THERE were 77 entrants who took part in Ross Golf Club’s latest major, the annual Winston Wildsmith Salver, and being open to all member sections it provided the opportunity for an intriguing ladies v mens encounter. This was played out on the day to determine who would earn honours’ board bragging rights, and receive the salver at the Club’s trophy presentation evening in September.

While the final score-sheet showed 40 stableford points hauls for both 21 handicapper, Mary Smith, and 12 handicapper, Martin Johnson, it was Martin’s superior final nine holes play which made him the winner on count-back. This was despite Mary looking the better placed after her impressive front nine holes play saw her capture two birdies and a massive 24 points total. Sadly for Mary she finished only with a two shots handicap reduction to show for her efforts.

For Martin though, who joined the Ross Club in 2011, it was his first major success at creating sports news. He has spent the previous 40 years writing about sports for various newspapers and publications including the Independent, Daily Telegraph and, most recently, the Sunday Times. See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here.