MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

The Ayrshire Golf Association would like to extend to our member clubs and their members best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous and successful New Year in 2025.

AYRSHIRE CANCER SUPPORT - 2024 Charity donation cheque handed over to preferred charity

The Ayrshire Golf Association recently handed over a cheque to Ayrshire Cancer Support, The Associations preferred charity for 2024 - 2025, which included the proceeds from the innnaugural Charity Golf Day, held at Rowallan Castle GC in September, as well as donations collected from generous competitors at the various Ayrshire Golf Association championships held in 2024.

The total amount, handed over in November by Association President Andrew Gilligan to AGA Executive member and Ayrshire Cancer Support Ambassador Liz Keohone, was £6,303.69.

The Ayrshire Golf Association would like to record sincere thanks to all the individuals and teams who contributed throughout the 2024 season to support this very worthwhile cause.

AYRSHIRE SENIOR WOMEN'S STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - new event planned for golfers in Ayrshire in 2025

2025 will see a new event in the county with the first Ayrshire Senior Women's Strokeplay Championship scheduled to be held in the coming season.

The event will be open to women menbers of member clubs of The Association aged over 50 on the day of the competition with the winner being nthe player returning the best nett score of the competition.

Like the succesful Men's Senior Championship which has been running in its current format since 2008, there will also be scratch and various age group prizes.

It is intended to hold the championship on the same day as the Men's event, on the same course, and where possible groupings will consist of three men or three women throughout the course of the day.

The championship will be held in July and further details of arrangements, and confirmation of date and venue, will be announced early in 2025. 

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP - Ayr Dalmilling Ladies Golf Club boost membership of The Association

Ayr Dalmilling Ladies Golf Club are the latest club to join The Ayrshire Golf Association, boosting the membership to 64 clubs from the length and breadth of the county.

The association look forward to welcoming the members of Ayr Dalmilling Ladies GC to participation in the county events held throughout the season, and hope that The Association can support and the club, and all other member clubs, in the forthcoming year. 

SCOTTISH GOLF YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAMME - Applications invited for 2025 - 2026 programme.

Scottish Golf are still inviting applications to join the 2025 - 2026 Young leaders programme, with applications being accepted until the 30th of November 2024.

Open to young adults between the ages of 16
and 24 who are living in Scotland and are either a member of an affilliated club, employed or volunteering in a golf club, an Open Play member, or someone who has a passion for golf, applicants should be enthusiastic about making a difference and be prepared to commit to a full two year programme and allocate four hours per month towards projects associated with the programme.

Applicants are encouraged to provide a supporting  reference from someone oin either an education, sporting or working capacity explaining why they are a good candidate. This could be a teacher, coach, employer, or a person in the community with whom they volunteer. those unable to provide a reference are still encouraged to apply in any case as all applications will be considered.

More information on what in involved, and a link to the application process can be accessed via the following link

SCOTTISH GOLF YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAMME 

U.S. COLLEGE GOLF - Double hole in one joy for John McCracken

Kilmarnock Barassie GC team member John McCracken scored a remarkable double recently while participating in the Currahee invitational College Golf Tournament in Toccoa, Georgia, U.S.A.

Representing Young Harris College, Georgia, John achieved a hole-in-one on the 214-yard 4th hole during the practice day remarkably repeated the feat again on the first day of the tournament, which contributed to him finishing in the top 20 in a highly competitive field.

Also competing in the tournament were John’s Ayrshire teammates, third year Junior Max Barclay from Ayr Belleisle, representing Coker University, South Carolina, and fifth year Graduate Sean Addie from Kilmarnock (Barassie), representing Wingate University, North Carolina.

The event was the final tournament of a hurricane disrupted season, with the new College season due to start in mid-February.

Annanhill Golf Trust Announces Regeneration Project for Annanhill Park to Promote Community Health and Wellbeing Through Golf

Annanhill Golf Trust is proud to announce a new regeneration project aimed at transforming Annanhill Park’s disused 18-hole pitch and putt course and adjacent playground into a vibrant community golf and recreation facility. 

As a charity, Annanhill Golf Trust is dedicated to regenerating Annanhill Park to enhance wellbeing, inclusivity, and pride through golf. By revitalizing this space, the Trust aims to create an inviting, year-round facility for Kilmarnock’s residents to enjoy and share.

This initiative, designed to support health and wellbeing, will introduce children ages 4-14 to golf, with community coaching courses running throughout the year. By engaging youth and encouraging inclusivity, the project aims to foster personal growth, community pride, and the values of the sport.

The redevelopment will include a new adventure golf facility, repurposing the old BMX track, creating a sustainable revenue stream to support the Trust’s long-term goals. Additionally, local primary school students will be invited to design the 18-hole course, with winning ideas brought to life on-site, fostering a sense of ownership and connection.

 

Intersted parties are invited to give feedback on the proposal on a community consultation form via the link below

Annanhill Golf Trust Community Feedback Form

You can also keep up with updates on the project via the trusts facebook page at

Annanhill Golf Trust Facebook Page

For more information, please contact:  

Annanhill Golf Trust

www.annanhillgolftrust.org.uk

scott@annanhillgolftrust.org.uk

 

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Season winners honoured at annual dinner

The 2024 winners in the Ayrshire Junior Golf league events were honoured at the annual dinner of The League, which was held at Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club on Monday the 4th of November.

Top table guests included League Chairman Mark Mason, Prestwick St Nicholas GC Club Captain Tony Greig, A.J.G.L. Secretary Gavin Scott and coaching professional Lee Hughes.  

After an excellent meal, the company were entertained by a fundraising raffle where several prizes were distributed before the evening concluded with the presentation of prizes for the 2024 season, which were handed over by the host club captain Tony Greig.

The first award of the evening was the MacRobert Thistle trophies for the leading girl and boy golfers in Ayrshire in 2024.

The girl's award for 2024 was won by Orla Moran (Irvine GC) who retained the title she also won in 2023.

An excellent example to other on the course, in an impressive season Orla had several successes including winning the inaugural Ayrshire Girls Strokeplay Championship, the West Kilbride Junior Girls Open, the Golf South Ayrshire Junior Girls Open, the Prestwick St Cuthbert Junior Gilrs Open, and the Irvine Junior Girls Open.

Orla was also a mainstay in the Irvine Golf Club junior team and also represented her club in the Women's inter club competition for the Greenleeds trophy, and achieved a notable double by winning the Women's Club Championship titles at both Irvine and Prestwick St Cuthbert golf clubs.

The boy's award for 2024 was presented to Scott Newman (West Kilbride) who had an exceptional playing season, while being well respected amongst his peers and a great example to other both on and off the course.

Scott's successes in 2024 included winning the Prestwick Circuits Trophy at the Ayrshire Junior Team Championship, succesfully defending the Ayrshire Boys Strokeplay Championship, finishing runner up in Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship, winning the Ayrshire Junior Champion of Champions trophy, winning a Scottish Junior Tour event at Portpatrick, winning the Irvine junior open and finishing third in the Welsh Youths championship, while also being an integral part of the Ayrshire Under 18 boys team that won the West of Scotland Inter County League championship and the Ayrshire youths team that retained the West of Scotland Inter County Youths league title.

The full list of award winners on the night were:-

MacRobert Thistle Junior Girl Golfer Of The Year - Orla Moran (Irvine)

MacRobert Thistle Junior Boy Golfer Of The Year - Scott Newman (West Kilbride)

Ayrshire Junior Team Champions (Matt Lygate Trophy) - West Kilbride GC

Ayrshire Junior Handicap Team Champions (A D Nimmo Trophy) - Turnberry GC

Prestwick Circuits Trophy - Scott Newman (West Kilbride)

Carrick Trophy - Harris Vennard (Ayr Belleisle)

Ayrshire Boys Strokeplay Champion - Scott Newman (West Kilbride)

Ayrshire Boys Handicap Strokeplay Champion (Hilmarton Trophy) - Adam McIntyre (Irvine)

Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion - Quintin Dunlop (Turnberry)

Ayrshire Girls Strokeplay Champion - Orla Moran (Irvine)

Ayrshire Girls Handicap Strokeplay Champion (Prestwick Salver) - Alyssa Gillies (Ballochmyle)

Ayrshire Junior Order of Merit - 3rd - Scott Newman  (West Kilbride)

Ayrshire Junior Order of Merit - runner up - Quintin Dunlop (Turnberry)

Ayrshire Junior Order of Merit Winner - Jack Broadfoot (Royal Troon)

Wallace Thornton Trophy Runners Up - Kilmarnock Barassie GC

Wallace Thornton Trophy Winners - Turnberry GC

Under 16 Knockout Trophy Runners Up - Troon Welbeck GC

Under 16 Knockout Trophy Winners - Prestwick St Nicholas GC

Ayrshire Junior Champion of Champions Trophy - Scott Newman (West Kilbride)

Ayrshire Junior Golf League Runners Up - Turnberry GC

Ayrshire Junior Golf League Winners - West Kilbride GC 

West of Scotland Inter County Under 18 Boys League Winners - Ayrshire

Matt Lygate Trophy
West Kilbride GC

Andrew D Nimmo Trophy
Turnberry GC

Prestwick Circuits Trophy
Scott Newman

Carrick Trophy
Harris Vennard

Ayrshire Boys Strokeplay Champion
Scott Newman

Hilmarton Trophy
Adam McIntyre

Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion
Quintin Dunlop

Ayrshire Girls Strokeplay Champion
Orla Moran

Prestwick Salver
Alyssa Gillies

Ayrshire Junior Order of Merit
Jack Broadfoot

Wallace Thornton Trophy 
Turnberry GC

Under 16 Knockout Trophy
Prestwick St Nicholas GC

Ayrshire Junior Champion of Champions
Scott Newman

Ayrshire Junior Golf League Champions
West Kilbride GC

West of Scotland
Inter County Under 18 Boys League Winners
Ayrshire

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION AGM - Two new Executive members elected

The Annual general Meeting of the Ayrshire Golf Association was held at Loudoun Gowf Club on Tuesday the 22nd of October at 7.30 p.m., with two new Executive members being elected to serve for the first time.

Representatives of ninteen member clubs were in attendance at the AGM which was chaired by past President Scott Gilchrist (Loudoun) in the absence of President Andrew Gilligan (Royal Troon) who had was absent due to business commitments.

In addition to the President's Report previously circulated, past President Gilchrist added congratulations to the members of two Ayrshire teams who in recent days had retained the West of Scotland Inter County Youths League title and had also won the Scottish Senior Men's Area Team Championship for the first time.

The Presidents Report, Financial Report, Coaching Report, and Ayrshire Junior Golf League Report hasd all been previously circulated and were all approved for adoption by the representatives present at the meeting.

Secretary Alasdair J. Malcolm (Golf South Ayrshire) was re-elected as Secretary/Treasurer, a post he has held since 2009.

Retiring members of The Executive by rotation in 2024 were Robert Wilson (Ballochmyle), Liz Keohone (Loudoun), Debbie Watt (Ayr Belleisle Ladies), and Jimmy McGhee (Loudoun). All four retiring members stood for re-election, along with two new nominees who were standing for the first time.

Brian Fisher (Largs) is the present holder of the Ayrshire Senior Men's Matchplay Championship title and becomes the first representative on The Executive from Largs GC since John Nordbo in 2012, initially agreeing to fill a vacant two year term.

Established county team member Steven Stamper (Girvan) also joins The Executive for the first time this year, for a three year term.

There remains on vacancy on The Executive, for a one year period.

Under Any Other Competent Business, Past President Gilchrist was asked if The Association had a position on the proposed development at Ayr Belleisle and simply answered the question 'No'.

Following one other question regarding points allocation in the Doc Thom Ayrshire Order of Merit, which was addressed by The Secretary, the business of the meeting concluded and the meeting closed at 7.35 pm.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - 2024 AGM reminder

All member clubs are reminded that the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Ayrshire Golf Association takes place at Loudoun Gowf Club on Tuesday the 22nd of October at 7.30 p.m.

All relevant documentation was emailed to member clubs on the 8th of October.

The Association look forward to seeing club representatives at the meeting on Tuesday evening.

 

SCOTTISH SENIORS AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire take national title for the first time at Monifieth Links

Ayrshire are the 2024 Scottish Inter Area Team Champions, with a single shot victory at Monifieth Links on Thursday the 17th of October.  

The winning Ayrshire team
Robert Jenkins, Andrew Marshall, Paul Moultrie, Alistair Belford
(Inset - George Robertson, Brian Fisher)

With the best five scores from six counting towards the team total, the Ayrshire team of  Robert Jenkins (Royal Troon) 71, Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon) 72, George J Robertson (Irvine) 72, Andrew Marshall (Prestwick St Nicholas) 74, Alistair Belford (Prestwick St Nicholas (74), and Brian Fisher (Largs) 75 posted a team total of 364 to win by a single shot from Stirlingshire and Lothians, and bring a third team title to Ayrshire this year after the earlier successes of the Under 18 Boys team and the Youths team in the West of Scotland Inter County Leagues..

Robert Jenkins' score of 71 left him just a single shot off the pace for the best individual round of the day.

The final team results were:-

364 - AYRSHIRE

365 - STIRLINGSHIRE, LOTHIANS

372 - PERTH & KINROSS

374 - LANARKSHIRE

376 - ANGUS

378 - GLASGOW, SOUTH OF SCOTLAND

379 - RENFREWSHIRE

381 - NORTH

383 - NORTH EAST

385 - DUMBARTONSHIRE

386 - ARGYLL & BUTE

388 - FIFE

396 - CLACKMANNANSHIRE

WEST OF SCOTLAND INTER COUNTY LEAGUES - Ayrshire retain Youths League title

Ayrshire retained the West of Scotland Inter County Youths league title on Sunday the 13th of October 2024, when the fifth and final series of fixtures of the competition were completed for this season.

Despite having three away matches this year and just two home ties, the Ayrshire team visited league leaders Lanarkshire at east Kilbride, knowing that only a match victory would allow them to overtalke their hosts and retain the title they won in 2023, and in the event the Ayrshire side stepped up to the mark and maintained their unbeaten record for the season with a 5.5 - 2.5 victory on the day to secure the title and complete a notable double for the county teams after the Under 18team success in the West of Scotland Under 18 Boys league earlier in the season.

Match details (Lanarkshire names first):-

Luke Robertson (East Kilbride) lost to Harvey McDonald (Turnberry) by 472

Scott Thomson (Drumpellier) halved with Dylan Cairns (Prestwick St Nicholas)

Rudy Brown (Torrance House) lost to Scott Newman (West Kilbride) by 473

Ally Riddell (Lanark) halved with Jamie Robertson (Loudoun)

Patrick Boyle (Hamilton) lost to Liam Moran (Irvine) by 7&6

Cameron meldrum (East Kilbride) beat Sam Crozier (West Kilbride) by 5&3

Fraser Steven (Hamilton) halved with Rob Yorston (Loudoun) 

Ben Paterson (Belshill) lost to Ryan Kennedy (Irvine) by 1 hole 

LANARKSHIRE YOUTHS  2.5    AYRSHIRE YOUTHS  5.5

Glasgow secured third place in the table with a 4 - 4 draw away to Sirlingshire at Dunblane New GC in their final fixturte of the campaign.

Match details (Stirlingshire names first):-

Liam McKinnon (Glenbervie) beat Blair Stewart (Cowglen) by 1 hole

Lewis Clark (Stirling) beat Chris McMillan (Dougalston) by 7&6

Bryce Clark (Stirling) beat Sean Falconer (Cowglen) by 2&1

Jordan Anderson (Falkirk Tryst) lost to John Hamilton (Cathkin Braes) by 2&1

Isaac King (Dunblane New) lost to Bobby Gray (Haggs Castle) by 2 holes

Liam Graham (Falkirk) lost to Philip Devine (Cowglen) by 1 hole

Luke McInulty (Stirling) beat Rory Bogle (Cowglen) by 1 hole

Jonathan McKendry (Falkirk) beat Joe Lynch (Ralston) by 7&6

STIRLINGSHIRE YOUTHS   4   GLASGOW YOUTHS   4

In the other match in the final series, Dumbartonshire had a 5.5 - 2.5 home win over Renfrewshire at Hilton park.

Match details (Dumbartonshire names first):-

Max McCluskey (Lenzie) lost to Drew Cleaver (Fereneze) by 1 hole

Grant Wilson (Balmore) beat Ewan Urquhart (paisley) by 2 holes

Jack Clark (Dullatur) lost to Kenan Ingram (Greenock) by 2&1

Sam Somerville (Bearsden) beat Callum McLelland (Fereneze) by 3&2

Stewart Forres (Lenzie) beat Ben Love (Old ranfurly) by 1 hole

Cameron Pike (Lenzie) beat Chris James (Whitecraigs) by 4&3

David Gilmour (Cardross) halved with calum Graham (Erskine) 

David Hood (Cardross) beat Lewis Greenlees (Paisley) by 6&5

DUMBARTONSHIRE YOUTHS   5.5   RENFREWSHIRE YOUTHS   2.5

The final placings in the 2024 West of Scotland Inter County Youth league are:- 

Area	P	W	D	L	F	A	Diff	Pts
AYRSHIRE	5	4	1	0	25.5	14.5	+11	18
LANARKSHIRE	5	4	0	1	26.5	13.5	+13	16
GLASGOW	5	1	2	2	17	22	-5	8
DUMBARTONSHIRE	5	2	0	3	16.5	23.5	-7	8
STIRLINGSHIRE	5	1	1	3	16.5	23.5	-7	6
RENFREWSHIRE	5	1	0	4	18	22	-4	4

 

In the corresponding A league matches, Ayrshire recorded a final match victory over Lanarkshire at Ayr Seafield by 4 - 2, leaving them in third place in the table behind Lanarkshire and the 2024 A League champions Stirlingshire, who took the title for the first time in 29 years, since their last title victory in 1995.

The details of the Ayrshire match are (Ayrshire names first):-

Scott Brown (Prestwick St Cuthbert) halved with Lewis irvine (Kirkhill)

John Haggarty (Loudoun) beat Kieran McVicar (East Kilbride) by 6&4

Gavin Chesney (Kilbirnie Place) halved with Greg Andrews (East Kilbride)

Steven Stamper (Turnberry) beat Gregg Watson (Hamilton) 6&5

Blair Morton (Royal Troon) & Harvey Broadfoot (Troon Welbeck) beat Ciaron Reilly (Easter Moffat) & Andy Steven (Easter Moffat) by 5&3

Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St Cuthbert) & Alan McLean (Largs) lost to David fair (Hamilton) & Nathan Wharton (Larkhall) by 2&1

AYRSHIRE A   4  LANARKSHIRE A   2

Stirlingshire went into their final fixture away to Glasgow at Cawder knowing that a win would secure their first title in alsmost 30 years, and in the event they did not slip up, winning the match by 4.5 - 1.5 to secure the title win.

Match details (Glasgow names first):-

Neil MacRae (Glasgow) halved with Stuart Murray (Falkirk)

Clark Nelson (Glasgow) beat Alex Marshall (Grangemouth) by 3&2

Josh White (Bishopbriggs) lost to Ross Laird (Glenbervie) by 4&3

Alan Craig (Glasgow) lost to George Cannon (Glenbervie) by 4&2

Blair Dalgleish (Ralston) & Fraser Grant (Ralston) lost to Mark Hyslop (Glenbervie) & James Donaldson (Stirling) by 2&1

Gordon Sangster (Cathkin Braes) & John Laurie (Glasgow) lost to Ed Shannly (Stirling) & Greg McLellan (Stirling) by 6&5  

GLASGOW A   1.5   STIRLINGSHIRE  A   4.5

In the remaining match in week 5, renfreshire secured a 5.5 - 0.5 home win over Dumbartonshire at Cochrane Castle.

Match details (Renfrewshire names first):-

Paul Dorrian (Greenock) beat Craig Bissett (Dumbarton) by 2&1

Stewart Watt (Old Ranfurly) beat Chris Clark (Bearsden) by 7&6

Michael Daily (Erskine) beat james McKechnie (Carrick) by 3&2

Alexander Ferguson (Paisley) halved with David Lindsay (Lenzie)

Ryan McKenzie (Erskine) & Ryan Brown  (Kilmacolm) beat Mark McLachy (Clydebank & Duistrict) & Kevin Logan (Clydebank & District) by 4&3

David Miller (Fereneze) & Ethan lang (Elderslie) beat Cairn Smith (Clober) & David Wylie (Lenzie) by 3&2

RENFREWSHIRE A   5.5   DUMBARTONSHIRE A   0.5

The final placings in the 2024 West of Scotland A league are:-

Area	P	W	D	L	F	A	Diff	Pts
STIRLINGSHIRE	5	4	0	1	20	10	+10	16
LANARKSHIRE	5	3	0	2	17	13	+4	12
AYRSHIRE	5	3	0	2	15	15	0	12
RENFREWSHIRE	5	2	0	3	14.5	15.5	-1	8
GLASGOW	5	2	0	3	13	16	-3	8
DUMBARTONSHIRE	5	1	0	4	10.5	19.5	-9	4