They, along with a small band of volunteers had all in place for a heavy schedule of events to be played over the next few months. Can you help once the flood resides? Of course you can, read on down. 

Naturally there are no weekend results but some did witness duck races on the flood waters which covered almost the entire course. Lets just hope we can get the course back in shape sooner then later. Coming events call Daniel at the Pro Shop.

We do have some news from the fairways and it stems from the resounding success of Steve Betland at the recent Parkes Open. Played last Sunday week in terrible conditions with rain and wind the scheduled 27 holes major was shortened to 18 holes after half the field of 160 withdrew before a ball was hit.

Not a problem to perhaps one of the best ball strikers in the country for Steve record two under par 69 for one his best wins to date. The club championships next, and one of the major events on the local calendar which will have to be rescheduled due to the floods.

Also tasting success at the Parkes Open was Neil McMillan winning with 12 over par 83 in B grade. Steve, chairman of the Lachlan Valley District Golf Association Match Committee, last week announced the district's team to contest the NSW Country Championships.

The championships will be played at Goulburn on October 29, 30. Steve said picking the team was difficult with eight players under consideration, especially now that players had to contest several events away from their home club. The team announced contains three players from Forbes and three from Parkes.

Joining Steve from Forbes will be his brother John and Lee Grierson who is out to follow in the footsteps of his successful brother James, now playing in Sydney making a name for himself there and overseas. The three remaining spots in the Lachlan Valley team are Parkes players Justin Sutton, Mitch McGlasson and Cameron Butler. Team manager Paul Thomas from Parkes. All six players played creditably at the Parkes Open to push their selection claims finishing in the top ten.

Local News: The course committee had few options but to cancel what was expected to be one of the major sporting in the town in the NSW Open Regional Qualifier scheduled for October 8, 9. The qualifier was expected to attract leading players from clubs across the country in the hope of securing a spot in the Open.

The club championships are scheduled for October 15, 16, 22 and 23, seek more on this from the Pro Shop in coming weeks. Remember, dates for the championships will depend on how the course pulls up after the flood.

Also seeking a new date and schedule will be the Junior Coaching Clinic which was set down for last Monday and Tuesday. The Sixes Summer Competition is another under the spotlight with team entries to be in by tomorrow but with the flood we feel late entries will be accepted.

A practice round and handicapping is scheduled for Sunday October 9, again the Pro Shop for a definite date as the competition is scheduled to commence Monday October 10. Another major scheduled for local and visiting players is the $5500 Nissan Classic on Saturday and Sunday November 12 and 13.

Again the floods might determine the future of this, however, the committee is determined to see this played on a course suited to such an outstanding event for local and visiting players.

At this stage major sponsors are all on board, guidelines for the Calcutta, which was so successful last year, are already being draw-up. 

Best of all players from Sydney and around have been in contact with the Pro Shop seeking nomination times and buggy use.

Now how to help 'Jack' and Darren once the course is open to work.

Easy, volunteer some time and it doesn't have to be back breaking work.

If you can walk 18 holes surly you can pick a stick or two, and after all it is your course.

'Jack' will welcome any hours of volunteering from an hour to half a day or more.

It's not hard to imagine the mess to be cleaned from picking up sticks to raking around greens and trees.

We could go further with trimming, mowing and hedging.

If you have the energy to help just give 'Jack' a call and he will welcome you with open arms.

With reports of further rains this week the flood is likely to be around for some time but let's hope the greens get a breather sooner then later.

'Jack' will tell you the greens can last a day or two, perhaps three, but after that major problems could arise.

More work for anyone willing to help out.

While he has his problems on his Corinella farm FGA president Andrew McDonald is also asking for support simply by playing once the course is back up and running.

“I can only urge you to play as many rounds as possible from joining the Summer Sixes to having  a hit both days over the weekend,” he said.

“This is one way everyone can help us to recover. Be positive and well will survive this (flood) and continue to grow,” he added.

Andrew also stated that is he would like to see all members at the AGM which is set down for the end of October.

Players are advised that the Mens Committee AGM will be held at the FGA Golf House on Tuesday, October 4. 

Our primary purpose  is to elect the office bearers and importantly a Mens Captain, prior to the FGA AGM scheduled for October 19

by Rob Priest

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the flood waters. Hopefully it will pass soon.

Friday Night Bowls: It is good to see a couple of our bowlers step up to take on the running of the Friday Night Bowls. Ray Dunstan and Peter Mackay have taken on the job of attracting more teams to the Friday Night Bowls. Ray is one of our new players who has improved out of sight. Last year he was awarded the most improved of the new players. 

Peter is our treasurer and has turned the club around financially; he puts a lot of time and effort into helping the club and our town. It is fantastic to see these two gents put their hands up for Friday Night Bowls.

Invitation letters have been sent out to many of the large businesses in town to encourage them to get a team together. 

Everybody is welcome and no experience is needed so please feel free to invite other businesses or interested people to form their team. 

Just contact Ray Dunstan or Peter Mackay with your team names. We can arrange bowls if you have none. Players need flat sole shoes like joggers with no heels or bare foot is OK.

Play will start on Friday, October 7 and run through with daylight saving till the end of March. There is a break during December to allow for the busy period and Christmas parties. Play starts each Friday at 6.30pm for 7pm and usually finished about 9.30pm or so. 

Teams are of three people and can be mixed, ladies or gents. Substitutes are handy too in case someone can’t make it on the night. Sometimes people can’t make it every week and can’t find a sub, well that’s OK too we understand.

Green fees are $10 per person per week which includes a snack BBQ after play. Social membership of the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club is $10 per year.

So what better way to have some fun and exercise in the fresh air? Come and have a relaxing evening with your workmates and friends, a game of bowls and a few drinks. If you are interested please contact Ray Dunstan or Peter Mackay.

AGM Rescheduled: The AGM of the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club was not held last Sunday due to the flooded roads etc. The meeting will now be held at the club on Wednesday night 12th October at 6.00 pm. The meeting of the Men’s Match Committee will follow immediately after the AGM.

Wednesday at One: Last Wednesday we had a big roll up of players keen to get back onto the greens after so many wet Wednesdays in a row. We had Col Breaden knock up at half way and his sub Glen Kearney went on with Alf Davies to win by 22:18 against the battlers Grant Lambert and John Kennedy. John Cutler and Barry Wright came home strongly in the last few ends to win by 22:16 from Peter Greenhalgh and Ron Symons. Ray Dunstan and Rob Priest also came good in the last couple of ends to finish 19:15 ahead of the star of the match Eddie Gould and Johnny Gorton. Cliffy Nelson and Peter Corliss fought off a challenge to win by 19:13 from Michael Ryan and Scott McKellar. Thanks gents, more players welcome next week.