John Betland wrote himself into the record books on the weekend when taking out the 2017 Forbes Golf Club championships with a total score of 285, three under par for the 72-hole major.
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For reasons, including preferred lies, play in the championships could not be counted as records over past years until the past two weekends when play was 'as the ball lies'.
Brian Doyle, winner of the championship in 1976 and 80 had held the record until last weekend at two under par.
John Betlands recent win goes with his earlier titles in 1998, 2002, 2007-2010 and 2012-2014, his first as a fourteen-year-old.
His record could have quite easily been more except for a double bogey finish on Sunday where he recorded over par at the 71st and 72nd holes. His putting touch had deserted him which was unusual as he was 'streets ahead' of the field by this time.
Still, he was quite happy with another major praising the condition of the course and now setting his sights on the $5500 Nissan Classic to be played November 11 and 12.
“I was quite happy with the way I played but did have a few more bogies then I wished,” he said.
Daniel Bayley produced the best score of 75 during Sunday's final round to snatch runner-up from half way leader Steve Betland who had to contend with some tough lies, especially over the final 36 holes.
Top three scores in A grade John Betland 68, 74, 67, 76 (285), Daniel Bayley 78, 73, 70, 75 (296), Steve Betland 72, 67, 78, 80 (297).
Terry Griffiths finished strong to win A Reserve (handicaps 8-12) with 87, 85, 87, 88 (347) from Doug Churchill 88, 89, 89, 83 (349) and Bruce Carpenter 83, 83, 89, 94 (349).
B grade (handicap 13-19) winner was Robert Webb with rounds of 86, 90, 84, 92 (352) from Scott Kirkman 86, 89, 92, 88 (355), Ian Bown 86, 86, 93, 94 (359) and Dave Rhodes 93, 90, 87, 89 (359).
Rodney Besgrove held his nerve to win C grade (handicap 20-36) with rounds of 95, 91, 96, 100 (382) from Craig Barrett 92, 105, 93, 93 (383) and Anthony Alley 94, 96, 101, 93, (384).
Lady golfers also played their final two championship rounds last weekend where Julie Hurkett won the A Division flag with rounds of 91, 93, 92, 95 (371) from Heather Davidson 92, 92, 97, 97 (378).
In B Division winner was Briana Duncan with 98, 96, 107, 99 (400) from Ev Uphill 101, 100, 101, 114 (416).
More golf results in Friday's Advocate.
