The Hampshire Golf Club’s May Stableford competition was fiercely contested in Division 2 with no less than three players returning excellent 41 point scores.

Top of the pile with a 23 point score on the back nine was Ron Marshall (16) and he is now promoted back to Division 1 as his handicap is now back down to 14.

The in-form and consistent Matthew Woodman (18) finished only in second place with his 41 points and his handicap is now cut to 16.

John Williams (18) can also feel aggrieved as his 41 was only good enough for third place and a handicap cut to 17.

In Division 1, Derek Woodman (8) went one better than his son as he finished first with 38 points that now sees his handicap reduced to seven.

Second place went to Nigel Gough (10) with 38 points and Guy Davis (8) was third on the same score.

The competition was also a qualifier for the Lombard Trophy in which the best score from those who entered earned the player the opportunity to play with the club professional, Tim Baker in the regional qualifying event at Lambourne Golf Club in July and the winner was Nigel Gough with his 38 point score.

On May 18, the club the annual Champions Cup competition which is a qualifying stroke play open to all club members who either finished first, second or third in a club Medal or Stableford in the previous 12 months.

The qualifying rules limited the field to just over 20 members who had the benefit of very good weather with the course in good condition.

The winner by three strokes with an impressive net 66 was Nigel Gough (10), second place went to Gareth Hughes (11) with a net 69 and last year’s club captain Ian Folkes (12) came third with a net 70.

He finished just ahead of Matthew Woodman (16) who finished fourth with a net 71.