BOYS QUADRANGULAR TOURNAMENT - McDonald in Scotland team for matches in Italy

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) has been named as one of the six players who will travel to play Italy, France and Sweden in the Boys Quadrangular matches in Italy from 3 - 5 march.

(SGU press release)

Scottish Boys Champion Grant Forrest will lead a six-strong Scotland team this week when they face the host nation Italy, France and Sweden in the 2011 Boys Quadrangular at the Acaya Golf Resort in Pugilia (3 – 5 March).


Forrest, who defeated Ian Redford 3 and 2 in the national match play final at West Kilbride last year and defends his title at Dunbar next month, was also one of Scotland’s top performers at last year’s Boys’ Home Internationals taking four points from a possible six.

He is joined by former Scottish Boys Stroke Play Champion Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie), a first year Applied Maths student at the University of Stirling, and Dumfries & County’s Liam Johnston, who finished runner-up in the SGU Boys’ Order of Merit last season and was a quarter-finalist in the Scottish Amateur Championship at Gullane.

Blairgowrie’s Bradley Neil, winner of the Scottish and English Boys Under-14s Championships in 2010, makes his eagerly anticipated step up to Under 18s level while another former winner of the English Boys Under-14s Championship Ewan Scott – twice a winner during the SGU’s Junior Winter Series this season – also earns a place in the side.

Dubai resident Daniel Hendry, who won the Emirates Golf Federation’s Junior Order of Merit last year, is also in the side having performed well on his Scotland debut during August’s Boys’ Home Internationals as well as finishing fourth in the Scottish Boys Stroke Play Championship at Craigielaw.

Former Open Championship silver medallist Stuart Wilson will provide his experience to the young Scots as non-playing captain while National Under-18s coach Neil Marr will also accompany the side.

“The Boys Quadrangular Match is a great way to start the season for our leading boys and we’ll face some very strong competition from Italy, France and Sweden who all have fantastic records in developing excellent young golfers in recent years,” said Marr.

“We have a very talented squad with a good blend of players who are experienced at this level as well as two of our most promising youngsters in Ewan and Bradley, who have both shown they can compete against strong fields. Scotland has a good record in this event and the boys are all really looking forward to the challenge.” he added.

The team will practice on Tuesday and Wednesday before the opening match of the series gets underway on Thursday.

Team:
Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Grant Forrest (Craigielaw)
Liam Johnston (Dumfries & County)
Ewan Scott (St Andrews)
Daniel Hendry (United Arab Emirates)
Bradley Neil (Blairgowrie)


Non-travelling reserve: Alasdair McDougall (Elderslie)

SENIORS OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP RETURNS TO AYRSHIRE - Turnberry to host 2012 event

(European Tour News Release)

The Senior Open Championship will return to the spectacular setting of Turnberry in Ayrshire from July 26-29, 2012, continuing the Scottish resort’s close links with the prestigious Championship which began with the inaugural staging in 1987.

It will be the seventh occasion that Turnberry’s Ailsa Course has hosted The Senior Open Championship, the most of any venue on the roster, surpassing the six editions played at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.

The classic links hosted the first four Senior Open Championships, with Neil Coles wining the inaugural Championship in 1987, Gary Player capturing the title in 1988 and 1990 and Bob Charles lifting the trophy in 1989.

Tom Watson, whose own career is so closely aligned with Turnberry’s proud heritage, then held off the European Senior Tour’s leading career money winner Carl Mason in a play-off when the Championship returned to the Ayrshire Coast in 2003, before fellow American Loren Roberts captured his first Senior Open title in 2006.

Turnberry has also hosted The Open Championship on four occasions with Watson featuring prominently in 1977, when he memorably defeated Jack Nicklaus in what became known as ‘The Duel in the Sun,’ and in 2009 when he lost in a play-off to Stewart Cink at the age of 59.

David Hill, Director of Championships for The R and A, said on behalf of the Championship:

“We are delighted to announce the return of The Senior Open Championship to Turnberry in 2012, a venue that is steeped in the history of both The Senior Open and The Open.

“The Ailsa Course has provided some of golf’s most memorable moments over the years and hopefully we will once again experience the magnificent support of the Scottish golf fans, just as we did the last time The Senior Open Championship visited the Ayrshire coast in 2008 when we had record crowds at Royal Troon.”

Stewart Selbie, General Manager of Turnberry, said:

“Turnberry is delighted to welcome The Senior Open Championship back to the Ailsa course in 2012. Following the success of The 2009 Open, it is entirely fitting that our next Major should be the Senior Open, a tournament which has such a strong connection with the Ailsa course over the years. This announcement confirms Turnberry’s position as a great venue for major Open Championships”

Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said:

"Turnberry is an iconic golf location and I am thrilled The Senior Open Championship is returning to South Ayrshire next year. We are, of course, the birthplace and home of Open Golf and we are also well-known for hosting major international events, so it’s going to be a fabulous sporting occasion.


“I look forward to welcoming players, staff, fans, family and friends to South Ayrshire for this wonderful event and will ensure a great time is had by all here on Scotland’s very own golf coast.”

EventScotland, the national events agency, has supported the staging of The Senior Open Championship since 2005 and the 2012 event will be the marquee event on Scotland’s golfing calendar that year.

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland said:

“The Senior Open Championship is one of Scotland’s most prestigious regular golf tournaments. We are delighted to see it return next year with significant benefits for Turnberry, South Ayrshire and the wider ‘Home of Golf’ expected. It is important for Scotland to maintain its support of these major events as we prepare to host The Ryder Cup in 2014 and to ensure the ongoing development of the sport on our shores.”

The Senior Open last visited Scotland in 2010 when Carnoustie hosted the Championship for the first time. Germany’s Bernhard Langer claimed his first Senior Major Championship and will defend the title from July 21-24 when Walton Heath Golf Club, in Surrey, England, is the host venue for the Championship’s 25th edition.

Discounted advance tickets can be purchased online, with season tickets now available at £60 for a season pass and any one day passes at £16.50. They can be booked online at www.europeantourtickets.com 
where other discounts and offers can also be found.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION YEARBOOK - 8th annual edition launched at County Dinner

The eighth annual edition of the Ayrshire Golf Association Yearbook was launched at the Annual Dinner of The Association last Friday evening, with all the dinner attendees getting a first glimpse of this years edition.

With Ayrshire's two national champions from 2010, Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) and Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) featured on the front page, in honour of their achievements, the 40 page booklet is packed with information about The Association, reviews of the 2010 competitions as well as 2011 fixture lists and club info.

For the first time the yearbook has been produced locally and The Association has worked closely with Ayrshire Media Services to produce a bigger and better yearbook in 2011, with a larger number of books being produced to allow for a wider distribution within member clubs.

The Association is very appreciative of the excellent work carried out by Ayrshire Media Services in producing the 2011 publication and also very much appreciates the support of all the clubs, companies and other businesses who have advertised in the new publication, which has ensured that the yearbook can be distributed free to member clubs throughout the county for the information and enjoyment of their members.

The yearbooks will be distributed to clubhouses and local authority courses and premises throughout Ayrshire over the next few weeks.

For the first time the Ayrshire Golf Association Yearbook is now available online - simply click on the front cover picture link on the leaft of this page and you can read the yearbook at your leisure on computer.

AYRSHIRE ANNUAL DINNER - McInally takes plaudits whilst County honour Executive stalwart

Tommy McInally (Loudoun Gowf Club) took the plaudits at the 2011 Ayrshire Golf Association Annual Dinner & Presentation Of Prizes, which was held at Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club on Friday 25th February.

A capacity audience at the 29th annual event paid tribute to the winners from the 2010 season which culminated in Tommy McInally receiving the Ayrshire Strokeplay and Champion Of Champions trophies and, for the first time in his career, The Doc Thom Ayrshire Order Of Merit Salver as reward for his seasons efforts.

The evening was chaired by Ayrshire Golf Association President David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) and opened with Club captain Gordon Gilchrist welcoming the company to Prestwick St Nicholas on this, the first occassion that the club had hosted the annual dinner.

Aftered the assembled company enjoyed an excellent meal, entertainment followed in the form of two very entertaining guest speakers in broadcaster Bill McFarlan and golf professional and former Scottish Boys Champion Alan Tait, originally of Irvine (Bogside) Golf Club, who regailed the company with many amusing stories and anecdotes.

The company also had the opportunity during the evening to see on display the three national trophies won by Ayrshire players in 2010. Although he was not present, being on national duty with the Scotland squad in South Africa, Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) arranged for both the Scottish Amateur and SGU Order Of Merit trophies won by him to be displayed on the night whilst Scottish Mid Amateur Champion Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) also had his national trophy on display at the dinner and was present to take the applause of the attendees in appreciation of his achievement.

Prior to the presentation of the trophies aas the evening drew to a close, President David Miller made a special presentation, in appreciation of his services, to former AGA Executive member and Competitions Convenor Sandy Provan (Kilmarnock Barassie)  who retired from his post in late 2010 after 11 years service to The Association. The assembled company showed their appreciation in the usual manner as Sandy accepted the gift of a framed print of Prestwick Golf Club from President Miller.

The evening culminated in the presentation of the trophies won in 2010 in Ayrshire County events. The principal winners were :-

Fourball Trophy - Scott McCahill

Ayrshire Fourball Trophy - MAYBOLE GOLF CLUB (Scott McCahill & David Wallace)

Ayrshire Club Champions - LOUDOUN GOWF CLUB

Summer (Scratch) League - KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) GOLF CLUB

Ayrshire Seniors Champion - GEORGE MILLARD (Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club)

Ayrshire Matchplay Champion - EUAN BROWN (Kilmarnock Barassie Golf Club)

Strokeplay Champion Tommy McInally



Ayrshire Strokeplay Champion - TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun Gowf Club)

Ayrshire Champion Of Champions - TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun Gowf Club)

Doc Thom Ayrshire Order Of Merit - TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun Gowf Club)



Matchplay Champion Euan Brown

Summer League - Kilmarnock Barassie Captain Douglas Orr 

Seniors Champion George Millard

Ayrshire Club Champions - Loudoun Captain Liz Keohone

Champion Of Champions Trophy - Tommy McInally

  

A very enjoyable evening drew to a close with Ayrshire Golf Association Vice President Milton Murray (Largs GC) proposing a vote of thanks to all those who contributed to the success of the night.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER (SCRATCH) LEAGUE - Information distributed to club representatives

All relevant information, contact lists and rules of competition for the new look Ayrshire Summer (Scratch) League have been distributed to the 28 club representatives this week.

All club representatives have been requested to finalise fixture dates by 30th April, with matches scheduled to take place from mid May through to the end of September.

With five league sections in operation, reigning champions Kilmarnock (Barassie) will attempt to defend the first division title whilst there will be one club relegated and one club promoted between the five league, after all matches are concluded at the end of the season.

Any club representative who has not received the relevant information by the beginning of next week is requested to contact the AGA Secretary at ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net .

*** It has just come to light that there are errors in some of the listed fixtures in some of the League Sections. We are working to resolve this issue and revised fixture templates will be firwarded to club representatives at the earliest possible opportunity.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Fixtures and list of counting events confirmed

There will be 18 counting events in the 2011 Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit after the fixture list was confirmed and published this week.

The new Royal Troon Junior Open event, scheduled to be played over the Portland course in early July, is included for the first time as a counting event.

The full list of events is available to download via the link on the left of this page, under the 'Juniors Info' heading.

Events marked (**) are Junior Order Of merit counting competitions

2011 AYRSHIRE JUNIOR FIXTURES
Sat-Sun 26-27 - March SGU JUNIOR TOUR EVENT 1 Arbroath

Mon-Sat 11-16 April - ** SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP Dunbar
Sun 17 April - AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP Annanhill

Sat-Sun 21-22 May - SGU JUNIOR TOUR EVENT 2 Rowallan Castle
Sun 29 May - AYRSHIRE U18 Vs DUMBARTONSHIRE U18 Largs

Sun 5 June - SGU BOYS AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP Hayston
Sat-Sun 11-12 June - SGU JUNIOR TOUR EVENT 3 Cardrona
Sun 19 June - AYRSHIRE U18 Vs RENFREWSHIRE U18 Ranfurly Castle
Thur 30 June - ** LARGS JUNIOR OPEN Largs

Sun 3 July - **BYRNE HOWARD JUNIOR OPEN Royal Troon (Portland)
Mon 4 July - ** POLLOCK TROPHY Kilmarnock (Barassie)
Tue 5 July - ** PRESTWICK BOYS OPEN Prestwick St. Cuthbert
Wed-Fri 6 – 8 July - SCOTTISH BOYS UNDER 16 STROKEPLAY Forfar
Fri 8 July - ** TROON WELBECK JUNIOR OPEN Troon Darley
Sun 10 July - AYRSHIRE U18 Vs STIRLINGSHIRE Falkirk
Tue 12 July - ** HARRIS BOYS OPEN West Kilbride
Thur 14 July - ** ANNANHILL BOYS OPEN Annanhill
Mon 18 July - ** LOUDOUN BOYS OPEN Loudoun
Tues 20 July - ** ARDEER JUNIOR OPEN Ardeer
Tue-Thu 19 - 21 July - ** SCOTTISH BOYS STROKEPLAY Nairn Dunbar
Mon 25 July - ** PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS JUNIOR OPEN Prestwick St. Nicholas

Tue 2 August - TOM LEHMAN JUNIOR OPEN Troon Municipal Courses
Tue-Thu 2 - 4 - August BOYS HOME INTERNATIONALS Royal St Davids
Thu 4 August - ** AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP Prestwick St Nicholas
Mon 8 August - ** BALLOCHMYLE JUNIOR OPEN Ballochmyle
Mon-Sat 9 - 14 August - ** BRITISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP Burnhan & Berrow/Enmore Pk
Thur-Fri 11-12 August - SCOTTISH BOYS UNDER 14 STROKEPLAY Aberdour
Wed 10 August - ** NORTH AYRSHIRE BOYS OPEN Irvine Ravenspark
Thur 11 August - ** AYR BELLEISLE JUNIOR OPEN Ayr Belleisle
Tue-Thu 9 - 11 August - ** AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY Prestwick
Sun 21 August - AYRSHIRE U18 Vs LANARKSHIRE U18 Skelmorlie
Sun 28 August - ** KILBIRNIE PLACE JUNIOR OPEN Kilbirnie Place

Sun 4 September - AJGL WALLACE THORNTON FINAL Loudoun

Sun 4 September - AJGL UNDER 16 TROPHY FINAL Loudoun

Sun 11 September - AYRSHIRE U18 Vs DUMBARTONSHIRE U18 Lenzie

Sun 11 September - AJGL CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS FINAL Loudoun

Sun 11 September - AJGL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL Loudoun

Mon 7 November - AJGL ANNUAL DINNER Loudoun

NEW JUNIOR OPEN COMPETITION - Royal Troon introduce boys and girls event

Royal Troon Golf Club will hold their innaugural Byrne Howard Junior Open in 2011.

The 18 Hole Competition, which will be a counting event in the Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit,  will be played over the Portland Course on Sunday 3rd July 2011 and entries are invited from boys and girls aged 12 and under 18 on the 1st January 2011 who hold an official handicap.

The boy and girl returning the lowest scratch score in their respective competitions will be awarded  the BYRNE HOWARD TROPHY along with a voucher for £150 whilst other voucher prizes in scratch, handicap and age categories will also be available.

The entry fee is £5 and completed Entry Forms and Entry Fee must be in the hands of The Secretariat, Royal Troon Golf Club by Wednesday 22nd June 2011.

Entry forms and posters will be distributed to clubs in the near future. An entry form for the competition is available to download via the link on the left of this page under the 'Juniors Info' heading.

DOC THOM AYRSHIRE ORDER OF MERIT - 2011 counting events announced

The counting events for the 2011 Ayrshire Order Of Merit, for the Doc Thom Salver, have been announced.

The 14 event series, including club, county and national events, begins with the Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship in April and concludes with the Arrol Cup at Prestwick St Nicholas in September.

A full list of the events is also available to download via the link on the left of this page under the 'Gents Info' heading.

THE DOC THOM SALVER – AYRSHIRE ORDER OF MERIT

2011 COUNTING EVENTS

Sun 24 April - AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY WEST KILBRIDE

Mon-Thur 2 - 5 May - AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY TROON PORTLAND

Sun 22 May - THE HILLHOUSE CUP ROYAL TROON

Fri – Sun 27 - 29 May - SCOTTISH STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP BLAIRGOWRIE

Sun 5 June - BELLEISLE CUP AYR BELLEISLE

Sat 4 June - THE LOUDOUN OPEN LOUDOUN GOWF

Sat 11 June - AYR SEAFIELD OPEN AYR SEAFIELD

Sat 11 June - BALLOCHMYLE OPEN BALLOCHMYLE

Mon – Sat 13 – 18 June - THE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP HILLSIDE / HESKETH

Sat 18 June - THE McGILCHRIST CUP ARDEER

Mon – Sat 25 – 30 July - SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP WESTERN GAILES

Sun 21 August - VIKING KRUS LARGS KELBURN

Sun 28 August - WELBECK LINKS TROON MUNICIPAL

Sat 17 September - ARROL CUP PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY COMPETITIONS - Draws now distributed to competitors

The draws for the 2011 Ayrshire Fourball and Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competitions have been e-mailed or posted to competitors this week, and should be with the participants this week.

In the Champion Of Champions competition, Robert Marshall replaces Lee Jenkins as the representative of Beith Golf Club, and faces a first round tie away to Ian McKenzie (Saxone).

If any competitor in the Champion Of Champions, or pairing in the Fourball Championship, does not receive the draw, please cntact the Ayrshire Golf Association Secretary at ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net

Information relating to the Summer (Scratch) League competition will be forwarded to club representatives later this week

GOLF SOUTH AYRSHIRE - New online booking scheme launched

Golf South Ayrshire has just launched an all new online booking scheme booking and paying for a tee-time has never been easier. Members and visitors alike can now book and pay for their golf online at www.golfsouthayrshire.com

Existing members can get registered to use the service at any golf course or by sending an e mail with your name and member id, stating please register to

golf.bookings@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Visitors can start using this great new service right away by registering online.





Other features allow golfers to buy or renew memberships online making it easier to have unlimited golf on the eight municipal courses in South Ayrshire at Ayr Belleisle, Ayr Seafield, Ayr Dalmilling, Troon Darley, Troon Lochgreen, Troon Fullarton, Maybole and Girvan.

SGU AND SLGA AMALGAMATION - Revised proposals released for consideration

After the first round of consultation with stakeholders which was completed at the respective AGM's of the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies Golfing Association last month, the revised proposal for the amalgamation of the two governing bodies to form a single national governing body for Scottish amateur golf have been released.

The revised proposal and associated documentation can be downloaded and viewed on the Scottishgolf website , or via the link below :-

http://www.scottishgolf.org/go/sgu/amalgamation

A series of roadshows are due to take place over the coming weeks throughout the country, the first of which was held in Fife on Wednesday 16th February.

The roadshows will give all clubs affilliated to either the SGU or SLGA, as well as the Area and County Associations the opportunity to raise any matters relating to the amalgamation proposals.

The local roadshow is scheduled to be held at Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club on Monday 21st February at 6.30 p.m. and all clubs have been circulated, inviting a maximum of four representatives to attend the meeting to discuss this important development in Scottish amateur golf.

Representatives from the Ayrshire Golf Association will also be present at the meeting to gather feedback from member clubs.

It is encouraging to note that the interest from local clubs is such that the roadshow at Kilmarnock (Barassie) is full to capacity and was the first in the country to be filled.

In respect of the SGU member clubs, it is the intention of the Ayrshire Golf Association to convene a meeting of the member clubs some time after the roadshow, in order to ensure that the views of the membership of The Association as a whole is considered prior to any further development of the proposal and an ultimate vote on the proposal at any subsequent Scottish Golf Union EGM on the matter.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL TROPHY - 43 pairs bid for 2011 title

Fourball pairings representing 43 of the Ayrshire Golf Association member clubs will contest the 2011 Ayrshire Fourball Trophy competition, with the draw having been made recently.

Holders Scott McCahill & David Wallace (Maybole) return to defend the title they won in 2010 and find themselves drawn away at new Cumnock in one of the 11 first round matches required.

The full draw details are :-

ROUND 1

To be completed by 8th May 2011

Billy Pollock & Sandy Riddell (SKELMORLIE) Vs. Ricky Tait & Alan Smeeton (CHASE)
John Young & George Mills (NEW CUMNOCK) Vs. Scott McCahill & David Wallace (MAYBOLE)
James Graham & Mark Wallace (DOON VALLEY) Vs. Derek Brown & David Low (AYR BELLEISLE)
Kevin McGhee & Callum Weir (MUIRKIRK) Vs. Craig Gilmour & Alex Watson (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
Kevin McCormick & Robert Payne (ARDEER) Vs. Philip Pierotti & David Hannah (DRONGAN)
David Muir & Craig Young (LOUDOUN) Vs. Alex cairns & Michael Hedberg (LARGS ROUTENBURN)
Davy Taylor & Grant Wilson (AYR SEAFIELD) Vs. John Bechett & Graham Armstrong (MOORPARK)
Alan Gaff & Alan Copeland (GIRVAN) Vs. Frank Fulton & Stevie Corrigan (AYR DALMILLING)
Frank Henderson & Walter Meiklem (TROON WELBECK) Vs. Patrick Clark & James Paterson (BRAEHEAD)
Stephen Tait & Scott McCabe (CROSSHOUSE) Vs. Iain MacDonald & David MacDonald (LARGS)
Gerald Reid & Mick McGowan (ALTON) Vs. Steven McKnight & Gary Gorman (TROON PORTLAND)

ROUND 2
To be completed by 12th June 2011

SKELMORLIE or CHASE Vs. NEW CUMNOCK or MAYBOLE
DOON VALLEY or AYR BELLEISLE Vs. MUIRKIRK or KILMARNOCK BARASSIE
ARDEER or DRONGAN Vs. LOUDOUN or LARGS ROUTENBURN
AYR SEAFIELD or MOORPARK Vs. GIRVAN or AYR DALMILLING
TROON WELBECK or BRAEHEAD Vs. CROSSHOUSE or LARGS
ALTON or TROON PORTLAND Vs. Billy Thomson & Neil McPherson (TAM O SHANTER)
Craig Robertson & Hugh Watson (ABBOTSFORD) Vs. Andrew Daly & Asley Sharp (BEITH)
D. Castle & M. Kenny (CAPRINGTON) Vs. David McCulloch & George McCulloch (BRUNSTON CASTLE)
Darren Mallinson & Paul Forsyth (IRVINE RAVENSPARK) Vs. Alan McCulloch & John Robinson (PRESTWICK ST CUTHBERT)
Jim Mitchell & Ian Fisher (BALLOCHMYLE) Vs. Jim Bennett & Andrew McNaught (AUCHENHARVIE)
Blair McBride & Paul Gilchrist (AYR CARRICK) Vs. John Byrne & Colin Greenham (WEST KILBRIDE)
Billy Tait & Ritchie Hope (ANNANHILL) Vs. Alex Young & Alan Stewart (STEWARTON)
Johnny O'Neill & Gary Ross (NORTH BEACH) Vs. Kenny Milliken & John McKay (TROON ST MEDDANS)
Alan Ward & J.K. Barrie (SAXONE) Vs. Steven Kirk & Tom Houston (GLACIER)

Mark Anderson & Ian Hogg (IRVINE) Vs. George Ross & Kevin Coupland (MALLETSHEUGH)

Barry O'Rourke & Robert Nairn (KILBIRNIE PLACE) Vs. Alex McAughtrie & David Porte (WALLACETOWN) 

WEST OF SCOTLAND LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms now available

Entry forms are now available for the 2011 West Of Scotland Ladies Close Championship which will be held at Lanark Golf Club on Sunday 8th May.

The scratch championship, played over 36 holes, is restricted to the lowest 40 handicaps at the closing date. Handicap limit on entry is 15.

The entry form can be downloaded directly from the link on the left of this page, under the 'Ladies Info' heading.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY COMPETITION - draw for 2011 championship made.

The draw has been made for the 2011 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy competition.

48 players start out in the competition as they bid for a place in the semi finals and final, which will be played over the Old Course at Royal Troon on Friday 5th and Friday 12th August 2011.

Defending champion Tommy McInally (Loudoun), who is bidding for a second hat trick of wins in the competition, begins his defence in round 2 at home to William McCulloch (Brunston Castle) missing out on being drawn in one of the 16 first round ties.

2010 runner up Scott McCahill (Maybole) returns this year and has also missed a first round tie, although he faces a stiff test in his opening match, in the second round, away from home against John Haggarty (Loudoun).

The full draw for the 2011 competition is :-

ROUND 1
(To be completed by 1st May 2011)

SCOTT MARTIN (Crosshouse) Vs. EWAN McKINNON (Corrie)
MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (Whiting Bay) Vs. NEIL McCORMACK (New Cumnock)
TONY FRASER (Annanhill) Vs. ROBBIE FULKER (Kilmarnock Barassie)
JAMIE McCORMACK (Ayr Dalmilling) Vs. BARRY O'ROURKE (Kilbirnie Place)
JOHN SLOAN (Doon Valley) Vs. THOMAS SMITH (Wallacetown)
ALAN POOLE (Prestwick St Nicholas) Vs. KEITH HAMILTON (Ayr Belleisle)
IAIN McKENZIE (Saxone) Vs. LEE JENKINS (Beith)
PHILLIP REILLY (Ayr Carrick) Vs. JOHNNY O'NEILL (North Beach)
ANDY CARROLL (Drongan) Vs. ALAN CONNERY (Irvine)
IAIN MACDONALD (Largs) Vs. ROBERT McKENZIE (Skelmorlie)
SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry) Vs. KEITH GRANT (Ballochmyle)
ALAN MULHOLLAND (Moorpark) Vs. STEVEN LITTLE (Glacier)
STEVEN McEWAN (Caprington) Vs. KEVIN FERGUSSON (Prestwick St Cuthbert)
STUART ANGUS (Muirkirk) Vs. STEVIE DUNN (Ayr Seafield)
TOM REID (Stewarton) Vs. GAVIN STUART (Braehead)
PAUL GIFFNEY (Ardeer) Vs. ANDREW ARMSTRONG (Auchenharvie)

ROUND 2
(to be completed by th June 2011)

MARTIN or McKINNON Vs. PENNYCOTT or McCORMACK
FRASER or FULKER Vs. McCORMACK OR O'ROURKE
SLOAN or SMITH Vs. POOLE or HAMILTON
McKENZIE or JENKINS Vs. REILLY or O'NEILL
CARROLL or CONNERY Vs. MACDONALD or McKENZIE
BROWN or GRANT Vs. MULHOLLAND or LITTLE
McEWAN or FERGUSSON Vs. ANGUS or DUNN
REID or STUART Vs. GIFFNEY or ARMSTRONG
EWAN McKENZIE (Troon St Medddans) Vs. STEPHEN MURRAY (Troon Welbeck)
ADAM SWEENEY (Largs Routenburn) Vs. JOHN DUFF (West Kilbride)
RICKY TAIT (Chase) Vs. KEIRAN REID (Alton)
GARY BRYDEN (Girvan) Vs. KEVIN LAMMIE (Troon Portland)
HUGH CONNOR (Malletsheugh) Vs. CRAIG ROBERTSON (Abbotsford)
JOHN HAGGARTY (Loudoun) Vs. SCOTT McCAHILL (Maybole)
TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun - Holder) Vs. WILLIAM McCULLOCH (Brunston Castle)
WILLIE McGILL (Irvine Ravenspark) Vs. MARTIN MOORE (Tam O Shanter)

In a change from previous years, ther will be no redraw this year after round 2, with the draw simply progressing through the rounds as drawn at the start of the competition.

The draw for the 2011 Ayrshire Fourball will be published in the near future.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION ANNUAL DINNER - very few tickets remaining

Only a handful of tickets remain available for the 2011 Ayrshire Golf Association Annaul Dinner & Presentation Of Trophies, which takes place at Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club on Friday 25th February.

Speakers at the dinner, where the achievements of Ayrshire golfers in 2010 will be celebrated, will be broadcaster Bill McFarlan and Ayrshire born golf professional Alan Tait.

Four tickets priced at £17.50 each remain available, on a first come first served basis, for what promises to be a very enjoyable occassion.

Any Ayrshire club members wanting to snap up the remaining tickets should contact the Ayrshire Golf Association Secretary, Alasdair Malcolm, on 07912 026341 or by e-mail at ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net to secure their place.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Record entry of 28 teams to contest new format

A record entry of 28 clubs will contest the Ayrshire (Scratch) Summer League in 2011, as the competition moves to a new format.

Unlike the all in draw of previous years, with section winners qualifying for knockout stages at the end of the season, the decision was taken, after consultation with competing clubs, to move to a orthodox league set up in 2011, with promotion and relegation between leagues.

Using a formula based on performance of competing teams over the last three seasons, the entrants were allocated their starting leagues for the innaugural season under the new format.

League five will comprise the new clubs who have not competed in the last three seasons, with the exception of Prestwick St Nicholas who were drawn by lot to start in League four.

The full starting line up for the forthcoming competition is :-

LEAGUE 1
TROON WELBECK
LOUDOUN
KILMARNOCK BARASSIE
IRVINE
AYR BELLEISLE
IRVINE RAVENSPARK

LEAGUE 2
CAPRINGTON
WEST KILBRIDE
KILBIRNIE PLACE
NEW CUMNOCK
BALLOCHMYLE
ARDEER

LEAGUE 3
TAM O SHANTER
LARGS
BEITH
ANNANHILL
TROON ST MEDDANS
PRESTWICK ST CUTHBERT

LEAGUE 4
TURNBERRY
MAYBOLE
AYR DALMILLING
MOORPARK
PRESTWICK ST NICHOLAS (new)

LEAGUE 5
BRUNSTON CASTLE (new)
GIRVAN (new)
DOON VALLEY (new)
ROWALLAN CASTLE (new)
CROSSHOUSE (new)

Matches will be played on a home and away basis from May to September. There will be one team promoted and one team relegated from each league at the end of the season.
 
League Championship trophies will be presented to all league winners at the AGA Annual Dinner following the conclusion of the seasons matches.
 
Details will be circulated to club representatives in the near future.
 
Entries have now closed for the AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS and AYRSHIRE FOURBALL TROPHY competitions.
 
48 entrants will start in the Champion Of Chanmpions competition whilst 43 teams will take part in the fourball competition.
 
The draws for both these competitions will be published in the near future.

THE AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms available for Annanhill event

Entry forms for the 2011 Ayrshire Boys Team Championship have been published and should be available through clubs to Junior Convenors & Secretaries in the near future.

This year, the entry forms are also being made available to junior convenors by downloading directly from the Ayrshiregolf web page, via the link on the left of this page, under the 'Juniors Info' heading.

AYRSHIRE BOYS & SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIPS - Entry forms and posters available to download now

Entry forms and posters for the Ayrshire Seniors and the Ayrshire Boys Championships are available to download now from the Ayrshiregolf website.

The Seniors Championship will be held at West Kilbride again this year, on Tuesday 19th July, with George Millard (Irvine Ravenspark) looking to defend the title.

The Ayrshire Boys Championship will be held at Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club on Thursday 4th August. Charlie Macneal (Troon Welbeck) is the holder of the Boys title.

Entry forms and posters will be available through Club Secretaries in the near future, but can be downloaded directly from the link on the left of this page under the 'Gents Info' and 'Juniors Info' respectively.

AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms for 2011 championship now available

Entry forms for the 2011 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship are now available through Club Secretaries and by downloading from the Ayrshiregolf web page.

 

The championship will be held this year at West Kilbride Golf Club on Sunday 24th April.

 

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) is the defending champion.

 

Entry forms are available to download directly from this site via the link on the left of this page under the 'Gents Info' heading.

 

THE AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION

 

PRESENT

THE 2011 AYRSHIRE

STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

AT

WEST KILBRIDE GOLF CLUB

BY KIND PERMISSION

ON

SUNDAY 24TH APRIL 2011

(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 2012 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 Troon Portland Golf Course from 2 – 5 May 2011

****************

ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FROM CLUB SECRETARIES

ON THE WEB AT 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 6th APRIL 2011

PLEASE NOTE : COMPETITORS ARE REQUIRED TO OBEY CLUB RULES REGARDING DRESS

BOTH ON THE COURSE AND IN THE CLUBHOUSE

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION FIXTURES - 2011 schedule announced

The 2011 Ayrshire Golf Association fixture list has been announced.

The County fixtures open with the Boys Team Championship and Ayrshire Strokeplay events in April, at Annanhill and West Kilbride respectively.

The matchplay championship in may will be played over Troon Portland whilst the Boys Championship will be held at Prestwick St Nicholas in August, follwed by the Boys Matchplay at Prestwick later that month.

The Seniors Championship returns to West Kilbride, for a second year, in July.

The full Schedule, which is also available to download from the link on the left of this page under the 'Gents Info' heading, is :-

FIXTURES 2011

MARCH
(TBC) AYRSHIRE v SOUTH of SCOTLAND (AWAY - TBC)

APRIL
17 AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS (ANNANHILL)
24 AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP (WEST KILBRIDE)

MAY
2 to 5 AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP (TROON PORTLAND)
14 to 15 AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (PRESTWICK & ST NICHOLAS)
29 AYRSHIRE U18 v GLASGOW U18 (LARGS)


JUNE
5 SCOTTISH BOYS AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (HAYSTON)
19 AYRSHIRE U18 v RENFREW U18 (RANFURLY CASTLE)

JULY
3 AYRSHIRE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP (BALLOCHMYLE)
10 AYRSHIRE U18 v STIRLING U18 (FALKIRK)
19 AYRSHIRE SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP (WEST KILBRIDE)


AUGUST
4 AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP (PRESTWICK St NICHOLAS)
5 CHAMPION of CHAMPIONS SEMI FINALS (ROYAL TROON)
9 to 11 AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP (PRESTWICK)
12 CHAMPION of CHAMPIONS FINAL (ROYAL TROON)
21 AYRSHIRE U18 v LANARK U18 (SKELMORLIE)


SEPTEMBER
11 AYRSHIRE U18 v DUMBARTON U18 (LENZIE)
18 AYRSHIRE A v RENFREW A (ERSKINE)
18 AYRSHIRE Y v RENFREW Y (BRUNSTON CASTLE)
25 AYRSHIRE A v STIRLING A (IRVINE)
25 AYRSHIRE Y v STIRLING Y (DUNBLANE NEW)

OCTOBER
2 AYRSHIRE A v LANARK A (COLVILLE PARK)
2 AYRSHIRE Y v LANARK Y (LOUDOUN)
9 AYRSHIRE A v DUMBARTON A (TROON DARLEY)
9 AYRSHIRE Y v DUMBARTON Y (BALMORE)
16 AYRSHIRE A v GLASGOW A (CAWDER)
16 AYRSHIRE Y v GLASGOW Y (AYR SEAFIELD)