MEN'S GOLF
By SHORT PUTT
The weekend brought fantastic weather on one day and indifferent weather on the next but the Forbes golfers still prevailed to produce good scores in the Forbes GC Individual Championships.
After two days some hopes of a trophy were raised while other players seemingly lost their way.
The championships, sponsored by Lachlan Commodities, are contested over four rounds on two consecutive weekends. This is a commitment by the players which saw the field size on Saturday at 77, and good support on Sunday’s field of 66 players. Scores for individual players bounced around over the first two days.
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After two rounds the leaders in each Grade have a bit of a margin but one slip up next week could see a trophy go begging. Current leaders are:
A-Grade Scratch: J Betland (141), S Betland (145), C Hanrahan (148).
A-Reserve Scratch: Archie Quirk (159), B Robinson (166).
B-Grade Scratch: P Kay (170), S Uphill (173), M Roylance (174).
C-Grade Scratch: L Fraser (187), M Prior (188), H Carlisle (189).
Junior Scratch: A Quirk (159), R Murray (161), L Fraser (187).
The Handicap results show some variable contests with close scores and wider gaps. But anything can happen so at present J Betland (A-Grade), B Parker (B-Grade), L Alley (C-Grade) and A Quirke (Juniors) can feel good.
On each day there was a daily comp played, sponsored by Green Microbes. The winners on the first days threw up some surprises, but next weekend could change things entirely for some individuals.
The Day 1 results are:
Div-1: Winner – Archie Quirk (66 nett), Runner-up Ben Robinson (68 nett).
Div-2: Winner – Lachlan Alley (68 nett on count back), Runner-up Dale Page (68 nett).
The NTPs went to: 9th – C McMillan; 18th – Archie Quirk. Only Cam converted for a ‘2’. There were eight 2’s with most being scored on the 3rd and 9th thanks to their generous pin placings. John Betland managed a ‘2’ on the 1st, while Andrew Dukes grabbed one on the 3rd.
The Super Pin was won by John Betland whose shot finished 106 cm away. And he easily made his ‘2’. Unlucky to miss out was Deb Tilley whose shot was equally impressive but just outside.
The ball sweep went to 73 nett, going to: 69 – S Williams; 70 – A Moon; 71 – D Mylecharane, K Herbert, J Betland, B Parker, J Cutler; 72 – H Carlisle, P Barnes, S Uphill, L Flakelar, A Alley, D Earl, P Pymont, A Ruperto, B Woonton, A Boshoff, P Kay; 73 – L Fraser, P Cowhan. There were no visitors in the field.
With the course in good nick and the greens running well good scores were expected. Bonuses on the day were a couple of ‘eagles’. One of these was made by John Betland on the 15th, with two casual shots leading to an easy putt. Another was made by Steve Betland also on the 15th. What an easy hole this is! Fons Melisi would not agree having scored a ‘10’ on that hole.
At the other end of the spectrum the 7th hole gobbled up a few players. Two such victims were Harry Callaghan and Troy Howe who both managed to record 11’s on that hole. This seemingly put paid to their championship hopes.
The Sunday scores matched the Saturday scores, with very few seemingly affected by the rain that came in much sooner than expected. For those caught in the rain at the end of the field it was a case of sheer determination to score well regardless.
The Day 2 comp winners were:
Div-1: Winner Jade Page (65 net), Runner-up Archie Quirk (72 nett).
Div-2: Winner Andrew Moon (65 nett), Runner-up Barry Parker (68 nett).
The NTPs went to: 9th – Jake Hemming, 18th – Barry Parker, neither of whom converted. There wasn’t much contest on either hole.
Of the six 2’s scored most went to the Div-2 players with the 3rd and 9th featuring. A fine ‘2’ was scored by Charles Dwyer on the 1st, with a ‘bookend’ ‘2’ scored on the 18th by Matt Walton who sunk a long putt from the back of the green.
The Super pin on the 3rd was snaffled by Sam Williams, with his shot finishing ‘a little ways off’ at 356 cm. And yes, he did convert for a ‘2’. His shot was not contested all day despite being in one of the early groups out.
A common approach to the 15th green seems to be from the 10th fairway. Many players either try to thread their second shot through the trees or lay up before the water to have a safer shot. There are not too many successes either way, the least of which is to then plop your ball into the water after a layup as Jeff House did.
Some players went backwards in the Championship race on the second day of play and others improved. Steve Rogers was pleased to improve by 12 shots on the second day while Jade Page improved by nine shots.
Paul Kay emulated Peter Barnes in 2024 by shooting the same score on both days. Paul shot 85’s while Peter shot 78’s back then but both remained in contention. Also pleasing to see a resurgence by Barry Parker. Remember ‘old dogs’ and all that.
Here is the news:
The 2025-26 Summer Sixes comp commences next Mon 20 October. It is pleasing to see some Non-handicapped players already playing rounds for handicapping purposes.
A reminder to all players that team memberships need to be in by the end of the week. This is to enable a draw to be arranged and hopefully with very little change required.
Players are encouraged to pick up a copy of the ‘Summer Sixes Competition Rules’ from the Pro Shop and read them so that they can play correctly on the course. Good luck to all.
And a reminder that the Mixed Foursomes Championships has been moved from Sun 26 Oct to Sun 2 Nov. As always choose your partner well.
The Forbes Nissan Classic is fast approaching, scheduled for 8 and 9 November. Check in the Pro Shop for the location of the time sheet.
It is crystal ball time:
This Saturday, 18 October, is the 3rd round of the Club Individual Championships, sponsored by Lachlan Commodities, with the Final round to be played on Sun 19 Oct.
There will not be a Stableford Medley on the Sunday.
VETS GOLF
Parkes veteran golfers answered the twin town challenge last Thursday soaring to new heights with all major awards including the shield challenge where the best six scores from each club are taking into the count.
Each club was represented by 14 players where Parkes posted 226 points to Forbes’ 219.
In the individual scoring Parkes stole the show with former mayor Ken Keith edging out the much travelled Nym Dziuba on a count-back after posted rounds of 40 points.
Forbes did have representation with Frances Hanns taking the encouragement award while sharing honours in nearest the pins. At the 4th A grade Don McKeowen (F), B grade Gordon Pritchard (P), 11th A grade Barry Shine, B grade John Fowler (P).
Ball sweep to 36 points, an indication to the high quality scoring. 39 points Warwick Judge and Peter Barnes (both Forbes), 38 Gordon Pritchard (P), 36 John Pearce, Rob Staples (P) and Ted Morgan (F).
Players will be hoping they carry last weeks form to Condobolin on Thursday where the monthly Lachlan Valley Association competition will be contested in conjunction with the LVA Championships.
Nominations no later then 9.30am for a 10am shot gun start.
So there is no confusion as to play times for the weekly Forbes/Parkes competition a ‘show of hands’ was called again last week after play where it was once again supported that all competitions will now be nominations from 9am for a 9.30am shot gun start at both clubs.
These times will carry on for the whole year, winter and summer.
Last Tuesday proved one of the best supported for some time with 18 starters playing the social 12 hole comp where the BG scribe reported the accountant Peter Scholefield had the figures right winning with 28 points.
Closely behind were Warwick Judge showing the holiday break beneficial next best on 27 points followed by Barry Shine 26 and Trevor Drury 25.
It appears all is appreciated playing 12 holes for a comp fee of only $3 in perfect weather complemented by extremely friendly company.
More so after for coffee where troubles locally and of the world are solved … supposedly. But there is catch, while solved a dozen more are created. You re invited to be part of Tuesday golf , ball toss at 9am. A hint, don’t be late.
Forbes president Peter Barnes said the club will be holding their AGM on Thursday November 6 and while few changes are expected he is seeking good support from all members.
One area that will see a change is a new captain with Jeff Haley steeping down after an extended period of holding most executive positions on all veteran golfing boards. His contribution to vets golf is beyond belief, creditable, on time and expertly accurate.
“With new nominations times anyone who feels they would like to help out any day doing starter duties are most welcome. It’s not hard just arriving a bit earlier then usual. Welcome to give it a go,” Peter said.
