EASTWOOD PRO AM - McKinnon shares victory

Jim McKinnon (Irvine GC), fresh from his win at the Wateraid pro-am at Kilmarnock (Barassie) recently, was joint first in the Eastwood Pro-am this week, sharing victory with Alastair Forrow (Whitecraigs).

McKinnon and Forrow both recorded one-under-par 69's to head the field of 19 professionals in the invitational event.

PROFESSIONAL SCORES :-

69 Alastair Forrow (Whitecraigs), Jim McKinnon (Irvine).
70 Stephen Duncan (Cathcart Castle), Stewart Russell (East Renfrewshire).
71 Gordon Stewart (Cawder).
73 Alan Lockhart (Ladybank).
74 David Orr (East Renfrewshire).
75 Peter McLachlan (West Kilbride), Russell Smith (Gleneagles Hotel).
76 Scott Gillespie (Burntisland).
77 Paul Hubner (Eastwood).
79 Craig Donnelly (Balbirnie Park).
81 Kris McGowan (Burntisland).
82 Iain Darroch (West Kilbride).
83 Stuart Wilson (Eastwood), Andrew Jowett (Gleneagles Hotel), Paul Carpenter (Royal Troon), Donald McKay (Wellsgreen).
Disq - Andrew MacRae (Gleneagles Hotel).

SENIOR PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - Bill Lockie defends title at Northants

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE PGA

Bill Lockie will return to the scene of his greatest triumph when he defends the Senior PGA Professional Championship at Northants County later this month.

The North Gailes Golf Centre pro - pictured right - leads the Scottish challenge at the 54-hole event (May 27-29) with vivid memories of his dramatic victory still fresh in his mind.

The 61-year-old clinched the £35,000 tournament by holing a 75ft putt on the last to win by a stroke from Mike Gallagher (Farthingstone) and Donald Stirling (Wien-Sussenbrunn).

“It was a memorable way to finish,” recalls Lockie

“It was 25 paces – we measured it out – and it was like an electric shock when it went in.

It was my first British title. I said last year that the win puts a good full stop on my playing career although I hope I can successfully play for a few more years to come.

I’m looking forward to returning to Northants County. It’s a parkland course with undulating fairways that fall off to the left or right so you need to put the ball in the right place but it’s a very fair test of golf. It’s also the club’s centenary year so it’s extra special to be returning to defend as champion. I’ve no real game plan - I just hope to play well put up a reasonable defence.”

Lockie’s victory had added significance as he had lost in a play-off for the same title at Coventry five years before at the age of 55.

"As you get a bit older you tend to think that was my opportunity and I didn’t manage to win so it was a tremendous feeling,” he added.

“I think it was a surprise for somebody of my age (60) managing to win it because you tend to imagine that it’s the younger guys just past 50 who would have the best chance.”

Lockie played on the fledgling European Tour back in the early 70s, earning a ninth place finish behind Zimbabwe’s Mark McNulty in the Manchester Open. Another more painful memory is a broken nose courtesy of a wayward shot by Graham Burrows.

Among the Scots competing will be Lockie’s close friend John McTear (Mar Hall), who won the event in 2001. The tournament will have a strong Scottish contingent in the Midlands with the likes of Garry Harvey (Kinross Golf), Alistair Thomson (Inverness), Duncan Williamson (Kirkhill) and Ian Butcher (Kings Acre) making the trip along with a number of Anglo-based Scots.

An added incentive for top 20 finishers in the tournament is qualification for the De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship at Slaley Hall (June 25-28).Competitor draw and full list of entries for the event at Northants County can be found under ‘Schedule, Scores and Results’ at http://www.pga.info/SeniorPGAProfessionalChampionship.aspx

BELLEISLE CUP - Slater, Hogg & Howison Estate Agents renew sponsorship for 2009

Ayr Belleisle Golf Club are delighted to announce that this year`s Belleisle Cup on Sunday 31st May, which is the curtain-raiser for Ayr Golf Week, will once again be sponsored by Slater, Hogg and Howison, estate agents.

Belleisle Match Secretary Robert Morrison is delighted and said :-

“Slater Hogg`s generous renewal of their sponsorship is tremendous news in the difficult current financial climate and allows us to maintain the increased prize fund from last year. With 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes of £250, £170 and £120 respectively, and prizes down as far as 8th place, it is again hoped to attract a quality field of the top low handicappers in Ayrshire and also further afield.”

The 36-hole scratch event is for golfers up to a maximum of 6 handicap and is a qualifying event for the recently revamped Doc Thom Ayrshire Golf Association Order of Merit.

The event will this year see the introduction of the “Tiger Tee” at the par 5 15th hole, last used many years ago by the Pros in The Sunderland Masters Tartan Tour event.

Block entry forms have been sent out to all Ayrshire Clubs although entries can also be made via the club`s website www.ayrbelleislegolfclub.com , via the link on the Ayrshire Golf Association website or by telephoning Robert Morrison on 07708 861569.

Closing date for entries is SUNDAY 17th MAY.

If spaces are available then late entries may be accepted, on a first come first served basis, by telephoning Robert Morrison.

SGU JUNIOR TOUR - Two Ayrshire players in Brunston Castle event

The fourth SGU Junior Tour event of the season takes place at Brunston Castle Golf Club on Saturday 23rd May 2009.

Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) and Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) will carry Ayrshire hopes of a home county win in the penultimate tour event of the season.

LGU MEDAL AREA FINAL - Ayrshire to the fore in West Of Scotland event

(Report from the http://www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk/ website)

Prestwick St Nicholas's Kathleen Dauthieu had the best net round of the day by far to book one of the eight qualifying places in the LGU Medal Grand Final at Crieff on Sunday June 7, which were up for grabs at the rescheduled West area final at Ranfurly Castle Golf Club on Thursday 14th May.

Only 64 of the original field for the rain-abandoned competition on May 6 turned up second time round but even if they had all turned up it is doubtful if anyone would have got close to Kathleen's net 71 off a handicap of 24.

The ladies' par at Ranfurly Castle is 74 and the standard scratch 73. The CSS was 76 on a bright and breezy day.

Kathleen's net return was the best of the day by six clear shots.

It was an Ayrshire double on the day with Christine Whitelaw (Largs) taking top spot in the silver division.

The full list of qualifiers for Crieff is:

Silver Division - Christine Whitelaw (Largs) (9) (better inward half). Nichola Ferguson (Clober) (5) 78; Sheila Sergenson (Palacerigg) (11) (better inward half), Anna Boyd (Biggar) (14) 79.

Bronze Division - Kathleen Dauthieu (Prestwick St Nicholas) (25) 71; Margaret Bremner (Caldwell) (23) (better inward half), Joyce McGregor (Windyhill) (22) (better inward half), Helen Abram (Ranfurly Castle) (23) 77 (better inward half).

Helen Abraham, the Ranfurly Castle ladies captain pipped Kay Gillies (Vale of Leven), who had a net 77 off 23 for the fourth and last qualifying place in the Bronze Division.

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Ballochmyle start with win on the road

Ballochmyle started their bid for the 2009 Ayrshire Summer League with a win away from home against Ayr Belleisle.

Ballochmyle, the winners in 2003, 2004 and 2006, had a notable 3.5 - 2.5 win over their hosts to get their campaign off to a flying start.

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - McInally through to 3rd round

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) - pictured right - is through to the third round of the 2009 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions after a win away from home against Fraser McCall (Troon Portland).

McInally, the winner of the title in three successive years from 2003 edged past his host at the second extra hole of the match.

McInally now plays the winner of the tie between Steven Corrigan (Ayr Dalmilling) and Michael Roos (West Kilbride).

All outstanding second round ties are due to be completed by 17th May.

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL - latest results

Maybole, Tam O Shanter, Irvine and New Cumnock have joined Brunston Castle and Troon Portland in the last 16 of the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship.

Bruce Manderson and Neal Robertson (Beith) awarded their tie to Scott McCahill and David Wallace (Maybole) whilst Daniel McGhee and John Brennan (Tam O Shanter) beat Dan Higgins and W. McCartney (Wallacetown) by 5 & 3.

The Maybole side now play host to tam O Shanter in the next round.

Mark Anderson and Ian Hogg (Irvine) had a one hole victory at home over R. Kennedy and D. Bartlett (Caprington) and now face another home tie against the winners between West Kilbride and Ballochmyle.

James and Craig Nichol (New Cumnock) are the other side through to the last 16 after a 3 & 2 away win against Ron Carney and J. McGown (Largs Routenburn). New cumnock now face a home tie against the winners between Troon St. Meddans and Ayr Belleisle.

All remaining second round ties are due for completion by 24th May.

WEST OF SCOTLAND BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Entry forms now available

Entry forms for the 2009 West Of Scotland Boys Championship are now available to download, by clicking on the link on the left of this page, under the Junior Competitions heading.

This years championship is being organised by the Dumbartonshire Golf Union and takes place on Tuesday 23rd June at Balmore Golf Club.

The players with the best 16 scratch aggregate scores in the Championship will contest the West Of Scotland Boys Matchplay Championship, also at Balmore, on 24th and 25th June.

SCOTTISH YOUTHS AND MID AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS - Closing date for entries to both events near

Euan Mordaunt of The Scottish Golf Union advises :-

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the following closing dates:

DM Hall Scottish Open Mid Amateur (Over 25's) Championship Thursday 14 May 2009

Golf Data Lab Scottish Youths Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship Thursday 21 May 2009

Conditions of entry are as follows:

DM Hall Scottish Open Mid Amateur Championship
Royal Burgess, 13 - 15 June 2009
Over 25 at 00.01 hours on 13 June 2009
Handicap Limit: 5.4 Entry fee: £40

To download an Entry Form please click here:

http://www.scottishgolf.org/index.cfm?objectid=D37ED07F-945E-3051-3C7FF60E402529F8&pageid=1047D490-E20C-A5B4-655687505D998196

To view a current list of entries received please click here:

http://www.golfbox.dk/livescoring/signups.asp?tour={5FBF1B87-DF4E-497B-BDA8-D55BEC067369}&clubOnly=1&color=1&lang=1033

Golf Data Lab Scottish Youths Championship
Renfrew GC, 19 - 21 June 2009
Under 21 at 00.01 hours on 1st Jan 2009
Handicap Limit: 2.4 Entry fee: £45

To download an Entry Form please click here:

http://www.scottishgolf.org/index.cfm?objectid=D389DF97-E94D-1431-43B3999CBA358A07&pageid=1047D490-E20C-A5B4-655687505D998196

To view a current list of entries received please click here:

http://www.golfbox.dk/livescoring/signups.asp?tour={90B0EB74-E745-423B-BDA7-377070E767C3}&clubOnly=1&color=1&lang=1033

If you know of anybody who has still to enter can you please remind them to do so as soon as possible.

SCOTTISH AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire announce team for opening match

Team manager Ronnie Potts has announced the Ayrshire team for their first match in the defence of the Scottish Area Team Championship, which takes place against Stirlingshire at Falkirk Tryst on Sunday 17th May.

Three members of the team who secured the title for Ayrshire at Tain in 2008 return to open the defence of the title.

John Shanks (Irvine), George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) and Tommy McInally (Loudoun) - pictured above - will be joined by 2007 Ayrshire Matchplay Champion Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck), as well as the new Ayrshire Matchplay Champion Scott Brown (Turnberry) and former Ayrshire Boys championship winner Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured below.

After the May 17th match, further qualifying section matches against the North East and Borders will take place in August and September.

SCOTTISH STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Four Ayrshire players in Murcar event

Ayrshire will have four representatives in the field for the 2009 Scottish Strokeplay Championship to be held at Murcar Links, Aberdeen, from 29th to 31st May.

David Addison (Kilmarnock Barassie), Cameron Gray (West Kilbride), Chris harkins (Ayr Belleisle) and Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) will be hoping to become the first Ayrshire winner since Alan Reid (Kilmarnock Barassie) who took the title at St. Andrews in 1993.

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Prestwick matchplay double for Brown

Scott Brown (Turnberry) - puictured right - held off a great fight back by Tommy McInally (Loudoun Gowf) to win the 2009 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship in gale force conditions at Prestwick Golf Club on Thursday 7th May.

In winning the senior title, Scott Brown became the first player to hold both the senior and junior Ayrshire Matchplay titles at the same time, having won the junior event over the same course in August last year.

In a match which produced drama right to the last green, both players deserve great credit for producing an absorbing final in conditions which made quality golf almost impossible.

Brown started the match brightly and forged a two hole lead by the third after McInally found sand with tee shots at the 2nd and 3rd.

Further bunker trouble for McInally at the 5th and 6th saw Brown’s lead extend to 4 holes before McInally began to hit back with a solid par to win the 7th.

Brown missed a short putt on the 10th green to see his lead cut to two before producing a superb up and down at the short 11th to gain a crucial half after McInally had hit a glorious tee shot through the wind to the heart of the green.

Brown then re-established his three hole advantage at the difficult 13th before McInally battled back, taking three of the next four holes to square the match going into the final hole.

Sadly, a terrific encounter was settled by a mistake, when McInally three putted from the edge of the green leaving Brown to claim the title with a text book par 4.

Ayrshire Golf Association President Alasdair Malcolm (Prestwick St. Nicholas) presented prizes to both players at the conclusion of the match.

SCOTTISH LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP - Four Ayrshire players in the field at Southerness

Ayrshire will have four representatives in the 2009 Scottish Ladies' (Close) Championship which takes place at Southerness Golf Club from 19th to 23rd May.

Starting times involving Ayrshire players for the first qualifying round on Tuesday 19th may are :-

0840 Lesley Hendry (Routenburn), Laura McLardy (Murcar Links), Elaine Cuthill (Lanark)
1040 Jane Turner (Craigielaw), Rachael McQueen (Troon Ladies), Emily Ogilvy (Auchterarder)
1200 Fiona Hay (Deeside), Lynne Terry (Cruden Bay), Charlie Taylor (Kilmarnock Barassie)
12.20 Gail Wilson (Monifieth), Tracy Masterton (Windyhill), Gillian Lockhart (Kilmarnock Barassie)

PGA WATERAID PRO AM - Jim McKinnon wins at Barassie

Irvine Golf Club professional Jim McKinnon won the Scottish PGA Wateraid 36-hole pro-am at Kilmarnock (Barassie) on Thursday 7th May with excellent rounds of 71 and 72 for a one under par total of 143, over two wet and windy days of competition.

Joint runners-up were Mark King (Kingsfield) and Ken Campbell (Machrihanish) who were two shots further back on 145.

Former Amateur champion Gordon Sherry, playing over his home course, shot a best of the tournament 70 in his second round for a total of 147 and 6th place overall.

Other players with an Ayrshire connection who finished well up the field included Calum Nicoll (Prestwick), Ayr resident Jonathan Lomas as well as former Ayrshire player Graeme Fox (East Kilbride) and former Barassie member Alan Reid (West Lothian)

LEADING SCORES :-

143 - Jim McKinnon (Irvine) 72 71
145 - Mark King (Kingsfield) 72 73, Ken Campbell (Machrihanish) 72 73
146 - Gareth Wright (West Linton) 72 74, Stewart Savage (Dalmuir) 72 74
147 - Gordon Sherry (Kilmarnock Barassie) 77 70
148 - Fraser Mann (Musselburgh) 75 73, Callum Nicoll (Prestwick) 75 73, David Orr (East Renfrewshire) 73 75
149 - Graham Fox (East Kilbride) 78 71, Jonathan Lomas (unatt) 75 74, David Patrick (Elie) 75 74, Ian Taylor (Drumpellier) 73 76, Mark Loftus (Cowglen) 72 77, Hamish Kemp (Bishopbriggs) 71 78
150 - Murray Urquhart (Spey Valley) 77 73, Steven Duncan Balbirnie Park) 75 75, Steven Taylor (Bothwell Castle) 74 76
151 - Lindsay Mann (Carnoustie) 75 76, Alan E Reid (West Lothian) 75 76

PRESTWICK MEMBER NOMINATED AS R & A CAPTAIN - Colin M Brown proposed for Captaincy in 2009 - 10

Report and photo courtesy of the R & A Website :-

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has announced Colin M Brown as Captain for the year 2009 – 2010.

Each year the Past Captains meet to confer upon the nomination and the announcement was made today at the Club’s May Business Meeting.

The new Captain will assume office later this year following the traditional driving in ceremony on Thursday 24 September.

Colin Brown joined The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in 1994. He served on the Finance Committee from 2000 – 2005 and is currently Chairman of the Membership Committee and a member of the General Committee.

He is a past Captain of Kilmacolm Golf Club and, in 2001, captained Prestwick Golf Club in its 150th anniversary year. He plays to a handicap of 7.

Educated at Glenalmond College, he is a Chartered Accountant and has retired following a career in stockbroking and investment management.

He is a former Chairman of the Scottish Stock Exchange and is a Deputy Lieutenant of Renfrewshire.

Resident in Kilmacolm, Colin is married to Patricia, also an ardent golfer, who is Vice Captain of Renfrewshire Ladies’ County Golf Association.

They have three adult children all of whom attended St Andrews University.

The Ayrshire Golf Association congratulates Colin on his election to the R & A captaincy and wishes him every success in his year in office.

Colin is the second Prestwick member in recent years to be elected as Captain of The Royal And Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, following Richard Cole-Hamilton, who was captain in 2004 - 2005.

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIIP - Brown and McInally win through to final

The final of the 2009 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship, to be played at 5.00 p.m. on Thursday 7th May at Prestwick Golf Club, will be between Scott Brown (Turnberry) -pictured right - and Tommy McInally (Loudoun) - pictured left.

On Wednesday, the four semi finalists endured another wet and windy evening as they bid for a place in the final.

Reigning Boys Strokeplay and Matchplay Champion Scott Brown was first into the final after a 5 & 3 win over Stephen Spence (Irvine).

Tommy McInally, the 2006 winner of the Matchplay title secured his place in the final with a 3 & 2 win over Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck).

Both players will be hoping for better conditions for the final on Thursday evening at which spectators are very welcome.

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Second round results so far and third round redraw

A number of matches in the second round of the 2009 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy competition have been recently and the redraw for the third round finalised.

Defending champion Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland), being unavailable for latter rounds due to other commitments, sportingly awarded a walkover to Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) in their second round tie rather than possibly having to scratch at a later stage.

Bert Ferguson (Royal Troon) maintained hopes of a plce in the semi finals over his home course with a 19th hole victory over Craig Adams (Ardeer), at Ardeer, in round 2.

Neil McCormack (New Cumnock) recorded a 2 hole win at home over David Muir (Muirkirk) to reach round 3 whilst Gordon McCrea (Beith) edged past his visitor Billy Murdoch (Ayr Carrick) at the 22nd in their second round encounter.

The other second round match played so far saw Ayrshire Golf Association Vice President David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat his visitor Sandy Riddell (Skelmorlie) by 6 & 5 to progress.

All remaining second round matches are due for completion by 17th may 2009

The draw for the third round (to be played by 21 June 2009) is :-

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

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Troon Portland duo into last 16

The Troon Portland pair of Fraser McCall & Adam Cairns are the latest pairing into the last 16 of the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship.

Mccall and cairns beat Stuart Craig & Peter Thomson of Kilmarnock Barassie by two holes at Portland in round 2 and now face a trip to play Doon Valley or Crosshouse in round 3.

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Spence, Brown, Murray and McInally in semi finals

The quarter finals of the 2009 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship were held at a wet and windy Prestwick Golf Club on Tuesday evening, 5th May.

In the first match out on the course, Steven Spence (Irvine) - pictured right - recorded par figures to the turn to go four up against Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay). Spence maintained his advantage with four to play, but to his credit malcolm Pennycott fought back to win the 15th and 16th. At the 17th however Spence produced a magnificent recovery shot after finding the left rough from his drive and his ball settled only eight feed from the pin. Sufficient for a half in par, Spence took the first semi final place by 2 & 1.

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) - pictured left - was always in control in his match against Billy Hunter (Troon Welbeck) turning for home with a four hole advantage which he converted into a 5 & 3 win.

In a close match, Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right - and Ian Walker (Turnberry) traded holes until Murray forged a telling two hole lead after 15, which he converted to a 3 & 2 win at the following hole.

In the final match on the course, Ayrshire Boys Champion Scott Brown (Turnberry) - pictured left - faced Champion Of Champions Trophy holder Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland) and the match was close throughout with Brown holding a one hole lead as the players teed off at the final hole.

Moultrie hit a fine tee shot just short of the green and chipped up to 8 feet from the hole whilst Brown let his tee shot drift right and founsd a bunker. Unperturbed however, Brown played an excellent recovery shot to 15 feet and followed up by holing for an excellent birdie three and a one hole win.

In the semi finals, at 5.00 p.m. on Wednesday night, Stephen Spence faces Scott Brown whilst Stephen Murray and Tommy McInally, the winners of the title in 2007 and 2006 respectively, battle it out for a place in the 2009 final.

QUARTER FINAL RESULTS

MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (Whiting Bay) lost to STEPHEN SPENCE (Irvine) by 2 & 1

SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry) beat PAUL MOULTRIE (Troon Portland) by 1 hole

STEPHEN MURRAY (Troon Welbeck) beat IAN WALKER (Turnberry) by 3 & 2

TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun) beat BILLY HUNTER (Troon Welbeck) by 5 & 4

SEMI FINALS

STEPHEN SPENCE (Irvine) Vs. SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry)

STEPHEN MURRAY (Troon Welbeck) Vs. TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun)

AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - First round exit for Strokeplay champion

2009 Ayrshire Strokeplay Champion John Shanks (Irvine) suffered a first round defeat in the Matchplay Championship, held at Prestwick Golf Club on Monday 4th May.

Shanks lost out by 4 & 2 to Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) - pictured right - who won the Boys Matchplay title over the same course in 2007.



Malcolm Pennycott now plays Stephen Spence (Irvine) in the quarter finals after spence won 5 & 4 against his clubmate Gareth Lamb in round 1.



Current Ayrshire Boys Matchplay and Strokeplay Champion Scott Brown (Turnberry) - pictured left - faced Joe Gilligan (Troon Welbeck), who won the boys matchplay title in 1993, in round 1 and in a very tight game it was Brown who won through to the quarter finals at the fourth extra hole.






Brown now faces an interesting quarted final match against the Ayrshire Champion Of Champions title holder Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland), - pictured right - after Moultrie defeated John Haggerty (Loudoun) by 6 & 5 in the first round.



2007 Matchplay winner Stephen Murray (Troon Welbeck) - pictured left - defeated his clubmate Walter Meiklem by 2 & 1 and now plays Ian Walker (Turnberry) - pictured right - for a place in the semi finals after Walker won at the 19th against Craig McLaughlin (Largs).




The remaining quarter final is between Tommy McInally (Loudoun) - pictured left - and Billy Hunter (Troon Welbeck). McInally, the 2006 matchplay champion beat Ricky Black (Irvine) by 4 & 3 to reach the last eight whilst Hunter defeated Graham Rowan (Ballochmyle) by 5 & 3.




The remaining matches continue each evening this week, with the final scheduled for Thursday evening with a 5.00 p.m. tee off.



ROUND 1 RESULTS

MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (Whiting bay) beat JOHN SHANKS (Irvine) by 4 & 2
STEPHEN SPENCE (Irvine) beat GARETH LAMB (Irvine) by 5 & 4
JOE GILLIGAN (Troon Welbeck) lost to SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry) at the 22nd
JOHN HAGGERTY (Loudoun) lost to PAUL MOULTRIE (Troon Portland) by 6 & 5
STEPHEN MURRAY (Troon Welbeck) beat WALTER MEIKLEM (Troon Welbeck) by 2 & 1
CRAIG McLAUGHLIN (Largs) lost to IAN WALKER (Turnberry) at the 19th
RICKY BLACK (Irvine) lost to TOMMY McINALLY (Loudoun) by 4 & 3
GRAHAM ROWAN (Ballochmyle) lost to BILLY HUNTER (Troon Welbeck) by 5 & 3



QUARTER FINALS (Tuesday 5/5/09 from 1700 hrs approx)



MALCOLM PENNYCOTT Vs. STEPHEN SPENCE
SCOTT BROWN Vs. PAUL MOULTRIE
STEPHEN MURRAY Vs. IAN WALKER
TOMMY McINALLY Vs. BILLY HUNTER

NEW GENERAL MANAGER AT BRUNSTON CASTLE - Cheryl Steven takes up new post

Brunston Castle Golf Course in Dailly, South Ayrshire, has appointed Cheryl Steven (31) as its new general manager.

Cheryl brings to her new post a wealth of knowledge and experience in the hospitality field. She has worked with several hotel groups, including Friendly Hotels, Choice Hotels, Lochside House Hotel, and Costley & Costley.

Most recently she worked for Swallow Hotels based at the Station Hotel in Ayr, firstly as revenue manager responsible for marketing and tourism. In this post she attended the PGA Golf & Merchandise Show in Toronto in 2004 and Orlando in 2005.

Cheryl was then promoted within Swallow Hotels to Group Conference and Sales Manager for the UK responsible for the Conference, Sales & Marketing for approximately 146 hotels.

This was her last post before taking a break to give birth to her daughter Olivia.

Cheryl has now returned to work, and taken up her new appointment as general manager of Brunston Castle Golf Course.

Speaking about her new post, Cheryl said:



“I am very keen and proud to have joined and be part of Brunston Castle Golf Course.

I have a fantastic team of employees and an excellent golf professional in Stuart Smith, and together we aim to put Brunston Castle Golf Course back on the map as the best parkland golf course in South Ayrshire.

Hardly anywhere else in the world is there such an abundance of fine courses as those found in Ayrshire - the world-renowned championship links layouts like Prestwick, Turnberry and Royal Troon all spring to mind.

However, Ayrshire boasts some real hidden gems, one of which being our very own Brunston Castle Golf Course, designed by the legendary golf course architect Donald Steel. Split by the Water of Girvan and sheltered by the rolling South Carrick Hills, our scenic course is speckled with mature trees and roundels.

Having only opened for play in 1991, Brunston Castle has quickly established itself as a true and fair test of golf for players of all standards, not to mention a refreshing alternative to the numerous links courses that are found in its vicinity. The course’s blossoming reputation was underlined when chosen to host the Scottish Youths Amateur Championships in 2004 and the Scottish Boys and Girls Championships in 2007.

Brunston Castle can offer tee-time availability seven days a week, and our clubhouse facilities extend to the provision of formal dining in our restaurant, the more relaxed environment of our lounge where you can enjoy one of our excellent bar meals whilst taking in the stunning views of the golf course and the impressive scenery beyond, or simply take in a refreshment whilst viewing the current sporting events on our widescreen television following a great day’s golf.

My aim at Brunston Castle is to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience and a day to remember.”

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - Brunston Castle and Irvine into last 16

Brunston Castle and Irvine are into the last 16 of the 2009 Ayrshire Fourball Championship.

The Brunston Castle pair of A. Dunlop & J. Brown won 3 & 2 against Scott Moore and Barry Calder (Irvine ravenspark), at home, in round 2 and now face a home tie against Ayr Dalmilling or Alton in the third round.

Also through to the last 16 are the Irvine pairing of M. Anderson & I. Hogg who booked their place with a 1 hole home win over R. Kennedy & D. Bartlett (Caprington). They now face a home tie against West Kilbride or Ballochmyle

WEST OF SCOTLAND LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP - McQueen top Ayrshire player in Prestwick event

Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle), the lowest handicapped player in the field off +2, won the West Of Scotland Ladies Championship at Prestwick on Sunday 3rd May.

Her rounds of 74 - 74 for 148 gave her a four stroke victory over Sara Bishop (Windyhill) who scored 79 - 73 for 152.

Top Ayrshire player was Rachel McQueen (Troon Ladies) - pictured right -who shared third place on 158 after rounds of 76 & 82.

Audrey Thomson (Loudoun) also finished well up the field on 163, with rounds of 83 & 80.

Leading scores :-

148 - Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle) 74 74

152 - Sara Bishop (Windyhill) 79 73

158 - Susan Wood (Drumpellier) 78 80, Clare-Marie Carlton (Fereneze) 78 80, Rachel McQueen (Troon Ladies) 76 82

159 - Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) 80 79

161 - Anne Laing (Vale of Leven) 83 78

163 - Audrey Thomson (Loudoun Gowf) 83 80, Gillian Kyle (East Renfrewshire) 80 83

164 - Elaine Cuthill (Lanark) 85 79

167 - Donna Jackson (Cochrane Castle) 83 84, Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) 82 85, Lesley Lloyd (Hayston) 81 86

168 - Alex Glennie (Kilmarnock Barassie) 91 77

170 - Jill Meldrum ( Dullator) 82 88

171 - Lesley Robertson (Ranfurly Castle) 87 84

172 - Liz Keohone (Loudon Gowf) 82 90, Lesley Williamson ( Kilmarnock Barassie) 80 92

173 - Jennifer Mack (Haggs Castle) 86 87

174 - Ruth Rankin (Lanark) 87 87, Lindsay Stevenson (Whitecraigs) 85 89, Rosalind Purdom (Prestwick St Nicholas) 84 90

175 - Carol Whyte (Windyhill) 92 83, Joanna Scott (Cathkin Braes) 87 85

176 - Janice Paterson (Drumpellier) 87 89, Hannah Gaunt (Kilmarnock Barassie) 82 94

177 - Jennifer Jenkins (Ralston) 84 93

179 - Alison McGinnigle (Cochrane Castle) 90 89, Liz Stewart (Cochrane Castle) 87 92

SGU JUNIOR TOUR - Two Ayrshire representatives in event 3

Ayrshire will have two representatives in the third SGU Junior Tour event, which will be held at the Monifieth (Medal) links on Sunday 3rd May.

Fresh from his win in his debut event last month, Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) - pictured left - will be bidding to make it two in a row, whilst David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right - will be hoping that his current form, which saw him win the Prestwick Circuits Trophy for the best scratch score in the Ayrshire Boys Team Championship two weeks ago, continues.