Byrne's trip to India in vain as Bonallack Trophy is cancelled

The Banchory youngster, who was set to join fellow Scot Ross Kellett in Europe's team for the biennial clash with Asia-Pacific, was one of only four players from the 12-man European side who managed to arrive in Bangalore due to the flight chaos caused by the Icelandic volcano eruption.

Kellett, who had been due to leave last Friday, and the remainder of the visiting team have all been grounded across Europe and officials took the decision to cancel the event. It will not be rescheduled.

A European Golf Association spokesperson said: "The national golf authorities and the families of the players grounded in Europe have spent hours trying to re-book flights.

"The enthusiasm shown has been a credit to everyone and we would like to thank those involved for their persistence in attempting to bring the match together."

This week's Helen Holm Scottish Open Stroke Play Championship at Troon also looks like being hit by the volcanic ash disruption. While the 54-hole event will definitely go ahead, it is likely to be missing some of its leading lights.

"The tournament attracted players from all over Europe – 11 nations are represented among the 98 players in the draw – but call-offs are inevitable in the next couple of days," said the Scottish Ladies Golf Association last night. "However, with a significant number of players from Great Britain & Ireland committed to making the journey, the tournament will go ahead as planned."

The event will be the final chance for Great Britain & Ireland players to impress the Curtis Cup selectors as the eight-strong team to face the Americans in Massachusetts in June is due to be named next Monday.

Of the four Scots in the last team at St Andrews, Sally Watson is the only one still in the amateur ranks but the 18- year-old misses the Helen Holm as she is studying at Stanford University in America.