Forbes golfing news

We again dominated in Parkes, see report below. Winners of the Cahill's Footwear Shield were a couple who are never far the trophy table no matter what competition they play.

We're talking about Barry Parker and Dennis Culley who scored 47 points, and they did it the hard way surviving a count-back from Scott Kirkman and Ronnie Morris. There were the usual hard luck stories but best came from Bruce Chandler and Geoff Drane.

They scored an incredible 28 points on the front nine but fell away with only 17 on the back nine, and worse still, only nine points for the last six holes. As with everyone who had a hard luck story, there's always next weekend.

Nearest the pins where trophies were awarded, ninth Anthony Alley and Colleen Vanables, 18th Frank Hanns and Robyn Lyell.

Ball sweep to 43 points on a count-back; 47 Barry Parker and Dennis Culley, 47 Ronnie Morris and Scott Kirkman, 45 Bruce Chandler and Geoff Drane, 44 Eileen Hush and Debbie Tilley, 43 Jill Cripps and Barbara Drabsch, 43 Robert Webb and Peter Tisdell. Only a very small field played the stableford medley on Sunday where the winner was Ethel Coombs with 31 points while nearest the pin winner on the 18th hole was Bess Shields.

As mentioned the Parkes Open was played over the weekend and our golfers were amongst the winners, which was not unexpected. Steve and John Betland are regarded as amongst the best in the country and they showed it again last weekend at the Open.

On Saturday in the four-ball Steve and John Betland retained their title as the best combination for the past three years winning the scratch event with eight under par. Just an ordinary round in the spring sun which included two eagles, more then a few birdies and plenty of pars.

While the 'B Boys' revived plenty of accolades for their play on Saturday a couple of others from here also come in for mention, included were Daniel Bayley and Shane Sallaway. Runners-up to the Betland's were Orange Duntryleague combination of Robert Payne and Robert Parfett, four shots in arrears.

Sunday's individual over 27 holes was no different for John and Steve, who was the defending title holder from last year which was played in the wet. On Sunday after 18 holes Steve had a one shot lead with one under par 70, John next best with par 71 followed by Robert Payne and Parkes' Justin Sutton, a shot further back.

The final nine holes had John B and Payne equal at one over par 107 while Steve B slipped slightly to finish equal fourth, three behind on 110. The three hole play-off was all John B, finishing three shots in front of Payne adding to the Forbes talent who won the title back in 2011.

The efforts of Steve B saw him win the 18 hole scratch with his one under par 70, while Neil McMillan also won taking the B grade 18 hole scratch with 82. Cameron McMillan kept the Forbes flag flying winning the nine hole A grade handicap on a count-back with 34.5 nett. Interesting to hear reports that John B only missed one fairway with his driver where carries of well over 260 metres were recorded.

He also birdied all the par fives played, and after an early night Saturday he played the tournament minus his four iron lost in a round here in Forbes a couple of weeks back. Who said you need all the clubs when you have talent?

John and Steve, plus our other top line players along with B and C grade players, and ladies, are now gearing up for the $5500 Nissan Classic to be played the weekend of November 11 and 12.

If there is a minus in having John and Steve as local members it is visiting A grade players are hesitant to make the trip here knowing it is a major hurdle in trying to match the increditable talents both players have on board and playing their local course.

Talking of local talent we have others who could take the 'blue ribbon' Classic major without surprise, stay tuned. With recent renovations to the greens and planned course maintenance it is expected for the Forbes layout to be at its best for one of the most rewarding tournaments in country NSW.

Local players are reminded that the nomination sheet for the Classic will be displayed in the Pro Shop sooner then later and with interest from several visiting groups it is advised to get playing groups organised sooner then later.

The week after the Classic John and his trusty caddy from last weekend, 'Didget' McAuliffe, head to play the NSW Open where results will be eagerly anticipated. The weather just right for golf, and with the local course looking a treat and this will improve in the coming weeks due to the recent renovations on the greens. It's all good on the home front if you like your golf.

This was evident on Tuesday when Cheating Tuesday players saw 20 registered players plus visitors take to the course for their 12 hole competition.

Usually around a dozen play, but with all in place for a casual walk and hit what better way to spent a couple of hours in the sun and fresh air on a Tuesday, or in fact any day. To help cater for all, the FGA now has packages available for the member or casual player who only wants to have a round or two at a certain time of the year or throughout the golfing season.

Talk to any on the FGA committee or get in touch with the Pro Shop staff who will head you in the right direction. Talking of a casual round there is still time to get you place in the field for the Summer Sixes with the first competition round from October 9. Practice rounds from September 30 and you can nominate individually to be placed in a team of six.

You can play in the competition any day of the week, there are modified rules to help the beginner enjoy the round or the player out to improve their swing. All with the idea to play and enjoy what golf has to offer.

This weekend regular competition players are expected to be out in force taking part in the Albie Callaghan sponsored four-ball ambrose on Saturday.

Albie has been a solid member of the golfie for ages and support on Saturday would be just reward for the young at heart ex-painter. Sunday will be the usual medley Stableford. Finally, have you read the FGA newsletter sent out recently? If not, do so. Some points of interest.

In perfect weather conditions and a reasonable field of players the Bogan Gate Open was held over 27 holes on September 10. We had players from Lake Cargellico, Condobolin, Parkes, Forbes, Bogan Gate, Peak Hill, Ex Services Orange, Trangie, and a very warm welcome went to the Mayor of Parkes Councillor Ken Keith. Results as follows:

2017 Bogan Gate Champion was Brett Byrnes from Condo with 11 scratch, A grade runner-up was  Robert Hey from Parkes with 113 scratch,27 hole Handi-cap winner was D Norris from Condobolin with 98 nett, 18 hole scratch winner was S Bell from Peak Hill with 81 scratch on c/b, 18 hole runnerup was R Boness from Bogan gate with 81 scratch, 18 hole Stableford winner was Donal McKeowen from Bogan gate with 37 points, nine hole scratch winner was B Parker from Forbes with 39 points. Nine hole handicap winner was R Bell from Peak Hill with 33 points.

B grade 27 hole Scatch winner was J Baragry from Ex Services with 132, Runner-up was Ken Keith from Parkes with 134, 27 hole handi-cap winner was Steve Edwards from Bogan gate with 1081/2,18 hole scatch winner was Robert McIntyre from Bogan gate with 90 points, 18 hole  scratch runner-up was M Phillips from ex services with 93, 18 hole handicap winner was J Kopp ex services with 72, 18 hole Stableford winner was Colin Britt from Bogan Gate with 36, 9 hole scatch winner was F Hanns from Forbes with 46, 9 hole Handicap winner was T Bratton from Bogan gate with 331/2 .

Longest drive for A grade Brett Byrnes Condobolin, B grade was J Kopp Ex Services. Nearest the pin for A grade was Roy Bell Peak Hill and B grade was L Coombs Condobolin, Veterans Winner was T Baragry Ex services.

Once again a big thank you to all who participated in our Tournament ,and a big thank you to all the ladies who cooked and prepared the fine food for the players.