VETS GOLF
Locals dominated the Lachlan Valley Veterans Golf Championship at West Wyalong last week wining the scratch events in all three grades.
Heading the West Wyalong trifecta was A grader Ben McCormack who shot a five over par 77 to win by three strokes from Condobolin's Brad Hurley.
On a day where the blustery conditions proved testing for the 60 starters Anthony Archibald also known as the "Ungarie Butcher" just got home in B grade with an 82 off the stick one stroke clear from Forbes' Greg Webb who was on song with his drives all day.
Craig "Snapper" Widows completed the scratch trifecta for the locals winning C grade with a tidy 89 off the stick for a one stroke win over Michael Hanlon from Condo.
In the handicap events Steve Uphill from Forbes won A grade with a nett 72, two clear of Warwick Steel from West Wyalong. Trevor Tulloch (WW) returned the best nett score of the day with a 69 ahead of Condo's "Gutch" Taylor on 71 in B grade, while former Kiwi legend John Fowler flew the flag for Parkes with his 72 nett wining C grade by a stroke from John Lewis of West Wyalong.
In the stableford section Ben McCormick completed the double in A grade winning on a count-back from Brad Hurley. Both had 36 points. B grade was also a thriller with Forbes' Peter Barnes (38 points) the winner over Parkes' Dale Stait (37). C grade went to a count-back with the West Wyalong pair of Alex Maitland and Tony Glasgow scoring 34 points with Alex getting the decision.
The West Wyalong players completed a successful day when they won the teams points score (best three scores) with 113 points, followed by Condo and Forbes in second on 111, Parkes 107 and Grenfell 84.
Nearest-to-pin winners were: A grade - Ben McCormack third hole and Col Clarke (WW) 14th hole. B grade - Gordon Richards (WW) third hole and Peter Mawhinney (Grenfell) 11th hole.
The ball sweep went to 34 points and ball winners from Parkes and Forbes were: Parkes - Dale Stait, John Fowler, Lex Hodges, Gordon Pritchard and Rob Staples; Forbes - Steve Uphill, Peter Barnes and Greg Webb.
This week the twin-towns competition returns with Parkes the host club. Registrations from 9.15am for a 10am shot-gun start.
Prior to presentations on Thursday a ‘short’ meeting of LV delegates was held with only a minor changes to the successful nature of the Lachlan Valley competition.
Of concern for players is that Grenfell will only host one round of their invitations days with this scheduled for the first half of the season, February- June. More on this in later issues.
From the BG scribe regarding the social Tuesday 12 hole comp where last week he reported 12 players fronted up to grass after last week enjoying the challenge of playing on sand green.
“Scores were congested with most players in the mid twenties with a couple showing their preference to grass over sand. Peter Scholefield looked good with 30 points before Barry Shine with two over par came in with 34 points.” was reported.
Tuesday 12 holes for everyone. What a way to start the day, a stroll in relaxing company with the much sought after coffee and chat to follow. Be at the Pro Shop at 9am for the ball toss.
Parkes Golf Club
By Peter Bristol
Saturday’s Results
Saturday was the White’s Electrical Stableford event. The White’s team have been long term supporters of the Parkes Golf Club and we are grateful for their ongoing support.
We had 63 starters for the prize.
The winner on a count back was Ben Smith on 42 count back from Bruce Symonds.
Ben has been putting a lot of work into his game and even getting tips from the old stagers Tom and Nym to make sure he has all bases covered.
This was also a good comeback for Bruce who hasn’t been getting a enough time on the course. Chasing these players in were 3 others on 39, Phill Smith, Gary Bryson and Reggie Murray.
Other strong scores on the day were Craig Matthews, Brian Matthews and Aaron Drabsch on 38 points and Rob Staples, Murray Jackson, Frankie Cock and Gordon Pritchard on 37.
The Nearest The Pins on Saturday were –The Idlerite 1st by Brian Matthews at 604cm, Griffins Leading Edge by David Stevenson at 280cm, Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9th by Duncan Constable at 87cm, the Harvey Norman 11th by Ian Hendry at 108cm, the 17th by Mick Smith at 256cm.
The winner of the lucky 4th this week was Mick Smith at 256cm.
Ball winners were Phil Smith, Gary Bryson, Reggie Murray 39, Craig Matthews, Brian Matthews, Aaron Drabsch 38.
On Saturday it’s 4BBB Parkes Championship Men’s and Ladies.
This is event is sponsored by Nutrient.