Local player Lyn Banks said many of the Scone golfers have been playing at other local courses while the redevelopment takes progress. 

“Members are very appreciative of the generosity of local clubs in allowing them to play in their competitions,” she said.

Scone golfers were last given an up-to-date tour of the work on the course in December.

“Construction of the 9 hole course is making significant progress with greens, fairways and tees being shaped, some fairways being grassed, dams being excavated and watering systems installed,” Ms Banks said.

Although the extreme heat has meant many golfers have had little opportunity to hit the course over summer, the pennant season has swung into action. 

The Hunter River District Pennant season has just commenced with Scone entering a men’s team in the Senior division.

They are in Group A with Murrurundi, Singleton, Cypress Lakes, Paterson and Dungog.

Group B contains teams from Aberdeen, Branxton, Denman, Muswellbrook, Maitland, The Vintage and Hunter Valley.

In round 1 on Sunday February 4, the Scone team played Cypress Lakes at Murrurundi. The Scone team was more at home on the sand greens and had a good win of 2 ½ to ½.

In the fourball matches, wins went to Charlie Manning and Lindsay Hodge 3&1, George Campbell and Tom Thompson 3&2 whilst a square was had by Red Palmer and David Druce.

There will be five matches played on Sundays with semi finals then played across the groups by the leading two teams in each.

On Sunday February 11 the players will travel to Paterson to play Murrurundi. The team includes Ross Banks and Red Palmer, Andy Thrift and George Davidson, Sean Constable and George Campbell.

The ladies Hunter River District Pennant will commence on February 26, with six players required for each match. Two players will contest non-handicap matches while the other four in the team will play handicap matches.