Forbes Golfing Goodness

Amongst all that there were some challenging and outstanding performances.

The Professional winner for the day was Steve Conran (Bathurst) with a score of 70, followed by Grant Kenny and Allan May (both NSW) on par-72.

Prizes for the Club players were awarded for Scratch points, Handicap points and NTP’s. A summary list of the winners is (Forbes unless otherwise stated):

Scratch Points (Men): A-grade S Betland; B-grade T Morgan; C-grade T Howe.

Handicap winners: Ladies – A Tilley (43 points; a Junior from Belconnen); Men C-grade – R Scott (42); B-grade – G Newport (40); A-grade R Nixon (42).

Handicap runner-up: Ladies – S Crosby (35); Men C-grade A Cullen (36 – Wentworth Falls); B-grade P Cowhan; A-grade J Dickinson (39 – Catalina, a Junior).

NTPs went to: Ladies third – J Sullivan, Ladies ninth – A Tilley; Men C-Grade third and ninth – none; Men B-grade ninth – G Newport, 18th D Sly; Men A-grade first – S Betland, 18th – R Nixon. The Pros had one on each hole.

A personal highlight was the scoring of a “4 for 4” by Geoff Drane, on the 17th. This was a rare time he has scored a par on the long par-4 hole, earning four stableford points. And to do it with a Pro watching was most satisfying.

It was not overly warm on the day, but King John seemed to not mind, wandering round in shorts with his white legs on display.

Presentations were most enjoyable after a satisfying BBQ meal. GolfNSW representative Peter Weldon was full of praise for the course and the organisation. Pres Andrew McDonald accepted the Legends flag from Steve Conran.

Saturday was fun day, sponsored by B&C Autos in their own version of a 3-person Ambrose. There were no restrictions apart from the usual Rules of Golf. All in, 42 players meshed into 14 teams enjoyed the day.

The winners were Geoff and Andrew Drane, who roped in a reserve after the Club Captain become available. That reserve did well for the team, as you would expect from John Betland. Their handicap helped bring their scratch score down to a nett of 57.17, fully 2 shots ahead of runners-up D Bayley, P Dawson and T Sharpe on 59.17.

The ball sweep went to third place, being D Rhodes, A Davies and R Smith. The NTP’s went to: ninth hole – Ash Hogan; 18th hole – Dan Bayley.

Unfortunately the last place-getters were one of the earliest on the course. Even Rob Webb’s consummate skill could not rescue his team mates Chris Alley and peter Tisdell.

There were some interesting scenes. Fred Collie thought he was a chance for a ride in a cart, but Ray Taylor and Jeff Haley sat together, making Fred walk all the way. What was special all day was the team mates watch Michael Browne send great drives down the fairway all day, except when they were needed most.

There are always good shots and bad shots. Dan Bayley’s shot to the 18th green snared him the NTP. It was barely 3 feet from the hole. But Bob Borger had a different game. He seemed to hook all day long, but never snared anything. His partners, Stevie ‘down the fairway’ G and Bomber Barnes kept Bobby going.

Some play was so outrageous that the player did not want to be recognised for their efforts. I could not find ‘Gwendolynne’ on the cards until I remembered it was also a ‘nomme de plume’ for Terry Griffiths, but do not let on.

This format gives everybody a chance. How many times did each successive putt by players in a group get steadily closer to the hole, but not go in. The solution was easy – chip in, just like Stevie G did on the second. Then he did nothing else all day.

Sunday had the usual Stableford Medley, contested by 14 players. Some players had gone to the West Wyalong 2-Person comp, but many others just wanted a rest.

The winner was Bruce Carpenter, with 38 points, from Scott Kirkman on 37 points. The ball sweep went to 36 points and was collected by Max Haley. A good reward after his long drive back from Queensland.

And how did our guys go at West Wyalong. The course had suffered badly from more rain than Forbes had received, and which also affected the field.

But Shane Sallaway, Andrew Dukes, Steve Uphill and Ross Williams flew the flag for Forbes. While not bringing back any prizes they enjoyed the trip.

Here is the News: A provide a reminder that the 27-hole Mixed Foursomes Championship has been moved to Sunday, June 4. This will give the course a chance to recover, and also let the golfers catch their breath.

Another big day looms with the Can-Assist 4-person Ambrose scheduled for Saturday, June 10 on the long weekend. This is a great cause to support, and one where you can be assured of helping many people in the Forbes community. Put your name on the tee sheet in the Pro Shop.

The Holden Scramble is scheduled for June 18. We will have entry forms and details at the Pro Shop soon.

The “Winter 3’s” competition commenced this week. A few hardy souls have entered their team, but there is always room for more. The rules are similar to the Summer Sixes, and golfers and non-golfers are welcome alike. Check things out with Ray Taylor in the Pro Shop.

The Wallace Cup draw will be out next week, so check the notice board for who your opponent is when you need to complete your match by. This is a great way to improve your match-play skills and then look forward to the 2018 Central West Pennants.

Entries for the NSW Country Championships are now open. Go to the GolfNSW web site. This is to be played at Goulburn GC on 12, 13 Aug. Last year our boys did well, but they want to do better this year.

There are a few Opens being played around the District over the next few months. If you can get to them it is good for club friendships – W/Wyalong Open on May 28 Tottenham Open is on July 2 as is the Grenfell Open. Trundle has their Open on August 13.

But also pencil in the Sand-Grass Green Championships on August 19-20. Let’s build on the numbers we had last year.

It is crystal ball time: Saturday, May 27 is the 18-hole Stableford for the Wilf Hodges Memorial Trophy. 

Sunday, May 28 we have the West Wyalong Open. Saturday, June 3 is the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Wayne Jones Auto Repairs.

Sun 4 June is the 27-hole Mixed Foursomes. Saturday, June 10 is the Can-Assist 4-person Ambrose.  A great cause to support. Sunday, June 11 is a Stableford Medley, as is Monday, June 12.

Wednesday, May 17 the Ladies played a Stableford round for a Club Trophy in One Division and the Winner was Denise Squires with 39 points on a count-back from the Runner Up Sarah Black.

NTP ninth Alison Kingston and 18th Denise Squires. Sweep went to Denise Squires, Colleen Bratton, Sarah Black and Sally Perry.

The Legends Pro Am was very exciting with our Johnie getting a birth to the NSW Open. Twenty Ladies took advantage of playing with the Pros in a Stableford format with Amber Tilley from Canberra winning with 43 points and Sally Crosby Runner up with 35.

Thirteen Forbes girls played Western Districts at Ex Services in Orange from 16th to 18th with Teresa Armitage being the most successful of the group.

With a great win in Division Four for 36 hole Scratch (203) which also gave her the Eunice Bishop Bowl.

Heather Davidson did well in Division One by running third in 36 Hole Scratch (146) and second in 18 hole Handicap (70).

Debbie Dingwall ran third (107) in 18 Hole scratch in Division Four.  All the rest had a good time. Last but not least was Jenny Fletcher who had NTP in Division Two on the first day. 

Bathurst is the venue for next year. Still in the away mode Bogan Gate held their Tournament on Sunday 21st with Teresa Armitage in the winners circle again taking home B grade  with 73 Nett and the Vets prize. Christine Davies won the A Grade with 71 Net.

Please note the Mixed Foursomes Championships have been moved to Sunday, June 4 with 27 Holes. 

Wednesday, May 31  it is a Stableford with a Shot Gun Start sponsored by Little Extras in Two Divisions. Heather D. on cards.