November 2nd - McLachlan is Scottish Champion of Champions

It has been a good season for young Andrew McLachlan - one of Renfrewshire's most promising juniors. He is based at Bonnyton Golf Club and coached at Mearns Castle Golf Academy as a member of the Renfrewshire Golf Union's training squad. His talent was spotted early and, though still only 16 years old, he has been in the squad for three seasons. He now plays off plus one.

He is a member of the Scottish under 18 squad and, earlier this season, won a Scottish Golf Union tour event at Kilmarnock Barassie. This gave him an invitation to the SGU Champion of Champions event at Kingsbarns where a field of forty national and county champions were invited to fight it out for the title.

It turned out to be a close contest despite the fact that Andrew drew well away from the field with an outward nine of 31 - five birdies giving him that remarkable score. However, at the 14th hole a loose drive and a lost ball meant a double bogey and Mark Dickson of Gullane started to snap at his heels with back to back eagles. Under pressure, Andrew showed great composure and got back in 36 for a total of 67 and a win by two shots.

Picture shows Andrew with the Champion of Champions trophy

Jim Herald, who looks after all coaching at Renfrewshire Golf Union, said that Andrew had worked really hard on his game and that he deserved his success. He was also delighted that another squad member, Sam Binning of Ranfurly Castle Golf Club, had taken fourth spot with a solid round of 71 - one under par.

Andrew can now look forward to the SGU warm weather training camp in Portugal a just reward for all his hard work.

October 5th - 2008 Scottish Area County Championships - SO NEAR AND YET ……………..

Tain Golf Club was the venue for this year's Scottish Area Team finals and the Renfrewshire squad made their way north knowing that they had a team, including Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire) with 57 international appearances for Scotland, which was capable of coming back with the trophy.

The first challenge was to overcome Lanarkshire in the semi final and with Walker Cup player, Paul O'Hara and experienced junior internationalist, Ross Kellett in the Lanarkshire squad, the task was not going to be easy. The morning foursomes saw Renfrewshire going to lunch with two victories out of the three games and needing three wins in the afternoon singles to make the final. David Miller (Kilmacolm) and Gordon Stevenson (Whitecraigs) both had two and one wins but, with three defeats on the board it was left to Ronnie Clark (Erskine) to try to get the final point. It all came down to the last hole where Ronnie played an exquisite approach close to the pin to ensure that Renfrewshire stayed on for Sunday's final.

The team from Ayrshire had fought an equally close battle with South and were the other finalists. The Ayrshire team included Steven McEwan, recently announced as the winner of the 2008 SGU Order of Merit and obviously a man on form. In the morning foursomes, with one win each, Murdo Carmichael (Greenock) and Craig Watson came to the last all square only to see a long putt drop for Ayrshire for the birdie that was needed for Ayrshire to get their nose in front. It was all to play for in the afternoon singles.

Steven McEwan had a good win over Gordon Stevenson then David Miller (Kilmacolm) retained his 100% record over the weekend and squared the singles with a solid victory. Ronnie Clark came through again winning five and three against Brian Moore and Craig Watson's experience showed through as he swept aside the challenge from John Shanks. With Matthew Clark (Kilmacolm) losing to John Cairney, the Championship hung in the balance with the last match between the experienced Murdo Carmichael and Tommy McInally left to decide the location of the trophy.

There were two turning points in this vital match. First, Tommy holed a four iron at the 13th for an albatross then Murdo found the water as he tried to get the ball close at the difficult par three 16th. Two down, he won the 17th and looked like taking the game to extra holes when Tommy, at the 18th, knocked his approach putt five feet past. However, the return putt dropped and Renfrewshire will have to try again in 2009

Pictures show the squad with Team Manager Ian Storie and President Bill Gilmour and two players in action

September 21st - RENFREWSHIRE COUNTY TEAM MAKE THE FINALS

The Renfrewshire team made its way to Prestonfield Golf Club in Edinburgh on Ryder Cup Sunday knowing that a 5/4 defeat against the might of Lothians County would be enough to see them participate in the finals at Tain in October.

Team Manager, Ian Storie, decided to include a "rookie" in the side when Gordon Stevenson of Whitecraigs Golf Club was included. Gordon had made headlines in August when an opening 67 followed by a 70 saw him being the leading qualifier for the Eden Trophy at St Andrews. The rest of the team were experienced county players and the quality of the sides was exemplified by the inclusion in the Lothian's Team of 2007 Scottish Amateur Champion, John Gallagher and, for Renfrewshire, Craig Watson who has represented Scotland on numerous occasions and made the Walker Cup team some years back and Andrew Farmer who also has a number of Scottish caps .

The sun shone although the course was playing long after all the rain. In the morning foursomes, Renfrewshire took two out of the three matches with the Clarks - Matthew from Kilmacolm and Ronnie from Erskine - making an encouraging start with a 2 and 1 win. The top match involving Gallagher with Chris Orr and Watson with Gordon Stevenson saw Gallagher winning that battle and it was the experienced duo of Farmer (Kilmacolm) and Murdo Carmichael (Greenock) which comfortably won their match 4 and 3 to see Renfrewshire with half of the points needed for that trip North.

The afternoon's six singles were complicated by two factors. First, the team became complacent knowing that it needed only two wins out of six. Second, Lothian's management decided on a team list which put their top player in at number six with others not being in the anticipated positions. These factors, and some poor putting, soon saw Team Manager Storie biting finger nails and looking shocked when, at one point, all six matches were being won by the Lothian's side who had obviously decided that they fancied a place in the final.

And it was young Gordon Stevenson who started to turn the tide as he went one up over Chris Orr. This news spurred the rest of the team into action and Matthew Clark put the first point on the board with a solid 2 and 1 victory. Murdo Carmichael was in a close fight with long hitting Shaun McAllister but Shaun's efforts to drive the par four 16th hole saw him in deep trouble opening the door for Murdo who grabbed the opportunity and recorded the second afternoon point to put a smile on the face of the Manager. Gordon held on for his first County win and, at the end of the field, Ronnie Clark was delighted to get a half against the 2007 Amateur Champion.

Pictures are of Andrew Farmer and Gordon Stevenson in action

The final result was Renfrewshire 5 ½ - Lothians 3 ½ and the winning team will be joined by David Millar of Kilmacolm for the trip to Tain.

The foresomes results are as follows:(Lothian players first)
Steven Armstrong & Mark Hillson lost 2/1to Matthew Clark & Ronnie Clark
John Gallagher & Chris Orr won 3/2 over Craig Watson & Gordon Stevenson
Shaun McAllister & Zack Saltman lost 4/3 to Andrew Farmer & Murdoch Carmichael

The singles results
Zack Saltman won 1 hole over Craig Watson
Steven Armstrong lost 2/1 to Matthew Clark
Mark Hillson won 2/1 over Andrew Farmer
Shaun McAllister lost 2/1 to Murdoch Carmichael
Chris Orr lost 1 hole to Gordon Stevenson
John Gallagher Halved with Ronnie Clark

September 14th - RENFREWSHIRE BOYS FINISH SEASON ON A HIGH

The Renfrewshire Golf Union's boys team travelled to Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club in Ayrshire for the last inter county match of the season. Team Manager, James Herald, decided to leave out top regulars, Sam Binning, Daniel Fitzpatrick and Darryn Grant to give some of the younger, up and coming youngsters more experience at county level.

In the top game, Gavin Hay of Whitecraigs had to do battle with Kyle Smith - an under 16 and Boys' International player who represented his country this year in the European Team Championship. Gavin stuck to the task and won one up in a contest which saw some fine golf. This victory spurred on the rest of the team and victories for Lewis Cullen of Eastwood, Callum Gallagher of Greenock, Michael McLennan of Greenock Whinhill and Alexander Ferguson and Fergus Smith, both from Paisley Golf Club, were enough to ensure that full points would be earned by the team. The final result was 6 ½ to 1 ½ to Renfrewshire.

The manager was delighted with the victory especially as all the young team will be available as boys for a minimum of two years allowing their development to continue under the watchful eyes of Adam Hunter and Stephen McAllister at Mearns Castle Golf Academy.

Picture shows Gavin Hay in action

Full results:
Ayrshire 1½ - Renfrewshire 6½
M Smith - Barassie all square - Philip Gordon - Paisley
D Wilson - Wellbeck lost 4 and 3 - Alexander Ferguson - Paisley
F Kerr - Barassie lost 2 and 1 - Michael McLennan - Greenock
J McDonald - Barassie lost 3 and 2 - Fergus Smith - Paisley
K Smith - Barassie lost 1 down - Gavin Hay - Whitecraigs
C Robinson - Largs lost 4 and 3 - Lewis Cullen - Eastwood
S Clark - Belleisle lost 3 and 1 - Callum Gallacher - Greenock
A Wright - Barassie won 2 and 1 - Andrew Reid - Paisley

September 7th - FERENEZE WIN COUNTY CUP

The team from Fereneze Golf Club are the 2008 Renfrewshire County Cup champions but only after a nail biting day for everyone at Kilmacolm Golf Club.
The opposition was Gourock Golf Club and that team looked to have the match sewn up in the early stages. In the first game, David Bruce from Gourock carried a slim lead most of the way and held off the challenge from Wilson Davidson to get the first win on the board - one up.

In the second game, Rab McMillan (Fereneze) was never in trouble and his 6 and 5 win over John Young evened things out. However, out on the course, Gourock's
Stuart Rafferty was five up at one stage and managed to survive a late challenge from Tony McGorrian to win 3 and 1.

With two wins on the board, Gourock looked to Jake MacPherson to ensure that the title was secure and he looked good as he went three up against Robin Murray. However, Robin refused to accept defeat and rose to the challenge with an incredible turn around in fortunes as he won hole after hole to turn the three hole deficit into a 2 and 1 victory.

With two wins each, the match was decided on holes up and, on a day when no team deserved to lose, it was the team from Fereneze who opened the champagne.
Gourock Golf Club must wonder what they must do to win this competition, having also been losing finalists last year. However, it was a great day for Fereneze, with their Brand Putter winning team also taking the honours in the Boundary Bell competition at Haggs Castle on the same day.

Picture shows RGU President -Bill Gilmour with winning team members Wilson Davidson, Tony McGorrian, Robin Murray and Rab McMillan

August 28th - CAMPBELL BREAKS ALL THE RECORDS

On the evening of the final of the County Match Play Championship, Michael Campbell of Renfrew Golf Club arrived at his home course with unfinished business - bad light having preventing his semi final against Greenock's Daniel Fitzpatrick to be concluded after finishing all square. It took two holes of sudden death before Daniel made an error catching the greenside bunker and Michael was able to proceed to the first tee for the final.

His opponent was Scott McGreneghan of Cochrane Castle GC who saw off David Miller of Kilmacolm in his semi final battle. Scott started nervously and was four down by the time the game reached the ninth. However, it was there that his fight back begun with a great birdie and this was followed by a win at the thirteenth and another birdie at the long sixteenth to take the match back to only one down. In front of a well entertained crowd, Michael held his nerve and his one hole lead as the two 21 year olds both parred the remaining two holes.

His victory was momentous as he is the first Renfrewshire player ever to win both the Youth and Senior Match Play Championships in the same year. Indeed, his name is now on all three Match Play trophies as he is also a former Boy's Champion .

Pictures show the finalists and Michael and Renfrew Golf Club Captain, Ken Martin with the trophy

August 17th - KILMACOLM GOLFER IS STROKE PLAY CHAMPION

Renfrew Golf Club was the venue for the 2008 Renfrewshire Golf Union County Stroke Play Championship. The course was very testing after a week of rain and the scores recorded by the top golfers in the area reflected this.

In the morning round, David Macfarlane of Greenock Golf Club, the 2007 Match Play Champion, showed the field that he was keen to add another title to his record as he recorded a very sound 73. This score was equalled by Matthew Clark (Kilmacolm) and Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire) but Daniel Fitzpatrick (Greenock) and Gary Price (Paisley) led the field with scores of 72 before Michael Campbell, the only local player taking advantage of a home venue, came to the scorers' table with a great score of 71.

Michael had already shown how he could perform on home turf by winning the 2008 Youth Match Play at Renfrew but it became clear that he would not challenge for this trophy when he let things slip in the afternoon and had to settle for 75. Gary could not repeat his morning standard and slipped down the leader board with a score of 78. This left four players in contention and the vastly experienced Craig Watson and the youngster Daniel Fitzpatrick set a target of 144 for those still to come in. David Macfarlane looked like the new champion when he started with two birdies and got it round in 70 for a total of 143 but Matthew Clark, the winner in 2004, had set his sights on getting his name engraved again. He had a great eagle at the second hole to set up a first half of 34 and held it together on the way back for a three under par round of 69 to take the Championship by one shot.

Picture shows M Clark with the trophy in the company of Bill Gilmour, President RGU and Renfrew Golf Club Captain, Ken Martin

Top score details were:

M Clark - Kilmacolm G C - 73/69 142
D Macfarlane - Greenock G C - 73/70 143
C Watson - East Renfrewshire G C - 73/71 144
D Fitzpatrick - Greenock G C - 72/72 144
M Campbell - Renfrew G C - 71/75 146
S Ferguson - Paisley G C - 76/73 149
D Anderson - Cochrane Castle G C - 74/75 149
G Price - Paisley G C 72/78 150

August 12th - RENFREWSHIRE BOYS WIN SCOTTISH SCRATCH TITLE

Renfrewshire Golf Union's team for the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils Boys Golf Tournament travelled to Torrance House Golf Club wondering if the tournament would be played. The course had been closed all week as a result of heavy rain but their journey was not in vain.

The selectors had chosen a young team including Philip Gordon - 16 years old from Paisley Golf Club whose confidence was high having recorded a hole in one at the Ralston Junior Open on the previous day. His score of 75 set a standard for the rest of the team and with three scores to count, Gavin Hay of Whitecraigs GC greatly helped the cause when he recorded a great score of 73 - one over the course par - in atrocious conditions.

Fraser McNeil from Eastwood Golf Club had a bad day and all the pressure switched to 16 year old Paisley junior, Fergus Smith. Despite torrential rain which threatened to close the tournament, he came in with a gross 76 giving the team an aggregate of 224 which was good enough to give them the scratch trophy.

Having achieved that, Gavin had to wait to see if anyone could match his personal score and, when all the cards were in, he had won by two strokes from Alan Welsh, East Kilbride and Nick McAndrew, Aberdeenshire.

So it was two trophies for the young team and a result which augers well for the future of golf in Renfrewshire.

Picture shows winning team Gaven Hay of Whitecraigs, Fergus Smith of Paisley, Fraser McNeil of Eastwood and Philip Gordon of Paisley with RGU officials Ian Walker and Andy Anderson.

August 3rd - SUCCESS FOR RENFREWSHIRE GOLFERS

Renfrewshire Golf Union's A Team has, over the years, given its management squad many nervous moments and the visit to the Cathkin Braes course to take on the might of Glasgow Area was yet another. The team needed a second victory in the qualifying ties for the Area Team finals to give them a chance of qualifying

In the morning foursomes, the top team of Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire) and Matthew Clark (Kilmacolm) lost by one hole after looking favourites. Then the usually totally reliable duo from Greenock Golf Club, Murdoch Carmichael and David MacFarlane also lost by one hole leaving Andy Farmer (Kilmacolm) and Ronnie Clark (Erskine) as team captain Ian Storie's only hope for a morning victory. His humour did not improve as, after a great contest, a halved match was the best that they could do.

With six singles matches to come and playing away from home, optimism was not high over lunch. However, a wee smile was detected on the manager's face as first Craig Watson had a good win, then Matthew Clark recorded a half against strong opposition. The smile got wider as Andy Farmer and Murdo Carmichael added to the victory tally but David MacFarlane could not pull off a victory and the match stood tied as the last game on the course battled it out. Ronnie Clark did what was required winning 2 and 1 to ensure that Renfrewshire stay on course for a place in the finals.

Full results were:

C Watson & M Clark beaten by G Sangster & S Robertson - 1 hole
M Carmichael & D MacFarlane beaten by J Laurie & S Machin - 1 hole
A Farmer & R Clark halved with L McLaughlin & N McBride

C Watson beat G Sangster 4/3
M Clark halved with S Robertson
A Farmer beat J Laurie 3/2
M Carmichael beat S Machin 1 hole
D MacFarlane beaten by N McBride 5/3
R Clark beat L McLaughlin 2/1

Picture shows Matt Clark examining a putt

July 6th - GREEENOCK TEAM ARE COUNTY CHAMPIONS

The top golfers in the Renfrewshire Golf Union area gathered at Greenock Golf Club to determine who would represent the area in this year's Scottish Championship at Windyhill. Winning that title results in a trip to Europe to represent Scotland so all were keen to do well.

It was the trio from Kilmacolm Gold Club who were first on the leader board with Andrew Farmer recording 72 despite two lost balls and David Miller posting a solid 71. Third man Ritchie Elrick held things together and his 76 meant that the combined score of 219 set an early target for the rest of the field.

Home advantage and more years of experience than the team will admit to came to the fore as Crawford Rae, Murdoch Carmichael and Craig Thomson set off in very familiar territory. Murdoch set the standard reaching the turn in level par before dropping three on the way home to get 71 on the board. As if a common standard had been predetermined, Crawford came back in 34 for a second 71 and, not to be outdone, Craig had an identical card - 37/34 - to set a team total of 213 which everyone in the clubhouse knew would not be seriously challenged.

They were right and the cup went to the local lads (using that term loosely) with Kilmacolm holding on to second place.

Picture shows Craig, Alex Roy - Greenock GC Captain, Crawford, Bill Gilmour - RGU President - and Murdoch

June 22nd - WHINHILL GOLFER FIGHTS BACK FROM ILLNESS TO BECOME CHAMPION

The Renfrewshire Golf Union 13 & over handicap championship was held at Paisley Golf Club and, despite it being mid summer, conditions were wet and windy.

The winner, by two clear shots, was John Cummings of Whinhill Golf Club who shot a net 70 early in the day and had to sit and watch while the rest of the field tried to match it. The nearest challenger was Darryl Ayres of Barshaw Golf Club on 72 with James Waite of Lochwinnoch Golf Club coming in late to grab the third place cheque with a net 74. Local man, Peter Mullan, had home advantage but the fourth place envelope was the best that he could take home.

John Cummings (13) returned to golf only 15 months ago after a heart problem which required an operation and he was delighted with his win. He had been encouraged by his doctor to get back on the course and his handicap has been coming down rapidly in recent months. He was delighted with his win which will ensure that there is another handicap reduction.

Picture - Don Bremner RGU Vice President presents the trophy to John Cummings

June 15th - LOCAL BATTLE AT ERSKINE

The Renfrewshire Golf Union County Championship for players of handicaps 6 to 12 was held at Erskine Golf Club and the event turned out to be a battle between two of the home players, Gordon Robbie and David Dempsie.

David was first to make his mark with a great outward nine of 35 with a birdie at the ninth. However, he dropped a shot at the 12th and recorded a double bogey at the very tough 16th playing into the teeth of a very strong wind for an inward half of 39 and a total score of 74 less 7 for a net 67.

Gordon was not to be outdone and recorded a birdie at the 6th in his fight for the title. However, his score to the turn was 37 and he looked out of it at that stage. He fought back with a birdie at the 10th and needed a birdie at eighteen to equal David's score. He held his nerve in front of the crowd at the clubhouse to get the needed birdie and it was then up to the count back of the cards to determine the winner.

After a few anxious minutes, Gordon Robbie was declared the Champion on count back.

Picture - Jack Watson, Captain of Erskine presents Gordon Robbie with trophy

June 11th - PAISLEY PLAYER IS SENIORS CHAMPION

Whitecraigs Golf Club hosted this year's Renfrewshire Golf Union's Senior Championship. There are three age categories and an overall winner who has recorded the best net score.

Although there was a brisk breeze, the weather gods smiled on the day as over a hundred golfers faced the challenges of a well manicured course. The resultant scores clearly show that golf is not a sport where advancing years need to be a problem.
The winner of the young seniors category - 55 to 59 - was Robert Wilson of Caldwell Golf Club who came back in 39 to record a net 70, two shots better than Bobby Blackwood of Cochrane Castle Golf Club despite Bobby's level par back nine.

In the over 65 age category, late entrant Bill McCorkell from Greenock Golf Club birdied the tough 8th hole in an outward half of 38 and held things together for a gross score of 78 net 67. This was enough to knock David McNidder of Lochwinnoch into second place.

In the mid group - 60-64 - it was John McLean of Paisley Golf Club who set an early target for the rest of the field when his net 66 was posted. Graham McGee of Erskine Golf Club did respond well with a level par outward half of 34 but three bogies on the back nine meant that his 73 less 4 for a net 69 was not good enough. As a result, John received the trophy as RGU Seniors Champion

The scratch prize, for those not appearing in the net prize list, went to Jim Kennedy of Cochrane Castle with a gross 77.

Robert Wilson of Caldwell

June 8th - HOME ADVANTAGE TO THE FORE IN DUNCAN TROPHY

The semi - finals of the Duncan Trophy, Renfrewshire Golf Union's Youth Match Play Championship saw the annual hosts Renfrew Golf Club with three out of the four contestants.

The home players were Alan Ferguson, Jordan Grant and Michael Campbell with the 2006 winner Ricardo Rebecchi of Greenock the only "outsider".

The first semi final was between Alan and Jordan was a hard fought balance with Jordan one up after 10 holes. The eleventh hole was a real blow for Alan where, despite Jordan having to return to the tee from an unplayable lie, he proceeded to put himself into real trouble and lost the hole. He never really recovered from this and lost 4 and 3.

The second semi was between Michael and Ricardo and home advantage was very much a factor as Ricardo was swept aside in a convincing 6 and 5 victory for Michael who played excellent golf all morning.

Winner

Michael Campbell - Renfrew Golf Club

The first step in the journey to win the Scottish Area Team Championship was taken at Greenock Golf Club when the A team hosted Dunbartonshire.

The weather was kind and the course in good condition for so early in the season and A Team Manager, Ian Storie was confident of a good start when he sent Scottish Internationalist Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire) and Matthew Clark (Kilmacolm) out in the first foursome. They recorded the first points of the season with a solid three and one win. However, things did not go to plan as a few missed putts and close encounters with gorse bushes saw Andrew Farmer (Kilmacolm) and Gregor Munro (Ranfurly Castle) lose a close contest on the last green.

Local players Murdy Carmichael and David MacFarlane put the smile back on the Team Manager's face with an outstanding outward half of 32 (including a penalty stroke) and stood four up with five to play. The smile soon faded as the match slipped away and the locals had to settle for a halved match.

The lunch time pep talk obviously worked wonders and Renfrewshire won the first three singles matches thanks to great golf from Craig Watson, Matthew Clark and Andrew Farmer. All the matches were very close and ended on the last green. Progress was halted when Gregor Munro lost his match but the local lads - David MacFarlane and Murdy Carmichael - made up for their morning's disappointment with solid victories.

The final result of Renfrewshire 6 ½ - Dunbartonshire 2 ½ gave a warning to the other Scottish areas that Renfrewshire Golf Union badly wants to qualify for the final stages.

Full results were:-

Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire) and Matthew Clark (Kilmacolm) beat
Kevin Smyth and Andrew Campbell - 3/1
Andrew Farmer (Kilmacolm) and Gregor Munro (Ranfurly Castle) lost to
Gordon Yates and Craig Checkley - 1 hole
Murdy Carmichael (Greenock) and David MacFarlane (Greenock) halved with Colin Peddie and Fraser McKenna

Craig Watson beat Kevin Smyth 1 hole
Matthew Clark beat Gordon Yates 1 hole
Andrew Farmer beat Andrew Campbell 1 hole
Gregor Munro lost to Craig Checkley 3/2
David MacFarlane beat Martin Williams 4/2
Murdy Carmichael beat Fraser McKenna 2 holes

Pictures are of the squad, Matthew Clark in trouble and Gregor Munro in putting action

Alistair Lauder of Paisley Golf Club is the Renfrewshire Golf Union's Junior Champion of Champions. The title, contested by the junior champions of all the clubs in the Area, did not come easy with Alistair taken to the 19th hole by Sam Binning in the quarter finals.

In the first semi final, Gavin Hay of Whitecraigs Golf Club was one down to Neil Gray of Bonnyton but Gavin fought back to reach the 18th all square. A par was good enough to see him through to the final with Neil finding the greenside bunker.

Alistair had to overcome the challenge of Darryn Grant of Renfrew Golf Club in the other semi final and never looked like losing. He was one up at the turn and had a comfortable 3 and 2 victory.

The final at Alistair's home course, Paisley Golf Club, was a high quality and closely fought affair. Gavin birdied the 5th and looked as if he had the match under control but Alistair immediately responded with a birdie at the next hole to regain his one hole advantage which he held to the turn. Both players dropped a shot at the long 10th but level par golf for the rest of the match was good enough for Alistair to win 3 and 2.

RGU referee, David Manderson, who oversaw proceedings, said that some vital recovery shots from short range was the difference between the players and that the scoring over a difficult course was a mark of the quality of junior golf in the area.

Pictures of semi finalists as titled

Darryn Grant & Alistair Lauder

Sixteen year old Andrew McLachlan, who plays his golf at Bonnyton Golf Club, has been selected by the Scottish Golf Union to represent Scotland at the Boys Quadrangular in March. The competition, which involves boys from Scotland, France, Italy and Sweden, will be played at St Cyprien Golf Club in France from 7th to 9th March.

Andrew was the winner of the West of Scotland Boys Match Play Championship last season and this, plus other strong results, have caught the eye of the selectors. He is one of the Renfrewshire Golf Union's Coaching Squad for 2008 and early coaching sessions at Mearns Castle Golf Academy with Adam Hunter and Stephen McAllister have demonstrated that he is in top form.

Bill Gilmour, President of Renfrewshire Golf Union, said that it was very encouraging to see one of the area squad getting international recognition so early in the season and that it would encourage the others to set their sights high.

Photo of Andrew McLachlan