Some golfers were hot because of the daytime temperatures, and some were hot because they scorched the course returning a 'hot' score.

The Saturday Men's comp, sponsored by Rob Allen Livestock Transport, was an Individual Stroke event. This format does not allow any latitude in difficult conditions, as seen by the higher average score. But Shane Sallaway finished his round with a crescendo, scoring a Hole-in-One on the 18th. Now that is hot play. More on that later.

The Division 1 winner was Bruce Carpenter, with 69 nett. He is not often seen among the winners in Saturday comps, but this time he relished the relative quiet without his usual playing partner and was able to concentrate all day. He was 1-over on the front-9, but stumbled a bit on the back-9.

Runner-up was Brian Everest, on count back from new player Caleb Hanrahan with both finishing on 70 nett. Caleb scorched the front-9 for a 33, but fell to the back-9 demons and finished with 38.

In Division 2, Les Little once again showed that he is enjoying his new sticks, scoring a 72 nett. He was a bit all over the place with his scores but enjoyed his game nevertheless. When he was good he was very good, but when he went bad he was very bad. A nett 73 was good enough for Nick Ryan to nab the Runner-up spot. He was pretty consistent throughout his game but would like to replay the 17th.

The ball sweep went to 75 nett on count back, going to: 70 - C Hanrahan; 71 - A Alley, M Spice; 72 - A Wilkie (Pks); 73 - J Zannes, J Coulthurst, L Flakelar; J Dobell, T Toole, R Smith, S Uphill; 75 - G Hooper, P Kay, B Doyle, H Steele-Park, B Slack-Smith.

The NTP's went to: 9th - F Hanns; 18th - S Sallaway. The 3rd Hole Pro Shop Super Pin went to Caleb Hanrahan. Unfortunately Frank missed his two, due to his ongoing putting woes, and of course Shane did not need to putt. Overall, and once again, the 2's were scarce with only four being scored, with none scored on the 1st.

The visitors included - Caleb Hanrahan (Wollongong) who we should count as a local, Ken Cobcroft, R Harrison and A Wilkie from Parkes. They all seemed to manage the course well.

The hot news is of course Shane's Hole-in-One. He played real early, finishing his round at about 10:15 am. He described his shot as 'sweetly hit', using a 6-iron and playing a draw shot to hold it into the wind. The ball landed barely a foot short of the hole and bounced straight into the hole. This is Shane's second ace in as many years.

At first he and playing partner checked over the back of the green for his ball, then they bellowed with joy when they checked the cup. Shane was quite philosophical about it. His round had not been very inspiring, with a 3-over on the front-9. His ace ensured a similar score on the back-9. At least he went home happy with his last shot of the day.

Some players ran hot then cold. Alf Davies was doing exceptionally well early in his round. He was 1-under after six holes and feeling good, but then the 7th hole struck. An OB and few encounters with trees meant a '9' on the card. His back-9 had one bright light - a birdie on the 15th.

George Falvey started his round with a few bogeys, then a run of pars on the next four holes was stopped by an '8' on the 7th, ensuring he turned well behind his handicap. His back-9 was like scrambled eggs, in which some colour was displayed by a birdie on the 13th and a par to finish.

Steve Betland suffered the pain of a 'plus-handicap'. His scratch score of 72 converted into a nett 76 through his handicap. He said it could have been better with more birdies to join his three if only his short game was tighter.

Individual highlights were a '2' by Jon Cutler on the 9th courtesy of a snaking long putt, a run of consistent 5's on the back-9 by Luke Flakelar, spoilt by pars on the 14th and 18th, a fine birdie by Mike Spice on the 3rd, and Max Haley getting the wood over brother Jeff.

Frank Hanns's putting problem persists with yet a few more 3- and 4-putts on the card. He rescued his card by counting backward on holes when he reached double par. This helped him contribute to winning holes with partner Les Little to win the group match.

The within-group matches can become quite desperate. Scott Kirkman and Al Rees were looking good after the turn, but then Terry Griffiths and partner Paul Kay 'came home with a wet sail' to take the money. Geoff Drane tried to coerce opponent Ralph Baker into a few shanks, but to no avail. Their group match ended in a tie.

The Sunday Stableford Medley had a quiet field again, with many electing to stay at home in the aircon and away from the forecast hot conditions.

Here is the news:

The 2021 CWDGA Pennants will commence on Feb 7. We badly need players for the Div 4 team, so if your GA handicap is 17.5 or higher and you can play then please contact John Betland (0437 572529).

A reminder to parents of the Junior coaching classes being run by Head Pro Adam in the second week of Term 1. The classes will be on Thursday afternoons, with 4pm for the 6-10 yo and 5pm for 11 yo and older. Drop into the Pro Shop to pick up an Information Pamphlet, which explains how to register through the 'My Golf' initiative. Contact the Pro Shop 6851 1554 to get more details.

The Summer Super Sixes comp, sponsored by ASI Capital, is reaching the final stages of the Pool Play. We are currently in week 14 which is a double points round. The Final two rounds have handicap restrictions. The Finals commence on 15 Feb, culminating in the Grand Final on 28 March.

It is crystal ball time:

Saturday 30 Jan is an 18-hole Individual Stableford, sponsored by Golf Harvest. Sun 31 is a Stableford Medley.

Sat 6 Feb will be the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Michael Robinson & Co, with a Stableford Medley on Sunday 7 Feb. And of course the Pennants commence.