With Ryder Cup fever currently building across the sporting fraternity, it was timely and fitting that the final stages of Ross Golf Club’s 2016 Huggett Putter knock-out event should take place and, in its 3rd year since Brian Huggett, the non playing Captain of the Great Britain/ Ireland Team in 1977, kindly and generously initiated it. Throughout the Summer 97 members from all sections have been taking part in the 18 holes putting knock-out competition, with members supporting the dedicated Semi-Finals and Finals night in fine style.

The Finalists consisted of Arthur Reid, Richard Brown, Jonathan McGinley and Fred Stott, with Fred making his second appearance in the final stages of the competition since he was beaten by Brian at the semi-final stage in 2014, which Brian went on to win. However there was no denying Fred on this occasion and after reaching the final by beating Richard Brown, he capped a marvellous achievement by winning against Arthur Reid, in a final represented by two Septuagenarians, to gain the Trophy presented to him by Brian’s wife, Winnie who joined in the celebrations. As Brian told our reporter, ‘When a 21 handicapper deservedly wins the Huggett Putter, there is hope for all golfers so I am looking forward to another bumper entry in 2017.’

This year Brian found himself taking part in a separate ’Professionals Putter’ semi-final match, but was second best against the Club’s Assistant Professional and short game specialist Rob Aldred. It was Ross Juniors player, 16 year old Cam Haines, a 5 handicapper, who faced Rob in the Final after Cam had impressively claimed the scalp of the Ross Club’s Aimpoint putting expert, Oli Leett in his semi-final match. Ultimately it was Rob Aldred, whose experience on the day was just enough to get the better of Cam in a closely contested match.