Matchplay goes to the 19th
June 28th, 2010 by Doogs
Waterford Valley, 18th green
Matchplay is the ultimate head to head format in golf, pressure is on from the very first hole as an early head start can be a crucial advantage, every mistake seems to be magnified and every good shot is rewarded. Matchplay is golfs version of chess, strategy can come into play as the opponents try to outwit and outplay (Yes, its a bit like survivor too, but without the bitchiness and backstabbing, mostly). Unfortunately for the weekend hacker, club golfer or professional, matchplay is a rarity. Pennant players and amateurs will play more matchplay than most.
My colleague Nige and I had advanced through to the Second round of the Herald Sun Matchplay pairs tournament, last month we had won our First round matchup with a resounding 6&4. We were matched with Paul and Nick from Yarrambat, both single figure handicaps, it was going to be a tough game. Neutral venue selected was Waterford Valley. Unfortunately due to a lot of rain over the previous 24 hours, the emphasis was on ‘Water’, a lot of casual water, some more formal water and rather muddy conditions. Luckily though, the weather had cleared and it was game on.
Our challenge got tougher after the second hole with Paul sinking a birdie to go one up. I parred the next to get us back to even, and then we halved the next five holes in a very close contest. Nige was hitting the ball solidly, and my swing was really dialed in, the driver was on fire and my iron shots solid. A par on the 9th gave us a handy lead into the back nine. Then another par on the 11th and we were 2 up. Our opponents hit back on the 12th, with another birdie to Paul and then wins on 14th and 15th put them 1 up. Nick and I both nailed approaches to the 16th and putted out for pars. We then won the 17th to draw level. Again, Nick and I hit great shots into the tough 18th and putted out to halve the hole leaving us all square after 18.
With darkness approaching, we ventured on to play our 19th hole, the dogleg 10th. Nick hit into the rough and was out, leaving Paul, Nige and I on the faiway. Nige found the bunker, I hit one of my worst approaches for the day and left it short, Paul saved one of his best for last and his par was enough for victory. A great game played in good spirits, but a sour end for Nige and I coming so close, yet falling at the first playoff hole. (We had agreed that if we were tied after 2 playoff holes, it would be decided by sudden death puttoff!!)
