Ross Golf Club’s fifth Winter Stableford competition, to determine the next batch of 12 men members to qualify for the Annual Barnfield Trophy event, attracted 88 competitors with the prospect of some high scoring to match the acceptable playing conditions.

Bob Baker certainly rose to the occasion with a masterly 44 points score to enable him to be the day’s top performer by miles with an impressive round which included ten pars and a birdie equivalent to Bob playing eight shots better than his 14 handicap.

This latest performance, after Bob had finished the 2016 season in fine style by winning the Seniors October mid-week medal event, now moves him to a 12 handicap and suggests that single figure status may be within his capabilities.

The equally consistent Stephen Gregory, having already qualified in a previous round, was runner up with 40 points to take a one shot handicap reduction. 12 handicapper Philip Thompson will have been delighted with his 40 points haul to join Bob in the qualifying list for Handicap Division 1 players along with Phil Taylor 39 points, Martyn Print 38 points and six handicapper Simon Mills and Derek Hancock with 37 points each.

After his fine 39 points score, Paul Element, already a qualifier now, finds himself down to a seven handicap.

From Handicap Division Two, the six qualifiers were William Cansdale, who, in scoring 38 points, will be able to justify the welcomed coaching skills he has received from the Club’s Pro-Shop in 2017, and Roger Alford, whose praiseworthy 38 points score moves him to a 20 handicap.

Shaun Sturge, David Dockray and John Sherahilo, with 36 points each, and Allen Bartlett, with 35 points, can also look forward to aiming for the coveted Honours Board recognition and Trophy title on April 2nd.