Betland claims Classic victory with sizzling run home

While the superbly presented Forbes course proved a test for players from most areas of the state, and some from interstate, due to the 6100 metre length complemented by fast, yet true, greens it did little to deter the ability of big hitting current Forbes club champion.

After posting par 36 scratch for the easier front nine holes his game came together in the run home with a run of triples birdies at the 11th, 12th and 13th holes followed by another at the 15th for 32 scratch.

Keeping it in the family younger brother John finished runner-up with equal par 72.

Naturally Steve Betland was more then happy with his recent form taking all before him with a brilliant game from tee to green.

"I'm keeping it in play, still no worries off the tee," he said perhaps referring to his power which has seen drives of around 300 metres common.

"I feel my putting and short game has improved and that is one area which I have worked on. It was a great tournament, very well run and the field as good as you want.

"There's not much coming up before pennants commence in February while I hope to qualify to play in the Dubbo Open, also in February, which has a restricted field of 40 amateurs as it also acts as a qualifying round of the NSW Open," Steve added.

Other leading scores in A grade - Shane Sallaway 77, Andrew Marsh (Cabramatta) 77, Michael Wood 78, Michael Wood Jnr (Dubbo) 78, Martin Woods (Parkes) 78,

Result for the title of ladies champion was more exciting with current ladies president Julie Hurkett having to win a play-off over 18-year-old Brianna Duncan after both finished equal on 84 scratch.

Saturday's four-ball scratch winners for the Club Forbes trophy were Jacob Bernardi and Joshua Coulthurst with one under par 37 points while the ladies winners were Heather Davidson and Sarah Black with 23 points.

There was one player who despite not collecting a major trophy left Saturday evening more than happy with Brendon Hooper scoring a hole-in-one on the short par three 9th.

While covid restrictions made it a late decision to hold the classic for the 30th year officials were more then happy with the number of players resulting in close to 400 rounds for the two day event as well as earlier practise rounds last Friday.

Feeling for the success of the classic came with Cabramatta Golf Club captain Andrew Marsh stating that he felt what Forbes presented over the weekend was 'as good as it gets' and he and fellow travellers will definitely be back next year.

"This course is great, what a layout, and the greens, how good are they? A credit to all concerned and the country hospitality just as good. A top weekend and I'll be back to play some more here," the Sydney scratch handicap player said.

Along with Michael Spice from Nissan Forbes other major sponsor guests included Cr Michelle Herbert from the Forbes Shire Council and Richard Plowes from Northparkes Mines. In welcoming visitors to Forbes Cr Herbert told of her feats when playing golf which included her name on perpetual trophies associated with the classic.

Full results - Saturday, four-ball scratch and handicap. Men. Scratch (Club Forbes trophy) Jacob Bernardi and Joshua Coulthurst 37 points, r/u Clint Hurford and Michael Spice 35 points on a c/b. Handicap (Forbes Advocate trophy) Brett Slack-Smith and David Bernardi 49 points, r/u Hamish Steele-Park and David Earl 48 points.

Ladies. Scratch, Heather Davidson and Sarah Black 23 points, r/u Kathy Collits and Bec Hurley (Condobolin) 21 points. Handicap, Ann-Maree Gaffney and Lindy Cowhan 44 points on a c/b, r/u Ev Uphill and Colleen Venables 44 points.

Pro Shop Super Pin 3rd hole Clint Hurford. 9th hole Robyn Lyell and Glendon Hooper (hole-in-one), 18th hole Heather Davidson and Troy Howe. Long drives, ladies Julie Hurkett. Men, A grade Peter Dawson, B Ash Hogan, C not won.

Sunday, 18 holes individual. Men, A grade - scratch. Steve Betland 68, r/u John Betland 72. Nett, Michael Wood Jnr (Dubbo) 66, r/u Marty Wood (Parkes) 71. Stableford, Adrian Acheson (Orange) 38 points on a c/b, r/u Craig Simmons (Brisbane) 38. Best score by a visitor, Steven Hailstone (Wollongong).

B grade - scratch. Stuart French 84, r/u Mihovil Bogovic (Cabramatta) 87. Nett, Ben Robinson 68 nett, r/u Barry Parker 72. Stableford, Ryan Mormul (Cabramatta) 37 points, r/u George Falvey 36.

C grade - scratch. Nick Ryan 91, r/u Colin Mulligan (Cabramatta) 101. Nett, Mark Hinchcliffe (Gilgandra) 73 nett, r/u Frank Donohue 76. Stableford, Sark Odisho (Cabramatta) 36 points, r/u Geoff Betland 32.

Ladies - Scratch. Julie Hurkett with 84 after a play-off with Brianna Duncan, r/u Heather Davidson 92. Nett, Brianna Duncan 70 nett, r/u Nicole Death 75. Stableford, Barbara Drabsch 35 points, r/u Pip Taylor (Trundle) 32 points on a c/b.

Veterans. Scratch, Peter Dawson 79, r/u Steve Beattie (Condobolin) 82, 3rd Scott Kirkman 85. Nett, Lawrence O'Connor 73 nett, r/u Richard Webster (Massey Park) 74 nett on a c/b, 3rd Jimmy Clyburn (Condobolin) 74. Junior scratch Blair Thomas. Pro Shop Super Pin on the 3rd hole Martin Woods (Parkes), 9th hole, Nicole Death and Geoff Stephens (Dubb0), 18th hole Jenny Fletcher and Craig Simmons.

Long drives. Ladies Brianna Duncan, Men A grade Steve Grant (Canberra), B Harrison Callaghan, C Brett Slack-Smith.

Prizes and trophies not collected on Sunday evening can be collected at the Golf Club Pro Shop.

Draw in the classic raffle was also conducted on Sunday evening with the winners, 1st Niel Duncan (Bernardi Family Supermarket voucher), 2nd Robin Lyell (Cahills Footwear voucher) and 3rd Margaret Bentick (Loomzy's Fish'n'Fix voucher.)

There were many who made the weekend a success, none more so then Mike Sutcliffe and Allan Rees. Mike, who rates himself a 'social golfer' was fantastic in his role as secretary/treasurer of the sub-committee while Allan, a regular on the course was just as enthusiastic doing a mountain of the work organising prior and equal over the weekend.

Along with Mike and Allan comments concerning the condition of the course show curator Justin Clarke and 'staff' deserve credit for their contribution as they do for the volunteers who served the Saturday barbeque, wrote up the score board, worked the half way house, staffed the Pro Shop, sold raffle tickets, 'Golfie' Hotel staff and more importantly the business houses which came on board, again, as sponsors.

Golf this weekend, note tee off from the 10th tee due to a afternoon wedding on Saturday. Play is the Medal of Medallist sponsored by Loomzy's Fish'n'Fix. Sunday the regular stableford medley.

Competition to keep in mind - Saturday November 28, the Don 'Deacon' Dwyer 4BBB medley sponsored by Rodney Joseph Besgrove.