In the last week we had the announcement of the new professional golfer coming, a hole-in-one during play on Saturday along with a very good response to competition play on Saturday. Simon Houston will in mid August be taking up the position as resident professional here as well as the post in Parkes, the same as our past pro Daniel Newton had.

Simon is coming a long way to fulfil the vacancy leaving his home in Perth along with family, Karen and their three children aged three, five and seven. Thirty-four year old Simon will bring with him 14 years experience in the club professional ranks in which he rates his interest in junior golf as well pro shop trade   to club members high on his agenda. When you do have the opportunity to meet with the Houston family make them more then welcome as they are a long way from 'home'.

While on the family, it is their intention to rent on arrival so if any member has, or knows, of a well cared for residence please contact the pro shop with details or let any of the committee know. It would be more then welcome.

We all dream of a the perfect shot, a hole-in-one. Bruce Chandler, who has previously had that feeling watching the little white ball disappear into the cup from the tee did it again on Saturday. And to top it off on the same hole as before, the ninth with the same club, a six iron.

As playing partner Brian Doyle said, 'it was beautiful to watch, it landed just short of the green to roll up and slightly to the left before it disappeared into the hole'.

The roar of excitement from the playing group could be heard all over the course and more so the tenth fairway where Mark Watts was playing and feeling he had the nearest the pin sown up being only a foot or two from the flag. Still, Mark like everyone else was happy for the Dragons supporters who had a weekend to remember.

Despite Bruce's hole-in-one the course got the better of play on Saturday due to the slick greens and drying fairways to the recent frosts making for some tight lies on the fairways.

In saying that the winners broke away from most of the field in the Complete Plumbing sponsored stroke event were Bruce Carpenter and Ash Tucker, who shared a cart for their round, taking honours in both grades.

Producing his best round for some time Bruce carded 65 nett in winning A grade (handicaps up to 16) after a round of 78 off the stick from his 13 handicap.

Bruce made plenty of his regular visits to the course in practice for 38 on the front nine before 40 on the back nine dropping four shots over the last four holes. Runner-up was Niel Duncan with 68 nett after 82 off the stick from a 14 handicap.

Ash, who is proving a very popular publican in the Golfie Hotel, not only for members but also visitors, played his best since arriving in town to claim B grade (17-36).

Off a handicap of 22 Ash scored 89 off the stick for 67 nett winning from Bruce Squires 69 nett and 91 off the stick, also from a 22 handicap. Being one not afraid to give the ball a good hit some of the credit for Saturday's success can be attributed to the influence Bruce had on Ash's score telling him not to try and belt the cover off the little white ball.

While on the success of Ash it should be pointed out that during presentations on Saturday after play he donates a meat tray to be won by a golfer, ladies included, if in attendance. Naturally draws are done until a winner is found present.

Last Saturday Ash's name came out first. Being a winner and donor a second draw was conducted and won by 'Didget' McAuliffe who for the present is making Forbes home.

One reason for this was to care for his ill mother Cath, who sadly passed away early Saturday. Being unable to do no more for his loving mum a game with friends Brian Doyle, Greg Webb and hole-in-one ace Bruce was the best medicine available at the time Saturday afternoon. Our thoughts today are with all members of the McAuliffe family.

Nearest the pins on Saturday, naturally Bruce Chandler with his hole-in-one while at the 18th it was Peter Barnes.

Ball sweep to 72 nett on a count-back. The four trophy winners plus 70 nett, Adam Borger (15 handicap), Peter Grayson (15), Neil McMillan (11), Doug Churchill (12), 71 nett, Paul Kay (15), Tony Cogswell (14), Lawrence O'Connor (16), 72 nett, Albie Callaghan (20), Michael Spice (14), Fred Collie (15), John Betland (plus 2), Richard Nixon (6).

With over 70 players on Saturday only seven ventured out for the medley on Sunday where Ron Morris was the star player scoring a magnificent 41 points off his 22 handicap while playing partner Ray Taylor had to settle for runner-up with 40 off a 12 handicap. Interesting to note next best was 34 points.         

Nearest the pins, Barb Drabsch on the ninth and 18th.

Play this Saturday will be four ball Stableford multiplier while on Sunday the usual medley Stableford will take place. While on results it is great to report that former club champion and outstanding talent James Grierson is playing with success after leaving in May to compete overseas .

Amongst results to date is his fifth in the Welsh Amateur Championships while coming up James will compete in the Canadian Amateur before the US Amateur Championships scheduled for August 14. We wish him well in both tournaments.

While on tournaments there are plenty coming up for those members who like to fly the Forbes flag on the road.        

This Sunday Caragabal open their course for the Open which is two ball Ambrose. This weekend will also see the Burcher and Cootamundra Opens. Temora, a strong supporter of the Forbes Classic, will stage their Open on August 5/6 while the following weekend the NSW Men's Country Championships will be played in Goulburn.

Jack (our course curator) has soil testing done and in late August green renovations will be carried out and you can bet further improvements to our greens, about the best there are around in this part of the state. The Pro Shop now has email office@forbesgolf.org.au or you can use the good old phone 02 6851 1554. Until next week, keep the head down and swing smooth as Bruce C kept telling Ash T last Saturday.

- by Winter Willy

The Forbes Golf Club Winter 3’s competition has gone past the halfway mark, and players have relished the run towards home. The winner this week was Ash Tucker who presented a score of 30.5 nett to the organisers, although the card on which he did this was a bit tardy. Close behind was Ron Morris on 31.5, Paul Kay on 32 and Kyle Brockman on 33.

Despite the overall better scoring some individual players had a few issues during their game. A renowned ‘accountant-type’ person needed his arithmetic mind working in top gear to count his score. Some teams believe that consistency will bring victory, and they may well be right. But somehow we need to knobble the Taylor team. There is not much rain forecast so the fairways should still have a bit of run in them. The thing to do is to ensure you stay on them.

- by Roving Reporter

With a very heavy frost last Saturday the Shell Sponsored Stroke Round provided challenges for the putters sliding on ice on the first four holes. This round was played in One Division and Fran Smith had a great round with a Nett 69 being a clear Winner with Robin Lyell  Runner Up, they also won the sweep. Nearest The Pin 9th Fran Smith and 19th Bess Shields. 5th Round Golf NSW Medals was played in conjunction and results will be published next week.

On August 26 we played Split Sixes and had a good turn out of twenty two players, this was sponsored by Judy Hodge and Marie Reid. Played in teams of three the clear Winners were Helen Duff, Alison Kingston, and Ev Uphill with 76 Stableford points and Runners Up were Jill Morgan, Sarah Black and Doreen Barnes with 72. Julie Hurkett scored a double having nearest the Pin on 9th and 18th. Congratulations to all the winners.

This Saturday, July 29 is four ball V par event sponsored by Libby Godden and Jenny Hubbard with Barb Drabsch on Cards. Next Wednesday, August 2 is a Stableford in Two Divisions with Teresa Armitage on cards. The traveler this month was Teresa who went to Ariah Park and partnered with her sister to be Runners for the Tournament  with 69.