by Short Putt

But first, on a sad note I need to advise of the passing of a long-time Forbes golfer. Brian Monaghan passed away peacefully among family in Newcastle, bringing to an end his long battle with cancer. Brian was a stalwart of the golf club for many years, and an accomplished player who deserved more trophies than he claimed. We leave him in peace now.

Saturday’s competition was a 4BBB Par event, sponsored by Highland Design. Along with the daily prizes the players were contending for the Ron Barton Memorial Trophy. Many players had designs on this achievement, and calculated their way around the course to deliver a finished product. But it was not all symmetry as 49 players, playing as 25-pairs made up the field.

It was thought that some early claims of plus eight were a little exaggerated, but Doug Churchill played magnificently to be 2-over on the holes that he contributed on. Peter Barnes was a good assistant, but honestly stated that Doug should have had more holes recorded. Their +11 was a pure example of synchronous play which meshed their handicaps perfectly.

Runners up were Laurie O’Connor and Phil Duke, who managed plus nine. The ball sweep went to plus seven, including those above plus: B Parker/ D Culley; P Grayson/ G Coles; B Shine/ P Nixon; M Spice/ R Nixon, who all scored plus seven. Two visitors from Parkes (Cranky Kelly and Murgen Green just missed out on plus six. Two other visitors from Parkes (Tom Casey and Peachy Dixon) did well enough for plus five bit not well enough for a prize.

The NTP’s went to: Ninth P Grayson; 18th – G Drane. Peter got his ‘two’ but Geoff missed out.

This event is usually a qualifier for the Keno NSW Fourball Par, but this year the Lachlan Valley District has elected to hold a District Final without Club qualifiers. This will not worry Peter and Doug, as they have already booked their accommodation at Bonville where the State Final is to be played. How confident is that.

All Clubs are to send as many teams as possible to the District Final, set for August 6 at West Wyalong. So you all have a chance to improve. Back on the course Graham Newport was paired with Stevie G, and soon began to hate trees. Not because he hit so many, but because he seemed to be stuck, well and truly, behind one on almost every hole.

Bede Tooth and Gary Johnston managed to play to ensure they were awarded the ‘Scatter-gun Award’. I think the safest place was dead in front of them. Worthy mention must be made of Barry Parker and Denis Culley’s card. It was straight down the middle of the card. Unfortunately it was just a column away from producing a really great score. But the real pleasure, or half pleasure, was the card of Barry Shine and Peter Nixon. Their front nine comprised one ‘three’ and eight four’s, with Barry doing most of the work.

The Sunday Stableford Medley saw ten keen persons strut their stuff, eager to gain momentum while other Sunday regulars were away on Pennants duties.

The winner was Ray Taylor, who ‘found something out there’ and therefore played one of his best rounds for many weeks, scoring 37 points. In those famous movie words “He’s back!” Runner-up was M McGlashen from Parkes with a creditable 36 points. There was no ball sweep but the NTP’s were awarded to: ninth – B Carpenter; 18th – R Hey (Parkes). Wayne Powter also was from Parkes, but he was just ballast in the car it seems.

Here is the news: Last Sunday, Forbes teams once again sallied forth in the CWDGA Pennants for 2017, this time played at Parkes GC.

The Division 1 team was sadly out of form, losing to Cowra 4/1. Steve Betland (3/2) was the only winner. Other scores were M Wood lost 3/1, P Dawson lost 4/3, D Bayley lost on the 20 th , and P Nixon lost 2/1. Dan showed his customary never say die approach, battling hard, but a tee shot that slipped sideways undid him.

The Division 2 team gave feint hope to their progression with a 3/2 win over Duntryleague. This week A Dukes won 3/2, K Herbert won 1 up, D Mylecharane lost on the 20 th , M Collits lost 2/1 and T West won 2 up. They need a few results to go their way to get a spot in the semis.

The Division 3 team had much promise but lost to Cowra by 3/2. John Zannes battled but eventually lost on the 18th. P Cowhan won 1 up, P Grayson won 6/5, Max Haley battled well to lose on the 20 th , and D Rhodes lost 3/2. Once again Max showed his true determination to battle all day. A little luck and he would have had success.

The Division 4 team have made it to the Semi-Finals with a good 3/2 win over Cowra. Richard Smith was promoted to #1 spot and won 5/3, S French was classy with a 6/4 win, T Howe was rusty losing 1 down, F Hannes lost 3/2 and Steve Grallelis won 5/3.

Next Sunday the Pennants will be held at Forbes. The starting sheet is up for the Rugby League Charity Day, to be held March 12. This is a four person Ambrose. Get your names in. Money raised will go to Can-Assist and to help one of their players. The Nelson Bays Trip is on again. Contact Jack Clarke 0419 523152 for dates, accommodation, costs and transport.

James Grierson, formerly of Forbes, is doing well in his golf. He is one of three to debut in the NSW Men’s team to contest the Australian Interstate Championships.

This year it will be held at Melville Grove GC (Perth) and Royal Fremantle GC (home of Minjee Lee). We wish James good luck in this fine experience. Thanks to the small band of guys who helped with cleaning up some dead trees on the course. 

It is crystal ball time: March 4 is the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Michael Robinson and Co. March 5 is the Stableford Medley. March 12 is the Rugby league Charity Day.

by Smooth Swinger

The ASI Capital sponsored Forbes Golf Club Summer Sixers 17th round saw a number of teams consolidate their positions on their Pool table. There is only one pool where there could be a ding-dong for fourth spot, but the others are comfortable.

The best Members nett scores were scored by Pip Percy (South Leaders) with 31, Niel Duncan (Niel’s CCC) with 31.5, and Teresa Armitage (Coffee Club) with 32.

Good to see Niel back on the course, and in some good form.

The Non-member better players were: Karl Biles (Forbes Toyota) 31, Mitch Roylance (Roylance’s A1) 32, and Paul Bennett (Back 9 Bandits), on 32.5. We have not see the Bandits mentioned for a while. The Scratch scores went to Men: Peter Dawson (36), and Ladies: Colleen Bratton (47).

The best Team score of the week went to Forbes Toyota with 99.5 total. Those low scores are still out there. There was only three points back to the next best, so competition is still tight.

Pool 1 results saw Drawshanks, Boys and Girls, and Storage Solutions win. Carlton Dry Boys and Coffee Club had the only draw to occur since the Christmas – New Year. The best player in the pool was Teresa Armitage, ahead of Kerry Stirling (Storage Solutions – 33.5) and Ethyl Coombs (Boys & Girls – 34).

Pool 2 winners were Gunns Menswear, Kool Kats, Bush Diva’s, and Hit n Miss. The best score of 102.5 by Kool Kats was just ahead of Hit n Miss. The best players were Niel Duncan, Fae Grogan (Kool Kats – 32), and Graham Newport (Hit n Miss – 32).

Pool 3 winners were Hook Drive & Sink It, Postie Top Six, F Troop and Grant Howell AE. The bets team score was 104 by Postie Top Six. The best players were Mitch Roylance, Graham Howe and Vince Aitken who both had 34.5 and both are from Postie Top Six.

Pool 4 winners were Platypi Player, Forbes Toyota, South Leaders and Misfires. Forbes Toyota had the best score, with 99.5. The best players were Pip Perry, Karl Biles, and Paul Bennett.

Other ball winners were: Pool 1 – Heather Davidson, Eily Hush, Jill Cripps, David Earl. Pool 2 – Steve Grallelis, Margaret Bentick, Denise Squires, Ann Reade. Pool 3 – Terry Bokeyar, Neil Herbert, Gary Johnston, Ed Burke. Pool 4 – Brendan Turner, Ros Saillard, Nick Ryan, Jenny Watts. As we head towards the end of the round robin series, many teams can reflect on their play this season and pick out the high points. This week is the last of the round robin series, then we go into the Semi-finals. Good luck to you all in this last week and remember to smile out there.