Sport
5 May, 2026
Nyngan Golf Club report
There were plenty of events and plenty of fun at Royal Nyngan over the Easter long weekend.
Plenty of things happening at Royal Nyngan over the Easter long weekend. The great weather certainly had plenty of golfers out enjoying the course, both in competition and socially.
Saturday, April 4 - MSD Mining Services Monthly Medals
We played the first of our MSD Mining Services Monthly Medals for the year on this date. A very healthy field took part, with an even number of players taking advantage of both the early and regular tee times. Scoring was pretty good as well - for some. It was very tight at the top, with only one point separating the top five placegetters.
It was a battle between two of our “young guns” for first place, with Julian McDougall and Elijah Bush both finishing on 39 points. Julian went out in 19 points on the front and came home in 20, while Bushy was on fire early, out in 21 points and home in 18. This gave Julian the nod on countback, with a couple of handicap adjustments likely heading their way. Great golf from both boys, and it’s fantastic to see the young fellas getting involved every week.
A three-way countback was needed to split third to fifth places, with Andy Lane taking third on 38 points. He looked absolutely splendid in full Penrith Panthers regalia.
A nice round for Andy, using it as a bit of a warm-up for when he and his faithful sidekick J “Sprog” Barrow defend their NSW Sandgreens State Title in Narromine. The boys will start as long odds-on favourites to go back-to-back this year - and even shorter odds to have a blue before they reach the first tee at 7.00am on Saturday morning.
In fourth place, also with 38 points, was the ever-consistent Ozzie Smith, who, for what I believe is the third time, shot under his age, finishing with a superb 81 off the stick.
For anyone to achieve this even once is a huge effort - three times is remarkable, and I doubt it will be the last.
Fifth place also went to Chicky Parry on 38 points, who continues to play well, posting the best scratch score of the day at two over.
As is the norm in Nyngan, nearest-the-pin prizes were up for grabs on all par threes, although not one birdie was recorded from the six winners. Les Dorrington claimed the second, Dave Martin was best over the cowal on the fourth, Chicky Parry took the ninth, Mark Keighran hit a nice shot on the 12th, and Mandy Martin picked up a double on the 14th and 17th.
Results – MSD Mining Solutions Monthly Medal (18-hole Individual Stableford)
First: Julian McDougall – 39 points (c/b).
Second: Elijah Bush – 39 points.
Third: Andy Lane – 38 points (c/b).
Fourth: Ozzie Smith – 38 points (c/b).
Fifth: Chicky Parry – 38 points.
Sunday, April 5 - RBPT Golf Day
On Sunday, we played the annual RBPT Golf Day, sponsored by Brendan, Uncle Pat, Tex, and the family of the late, great Reg Simpson. We paused to remember Reg on this special day, and it was lovely to have Yvonne and all the family in attendance.
The change of format certainly didn’t disappoint, with 66 golfers taking part in a two-person Ambrose for some terrific vouchers from Robb’s Butchery, with $700 worth of prizes on offer. Thanks to Uncle Pat for organising the prizes, Keiro and Al for handling the barbecue duties, Tara and Mandy for organising the golf, and a special thank you to Nick behind the bar, who did a sterling job in trying conditions with a big crowd throughout the day and well into the night.
A special mention also to Reg and Elijah, who fronted up for an 8:.0am start that wasn’t on - sorry boys - and an even more special mention to two gentlemen (used loosely) who were caught out by the daylight savings changeover and arrived well before opening.
In a stroke of luck, they found a discarded Toohey’s Old stubby lid and survived by placing it under their tongues to avoid dying of thirst.
The course was in magnificent condition on Sunday, and the scores reflected this, with only a few shots separating the top 10 teams.
The winners, with a great score of 58.50 nett, were Brendan Smith and Tara McDermott. Despite a couple of costly bogeys on the ninth and 16th, they played excellent golf, including six consecutive birdie putts from the second to the seventh.
Tara’s chipping was outstanding and proved the difference.
Runners-up, not far behind on 59.75 nett, were Reg Herbert and Anthony Griffiths with a solid, blemish-free round.
Third place was decided on countback, with Greg Corby and Brett Rope edging out the competition on 60.75 nett. Fourth place went to Johnny Turner and Michelle Owen, also on 60.75 nett, who had the best scratch score of the day at four-under.
Results – RBPT Golf Day (18-hole two-Person Ambrose)
First: Brendan Smith and Tara McDermott – 58.50 nett.
Second: Reg Herbert and Anthony Griffiths – 59.75 nett.
Third: Greg Corby and Brett Rope – 60.75 nett (c/b).
Fourth: Michelle Owen and Johnny Turner – 60.75 nett.
Nearest the pins
Second: Tim Tulenew.
Fourth: Kirsty Burley.
Eighth (in two shots): Dave and Mandy Martin.
Ninth: Les Dorrington.
12th: Tony Lewis.
14th: Mark Keighran.
17th: Jamie Barrow.
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