SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Four Ayrshire players through to third round after Tuesday matches

Four of the five Ayrshire players who featured in second round matches on Tuesday in the Scottish Amateur Championship at Prestwick have won places in the third round, which takes place on Wednesday.

The only Ayrshire player to exit in the second round so far is John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) who lost by 5 & 4 to former Amateur Champion Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire).

James Bunch of the host club needed extra holes to see off the challenge of George Barrie (Callander), winning at the 19th to set up a third round match with Paul O'Hara (Colville Park).

Scottish Boys Internationalist Steven McEwan (Caprington) had a final green win, by two holes, over James Gunn (Royal Dornoch). McEwan now meets rising star Wallace Booth (Comrie) in round 3.

Ayrshire are assured of at least one representative in the last 32 of the competition after Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Kristian Branum-Burns (Bearwood Lakes) by 6 & 4 , and Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) beat Nicky Gold (Bonnyton) by 6 & 4, to set up a meeting of the two Ayrshire county players in round 3.

The remaining second round and all third round matches will be completed on Wednesday.

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - Thre more Ayrshire players in second round

Of the 16 remaining Ayrshire players who completed their first round matches in the Scottish Amateur Championship at Prestwick on Tuesday, only three survived to the second round.



In the third quarter, Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) won by 2 & 1 againstJohn Miller (Gullane) and now plays Barry Scott (Dumfries & Galloway) in round 2 on Wednesday.



Also through went Warren Blair (Troon Portland) who ousted Derek Paton (Dunnikier Park) at the 20th. Blair now plays Staurt Roberts (Gullane) in the second round.



The other three Ayrshire players in the third quarter all went out the championship in the opening round. Stephen Spence (Irvine) lost by one hole to Angus Cappi (Loretto School), Bert Ferguson (Royal Troon) went down 4 & 3 to Stephen Simants (Dunbar) and David Addison (Kilmarnock Barassie) was defeated 3 & 2 by the defending champion, Kevin McAlapine (Alyth).



In the fourth quarter, only boys internationalist Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) remained standing from the 11 Ayrshire players in round 1.



Stewart had a 1 hole win over Graham Robertson (Silverknowes) and now meets Paul Betty (Hayston) in round 2.



Steven Wallace (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) gave Scottish internationalist Callum Macaulay (Tulliallan) a fright in their match, when Macaulay was two up with four to play before Wallace finished with three birdies in the last four holes to take the tie into extra holes, before Macaulay won through at the 20th.



Kevin Brock (Prestwick St. Nicholas) was crushed 7 & 6 by John Greer (Gourock) whilst Alan McLean (Kilbirnie) also lost heavily, by 6 & 5 to Derek Anderson (Cochrane Castle).



Late replacement Euan McKinnon (Corrie) went down by 5 & 3 against Mark Lamb (Haddington and George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) went out after losing 2 & 1 to SCottish Internationalist John Gallagher (Swanston).



The later matches fared no better, Iain Brown (West Kilbride) and Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) both losing by 6 & 5 to Mark Kerr (Craigielaw) and Matthew Clark (Kilmacolm) respectively.



The other three losers in round 1 were Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) who lost 5 & 3 to Mark Hillson (Craigielaw), John Sloan (Doon Valley) who lost by 2 holes to Kevin Reid (Moray) and Michael Smyth (Royal Troon), who went down by 3 & 2 to Richard Gill (Craigmillar Park).

Belleisle Open 29 July 2007
(report by David Low)

188 players teed it up in beautiful conditions on Sunday 29th July.

The best scratch score was 72 by Chris Harkins of Ayr Belleisle by a shot from Ian Duff (Troon Welbeck).

Best net scores were 69 from Derek Bentley (Ayr Belleisle), Stevie Arrandale (Tam O’Shanter) and Alistair Dow (Loudoun) but the winner of the Rozelle Cup was Jonathon Haddow from Tam O’Shanter with 81 less 14 for a net 67.

Thanks to sponsors Reid, Scott & Ross, County Saab, Richard Gordon, Spirit Aero Systems, Carrick Neill, Wm Cumming & Son, Colin Hume, Dewar’s Scotch, Pieroni’s, Slater Menswear, DW Shaw, Elite Custom Exhausts, Castelli, Finnies Sports, Abbotsford Hotel, McCallum’s Foods, Danny’s Barbers, Market Inn, J McGee, Alexanders Sawmills, Stevie Arrandale, Fujitsu, Taylormade Fencing, Old Racecourse Hotel, Belleisle House & Cariston HotelSpecial thanks to Kevin & the greenkeeping staff for a beautifully presented course.

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - 12 Ayrshire players survive first day test

On Monday 30 July, the opening day of the 2007 Scottish Amateur Championship, being played at Prestwick, 11 of the 21 Ayrshire players in action survived their first test and booked a place in round 2.

In the first match of the morning, David Strachan (Turnberry) was unlucky to go out by one hole to Lindsay Miller (Cawder).

2006 Ayrshire Order Of Merit winner John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) was the first Ayrshire player through to round 2, winning through in what proved to be the longest match of the day when he beat George Findlay (Ballumbie Castle) at the 22nd. Cairney now plays former Amateur Champion Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire) who beat Ayrshire Matchplay title holder Steven Murray (Troon Welbeck) by 5 & 4 in round 1.

James Bunch (Prestwick) joined Cairney in round 2 with a 2 & 1 win over Andrew McLachlan (Bonnyton). Bunch now plays George Barrie (Callander) in the next round.

Scottish Internationalist Paul O'Hara (Colville Park) proved too strong for Alex Gourlay (Irvine), beating the Ayrshire county player by 4 & 2

Steven McEwan (Caprington) had a comfortable 5 & 4 win over Mark Dickson (Alwoodley) to set up a second round match against Steven Hume (Murrayshall).

Shaun McAllister (Craigielaw) ended the hopes of Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) at the opening stage, with a 3 & 2 victory.

In the second quarter, Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Neil Cameron (King James VI) by 3 & 2 and now plays Kristian Branum-Burns (Bearwood Lakes) in the second round.

Local player Kevin Fergusson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) brought a good following from his home club and repaid his supporters with a 5 & 3 win against Malcolm Davidson (Craigie Hill) to set up a second round clash with Nicky Gold (Bonnyton).

The Ayrshire players in the middle of the second quarter draw did not fare well, boys internationalist Cameron Gray (West KIlbride) going down by 3 & 2 to Anthony Bews (Murcar), Craig McLaughlin (Largs) being beated one hole by Graham Molloy (Wishaw) whilst Ayrshire Champion Of Champions trophy holder Brian Moore (Largs) also went out, beaten 5 & 4 by Andrew Weir (Montrose Merchantile).

The remaining four Ayrshire players in the second quarter all won a place in round 2.

Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) beat Richard Elrick (Kilmacolm) by 5 & 4 and now plays Craig Haugh (Cathkin Braes). Also through went Ross Dixon (Kilmarnock Barassie) who beat Ross Kellett (Colville Park) by 3 & 2 to set up a second round match against Matthew Burt (Helensburgh).

Ayrshire Strokeplay Champion John Shanks (Irvine) needed extra holes to see off Ross Leeds (Muckhart), his win at the 19th giving him a second round tie against Allan Johnston (Bonnyton), the conqueror of the newly crowned Scottish Boys Strokeplay Champion and seed, James Byrne (Banchory).

The last Ayrshireman in the second quarter, David Currie (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost 3 & 2 to Jamie Farmer (St. Andrews).

Five further Ayrshire players featured in the late Monday afternoon matches in round one, and three were successful in reaching round two.

Out went Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle), beaten one hole by Steven Higgins (Gourock), and late substitute Jamie Murchie (Lamlash), beaten two holes by Greg Paterson (St. Andrews New).

Youth internationalist Robert McKnight (Kilmarnock Barassie) crushed Kieth Spence (Newmacher) by 6 & 5 and now plays Murchie's conqueror, Greg Paterson in round 2.

Paul Moultrie (Troon Portland) beat Fraser Bone (Cardross) by 2 & 1 to secure a second round match against Steven Maxwell (Windyhill).

The final Ayrshire player featuring in the Monday matches was former Scottish Amateur Champion Allan Thomson (Ayr Belleisle), who won a bronze medal in the championship when it was last staged at Prestwick in 1998, and the former internationalist won through to round two with a 3 & 2 win over Michael Campbell (Renfrew) to set up a second round match against Lewis Kirkton (Newmacher).

A further 16 Ayrshire players contest first round matches on Tuesday before the second round ties begin on Tuesday afternoon.

WEST OF SCOTLAND SENIORS OPEN - Miller best placed from Ayrshire

David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) was the best placed Ayrshire player in the West Of Scotland Seniors Open competition played at Hamilton this week.

Former Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy holder Miller was 5 off the pace set by William Erskine (Kilsyth Lennox) and Ronald Maclean (Hamilton) who tied for victory on 145.

Leading scores :- (CSS 73/73)

145 - W Erskine (Kilsyth Lennox) 75 70, R Maclean (Hamilton) 75 70

146 - P Lamb (Biggar) 74 72

147 - J Paton (Kirkintilloch) 76 71, B Smith (Hamilton) 73 74, G MacDonald (Callander) 73 74

149 - R Stewart (Tulliallan) 77 72

150 - J Brown (Hamailton) 73 77, D Millar (Kilmarnock Barassie) 73 77, G Brown (Vale of Leven) 73 77

Other Ayrshire scores :-

161 - D McKinnon (Ballochymyle) 79 82

162 - K Howie (West Kilbride) 81 81

166 - J Broadfoot (Turnberry) 85 81

181 - D Kerr (Turnberry) 89 92

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Stewart leads after national performances

Despite only counting in two events so far, the national stature of the events concerned has propelled Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right -to the top of the Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit, with eight counting events completed.

Stewart's performance in the Scottish Boys Championship in April was surpassed by his runners up spot in this the Scottish Boys Strokeplay this week at Cardrona.

Previous leader, Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) is in second place and Scott Brown (Turnberry) lies joint third with Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay), after Brown's win in the Pollock Trophy competition at Kilmarnock (Barassie).

Results from the Welbeck Boys Open and the Caprington Boys Open have still to be added.

Remaining counting events this season include :-

30/07/2007 - Prestwick St. Nicholas Boys Open (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
31/07/2007 - Gareth Ferguson Trophy (Ardeer)
02/08/2007 - Ayrshire Boys Championship (Ballochmyle)
07/08/2007 - Tom Lehman Junior Open (Troon Municipal)
09 - 11/08/2007 - Ayrshire Boys matchplay (Prestwick)
12/08/2007 - Kilbirnie Boys Open (Kilbirnie Place)
13/08/2007 - Ballochmyle Junior Open (Ballochmyle)
14/08/2007 - Irvine Boys Open (Irvine Ravenspark)
26/08/2007 - Beith Boys Open (Beith)

LEADING POINTS TOTALS :-

275 - MICHAEL STEWART (Welbeck)
210 - EUAN BROWN (Barassie)
170 - SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry), MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (Whiting bay)
120 - SCOTT CLARK (Belleisle)
110 - JAMIE ACHISON (Routenburn)
100 - CRAIG TELFER (St. Cuthbert), CHRIS BUTLER (Ravenspark), ANDREW ABERCROMBIE (Largs), ADAM FOLEY (Ayr Belleisle)

AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - Ravenspark grab semi final place in last match

Irvine Ravenspark made a last gasp effort to snatch the semi final place from League 4 in the 2007 Ayrshire Summer League competition this week.

Ravenspark, trailing New Cumnock with only one match remaining, won their final tie at Troon St. Meddans by 4 - 2 to match New Cumnock's points total and snatch the semi final place by virtue of a better points difference (+3 to -1) over the qualifying matches.

Ravenspark now face the winners of Section 3, who are either Ballochmyle or Moorpark, in the semi finals.

The other semi final will feature Troon Welbeck and Irvine (Bogside).

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Ravenspark into Fourball semi finals

Joe Hobson & Brian Gibson (Irvine Ravenspark) have booked their place in the semi finals of the 2007 Ayrshire Fourball competition, courtesy of a 2 & 1 quarter final win at home to Alistair Nicol & John Duncan (Troon Portland).

The Ravenspark pair now face an away tie in the semi finals, against either Drongan or NACCO.

MEASURING DEVICES - Whats the story ?

After some discussion and rumour following the recent Ayrshire Club Championship at Irvine Ravenspark, and the use of measuring devices by players, it may be useful to clarify the position.

County events generally adopt the local rules of the club or course at which the event is run.

In terms of Decision 14-3/0.5 in the 2006-2007 Decisions On The Rules Of Golf, a Committee may establish a local rule permitting the use of devices that measure distance only.
In the absence of such a local rule, the use of such equipment would be a breach of rule 14-3.

Irvine Ravenspark have such a local rule in place and consequently the use of such devices were permitted in the event held there.

At least one competitor, prior to playing, approached the committee organising the event to clarify the use of such equipment during the competition, and it was confirmed that the use of such devices would be permissable during th event.

Hope this clarifies any misconceptions or confusion with regard to the competition concerned.

SCOTTISH BOYS STROKEPLAY - Stewart ousted by Byrne in extra hole play off for title

Michael Stewart of Troon Welbeck lost out in a dramatic finish to the Scottish BOys Strokeplay CHampionship at Cardrona on Thursday when he was defeated at the third extra hole by James Byrne (Banchory), after the two players had tied on 274, 14 under par after the four rounds.

Stewart started the day five shots behind Byrne, but a mornign round of 65 cut the defecit to one shot. Stewart looked likely to carry on to victory with a 3 stroke lead with 9 holes to play in the final round, but Byrne holed a 90yd pitch for an eagle 3 at the 10th and birdied the 12th to match Stewart at that stage, on 15 under par.

A combination of bogeys by Stewart and birdies by Byrne turned the championship in Byrne's favour with a three stroke advantage playing 17, but Byrne took double bogey on the penultimate hole and followed that with a bogey at the last to allow Stewart to match his total with a fine finishing par four.

At the third extra hole, Stewart played a superb bunker shot of around 100 yards to within 12ft of the hole, but Byrne, who had negotiated the hole with an iron from the tee, put his approach to 5ft from the hole and duly sank the put for a winning birdie three

The only other Ayrshire player to play in all four rounds, Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) faded in the closing two rounds, returning 75 & 77 for a 298 total


LEADING FINAL TOTALS
(Par 288)

274 - J Byrne (Banchory) 67 69 69 69, M Stewart (Troon Welbeck) 69 72 65 68.
284 - N Henderson (Glen) 71 72 70 71, A Wallace (Glenbervie) 71 71 72 70.
287 - D Young (Craigie Hill) 74 71 71 71.
290 - C Robb (Inchmarlo) 76 71 71 72, C Gaittens (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) 69 75 71 75, F Fotheringham (Nairn) 73 69 75 73, S McLaren (King James VI) 70 74 75 71.

AYRSHIRE BOYS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP - Draw for 56th annual competition

54 of the best young golfers in Ayrshire will line up at Ballochmyle on Thursday 2nd August 2007 for the 56th Ayrshire Boys Golf Championship.

The 36 hole strokeplay event was won last year by John Shanks (Irvine) who went on to take the senior title at the start of 2007. Shanks is too olde to defend the boys title this year.

Lowest handicappers in the field this year are Scottish internationalist and former winner Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) and his Ayrshire county teammate Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) who are both currently playing off scratch.

The draw for order of play is :-

0935 & 1435 - Jim McPhillimy (Kilmarnock Barassie), Allan Todd (Ayr Belleisle), Martin Ronald (Irvine Ravenspark)
0942 & 1442 - Kieran Howie (West Kilbride), Callum Stewart (Ayr Belleisle), Alan Bruce (Kilmarnock Barassie)
0949 & 1449 - Stephen Durnin (West Kilbride), Grant Clark (Troon St. Meddans) , Robbie Wilson (Ballochmyle)
1000 & 1500 - Rory Achison (Largs Routenburn), Michael Roos (West Kilbride), Andrew Abercrombie (Largs)
1007 & 1507 - Iain Reid (West Kilbride), Alasdair Berry (Irvine Ravenspark), Matthew Foley (Ayr Belleisle)
1014 & 1514 - Colin Robinson (Millport), Scott Clark (Ayr Belleisle), Josh Nordbo (Largs)
1021 & 1521 - Luke Halbert (Irvine), Lloyd Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie), David Brown (Girvan)
1028 & 1528 - Andrew Wright (Kilmanrock Barassie), David Wilson (Troon Welbeck), Adam Foley (Ayr Belleisle)
1035 & 1535 - Scott brown (Turnberry), Jmaie Achison (Largs Routenburn), Fraser lawrie (Largs)
1042 & 1542 - Ciaran Byrne (New Cumnock), Michael Mullen (Ballochmyle), Liam Gourlay (Irvine Ravenspark)
1049 & 1549 - Jonathon Nicol (Largs Routneburn), Craig Telfer (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), Fraser Mckay (West Kilbride)
1100 & 1600 - Jared Williams (Troon St. Meddans), Callum Crowe (Kilbirnie Place), Robert Jamieson (Loudoun Gowf)
1107 & 1607 - Stephen Main (Prestwick St. Nicholas), Thomas Gaunt (Kilmarnock Barassie), Scott hannah (New Cumnock)
1114 & 1614 - Sam McCalla (Brodick), daniel Syme (Irvine Ravenspark), Matthew Dunlop (Prestwick St. Nicholas)
1121 & 1621 - Cameron Gray (West Kilbride), Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie), Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay)
1128 & 1628 - Alan Jeffrey (Machrie), Ross De Courcy (West KIlbride), Chris Butler (Irvine Ravenspark)
1135 & 1635 - Stephen McConnell (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), Euan Evans (Lamlash), Gary Paterson (Ballochmyle)
1142 & 1642 - David J. Brown (Prestwick St. Cuthbert), Fraser Kerr (Kilmarnock Barassie), Grant Weir (West Kilbride)

SCOTTISH BOYS STROKEPLAY - Stewart second on his own as Byrne extends his lead

James Byrne (Banchory) extended his lead in the Scottish Boys Strokeplay championship, being held this week at Cardrona, when he followed his opening 67 with a second round 69 to put him on 8 under par and five ahead of the field.


Byrne's closes challenger is Ayrshire's Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) who had a second round of level par 72 for a total of 141.


With the field being reduced after two rounds, only one other Ayrshire player survived the cut, Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) being comfortably within the cut limit of 151 with his round of 76 & 70 for 146.


Scott Brown (Turnberry) was unlucky to miss the cut by one shot, after a second round 79.


Leading totals after two rounds (Par 144) :-


136 - J Byrne (Banchory) 67 69
141 - M Stewart (Troon Welbeck) 69 72
142 - A McLachlan (Bonnyton) 74 68, A Wallace (Glenbervie) 71 71, F Fotheringham (Nairn) 73 69
143 - N Henderson (Glen) 71 72
144 - S Binning (Ranfurly Castle) 72 72, S McGarvey (Glencorse) 72 72, C Gaittens (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) 69 75, S McLaren (King James VI) 70 74
145 - D Young (Craigie Hill) 74 71, G Richards (Kingsknowe) 74 71
146 - J Hamilton (NZ) 75 71, N Macandrew (Cullen) 73 73, I Allan (Hopeman) 75 71, D Parlane (Helensburgh) 72 74, E Brown (Barassie) 76 70, G Davidson (Winterfield) 69 77
147 - P McPhee (King James VI) 75 72, A Dunton (McDonald Ellon) 75 72, C Robb (Inchmarlo) 76 71, C Thomson (East Renfrewshire) 73 74, R Satterley (Longniddry) 75 72, J Hunter (US) 74 73, M Bookless (Sandyhills) 77 70, C Green (US) 71 76
148 - J Bradley (Paisley) 73 75, B Jamieson (St Andrews New) 75 73
149 - T Spencer (Inchmarlo) 74 75, T Blennerhassett (Marriott Dalmahoy) 74 75
150 - A Cappi (Loretto School) 77 73, F McKenna (Balmore) 76 74, G McDougall (Bishopbriggs) 72 78, G Reid (Newbattle) 73 77, M Kelly (Kirkhill) 70 80, G Hydbom (Swe) 77 73, M Cunningham (Longniddry) 73 77, R Storrier (Downfield) 75 75
151 - I Redford (King James VI) 75 76, A Murdoch (Stranraer) 75 76, G Duncan (US) 77 74, S Fraser (Royal Aberdeen) 72 79, J Hendrick (Pollok) 72 79


MISSED THE CUT

152 - S Brown (Turnberry) 73 79
153 - K Smith (Barassie) 73 80
156 - C Gray (West Kilbride) 78 78
159 - M Roos (West Kilbride) 78 81, D Currie (Kilmarnock Barassie) 78,81
160 - M Pennycott (Whiting Bay) 78 82
162 - A Abercrombie (Largs) 83 79
166 - F Lawrie (Largs) 81 85

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - St. Nicholas secure semi final place

Prestwick St. Nicholas finally secured their semi final place in the 2007 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship on Tuesday night when they won their final match of the section by 4 - 2 at West Kilbride, to end the challenge of the north ayrshire club.

SCOTTISH BOYS STROKEPLAY - Stewart well placed after first round

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) - pictured right - lies in joint second place, two off the pace, after the first round of the Scottish Boys Strokeplay Championship being played at Cardrona this week.

Stewart returned a three under par 69 to trail first round leader James Byrne (Banchory) by two shots, after his fellow boys internationalist fireed a five under par 67 over the borders course.

Next best placed Ayrshire players are Scott Brown (Turnberry) and Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) who are tied 20th after returnign one over par 73's.

For a full list of results click on the Scottish Golf Union link on the left of this page.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - West Kilbride could still qualify in section C, ahead of St. Nicholas

Well done to those who spotted the error........ In Section C, West Kilbride could in fact overtake St. Nicholas by winning their three games remaining, the second of which is against St. Nicholas on 24.07.2007.

West Kilbride apparently beat Dalmilling and now require to win both remaining matches to qualify. St. Nicholas only require a draw at West Kilbride on Tuesday night to go through.

Apologies to those concrerned for the error.....just goes to show we all make mistakes !!!!!

NORTH OF SCOTLAND SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP - McLellan best of Ayrshire players

Ronnie McLellan (Turnberry) - pictured right - was the best placed of the four Ayrshire players who took part in the North of Scotland Seniors Open turnament at Nairn Dunbar at the weekend, the second event in the new Scottish seniors circuit.

Former Scottish Amateur Champion and current holder of the Scottish senior title, Ian Hutcheon (Monifieth) won the championship by 4 shots on 142, whilst McLellan shared 7th place on 152.

David Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) was one shot further behind McLellan, on 153, with John Broadfoot (Turnberry) two shots further back on 155.

The remaining Ayrshire player in the field, Keith Howie (West Kilbride) finished well down the field on 161.

LEADING SCORES

142 - I C Hutcheon (Monifieth) 69 73

146 - P Tomisson (Nairn) 72 74

149 - G Paterson (Northern) 74 75, I Stewart (Curragh) 70 79

150 - G Maatman (Chicago 75 75

151 - R Paton (Nairn) 76 75

152 - J Fraser (Royal Burgess) 77 75, R McLellan (Westin Turnberry) 77 75, R Stewart (Tulliallan) 74 78

153 - A Fiddes (Murcar Links) 78 75, S Ellis (Cowal) 75 78, D Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) 74 79

154 - G MacDonald (Callander) 78 76, R Edger (Blackpool North Shore) 77 77, J Paton (Kirkintilloch) 76 78, C Christy (Kilmacolm) 76 78

155 - R Grant (Caledonian) 79 76, J Broadfoot (Westin Turnberry) 78 77, B Grieve (King James VI) 78 77, D Smith (Stirling) 77 78, G Rees (Fleetwood) 76 79

156 - F Sharp (Boat of Garten) 78 78, K Bruce (Edzell) 77 79, F Urquhart (Inverness) 73 83

157 - D McQuade (Glenbervie) 78 79

158 - P Kinloch (Cardross) 81 77, J Kinloch (Cardross) 80 78

159 - M Lironi (Cathkin Braes) 82 77, D Bunker (Nairn Dunbar) 82 77, B Methven (Royal Aberdeen) 81 78, P Smith (Moray) 75 84

160 - C Moir (Worksop) 81 79, A Laird (Deeside) 81 79, C Alexander (Murcar Links) 79 81, J McDonald (Cowglen) 78 82, J Johnston (Royal Aberdeen) 76 84, M Jenkins (Duff House Royal) 76 84

161 - D Roy (Nairn Dunbar) 83 78, D Dodson (Temple) 82 79, A Elder (Kirkcaldy) 80 81, D McCart (Castlerock) 77 84, K Howie (West Kilbride) 76 85.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Champion Of Champions semi final draw

The draw for the Semi Finals of the 2007 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition has been finalised, with the remaining quarter final games being completed over the weekend.

The semi final matches will be held at Royal Troon on Friday 3rd August, with the final a week later at the same venue.

In the first Semi Final, ALAN McLEAN (Kilbirnie Place) will face ANDREW KENT (Troon Welbeck).

McLean had a 3 & 1 win over Barry McDonnell (Caprington) in the quarter final whilst Kent had a notable 5 & 4 win over Bert Ferguson (Royal Troon) to dash Ferguson's hopes of a semi final match over his home course.

The second semi final features JOHN CAIRNEY (Irvine Ravenspark) against BILLY CAMPBELL (Ballochmyle).

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Welbeck join Irvine in Summer League Semi Finals

Troon Welbeck will play Irvine in the semi finals of the 2007 Ayrshire Summer League after coming out on top of League 1.

Welbeck secured their place in the last four with a 4.5 - 1.5 win at Ayr Belleisle to finish on 16 points.

Although Loudoun can match Welbeck's points total by winning the final match in the section against Tam O Shanter, Welbeck would still have a better tie difference, regardless of the margin of any Loudoun win.

Leagues 3 & 4 have still to be finalised.

In League 3, Ballochmyle and Moorpark meet at Ballochmyle with Moorpark needing a win to go through whilst Ballochmyle only require a draw.

In League 4, Ravenspark require a win in their final match, away to Troon St. Meddans, if they are to snatch the semi final place away from New Cumnock.

SCOTTISH BOYS STROKEPLAY - 10 Ayrshire boys in starting line up

10 Ayrshire boys, from 6 clubs, will tee up on Tuesday 24th July at Cardrona, near Peebles, in the 2007 Scottish Boys Open Strokeplay Championship, being held from 24th to 26th July.

Kilmarnock (Barassie) will have three boys in the field of 144 players, with Largs and West Kilbride having two each. The other local clubs represented are Whiting Bay, Turnberry and Troon Welbeck.

The first round starting times for the Ayrshire boys taking part are :-

0720 - EUAN BROWN (Kilmarnock Barassie)
0930 - KYLE SMITH (Kilmarnock Barassie)
1000 - MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (Whiting Bay)
1050 - SCOTT BROWN (Turnberry)
1210 - ANDREW ABERCROMBIE (Largs)
1230 - MICHAEL ROOS (West Kilbride)
1310 - CAMERON GRAY (West Kilbride)
1400 - MICHAEL STEWART (Troon Welbeck)
1430 FRASER LAWRIE (Largs)
1530 - DAVID CURRIE (Kilmarnock Barassie)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Maybole into Fourball semi finals

The Maybole pairing of Scott McCahill & David Wallace became the first team into the semi finals of the 2007 Ayrshire Fourball competition when they won the local derby against D. & G. McCulloch of Brunston Castle.

The Maybole pair travelled to Brunston castle and returned with a 3 & 2 win to go through.

Maybole now await the winners of the tie between Ballochmyle and Prestwick St. Nicholas in the semi finals.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Ardeer dash St. Cuthbert hopes

Ardeer have claimed the second semi final place in the 2007 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship with a win in the Section C decider against Prestwick St. Cuthbert on Sunday 22nd July.

Ardeer won the match, at Ardeer, by 4 - 2 to push St. Cuthbert into second place in the section, and now await the draw for the semi finals which will take place in early August.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - St. Cuthbert set up section showdown

Prestwick St. Cuthbert beat their visitors, Loudoun, by 4 - 2 on Friday 20th July in their penultimate match in Section C of the 2007 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship, to set up a section decider at Ardeer in the final match of the section on Sunday 22nd July.

With seven games played each, Ardeer lead with 16 points with St. Cuthbert just behind on 14. St. Cuthbert will require to win at Ardeer to go through whilst the home side need only a draw to reach the semi finals.

SENIORS BRITISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire players bid for places in final qualifying events

A number of Ayrshire golfers will be heading to the east coast over the weekend to line up at one of three venues which will hold final qualifying events for the 2007 Seniors British Open on Monday 23rd July.



The Seniors Open Championship will be played from 26th to 29th July 2007 at Muirfield.



The Qualifying event being held at Dunbar on monday will feature Prestwick professional and former Scottish Professional Champion Ross Drummond.

Amateur John Broadfoot (Turnberry) will take part in the qualifier at North Berwick.

The qualifying even at Craigielaw features 4 local players. Well known Ayrshire teaching professional Bill Lockie is joined by local amateurs Ronnie McLellan (Turnberry), David J. Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Tony Stafford (Troon St. Meddans) as the quartet bid for a place in the championship at Muirfield.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Prestwick St. Nicholas through to League Championship Semi Finals

As the 4 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship qualifying sections near completion by the end of July, Prestwick St. Nicholas have become the first team through to the semi finals as they lead SECTION B with an unbeatable points total.

St. Nicholas have had an impressive run, after losing their opening match in May, with 6 successive wins home and away in the matches played so far.

Recent results in the section are :- St. Nicholas 4.5 Barassie 1.5, Dalmilling 2 St. Nicholas 4, St. Meddans 0.5 Barassie 5.5, St. Nicholas 5.5 West Kilbride 0.5 and Barassie 4 St. Meddans 2.
The scheduled match between St. Meddans and Dalmilling has been treated as abandoned.

Present positions in the section are :-

PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS - played 7 - 24 pts
KILMARNOCK BARASSIE - played 7 - 16 pts
WEST KILBRIDE - played 5 - 14 pts
AYR DALMILLING - played 7 - 9 pts
TROON ST. MEDDANS - played 8 - 3 pts

In SECTION A, Ballochmyle lead the way, after a crucial 3.5 - 2.5 win away to nearest rivals, Caprington. In the other match played recently, Ravenspark shared the spoils with their visitors, Annanhill, in a 3 - 3 draw.

Present positions in the section are :-

BALLOCHMYLE - played 5 - 18 pts
CAPRINGTON - played 5 - 12 pts
IRVINE RAVENSPARK - played 4 - 6 pts
NEW CUMNOCK - played 4 - 6 pts
ANNANHILL - played 6 - 6 pts

In SECTION C, Ardeer lead with only two matches remaining, with Prestwick St. Cuthbert hoping to snatch the semi final spot from their grasp.

Recent wins by 3.5 - 2.5, both at home and away, over Troon Welbeck put Ardeer in pole position.

In a season of mixed results, Welbeck had a convincing 4.5 - 1.5 home win over Loudoun before losing the return match by 3.5 - 2.5.

Prestwick St. Cuthbert have a home match against Loudoun to negotiate in order to set up a possible showdown at Ardeer in the final match of the section to decide the semi final qualifier.

Present positions in the section are :-

ARDEER - played 5 - 16 pts
PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT - played 4 - 10 pts
TROON WELBECK - played 6 - 10 pts
LOUDOUN - played 5 - 4 pts

In SECTION D, Ayr belleisle look favourites to progress to the last four, althoguh largs have three home matches still to play as they bid to overtake the Ayr club.

Recent results in the section include :- Routenburn 3 Belleisle 3, Kilbirnie 1.5 Largs 4.5, Kilbirnei 2 Belleisle 4, Kilbirnie 3 Routenburn 3 and Belleisle 3.5 Routenburn 2.5.

The last three fixtures are all at Largs where the home side play Kilbirnie and Routenburn before facing a possible section decider against Belleisle in the final match in the section.

Present positions in the section are :-

AYR BELLEISLE - played 5 - 18 pts
LARGS ROUTENBURN - played 5 - 8 pts
LARGS - played 3 - 8 pts
KILBIRNIE PLACE - played 5 - 2 pts

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Welbeck set early pace in Wallace Thornton trophy

Troon Welbeck are the early pace setters in the 2007 Wallace Thornton Trophy competition.

Whilst there have been no results yet notified in Section 1, there have been four matches completed in Section 2 with Welbeck having a 100% record, with a 3 - 1 home win over Irvine Ravenspark and a 2.5 - 1.5 away win at Largs Routenburn.

Defending Champions Kilmarnock (Barassie) opened their defence with a 4 - 0 away win over Irvine Ravenspark.

In the other match played so far, Ravenspark and Routenburn shared the spoils in a 2 - 2 draw at Irvine.

Present positions in Section 2 are :-

TROON WELBECK - played 2 - 8 pts
KILMARNOCK BARASSIE - played 1 - 4 pts
LARGS ROUTENBURN - played 2 - 2pts
IRVINE RAVENSPARK - played 3 - 2 pts
LOUDOUN GOWF - played 0 - 0 pts