Brian Fisher, of Largs Golf Club, is the proud winner of the 2023 Ayrshire Senior Men's Matchplay Championship after seeing off the holder in a nail-biting finale.

He recorded a 3 & 1 win over defending champion Alistair Belford (Prestwick St Nicholas) in the final at Royal Troon on Friday, August 11.

On a breezy evening, the foundations of victory were laid by Fisher over the opening stretch of holes, where he raced to a five hole lead after six in a match where both players struggled early on to find their form.

Alistair Belford reduced the deficit to four holes with a winning par at the seventh hole, only to see Brian Fisher birdie the short par three eighth, The Postage Stamp, to restore his five hole advantage.

Undeterred, Alistair Belford mounted an impressive comeback, reducing the match score to a single hole in Brian Fisher's favour after 14 holes.

However, Brian was far from finished and won the match at the 17th hole when Alistair Belford's putt for a three failed to drop and he gracefully conceded the match and the title to Brian Fisher with a 3&1 match score.

Ayrshire Golf Association president Scott Gilchrist subsequently presented the Iain Harvey Trophy to to 2023 Ayrshire Senior Men's Matchplay champion.