GARY THOMSON LEADS MORAY OPEN SCRATCH QUALIFIERS

Gary Thomson of the host club led the qualifiers in the 106th Moray Open at Lossiemouth. A second-round 72 for an aggregate of one-under-par 140 gave him a one-stroke advantage over Bryan Fotheringham (Inverness).
M Tait from Fraserburgh fired the round of the day, coming home in 34 for a two under par 69 on the Old Course. Holder John Forbes (Inverness) qualified safely on 146.
During the qualifying rounds, Alex Mair (Moray) aced the 151yard 11th on the New Course using a 9 iron. He was partnered by clubmates William Stewart and John Meichan.
The qualifying cut fell at 154 for the Scratch and 149 for the Handicap. Leading handicap aggregate score was 135, achieved by F. McPherson from Kemnay off 5 with a total of 135.
SCRATCH QUALIFIERS
(Moray unless stated; New course score first)
140 G Thomson 68 72
141 B Fotheringham (Inverness) 70 71
144 N Simpson 73 71
145 S Little 68 77, M L Macleman 69 76, F McPherson (Kemnay) 74 71, N McWilliam 70 75, R J Sheils 71 74
146 J D Forbes (Inverness) 73 73
147 K Godsman 74 73, G Paterson 74 73
150 B Stewart (Biggar) 72 78
151 P Mcpherson 73 78, C Dixon 72 79, B A Caldow 74 77
152 J R Meichan 70 82, L Lawrence 73 79, D Davidson 77 75, C Stuart 73,79;
153 C Halcrow (Windyhill) 74 79, M Tait (Fraserburgh) 84 69, I S Geddes 74 79, J Martin 77 76, A W Mair 76 77, I Meggatt 78 75, R. Larratt 76,77 , B.J. Hendry 75 78, D Leith (Garmouth) 76 77
154 R B Caldow 80 74, K Scott 76 78, D S Marshall 76 78, S Daniels (Pike Fold) 78 76


Today saw the start of the match-play rounds. Holder John Forbes had a fright when Scott Little holed a birdie putt on the last green but recovered his composure to follow his opponent in before winning at the second extra hole. Gary Thomson was taken to the last hole by third qualifier Neil Simpson where a birdie saw him safely through.


Results:
Scratch Section
(Moray unless stated)
C Stuart bt N McWilliam (Elgin) 1 hole.
M L Macleman bt I Meggatt 5 and 4.
C J Dixon bt J R Meichan 5 and 3.
P McPherson bt M Tait (Fraserburgh) 6 and 5.
I S Geddes bt R J Sheils 1 hole.
B A Caldow bt L Lawrence 1 hole.
J D Forbes (Inverness) bt S Little at 20th.
S Daniels (Pike Fold) bt C Halcrow (Windyhill) 4 and 3.
G Thomson bt N Simpson 2 holes.
D Davidson bt R B Caldow at 23rd.
B J Hendry bt D S Marshall 3 and 2.
A W Mair bt J Martin 1 hole.
R Larratt bt K A Scott 4 and 2
B Stewart (Biggar) bt F McPherson (Kemnay) 2 and 1.
K Godsman bt G Paterson 8 and 7.
B Fotheringham bt D Leith (Garmouth) 4 and 3.


Handicap Section One:
C Roberts (8) bt C C Macdonald (9) 2 and 1.
A J England (5) bt C McWilliam (Elgin)(7) 4 and 3..
S Matheson (3) bt G Errington (Wynward) (6) 2 holes.
D Johnston (5) bt I Cumming (6) 2 holes.
M G Wilson (Royal Hobart) (3) bt M Aspinall (9) at 19th.
W M Macleod (6) bt N McWilliam (Kingussie)(4) 5 and 4.
D Spalding (7) bt I MacAuley (Elgin) (6) 5 and 4.
I Rooney (Craigmillar Park) (5) bt M Sherrett (Westhill) (5) 1 hole.
J R McLeod (6) bt D R Main (3) at 20th.
J Mcintosh (7) bt B W Youngson (Newmachar) (9) 6 and 5.
S Girvan (Newmachar) (6) bt G S Thomson (6) 2 holes
A Stewart (7) bt D Burness (Inverurie) (6) 3 and 2.
S Reynolds (6) J Jarvis (Shifnal) (8) at 23rd.
E J Macleod (6) bt D Scott (6) 1 hole.
J McGrath (5) bt J D Petrie (4) 4 and 3.
S A Ingram (6) bt R J Torbet (9) at 19th.


Handicap Section Two:
R G Main (17) bt B W Main (Kirkhill) (10) 2 and 1.
C L Weir (15) bt M R Bradley (24) 2 holes.
D Riddell (Glenbervie) (10) bt M Madigan (11) 7 and 6.
M Bedson (13) bt M Kemp (Burnley) (11) 1 hole.
A Ingram (17) bt K Steggall (11) 2 holes.
J Richardson (12) bt W J McInnes (9) 1 hole.
W Lawrence (Bury) (16) bt R Organ (13) 3 and 2.
M Caton (13) bt R Crane (9) 5 and 3.
J S Campbell (14) bt A Watt (Inverallochy) (18) 2 and 1.
J Kennedy (10) bt P Dickson (Bathgate) (11) 1 hole.
A McInnes (Falcon Point) (9) bt D Israel (King's Lynn) (15) 7 and 6.
G McNaughton (18) bt J E Goodwin (10) 4 and 3.
G Roberts (12) bt C Leader (9) 2 and 1.
A D Lallement (14) bt S Larwood (12) 4 and 3.
M Letch (14) bt E Middleton (10 at 20th.
J Kerr (Dunbar) (15) bt J W Wilson (Cathcart Castle) (10) 3 and 1.

BRYAN INNES WINS SINCLAIR CUP OPEN AT ROYAL DORNOCH

On left, handicap winner Erik Johnson (Michigan), Bryan Innes and Royal Dornoch captain Hamish Macrae.

By ROBIN WILSON
Local member and Sutherland's champion golfer, Kevin Matheson, the only home club golfer to rebuff the last 10 years of Aberdeen domination in the Sinclair Cup open competition, came within a stroke of winning the cup again at Royal Dornoch.

With a slip up on the penultimate green by Matheson, in the club's premier 36 hole open event, the cup was once more whisked off to Aberdeen, won for the first time by Murcar Links Golf Club member, Bryan Innes.

The restricted entry of 72 was one of the strongest ever assembled for this competition, 23 entrants holding handicaps of three and below including five scratch golfers and two with plus handicap ratings.

With his handicap of +2, 41-year-old Innes, a former Scotland international and semi-finalist in the Scottish amateur as recently as 2009,  was the highest rated player in attendance, making his second visit to the classic Dornoch Links.
Innes was among the leading scores after his first round level par 70 , three birdies, 9th, 13th and 15th, and three bogeys, 6th, 10th and 14th alongside Matheson, on whom the Dornoch members were pinning their hopes after he had beaten off the North-east challengers in 2004, 2006 and 2009. This year Matheson had an ally in clubmate Daniel Holden after his third place last year.
Three-handicapper Holden's name sat on top of the first-round leaderboard after a superb first round two under par card of 68, two birdies and an eagle in an outward 33 and after beginning his inward stretch with his second birdie two of the day he got home in par 35.
Holden held a similar leading position last year before falling back to his third place. Still searching for two good successive rounds he once again was relegated to third place with a faltering second round 78 despite the reward of repeating his morning eagle on the 9th hole. His time will surely come.

In round one following birdies at both of the outward half short holes Matheson shared 70 (34/36) with Innes and paired together in the final group the Murcar visitor and the local member were still inseparable both turning for home in 37. Innes an unfortunate lost ball at the seventh hole and Matheson taking bogeys at two of the last three outward holes for his two over par card.

They remained tied with just two holes to play but Matheson's three putt for bogey 5 on the 17th green was the felling blow and with the final hole halved in par Innes was home in 35 for 72 and Matheson 36 for 73 - Innes the one shot winner on gross 142 against Matheson's 143.

One handicapper Joe Walsh from West Lancashire pulled himself into fourth place with a second round 72 for 147, one ahead of Alan Cameron recent winner of the Inverness 4-day (77/71).

From further afield, Kalamazoo, Michigan USA, and on his first visit to Dornoch, Erik Johnson led the net returns with cards of 66 and 72 for 138, off eight, followed by three more visiting golfers before Kristain Sinclair and Tony Gordon wagged the home tails in 4th and fifth places.


Results
CSS Round 1- 73 (home and away); Round 2 ( home 73, away 74).
SCRATCH
142 B Innes (Murcar Links) 70 72
143 K Matheson (Royal Dornoch) 70 73
146 D Holden (Royal Dornoch) 68 78
147 J Walsh (West Lancs 75 72
148 Alan Cameron (Inverness) 77 71
149 M Ingram (Inverurie) 76 73, M Buchan (Cruden Bay ) 72 77
HANDICAP
138 E Johnson (Eastern Hills USA) (8) 66 72. 
142 Colin Campbell (Gullane) (6) 75 67.
143 M Ingram (Inverurie) (3) 73 70. 
145 K Sinclair (Royal Dornoch) (4) 75 70.
146 A J Gordon (Royal Dornoch) (5) 70 76. 


Best Scratch Round - D Brown (Prestwick) 72
Best Handicap Round - P Robb (Peterculter) (1) 71

MONIFIFTH WIN CAM TROPHY FOR FIFTH YEAR IN A ROW

The annual CAM Trophy match played today at Arbroath Links today resulted in a runaway victory for Monifieth who won the trophy for the fifth year in a row


Scores
Monifieth 306
John Miller 74
Ian Douglas 74
Tom Ogilvie 74
Doug Inglis 84


Carnoustie 359
Gary Lawrence 84
Michael McGuire 88
Ryan Hood 93
Julian Hood 94
Arbroath 361
Scott Donald 82
Ross Johnstone 82
Jack Lobban 87
Steven Shepherd 110

TIGER WOODS SACKS CADDIE STEVE WILLIAMS

JACKSONVILLE, Florida (AP) — Tiger Woods has decided to get rid of Steve Williams as his caddie.

Woods announced on his website today that he and Williams, who have been together since March 1999, will no longer be working together. Woods said only that it was time for a change.

Woods did not say who would replace Williams, or when he would return.

Williams has worked the last two majors for Adam Scott of Australia.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
A New Zealander, Williams was reputed to earn more as Tiger's caddie - when he was at the peak of his powers - that any Kiwi sportsman.
There will be precious little sympathy for Williams among golf writers who consider him an objectionable, unhelpful character with a false sense of self-importance.
Williams is

ROLEX TO SPONSOR SENIOR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP FROM 2012

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE R and A
Rolex, the prestigious Swiss watchmaker, already a Patron of The Open Championship and an Official Partner of The Ryder Cup,  was unveiled as The Senior Open Championship’s new supporter on the eve of the event’s 25^th edition,  taking place at Walton Heath Golf Club, Surrey this week. 
The 2012 Championship over the Ailsa Course at the Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire, will be the first with Rolex as Presenting Patron. The event will be known as The Senior Open Championship presented by Rolex. 
Bertrand Gros, Chairman of the Rolex Board, said: “As an existing Patron of The Open Championship, we are delighted to announce this extension of our support for The Senior Open Championship.
“The week after an enthralling contest at Royal St George’s, we look forward to a magnificent Senior Open at Walton Heath and to becoming the Presenting Patron for the next three years, starting at Turnberry in 2012.”
Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “Rolex provides outstanding support for the game of golf at many levels. The R&A is delighted that, as a Patron of The Open Championship, Rolex will now be extending its involvement   by supporting The Senior Open Championship.”

EUROPRO TOUR SCOREBOARD AT WYCHWOOD PARK

LEADING FIRST ROUND SCORES
Par 72
66 George Woolgar (Eng).
68 James Westwood (Eng), Alex Belt (Eng), Paul Granwell (Eng), Paul Maddy (Eng), Trevor Jones (Eng).
SCOTS' SCORES
69 Duncan Stewart (T7)
70 Ed Wood, Stephen Gray (T13).
71 Steven Mackie (T23).
72 Shaun McAllister (T34).
73 Zack Saltman (T57).
74 John Gallagher, Paul Doherty (T79).
75 Lee Harper, Chris Kelly (T99).
76 Ross Cameron, Keir McNicoll (T122).
77 Stephen Clark, Martin Lawrence (T133).

JACK AND JOSHUA SHARE HALFWAY LEAD IN U18 BOYS' STROKE

FROM THE SGU WEBSITE
Joshua Jamieson (St Andrews New) joined overnight leader Jack McDonald at the top of the leaderboard on three-under par after round two of the Scottish Boys Stroke Play Championship at Nairn Dunbar.
On a day of excellent scoring on the Moray Firth coast, Jamieson carded a fine three-under par 69 for an aggregate of 141, while McDonald – aiming to win the title for the second time – continued his good form with a one-under par 71.
McDonald dropped two shots on his outward nine, but collected birdies at the 10th, 12th and final holes to beat par for the second successive day, with Jamieson also finishing his round in style with birdies at the 16th and 18th.
Kirkhill’s Craig Ross, winner of the season opening Junior Champion of Champions, lurks just one shot behind the leading pair after an impressive four-under par 68 and he’ll have Cawder’s Jamie Savage for company in tomorrow’s final two rounds as he matched Ross with rounds of 74 and 68.
Home club hopes lie with Freddie Brown as he put himself into the mix with a second round 69, picking up four birdies in his last six holes leaving him on 143, one-under par. Liam Johnston, runner-up in the Scottish Boys Championship, boosted his chances of a national championship victory with a storming back nine, finishing with two birdies and an eagle in the last six holes to come home in 32, five-under par which left him also on 141.

Round of the day came from Finland’s Juhaha Kukkonen, a countryman of 2010 champion Linus Vaisanen, who posted a superb five-under par 67 to share fifth spot on 141, just two shots behind the leaders.

Dubai-based Daniel Hendry, tied second overnight, slipped back to level par after a 73, while another Finn, Erik Myllmaki put himself in contention after a 68 to share ninth spot with Hendry and Bothwell Castle’s James Steven.

Greig Marchbank, who leads the race to become SGU Junior Golfer of the Year, is still in the hunt after a second round 73 left him on 145, one of five golfers sharing 12th spot as sixteen golfers move into the final two rounds within four shots of top spot.
Forty-one boys with 36-hole aggregates of 150 or better qualified for Thursday’s final two rounds. They did not include Ben Kinsley (St Andrews), recent winner of the Scottish Under-16 boys’ title. He shot 81 and 74 for 155.


QUALIFIERS FOR LAST TWO ROUNDS.
Par 144 (2x72) SS 74. CSS 74
141 Joshua Jamieson (St Andrews New) 72 69, Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie) 70 71.
142 Craig Ross (Kirkhill) 74 68, Jamie Savage (Cawder) 74 68.
143 Freddie Brown (Nairn Dunbar) 74 69, Juhaha Kukkonen (Finland) 76 67, Liam Johnston (Dunfries and Co) 74 69, Ryan Cardwell (Burnham and Berrow) 73 70.
144 Erik Myllymaki (Finland) 76 68, Daniel Hendry (UAE) 71 73, James Steven (Bothwell Castle) 72 72.
145 Charlie MacNeal (Troon Welbeck) 73 72, Daniel McConnachie (Dumfries ad Galloway) 74 71, Callum McNeill (Lauder) 75 70, Sean Burgess (Nairn) 71 74, Greig Marchbank (Dumfries and Co) 72 73.
146 Calum Hill (Tantallon) 74 72.
147 David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) 72 75, Adam Stone (Lancaster) 71 76, Cameron Kirkwood (Bearsden) 73 74, Jordan Milne (Elgin) 72 74, Mikko Lehtovuori (Finland) 73 74, Ewan Scott (St Andrews) 76 71, Craig Oran (Nairn Dunbar) 75 72.
148 Scott Wearing (Bishopbriggs) 71 77, Craig Howie (Peebles) 74 74, Grant Joss (Royal Aberdeen) 73 75, Alasdair McDougall (Elderslie) 78 70, Lewis Bain (Turnhouse) 74 74, Jamie Reid (Cruden Bay) 78 70.
149 John Scott (East Renfrewshire) 76 76, Christopher Lamb (Newmachar) 73 76, Callum Gorrie (Kilmarnock Barassie) 77 72, John Douglas (Aberdour) 75 74, Euan Bowden (The Glen) 79 70, Ben Murray (Portlethen) 77 72.
150 Robert MacIntyre (Glencruitten) 79 71, Grant Forrest (Craigielaw) 77 73, Eamon Bradley (Mount Ellen) 81 69, Connor Marsland (Lincoln) 79 71, Fraser Thain (West Linton) 76 74.


MISSED THE CUT
151
CARNEGIE, Blair Dunblane New 77 74 F +7
LOCH, Andrew Pumpherston 73 78 F +7
ALLAN, Lawrence Alva 75 76 F +7
FOLEY, Gary Ralston 76 75 F +7
NEIL, Connor Blairgowrie 74 77 F +7
WHANNEL, Scott Newton Stewart 76 75 F +7
ROGER, Gavin Clober 74 77 F +7
GOODAIR, Thomas Woodsome Hall 75 76 F +7
GAULD, Robbie Cruden Bay 78 73 F +7
152
FITZPATRICK, Robbie Irvine 79 73 F +8
BLAIR, Stuart Royal Musselburgh 77 75 F +8
CARRICK, Angus Douglas Park 78 74 F +8
TEMPLETON, Peter Loretto School 79 73 F +8
FERGUSON, Ewen Bearsden 77 75 F +8
PROCTOR, Ross Forres 79 73 F +8
STOKOE, Ben Betchworth Park 78 74 F +8
SANDISON, Fergus Blairgowrie 78 74 F +8
BLANEY, Anthony Liberton 74 78 F +8
WATTERS, Stewart Royal Musselburgh 79 73 F +8
SYME, Connor Dumfries and County 75 77 F +8
MCEWAN, Ross Cardross 80 72 F +8
KERR, Willem Craigielaw 78 74 F +8
153
FORRESTER, Greg Balbirnie Park 80 73 F +9
REILLY, Paul Lochwinnoch 76 77 F +9
DAVIDSON, Andrew Charleton 80 73 F +9
GAUGHAN, Louis Bathgate 75 78 F +9
MITCHELL, Cameron Lundin 81 72 F +9
SIMPSON, Alasdair Tantallon 75 78 F +9
154
HILL, Calum Muckhart 78 76 F +10
CARRELL, Andrew Peterculter 79 75 F +10
FLANNERY, Daniel Peebles 76 78 F +10
DEBUIRE, Kevin France 84 70 F +10
BURGESS, Andrew Nairn 80 74 F +10
FOTHERINGHAM, Glenn Falkirk Tryst 78 76 F +10
155
WHYTE, Andrew St Andrews New 79 76 F +11
MCCLUSKEY, Jack Ayr Belleisle 78 77 F +11
KILOH, Sam Portlethen 80 75 F +11
THOMPSETT, Daniel Aboyne 83 72 F +11
MADDEN, Joseph Royal Liverpool 79 76 F +11
HORNSBY, James Heswall 79 76 F +11
PATERSON, Greg Ranfurly Castle 77 78 F +11
BUCHAN, Martin Balbirnie Park 80 75 F +11
MUNRO, Ross Liberton 79 76 F +11
CAMERON, Stuart Renfrew 80 75 F +11
SCOTT, Jake Strathlene 77 78 F +11
KINSLEY, Ben St Andrews 81 74 F +11
156
MCLEAN, Calum Cowglen 79 77 F +12
HORSTING, Patrick Royal St Georges 82 74 F +12
PRENTICE, Kevin Lanark 81 75 F +12
WALKER, Jack Fraserburgh 84 72 F +12
KURONEN, Miki Finland 76 80 F +12
157
BAPTIE, Kerr Duff House Royal 81 76 F +13
BEATTIE, Neil St Andrews 80 77 F +13
MOTTERSHEAD, Gus Burhill 77 80 F +13
CUNNINGHAM, Andrew Ranfurly Castle 79 78 F +13
BOWMAN, Grant Monifieth 80 77 F +13
STEWART, Calum Brora 80 77 F +13
MORGAN, Lee Swanston New 78 79 F +13
158
COOK, Connar Caird Park 75 83 F +14
WILSON, Alexander Gullane 79 79 F +14
STEWART, Greig Crieff 82 76 F +14
DONALDSON, Ewen Craigielaw 82 76 F +14
BRYDON, Ross Bruntsfield Links 77 81 F +14
FREY, Andreas Crieff 83 75 F +14
TINKER, Rory Strathmore 78 80 F +14
159
ANDERSON, Ben Woodhall Spa 84 75 F +15
MILLER, Greg Bathgate 80 79 F +15
ANDERSON, Craig Sandyhills 81 78 F +15
GILLAN, Ross Torrance House 78 81 F +15
HOLT, James Wilpshire 78 81 F +15
FORREST, Chris Northumberland 85 74 F +15
DUNSMORE, Greg Saline 81 78 F +15
SHAW, Jordan Kingussie 81 78 F +15
160
GRANT, Andrew Dunblane New 76 84 F +16
BRYCE, Jordan Strathaven 80 80 F +16
WALTER, Sean West Linton 82 78 F +16
HARROWER, Stephen Kinross 84 76 F +16
RIVA, Samuele Italy 81 79 F +16
CHALMERS, Craig Lenzie 86 74 F +16
PRYDE, Jamie Deeside 79 81 F +16
161
MACVICAR, Alistair Glencruitten 83 78 F +17
DAVREN, Fraser Williamwood 87 74 F +17
MURRAY, Louis Troon Welbeck 88 73 F +17
BEVERIDGE, Callum Troon Welbeck 82 79 F +17
162
BURNS, George Williamwood 85 77 F +18
163
NORDIO, Giovanni Italy 81 82 F +19
CHAMBERS, Liam Cardross 84 79 F +19
KULOKORPR, Kristian Finland 84 79 F +19
164
LAUDER, Fraser Paisley 85 79 F +20
SLACK, David Kilmacolm 80 84 F +20
SCOTT, Alistair Lanark 82 82 F +20
165 
EARDLEY, Daniel Liberton 84 81 F +21
FARRELL, Cameron Cardross 88 77 F +21
MUTCH, Lewis Duff House Royal 84 81 F +21
166
SCHOFIELD, Thomas Barbados 84 82 F +22
SMITH, Calum Dumbarton 80 86 F +22
167
HOGG, Jake Germany 89 78 F +23
BROWN, Jack Cathcart Castle 84 83 F +23
169
KUNECKI, Darek Callander 82 87 F +25
170
WAUGH, Euan Whitecraigs 92 78 F +26
173
MURPHY, Blair Lanark 88 85 F +29

Retired: Tom Binning (Ranfurly Castle) 92 ret, Declan Flood (Auchmill) ret.

ANOTHER GRAND PERFORMANCE BY PAUL McKECHNIE

Braid Hills' Paul McKechnie won his second Optical Express Pro Tour event and a cheque for £1,500 over the Westerwood Hotel course, Cumbernauld today (Wednesday). McKechnie, also the leading money winner on the Tartan Tor with five victories this season, added a more pedestrian one-over-par 72 to his brilliant first-day course record of nine-under-par 63 for a total of eight-under 134. McKechnie was not quite on song second time round, taking two-over-37 to reach the turn but he was more like his old self with a one-under 35 for the inward half. Ladybank's Alan Lockhart finished alone in second spot on 138 after round of 66 and 72, which earned him £900. Colville Park's Paul O'Hara, taking a break from the German EPD Tour, won £700 for third place with rounds of 71 and 68 for 139.. Top amateur was Balmore's Fraser McKenna, with two rounds of 72 for a 144 finish. He was placed joint 10th overall. "Leading lady" was Gemma Wester (Hilton) Park with 77 and 78 for 155, two shots ahead of Majorca-based Lauren Mackin (74-83). Both finished outside the prizemoney list. LEADING FINAL TOTALS Par 142 (2x71) 134 Paul McKechnie (Braid Hills) 62 72 (£1,500). 138 Alan Lockhart (Ladybank) 66 72 (£900). 139 Paul O'Hara (Colville Park) 71 68 (£700). 140 Mark Loftus (Adam Hunter Golf) 69 71 (£575). 141 Craig Matheson (Falkirk Tryst) 70 71, Lorne Kelly (Pro Dream USA) 73 68, Stephen Duncan (Carnoustie) 74 67 (£401.66 each). 142 Malcolm Isaacs (Nairn Dunbar) 72 70 (£290). 143 Ian Redford (St Andrews New) 69 74 (£270). 144 Graeme Brown (Montrose Links) 67 77 (£250), Fraser McKenna (Balmore (am) 72 72. 145 Greig Hutcheon (Banchory) 75 70, Lindsay Mann (Carnoustie) 72 73, Robert Arnott (Bishopbriggs) 71 74 (£213.33 each). 146 James McGhee (Duddingston) 71 75, Jamie Carver (unatt) 74 72 (£185 each). 147 Chris Currie (Caldwell) 72 75, Kevin McAlpine (Alyth) 73 74, Neil Fenwick (Dunbar) 75 72, Scott Herald (Mearns Castle) 72 75 (£155 each).

148 Scott Henderson (Kings Links) 74 74 (£130).
149 Ian Colquhoun (Dundonald Links) 74 75 (£120).
150 Craig Ronald (Carluke) 74 76, Jason McCreadie (Buchanan cAstle) 72 78, John Henry (Clydebank and Dist) 76 74 (£110 each).
151 Graham Fox (North Gales) 72 79, Mark King (Kingsfield) 76 75 (£50 each), Horacio Leon (Chile) (am) 76 75.
152 David Roger (Windyhill) 75 77.
153 Vincent Brown (Westerwood) 75 78.
154 Barry Campbell (Vale of Leven) 79 75, David Laing (unatt) 75 79, Scott Pithie (Carluke) 75 79.
155 Daniel Kirk (unatt) 77 78, Gemma Webster (Hilton Park) 77 78.
157 Lauren Mackin (Majorca) 74 83.
158 Paul Gallacher (Dalmuir) 76 82.
159 Andrew McIntyre (Ranfurly Castle) 80 79, Ben Irving (The Pines) 75 84, Scott Garrett (Irvine Bogside) 79 80.
160 Katie McNicoll (Carnoustie) 83 77.
161 Stuart Burns (unatt) 84 77.
169 Alastair Thomson (Douglas Park) 80 89.

GARDNER TOPPLED BY 32nd QUALIFIER MacDONALD AT MONIFIETH

Top seed David Gardner (Broomieknowe) was beaten by the last of the 32 qualifiers, John W MacDonald (Cowglen)  in the first round of the Scottish senior men's open amateur match-play championship at Monifieth Links today.
MacDonald now plays another member of his clan - former Walker Cup player Scott MacDonald (Dunfermline) who squeezed through at the 19th in his match against Colin Christy (Kilmacolm).
Another Walker Cup man, Sandy Pirie (Hazlehead), lost a battle of birdies against Ian Brotherston (Dumfries and County) at the 21st.
The No 2 seed, Fraser McCluskey (Royal Burgess), cleared his first hurdle, beating David Downie (Kirriemuir) on the 18th green. McCluskey now plays the No 15 qualifier, Jalil Aman (Grangemouth) who was a 4 and 3 winner over Gordon Doig (Southerness).
Two rounds will be played on Thursday, setting the scene for the semi-finals on Friday morning (9.0 and 9.15) and the final in the afternoon, teeing off at 2pm.
Today's results:
FIRST ROUND
John W MacDonald (Cowglen) bt David Gardner (Broomieknowe) 2 and 1.
Scott MacDonald (Dunfermline) bt Colin Christy (Kilmacolm) at 19th.
Andrew Campbell (Kinross) bt Graham Cox (Pollok) 1 hole.
David J Smith (Stirling) bt Derek Murphy (Kinross) 3 and 2.
Stephen Ellis (Innellan) bt John J Johnston (Lanark) 4 and 3.
Ian Brotherston (Dumfries and Co) bt Sandy Pirie (Hazlehead) at 21st.
Sandy Fairweather (Carnoustie Caledonia) bt Keith Bruce (Edzell) at 19th.
Ian Taylor (Royal Burgess) bt Fraser Sharp (Boat of Garten) 2 and 1.
Fraser McCluskey (Royal Burgess) bt David Downie (Kirriemuir) 1 hole.
Jalil Aman (Grangemouth) bt Gordon Doig (Southerness) 4 and 3.
George Rodaks (Moffat) bt Richard Gray (Cowglen) 3 and 2.
Bill Erskine (Kilsyth Lennox) bt Ron McDonald (Monifieth Links) 4 and 3.
Gordon MacDonald (Callander) bt Alistair Fiddes (Murcar Links) 2 and 1.
Ian Gillan (Bishopbriggs) bt Jim Watt (Edzell) retired. 
Iain Stewart (Kilmarnock Barassie) bt Bob Stewart (Tulliallan) 1 hole.
David J Miller (Kilmarnock Barassie) bt James T Johnston (Northumberland) 2 holes.

STANDARD LIFE LEVEN GOLF MEDAL TEE TIMES: Saturday, August 6

7.30 and 12.30: Chris Lawton (Falkirk Tryst) and Steven Rennie (Drumpellier)
7.38 and 12.38: Alister Hain (Ladybank) and Michael Main (Thornton)
7.46 and 12.46: Scott Crichton (Aberdour) and David Mitchell (Leven Thistle)
7.54 and 12.54: Marc Gentles (St Andrews) and Liam McGowan (St Andrews New)
8.02 and 13.02: Alex Main (Thornton) and David Oldham (Crail Golfing Society)
8.10 and 13.10: Alex Moir (Thornton) and David Docherty (Bonnyton)
8.18 and 13.18: Gordon Stevenson (Whitecraigs) and John Duff (Newmachar)
8.26 and 13.26: Conor O'Neil (Pollock) and Fraser Fotheringham (Nairn)
8.34 and 13.34: Scott Ritchie (Coringa) and James Ross (Royal Burgess Golfing Society)
8.42 and 13.42: Keith Shanks (Briar Ridge) and John Laurie (Cowglen)
8.50 and 13.50: Ross Bell (Downfield) and Philip McLean (Peterhead)
8.58 and 13.58: Greg Nicolson (Mortonhall) and Matthew Allen (The Kendleshire)
9.06 and 14.06: Darren Gould (Woodhall Spa) and Jamie Stephen (Aberdour)
9.14 and 14.14: Ian Bell (Scotscraig) and Scott Stewart-Cation (Dukes)
9.22 and 14.22: Alan Sutherland (Ladybank) and Daniel Young (Craigie Hill)
9.30 and 14.30: Paul McPhee (King James V1) and Fraser McKenna (Balmore)
9.38 and 14.38: Kevin Duncan (McDonald Ellon) and Allyn Dick (Kingsknowe)
9.46 and 14.46: 35 Stephen Speirs (Portpatrick Dunskey) and Sam Binning (Ranfurly Castle)
9.54 and 14.54: Brian Erskine (Merchants of Edinburgh) and Mark Dickson (Mortonhall)
10.02 and 15.02: Grant Carnie (Newburgh on Ythan) and Ben Renfrew (The Wynyard)
10.10 and 15.10: Nick MacAndrew (Cullen) and Kyle McClung (Wigtonshire County)
10.18 amd 15.18: Jordan Findlay (Fraserburgh) and Michael Daily (Erskine)
10.26 and 15.26: Bryn Rocke (Twin Creeks) and Alasdair MacLennan (Kings Acre)
10.34 and 15.34: Adam Dunton (McDonald Ellon) and Paul Ferrier (Baberton)
10.42 and 15.42: Daniel Kay (Dunbar) and Sean McGarvey (Glencorse)
10.50 and 15.50: Scott Gibson (Southerness) and Fraser Moore (Glenbervie)
10.58 and 15.38: Alexander Culverwell (Dunbar) and Scott Borrowman (Dollar)
11.06 and 16.06: Graeme McDougall (Bishopbriggs) and Bobby Rushford (Grangemouth)
11.14 and 16.14: Myles Cunningham (Longniddry) and Graeme Robertson (Glenbervie)
11.22 and 16.22: Brian Soutar (Leven Golfing Society) and Dan Lawrence (Ballumbie Castle)
11.30 and 16.30: Jordan McColl (Scotscraig) and Mark Bookless (Sandyhills)
11.38 and 16.38: Kevin Blyth (Lundin) and Peter Latimer (St Andrews New)
11.46 and 16.46: Daniel Sommerville (St Andrews) and Graham Robertson (Silverknowes)
11.54 and 16.54: Stephen Neilson (Dunbar) and James Hendrick (Pollock)
12.02 and 17.02: Steven Smith (Dalmahoy Hotel) and Andrew Wallace (Glenbervie).
12.10 and 17.10: Colin Thomson (East Renfrewshire) and Chris Robb (Inchmarlo)

CARRIS TROPHY LIVE SCORING

TO ACCESS THE ENGLISH GOLF UNION'S LIVE SCORING SERVICE FROM THE CARRIS TROPHY English Under-18 boys' open stroke-play championship:

CLICK HERE

GOLD CROSS TOP 10 FINISHERS AT ROYAL ST DAVID'S, HARLECH

Walker Cup team candiate Oliver Farr, currently assembled with the GB and I practice squad at Royal Aberdeen, won the big 72-hole event in Wales at the weekend, the Gold Cross at Royal St David's GC, Harlech.

TOP TEN TOTALS

Par 276 (4x69)

1 Oliver Farr (Ludlow) 71 69 79 73 292 +16
2 Richard Hooper (Neath) 71 74 74 74 293 +17
3 Kristian Taylor (Formby) 75 70 71 77 293 +17
4 Rhys Pugh (Vale of Glamorgan) 74 75 71 76 296 +20
5 Alastair Jones (Radyr) 70 75 72 79 296 +20
6 Jason Shufflebotham (Prestatyn) 71 74 79 73 297 +21
7 Luke Jackson (Misterton) 76 71 75 75 297 +21
8 Gareth Phillips (Creigiau) 74 78 71 75 298 +22
9 Geraint Jones Royal St David's 75 74 72 78 299 +23
10 David Boote (Walton Heath) 74 74 75 77 300 +24

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO FORMER GOLD CROSS WINNER ZACH GOULD?

Prince Andrew and Zach Gould with the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy at Kingsbarns in 2004. Rory McIlroy was among those left in the young Welshman's wake. But that was seven years ago ... read on

 WHEN McILROY WAS NOT AS GOOD AS GOULD

FROM THE WALES ON LINE WEBSITE

SEVEN years ago he was destined to tread the same fairways as acclaimed US Open champion Rory McIlroy.

And, as the world watched open mouthed as the young man from Holywood near Belfast swept to a first Major by eight shots at Congressional Golf Club, Cardiff’s Zach Gould could be forgiven for thinking back to 2004 when he twice beat the most talked about golfer since Tiger Woods.

Because seven short years ago the golfing shoe was firmly on the other foot with the general perception with regards to the next British player to challenge the Woods domination of the professional game.

Cardiff’s Gould, picture by Cal Carson Golf Agency, only has to cast his mind back to the royal show he put on in front of Prince Andrew to win the Duke of York Young Champions’ Trophy for inspiration after taking time off from golf recently to do a sport’s science course.

After pipping McIlroy to the Duke of York’s crown at Kingsbarns, Fife, just a few months later Gould was at it again lifting the European Young Masters title in Murhof, Austria.

This time 22-year-old McIlroy had to be content with fifth spot.

Since then McIlroy’s star was firmly on the rise culminating in his eight-shot win at Congressional Golf Club to become only the second European player to lift the US Open title in 41 years, following great friend Graeme McDowell in 2010.

You would have thought the sight of McIlroy’s lifestyle would leave 23-year-old Gould green with envy.

But, far from it.

“I don’t look at Rory winning with any envy,” said Gould who won the Gold Cross tournament in 2008.

“I know I beat him twice in one year and there’s no reason I cannot go on and do it again.

“In golf, as in many other sports, players tend to peak at different ages and mature at different times and I really think I’m capable of getting up there.

“I see what Rory’s doing as something I can strive for. I know his performances and results are something I’m capable of.

“I do remember playing twice against him in 2004 and he was really good then and looked like he was going to keep being really good and going all the way.

“I’m still really hopeful of making the big breakthrough like Rory.

“Things are looking positive and I’m looking forward to the future. 2004 was my best year on paper. I won three or four tournaments, but I’ve been making a lot of changes to my game in recent years and hoping they will all come together soon.”

In 2005 another up-and-coming star of the European Tour, Oliver Fisher, lifted the Duke of York Young Champions’ Trophy with Gould coming in fifth.

But recently Gould has swapped the scorecard for the text-book, taking on a two-year sports science course, which he has now completed.

“It’s quiet in the off-season with my golf and I thought I could occupy my time in the winter doing something like this,” he said, referring to his course.

“It’s great to have something under my belt other than golf. I’ve had three winters of being a little bored. Sometimes you can get a little lost with your golf and I thought this would occupy my time

Darren Clarke gives Open medal to Royal Portrush - "fit to stage an Open"

FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEBSITE
By DONNA BOWATER, in Portrush
After two nights of celebrating his first major, Darren Clarke got down to work again at Royal Portrush, again throwing his weight behind calls for his adopted club to be restored to the roster of venues to host the Open.
Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the club to cheer the Ulsterman as he presented its captain, Philip Tweedie, with the gold medal he won at Royal St George’s to sit alongside that given to Fred Daly in 1947, the only other Northern Irishman to win of the event. Four years later, Portrush hosted the Open for the only time.
“I’ve been fortunate to play all around the world and some of the best golf courses in the world,” Clarke said. “But, for me, living in Portrush, this is the best course in the world and I feel very privileged to be able to give Royal Portrush the gold medal so that people who come into the club can see it next to Fred Daly’s.
“There is a lot of momentum and a lot of weight thrown behind it and this golf course is fit to host any tournament in the world. The logistics are pretty tough when it comes to staging a major championship like the Open. Hopefully, they can come and take a look and reassess.
“Right now, with G-Mac [Graeme McDowell] and Rory [McIlroy] and myself doing so well, it would be wonderful to see if that were the case and we could get a major championship here.”
Having downed his fair share of Guinness in the hours after his success, the father-of-two arrived at Royal Portrush clean-shaven and in a sharp pinstripe suit. “Yesterday morning we flew back home and went back to see the two boys,” he said. “Then we went out to another local bar and stayed there until I was falling asleep with a mixture of tiredness, excitement and beverages.”
Clarke said he would play in the Irish Open in Killarney next week.