GOLF | Foursomes tests skill of Forbes golfers

On Saturday both the ladies and men contested the Foursomes Championship. For the men it was something different, with the need to focus for 27 holes. The extra distance travelled was worthy of good transport, much akin to the sponsors S&S Welsh Transport. School holidays, the weather and the format disrupted the number of attendees with 20 pairs contesting the event.

The scores overall reflected the difficult weather conditions, with the first 18-holes proving especially tough for the players and where scratch scores were well over par. The handicap scores were not much better.

The Scratch Championship finished with a tie, thus requiring a play-off over 18-holes. This will be held within the next month, and will see the team of S Betland/M Collits play off against J Betland/S Sallaway. Their tied Scratch score for 27 holes was 117, nine shots over par. Third place went to D Bayley/P Dawson on 123.

The Handicap Championship finished with a three-way tie on 114 Nett, from which the winner was ultimately decided on count back. The results were - Winners: S Betland/M Collits, Runners-up: J Betland/S Sallaway, Third: L O'Connor/A Davies.

The Daily comp was judged over 18-holes, in an effort to provide for those players who could only manage the whole day. The Comp Scratch winners were P Pymont/A Alley, with Runners-up S Betland/M Collitts. The Comp Handicap winners were S Betland/M Collits with Runners-up J Betland/S Sallaway.

The ball sweep went to 78.5 nett on count back, going to: 76 - P Pymont/A Alley; 77 - S Betland/M Collits, J Betland/S Sallaway; 78 - P Barnes/R Borger; 78.5 - T Griffiths/P Kay.

The NTP's were also a test, with recording cards placed for both 18-holes and 27-hole groups, which caused much confusion. The NTP's have been allotted to: 9th - D Churchill; 18th - R Baker and B Doyle. There were only two 2's scored all day, and both of those on the 3rd hole.

Many players felt that no matter what hole they were playing the wind was in their face. This only added to the forces combining to determine the outcome of each player's shot, from which many partners were left in challenging places.

Ecky Dawson was seen to be amongst the trees quite a bit, resulting from partner Dan's shot. While playing the 10th hole, Ecky had time to have a conversion with Ralph Baker, who was playing the 15th hole, as they both sheltered in the trees.

Steve Betland claimed that the conditions were colder when playing his third 9-holes than they were when he started in the first group of the day. But all players seemed to rug up well and give it their best shot.

Stevie G and Ralph used up all their best shots on the 7th hole, or maybe they were just out of luck. On the first time around, a wicked bounce of Stevie's shot placed the ball very close to the OB fence and among the trees. Ralph had no option but to play down the fence line and use his natural draw to bring the ball out to the fairway. But his natural fade instead put the ball OB.

Stevie tried to play safe, but his ball bounced off a tree and scampered OB. With alternate shots they struggled to the green and finally recorded a '12'. Second time round they did better, recording only a '9', but this time with no OB's.

Big scores on individual holes were common. Brett and Ethan had an '8 on 8' followed by an '8' on the 7th when they came around again, Paul Pymont and Anthony Alley doubled par on the 4th, and the Kirkman/Morris pair had an '8 on 9'. These mishaps can damage a card, as evidenced by Rhodes/Tisdel who had 10's on the 4th and 9th holes.

This format does test the relationship between partners. Each player is genuinely trying to play their best and help their partner. But at times it may not seem that way. Brian Doyle was three inches shorter at the end of the day, he claims as a result of carrying Digit all day.

On the second time around Dan Bayley played the tee shot on the 1st into a howling gale. With consummate skill his shot finished barely five feet from the pin. It was a chance to go one better from the first time. Unfortunately, Ecky's putt for a birdie missed and they only carded a par. Luckily they are still talking to each other.

And Graham Newport is living under a cloud now. Paired with Ian Bown, they used Ian's very special "green" ball. Graham managed to cross the water twice but on the last crossing, as they headed for home, Graham plonked it in the creek. Their friendship from then on was enough to cause frost bite.

But coincidences do happen. The Bown/Newport team played with the M Haley/A Callaghan team. After 18 holes they had both scored 81.5 nett, and decided to share the drinks.

The Sunday Stableford Medley was played in similar conditions, with a small field braving the elements. The winner was Brett Thomas with 37 points. Runner-up was Jean Judge with 33 points. There was no ball sweep.

The 2019 Sand Grass Green Championship is being held at Grenfell/Forbes on 17 and 18 August. Nominations can be made through the GolfNSW website, or take your money and relevant details to the Pro Shop and Ben will kindly put this in for you.

This is a great event that presents a challenging format. It is sponsored by Forbes Shire and managed by GolfNSW. Nominations retain the '4 for 3' offer, where entering four players at the same time will only cost three nominations.

We need numbers for this event to be held so gather your mates together and get your nomination in before the end of the month.

The Week 9 results for the Winter 3's competition seemed to reflect the weather for the most part.

This week the Voucher goes to - T Rousell (nett 29.5), who is in fine form and a long way ahead of the rest. Ball winners were: 29.5 - T Rousell; 34 - B Besgrove, J Cripps; 33 - A Watts; 34 - N Girot; 35 - S Redfern.

Not many week's left now so a few teams will need to put in an effort to run down the leading group. Unfortunately the LVDGA Mixed Fourball Stableford Championship, set to be held at Condobolin on Sun 21 July, has been cancelled. A case of the adverse weather overtaking the desire to play.

The Wallace Cup matches are moving along, although some contests have stalled and need a kick start. Todd Callaghan and Ethan Gaffney await the results of matches to determine their opponents.

The latest match saw Stevie G up against Peter Cowhan. Peter has a new driver which has meant his tee shots are straighter than ever, and running out of sight. However, Stevie played his usual 'tap-tap' style down the fairway and managed to hold off the 'Gentle Giant' to record a 5/4 win.

Some Opens being played around the District, and to which you may want to attend, are: 28 July: Burcher Open, 4 August: Albert Open, Temora Open, 11 August: Trundle Open.

Sat 20 July is a 2-Person Ambrose, sponsored by Brine Cure. We will have visiting players from Canowindra as an inter-club event. Sunday 21st is a Stableford Medley at home and the LVDGA Mixed Foursomes at Condo.

Sat 27 July is the Kristie Carpenter Perpetual Trophy. Sunday 28 July is a stableford medley and the Burcher Open.

By Short Putt

Kerry Stirling and Heather Davidson claim the 27 Hole Foursomes Championship with a scratch score of 143. Runners Up were Ethel Coombs and Colleen Bratton with 152. Handicap Winners Jill Cripps and Barb Drabsch 114 with Runners Up Kerry and Heather on 117.5. Sweep went to Colleen Venables and Sally Crosby. NTP 9th Colleen Bratton and 18th Sally Crosby. Thank you to the Dingwalls of Forbes Auto Wreckers for their sponsorship of this event. On Wednesday 17th a Par Event was played with Bess Shields winning Division One with plus one and Jill Morgan taking Division two with plus two. NTP 9th Bev Gerdes and 18th Enid Baker with Julie Wood winning a ball in the sweep with plus one. Thank you Kerry Stirling and Mary Ewing for sponsoring this event. Coming up on Saturday 20th is a Stroke event sponsored by Shell and 5th round of Golf NSW Medal with Robin on cards. Wednesday 24th is a Split Sixes event with Sal Perry on cards.