Jack's the lad at trophy double

Jul 31 2009 by Mike Wilson

BARASSIE youngster Jack McDonald won the Scottish Boys’ Open Strokeplay Championship at Ladybank with a superb finishing burst of three birdies in the final four holes of the 72 hole event.

Jack, who led by three shots overnight, had his worst round of the week last Thursday morning, a 76 putting him two behind the leader after three rounds.

As the championship neared an end, McDonald still trailed by one shot with only four holes to play, but birdie threes at the 15th, 16th and 17th propelled the boys’ internationalist into pole position and a par four at the last secured the title.

The performance also won 15-year-old McDonald the trophy for the best placed under 16 in the championship.

His 286 aggregate, comprising rounds of 69, 70, 76 and 71 beat nearest challengers Graeme Duncan (Shotts) and Colin Baird by four shots.

Marc Smith (Welbeck) finished tied in 39th place on 309 (+25) after rounds of 74, 73, 82 and 80.

lTHREE times winner Tommy McInally (Loudoun) will face Kevin Fergusson (St Cuthbert) in the semi-finals of the Ayrshire Champion of Champions Trophy at Royal Troon on Friday, August 7.

McInally booked his place with a victory at Kilmarnock Barassie over another former winner, David Miller, at the 20th hole.

Former Ayrshire boys’ champion Neil McCormack (New Cumnock) had a 2 & 1 home win over Ayrshire strokeplay champion John Shanks (Irvine) and now plays Andrew Carroll (Drongan) who was awarded his quarter final tie by Del Chamberlain (Welbeck) who is suffering from a back injury.

The semis tee off at 5pm with spectators welcome. The final is at Royal Troon on Friday, August 14 also at 5pm.

lCLOSING date for entries to the Troon Golf Week which runs from August 16 to 21, is Monday, August 3.

Five rounds of golf for £55, South Ayrshire Council season ticket holders £35. Discount for group bookings of six or more. Details from Pamela Struthers (tel: 01292 616212).

lA HIGH quality field will line up in the 58th Ayrshire Boys' Championship at Irvine Ravenspark on Thursday, August 6.

Tee-offs:0900/1400: C. Hobson (Rvnspk), J. Howie (Ardeer), L. Murray (Welb); 0907/1407: A. Berry (Rvnspk), S. Liddle (St N), D. McBride (Barassie); 0915/1415 - G. Cathie (Rvnspk), D. Forbes (Ardeer), J. Montgomery (West Kilb); 0922/1422: B. Gibson (Welb), M. Howie (Ardeer), C. Byrne (New Cum); 0930/1430: D. McLellan (Largs), L. McDowall (Barassie), D. Syme (Irvine); 0937/1437: B. Cathie (Rvnspk), R. Wyllie (Ardeer), P. Timmons (St Medd); 0945/1445: F. Kerr (Barassie), C. Macneal (Welbeck), C. MacLean (West Kilb); 0952/1452: M. Smith (Welb), D. Flood (Caprgtn), C. Telfer (St C).

1000/1500: S. Findlater (Welb), J. Williams (Kilmacolm), C. Butler (Rvnspk); 007/1507 - A. Wright (Barassie), C. Robinson (Largs), D. Wilson (Welb); 1015/1515: E. Walker (Barassie), C. Beveridge (Welb), J. Whent (Largs); 1022/1522: J. Nordbo (Largs), R. McSherry (Roy Troon), S. Thorburn (Bell); 1030/1530: L. Kirkland (Ballmyle), J. Robertson (Largs), L. Gourlay (Rvnspk); 1037/1537: G. Telfer (St C), A. Watson (Ballmyle), M. Evans (Lamlash).

There are a very limited number of spaces left. Late applications to Alasdair Malcolm on 01292 477657.

The top eight players will progress to contest the Ayrshire Boys' Matchplay Championship at Prestwick from August 13 to 15.

lHEAVY rain washed out the hopes of many in the West Kilbride Boys' Open.

The Harris Of Saltcoats Trophy for the best scratch 36 hole return went to J. Savage (Cawder) with two rounds of 74.for a 148 total.

Leading scores: 148: J. Savage (Cawder); 150: Craig Telfer (St C); 156: Cameron MacLean (West Kilb), John Montgomery (West Kilb); 159: Ross McSherry (Roy Troon), David McLellan (Largs); 161: Iain Reid (West Kilb); 162: Euan Walker (Barassie); 163: David Wilson (Welb).

lRONNIE YOUNG (Irvine Golf Club) won the Ayrshire Seniors Championship at a wet Kilmarnock (Barassie).

Fifty hardy souls braved the conditions but were rewarded with a course in outstanding condition to contest the Sandy Provan Trophy, awarded to the player returning the best net score. Despite the conditions, there were some very good scores posted, resulting in the CSS remaining unchanged at 72.

Young fired a superb 86 (19) 67 which won the trophy by a clear three shots. Best scratch score was recorded by John Campbell (West Kilbride) who fired 78 to edge out David Tierney (Belleisle) on the better inward half.

Age categories: 55-61 years: D. Love (West Kilbride) (8) 73; W. B. Buchanan (Royal Troon) (10) BIH, E. Sanderson (Muirkirk) (13) 74.

62-67 years: C. Simpson (Ravenspark) (13) 71; D. McMahon (Welbeck) (13) 72; D. Muir (Loudoun) (6) 73 BIH.

68 years & over: J. Waddell (Barassie) (9) 70; W. Burns (Muirkirk) (20) 72; C. McGregor (Ravenspark) (10) 74 BIH.

lTHE annual junior girls’ open at Kilmarnock (Barassie) takes place on Monday, August 3.

There will be an 18 holes stableford over the Barassie Links and a nine hole competition for non-handicappers over the Hillhouse course. Both competitions open to any girl under the age of 18 as of April 1.