AYR Belleisle ace Jim Johnston won the Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship for the first time on April 28, when the 2018 competition took place over the King Robert The Bruce course at Trump Turnberry.

The capacity field enjoyed fine sunny weather, though a strengthening breeze in the afternoon made scoring more difficult.

Jim Johnston, playing in the first game in the morning, opened with a one under par 71 which left him three behind the halfway leader Scott Brown (Prestwick St Cuthbert) on 68 and one ahead of four players on level par 72, including playing partner Steven Wallace (Prestwick St Cuthbert), Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St Cuthbert), Tommy McInally (Loudoun) and Aiden Long (Ayr Belleisle).

In the afternoon Johnston, the 2017 Tam O'Shanter Tournament winner, carded a second successive 71 for a two-under par total of 142, which ultimately saw him take the title by three shots from Scott Brown, after the halfway leader faded to a 77 in the second round.

Tommy McInally followed his opening round 72 with a 74 in the afternoon for third place on 146, which left him two shots ahead of clubmate John Haggarty (Loudoun) on 148, comprising a morning 75 and an afternoon 73.

Fifth place, also on 148, went to Shaun Hedger (West Kilbride) with rounds of 73 and 75 whilst sixth place was secured by Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St Cuthbert) on 149 after he added a 77 to his opening round of 72.

The trophy was presented to Johnston, by Ayrshire Golf Association President John Rushbury, at the conclusion of the competition.

The CSS for the two rounds were: Morning 74 (+2) afternoon 75 (+3) Reduction Only.

Top 10

1 Jim Johnston 71-71 = 142 (Ayr Belleisle)

2 Scott Brown 68/77 = 145 (Prestwick St Cuthbert)

3 Tommy McInally 72-74 = 146 (Loudoun Gowf)

4 John Haggarty 75-73 = 148 (Loudoun Gowf)

5 Shaun Hedger 73-75 = 148 (West Kilbride)

6 Graeme Gimson 72-77 = 149 (Prestwick St Cuthbert)

7 Robbie Muir 79-71 = 150 (Kilmarnock Barassie)

8 Stuart Brown 73-77 = 150 (Loudoun Gowf)

9 George J Robertson 73/77 = 150 (Irvine)

10 John Sloan 77/74 = 151 (Doon Valley).