Matchplay golf is the original form of the game that pits one golfer against another on a hole by hole basis. The victor is the golfer who has won more holes than he has lost at the end of the 18 holes – if still square then they play extra holes until a winner emerges. Sixteen members nominated for the championship and names were drawn at random for opponents in the first round of this knockout competition. The epic battles have begun! First round of the inaugural matchplay championship commenced on Tuesday 12th January with five matches completed.
Everyone loved the change in format with the hole by hole result meaning stroke making under pressure – certainly a big difference to Stableford! A titanic struggle between the two Aussies, Rod (9) and Lindsay (3), saw a tight finish and honours going to Rod with a one up victory. Both played under their handicap and hit a great array of shots but Rod showed great strength in holding off a solid finish from Lindsay, both finishing with three consecutive pars
As per the final line in “Highlander”, there can be only one. Keith Wood played brilliantly to overcome many people’s favourite in Peter Thripp 4&2. Peter watched in awe as Keith hit all but one fairway and made few mistakes – money with the bookies is now moving in the Englishman’s favour.
Dave Griffin overcame a string of recent ordinary performances to knock over our beloved CEO (Peter Dempsey) 4&3.
Mike Picard played fellow Mike (Court) and they had a wonderful time chatting as they wandered the fairways – very close match until late in the round when Mike P edged ahead for a 3&1 win. “Busyman” Greg Miles shook off some recent doldrums and maybe had a couple of quiet starters before arriving at the course. Busyman played his typical brand of golf to defeat a tough competitor in Colin despite Colin’s chip in for birdie on the 12th hole.
Three matches still to be played in round one due to Tony Murphy’s illness (against bookie’s favourite, Magnus Sundgren) and Graham Dresser’s shoulder problem (against Aussie Martin Moyles); Darrell Busser and Dangerous Dave Sabino yet to play as well. Good luck to everyone still in the race!