THE sun shone over the Gorsley-based Ross Golf Club as members ushered in a new era of leadership with the 2025 Captains’ Drive-In, hosted by new club captain Steve Wallbank following the recent AGM, reports KEITH RAY.

Joined by lady captain Mary Smith, senior captain Doug Graham and junior captain Oli Walker, the newly appointed skippers took to the first tee in front of a crowd of 100 eager members before officially launching their year with a ceremonial drive.

The atmosphere was electric as each sent their opening shots soaring down the fairway, met with cheers, applause, and just a little friendly heckling from the crowd.

Following the drive-in, members took to the course in a fiercely contested Florida Scramble competition, battling not just for glory but for bragging rights in one of the club’s most sociable events of the year.

After a morning of thrilling golf, the team of Roger Bennett, Nigel Fullerton, Ian Bennett and Dave Roberts emerged victorious with an impressive nett 56, securing their place at the top of the leaderboard.

The runners-up with nett 57 were Dan Evans, Ash Nahorniak, Jonny Walker and Billy Walker, followed in third with 58 nett by Tony Fletcher, Steve Gwilliam, Paul Vitale and Simon Phillips.

The clubhouse was packed to the rafters for the post-competition presentation, where captain Steve Wallbank praised the fantastic turnout and unbeatable camaraderie.

"Days like today remind us why our club is so special," he said.

"It’s not just about the golf – it’s about the people, the laughter and the shared passion that makes this club thrive. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!"

That collective spirit was in abundance at the AGM when outgoing club captain Mark Whitmore reported that the dedicated charity chosen by himself and outgoing lady captain Lorraine Fenner – the Ledbury-based Megan Baker House (MBH) – have benefitted by a colossal £14,000, a record in the club's 122-year history.

For his year, Steve Wallbank has chosen another charity which enriches the lives of others in The Riding School for the Disabled, who are committed to providing life-changing experiences for children and adults, where the Hereford and Cheltenham Groups will benefit.