The annual Josie Powell Cup, a major event in the calendar of Ross Golf Club’s Ladies section, is dedicated to the memory of Josie, who in her day was Lady Champion on several occasions and recognised as one of the most accomplished lady golfers in the Club’s history.

The format is now represented by two rounds of 18 holes, each played on a gross medal basis where the lowest combined total determines the Cup winner. As is generally expected, previous cup winners have been single figure handicap players, including Pat Watkins and Kerry Welding, although 2017 proved to be a notable exception due to some sensational play by 13 handicapper Sally Fycun.

In the first round, the Spring meeting played in April, Sally took a decisive step towards the title when her gross 82 score gave her the advantage over nearest rivals Helen Palmer with gross 85, and Jan Armstrong’s gross 88.

In round two, the recent Autumn meeting, Sally was able to maintain her composure, combined with some consistent shot making. Her gross 86 round to total a combined gross 168 score, made her a convincing Cup winner.

Kerry Welding who last won in 2015, was runner-up with gross 177, followed by Lady Vice Captain Katie Greenwood and Sheila Lawrence, with gross 178’s, and Dinah Johnston and Amanda Marshall with gross 179’s.

Sally’s golfing journey has been quite remarkable, starting as a complete beginner in 2014, with a 36 handicap in the care of Ross Head Professional Tim Hall and his ’School of Golf’ team when Sally joined to learn with her son, Timmy. It was Timmy, as a 9 year old, who introduced his Mum to the game, after his then Bridstow Primary school opened its gates to welcome the Tri-golf scheme, operated by the Golf Foundation.

Ross Ladies were delighted to be able to welcome Josie’s mother Bunty Powell, an accomplished former golfer and Ross member, as the guest of honour at the prize-giving evening, to present the Trophy to Sally and celebrate arguably her greatest success with the prospect of many more to come.

For that, Sally did not have long to wait because a few days later she found her name again at the top of a final score-sheet with a nett 77 medal score, along with Hannah Whibley and Denise Laird in the annual Ladies Medal Salver.

With Sally winning by a whisker on count-back, she can look forward to the Salver presentation at the Ladies AGM in November, when Ross Lady Captain, Jan Reid, steps down after a highly effective year in charge and hands over matters to her capable successor, Katie Greenwood.