Michael Stewart makes hot start in Argentina

Nov 27 2009 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

TROON Welbeck teenager Michael Stewart got off to a flier in the first round of Argentina Men's Open Amateur Championship in Buenos Aires.

Stewart, who is in his second year of studies at East Tennessee State University, beat Scottish boys’ and amateur champion David Law (Hazelhead) by one hole.

But he met his match in the last 32 when he fell at the 19th hole to Ryan McCarthy (Australia).

TROON ladies hosted the 2009 Greenlees lunch where the winners from the three leagues for the season were honoured.

Representatives of the 28 clubs who contest the three divisions attended.

Champions were Milngavie with Cathkin Braes runners-up. Hilton Park and Prestwick St Nicholas were relegated to Division Two.

Final placings in Div One: 44.5: Milngavie; 44: Cathkin Braes; 41.5: Troon Ladies; 40: Kilmarnock Barassie; 38: Ranfurly Castle; 32.5: Kilmacolm; 30.5: West Kilbride; 26.5: Hilton Park; 26.5: St Nicholas.

Division Two winners were Douglas Park who will be promoted to Division One alongside runners-up Cardross. Old Ranfurly were relegated along with recent former Greenlees champions Cochrane Castle who struggled to fulfil their fixtures.

Final placings in Division Two were: 40: Douglas Park; 36.5: Cardross; 35.5: Whitecraigs; 32.5: Williamwood; 30: Bothwell Castle; 27.5: Erskine; 25.5: Eastwood; 24: Old Ranfurly; 0: Cochrane Castle.

Division Three champions were Haggs Castle who are promoted to Division Two along with runners-up Lanark. Turnberry finished bottom and have intimated they will not compete in the championship next year.

Final placings in Division Three were: 57.5: Haggs Castle; 49.5: Lanark; 47: Largs; 45: East Renfrewshire; 44: Greenock; 36.5: Cawder; 36: Cowglen; 34: Lenzie; 33: Cathcart Castle; 20.5: Turnberry.