STUART Smith took the honours as Ross Golf Club hosted their fourth winter stableford competition.

This was the first major of the 2018 season, with the aim of a further 12 players to qualify for the club's annual Barnfield Trophy Final.

Smith took part for the first time after recently joined the Gorsley based club.

Despite being an accomplished golfer with 11 years of experience at the Gaudet Luce and Kidderminster clubs, Jones has not played since 2014 but has regained an appetite for the game.

And the nine-handicapper is clearly on his way back to his best after scoring 45 stableford points, which consisted of five birdies and a one under gross par rounds.

Graham White was the runner-up with 41 points.

The 11-handicapper stood on the 10th tee with 22 points and led the field at that stage.

The other players to qualify from Handicap Division One were Jason Skidmore and Phil Midwinter, who both scored 40 points, with 40 points each, Kevin D'Lonra (39), Jonathon McGinley (37), and junior star Harry Griffiths, who carded 36.

Among the Handicap Division two qualifiers were Nick Tamblyn, who headed the final results table with an impressive 41 points, Michael Williams and Robin Smith, who both scored 40, David Higdon, who finished with 37, and Jeremy Picton-Turbervill, who carded 36.