Additionally, it was pleasing to see some predictions come true, not only for the weather but also for the golf.

On Saturday the competition was the Daine Doolin Memorial Four Ball Best Ball Stableford Medley, sponsored by Bob Doolin. Bob was a long-time golfer in Forbes, ably supported in his golf activities by his lovely wife Daine.

The 66 players, some of whom were not partnered up but still participated, enjoyed the conditions immensely.

It was pleasing to see six mixed teams, all of whom acquitted themselves well. Some players were rubbing their hands together with glee in expectation of the fantastic condition the greens will be in for the Club Champs.

The winning team, before commencing play, announced to all that would listen that they would be the champions that day. And so their prediction came true.

John Zannes and Dave Rhodes combined well with equal shares of the holes and equal shares of both birdies and bogeys on the card. Their 49 points was compiled with consistency from hole to hole.

Runners-up were a team that will certainly feature in many medley events to come. Carolyn and Brianna Duncan seemed to play with ESP as they were very adept at one of them having a good score each hole. It is notable that Carolyn encouraged Brianna by letting her take most of the honours on the card.

The ball sweep went to 46 points, going to: 49 – D Rhodes/J Zannes; 48 - B and C Duncan; 47 – D McAulliffe/B Doyle; 46 – T Callaghan/D Bayley, R Besgrove/B Drabsch, A Grierson/N Duncan; D Sly/G Drane and S Grierson/L Grierson.

The NTP’s went to: Ninth – P Cowhan; 18th – P Grayson. Both players got their twos, and were among seven twos overall. The team of T Callaghan/D Bayley picked up a two each, on the ninth and the 18th, but alas no NTP.

There were no visitors, accounting for Peter Tilden as a ‘Son of Forbes’. But good to see some familiar faces back, including Lee Grierson and Ralph Baker.

There were some power pairings that looked promising. Brian Doyle was pleased he played well, especially as he was paired with Digit McAuliffe who can give the ball a mighty smite. Woe betide any playing partner who does not do well.

Another power-pair was Todd Callaghan and Dan Bayley, who had six birdies but were not helped by their handicap.

And Craig Barrett, with new batteries in his cart, had all the power in the world to get himself and Terry Griffiths around the course.

However, despite the ‘power’ gauge showing “F” for full, there was very little available by the time they got to the 6th hole. Which means the F stood for something else – Finished maybe?

It seems new batteries when freshly installed need charging, some advice which Craig had forgotten to heed when he popped them in that morning.

And some power seemed difficult to harness. Pete Cowhan had power off the 15th tee, finishing in the middle of the 10th fairway. And a similar event off the 17th tee saw him chasing his ball down the practice fairway.

Al Rees had power all day, which he needed as his shots swung left-right, left-right on almost every fairway. But he did come good, after the Keno was lost.

Some people do everything in their power to rate a mention. Pete Tilden putted well all day, then on the 18th he had a chance for a two and a mention in despatches.

Alas, his ball had other ideas as it went into the hole, wrapped around the edge and horseshoed back out towards him. No mention for Peter then.

A player who did do well was Andrew Grierson. He was all powered up after a period away for nearly four months.

He was jumping out of his skin from the first tee and played some wonderful shots. Quite likely he was looking at a 75 if he had recorded every hole.

He and partner Niel Duncan did finish ahead of Sharon and Lee Grierson, so there was plenty to talk about around the dinner table.

Some weird and wonderful things were seen on the course. Magpies were giving players the curry when they ventured near the tenth -15th fairway trees. And some strange dancing behaviour was noted on some greens. Investigations continue.

Sunday was a Stableford Medley, which was contested by a good group of players in great conditions. Ray Taylor was back in form, winning with 38 points from runner-up Peter Grayson on 37 points. They had similar back nine’s but Ray had the better front nine.

The ball sweep went to 36 points on count back, with Steve Betland being the recipient. The NTP’s went to: Ninth – R Besgrove; 18th – S Betland.

Monday was also a Stableford Medley, and was once again well supported. And once again the weather was delightful. You know – not too hot, not too cold, but just right.

The winner was Dan Bayley with 41 points, and on count back from Laurie O’Connor. Dan’s back nine was a beauty with eight four’s and one three, recording 22 points.

The ball sweep went to 39 points, going to Dan and Laurie, plus Pete Tilden (40 – and no 2’s for him) and T Callaghan (39). The NTP’s went to: Ninth – R Borger; 18th – R Besgrove (that was two for him on the weekend).

Here is the news

Do not forget the Summer Sixes has had a practice week and the comp starts in earnest on Mon 9 Oct. Phone Simon (6851 1554) asap if you want to be a late entry.

Very pleasing to announce that John Betland won the ‘City of Sydney Amateur’ held at Moore Park GC. This was played over 54-holes, and is one event on the Golf NSW 2017 Vardon Cup schedule.

John scored 70 Scratch on Saturday to be the third qualifier, then flew home over 36-holes on Sunday with 67 and 66 to finish seven under, three shots ahead of third place. This could mean good form for the Champs and the NSW Open. He sits in 35th spot on the Vardon Order of Merit.

Do not forget the equipment demonstration days, organised by Simon as follows:

November 17 – Ping: 10am to 2pm.

November 18 – Titleist: 8am to 12noon.

Call Simon and book a time now.

The Club Elections are scheduled for Wednesday, October 25. Contact Mary Ewing, or pick up a nomination form from the Pro Shop if you want to nominate for a position.

The Wallace Cup Quarter-Finals awaits the results of three matches. Unfortunately it has come down to the Club Captain organising a coin toss unless the players can convince him otherwise.

It is crystal ball time:

Saturday, October 7 is the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Forbes Concrete, and is a good primer for the Club Championships commencing the following weekend. Sunday, October 8 is a Stableford Medley.

Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15 are Rounds 1 and 2 of the Club Champs. The day events are sponsored by Pool Magic, while the Champs are sponsored by Lachlan Commodities. There will not be a Stableford medley on the Sunday.

-by Short Putt

The final of the Dot Coady Single Matchplay was played last week and Ev Uphill claimed the trophy from Enid Baker four up with three to go.

The golfers all want to win the this trophy that is donated by the family of the late Dot Coady who enjoyed the concept of matchplay which is at the top of the list for competitiveness. Congratulations Ev.

On Wednesday, October 4 News on Rankin sponsored a Stableford in Two Divisions with 21 players hitting off. Bess Shields with 36 won Division One (0-24) on a count-back from Kerry Stirling and Briana Duncan with an Eagle on 11th  was the clear winner of Division Two with 42 points.

Anne Read was Runner Up with 35 on a Count Back. NTP 9th Alison Kingston and 18th Sally Perry. Congratulations to Bess, Kerry, Briana and Anne who also won the Ball Sweep.

This Weekend six of our members are off to the Mudgee Tournament so good luck to you all. Coming up next Wednesday is Hair with Style Stableford in two Divisions with Sally Crosby on cards. The AGM is later on at 5.30pm so we look forward to seeing you there.

-by Roving Reporter