A SPECIAL fundraising stableford played at Ross Golf Club in memory of the late Jim Millar proved a big success, reports KEITH RAY.

Jim was a long-standing member who passed away earlier this year after spending many happy golfing years, some of them as a nonagenarian, on the Gorsley-based club's tree-lined fairways.

He will be remembered for his dedicated time and energy running ‘Ball in the Bag’ Roll-ups three times per week which also acted as an ideal introduction opportunity for all new members.

Organised by members of Ross GC Ladies and the Men's Seniors 55+ sections, the 18-hole stableford event was suggested by the latter and supported by Jim’s daughters Janice and Ellie who are both golfers.

Former Ross Lady Captain Ellie (Teasdale) said: “Dad would have been thrilled that his chosen charity, the Midlands Air Ambulance, were benefiting by £700 as a result of his legacy which is still valued and supported today.”

The event attracted 91 members, and former Seniors Captain Chris Good benefited significantly, delivering one of his best performances for some time, with his 44 stableford points – a gross 77 medal score and eight shots better than his handicap – making him the stand-out winner.

Chris, who reduced his world handicap index to 11.6 in the process, paid tribute to his short game and the club's perfect putting surfaces, which saw him slot several single putts in a round containing four birdies and a remarkable 26 points total on his back nine holes.

Other players who enjoyed themselves included runner-up Tony Biggs with 42 points, former club president Doug Duncanson with 41 points, and a host of 40-point scorers, including Keith Ray, Bob Cooper, Jeremy Picton-Turberville, Dai Harries and William Cansdale.

It was fitting that Ellie herself was best performing ladies player scoring 38 points, which was matched by Ruth Kirchmeier.