On Saturday, the Men’s Competition was an Individual Stableford event, sponsored by Knights Fabrications, with 65 players participating. Two players managed scores of 40 points or better

The Division 1 winner was Andrew Grierson with 40 points, constructed by a balance of birdies to offset bogeys. Runner-up was Niel Duncan with 38 points, whose round was spoiled by wipes on the 6th and 7th holes.

In Division 2, Ben Coles recorded the best score of the day with 43 points. Runner-up was Max Haley, with 37 points, who started quietly then scored steadily.

The ball sweep went to 33 points on count back, check in the Pro Shop to see if you earned one. The NTP’s went to 9th, G Hooper, 18th, J Bernardi, who both converted for two’s. The Third Hole Super Pin went to Todd Callaghan. The only other player to score a “2” was Brodie Hodges on the 18th. Visitors included Robert Hey and Wayne Powter from Parkes.
Numbers were too small for a competition on Sunday, but the players deserve some encouragement, with Ray Taylor and Peter Grayson, both on 38 points, sharing the balls.

Over the Christmas break there will be Stableford Medleys on Saturday, 26, Sunday, 27 and Monday, 28 December. The first competition day will be the Monthly Medal on 2 January.

Players are also being called to nominate now for the Pennants teams, which is due to commence in February 2021. Con- tact John Betland if you are interested or put your name on the sheet on the notice board in the Pro Shop.

Saturday, 19 December is the 18-Hole Stableford ‘Ham Day’. This may be your last chance to do well for Christmas dinner. Sunday, 20 December is a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

The Saturday Men’s Competition was the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions. The field of 65 players battled strong winds, which made for average scores.

The A-Grade winner was John Zannes, with a nett 71 after going out early. Runner-up was Alf Davies with 72 nett, getting there on count back from Wade Ritchie, a new member of the Club.

The B-Grade was won by Nick Greenhalgh with the equal best score of the day, 70 nett. Runner-up on count back was Phil Wells. The C-Grade was won by Peter Tisdell, also an early starter, with 72 nett and just ahead of Bruce Squires on 73 nett. Bruce snuck past Geoff Drane on count back.

The NTP’s went to 9th W Ritchie, 18th J Zannes, while the third Hole Super Pin went to Greg Webb, less than a metre from the hole. Visitors were Brad Hazell from Hervey Bay and Damien Noll from Condobolin.

An award is needed for Alex McKinnon who had the worst day of any golfer, ever. He struck trees, went out of bounds, had rebounds that went behind him or onto the wrong fairway, and even managed a few ‘shanks’, but he finished.

The Sunday Stableford Medley field was a small mix of local and Condobolin players. Brett Thomas took the day with 34 points. There was no ball sweep and unfortunately no NTP’s.

Head Pro Adam had his last Junior coaching clinic last week and was pleased with the attendance again. He intends to run a Golf Camp in January, and to continue the Junior Coaching through the first term. Contact the Pro Shop for details.

Saturday, 12 December is an Individual Stableford, sponsored by Knights Fabrications. Sunday, 13 December is a Stableford Medley.

Keep in touch via Facebook forbesgolfcourse, Instagram forbesgolf2871 and online www.forbesgolf.org.au.

By Short Putt

The Saturday Competition was the annual Deacon Dwyer Trophy event, a 4BBB Stableford Medley sponsored by Rod Besgrove. The field of 70 players competed in very hot and windy conditions, but all finished their rounds.

The pairing of George Falvey and Brianna Duncan, on 46 points, won on count back from Nicole Death and Jenny Fletcher with the Ladies handling the heat better than the men.

The NTP’s went to 9th, Ladies’ J Fletcher, Men T Morgan; 18th, Ladies’ Nil, Men B Parker, with the 3rd Hole Super Pin going to Mike Spice. The best Two of the day was an eagle scored on the 13th hole by Brianna Duncan, with a very fine chip in after a monster drive.

The weather conditions on Sunday meant there was no Stableford Medley field.

The Mid-Week Christmas Hamper scheduled for Thursday, 10 December will be a 12-hole event run in conjunction with the Vets Competition. There will be over all hamper prizes, but separate ball sweeps for the vets and non-vets players.

The Tuesday golfers are having their Christmas lunch on Tuesday, 8 December, after their usual morning play. Players can play and then eat, or join in the lunch only. Contact Geoff Drane for details.

The Forbes-Parkes Vets are having their final event and Christmas break-up on 17 December at Parkes. Gathering at 9.30am for a 10am start.

Head Pro Adam had his last Junior Coaching class for this year on Thursday and has been very happy with the response by the children. For next year he is trying to organise a Holiday Camp in January 2021, and will continue the Junior Coaching in Term One of 2021.

Saturday, 5 December is the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions Forbes. Sunday, 6 December is a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

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

The final two rounds of the Forbes Golf Club Championships were well supported, which pleased sponsors Lachlan Commodities and Pool Magic, and produced some tight tussles among the grades.

The battle for the A-Grade Championship came down to a final day head-to-head between John and Steve Betland. While the lead had changed on each of the previous rounds, Steve took command early in the front-9, and in the end finished five shots clear on 284 from John’s 289.

The A-Reserve Champion was Kim Herbert, who started the final day four shots ahead of Tim West. Kim stayed cool to finish with 326, and a handy lead over Brian Everest on 332.

The B-Grade Champion was an easy walk for Stephen Uphill, holding a 15-shot lead over Stuart French. On the final day Jordan Brett came storming home to finish second on 347 to Stephen Uphill by 20 shots.

In the C-Grade Ben Robinson had dominated for three days, but felt the tension on the final day, being hard pressed by Damien Kennedy. Ben managed to stumble home finishing with 358 ahead of Damien’s 362.

Other Championship winners were:
• Veterans Scratch Championship: Peter Dawson (302) over Kim Herbert (326).
• A-Grade Handicap: Michael Wood (279) over Steven Betland (288).
• B-Grade Handicap: Stephen Uphill (275) over Harrison Callaghan (291 on c/b).
• C Grade Handicap: Damien Kennedy (274) over Ben Robinson (278).
• Veterans Handicap: S Uphill (275) over K Herbert (286).
• Junior Encouragement Award: Lachlan Alley.

The 2020 VW Scramble is set for Sunday, 25 October with last minute team entries accepted.
Head Pro Adam has organised a Titleist Demonstration day scheduled for Monday, 9 November. Contact Adam for more details.

Saturday, 24 October is an Individual 18-Hole Par, sponsored by Peter Dawson. If numbers allow, a Stableford Medley will be run on Sunday.

By Short Putt

The Club Championships for Men, sponsored by Lachlan Commodities and Marg Hurst, commenced on the weekend with good fields. Alongside the Championship there are daily competitions, sponsored by Pool Magic.

The Saturday Daily Competition results were quite tame. Division One was won by Tony Wallace with 69 nett, getting there on count back from Ken Sanderson. The Division Two returned similar scores with Ben Robinson on 69 nett, and closely followed by Steve Grallelis on 70 nett.

The ball sweep went to 74 nett on count bac, players need to check the Pro Shop to see if they were successful. The NTP’s went to: 9th, M Spice and 18th, J Coulthurst. The ProShop Super Pin went to Scott Kirkman.

The Sunday Daily Competition saw many hot scores returned. The Division One winner was Steve Uphill with a 64 nett, ahead of Jacob Bernardi on 66 nett. In Division Two, Brett Thomas was inspired with nett 63, with Glendon Hooper on a nett 66. The ball sweep again went to 74 nett on countback, players need to check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to 9th, D Mylecharane and 18th, T Wallace. The ProShop Super Pin went to Ben Robinson, who had a great day.

The Club Championship continues this weekend with rounds three and four and there will be a seeded draw for the top placings on Sunday.

The 2020 VW Scramble is on Sunday, 25 October, registrations can be done online or through the Pro Shop. Talk to Adam for more details.

The ASI-sponsored 2020-21 Summer Sixes competition commenced this week, with many new players signing up. Results for Week One will be available next week.

Head Pro Adam is organising Junior Coaching for the school fourth term. Contact him at the Pro Shop on 6851 1554 for more details.