Round 5 of the Simpson Cup was played against Tea Tree Gully at Kooyonga. Tea Tree Gully were undefeated heading into Round 5, and we were sitting second, one game behind them.
We were at full strength with the return of Alex Hendrick back into the side.
Number 7 – Darren Baynes (4&3 win)
According to Darren and his caddie Hudson Brown, Darren had never hit the ball so badly. I was surprised at this, as he was 5 up after 9. Darren lost three holes in a row on the back nine but was very good, winning 4&3.
Number 6 – Mark Demasi (1 up)
Mark went to a 3-up lead early in his match and was back to square heading down the 18th. Mark managed to win the 18th by sinking a 20-foot putt and securing a 1-up victory.
Number 5 – Jackson Bugdalski (1 up)
Jackson, from what I could see, wasn’t hitting the ball as cleanly as he normally does but managed to keep grinding all day. Moments of brilliance was Jackson’s game, including a chip-in on the 6th and an eagle on 9, but the shot of the day was when he was all square on 17 and found the back bunker to a front-right pin position. Talking to Steve Branson, who caddied for Jackson, Steve said he has never seen such a good bunker shot. Jackson left the shot just short of the hole to take the win. If anyone knows the 17th green, this is an amazing shot. Jackson made par on the last to win his match 1 up.
Number 4 – Alan Xin (3&2 win)
Alan, like the rest of the team, got off to a great start and was 2 up after four holes. His opponent came back, winning holes 5, 6, and 7, and Alan suddenly found himself 1 down. I had to go over and speak to Alan a couple of times to get him to keep his head up and keep battling away. To his credit, he listened, and his golf game we are all accustomed to returned. He managed a chip-in on the 15th to win his match 3&2. I awarded Alan the Player of the Round, as it was great to see him fight his match out, and being only 16 years of age, it is important to reward the fact that he is still learning his craft.
Number 3 – Ross Steedman (4&2 win)
Ross wasn’t at his best early, but some terrific up-and-downs allowed him to get to 3 up after eight holes. I thought Ross hit the ball better after the 8th hole, but a couple of what we thought were good shots went long on 11 and 12 (a spot you don’t want to miss at Kooyonga) and he found himself 1 up after 12. Ross won holes 13 and 14 and then won the 16th. It was nice to see him get his first win this season, and hopefully one he can build from.
Number 2 – Blair Christie (5&4 win)
What more can be said – Blair just keeps on keeping on. His golf and ball striking now are second to none, and he doesn’t really put a foot wrong. His caddie, Paul Thomas, takes all the credit, but I will leave this one for the two of them to sort out. Blair was 6 up after 9 and ended up winning his match very comfortably, 5&4. Watching Blair when he is up and about is a good watch. Well played, Blair.
Number 1 – Alex Hendrick (3&1 win)
Returning to the team this week, Alex picked up where he left off. Some of the shots I watched were so good, and having Alex back in our side really strengthens the team. As you can see from the above, we had six wins from six matches, and when I spoke to Alex on the 16th fairway, he was 2 up. The rest of the team had well and truly finished by then. We all came across to support Alex, as we were hoping to get a 7–0 win ratio. Alex halved the 16th and went to the 17th 2 up, hit two good shots into 17, and his playing partner put it in the water, resulting in Alex winning 3&1.
This gave us a 7–0 victory, which is a tremendous feat. To do it against Tea Tree Gully, who were top of the table, was so satisfying for the boys. The feeling from the boys after the match, having some lunch, was a real sense of achievement.
So, if there was any talk of having Mardi as team manager on a full-time basis, I think I have squashed that thought!
We have a break for Easter this week, and then we play Mount Osmond at home on the 12th April at 7:30am. Being at home in a couple of weeks’ time, it would be great to see as many Grange members come out and support the team and watch some competitive golf.
I would also like to mention that it was a great weekend for all the Sunday pennant teams, as we had five wins and the Sharp Cup team halved. Going into the break, we have five out of six teams sitting on top of the ladder. Here’s to keeping this going after Easter – there is still improvement to come.
Craig Brown
Simpson Cup Manager