Club Championship Final. – D R Hill Douglas Trophy
Damian Gair v Jim Phillips - Referees – Paul Carroll & Don Barker – 36 holes
Jim Phillips and Damian Gair hit off at 8.30 on Sunday 18th November in perfect conditions to contest the final of the Club Championship over 36 holes.
Although appearing at ease from these two “professionals” there were obviously nerves to contend with as Damian cleared the creek with his drive then managed to “skull” three shots across the green to finally concede to Jim’s par. On the second, Jim hit short of the dam and then managed to put his next two shots straight into the water and conceded the hole to Damian. Once these dramas were over they settled down to some exciting golf with magnificent shots from both. The lead changed regularly with Jim being one up at the turn. Damian then won the 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th and 15th squaring the last 3 which left him up 4 holes at the end of 18. Both players were competitive however played the match in great spirit. Don Barker took over as referee for the final 18 with his report following. I wish to congratulate both Damian and Jim on a great match and for reaching the final. Both can be very proud of their performance.
After lunch the final 18 commenced on the 1st teewith Don Barker as referee. Both players seem more settled with Jim pegging Damain’s lead back to 2 up on the 6th Damian then regrouped winning 7 then 8 & 9 were halved Damian won the 10th Jim the 11th to be 3 down . Damian then won 12 and 13 closing out the match on the 14th to take out the Championship 6 and 4. Neither player was consistently at their best mixing brilliant play with uncharacteristic mistakes. Damian’s tee shot on the 13th had to be seen to be believed, finishing a metre behind the hole. As Paul said in his report the match was played in great spirit. Congratulations to Damian our new Club Champion and to Jim as runner up. The score in the end is not a true reflection of the closeness of the match.
Brian Hanrahan v John Jones – Referee Brian Lamb
The "B" grade finalists hit off in the morning after the “A” grade. John made the early running to be 4 up after six holes. Brian reduced Johns lead to 2 at the turn. Both players were struggling with their games as neither made the established fairway on the 12th and referee Brian had to step in to advise them of their nearest point of relief to avoid playing of the GUR section of the new fairway. Unfortunately for John he couldn’t maintain his lead with Brian closing out the match on the 17th to win 2 and 1.
Congratulations to both players for a hard fought match played in great spirit. Both were disappointed in their games however to reach the final of any grade is an accomplishment in itself.
Norris Dudgeon v Ken Dobie – Referee - Roger Williams
The C grade championship final was played on the 18th November between Ken Dobie and Norris Dudgeon, who enjoyed pleasantly cool overcast weather.
Norris won the first and second holes before Ken found his game, 3 and 4 being halved. Norris managed to lose the fifth, regained a two hole advantage on the 6th then lost it again on the 7th. Ken was unable to win another hole and, apart from halving the 11th when both found the bunker with their second shots, the match ended on the 13th with Norris the winner 6 and 5.
My personal thanks to the referees for giving up their Sunday to control each match and also to those members who came out to follow and support the finalists.
My congratulations to all players who qualified for the final series.
Match play is different game .As well as skill a true test of tactics and nerve. Next year it may be your turn.