On Saturday, July 23 the Mens golf competition was the 4BBB Stroke Championships. This was carried over from a previous weekend, and enabled joint sponsorship with John Davis Mazda zoom-zooming with Ace Machinery.

The 24 pairings gallantly battled the conditions in search of the ‘Champions’ title.

The Handicap Champions were Garry Pymont and Geoff Coles with 61 nett, who combined well hole by hole. Runners-up were Peter Barnes and Doug Churchill with 67 nett, on count back from A McDonald/Tony Cogswell. This is the second week that Churchy has been runner-up, and about time he stopped catching the bouquet.

The Stroke winners were S Sallaway/P Dawson with 71, from D Bayley/A Dukes on 73. The extended length required on the course in these conditions is indicated by the scratch scores where only 8 pairs, or one-third of the field, scored under 80, and each of these groups had single-figure handicappers in them.

Saturday’s ball sweep went to 68 nett, on count back, being picked up by: 61 – G Pymont/G Coles; 67 – D Churchill/P Barnes, A McDonald/T Cogswell, D Bayley/A Dukes, N and C McMillan; 68 – F Donohue/P Pymont, P Cowhan/P Kay and R Nixon/M Langfield.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – T West; 18th – S Sallaway. There were eight 2’s. Shane got his but Tim was quite wayward in his attempt. The father/son pairing of Neil and Cameron McMillan scored 2’s on the 1st and 3rd holes.

Often players were unable to find relief from casual water on the fairways and got sprayed when they played their shots. But there is always a silver lining – the greens were very true to putt on.

This format, with partners contributing each hole, does not lend itself to recording of high scores on the team sheet. It is unusual then to see 8’s appearing against the 2nd and 7th holes. The Hanns/Byrne and Squires/Alley struck trouble on the 7th hole, while Chandler/Drane and Barrett/Cripps struggled on the 2nd.

Also interesting is the sharing of the contribution to the team score. Most cards show an even sharing, but some cards showed marked distortion. Geoff Drane carried his pair, contributing eight holes on the front-9 while Bruce Chandler managed six on the back-9. Cameron McMillan carried his dad, contributing 14 of the hole scores, and Scott Kirkman and Dave Mylecharane were rocks in each of their pairs with 16 holes apiece.

But the heaviest load went to Malcolm Cunningham, a visitor from Coolah GC. Unfortunately for him he was paired with ‘Stevie G’. Malcolm played magnificent golf, well in touch with his ‘7’ handicap, while Stevie G played well outside his usual steady form, requiring twice his handicap to even register a score. In the end Stevie did not contribute to the team scratch score on any hole – not a one!

And size does not matter. Pete Cowhan (11) was paired with Paul Kay (16), which presented an interesting sight as they walked down the fairway. But they did do well, sharing the scoring and carding a creditable 81, nett 68 to finish third-equal. That true Aussie dogged determination glinted in Paul’s eyes, while Pete was the picture of calmness throughout.

Another visitor was Stuart Hayes, up from Murrumbidgee GC again and teamed with Bob Grant. They shared the duties and did okay but too many loose chips meant they were not front-runners, but did at least break 100.

Sunday’s play was meant to be the Stableford Medley, but tough ground conditions and threatening skies significantly reduced the field. There were not enough to run the comp although Daniel will do a ball-comp, with the winner to be announced soon. However, this was a good chance for many of the Wallace Cup matches to be played.

In match play, good and bad fortune go hand in hand. Andy Cogswell and John Zannes went to the 1st to continue their match after being all-square after 18 holes. Andy had the honour and pushed his tee-shot way right into OB. There it hit a brick wall and rebounded into the field of play. John Zannes, thinking he was on easy street, struck his shot well but caught the tree near the green and re-bounded backwards. They squared the hole in 4’s and carried on.

The Pro’s Tip from Daniel: With the wet ground, ‘fat’ shots are a common occurrence. Here are a few tips to try next time to get a smooth and crisp connection.

Firstly, ball position is very important. Try to get the ball with the irons slightly further back in your stance than usual. This will allow the ball to be struck first. Secondly, grip down on the club about half an inch. This will help pick the ball cleanly off the grass without hitting the ground.

And here is the news: The Inaugural Sand/Grass Green Championship, is looming closer and to be held on 20-21 August. This will be a good weekend with rounds played at Forbes and Grenfell. Players from as far afield as Walcha have registered, but unfortunately very few from Forbes. For catering purposes you need to register. Details for registration are at the Pro Shop, call 6851 1554, where Daniel can help get you registered.

The Wallace Cup matches have managed to be played through breaks in the weather. A few of the latest results are: Andy Cogswell d J Zannes on 22nd, P Nixon d Dave Clarke 5/3, A Dukes d Terry Sharpe 6/5, D Bayley d F Collie 2/1, and L O’Conner d M Watts 4/3.

Fred pushed Dan all the way, playing some good golf to capitalise on his strokes received. Unfortunately Terry Sharpe used all of his good shots on Saturday, and fell over in front of ‘Dukesy’. Laurie O’Connor had a reversal of form from Saturday to be well in command over Mark Watts. Meanwhile Andy C and John Z just enjoyed playing.

With some better weather you can utilise the “Winter Specials” on offer. Details at the Pro Shop. 

It is crystal ball time: Saturday 30th July is the American Foursomes, sponsored by Milton Cartwright. This format will get all participants to think about their shots and their partners. Sunday 31st is planned to be the Daine Doolan Memorial. The weather will decide.

Saturday 6 August is the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Bernardi’s Super IGA. Sunday 7 August is the 18-hole Stableford Medley, and the Mens 4BBB DGA Final at Grenfell.

Saturday 13 August is the Righties vs Lefties Stableford. If you are on Stevie G’s side you are safe. Sunday 14th August is the Stableford Medley, and the Trundle Open.

by the Roving Reporter

Last Saturday July 23 the Brons Hair Design Stableford Competition was won by Colleen Venables and the Shell Forbes competition was won by Judy Hodge.

Unfortunately the Billabong Match play on Sunday was postponed yet again, so watch this space for a new date. On Wednesday 27th the Split Sixes Sponsored by Judy Hodge and Marie Reid had 21 players and the team of three of Bev Gerdes, Kerry Stirling and Alison Kingston  were the in form mud runners with 71 points. Plodding along as Runners Up were Teresa Armitage, Sally Crosby and Debbie Dingwall with 66.

NTP 9th Debbie Dingwall. 18th Eily Hush. Ball Sweep to Bev, Kerry and Alison.

Only one traveler this month and that was Teresa Armitage who had success at Ariah Park in the C grade Tournament well done for flying the flag for Forbes.

This Saturday 30th the forecast is for no rain so if you haven't put your name down the Jenny Hubbard and Libby Godden 4 Ball V Par Competition is on.

Sand(Grenfell) and Green(Forbes) Championships are being held on 20th and 21st August and entries close on August 5 so you need to get your entries in. This for men and women.

For more details contact Kerry 0428 511175. This can be done on line and there are generous discounts for team bookings. We need to support this Special event being run by Golf NSW who selected our Club for the first time.

The Course Committee has requested that any divots you find on the greens to please repair them. Due to the damp conditions the greens are doing it tough, it would be a great help if everyone could assist.

Next Wednesday is a Stableford event sponsored by Robin Toole and Ev Uphill. Cards Sarah Black and Enid Baker.