Gareth Bennett wins championship at Cirencester Golf Club (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Gareth Bennett wins championship at Cirencester Golf Club

WITH two sub-par rounds, Gareth Bennett came out on top with a gross total of 138 in Cirencester Golf Club's championship on Sunday.

On an immaculate course, prepared by David Bougen and his staff, Bennett was three shots better than Alex Hobson, with a 68 in the afternoon, and also the champion for the past two years, Andrew Mutlow.

Hobson was second on countback and these three were well clear of the remaining field with Craig Mayoh and Dan John tying for fourth place with a gross score of 152.

On a perfect day for golf, the extremely popular 26-hole Open Eclectic Foursomes meeting was staged by the ladies' section of Cirencester Golf Club.

From 72 players representing 16 clubs, in the event held on June 3, the winners finished as follows:

Best overall gross score were Sheila Telling (Cirencester), eight handicap and Sue Newman (Ogbourne), also eight, 53 gross.

Runners-up: Cirencester's Ros Ewer (6) and Sue Roberts from Sleaford (16) with 58 gross.

Best overall nett: Gloria Purde Smith (18) Cirencester, playing on her birthday with Lindsay Hulme (31) Westonbirt with 38.5.

Runners-up Carol Walker (23) Westonbirt and Cynthia Bassett (23) Minchinhampton with 44.

Best gross am were Chris Keen (17) Cirencester and Jayne Long (8) Tidworth 64 on back nine from Di Honey and Audrey Carson (Ross-on-Wye).

Best nett am were Dorothy Clarke (24) and Barbara Grimwade (23), both from Cirencester.

Most improved score: Rhianon Davis (21) and Margaret Pettifer (27) for total of 72.

Last Sunday saw the ladies 36- hole Scratch Cup which was also played in perfect conditions.

Out of only six entries, Ros Ewer took the victory with 84+79 for a total of 163 gross. Runner- up was Alison Henshaw with 85+81=166.

The club's youngster are well into their North Glo'shire Junior League activity this year.

In their three matches played to date, they gained a draw away at Lilley Brook Golf Club, sustained a loss at Sherdons Golf Club and earned another draw at home to Sherdons last weekend.

Their next match is scheduled for this Sunday when they entertain Lilley Brook looking to increase their points standing.

Last month's Junior Stable-ford was won by Daniel Sandell with 34 points from a three-quarters handicap.

He was closely followed by Toby Harris with 33 points with 16 juniors participating.

A Juniors' club roll-up meeting, to encourage newer recruits to get to know more of the members, was scheduled for yesterday (Wednesday).

Unfortunately, Tom Gillespie, the club's assistant pro who has been helping the juniors with their Passport lessons, has left Cirencester to join The Kendle-shire Golf Club in South Gloucestershire.

He will be very much missed by the juniors for his very easy approach to teaching them the game.

Peter Garratt, the club's professional, will be taking over this role shortly. Meantime, any juniors interested in becoming new members will always be welcomed.

The programme of academy membership is available to all younger juniors who would like to find out more about the game of golf.

For further information, please call the club on 01285 652465.