Simpson Cup win back-to-back titles

Report by Geoff Attenborough
Team Manager

In cool conditions at Royal Adelaide Golf Club the Glenelg Simpson Cup team delivered a well deserved win in the final against a determined Kooyonga team. Although the 5 to 2 win seemed quite comfortable, the result was in the balance with the last 2 matches being the decider. Kooyonga played some outstanding golf and all matches were played in great spirit however our boys were just a little too strong on the day.

Michael Munn at No. 7 had a titanic struggle against Tim Baker got the team off to a good start with a 2 up win. After falling 2 holes behind after 10 Michael fought his way back to be square after 16 holes, Michael then proceed to win the last 2 holes and complete a well deserved 2 up win. For Michael this win was most important for himself and the team in his first year at the Club well done.

Anthony Olsen playing at No. 6 also had an extremely tough match against exciting up and coming young Kyle Hayter. After being 1 up after 3 holes Anthony found himself 3 down after 10, getting back to 2 down after 13 holes Anthony could not bridge the gap eventually losing his match 3/2. After being unbeaten for his last 22 matches it was a disappointing finish to the season for Anthony but he can be extremely proud of himself for the way he has led the team as Captain. As he said after the match it was all about the team winning not just individual success.

Ben Layton coming back into the team at No. 5 after being unavailable for the last 2 minor round games showed his class with a great 4/3 win against Joel Durnford. Off to an even start being square after 3 holes Ben quickly gained the upper hand to 3 up after 8, extending the lead to be 4 up after 11 holes. Ben then gave us our second win completing his match 4/3. After struggling pre season with his form Ben justified the faith we had in him winning all 5 matches he played this year.

Josh Hayes at No. 4 playing tough experienced Danny Spiers from Kooyonga was up against it for most of his match. After being only 1 down after 6 holes Josh quickly found himself 3 down after 10. Although the lead was cut back to 2 down after 14 holes, Josh could not gain anymore ground eventually losing 2/1. Josh has had a great season being unbeaten in the minor rounds, and although losing his final match can be proud of his efforts this season.

Sam Burton at No. 3 saved his best form for the final with an exceptional 5/4 win against state team mate Will Somerfield. After getting off to a fast start being 2 up after 6 holes Sam quickly extended his lead to be 4 up after 9 holes then 6 up after 11, Sam eventually closed his match out winning 6/5 giving our team a 3 matches to 2 lead with 2 matches still on course. For Sam to win this match so convincingly was great for him in his first year at Glenelg.

Sam Earl at No. 2 continued his great unbeaten season with a hard fought 2/1 win against Joe Hodgson. With no advantage to either player after 8 holes Sam gained a 2 hole lead after 11 holes only to slip back to 1 up after 13. Sam won the next 2 holes to get out to a 3 hole lead after 15 only to have the lead cut back to 2 up with 2 to play but Sam kept his nerve to halve the 17th hole and complete a hard fought 2/1 win and give us the Simpson Cup for the second year in a row.

Lachlan Barker playing in his last match before taking up a scholarship in the USA had a very tight battle against Kooyonga captain Heath Riches. Quickly getting out to a 2 up lead after 2 holes Lachy found himself back to square after 8 holes. After gaining a 2 hole advantage through 11 holes Lachy kept the advantage until the 16th hole which he calmly birdied to give him a 3/2 win. After missing last years cup win being overseas playing in the World Junior Championship, Lachy was just excited to share a win with all of the boys.

Jackson Kalz, like Lachy Barker did last year, missed the final being in the USA to play this years World Junior. Jackson was an integral part of the the team with his effort to be unbeaten in 7 minor round matches. We, as a team, wish Jackson all the best for the upcoming tournament.

Congratulations to all of our 6 teams that made the final and to gain 5 wins is an exceptional result and shows that the golf program at the Club is now becoming the envy of all other clubs. Thanks to the Club management for providing funding for Pennant Golf along with all of our sponsors. Also thanks to the Golf Operations team Shane, Adrian, Sarah, Gareth and Sam for the coaching and great support. To all of the caddies and supporters for turning out every week thanks because without you the players would have a much greater task for success. Lastly thanks to my good mate Gary (Darkie) Thompson for your great help with the team this year and is just reward for your efforts with this years win.

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