AS a dedicated member of Ross Golf Club since 2014, Steve Woods has been able to maintain his single figure handicap status, currently 7.9 throughout and his 2025 season contained several highlights.

One such occasion in July, which Steve will recall with fondness, was his tee shot to the elevated 15th green at the Droitwich Spa Golf Club which found the cup to deliver a 'hole in one' which continues to be coveted and celebrated by golfers everywhere.

The main beneficiary that day however was St Michael's Hospice, being the charity chosen by Ross Seniors Captain Doug Graham when he organised a full start sheet of Ross seniors to join him for his successful ‘Away Day’ fundraiser.

Another occasion to demonstrate Steve's golfing capabilities saw him qualify to compete in three knock-out finals on the club's championship finals day which brought the Summer season to an end in September.

The Hospital Cup saw Steve deliver a Trophy winning performance to deny Marcus McEvoy, and in the Howard Porter Trophy playing with Hannah Keir, another trophy win emerged against Helen Palmer and Simon Mills.

However a hat-trick of trophy wins was not forthcoming when Steve faced Robin Henderson-Pugh in the Yates Cup final and was second best on this occasion.

Undeterred, in the opening Mixed Winter Stableford competition played recently in which 95 members took part, Steve delivered another masterful fifth place performance, and his 37 points means he has already qualified for the Barnfield Trophy Stableford final which will sees 60 member competing for the first honours board trophy of the 2026 summer season.

Colin Gladwyn's 38 points total saw him top the final score-sheet in the 1st Mixed Stableford event and 37 points fellow qualifiers were Simon Sharpe, Shaun Reynolds, James Flitton and Danny Gear.

They are joined by 36 points scorer Marcus McEvoy and 35 pointers Ian Bennett, Mataius Kefalas, Paul Dobbs, Paul Vitale and 2025 Ross Club champion Tom Shotton.

Meanwhile, the Gorsley-based club’s Tim Hall School of Golf run by their head professional has been planning its first 2026 ‘Coaching Break’, with players set to head for Sotogrande in Spain – home to Europe's number one golf coastline.

Tim said: “We’ve already emailed the 50+ members who registered their initial interest, but don’t worry, there is still time to get involved!

“We will be hosting two distinct groups to ensure we have a trip perfectly designed for every golfer, from those seeking a social getaway to players focused on performance improvement.

“We truly believe this is an amazing opportunity for our community, and we are so confident we’ve devised an unforgettable programme for you all. “

Meanwhile, neighbouring South Herefordshire Golf Club at Upton Bishop has announced upgrades on its Toptracer driving range.

A club spokesperson said: “We have 10 new screens, that have better quality and the cameras have also had an upgrade.

“We are open until 9pm every Wednesday, that includes the clubhouse for you to get a beer or hot chocolate!

“We also run a free to enter competition on a Wednesday evening 6-8pm, make sure you have the Toptracer app downloaded on your mobile phone.”

To play a round, Winter green fee prices are tee times booked before 12pm £25 per player, after 12pm £20.

Booking can be done via the website or on 01989 780535.