On Sunday the Finals of the Central West District Mens Pennants were held at Duntryleague in Orange. Forbes was represented by our Div 1 team, who were up against a strong Dubbo team in what proved to be a tight contest.

Our Div 1 team won by 3 matches to 2, capably led by John Betland (won 4/2), with Steve Betland (1 up) and Caleb Hanrahan (4/2) also won. Peter Dawson fought hard, losing on the 18 th , while Brad Ashton did well to come back from a poor start but lost 3/1. A fantastic effort by all involved.

On Saturday the Men’s competition was a 4-person Ambrose Medley, sponsored by the Forbes Rugby Union Club. The field of 92 included club and social golfers who enjoyed beautiful conditions.

The winners were a group of new members which included Taylor Krause, A Tier, S Jarrett and O Patterson, with a winning score of 56.5 nett. Runners up were Dave Rhodes, Rob Webb, Peter Tisdell and John Kuntze (Canowindra), who managed a score of 58 nett and got there on count back.

The NTP’s were: 9 th – Men Jacob Bernardi, Ladies Deb Tilley; 18 th – Men Charlie Kaehler, Ladies Deb Tilley. The Pro Shop Super-pin, on the 3 rd green, went to Michael Jeffress (Pks) with a shot to 161 cm. The ball sweep went to 58 ¼ nett.

The Summer Sixes comp Grand Final is to be played on Sunday 24 March. The teams to contest the final are Forbes Auto, Essential Energy, Forbes Auto Pretenders and Misfits.

A Presentation Dinner will be held in the Golfie after the Grand Final on Sun 24 March, commencing at 6 pm. All players are welcome, with only guests required to pay a modest fee for the meal. By the way there are still spots available in the Forbes Rugby Union Club Golf Day being held today, Friday the 22nd of March, to raise funds for the Peter Murphy Memorial Fund. Go ahead and call the pro-shop to secure your spot on 02 6851 1554.

Contributed by Short Putt

 

Last Saturday the Mens competition was the 4BBB Stableford, sponsored by SGB Designs, with a field of 51.

Winners were Taylor Krause and Damian Noll with 45 points. They both contributed evenly to the scoring with Damian using his power to hit the greens and Taylor using his handicap to good effect. The runners-up were Kim Herbert and Stuart French (44 pts on c/b). Kim had the better part of the front-9 while Stuart was dominant on the back-9. They pipped the Rhodes/Kuntze pairing who had a few blemishes on the back-9. The winner of the individual event held in conjunction was Clayton Alley with 39 points, on count back from Niel Duncan. The NTP’s were: 9th – Oli Patterson; 18th – Kailab Tyne. The Pro Shop Super-pin, on the 3 rd green, went to Peter Grayson with a shot to 477 cm. The ball sweep went to 42 pts on count back. Check in the Pro Shop if you are keen to find out.

The commencement of the ladies 2024 Competition took the main players away from the mid-week Stableford comp. WE shall keep this option open for any other players and gauge the support for it. The Summer Sixes comp Finals series is fast approaching the Grand Final weekend.

Some teams are producing some desperate scores to be in contention. Don’t forget to put your numbers in for the Presentation Dinner to be held after the Grand Final on Sun 24 March.

Contributed by Short Putt

The February Telescope Tyres / Hankook Masters Monthly Medal was played last Saturday March 2nd, with our day sponsor being Brian Collins Smash Repairs & Parkes Caravans. There were 81 players teeing it up off the blue tees.

In the A grade, pennants ace John Green turned in the best score of the day in the scratch with his 75 just holding out last month’s winner in James Ward with a 76 and Blake Parker with a 77. John plays his best golf early in the season when he’s battled hardened from the pennant’s season and swinging it well. A 3 over round off his 7 handicap on the day, meant it was going to be difficult to beat. A typical workman like card of 13 pars, 1 birdie and 4 bogeys showed his concentration was on song. James was a bit more erratic, though effective, with 3 birdies and 4 bogeys on the front 9 and only 2 bogeys and 7 pars on the back. Blake continues to get back to his best with an opening 4 bogeys then 2 birdies and 3 bogeys for the remainder of the holes. In the net event Jack Matthews hit the days best score with a 67 of his 11 handicap, beating home James and John both with 68’s.

Jack hasn’t been on the course regularly yet this year so this will inspire him.

In B grade Troy Thomson was in for a slice of his sponsorship pie with his 88 the best score in the scratch matched by Lindsay Elliott with Wayne Tucker posting an early 89. Troy had a 46/42 split so there is still plenty of improvement there, which he will be chasing. Going down in a countback, whilst not uncommon for Lindsay, wasn’t the best way to finish the round and his 43/45 gave a hint of tiredness for the veteran. Wayne had a 46/43 split and was looking for more holes at the finish. In the net event Mick Jeffress got back in the winners list with his 71 getting Troy on a countback stopping him picking up the rare double. Mick had an opening 50 and would have been looking for the clubhouse relief at halfway but had a scintillating 41 second 9, he’s hoping that’s signs of things to come.

This month the Griffins Leading Edge putting competition was won by Lindsay Elliott with 28 putts, showing the value of his short game in trying to catch Troy. The Norman family sponsored Wally Norman Vets Medal was taken out by Robert Rea with a 69 net.

Thanks to all those who competed and supported the Pennants sides this year and stayed tuned for the tee off times so we can get to Orange and support the players in the finals.

 

Parkes golfers contested a 4 person medley Stableford on Saturday 16th December, sponsored by Jake and Tammy, the ProKonnect team and the club is very grateful for their ongoing support of golf. There was a log jam on Saturday morning as players were conscious of the heat wave we’ve been under, but it turned out mild in comparison but that did promote some hot scoring. There were 74 players in the end out on the course which was looking a treat thanks to Logan, Brenton, Hamish and Chenes and the drop of rain we’d had. 

In the team event the winning combination was Ron Hetherington, Trevor Chatman, Craig Dunn and Col Breaden on 145 points with a standout 41 points from Ron off his 11 handicap. The other 3 guys contributed well on the day to get the total out in front of the other teams. Runner up on the day was the team of Ian Hendry, Rob Cheney, David Ford and Peter Bristol only 1 point behind with all members contributing. Other well performed teams were David Stevenson, Rod Kiley, Rob Hey and Craig Matthews on 142 and Micky Thomas, Max Keith, Cam Standen and Matthew Spedding on 141. 

In the individual event Rob Hey was in scintillating form with a 43 haul off his 5 handicap. There were 4 birdies and only 2 bogeys in the round giving him a 2 under round, probably the best since the new course rating has been done off the white tees. He only just beat in Cody Hando, who no doubt will have a visit from the handicapper this week, on 42 with Ron Hetherington on 41 and Micky Thomas and Matthew Spedding on 40. 

The Nearest The Pins on Saturday were –The Idlerite 1 st by Rob Hey at 400cm, Griffins Leading Edge by Micky Thomas at 128cm, Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9 th by N.Peckham at 70cm, the Harvey Norman 11th by Jake Thompson at 165, the 17th by Rob Hey at 133cm. The lucrative money hole was won by Micky Thomas at 128cm. 

Ball winners were Cody Hando 42, Matthew Spedding, Micky Thomas 40, Phil Smith, John Dwyer, Rod Kiley, 39, Troy Thomson, Ray White 38. 

Club members will start to receive their 2024 invoices via email so if you haven’t received them or there is an error contact the ProShop in the first instance. 

Next Week is an 18 medley stableford sponsored by the Board of Directors, so an opportunity to collect their prize money. 

No one wants to cook in this heat, book a meal at Rogue at the Golfy Parkes Restaurant 0467 261 281 

Parkes golfers turned up and contested a 3 person medley Ambrose last Saturday to support Breast Awareness and the event was sponsored again by Leone Stevenson. Thanks to Leone for keeping this important health aspect front and centre for the community. 

The winners on the day were the familiar playing group of Cody Hando, Joe Van Opynen and Phil Barnard. The boys have been having some success on the bowling greens of late but proved they still have the game to succeed in this format. With a strong northerly assisting for 10 of the holes it really made it easier for the big hitters but the ambrose requires the ball in the hole so the chipping and putting skills are of equal value. Cody, Phil and Joe recorded an 8 under round to go with their 6 handicap to record a 58. Remarkably they still had to go to a countback to defeat the Smith twins, Blake and Myles with Peter Amor as the valuable 3 rd member. These boys have a bit of Bourke and Wills in their game but are always putting the pin under pressure. Next in were a bit of a surprise with Ian Phipps, Phil Smith and Peter Picker on 58.5. Whilst these boys don’t smash it out there due to DOB now, they certainly make up for that around the greens, when in sync, which they obviously were on Saturday. 

The conditions weren’t conducive to fluent play with a 40c plus day and hot drying winds blowing all day requiring plenty of fluid intake for the 87 players that ventured out. 

The Nearest The Pins on Saturday were –The Idlerite 1 st by Tom Delmenico at 109cm, Griffins Leading Edge by Ben Howard at 90cm, Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9 th by Ryan Dunford at 130cm, the Harvey Norman 11th by Myles Smith at 294, the 17th by Kaye Jones at 279cm. The lucrative money hole was won by Ben Howard at 90cm – trying hard to get some bounty before departing. 

Ball winners were Phil Smith, Ian Phipps, Peter Picker 58.5, Joe Tanswell, Aaron Drabsch, Ryan Dunfors 59, Mick Dumesny, Beau Tanswell, Shaun Bateson 59, David Stevenson, Rod Kiley, Rob Cheney 60.67, Troy Thomson, Craig Matthews, Brendon Simpson 61. 

Next Week is an 18 medley stableford sponsored by ProKonnect. 

The lady golfers had their Christmas party at the Club. Also, presentation of yearly events. Parkes caravans and Brian Collins smash Repairs consistency award, was the major prize, Thankyou very much to Troy and Jodie for their generous sponsorship. 

The ever present and consistent golfer, Cath Kelly took it out! Congratulations Cath 

The last Telescope Tyres / Hankook Masters Monthly Medal for the year was contested on Saturday, day sponsor being Kitson Manufacturing Services. Our thanks go to the Kitson team for their support of Parkes golfers and to the Telescope Tyres and Hankook Masters team for their generosity over the last 12 months. 79 players graced the fairways for a round of stroke golf and the last chance to get a major trophy for 2023. 

In A grade, Rob Hey with his round of 80 being only bettered by Jake O’Brien with a 77. Rob’s score was 2 better than James Ward and a further 2 back to Luke Clarke. Rob was 2 over his handicap, only throwing in 1 birdie on his way around. James recorded his best monthly medal score in A grade and this could set him up for a stellar ’24. In the net event James came out on top with a 73 beating Rob Rea on a countback with Rob Hey a further stroke back. 

This week we have – 18 Hole 3 Person Ambrose Members Party Day Sponsored by Leone Stevenson Breast Cancer Awareness Day – Pink Day 

Our Parkes golfers contested an 18 stableford event on Saturday 25th sponsored by local solicitor Bill Burke. There were 65 players out following the flight of the little white ball. 

The winner this week was the ever consistent Bruce Symonds, who even surprised himself with a haul of 41 points. Playing off a 23 handicap he made the best of all opportunities to easily beat his 

regular playing partners this week. He played the equivalent of 7 under his handicap on the day which was excellent golf. Next in was Matthew Littlewood, who likewise played 5 under his 18 handicap to score a solid 40 points. These 2 were followed in by Troy Thomson who is gradually working his way back toward his best golf on a 39 point day and Phil Smith again performing well 

and returning a 38 point score. 

It was unfortunate for some of the golfers but great for the kikuyu when a large downpour occurred late in the day curtailing a few rounds. 

The Nearest The Pins on Saturday were –The Idlerite 1 st by Rod Kiley at 459cm, Griffins Leading Edge by Margaret Hogan at 210cm, Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9 th by Craig Matthews at 63cm, the Harvey Norman 11th by Troy Thomson, the 17th by Brian Hogan Snr. The lucrative money hole was won by Marg Hogan at 210cm. 

Ball winners were Troy Thomson 39, Phil Smith 38, Rob Lea, Jimmy Kuntze 37, Dub Rodgers, Rob Rea, Nym Dziuba 36. 

Next Week we have the December monthly medal sponsored by Telescope Tyres / Hankook Masters with the daily sponsor being Kitson Manufacturing Services. 

In the A grade scratch our 2 premier young golfers kicked off the event in great style with Jack Elliott carding a 2 over par 74 to be chased in by Aaron Wilkie with a 75. Jack got out early in the morning and put the target there for the rest of the field to fire at. With a strong northerly blowing the big hitters in the club made short work of the down wind holes. Aaron hit off mid morning and came in with a 75 and playing partner and longtime contender Riall Harrison hit a solid 77. The other major finishers were Wayne Parker with a sterling 80 and Charlie Kaehler, Stephen Riley and Michael Thomas all carding 82’s. In the net Peter Bristol was the surprise leader with a 69, followed in by the guns in Jack Elliott, Riall Harrison and Michael Thomas. 

Round 2 was contested on Sunday with the temperatures down and the prevailing wind from the west and occasionally south west, this gave all the indications of the scoring heating up. 

In the A grade scratch event Jack Elliott continued his march forward with another excellent 75 but the chasers had changed with Michael Dumesny and Anthony Riach to the fore with a 76, 77 respectively. Wayne Parker and Aaron Wilkie were next best on 80. In the net event Anthony won the day with his 70 on a countback from Wayne Powter. So this leaves Jack 5 strokes in front of Aaron going into the last 2 rounds and whilst not insurmountable it will take all of Aaron’s skills to bridge the gap. 

On Saturday the Nutrien 4BBB annual event was run and again thanks to one of our long term sponsors. There were 62 starters for this team’s event where the best score on the hole is totalled for the team. There was also an Individual event held in conjunction.

The winning combination were David Ford and Jake O’Brien who compiled a tidy 49 points. They combined well, with David pulling in 39 points and Jake 38 points. In the ladies event the pairing of Cath Kelly and Patsy Christie reigned supreme on the day, compiling 44 points.

In the Individual stakes, Max Keith on 42 points just got home in front of Wayne Tucker with 41 points and John Dwyer piling on the points for a 40. With the new track settling in, the fear is starting to dissipate, and golfers are coming to grips with it. Jake O’Brien shot a three over and Anthony Riach, Aaron, Wilkie and Max Keith all shot four overs.

The Nearest The Pins on Saturday were –The Idlerite 1st by Colleen Staples at 320cm, the Harvey Norman 11th by Chris Goodie at 320cm, the Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9th by Myles Smith at 190cm, the Harvey Norman 11th by Rod Kiley at 130 cm and the 18th by Col Breaden at 548cm. The lucrative 11th hole was won by Chris Goodie at 320cm this week.

Ball winners were Wayne Tucker 41, John Dwyer 40, Anthony Riach, John Pearce, Tom Delmenico 39, Ken Keith, Finne Latu 38, Jimmy Kuntze, Ron Hetherington 37. Captain Cath once again pummeled President David with the scores at 157 to 131

This week is the October Monthly Medal proudly presented by Telescope Tyres and Batteries / Hankook Masters with the daily sponsor being Peter Woods and Associates.