SCOTTISH AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS - Ayrshire names team for National title bid

The 6 man Ayrshire team for the forthcoming Scottish Area Team Championships has been announced.

The 2014 Ayrshire Area Team Championship Squad :-
John Shanks, Stuart Robin, Keith Hamilton
Malcolm Pennycott, Tommy McInally, Michael Smyth.

Despite Scotland internationalist Jack McDonald of Kilmarnock Barassie being unavailable due to university exams, Ayrshire have named a strong and experienced squad for the championship, which will take place over the Ranfurly Castle and Old Ranfurly courses in Renfrewshire from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th May.

Newly crowned Ayrshire Strokeplay Champion John Shanks (Irvine) is the only player remaining from the 2013 team to be selected this year.

Tommy McInally (Loudoun), a winner of all the major county titles over the years is also included and, along with John Shanks, previously enjoyed success in the competition as part of the last Ayrshire side to triumph in the competition in 2008.

Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle) is also in the side as is the 2013 Ayrshire Strokeplay winner Stuart Robin (Prestwick St Cuthbert) and last years Ayrshire Matchplay Champion Michael Smyth (Royal Troon).

The team is completed by Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) who will make his debut in the Area Team Championship this year, bringing with him a number of years experience representing Ayrshire at various levels.

The championship will be played under a slightly altered format this year, with strokeplay qualifying rounds being played on Friday 16th May, from which eight team will qualify to progress to the matchplay stages, instead of four as in previous championships.

Quarter final and semi final matches will take place on Saturday 17 May with the final being played over two rounds on Sunday 18th May.