Our Simpson Cup semi-final at Kooyonga was a rematch against The Vines, who we played in the final minor round, with both teams lining up the same.
Kooyonga, as you would expect, was presented amazing with the greens firm and fast. Players also had to contend with a 30km north-easterly wind, making play even harder around the course.
Leading us off at number, seven, Mark Demasi, with Steve Osborn on the bag, got off to a slow start and found himself 3 down after seven holes. However, a brilliant second shot into the 8th hole got Mark back to 2 down and he went on to win the next three holes to bring his match back to square after tenholes. He dropped back to 1 down after 13 holes and was 2 down with two to play. Mark won the 17th and probably hit one of the better second shots on 18 to win the hole. So, on to overtime down the 19th hole, where Mark pulled his drive into the left-hand trees and his opponent found the fairway. Unfortunately, while Mark was clearing some sticks and pinecones from his ball, his ball moved 3-4 inches and Mark called a penalty on himself and was playing his third from the trees. His opponent went on to make par and Mark a bogey. Not the way you want to lose a match, but it was a great effort from Mark to get his match into extra holes.
Matt Wilson, at six, was off to a flyer to be 3 up after four holes. However, his opponent fought back, with Matt 1 up after 10 holes. Matt was 2 up through the 13th and 3 up after 14. Matt found it difficult to finish off his match, but finally got it done on the 18th to finish 2up. Well played Matt – it was nice to see you get the job done.
Michael Coleman, with dad Craig caddying, found the going tough for most of the day and was square at the halfway mark, 2 up after 11 and 1 up through the 13th. Michael fell to 1 down coming up the last and couldn’t make his par, losing his match 2 down. I didn’t see a lot of Michael’s match, but a good effort to go down the last in a semi final
Andrew Nakone, like Michael, also found the going a little tough at number four, but always remained in the match. Andrew was square through 13 holes, 1 up after the 15th and square coming down the last. His opponent hit a terrific shot out of the left hand fairway bunker to leave himself a 6 footer for birdie, whilst Andrew missed the green finishing in the right hand bunker. Unfortunately, Andrew could not get up and down, whilst his opponent made par to win the hole and the match. A good effort again by Andrew, and another match that went down the 18th.
Playing at number three, Darren Baynes, facing Tony Nobbs once again, was never headed at all this week. He was on from the start and went to 3 up after 13 holes and ended up winning comfortably 4/3. Darren is a golfer who loves/thrives on competitive match play and it was terrific to watch. Another good performance Darren.
Ross Steedman and his opponent, Charlie Nobbs, were all square through four holes with both players two under the card. From there, Ross put his foot down and was 3 up after 12, 2 up through 13, and ended up closing out the match 3/2. Like Darren, Ross has been a great player this year, only losing twice and with the quality of opposition at number two, this has been a terrific performance by Ross – I couldn’t be happier with his season.
So, we’re 3 matches all and it was going to come down to our number one match – Alex Hendrick versus Sam Earl. When we all walked over to the 17th tee, Alex was 1 up. Both players hit perfect drives, but then Alex hit a poor chip that, to be honest, I have never seen him do before, be it in Simpson Cup or in a Saturday round – the one thing this did was show was that Alex is human after all. His opponent chipped it to 2 feet to win the hole. So, they headed to the 18th tee all square. Both players found the front left fairway bunker with Alex having the harder shot, where he managed to get it into the front right greenside bunker. Sam then hit probably one of the best shots I have seen – from 138m back into the wind, from the bunker, to one foot. You can see why he is currently the best amateur golfer in the state. Alex couldn’t get it up and down and Sam ended up winning the match giving The Vines a 4-3 victory.
I can’t describe the disappointment that I, the team and the supporting spectators felt – it was one of the hardest things I’ve been a part of. I felt we were in control all day, but a quality opponent never goes away, and we couldn’t finish it off. There wasn’t much said afterwards as we were all shattered.
The team and I had a very quick chat and my message to them was I couldn’t be prouder with the way they went about the season. We managed to finish top after the minor rounds and lost the semi final with five matches going down the last hole. The tight finals experience is priceless – we have learnt a lot and will take this with us ready for next season.
Looking back over the season, I believe the changes we made to the men’s pennant program early on gave us a positive kick off and I thank the team and coaching staff for buying in and committing to the process. I believe we are on the right path to really compete for many years to come. I couldn’t have asked to manage a better bunch of lads and the support that the group has given me over the course of the season has been so rewarding.
I have started to plan for the 2025 season and I am really looking forward to redeeming ourselves in 2025.
On personal note, I would like to thank everyone for their support throughout the season – everyone from Kym Linke, Jeff Green, Dylan Thomas, Ben Layton, Nicole Rantanen Reynolds, Stephen Berridge, the office staff, the pro shop staff, players, caddies, and all the spectators that came out and watched. If I have missed anyone, then I apologize, but the support I have had has been so welcoming. I would also like to thank my daughter Carly for making the Brownies each week – they continue to be a team favourite.
Good luck to the Junior Division 2, Sharp Cup and Bonnar Cup teams competing in their respective finals on Sunday, and well done to our Women’s A4 team on winning their pennant final on Monday.
Individual Results
(1) Alex Hendrick lost to Sam Earl 1 down
(2) Ross Steedman def. Charlie Nobbs 3/2
(3) Darren Baynes def. Tony Nobbs 4/3
(4) Andrew Nakone lost to Alex Germano 1 down
(5) Michael Coleman lost to Corey Apthorpe 1 down
(6) Matthew Wilson def. Chris Burns 1 up
(7) Mark Demasi lost to Paul Gregory on 19th
Craig Brown
Simpson Cup Manager