Committee of the SGU.

Until now, records of officials of the Ayrshire Golf Association have been incomplete. some research has filled in some of the gaps bt the help of the members of Ayrshire clubs is now sought in an attempt to establish a full list of Presidents of The Ayrshire Golf Association since its inception in 1955, to give the individuals who served the county in this capacity due recognition.

some of the recent Ayrshire Golf Association Presidents

As far as can be established at present, the list of  County Presidents are :-

1955-1956 - J.T. Shaw (Troon)

1956-1958 -
1958-1960 -
1960-1962 - J. Rae (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
1962-1964 - Edward W. Ecrepont (Troon)
1964-1966 - Robert Kirkland (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
1966-1968 -
1968-1970 -
1970-1972 -
1972-1973 -
1973-1975 - Archie Carroll (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
1975-1977 - Matthew H. Lygate (Troon Portland)
1977-1979 - Robert Mclaren (Largs)
1979-1981 - David Murdoch (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
1981-1983 - R.Leslie Crawford (Kilmarnock Barassie)
1983-1985 - John Wilson (Troon)
1985-1987 - R.A. Innes McQueen (Troon Welbeck)
1987-1989 - Charles Bruce (Loudoun)
1989- 1990 - John Boyd (Caprington)
1990-1992 - William Dowie (Ballochmyle)
1992-1994 - Angus MacPhee (Kilmarnock Barassie)
1994-1996 - John C. Rutherford (Caprington)
1996-1998 - Iain Harvey (Kilmarnock Barassie)
1998-2000 - Ronnie Potts (Irvine Ravenspark)
2000-2002 - Morgan Hall (West Kilbride)
2002-2004 - Robin G. Baker (Troon Portland)
2004-2006 - J.F. (Ian) Guthrie (Ballochmyle)
2006-2008 - Ricky Magee (Caprington)
2008-2010 - Alasdair J. Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas)

 

It is believed that the late Sam Haswell of Irvine Ravenspark was a past President although the date of his term in office has not been confirmed as yet.

 

If any other golfers in the county can provide information as to the post holders in the missing years then The Association would be grateful if any details could be passed to the secretary by email to

ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net 

 

It is hoped that the list can be completed by the end of the year, to allow for inclusion in the 2011 Ayrshire Golf Association yearbook.

GOLF IN EGYPT - Open competition invitation

E-mail received from Thomas leader, the golf sales assistant at Stella Di Mare golf and country club in Ain Soukhna, Egypt.

"In January 2011 we are hosting The 2nd annual ‘Starfish Trophy’ Men’s open Championship over our 7150 yard par 72 championships links course. The event is open to all amateur golfers and would be an excellent opener to the 2011 season for many of your players".

"We are offering excellent week packages for the event, including unlimited play and practice before the 36 hole tournament and this would give many players the chance to home their skills in the sun!

The facilities at Stella Di Mare are first class and include a large grass tee driving range and 18 hole 'Himalaya’ style putting green."

a 7 night Stay & Play package from Monday 10th January to Monday 17th January 2011 starts from 590 Euro per person & includes :-

• Accommodation in Stella Di Mare 5 Star Golf Hotel on half board basis (based on double occupancy in Half Board including all taxes & service charge)
• Transfer to/from airport
• Unlimited practice before & after the event
• Unlimited golf before & after the event
• 36 hole competition entry
• Buggy & driving range balls for all days
• Buffet lunch at prize presentation on the Saturday afternoon

For more informatio0n or any other packages contact :-

Josh North (Director Of Golf) - 002010 855 7975
golfoffice@stelladimare.com

Thomas Leader (golf sales) - 002019 704 5045
Sales.golf@stelladimare.com

Isabelle Cutrona (General manager) - 002010 177 4779
gm.golf@stelladimare.com

GOLF HOLIDAYS IN MALLORCA - Clark may be able to help.

E-mail recently received, which may be of interest to groups considering a golf holiday in Mallorca.

MY NAME IS CLARK LEE AND I HAVE JUST SET UP A GOLF WEBSITE THAT MAY BE OF

INTEREST TO YOUR MEMBERS.

HAVING HAD THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ORGANISING OUR YEARLY GOLF TRIP TO
MALLORCA FOR THE PAST 9 YEARS,THIS YEAR OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY I DECIDED TO
TAKE THE LADS TO THE NORTH EAST OF THE ISLAND INSTEAD OF THE SOUTH.

I BOOKED THE HOTEL AND THEN THE GOLF COURSES [WHICH INCLUDED PULA THE
CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE FOR THE BALEARIC OPEN].

TO CUT A LONG STORY SHORT,AS A RESULT OF OUR TRIP I HAVE SET UP MY OWN
GOLF WEBSITE TO SHARE OUR EXPERIENCE WITH OTHER GOLFERS.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THE WEBSITE AND IF I CAN BE OF ANY ASSISTANCE TO
YOUR MEMBERS PLEASE DO NOT HEAITATE TO CONTACT ME.

WE TAKE ONLY A SMALL DEPOSIT AND THE BALANCE OF EACH TRIP IS PAYABLE ON
ARRIVAL AT THE HOTEL.THIS REMOVES PAYING FOR EVERYTHING UPFRONT,WHICH USED TO REALLY ANNOY ME WHEN BOOKING TRIPS ABROAD.

YOU CAN VIEW THE WEBSITE AT http://www.calamillorgolf.com/ .

The link is also available on the left of this page, under the golf links heading.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE DINNER - Macneal named as Junior Golfer Of The Year

Charlie Macneal of Troon Welbeck was named as the recipient of the Macrobert Thistle Junior Golfer Of The Year Trophy for 2010 when a capacity audience met for the Ayrshire Junior Golf League Annual Dinner & Presentation of Prizes on Monday 8th November at Irvine Ravenspark G.C.                       

David Reynolds & Charlie Macneal

Macneal, who won the Ayrshire Boys Championship in August, as well as a string of boys open events throughout the season, also received the Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit Trophy as reward for an outstanding season, in which he also helped his club team to a duo of county titles.

The evening was conducted by League Chairman John Nordbo (Largs) and attended by guests, junior convenors & junior golfers from member clubs throughout the county.

The Macrobert Thistle Junior Golfer Of The Year Trophy was presented to the 2010 winner by David Reynolds, representing Fields In Trust.

New Ayrshire Golf Association President David Miller, of Kilmarnock (Barassie), presented the remaining prizes.

Troon Welbeck had an excellent season, picking up seven team or individual honours at the dinner. As well as Charlie Macneal's Junior Golfer Of The Year, Junior Order Of Merit and Ayrshire Boys trophies, further  individual trophies were won by David Wilson who retained the Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Trophy and Marc Smith who won the Prestwick Circuits Trophy.

In team competition, Troon Welbeck won the Matt Lygate Trophy at the Ayrshire Boys Team Championship in April and the Wallace Thornton Trophy in September when they defeated Kilmarnock (Barassie) in the final. 

Welbeck winners (clockwise from top left) - Matt Lygate Trophy team, Marc Smith (Prestwick Circuits Trophy), Wallace Thornton Trophy team, David Wilson (Boys Matchplay Trophy), Charlie Macneal (Order Of Merit), Charlie Macneal (Ayrshire Boys)

 Other winners during the season included Ardeer, who won the Andrew D Nimmo Trophy at The Ayrshire Boys Team Championship & Ballochmyle who took the Silver Jubilee Trophy at the annual Convenors Outing. 

Ayr Belleisle won the Under 16 Knockout Trophy beating Prestwick St. Cuthbert in the final in September at Largs.

Above - Ardeer (A D Nimmo Trophy), Ballochmyle (Silver Jubilee Trophy) & League Runners Up - Ayr Belleisle

In individual events, Robert Montgomery of West Kilbride won the Carrick Trophy at the Ayrshire Boys Team Championship in April and Craig Telfer of Prestwick St Cuthbert who beat Joseph Howie of Ardeer in the final, won the Champion Of Champions Trophy at Prestwick St Nicholas in September.

Above - Under 16 Winners Ayr Belleisle & Champion Of Champions Craig Telfer

Right - more prizewinners - Champion Of Champions runner up Joseph Howie, Wallace Thornton Trophy runners up Kilmarnock (Barassie), Under 16 runners up Prestwick St Cuthbert and League Championship semi finalists Ardeer & Annanhill

The presentation of prizes concluded with the presentation of the League Championship semi finalist plaques to Ardeer and Annanhill, followed by the League Championship runners up pennant to Ayr Belleisle before AGA President David Miller, who is also serving captain of the  Kilmarnock (Barassie) club, had the pleasurable duty of handing over the League Championship Trophy and pennant to the junior team from his own club, as 2010 League Champions.

2010 LEAGUE CHAMPIONS - KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) GC

Ayrshire Junior Golf League Vice Chairman, Gavin Scott of Loudoun Gowf Club, rounded off a succesful evening with a vote of thanks.

WALKER CUP - Stewart named in initial GB & I squad

Scottish Amateur Champion Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) is one of four Scots named by the R & A in the initial 23 man Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup squad that will head for the first training session at Portmarnock Golf Club in Ireland this December.

The final team of ten to play the USA in the 43rd Walker Cup match, at Royal Aberdeen on 11th and 12th September 2011, will be announced in August next year.

GB and I squad:

James Byrne (Banchory)

Laurie Canter (Saltford)

Paul Cutler (Portstewart)
Alan Dunbar (Rathmore)
Rhys Enoch (Truro)
Oliver Farr (Ludlow)
Tyrrell Hatton (Harleyford)
Billy Hemstock (Teignmouth)
Stiggy Hodgson (Sunningdale)
Alastair Jones (Radyr)
Ross Kellett (Colville Park)
Tom Lewis (Welwyn Garden City)
Chris Lloyd (The Kendleshire)
Kris Nicol (Fraserburgh)
Matthew Nixon (Ashton-under-Lyne)
Eddie Pepperell (Drayton Park)
Kevin Phelan (University of North Florida)
Rhys Pugh (Vale of Glamorgan)
Jack Senior (Heysham)
Matthew Southgate (Thorpe Hall)
Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck)
Andy Sullivan (Nuneaton)
Darren Wright (Rowlands Castle)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Championship Entry Forms distributed

Entry forms for the 2011 Ayrshire matchplay knockout championships have been distributed to club secretaries this week.

Entry forms have been e-mailed to all 63 Ayrshire clubs for the 2011 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions, Ayrshire Scratch Summer League and Ayrshire Fourball championships.

The closing date for entries in all three competitions is 31st JANUARY 2011.

Any club secretary/ contact who has not received the entry form by next week should contact the AGA Secretary Alasdair Malcolm at ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net .

Subscription notices for 2010 - 2011 have also been posted to all clubs this week and should be in the hands of club secretaries by the weekend. 

SGU UNDER 16 SERIES - Walker second in first event

Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) was runner up in the first event in the SGU Under 16 winter series, played at The Glen, North Berwick, on Sunday 31st October.

With a field of invited players under the age of 16 on 1 January 2011 and who are part of the Scottish Golf Academy the series of four events will take place throughout the winter months.

The opening event was won by Bradley Neil (Blairgowrie) with a three under par score of 67, whilst Euan Walker was the only other boy to break par, finishing two shots back on 69, one under par.

LEADING SCORES :-

1 NEIL, Bradley Blairgowrie Golf Club 67 -3
2 WALKER, Euan Kilmarnock (Barassie) 69 -1
T3 HUGHAN, Robert Newton Stewart GC 70 Par

T3 WILSON, Alexander Gullane 70 Par

T5 MACINTYRE, Bob Glencruitten 71 +1
T5 SYME, Connor Dumfries & County 71 +1
T7 FERGUSON, Ewen Bearsden 72 +2
T7 MCDOUGALL, Alasdair The New Club, St Andrews 72 +2
T7 SCOTT, Ewan St Andrews 72 +2
T10 KINSLEY, Ben St Andrews 73 +3

T10 HILL, Calum Tantallon 73 +3

12 STEWART, Rory Crieff 74 +4

13 BOWDEN, Euan The Glen 75 +5

T14 BURNS, George Williamwood Golf Club 76 +6

T14 MORRISON, Liam Hamilton 76 +6

The only other Ayrshire player in the field, Jack Thomas (Irvine) finished tied 23rd on 79 (+9).

In the girls event, won by Gabrielle McDonald (Craigielaw) with a a score of 72, the best places Ayrshire player was Emma Hale (Troon Ladies) - pictured - who tied tenth on 80, 3 shots ahead of Connie Jaffery (West Kilbride) who was tied 17th on 83.

The other Ayrshire girl in the field was Katie McGarva (Troon Ladies) who was 19th, on a score of 85.

The remaining events on the schedule are :-

Event 2 - Strathmore, Sunday 21 November

Event 3 - St Andrews, Eden Course, Sunday 6 February 2011

Event 4 - TBC, Sunday 6 March 2011

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