He is recognised as one of the longest hitters in Lachlan Valley golf circles but it was his short game that resulted in Forbes member Peter Nixon winning Sunday’s $5500 Nissan Golf Classic.
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“I did not hit them all that well off the tee but my short game was really good, that is what got me home,” Peter said on Sunday while celebrating after signing for a one under par round 71.
“I had four birdies during the round with the highlight a chip in three on the par four 13th hole. That kept me going and to win this is just great,” he added with praise for course curator Justin Clarke and those who assist during the year.
Nixon, who played towards the end of a field bordering on 200 starters, foiled a play-off situation.
It had appeared Forbes' Steve Betland and Craig Golledge from Mudgee might have to head to the first tee after both sat in the clubhouse with rounds of 74, two over par.
Sunday's 18 hole individual round followed Saturday's four-ball which also attracted a near record field of 159 players.
More than 25 clubs played over the weekend with players from all over NSW plus Western Australia and Queensland. All were in awe of the layout and course condition even allowing for the fact many found the pace of the greens very slick.
Chairperson of the classic committee Randal Grayson said this year was one of the best staged for some time and thanked the sponsors who made it possible.
“Comments I received over the weekend were rewards for some hard work by many volunteers and the greens staff, everyone commented on the excellent condition of the course and hospitality shown by local members,” Grayson said.
“As for next year, some of the visiting players have already booked accommodation and they tell me they will be bringing more players then this year, which is great for the club and town.”
Other winners were; B grade scratch (handicaps 13-19) Walter Brown (Cabramatta) on a toss from Manly representative John Finlay after both scored 83; C grade (20 plus) Glen Summerville (Cabramatta) 90, runner-up Brett Slacksmith (Forbes) 98.
Saturday's four-ball scratch winner, Craig Golledge and Mark Hale (Mudgee) five under par 67 from John Betland and 'Didget' McAuliffe (Forbes) two under par 70.
Saturday's handicap winners, Andrew Cogswell and Peter Nixon (Forbes) with 45 points, runners-up Charlie Dwyer and Steve Betland (Forbes) 44 on a count-back.
Ladies scratch winner on Sunday was Melissa Russell (Dubbo) with 84 from Lyn Bennett (Perth) 86. Four-ball handicap winners on Saturday, Bess Shields and Barbara Drabsch (Forbes) 42 points on a count-back. More Friday.
