The Monthly Medal Stroke event, held on January 7 encouraged 67 players into the field. Many of these were very early starters, aiming to keep their cool before the day got really hot. The sponsor, Linden Byrne, was also out there keeping an eye on proceedings which proved to be hot contests indeed.

The A Grade winner saw a rejuvenated Andrew Dukes hit the course running (in his cart actually) to score a nett 68. Only one birdie featured, but consistency was his hallmark for success. Runner-up was Kim Herbert, with 71 nett, who started well but dropped shots at critical moments.

The B Grade had a similar look about the results. Jeff House struck the ball well all day, and seemingly was casual way. His 68 nett was a surprise to his group, but well deserved. Max Haley was runner-up with his 70 nett, getting there on count back from Laurie O’C.  Max had a few blemishes on the front-9, but worked hard on the back-9 to come in under his handicap.

The C Grade was won by an experienced and talented golfer of quiet demeanour. This was another occasion for Ron Morris to pop up with a good score, 69 nett, and so demolish his opponents. Andrew Drane was runner-up, with 71 on count back from Bruce Squires. Maybe Andrew was relaxed away from the piercing gaze of his father's eyes, who played in a different group. No worries, Andrew gallantly donated his voucher to his dad.

The ball sweep went to 74 nett, including those above plus: 70 – L O’Connor; 71 – P Kay, P Grayson, B Squires; 72 – T Callaghan, A Davies, S Kirkman, A Callaghan; 73 – M Collits, F Collie; 74 – P Dawson. The visitors were Andrew Drane (Gosford) and Stuart Hayes (Murrumbidgee).

The NTP’s went to: First – J Betland, 18th – J Betland, who scored a ‘2’ on the ninth. There were six 2’s in all, with the 1st missing out. The lone ‘2’ on the 18th deserves mention in the hall of fame. Stevie G squeaked his tee shot onto the front left of the green. To save time while others in his group strode to their balls to chip onto the green, he ‘lagged up’, having to contend with the curvaceous borrow across 65 feet. This he judged to perfection as it never wavered from its intended path and willingly dropped into the hole.

John Zannes was ecstatic with what he considered was a winning score – 58 nett. He was crestfallen when he was told he needed to complete 18 holes. But brightening the course up were Ian Bown and Phil Maher in their iridescent coloured shirts, made even more so by the bright sunshine. Thankfully they were not in the same group.

Dave Rhodes ‘raised his bat’ in an episode that is very rarely seen. He was playing well, but struck trouble on the 13th, 14th,……and tenth, and fifth and a few others. It was just not his day.

Gary Pymont had a bad day, although he did will on each finishing hole – a birdie on the 9th and a par on the 18th. This contrasted well, perhaps, with Bruce Chandler who never saw a par all day on his card. He is going to get new glasses.

A promising Junior, Andrew House, was pleased with his efforts. He managed to finish ahead of a few others in C Grade, and could have done better if his chipping had been better on couple of holes. It won’t be long before he is teaching his dad a thing or two.

Someone who needs his eyesight tested is Mike Spice. He hit his tee shot down the 15th, and drove his cart down the fairway expecting to see his ball. It was nowhere to be seen, despite the best efforts of others in his group. When Mike stepped out of the cart to look himself he nearly stepped on his ball.

We wish Niel Duncan a speedy recovery from his illness. Apparently, while away on a family holiday he was infected with a ‘mosquito-borne’ virus (take your pick). With a bit of TLC from his family he should be on the course in no time.

The Sunday Stableford Medley field was hit by the forecast heat. Nevertheless, the scores returned by the contestants were strong. Judy Hodge won the day with 38 points, slightly ahead of Scott Kirkman on 36.

There was no ball sweep, but the NTP’s spread the spoils. The ninth went to B Carpenter, while the 18th went to B Drabsch.

Here is the news: The Pennants 2017 season will start soon, with Forbes once again contesting all Four Divisions. If you are interested get your name on the list in the Pro Shop, first round February 5 at Duntryleague.

The playing of the AAA Cup will be delayed somewhat, but we shall let you know what will happen. The Programme books should be available by the end of the month, so keep an eye out and grab a copy from the Pro Shop.

We have a call for a “missing object”. The trophy for the Vets Annual “Forbes v Parkes Stirrers Spoon” award has gone AWOL. It was last presented to a player in 2015, but it could not be found for this year’s presentation. If anybody has seen it, or think they may know where it is, please contact beryl Roberts (6852 3473) or Jeff Haley (0427 200972).

It is crystal ball time: January 14 is scheduled for an 18-hole Stroke comp sponsored by Rob Allen Livestock Transport. January 15 is the Stableford Medley. January 21 is the playing of the Deacon Dwyer 4BBB, delayed from November 2016. Get your partner organised now. Thanks to our sponsors – Forbes Catering and Packaging and Shead and Nicholson for the support in this.

by Short Putt

The tenth round of the ASI Capital sponsored Forbes Golf Club Summer Sixers competition saw some pretty scorching scores for both Scratch and Nett results. A 29 nett by Jean Judge and a 28 nett by Jack Hammond where hard to beat.

The best Members nett scores were recorded by Jean Judge (Parstime), Terry Shannon (Postie Top-6) on 29.5, and Brianna Duncan (Niel’s CCC) on 30.

The Non-member better players were: Jack Hammond  (Platypi Player), Gordon Hurry (Flip Floppers) on 31.5, and Karl Biles (Forbes Toyota) on 31.5.

The scratch scores this week went to: Men – Ray Taylor (39) on count back from Dave Mylecharane, and for the Ladies – Marie Read (46) was the lucky one here.

The best team score of the week was shared by Hit n Miss and Postie Top Six with 97.5 total. This helped both teams in the double-points round.

Pool 1 results saw Parstime, Carlton Dry Boys, Boys & Girls and Storage Solutions win, with 100 being the better score among them. The best player in the pool was Jean Judge, ahead of Bede Tooth (32) and Martin Cahill (32.5).

Pool 2 winners were Hit n Miss, ASI Capital, Bush Divas and Kool Kats. Of those Hit n Miss scored 97.5 as the best team. The best players were Brianna Duncan (Niel’s CCC) on 30, Gordon Hurry (Flip Floppers) on 31.5 and Jeff House (Hit n Miss) on 31.5

Pool 3 winners were Grant Howell AE, Postie Top Six, F Troop and Roylance’s A1. The best of those was Postie Top Six with 97.5. The best players were Terry Shannon (Postie Top Six) on 29.5, Gary Johnston (Lost in the Trees) on 32 and Ken Sly (F Troop) on 32.5.

Pool 4 winners were South Leaders, Platypi Player, Daniel’s Team and Forbes Toyota. And once again Platypi Player had the best score with 100. The best players were Jack Hammond, Fleur Von Mengersen-Wells (Bush Rangers) on 30.5, and Karl Biles (Forbes Toyota) on 31.5.

Other ball winners were: Pool 1 – Heather Davidson, Brian Asimus, Scott Andrews and Tony Cogswell. Pool 2 – Ian Bown, Doreen Barnes, Denise Squires, and Mike Sutcliffe. Pool 3 – Ed Burke, Glendon Hooper, Kevin Vale, and Justin Roylance. Pool 4 – Rosie Johnston, Jill Morgan, Jon Cutler, and Josh Coulthurst.

Here is a summary: Parstime still lead Pool 1, but Carlton Dry Boys and Storage Solutions have jumped right up there. Pool 2 has a new leader in Kool Kats, followed by Bush Diva’s and Niel’s CCC.

Pool 3 is still headed F Troop, with Grant Howell’s AE still in second but a new third in Roylance’s A1. Pool 4 is still led by Platypi Players, but Forbes Toyota and Daniels Team have leap-frogged into contention.

We shall see which teams can carry their Post-Christmas form into the second half of the season. In most Pools there is only a point difference between teams so a little slip may be costly.

by Smooth Swinger