THE latest annual honours board competition at Ross Golf Club saw 105 men members aiming for glory in the Gordon Blake Cup, played in challenging wet weather on tree-lined fairways, reports KEITH RAY.

The event also resulted in the opportunity for two members to qualify for the Gloucestershire Golfing Union's Regional Final at Cirencester Golf Club in July.

Since joining the Gorsley-based Ross GC two years ago, Wayne Rees has dedicated considerable time and energies to improving himself, and his investment certainly paid dividends when his gross 92 net 70 medal round score won him the cup and a place on the start-sheet at Cirencester in a few weeks' time.

With the three pars on his front nine holes giving him a sound start, he maintained his consistency throughout to win by just one shot. This means too that Wayne has seen his handicap reduce from 25 to 18, and provides further testimony to support his endeavours.

Wayne came into the 2024 summer season in good form after his partnership with Angus McIntosh in the Seniors Winter Pairs League saw them unbeaten in their nine matches played to deservedly win them the Patrick Curtis Shield from a 28-strong field.

Runners-up were Stuart Mair and Paul Dobbs who were also playing in the competition for the first time, followed by Seniors Captain Paul Burry and Tim Harrison, and Phil Dicks and Mike Cheal.

An impressive gross 78 net 71 medal round, which included two birdies, achieved by seven handicapper Danny Gear meant that this seasoned campaigner just missed out on top spot in the Gordon Blake Cup, but resulted in him also winning through to represent Ross GC at the regional final as best gross handicap performer on the day.

Graham Higdon also carded a net 71 followed by 2023 Ross Juniors captain Leo Powell, whose 0.2 world handicap index sees him now performing as a coveted scratch player.

Phil Midwinter and Paul Warwick were also gross 73 medal scorers.