Winners blitz the course in 2021 Sanderson memorial golf day

This event is a 4-Person Ambrose Medley, organised by members of the Rugby Union Club and run by the Head Pro Adam Demidjuk. A field of 128 players included members, non-members, friends and visitors.

The soft greens were were very receptive, and despite having been mown the putting was still quite a challenge. The 4th hole was unplayable, but a temporary hole was created along the practice fairway to the practice green, thus ensuring an 18-hole event.

The winning team left scorch marks around the course, so hot was their performance. The big hitting of Jake Bernardi and Clint Hurford were balanced by the precision game of Adam Demidjuk and the short game skills of Michael Spice.

Their nett of 52 7/8 was fantastic (especially off their very low handicap), as was their scratch score of 55 (25-30). Their score included 10 birdies (one on the temporary green) and two eagles, on the 6th and 7th holes.

The Runners-up also had a great score. The team of Troy Howe, Randall Grayson, Charlie Dwyer and Dave Hodder 'struggled in' with a 54 nett, knocking the next best group (55 7/8) off the prizes perch. Their 54 had an even split (31-32), included eight birdies but no eagles, and had the advantage of a favourable handicap.

The NTP's produced some great shots. On the 9th, the Ladies NTP went to Jenny Ridley, while Stephen Uphill barely missed a hole-in-one to take the Men's. The 18th hole was harder to get close. For the Ladies, Brianna did best, and for the Men Clayton Clarke was successful.

There was no ball sweep, but instead a Longest Drive was contested. This was played on the 7th hole, with the challenge of OB on the right and trees on the left. Brianna Duncan used her youth to send out a boomer and take out the Ladies prize, while Anthony Alley managed a straight one to grab the Mens prize.

As expected in this format, the number of 2's was quite high, but surprising the easiest holes did not fully feature. Of the twenty four 2's scored, the 18th had the most (15), the 9th a close second, then only four on the 3rd and a solitary one on the 1st.

Birdies and eagles are important in this format. Of the 32 teams, six managed to birdie or eagle each of the par-5's in their round, with the winning team managing three eagles and one birdie (on the 15th).

This group format does allow for the recovery of bad shots by other team members. This was useful for Dave Tilsdley. His opening tee shot for his group on the first hole was very nearly a complete miss. His club did manage to touch the ball, pushing it sideways through the fence and onto the putting green. His team mates did much better.

The drain crossing the 5th, 13th and 14th fairways did require some thoughtful play. Some players laid up before them, preventing their ball going into the water. One method for advancing over the water was displayed by Robin Lyell. On the 14th her tee shot was quite low, helping it to bounce before and skip across the 'wider than normal' water-filled drain. It was a well thought out shot.

Getting the tee shot onto the fairway is very important. Connor Greenhalgh did excellent in this manner, with his tee shot on the 6th hole very neatly drawn around the corner. He repeated this on the 11th, bending his shot around the big gumtree.

In the same group, Alex McKinnon was less fortunate. His tee shot on the 18th skewed widely sideways, finishing up ahead of the tee area on the practice fairway. Luckily the group did not need his tee shot, he having hit a boomer down the 17th to ensure all players had their required three drives.

The temporary green proved quite a challenge, despite it being short. It was a long walk from the 3rd green to the temporary tee. Then the shot itself was difficult to judge, with many players coming up short. Once on the green players had to remember to putt to the hole with the flag in it, not the other practice holes.

Here is the news:

The draw for the Wallace Cup Match Play championship will be made after Easter, so get your name on the Nomination list, posted in the Pro Shop, if you want to participate. Play will commence in late April, with firm timeframes to ensure the event runs on a tight schedule and aiming to finish by late- August.

Head Pro Adam is organising some more Demo Days. The Taylor-Made Equipment Day is scheduled for April 15, but spots are filling easily so get in now. There will also be a Mizuno Equipment Day. These are very fine clubs, so if interested contact Adam - 0433 485846.

Preparations are underway for both the Ladies (May 2) and Mens (May 16) Forbes Opens. The course will be in tip-top condition, so spread the word. Players please note that the course will be closed on both days for the holding of these events.

This season there will be a 'Grade Champion of Opens' award, played for over the three Opens scheduled, being: Forbes Open (16 May), West Wyalong Open (23 May) and Condobolin Open (30 May).

The player in each grade who has played in all three events and who returns the best Handicap Aggregate score, will receive a special award. This is sponsored by O'Connors Machinery.

A reminder to all eligible players to nominate for the Forbes Vets 'Week of Golf', to be held on 26-30 April. Sunday 25 April has a welcome BBQ. Mon 26th has a 4BBB Stableford Medley, with Single competition play on 27, 29 and 30 April. Wed 28 April is a 'rest' day, with the option of playing at Condobolin.

Nominations must be with the Forbes Vets Secretary (Beryl Roberts) by 12th April. Nomination forms and an information sheet are available at the Pro Shop.

Players may have noticed the introduction of new score cards. If you have any problems with completing these, please speak with Head Pro Adam before you commence play.

It is crystal ball time:

On Easter weekend there is a Par event on Saturday, sponsored by the Tuesday Golfers. Stableford Medleys are scheduled on Friday, Sunday and Monday.

On Sat 10 April will be the 'Roadies' Monthly Medal, sponsored by Grayson, Earl, French and M Haley. Sunday is a Stableford Medley