The Semi Final of Division 2 was played on Sunday 3rd July at Kooyonga against The Vines. The course was in immaculate condition, and the greens were slick. We started play from the 10th Tee.
This week’s team consisted of Elyse Kozlovic – Captain, Angus Dungey , Tayan Scott, Mason Holden and Reid Scott. All our players had to give shots to their opponents, ranging from 3 to 31 shots – a total of 74 shots for the team.
We were third on the pennant ladder with 5.5 points, the same number of points as The Vines at number 2 and Mid North at number 1.
Angus at number 2 struggled to find his rhythm and was six down after 6 holes. He won the next two holes to be 4 down after 8 holes. His opponent was playing very well on the day, and his putts were dropping. Angus lost the following holes to lose his match 8/6. This was only Angus’s second loss of the season, as he had played 6 matches with 3 wins and 1 square. A great season Angus, well done.
Reid at number 5 had to give his opponent 31 shots. On the 12th hole, he chipped to a metre from the pin and made the par putt to win the hole. He had another par on the 18th to be 2 up at the turn. A great start. Reid continued to play well, but so did his opponent, and although Reid squared the 11th hole, he lost the remaining 6 holes to lose his match 4/2. A disappointing outcome for Reid, but a good pennant season overall.
Mason at number 4 had to give his opponent 24 shots. On the 12th hole his shot was in the greenside bunker and he came out of the bunker to 1.5 metres from the pin, a brilliant bunker shot. He had 2 pars on the front 9 to be 1 down at the turn. He continued to play solidly but unfortunately lost the 16th and 17th holes to lose his match 2/1. Mason has been a valuable player and won 3 of his 5 matches this season. Congratulations Mason.
Elyse at number 1, was evenly matched with her opponent. Her tee shot on the 14th par 3 landed just over a metre from the pin, she just missed the birdie putt but won the hole with a par. She played to her handicap and had 3 pars and a birdie on the front 9 to be square after 9 holes. She continued to play consistently with a loss on the 10th hole, but she squared the next 3 holes. Unfortunately, she lost the 14th and 15th holes to be 2 down. By this stage The Vines had won 3 matches and Elyse’s match was abandoned. Elyse had a solid pennant season, and was a very effective Captain, thank you Elyse.
Tayan at number 3 played consistently. On the the 12th hole he chipped from 30 metres to within ½ metre from the pin to par that hole for a win. He was 2 down after 9 holes. On the back 9 he had a birdie on the 2nd hole and continued to play well to be square after 16 holes. His match was abandoned after the 16th hole as The Vines had won 3 matches. Tayan has been a valuable member of this season’s team, well done Tayan.
So, the result was a loss for us in the Semi Finals.
The team of Elyse Kozlovic – Captain, Billy White, Angus Dungey, Tayan Scott, Mason Holden, Reid Scott and Nate Yuan are to be congratulated on their professionalism, dedication, and sportsmanship. They are great ambassadors for The Grange Golf club, and I have been privileged to be the Division 2 Manager of this outstanding group of young players.
Thank you to the parents, grandparents and caddies for supporting the team and braving the elements for the past 2 months at the games and the practice sessions each week. A special thank you to Sam for coaching the team – he is well respected by all the players and has been a valuable contribution to their development. The team also appreciated the hot chips after the cold Wednesday practice sessions. Thank you to The Grange Golf Club for supporting the juniors.
Belinda Singleton – Team Manager