THIS year it was decided to add a new matchplay event to the golfing calendar that involves matches without using handicaps. To make it fair we ran 2 divisions, ‘A’ division for players with handicaps of 12 or less, and ’B’ division for players with handicaps of 13 or more. It was considered that these matches would be ideal for low handicap players who feel they have little chance in handicap matchplay events and are an excellent preparation for those members wishing to represent the club in B and C Pennant teams in 2015. Next year it is hoped that a third division will be added for those on slightly higher handicaps.
In A division all preliminary games have been very closely contested and an exceptional level of golf has been evident. Round 1 saw Jarryd Buckley defeat Ray Orr 1 up in a very close match and Tom Persson defeat Tony Panecasio at the 20th hole. This was an exceptional match with Tony taking an early lead. It all seemed to come to the eighth hole again where momentum shifted in a critical turning point of the game.
Standing on the tee Tony was 3 up and he thumped his tee shot down the fairway. Looking for extra distance In reply, Tom topped his tee shot and it went into the hazard in front of the tee. Pulling out his reliable 3 wood, Tom proceeded to hit his next shot onto the green to be there in 3, albeit on the most distant point possible from the flag. Tony hits his second about 3 metres from the hole and looked good to take a 4 up lead. Not to be outdone Tom makes his long putt for an incredible 4. Tony charges his birdie putt and misses the return for an amazing win for Tom. Momentum had changed in an instant!
Over the back nine Tom whittled down the lead and came to the 18th trailing by 1 hole. Winning the hole the match went to a playoff with Tom emerging victorious on the 2nd green, their 20th hole.
In Round 2, the title favourite, Steve Rippon, took on the handicap matchplay champion, Adrian Bell. Adrian played an exceptional match and really stretched Steve but small mistakes around the green proved vital. Rippon was able to win the match 4 and 3 on the 15th green being two under par at this stage compared to Adrian’s 2 over. Steve’s many years’ experience playing ‘A’ and Masters Pennants proved invaluable as he was able to withstand the challenge from the highly competitive Adrian.
The final was held on Sunday the 30th of November between Steve Rippon and Tom Persson. Steve was the victor on the day 6 and 5.
In the B division, round 1 saw C Pennant skipper, Chris Leckey prove too strong for White Horse Cupper Shane Townsend. Chris then had to play Peter Francis in the second round and found the going tougher against his talented C pennant team mate and was defeated comprehensively 4 and 3. In the other match Arthur Bosanquet played solid golf to account for Tim Young 3 and 2 to set up the final match.
This final between Peter Francis against Arthur Bosanquet was also held on Sunday the 30th of November. Both players have excellent pennant records and both are in form and ready to entertain. Arthur played an excellent match on the day winning 6 and 5 to win his first Jamberoo title.
Congratulations to our two champions and to all those members who entered.
Dave Ransom