CLUB DINNER CIRCUIT - Welbeck honour Wilson and Murray at annual dinner

Troon Welbeck held a succesful Annual Dinner and Presentation Of Prizes within the clubhouse on Friday 18th November.

Stephen Murray & Gordon McKinlay

Scottish Boys Champion David Wilson

Top table guests included Ayrshire Golf Association President David Miller, Scottish Boys Champion & club member David Wilson and local professional Gordon McKinlay.



Congratualtions were extended to Stephen Murray on winning the Club Championship whilst a special presentation was made to David Wilson to mark his achievement in winning the national boys title.

At the conclusion of a very enjoyable evening, Gordon McKinlay gave a vote of thanks.

MENS SCOTTISH AMATEUR GOLFER OF THE YEAR - Michael Stewart receives national accolade

(Scottish Golf Union press release)

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) has capped his magnificent season by being crowned the 2011 Scottish Amateur Golfer of the Year - and will bring the curtain down on his stellar amateur career in the company of three-time Major winner Ernie Els in the South African Open from tomorrow (24 November).

The 21-year-old from Troon Welbeck built on his outstanding achievements in 2010 to further highlight his amateur CV with a host of successes in 2011, meaning the Golfer of the Year award is a fitting honour to bookend his performances within the Scottish Golf Union’s ranks.

Stewart, who will turn professional immediately after striking his last putt in his maiden European Tour event, follows in the spike marks of previous recipients of the Amateur Golfer of the Year accolade, including Dean Robertson, Steven O’Hara, Richie Ramsay and Callum Macaulay.

Having won the Scottish Amateur title at Gullane, represented Scotland in the Eisenhower Trophy and claimed the SGU Order of Merit all in 2010, the Ayrshireman faced a tough task to match such feats during the last year.

But Stewart’s season took off in some style when he triumphed in the South African Amateur in March, beating international team-mate Paul Shields in the all-Scottish final when the SGU squad were involved in warm weather winter training, thereby earning his place alongside defending champion Els at Serengeti Golf Club in Gauteng this week.

That achievement was almost topped at The Amateur Championship at Hillside in the summer, only to be edged out by Australian Bryden Macpherson in the 36-hole final. After reaching a career high seventh place in the World Amateur Golf Rankings during 2011, Stewart earned his place in the Great Britain and Ireland team for the Walker Cup match at Royal Aberdeen in September and played a pivotal role as the home side upset the odds to defeat the USA for the first time in eight years.

Stewart is now thrilled to have added another notable title to his growing collection.

The young Scot, who will be presented with his prize at the annual Scottish Golf Awards in March 2012, said:

“I’m delighted to win the Scottish Amateur Golfer of the Year Award and it shows the progress I’ve made as a golfer over the last 18 months.

“Reaching the final of The Amateur Championship and winning in South Africa were both brilliant, but playing in a winning Walker Cup side in front of a Scottish crowd surpassed everything.

“There are some great names on the Scottish Amateur Golfer of the Year trophy and hopefully I can follow in the footsteps of the likes of Richie Ramsay and make the transition into successful professional Tour player.”

Despite falling short at the recent European Tour and Alps Tour Qualifying Schools, Stewart – also the 2008 Scottish Boys Champion - refuses to be derailed from his professional aspirations.

Soon to officially sign with the ISM management group, Stewart will make his debut in the paid ranks at next month’s Thailand Open before heading to the Far East in January to contest the Asian Tour’s Qualifying School. He also hopes to gain a number of invites for next season’s European Challenge Tour.

Stewart, who is to join up with the SGU squad in Abu Dhabi next week to work on all aspects of his game, added:

“It’s my last event as an amateur this week. I’m turning professional after it. So hopefully my last putt as an amateur comes on Sunday night.

“There is not much else I can achieve in the amateur game. Being a professional golfer is what I want to do.

“My South African Amateur victory was important to me showing I could perform on the international stage and I’m really looking forward to playing this week in the South African Open.

“It’s going to be amazing to play with a former Open champion in Ernie Els for the first two rounds, a player I can learn so much from.”

Stewart’s award was derived through his performances at home and abroad in 2011, using the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

CASTLE STUART GOLF LINKS - Scottish Open venue to offer preferential rates to SGU members

Castle Stuart, the stunning Highland links which will again host the Scottish Open next summer, has launched an exciting new partnership with the Scottish Golf Union which will offer members of affiliated golf clubs in Scotland savings of £75 on green fees in 2012.

The new deal, exclusively available to full members of all clubs affiliated to the SGU, gives the opportunity for golfers to play on one of the world’s best new courses, scene of Luke Donald’s historic win in the Scottish Open back in July, described as a ‘visual experience unlike any other in golf.’

Castle Stuart’s SGU Special Offer green fee is available at £95 per person, a saving of £75 against the standard rate from May to October, or £150 per person for 36 holes (playable over any consecutive four-day period), saving golfers £100 on a day’s golf.

The fantastic deal illustrates the value of being a member of a golf club in Scotland, with this preferential rate adding to the great deals already available through the Scottish Golf Union at the Open Championship venues of Muirfield, Royal Troon and Prestwick, which have been snapped up this winter.

Stuart McColm, General Manager of Castle Stuart Golf Links, said: “We’re delighted to make this special offer exclusively available to full members of golf clubs in Scotland and give more Scottish golfers the opportunity of playing our wonderful links.”

“We’ve had fantastic feedback from golfers from all over the world since opening in 2009 and being confirmed as host venue for the Scottish Open for the next two years illustrates how highly the course is rated. We look forward to welcoming SGU golf club members to Castle Stuart next year for an experience I’m sure they’ll savour,” he added.

Bookings can now be made for play in 2012 and Castle Stuart is open for business from 29 March through to 18 November. There are no restrictions on advance bookings through the SGU Special Offer but to qualify for the preferential rate, golfers must show proof of club membership along with photographic ID.

The par-72 layout, which can play to more than 7,400 yards from the championship tees, offers stunning views across Inverness and the Black Isle, overlooking well-known landmarks such as the Kessock Bridge and Chanonry Lighthouse. Co-designed by Mark Parsinen - who was also responsible for the creation of Kingsbarns in Fife - and American golf course architect Gil Hanse, the course was voted as Best New Course for 2009 by Golf Magazine USA as well as being voted the 56^th best course in the World 2011.

“The Scottish Golf Union is continually aiming to add value to being a member of an affiliated golf club and our partnership with Castle Stuart, a world renowned golf course, highlights our objective. We want members to be given preferential treatment to reward them for investing in the fabric of the game,” said Ross Duncan, Marketing and Sponsorship Manager for the SGU.

“I’m sure those golfers watching the Scottish Open last summer will want to follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s best golfers and we are delighted that Castle Stuart can give more golfers the chance to play with the SGU preferential green fee rates.”

To book a round at Castle Stuart Golf Links, please call 01463 796111 or visit their website at www.castlestuartgolf.com.

To qualify for the SGU rate, the golfer has to be a full member of an SGU affiliated golf club and must take photographic ID along with proof of full membership, such as a club card or original letter from the golf club. In addition, players taking advantage of this offer will also require photographic ID, such as a driving licence or passport, to match the name on the club card or letter. Only full members of SGU affilliated clubs will qualify for the special rate.

PRESTWICK ST NICHOLAS GC - new Secretary appointed



Eddie Prentice

Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club have appointed former Partick Thistle Football Club CEO, Eddie Prentice, as the new Club Secretary. Eddie replaces former Secretary Tom Hepburn who retired this year.

Prentice, who take on his new role at the beginning of December, was born and brought up in the west end of Glasgow and was educated at Hillhead High School and Marr College, Troon.

A graduate of Glasgow University, where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1976, he has 35 years experience in general and financial management within the Printing and Publishing, Office Automation, Telecommunications and Precision Engineering sectors.

After several years living and working in Brussels, in 2008 he took on the role of Chief Executive at Partick Thistle Football Club, where he was also a director for over twelve years.

A member of Crail Golfing Society and Pollock Golf Club, Prentice also played amateur football for twenty years and has a number of other sporting interests including swimming, skiing and windsurfing.

 In addition to his other sporting interests, Prentice is Secretary of the Fleming Watson Junior Golf League in Glasgow and is actively involved in promoting the game of golf to junior boys and girls within ten clubs in the south side of Glasgow.

 In another significant development at the club, David Gemmell Golf Limited will take up the role of Starter and Retailer from the beginning of 2012, heralding the return of a PGA professional presence at the club for the first time in over 15 years.

Richard Gordon

Richard Gordon, the respected professional at Ayr Belleisle and his team at David Gemmell Golf  will provide all the usual golf professional services to the club, reviving a long history of club professionals at St Nicholas which began with Jonnie Allan in 1890 and continued with James and David Kinnell in the early years of the 20th century, Tom Haliburton and  Willie Spark in the 1930's and 1940's and Willie McDonald from the 1950's to the 1980's. Fraser McIntyre and Iain Parker served as professionals of the club in the 1980's and 1990's before Stewart Smith became the last holder of the club professional post in the early 1990's.

Very best wishes are extended to both Eddie Prentice and Richard Gordon and his team for a succesful association with the St Nicholas club. 

SCOTTISH MID AMATEUR TOURNAMENT - New event scheduled for Dundonald Links

A new Scottish Mid-Amateur event will take place at Dundonald Links golf course, Irvine, next season, the organisers Wincanton Marketing Services Ltd (Whitstable, Kent. UK) have announced this week.
 
The Scottish Mid-Amateur Stroke Play Championship will take place at Dundonald on Friday 20^th April 2012.

The tournament will be held over 36 holes with the winner being the player who returns the lowest gross score for the 36 holes.  There will be numerous prizes with an expected prize fund of over £1,250.  The event will be open to all male golfers over the age of 35 and who are in possession of an active handicap of 12 or less.  Entry into this event will also be on a first come first served basis to allow everyone a chance to enter the event.

“Following on from the success of our first events in 2011, we decided that it was time to resurrect an event in Scotland similar to the Welsh Mid Amateur that we are holding in June 2012.  The feedback was so positive from the players that it cemented our belief that there is a huge gap in the market for new tournaments aimed at golfers aged over 35 years of age.” said Jason Morris, Golf Director of Wyncanton Marketing Services.  “The standard of amateur golf is now such, that unless you hold a handicap of scratch or better you stand little or no chance of entering some of the more prestigious events around the country and players are left in a golfing wilderness.” 

“Our events allow players the opportunity of competing against the best Mid-Amateurs in the country whilst having the opportunity of playing for some great prizes.  We are expecting entrants from all over the United Kingdom and if successful we will hold the event annually.”

“These are exciting time for us and the new web site www.midamgolf.co.uk is attracting visitors from all over the world.  We will be having 6 events in total next year and there will also be an order of merit.”

Anyone who would like to register their interest to play in this event is asked to visit www.midamgolf.co.uk and email their details to the Tournament Secretary.

 

SCOTTISH GOLF - amalgamation latest

Following the Scotttish Golf Union Areas rejection of the proposal document to amalgamate the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies Golfing Association earlier this year, there have been further efforts made to progress an amalgamation proposal over recent months.

The Scottish Golf Union recently advised that all parties remain committed to amalgamation and that positive meetings investigating how amalgamation can be achieved have been held.

Further details are being discussed and meetings are ongoing and the Scottish Golf Union will advise clubs of progress when anything concrete has been agreed betweenj the SLGA and SGU, in due course.

DINNER SEASON - let's have club reports for the web page

As the golfing community in Ayrshire is now well into the season of annual dinners and presentation of prizes, we would welcome reports and photos from clubs for publication on the web page from their annual dinners.

Any club secretaries or officials who would like us to publish reports and photos should forward any info to ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE DINNER - Wilson named as McRobert Thistle recipient for 2011

The Ayrshire Junior Golf League held their Annual Dinner and Presentation of Prizes at Loudoun Gowf Club on Monday 7th November, with all but one of the member clubs represented in a capacity audience.




David Reynolds presenting
the Junior Golfer Of the year Trophy
to David Wilson

Chaired by 2011 League Chairman Gavin Scott (Loudoun), the attendees had a very enjoyable meal and the entertainment of the usual raffle before proceedings moved to the presentation of the trophies and prizes to the winning teams and individuals from the 2011 season.

As has become something of a tradition, the presentation of prizes opened with David Reynolds of  The National Playing Fields Association presenting the Macrobert Thistle Junior Golfer Of the Year Trophy.

The 2011 winner, David Wilson (Troon Welbeck), had an outstanding season beginning with his win in the Scottish Boys Championship in April and concluding with winning the Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit and selection for the Scottish Boys Squad for 2012.

The remaining trophies and prizes were presented to the winners by Ayrshire Golf Association President David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie).

Matt Lygate Trophy winners
Kilmarnock Barassie

Winners of the Ayrshire Boys Team Championship and the Matt Lygate Trophy in April at Annanhill were the Kilmarnock Barassie team of Jack McDonald, Euan Walker, Callum Gorrie & Blair Gavin.

The handicap award in the same competition, the Andrew D Nimmo Trophy, was won by the Annanhill team of Greg Vernon, Darren Young, Liam Middleton & Chris Murchie.

A.D. Nimmo Trophy winners
Annanhill

Callum Gorrie - Carrick Trophy winner

Robbie Fitzpatrick (Irvine) won the Prestwick Circuits Trophy for the best scratch score of the day whilst the Carrick Trophy for the best nett score was won by Callum Gorrie (Kilmarnock Barassie).

Callum Beveridge
with the Boys Championship Trophy

 Callum Beveridge (Troon Welbeck) became only the third player to win both the Ayrshire Boys Championship and Boys Matchplay Championship in the same season when he beat clubmate and defending champion Charlie Macneal in a play off for the strokeplay title at Prerstwick St Nicholas in August and followe don the next week by beating clubmate David Wilson in the matchplay final at Prestwick

Boys Matchplay winner
Callum Beveridge

Silver Jubilee Trophy winners - Largs

 The Silver Jubilee Trophy, competed for by the Junior Convenors, was won at Loudoun this year by the team from Largs GC.

Champion Of Champions
Euan Walker

Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) and David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) met in the Champion Of Champions final at Loudoun GC and it was Euan Walker who won a close contest to take the 2011 title.

Junior Order Of merit - David Wilson

The 2011 Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit was a fitting conclusion to an outstanding season for David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) who took the title from clubmates Charlie Macneal and Callum Beveridge in 2nd and 3rd place respectively.

Under 16 Trophy winners - Kilmarnock Barassie

Kilmarnock (Barassie) won the Under 16 Knockout Trophy, eating Prestwick St Nicholas in the final at Loudoun.

Under 16 Runners Up - Prestwick St Nicholas

Wallace Thornton Trophy winners - Troon Welbeck

Troon Welbeck retained the Wallace Thornton Trophy, beating Kilmarnock (Barassie) in the final at Loudoun

Wallace Thornton runners up - Kilmarnock Barassie

The presentation of prizes concluded with the award to the succesful teams in the 2011 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship.

Championship semi finalists - Kilmarnck Barassie

The beaten semi finalists were defending champions Kilmarnock (Barassie) and Ayr Belleisle whilst the runners up were Annanhill.

Championship semi finalists - Ayr Belleisle

Championship runners up - Annanhill

The final presentation of the evening was to the League Champions Irvine Golf Club who won the title at Loudoun GC in a nailbiting final against Annanhill.

2011 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Champions
Irvine Golf Club

Ayrshire Golf Association Assistant Secretary Billy Tait (Annanhill) brought the evening to a close with a vote of thanks.

ARE YOU COVERED ? - Scottish Golf Union urges golfers to review insurance after recent ruling

The Scottish Golf Union has issued renewed calls for all clubs and golfers to be fully aware of health and safety guidelines while considering insurance cover, given the recent high-profile case in the media which saw a golfer awarded almost £400,000 in damages following an unfortunate incident on the course.

In a judgement that should prompt players and clubs around the country to exercise greater care, Anthony Phee was awarded £397,000 having lost an eye after being struck by a wayward drive.

At Niddry Castle Golf Club, Winchburgh, James Gordon’s tee-shot from the 18^th hole struck Mr Phee walking on a path between the 6th and 7th holes. Mr Gordon was deemed 70% liable, while the club 30% liable for having no warning signs at the tee or the path.

The decision brings into sharp focus the liability for golfers, club committee members and office bearers. Whilst such incidents are rare, accidents can happen.

Hamish Grey, SGU Chief Executive, said: “We express our great sympathy for Mr Phee, this was an unfortunate incident. We all have a duty of care that, if in doubt as a golfer and you think someone is in range, then don’t hit the ball – wait until they are clear.”

The SGU are extremely aware of such incidents arising and, for a number of years, have enjoyed a partnership with Carrick Neill as our official insurance broker. Carrick Neill were chosen due to their extensive experience, technical expertise and focus on providing a first-class customer service. Golfers and golf clubs, wherever possible, ought to be covered by specialist insurance.

Carrick Neill, a UK-based broker also endorsed by the English Golf Union and the Ladies’ Golf Union, currently place the insurance for hundreds of clubs and thousands of individual golfers – but many clubs and golfers are simply not properly covered despite having a variety of options they can choose to protect themselves.

David Miller, Golf Director of Carrick Neill, explains: “We live in a compensation culture and we are all bombarded by offers from no-win, no fee companies which make it significantly easier for claimants to seek compensation.

“In the previous 12 months, we have settled over 1,200 golf-related claims. For such a modest charge, we would strongly urge all golfers to seriously consider arranging specific golf insurance.

“It is important to bear in mind the quality of the product you choose and not be swayed by cheap premiums and free gifts. The old adage “cheapest is not always best” is likely to be true and most importantly, you need cover you can trust.”

Please refer to the golfer’s policy section of the Carrick Neill website www.golferspolicy.co.uk for further information on various cover available or contact a member of their golf team on 0131 225 7777.

The incident in West Lothian, which received widespread media coverage, also highlighted the responsibility that lies with clubs in assessing risk and taking necessary preventative measures.

For some time now, the SGU have advised clubs on health and safety as well as insurance issues and the governing body are about to launch a comprehensive health and safety web tool for clubs with our partners, XACT.

Full support including completion of all risk assessments for all areas of your club, including clubhouse, course, greenkeeping activities and professional shop can be provided by the package.

For further information, please visit http://www.scottishgolf.org/go/club-services

BRUNSTON CASTLE - Golf club scales back operations

(From The Ayrshire Post)

An Ayrshire golf club is scaling back it's operations, but club bosses at Brunston Castle have said that no one will lose their jobs.

The Dailly golf club is taking itself off the market as a wedding and party venue and instead will focus entirely on the golf course.

Staff were made aware of the move at a meeting with bosses on Monday 7th November. They were also told there are no plans to let staff go , at the moment, but that the upstairs event room would no longer operate.

One staff members said:-

"We were sent letters saying that the complny was entering a 30 day consultation period and inviting us to a meeting. The directors came down and told us we would be limiting our services".

"We're not bankrupt, we're not going into liquidation. Upstairs will be closed and we're just going to concentrate on the golf side".

SCOTTISH NATIONAL SQUADS - Wilson & Walker included for 2012

(Scottish Golf Union news release)

David Wilson

 The Scottish Golf Union today announce a much-changed national squad for 2011-12, with Scottish Golf Performance Manager Steve Paulding relishing the prospect of working with a new wave of talent.

Included in the boys squad are two Ayrshire players, David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) & Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie).

Euan Walker

Paul Shields, Conor O’Neil, Brian Soutar and Scott Gibson – all members of last year’s Men’s Squad – retain their places, while further talented players come into a new-look group.

Graeme Robertson, who pushed James White all the way in the 2011 Order Of Merit, earns a deserved spot whilst Grant Forrest is promoted from the Boys' squad. Daniel Kay, Scott Crichton and Fraser McKenna complete the Men's squad.

The promising Boys’ pool features the rising stars of Scottish Golf. Reigning Order of Merit winner Greig Marchbank, Anthony Blaney, Bradley Neil, Jamie Savage and Ewan Scott retain their squad spots from 2011. Scottish Boys champion David Wilson, Calum Hill, Ben Kinsley and Euan Walker all come into the Boys’ group.

As a result of Walker Cup hero James Byrne, Scottish Amateur champion David Law and Fraserburgh pair Jordan Findlay and Kris Nicol all turning professional in recent weeks, a changing of the guard has taken place within the national ranks.

Michael Stewart, another Walker Cup star at Royal Aberdeen in September, is also expected to turn pro after he plays in the South African Open on The European Tour later this month, courtesy of his victory in the South African Amateur in March.

Fifer Greg Paterson, meanwhile, is retaining amateur status but has made the decision he needs to work outside of the game and can’t commit to the full training and competition programme. He is still in discussions regarding his place in the team for next year.

The ever-improving Shields of Kirkhill – runner-up to Law in the South African Amateur - Pollok’s O’Neil, Soutar (Leven GS) and Southerness’ Gibson, now based at East Tennessee State in America, are back in the Men’s group by virtue of their 2011 performances.

Three others – White, Philip McLean and Ross Kellett – are still amateurs but they’re weighing up professional careers as they prepare for either the second stage of the European Tour School in early December or the Alps Tour Qualifying, which begins today. If White, McLean and Kellett remain amateur, they will be retained in the national Men’s Squad.

Glenbervie’s Robertson, the European Universities Men’s’ champion, Kay of Dunbar – runner-up to Law at the Scottish Amateur – Aberdour’s Crichton and McKenna (Balmore) make up the pool, along with Craigielaw’s Forrest, now also based overseas in the USA at San Diego University.

Of the Boys, Marchbank (Dumfries and County), Neil of Blairgowrie, Lothians star Blaney and Scott (St Andrews) earn more plaudits, after all four were selected for warm weather winter training in Abu Dhabi later this month.

Hill (Tantallon), a semi-finalist in the Scottish Boys, St Andrews’ Kinsley, the Scottish Boys Under-16 Open Stroke Play champion, and the consistent Savage of Cawder also feature. Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Wilson (Troon Welbeck) complete the Boys’ group.

Paulding has faced a number of challenges to form the squads for the next 12 months and, although still not completely finalised, the Men’s and Boys’ groups have been put in place to help players and the SGU coaching team prepare for next year.

He said: “The players have achieved their places in the squad through hard work, determination and talent. We have players very able to compete at the highest level, who can commit to the full programme, representing Scotland on the European and World stage.

“We also have younger up-and-coming players who show the potential to reach that stage within the next few years. The challenge of having a number of your top players move on has to be encountered. It adds a different dimension to consistently progressing and developing talent to reach the highest level. I’m excited by the year ahead.”

The National Squads are supported by national team sponsors, Aberdeen Asset Management and TaylorMade-adidas Golf.

National Men’s Squad for 2011 - 2012

Scott Crichton (Aberdour)
Grant Forrest (Overseas)
Scott Gibson (Overseas)
Daniel Kay (Dunbar)
Fraser McKenna (Balmore)
Conor O’Neil (Pollok)
Graeme Robertson (Glenbervie)
Paul Shields (Kirkhill)
Brian Soutar (Leven GS)

National Boys Squad for 2011 - 2012
Anthony Blaney (Liberton)
Calum Hill (Tantallon)
Ben Kinsley (St Andrews)
Greig Marchbank (Dumfries and County)
Bradley Neil (Blairgowrie)
Jamie Savage (Cawder)
Ewan Scott (St Andrews)
Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie)
David Wilson (Troon Welbeck)

SCOTTISH CAPTAINS & SECRETARIES CHAMPIONSHIP - Bronze medals for Irvine Ravenspark pair at Elie

The Irvine Ravenspark pairing of Ian Griffin & Gary Cochran took the bronze medals in the Belhaven Best Captains & Secretaries Championship which was held at the Golf House Club in Elie this week.

The championship, which was postponed twice at Pollock Golf Club, was completed succesfully at the third attempt on Tuesday 1st November.

A stunning 10-under par better ball score of 60 gave Strathaven representatives Kevin Forsyth and Ian Neil the gold medals and national title, with Gavin Clark & Duncan Ireland from Duddingston taking the runners up spot, five behind the winners.

Irvine Ravenspark took third place in a countback after their three under par score of 67, edging out Christopher Banks & Ian Robertson (Garmouth & Kingston) and fellow Ayrshire club Crosshouse, represented by Scott Martin & David Raeside.

The other Ayrshire club who made the grand final was maybole, represented by Kevin McKeown & Tom Foster, who finished tied in 18th place on 3 over par.

Shelagh Bryce, Director of Customer Services for sponsors Belhaven, said:

“We’d like to thank all the clubs for taking part in this year’s championship, which has become one of Scotland’s most popular events since we first launched it back in 2006.

“Golf clubs have been a big part of the Belhaven Best success story and this event allows us to give something back to the hard working officials at clubs who do so much work at the grass roots of the game.”

Leading Scores :-

60 (-10) - STRATHAVEN (Kevin Forsyth & Ian Neil)
65 (-5) - DUDDINGSTON (Gavin Clark & Duncan Ireland)
67 (-3) - IRVINE RAVENSPARK (Ian Griffin & Gary Cochran)
67 (-3) - GARMOUTH & KINGSTON - (Christopher Banks & Ian Robertson)
67 (-3) - CROSSHOUSE (Scott Martin & David Raeside)
68 (-2) - HARRISON (Mike Robson & Justin White)
68 (-2) - THIRD (David Marshall & Paul Hubbard)
69 (-1) - KELSO (ian Lauder & Donald Jack)
70 (Par) - ROYAL DORNOCH (Hamish MacRae & Neil Hampton)
70 (Par) - BBT - Steven Robb & Graeme Wallace)

WINNING STUDENTS - McDonald to benefit from scholarship funding

Jack McDonald

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) is one of nine Scottish based golf students selected for a national sports scholarship in 2011 - 2012.

Scotland Boys International McDonald joins other future Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth hopeful student athletes, numbering more than 120, studying in colleges and universities across the country who will receive funding support from "Winning Students" during the 2011-12 academic year.

"Winning Students" provides scholarships up to £5,500 each year, which students can put towards sporting costs and academic-related expenses. The programme also ensures the student receives the necessary academic flexibility enabling them to perform in both their sport and their studies.

The list of Winning Students athletes in golf for 2011 - 2012 is :-

Gemma Bradbury (University of St Andrews) Wales
Eilidh Briggs (University of Stirling) Lochwinnoch
Megan Briggs (University of Strathclyde) Lochwinnoch
Kelsey MacDonald (University of Stirling) Nairn
Hannah McCook (University of Stirling) Nethy Bridge
Jack McDonald (University of Stirling) Kilmarnock
Graeme Robertson (University of Stirling) Larbert
Jane Turner (Robert Gordon University) Penicuik
Rebecca Wilson (University of Stirling) Dundee

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY GOLF - Jack takes McCall salver to Ayr Dalmilling

Maurat Jack of Ayr Dalmilling is the 2011 winner of the Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Association McCall Salver competition.

In the final, played at Loudoun Gowf Club on Tuesday 25th October, Jack played Maria Watson (Troon Welbeck) and won the trophy with a 3 & 2 victory.

GOLF TOURISM SCOTLAND AWARDS - Old Loans Inn are best small hotel/guest house

The Old Loans Inn

The Old Loans Inn in Loans, near Troon, gained a prestigious award at St Andrews this week when they were named Hotel Of The Year in the small hotel/guest house category at the Golf Tourism Scotland Annual Gold Standard Awards ceremony.

The category was open to accommodation providers with 20 or fewer bedrooms that provide services to golf visitors

Ian Bunch

Also in the list of prize recipients was the, recently retired, former Prestwick Golf Club Secretary Ian Bunch who received a Special Achievement Award.

The full list of winners this year is :-

GOLF COURSE OF THE YEAR
(Open to any golf course in Scotland that offers tee-times to visitors) - Kingsbarns Golf Links

GOLF SECRETARIAT OF THE YEAR
(Open to any golf club/course whose administration provides a service to visitors and/or the travel trade) - Crail Golfing Society

CADDIEMASTER OF THE YEAR
(Open to any caddiemaster providing a service to visitors and/or the travel trade) - Martin Roy, Carnoustie Golf Links

HOTEL OF THE YEAR (Small hotel/guest house category)
(Open to accommodation providers with 20 or fewer bedrooms that provide services to golf visitors) - Old Loans Inn, Troon

HOTEL OF THE YEAR (Country house hotel category)
(Open to hotels and exclusive-use properties operating in rural areas that provide services to golf visitors) - Meldrum House County Hotel, Aberdeenshire

HOTEL OF THE YEAR (Large hotel category)
(Open to hotels with more than 20 bedrooms which provide services to golf visitors) - Macdonald Rusacks Hotel, St Andrews

HOTEL OF THE YEAR (Resort hotel category)
(Open to resort hotels with golf course(s) attached) - Fairmont St Andrews

GOLF TOUR OPERATOR OF THE YEAR
(Open to any tour operator bringing golfers to Scotland) - Golf Scotland

TRANSPORT OPERATOR OF THE YEAR
(Open to any business providing transport services in Scotland including rail, road, air and sea) -
St Andrews Executive Travel

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Ian Bunch

YOUNG INDUSTRY PERSON OF THE YEAR
Simon Redmond - Macdonald Rusacks Hotel
Valerie Houston - formerly of the Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch

THANKS READERS !!!!! - Ayrshiregolf web page hits new high for visits

Many thanks to all our readers for once again hitting a record high number of visits to the web page in a calendar year.

The record number of visits last year of 55,778 was surpassed today, and with two months of the year still to go you will hopefully boost the 2011 figures further.

The Association have received many favourable comments about the information and facilities, such as downloading entry forms, which have been made available via the page over the last few years.

Feedback and comments are always welcome. It is easy to comment on posts by simply clicking on the icon at the foot of the item.

If any readers have any suggestions for items to be included on the web page, they can contact The Association through the usual email.

Similarly, if clubs have anything the feel may be of interest to the wider golf community in Ayrshire, then feel free to forward details.

On behalf of all involved, many thanks for all your continued support of the Ayrshiregolf web page.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPIONSHIPS - Entry forms distributed to clubs

Champion Of Champions, Scratch Leagues and Fourball trophies

Entry forms for three of the major competitions in Ayrshire in 2012 have been distributed to clubs this week.

Entry forms for the Champion Of Champions competition, The Ayrshire Fourball Championship and the Scratch (Summer) Leagues were e-mailed to all member clubs on Tuesday 1st November.

Entries for all three events must be in the hands of the Ayrshire Golf Association Secretary by 31st January 2012.

Any club Secretary or e-mail contact who has not received the forms should contact the Area Secretary at ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net .

The 2011 - 2012 Ayrshire Golf Association annual subscription forms were also posted to member clubs this week.

All Subscriptions are due now and should be paid by 1st January 2012.

All forms were sent by conventional mail to the club Secretary. Again, if the Secretary of a member club has not received the form by the end of the week then they should make contact with the Area Secretary