Gary, and his wife Anne, were in Forbes not only to compete but also as delegate for NSW Veterans Golf. He said he had success on all fronts.

“I feel what Forbes put on over the week was as good as it gets. For me, everything went off just great,” he said. 

“The schedule of events was perfect as was the weather, unfortunately. We certainly need rain.

“In saying that, the course was extremely well presented, no need for preferred lies on the fairways and those greens, great to putt on as good as any all over.

“I did ask during presentations for all those who were there for the first time to raise their hand, and I reckon about a third of the players did just that and those who I spoke to said they would be back next year. That's good for the tournament and for Forbes when you consider there were over 130 nominations.”

Gary and Anne also celebrated success on the course where both won the NSW Veterans Medals after superb rounds on Friday for Gary to post 42 stableford points while Anne registered 39 points.

Runners-up in the major event were also out of town players, Grant Goodman from Castle Hill with 41 points and Annette Boyd from Ryde/Parramatta on 38 points on a count-back.

President of Forbes Vets, Peter Barnes, echoed the sentiments of Gary Mason stating he and his committee were more then happy with the week's results.

“The tournament went off really well, we had near record numbers, the weather was great and the comments from visitors keep coming on how great is the course, and it is,” Barnes said.

“To have around 130 noms tells the story on its success. For this to happen we had to have members help out, and none better then Beryl (Roberts), our secretary/treasurer.

“She did heaps of work before and during the week, In saying that we had others who gave their time. My thanks to all of them.

“And of course we had sponsors, without them there is no Week of Golf. Thanks to all who contributed to the week's success.”

He also added with so many visitors to the town not only did the 'golfie' benefit but many in the town would have also gained in business.   

Last weekend veterans golf moved to Grenfell for the NSW Sand Greens championships where Forbes players shone with Peter Grayson teaming up with Mable Crouch from Mildura to win Sunday's scratch after picking up a bottle of red for nearest the pin on Saturday.

Not to be outdone Verna Lane played the hole of the weekend hitting a drive of 207 metre to within 2.8 meters of the pin to sink the putt for a memorable birdie.

Overall 36-hole handicap winners on the sand were Grenfell players and regular visitors to Forbes, Shirley and Peter Mawhinney. The event follows Forbes Week of Golf next year to be played April 13/14.

Full results for the Forbes Week of Golf, all competitions in stableford points. Forbes players unless stated.

Monday's, 4BBB, John Dwyer (Parkes) and Barry Shine 49 points, r/u, Grant Goodman (Castle Hill) and David Williams 47 on a c/b from Allan Rees and Ross Williams.

Ladies, division 1 – 36 holes. Eve Uphill 69, r/u Denise Squires 67, visitor Patricia Young (Howlong) 68.

Tuesday – Patricia Young (Howlong) 38, r/u Ruth Hughes (Moresset) 35. Thursday - Denise Squires 35 on c/b, r/u Ev Uphill 35, visitor Julie Berg (Wallachia) 32 on c/b.

Friday - Julie Berg (Wallachia) 328 on c/b r/u Ethel Coombs 38.

Division 2 - 36 holes. Ann Mason (Cootamundra) 68, r/u Dianne Rogers (Castle Hill) 67.

Tuesday – Dianne Rogers (Castle Hill) 35, r/u Ann Mason (Cootamundra) 33.

Thursday – Shirley Mawhinney (Grenfell) 33, r/u Sue Ager (Ryde/Parramatta) 32 on c/b. Friday – Anne Mason (Cootamundra) 39, r/u Annette Boyd (Ryde/Parramatta) 38.

Men, A grade – 36 holes. Ken Sanderson 72, r/u Alf Davies 71, visitor Geoff Hatwell (Maffra) 69.

Tuesday – Barry Parker 39, r/u Alf Davies 37, visitor Brian McCracken (Patterson River) 36. Thursday – Geoff McKenzie (Leeton) 36 on c/b, r/u Geoff Hatwell (Maffra) 36. Friday – Gary Mason (Cootamundra) 42, r/u Martin Berg (Wallachia) 38.

B grade – 36 holes. Richard Hamilton (Parkes) 71, r/u Terry Tisdale(Packenham) 70.

Tuesday – Graham West 42, r/u Jeff Haley 38, visitor John McDonald (Nelson Bay) 37. Thursday – Dale Stait (Parkes) 36, r/u Lindsay Cartwright (Moresset) 35. Friday – Les Tyee (Tottenham) 40, r/u Jeff Haley 38.

C grade – 36 holes. Grant Goodman (Castle Hill) 79, r/u Allan Rees 76.

Tuesday – Bruce Squires 39, r/u Peter Rowe (Condobolin) 37 on c/b. Visitor Lawrence Ager (Ryde/Parramatta) 35 on c/b. Thursday – Allan Rees 42, r/u Bob Rogers 38 on c/b, visitor Jeff Draper (Jamberoo) 38 on c/b. Friday – Grant Goodman (Caster Hill) 41, r/u Bob Rogers (Castle Hill) 40.

Golf returns to its normal schedule this week with Tuesday golf this morning at 9am for ball toss and playing partners.

Vets on Thursday play 12 holes here in Forbes with noms from 12.30pm for a 1pm shotgun start.