Ayr FootGolf sit top of the Scottish Premiership after season opener

The sides faced off at FootGolf Kilmarnock last night as the country's competitive club season finally kicked off on Thursday, July 2.

The season was due to begin in March but was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Golf is one of the sports allowed under the reduced Covid-19 measures and, as FootGolf is played to the same rules as golf, matches are now permitted under the new restrictions, with a few amendments to how fixtures are normally played.

Rival players played in groups while observing social distancing guidelines and the rules around mixing with other households outdoors.

And the game had to be played at Caprington Community Golf Club because FootGolf is not yet back on offer at Ayr's normal home - Dalmilling Golf Course.

Nearly 40 players turned out, as Ayr hosted Glasgow in the Premiership fixture, and Ayr B played Glasgow B in their Championship clash.

Former Scottish No 1 Gavin Craig, who was part of the Team UK side that defeated the USA in the Ryder Cup-style Jansen Cup in California in 2017, carded the best score of the day with -7 during the 18 hole singles round on the par 68 course, to tie with Glasgow and Scotland star Michael Eardley, who is the current Scottish No 1.

As David Ellis and Jonny Craig hit the best scores by Non-Tour players, Ayr received double NT points, while Glasgow's Logan Matthews had the best Under-16 score, and Ayr's David Craig and Glasgow's James Dick drew, to share the points for best score by an Over 45 player.

Gavin and Scotland Captain Joe McCourt, who plays for Glasgow, drew 3-3 in their Matchplay tie, while Glasgow's Allan Clark and the home side's Aaron Clancy tied on the same score.

That gave a final score of 28-23 to Ayr, with the five point difference being the double Non-Tour points, giving them the three points in the Premiership game, while the Championship match between the B sides finished 37-7 to Glasgow.

Glasgow gaffer Stuart Campbell said: "It was a great game, played in great spirits.

"I was delight to see so many new faces being introduced, which shows we are heading in the right direction for all clubs in Scotland.

"We didn't win the Premiership game but it was very close, and a shame to lose it the way we did in the end.

"The boys gave it their all, and some amazing scores out there.

"The Championship side got the job done, so I'm delighted for them but as a team overall, the aim was always to win both ties.

"Ayr are a great team with some very talented players, and it showed last night.

"We look forward to welcoming them to our new course for the return leg."

Reece added: "I'm glad to have the team back out playing Club League FootGolf and am delighted to come away with a positive result against a very strong Glasgow side.

"Over 35 players for a midweek league match is absolutely outstanding numbers for the Scottish game."

Scotland internationalist Rory Cassidy, who Captained Glasgow to their 2019 Scottish League win said it would be a close game predicted an Ayr upset - citing the way games are scored as a reason.

Speaking after the game, he said: "I called it bang on.

"There was little to separate the sides, with their top scoring players and Over 45s drawing, and both Matchplay ties ending in draws, but it was the scoring system that brought Ayr the win, as they got double points for their Non-Tour Players' performances.

Rory who served as the Club Captain at Caprington and was crowned 2019 Captain of the Year for his performances in last season's UK Club League, added:"That's the beauty of the Club League, it not about one or two players, it's a proper team game where you get rewarded for being the strongest in as many categories as possible."

The game was broadcast on the FootGolf Association of Scotland Facebook page and is still online for anyone who wants to watch the action.