MEN'S GOLF
By Short Putt
The Forbes golfers last Saturday awoke to a day promising sunshine and hopefully good scores. Both were delivered with the field of 58 players enjoying a fantastic day on the course.
The competition on Saturday was a 4BBB Medley Stableford, sponsored by the Francis Family. Among the field were three Ladies teams and three Mixed teams who acquitted themselves well. There were also a number of swingers, of whom a few did not return a card.
The Winners were the pair of Dave Rhodes and Peter Tisdell with 48 points. They were almost the first out and enjoyed the fresh greens, which with a bit of dew on them played slightly slower than later in the day. This pair combined well with their only blemish being a 1-pointer on the 17thamidst 3- and 4-pointers on the other eight holes. They each contributed handsomely throughout their round.
Runners-up were Carolyn Duncan and Sharon Grierson. Their score of 47 was also built on a good combination, with each contributing when the other faltered on a hole. Alas, they did not manage any 4-pointers which would have helped them leapfrog into the winner's circle. All their holes scored either 2- or 3-pointers.
The ball sweep went to 44 points, going to: 45 - E & S Uphill, J Hubbard/J Cripps, K Tyne/B Ashton, L O'Connor/D Mylecharane; 44 - T Morgan/D McGroder, R Webb/D Rhodes.
The visitors were Neville and Julie Pritchard from Ballarat GC. They both had handy handicaps and played well, scoring 37 points on an unfamiliar course. They needed to turn some 2-pointers into 4-pointers to get among the 'money', but nevertheless enjoyed their day alongside the colour of Kailab Tyne and partner.
The NTP's went to: 9th - Men: Terry Griffiths, Ladies: Sharon Grierson; 18th - Men: Steve Grallelis, Ladies: Brianna Duncan. On the 9th hole both Terry and Sharon got their 2's, along with two others. The 18th yielded two 2's but neither by the NTP winners. One was by Graham Newport who grabbed a '2' in his usual 18th hole finish. The 3rd yielded two 2's, with Todd Callaghan having the better shot of these.
The Pro Shop Super-Pin, held on the 9th hole, went to Sharon Grierson. Her shot to 43 cm brought shrills of excitement from partner Carolyn Duncan as they each tried to will the ball into the hole. Nevertheless it was a very good shot.
Many commented that the greens were quicker than usual. The earlier players did not seem to mind but it may have both helped and hindered the later players when things were drier.
It certainly helped the NTP winners, whose balls rolled past the previous marker into a closer position. Someone who was not pleased was Brad Ashton, beaten for the NTP on both occasions by players after him. He remarked, 'They were the best shots he made all day and yet was gazumped!'
Some players found it easier to putt with less force, but others struggled with the pace. Stevie G was one, who was usually a mile past on his approach putts. Come time to convert for a '2' and he held back and played for pace but finished a half roll short of the hole.
There are always 'matches within matches' on the course. A ball toss at the 1st tee usually decides who will be paired with whom. But within a pairing there is sometimes the need to 'do better than the other'. Sandy Paterson was pleased with his game. He and partner Dave Quirk got past their opponents, Todd Callaghan and Archie Quirk, but additionally he scored more points individually than partner Dave.
It was good to see some of our Junior players in the competition. Liam Fraser and Lachlan Alley have been regulars now, but we also see Archie Quirk and Tim Duke becoming more regular. Reggie Murray has a few commitments but when he plays he usually does well.
There was no Stableford Medley on Sunday.
Here is the News:
There have been a number of Opens held around the District, with Forbes players attending many of them. And there are more to come.
At the Temora Open, held last weekend, the contingent of Forbes players did okay. The 2-Person Ambrose on Saturday was won by Peter Dawson/John Betland with a Scratch score of 9-under. Also on Saturday, Caleb Hanrahan picked up the Long Drive and John Betland grabbed the 'NTP on 2nd Shot on the 18th.
On the Sunday the Forbes players were on the mark again. Caleb Hanrahan, recovering from a recent illness, won the day with a 1-under score. His round was mediocre until the last few holes, where he birdied four of the last six holes to score 4-under on the back-9 and take the Open prize. In Second place was Ecky Dawson with 2-over. Caleb also managed the Longest Drive, for the second day in a row.
While other Forbes players did not get many prizes, they enjoyed themselves. A group comprising the Banks brothers and friends really enjoyed the local hospitality and showed the Temora guys how to party.
Notifications of Opens to come are: Burcher Open 18 Aug, Yeoval Open 18 Aug, Bogan Gate Open 8 Sep. Details are available on the flyers on the noticeboards.
I encourage all players to get a team together for the PGA Scramble to be played on Sun 1 Sep. This is Father's day, but I am sure there will be latitude for fathers and mothers to participate. Contact H/Pro Will for details about nominations.
Head Pro Will has organised Demo Equipment days for Titleist and Callaway. Both brands will be available for trial on Wed 4 Sep. So you can book in to go from one to the other. Contact H/Pro Will if you want to try any of the new gear, including the latest Titleist drivers.
I record with sadness another passing of a Forbes player. Ian Bown, owner of the Forbes Sportpower shop, passed away on 31 July after a short illness. His funeral was held on Wed 7 Aug with standing room only in the Church. The Club has extended their condolences to the family. As a memorial eight golfing mates of Ian's played their game at Ian's usual tee-off time, with some pausing for a photo on the 14th.
It is crystal ball time:
This Saturday, 17 August, is an Individual Stableford event sponsored by MTA Travel. Sunday 21 July has the Stableford Medley.
VETS GOLF
Magnificent winter weather greeted 32 players for last Thursday's twin towns veterans 18 hole golf competition in Forbes where one of their newer members Ken Walton was best with 39 points.
Keeping it in the home base runner-up was the in-form Allan Rees with 38 points while the likeable John Milton was proud to show his 'burner' ball collecting the encouragement award.
While the above busked in glory the best score for the day belonged to Condobolin visitor Leigh Dridan who enjoyed the conditions to post a creditable 40 points.
Forbes players also took home nearest the pins, A grade Alf Davies, B grade Ross Williams. In the twin towns shield Forbes had the advantage of choosing their best six individual scores from 17 starters for 216 points, Parkes with only five players 153.
Ball sweep winners to 32 points. 37 Bruce Chandler (F), 36 Frank Hanns (F), 35 Dale Stait (P), 34 Alf Davies (F), 32 Niel Duncan (F), Barry Parker (F), Les Little (F), Ross Williams (F), Steve Uphill (F).
This Thursday (15/8) the challenge of Grenfell Golf Club awaits players from the Lachlan Valley for their Invitation Day which will also see play for the NSWVGA Medal District Final.
Qualifiers from earlier games include - From Parkes, Rob Staples. West Wyalong, Warren Steele and Alex Maitland. Condobolin, David Hall and Terry Galvin. Grenfell, Peter Mawhinney and Vivian Drogemuller while Forbes has shown their strengths represented by John Milton, Peter Barnes, Alf Davies, Les Little, Jeff Haley, Ted Morgan, Jeff Moon and Andrew Norton-Knight.
During the days play one trophy only which according to tipsters that rules out favourite for the medal, defending champion Vivian Drogemuller tipped for the LV trophy. Noms for Thursday by 9.30am at the latest for a shotgun start at 10am. Morning tea and lunch included in nomination fee.
Prior to presentations last Thursday Forbes president Peter Barnes called for a minutes silence in respect to the passing of Forbes member Ian Bown and Condobolin's Frank Taylor.
Ian, aged 66 years was a respected member of Forbes golf as well as a vital member to the business community as owner of Sportspower well noted for his sponsorship and support of many and varied events within the district.
Frank, aged 98 years was well known for his golf achievements often recording scores under his age as well as supporting the game off the course. Interesting to note that both Ian and Frank passed away suddenly only playing golf in recent months.
Still on a personal note one of Forbes' noted vet golfers Barry Parker, or 'Scadger' as he more commonly know to his fairway mates was proud to tell his grandson Anderson will soon be flying the Australian flag as member of the Paralympics team.
Anderson, is one of twin sons to John who now resides with family in Sydney and will feature in wheelchair tennis was once coached by Forbes' own tennis mentor John Christopher.
Anderson is also a grandson to well know Forbes couple Denise and Michael Jelbart who are now off the Paris to watch their 'star' in action.
From the BG scribe regarding Tuesday social 12 hole golf. Only eight regulars in pleasant surrounds last week with a visitor from Darwin, Allan Thomas son of Ian playing.
Some very competitive scores with the 'ol count-back system employed for first to Adam Andrews edging out Barry Shine both on 24 points from Ralph Baker and Dennis McGroder one point in arrears.
Tuesday golf for all, be at the Pro Shop no later than 9am and your in for a hit and coffee if interested to follow.
LADIES GOLF
Saturday's 4BBB Stableford Medley was the Bob and Daine Doolin Memorial Trophey sponsored by the Francis Family.
Best results for the ladies were from Carolyn Duncan and her partner Sharon Grierson carding 47 points to take the r/u Position.
Sunday was road trip day. Six of our ladies made the trip and were greeted with sunshine and the lovely Condobolin Golf course.
Two of our girls figured in the presentations. Deb Dingwall was awarded the 2nd Division Straightest drive, then took the prize for runner up in the 2nd division Handicap Stableford and very much to her surprise Jenny Hubbard was awarded the winning prize for Handicap Stableford.
Some superb cooking was laid out for lunch followed up by the best Sticky Date pudding tasted for quite a while.
Thank you Condobolin, we will be back for next year's tournament.
Matches set down for play this week include the Steve Gaffney Building sponsored individual Stableford with play in 2 Divisions.
Sunday has two road trips on offer with both Cobar and Dunedoo hosting their lady's Tournament's.
Wednesday 21st is the Ridley sponsored Individual Stableford with play in 2 Divisions.
See you on course girls.
- The Birdie