The finals of the Championship and the Plate took place today on the New Course at Sunningdale, once again courtesy of the immensely generous Brian Morrison.
All 4 golfers arrived a little concerned about the rain that had fallen overnight and the forecast for the remainder of the day. However, despite a few drizzly patches, the rounds remained dry. The course was still very wet and played every inch of its yardage .
Both finals were close and keenly contested in very good spirit. The Plate was first off with level handicaps but Mike giving Geoffrey 10 years advantage. The “younger” man took a 3up lead but Michael then got up and down from the bunker on the tricky par 3 9th to sit down at the half way hut feeling that the tide might have turned. The back nine was tight with Michael having a chance to peg back Geoffrey’s lead even further at the 16th. Alas, he did not take advantage and Geoffrey closed out the match at the 17th.
In the Championship Nick was straight into his stride whilst Farren took a few holes to settle and come to terms with the Sunningdale heather. Nick was 2 up after 3 holes, but Farren then got into his familiar steady game and after trading a couple of holes won the 7th and 9th to make it all square at the turn. A long putt for a winning 3 at the 10th put Farren 1 up at the half way hut, but he again found problems with the heather at the 11th and the match was all square again. Holes were traded down the back nine with both players either creating or gifting opportunities that were either taken or squandered in equal measure. Nick won the 18th to take the match to extra holes. So, back down the 1st where Farren’s second putt did a 180 degree horseshoe, whilst Nick managed to get up and down from just over the back of the green to take the match. A cruel way for the Championship to be decided, but it had been a good match on a fabulous course enjoyed immensely by both.
