Stephen Uphill prepares for his tee shot.

The Men’s competition on Saturday was an 18-Hole Stroke event, sponsored by Steele Technology, in which John Ridley defied the conditions and blasted his way to a low score, unlike most of the 66 players.

The Division 1 was won by Nick Greenhalgh, with 75 nett, but only by count back from Mike Spice. Nick’s par on the 18th was the clincher. The Division 2 was emphatically led by John Ridley with his 67 nett score. Runner-up was Troy Howe on 74 nett, which was more representative of most of the scores.

The ball sweep went to 78 nett on count back; 75 – A Rees, N Ryan, L Whitfield; 76 – A Dukes, D Bayley, T Callaghan, G Drane, J Bernardi; 77 – S Uphill, B Slack-Smith, T Griffiths, J Cutler; 78 – A Cole, D Churchill, K Herbert, T Morgan, J Haley, J Dobell.

The NTP’s went to; 9th – T Howe; 18th – D Bayley, with Peter Dawson nabbing the third hole ‘Super Pin’ prize. Visitor Steven Thomas had a rusty start but soon warmed up to enjoy his game.

Sunday’s weather was not very inviting, affecting the Sunday Medley field. The winner on count back was Rob Webb with 31 points from Ethel Coombs.

Plans are underway for the VW Scramble, to be held on 25 October, focusing on local attendees.

All players are reminded that they are not to scan their own cards, but instead leave them in the Pro Shop or give them to a designated person. This procedure is a result of the recent COVID inspection. Remember we still need to socially distance in the Golfie and at outside places.

The weekend had a Men’s Stableford on Saturday and the Mixed Foursomes Championship on Sunday, where John Betland achieved success in both.

In the Saturday Men’s 18-Hole Stableford, sponsored by Gunns Traffic Control, there were 76 starters with only 72 finishing.

The Division 1 winner was Kim Herbert with 38 points, very nicely ahead of runnerup Peter Dawson on 34 points. Both players managed a few birdies in the heavy conditions. The Division 2 winner was Liam Whitfield with the day’s best score of 39 points, closely followed by Jeff Haley on 37 points, on count back.

The ball sweep went to 32 points on count back; 37, L De Bock; 34, P Dawson, N Ryan, A Currey, T Morgan, D Churchill, B Chandler, A Dukes; 33, M Simmonds, D Bernardi, P Grayson, D Earl, T Callaghan, B Slack-Smith; 32, M Duff, L O’Connor, R Smith, D Bayley, B Doyle, S Uphill, J Cutler and A Grogan.

The NTP’s went to 9th D Mylecharane; 18th Betland, with Andy Dukes taking the ‘Super Pin’ prize. Visitors were Lex de Brock from Gosford and Rowan Fessey from Kogorah.

The Mixed Foursomes Championship was played on Sunday. Among the 19 pairs who contested the Championship were a few new pairings in the field, some of whom were surprising performers.

After the opening 18-holes, the Scratch leaders by two shots were John Betland and Nicole Death, while Pete and Lindy Cowhan led the Handicap event by a narrow margin of one stroke.

The Scratch Champions, and winners of the Les Forbes Trophy, were John Betland and Nicole Death on a score of 125. Runners-up were Barry Shine and Heather Davidson with a score of 132.

The Handicap Champions, and winners of the Treanor Memorial Trophy, were John Betland and Nicole Death with a score of 106.25 nett. Runners-up were Pete and Lindy Cowhan with a nett 109.25.

The ball sweep went to 115.75 nett, going to 111.5, Sallaway/Rebelato; 112.5, S and E Uphill; 113.25, Shine/Davidson; 115.25, Griffiths/Fletcher; 115.75, Taylor/Lyell.

All players are advised that due to COVID-19 restrictions in the Golfie Hotel, the scanning of score cards will be done by a designated member and not by individual players. It is important therefore that your score cards are completed correctly.

Keep in touch on Facebook forbesgolfcourse, Instagram forbesgolf2871, or the website www.forbesgolf.org.au.

Adam Demidjuk introducing Peter Barnes to a new range of golf shoes.

Adam Demidjuk is looking forward to working with the Forbes community after his recent appointed role as FGA Resident Golf Professional.

“Even at this early stage I have noted Forbes is a friendly community and I am thrilled to be part of it,” Adam said. While Forbes is the first full time appointment as a resident professional for the 32-year-old, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge to the position.

Since starting his traineeship at Long Reef Golf Club, Adam has attended appointments at Bayview and Kareela Golf Clubs as Assistant and Teaching Club Professional.

“While I believe it has been quite busy here on the course in recent months, I want to see golf continue to improve in playing numbers and become a major part of the sporting community.”

“I have learnt early that Forbes has some very talented players and I would like to give new golfers and learners an experience they will never forget.” Adam said.

Adam feels Forbes has a terrific course, having played two rounds since arriving, his first two over par 74, while he improved by six in his most recent outing two weeks ago. “I’ve heard plenty about the form of some of the A graders here, I’m looking forward to getting out on the course with them, and members in all grades,” Adam said.

Last Saturday the Frances family sponsored a Four-Ball Best Ball Stableford which attracted 51 players, far down from previous weeks due undoubtedly to weather conditions with parts of the course under water.

Troy Howe, handicap 19 and Charlie Dwyer, 8 have been regular players in recent months proving they were more than comfortable in the muddy, wet conditions with a score of 42 points.

Tomorrow, Saturday, 15 August will be a Stableford sponsored by Gunn’s Traffic Control while on Sunday the 27-hole Mixed Foursomes Championships is scheduled.

On Saturday the wet conditions and many cancellations caused the scheduled Kristie Carpenter Memorial Trophy to be changed to an Individual Stableford Medley format. On the day, 45 Ladies and Men took to the field but only 19 players completed their round.

The Ladies Winner was Rose Carroll with 33 points, who played well, finishing ahead of Runner-up Sally Perry on 26 points. They both gamely toiled to the very end.

The Men’s Division 1 winner was Marty Woods from Parkes with 37 points, finishing ahead on count back from Neil McMil- lan, also on 37. They both enjoyed good weather early on. The Men’s Division 2 was won by Nick Ryan with 35 points. He was well ahead of Runner-up Liam Whitfield on 32 points.

The ball sweep went to 25 points: 34 – A Alley; 33 – C Dwyer, D Bayley, A Wallace; A Cole; 31 – S Flynn, J Bernardi, J Boyle; 29 – T Howe; 28 – M Spice, B Robinson; 25 – A Dukes. The NTP’s went to: 9th – Ladies: S Perry, Men: R Scott; 18th – Ladies: nil, Men: T Wallace.

The visitors included Marty Woods from Parkes, Simon Flynn from Mudgee, and Barry Hazell from Hervey Bay. It was very wet all day with water affecting putting on the greens, and sodden score cards which needed to dry before being scanned.

It was too wet to play the Sunday Stableford Medley. There were a few walking social golfers, but conditions were still remarkably difficult.

The health restrictions are affecting the organisation of Opens scheduled at other Clubs around the District. The Temora Open on 8-9 August has been cancelled, while the Trundle Open on 8-9 August and the Cowra Open on 8-9 August are still going ahead. The Condobolin Open is scheduled for 29- 30 August and will be played under COV- ID-19 restrictions.

Golfers are being reminded that they still need to practice social distancing, both in the ‘Golfie’ and also around the Pro Shop, as well as the 1st tee area where a maximum of 20 people are allowed to gather.

The Men’s competition on Saturday, 1 August is the Monthly Medal Individual Stroke play, sponsored by Bernardi’s Marketplace. Sunday, 2 August has a Stableford Medley.

Keep in touch on our Facebook page forbesgolfcourse, Instagram forbesgolf2871, and our website www.forbesgolf.org.au.

Head Pro Adam Demidjuk stumped by a difficult lie during his game.

Saturday’s event was the ‘Merv Hawke’ Cup, a 4BBB Stableford Medley event, sponsored by the Hawke Family, and contested by a field of 112 players.

The winners, on count back, were Todd Callaghan and son Harrison with a score of 44 points. The unlucky runners-up were Lynette Kennedy and Rose Carrol, whose 44 points saw a big contribution by Rose who played well below her handicap.

The ball sweep went to 39 points on count back: 43 C Hurford/J Brett and N and C Duncan; 42 A Hogan/L Whitfield, B Robinson/B Hodges and John and Sam Ridley; 41 J Ridley/D Scott, N Death/E Baker, J Hurkett/T Toole and D Mylecharane/P Duke; 40 C Barrett/A Rees, K Sly/K Walton, V Lane/C Venables and T Griffiths/P Kay; 39 S McAlister/C Alley and S Thomas/T Cogswell.

The NTP’s went to 9th Ladies, J Fletcher and Men, T Callaghan; 18th Ladies, J Hurkett, Men, J Bernardi. The 2’s were scarce. Visitors included Peter Mawhinney from Grenfell, Rowan Fessey from Kogarah, Jan and John Hurley from Pacific Dunes, Jack Downes from Moree, Peter Ryan from Killara, Steve and Ros Fuller from Wentworth, and Brad Hazell from Hervey Bay.

On the course was our new Head Pro, Adam Demidjuk. He enjoyed the company of his group, commenting that he was thrilled with the course, finding some challenges along the way.

The Sunday Stableford Medley field was again very low. The eventual winner was Ethel Coombs with 31 points. With improving weather more players should be able to take advantage of the reduced competition fee for the Sunday Medley.

Head Pro Adam will be back to start in the Pro Shop on 3 August. Make sure you catch up with him from then on and welcome him to Forbes.

The Wallace Cup draw is on the Pro Shop noticeboard, so get your game organised to ensure we keep ahead of the deadlines.

The Trundle Open on 8, and 9 August will be played under strict COVID-19 rules, so pre-registration is important. The Temora Open is on the same weekend.Remember, we still need to practice social distancing, even in the ‘Golfie’.

Saturday, 25 July is an Individual Stableford Medley, sponsored by T Griffiths and V Rebellato. There are prizes for Ladies and Men, with an overall winner for the Kristie Carpenter Memorial Trophy. Sunday, 26 July has a Stableford Medley.

Keep in touch on our Facebook page forbesgolfcourse, and our website www.forbesgolf.org.au

By Short Putt

Alby Callaghan, with Ian Bown, happily approaches his 85th birthday.

On Saturday, the Men played a two person Ambrose, sponsored by Brine Cure, in which 39 pairs participated despite the rain. A notable event on the day was the hole-in-one scored by George Falvey on the 3rd hole. George said it was not a good shot, so he was amazed to see it disappear into the hole.

The Scratch winners were John Betland and Todd Callaghan with 64 gross. They had a string of birdies in the front-9 which helped immensely. The Scratch runners-up were Peter Dawson and Mark Collits on 66 gross. They had the same as the winners on the front-9 but could not find the touch on the back-9.

The Handicap winners were Troy Howe and Charlie Dwyer who scored a nett 62 in difficult conditions. The Handicap runners-up were J Betland and T Callaghan, who played well enough to reduce their scratch score to 63.5.

The NTP’s went to 9th C Dwyer and 18th B Slack-Smith, both of whom got their 2’s. There were a couple of visitors, including James Grierson who is killing time until the Australian PGA re-starts.

Alby Callaghan enjoyed his game, moreso as he approaches his 85th birthday on 14 July. Congratulations Alby.

The Sunday Stableford Medley field was very low. The eventual winner was Adam Deane from Toukley on the Gold Coast with 37 points.

There will be programme changes for this weekend and for Thursday, 16 August, when the 27-Hole Mixed Foursomes is scheduled.

The Wallace Cup draw is on the Pro Shop noticeboard, so please check there for the details. It is up to the contestants to organise their match. Players still need to practice social distancing, even in the ‘Golfie’.

Saturday, 18 July is a 4BBB Stableford Medley, sponsored by the Hawke Family.

By Short Putt

Garry Collits wrapped up against the cold conditions.

On Saturday, the Men’s competition was the July Monthly Medal, sponsored by Walkers Ag-n-Vet, and contested by a field of 65 shivering players.

The A-Grade saw an in-form John Bet- land with a nett 72, beaten into runner-up by winner Brian Everest with a 71 nett. Ethan Gaffney with a nett 72 played well but missed out on count back.

The B-Grade winner was Jeff Haley with 70 nett, but he needed a count back to relegate Dave Earl into runner-up. The C-Grade was more clear-cut, with Mark Simmonds the Winner on 67 nett, followed by Brian Clarke as runner-up on 69 nett.

Last Saturday we farewelled Head Pro Ben Gear and his partner Som. Both Ben and Som have achieved a lot while among the Forbes golf community. We wish them well in their new life in Cairns.

President Andrew McDonald is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Head Professional, Adam Demidjuk who will commence duties as Head Pro on 3 August. Pop in during that week to welcome him to Forbes.

Programme changes: Saturday, 11 July – Men play a 2-P Ambrose, with a Par event for the Ladies, while Saturday, 18 July sees the 4BBB Stableford Medley for the Hawke Cup.

Players are advised that in the short-term refreshments will be available from the Halfway House. Remember, social distancing must still be practiced, even in the ‘Golfie’. Keep in touch on the website, www.forbesgolf.org.au, or the Facebook page forbesgolfcourse, and on Instagram forbesgolf2871.

By Short Putt

Head Pro Ben Gear and partner Sudarat Ok-oon were farewelled last Saturday.

Ken Sanderson displaying fine form in Saturday’s Round 1 of the Foursomes Champs.

Last weekend the men played the Foursomes Championship, sponsored by AAA Septic Services, over 36-holes on two days of the weekend. Numbers on each day were good throughout.

The results on day one saw the Scratch led by John Betland and Andrew Dukes on 78, Peter Dawson and Dan Bayley back on 83. The Handicap was led by Hamish Steele-Park and Tony Cogswell on 66.5 nett, ahead of Randall Grayson and Tony Wallace on 71 nett.

The day one ball sweep went to 75.5 nett: 71 – R Grayson/T Wallace; 73.5 – B Slack- Smith/A McDonald, T Morgan/ J Ridley, K Sanderson/S Grallelis; 74 – M Simmonds/L Whitfield; 74.5 – G Falvey/D Kennedy, R Morris/S Kirkman; 75 – A Hogan/B Coles; 75.5 L O’Connor/N McMillan, N Ryan/A Grogan. The NTP’s went to: 9th – John Zannes, 18th – Hamish Steele-Park.

The day two ball sweep went to 74 nett: 70.5 – T Morgan/ J Ridley; 72 – West/S Betland, Whitfield/Simmonds; 73 – French/ Herbert, C Dwyer/ T Howe; 74 – J Betland/A Dukes. The NTP’s went to: 9th – N McMil- lan; 18th – C Hurford.

The day one nett prize winners were Hamish Steele-Park and Tony Cogswell on 66.5 nett. The day two nett prize winners were Falvey and Kenendy on 68.5 nett.

The overall results and Championship winners:
• Scratch Champions – J Betland/A Dukes 154, from Runners-up T West/S Betland on 165 on count back.
• Handicap Champions – G Falvey/D Kennedy with 143 nett, on count back from H Steele-Park/T Cogswell on 143.

Do not forget the farewell to Ben Gear and Som, scheduled for 4 July, immediately following the Men’s competition presentation. Please provide donations for a gift to Ladies’ Captain Heather Davidson or Men’s Captain Steve Grallelis.