Second time the charm for Hill
It was déjà vu all over again for Sarnia’s Matt Hill.
For the second straight week, Hill was involved in an extra-hole playoff to decide a Canadian Tour tournament champion.
For the second straight week, the playoff lasted four holes.
The only difference this time was Hill prevailed.
“It was pretty much the exact same thing, just the result was turned around,” said Hill, who admitted that nerves came into play somewhat in the playoff.
“I felt pretty calm all day. I didn’t feel the nerves until I had that (18-foot eagle) putt to win there (on the fourth playoff hole). I just didn’t hit a good putt (coming up a foot short), but I still had a chance to win after that and keep trying to make birdies on this hole.”
Hill got off to a slow start Sunday. He three-putted No. 5 to go 1-over before turning it around with a big birdie putt on No. 6.
“I kind of knew the scores would be pretty low, just because the course has been yielding some pretty good numbers this week,” he said.
“I kind of told myself to hang in there, play smart and give myself some chances.”
Another pivotal moment came on No. 12. Indeed, his caddy, Frank Enns, believes that Hill won the tournament on that hole.
Despite putting his tee shot in no man’s land cabbage, about 170 yards out, Hill dodged a branch in front of his ball, hit a wedge to the fairway and then stuck his next shot three feet from the pin for a par.