SIXTEEN teams from across the Midlands and Wales recently converged on Ludlow Golf Club to compete for the 11th annual Seniors Tom Smart Trophy.

It was a sombre occasion after the death of long-serving Ludlow GC member Mr Smart – whom the trophy has been named after for more than a decade – the previous evening.

All teams stood to participate in a period of reflection after Ludlow seniors captain John Smithson announced the sad news before the presentation ceremony.

Cleobury Mortimer emerged triumphant on the day, with home team Ludlow achieving a creditable fifth position out of the 16 clubs taking part.

In other news from Ludlow GC, the final match of the ‘Captain v Professional’ series took place earlier this month.

Going into the last match with a one-point lead, captain Alan Reid’s side made light work of very windy conditions to stretch their advantage.

They finished the series 15 games to 11 up against professional Russell Price’s team.

Entry forms have now been published for all of the club’s 2019 open competitions with the traditionally very popular Open Am-Am kicking off the season on Sunday, March 31.

The Men’s 36 Hole Scratch Salver follows a week later on Saturday, April 6 with the Seniors Scratch Open being played on Monday 15th April.

May features the Mixed Greensomes, while the Men’s 27-Hole Fourballs/Foursomes takes place in the middle of June and the Ladies’ Charity Three-Ball Alliance at the end of July.

The highlight of Ludlow GC’s season – the Open Weekend of Golf – takes place on the first weekend of August.

The dates of all open or club events can be found online at www.ludlowgolfclub.com.