WINTER golf is now well under way at The Worcestershire GC and, with the arrival of much-welcomed rain, the fairways are returning to their natural green colour.

Over 100 men competed in the Winter Yellow Ball Alliance. Teams of four played a Stableford competition, in which each team member played the yellow ball in turn. The score of the player using the yellow ball determined the score, on each hole, plus the best score recorded by one of the remaining three players. Tension between the four players was at times quite high.

On the day, no team could compete with the team led by the former club captain and chairman of the club, Terry Smith. Terry, now fully recovered from a shoulder injury, led the team of Gary Lynes, Chris Hardy and John Monk to victory with the remarkable score of 86 points.

They were four points better than the team in second place, with a score of 82 points, was the team of Carl Theakstone, Paul Yorke, Simon Long and Dave Turner.

In third place with a score of 80 points, was the team of Bob Marriott, Pete Sheward, David Bray and Gerald Bird senior and in fourth position, scoring a very creditable 79 points was the team of Bob Wilson, Ian Forrester, David Baker and Richard Burston.

In the Ladies' Medal Competition, 19 players competed in Division One and 23 players in Division Two.

In Division One, Janet Long was in great form and returned a net score of 68, four shots below par, to win the division by two clear strokes. In second place, showing a good return to form, was the immediate past lady captain, Kate Foster. Playing off a handicap of 18, Kate returned a net score of 70. In third place, Liz Lewis scored a net 73.

A fine net score of 68 was returned by Jenny Butler to win Division Two. In second place was the ever-improving Trina Smith. Trina recorded a net score of 70. In third place with a net score of 74 was Joan Howarth.

The Mixed Competitions continue to be very popular at the club and 32 pairs entered the Mixed Rye Greensome Competition.

On a showery day, with a gusty wind, good scores were difficult to obtain.

The winners were April Wilding teamed with Andy Greene. Andy and April scored 36 points.

In second place, with a score of 35 points, were Ian and Pauline Belsham. In third place were the ever-consistent couple of Terry O'Donnell and Mary Horobin. Terry and Mary returned a score of 34 points.

Birdies were obtained by Joan and David Howarth, Ann and Terry Goode, Pauline and Ian Belsham, Diane and Phil Meakins and Jill Mico teamed with Steve Waters.