Collier - Medal of Medals - Stroke
(Match play report courtesy of Basil)
What an intriguing battle this was going to be
The Pitcher (Stafford 19) Vs The Putter (Rob 24).
With Stafford off his 4 stroke Players club handicap, he was still giving Rob 5 strokes.
Both started very nervously, on the first hole with your steady diet of shanks , Muppet shots and 3 putts.
Rob on tilt was even getting bothered with how loud you were breathing.
After 6 holes on the Lakes, Rob was 1 ahead and had used up 2 of his 5 shots and probably should have been further in front with some great 70 m putts.
On the 8th par 3 he putted all stokes for a par and he said to Stafford, I 3 putted that hole literally.
But a strong finish by Stafford saw then all tied after 9 holes.
Now the cream rises to the top and first 2 holes on the Pines Rob had a shots.
But the master Pitcher/Chipper showed his legendary form, one 45 m pitch to within 3m of the hole and a second 35m pitch to within 2m of the hole. Stafford was now 2 up.
The pressure on Rob was relentless and even his putts lost their usual zing and intensity. After 5 holes Stafford up by 4 with 4 to go. (aka Dormie 4)
Yet staring defeat in the eyes, Rob dug deep and with his brilliant putting back, made a charge. He even landed on the par 3 7th with his drive using a wood. Stafford was now 2 up with 2 to play.
The par 5 8th was the decider and with Rob pin high for his 4th and just off the green, Stafford had an 80m pitch for his 3rd.
He hit within 5m of the flag to finish with a par and a great victory and crowned match play champion.
It was also Medal of Medals and Stafford was in the final and won convincing with a net 68, Rob shot net 71 so the standard of the match play was quite high.
(Courtesy of Mike Patton)
In non-match play news, Brenton put together a great round to shoot net 68 and pip Stafford on a count back. With Basil being the best of a bunch of players on 71 to secure the final podium position.
And a big welcome back to Leigh Harris for his first game of the year. Good to see you out again Leigh. Well, or so everyone said, as I wasn't there. :)
Winners
1st: Brenton Newnham (68)
2nd: Stafford Mellowship (68)
3rd: Basil Musca (71)
NAGA: Pete Tallon (89)
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