Phillip Boardman becomes Strokeplay and Matchplay champion

Saturday and Sunday had our top 16 golfers doing battle in the true form of the game. Matchplay is how the game started – man against man, with 18 holes deciding the better golfer on the day. There were a number of upsets in the earlier rounds, with Wayne Bentley and Enrico Bozza not letting their younger opponents have the better of their experience and both advancing to the semi-finals. The semi-final of the cup was contested early Sunday morning: P Boardman vs W Bentley and C Elworthy vs E Bozza. Both matches were very close, with Phillip beating Wayne 3&2 and Enrico taking ‘Bones’ Elworthy to the 19th, winning 1-up. The plate was also contested on Sunday morning: R Goosen vs D.Slabbert and M Hume vs C Woodall . Dries Slabbert showed he still has the game to compete and gave Russell a ‘run for his money’, eventually losing 1-down on the 18th.

The final of the cup between Enrico and Phillip was a very close affair. Both players produced great shots under pressure and had their chances. With nine holes to play, it was all square and still anyone’s game to win. Phillip, 1-up playing 17 and in trouble in the trees, showed the spectators and his opponent why he is our Strokeplay champion by producing the shot of the weekend. Enrico could only watch from the fairway as Phillip’s ball finished a mere two feet from the pin, setting up a birdie that closed out the final, with Phillip winning 2-up.

The Plate final played between Collin and Russell was always going to be a close game. All square after nine, with Collin fighting back from 2-down, it was also anyone’s game to win. Collin played some great golf and produced the consistency he is known for to eventually prove too good for Russell, winning 3&2.

Congratulations to Phillip for winning both the Strokeplay and Matchplay titles, Enrico for finishing runner-up and Collin for winning the Plate.

A big Country Club thank you to Gerald and Aurette Boardman for your continued sponsorship of both the Strokeplay and Matchplay events. We at the Ladysmith Country Club really appreciate your generosity both on and off the golf course, and are very fortunate to have you as members.

Forthcoming attractions in May:

Thursday 1st – Patrick/LP organised IPS; Saturday 5th – Amy/Club Sponsored; Wednesday 7th – Skaapdag; Saturday 10th – Ntokozweni Golf Day; Saturday 17th – Mortimer League.

Quote of the Week: “The most important shot in golf is the next one” – Ben Hogan

Good golfing to all!