SCORING was difficult in the Worcestershire Golf Club's May mid-week medal competition with only one player returning a score below par for the course.

Since the beginning of the season, Phil Shurmer has shown a steady improvement in his game and his score of 68, three strokes better than par, enabled him to win the competition by four clear strokes.

In second place, with a one over par 72, was the current club champion, Peter Lupino. In third place was the ever-consistent Mark Read, who returned a two over par 73.

In the mixed closed meeting, a charity event combined with a qualification for the Bader Cup, 14 pairs competed on a day of blustery showers and sunny spells.

Three pairs all returned to the clubhouse with a par round of 36 points and could only be separated on the usual count back system. As a result, Steve Waters and Jill Mico were fourth, Simon and Joss Penrhyn third, with Andy and Alex Dunster in second place. No-one could catch the winners however, Andy Greene and April Wilding returned a score of 39 points to win the competition by three clear points.

Paul and Diane Meakin returned the best gross score, while Chris Mason paired with Janet Clowrey had the best gross front nine hole score and Tim and Ann Wilson the best back nine hole gross score.

The winners qualify for the regional final of the Bader Cup, with £84 being raised from the competition for the Douglas Bader Foundation.

The popularity of ladies' golf was confirmed when 65 members competed in the closed meeting, a stroke play competition played from the championship tees.

With the course in excellent condition and the greens fast and true, low scores were anticipated, but this proved not to be the case, with only two players in division one having a score below par.

Former lady captain June Jones was in scintillating form and won the division by two clear strokes, returning a score of 69, three below par.

Second place went to Pauline Belsham with a 71, one stroke below par, third was Janet Clowery and fourth Jill Piner, both on 73.

Sandra Schofield returned to the clubhouse with the best score in division two. Joan Haworth was second and former lady captain, Jane Tromans, third.

The best round of the day was recorded by Alex Dunster in division three. Playing excellent golf throughout her round, Alex returned a six under par score of 66. Margaret Duncan was second and Ann Moody third.

The seniors' team enjoyed a very competitive match when they were entertained by Worcester Golf and Country Club.

In the six-match game, The Worcestershire players won two and halved two of their matches.

Simon Penrhyn teamed with Fred Wortley and Steve Waters partnered by Simon Porter halved their games. Gordon Emery and Clive Amphlett won their match 2 and 1.

The outstanding performance was recorded by Derek Phillips and John Green, who demolished their opponents, winning by a score of 4 and 3, as the match was halved at three games all.