Forbes golfing news | The third round of the Men’s Championships

The third round of the Men’s Championships, sponsored by Lachlan Commodities, was played on Saturday.

The field of 67 players were all intent on making a jump start to the final rounds and aim for championship glory, but scoring overall was a little higher than the previous weekend.

The leaders across the grades all had handy leads but were aware of the contenders snapping at their heels.

In the A grade, John Betland started with a five-shot lead but frittered shots away with an unfortunate 79. Instead, Steve Betland was inspired to score a 71 and close the gap considerably.

At the end of the day John still led, by four shots from Steve Betland with Shane Sallaway a further shot behind. Shane could have been even better but he let a few shots slip on the back-nine.

Cam McMillan took a tight grip on the A Reserve grade with a very steady 81, and sits eleven shots ahead of Richard Nixon (87) in second place. Neil McMillan also had a good round of 83, but had a lot of catching up to do.

The B grade Scratch has really tightened up. Unfortunately, Terry ‘Tornado’ Griffiths had one of those rounds to forget, slipping back to share fourth spot.

Stephen Uphill returned a troublesome 88 to lead Robb Webb by one shot, with Ken Sanderson a further four shots back, after his 83.

The leader in the C grade Scratch turned the burners on and extended his lead. Ash Tucker showed class to score an 86 (total 267), and move well ahead of Bruce Squires (284) and Anthony Alley (287).

The Daily comp, sponsored by Pool Magic, rewarded those individuals who scored well and had a handy handicap.

The A Division was won by Ken Sanderson (69 nett) from Neil McMillan (71 nett). Ken had a blunder on the 6th, with a seven, that looked out of place on his card which was dominated by fives and fours. Neil was consistent all day but missed a few crucial putts.

The B Division was won by Ash Tucker (67 nett) who was really ‘in the zone’. Runner-up was Denis Culley (70 nett) who had his putter going really well.

The ball sweep went to 75 nett on count back, going to: 67 – A Tucker; 69 – K Sanderson; 70 – D Culley; 71 – C Alley, N McMillan; 72 – S Betland, B Thomas; 73 – J Zannes, P Kay, P Nixon; 74 – S French, C McMillan, P Dawson, K Herbert; 75 – D Churchill, S Kirkman, S Sallaway and R Borger.

The NTP’s went to: ninth – D Bayley; 18th – A Dukes

The third day of these events is usually seen as ‘moving day’. Some players did move, but unfortunately backwards rather than forwards. One who had bad luck was Michael Spice. He was seven-over after five holes, and things did not improve as he spent most of his round in the trees.

Brodie Hodges did not do anything really wrong, but simply accumulated some not-so-good scores. He could have done without the four sevens on his card.

Dave Mylecharane was back on deck after a winter away. His swing was a little rusty, but his imagination was top notch.

On the 16th he pushed his recovery shot, from the fourth fairway, onto the practice area. His shot seemed blocked by a tree, eliciting a cautionary word from his partner.

But Dave saw a gap among the branches, launched into the shot, carried the pine trees and finished on the green. It was a shot of pure magic.

And what did Stevie G do this week? He is keeping it a secret, but will only say ‘it wasn’t pretty’.

The final round was played on Sunday, and promised for some nervous tussles, especially in the B grade where things were close. The forecast was not good but the day turned into a bright sunny spectacle. At the end of the day the leaders held on, while many of the chasers were unable to maintain the pace.

In the A grade Scratch, John Betland tightened his game with a 73 to stay nicely in front. Shane Sallaway was one shot better (72) but really needed a big stumble by John. Peter Dawson faded with a 78, probably due to his working hours. Peter Nixon tore the course apart to score a 71.

The A Reserve had fewer numbers on the last day, with some of those being left behind. Cam McMillan once again kept his focus and with his 78 pulled further ahead from Richard Nixon in second spot.

The B grade Scratch was the tightest contest with only five shots separating the leading group. But once again, intense focus by Stephen Uphill (80) and a loss of concentration by Rob Webb (87) meant the finishing margin was wider than expected. Ken Sanderson (82) bounded into second place but this was not enough to get the top spot.

The C grade Scratch saw Ash Tucker start with a very tired body, after his publican duties on Saturday night. But he managed to keep the ball in play and despite a 93 had more than enough lead to take the honours.

Anthony Alley (89) tried hard but it was bridge too far, while Bruce Squires finished a further two shots back.

In the Daily Comp, the A-division was won by P Nixon with 67 Nett, but on count back from Ken Sanderson. In the B Division Clayton Alley (70) won on count back from brother Anthony Alley, and earned bragging rights across the fence.

The ball sweep went to 72 nett: : 67 – P Nixon, K Sanderson; 69 – S Sallaway, S Uphill; 70 – C Alley, A Alley; 71 – P Grayson, R Borger and C McMillan.

The Sunday NTP’s went to: ninth – T Griffith; 18th – M Collits, with Terry getting his two as a small recompense for his play. The twos story over the weekend is interesting.

There were only five scored on Saturday, whereas nine coughed up on Sunday, and most of those by the A graders. And despite the pin placing, the 9th yielded the most.

The Championship Winners and Runners-up are:

The Championship Handicap Winners and Runners-up are:

There were plenty of observers around the course watching all the contestants. As the competition drew to a close the crowd gathered around the last group of A graders and witnessed an enthralling finish.

Shane finished with 35, pushing John B who managed a 39. But they went blow for blow over the final few holes.

Unfortunately, there were few out there to watch Peter Nixon’s game. Undoubtedly his highlight was the ‘eagle, eagle’ on the fifth and sixth holes.

Two very good approach shots to the green culminated in a dunk to record the eagles. He was a bit over the place on the front-nine but was very tidy on the back-nine.

But also spare a thought for those that dashed their dreams when they ‘raised the bat’. Doug Churchill was one, as was Malcolm Langfield, while Jack Clarke did a ‘Warney’, finishing on 99.

But another successful Championships, with calamity avoided, plans for play-offs put back on the shelf, and congratulations all around the winners.

Bits and Bobs

This weekend we wish Digit McAulliffe the best of golf, as he participates in the NSW Senior Open, being held at Thurgoona, near Albury. This is the prize he won at the Forbes Open, and something he has been relishing for some time.

The Nissan Classic is only three weekends away. Get your nomination into the Pro Shop, and a draw will be available in the lead-in week. Do not forget, if you have a cart to lend then please let the organising committee or the Pro Shop know.

We also have the ‘Currajong Disability Services’ Charity Day on November 4, and the Forbes Rotary Charity Day on November 18. Put your names down on the Nomination sheets in the Pro Shop.

It is crystal ball time

Saturday, October 27 is the ‘Roadies Day’ an 18-hole Stableford, sponsored Grayson, Earl, French and Haley. And Sunday, October 28 is a Stableford Medley, and normality.

Sat 3 Nov is the Monthly Medal, and Sunday, November 4 is the Currajong Disability Services Charity Day.

-by Short Putt

After four rounds the Champions for 2018 in Scratch are Heather Davidson and Colleen Venables. Heather in Division 1 had 352 with runner up Julie Hurkett 356.

Division 2 Colleen had 391 and runner up Robin Lyell 394. 

In the Handicap competition Heather again won Division One with Kerry Stirling being Runner Up with 294. No change in Division Two with Colleen winning with 296 and Robin 302.

Veterans Championship played over the Sundays and sponsored by Robyn Hammond are Heather winning Scratch (175), runner up Julie Hurkett(177).

Handicap Heather (143) and Runner Up Kerry 147 on a count-back.

Thank you to Fugen Constructions and Storage Solution for their Sponsorship and to all the players that participated.

In conjunction with the Championships a Stableford played on Saturday, October 20 where Heather won Division One with 39 points and runner up Kerry (38) and Colleen Venables 38.

Runner Up Barb Drabsch (36)  NTP ninth Kerry and 18th Colleen V. Sweep went to Colleen V, Barb, Heather and Kerry.

Sundays Results again went to Heather on (38) and Bess Shields(37) won Division Two. NTP ninth Julie Hurkett and 18th Colleen V. Sweep to Heather, Bess, and Kerry (35 )on a C/B

On Wednesday, October 24 Forbes Boat and Car Wash sponsored our Stableford round with Ethel Coombs winning Division 1 with 34 points and Enid Baker (35) winning Division 2.

NTP ninth Kerry and 19th Enid. Ball Sweep Enid, Ethel and Jean Judge 34 on a count-back.

Coming up this Saturday is a Stroke sponsored by Taryn's Beauty Therapy and also the Medal of Medalists Champions in all divisions will be decided so if you won a monthly medal throughout the year make sure you play on Saturday.

This is also the end of W/E Eclectics, Birdies and Gobbles. Heather is on cards.

On Wednesday, October 31 the Agri West Stableford round with a Shot Gun start and cake day.

This also wraps up the Wednesday Eclectics, Birdies and Gobbles competition for 2018.

Congratulation to Heather and Colleen for being our club Champions this year. Good Luck to the Silvers Team heading to Mudgee on Friday 2nd.

-by Roving Reporter

Well after some wonderful sunny weekends we have only two events left on the 2018 calendar for golf then we will commence the “chicken runs” starting every Sunday at 4.30pm.

Sunday, October 14 we played an 18 hole stroke event mens winner was Don McKeowen with scratch 79 net 67. 

Runner-up was Steve Edwards with 95 scratch net 74.

Ladies winner was Maureen Boness with scratch 109 net 79 nearest the pin was Steve Edwards on the sixth and 15th.

Sunday, October 21 we held a Par 3 day and thanks goes to Steve Edwards for mapping out the course once again very challenging  Men’s winner was Steve Edwards on scratch 73 net 57.25 second was Robert McIntyre with scratch 69 net 57.75.

Third was Graeme Hunter with 79 scratch net 61.

Ladies winner was Marion McIntyre with scratch 79 net 59.50, second was Di Cornelissen with scratch 95 net 69.50 nearest the pin was Tony Bratton.

So with only two events left Sunday, October 28 we have “The Jim Nutley Memorial Trophy Day” hosted by Shirley and Family. Come along and enjoy golf and dinner after.

Then we have The Overnighter Caravan Park Trophy Day event on November 4 also dinner and Presentations, we hope that we will see all club members at both events as it will see the year finish on a high.