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Forbes Phoenix

Countback Decides Doolin Trophy

August 20, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

PERFECT DAY FOR IT: Michael Prior, Frank Hanns, Barry Parker and Les Little capitalised on unusual sunny conditions at Forbes Golf Club last Saturday. Golf is still an approved COVID-safe exercise sport for groups of two only.

Last Saturday the golfers competed for the ‘Bob & Daine Doolin Memorial Trophy’, a 4BBB Stableford Medley, sponsored by the Francis family and contested by 58 players, including 11 Ladies.

The Winners were decided on countback, with four pairs finishing on 43 points. Ultimately it was the pair of Will Lovatt and Caleb Hanrahan who got the nod ahead of Jacob Bernardi and Tony Cogswell. The unlucky pairs to miss out were Dave Lickess and Riley Pike and Frank Hanns and Mike Prior.

The ball sweep went to 41 points on countback, so please check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to: 9th – Men: H Callaghan, Ladies: E Coombs; 18th – Men: B Slack-Smith, Ladies: nil.

The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Tony Cogswell with a shot of 3.62 metre proximity, slightly wider than last week’s winner. There were no visitors.

Under COVID-19 Stay-At-Home orders golf is deemed an approved exercise, played under specific conditions. Thus the Sunday Stableford Medley was able to be played, with playing allowed in pairs only.

The field for the Sunday comp took advantage of another sunny day, with 26 players participating. The winner was Nick Ryan with 38 points, ahead of runner-up Brett Thomas with 36 points.

The ball sweep went to 32 points on count back, so check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to – 9th: Peter Cowhan, 18th: Shane Sallaway.

The 3-Person Ambrose Medley which was to have been played will be rescheduled to later in the year. Also note that the ‘Roy-lances Tractor Replacements Cup’ scheduled for September 25 has been postponed to 2022, with a date to be confirmed.

This Saturday we are still under ‘Covid Rules’ so the competition has been changed to an Individual Stableford, still playing in pairs. Sunday will be a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Roylances Take the Medals

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

In Saturday’s Monthly Medal comp, sponsored by Bernardi’s Marketplace, the 78 players faced dreary conditions, but nevertheless still managed to produce good scores leading to close contests for the Medals.

The A-Grade was won by Jono Roylance (69 nett) who has ventured out of the golfing wilderness to ‘score one’ for the family. Runner-up was Neil McMillan who also had a better day than recent form, finishing on 71 nett.

The B-Grade went to another Roylance, this time Matthew with his 71 nett. Runner-up there was Ben Robinson with his 72 nett.

The C-Grade was won with the best nett score of the day, going to Dave Tildsley on 67 nett. He was comfortably ahead of Runner-up Allan Rees on 70 nett.

There were no players in the Sunday Stableford Medley.

This Sunday there is a 3-Person Ambrose Medley, offering $1000 in prize money. It is a 10 am shotgun start, with limitations on the combined handicap for teams. Give the Pro Shop a ring to get your group on the tee time sheet.

Saturday August 14 is a 4BBB Stableford Medley, playing for the “Bob & Diane Doolin Memorial Trophy”.

By Short Putt

Blustery Conditions For Hawke Trophy

August 6, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

TEEING UP: Max Haley teamed with Heather Davidson for the Hawke Trophy as golfers braved wintry conditions to tee up for the popular event.

In blustery but sunny conditions on Saturday, a good field of 87 players contested the Annual Hawke Trophy, a 4BBB Stableford Medley event.

Terry Griffiths is in a purple patch and this weekend teamed with Paul Kay to score 43 points for the day. Terry and Paul romped home with six 3-pointers on the back-9 to take the winners honours on a count back.

Andrew Dukes and Shane Sallaway also had 43 points, doing their best work on the front nine. Their highlight was a 4-pointer on the 7th which helped score 24 points for the front.

The ball sweep went to 38 points on count back. The NTP’s went to: 9th – Men: P Barnes; Ladies: B Duncan; 18th – Men: A Dukes; Ladies: N Deathh. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Steve Betland.

The Sunday Stableford Medley was played in dreary conditions, but the scoring was certainly not the same.

Isaac Vale carried his form from Saturday to score 40 points and win the day. Runner-up, and also partner for the Saturday comp, was Jake Hemming who managed to get at least a point on each hole and finish with 35 points.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – Jake Hemming, 18th – nil, as they all missed the green. There was no ball sweep.

Don’t forget the 3-Person Ambrose on Sunday August 15, which carries a substantial prize for 1st place. Cowra has its 2-day Open on August 7 and 8.

Saturday August 7 is the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Bernardi’s Marketplace. Sunday August 8 has a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Wet Course No Bother To Golfers

July 30, 2021 by Maggi Barnard


With the rain through the week and the difficult ground conditions Saturday’s scheduled 4BBB event was changed to an Individual Par Medley, sponsored by Everest Auto Repairs. The field of 57 players managed to navigate around the course, with scores reflecting the difficulties.

The Handicap winner was Terry Griffiths 3-up, on a count back. On an equal score Isaac Vale once again put in a marvellous performance, with all the good work on the front-9.

The Scratch Winner was John Betland with 3-up, also doing his best work on the front-9. Runner up, on count back, was Steve Betland with 2-down and nipping past Peter Dawson.

The ball sweep went to 2-down. The NTP’s went to: 9th – Men: T Griffiths, Ladies: D Scott; 18th – Men: M Littlewood, Ladies: Nil. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Jake Shaw.

Due to the inclement conditions there was no Sunday Stableford Medley.

Here are another couple of notices about upcoming events – the Bogan Gate Open had originally been scheduled for September 12 but was moved to August 1. This has now been cancelled due to community health concerns.

The LVDGA Men’s 4BBB scheduled for Parkes on August 1 has received no nominations and is likely to be cancelled.

Don’t forget the 3-Person Ambrose on Sunday 15 August, and the Temora Open on the same weekend. Refer to the brochure in the Pro Shop for Details.

Saturday July 31 is the re-scheduled 4BBB Stableford Medley, weather permitting, playing for the Hawke Trophy. Sunday August 1 has a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Golfers Master Wet Conditions

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SMACK: Frank Hanns shapes a drive down the fairway in the 2 Person Ambrose last weekend.

The 2-Person Ambrose Medley played in Saturday’s golf comp, sponsored by Brine Cure, was played in difficult conditions. However the field of 68 players managed to cast aside the heavy ground and wet and windy aerial conditions to post good scores.

The Scratch Winners were John and Steve Betland, whose 64 was a masterful display of power golf which included eight birdies and no bogeys. Scratch Runners-up were Jacob Bernardi and Josh Coulthurst with 68.

The Handicap winners were Isaac Vale and Jake Hemming with 64 ½, ahead of Runners-up Graham West and Duncan Sharpe on 67 ¼.

The ball sweep went to 71 nett. The NTP’s went to: 9th – Men: P Kay, Ladies: H Davidson; 18th – Men: B Thomas, Ladies: Nil. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Alec Edwards, a visitor.

The Sunday Stableford Medley had a good field of players who were determined to make good of the weather, and to score well.

The winner was Jacob Bernardi with 38 points. Runner-up was Stuart French on 35 points. The ball sweep went to 32 points on count back, with Louise French being the lucky one. The NTP’s were not recorded.

Here is a ‘heads up’ on two upcoming events – the Temora Open 15 August with a 2-Person Ambrose on the Saturday, and the ‘Bermagui Week of Golf’ scheduled for 11-19 September. Refer to the brochure in the Pro Shop for details.

Saturday 24 July is a 4BBB Stableford Medley, playing for the Hawke Trophy. Sunday 25 July has a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Tough Scoring In Saturday Comp

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Saturday’s Men’s golf comp was an 18-hole Stroke sponsored by the B&M Tooth. A field of 67 players traversed heavy conditions making for tough scoring. There were not too many scores that bettered par on either scratch or nett.

Division 1 was won by Laurie O’Connor with a 71 nett, even though he had a double bogey on the last hole. Runner-up on count back was Jonathon Morell with 75 nett, who snuck past Barry Parker.

The Division 2 scores were closer with Robert Scott managing a par on the last to finish with 70 nett, one ahead of Isaac Vale on 71 nett who bogeyed the last.

The ball sweep went to 78 nett on count back, so please check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to: 9th – A Dukes, 18th – B Thomas. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Brad Ashton, who was still quite a way from the hole. There were no visitors.

The Sunday Stableford Medley saw quite a few players out enjoying sunnier conditions, although it was still heavy underfoot ensuring scores were quite unremarkable again.

The winner was Andrew Quirk with 30 points, and quite a variable day. Runner-up was Ethel Coombs on 29 points, on count back from Rob Elsom, a visitor from Wynnum GC in Qld.

Your names should already be in for the LVDGA Mixed 4B Champs at West Wyalong (18 July), but late entries may possibly be taken.

Saturday 17 July is a 2-Person Ambrose Medley sponsored by Brine Cure. Sunday 18 July has a Stableford Medley at home, with the LVDGA event at West Wyalong.

By Short Putt

Steve Betland Tames The Course

July 9, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

TEEING OFF: Adam Demidjuk tees off to start his round in the Monthly Medal comp at Forbes Golf Club.


In Saturday’s Monthly Medal comp, sponsored by the Walkers Ag-n-Vet, the 77 players encountered heavy conditions making for tough scoring. However, Steve Betland was unfazed with an impressive 66.

The A-Grade, won by Steve Betland (67 nett off a +1 handicap), saw two ‘gun’ golfers overcome the conditions. Steve was 5-under on the par-5’s, which kept him ahead of runner-up Head Pro Adam who finished on 70 nett.

The B-Grade was won by Adam Currey (69 nett) who had a comfortable margin over Neil Duncan (72 nett on a count back). Currey did very well on the front-9, while Duncan struggled.

The C-Grade was close with Jake Shaw (69 nett) doing well on the front-9 to nudge ahead of Stephen McAlister (70 nett).

The ball sweep went to 75 nett on count back, so please check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to: 9th – J Bernardi, 18th – B Robinson. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Nick Greenhalgh, whose shot was slightly adrift and unlike his passes in the footy.

The lone visitor was James Meers (Dubbo GC) who struggled a bit in the heavy conditions. Unsurprisingly there were only a handful of 2’s, scored evenly across the par-3’s.

There was no Sunday Stableford Medley, with players avoiding the cold weather.

On the calendar this month we have the LVDGA Mixed 4B Champs at West Wyalong (18 July), and the Burcher Open (25 July) hopefully.

Work is being done to recover the concrete tee markers, with those on the 5th, 13th and 15th tees yet to be found. If you can help please contact the Pro Shop or Jack Clarke.

Saturday 10 July is an 18-Hole Stroke sponsored by B&M Tooth. Sunday 11 July has a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Foursomes Champions Decided

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SHARPENING UP: Stephen Uphill sharpening up on the greens at Forbes Golf Club before his round.

The Men’s Foursomes Champs were held in conjunction with a Daily Comp sponsored by FINDEX (Forbes), in chilly and soft conditions throughout the weekend.

In the Men’s Foursomes Championships, played over 36 holes, the Scratch Champions were the pairing of John Betland and Andrew Dukes with a total of 157. Runners-up were Todd Callaghan and Shane Sallaway on 158. The Handicap Champions were Ben Robinson and Matt Roylance (140 nett) with room to spare to Runners-up Josh Coulthurst and Jacob Bernardi (145 nett).

The Daily Comp was run over two days, with prizes on each. On Day 1 the Scratch winners were C Hanrahan/H Callaghan on count back from D Bayley/P Dawson, both on 79. In the Handicap the winners were B Robinson/M Roylance with 67 nett, ahead of I Bown/A Grierson on 71 nett.

In the Day 2 comp the Scratch winners were J Betland/A Dukes (76) ahead of T Callaghan/S Sallaway. In the Handicap the winners were J Bernardi/J Coulthurst (69 nett) ahead of B Robinson/M Roylance (72 nett).

There was no Sunday Stableford Medley participants.

The Ladies played their Foursomes on Saturday, over 27-holes. The Scratch Winners were K Stirling/H Davidson (142) ahead of B Duncan/C Duncan (150). The Handicap winners were K Stirling/H Davidson (115 ¾ nett) ahead of S Crosby/R Carroll (121 ½ nett).

A reminder for Club members to check that they have cleared their Pro Shop account – hopefully it is not too late. Also a reminder for Forbes Vets players to pay their 2021-22 fees to Lynnie Roberts.

By Short Putt

Fourball Champions Decided

June 25, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

On Saturday 60 players contested the Mens 4BBB Championships, run concurrently with the daily comp sponsored by HG Duff & Partners. Scratch Champions were the pairing of John Betland and Peter Dawson on 68. Runners-up were Jacob Bernardi and Todd Callaghan on 73. Handicap Champions were Rob Scott and Stuart Thomas with 63 nett, marginally ahead of Dave Tildsley and Jack Dobell on 64 nett.

Daily Comp the Scratch winners were J Betland/P Dawson ahead of J Bernardi/T Callaghan, while in the Handicap the winners were R Scott/S Thomas ahead of C Hanrahan/W Lovatt who finished on 64 nett.

The Sunday Stableford Medley had a small field with the winner Jonathan Morell on 30 points, ahead of Will Lovatt on 25 points.

Forbes Players did well at the LVDGA Champs and Pennants, contested by a field of 107 players. The A-grade Scratch champion, and winner of the Moulder Cup, was John Betland (72) from runner-up Peter Dawson (75) on count back. The Vets Champion was Kim Herbert with 75, on count back.

The LVDGA Pennants was played in two Grades. Forbes team, comprising J Betland, S Betland, D Bayley, A Dukes, P Dawson and S Sallaway, won the A-grade Scratch with 181 points, ahead of Parkes on 158 points. They also won the Handicap Pennants with 194, ahead of Parkes on 188.

Vets Scratch Pennants was won by Forbes (P Dawson, P Cowhan, N Duncan) with 71 points, ahead of Parkes on 67 points.

The LVDGA Champion of Champions, contested by winners of the Club Opens, was won by S Betland with 76 scratch on the day.

A reminder for Club members to clear their Pro Shop account by the end of the month. Also for Forbes Vets players to pay their 2021-22 fees to Lynnie Roberts.

By Short Putt

Successful Can-Assist Golf Day

June 18, 2021 by Maggi Barnard


Saturday saw the return of the Can-Assist Charity Golf Day, after a hiatus in 2020. A near record field of 111 players showed support for the local charity group.

Scratch winners were the group of T. West, N. Corliss, R. White and S. Edmonds with a score of 66 on a count back from J. Roy-lance, M. Little, B. Thomas and S. Sallaway.

Handicap winners with a score of 57 nett were the trio of J. Morell, R. Pike and A. Saar. The best Ladies team prize went to E. Baker, C. Bratton, E. Coombs and J. Hurkett.

The day was also catered for by the Can-Assist team and many prizes were donated by businesses far and wide. A big thanks to all volunteers especially Beryl and Lynnie Roberts who’s assistance on the Leader Scoreboard was once again invaluable.

The lead organiser, Andrew Grierson, thanked all the supporters, the players and the hard working Can-Assist team as well sponsors and golfers for getting behind the event.

There was no Sunday Stableford Medley comp, but there was a comp on Monday. The scores were generally mediocre, but the fun value was high.

The winner was Caleb Hanrahan with 34 pts, ahead of Phil Maher on 33 pts. The ball sweep went to Harry Callaghan and Dan Bayley. There were no NTP’s.

This Sunday we have the LVDGA Championships and Pennants, being played at Parkes. Contact John Betland or Niel Duncan for more information.

This Saturday 12 June is the first of some Forbes Championship events, with the Men’s 4BBB Stroke Championships, followed by the Men’s Foursome Championships, played over 36 holes on 26 and 27 June.

By Short Putt

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