Golf: Scoring found harder this week on Forbes course

The men's competition on Saturday was an 18-hole stroke event, sponsored by Steele Technology. To counter the heavy conditions the course was set up a little easier, but the players still needed inner steel to overcome the conditions. Some were programmed to continue playing 'come what may', but only a few of the 66 players managed to compute the subtly of the course.

The Div-1 players seemed to be at a disadvantage, with most having a rollercoaster ride. The winner with a75 nett was Nick Greenhalgh, who was thankful for his handicap. He was thankful also for a good putt on the 18 th that earned a par and snuck him ahead of runner-up Mike Spice on count back. Mike could reflect on a missed chance on the 15th, which cost him a win.

The Div-2 players had similar scores, but the winner showed that he revelled in the conditions. John Ridley's 67 nett score is akin to the lead that Dustin Johnson had in the recent PGA Northern Trust event. Runner-up Troy Howe's score (74 nett) reflected most of the players on the day. John seemingly could do no wrong, scoring pars on three of the par-3s. Troy managed a '2' on the 9th, but he had a few too many 7s on his card.

The ball sweep went to 78 nett on countback; 75 - A Rees, N Ryan, L Whitfield; 76 - A Dukes, D Bayley, T Callaghan, G Drane, J Bernardi; 77 - S Uphill, B Slack-Smith, T Griffiths, J Cutler; 78 - A Cole, D Churchill, K Herbert, T Morgan, J Haley, J Dobell.

The NTPs went to: 9th - T Howe; 18th - D Bayley, where both converted for 2s, among the five that were scored. Peter Dawson took the 'Super Pin' prize, but could not convert his proximity into a '2'. The best shot was that by Dan Bayley on the 18th .

His tee shot finished less than two feet short of the hole, and was worthy of all prizes available.

There was a lone visitor in the field, being Steven Thomas. He was rusty, as evidenced by his opening tee shot. A miss-timed hit barely scampered past the red tees, and stopped just short of the fence. He recovered well, and was warmed up by the back-9 where he excelled. See you back here again Steve.

Concentration is an important factor when the conditions are difficult. Steve Uphill lost his concentration on what he intended was his last putt of the day. As his thoughts turned to the warm Golfie, his nonchalant approach to a one foot putt for par led to dismay when he missed it.

Terry Griffiths needed a lot of concentration. His game plan to avoid the wet or soft patches on the fairways was to play into the trees all day. Thus, he needed to concentrate to thread his way through the tree trunks towards the green. Luckily he managed a ball in the ball sweep, as his playing ball was quite scuffed after encountering many wooden obstructions along the way.

Peter Barnes excelled in these conditions, except when he also had lapses of concentration during his round. His first lapse was on the 6th, which resulted in a '9' scored. He followed this with another lapse on the 7 th , which also resulted in a '9'. He dreams of what could have been if only he had not had those scores.

Undoubtedly tough conditions put pressure onto each and every stroke. Graham Newport had a day when he had numerous of those 'Sh' shots around the green.

Visitor Steve Thomas needed his fairway wood to work well, but alas that club was ill-disciplined and sliced all day.

Brett Woonton was well prepared. A good rain jacket, a positive approach and in the mindset to practice each shot was his game plan. However, by the 15th he was ready to throw his game plan away. He practiced a chip shot onto the green numerous times, concentrating on pace, rhythm, direction and stance. Then when he played the shot he forgot to hit the ball, and it travelled less than halfway to the green.

Sunday dawned with wonderful blue skies, but then conditions quickly returned to autumnal standard. Consequently only a few ventured out for the Sunday Medley. The winner was Rob Webb who was keen to improve his game. Unfortunately he did not, and finished on 31 points and the winner on count back from Ethel Coombs. Unfortunately there was no ball sweep or NTP's, so Rob scooped the pool.

Here is the news: Unfortunately the Condobolin Open, which is scheduled for 30 August, has been cancelled. Yet another event to fall by the wayside in these difficult times.

We are proceeding with plans for the VW Scramble, to be held October 25. We shall focus on local attendees, so we need more than 12 teams to ensure that the winners are eligible for the Regional Finals. So start thinking about a team.

All players are reminded that they are not to scan their own cards, but instead leave them in the Pro Shop or give them to a designated person. This procedure is a result of the recent COVID inspection, so please remember to adhere to this practice. It is important therefore that your score cards are completed fully and correctly.

Remember we still need to socially distance in the Golfie and at outside places, where a maximum of 20 people are only allowed in groups. COVID Inspectors have been visiting local venues, so if we want to continue playing we need to obey the rules.

August 19 was an 18 hole stableford event sponsored by Alison Kingston was played in high winds and still plenty of water around, the golfing gods definitely make us work hard for our points.

With 21 players it was a challenge and Kate Steele Park rose to the occasion with 33 points followed by Janet Smith being runner-up on a countback. Ball Sweep went to J Smith, E Uphill L Cowhan and R Lyell 29 on a countback.

NTP 9th H Davidson and 18th L Pollock. Just a reminder that cards are to be handed in at the Pro Shop straight after play and remember the kitchen closes at 2.

Saturday 22 was a 4B v Par event sponsored by Jenny Hubbard and Trish Jackson where the weather was very unkind, however, those that played deserve their success which was enjoyed by Ev Uphill and her partner Robin Lyell with 2 Up on a countback from Sarah Black and Robin who acted as swinging partner with Sarah. NTP was K Stirling and 18th S Black.

Condobolin Tournament has been cancelled and keep watch on the upcoming Canowindra and Grenfell as to if they go ahead.

The Billabong and Dot Coady Match play events are progressing slowly with the weather being difficult to manage. Our Captain advises that the Dot Coady 2nd Round has been extended for those that have not been able to play so far.