AYRSHIRE GIRLS - Honours even in match Vs. South Of Scotland

(Report by June Kerr - photos courtesy of June Kerr & Marian Wilson)

The Ayrshire Girls team - pictured right - played their first friendly match of the season on Sunday 19th April against the South of Scotland at Stranraer.

Despite a cold strong wind at the start, it was a glorious day and the girls enjoyed their game over this beautiful but testing golf course.

The games are played off handicap.

The individual match results were

(South names first) :-

Katie McCracken halved with Gillian Arnott

Rachel Walker beat Linzi Allan by 4 & 3

Amy Little halved with Hannah Gaunt

Vicky Wright lost to Mhairi McKay by 1 hole

Emma Greenlees beat Connie Jaffrey by 4 & 2

Katie Wright lost to Katie McGarva by 1 hole

A halved match was a fair result with so many close games.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Round 1 completed whist Brunston castle book third round place

The first round of the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship was completed last week with the remaining two ties being played.

Gordon Hamilton and Martin Spence (Loudoun) were 2 & 1 home winners over Brian and Eric Armour (Abbotsford) and now face a home tie in round 2, against John Fleming & Gordon Bettany (Saxone)

In the other remaining first round tie, Stuart & David Brown (Doon Valley) beat Gary Ross & James Brown (North Beach) by 3 & 2. The Doon Valley pair now facce a home tie in round 2 against Ian Currie & Robert Williamson (Crosshouse)

A. Dunlop & J. Brown (Brunston Castle) are ther first pair through to the third round of the competiton after a 3 & 2 home win over Scott Moore and Barry Calder (Irvine Ravenspark)

SGU JUNIOR TOUR - Jack McDonald makes winning tour debut

Jack McDonald of Kilmarnock Barassie - pictured right - followed on from his run to the quarter finals of the 2009 Scottish Boys Championship at Royal Aberdeen recently with a spectacular winning debut in the SGU Junior Tour at the second scheduled event, played at North Berwick on Sunday 19th April.

A three over par score of 74 in the first round left McDonald 5 shots adrift of first round leaders Ross Proctor (Forres) and Chris Low Tantallon) but in a stunning second round he shot ta three under par 68, the best score of the day, for a level par total of 142 and a one stroke victory in the competition.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS

142 - Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) 74 68

143 - Simon Fairburn (Gala) 73 70

144 - Kyle Godsman (Hopeman) 75 69, Conor O'Neil (Glasgow) 73 72, Grant Forrest (Craigielaw) 72 72, Ross Storrier (Downfield) 71 73, Ross Proctor (Forres) 69 75

145 - Chris Robb (Inchmarlo) 70 75, Chris Low (Tantallon) 69 76

147 - Tom Blennerhassett (Dalmahoy) 73 74, Colin Baird (Bothwell Castle) 71 76

The two other Ayrshire players in the field finished well of the pace, Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) scoring 152 (75 77) and Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) scoring 154 (82 72)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - 2009 Yearbook now available

The 2009 Ayrshire Golf Association yearbook is now available and will be distributed through member clubs over the next couple of weeks.

The front cover of the 40 page yearbook pays tribute to Ayrshire's Scottish champions from 2008, the Area Team Championship winning team, as well as Scottish Boys Champion and SGU Junior Order Of Merit winner Michael Stewart and SGU Order Of merit winner Steven McEwan.

In its sixth year, and produced once again by D & M Journals of Edinburgh, the yearbook includes a message from The President, reviews of the 2008 competitions and achievements as well as local and national fixtures for the 2009 season and a club directory.

The yearbook has become a useful and popular reference publication for Ayrshire golf over the last few years. Look out for copies of the Yearbook in your local club.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Holders out of Wallace Thornton competition

The two qualifying section in the 2009 Wallace Thornton Trophy competition were decided at the Ayrshire Boys Team Championship on Sunday 19th April, with the main talking point being the failure of the holders, Kilmarnock Barassie, to qualify for one of the ten sectional places available.

Having proudly held the Wallace Thornton Trophy for six successive years, the absence of Kilmarnock (Barassie) from the 2009 event is a major shock.

Troon Welbeck and Ardeer led the chase for qualifying places.

SECTION 1 involves Troon Welbeck, West Kilbride, Largs, Caprington and Prestwick St. Cuthbert.

SECTION 2 brings together Ardeer, Loudoun, Ayr Belleisle, Irvine ravenspark and Ballochmyle.

Matches will be played on a home or away basis over the summer months with the winners of the two qualifying sections playing off for the trophy in September

AYRHSIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Troon Welbeck win 2009 title

Troon Welbeck - pictured below - won the Matt Lygate Trophy and title of Ayrshire Boys Team Champions for the first time, on Sunday 19th April, when the 2009 event was held at Ardeer Golf Club.

15 clubs contested the championship, which was first played in 1988, and it was the host club, Ardeer, who set the early target with a three scores from four total of 236.

Led by 2008 Ayrshire Boys Championship runner up, Sam Findlater, who returned 78, the Welbeck team of Sam Findlater, Charles Macneill, Callum Beveridge and David Wilson overtook the total with all four players scoring in the 70's for a team total of 227.

The Ardeer team of Daniel Forbes, Joseph Howie, Michael Howie and Richard Wyllie - pictured left - had the consolation of recording the best nett team total and winning the Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy for their efforts.

Runners up in the scratch championship were West Kilbride - pictured right - represented by Cameron McLean, Kieran Howie, Fraser McKay and Ross Hunter, who returned a team total of 242.

In the competition for individual prizes, David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) - pictured left - won the Prestwick Circuits Trophy for the best scratch score of the day with his one over par 72.

The best nett score returned was 74 - 8 = 66 from Joseph Howie (Ardeer) - pictured right - who won the carrick Trophy for his performance.

The 0 - 9 handicap class was won by Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) with 73 - 4 = 69 whilst the 10 - 18 handicap class was won, by virtue of the better inward half, by Craig McClure (New Cumnock) with 89 - 18 = 71

The team placings in the championship, on a scratch basis, were :-

227 - TROON WELBECK

236 - ARDEER

242 - WEST KILBRIDE

243 - LOUDOUN

244 - LARGS

245 - AYR BELLEISLE

246- CAPRINGTON

247 - IRVINE RAVENSPARK

249 - PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT

252 - BALLOCHMYLE

254 - PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS

254 - KILMARNOCK BARASSIE

272 - TROON ST. MEDDANS

284 - NEW CUMNOCK

284 - IRVINE

Prizes were presented to the successful individuals and teams, at the conclusion of the championship, by Ritchie McCulloch, Captain of Ardeer (on left of picture).

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP - Lesley Hendry wins fourth title at Glasgow Gailes

Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) won her fourth Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Association Championship at Glasgow Gailes on Thursday 16th April with a 4 & 3 win over 18-year-old Hannah Gaunt (Troon Ladies) in the final. The finalists are pictured with Glasgow Golf Club Vice Captain Ian Lockhart.


In the morning semi finals, Lesley Hendry beat former County Champion Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) by one hole whilst Hannah Gaunt beat Liz Keohone (Loudoun Gowf) by 4 & 3.

In the final, the match was very close over the opening nine holes but Hendry edged ahead in the inward nine to close out Gaunt on the 15th green and secure the title.


At the conclusion of the final, Glasgow Golf Club Vice Captain Ian Lockhart presented prizes to the players who had enjoyed success during the championships, including the championship finalists and Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies) - pictured right - who won the award for the best score in the strokeplay qualifying round played on Tuesday.

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP - Top seed McQueen ousted in quarter final

The top seed in the 2009 Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Championship being played over Glasgow Gailes this week, Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies), was knocked out of the tournament at the quarter final stage on Wednesday afternoon when she was beaten 4 & 3 by Liz Keohone (Loudoun).

The results of the first round matches, played on Wednesday morning, were :-

R. McQueen (Troon Ladies) bt G. Arnott (Kilbirnie) by 3 and 2
L. Keohone (Loudoun) bt L. Parry (Irvine) by 5 and 4
R. Purdom (Prestwick St Nicholas) bt L. Williamson (Kilmarnock Barassie) by 3 and 2
H. Gaunt (Troon Ladies) bt B. Beckett (Caprington) by 3 and 2
A. Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) bt E. Taylor (Troon Ladies) by 3 and 2
A. Thompson (Loudoun) bt R Donaldson (Troon Ladies) by 6 and 5
G. Smith (Ardeer) bt J. West (Irvine) by 5 and 4
L. Hendry (Largs Routenburn) bt L. Allan (West Kilbride) by 2 holes

The results of the quarter finals, played on Wednesday afternoon, were :-

Keohone bt McQueen by 4 and 3
Gaunt bt Purdom at 19th
Glennie bt Thompson at 19th
Hendry bt Smith 2 and 1

The semi finals, scheduled to be played on Thursday morning, are :-

L. Keohone (Loudoun) Vs. H. Gaunt (Troon Ladies)
&
A. Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. L. Hendry (Largs Routenburn)

AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP - McQueen leads matchplay qualifiers in Centenary year

Rachel McQueen (Troon Ladies) - pictured right -lead the 16 qualifiers for the matchplay stages of the 2009 Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Championship, being played over the Glasgow Gailes course this week.

Bidding for her first win in the championship, Rachel returned a six-over-par 77 from the blue tees to lead the qualifiers ahead of two former champions, Lesley Hendry (Routenburn) and Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie).

Leading scores :-

77 - R McQueen (Troon Ladies)

78 - L Hendry (Routenburn)

79 - A Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie)

80 - H Gaunt (Troon Ladies), R Purdom (Prestwick St Nicholas)

83 - A Thompson (Loudoun Gowf)

84 - G Smith (Ardeer)

85 - L Keohone (Loudoun Gowf)

86 - L Parry (Irvine), J West (Irvine)

87 - R Donaldson (Troon Ladies)

88 - L Williamson (Kilmarnock Barassie)

89 - B Beckett (Caprington), E Taylor (Troon Ladies), L Allan (West Kilbride), G Arnott (Kilbirnie).

The draw for the matchplay stages, which will be held over Glasgow Gailes on Wednesday and Thursday is :-

R. McQueen (Troon Ladies) Vs. G. Arnott (Kilbirnie Place)

L. Parry (Irvine) Vs. L. Keohone (Loudoun Gowf)

R. Purdom Vs. L. Williamson (Kilmarnock Barassie)

B. Beckett (Caprington) Vs. H. Gaunt (Troon Ladies)

A. Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. E. Taylor (Troon Ladies)

R. Donaldson (Troon Ladies) Vs. A. Thompson (Loudoun Gowf)

G. Smith (Ardeer) v J. West (Irvine)

L. Allan (West Kilbride) Vs. L. Hendry (Largs Routenburn)

SCOTTISH SENIORS OPEN STROKEPLAY - closing date for entries approaching

Message from Euan Mordunt, SGU Events Manager :-

Scottish Seniors Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship

Entries for the above event close on Thursday 16 April 2009. If you know of anybody who has still to enter, please remind them to do so as soon as possible.

Conditions of entry are as follows:

Scottish Seniors Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship
Panmure Golf Club, 19 - 21 May 2009
Over 55 at 00.01 hours on 19 May 2009
Handicap Limit: 6.4 Entry fee: £55
Entries close Thursday 16 April.

A list of entries to date can be viewed by clicking on http://www.golfbox.dk/livescoring/signups.asp?tour={270E0C5B-5CFD-4DD2-B69A-45A78563093C}&clubOnly=1&color=1&lang=1033

An entry form can be downloaded by clicking on http://www.scottishgolf.org/index.cfm?objectid=D372A72A-C2E2-C3D8-D0DDD778C1AC6DE6&pageid=1047D490-E20C-A5B4-655687505D998196

GOLF POETRY - web page reflects on links between golf and poetry

Leon White was recently in contact regarding his web page entitled " Golf Course Of Rymes".

Leon wrote :-

"I would like to introduce you to a unique golf blog that I have started that might appeal to your readers. The blog is called “Golf Course of Rhymes” and I use it to share some of what I have learned about the links between golf and poetry. Much of the poetry that I have discovered was written by Scottish golfers before (sometimes well before) 1930. Some of this poetry is included in the posts that I write each week. Examples include some lines by George Fullerton Carnegie (1800-1851) from his famous poem, “The Golfiad.”

My purpose is writing the posts is to entertain but also to provide some opportunities to learn a little about the history of the great game. The URL for my blog is www.golfpoet.com. I hope your readers will find my blog of interest".

A direct link to "Golf Course Of Rymes" has been added to the Golf Links on the lfet of this page.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY - First round results completed

The first round of the 2009 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions was completed this week, with the results of all remaining ties being declared.

Jamie McPherson (Whiting Bay) beat Andy Scanlon (Auchinharvie) by 3 & 2 and is now at home to John Sloan (Doon Valley) in round 2.

Scott McCahill (Maybole) beat Steven Jackson (Wallacetown) by 6 & 5 and is now at home to Ross Clark (Braehead) in round 2.

Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) beat Ewan McKinnon (Corrie) by 2 & 1 and is now at home to the holder Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland) in round 2.

Alan Stewart Jr. (Stewarton) lost to Gregor Dickson (Largs) at the 19th. Dickson is now at home to Gavin Lawrie (Prestwick St. Nicholas) in round 2.

Peter Bond (Irvine Ravenspark) beat Chris Merry (Tam O Shanter) by 2 & 1 and is now at home to Campbell McCluskie (Crosshouse) in round 2.

Neil McCormack (New Cumnock) beat Gordon Bettany (Saxone) by 4 & 2 and is now at home to David Muir (Muirkirk) in round 2.

Alan McLean (Kilbirnie Place) beat Jonathan Nicol (Routenburn) by 9 & 7 and is now at home to Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck) in round 2.

Billy McCulloch (Brunston Castle) received a walkover from Steven McEwan (Caprington) and now faces a home tie against Gary Bryden (Girvan) in round 2.

David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Colin Robertson (Glacier) by 8 & 6 and is now at home to Sandy Riddell (Skelmorlie) in round 2.

The full revised draw for the second round
(to be played by 17th may 2009) is :-

Jamie McPherson (Whiting Bay) Vs. John Sloan (Doon Valley)
Scott McCahill (Maybole) Vs. Ross Clark (Braehead)
Andrew Carroll (Drongan) Vs. Mark Tait (Annanhill)
Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) Vs. Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland - holder)
Craig Adams (Ardeer) Vs. Bert Ferguson (Royal Troon)
Gregor Dickson (Largs) Vs. Gavin Lawrie (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
Peter Bond (Irvine Ravenspark) Vs. Campbell McCluskie (Crosshouse)
Neil McCormack (New Cumnock) Vs. David Muir (Muirkirk)
Alan McLean (Kilbirnie Place) Vs. Del Chamberlain (Troon Welbeck)
Billy McCulloch (Brunston Castle) Vs. Gary Bryden (Girvan)
David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Sandy Riddell (Skelmorlie)
Steven Corrigan (Ayr Dalmilling) Vs. Michael Roos (West Kilbride)
John Broadfoot (Turnberry) Vs. Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle)
Fraser McCall (Troon Portland) Vs. Tommy McInally (Loudoun)
Gordon McCrea (Beith) Vs. Billy Murdoch (Ayr Carrick)
Billy Wilson (Ballochmyle) Vs. John Shanks (Irvine)

There will be a redraw for round 3, after completion of the second round matches.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - St. Cuthbert book second round spot

A 4 & 3 home win over Tom Armstrong & Leslie Knox of Moorpark saw David Murdoch & Gordon Blunt of Prestwick St. Cuthbert through to the second round of the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship.

In round 2 the St. Cuthbert pair have another home tie, this time against Gary Jordan & Douglas Anderson of Annanhill.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Skelmorlie through to round 2

The Skelmorlie pair of Paul Church & Jim Anderson are through to the second round of the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship, courtesy of a 2 & 1 home win over Craig Menzies & Kevin McMahon of Muirkirk.

In round 2 the Skelmorlie pair have another home tie, against John Anderson & Sean Ingle of Braehead.

With one week to go until the completion of round 1, the results of three ties remain outstanding. The matches still to be played are Prestwick St. Cuthbert Vs. Moorpark, Loudoun Vs. Abbotsford and North Beach Vs. Doon Valley.

ARTIFICIAL MEASURING DEVICES - Not permitted for Ayrshire Golf Association competitions in 2009

As in 2008, The Ayrshire Golf Association have decided that artificial measuring devices will not be permitted in any of their competitions in 2009, again following the lead of the national body, the Scottish Golf Union.

In a note to Rule 14-3 of the new Rules Of Golf, effective from 1st January 2008, Committees may make a Local Rule allowing players to use devices that measure or gauge distance only.

In 2009, regardless of any local rule of the host club, such a local rule will not be in operation for any Ayrshire County event.This includes all strokeplay and matchplay competitons administered by the Ayrshire Golf Association.

Any player using such a device, in breach of Rule 14-3 will be subject to disqualification.

However, in respect of Doc Thom counting events, if the local organising committee for a counting event administered by a club decides to allow the use of such devices during their competition, the local rule of the competition will prevail.

The Ayrshire Golf Association would prefer all counting events not to allow the use of Artificial measuring Devices, but should the rules of competition allow their use then that will not preclude the relevant event being a Doc Thom Order Of merit counting event.

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS - Captain Pennington drives St. Meddans into Centenary year

Troon St. Meddans Centenary captain, Jim Pennington (pictured below, on the right), opened a year of Centenary celebrations in the club when he drove the ceremonial first ball on the evening of Saturday 11th April 2009, from the first tee of the Troon Lochgreen course.

Assisting in the ceremonial drive off was club treasurer David Hay whose tee shot - pictured right -was equally as impressive as that of the Centenary Captain, in the presence of a large gathering of members and guests.

Th evening also saw the unveiling and dedication of a memorial cairn, near to the first tee at Lochgreen. The large cairn bears two marble plaques. One is in memory of club members no longer with us whilst the other notes that the cairn contains a time capsule which is destined to be opened in 2109, during the bicentennial celebrations of the club.

The cairn was dedicated by the Reverend David Harper of Troon St. Meddans church and the club secretary, Frank Greer, thereafter introduced two special guests, Sir James Armour - pictured on the right - and Stewart C. Wilson - on the left -, who had both been boyhood members of St. Meddans and had both brought honour to the club by winning the British Boys Championship in 1947 and 1955 respectively. Both gentlemen spoke to the assembled crowd, speaking highly of the club and other notable former members including J.B. Stevenson, Peter Howie, George Mills and Bill Lockie.

At the conclusion of the official ceremony the assembled company enjoyed a drinks reception with a toast to the club being proposed by Captain Jim Pennington.

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshires hopes for 2009 end in quarter finals

Hopes of a second successive Ayrshire win in the Scottish Boys Championship ended on Friday when the county's two remaining representitives in the competition bowed out in the quarter finals.

Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) lost by 2 & 1 to Daniel Kay (Dunbar) whilst Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) was defeated 4 & 3 by Paul Shields (Kirkhill)

The 36 hole final on Saturday will be between the top two seeds in the competition, Paul Shields and David Law (Hazlehead)

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Smith & McDonald in quarter finals

Ayrshire provide two of the quarter finalists in the 2009 Scottish Boys Championship aft Marc Smth (Troon Welbeck) and Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) won through to the last eight on Thursday.

Marc Smith (pictured left) had a one hole victory over Craig Ross (Kirkhill) on Thursday morning and secured his quarter final place in the afternoon by beating John Drummond (Strathlene) by 3 & 2.

In the quarter finals on Friday morning, Smith plays Daniel Kay (Dunbar).

Jack McDonald (pictured right) beat Calum Stewart (Brora) by 3 & 1 to reach the last 16 and then crushed Philip Gordon (Paisley) by 6 & 5 to reach the last eight.

In the quarter finals on Friday, McDonald faces Paul Shields (Kirkhill), with the prospect of an all Ayrshire semi final should the two players succeed in winning their morning matches.

The other Ayrshire player in the last 32, Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) bowed out of the championship on Thursday morning with a 4 & 3 defeat by Gary Meechan (Dullatur).

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Three Ayrshire players in last 32

Three Ayrshire players remain in the competition as the second and third rounds of the Scottish Boys Championship were completed at Royal Aberdeen on Wednesday.

Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right - was the first Ayrshire player into the last 32, beating Jordan Lamb (Peebles) in round 2 in the morning and following on with a comfortable 4 & 3 win over Grant Forrest (Craigielaw) in his third round match in the afternoon.

In the last 32 on Thursday morning Smith plays Craig Ross (Kirkhill), who ended the hopes of Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) on Wednesday morning with a 2 & 1 victory in their second round match.

Marc Smith was soon joined in the last 32 by Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) - pictured left - who followed a win over Stuart Gray (West Lothian) at the first extra hole in his morning second round match with a one hole victory in the afternoon over Ryan Simpson (Bonnyton).

In the fourth round, on Thursday morning, Telfer faces Gary Meechan (Dullatur).

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured right - completed the trio of Ayrshire players in the last 32 with a pair of wins by the margin of 4 & 3, over Andrew Loch (Pumpherston) in round 2 and Louis Gaughan (Bathgate) in round 3.

In the fourth round on Thursday morning, McDonald plays Calum Stewart (Brora)

Two other Ayrshire players made their exit from the championship on Wednesday. Cameron MacLean (Troon Welbeck) was beated on the final green in round 2 by Calum Bisset (Glenbervie) whilst Craig Goodwin (Loudoun) won his second round match against Stephen Machin (Cowglen) by one hole before being defeated 2 & 1 in round 3 by Alexander Ferguson (Paisley)

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - full draw for 2009 competition

The full draw has now been completed for the 2009 Ayrshire Juior Champion Of Champions competition.

After the draw was made, two Ayrshire Junior Golf League clubs failed to nominate a player to represent them in the competition and consequently Craig Goodwin (Loudoun) received a bye in one of the preliminary rounds, where he was due to play the Largs Routenburn representative, whilst Ross Black (Ardeer) received a walkover into the quarter finals after Troon St. Meddans failed to notify a representative in the competition.

The full draw is :-

Preliminary ties (to be played by 03.05.2009)

Craig Goodwin (Loudoun) W/O Vs. Largs Routenburn
Gary Patterson (Ballochmyle) Vs. Scott Brown (Ayrshire Boys Champion)

First Round Matches (to be played by 31.05.2009)

David McLellan (Largs) Vs. Craig Goodwin (Loudoun)
Fraser Lawrie (West Kilbride) Vs. Gary Patterson or Scott Brown
Rory McKenzie (Troon Welbeck) Vs. Jake Higgins (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
Chris Butler (Irvine Ravenspark) Vs. Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Ross Arthur (Caprington) Vs. Steven Murray (Irvine)
Gary Morrison (Annanhill) Vs. Calum Crowe (Kilbirnie Place)
Ross Black (Ardeer) W/O Vs. Troon St. Meddans
Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle) Vs. Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

SCOTTISH SENIORS GOLF SOCIETY - Entries close soon for 2009 opening event

Keith Howie (West Kilbride), the Vice Captain of the Scottish Seniors Golf Society advises that the 2009 SSGS season kicks off in Ayrshire with the introduction of the new Spring Open at Glasgow Gailes.

This event takes place on May 14th and 15th with entries closing on 17th April.

Full details of this and other events are on the SSGS website at www.scottishseniorsgolf.com.
There is also a link to the web page on the left of this page.

There has been a good intake of new Ayrshire members to the Scottish Seniors Golf Society this year, now pushing 20 out of a total SSGS membership of 320.

SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - 6 from 9 Ayrshire players through on Tuesday

The Scottish Boys Championship at Royal Aberdeen continued today with 9 Ayrshire players involved in first round matches.

Of the 9 playing today, 6 booked their place in round 2 whilst the other three made a first round exit.

First game out in the morning featured Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) - pictuured right - who edged out Gordon Munro (Fraserburgh) by 2 & 1 to book a second round match against Jordan Lamb (Peebles).

Andrew Wright (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured left - had a similar winning margin over Douglas Maxwell (Craigielaw) and now plays Craig Ross (Kirkhill) in round 2.

Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) made short work of his opening match, beating Alasdair Simpson (Tantallon) by 8 & 6 on hs way to a second round match against Stuart Gray (West Lothian)

Cameron Maclean (West Kilbride) made it four through from four when he beat Declan Dooey (Colville Park) by 4 & 3. Maclean now plays Callum Bisset (Glenbervie) in the second round.

The first defeat of the day for and Ayrshire player came in match 92 when Colin Robinson (Largs) lost out to Conor O'Neil (Glasgow) at the first extra hole.

Also out in round one went Troon Webeck pair Charlie Macneal, beated 4 & 3 by Mark Thomson (Grange), and Graeme Ritchie who lost by a similar margin in an extremely tough tie against Paul Shields (Kirkhill).

Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) had a comfortable 4 & 3 win over Fraser Lauder (Paisley) and now plays Andrew Loch (Pumpherston) in the second round, whilst in the second last match in round 1 Craig Goodwin (Loudoun) edged through by one hole against Angus Forgie (Muckhart) to book a second round tie against Stephen Machin (Cowglen).

Of the 11 Arshire players who started the week, 7 made it through to the second round matches which will all be completed on Wednesday.

AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - 15 clubs to contest 2009 title

15 clubs will contest the 2009 Ayrshire Boys Team Championship over Ardeer on Sunday 19th April.

Largs - pictured left - return to defend the Matt Lygate Trophy and Team Champions title whilst Troon Welbeck defend the Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy for the Handicap Team Championship.

Colin Robinson (Largs) - pictured right -, winner of the Carrick Trophy for the best nett score last year, will be hoping to challenge for the individual scratch award, The Prestwick Circuits Trophy, this year.

The draw for order of play is :-

1121 - DANIEL FORBES (ARDEER), ANDREW WRIGHT (KIL. BARASSIE), CHRIS BUTLER (RAVENSPARK)

1128 - JOSEPH HOWIE (ARDEER), JACK McDONALD (KIL. BARASSIE), LIAM GOODLEY (RAVENSPARK)

1135 - MICHAEL HOWIE (ARDEER), FRASER KERR (KIL. BARASSIE), ALASDAIR BERRY (RAVENSPARK)

1142 - RICHARD WYLLIE (ARDEER), EUAN WALKER (KIL. BARASSIE), BRAD CATHIE (RAVENSPARK)

1149 - ROSS CONQUER (BALLOCHMYLE), CRAIG GOODWIN (LOUDOUN), STUART EASTON (IRVINE)

1200 - ANDREW SCOTT (BALOCHMYLE), DARREN TANNOCK (LOUDOUN), STUART FAIRGRIEVE (IRVINE)

1207 - ALAN WATSON (BALLOCHMYLE), ALISTAIR McGREGOR (LOUDOUN), BLAIR LARMOUR (IRVINE)

1214 - COLIN McKAY (BALLOCHMYLE), ROSS McCORMACK (LOUDOUN), ALISTAIR ANTHONY (IRVINE)

1221 - SCOTT McDONALD (NEW CUMNOCK), CIAR PORCIANI (AYR BELLEISLE), PATRICK TIMMONS (ST. MEDDANS)

1228 - JORDAN McSEVENEY (NEW CUMNOCK), SEAN THORBURN (AYR BELLEISLE), MARK EAGLESHAM (ST. MEDDANS)

1235 - LEE DORNAN (NEW CUMNOCK), DONALD SWINLEY (AYR BELLEISLE), ANDREW CRAIG (ST. MEDDANS)

1242 - No. 4 (NEW CUMNOCK), ANDREW THOMSON (AYR BELLEISLE), ALASDAIR BIRRELL (ST. MEDDANS)

1249 - CAMERON MACLEAN (WEST KILBRIDE), JOHNATHON NICOL (LARGS), SAM FINDLATER (TROON WELBECK)

1300 - KIERAN HOWIE (WEST KILBRIDE), COLIN ROBINSON (LARGS), MARC SMITH (TROON WELBECK)

1307 - FRASER MCKAY (WEST KILBRIDE), JOSH NORDBO (LARGS), DAVID WILSON (TROON WELBECK)

1314 - ROSS HUNTER (WEST KILBRIDE), DAVID MCLELLAN (LARGS), RORY McKENZIE (TROON WELBECK)

1321 - CRAIG TELFER (ST. CUTHBERT), No. 1 (ST. NICHOLAS), ROSS ARTHUR (CAPRINGTON)

1328 - SCOTT JOHNSTON (ST. CUTHBERT), No. 2 (ST. NICHOLAS), ROBBIE McFARLANE (CAPRINGTON)

1335 - ANDREW RIDDICK (ST. CUTHBERT, No. 3 (ST NICHOLAS), MARC SMITH (CAPRINGTON)

1342 - STEPHEN HILL (ST. CUTHBERT), No. 4 (ST. NICHOLAS), ROSS GRANT (CAPRINGTON)

JUNIOR CASH BOOST FROM DUBAI - Donation received at launch of South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club

Junior golf in South Ayrshire received a boost last week with the presentation of a cheque for £8651 at the launch of the South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club at Belleisle House Hotel on Sunday 29th March.

The funding was secured by council officials in an agreement with Leisurecorp, the new owners of the Turnberry Hotel and golf courses, as part of the recent visit by councillors and council officers to the Dubai Desert Classic to promote golf in South Ayrshire. Michael Padden, representing Turnberry owners Leisurecorp, handed over the cheque to SAJGC Chairman Tom Watt.



A charity golf event is played each year in conjunction with the Dubai Desert Classic, with proceeds going towards the development of junior golf in Dubai, but on this occasion it was agreed that the proceeds would be split between the Dubai programme and the newly formed South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club.


The donation is a massive boost to the South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club, complementing the support already received by local sponsors Alistair Fleming Car Sales and The Abbotsford Hotel.

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan hosted a civic reception for young golfers and their parents who attended the launch, having been introduced to the game of golf through the national Clubgolf initiative in schools.









During the reception Provost Sloan presented a trophy to Club Chairman, Tom Watt, on behalf of South Ayrshire Council









The South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club was established in 2007 due to the high numbers of young golfers living or attending school in South Ayrshire and participating in the 'clubgolf' programme initiated by the Scottish Parliment and Sport Scotland in conjunction with the SLGA and the SGU.

With many of the local clubs junior sections unable to accept new members at present the South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club is considered an ideal solution, ensuring young golfers are not lost to the sport, but by using South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club as a holding club untill vacancies are available within individual clubs the members can gain their handicap, progress their game and learn about the rules of golf and course etiquette.

Membership of the South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club is open to all individuals who are resident or attend school within South Ayrshire and are aged between 8 and over and under 18 at the 1st of January of the year during which person would wish to be a member.

A full programme of competitions has been established this year, with reduced green fees for SAJGC members to compete in competitions and a modest entry fee of £ 1 per competition.

Initial membership costs £10, payable when submitting an application form. Further details of the South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club are available on the club website.

www.southayrshirejuniorgolf.co.uk

2009 AYRSHIRE STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW

The 2009 Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship, to be played over 36 holes at Irvine Golf Club on Sunday 26th April, has been over subscribed, 10 players being ballotted out of the capacity field of 66.

The handicap ballot fell at 3.3.

The Order Of Play is:-

0800/1300 - K. Lammie (Portland), K. Fairley (Irvine), T. McInally (Loudoun)
0808/1308 - J. Shanks (Irvine), G.J. Robertson (Ravenspark), F. McCall (Portland)
0815/1315 - M. Anderson (Irvine), D. mallinson (Ravenspark), S. King (St. Nicholas)
0823/1323 - T.P. Loy (Ballochmyle), C. McLaughlin (Largs), W. Meiklem (Welbeck)
0830/1330 - S. Wilson (Irvine), B. Hunter (Welbeck), G. Rowan (Ballochmyle)
0838/1338 - P. Denim (Loudoun), K. McGill (Welbeck), G. Dunlop (Irvine)
0845/1345 - J. Haggerty (Loudoun), A. Kent (Welbeck), R. Black (Irvine)
0853/1353 - G. Wilson (Loudoun), J. Hobson (Ravenspark), S. Spence (Irvine)
0900/1400 - C. Hamilton (Ballochmyle), D.A. MacDonald (Largs), S. Barr (Ravenspark)
0908/1408 - C. Thomas (Largs), G. Cochran (Ravenspark), A. Huxtable (St. Nicholas)
0915/1415 - I. MacDonald (Largs), D. Chamberlain (Welbeck), B. Fisher (Largs)
0923/1423 - A. Wright (Kil. Barassie), S. Murray (Welbeck), S. McEwan (Caprington)
0930/1430 - I.S. MacDonald (Largs), S. Miller (Kil. Barassie), P. Moultrie (Portland)
0938/1438 - J. Gilligan (Welbeck), S. Pennington (St. Meddans), G. Lamb (Irvine)
0945/1445 - J. Acheson (Routenburn), S. McCahill (Maybole), R. Whittaker (St. Nicholas)
0953/1453 - S. Clark (Belleisle), R. Acheson (Routenburn), K. Houston (Welbeck)
1000/1500 - A. Foley (Belleisle), F. lawrie (Largs), B. McDonnell (Caprington)
1008/1508 - M. Smyth (oyal Troon), G. Cree (Welbeck), A. Gourlay (Irvine)
1015/1515 - J.G. Boyle (Dalmilling), A. Walker (St. Meddans), J. McDonald (Kil. Barassie)
1023/1523 - G. Tierney (St. Nicholas), M. Smith (Welbeck), S. Brown (Turnberry)
1030/1530 - G. Higgins (West Kilbride), D. Power (St. Meddans), S. Peters (Doon Valley)
1038/1538 - A. Brown (West Kilbride), B. Moore (Largs), J. Sloan (Doon Valley)

With the Ayrshire Secretary Leslie Crawford presently in hospital, there is a possibility that there may be entries that have not been received.

If any player feels there is such an issue then they are asked to contact AGA Executive member James McMurdo on o7883064320 or email details to ayrshiregolf@fsmail.net .

Copies of the draw will be posted out to clubs his week.