Men's Golf
Forbes turned on near perfect weather for the many players who contested the Forbes Open. There was a large field who wrestled with the course, which took its toll on many of the visitors as shown by the many high scores.
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The weekend began on Saturday with the 4BBB Stableford, but let us first turn to the Forbes Open played on Sunday.
The field of 159 started early and kept good pace, with the last groups finish just on dusk. There were over 100 visitors, with most of those in the A grade. The players enjoyed a good meal at the end of play, and many stories until the Presentations, where they gave vocal support to the prize winners.
The Overall Scratch Winner, and winner of a coveted Regional Qualifying spot in the NSW Open, was Wil Arnold (Penrith). He finished the day on 70, two-under the card. Two birdies on the front-nine got off to a good start, but a couple of bogeys to start the back-nine made it difficult. However, he finished with two birdies to set the club house lead.
Two players finished on one-under (71), keeping it quite tense to the very end. Blade Gadd (Concord) and Reid Brown (Pymble) both managed the course well, but could not get enough putts to drop.
The best of the Forbes players were John and Steve Betland, both finishing on par 72. Both used their local knowledge to good effect on the front-nine but the back-nine was less successful.
The B grade and C grades were an all-Forbes affair, with count backs needed to determine placings. In the B grade, Paul Pymont got the nod on count back for the Scratch prize, with a score of 86. Ash Tucker was good enough to pick up the Handicap Winner prize with a nett 69. There was a gap back to the Handicap runner-up, being Terry Griffiths (74 nett) and on count back.
The C grade Scratch went to Frank Donohoe with a steady score of 100, and also a count back nod. The Handicap Win went to Geoff Betland on 76 nett, with Ralph Baker ending a successful weekend as Handicap runner-up on 76 nett.
The full Prize list is:
- A grade Scratch - Wil Arnold (Penrith) 70
- A grade Nett Wnr - Blade Gadd (Concord) 69 Nett
- A grade Nett R-up - Martin Woods (Orange) 72 c/b
- B grade Scratch - Paul Pymont (Forbes) 86
- A grade Nett Wnr - Ash Tucker (Forbes) 69 Nett
- A grade Nett R-up - Terry Griffiths (Forbes) 74 nett on c/b
- C grade Scratch - Frank Donohoe (Forbes) 100 on c/b
- C grade Nett Wnr - Geoff Betland (Forbes) 76 nett
- C grade Nett R-up - Ralph Baker (Forbes 77 nett
- Visitor Nett Wnr - Martin Woods (Orange) 72 on c/b
- Junior Nett Wnr - Blade Gadd (Concord) 69 nett
- Veterans Nett Wnr - Paul Pymont (Forbes) 72 on c/b
NTP's were:
- First - A grade Wil Arnold (Penrith)
- Third - A grade James French (Young)
- Third - B grade Stuart French (Forbes)
- Third - C grade nil
- Ninth - C grade nil
- 18th - B grade Dave Rhodes (Forbes)
- GolfNSW Open Qualifier - Wil Arnold
- Golf NSW Senior Open Qualifiers - A Ferguson (Mudgee), G Walker (Young).
Wil was thrilled to win the Open Regional Qualifier prize. He finished runner-up at many of last year's events, only just missed at Forbes last year also. He loves the challenge the Forbes course offers, and enjoyed the hospitality in the Golfie afterwards.
The day was very long for many players. The field started well thanks to the great efforts of starters Andy Dukes, Peter Grayson and Ray Taylor. A couple of groups putted out on the last hole in near darkness, due in part to an early cloud cover.
One group had trouble getting across the water at the fourth hole. In truth, the trouble was about getting the balls across the water. A combined effort by Australian sportsmen, past-moteliers, retired mechanics and after unfortunate shots, bad drop lies, poor throwing actions and a quick sprint, Dave Sly was able to obtain a ball, play his shot and sink a miraculous putt for an adventurous seven.
Many thanks to the Sponsors, to the Pro Shop staff, to Beryl and Lynnie Roberts, and to the many volunteers for helping to make this a very successful event.
The 4BBB Stableford on Saturday was well bolstered by visitors, who were looking to get a feel for the course before Sunday's event. The conditions were good, leading to some good scores, with results led by high-calibre locals.
The Scratch Stableford winners were locals John Betland and Peter Dawson with 42 points. They started with a one-pointer, but thereafter had multiple scores on every hole. Runners-up were Mark Collits and Steve Betland with 40 points. They also had only one one-pointer, but had one fewer three-pointers.
The Handicap Stableford winners were Ralph Baker and Graham Newport on a handsome 47 points. They started with five three-pointers in the first five holes, then thereafter each contributed equally to the score, ensuring that when one was in trouble the other got the points. Runners-up were Stuart Thomas and Don Ridley with 46 points. A wipe on the second hole cost them dearly.
The ball sweep went to 42 points on count-back. The NTP's went to: ninth - T Tisdell (Wagga Wagga); 18th - P Dawson.
Birthdays are a day for celebration, and Paul Kay certainly did that on Saturday. He played in a convivial group, acquitted himself well with the golf sticks, and managed to get home early to enjoy celebrations there, by putting the rubbish bins out.
Someone who should have been celebrating a birthday was Greg Webb. Paired with Rod Besgrove, Greg managed to score pars from anywhere on the globe, or so it seemed. Five pars on the front-nine were enough to build a lead that Messrs McAuliffe and Grallelis could not wear down, thus losing the lottery money. But Steve and Digit did finish strongly and won 'the second half' of the game.
Rod Besgrove tried to help his partner, but struck occasional trouble. On the 16th his tee shot went slightly wide. He tried to play a low runner between the trees, but it hit a tree dead centre and rebounded almost to his feet.
Doug Churchill was looking for help also. His tee shots lately have had a 'harsh fade' on them. In anticipation of likely problems on the 16th and 17th holes, expecting his ball to finish on the practice fairway, he bought a yellow coloured ball. Much to his surprise he hit his drives straight all day!
Here is the News
The first week of the Winter 3's competition recorded some good scores. The winner of the Voucher was - Ash Tucker (nett 30.5). Ball winners (to 36 nett on c/b) were: A Tucker, R Taylor, E Coombs, B Besgrove, T Rousell, Som.
The first Junior Coaching Programme run by Pro Adrian Lees on Sunday had a good group. Notices have been sent to Forbes schools, but spread the word to anybody you know to get Adrian rushed off his feet. This programme provides activities on all facets of golf through practice sessions and game time.
The sessions will alternate between Forbes and Parkes so parents and juniors can work around other family commitments. Contact the Forbes Pro Shop (6851 1554) or Adrian (0423 356 670) for full details.
Forbes will have a good contingent of players heading to the West Wyalong Open on Sunday, as a reciprocal for their attendance at our Open. Just a reminder that Registration is from 9am with play commencing at 9:30am.
Set aside a day of Golf to help the Forbes Can-Assist Group with some much needed fund raising. This annual event is held on the June Long weekend Saturday, this year being June 8, so prepare for a great day.
Crystal Ball Time
On Saturday, May 25 we have an 18-Hole Stableford, playing for the Wilf Hodges Trophy. Sunday we have a Stableford Medley at Forbes, but there is also the West Wyalong Mens Open.
On Saturday, June 1 we have the Monthly Medal, sponsored by BWR Accountants and Advisors. If you have trouble scoring, there are bound to be a few bean-counters around the course. Sunday we have an 18-hole Stableford Medley.
Short Putt
Ladies golf
It was interesting to hear the comments from the Sydney players that visited Forbes for the mens Open on the weekend. Forbes golf course is equal if not better than many of the top city and state courses.
On Saturday, May 18 the Ladies ran a Stableford in one Division which was won by Ethel Coombs with 31 points. Runner Up was Enid Baker on 30 on a count-back who had a good back nine as there were five others also on 30.
This was sponsored by Debbie Dingwall. NTP ninth Barb Drabsch and 18th Heather Davidson. On Wednesday 22nd the course was still in good condition after well over two hundred rounds of golf played on the weekend with the Sally Perry and Helen Duff sponsored Stableford being played.
Winner of Division One was Heather Davidson 38 and Ethel Coombs runner up on 37. Winner Division Two Lyn Kennedy 34 and Enid Baker runner up on 33.
NTP ninth Heather Davidson and 18th Barb Drabsch. Sweep to E Coombs, E Uphill, J Cripps,, E Baker, J Hodge(33). Well done to all the winners.
The news from Western Districts in Dubbo last week where eight Forbes ladies competed found the bunkers and long course a big challenge and came home better for the experience.
This Saturday Crave Coffee Shop is sponsoring a Stableford in one Division with Enid on cards. Another month gone with next Wednesday, May 29 Stableford being sponsored by Little Extras in two divisions, it will be a shotgun start and of course our regular monthly Cake Day, Sal Perry is on cards.
Just a reminder that the Billabong four Ball Matchplay competition needs more plays so go ahead and find a partner or just put your name on the entry form in the Ladies Locker room. If your unsure how it works just see Jill Cripps as it is a great trophy to win.
Roving Reporter