Saturday, March 30, 2013

GOLF CLUB LIABILITY - £320,000 bill for Niddry Castle in court ruling

    
These are turbulent times for golf clubs across the country and, amid the myriad economic challenges brought on by dwindling memberships, the threat of court action has added another layer of menace.
 (From the www.herald.com website - By Nick Rodger, Golf Correspondent)
Earlier this month, appeal court judges announced that the Niddry Castle club in West Lothian would have to pay a substantially higher proportion of damages than had been originally ruled after a golfer lost an eye when he was hit by a ball in 2007.
The club were ordered to pay 30% of the £400,000 claim because of a lack of warning signs on the course, after Anthony Phee was struck by James Gordon's tee shot.
However, the later ruling said the club were responsible for the "lion's share of blame" and ordered Niddry Castle to pay 80% of the total damages, nearly £320,000, with Gordon and his insurers picking up the rest.

The case has made club secretaries across the country sit up and take notice and Garry Ferguson, a partner in the Glasgow-based legal firm BTO solicitors, urged clubs to take swift action in these increasingly fraught times of "risk assessment".

Whether we get to a point when we're all handed a hard hat and goggles along with our scorecard and some complimentary tees by the starter on the first remains to be seen.
However, there is no denying legal procedures involving incidents on the golf course are on the rise. Gavin Dear, the former Walker Cup player, was hauled to court recently to contest a case in which a ball spotter was seeking £50,000 in damages. He lost sight in one eye after being struck by Dear's ball during an amateur event in 2009. 

Editor's note: The judge has yet to deliver his ruling on that case.

"These types of cases are becoming more common. It's the society we live in now and the way legislation is drafted," Ferguson said. "If you don't advise people of the risks then you are exposing yourself to potential claims.

"In the Niddry Castle case, the club were found liable as occupiers of the course and occupiers owe a duty of care to anyone entering on to the premises.

"If there was a sign saying you could be hit by a ball then that would have drawn it to the attention of the players and if they had carried on and taken that risk then it was down to them. Insurers will be looking at this very closely now.

"When it comes to renewal policies, they will asking clubs 'have you done this and that?' in relation to risk assessment. It could have a huge impact on the premiums."

Ferguson says decisive and relatively straightforward action from clubs now could save them considerable anguish down the line.

"In theory, it sounds onerous but in reality it's probably not," he said. "The courts are not saying don't play, they are saying look at the extent of the risk and whether it can be reduced.

"Where are the risky bits? Where do you walk from one hole to the next? If there is a risk, stick a sign there and in the court's view that would probably be enough."

AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Closing date for entries near

The closing date for entries to the 2013 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship is fast approaching.

The 36 hole championship takes place at Prestwick Golf Club on Sunday 28th April.

Closing date for entries is Wednesday 3rd April.

Entry forms should be available through member clubs and are also available to download directly from this site, via the appropriate link under the 'Mens Info' heading.

The top 16 players in the Strokeplay Championship will progress to the Ayrshire Matchplay Championship, which takes place at Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club from 6th to 9th May.

This year, for the first time, the Ayrshire Championships have been included by the R & A as World Amateur Golf Rankings events.

Friday, March 29, 2013

BOYS UNDER 16 QUADRANGULAR INTERNATIONAL - Scotland lose title decider to ireland

(Report courtesy of the www.scottishgolfview.com website)

Ireland overpowered Scotland 8-4 in the last-day title decider in the Under-16 boys' quadrangular international at Southerndown Golf Club, South Wales.
The Irish took the morning foursomes 3-1 and built on that platform when they halved the top singles and won the next two.
Cameron Black (Cardross) and Ross Robertson (Old Ranfurly) turned the tide for a spell by winning their singles 5 and 4 respectively and Jack Thoms (Irvine) got a halved match.
Then the Irish tail wagged to win the last two singles for a 5-3 capture of the afternoon honours.

Most successful performers for the Scots over the three days were:
Cameron Black (Cardross) 5pt (five wins, one defeat); Ross Robertson (Old Ranfurly) 4pt (three wins, two halved, two defeats); Murray Naysmith (Marriott Dalmahoy) 3 1/2pt (three wins, one halved, two defeats); Matthew McCulloch (Portpatrick) 3 1/2pt (three wins, one halved, two defeats).

UNDER-16 BOYS QUADRANGULAR INTERNATIONAL
Southerndown G C, South Wales.

Day 3

SCOTLAND 4, IRELAND 8
Scots names first
Foursomes

M Naismith and N McMullen lost to M Boucher and K Le Blanc 2 and 1, C Black and C Curran bt M Rea and R Williamson 1 hole, R Robertson and M McCulloch lost to S Doyle and D Brady 3 and 2, L Reid and J Thomas lost to K Eccles and C Purcell 4 and 3 (1-3).

Singles (3-5)
Naismith halved with Boucher.
McMullen lost to Rea 3 and 2.
Curran lost to Williamson 4 and 3.
Black bt Le Blanc 5 and 4.
Robertson bt Eccles 4 and 3.
Thomas halved with Doyle.
McCulloch lost to Purcell 7 and 6
Reid lost to Brady 3 and 1.

OTHER RESULT
Wales 6, Netherlands 6

HOW THEY FINISHED1 Ireland 3pt2 Scotland 2pt3 Wales 1/2 pt4 Netherlands 1/2 pt

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

UNDER 16 BOYS QUADRANGULAR INTERNATIONAL - Scotland Vs ireland decider on Thursday

Despite sufferring two defeats, Jack Thomas (Irvine) was still on the winning side as the Scotland Under 16 team beat hosts wales on Wednesday in day two of the three day event.

(Report courtesy of the www.scottishgolfview.com website)
                                         
Scotland will meet Ireland tomorrow in the title decider at the Under-16 boys' quadrangular golf international at Southerndown Golf Club, South Wales.

The Scots followed up their 7-5 first-day win over the Netherlands by beating Wales 8-4 today.The Irish will be a tough nut to crack after big wins over Wales (9 1/2-2 1/2) and the Netherlands (10 1/2-1 1/2).

Four Scots won their foursomes and singles ties against Wales - Murray Naismith (Marriott Dalmahoy), Ross Robertson (Old Ranfurly), Matthew McCulloch (Portpatrick) and Lewis Reid (Tantallon).

U16 BOYS' QUADRANGULAR INTERNATIONAL
Southerndown GC, South Wales

Day 2 SCOTLAND 8, WALES 4

Foursomes


Niall McMullen (Lundin) and Jack Thomas (Irvine) lost to Ben Chamberlain and Tony Davies 6 and 4, Murray Naismith (Marriott Dalmahoy) and Lewis Reid (Tantallon) bt Hari Jones and Tom Froom 3 and 2, Ross Robertson (Old Ranfurly) and Matthew McCulloch (Portpatrick) bt Dan Pickering and Jamie Pickering 3 and 1, Cameron Black (Cardross) and Chris Curran (Harubrn) bt Jordan Golley and Joe Phillips 2 holes (3-1).

Singles
Naismith bt Davies 3 and 2, Thomas lost to Chamberlain 5 and 4, McMullen bt Jones 4 and 3, Curran lost to D Pickering 4 and 2, Black lost to J Pickering 3 and 2, Robertson bt Froom 1 hole, McCulloch bt Phillips 2 and 1, Reid bt Golley 3 and 2 (5-3).

OTHER RESULT

Ireland 10 1/2, Netherlands 1 1/2
Foursomes: 3 1/2-01/2. Singles: 7-1

HOW THEY STAND

Scotland 2 wins, Ireland 2 wins, Wales 2 defeats, Netherlands 2 defeats



Tuesday, March 26, 2013

BOYS' QUADRANGULAR INTERNATIONAL - Thomas helps Scots to opening day win

Jack Thomas
Jack Thomas (Irvine) helped Scotland Under 16's to a winning start in the Boys' Quadrangular Golf International at Southerndown Golf Club in Wales on Tuesday 26 March.

(Report courtesy of the Scottishgolfview.com website)

Scotland made a flying start to the Under-16 boys' quadrangular golf international at Southerndown Golf Club, South Wales today.
They beat the Netherlands 7-5 and now play Wales who were trounced 9 1/2-2 1/2 by Ireland in the other opening-day match.
The Scots took the foursomes 2 1/2-1 1/2 and the singles 4 1/2-3 1/2 against the Dutch.
Cameron Black (Cardross) was the only member of the Scotland team to win both his ties.

FIRST-DAY SCOREBOARD


SCOTLAND 7, NETHERLANDS 5

Foursomes (2 1/2-1 1/2)
Niall McMullin (Lundin) and Jack Thomas (Irvine) lost to Maarten Van Mourik and Floris Veth 2 holes.
Murray Naysmith (Marriott Dalmahoy) and Lewis Reid (Tantallon) bt Mats Markovitz and Pierre Verlaar 3 and 2.
Ross Robertson (Old Ranfurly) and Matthew McCulloch (Portpatrick) halved with Jim De Heiji and Dario Antonisse.
Cameron Black (Cardross) and Chris Curran (Harburn) bt Stan Karaai and Mike Toorop 3 and 2.

Singles (4 1/2- 3 1/2)
Naysmith lost to Van Mourik 2 and 1.
Thomas bt Veth 3 and 2.
McMullen bt Verlaar 3 and 2.
Curran lost to Markovitz 1 hole.
Black bt Antonisse 2 and 1.
Robertson halved with De Heiji.
McCulloch bt Toorop 1 hole.
Reid lost to Karaai 5 and 4.


OTHER RESULT


IRELAND 9 1/2, WALES 2 1/2

Foursomes: 2 1/2-1 1/2
Singles: 7-1

Monday, March 25, 2013

AYRSHIRE CHAMPIONSHIPS - Closing date reminders

Players and officials are reminded fo the approaching closing dates for the Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship and the Ayrshire Boys Team Championship as noted below.

AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
To be played at Prestwick Golf Club on Sunday 28th April

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES - Wednesday 3rd April


AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
To be played at Kilbirnie Place GC on Sunday 21st April

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES - Sunday 7th April

Entry forms and details of both competitions can be found via the appropriate link on the left of this page, under the 'Mens Info' and 'Juniors Info' headings respectively.


The closing dates for two national events are also soon, as noted below:-

Scottish Hydro Junior Tour | Event 1

Closing date:  Thursday 28 March



Golf Data Lab Scottish Youths Stroke Play Championship

Closing date: Thursday 11 April

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL - First two results posted

The first two results in the 2013 AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP have been recorded.

Martin Brown & Gary Harris (Malletsheugh) received a walkover from Peter & Bryan Gossman (West Kilbride) in their first round tie, and now await the winners of the match between Robert McMaster & Graham Andrew (Girvan) and Jamie Harper & Neil Sands (Annanhill).

On Saturday 23 March, Alex Young & Alan Stewart (Stewarton) travelled to meet Simon Bowman & John Steele (Prestwick St Nicholas) and returned from Prestwick with a 5 & 4 victory under their belt.
The Stewarton duo now face a home tie in round 2 against either Kenny McGill & Gilbert Lamont (Troon Welbeck) or the defending champions George and David McCulloch (Brunston Castle).

The remaining first round ties are due to be completed by 14th April.

In the CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS competition, Gary Jordan (Crosshouse) received a walkover from Nicol Auld (Whiting bay) and now has a home tie in round 2 against either Jim Reid (North Beach) or Craig Robertson (Abbotsford).

Friday, March 22, 2013

WEST OF SCOTLAND LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms available for West Kilbride event

The 2013 West Of Scotland Ladies Championship will be held at West Kilbride Golf Club on Sunday 5th May, and entry forms are now available.

The championship will be played over 36 holes and entries close on 26th April.

Entry forms should be available though clubs, and can also be downloaded from the link on the left of this page under the 'Womens Info' heading.

SCOTTISH GOLF CLUB CARD - Scottish Hydro sponsor new SGU & SLGA initiative for club members

The Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association has today unveiled a major new sponsorship agreement with Scottish Hydro to support a new initiative aimed at boosting golf club membership in Scotland.
 
Launched ahead of this weekend’s Scottish Golf Show at the SECC Glasgow, the new partnership will see Scottish Hydro as the headline sponsor of the Scottish Golf Club Card, a new national membership benefits programme designed to add more value to being a member of a golf club in Scotland.
 
Part of an extensive project being undertaken by the SGU and SLGA, the Club Card will be made available to members of affiliated golf clubs this season. The Club Card will allow golf club members to access a range of benefits as part of their club subscription fee to the governing bodies, including preferential green fees, exclusive member competitions and special offers from other leading partner brands.
 
Also linked to the Centralised Database of Handicaps (CDH), an on-line initiative to improve the tracking of handicapping for clubs and members in Scotland with more than 160,000 golfers uploaded, it is hoped the Scottish Golf Club Card will also help clubs with their marketing efforts to attract and retain members.
 
“It is a huge boost to have Scottish Hydro on board as the headline sponsor of this exciting new initiative and their significant investment will allow us to develop a comprehensive package of benefits which adds value to being a member of a golf club in Scotland,” said Ross Duncan, the SGU’s Marketing & Sponsorship Manager.
 
“With Scottish Hydro’s support, our aim is to connect with all club golfers across Scotland and reward those members, which in turn should help clubs attract and retain their membership.”
 
“We’ve held the long term ambition of getting closer to our members and having something as tangible as a card in their hands will enhance that. We have listened to what our golfers want and this concept is a major step towards responding to their feedback,” he added.
 
Attending the launch were rising stars Bradley Neil and Ewan Scott, who both collected gold medals for Team GB at the recent Youth Olympic Festival in Australia.
 
Scott, winner of last year’s Scottish Hydro sponsored SGU Junior Tour, said: “It’s great to see Scottish Hydro extending their sponsorship of grass roots golf in Scotland, having benefited from their support of the Junior Tour last year.
 
"They are involved in Scottish Golf at all levels and the sponsorship the SGU generates really helps young players like myself, as well as hopefully helping clubs with their membership.”
 
Golf fans visiting the Scottish Golf Show will have the opportunity to win a team of three in the Scottish Hydro Challenge Pro-Am at Spey Valley by visiting the SGU stand and registering for the Scottish Golf Club Card, while Scottish Hydro is giving away a range of great prizes in their ‘Nearest the Pin’ challenge, with the opportunity to play against the Team Scottish Hydro Tour professionals, who will be on hand to offer their advice.
 
Jonny Petrie, Sponsorship Manager for Scottish Hydro added: “We are delighted to extend our sponsorship to the Scottish Golf Club Card programme and further our support to club level. This partnership compliments our other golf activity, including the Scottish Hydro Challenge and Scottish Senior Open and I’m sure clubs and their members will really benefit.”

AYRSHIRE Vs SOUTH OF SCOTLAND - Opening fixture postponed

Ayrshire's opening fixture of the season, the annual match against the South Of Scotland, has been postponed following the extreme weather that hit the area this weekend.

The match was scheduled to take place at Brunston Castle on Sunday 24th March but an early decision to postpone the match was taken as winter weather conditions caused traffic chaos throughout the South West of Scotland on Friday.

It is intended that the match will be rescheduled to a mutually convenient date later in the season.

SCOTTISH CHAMPION OF CHAMPONS - Three Ayrshire players in national opener

Ayrshire will have three players in the field for the traditional SGU opening event of the season, the Scottish Champion Of Champions competition, which takes place at Leven Links on 6th and 7th April.


Ayrshire Strokeplay and Matchplay champion David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) is joined in the field by Ayrshire Champion Of Campions title holder Steven McEwan (Caprington) and current Scotland Internationalist Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie).


David Wilson, Steven McEwan & Jack McDonald.
First round tee times on 6th April are :-

08:00
1
MICHIE, Scott
Kinross
CRICHTON, Scott
Aberdour
08:08
1
BRECHIN, Clark
Murcar Links
BROWN, Chris
Marriott Dalmahoy
08:16
1
ARMSTRONG, Dean
Lochmaben
DICK, Allyn
Kingsknowe
08:24
1
MILLER, Gordon
Cawder
WATSON, Allan
Braehead
08:32
1
GRAHAM, Scott
Arbroath
MCKENNA, Fraser
Balmore
08:40
1
MACHIN, Stephen
Cowglen
STEVENSON, Gordon
Whitecraigs
08:48
1
AITKEN, Steven
Falkirk Tryst
BROWNLIE, Scott
Burntisland
08:56
1
CLARK, Matthew
Kilmacolm
SUTHERLAND, Alan
Ladybank
09:04
1
FARMER, Andrew
Kilmacolm
DAILY, Michael
Erskine
09:12
1
WHITE, James
Lundin
GARDNER, David
Broomieknowe
09:20
1
MCNEILL, Callum
Lauder
O'NEIL, Conor
Pollok
09:28
1
MARCHBANK, Greig
Dumfries & County
HOWIE, Craig
Peebles
09:36
1
MCMEHAN, Stuart
Falkirk Tryst
CULVERWELL, Alexander
Dunbar
09:44
1
MCCLUNG, Kyle
Wigtownshire County
WILSON, David

Troon Welbeck
09:52
1
DUNTON, Adam
McDonald
RENFREW, Stephen
Port Bannatyne
10:00
1
CHECKLEY, Craig
Vale of Leven
ROBERTSON, Graeme
Glenbervie
10:08
1
NEIL, Connor
Blairgowrie
MOORE, Fraser
Glenbervie
10:16
1
BORROWMAN, Scott
Dollar
MCEWAN, Steven

Caprington
10:24
1
BLAIR, Lindsay
Grangemouth
ERSKINE, Brian
Ladybank
10:32
1
BREMNER, William
Edzell
DOOEY, Declan
Colville Park
10:40
1
BELL, Ross
Downfield
RATCLIFFE, Paul
Thornton
10:48
1
HIGGINS, Steven
Gourock
BINNING, Sam
Ranfurly Castle
10:56
1
CAMPBELL, Glenn
Blairgowrie
MACINTYRE, Robert
Glencruitten
11:04
1
MCDONALD, Jack

Kilmarnock (Barassie)
RENNIE, Steven
Drumpellier

Thursday, March 21, 2013

AYRSHIRE Vs SOUTH OF SCOTLAND - County opening match at Brunston Castle

Ayrshire have their first match of the season on Sunday 24th March when a combined boys and youths team take on the South Of Scotland for the South Centenary Trophy at Brunston Castle GC.

The match sees teams of 12 players, comprising 4 Under 16's, 4 Under 18's and 4 Youths competing in 6 fourballs in the morning and 12 singles in the afternoon.

First tee off in the morning is 0930.

The Ayrshire team is :-

U16
Ross McDonald (Irvine)
Connor McKay (Loudoun)
Shaun Cook (Annanhill)
Jack Purdie (Largs)

U18
Louis Murray (Troon Welbeck)
Darryl Lynch (Ayr Belleisle)
Euan Henderson (Kilmarnock Barasssie)
Jordan Fraser (Ayr Belleisle)

Youth
Greg Telfer (Prestwick St Cuthbert)
Greg Vernon (Troon Welbeck)
Craig Telfer (Prestwick St Cuthbert)
David Wilson (Troon Welbeck)

Saturday, March 16, 2013

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - 15 Ayrshire players bid for premier boys crown.

15 Ayrshire players will be in the field of 256 for the 2013 Scottish Boys Championship which will be held at Monifieth from 1st to 6th April.

Euan Henderson (Kilmarnock Barassie) begins the Ayrshire challenge, teeing off in game 1 at 6.45 am on Monday 1st April against Fraser Christie (Craigmillar Park).

Kilmarnock Barassie provide six of the Ayrshire challengers, Ayr Belleisle have three players competing, Troon Welbeck and Irvine have two players taking part whilst West Kilbride and Largs provide one each of the Ayrshire boys bidding for the title.

The first round ties involving Ayrshire players are:-

MONDAY 1st APRIL

Game 1 (0645) - Fraser Christie (Craigmillar Park) Vs Euan Henderson (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Game 7 (0733) - Murray McCrone (Troon Welbeck) Vs Neil McArthur (Bishopbriggs)
Game 18 (0905) - Jack Gater (Dunblane New) Vs Stuart Easton (Irvine)
Game 30 (1041) - Jordan Fraser (Ayr Belleisle) Vs Gary Brownlee (Tantallon)
Game 38 (1149) - Jack Currie (Greenock) Vs Elliot Masterson (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Game 40 (1205) - Louis Murray (Troon Welbeck) Vs. Mark Hughes (Hilton Park)
Game 51 (1337) - James Yarnell (Glenbervie) Vs Blair Gavin (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Game 56 (1417) - Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Callum Bruce (Duff House Royal)

TUESDAY 2nd APRIL

Game 79 (0717) - Shaun Hedger (West Kilbride) Vs. Callum Connacher (Wishaw)
Game 83 (0749) - Adam Wilson (Ayr Belleisle) Vs Rob Paterson (Kilspindie)
Game 92 (0905) - Zac Wood (Nigg bay) Vs. Callum Gorrie (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Game 99 (1001) - Robert McIntyre (Glencruitten) Vs Darryl Lynch (Ayr Belleisle)
Game 113 (1157) - Glen Burrett (Haggs Castle) Vs Stewart Russell (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Game 115 (1213) - Andrew Webber (Lenzie) Vs Jack Thomas (Irvine)
Game 126 (1329) - Bradley Neil (Blairgowrie) Vs Jack Purdie (Largs)

The 15 Ayrshire boys competing this year will be bidding to become the ninth winner of the trophy from the county since it was first played for in 1935. The previous winners from Ayrshire were :-

1950 - Alex Miller (Marr College)
1961 - Kelvin Thomson (Ayr Academy)
1964 - William R Lockie (Marr College)
1985 - Andrew McQueen (Troon Welbeck)
1986 - Alan Tait (Irvine)
1992 - Alan E Reid (Kilmarnock Barassie)
2008 - Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck)
2011 - David Wilson (Troon Welbeck)

AYRSHIRE WINTER GOLF ASSOCIATION - Fox wins Alliance Order Of merit


Graham Fox
Graham Fox (Rowallan Castle) won the Professional Order of Merit title in the 2012 - 13 Ayrshire Winer Golf Association, dspite not competing in the final event of the season at Prestwick Golf Club on Wednesday 13 March.

Having picked up a total of 35 points from all previous events Graham had the luxury of not competing in the final event at Prestwick knowing the title was already in the bag.

His nearest rival was Paul Wilson of Cawder with 18.5 points. Paul who is a Trainee at Cawder picked up 10 points by winning the Prestwick fixture with a 4 under par 67 followed by fellow Trainee Paul Robinson of Largs one shot back on 68.

The Amateur J.R.MACKAY Trophy was won by David Wordsworth, and 8 handicapper from Irvine G.C., with a net 69 giving him a three shot win. His closest challengers were Ron Punton (Barassie) (6) 72 and Alistair Connel (Cawder) (7) 73.

The Amateur Order of Merit was won by Gordon Clark (Irvine G.C.), his 19.5 points giving him the title by the narrowest of margins over first season debutant Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon) with 19 pts.

Any golfer who would like more information on joining the AYRSHIRE WINTER GOLF ASSOCIATION should contact the secretary Marcus McAllister at awgasecy@hotmail.co.uk

Leading totals in the final fixture of the season were :-

Prestwick Golf Club - Wednesday 13 March 2013



PROFESSIONALS/TRAINEESCLUBTRN/PROF SCORE
PAULWILSONCawderTRN67
PAULROBINSONLargsTRN68
CAMPBELLELLIOTT Haggs Castle Prof71
CRAIGRONALDCarlukeProf72
DAVIDFLEMINGPrestwickProf73

AMATEURSCLUBGROSSNETHCAP
DAVIDWORDSWORTHIrvine G. C. 77869
RONPUNTONBarassie78672
ALISTAIRCONNELL Cawder80773
ALEXFALLISCowglen911774
TOMMcGILLGlasgow G C80674