By Short Putt

On Saturday the Mens competition was an Individual Par event, with participants eager to use the sparkling weather to enhance their game. The field of 61 did produce some scintillating scores.

This event, sponsored by Everest Auto Repairs, seems to not reward brilliant scoring on individual holes but instead provide spoils to a consistently good approach. Ultimately it was a ‘Double D’ show for the eventual winners.

The Div-1 was won by Niel Duncan with a scintillating performance. He got off to a good start with a couple of ‘pluses’ and held his good form to turn at 3-under. He had a mediocre start to the back-9 but played very well through to the finish ultimately end on +5.

The runner-up was Alf Davies started badly and then struggled to get back into form. His front-9 was not pleasant but at the same time not disastrous. However he found good form on the back-9 and ‘sailed’ home with a final score of +2.

The Div-2 was also won by a ‘D’. This time it was Matty Duke, playing alongside Dad Phil and brother Timmy. His round had only one blemish on it, that being a ‘miss’ on the 15th hole, but otherwise it was steady stuff to produce a final score of +4.

Runner-up there was Rob Webb, who was not distracted by the traffic noise as he made his tee shot on the 2nd. His was a roller coaster ride with a good start, then a drop down, followed by a climb up and a faltering finish. However, his +2 was a fair result for the day.

The NTP’s had early shots that scared others away, or most of the field had trouble finding the green. The sharp shooters were: 9th – Brad Ashton, 18th – Todd Callaghan. Both of them converted for 2’s. Of the ten 2’s scored, only two fell to the Div-2 players. Todd Callaghan narrowly missed his ‘2’ on the 1st hole, which would have given him a clean sweep on all the par-3’s.

The Super Pin, now comfortably on the 3rd hole, was won by Ben Robinson whose shot finished 215 cm away. It did not yield a ‘2’ but was good enough to grab the winnings and compensate for what was to come.

The sharp shooter events can have quite devastating results. Jacob Reid, playing in the penultimate group, was assured he had nabbed the NTP on the 18th, especially with only one group to follow. However, it was not to be so as Todd usurped him with a glorious shot.

The 9th hole was just reward for Brad Ashton, who has come close so many times before, only to be beaten by a another shot later in the field. This time he was not to be out done, putting his mark on the card very early.

Frank Hanns had a very good day, without his usual group. Playing alongside the Duke family he was inspired to produce good shots. His best of the day was on the 18th where he managed a ‘2’, but then Timmy Duke also did the same. They both earned a ‘plus’ and would have also scored a 4-pointer in Stableford each. But it was not to be this week.

Peter Grayson was emulating a great player in Gary Player by wearing an ‘all black’ outfit. He did all right too, scoring a +2, and using stealth tactics to compile his score.

A past Forbes member enjoyed his game but found it tough. Ethan Gaffney was back visiting family and got a few games in. Unfortunately his golf has improved so much that his handicap of ‘2’ gives him no leeway and he had to settle with a minus-1.

The score of minus-1 was quite popular, with Head Pro Will scoring that alongside other notables with Andrew Grierson and Scott Kirkman among them. Will did very well, when you take into consideration the ankle injury he is carrying, which makes it difficult to transfer weight. Some say the problem is Gout, but I am yet to hear the official prognosis.

There was no Stableford Medley on Sunday.

Here is the news:

It is pleasing to see the 3rd and 14th greens back in action. Players are reminded to repair their pitch marks, especially on all greens but most importantly on these two so they can recover quickly.

Head Pro Will is away for a couple of weeks, so save up your tales of woe to regale him upon his return. With a bit of luck the Japanese hospitality will heal his ankle.

Nominations are now open for the 2024-25 Summer Sixes Comp. Pick up a Nomination Form from the Pro Shop, and also get a copy of the ‘Summer Sixes Rules of Play’ as they do differ from the regular golf rules.

The competitive rounds will commence in late October, after the Club Champs. But Non-regular players are encouraged to get some games in before that so they can get a realistic handicap and not suffer any huge swings up or down.

It is crystal ball time:

This Saturday, 28 September, is the October Monthly Medal, sponsored by Forbes Concrete. This is played late in September because the normal 1st weekend of the month falls on the Long Weekend, when many will be partaking of family travels.

Sunday has the Stableford Medley for those that want an extra game.