A NEW team formed at late notice and comprising of brothers Jason and Paul Bowers, Steve Howe and Mark Hobbis emerged as the cream of the crop in the Men’s Invitational at Cleobury Mortimer Golf Club.?Together they played some stunning golf to take the top honours with a terrific total of 54.3 points.

Their putting prove vital on the day and Cleobury professional Dave Pain said: “The lads played some great golf for a very good score.

"This format suits good putters and Paul’s recent purchase of a Scotty Cameron is certainly paying off.”?Members again came in force to support the competition, which allowed guests to take part in a Texas Scramble.?There were some strong teams on paper, with the return of the Pringle brothers and the winning foursomes from the previous two team competitions. Conditions on the day were perfect, with light winds and sunshine greeting the golfers on the first tee.?Many teams thought the magic number to win was a net 55. The team of Duncan Trow, Bertie Trow, David Annetts and Paul Westwood got to 56 which was enough to give them second place, despite some problems on the fifth hole of Deer Park with a runaway trolley resulting in a bogey.?Meanwhile, some of the best young talent in the West Midlands descended on Cleobury Mortimer GC as the Junior Open returned to the course for the first time in ten years.

The greenkeepers got the course in prime condition with the greens fast and true and there were only four players who finished under their handicap. ?The day belonged to Connor McNeil, who shot a stunning net 65 around Badgers and Deer to win by five shots.

McNeil is a member of Burghill Valley but has played Cleobury many times. ?He said: “I really love playing Cleobury as the lay-out is similar to Burghill. It was a great event and I was delighted to win it.”