The 2017 mid-week tour to the Central West ran from Tuesday, 2nd May to and including Thursday, 4th May and in the process Forbes became the 100th course visited by the 'Hackers'. 

Lots of driving as it turned out and, whilst I have not canvassed opinions, it was undoubtedly a success and very cost effective, but not the most enjoyable from my perspective - only because I had some health issues and struggled the whole time. Nevertheless I try to be objective in my thoughts and not judge on my scores but, despite superb weather on each of the 3 days, I doubt very much we would do the same thing again.
 
My observations are;
    Young : after a 3.5hr drive we arrived to find out that they don't usually open on Tuesday and Thursday, so we were honoured that they made the effort to look after us and make us feel welcome. Like most regional clubs they are struggling but good plans are afoot to amalgamate with the Young Services and Citizens Club Limited and with the benefit of a 99 year lease from Council the future looks reasonable. 
    
    The course is a delight. At 5618m and slope 124, it is not long but in excellent condition with some very good golf holes and tricky dog legs where positional play is key to keeping the ball in play. With plenty of big trees, some hills, little water and only a few bunkers to contend with, everyone enjoyed the layout and it is well worth playing. Young will remain on the list to re-visit.

    Forbes : is a very different proposition at 6100m and slope 118. Very flat with (I think) just 1 or 2 bunkers, it does have a little water in terms of a watercourse we crossed twice but otherwise it is protected only by raised greens and tree lined fairways. It was also in excellent condition but lacks the need for shot-making demanded by the Young course. Another battling regional course and the club house is now a hotel licence in private ownership and has adjoining motel accommodation. The course is obviously at the mercy of the weather and seasons as it clearly floods in wet times and is probably dry and hard in mid-summer, but we enjoyed it and I would play it again without hesitation.

    Duntryleague (Orange) :  is, without doubt, the most spectacularly visual golf course I have ever played with magnificent old european trees in stunning autumn colours over the whole area of the botanical gardens, with the golf course wending its way throughout and overlooked by the magnificent old homestead building erected in 1867. The course itself is very tough with well grassed south african couche fairways and tricky bent grass greens. Some magnificent driving holes are off-set with some very narrow openings, blind shots, some unfair greens and near impossible angles. At 6006m and slope 124 it plays long.

    I might well run against popular opinion and conventional wisdom, but for mine, it is too penal. Golf is difficult enough without the removal of the opportunity to recover from an errant or unintended shot. I did not find it enjoyable from a golfing perspective and I am unlikely to go back. It has been added to the same list that Magenta Shores occupies.

And finally, Angus Cox proved to be the most consistent golfer over the 3 days and justifiably picked up another 'Tour Champion' title to add to his previous successes, while Ken Rogers was at his mercurial best in taking the major share of the skins pot.

Click here to see full golf results.