December 23 was an Individual Stableford, sponsored by Shirley Redfern who is a strong supporter of Forbes golf, and contested by a field of 58. The scores were generally very good, requiring players to perform well to even get a ball in the sweep.

The A-division winner was Paul Pymont, whose 41 points was the result of a tidy card with but a few hiccups. Runner-up was Daryl McAuliffe with 40 points, and features a card with three birdies to offset a few bogeys.

The B-division also had good scores. Peter Tisdell won with 39 points from Alby Callaghan who had 38 points. Alby fought off Andrew McDonald who had a disaster on the 15th to record a miss and thus lose on count back.

The ball sweep went to 36 on count back, including those above plus: 39 – Tony Dunford (Headland GC); 38 – A McDonald; 37 – J Maloy, Mike Wood, B Hodge (Palm Meadows), P Nixon, T Griffiths, T Callaghan, B Parker; 36 – A Borger, P Cowhan. The NTP’s went to: First – Tony Dunford, 18th – Terry Griffith.

Visitors playing were from – Tony Dunford (Headland), Brian Hodge (Palm Meadows), Mike Wood Jnr (Warren) and Stuart Hayes (Murrumbidgee). Good to see you here.

There was some keen competition between players in their groups. Stubbie Collits and Kim Herbert were playing an Origin-style match against two Queenslanders – Tony Dunford and Brian Hodge. We are pleased to announce that the contest was drawn, with the next round to be played about the same time in 2018.

Some players had a few difficulties. Stuart French was unable to finish, suffering sore knees after an injury, or maybe sore ears from listing to his partner in the cart. Greg Webb came crashing down after his recent run of good fortune, although 35 points was still okay.

And Ash Tucker had a ginormous air swing when playing the 14th, which followed his ball getting wet in the dam and then the club striking the ground 6 inched behind the ball. He emerged from a cloud of dust, but luckily no one saw it.

The next event was the Sunday Stableford Medley played on Sunday 24 Dec. This was understandably a quiet affair, but nevertheless enjoyed. The winner was Mike Wood with 38 points, on count back from Ted Morgan (38 pts) who got there ahead of Jack Morgan (Royal Sydney) also on 38 pts. There was no ball sweep and only one NTP. That was on the 9th and went to Andrew Dukes. The 18th was too hard to hit apparently.

There was a Stableford Medley played on Tuesday, December 26. This had quite a few players who were keen to work off the Xmas dinner, although many of them rode in carts. But once again the scoring was red hot.

Peter Nixon fired 40 points to finish well clear of Jack Morgan on 38 points. Peter finished the front nine with par, birdie, birdie, birdie to turn two under. His eagle on the 12th, where the second shot was a putt, helped him pull his back-9 into line.

The ball sweep went to 37 points, being delivered to: 40 – P Nixon; 38 – J Morgan; 37 – D Squires; 36 – J Fletcher. The NTP’s went to: Ninth – P Nixon; 18th – P Tisdell. J Morgan (Royal Sydney) was once again a visitor and enjoyed his weekend.

This quiet time was very useful for those with new golfing toys. Those distance gizmo thingies have proven quite popular. However, some people have had trouble making theirs work. An important point is to ensure you look through the correct end. Just ask the WCC how he has fared learning how his gizmo works.

December 30 was the Canadian Foursomes, sponsored by the Postie Hotel. Once again this proved a challenge to the players, not only to try to beat the heat but also to remember how it should be played. But they all got there in the end.

The field of 28 pairings, or 56 players, together produced an exciting finish on the back of an array of performances. Four pairings shot par or better on the front nine with another two pairings within two shots of par. But for many the back nine was littered with real trouble.

The winners turned back the clock to some glory times. Brian Doyle and Barry Shine finished on 68 nett, and that off a very low handicap. Brian was especially proficient with the putter, either drilling putts from all over, or lagging distance putts to within 12 inches for Barry to tap in.

Runners-up were Ted Morgan and Peter Nixon, who shared the best scratch score of 75 with Kim Herbert and Ecky Dawson. Once again Peter struck the ball well, with the added bonus that Ted’s approach shots were on target and he putted well. Their 68 5/8 was a quarter shot better than Dave Mylecharane and Laurie O’Connor.

The ball sweep went to 70.375, being distributed to those above plus: 683/4 – L O’Connor/D Mylecharane; 70.125 – D McAuliffe/G Webb, K Herbert/P Dawson; 70.25 – D Earl/S French; 705/8 P Maher/M Cahill.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – D Culley; 18th – A Borger. There were only five 2’s scored, with two pairings scoring two each. The visitors included Lee Grierson (Wollongong) who has been here playing the comps but whose card has gone awry (computer problems!). Good to see you here Lee.

Conditions were at times oppressive, with some humid conditions at times causing players to stumble. One who stumbled was Peter Grayson, but this mainly from carrying Andrew Dukes all the way around.

Mark Watts was thrilled with his eagle on the 6th, where he put his second shot within cooee of the hole. He was less pleased with his ‘8’ on the next hole. This was caused by many interruptions from the trees, and not an OB in sight.

Once again the Club Captain had a good score but could not engineer the results to give himself a prize. While honesty prevailed, it was disappointing for his partner.

December 31 was the Stableford Medley. The field of 30 players were keen to get their exercise done before heading off the New Year’s Eve shindigs. And once again the scoring was pretty hot.

The winner was Anthony Alley with 40 points, and that with two misses on his card. He was hounded all the way by Ken Sanderson who finished with 39 points, and got there on count back from Peter Dawson.

The ball sweep went to 36 points, being shared by: 40 – A Alley; 39 K Sanderson, P Dawson; 38 – P Grayson, M Andrews; 37 – S Kirkman, P Barnes; 36 – G Collits, Martin Woods, Mike Wood. The NTP’s went to: Ninth – B Carpenter; 18th – M Andrews. There were only two 2’s, both scored by Ecky Dawson. There was one visitor – Colin McKay (Bogan Gate).

For yet more golf there was a Stableford Medley played on Monday 1st January. The day was sunny and hot, enticing a few players out but many were keen on watching the tennis on tv.

The winner was Richard Smith with 39 points, from runner-up Bess Shields on 38 points. There was no ball sweep, but there was one NTP – Steve Betland on the ninth. Once again the 18th was elusive.

Here is the news: There is a group of players heading to NZ for a spot of golf during the first week in April. There is a spot available so contact Alf Davies or Peter Barnes if you are interested.

On January 27 we shall be holding the fourth playing of the two person, two club Australian Championship, sponsored by Cahill’s Footwear. Get your partner organised now, and perhaps get a bit of practice.

The 2018 CWDGA Pennants will commence on February 4. A nomination sheet will be put up on the notice board soon. If you are interested in playing Match Play and representing Forbes then please put your name on the sheet.

Do not forget the “Mid-Week Comp” being run by Simon. This can be played in conjunction with other comps, and is open to men and ladies. It is a good way to get some practice in. And also do not forget the commencement of the Sixes Competition. The 11th Round starts on January 8, with eight rounds being played to March 4. Then it is into the Pool Finals.

It is crystal ball time: This weekend we have the Monthly Medal on Saturday, January 6, sponsored by Linden Byrne, and a Stableford Medley on Sunday, January 7. Saturday, January 13 is scheduled for an 18-hole Stroke comp sponsored by Rob Allen Livestock Transport.