Monday, February 26, 2007
AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - County team take on clubs in warm up matches
The scheduled matches are
Sunday 25th February - West Kilbride Vs. Ayrshire
Sunday 4th March - Prestwick St. Nicholas Vs. Ayrshire
Sunday 11th March - Loudoun Vs. Ayrshire
Sunday 18th March - Irvine Ravenspark Vs. Ayrshire
On Sunday 25th March, Ayrshire travel to meet the South Of Scotland in their annual match which has become the traditional competitive opening fixture the season fr both counties
AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Cairney takes top award at annual dinner
Top Table guests at the dinner, hosted by County President Ricky Magee (Caprington) included
Scottish Golf Union President David Moir
Stirlingshire President Campbell Chalmers
Lanarkshire President Harvey Tocher
Glasgow Golf Union President Gus Lamont
Dumbartonshire President Bob Provan
Renfrewshire Vice President Billy Gilmour
host club Captain Eddie Lawless
Ayrshire Vice President Alasdair Malcolm (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
and guest speakers
'Buller' Reid
and
John Htet Khin
After an excellent meal, Scottish Golf Union President David Moir was called upon to present the trophies and awards for the 2006 season.
The top award of the year, the Doc Thom Salver for the Ayrshire Order Of Merit, was won by John Cairney of Irvine Ravenspark who fittingly took the trophy to Ravenspark in their Centenary year, being the first player from the club to win the title since it was innaugurated in 1973.
Other prizewinners presented with their awards at the dinner were :-
Fourball Champions - Derek Brown & Ian Yates (Ayr Belleisle)
Club Champions - Irvine Golf Club
Scratch Summer League - Ballochmyle Golf Club
Ayrshire Boys Champion - John Shanks (Ardeer)
Ayrshire Matchplay Champion - Tommy McInally (Loudoun)
Champion Of Champions Trophy - Brian Moore (Largs)
Strokeplay Champion Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie)
was unable to attend the dinner
To mark the Centenary of the Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club, Ayrshire President Ricky Magee presented an suitably engraved salver to Ravenspark Captain Eddie Lawless on behalf of The Association.
President Ricky Magee also made special presentations to Past Presidents Morgan Hall and Robin Baker, in appreciation of their service to The Ayrshire Golf Association over a number of years.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks. proposed by Ayrshire Golf Association Vice President, Alasdair Malcolm (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Award winners at the annual dinner
Ayrshire Boys Champion, John Shanks of Ardeer, with Scottish Golf Union President David Moir
Brian Moore of Largs receives the Champion Of Champions Trophy
Past President Morgan Hall (West Kilbride) receives a special award from President Ricky Magee, in appreciation of his service to The Ayrshire Golf Association
Past President Robin Baker (Troon Portland) also received a special award from Ricky Magee, in recognition of his service to the Association
AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - More photos of 2006 competition winners at the annual dinner
2006 Fourball winners, Derek Brown & Ian Yates of Ayr Belleisle, with Scottish Golf Union President David Moir
Jim Irvine, Captain of Irvine Golf Club, accepts the Club Champions trophy on behalf of the club.
Team Captain James McMurdo with the Scratch Summer League silverware won by Ballochmyle
Tommy McInally of Loudoun
with the Ayrshire Matchplay trophy
Sunday, February 25, 2007
AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Summer League draw
16 clubs are taking part in the 2007 competition, with Ballochmyle defending the title they have won in three of the four previous years.
The teams will play in four qualifying leagues throughout the summer months, with the winners of each league progressing top the semi finals.
Local rivals Ayr Belleisle and Tam O Shanter have been drawn together in League 1, along with Loudoun and Troon Welbeck.
Last seasons runners up, Irvine (Bogside) will contest League 2, alongside Kilmarnock (Barassie) and the two 2006 beaten semi finalists, Caprington and West Kilbride.
Defending Champions Ballochmyle were drawn in League 3, and will aim to overcome Kilbirnie, Moorpark and Ardeer in their bid to retain the title.
League 4 brings together Irvine ravenspark, Troon St. Meddans, Turnberry and New Cumnock.
The four sections as drawn are :-
League 1 - Troon Welbeck, Loudoun, Tam O Shanter, Ayr Belleisle
League 2 - Caprington, Kilmarnock (Barassie), West Kilbride, Irvine (Bogside)
League 3 - Kilbirnie Place, Ballochmyle, Moorpark, Ardeer
League 4 - Irvine Ravenspark, Turnberry, New Cumnock, Troon St. Meddans
AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - 2007 Yearbook launched at annual dinner
The 2007 Ayrshire Golf Association Yearbook was launched at the annual dinner of The Association on Friday 23rd February 2007, at Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club.The 36 page yearbook, published by D & M Journals of Edinburgh, features Centenary club Irvine Ravenspark on the front cover, and includes an address from President Ricky Magee, a review of 2006 competitions and details of County officials, as well as a club directory and listings of previous county championship winners.
The yearbook will be distributed free to clubs throughout the county, over the next few weeks.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - closing date for entries fast approaching
The championship will be held from 9th to 14th April at Dunbar, and will feature a field of 256 players, including the best junior golfers in Scotland.
The closing date for entries is
8th MARCH 2007
AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Draws made for 2007 competitions
Membership was confirmed as 18 clubs this year, with Ayr Dalmilling rejoining The League after a 3 year absence, whilst Beith, members since 1988, have withdrawn due to lack of juniors.
In the LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP, defending champions Ballochmyle face a number of local derbies after being drawn with Caprington, New Cumnock, Annanhill & Irvine Ravenspark in Section A.
West Kilbride face a number of long trips in section B, where they face Ayr Dalmilling, Prestwick St. Nicholas, Kilmarnock Barassie & Troon St. Meddans
In Section C, Ardeer, champions in 2004 & 2005, face the challenges of Prestwick St. Cuthbert, Loudoun & Troon Welbeck, whilst Ayr Belleisle face three trips to the north of the county in Section D, being drawn to play Largs, Kilbirnie Place and Largs Routenburn.
The matches in the 4 league sections will be played on a home and away basis from May to July, with the winners of the 4 sections progressing to the semi finals in August.
The four sections are :-
SECTION A
Ballochmyle
Caprington
New. Cumnock
Annanhill
Irvine Ravenspark
SECTION B
Troon St. Meddans
Ayr Dalmilling
Prestwick St. Nicholas
Kilmarnock (Barassie)
West Kilbride
SECTION C
Prestwick St. Cuthbert
Loudoun
Troon Welbeck
Ardeer
SECTION D
Kilbirnie Place
Largs
Ayr Belleisle
Preliminaries
(To Be Played By 6th May 2007)
Kilmarnock Barassie
V
Irvine Ravenspark
Prestwick St. Cuthbert
V
Prestwick St. Nicholas
Round 1
(To Be Played By 3RD June 2007)
Ayr Belleisle
V
Caprington
New Cumnock
V
Prestwick St. Cuthbert / Prestwick St. Nicholas
Ardeer
V
Annanhill
Ballochmyle
V
West Kilbride
Largs Routenburn
V
Troon Welbeck
Loudoun Gowf
V
Troon St. Meddans
Kilmarnock Barassie / Irvine Ravenspark
V
Kilbirnie
Largs
V
Ayr Dalmilling
Preliminaries
(To Be Played By 6TH May 2007)
Largs Routenburn
V
Ayrshire Boy's Strokeplay Champion
Ayr Belleisle
V
Troon Welbeck
Ardeer
V
Loudoun Gowf
Round 1
(To Be Played By 3RD June 2007)
Kilbirnie
V
Largs Routenburn / Ayrshire Boy's Strokeplay Champion
Caprington
V
New Cumnock
Irvine Ravenspark
V
Largs
Ayrshire Boy's Matchplay Champion
V
Ardeer / Loudoun Gowf
Annanhill
V
Ballochmyle
Ayr Belleisle / Troon Welbeck
V
Kilmarnock Barassie
Troon St. Meddans
V
Prestwick St. Nicholas
Prestwick St. Cuthbert
V
West Kilbride
Monday, February 05, 2007
AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Under 14 Talent ID Day postponed
SUNDAY 15th APRIL 2007
There is no handicap limit for nominees, with the exercise geared towards identifying players with potential, for inclusion in future A.G.A. coaching programmes.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
SENIORS GOLF - Ayrshire Seniors League ??

CALLING ALL YOU SENIORS !!! - Make sure your club checks this one out.
Kilmarnock & District Seniors League is looking to expand throughout the County, and possibly set up an Ayrshire Seniors League.
Members of the present League include Loudoun, Ballochmyle, Annanhill, Caprington and Irvine Ravenspark, who compete for a trophy donated by Ballochmyle Golf Club.
Presently, players over the age of 55 are eligible and the league is played home or away,alternating each year.
Matches can be played on weekdays or at the weekend, subject to course availability.
IF YOUR CLUB MAY BE INTERESTED - contact either GEORGE JARDINE at Loudoun Gowf Club or TOM STEVENS at Ballochmyle, for further details.
AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - McEwan makes big impression in Australia
Steven McEwan was just four shots away from winning the prestigeous international amateur event, The Macquarie International Championship at the Belmont Club
In a good event for Scotland's representatives, McEwan, in 6th place on 286 was four behind the total of third placed Craig Watson.
The performances of Watson and McEwan had the added bonus of moving the players to 112 and 194 respectively in the R&A world amateur rankings.
For a further report on the tournament & comments from the Scottish Golf Union, visit the SGU website at www.scottishgolfunion.org
Sunday, January 28, 2007
AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Belleisle take 2006 Fourball title
The Ayr Belleisle pairing of Ian Yates and Derek Brown are the 2006 Ayrshire Fourball Trophy winners, after defeating the Turnberry team of Tom Bennett and Ronnie McLellan by 4 & 3 in the rearanged final, held over the Dundonald Course at Kilmarnock (Barassie) on Sunday 28th January 2007.
The final, originally played on 11th September but abandoned at the 11th hole due to flooding,could have been titled "The Duel In The Wind" with a stiff north westerly breeze making club selection difficult and long iron approach shots to the green the norm.
The match started in great style, Turnberry winning the first with a birdie from Ronnie McLellan. This, however, seemed only to spur the Belleisle team into action as they took the next three holes, two of them with birdies, to go two up after four.
A superb 5 wood second shot to the 6th set up a win for Tom Bennett to reduce the defecit, but again Ian Yates rose to the challenge taking back a hole by the turn to give Belleisle a two hole advantage into the inward nine.
Neither team could make a breakthrough in the closing stages until Ian Yates holed a 12 foot putt for a winning par at the 14th, to take his team to three ahead.
At par three 15th, which proved to be the final hole of the match, all four players failed to hit the green into the full strength of the wind. Derek Brown played a fine recovery shot to within 3 feet of the hole but was surpassed by his partner Ian Yates who saw his attempt finish 3 inches from the cup. The conceded par was sufficient to win the hole and give Ayr Belleisle a 4 & 3 victory in a match whic was played in a most friendly and gentlemanly manner.
The winners will be presented with their trophy at the Ayrshire Golf Association Annual Dinner at Irvine Ravenspark in February 2007.
Friday, January 26, 2007
LOCAL AND NATIONAL FIXTURES - Ladies & Gents national championships both take place in Ayrshire this year

Ayrshire will host both the mens and ladies Scottish Amateur Championships in 2007, amongst a number of other major events in amateur golf.
The Scottish Ladies Golf Association bring the Scottish Ladies (Close) Amateur Championship to Kilmarnock (Barassie) from 15th to 19th May. When the Championship was last held at the Barassie course, in 1985, host club member Alison Gemmill (pictured right) took the title for the second time, beating Miss D. Thomson by 2 & 1 in the final. This followed on from Alisons first win in the championship, at Stranraer in 1981.
The Scottish Golf Union make a return visit to Prestwick with the Scottish Amateur Championship. from 30th July to 5th August.
The event has been hosted by the Prestwick club on seven previous occasions, the last being in 1998 when host club member and former champion Allan Thomson reached the semi final stage, nine years after he won the championship. The 1988 champion at Prestwick was Graeme Rankin.
Prestwick has been a happy hunting ground for Ayrshire Golfers in the Scottish Amateur Championship with

John Wilson (Prestwick St. Nicholas) - 1931)
'Hammy' McInally (Ardeer) - 1939
W. 'Cammie' Gibson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) - 1950 (pictured right)
&
W. 'Dick' Smith (Selkirk & Prestwick) - 1958
all winning the national championship over the historic Prestwick links. Another name can also be added to the list, with the 1979 winner Keith McIntosh (Cardross) subsequently becoming a member of the Prestwick club.
In addition to the two national championships Ayrshire also play host to the European Amateur Team Championships at Western Gailes, the Scottish Boys & Girls Under 14 Championships at Brunston Castle and the Scottish Boys under 16 Championships, also at Brunston Castle.
Not to be left out, the Ayrshire Ladies play host to the three other West Division County sides when the West Division Inter County Jambouree takes place in July at Prestwick St. Nicholas.
These events will give the golfing public in Ayrshire a great opportunity to see the best amateur golfers in the country, & indeed Europe, in action with the chance to see many of the rising stars of Scottish and European golf at close quarters.
To assist our visitors to get their golfing diaries filled up at an early stage this season, listed below are the latest lists of local and national fixtures from the Ayrshire Golf Association/SGU for the gents and the Ayrshire Ladies County Golf Association/SLGA for the ladies. Happy golfing !!!!!
THE AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION FIXTURE LIST 2007
DATE - EVENT (Venue)
25 February - Ayrshire Vs. West Kilbride (West Kilbride)
4 March - Ayrshire Vs. Prestwick St. Nicholas (St. Nicholas)
11 March - Ayrshire Vs. Loudoun (Loudoun)
18 March - Ayrshire Vs. Irvine Ravenspark (Ravenspark)
25 March - Ayrshire Vs. South Of Scotland (Away)
15 April - Ayrshire Boys Team Championship (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
22 April - Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship (West Kilbride)
7 – 10 May - Ayrshire Matchplay Championship (Irvine Bogside)
20 May - Ayrshire U18 Vs. Renfrewshire U18 (Whitecraigs)
20 May - Area Team Vs. South Of Scotland (Stranraer)
? June - Ayrshire U18 Vs. Stirlingshire U18 (Away)
08 July - Ayrshire U18 Vs. Lanarkshire U18 (Away)
15 July - Ayrshire Boys Championship (To Be Confirmed)
03 August - Champion Of Champions Semi Finals (Royal Troon)
05 August - Area Team Vs. Lanarkshire (Ballochmyle)
9-11 August - Ayrshire Boys Matchplay (Prestwick)
10 August - Champion Of Champions Final (Royal Troon)
? August - Ayrshire U18 Vs. Dumbartonshire U18 (Away)
23 September - Area Team Vs. Renfrewshire (Kilmarnock Barassie)
? September - Ayrshire U18 Vs. Dumbartonshire U18 (Away)
? September - Ayrshire Fourball Final (T.B.A.)
13 October - Ayrshire A Vs. Stirlingashire A (Irvine Ravenspark)
13 October - Ayrshire Y Vs. Stirlingshire Y (Away)
20 October - Ayrshire A Vs. Lanarkshire A (Away)
20 October - Ayrshire Y Vs. Lanarkshire Y (Ballochmyle)
27 October - Ayrshire A Vs. Dumbartonshire A (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
27 October - Ayrshire Y Vs. Dumbartonshire Y (Away)
03 November - Ayrshire A Vs. Glasgow A (Away)
03 November - Ayrshire Y Vs. Glasgow Y (Brunston Castle)
10 November - Ayrshire A Vs. Renfrewshire A (Greenock)
10 November - Ayrshire Y Vs. Renfrewshire Y (To Be Confirmed)
SCOTTISH GOLF UNION EVENTS 2007
DATE - EVENT (Venue)
APRIL
1 - SGU Junior Tour – Event 1 (Kingsbarns)
7 - Scottish Champion Of Champions (Leven Links)
9-14 - Scottish Boys Championship (Dunbar)
14 - Craigmillar Park Open (Craigmillar Park)
22 - SGU Junior Tour – Event 2 (The Glen)
MAY
4 - Lytham Trophy (Royal Lytham & St. Annes)
5 - SGU Junior Tour – Event 3 (Cardrona)
12 - West Of Scotland Open Amateur Championship (Cawder)
20 - Scottish Area Team Championship - Round 1 (Various venues)
22-24 - Scottish Seniors Open Amateur Stroke Play (Drumpellier)
26 - SGU Junior Tour – Event 4 (Newmachar Hawkshill)
JUNE
1-3 - Scottish Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship (Royal Dornoch)
8 - St. Andrews Links Trophy (St. Andrews Jubilee)
10 - Scottish Boys Area Team Championship (Forres)
16-18 - DM Hall Scottish Mid-Amateur Open Championship (Duddingston)
17 - SGU Junior Tour – Event 5 (Kilmarnock Barassie)
18 – 24 - The Amateur Championship (Royal Lytham & St. Annes)
22-24 - Scottish Youths Open Amateur Stroke Play (Erskine)
23 - Tennant Cup (Glasgow Gailes)
30 - East Of Scotland Open Amateur Championship (Lundin)
JULY
3-7 - European Team Championship (Western Gailes)
7 - Cameron Corbett Vase (Haggs Castle)
10-12 - Scottish Boys Under 16 Stroke Play (Brunston Castle)
13 - Scottish Boys & Girls Under 14 Stroke Play (Brunston Castle)
14 - Sutherland Chalice (Dumfries & Galloway)
24-26 - Scottish Boys Stroke Play (Cardrona)
27-30 - Seniors British Open Championship (Turnberry)
30-Aug 5 - Scottish Amateur Championship (Prestwick)
AUGUST
5 - Scottish Area Team Championship - Round 2 (Various venues)
7-9 - Boys Home Internationals (Machynys Peninsula)
8-10 - Seniors Open Amateur Championship (Nairn & Nairn Dunbar)
11 - Amateur Champion Gold Medal (Leven Links)
13-18 - Boys Amateur Championship (Royal Porthcawl)
15-19 - British Mid-Amateur Championship (Alwoodley)
18 - North East District Open Amateur Championship (Newmacher Hawkshill)
25 - North Of Scotland Open Amateur Championship (Royal Dornoch)
SEPT.
1 - South East District Open Amateur Championship (West Linton)
8 - Newlands Trophy (Lanark)
8-9 - The Walker Cup (Royal County Down)
16 - Scotland Under 16 Vs. North Of England Under 16 (Northumberland)
19-21 - Home Internationals (Co Louth, Ireland)
23 - Scotland Under 16 Vs. England Under 16 (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
23 - Scottish Area Team Championship - Round 3 (Various venues)
30 - Scottish Club Championship (Glenbervie)
OCTOBER
2-4 - Seniors Home Internationals (Caldy, The Wirral)
6-7 - Scottish Area Team Championship Finals (Powfoot)
THE AYRSHIRE LADIES COUNTY GOLF ASSOCIATION FIXTURES 2007
DATE EVENT (Venue)
17-19 April - County Championship (Troon Portland)
8 May - County Foursomes (Brunston Castle)
12 June - Quaich (Ayr Seafield)
3 July - Summer Meeting (East Renfrewshire)
14 August - Coronation Medals (Kilbirnie Place)
11 Sept. - Thistle Brooches (Ballochmyle)
9 October - Quaich (Troon Lochgreen)
SCOTTISH LADIES GOLF ASSOCIATION FIXTURES 2007
DATE EVENT (Venue)
APRIL
5 – 6 - SLGA Under 16 Open Stroke Play (Craigielaw)
17 - LGU Medal Area Finals - East Division (Balbirnie Park)
27 – 29 - Helen Holm Scottish Open Stroke Play (Troon)
MAY
6 - LGU Medal Area Finals - South Division (Moffat)
6 - West of Scotland Championship (Drumpellier)
8 - LGU Medal Area Finals - West Division (Haggs Castle)
10 - LGU Medal Area Finals - North Division (Monifieth Medal)
15 – 19 - Scottish Ladies (Close) Amateur Champs. (Kilmarnock (Barassie))
27 - Ness Open (Inverness)
JUNE
2 – 3 - St Rule Trophy (St Andrews)
3 - LGU Medal Scottish Grand Final (Crieff)
7 - LGU Challenge Bowls (Ballumbie Castle)
9 – 10 - Girls' Inter-Division Matches (Ballumbie Castle)
10 - Munross Trophy (Montrose)
11 - Scottish Schools' Championship (Gullane No.2 & No.3)
12 – 16 - Ladies' British Open Amateur Champs. (Alwoodley)
23 – 25 - North Division Inter-County Matches (Cruden Bay)
23 – 25 - South Division Inter-County Matches (Thornhill)
25 – 27 - East Division Inter-County Matches (Ladybank)
28 – 29 - Scottish Ladies Junior Open Stroke Play (Auchterarder)
JULY
2 – 4 - North of Scotland Championship (Moray Old)
TBC - Janice Moodie Trophy (Windyhill)
6 – 8 - Ladies' British Open Mid-Amateur (TBC)
9 – 11 - West Division Inter-County Matches (Prestwick St Nicholas)
13 - Scottish Girls' & Boys' Under 14 (Brunston Castle)
17 – 20 - Scottish Girls' (Close) Amateur Champs. (Peterhead)
29 - Mackie Bowl (Gullane)
AUGUST
2 – 5 - Weetabix Womens' British Open (St Andrews (Old))
5 - Riccarton Rose Bowl (Hamilton)
5 - South of Scotland Champs. (Dumfries & County)
7 – 9 - SVLGA Jamboree (Royal Cromer)
7 – 10 - St Andrews Junior Ladies' Tournament (St Andrews)
12 - Mary McCallay Trophy (Dumfries & Galloway)
13 – 17 - Girls' British Open Amateur Champs. (Southerndown)
13 – 17 - Strathtyrum Tournament (St Andrews)
17 - Barnardos Grand Final – Scotland (Arbroath)
21 - County Golf Open Meeting (Haddington)
22- 24 - Ladies British Open Amateur Stroke Play (Conwy)
26 - Scottish Ladies' Foursomes (Pumpherston)
29 - 1 - Sept European Ladies' Individual Champs. (France TBC)
31 - 2 - Sept Scottish County Finals (Tulliallan)
SEPT.
6 – 9 - Scottish Senior Ladies' Close Amateur Champs. (Glenbervie)
2 – 14 - Ladies' Home International Matches (Dunbar)
16 - Scottish Golf Open Amateur Mixed Foursomes (Deer Park)
TBC - SSGA Match v English Schools (TBC)
19 – 21 - Senior Ladies' British Open Amateur Champs. (Copt Heath)
20 - Commonwealth Spoons (Tain)
23 - Adult & Girl Foursomes (McDonald)
23 - 25 - TBC Scottish Veteran Ladies' Champs. (Blairgowrie)
OCTOBER
TBC - East of Scotland Championship (TBC)
2 – 4 - Seniors' International Matches (Royal Tara)
14 TBC - Champion of Champions (Glasgow Gailes)
21 – 27 - The Spirit (Whispering Pines, Texas)
AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Nominees sought for under 14 talent ID day
This is a great opportunity for clubs to nominate junior boys, who are considered by the club to have potential, to attend the ID day where they will be coached and assessed by the county coaching professionals, with a view to inclusion in further coaching sessions within the coaching programme later in the year.
Nominees should be under 14 years of age on 1st January this year. There is no handicap restriction on nominations, the main factor for nomination being the players considered by their home club as having potential.
It is important that nominations for inclusion in the Talent ID day are notified at an early stage.
ALL JUNIOR CONVENORS ARE ASKED TO FORWARD NOMINATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AYRSHIRE PRESIDENT RICKY MAGEE.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
R&A FOUNDATION - Hendry & Gray in 2007 bursary list
The list of bursars is headed by the US Amateur Champion, Richard Ramsay from Aberdeen, who is studying at Stirling University.
With an extremely high standard of golfing ability, men needing a handicap of + 1 and women a handicap of 3 or better to qualify, as well as acedemic prowess as requirements, the inclusion of the two Ayrshire players in the list is a notable achievement for both.
Lesley Hendry (Largs Routenburn) - pictured right - is the current Ayrshire Ladies Champion and has represented Scotland at various levels and events in recent seasons. Lesley is presently studying at the University of Paisley.
Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) - pictured right - is a former Ayrshire Boys Champion and has represented Scotland at various levels of Boys' golf, presently being in the Under 18 national team.
Cameron is studying at The University Of St. Andrews.
Many congratulations to both Lesley and Cameron on their success in securing bursary awards and the recognition of their achievements which goes with the award from the Royal & Ancient Golf Club.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!
Many thanks to all those who have visited the site over the last year, and the many positive comments which have been made to me and other Ayrshire Golf Association Execeutive members are very much appreciated.
The Ayrshire Golf Association will continue to use the weblog to publicise results and activities throughout 2007, whilst we also hope to keep you up to date with news of local junior and ladies golf.
As always, if there are any items that clubs would like to have included in the weblog, please contact me at aj-malcolm@fsmail.net and I will do what I can to incude items of interest.
2007 looks to be an exciting and busy year for amateur golf in Ayrshire. As well as the many local events, a number of national and international championships will be played in Ayrshire in 2007.
In junior golf, the Scottish Boys Under 16 & Under 14 Championships will take place at Brunston Castle, as will the corresponding girls under 14 event.
The Scottish Ladies Championship makes a return to Kilmarnock (Barassie) in 2007, whilst Ayrshire will also host the West Of Scotland Inter County Jambouree at Prestwick St. Nicholas.
The Scottish Amateur Championship also makes a return to Ayrshire in 2007, being held at Prestwick Golf Club and one of the major events on the Amateur calendar of European golf makes a visit to Ayrshire with the European Team Championship being hosted at Western Gailes.
Wishing all our visitors a succesful golfing year in 2007.
Alasdair J. Malcolm
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Fourball Final to be played next month
The final match, between Ronnie McLelland and Tom Bennett of Turnberry and the Ayr Belleisle pairing of Ian Yates and Derek Brown was first attempted on 24th September but was abandoned at the 11th hole due to weather and ground conditions.
Due to various business committments of the finalists, injuries and pending family additions, the rescheduling of the match has proved somewhat difficult, however the match has now been arranged and will be played
best of luck to both teams in the final !!!
AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Barassie take the Chair as Dalmilling rejoin league
For the first time in the 38 year history of The League, the Annual General Meeting was not held at Prestwick St. Cuthbert Golf Club, the facilities there being unavailable, and the League officials were forced to move the meeting to Caprington golf club.
After a few years of absence, former League Champions Ayr Dalmilling applied to renew their membership, and were duly welcomed back to membership of The League.
The Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Treasurer, Barry Somerville, Billy Tait and Robin Baker respectively, were all returned unopposed for a further year. John Nordbo (Largs) agreed to represent The League on the Ayrshire Golf Association Executive, replacing Secretary Barry Somerville in this position.
At the next meeting on 6th February 2007, the draws for the various competitions in 2007 will be made.
AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Executive sub committees set for 2007
The A Team will be administered by Past President Ronnie Potts, who will act as Team Manager, assisted by President Ricky Magee, immediate Past President Ian Guthrie and Secretary Leslie Crawford.
The Youth Team for the forthcoming season will be under the direction of Team Manager Milton Murray, assisted by sandy Provan, Jim McMurdo and Vice President Alasdair Malcolm.
Ian Walker remains as Team Manager for the Boys Team, assisted by David Miller, Jim McMurdo and Sandy Provan.
Milton Murray will take over from President Ricky Magee as Coaching Convenor in 2007 and will be assisted by David Miller, Jim McMurdo, Ian Walker and Ricky Magee.
Course Rating will again come under the control of Allan Muir, assisted by Sandy Provan and Past Presidents Ian Guthrie and John Rutherford.
Sandy Provan remains in post as Tournaments Convenor, and will be assited by all the executive members and in particular Barclay Ross, Iain Harvey and Leslie Crawford.
The Junior Order Of Merit will again be administered by Vice President Alasdair Malcolm, assisted by Ian Walker and The Ayrshire Junior Golf League representative, John Nordbo.
Iain Harvey takes over from Morgan Hall as the Ayrshire representative to the Scottish Golf Union, whilst John Nordbo will represent the interestes of The Ayrshire Junior Golf League on a county level.
Sandy Provan, Barclay Ross, Leslie Crawford and Alasdair Malcolm remain as the four qualified referees within the Execuutive, with two other Executive members scheduled to attend a training course in the new year.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
WEST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUE - Final match abandoned whilst youths crash to defeat
In the corrsponding youths match, Ayrshire travelled to Haggs Castle but in difficult and wet conditions the local side crashed to a 6.5 - 3.5 defeat.
Match results (Ayrshire names first) were :-
Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) lost to Matthew Dargie by 3 & 2
John Shanks (Ardeer) lost to Chris Wedgeworth by 1 hole
Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Lewis Burnett by 6 & 4
Alastair Leggate (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Justin Coyne by 3 & 2
Lee Hughes (Ayr Belleisle) beat John Grant by 3 & 2
Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) halved with James Hendrick
Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Andrew Quinn by 5 & 3
Graem Gimson (St. Cuthbert) beat Joe McCrearty by 6 & 5
Michael Roos (West Kilbride) lost to Thomas Martin by 3 & 2
Gary Neil (Caprington) lost to Mark Bookless by 3 & 2
GLASGOW 6.5 AYRSHIRE 3.5
AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Winners honoured at annual dinner
A capacity audience gathered at Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club on Monday 6th November to honour the winners of the county junior events at the 38th Annual Dinner & Presentation Of Trophies of The Ayrshire Junior Golf League.Chairman Bill Taylor (Troon Welbeck) opened proceedings by introducing the guests for the evening, including Scottish Golf Union President Gordon McInnes, Ayrshire Golf Association Vice President Alasdair Malcolm, David Reynlds of the National Playing Fields Association, Captain of Prestwick Golf Club Johnnie Greenall, Captain of Irvine Ravensaprk Eddie Lawless, Captain of Prestwick St. Cuthbert Alastair McLean, coaching professional Graham Ross of West Kilbride, Andy Clift of Wilson Sports and honorary members Sam Coulter, Iain Harvey, Russell Cameron, Charlie McGregor & Bill Tinsley.
After an excellent meal and entertaining raffle & prize draw, the presentation of the seasons prizes opened in the traditional manner with David Reynolds presenting the Macrobert Thistle Junior Golfer Of The Year trophy on behalf of the National Playing Fields Association.
After a great deal of deliberation over an excellent list of candidates, the sub committee overseeing the final selection decided that the 2006 award would go to John Shanks of Ardeer Golf Club (pictured above, receiving the trophy from David Reynolds) who, as well as winning a number of events in the county including the Ayrshire Boys Championship and the Junior Order Of Merit, displayed many other attributes which set him apart from the other candidates.
The remaining prizes were presented by Scottish Golf Union President Gordon McInnes, who also took the opportunity to praise the performances of Scottish teams throughout the season, making particular mention of the performance of the junior teams, and the Ayrshire representatives, Cameron Gray (West Kilbride), Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) and Kyle Smith (Kilarnock Barassie), who contributed to national success at junior level.
The principal prizewinners for the season were :-
Macrobert Thistle Junior Golfer Of The Year - JOHN SHANKS (Ardeer)
Matt Lygate Trophy - KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) G.C.
Andrew D. Nimmo Trophy - LOUDOUN GOWF CLUB
Prestwick Circuits Trophy - FRASER LAWRIE (West Kilbride)
Carrick Trophy - FRASER JARDINE (Loudoun)
Silver Jubilee Trophy - AJGL SECRETARY'S TEAM
Ayrshire Boys Championship - JOHN SHANKS (Ardeer)
Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship - KYLE SMITH (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit
7th - FRASER LAWRIE (West Kilbride)
6th - CRAIG McLAUGHLIN (Largs)
5th - EUAN BROWN (Kilmarnock Barassie)
4th - JAMIE MACKAY (Kilmarnock Barassie)
3rd - ADAM FOLEY (Ayr Belleisle)
2nd - MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (Whiting Bay)
Winner - JOHN SHANKS (Ardeer)
Wallace Thornton Trophy runners up - LARGS ROUTENBURN G.C.
Wallace Thornton Trophy winners - KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) G.C.
Under 16 Knockout Trophy runners up - LARGS ROUTENBURN G.C.
Under 16 Knockout Trophy winners - KILMARNOCK BARASSIE G.C.
Champion Of Champions Trophy runner up - ADAM SWEENEY (Largs Routenburn)
Champion Of Champions Trophy winner - STEVEN McEWAN (Caprington)
League Championship semi finalists - CAPRINGTON G.C.
League Championship semi finalists - LOUDOUN G.C.
League Championship runners up - AYR BELLEISLE G.C.
League Championship winners - BALLOCHMYLE G.C.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by AJGL Vice Chairman Mark Fitzpatrick (Kilmarnock (Barassie).(The League Championship winning team from Ballochmyle are pictured receiving the Championship Trophy from Scottish Golf Union President Gordon McInnes)
(A selection of other winners are pictured below)






