THE ULTIMATE SIX PUTT

For those of you who struggle on and around the greens with the demonic club with the innocent name of 'the putter', click on the link below to see the ultimate six putt.

http://digital.globalgolfpost.com/globalgolfpost/20121105#pg46

THE LONG PUTTER DEBATE - R&A and USGA announce proposed rule change

THE R&A AND USGA

ANNOUNCE PROPOSED RULES CHANGE

TO PROHIBIT USE OF ANCHORED STROKES

Rule Would Take Effect on January 1, 2016, Allowing for Transitional Period

Belly-Length and Long Putters Would Remain as Conforming Clubs

28 November 2012, St Andrews, Scotland: The R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA), golf’s governing bodies, today announced proposed changes to the Rules of Golf that would prohibit anchoring the club in making a stroke.

The proposed Rule 14-1b, which follows an extensive review by The R&A and the USGA, would prohibit strokes made with the club or a hand gripping the club held directly against the player’s body, or with a forearm held against the body to establish an anchor point that indirectly anchors the club.

The proposed new Rule would not alter current equipment rules and would allow the continued use of all conforming golf clubs, including belly-length and long putters, provided such clubs are not anchored during a stroke. The proposed Rule narrowly targets only a few types of strokes, while preserving a golfer’s ability to play a wide variety of strokes in his or her individual style.

Prior to taking a final decision on the proposed Rule, The R&A and the USGA will consider any further comments and suggestions from throughout the golf community.

“We believe we have considered this issue from every angle but given the wide ranging interest in this subject we would like to give stakeholders in the game the opportunity to put forward any new matters for consideration,” said Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A.

The proposed Rule change would take effect on January 1, 2016, in accordance with the regular four-year cycle for changes to the Rules of Golf. This timetable would also provide an extended period in which golfers may, if necessary, adapt their method of stroke to the requirements of the Rule.

For more information about the newly proposed Rule, as well as additional information including videos and images of strokes that would be allowed or prohibited by the proposed changes to Rule 14-1, visit www.RandA.org/anchoring or www.usga.org/anchoring.



New Rule Would Define and Preserve the Nature of the Stroke

In proposing the new Rule, The R&A and the USGA concluded that the long-term interests of the game would be served by confirming a stroke as the swinging of the entire club at the ball.

“Throughout the 600-year history of golf, the essence of playing the game has been to grip the club with the hands and swing it freely at the ball,” said USGA Executive Director Mike Davis. “The player’s challenge is to control the movement of the entire club in striking the ball, and anchoring the club alters the nature of that challenge. Our conclusion is that the Rules of Golf should be amended to preserve the traditional character of the golf swing by eliminating the growing practice of anchoring the club.”

NEW RULE WOULD ADDRESS RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE GAME

This proposal reflects The R&A’s and USGA’s responsibility to define how the game is to be played. Aspects of how a player must make a stroke have been addressed in past Rules changes, such as the century-old Rule codifying that the ball must be fairly struck and not be pushed, scraped or spooned and the 1968 prohibition on the “croquet” style of putting.

“As governing bodies, we monitor and evaluate playing practices and developments in golf, with our primary mandate being to ensure that the Rules of Golf continue to preserve the fundamental characteristics of the game,” added Davis.

Although anchoring the club is not new, until recently it was uncommon and typically seen as a method of last resort by a small number of players. In the last two years, however, more and more players have adopted the anchored stroke. Golf’s governing bodies have observed this upsurge at all levels of the game and noted that more coaches and players are advocating this method. The decision to act now is based on a strong desire to reverse this trend and to preserve the traditional golf stroke.

“Anchored strokes have become the preferred option for a growing number of players and this has caused us to review these strokes and their impact on the game,” said Dawson. “Our concern is that anchored strokes threaten to supplant traditional putting strokes which are integral to the longstanding character of the sport.”

REVIEW PROCESS AND TIMETABLE

Earlier this year, The R&A and the USGA announced that they were reviewing the subject of anchoring. There has been widespread discussion of the issue throughout the international golf community which has been noted by the governing bodies.

Each organisation is expected to take a final decision on the proposed Rule change in spring 2013. Anyone wishing to provide written comments to the appropriate governing body is encouraged to do so by 28 February 2013 as directed on the respective websites: www.RandA.org/anchoring or www.usga.org/anchoring.

(In the context of this news release, The R&A refers to R&A Rules Ltd)

 
The proposed change would re-label current Rule 14-1 as Rule 14-1a, and establish Rule 14-1b as described below:

14-1b Anchoring the Club

In making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either “directly” or by use of an “anchor point”.

Note 1: The club is anchored “directly” when the player intentionally holds the club or a gripping hand in contact with any part of his body, except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm.

Note 2: An “anchor point” exists when the player intentionally holds a forearm in contact with any part of his body to establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club.

AYRSHIRE WINTER GOLF ASSOCIATION - Postponed event rescheduled

The Ayrshire Winter Golf Association fixture at West Kilbride, which was scheduled for Tuesday 20th November but was cancelled, has now been re-scheduled for 22nd January.

AYRSHIRE WINTER GOLF ASSOCIATION - Clark wins McLeod Trophy at Western Gailes

Western Gailes

The second fixture of the 2012 - 2013 Ayrshire Winter Golf Association programme was held at Western Gailes on Wednesday 14th November and produced some excellent scoring from the professional ranks.

Craig Ronald (Carluke) was the winner with an impressive 68, with Chris Currie (Caldwell) one shot further back on 69.

A highlight of the day came from Mark Loftus (Mearns Castle) who holed his tee shot at the short 13th.

The amateur winner of the ian McLeod Tropgt was Gordon Clark (Irvine) who had a net 70 to pip Paul Miller (Glasgow GC) by a single shot.

Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon), on his return from representing his club in the World Club Championship in mexico, had a scratch 69, giving him a net 72 off his +3 handicap.

The next scheduled fixture is at West Kilbride on Tuesday 20th November.

Full results of competitions and fixtures can be found on the AWGS website at www.ayrshirewintergolfassociation.webs.com

Final scores :-

WESTERN GAILES				14/11/2012
PROFESSIONALS/TRAINEES		CLUB	SCORE
CRAIG	RONALD	Carluke	68
CHRIS	CURRIE	Caldwell	69
IAN	COLQUHOUN	Dundonald	70
GRAHAM	FOX	Rowallan	70
JACK	BROWN	Cathcart Castle	70
STEPHEN	GRAY	Hayston	71
PAUL	ROBINSON	Largs	71
MIKE	PATTERSON	Kilmacolm G. C.	72
JOE	McBREARTY	Haggs Castle	74
SCOTT	GARRETT	Fereneze	74
JASON	McCREADIE	Buchanan Castle	74
MARK	LOFTUS	Mearns Castle	75
ALISTAIR	BROWN	Whitecraigs	76
SIMON	PAYNE	Cowglen	76
DAVID	FLEMING	Prestwick	77
DAVID	ADDISON	Barassie	77
		IAN McLEOD TROPHY
AMATEURS		CLUB	GROSS	HCAP	NET
GORDON	CLARK	Irvine G. C.	84	14	70
PETER	MILLER	Milngavie G. C.	79	8	71
JOE	DEVLIN	West Kilbride	76	4	72
PAUL	MOULTRIE	Royal Troon	69	-3	72
STEVE	FORREST	East Kilbride	81	9	72
PETER	MACKIE	Ardeer	88	16	72
WILLIE	FREW	Irvine G. C.	82	9	73
MARK	LIRONI	Cathkin Braes	82	8	74
LES	MCLAUGHLIN	Whitecraigs	76	1	75
GORDON	CREE	Troon Welbeck	78	3	75
DAVID	WORDSWORTH	Irvine G. C.	83	8	75

SCOTTISH LADIES GOLFING ASSOCIATION - Ayrshire players in national training squads

The Scottish ladies Golfing Asssociation have announced their training squads for 2012 - 2013, which include three Ayrshire players.

Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) is included in the National Squad whilst her clubmates Hazel McGarvie and Emma Hale are both included in the Foundation 2 squad.

The full squad lists are :-

National Squad Lesley Atkins (Gullane Ladies), Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm), Connie Jaffrey (Ladies’ Golf Club Troon), Alyson McKechin (Elderslie), Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies), Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies), Rachel Walker (Dumfries & County), Lauren Whyte (St Regulus), Clara Young (North Berwick) Foundation 2 Eilidh Crawford (Harburn), Jillian Farrell (Cardross), Mirren Fraser (Powfoot), Emma Hale (Ladies’ Golf Club Troon), Hazel MacGarvie (Ladies’ Golf Club Troon), Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne), Charlotte Munro (Gullane Ladies), Claire Robertson (Carnoustie Ladies), Andrea Walker (Falkirk) Foundation 1 Kirsten Brown (Strathaven), Joanne Free (Gullane Ladies), Lori MacDonald (Cardross), Katie Scott (Strathaven)

SCOTTISH GOLF UNION - Two Ayrshire players named in national squads for 2013

The Scottish Golf Union have announced their national squads for 2013, with two Ayrshire players featured amongst the selected players.

Kilmarnock Barassie's Jack McDonald is named in the Mens Performance Squad whilst his clubmate Euan Walker has been included in the Boys Development Squad.

The full squads are :-

Men’s Performance Squad 2012-13

Ross Bell (Downfield), 24

Matthew Clark (Kilmacolm), 31
Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie), 19
Fraser McKenna (Balmore), 21
Graeme Robertson (Glenbervie), 24
James White (Lundin), 24

Transitional Squad 2012-13

Jack McDonald

Lawrence Allan (Alva)*, 18

Sam Binning (Old Ranfury), 22
Anthony Blaney (Liberton), 18
Scott Borrowman (Dollar), 25
Scott Crichton (Aberdour), 24
Michael Daily (Erskine), 23
Adam Dunton (McDonald), 22
Grant Forrest (Craigielaw)*, 19
Scott Gibson (Southerness)*, 20
Graham Gordon (Newmachar), 32
Craig Howie (Peebles), 18
Liam Johnston (Dumfries & County)*, 19
Alasdair McDougall (Elderslie), 18
Fraser Moore (Glenbervie), 22
Conor O’Neil (Pollok), 20
James Ross (Royal Burgess)*, 22
Jamie Savage (Cawder), 18
Daniel Young (Craigie Hill)*, 21

* Denotes currently or soon to be based at a USA university or college

Boys’ Performance Squad 2012-13

George Burns (Williamwood)

Ewen Ferguson (Bearsden)
Robert MacIntyre (Glencruitten)
Bradley Neil (Blairgowrie)
Ewan Scott (St Andrews)
Conor Syme (Dumfries & County)
Alan Waugh (Cowglen)

Euan Walker

Boys’ Development Squad 2012-13

Euan Bowden (Tantallon)

Andrew Burgess (The Nairn)
Connar Cook (Caird Park)
Greg Forrester (Lundin)
Calum Hill (Tantallon)
Ben Kinsley (St Andrews)
Cameron Kirkwood (Bearsden)
Niall McMullen (Lundin)
Jake Scott (Buckpool)
Euan Walker (Kilmarnock (Barassie)
Alexander Wilson (The Renaissance)

PGA EUROPE - Michael Stewart wins in Turkey

Michael Stewart

Ayrshire's Michael Stewart won the biggest prize of his fledgling tour pro golf career in Turkey on Saturday when he finished joint fifth in the PGAs of Europe's Beko Classic at the Cornelia Golf Club, Antalya.

Stewart, 22, a member of the winning GB and I Walker Cup team at Royal Aberdeen in September 2011, shot 68, 71 and 72 for a five-under-par total of 211 - five shots behind the winner of the £9,000 first prize, Welshman Simon Edwards (66-72-68).
Stewart had a roller-coaster final round in which he had a triple bogey 8 at the long second and a double bogey 6 at the fourth but also birdied the first, seventh, 11th, 13th and 18th
In his first-round 68, Stewart had seven birdies and a double bogey.
Stewart's cash reward was £3,375, an overdue and welcome change of luck for the 2010 Scottish amateur champion and 2008 Scottish boys title-winner for whom little has gone right since he turned professional.
Former Ryder Cup Scot Andrew Coltart earned £2,500 for a joint ninth place finish after he followed scores of 75 and 72 with a brilliant final round of seven-under-par 65 (31-34) in which he had and eagle and six birdies plus a bogey at the last hole.
There were two more Scots in the field of 31 players for the event which had generous prizemoney of £90,000 .
Raymond Russell finished joint 17th on 214 with scores of 76, 68 and 70 and earned £1,700.
Scott Drummond finished 22nd on 217 (71-74-72) and earned £1,400.

(Courtesy of Cal Carson Golf Agency) PGAs OF EUROPE BEKO CLASSIC Cornelia Golf Club, Antalya, Turkey LEADING FINAL TOTALS Par 216 (3x72) 206 Simon Edwards (Wal) 66 72 68 (£9,000) 207 Garry Houston (Wal) 70 70 67 (£7,500). 208 Jamie Little (Eng) 69 71 68 (£6,250) 210 Rhys Enoch (Wal) 71 66 73 (£5,250) SELECTED TOTALS 211 Michael Stewart (Sco) 68 71 72 (T5) (£3,375) 212 Andrew Coltart (Sco) 75 72 65 (T9) (£2,500) 213 Darren Clarke (NIre) 74 70 69 (T12) (£2,100) 214 Raymond Russell (Sco) 76 68 70 (T17) (£1,700) 217 Scott Drummond (Sco) 71 74 72 (22bd) (£1,400).

SUNDAY MAIL SCOTTISH SPORTS AWARDS - Jack McDonald joins Alasdair Berry in final nomination list

Jack McDonald

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) has been named in the final nomineee list for the 2012 Sunday Mail Scottish Sports Awards to be announced at the annual awards ceremony on 6th December.

 

One fo three nominations in the Young Sports Person category, the 19-year-old Stirling University student made a stunning European Tour debut against a world-class field in the Scottish Open Championship, as well as becoming British Universities’ champion and a semi-finalists in the Amateur Championship at Royal Troon.

 

Jack McDonald becomes Ayrshire golf's second nomination this year following the inclusion of Alasdair Berry (Irvine Ravenspark) as one of four nomineed in the Disability Sport category

SPORTS SCOTLAND AWARDS - Alasdair Berry shortlisted for award

British Disabled Open Golf Champion Alasdair Berry (Irvine Ravenspark) - pictured right - has received further recognition of his achievements in 2012, being shortlisted for the Sunday Mail Sports Scotland Awards.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Thistle Hotel in Glasgow on Thursday 6th December.

In relation to the nomination, Alasdair Berry will be featured in this weeks Sunday mail newspaper, as he bids to finish his fantastic year off in style.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION COMPETITIONS - Entry forms for three events sent to clubs

The entry forms for three of the Ayrshire Golf Association's premier events were sent to member clubs on Thursday 8th November.

The entry forms for the Champion Of Champions Trophy competition, The Ayrshire Fourball Championship and the Ayrshire Scratch Summer Leagues were all sent by email to the 66 member clubs.

The closing date for entries to all three competitions is the 31st of January 2013.

If any club secretary is not in receipt of the email and attached forms, they should contact the Ayrshire Golf Association Secretary by email at ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net .

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Subscription forms posted to clubs

Ayrshire Golf Association annual subscription forms were posted out to all member clubs on Wednesday 7th November.

As agreed at the AGM, the per capita subscription for 2012 - 2013 remains at £2.20, with fees falling due on 1st January 2013.

All 66 member clubs should have received their forms, or should receive them in the next few days.

Any club secretary who is not in receipt of the form and covering letter should email the Association Secretary at ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE ANNUAL DINNER - Greg Telfer named Junior Golfer Of The Year

At the Annual Dinner and Presentation Of Trophies of The Ayrshire Junior Golf League, held on Monday 5th November, Greg Telfer (Prestwick St Cuthbert) was named the recipient of the Macrobert Thistle Ayrshire Junior Golfer Of The Year Trophy

Junior Golfer Of The Year
Greg Telfer

In a season where he reduced his handicap from four to one, Telfer won a number of local boys open competitions as well as the Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Trophy, on his way to taking the Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit title, and helped his club win the Ayrshire Junior Golf League title for the first time in 29 years. His season ended in style with a win in the Scottish Boys Champion Of Champions event at The Dukes, St Andrews.

It was fitting that, in a year where the club was at the forefront of junior golf in Ayrshire, that the Annual Dinner was held at Prestwick St Cuthbert for the first time since 1989. The event was chaired by League Charirman Bobby Caddis (Prestwick St Cuthbert) and guests included SGU President Maurice Shields and Ayrshire President Milton Murray, along with Club Captain Bob Cord, coaching professionals Graham Ross and Richard Gordon, david Reynolds of The National Playing Fields Association and many of the Honorary Members of the Ayrshire Junior Golf League.

After the meal and traditional raffle, the presentation of trophies opened with David Reynolds announcing Greg Telfer's Junior Golfer Of The Year win and presenting the Macrobert Thistle Trophy to him.

League Chairman Bobby Caddis presented the remaining awards :-

Matt Lygate Trophy (Ayrshire Boys Team Champions) - KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE)
Andrew D Nimmo Trophy (Handicap Team Champions) - BALLOCHMYLE
Prestwick Circuits Trophy - EUAN WALKER (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Carrick Trophy - SCOTT FIGGINS (Irvine Ravenspark)
Ayrshire Boys Championship - EUAN WALKER (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Ayrshire Boys Matchplay - GREG TELFER (Prestwick St Cuthbert)
Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit 3rd place - EUAN WALKER (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Ayrshire Junior Order Of merit Runner Up - DAVID WILSON (Troon Welbeck)
Ayrshire Junior Order Of merit Winner - GREG TELFER (Prestwick St Cuthbert)
Under 16 Knockout Trophy Runners Up - AYR BELLEISLE
Under 16 Knockout Trophy Winners - WEST KILBRIDE
Wallace Thornton Trophy Runners Up - ARDEER
Wallace Thornton Trophy winners - KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE)
Champion Of Champions Runner Up - LOUIS MURRAY (Troon Welbeck)
Champion Of Champions Winner - CALLUM GORRIE (Kilmarnock Barassie)
League Championship Semi Finalists - KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE)
League Championship Semi Finalist - LOUDOUN
League Championship Runners Up - IRVINE
League Championship Winners -PRESTWICK ST CUTHBERT

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ayrshire Golf Association President Milton Murray

IRVINE RAVENSPARK PRESENTATION OF PRIZES - Alasdair Berry awarded Honorary membership of club

Alasdair Berry and his dad Eddie
with his Honorary Membership Certificate

At the Annual Dinner & Presentation Of Prizes of Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club, held within the clubhouse on Friday 2nd November, Alasdair Berry was awarded Honorary Membership of the club in recognition of his outstanding achievements in golf which culminated in his win in ther 2012 Disabled British Open Championship earlier this year.

Handicap Champion Jim Boyd with Club Captain Ian Griffin
and Club Champion Wullie McGill

A capacity audience of members and guests, including Ayrshire Golf Association President Milton Murray and Past President Ronnie Potts, Caprington Captain Craig Cameron and Irvine GC Captain David Moore, enjoyed a meal and after dinner presentation buy guest speaker Les Peters.


During the evening the trophies and awards were presented to the succesful players during the past season, with the Club Championship trophy being picked up by Wullie McGill and Jim Boyd receiving the Handicap Championship trophy.

WEST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUES - Ayrshire lose to champions Renfrewshire at Prestwick

Ayrshire's bid top snatch the title from defending champions Renfrewshire fell short on Sunday 4 November at Prestwick GC when the home side were defeated 5.5 - 4.5 in their final A team match of the West Of Scotlnad Inter County League which was successfully completed at the fourth attempt.

Needing to win by at least 1.5 points, Ayrshire started well but ultimately were edged out by their visitors who retained their title for another year.

Match details (Ayrshire names first) :-

Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle) halved with Gordon Stevenson (Whitecraigs)
Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Sam Binning (Ranfurly Castle) by 3 & 2
Tommy McInally (Loudoun) lost to Matt Clark (Kilmacolm) by 1 hole
Stuart Robin (Prestwick St Nicholas) beat Chris Kelly (Bonnyton) by 2 & 1
David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) lost to Ronnie Clark (Eskine) by 2 & 1
Stephen Wallace (Prestwick St Cuthbert) lost to Paul Alexander (Caldwell) by 5 & 4
Stephen Spence (Irvine) lost to Michael Daily (Erskine) by 5 & 4
John Haggerty (Loudoun) beat Alistair McDougall (Elderslie) by 3 & 2
Steven Stamper (Turnberry) lost to Grant Beaton (Bonnyton) by 6 & 4
Gordon Boyle (Turnberry) beat Ryan McKenzie (Erskine) by 3 & 2

AYRSHIRE   4.5    RENFREWSHIRE   5.5

In the Youths League, Dumbartonshire beat Lanarkshire 7 - 3 on Sunday to secure the title ahead of Ayrshire and Renfrewshire.