Taihape Golf Club champs

GOLF REPORT: The semifinals of the Club Champs were held in fine but windy conditions with the greens in a superb state.

The course had dried out in places but in fairness to the players and the competition lift, clean and drop anywhere on the course in addition to preferred lines on your own fairway.

Further, the pin placements were in keeping with the competition which tested most players.

In the Seniors, top seed Matthew Thomas breezed through with a 10/8 win over Alan Thomas.

In the early stages, the match was even but playing the final 22 holes level with the card which included 4 birdies proved decisive.

Most interest was in the other semifinal between Koke Cashell and Duane Dick. Dick made a horror start in his first 9 holes giving Cashell a 6 up lead.

There was no way back for Dick who after 18 holes turned 7 down.

After the break, despite a much improved performance the margin remained the same with Cashell prevailing 7/6 progressing to the final.

In the Intermediates, an unwell Jim Mickleson forced a delay in his appointment with his father.

In the other semifinal, which was a battle of the two Gary’s it was Gary Cleaver who had a slender 1 up lead after 18 holes.

Cleaver quickly extended the lead to 3 but a form reversal from both players enabled Gary Thomas to take charge of the match and power on to claim a finals position with a 5/4 win.

In the Junior A’s the Jim Fannin vs John Gilbert match was delayed.

In the other semifinal between Peter Valentine and Briany Bristol the lead changed on a regular basis with Valentine 2 up after 18 holes.

Bristol bounced back to win 5 on the trot due to some superb putting.

However, Valentine upped his game to take a 1 up lead after 27.

From there Valentine stuck to the script as Bristol’s putter deserted him as a number of 3 putts destroyed any chance of a victory with Valentine prevailing on the 16th hole.

JJ Walker booked his place in the Junior B final with a win on the 17th over John Fenemor.

Both had numerous pars but were guilty of donating holes in an otherwise even contest.

The only other useful performance came from Danny Mickleson with 39 points.

This Sunday is an opportunity for all the various competitions to progress towards conclusion.