Melton Mowbray Golf Club: Curtis claims Past Captain's Trophy

The field included four past captains of other clubs who were not eligible to win the main trophy so played for their own prize within the main competition.

Starter and club professional Tony Westwood sent off the threeballs on their singles stableford round, playing off full handicap allowance.

With conditions almost perfect, and the course playing well, high scores were expected and duly delivered with Mick Curtis chalking up 38 points to claim the main prize, one ahead of runner-up Ray Smith.

Ken Kirk (Hollinwell GC) took Other Club Past Captain’s Trophy with 32 points, while Melton club chairman win both nearest-the-pin prizes on the 7th and 14th holes.

The over 80s prize was won by Dave Compton with a score of 31 points, and the over 70s winner was John Squires (34pts).

A black tie dinner and prizegiving followed, hosted by current club captain, Glenn Price who praised the continued support of Melton’s past captains.

* Not to be deterred by cold and blustery weather, the Melton GC seniors turned out to play round two of the Tony Houghton Trophy.

The weather presented all of the golfers with difficulties as they played a Texas scramble format, and ensured they had to maintain concentration throughout to play any form of good golf.

The team of Richard Haines, Dick Chapman and Jim McQuillan were the overall winners with a score of 62.2, who pushed seniors captain George Schmidt, Richard Faubert and Joe Carrington into second place.

* On Sunday morning, Melton GC’s greens director Tim Mortimer and Chris Owen competed in the final of the prestigious Muir Cup for players with handicaps between one and 16.

With the course in excellent condition and greens running true, Mortimer started the quicker with a few pars and a birdie three on the fourth.

His in-form opponent responded, but after eight holes Mortimer had the bit between his teeth and a convincing 5-up advantage.

Owen tried his best to reel in the deficit, but to no avail in a final played in excellent spirit.

The equally prestigious Muir Plate, for players with handicaps 17 to 28, was played in the same knockout format and pitted Roger Alexander against David Taylor.

A hard-fought final could have gone either way until Alexander finally got the upper hand and maintained his advantage to the 18th.

* Even in torrential rain and heavy winds, 17 hardy golfers weathered the storm to play a medal competition on Saturday.

It proved a good day for Ben Turner who came out on top with a score of gross 73 and cleaned up, winning the medal, best gross and two’s sweep with the only two of the day.