AFTER a week of tough competition in near-perfect weather conditions, the winners of this year’s Ayr Golf Week were announced in a blaze of publicity at the Belleisle clubhouse on Sunday night.

A host of local talent shone through in the Ayrshire sun.

Around 600 golfers took part in the showcase event, played over eight days at Belleisle and Seafield and coming to an excititing conclusion on Sunday.

Competitors travelled from across the UK to compete.

There were 13 competitions across the week, including the showcase Tam o' Shanter and Handyside Tournament with £5,000 prize money for the week-long event, alongside the new Robert Burns Trophy, Junior Open, and the Junior Stableford.

This year's main winners were, as follows:

Tam o' Shanter Trophy: Sean Addie (Belleisle Golf Club) beat Aidan Long (Belleisle Golf Club) of 4&3

Handyside Cup: John Kelly (Belleisle Golf Club) won the 2018 cup, beating Craig Fulton (Belleisle Golf Club) 2 Up

Robert Burns Trophy: William Scott (Troon St Meddans Golf Club) beat Ian Roy (Leasowe Golf Club) 4&2

Ladies RC Brown Memorial Competition: Jennifer Hill (Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club) won with a Gross 87 (Net 75) in excellent weather conditions.

Junior Open Boys and Girls: Handicap Category 0-12: John McCracken (Royal Troon Golf Club) beat Harvey Broadfoot (Belleisle Golf Club) with a Net 68

Handicap Category 13-24: Daniel Long (Turnberry Golf Club) beat Callum Byers (Belleisle Golf Club) with a Net 73

Handicap Category 25-36: 1st Net Winner Connor McMillan (Belleisle Golf Club)

Junior Stableford, Handicap Category 0-12: Connor Wills (Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club) beat Ross McDonald (Belleisle Golf Club) with 39 points. Handicap Category 13-24: Lewis Connor (Belleisle Golf Club) beat Ben Watt (Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club) with 44 points. Handicap Category 25-36: Alexander Curran (Troon St Welbeck) beat Connor McMillan (Belleisle Golf Club) with 37 points

David Gemmell Memorial Trophy: Kevin Duncan (St Meddans) 68bih

Ladies Greensomes Trophy: Ann Watt/Joan Downs (Dalmilling) Ladies (64) BIH

Ayr Advertiser/Stableford Trophy: Jim McCusker of St Meddans (39) BIH

1st net and winner of Gents Seniors Mark Adams (Dundonald) (68)

Winner of the Robert Burns Trophy: William Scott of St Meddans (4+2).

Councillor Brian McGinley, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure, said the showcase event hadn’t disappointed.

He said: “The great weather mixed with spectacular scenery and healthy competition meant this year’s Ayr Golf Week was definitely one to remember.

“Golf Week is about showcasing our fantastic courses but it also promotes healthy lifestyles. We also want to encourage a new generation of people to take up the sport and help give the game a long term future.

“I’d like to thank everyone for all their hard work in delivering this popular event and to all the competitors who chose to take part - we hope to see you all again in 2019."

Golf South Ayrshire operates eight courses, with Belleisle, Troon, Girvan, Dalmilling, and Maybole all playing a part in providing a wide-range of courses for players of all abilities. For more information visit the Golf South Ayrshire website.