On Saturday the Men's comp was the October Monthly medal, sponsored by Forbes Concrete. The field of 64 players were keen to cement some good form as a prelude to the Club Championships. Many of the scores resulted from a batch of players, fresh from some recent relaxation time.

The A grade results were mostly grouped around and the low and mid-70's. But Dave Mylecharane, refreshed after the end of his duties with Junior Rugby League, swung sweetly to record a nett 69 and take the medal. Runner-up on count back was John Betland who mastered a fine 70 nett off his scratch handicap, and finished ahead of Shane Sallaway and Dan Bayley..

The B grade was met with a lightning bolt, where Jacob Bernardi could do no wrong to fire a nett 63 and win the Medal. This undoubtedly will drop his handicap. Runner-up was a returning player of recognised skill. Clint Hurford used a slightly rusty swing to score a nett 65, and while being well pleased with his score recognised that his handicap will also drop markedly.

The C grade was once again a tight contest. This time Steve Grallelis was relaxed in scoring a nett 67 to earn the Medal. Runner-up was John Ridley with a 68 nett, and lucky to get there on count back from three other players on 68 nett.

The ball sweep went to 70 nett, going to: 63 - J Bernardi; 65 - C Hurford; 67 - S Grallelis, B Parker; 68 - J Ridley, J Cutler, G Newport and H Sykes; 69 - R Baker, M Haley, D Mylecharane; 70- K Sanderson, J Betland, T Griffiths, G Falvey, D Bayley and S Sallaway.

The NTP's went to: ninth- S Sallaway; 18th - K Sanderson. The twos were very scant overall with only two being recorded. Jonathan Cutler got one on the first, while Shane converted his NTP for a two on the ninth. The only visitor was Hugh Sykes from SGA Golf Club, an on-line Club which features players from across the country.

This was a day of nerves. The greens on the pro-Am were quite fast, so the golfers were a bit nervous, but many could not find the line or pace leading to less than expected performances.

The line was also hard for other shots. Ben Robertson teed off on the fourth but was unsure of his line, or specifically what his ball was doing. It eventually finished on the practice fairway, resulting in a very long shot to carry the water to the fourth green.

Pete Cowhan had no troubles watching his ball on the 13th. His third shot, from near the ladies 14th tee, struck a small She-oak and rebounded back to his feet. No need to change his stance at all.

George Falvey started well, with birdie and par. But then his game deteriorated quickly. Alongside him, Craig Barrett suffered a 'wheels fell off' calamity. There were no mechanical problems with his cart, but his game got so bad it was almost like he was dragging the axles along the fairway.

And Al Rees had a real conundrum. Playing his second shot on the 5th, his ball did not cooperate at all. It sought a hiding place, probably from the negative comment Al was giving it. To shelter, it rolled into the pipe on the bridge that crosses the penalty area between the fifth and 13th fairways. Many difficult stances were contemplated to play the next shot, but common sense prevailed and a penalty drop was taken.

The Sunday Stableford Medley players had to contend with windy conditions, complemented by extreme dust later in the day. The winner was Damien Kennedy (35 points) from Runner up Clint Hurford (32 pts) playing off his new handicap! There was no ball sweep, and only one NTP. That went to Ethan Gaffney on the 9th.

Monday's Stableford Medley was played in better conditions, with 6 players participating. Dan Bayley was doing well until being called away, leaving the winner's plaudits to Ethel Coombs with 35 points. Runner up was Kim Herbert on 34 points, and on count back. The ball sweep went to 34, going to Peter Dawson. The NTP's, sponsored by GWG, went to ninth - B Shields; 18th - K Herbert.

Some of our local players qualified for the NSW Veteran Golfers Association State Medal. None pulled off the major prize, but Stephen Uphill managed a runner-up prize on Day 2. Congrats Stephen.

Here is the News

The Club Championships begin this weekend. A number of players are showing good form but for every good round before the champs there is a chance of bad rounds to follow. History shows that in the higher grades form beforehand has little to do with the result. However, in the lower grades it requires some outstanding effort for a player to shoot ahead of the perennial favourites.

The four rounds of the Champs are played on Saturday and Sunday for consecutive weekends. This requires commitment and stamina from the players, and a modicum of good fortune.

Whatever happens, be assured that the final round on the second Sunday, usually a seeded draw, will be tense for many of the contenders. Good luck to all participants. Also, we extend a hearty invitation to players, family and friends to come out and watch the players strive to win 'their Champs'.

The Summer Sixes comp will soon be up and running. Initially there are a few weeks of 'handicapping rounds' so that social players can get a few scores recorded to facilitate the calculation of a handicap. For Club players use half of your current Club handicap, and for Social players for 2018/2019 your last handicap from that comp will be used. Team nomination forms are available from the Pro Shop.

The VW Scramble previously scheduled for Sunday, September 29 has been postponed to Sunday, November 17 when it is hoped to get more teams to nominate. Contact Head Pro Ben for more information on this event. The prizes are all supplied, each player gets a playing pack and fun is assured.

The Forbes Nissan Classic, sponsored by Frank Spice Motors, will be held on the weekend of 9/10 November. A time sheet will soon be in the Pro Shop, so you can get your nominations in asap. This event has increased in its notoriety so a big field is expected.

The AGM for the FGA is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30 with a 6pm for 6:30pm start. Please attend and provide support to those elected onto the various committees.

And just a note to remind those Vets players that the AGM will be held on Thursday, October 24, before the games commence. This will also be the last tee off time in the afternoon. In November the Forbes games revert to the morning starts.

Crystal Ball Time

The Club Championships for both Men and Ladies will be held over the next two weekends, being October 12-13 and 19-20. There are daily prizes for the men so even if you cannot commit to the four rounds you can still earn something special.

Short Putt

A good turn out of Ladies played for the Hair with Style prizes in two Divisions on Wednesday, October 9 in a Stableford competition.

It was a beautiful day for golf with no wind and the dust settled with a few drops of rain the previous night. The greens were super fast and those with putting skills took home the prizes. In Division 1 Judy Hodge had37 and Runner Up Colleen Venables 36.

Division e Robin Lyell 36 andTeresa Armitage Runner Up on 32. NTP ninth Robin Lyell and no one couldhold the 18th.

Ball Sweep to Colleen Venables, Heather Davidson, Teresa Armitage, Julie Hurkett and Marie Reid.

On Saturday of the long weekend Bess Shields won the Stableford with 38 points and was closest to thepin on 18th with Colleen Venables closest on ninth Well done to the winners this week.

Coming up this weekend is the first two round of the club championships which will also include the monthly medal and putting competition on Saturday.

All players should take advantage of playing golf this month while we have a course in such wonderful condition.

The Championships are Stroke however a daily Stableford is also included which gives everyone a chance to compete and win prizes even if they are unable to commit to four days of stroke play.

On Wednesday, October 16 a Pinehurst round will be played which is sponsored by Jenny Schall andSarah Black with Sally C on cards.

Roving Reporter