Forbes Golfing News

Saturday’s scheduled event, the Daine Doolin Memorial in conjunction with the Cahill 4BBB was once again postponed. With only half the course able to be used, and some of that under modified conditions, the competition reverted to an Individual Stroke Medley event sponsored by Forbes Concrete. As it was, 48 players were able to stretch their legs, back muscles and brain matter to enjoy the day.

Many players wished for some concrete footing as they made their way around the course, but all enjoyed the chance to swing away. Additionally, the modifications to the 13th and 14th holes ensured that many bragging stories will be told for a long time.

The winners were decided by an exciting process with a countback needed between three players. This needed a number of iterations to separate the players concerned. The eventual Nett winner was Peter Barnes, with 67. Peter’s first half was a bit wayward at times, but he settled in the second half and really played outside himself, or so it seemed.

Pipped-at-the-post, that is the Runner-up, was Shane Sallaway. Shane had one of those glorious rounds punctuated by tremendous shot making, but which unfortunately was not fully rewarded. His 67 started poorly when he was three over after three holes, but then he turned on the real treatment coming home with five birdies.

The unfortunate ‘Missing-Out Person’ was Alby Callaghan. He also played well, but could have done better if he had been able to do better than par on the shortened 13th and 14th holes. And then, one player argued he deserved to win purely because he was ‘octagonal’ – I think he means octogenarian. But then, we all feel that way at times.

The ball sweep went to 72 nett on count back, being picked up by: 67 – A Callaghan; 68 – P Maher; 69 – G Drane; 70 – R Morris, S Kirkman, F Donohue; 71 – R Nixon, M Haley, E Coombs; 72 – G Newport. And the NTP’s went to – Rnd 1 18th: P Barnes; Rnd 2 18th: G Newport.

The format for this event required players to play the back-9 twice, with modifications to holes 13 and 14. Despite the 18th being played twice, and the only real chance for any 2’s, there was only one ‘2’ scored all day, by B Shields. This fine Ladies golfer really showed all the big brutish men how to do it.

The Medley format also saw a number of mixed groups out there. A sharp-eyed group included Phil and Fleur Wells, who I am assured did not lose sight of their golf balls. Maybe they could have helped Niel Duncan. He remarked partway around that the rough was really challenging. He must have known.

No doubt the long rough contributed to the number of ‘NCR’s’. One player, Terry Griffiths, lost a ball on his second hole (the 11th), and again on the 12th on the second time around. If it was not for ‘Bloodhound Grallelis’ he may have lost a few more.

A rare site was to see Milton Cartwright travelling in a cart. He and Tom Edols went around together. They enjoyed each other’s company so much that they did better this week than on previous outings.

Another rare sight was to see Alf Davies and Dan Bayley leaving the course early. They were playing with Peter Barnes and Stevie G, and must have wanted to escape the anguish of watching them play. But, when Alf and Dan left the games of both Pete and Steve improved.

The modified 13th and 14th led to many claims of glory, not only could some players say “They had driven the 13th green”, but they could also claim to be putting for eagle. In normal play these holes are quite difficult. Terry Griffiths drove the modified 13th, and Dan Bayley almost did on his first time round.

The winner, Peter Barnes birdied the modified 14th twice. But then, Alby probably lost the winners cheque on the 14th. On one occasion he drove the green and four putted for a bogey.

Despite the lack of two’s, good things did happen on the 18th as the final hole. Jeff Haley sunk a beautiful putt for par to win his Keno match in that group. And Peter Barnes went almost all day without being knocked for NTP in Round one. But nothing would surpass Ethel Coomb’s birdie on that hole, from quite a distance.

For some unlucky player, they must have been lost without their safety net, or they could still be out there. Late in the day a Golf GPS was handed in, so ask at the Pro Shop if you have lost one. Unfortunately the wet weather returned with a vengeance on Sunday and no play was possible in the Stableford Medley.

Here is the news: At the Parkes Open, held on September 18, Steve Betland defied the wet and windy conditions to win the event. Because of the conditions the event, contested by a smaller field, was reduced to 18 holes, but was still a challenge.

Steve’s 69 was one shot better than Mark Hale (Mudgee) with 70. Steve said that his good score was built on his good driving. John Betland also played but was suffering a foot injury, which no doubt contributed to his 73.

The 4BBB event was played on Saturday. After both the Betland boys had teed off at the first, sending towering shots over the flagstick, an older gent was heard to say, “They were two of the finest 9-irons I have ever seen played”. And this on a 185 metre hole!

A group of players ventured to Barham to participate in a Pro-Am, teaming with a Golf Pro. Jeff and Max Haley, Peter Grayson and others were fortunate to have Jarod Lyle assigned to their group, and they have a photo to prove it. They found him very affable and quite helpful in ironing out some of their problems. Unfortunately we will not see Jarod on the US PGA tour next year, but he is still determined to return there.

The start of the Sixes Competition for 2016-17. The Handicap and practice rounds will be played from October 1-9, with competition from October 10. All teams are to have their nominations into the Pro Shop by September 30. Daniel has a great offer on Sixes Team coaching sessions. A mere $10 each will secure a focused and rewarding session. 

Once again Forbes is participating in the Australia Golf Month during October, when the community at large are invited to ‘give golf a go’. There are - membership offers, ‘Introduction to Golf’ lessons, and the possibility of ‘Free’ lessons for new players on October 30. More details to be advised. Hopefully the course will improve enough to allow the Forbes Junior Golf Camp, set for Sep 28 and 29, to be conducted. Stay in touch with Daniel at the Pro Shop (6851 1554), or on 0404 127 170.

It is crystal ball time: September 24 will be a four Ball Ambrose sponsored by Alby Callaghan. Sunday 25 is the Stableford Medley. October 1 is Monthly Medal day, sponsored by Robbs Jewellers. If the glitter of gold is not found on the winner’s prize, then you can get it at the Shop. Stableford Medleys will be run on October 2-3.

October 8-9 is the NSW Open Qualifier. Remember that a Club Players competition will be run in conjunction with this, so turn up to be involved in a great event.

by Sally Crosby

The lady golfers have started a new format for Wednesdays named Lunch Golf which has been well attended. Good to stay in touch with everyone and lay bets as to when the rain is going to stop. We at least have the results now for the finalists in various sections that were played throughout the year. Western Districts Final is to be played at Warren on 20th October with the following girls playing very well to represent the Forbes Club.

Division 1 Julie Hurkett and Kerry Stirling. Division 2 Alison Kingston and Enid Baker and Division 3 Debbie Dingwall.  

Golf NSW Medal playoff will be at Canowindra on October 7 Jenny Fletcher was the winner for the combined weekend Medal and for Wednesday golf Division 1 winner was Denise Squires, Division 2 Janet Smith and Marie Reid and Third Division was Julie Wood.

A number of girls are heading for the hills to Mudgee Tournament on 9th October and Duntraleague Tournament is October 24-28with entries open for this and can be done on line or contact our Secretary Robin Lyell. Just a reminder that the Ladies AGM is on October 5 at 5.30pm at the Sportsmans Hotel  A good attendance would be appreciated by the committee and anyone who would like to go on the committee please contact Colleen on 0438 158 942.