NO less than 115 players took part in the annual Ross Golf Club Seniors Championship as David Marshall secured the title for the second year running, reports KEITH RAY.

The one-handicapper, who only joined the Gorsley-based club two years ago, again posted an impressive gross 72 par round, which has only been matched twice before in the history of the competition.

The event came at a good time for David, coming shortly after his success in the club's Men's Invitation Day event, when with golfing pal Ryan Parfett from Alexandra Park Resort GC they finished No 1 on the final scoresheet with 50 pairs taking part.

David's medal round in the Seniors to win the Peter Carton-Kelly Cup included four birdies on his front nine, while another birdie on the challenging 17th was a clincher.

Michael Burris with a gross 74 medal round came closest to catching David, and meant that 2022 Seniors Champion and 2023 runner-up Steve Woods with a gross 75 had to settle for third this time. 

Steve was followed by Jason Bolton, Steve Wallbank and Paul Stone on 76.

In the net handicap division, for the Marsh Allan Trophy, it was the closest of tussles and count-back decided the winner after Steve Bartholomew, Ross Club Captain Mark Whitmore and 2020 winner Kevin Powell all finished with net 68 medal scores.

It was Steve's excellent gross par four on the 18th hole which proved the clincher and secured the silverware.

The Ross GC stalwart will have fond memories of 2024, which includes a coveted 'hole-in-one' at the Worcester Golf and Country Club when representing the Ross Seniors team in a Summer friendly.

He can also reflect upon his latest third place 42 stableford points finish with David Ingham from Cirencester GC in the Ross Seniors Pairs Open.

Also in the  Marsh Allan Trophy, there was a welcome return to form by Malcolm Thornton who carded a gross 69 medal score, as did Dave Morris.