On Saturday the Men's comp was the July Monthly Medal, sponsored by Walkers Ag-n-Vet. The field of 65 players found it hard to keep their hands quiet while putting, with many players looking for some warm clothing or woollen merchandise to ward off the conditions. But overall the results were not inspiring and reflected the conditions.

The A grade saw a return to form by John Betland to take the early lead. However, Brian Everest, finishing in the second last group, came in with a 71 nett to eclipse John's 72 Nett. No birdies for Brian, but a plethora of pars with few blemishes nudged him ahead. John was the epitome of par golf, with two bogeys countered by three birdies, the best of which was a two on the last hole. That helped John take runner-up on count back from Ethan Gaffney, who faltered on the 15th.

The B grade needed a count back to decide the winner. Dave Earl came in early-ish with a tidy 70 nett, and glad to have gotten away with only a seven on the seventh. But a little later Jeff Haley arrived, also with a 70 nett. His round was tidier, with a par on the last hole to earn him the Medal on count back.

The C grade was a case of youthfulness over experience. Mark Simmonds did very well off his 24-handicap to score in the low 90's. His 67 nett was a formidable target. Meanwhile Brian Clarke played a steady and determined game, sidestepping an unfortunate nine on the sixth, to finish on 69 Nett. Mark took the Medal, while Brian commiserated on his forgetfulness to check his ball.

The ball sweep went to 77 nett: 71 - A Hogan; 72 - L Whitfield, D Rhodes, E Gaffney; 73 - K Sanderson, S Kirkman; 74 - N Duncan, G Webb, S Sallaway, P Kay, J Ridley; 75 - S Uphill; 76 - P Tisdell, B Parker, T Morgan, K Herbert, M Spice; 77 - A Dukes, S Betland, D Kennedy.

The NTP's were halfway pleasing for both players: ninth - A Dukes; 18th - E Gaffney, although neither got a two. There were only three twos, with the best being by John Betland with a monster putt (his own words) on the 18th.

There were two visitors from Wentworth, both of whom enjoyed the course. Unfortunately they were led astray by John Boyle and played off the white tees initially, but they were pleased to have a belt.

Most of the stories this week revolve around the putting woes, with three putts being quite common. One golfer was quite pleased to chip his ball to within four feet on one hole, but then managed to four-putt from there. He referred to himself as a really good bad putter.

And then of course there was Warwick Judge. Suffice to say that on one hole he did far better from tee to green than on the green, where he more than doubled the number of shots. His nine on the 11th did not start the back-nine well, and neither did the four-putt on the 17th to finish it.

But it wasn't all putting woes. One player, who is pretty handy I might add, had trouble chipping. Two glorious shots left him just short of a green. Then three chips later he still had not made the green. Out came the putter where he made the green, then sunk the next putt for a seven. This followed a run of pars and preceded another par. His father, Alby, could only shake his head.

Going OB also caused some problems. Steve Betland hit his opening tee shot over the fence, managed a six but still finished the front-9 on par. Some OB's did draw blood though. Bruce Chandler volunteered to collect the OB's from his on the sixth. He did the safe thing and walked down to the gate. Stepping through it his feet tangled in the grass, whereupon he fell to the ground. His hand impacted a sharp stick causing some bleeding.

Some players really enjoy playing the golf course. Garry Collits made the second hole longer by zig zagging his way across the fairway, and seeing plenty of the 17th and trees along the way. Les Little played the ninth in an uncharacteristic fashion. His tee shot finished in front of the Ladies 10th tee, from where he played onto the Men's tenth tee and then onto the green. All-in-all a tidy a tidy five.

Brian Clarke was unfortunate on the sixth when he not check the ball he played and incurred a two-shot penalty for striking the wrong ball. Stevie G watched him do this, then realised it was his ball being played, but he spoke up too late. Then Karma lent a hand, as Stevie G played a woeful tee shot on the 9th to plonk that aforementioned ball into the water. Brian did laugh.

There was some keen tussles in the intra-group match scenarios. Warwick Judge and Barry Parker were sailing along confident in their match, leading three-up with four to play. However, Niel Duncan and Les Little changed up into top gear, storming home to win on the 18th. It was a shared effort where Niel parred or matched Scadger, while Les used his handicap well to win a few holes.

Unfortunately the bleak conditions on Sunday turned players away, leading to a small field in the Sunday Stableford Medley. Accolades go to Veronica Rebellato who won with 37 points, followed a long way back to runner-up Ethel Coombs on 31 points. There was no ball sweep or NTP's. Here is for sunny weather this weekend.

Here is the news: Last Saturday we farewelled Head Pro Ben Gear and his partner Som (real name Sudarat Ok-oon). Both of them have achieved a lot while among the Forbes golf community. Ben's calm coaching and Som's delicious sandwiches will be missed. We wish them well in their new life in Cairns.

President Andrew McDonald is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Professional. Adam Demidjuk will commence duties as Head Pro on August 3, so pop in that week to welcome him to Forbes. He does intend to pay a flying visit on July 18-19 so you may see him then.

Programme changes, brought about by the Covid-19 restrictions earlier in the year, have resulted in the following: Saturday, July 11 - Men is a two-P Ambrose, with a Par event for the Ladies, while Saturday, July 18 sees the 4BBB Stableford Medley for the Hawke Cup.

Players are advised that until the new Head Pro arrives we shall be providing refreshments from the Halfway House. This is a long day for the providers so support them and give them cheerful encouragement.

The draw for the Wallace Cup will be out this weekend, so sharpen up your match play skills.

Remember, we still need to practice the social distancing, even in the 'Golfie'.

Crystal ball: Saturday, July 11 is a two-P Ambrose, sponsored by Brine Cure. Sunday, July 12 has a Stableford Medley.

Keep in touch on our Facebook page - '.../forbesgolfcourse/', the Instagram page - '.../forbesgolf2871/', and our website - www.forbesgolf.org.au.

Short Putt

The New Year of Golf began on Wednesday first of July with a Stroke andMonthly Medal.

The Stroke in one division was won by Kerry Stirling with a 69 nett with runner up Louise French with 70. Ball Sweep went to L.French, B Shields, V Lane, E Coombs, M Tooth, J Judge.

NTP on ninth was H Davidson and Eighteenth K Stirling. Monthly Medal Winners were A GradeK Stirling who also won the putting competition with 30 putts, B Grade B Shields and C Grade L French.

Thank you to Enid Baker for sponsoring the day. Well done to all those enjoying a good start. A Grade Ladies take home the Trophy.

The concept of this competition is forgiveness and it is one of the most enjoyable days out on the golf course one can experience.

The Foursomes Championships over Twenty Seven holes was contested by twenty four players on Sunday Twenty Seventh June with the Sponsor being Forbes Auto Wreckers (Dingwalls).

The Scratch winners whose handicaps are in the teens were Heather Davidson and KerryStirling with 142 followed by Ethel Coombs and Colleen Bratton with 148on a count back.

Nett winners were Carolyn and Brianna Duncan on 114.5 nett with Colleen and Ethel having a double by being runners up in the nett with 118.

Ball Sweep E Uphill and C Venables 153, S Crosby and S Perry 156, L Pollock and V Lane 160. NTP Ninth Jenny Hubbard.

Congratulation to the winners, runners up and to all those that at least won a ball. Another Stroke event on Saturday, July 4 sponsored by Shirley Redfern and Jenny Fletcher attracted nineteen players.

Winner of Division 1 was Ev Uphill with a nett 74 and Mandy Tooth winning Division 2 with 69 nett. Ball Sweep to N Death 73, B Duncan 75, LWright 75, H Davidson 75, J Hurkett 76, R Lyell 79.

NTP ninth and ighteenth Jenny Fletcher. Well done girls. This Saturday Eleventh Julya Par event will be played.

Next Tuesday, July 14 at 10.30am there will be tree planting ceremony on the Eleventh Tee to remember our wonderful golfing friend Robyn Hammond.

For all information on Ladies golf you can contact our President Julie Hurkett 0400 817 919 or our Captain Heather Davidson 0403 506100.

Roving Reporter