McMillan Shield Report Round 3

On an amazing afternoon at the iconic Royal Adelaide Golf Club our team gathered for what turned out to be a hard fought battle against Tea Tree Gully that resulted in a draw – which given both teams dedication and commitment was a very deserving result for both teams.

Cooper Lessue (16) came up against Ethan Sams (13). Coops got off to a flying start and was two up after 2 holes but Ethan clawed his way back levelling the match through 6. With a can do attitude Cooper powered on to a 4/3 victory.

Our very experienced whilst very young Gareth Thien (19) played Ethan Simpson (18) in a very close battle. Gareth was behind from the start despite playing excellent golf. Finding himself 4 down with 4 to play we asked him to dig deep and see if he could score a half. Winning 16, 17, and the short 17A temporary hole he headed down the 18^th. Just missing a sizeable putt for par to win the hole, they halved with bogeys for a 1 down loss but a titanic effort from such a young player.

Adele Wang (23) was our captain today and played Kai Dollman (21). Adele found herself in a very tight battle with the match teetering between 1 down and 1 up for most of the day. At 1 down with 3 to play and her teammates in support, Adele found another gear winning the 17^th and temporary hole (sinking a large putt for par) she was one up going down 18. Two putts to secure the win, her first putt sailed past the hole some three feet. Confident as anything she holed the one coming back.

Skipping to the 5^th and 6^th matches (just to build the tension) Ollie Tollhust (50) played Tim Randall (27). On a course that is tough for even very experienced golfers it was very hard for someone who hasn’t played many full rounds before. But with a positive attitude and a smile on his face Ollie was three up through four but the long middle stretch took its toll and Ollie eventually went down 5/3.

Damis Muadz (54) was reserve against Eddie Raymond (30). She battled hard all day. The course was tough and she lost 6/4 to a player with far more experience.

Now for the finale! Mitch Munn (24) battled Neo Elliot (27) at number four in a match that was thrilling to watch and I am sure it aged caddy Michael several years. In a tight battle the match was within a shot one way or the other all day. Finding themselves all square on the 18^th tee and knowing the state of the team score, Mitch demonstrated nerves of steel with a wonderful tee shot level with the bunkers. His opponent was just short for two and Mitch’s second shot found the bunkers on the right. Neo pitched it to around 5 foot and Mitch hit a great bunker shot that just rolled off the edge of the green. His putt was weighted beautifully but he still had a knee knocker 4 foot putt to go. Neo marginally missed his par putt so it was a must make for Mitch who didn’t look like missing. Well done Mitch!

The team has a new mantra – “positive attitude: positive result”. It was certainly in full effect today.

Next week we will be at Kooyonga against a strong Royal Adelaide team. I can’t wait to learn more from these incredible young golfers.

Well done team, we are very poud.

Christine Trimmer