Bonnar Cup Report – Round 7

Bonnar Cup – Round 7

Sunday, 1st July 2012
Glenelg vs Thaxted Park at Kooyonga Golf Club

Glenelg 7 defeated Thaxted Park 0

Report by Wayne Humphries (Team Manager)

A “must win” match againstThaxtedParkwho was facing relegation. This was our Grand Final;  a chance to end the season on a winning note.

Another cold, overcast day with occasional showers.

We welcomed Jack Hynes in to the team for his first Bonnar Cup game following some nice wins in Junior Pennant.

Glenelg was leading early in 6 games and signs were good.

Jack Hynes (at No 7) played very solid golf. Understandably a little nervous at the start, he held his game together to turn 3 up after a tap in birdie at the 9th. Going from strength to strength he went on to record a 5/4 win – a great debut for Jack in Bonnar Cup and a great start for the team. Well done Jack.

Marty Ardill (at No 6) was seeking redemption and took full advantage of his opportunity. He drove the ball beautifully and holed some nice putts. Marty was 2 up early but his opponent fought back to be square after 12 – but Marty won 13, 15 and 16 to win his game 3/2.

Henry Duregon (at No 5) flew out of the blocks to be 3 up after 4, but then lost 4 holes in a row to turn 1 down. A solid start to the back 9 saw Henry fight back and go 2 up after 13 and eventually win 3/1.

Braeden Kelly (promoted to No 4) played solid golf all day to lead throughout. He was 3 up after 7, 3 up after 12 and won his game 3/2 – a magnificent birdie 2 on the treacherous 15th was a highlight. This capped off an undefeated season for Braeden – really well done Braeden.

James Brown (at No 3) was another who got off to a good start being 2 up after 7. His opponent came back to go 1 up after 12 and was still 1 up after 16. James had to dig deep – 2 “booming” drives down 17 and 18 set up wins on both of these holes for James to win 1 up – A well deserved win.

Mark McDonald (at No 2) had an intriguing battle all day. His opponent held the advantage most of the day. Mark was 1 down after 4, 1 down after 7 and still 1 down at the turn. He went 2 down after 12 and was still 2 down after 14. He had managed some nice up and downs, holing some nice putts for halves – he was digging deep and really just kept hanging in there. From 2 down after 14, he won 15,16 and 17 to be 1 up playing the last. He halved the last after his opponent holed out from off the green to take his game 1 up. A dour struggle all day for Mark but his never give up attitude won the day.

Mat Mudford (at No 1) continued on his winning way to win all 3 pennant games he played. He again drove the ball really well (drove the par 4 fifth hole in one, as an example!) and continued with solid iron play and nice touch around the greens to record a comfortable 5/4 win.

A special mention to Sam Laslett and John Noble. These boys recorded some nice wins through the year but missed selection for this last match. I am sure if they had played they too would have been victorious.

Thank you to all the caddies and family members who were present to support the players.

A special “thank you” to all the players who represented the Glenelg Golf Club in Bonnar Cup this year. The commitment to pre-season training, the effort on match days through some very trying conditions was exceptional. There was a strong sense of team camaraderie evident and as the season progressed there was a noticeable improvement in our competitiveness and short game skills.

A special mention and thanks also to Gareth Jones and Shane Robinson for their ongoing efforts in coaching, developing, encouragement and general support to all players. As a club we are very fortunate to have their involvement to share their knowledge, impart their skills and just generally being there for support. Great job guys.

We have certainly laid some solid foundations for next year as we pursue success in Pennant Golf at Glenelg.