By David Waters
The final round. It sounds like we are boxing. No but it was just another knockout round. Churchill/Waverley on top for four of six rounds including the last two, were toppled today. This meant courtesy of a bye they couldn’t defend their position in green or gold groups.
Eastern green surged into the final with a strong seven to one win.
Heritage gold held a one-point advantage over Yering and made the final even though both teams finished with a win.
Many of the individual matches were tight, eight ties and 18 going to the last hole. The individual and team results reflected the improvement and evenness of this competition.
Although the competition was fierce it was conducted with sportsmanship and decorum. Signage was minimal and Mark Dowell (the hosting manager) took on the role of traffic cop. Although his directions to first or tenth tees were adhered to, some players got lost playing other holes. Also lost were many balls nestling into the deep rough or submerging into creeks or lakes.
Conditions turned out to be very good for golf once the fog burned off. A very still day, dry fairways with plenty of run. The greens were causing problems, slight slopes downhill tricking putters to hit too soft and going uphill expecting a speedy green also ending with a short putt. Deep bunkers gave many shaky knees. This was very evident around the 9th and 18th greens. The bunkers there caught many players. Onlookers witnessed many frustrating efforts to escape the sand.
It was a long day, many taking five hours and some groups finishing well past the desired finish time of 12.30. Lunch was delayed until one pm. The catering staff and the Eastern Golf Club deserve high praise for their efforts which were recognised with a round of applause.
The grand final of match play will be between Eastern green and Heritage gold next week. All other teams will compete for the aggregate stableford team trophy.
The finals will be at the Endeavour Hills course of the Churchill/Waverley golf club, Friday 22 March.
