It’d been over two decades since Steve Conran had even stepped on to the Forbes Golf Club, but last Friday’s return was a sweet one.
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The professional took out the Legends Pro-Am at Forbes last week, shooting a two-under par 70 at the Lachlan club’s course to win by two strokes.
The Duntryleague member edged some of the best masters – golfers over the age of 50 – in the country, with Grant Kenny and Allan May, both based out of Sydney, tied for second on an even-par 72.
It was the first time Conran has been eligible to take part in the Forbes event because he only turned 50 last year.
The right-handed pro, who spends time on tour in Japan, said it was a nice return to the Forbes course.
“I played ok. I hit it straight and played pretty well,” Conran said.
“It was nice, I played there a lot when I was an amateur and not a lot has changed since I was a teenager there.
“It’s probably been close to 20 years since I’ve played there.”
He believes the win would have been a touch more commanding if it weren’t for a couple of three putts that netted him his only two bogeys of the one-round tournament.
“And you probably shouldn’t be doing that, hitting three putts,” he said.
Thirty-three golfers from across NSW, Victoria and Queensland made the trip for the event, with Conran taking home nearly $2000 of the $11,000 prize pool after winning the title.
Defending champion David Merriman wasn’t in this year’s field.
“It was a good field though,” he added.
“There wasn’t a lot on in the rest of the region, so it was good to see some guys from Sydney and other states there, it’s a big trip for one event.
“It’s a great course. They had a flood last year obviously but the moisture has meant the course looks in great condition at the moment.”
Conran jets off to Japan in a couple of weeks time to take on some masters events in Asia.
Meanwhile, the 2017 Wellington Golf Club open event will be staged on Sunday from 9am.
The club will hold 18-hole stroke and handicap events, with a strong contingent of Orange golfers expected to take on the Wellington course.