The sun did shine on the Forbes Golf Club, neatly highlighting the crisp frosts in the morning, the expansive cover of grass, and the scintillating performance of the golfers themselves. It was definitely a case of the “Double Cs” leading the way for the field. The field for the 18-hole Monthly Medal held on Saturday comprised 49 players who were keen to get around the course briskly.
To keep warm many players elected to take the walking option, thus also supporting the sponsors Walkers AgnVet. Although it must be said that the play by some of the golfers was quite agricultural at the times. The Winner of the A-Grade Monthly Medal was ‘Big Crane’ Betland with a 71 nett. He was well pleased to have beaten into second place his baby brother ‘King John’, who managed 73 nett, using his handicap to adjust his even-par-72 gross score. Steve’s two birdies on the 6th and 7th were the real clincher over John’s double-bogey on the 7th. But both played fine golf.
In B-Grade, Brian ‘Fred’ Collie, with a nett 69, felt comfortable all day and was well pleased, and quite modest, to win the Medal. Runner-up was Alby Callaghan, who was able to throw off some ill effects utilising some miracle medicine, and return home with a nett 71. Fred was quite thankful that he did not par the first, which folklore has as a sure disaster. His round went well with 11 pars marked on the card.
The C-Grade Monthly Medal went to a Gentleman’s Gentleman ahead of an Elder Statesman. Geoff Drane was in rare form to finish with a nett 72, and finished just ahead — although always behind throughout the day — of Tom Edols on nett 73. Tom played early in some of the crisp conditions, but Geoff had to contend with the nippy cold in the afternoon shade.
The winner for the A-Division Daily Comp, was ‘Fred’ Collie with a nett 69, conscious always of the ‘Big Crane’ Betland who was in hot pursuit, but finished second with a 71 nett. Fred was so pleased with his round that in the clubhouse he was willing to describe his round hole-by-hole to those resting there. Funny how the clubhouse emptied quickly!
In the B-Division, Alby Callaghan was triumphant with his nett 71. And to help in his celebrations, was another winner in the guise of Geoff Drane, one shot behind on a nett 72. They played in the same group, but have not yet divulged who won the drinks.