With a capacity field for the four person charity ambrose, the first few groups started their round before dawn, and ball spotters were deployed on the first three fairways.

Winners in the handicap section were social golfers Wal Stephenson, Michael James Hodge, Mitch Beer and Jack Hall, who were one of the first groups back in the clubhouse with a nett score of 54.5, almost 18 under par.

Organisers Ray and Monica Sanderson were thrilled with the response to the day, from golfers, event sponsors, and the band of volunteers who gave their time to ensure everything ran smoothly.

“So many people helped on the day and volunteered. It was just great,” Monica said.

She said a large number of businesses and individuals donated prizes, either for golfing trophies, the raffle or the auction held in the clubhouse afterwards.

A quilt made by Forbes woman Carmel Bayley sold for $600, and interest in all auction items was high. Monica thanked Forbes Livestock agent Randal Grayson, who conducted the auction, and local couple Phil and Judy Prior, who were in charge of entertainment after play.

“Randal did a fantastic job with the auction, and Judy and Phil do an amazing job - they were just fantastic, and they do it every year,” Monica said.

The final tally of funds raised was not known yesterday but Monica Sanderson expected a good result, with proceeds directed to Bali charity KIDS.

“It should be very good this year,” she said. “It all goes to educate the kids in Bali.”

Earlier on the course, the winning foursome finished one stroke in front of Brendon and Garry Besgrove, Mark Churchill and Terry Rousell, while perennial favourites Sue and Barry Shine, David Quirk and John Betland were hot on their heels with 55.75 nett.

Fourth were Christine and Shirley Davies, Andrew Cogswell and Peter Nixon (55 and ⅞), fifth were Nick Jones, Troy Rattenbury, Clint Hurford and Izzac Petropoulis 56.5 nett.

Also finishing in the best 10 were: 6th Kim, Justin, Darren and Clayton Clarke (57 nett); 7th David and Kurt Mylecharane, Lawrence O’Connor and Phil Duke (57.25 nett), 8th Steve Betland, Charlie Dwyer, Phil Prior and David Sly (57.75 nett); 9th Caroline, Brianna and Niel Duncan and Robyn Lyell (58.5/8 nett); 10th Peter Dawson, Brian Asimus, Terry Sharpe and Scott Andrews (58.7/8 nett).

Scratch score winners with 11 under par were Todd Callaghan, Phil Maher, Michael Browne and Andrew Dukes. The Bradman award went to yet another social combination in Brad Harrison, Adam Curry, Matthew Hearn and Ashley Acheson with 75.5 nett.

Long drive winners were Julie Hurkett and Phil Duke while a new competition in a bulls-eye shot to the par three 9th was won by David Mylecharane.

Nearest the pin winners, 9th hole Todd Callaghan and Robyn Lyell. The 18th was won by Andrew Dukes.