The winning pair was Rod Besgrove and Barb Drabsch, scoring 47 points. They scored consistently with numerous 2’s and 3’s and the occasional four pointer. Runners-up, on count back were Lee Grierson and Craig Simmons. While they had numerous good holes, their handicap made it tough. The ball sweep went to 44 points on count back, going to those above plus: 36 – S French/ T Cogswell, Richard/ Fran Smith, K Sly/ C Jarvis, B Slack-Smith/ H Steel-Park; 45 – G Collitts/ K Sanderson, D Ridley/ G Johnston; 44 – T Morgan/ A McDonald.

The NTP’s went to: ninth – B Chandler; 18th – B Chandler. Seeing those ‘X’s’ on the Easter buns must have sharpened his eyes! But he never got a ‘2’. They were quite scarce, with only five for the day.

The visitors enjoyed their outing on the course. Big welcomes to: Chris Jarvis (Mona Vale), Tim Lassarre (Parkes), Ash Tucker (Blayney), and Andrew Mion (Longyard, Tamworth). Ash of course is the Golfie host, and looking to spend more time on the golfer’s side of the bar.

The laws of Physics need re-writing after Dan Bayley managed to get his tee shot on the 16th to finish on the 17th fairway. He just missed his par. And Ecky’s ball wandered a bit on the 16th. His second shot landed on the edge of the cup, but rather than slam-dunk it struck the pin and wandered off the green. Others to benefit with chip-ins were Deb Tilley on the 13th (for a 4-pointer!) and Terry Griffiths on the 18th. Alf Davies almost chipped in on the eighth for a ‘2’. He was amongst the trees, he used his driver he just missing the hole. He only scored a ‘4’ though.

Bob Borger tried a different chipping shot. He chipped wood off every tree along the seventh fairway, because he hit every tree along the fairway. Warwick Judge meanwhile was skipping along the fairways, in company with three lovely ladies.

Ron Morris used to keep his ball in play on the 15th. He carried the creek, struck a tree, then his ball bounced backwards along the bridge, never once looking like going into the water. What a recovery. Ken Sanderson was also lucky on the 15th. He found his yellow-painted and bedazzled ball after it hit a tree, but unfortunately it was in the water.

LVDGA Champs and Pennants: On Sunday, Forbes hosted the annual LVDGA Champs and Pennants. Players from Parkes, Grenfell, West Wyalong, Condo, Caragabal, and Forbes made up the field of 97. Unfortunately Trundle, Bogan Gate and Peak Hill were unable to send players. 

The Moulder Cup, and A-division Scratch Champs, was a Forbes benefit, with Peter Dawson (69) winning and John Betland (70) coming runner-up. The B-division Scratch went to A Harland (W/Wyalong) with 82, while S Uphill (88) was second on count back. In a comeback performance, Terry Sharpe (87) won the C-division Scratch with Stuart French (89) runner-up. The Champion of Champions for Current Club Champions went to John Sutton (Parkes) with an even par 72. Other Scratch Results were: Junior Champ – Lachlan Buesnell (Parkes) on 87. Sand Greens Champ – Jono Baker (Grenfell) on 84.

The Handicap Results were: Veterans Handicap winner – Allan Rees (Fbs) on 71. 18-Hole Handicap for Gordon Moulder Cup – D Mylecharane (Fbs) on 71.

A-grade Winner: D Mylecharane; A-grade Runner-up: A Dukes (Fbs) on 72; B-grade Winner: L O’Connor (Fbs) on 71; B-grade Runner-up: P Barnes (Fbs) on 74; C-grade Winner: R Hamilton (Pks) on 71; C-grade Runner-up: A Donnelly (Grenfell) on 73.

The Pennants results were: A-division Winners: Forbes A1 - 197 (J Betland, S Betland, P Dawson, A Dukes, P Nixon, D Bayley); Runners-up were Parkes A1 on 173. B-division Winners: Forbes B2 – 116 (T Morgan, R Morris, S Kirkman, B Carpenter, S French, L O’Connor); Runners-up were Parkes B2 on 115. Veteran Pennant Winners: Parkes V1 – 68 (I Phipps, P Bishop, R Hey); Runners-up Parkes V2. Handicap Pennant Winner: Forbes A1 – 210 (see above); Runners-up were Forbes B2 on 196. And finally, the results from the “100 Club” were: 1st – Shaun Logan (Grenfell); 2nd- Ash Tucker (Fbs); 3rd – S Grallelis (Fbs).

All the players complimented the course presentation and condition, a credit to the course staff and volunteers. Players also liked the lunch by Patrick in the restaurant. There were two notable ‘firsts’ on the day. Barry Shine hit the first shot off the new ninth tee. And Richard Nixon was first to hit his tee shot off the ninth into the water. 

Here is the News: Players are reminded that the proposed changes to rules, as presented by the R&A and the USGA, do not take effect until 1 Jan 2019. We play to the current rules for all official competitions, so no leaving the pin in while putting! Players using the rules incorrectly will be penalised.

Nominations are still wanted for the Vets ‘Week of Golf’, which runs for May 8-12. The competition runs over 18, 36 and 54 holes with a 4BBB Next up, Forbes Open. The Ladies Open is on May 7, followed by the Forbes Men’s Open, set for May 14. The men’s will incorporate a qualifying round for the NSW Open, from which the winner will gain a spot in the NSW Open field. 

To round out the hectic season of golf, we have the Legends Pro-Am on May 19. Ladies, Men and Juniors are encouraged to participate alongside some good Legends Professional golfers. We must have your names for the Wallace Cup. This is the Premier Match Play comp for the year, so please get your name on the list in the Pro Shop. Do not forget the raffle Daniel is running to support Forbes Junior Golf. On offer is a set of Clubs with golf bag. Do not forget to repair pitch marks on the greens, and to fill in your divots.

It is crystal ball time: April 29 is an 18-hole Stroke, sponsored by Patrick’s, with the Sunday Stableford Medley to follow. This is also the weekend for the Young Open. May 6 we have the Monthly Medal, ahead of the Ladies Open on May 7. 

Forbes Ladies Open Tournament is on Sunday, May 7. Shotgun Start at 9.30am good nominations have already been received so please put your name down if you intend to play. 4 BBB to be played on Saturday 6th so grab a partner for this as we have good sponsorship for both days.The Committee is asking for a plate for afternoon tea on Sunday please.

Fifteen ladies started out on Wednesday, April 26 for Stableford play and only four completed the 18 holes in very wet and windy conditions, the brave deserved their wins. Division One Heather Davidson 33, Division Two Sally Perry 31 both winning the ball sweep. This event was sponsored by Esmes/Pantry cafe. NTP 9th Alison Kingston.18th Colleen Bratton. Your reporter missed putting Saturday 15th April results in the paper-cannot find an excuse. Well done to Denise Squires for her win with 36 points. NTP ninth Ev Uphill and 18th Denise Squires.

Ten Forbes Ladies traveled to the West Wylong Open last Sunday where 41 competitors played in two Divisions. The fast greens challenged us however Teresa Armitage managed to get nearest the pin on 11th hole in Division Two and Marie Reid had the best visitors score in Division One. This Saturday Haley Hurford sponsors a Stableford Competition for the Ladies in One Division and Next Wednesday, May 3 is Stroke, Round 3 Golf NSW Medal, our Monthly Medal and Putting Competition. Denise Squires is on Cards.