Saturday’s Men’s Competition was a combination of an Individual Stroke event, sponsored by Loomzys Fish N Fix, and the final of the Medal of Medallists.

Among the field of 71 were 18 of the eligible 29 players vying for the Medal of Medallists Trophy. The field was bolstered by a group of visiting golfers from Crookwell Golf Club, and other individuals taking a break from visiting family.

While the Medallists’ scores were not breath-taking, three finished on nett 72, requiring a count back. Peter Dawson was declared the winner of the Medal of Medallists Trophy, over Clayton Alley and John Zannes.

Both Peter and Clayton were dual medallists through the year. Some form players who faltered through the day included Troy Howe, Brian Everest and Harry Callaghan.

In the Individual Stroke event the Division 1 winner was Michael Spice, who fired a very worthy score of 69 nett. Runner-up, on count back, was Kim Herbert with nett 71. The Division 2 was won by Blair Thomas, with 68 nett, ahead of Runner-up Bruce Chandler with nett 70.

The Sunday Stableford Medley field was small, with the participants going out early to beat the heat. The honours went to Frank Donohoe and Ben Webb from Dubbo.

The Annual Mixed Trophy night which gives recognition to the winners and runners-up in major events throughout the year will be held tomorrow, Saturday, 28 November upstairs in the Golfie.

A reminder for persons to attend the FGA AGM, set for Tuesday, 1 December, up-stairs in the Golfie Hotel.

There may be a change to the Mid-Week Christmas Hamper scheduled for Thursday, 10 December. Watch the Notice Boards for details.

Saturday, 28 November is the Deacon Dwyer 4BBB Medley, sponsored by Rod Besgrove. The Trophy night will follow the day’s play. Sunday, 29 November is a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

On Sunday, Steve Betland stamped himself as the form golfer in the district, winning the Frank Spice Nissan Classic with a superb round of four under par 68.

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 the big hitting Forbes Club champion.

After posting par 36 scratch for the easier front nine holes of his game, Betland 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.

Results for the title of ladies’ champion was more exciting with current ladies’ president Julie Hurkett winning 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. 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. Brendon Hooper scored a hole-in-one on the short par three 9th.

Feeling for the success of the Classic, Cabramatta Golf Club captain Andrew Marsh said 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.

By Short Putt’s Mate

The Saturday Men’s competition was the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Jelbarts Tyrepower, and contested by a competitive field of 69.

The A-Grade winner was Peter Dawson, who finished with a nett 66, and had the best scratch score of 70 on the day. Runner-up was Josh Coulthurst, who had a tidy back-9, finishing with a nett 67.

The B-Grade saw Max Medlyn, visit- ing from Parkes, post a score of 66 nett. Runner-up, and Medal Winner, was Harrison Callaghan with a 67 nett. His front-9 of scratch 38 was very tidy.

In the C-Grade, Hamish Steele-Park had a day where his easy swing lead to a final score of 68 net. Runner-up, on count back, was Stephen McAlister with 70 nett.

The ball sweep went to 74 nett on count back. The NTP’s went to 9th, Falvey and 18th, J Coulthurst. The 3rd Hole Super Pin went to Sarah Black. The visitors included Max Medlyn from Parkes who really enjoyed his day, and Bob Hansen from Shoalhaven Heads who held his bat up.

The Sunday Stableford Medley field was 21, with many visitors. But the local players carried the day, with Richard Smith winning with 39 points, ahead of Frank Donohoe on 37. The ball sweep went to 27 points.

The West Wyalong Open, held on Sunday, 8 November, was won by John Betland, showing he is gaining form for the Nissan Classic.

The Nissan Classic has a big field, but there is still room for more entries. Contact the Pro Shop for details.

The Presentation Night is now scheduled for Saturday, 28 November, upstairs in the ‘Golfie’. Notices will be posted to confirm details.

Saturday, 14 November is the 4BBB, sponsored by the Forbes Advocate. Sunday, 15 November is the Nissan Classic Individual Stroke play, with the primary sponsor Frank Spice Nissan.

Short Putt