Monday, March 21, 2016

Gavin Hay is following in father Gordon's 

Alliance championship-winning footsteps


By ROBIN WILSON
Professional Gavin Hay who plays out of Nairn Dunbar Golf Club, having spent last summer working there in the pro's shop, took his first step nearer his father Gordon Hay's three-time winning years as North Scottish Golfers Alliance champion when he romped home with the winning score in this year's championship at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club.

 Hay (24), pictured above, has recently returned from the hot and sultry Far East where he just missed earning a Tour Card to play on the Far East Professional Tour but he turned up his own heat in Ross-shire with a six-under-par 65 over James Braid's iconic Channory Point links course to win by four from local amateur Lewis Reid.

A three-putt on the first green immediately followed by a missed second green was not the two-over-par start he wanted but a birdie on the first par -ive hole and an eagle on the next par-five, where he found the green with a four iron, quickly put him in charge of his card by reaching the turn in two under par 34. 

Almost driving the 13th, 14th and 15th holes, all measuring below 300 yards, brought three more birdies and closing with a birdie 2 at the clubhouse, his inward half was a miserly 31 for an excellent total of 65. 
Hay hopes to return to the Far East next year and also try his luck at the European Tour qualifying school but until then he will concentrate on the Tartan Tour with Spey Valley professional Murray Urquhart looking after his swing.  
Under favourable conditions and against the field of 86, home player Lewis Reid took some of the chances on offer with outward- half birdies at the third, sixth and seventh holes, adding three more sub-par figures at the 13th, 14th and 17th but lapses at the first, fourth, tenth and final hole took his card back to 69. 
Some consolation for the local two-handicapper saw his net 67 win Handicap Class 1 section and the Bank of Scotland Quaich by a shot from Dougie Gordon (Inverness).

Jordan Shaw (Boat of Garten) had a slightly worse start than the new champion with a three over par card after his first four holes. 
He added another bogey at the seventh to intermingle with his six birdies and bogeyed 16th hole for third place on 70. A shot further back was the new champion's father, Gordon Hay (Boat of Garten), who won the Sir Hugh Mackenzie Trophy for a first time 25 years ago (1991) and then again in 1995 and 2005.



Liam Hutchison (Inverness) winner of this season's  Class 2 Handicap aggregate trophy for best six scores, kept his form to the end of the Alliance season and came in with another winning nett card to lift the Jim Thom Quaich for the higher handicap members with a nett 68.
The J A B Little Trophy for best score from a senior member went to Inverness's Alan Henry with gross 78. Returning a 73 W R Duncan (Moray) won the senior's handicap J M C Gourlay Salver.   



LEADING SCRATCH
par 71

65 G A Hay (Nairn Dunbar) p (Winner Sir Hugh Mackenzie Trophy). 
69 L Reid (Fortrose and Rosemarkie)

70 J Shaw (Boat of Garten).

71 G H Hay (Boat of Garten)

72 A Cameron (Fortrose and Rosemarkie).

73 B J Thomson (Torvean), J S D Campbell (Grantown on Spey), B R Fotheringham (Forres), D Gordon (Inverness), N McWlliam (Elgin). 
74 M McAllan (Elgin) .

75 R Harrower (Boat of Garten) p.

76 S Wilson (Inverness), A Macintosh (Torvean), R Clarke (Moray) p

77 R Black (Inverness) p, I Murray (Boat of Garten), F Hutchison (Inverness)

78 A Henry (Inverness), W R Duncan (Moray), K Thomson (Moray).

79 L Hutchison (Inverness), A Philip (Inverness), P Mathieson (Grantown on Spey), D Ramsay (Moray) p.
80 D Johnston (Moray), D Joel (Inverness), D Hector (Elgin).

81 B Coupar (Boat of Garten), R Stewart (Nairn Dunbar), R McKerron (Forres), A Hutchison (Inverness), P Masson (Rothes), R H Stewart (Torvean).

82 D MacGrouther (Inverness), M Lyall (Torvean), M Windsor (Nairn).

83 N MacAskill (Forres), W Hutchison (Inverness), D F Sharp (Boat of Garten), J R Ingram (Boat of Garten), W Weatherall (Muir of Ord).


Handicap Section One (7 and under)

67 L Reid (Fortrose and Rosemarkie) (2) (Winner of Bank Scotland Quaich)

68 D Gordon (Inverness) (5)

69 A Macintosh (Torvean) (7)

70 F Hutchison (Inverness) (7)

72 N McWilliam (Elgin) (1), I Murray (Boat of Garten) (5)



Handicap Section Two (8 to 18)

68 L Hutchison (Inverness) (11)  (Winner of Jim Thom Quaich)

71 B Coupar (Boat of Garten) (10), M Lyall (Torvean) (11), M Windsor (Nairn) (11).
73 V McLaughlin (Boat of Garten) (13), N MacAskill (Forres) (10).

Senior Scratch - Winner of the J A B Little Trophy
78 A Henry (Inverness) bih

Senior Handicap - Winner of the J M C Gourlay Salver 
73 W R Duncan (Moray) (5)


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KAI Agency goes live

A bright new company offering simple solutions, working with you to make your business succeed. From identifying, developing and marketing a brand to managing your event, KAI Agency will be that helping hand.



NEWS RELEASE

KAI Agency is the brainchild of golf industry professionals Kirsty Weir and Christopher J Campbell (pictured above).
With a wealth of experience in their respective fields, the duo have branched out to create a bespoke agency that will work with your business to improve and maintain standards.

“We specialise in marketing, operational improvements, sales strategies, and event creation/management whilst seeking and improving sponsorship opportunities,” said managing director Kirsty Weir.

“KAI is predominantly golf focused but we supply our services to companies outside the industry who will benefit from the game's ability to expose their brand. The end result is a positive brand image, customer satisfaction, revenue and, in-time, profits. It is not about meeting expectations it is about exceeding them at every opportunity.”
Formed in 2015, the company has already developed a strong client list that includes; Montrose Links, Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club, Marcliffe Hotel, Blackstar Golf, Northern Ireland Open, Bridgestone Challenge, Bespoke Clothing, Mashie, Ferguson Legal, Neil Henderson Joinery and Galgorm Dental.

The ultimate objective of KAI is to work with companies and venues providing valuable management tools to improve and maintain business standards. 
KAI Services extend into the areas of golf consultancy, marketing solutions, public relations, event management, sponsorship opportunities, brand development and identity, corporate packages and corporate gifts.

“As you can see, KAI is already working with a number of companies from different sectors to help them stand out from the competition,” said managing director Christopher J Campbell.
“At the heart of our operations is an established, dedicated and experienced team of professionals from the golf, leisure and events industries. No matter how big or small the plan, KAI will be there every step of the way.”



Kirsty Weir
Born and raised in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, Kirsty studied at the University of Ulster emerging with a first class honours degree in Consumer Studies (Marketing).  A successful model and a former Miss Northern Ireland finalist, Kirsty helped to fund her education by working for Darren Clarke’s wife, Alison Clarke, at ACA Models.
In 2010 she was appointed Sales and Marketing manager at Ballymena venue, Galgorm Castle, now recognised worldwide as the host venue of the Challenge Tour event, the NI Open. At Galgorm, Kirsty sought out unique selling points and created traditional and digital campaigns to reach target markets. She played a key role in developing and staging the NI Open, working on sponsorship and event management to make the tournament one of the most eagerly anticipated stops on the Challenge Tour schedule.

“Working with a diverse range of partners and sponsors gave me an understanding of how brands evolve and the importance of perception to brand development,” said Kirsty.

“I am passionate about using golf events as a marketing and PR tool for brands ranging from the banking sector to the food industry. We will work with people to ensure their vision and businesses are showcased and marketed in an exciting and worthy way, hence the name KAI - it stands for 'Kirsty and I'. Together we can find a successful way to promote and benefit your brand and business.”



Christopher J Campbell

PGA Professional, Christopher Campbell, has turned his passion for the game of golf into a successful career. The former Scottish amateur international has gained a wealth of experience in the customer service industry at world class venues including the Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle; Elea Estate, Cyprus and more recently at Trump International Golf Links, Scotland.

“Having worked at a number of five-star golfing resorts, I felt the time was right to begin a new journey and share my insights and skills with new clients,” said Christopher who first started playing the game as a 13-year-old at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club and Abernethy Golf Club. It was the start of a journey that saw him represent Scotland at boys and youths level before making his senior debut in 1999 at Royal County Down, Northern Ireland.

Christopher has played a leading role in developing golf operations at award winning resorts such as Skibo Castle, Elea Estate and Trump International Golf Links.
“My management philosophy is based on delivering exceptional customer service and best of class products within a cost effective framework whilst also increasing value perception and brand equity,” added Christopher.
Over the years he has worked closely with many of the world’s top golf designers such as Martin Hawtree, Nick Faldo Design Team and MacKenzie and Ebert. Christopher has also delivered golf events and managed projects for several blue chip organisations including Range Rover, KPMG, Nokia and The Trump Organisation.










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posted by Colin | See story on its own page | Monday, March 21, 2016 | 0 comments

Links to amended draw for Scottish students' championships at Lossiemouth


FROM BEN PHILIP,
Scottish Student Sport
Please find below links to the  AMENDED draw for the first two rounds of the Scottish students' golf championship hosted by Moray Golf Club  at Lossiemouth, starting on Sunday. There have been changes to tee times for players throughout the MEN’S DRAW so all players who have entered are asked to check their new tee time.



Ben Philip | Sports Manager | Scottish Student Sport (SSS)
3rd Floor | 48 Pleasance | Edinburgh | EH8 9TJ

t: 0131 650 9653 or 9654 |

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posted by Colin | See story on its own page | Monday, March 21, 2016 | 0 comments

PGA IN SCOTLAND COMPETITION CANCELLED

Today's (Monday) PGA in Scotland better-ball Winter Series competition at The Duke's course, St Andrews was cancelled because of a lack of entries.
The next scheduled competition is at West Kilbride next Tuesday, March 29.


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Montgomerie finishes down the field in USA Champions Seniors Tour event

Woody Austin closes in 65 to win

 Tucson Conquistadores Classic

Woody Austin (left) and Craig Parry
                                    Woody Austin (left) and Craig Parry ( Getty Images )

FROM GOLFWEEK.COM
By Kevin Casey


Woody Austin posted a final-round 65 Sunday at the Tucson Conquistadores Classic and it boosted him to his first USA PGA Tour Champions title.
In the process of his Sunday assault on Omni Tucson National's Catalina Course, Austin overtook Jim Carter, who finished 15 under to come up one shot short of his own chance at his first Champions title.
"Brokenhearted and happy at the same time," said Carter. "I did a lot of good things. I just got a little, maybe just a little bit tight."
Austin, 52, pounced early, birdieing his first three holes of the round and six of his first 10. 
Thirty-six hole leader Scott Verplank couldn't keep pace, but Carter, 54, did for a while with a 5-under score in his first 11 to stay one ahead of Austin. But the tide turned on 13, when Carter made his first of consecutive bogeys. 
Once Austin hold out for eagle from a greenside bunker on 15, Carter's chances were doomed.
"The greatest bunker week of my career, no question," Austin said.
Bernhard Langer, a 26-time PGA Tour Champions winner, also could lament some late mistakes. The German, 58, birdied four consecutive holes on his back nine to reach 16 under, only to bogey his final two and finish solo third.
While Carter was relegated to his second top 10 with no wins in 32 Champions Tour starts, Austin, a four-time US Tour winner, earned his first title in appearance No. 28. And he did so with his back-up caddie.
Austin's eldest son Parker originally was touted for bag-carrying duties, but he got sick during the week. In stepped younger brother Peyton, who secured a victory on the bag for dad.
Stephen Ames (69) and 2015 winner Marco Dawson (70) tied for fourth at 11 under. Scott Verplank (74) faltered to a tie for sixth thanks to a final round that included four bogeys.
Colin Montgomerie did not have one of his better US Seniors Tour performances. He finished T68 on 218 - 18 shots behind the winner.
Monty earned $1,955, about £1,000.

ALL THE FINAL TOTALS, PRIZEMONEY
Par 216 (3x72)
1 Woody Austin 65   70 65

200   $255,000
2 Jim Carter 70 63   68

201   $149,600
3 Bernhard Langer 69 66 67  

202     $122,400
T4 Stephen Ames 69 67 69

205 $90,950
T4 Marco Dawson 68 67 70

205 $90,950
T6 Mark Calcavecchia 67 74 65

206 $55,080
T6 Duffy Waldorf 69 68 69

206 $55,080
T6 Tommy Armour III 70 67 69

206 $55,080
T6 Loren Roberts 71 66 69

206 $55,080
T6 Scott Verplank 66 66 74

206 $55,080
T11   Jeff Sluman 74 66 67

207 $34,000
T11 Jeff Maggert 72 71 64

207 $34,000
T11 Mike Goodes 70 68 69

207 $34,000
T11 Kevin Sutherland 70 68 69

207 $34,000
T11 Bart Bryant 71 66 70

207 $34,000
T11 Wes Short Jr. 68 65 74

207 $34,000
T17 Joe Durant 69 72 67

208 $24,693
T17 Scott McCarron 70 70 68

208 $24,693
T17 Bob Tway 71 67 70

208 $24,693
T17 Billy Andrade 66 70 72

208 $24,693
T21 Michael Allen 68 73 68

209 $17,971
T21 Steve Lowery 68 74 67

209 $17,971
T21 Joey Sindelar 71 70 68

209 $17,971
T21 Corey Pavin 71 69 69

209 $17,971
T21 Tom Byrum 70 68 71

209 $17,971
T21 Miguel Angel Martin 70 68 71

209 $17,971
T21 Peter Senior 69 68 72

209 $17,971
T28 Scott Dunlap 70 73 67

210 $13,175
T28 Paul Goydos 68 71 71

210 $13,175
T28 Greg Kraft 73 70 67

210 $13,175
T28 Scott Parel 69 71 70

210 $13,175
T28 Fred Funk 73 66 71

210 $13,175
T28 Glen Day 70 69 71

210 $13,175
T34 Kirk Triplett 72 69 70

211 $10,030
T34 Jeff Hart 71 70 70

211 $10,030
T34  Ian Woosnam  73 67 71

211 $10,030
T34 Rod Spittle 72 72 67

211 $10,030
T34 Mark Brooks 69 70 72

211 $10,030
T34 Jesper Parnevik 69 70 72

211 $10,030
T40 Todd Hamilton 72 69 71

212 $7,480
T40 Jerry Smith 70 73 69

212 $7,480
T40 Willie Wood 71 70 71

212 $7,480
T40 Mike Grob 69 71 72

212 $7,480
T40 John Inman 69 74 69

212 $7,480
T40 Doug Garwood 72 67 73

212 $7,480
T40 Lee Janzen 73 66 73

212 $7,480
T40 Gene Sauers 67 70 75

212 $7,480
48 Jose Coceres 72 70 71

213 $5,950
T49 John Huston 71 71 72

214 $4,439
T49 Carlos Franco 71 72 71

214 $4,439
T49 Scott Hoch 72 71 71

214 $4,439
T49 Rocco Mediate 72 71 71

214 $4,439
T49 Kenny Perry 72 72 70

214 $4,439
T49 Stan Utley 76 68 70

214 $4,439
T49 Brandt Jobe 70 75 69

214 $4,439
T49 John Riegger 75 70 69

214 $4,439
T49 Jay Don Blake 70 67 77

214 $4,439
T58 Don Pooley 72 74 69

215 $3,315
T58 Jeff Gallagher 70 67 78

215 $3,315
T60 Ronnie Black 71 70 75

216 $2,890
T60 Scott Simpson 72 74 70

216 $2,890
T60 Tom Lehman 74 73 69

216 $2,890
T63 Tom Pernice Jr. 72 72 73

217 $2,380
T63 Brad Faxon 72 73 72

217 $2,380
T63 Larry Mize 69 76 72

217 $2,380
T66 Mark O'Meara 72 70 76

218 $1,955
T66 Colin Montgomerie   74  70 74

218 $1,955
68 Hale Irwin 69 75 75

219 $1,700
69 Bob Gilder 73 74 73

220 $1,598
70 David Frost 76 74 71

221 $1,496
T71 Mike Springer 73 70 79

222 $1,250
T71 Mark Wiebe 69 75 78

222 $1,250
T71 Esteban Toledo 72 74 76

222 $1,250
T71 Brad Bryant 75 74 73

222 $1,250
T75 John Cook 75 74 74

223 $1,020
T75 Tom Kite 75 75 73

223 $1,020
77 Bobby Wadkins 76 78 71

225 $918
78 Gil Morgan 72 81 74

227 $850
79 Craig Parry 77 80 72

229 $782
80 Dan Forsman 78 77 75

230 $731
81 Tom Purtzer 78 75 79

232 $697
- Russ Cochran - - - - - - -

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