On Saturday the Mens comp was an 18-hole Stableford to contest the annual ‘Righties versus Lefties’ match. The rules of this match are quite simple – whatever the sponsor says goes! And so it did, with the field of 49 players enjoying themselves. The result of the Match was a resounding win to the Righties, by 184 points to 154. Admittedly, the Lefties had a number of ‘backbone’ players absent, but the Righties had too much fire power on the day.

In the A-Division Paul Kay, pleased with 38 points, especially when you consider he was among the first in quite frosty conditions. Graham Newport was runner-up on count back with 37 points.  The B-Division belonged to Bruce, although he had a pretty scratchy start. Bruce scored two lonely two pointers among seven three pointers to storm home with 25 points, and 42 overall. Playing a very handy handicap game, Greg Webb did well with 36 points, on count back, to take the runners-up prize.

The ball sweep went to 35 points on count back, going to: 42 – B Squires; 38 – P Kay; 37 – G Newport, P Grayson; 36 – G Webb, L Byrne, D Churchill, T Griffiths, M Cahill, M Watts; 35 – A Callaghan, M Spice. There were no visitors, just like there were no bananas today.

The NTP’s went to: Ninth – A Davies; 18th – M Cahill. Only Alf converted, to be one of five to score a ‘2’. The third and ninth coughed up, but the best ‘2’ was scored by Greg Webb on the 18th. It was so simple really – just ask him.

This week the Golfie meat tray was a “magician’s meal”. Geoff Drane was announced as the winner, only to have the tray whipped away from him when it was known that his name had been incorrectly called out. Better luck next week Geoff, and ‘bon munchies’ to Dave Rhodes.

Apart from Bruce and the other winners, most players scored around or under their handicaps. Ash Tucker tried to use his smoke screen apparatus, otherwise known as a golf cart, to cover his score of 23 points. Only slightly ahead was Ray Taylor, who was never to be mentioned with his lowly 24 points. Terry Griffiths had a passable 36 points. No birdies to add to his tally of five last week, which earned him the title of the ‘Birdie Prince’. But 20 points on the back nine was quite good.

Barry Shine rested beside the ninth green, watching his groups play. This was because his ball was taking a swim. The ninth claimed another scalp, but in a different way. Phil Maher’s tee shot plonked straight into the bunker, close to the front edge. A big swing, the ball half-heartedly flopped out, then rolled back in. he proceeded to take a number of additional shots, bringing his companions to their knees with laughter.

Putting was a real dilemma for some.Laurie O’Conner’s putts shaved the edge of the hole many times but refused to drop. Others just had a bad day, Stevie G was one of those, four putting the 18th for a ‘5’. But there were others, from ex-Club Champions to current Grade champions. Peter Cripps set himself a challenge on the 12th. His second shot to the green flew of the mound. He needed a good recovery shot up and over the hump, with control on the ball to stop it close to the pin. And it worked, or very nearly so, but it was classy play. Some players like Peter Grayson had a good nine and a bad nine. Others mimicked each other. Whenever Niel Duncan had a bad hole Stevie G did the same, and whenever Stevie G had a good hole so did Niel.

The Stableford Medley on Sunday was again enjoyed by a small band of loyal players. The winner this week was a pleasant surprise. Bess Shields took the honours with 38 points, quite some distance ahead of Bruce Carpenter in second place with his 33 points, and that was on count back. Ray Taylor had some measure of success with an NTP on the ninth. No one got the 18th NTP.

Here is the News: Our new Head Professional, Simon Houston, started with us this week. He is taking his time to settle into his new role, and would welcome any players dropping in to introduce themselves and saying ‘welcome’. You could also book a lesson at the same time.

The ‘Winter 3’s’ competition is now in its final two weeks. While Taylor’s Terrors may feel comfortable, a slip could see Tucker’s Tornados sweep past them. Ethel Coombs was over-joyed with her 30.5 nett, enjoying a good laugh in the clubhouse. Others to win a ball were Kylie Brockman, Paul Kay and Terry Griffiths, who all scored 35 nett.

The Wallace Cup Round 2, Laurie O’Connor looks quite composed, but the Champ, Dan Bayley is yet to be tested. Keep the pressure on guys so that we get this round finished before the end of the month.

The Sand/Grass Green Championships, being held at Grenfell and Forbes Golf Courses this weekend have enjoyed a surge in participation. Call the Forbes Pro Shop (6851 1554) or Grenfell Club (6243 1634) if you want a late entry. Our club was represented by a few at Trundle and Cowra Opens. Trundle presented itself with wonderfully consistent sand on its greens, and Cowra had a good following.

The NSW Country Men’s Championships were held in Goulbourn last weekend. Our Lachlan Valley team, John and Steve Betland, Peter Dawson, Mitch McGlasson (P), Justin Sutton (P) and Paul Redman (WW) finished in the middle of the field, with a strong Illawarra team winning the event. Conditions were hard on Saturday with strong winds. John Betland played steady, being four over for the weekend. Steve Betland went from bottom on Saturday with an 80+ score to top on Sunday with the best day’s score of 66 Scratch. Justin Sutton finished 6th overall. Better luck next year.

Monthly Medal has switched to September 9, and a Stableford event on September 2. Players are asked to help tidy up the course on Monday, August 28 as it is a massive job. Contact Jack Clarke for details. Sanderson Trophy Day on Sunday Septempber 3 is a charity event, with the winners receiving the Sanderson Trophy. Proceeds going to the Bali Charity. It will be a shot-gun start.

It is crystal ball time: August 19-20 is the Sand Grass Green championships. A Stableford event will be held at Forbes on Saturday for those who cannot participate at Grenfell. August 26 is the American Foursomes, sponsored by Milton Cartwright. This is another format that tests your patience and forgiveness. August 27 is a Stableford Medley, and Peak Hill Open.

-by Short Putt

As the weather warms up so are the scores and now that our new Pro has arrived we can have lessons in either groups or individual sessions just to improve our games a little more. Last Saturday a 3 Ball Ambrose Sponsored by Tilley, Fletcher and Hubbard was played and a very close result saw Fran Smith, Bess Shields and Sharon Grierson with 68 2/6 points beating the sponsors who had 68 4/6 points. NTP 9th Sharon Grierson and 18th Barb Drabsch.

On Wednesday, August 16 a 4BBB Stableford Aggregate sponsored by Enid Baker and Jelbart Family saw team Helen Duff and Alison Kingston take the honors with 72 points. Runners Up were Kerry Stirling and Verna Lane with 70 points, with the four also winning a ball. Well done. NTP ninth Doreen Barns and 18th Alison Kingston..

 Golf NSW Wednesday and Saturday Competitions played throughout the year has been completed and these girls are off to Gilgandra for the district finals on 20th October. Wednesday comps attracted more players so had two Divisions with Heather Davidson 214 representing Division One (0-20) and Janet Smith 217 Division Two (21-45). Saturdays winner was Robin Lyell 215. These were their best three stroke scores.

Condobolin Tournament last Sunday was a great success for the Forbes girls with Robin Lyell winning Division Two Scratch with 92, Teresa Armitage Division two Handicap with 75 and Alison Kingston NTP on 9th and our girls also won the Teams Event. Good Luck to the Forbes girls playing in the WDLGA 4 BBB finals at Parkes on Friday and also those playing in the Championships this weekend Grenfell/Forbes.  Next Wednesday, August 23 a Stableford in Two Divisions Sponsored by our good Sponsors Blue Sky Outdoors will be played with Enid on cards.

-by Roving Reporter