2004 Matt Lygate Trophy winners, Kilmarnock (Barassie) 

2004 Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy winners, Ardeer 

2005 AYRSHIRE BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS - Junior Season tees off at Ballochmyle

18 clubs will contest the traditional opening fixture of the Ayrshire junior golf season, The Ayrshire Boys Team Championship, which is being contested on Sunday 10th April at Ballochmyle.

Holders of the Matt Lygate Trophy, Kilmarnock (Barassie), field a strong team, with three Scottish boys internationalists in the side.

Ardeer will defend the Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy for the best nett team score, whilst Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Fergus Cunningham (Ardeer) both return to defend the Prestwick Circuits Trophy and Carrick Trophy, for the best individual scratch and nett scores respectively.

The draw for the competition is:-

Game 1 - 11.00
David Robertson (Ballochmyle) (5)
Stuart Robin (St. Nicholas) (1)
Gordon Munro (Caprington) (5)

Game 2 - 11.07
Jordan Fleming (Ballochmyle) (6)
Sean Manson (St. Nicholas) (6)
Calum Shaw (Caprington) (9)

Game 3 - 11.14
Gary Herbertson (Ballochmyle) (9)
Craig McCall (St. Nicholas) (9)
David Stratford (Caprington) (10)

Game 4 - 11.21
Craig Nicol (Ballochmyle) (11)
Jamie Hood (St. Nicholas) (12)
Steven Green (Caprington) (14)

Game 5 - 11.28
Brian Griffin (Annanhill) (13)
Ciaran Byrne (New Cumnck) (18)
James Craine (Beith) (18)

Game 6 - 11.35
Mark Tait (Annanhill) (10)
Scott Hannah (New Cumnock) (18)
Ewan Ross (Beith) (17)

Game 7 - 11.42
Euan Bennett (Annanhill) (13)
William McDonald (New Cumnock) (17)
Iain Ryrie (Beith) (11)

Game 8 - 11.49
Craig Michael (Annanhill) (18)
Gregor Fleming (New Cumnock) (18)
Erik Lowe (Beith) (17)

Game 9 - 12.00
Graeme Gimson (St. Cuthbert) (5)
Craig Dunsmuir (Loudoun) (8)
Calum Crowe (Kilbirnie) (10)

Game 10 - 12.07
Blair Caddis (St. Cuthbert) (6)
Scott Muir (Loudoun) (12)
Adam Arnott (Kilbirnie) (12)

Game 11 - 12.14
Stephen McConnell (St. Cuthbert) (8)
Craig Goodwin (Loudoun) (14)
John Davidson (Kilbirnie) (13)

Game 12 - 12.21
Barry McCulloch (St. Cuthbert) (18)
Robert Jamieson (Loudoun) (15)
David Robb (Kilbirnie) (14)

Game 13 - 12.28
John Shanks (Ardeer) (3)
Luke Facchini (Ayr Belleisle) (6)
Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) (1)

Game 14 - 12.35
Fergus Cunningham (Ardeer) (4)
Graham McDonald (Ayr Belleisle) (7)
Lloyd Allam (Troon Welbeck) (5)

Game 15 - 12.42
Scott Ainsworth (Ardeer) (4)
Steven Carrington (Ayr Belleisle) (4)
Kris Kirk (Troon Welbeck) (6)

Game 16 - 12.49
Martin Dunning (Ardeer) (7)
Richard McManus (Ayr Belleisle) (7)
Matthew Skeoch (Troon Welbeck) (7)

Game 17 - 13.00
Greig Rorison (Turnberry) (5)
David Addison (Kilmarnock Barassie) (Scr.)
IainMenzies (Largs) (2)

Game 18 - 13.07
Stuart Munro (Turnberry) (7)
Robert McKnight (Kilmarnock Barassie) (Scr.)
Craig McLaughlin (Largs) (3)

Game 19 - 13.14
Nicholas Faulds (Turnberry) (7)
Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) (Scr.)
Andrew Connell (Largs) (1)

Game 20 - 13.21
Fraser Thomson (Turnberry) (9)
Stuart Henderson (Kilmarnock Barassie) (4)
Andrew Abercrombie (Largs) (4)

Game 21 - 13.28
Colin Robinson (Skelmorlie) (8)
Ross De Couroy (West Kilbride) (12)
Mark Brown (Largs Routenburn) (12)

Game 22 - 13.35
Paul Robinson (Skelmorlie) (8)
Darren Kean (West Kilbride) (6)
Stephen Hart (Largs Routenburn) (8)

Game 23 - 13.42
Michael Colvin (Skelmorlie) (9)
Martin Bell (West KIlbride) (6)
Kevyn Leahy (Largs Routenburn) (14)

Game 24 - 13.49
Stephen Hanley (Skelmorlie) (14)
Michael Roos (West Kilbride) (10)
Adam Sweeney (Largs Routenburn) (12)

2004 Prestwick Circuits Trophy winner Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie)  

2004 Carrick Trophy winner Fergus Cunningham (Ardeer) 

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Youths/Boys team score second successive victory over South Of Scotland

Last Sunday (20th march) the Ayrshire youths/boys team travelled to Brighouse Bay, Kirkcudbright to face a South Of Scotland team, looking to avenge last years defeat at Girvan in this, the South Of Scotland Association's Centenary year.

With President Ian Guthrie (Ballochmyle), Past President Robin Baker (Troon Welbeck) and Boys Team Manager Ian Walker (Brunston Castle) the officials in attendance, the teams enjoyed fine weather, although the course was playing long after the heavy rain over the preceding days.

As always the match proved a sporting but vey competitive outing, with Ayrshire eventually running out winners by 11 - 7.

Of the 6 morning foursomes, five were only concluded on the final green, and after the morning efforts the teams were tied at 3 - 3

The morning results were (Ayrshire names first):-

BOYS

Robert McKnight & Steven McEwan ( both Barassie)
beat
Andrew Gordon & Chris Robinson
by 1 hole

Nicky Sinclair (Barassie) & Craig McLaughlan (Largs)
beat
Kyle McClung & Kenny Urquhart
by 1 hole

Iain Menzies (Largs) & Michael Stewart (Welbeck)
lost to
Alan Murdoch & Adam Aitken
by 1 hole

YOUTHS

Ian Guthrie & Craig Hamilton ( both Ballochmyle)
lost to
John Williamson & David Broadfoot
by 1 hole

Alastair Leggate & Jamie McKay (both Barassie)
beat
Kenneth Henderson & Ben Irving
by 2 holes

John Sloan (Doon Valley) & Gary Neil (Caprington)
lost to
Graham Findlay & Jack Ferrier
by 5 & 3

In the afternoon singles, Ayrshire excelled, the boys taking four of their 6 ties, and the youths winning three of their ties, with only one defeat and two halved matches. Ayrshire produced a number of notable performances during the afternoon, none more so than the half match gained by Craig Hamilton who fought back from 4 down to secure a share of the spoils.

The afternoon results were (Ayrshire names first) :-

BOYS

Robert McKnight beat Andrew Gordon by 3 & 2
Steven McEwan lost to Chris Robinson by 2 & 1
Michael Stewart lost to Alan Murdoch by 7 & 6
Nicky Sinclair beat Adam Aitken by 3 & 2
Iain Menzies beat Kyle McClung by 5 & 4
Craig McLaughlan beat Kenny Urquhart by 5 & 4

YOUTHS

Craig Hamilton halved with John Williamson
Ian Guthrie beat Kenneth Henderson by 4 & 3
Jamie McKay halved with Graham Findlay
Alastair Leggate beat David Broadfoot by 1 hole
Gary Neil beat Jack Ferrier by 1 hole
John Sloan lost to Ben Irvine by 6 & 4

AYRSHIRE 11 SOUTH OF SCOTLAND 7

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - defeat in pre season match at Ravenspark

After defeat at Loudoun the previous week by 4 - 1, the County team travelled to Ravenspark on Sunday, looking for a better resuult, but came up against a strong home side who ran out winners by 3 - 2.

In the first tie, a couple of Ayrshire veterans, Kevin Middlemiss and George Robertson from the host side saw off the challenge of Ian Menzies and Nicky Sinclair whilst in the second tie, county players John Cairney and Darren Mallinson of the hosts beat Craig Hamilton and county debutant Chris Bone, to give the home side a 2-0 lead.

The third tie also went the way of the home side, giving them an unbeatable lead, although pride was somewhat restored in the remaining ties, which were both won by the county side.

MATCH RESULTS :- Ravenspark players first)

G. Robertson & K. Middlemiss
beat
Ian Menzies (Largs) & Nicky Sinclair (Barassie) 4 & 3

J. Cairney & D. Mallinson
beat
Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) & Chris Bone (Loudoun) 2 & 1

W. McGill & B. Gibson
beat
Michael Stewart (Welbeck) & Garry Neil (Caprington) 2 & 1

D. McLelland & J. Hobson
lost to
Stuart Robin (St. Nicholas) & Lee Hughes (Belleisle) 1 hole

W. Howatt & H. Brown
lost to
John Sloan (Doon Valley) & Jamie McKay (Barassie) 1 hole

This Sunday Ayrshire Travel to meet South Of Scotland at Brighouse Bay, Kirkcudbright in their final match of the warm up series.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - St. Nicholas beat Ayrshire select in pre season match

Ayrshire were defeated by 3.5 - 1.5 in their visit to St. Nicholas on Sunday 27th February 2005, in one of the traditional pre season friendly matches against member club teams.

In the first tie Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) and Jamie McKay (Kilmarnock Barassie) faced former county player Gavin Paterson, and promising junior Stuart Robin of the host club. It was the home pairing who performed best, recording a 4 & 3 win.

In tie 2, Gary Neil (Caprington) and Craig McLaughlin (Largs) won through by 2 & 1 against Gordon Adams and John Ashton.

The third tie finished all square between Alastair Leggate (Kilmarnock Barassie) and John Sloan (Doon Valley), and the host club pairing of Andy Huxtable and Ian Donaldson. The Ayrshire pairings cause was assisted by a hole in one achieved by John Sloan at the 10th hole.

In the remaining two ties the Ayrshire pairings both suffered 2 & 1 defeats, Ian Guthrie (Ballochmyle) and Ian Walker (Brunston Castle) losing to Steven King and Gary Tierney, whilst Warren Blair (St. Meddans) and Stuart Pennington (St. Meddans) lost out to Kevin Brock and Bob Craig.

Next Sunday the Ayrshire select will play Loudoun Gowf Club.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Champion Of Champions Trophy Draw

Club champions from 50 Ayrshire clubs will join holder Tommy McInally (Loudoun) to contest the 2005 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy.

The draws for rounds 1 and 2 were made recently, and details will be posted to competitors involved, in due course.

ROUND 1 ( to be played by 17th April 2005)

Alex. Anderson (North Beach) Vs. David Glass (St. Cuthbert)
Robbie Fulker (Barassie) Vs. H. Miller (Royal Troon)
Andrew Mathie (Dalmilling) Vs. Gordon Malcolmson(Irvine No.1)
Ian Yates (Belleisle) Vs. Roy McCubbin (Durward)
Gilbert McKinnon (Corrie) Vs. Chris Park (Muirkirk)
R. McCaig (West Kilbride) Vs. G. Lawrie (St. Nicholas)
A. Stewart Jr. (Stewarton) Vs. A. McLean (Kilbirnie Place)
Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) Vs. Craig Taggart (Malletscheugh)
Gordon Hamilton (Glacier) Vs. Sandy Riddell (Skelmorlie)
Steven Bolland (Tam O Shanter) Vs. Gary Bryden (Girvan)
Ronnie McLellan (Turnberry) Vs. Alex Gourlay (Irvine)
William Richmond (Caprington) Vs. Arnold Courtney (Drongan)
Robert Hamilton (Wallacetown) Vs. D. Kinnel (Saxone)
Kevin Lammie (Portland) Vs. Wier McCulloch (Carrick Speakers)
Alan Thomson (Loudoun) Vs. Tommy McInally (Holder)
Ian Walker (Brunston Castle) Vs. Ross Ward (Beith)
George Robertson (Ravenspark) Vs. Jim McIntyre (Seafield)
Tom McFarlane (NACCO) Vs. Brian Moore (Largs)
Stuart Pennington (St. Meddans) Vs. Scott McCahill (Maybole)

ROUND 2 ( to be played by 22nd May 2005)

Anderson or Glass Vs. Del Chamberlain (Welbeck)
Fulker or Miller Vs. Jamie Duncan (Brodick)
Mathie or Malcolmson Vs. Stuart Peters (Doon Valley)
Yates or McCubbin Vs. Cameron Laughlan (Alton)
McKinnon or Park Vs. B. Main (Auchenharvie)
McCaig or Lawrie Vs. David Robertson (Crosshouse)
Stewart or McLean Vs. Ian Gray (Chase)
Hamilton or Taggart Vs. A. Fraser (Annanhill)
Hamilton or Riddell Vs. Andy Clark (Carrick Lodge)
Bolland or Bryden Vs. Peter Townsley (Ardeer)
McLellan or Gourlay Vs. D. Gemmell (Braehead)
Richmond or Courtney Vs. Alan Mulholland (Moorpark)
Hamilton or Kinnel Vs. Neil McCormack (New Cumnock)
Lammie or McCulloch Vs. Thomson or McInally
Walker or Ward Vs. Robertson or McIntyre
McFarlane or Moore Vs Pennington or McCahill

The draw for round 3 will take place after completion of round 2 matches.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Summer League Draw

The draw for the 2005 Ayrshire Golf Association Summer League was made at the Annual Dinner on Friday 25th February. Ballochmyle will be bidding to make it a hat trick of wins in the event, after their victories in both of the first two seasons of the competition.

With 17 teams competing, there will be two leagues of 4 and 3 leagues of 3, with the winners of leagues 4 & 5 requiring to play off for a semi final place.

The draw for the league sections reads :-

LEAGUE 1 :- Loudoun, West Kilbride, Moorpark, Turnberry

LEAGUE 2 :- NACCO, Troon Portland, Annanhill, Kilbirnie Place

LEAGUE 3 :- Ballochmyle, Irvine (Bogside), Troon Welbeck

LEAGUE 4 :- Ayr Belleisle, Kilmarnock (Barassie), Caprington

LEAGUE 5 :- Tam O Shanter, Irvine Ravenspark, Troon St. Meddans

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Capacity audience honour the winners at the Annual Dinner

Irvine Ravenspark was filled to capacity on Friday evening, 25th February, when representatives of Ayrshire clubs met for the 23rd annual Ayrshire Golf Association dinner.

With President Ian Guthrie (Ballochmyle) indisposed, Past President Robin Baker (Troon Welbeck) hosted proceedings.

Guests of the Association included S.G.U Vice President Gordon McInnes along with representatives from the other West Of Scotland county associations, clubs who hosted events throughout 2004, sponsors and county coaching staff.

After a welcome to the club from Ravenspark Captain, Milton Murray, the company enjoyed a hearty meal, before proceeding to the presentation of the trophies for the 2004 season.

The first award presented was the Ayrshire Fourball Trophy, with the winning team of Gordon Hope and Steven Craig accepting the trophy on behalf of Annanhill G.C.

Winners of the Club Championship were Largs Golf Club, with former Ayrshire Junior Golf League Chairman Gordon Cunningham accepting the trophy on behalf of the club.

Ballochmyle Golf Club retained the Summer League Trophy, whilst Alex Gourlay (Irvine) accepted the Strokeplay Championship Trophy, which he uniquely shared with Ross Duncan (Brodick) in 2004.

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) was present to accept the Champion Of Champions Trophy, and the presentation of trophies culminated in Barry Crawford (West Kilbride) being presented with the Doc Thom Salver for the outstanding performance over a number of selected events throughout the season.

Prizewinners who were unable to attend the event were Boys Champion Iain Menzies (Largs), Matchplay Champion David McLure (Ballochmyle) and Youths Champion/joint Strokeplay Champion Ross Duncan (Brodick).

The draw for the Summer League competition was made before the evenings programme progressed to the speeches.

The first speaker proposed the toast to The Ayrshire Golf Association. Douglas Mill, Chief Executive of The Law Society Of Scotland, with a witty, informative and very knowledgable speech set the tone of the evening, which prompted a suitable reply on behalf of the association by Past President Baker.

The main guest speaker of the evening, proposing a toast to the game of golf, was well known local after dinner speaker and erstwhile comedian, Jim 'Buller' Reid, who certainly did not disappoint, having the company laughing almost continually during his presentation.

The evenings programme concluded with a vote of thanks from A.G.A. Vice President, Ricky Magee (Caprington).

SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL JUNIOR GOLF DEVELOPMENT - Clubgolf Volunteer Coach evening cancelled.

Due to unforseen circumstances, the meeting due to be held at Northfield on 17th February has had to be cancelled, but will be rescheduled to another date. The new date will be circulated in due course.

2004 Champion Of Champions Trophy winner cameron Gray (West Kilbride) returns to defend the title this year. 

THE AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Draws for the 2005 competitions

The draws for the 2005 Ayrshire Junior Golf League competitions were made at the Executive Meeting on Monday 7th February by Chairman Douglas Aitken (Caprington), in his final duty before his impending emigration to Turkey.

In the LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP defending champions Ardeer have been drawn in the four team section D, along with Caprington, Irvine Ravenspark and Skelmorlie.

2004 Runners Up Kilmarnock (Barassie) will contest section B alongside last years semi finalists, Beith. Troon St. Meddans, and local rivals West Kilbride and Largs complete the line up.

The full draw is:-

SECTION A - Ballochmyle, Annanhill, Largs Routenburn, Prestwick St. Cuthbert & New Cumnock.

SECTION B - Beith, Largs, West Kilbride, Kilmarnock (Barassie) & Troon St. Meddans.

SECTION C - Ayr Belleisle, Loudoun, Kilbirnie Place, Prestwick St. Nicholas & Troon Welbeck.

SECTION D - Caprington, Irvine Ravenspark, Ardeer & Skelmorlie.

In the UNDER 16 KNOCKOUT TROPHY, holders West Kilbride received a bye into round 2 where they will play host to Annanhill. 2004 runners up, Prestwick St. Cuthbert also received a bye and play host to near neighbours St. Nicholas in round 2, whilst there is another local derby when St. Meddans and Welbeck meet at Troon. The full draw is:-

ROUND 1 (to be played by 8th May 2005)

Beith Vs. Ayr Belleisle
Caprington Vs. Ardeer
Kilmarnock (Barassie) Vs. Kilbirnie Place

ROUND 2 (to be played by 5th June 2005)

Loudoun Vs. New Cumnock
Beith or Belleisle Vs. Skelmorlie
Troon St. Meddans Vs. Troon Welbeck
Largs Routenburn Vs. Ballochmyle
West Kilbride Vs. Annanhill
Prestwick St. Cuthbert Vs. Prestwick St. Nicholas
Caprington or Ardeer Vs. Irvine Ravenspark
Largs Vs. Kilmarnock (Barassie) or Kilbirnie Place

In the CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY, Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) returns to defend the title, and faces Stephen Hart of Largs Routenburn in a second round match. With some of the competitors details still to be notified, the full draw is :-

ROUND 1 (to be played by 8th May)

(Troon St. Meddans) Vs. Mark Tait (Annanhill)
James Tarrant (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) Vs. Craig McLaughlin (Largs)
Ewan Ross (Beith) Vs. Scott Ainsworth (Ardeer)

ROUND 2 (to be played by 5th June)

Gordon Munro (Caprington) Vs. Steven Carrington (Ayr Belleisle)
(St. Meddans or Annanhill) Vs. Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck)
Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) Vs. Stephen Hart (Largs Routenburn)
Jordan Fleming (New Cumnock) Vs. Graeme Muir (Loudoun)
Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. (St. Cuthbert or Largs)
(Beith or Ardeer) Vs. (Ravenspark)
Stuart Robin (Prestwick St. Nicholas) Vs. Calum Crowe (Kilbirnie)
David Robertson (Ballochmyle) Vs. (Skelmorlie)

The Season begins on Sunday 10th April with the traditional opener, The Ayrshire Boys Team Championship, being hosted this year by Ballochmyle Golf Club.

SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL HOST JUNIOR GOLF DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEER COACH EVENING

At 7.00 p.m. on Thursday 17th February 2005, South Ayrshire Council will host a meeting, within the pavilion of the National Centre For Bowling, Northfield, Ayr to inform club members of the present position of the Clubgolf junior golf development programme in South Ayrshire, and to attract interested individuals who would be likely to consider becoming a volunteer Clubgolf coach.

Clubgolf is an intigrated initiative, promoted by the Scottish Executive, with the aim of giving every 9 year old in Scotland, by 2009, the opportunity to play golf. The initiative will begin in schools and intersted youngsters will then have the opportunity to progress through well defined development paths, mainly through clubs and associated initiatives, to develop their skills in the game. The initiative involves Sport Scotland, the Scottish Golf Union, Scottish ladies Golfing Association, Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Professional Golfers Association and other relevant bodies, such as local authorities.

Volunteer coaches will form an integral part of the development programme, particularly at Level 1. The introductory First Clubgolf which will be delivered in schools, and level 1 coaching initiatives will follow, at local level. Volunteers will be provided with instruction and attend a coaching course in order to become accredited Level 1 Coaches.

The object of the informative meeting is to provide golf clubs with a complete update relating to Clubgolf within South Ayrshire, the launch date for the local strategy being scheduled for the 2005 playing season, as well as identifying potential coaches to deliver Level 1 coaching in South Ayrshire.

Other vital topics will be discussed, including child and adult protection with the implication and policy requirements for golf clubs with junior sections also being covered. Jennifer McKay, the Scottish Golf Union Child & Adult Protection Officer will also be at the meeting, where the programme should give ample opportunity to attendees to have one to one dialogue with Clubgolf staff and representative of other involved bodies.

It is generally recognised that the development of a strategic approach to junior development within clubs is essential to the future sustainability of the core membership, and this meeting gives an important opportunity to interested parties, be they prospective coaches or individuals involved in the administration of junior sections, or indeed clubs in general, to further develop their interest and knowledge of the current issues in junior golf.

To assist with arrangements, it would be helpful if interested parties could advise Isobel Sweden at South Ayrshire Council, tel. 01292 616255, of their intention to attend the meeting, by Monday 14th February.

2005 FIXTURES - Some dates for your diary.

Here are a few dates for your diary. The ladies list is just about complete, but the gents & juniors fixtures have a few spaces to be filled. A complete list of gents & juniors fixtures will be published in due course, but this should help your plans for the early part of the season.

Ayrshire Ladies'
County Golf Association
events 2005

Sat. 19th March - County Coffee Morning
Tue. 19th to Thur. 21st April -
County Championship (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
Sun. 8th May - West Of Scotland Championship (LARGS)
Tue. 10th May - County Foursomes & Commonwealth Spoons (LOUDOUN)
Tue. 14th June - Quaich (Bronze qualifying for McCall Salver) (TROON DARLEY)
Mon. 27th to Wed. 29th June -
West Division Inter County Jambouree (LANARK)
Mon. 11th July - Summer Meeting (BONNYTON)
Tue. 9th August - Coronation Medals - (GIRVAN)
Tue. 13th September - Thistle Brooches (LARGS)
Tue. 11th October - Quaich (PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT)

Ayrshire Golf Association - Gents & Juniors events 2005

20.02.05 - Ayrshire Vs. West Kilbride (WEST KILBRIDE)
25.02.05 - Annual Dinner (RAVENSPARK)
27.02.05 - Ayrshire Vs. Prestwick St. Nicholas (ST. NICHOLAS)

06.03.05 - Ayrshire Vs. Loudoun (LOUDOUN)
13.03.05 - Ayrshire Vs. Irvine Ravenspark (RAVENSPARK)
20.03.05 - Ayrshire Vs. South Of Scotland (Away)

10.04.05 - Ayrshire Boys Team Championship (BALLOCHMYLE)
17.04.05 - Ayrshire Spring Meeting (DALMILLING)
24.04.05 - Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship (PRESTWICK)

02.05.05 to 05.05.05 -
Ayrshire Matchplay Championship (ST. CUTHBERT)
t.b.a. - Ayrshire under 18 Vs. Dumbartonshire under 18 (Away)
15.05.05 - Area Team Championship Vs. Argyll & Bute (Away)

21.06.05 - Ayrshire Seniors Championship (AYR SEAFIELD)
26.06.05 - Ayrshire under 18 Vs. Glasgow uner 18 (ARDEER)
29.06.05 - Girvan Boys Championship (GIRVAN)

03.07.05 - Ayrshire Club Team Championship (WEST KILBRIDE)
t.b.a. - Ayrshire under 18 Vs. Renfrewshire under 18 (Away)
31.07.05 - Area Team Championship Vs. Perth & Kinross (Home)

04.08.05 - Ayrshire Boys Championship (ST. NICHOLAS)
05.08.05 - Champion Of Champions Semi Finals (ROYAL TROON)
11.08.05 to 13.08.05 -
Ayrshire Boys Matchplay (PRESTWICK)
12.08.05 - Champion Of Champions Final (ROYAL TROON)
14.08.05 - John Boyd Quaich (CAPRINGTON)
t.b.a. - Ayrshire under 18 Vs. Stirlingshire under 18 (Away)

18.09.05 - Area Team Championship Vs. Renfrewshire (Home)
25.09.05 - Ayrshire under 18 Vs. Lanarkshire under 18 (Home)

02.10.05 - Ayrshire Autumn Meeting (CAPRINGTON)
02.10.05 - Ayrshire Fourball Final (CAPRINGTON)
08.10.05 - Ayrshire Vs. Glasgow (Away)
08.10.05 - Ayrshire youths Vs. Glasgow youths (Home)
15.10.05 - Ayrshire Vs. Renfrewshire (Away)
15.10.05 - Ayrshire youths Vs. Renfrewshire youths (Home)
22.10.05 - Ayrshire Vs. Stirlingshire (IRVINE BOGSIDE)
22.10.05 - Ayrshire youths Vs. Stirlingshire youths (Away)
29.10.05 - Ayrshire Vs. Lanarkshire (Away)
29.10.05 - Ayrshire youths Vs. Lanarkshire youths (Home)

05.11.05 - Ayrshire Vs. Dumbartonshire (TURNBERRY)
05.11.05 - Ayrshire youths Vs. Dumbartonshire youths (Away)

NEW TEAM TAKE OVER AT THE PRESTWICK GOLF DRIVING RANGE

Some of you may know that the Prestwick Golf Driving Range has had a change of personnel over the last few weeks.

Ryan Crane, who was formerly assistant professional to Frank Rennie at Prestwick Golf Club prior to Frank's retirement earlier this year, is now running the main shop and driving range at the complex, after the departure this month of Malcolm Allan.

Frank's son, Graeme Rennie, another "weel kent" face at the professional shop at Prestwick over the years, has also moved to work alongside Ryan at the driving range complex, along with some of the established staff, including teaching professional Alan Gilmour.

I visited the range last week, for the first time in a while, and the improvements already established by Ryan and the team were clear to see. The range mats have all been replaced by a very much improved version, along with new range balls, baskets and very much improved distance and target markers on the range itself (only thing that didn't show an improvement was my golf and ability to aim at the new markers ---but that's another story !!).

There are undoubtedly further improvements in the pipeline, but the changes already made make a visit to the range and the shop well worthwhile, and even if the the golf's not that great, you could always enjoy a cup of tea and a scone in the coffee shop, which has also had a change in management over the last few months, and makes a welcome addition to the facilities.

Wishing Ryan, Graeme and their staff every success in their new venture.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

As the golf clubs get (temporarily) packed away in favour of Christmas Shopping, there isn't much happening on the news front at the moment.

I would take this opportunity to wish all visitors a Happy Christmas (I hope you all get that new bit of golf equipment you were hoping for) and a happy and succesful golfing new year in 2005.

Thanks to all those that have visited the site over the last few months. Please spread the word amongst your golfing circle, and encourage others to log on.

If anyone has any news items out there, or information about Ayrshire Golf they would like to share, please e mail me on aj-malcolm@fsmail.net with details and I will try to include it. Pictures would also be welcomed. Local press have picked up a number of articles from the site and so it may provide an avenue for you to get your own golfing news circulated.

Keep logging on for all the latest amateur golf news in Ayrshire.

League Vice Chairman Robin Baker (Troon Welbeck) 

Ricky Magee (Caprington) 

Douglas Aitken (Caprington) 

Assistant Secretary Alastair Graham 

League Secretary Alasdair Malcolm 

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Annual General Meeting - Caprington take Chairmans position

14 of the 19 member clubs were represented at the 37th Annual General Meeting of The Ayrshire Junior Golf League which was held at Prestwick St. Cuthbert Golf Club last week.

The Secretary reported a healthy financial position during the Treasurers report and consequently there was no proposal to raise the subscription, the club contributions remaining the same as in 2004.

There were no new applications for membership this year, and no resignations to date.

The Secretary also reported on a very succesful Annual Dinner which attracted 125 participants.
A number of letters of appreciation had been received, including those from Richard Cole-Hamilton, Captain of the R & A, S.G.U. President Hugh Hunter and David Reynolds of the National Playing Fields Association.

The outgoing Chairman, Gordon Cunningham (Largs) expressed his thanks to the Secretary, Assistant Secretary and club representatives for their contribution to what was a very enjoyable year for him as a league official.

The Chairman then Proposed that the Vice Chairman, Douglas Aitken (Caprington) be elected to the chair. On accepting the nomination on behalf of Caprington, Douglas Aitken advised that, due to his impending move abroad, he had arranged for the Ayrshire Golf Association Vice President, Ricky Magee, to take on the post after his departure. This arrangement was met with approval by the membership.

On taking the chair, Douglas Aitken proposed that Troon Welbeck be elected to the Vice Chairmans position. Ayrshire Golf Association Past President, Robin Baker, accepted the position to represent Troon Welbeck as Vice Chairman of The League.

Secretary Alasdair Malcolm (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) and Assistant Secretary Alastair Graham (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) were both re-elected for a 16th season.

The meeting concluded with a coaching report and duscussions on a number of minor matters.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Annual Dinner tickets on sale

Tickets are now on sale for the 2005 Ayrshire Golf Association Annual Dinner & Presentation Of Trophies.

A popular event in the county golfing calendar, the 2005 dinner will again be held at IRVINE RAVENSPARK Golf Club on FRIDAY 25th FEBRUARY 2005 at 7.00 p.m. for 7.30 p.m..

Speakers for the evening include the popular, well known and very entertaining local after dinner speaker, Jim "Buller" Reid, and Douglas Mill, the Secretary and Chief Executive of The Law Society Of Scotland who, appart from being an enthusiastic golfer is also a very amusing and sought after speaker on the after dinner circuit throughout the country and beyond.

During the evening the winners of county events throughout the 2004 season will be honoured, and presented with their awards. These include the Strokeplay and Matchplay Champions, The Champion Of Champions Trophy winner, the Fourball winners and the Doc Thom Salver winner.

Tickets, priced at £15 each. are available through member clubs, or direct from the Ayrshire Golf Association Secretary, R.L. Crawford, 81 Connel Crescent, Mauchline, KA5 5AU (tel. 01290-551434)