Claim two and you’re basically raining birdies.

Four? Stop it. Don’t even think about it.

Four, though, is seemingly the norm for Central West District Golf Association big game hunter Robert Payne.

He’s won countless tournaments over the course of nearly three decades thanks largely to an unmatched mix of consistent driving and a masterful short game.

Payne’s no slouch with the flatstick either.

And, in 2016, that combination won the Duntryleague champion four open crowns – the Blayney, Wentworth, Orange Ex-Services Country Club and his home open over the course of a month-long raid on the region’s biggest tournaments.

He shot two over to win the Blayney title, an under par, 36-hole total of 132 to take home the Country Club NAB Open before knocking off defending champ, whiz kid James Conran to claim his home title, all throughout November.

While in the Wentworth victory in the first week of December, Payne stormed home to card an under par scratch score of 138 over 36 holes to level with Cootamundra’s Brett Lange.

CHECK OUT MORE OPEN COVERAGE:

- GENERATION NEXT: ‘Stay in the contest’ – Payne urges young guns to maintain the rage

- THE 2016 OPEN HONOUR BOARD: Who won what this season?

Payne won without a play-off though, with Lange heading home to the Riverina before Payne’s comeback late over his final nine.

Central West District Golf Association secretary Peter Mitchell wasn’t surprised by Payne’s reign over the 2016 season.

“We didn’t pick him in the Central West side and he played like he had a point to prove,” Mitchell said.

“He’s just one of those golfers with a strong mind set.”

While Mudgee’s Mark Hale claimed the Lithgow Open, finished second at both Parkes and Dubbo, to also complete a consistent season.

“Mark Hale is another one of those golfers,” Mitchell continued.

“If Payney needs two birdies over the final five holes to win, he’s got enough gears to find three.

“And Mark, he’s won 18 club championship titles with Branxton Golf Club in Newcastle, and he’s one off passing the most in the club’s history.

“It’s all in the mind, and these guys have it. It’s something some of the junior guys are lacking, but experience will build that.”

Payne said he enters tournaments with a clear plan – birdie the par fives, and par the par threes.

Easier said than done, for most.

“But if you can do that, you’ll find enough birdies on par fours to have a pretty decent round,” Payne added.

Mitchell said there’s a significant gulf in quality golfers between the age of 20 and 35 “aside from maybe Dubbo’s Ross Horrocks”.

“At the top of the tree the quality is good, and the juniors coming through are promising, but there’s a big divide in that age bracket,” he added.