The annual blue ribbon event in Ross Golf Club’s programme, played over 36 holes on a gross medal basis, for handicap category division 1 men members is otherwise known as the Mike Lane Trophy, in honour of the late Mike, a highly accomplished and fondly remembered former Ross Club Men’s Champion.

After the first round played two weeks ago, the stage was set for a battle royal involving 2016 Club Champion, James Morgan, Harvey Hancock (pictured) who was runner up to James that day and now both two handicappers, and 17-year-old Ross Juniors Captain Cam Haines, with just three shots separating them, as they played in a threesome in round two, with the potential of a winner takes all shoot out.

James began the day with a two-shot advantage from round one, which was maintained until the very last when James could only manage to complete the 18th hole with a double-bogey six.

Harvey was in a position to take advantage, which he did in great style to record a birdie with a dramatic three-shot swing. Harvey’s combined gross 149 medal score, in which his gross level par play on his final nine holes was decisive, proved to be one shot better than James’ 150 combined score. This means that it will be 23- year- old Harvey who will receive the trophy at the prize-giving event in September, to accompany his other cup wins since joining the Ross Club from the Belmont Abbey Club just two years ago.

Cam Haines, a 4 handicapper had to settle for third place with his gross 151 score and he subsequently experienced further consolation the following day when his 38 stableford points score after competing in the annual George and Margaret Lane Cup for the Club’s Junior members, earned him another third place, but more importantly, a 0.1 handicap reduction to three to maintain his ‘continuous improvement’ mindset.