Forbes golfers, more to the point, our No 4 pennant team, did not stop a date with the President's Luncheon on Saturday stop them from securing a win in the finals of the Central West District Association Flag on Sunday.

Played at Orange Ex-Services the Forbes representatives won 3-2 over Cowra.

“Troy (Howe) was our best on Sunday. Troy won the first six holes before going on to win 7-6. A week is a long time in golf. In the semi finals Garry (Pymont) was our star player winning on the 18th hole. On Sunday he was two up with two to play but lost both then lost the 19th,” Jim said.

Forbes No 1 players on Sunday, Richard Smith had a 3-2 win over Graham Thompson continuing his winning form from throughout pennants season.

Both players had their chance with only one hole squared to the 14th before Richard found length from the tee applying pressure to skip away late.

Stuart French, the team's No 2 player, has 'come of age' throughout the pennants season relishing the challenge of match play competition.

After losing the first hole on Sunday he settled down to be three up then two up with two to play. After losing the 17th hole he won the last for a two up victory.

Playing as No 3, Garry Pymont played Peter Bryson and appeared set for a comfortable win before his lapse on concentration over the final holes.

The President's Luncheon might have contributed to young Gus Coles efforts. Playing in the No 4 slot Gus was chasing all day before finally going down 4-3 to Darral Coleman.

At No 5 it was Troy. After his early blitz of six wins Troy did however lose the next two while overall only one hole was squared in the one sided match.

Jim, who was accompanied to Orange by Andrew Dukes as support, said while the players chosen on Sunday did the club proud it should be pointed out that Frank Hanns, Geoff Betland and Steve Grallelis all played their part in earlier rounds.

“They all contributed, and mention should be made of Steve's efforts as club captain in seeing that all our divisional teams were organised and ready to play each week.

“Steve is really good for the club. Everyone should appreciate his continued efforts,” Jim added.

Other divisional winners on Sunday were; Mudgee over Dubbo in Division 1; Mudgee again on Division 2 over Parkes; in Division 3 it was Cowra over Dubbo.

After our success in the Central West District pennants players are now asked to look at representing our club in the Lachlan Valley District Golf Association championships and pennants to be played here in Forbes on Sunday April 2.

The pennants will be played in teams of six with A grade for players with a team handicap total less then 70.

B Grade is for teams with a combined handicap total of 71 and above. Junior and veteran pennant teams will also play the same day.

On Saturday conditions at home were ideal for the much anticipated four ball par event which attracted another good size field despite opposition from the successful rodeo and President's Luncheon.   

Best for the day were two players who don't mind a round or two during the week as well as the weekend. Barry Parker and Denis Culley finished with a solid score of plus 8.

Runners-up were Frank Hanns and Linden Byrne with plus seven and on a three way count-back from Paul Kay and Paul Pymont along with Ronald Morris and Scott Kirkman.

Adding to the ball sweep winners were John Zannes and David Rhodes; Alf Davies and Peter Jackson (Coffs Harbour); Ian Bown and Bruce Chandler all plus six. Nearest the pins, Albie Callaghan ninth and Frank Donohue 18th.

The usual crowd of keen golfers played the medley stableford on Sunday with Jill Cripps the best on 36 points from Martin Woods, 35 points, on a count-back from Ray Taylor. These three shared the balls in the sweep. Nearest the pins, ninth Fran Smith, 18th Martin Woods.

This Saturday continues the busy schedule for golf and good times in the Golfie Hotel with the staging of the Bali Memorial Day (formerly the Greg Sanderson Memorial).

Over the years this has proven to be the biggest day on the golfing calendar attracting over 200 players.

In the past the memorial starting sheet has filled all time slots weeks in advance. However, this year a change of date and late start with the nomination sheet has resulted in vacancies even allowing for more than 100 nominations up until Sunday evening.

For your preferred time in the four person Ambrose contact the Pro Shop now on 6851 1554. Early and late tee-offs still available.

Saturday will also be the time we can gather to remember one of our best after the passing of Brian Monaghan. Members of Brian's family including children Grant and Nadine and his sister Sam plus family members will be in attendance.

The celebration of Brian's life will take place from 4.30pm -7pm at the Golfie on Saturday. Your presence would be most welcomed. For more contact Ray Taylor on 0432 406 913.

Sunday's golf will the usual medley Stableford. Golfers are reminded that there are no preferred lies for men's competition. These were removed at the start of February and continue today. To help with local rules members are asked to read the notice board at the Pro Shop.

This week renovations have been underway on the greens and while it may make putting a bit more challenging then usual players must understand these have to be done at certain times throughout the year.

Again, if any member would like to help on the course you are always welcome, just contact curator Jack (Justin) Clarke for more details.

On that, how good were the efforts of Richard Nixon and Niel Duncan last weekend in continuing the works on the new 9th tee.

We believe the 16th tee is next in line. All positives in improving the course for members and visitors alike.

From March 30 a fast faced six hole competition is scheduled played every Thursday and Friday. Theme is golf, beers, footy and a schnitty all for $14 members, $19 visitors.

Plus a beer voucher included while the bistro special has chicken schnitzel at only $12. Modified rules apply, tee off from 4pm.

Major dates coming up; Vets Week of Golf, May 8-12; Forbes Open and NSW Open Pre-Qualifying, May 13-14; Legends Pro-Am, May 19.

For more information on the above contact the Pro Shop. Last week readers may have read where Margaret Hurst is no longer at the Pro Shop.

As was the case last weekend, Margaret is still here. We apologise for any misunderstandings.

by Sally Crosby

Good for the farmers that the golf course was too wet but alas the Ladies could not play on Wednesday. The committee will try and find another date.

Also last Saturday’s results were not available to the reporter so next week we will take up a lot of room. Also the previous weeks results did not have room for last Friday so they were in Tuesday March 21 Advocate for those who missed them. 

No Ladies Stableford Competition this Saturday due the Bali Memorial Ambrose being re scheduled for 25th.

Next Wednesday, March 29 3BBB competition Sponsored by Verna Lane Marg Hurst and Denise Squires. This is Cake Day-Shot Gun Start , get ready at 8.30am for 9am o'clock hit off, Sally C on cards.

Week two of the Australian Ladies Pro Golf clinic that your reporter attended is passing on the Putting Tips. First of all always take your glove off.

Have a line on the ball to line up each putt especially the short ones. Ball position just forward of center with your eyes over the ball.   

Arms relaxed move putter back and through using your shoulders and not your hands and wrists-one lever action. 

Last but not least imagine the hole being a big bucket-the theory being that you will not get nervous about missing that little hole! Good luck.

It was decided the girls would play the boys Monday night and the boys thought they would beat us.

Dizzie Lizzie started well and that put the girls on a roll. Melody was next and playing some beautiful bowls. WD Forty, what happened? He just couldn’t keep up with Melody at all.