Great Scott! Borrowman earns top seed
position in Argentina match-play

Scott Borrowman (Dollar) produced a sparkling performance to earn the top seeding for the match-play stages of the Argentina men's amateur championship with scores of 71 and 70 for a total of three-under-par 141 over the Jack Nicklaus-designed course, opened only last year, at Nordelta Golf Club, near Buenos Aires today.
All four Scots in the Scottish Golf Union travelling party finished inside the qualifying cut off of 163 for the 64 match-play contestants.
Philip McLean (Peterhead) finished in joint 21st position with scores of 77 and 75 for 152.
Mark Bookless (Sandyhills) and Greg Paterson (St Andrews New) qualified in joint 38th place on 157. Bookless had rounds of 80 and 77,. Paterson 76 and 81.

LEADING QUALIFIERS
Par 144 (2 x 72)
141 Scott Borrowman (Sco) 71 70.
142 Tomas Cocha (Arg) 73 69, Juan Francisco Sarasti (Spa) 70 72.
143 Reinier Saxton (Hol) 72 71.
144 Adrian Ford (SAf) 75 69, Jason Scrivener (Aus) 72 72.
Selected qualifiers:
148 Luke Goddard (Eng) 75 73, Floris De Vries (Hol) 73 75 (jt 12th).
150 Matthew Haines (Eng) 71 79 (jt 16th).
152 Philip McLean (Sco) 77 75 (jt 21st).
157 Mark Bookless (Sco) 80 77, Greg Paterson (Sco) 76 81 (jt 38th).
+64 players with totals of 163 or better qualified for the match-play stages

Donald Trump announces development team for

Menie Estate project

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED ON BEHALF OF

DONALD J TRUMP
Speaking from The Trump Tower, Fifth Avenue New York City, Donald J. Trump has announced his local development team appointed to carry out the design and build of Trump International Golf Links, Scotland.
Joining the world renowned British golf course architectural firm, Hawtree Ltd, is a vast array of local businesses and consultants, taking Mr Trump’s vision for Trump International and delivering the reality.

The Development team appointed is as follows:
Dundas & Wilson LLP - Planning Agents and Legal Counsel
Ironside Farrar – Environmental and Landscape Consultants
W A Fairhurst & Partners – Civil & Structural Engineers
Raeburn Drilling and Geotechnical Ltd – Ground Investigation Contractors
Wallace Whittle Ltd – Mechanical & Electrical Engineers
Hardies Property & Construction Consultants – Quantity Surveyors and Health & Safety Consultants
Gareth Hoskins Architects – Master Plan Consultants
Acanthus DF – Clubhouse Architects
Hawtree Ltd – Golf Course Architects
STRI Ltd – Agronomists
Robin Hume Associates Ltd – Irrigation Consultants
Loy Surveys – Topographical Surveys
Johnston Carmichael – Accountants and Tax Advisors

The team is being managed by Neil Hobday, who is the appointed Project Director at Trump International Golf Links, Scotland.
Trump International Golf Links Scotland comprises:

+Two championship golf courses.

+A five-star' 450-bedroomed hotel with associated facilities.

+A state-of-the-art golf academy.

+950 holiday homes.

+ 500 private family residences.

+ 36 luxury golf villas as well as Mr Trump's Family home, the former Menie House.

Speaking from New York, Mr Trump said, “It is extremely exciting that the project has become a reality.”

He went on to say, “We are working through the planning process and as soon as we receive our detailed planning approval, the golf course construction can begin.”
For the last two years the Trump Organization has employed local people, bought equipment and materials from local suppliers and now the team is ready to deliver a product that every Scot will be proud of for many generations to come.

A design for one of the 40 houses to be built on the Maverston Highland Estate, Morayshire.

A golf course on which only Maverston Highland Estate residents can play.

Morayshire golfing estate well above par,
courses designed by Euan McIntosh

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY FIFTH RING
INTEGRATED CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
Highland estate living – complete with exclusive, private golf courses - in one of the most picturesque regions of Scotland is within reach following the announcement of a unique development in Moray.
Forty luxury properties, built with state-of-the-art environmentally friendly features, are to be built at Maverston Highland Estate, which lies between the beautiful Moray Firth coast and the world-renowned Cairngorms National Park – one of the last great natural wilderness areas in Western Europe.
With two private golf courses and an incredible feeling of space, Maverston is unlike any other housing vision in the country.
The concept
Maverston Highland Estate is an ambitious project. Set in 126 hectares of Scottish countryside, the stunning homes can be built to the buyer’s individual specifications – providing prospective home owners with the opportunity to build their very own “grand design” and working with award-winning architect Ian Duncan to produce their dream home (subject to planning permission).
The unique feature that sets Maverston Highland Estate above many top-class housing developments is the establishment of its own, exclusive 18-hole golf course. Euan McIntosh, one of the most exciting young course designers in Scotland, has designed the course. There is also a nine-hole ‘wee course’, which offers superb practice facilities.
The location offers a wonderful natural environment, lending itself perfectly to outdoor pursuits such as rambling, shooting, fishing, horse riding, sailing, and of course, golf. Yet it is only five miles away from the charming Royal Burgh of Elgin, with its traditional country shops and modern-day supermarkets and conveniences. The development is under an hour of Inverness airport for national and international links. The Moray Firth coast enjoys some of the lowest average rainfall in the British Isles.
Maverston Highland Estate not only offers beautiful homes and a great golf course, it also offers a great opportunity to meet new people. The clubhouse will act as the social hub for residents and their guests.
Maverston Highland Estate is the fruition of a partnership between architects firm Ian Duncan Developments Ltd and the ANM Group Ltd, which owns and runs a portfolio of diversified businesses.
ANM Group chief executive Brian Pack added: “It is a unique concept to the UK, we are sure the houses will be greatly sought after, particularly among those who love golf.
Mr Pack added: “The golf courses will be private and only available for Maverston property owners and their guests with the annual upkeep shared between the householders.
He continued: “We are creating a high amenity community in a superb location, with plenty of freedom for residents to roam, play golf all year round on a quality course, or practice on a par-three course and enjoy their own clubhouse.”
The golf course will be supported by a maintenance fee from each household on the estate, however, Maverston will not only be for those who love the game of golf. Many people will be attracted by the beauty a golf course and landscaped grounds has to offer (each house will have its own grounds up to a maximum of two acres, ensuring privacy and tranquillity).
Maverston Highland Estate is likely to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers. Many younger families will be attracted by tranquil surroundings and a beautiful home to enjoy while not at the office. Older couples will like the idea of a private estate that is ideal for retirement.
The courses
With a total yardage of 6,330 yards and a par of 72, the 18-hole course is intended to be challenging yet enjoyable for the enthusiast. Utilising the natural terrain, abundant blackthorn and hawthorn bushes and existing woodland comprising ancient Scots Pine, Silver Birch and Downy Birch trees, the course is set in a stunning landscape with the Moray Firth to the north and east and offers spectacular views to the south where the imposing Cairngorm mountain range rises from the coastal plain.
The nine-hole par-3 course has a total yardage of 1,237 yards and is an ideal way to practise a short game and enjoy a relaxing couple of hours.
Euan McIntosh is the director of Golf Services Scotland. Euan, 25, studied in the United States on a golf scholarship and graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth with an honours degree in Business Management. Euan has represented Scotland as a player and is now making a name for himself as a golf course designer.
Out with the privacy of your own golf course, the Highland’s boast some of the world’s finest courses with two championship courses at nearby Nairn, the old and new course at Moray, Elgin’s parkland or the scenic holes of Cawdor Castle. For those who like to venture further, Royal Aberdeen, which hosted the British Senior Open in 2007, the Old Course and New Castle Course at St. Andrews are within two hours South of the Estate.
Work is well under way on the golf course and clubhouse. The golf course was seeded in October 2007 ready for play in Spring 2009 and the clubhouse is expected to be built by early 2009. A show home is scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2009.
The houses
The houses will be constructed of timber, and/or traditional Scottish harl and glass to walls and natural slate to roofs to allow the homes to complement the natural surroundings and allow an abundance of light into each home. Architect Ian Duncan has delivered 16 unique designs – offering an unparalleled level of choice.
These fabulous houses will vary in price according to individual’s demands. Each spacious four or five bedroom home can be designed to meet the client’s specifications – promising flexibility on a whole new level.
The houses boast an array of environmental features including geo-thermal heating – reducing energy consumption by up to 75% - solar panels, under floor heating, high levels of thermal insulation, triple glazing combined with high tech glass, whole house heat recovery and ventilation system and thermally broken window frames.
Award-winning architect Ian said: “With only 40 houses and access to a private golf course this exciting new development is, we believe, unique to the UK. Using mainly eco-friendly materials, buyers will have the opportunity to create their own grand design (subject to planning approval). I look forward to working alongside homebuyers to create their ideal property and creating an exquisite home to live in.”
To find out more about Maverston Highland Estate, to request a brochure or register your interest log on at http://www.maverston.com/ or call 01467 623850.

Irish Golf Union gives 73,000 Euros in
financial support to top amateurs

Grants totalling 73,000 Euros have been awarded by the Golfing Union of Ireland to leading amateur golfers. The grant allocation, which is funded by the Irish Sports Council, is in respect of national and international competition and training costs in 2008.
The grants are awarded based on specific criteria agreed by the Irish Sports Council and the Golfing Union of Ireland.
Shane Lowry and Paul Cutler (Portstewart) are the top recipients, both receiving a grant of €6,000, while Niall Kearney (Royal Dublin) and Dara Lernihan (Castle) both receive €5,000.
Lowry won both the West and North of Ireland Championships, Kearney was the winner of the South of Ireland Championship, and along with Cutler were members of the Ireland team that successfully won the European team championship for the second year in a row, while Lernihan, who finished runner-up in the Irish close championship made his debut for Ireland in the Home Internationals.
Grants are provided to assist players with expenses incurred while competing in championships, where they are not already covered by the GUI as members of selected panels for the various events, and in keeping with the Rules of Amateur Status.
A total of 41 players from the three National Panels – Senior, Youths and Boys - received grants. Below is a breakdown of the €73,000 awarded.
Shane Lowry (Esker Hills) €6,000
Paul Cutler (Portstewart) €6,000
Dara Lernihan (Castle) €5,000
Niall Kearney (Royal Dublin) €5,000
Eoin Arthurs (Forrest Little) €3,000
Andrew Hogan (Newlands) €3,000
Alan Dunbar (Rathmore) €2,500
Rory McNamara (Headfort) €2,500
Seamus Power (West Waterford) €2,000
Garth Boyd (Donaghadee) €2,000
Paul Dunne (Greystones) €2,000
Michael Durcan (Co. Sligo) €2,000
Connor Doran (Banbridge) €2,000
Simon Ward (Co. Louth) €2,000
Cathal O’Malley (Westport) €2,000
Cian Curley (Newlands) €1,500
Pat Murray (Limerick) €1,500
Fergal Rafferty (Dungannon) €1,500
Garth McGee (Malone) €1,500
Barry Anderson (Co. Sligo) €1,000
Chris Drumm (Rosslare) €1,000
Simon Doherty (Malone) €1,000
James Patterson (Knock) €1,000
Nicky Grant (Knock) €1,000
Kelan McDonagh (Athlone) €1,000
Stephen Healy (Claremorris) €1,000
David Leathem (Lisburn) €1,000
Craig Martin (Kilkenny) €1,000
Brendan Walton (The Island) €1,000
Declan King (Tramore) €1,000
Stephen Brady (Co. Sligo) €1,000
Colin Fairweather (Knock) €1,000
Iarlaith Keane (Malahide) €1,000
Sean Morrison (City of Derry) €1,000
Paul O’Kane (Moyola Park) €1,000
Ciaran O’Connor (Athlone) €1,000
Stephen Crowe (Dunmurry) €1,000
Luke Lennox (Moyola Park) €500
Richard O’Donovan (Lucan) €500
Chris Selfridge (Moyola Park) €500
Reeve Whitson (Mourne) €500

Scott Catlin (left) and partner Michael Carrigan (picture courtesy of Michael Lewis).

Scots come up short in PGA National
Pro-am Championship in Turkey

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY PGA
Two Scottish clubs came up short in their bid to land Europe’s biggest pro-am in Turkey.
Lanarkshire pro Scott Catlin from Greenburn and Downfield’s Kenny Hutton were each competing in the PGA National Pro-Am Championship at Turkey’s Antalya Golf Club where they and their partners were up against 14 other teams from Great Britain and Ireland.
Catlin and his 14 handicap partner Michael Carrigan, a taxi driver from Motherwell, grabbed sixth place after adding a three-under-par 68 to their opening round of 70.
The pair finished 10 shots behind champions Dan Greenwood and James Phillips from Forest Pines in Lincolnshire who landed the £5,000 first prize following a 10-under-par 61 over the David Jones-designed PGA Sultan Course.
Hutton and 12 handicap partner Bob Butter, a fire prevention officer with the Fire & Rescue Service in Dundee, had to settle for a share of seventh place following a 70.
FINAL SCOREBOARD
Par 142 (2 x 71)
1 128 (-14) Daniel Greenwood & James Phillips (Forest Pines) (18).
2 131 (-11) John Dwyer & Shane O’Brien (Ashbourne) (9).
3 134 (-8) Andrew Clapp & Thomas Hoskin (Brickendon Grange) (7); David Green & Matt Pullin (Croham Hurst) (16).
5 136 (-6) Tim Cooper & Bill Byford (Newton Green) (18).
6 138 (-4) Scott Catlin & Michael Carrigan (Greenburn) (14).
7 139 (-3) Stephen Rolley & Ian Potter (Worthing) (16); Kenny Hutton & Bob Butter (Downfield) (12); Peter Evans & Mark Wyatt (Royal Porthcawl) (4).
10 141 (-1) Mark Rowe & Les McGirl (Carlyon Bay) (12).
11 142 (lvl) Paul Simpson & Andrew Stephenson (West Berkshire) (11); David Mee & Ryan Brind (Longcliffe) (13).13 143 (+1) Grahame Fieldsend & Andrew Challis (Hessle) (6).14 144 (+2) Geoff Berry & Ian Fitzpatrick (Bromborough) (16).15 149 (+7) Gary Watson & Bob Thornton (Keswick) (8).16 152 (+10) Darren Everett & Paul Ackland (Portmore) (13).

Don't cry for Scott, Argentina!

He's back in form

with a 71 this week

Former Scottish youths champion Scott Borrowman (Dollar) returned to form yesterday in the first qualifying round of the Argentina men's amateur match-play championship at the Jack Nicklaus-designed 7,264yd course at Nordelta Golf Club, near Buenos Aires.

Borrowman, pictured right by Cal Carson Golf Agency, returned a one-under-par 71 (36-35) to be sharing second place with England's Matthew Haines, one shot behind leader Juan Francisco Sarasti (Spain).

Borrowman was lying joint fifth last week after the first round of the Juan Tailhade Cup at Los Lagartos Golf Club but faded out of contention.

Greg Paterson (St Andrews New) scored a 76 (37-39) to be sharing 18th place in a field of 89.

Philip McLean (Peterhead) was in joint 23rd position after returning a 77, in which he struggled to the turn in 41 but his improvement after the turn included an eagle 3 at the 13th.

Scottish boys' stroke-play champion Mark Bookless (Sandyhills), who withdrew from last week's Argentina event, salvaged an 80 after taking 43 shots to the turn. He was in joint 40th place going into the second qualifying round which will decide the 64 qualifiers for the match-play stages.

FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND

Par 72

70 Juan Francisco Sarasti (Spa) 34-36.

71 Scott Borrowman (Sco) 36-35, Matthew Haines (Eng) 33-38.

72 Reinier Saxton (Hol) 37-35, Patricio Salem (Peru) 36-36, Jason Scrivener (Aus) 35-37.

73 Leandro Marelli (Arg) 37-36, Cecil Hickman (US) 37-36, Tomas Cocha (Arg) 37-36, Floris De Vries (Hol) 36-37.

Selected scores:

75 Luke Goddard (Eng) 37-38 (jt 13th).

76 Greg Paterson (Sco) 37-39 (jt 18th).

77 Philip McLean (Sco) 41-36 (jt 23rd).

80 Mark Bookless (Sco) 43-37 (jt 40th).