FOR one golf club to produce five title winners is no mean feat, but that is exactly what the West Kilbride Golf Club has done in just the past year.
The village course has had a year to remember, producing two county champions, a rising global star, a Scottish PGA champion - and an award- winning club professional just to top things off.
Speaking to the Herald, the club’s managing secretary Charles Hine said: “It has been a remarkable year for our members to have achieved so much on the regional, national and international stage and the club and membership couldn’t be any prouder of their achievements.
“We are hopeful of further successes in the future as we continue to encourage ladies and junior golf through various initiatives.”
Teeing up success close to home were Sarah Ramsay and Shaun Hedger. They ensured the club held not only one, but both of Ayrshire’s county crowns for 2022.
Sarah, aged just 21, became Ayrshire county’s champion lady golfer when she emerged victorious at Prestwick Golf Club in April this year.
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A month later, Shaun Hedger, from Ardrossan, matched his club compatriot, taking home the men’s Ayrshire matchplay title, a competition he had previously lost the final of in 2018.
Then of course, where else to go but Louise Duncan - who has had a “crazy” year to say the least.
It all began when she won the woman’s amateur championship in 2021 - the first Scot to do so since 1997.
An invite to the Women’s British Open followed, and she sent shockwaves across the ladies’ game, finishing in the top ten and securing the Smyth Salver for the competition’s leading amateur.
With appearances at Augusta, the Women’s US Open and two Curtis Cup call ups to add to that, it’s fair to say the future is bright.
Then there is honorary member Graham Fox, a player with European Tour experience who started his journey at the club.
The 44-year-old from the village won the Loch Lomond Whiskies Scottish PGA Championship in a thrilling finale at Deer Park in 2021.
He will no doubt look to defend his title at his home course between August 30 and September 2.
Then, to round everything off, the club head PGA professional Iain Darroch had reason to celebrate this year - other than being coach to these stars.
On top of getting to journey out to Augusta, as he continued to work with Louise Duncan, the club stalwart was awarded TGI Ping Regional Fitter or the Year for Scotland to cap a fine year for the club.
READ MORE: West Kilbride golf star Louise given special award at home club
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