THE final qualifying competition in Ross Golf Club's monthly mixed winter stableford competition, from which emerges the winner of the Barnfield Trophy, was spread over two days to accommodate the numbers involved, reports KEITH RAY.

A field of 111 players turned out, with the top 20 performers from each of the three events making it through to the final.

In the last mixed qualifier, the golf course witnessed an outstanding performance by Stuart Mair, who finished No 1 on the scoresheet with 42 points.

His victory was the result of dedication, hard work and a commitment to improving his game through regular coaching with Ross Golf Club's PGA professional, Zach Galliford.

Stuart has been a familiar face at the club's men’s coaching coffee mornings, where golfers come together to learn, practice and connect.

“The regular coaching sessions with Zach have been a game-changer for me," he says. "It’s not just about the lessons – it’s about building a consistent approach to learning and ultimately improvement.

"The coffee mornings are a fantastic way to learn in a fun, social setting, and I’ve made some great friends.”

Stuart returned to golf at the Gorsley-based tree-lined course two years ago, having been a cricketing stalwart with Ross Cricket Club for many years.

During the summer, he can be found umpiring cricket matches at various grounds around the West Midlands, and hopes to be promoted to the Cricket Umpires National League panel.

Another in-form player Robin Looms again excelled to finish runner-up with 40 points followed by two-handicapper Alex Duncanson, whose 37 points included an eagle and three birdies.

There were also creditable 36-point performances by Alec Osborn, Anthony Jenkins, Geoff Walsh, Nick Rawlings and Phil Andrews and 35-point totals by Nigel Fullerton and David Dockray.

Former Ross Juniors Captain and four-time Ladies Champion, Sophie Price, has already made her mark flying the flag for the Ladies section by qualifying for the Barnfield Trophy final.