While he has long been highly regarded as one of the best players in this part of the state, Steve’s reputation is sure to grow now he has his first club championship wrapped up with a total one-under-par 287 following rounds of 69,70,74 and 74.

Betland says his golfing confidence is on an all-time high – he hit excellent form to win the Parkes Open “in terrible conditions” a few months ago.

Steve attributed his success in the Forbes championships, played over two weekends, to an exceptional drive through all four rounds.

“You could count my bad drives on one hand, I don’t think I missed five fairways,” he said.

“My putting wasn’t great but that never really mattered after the way I hit the ball.

“I also feel the first weekend (where he finished five under par for 36 holes) was my best golf ever.

"I scrambled a bit this weekend.”

There was another reason for Betland’s wide grin as Steve, wife Beth and daughter Molly are about to welcome another addition to the family.

Both Steve and Beth feel a club championship and a new baby on the way has given them the best start to Christmas anyone could wish for.

“It’s really good, great,” Steve said. 

“After Christmas when it all settles down it will be back to more competition golf with the Central West team pennants to start in January, I’m looking forward to that.”

Steve’s win has him joining siblings Emma (now teaching in the USA) and John (who missed playing due to a Sydney golf clash with the first two rounds)  as Forbes Golf Club champions.

He celebrated the win with family and friends.

Next best in A grade was Michael Wood who showed glimpses of form with rounds of 74, 73, 83, 78 (308) to be runner up from Lee Grierson 79, 72, 82, 77 (310) and Andrew Dukes 72, 79, 82 and 80 (313).

Doug Churchill also led into the final two rounds to claim A Reserves (handicaps 8-12) producing rounds of 80, 82, 85, 84 (331) winning from Phil Maher 81, 90, 81, 85 (337) and Bruce Carpenter (84, 85, 89, 88 (346).

More results, page 19.