The splendor that is Parkes Golf Course.

There were 74 players at the PGC on Saturday to play a two ball stableford multiplier with an Individual in conjunction, sponsored by Signs by Greg. Greg is a long-term supporter of golf in Parkes and we thank him for his continued support. It was also the all-important final round of the Handiskins for 2023.

Winners in the pair event, Tim Baker and Garry Paddison, returned a good score of 61 points. Followed in by Richard Hamilton and John Fowler. Mick Smith and Wayne Powter and Jake Thompson and Toby Tanks also fared well in the teams event.

In the Individual stakes Jack Elliott with 69 off the stick returning 39 points and being the clear winner. Garry Paddison was next in with a 37 haul. The next four in on 35, being Nym Dziuba, Jake Thompson, Simon Hogan and Joe Van Opynen.

Six ladies played, with Margaret Hogan’s 30 points being best on the day.

In the Handiskins event, Garry Paddison won with 37 points, edging his way into the final with Jake Thompson, Matthew Knighton, David Stevenson. These players will play off for an $800 pot of club vouchers later in the year and it will be very competitive with past events showing a slight edge to the longer handicappers.

The Nearest The Pins on Saturday were The Idlerite 1st by David Ford at 589cm, the Harvey Norman 11th by Ian Phipps at 400cm and the 18th by Lindsay Elliott at 33cm. The 11th hole was won by Ian Phipps at 400cm this week.

Ball winners were Jake Thompson, Nym Dziuba, Simon Hogan Joe Van Opynen 35, Michael Thomas, Peter Bristol, Charlie Kaehler, James Ward 34, Philip Smith, Mick Smith, Mick Jeffress, Phil Bishop and John Fowler 33.

Captain Cath, overwhelmed President David 172 to 157 this week.

Stuart French starts his round in chilly weather.

Last Saturday, Forbes golfers played a 4BBB Stableford event, seeking to win the Hawke Trophy. The field comprised 65 men and 12 ladies, who enjoyed a day of sunshine after the fog subsided.

Forbes players are needed for the Lachlan Valley DGA event being held at Bogan Gate, Sunday 30th July. In a change of format this will now be a 2-Person Ambrose. Contact Beryl Roberts 0435 585 460 to see if you can make a late entry.

Do not forget the Taylor-Made Equipment day on Tuesday 22nd August. Contact Head Pro Will if you want to book in.

By Short Putt

Kim Herbert in full practice mode before his game.

Last Saturday’s golf competition was a 2-Person Ambrose Medley, sponsored byHassall Trading P/L. The field comprised of76 in all, including two juniors. They all enjoyed the sunshine and gentle breeze whichcontributed to the feeling of satisfaction.

The Scratch winners were a duo of plus handicappers with a team handicap of -1.25. Head Pro Will Gunn teamed up with Caleb Hanrahan to score a 65 scratch, set up by a 31 front-9 and helped by a 34 back-9. Runners-up were Jacob Bernardi and Josh Coulthurst with 68, on count back. They had even halves of 34.

The Handicap winners were Alf Davies and Phil Duke with a nett 61 ¾ off a 3 ¼ handicap. Their performance was as impressive as the Scratch winners, helped by a small handicap. Runners-up were Nick Ryan and Jack Dobell with 62 ½ nett. They also had split 9’s of 34 but also had a favourable handicap.

The NTP’s went to: 9 th – Men: S Sallaway, Ladies: E Uphill; 18 th – Men: T Toole, Ladies J Fletcher. The Pro Shop Super-pin went to Jordan Brett with a shot to 1.03 metres, halving the shot by Niel Duncan. The ball sweep went to 68 ¾ nett, so check in the Pro Shop. There were no visitors.

Players are reminded of the Lachlan Valley DGA event being held at Bogan Gate on Sunday 30th July. In a change of format this will now be a 2-Person Ambrose. Nomination forms are on the Pro Shop Notice Board.

Head Pro Will has organised a Taylor-Made Equipment day on Tuesday 22nd August so see him if you want to book in.

This weekend we have a 4BBB Stableford Medley, vying for the Hawke Trophy, come along and enjoy.

By Short Putt

Saturday 15th July saw 78 willing participants tee it up for the Michael Thomas and Max Keith sponsored day.

These two young prominent golfers are regular sponsors at the club and there are strong fields always about to take their trophies off them – thanks again Michael and Max. It was an 18 hole stableford event and it also doubled as the vital round 4 of Handiskins.

Making his way back onto the fairways was junior Simon Hogan who amazes with his ability to stay away from the handicapper. Simon is regularly shooting rounds of 40, as he did on Saturday, but maintaining a generous handicap. Runner up this week was another young player in Jimmy Kuntze who amassed 39 points on the day.

One of the older brigade John Pearce got in early and posted a solid 36 points and was hoping that would hold for the afternoon, but the young guns managed to run that down and then some. 

In the Handiskins event David Stevenson managed to keep his form in tack and took out the important round 4 which also saw him jump to the lead on 110, with Matthew Knighton and Frankie Cock back on 103 and Melissa Matthews just in the 4 on 102. With one round to go before the $800 final there are still a handful that could force their way in with a better round in the final round including an Australian Handiskins winner in Ian Phipps.

Only six ladies contested the day with Anita Medcalf and Colleen Staples coming in with 32 point hauls.

The Nearest The Pins on Saturday were: the Idlerite 1st by Simon Hogan at 207cm, the Harvey Norman 11th by John Green at 68cm and the 18th by Michael Thomas at 117cm. The lucrative 11th hole was won by John Green at 68cm this week.

Ball winners were John Pearce 36, Duncan Constable, Philip Smith, John Fowler, Rob Lea 35, Ken Keith 34, Mark Kelly, Wayne Powter, James Ward, John Green, Rod Luyt, Mathew Spedding and Wayne Parker 33.

Captain Cath, whilst not in attendance, beat home President David 156-155 in a tight run affair in the weekly challenge.

This coming Saturday is a 2B Multiplier Medley sponsored by Signs by Greg plus the 5th final round game in the 2023 Handiskins competition.