Matchplay was in vogue at Tiverton GC this morning as England took on the Black & Whites (Richard T and Kevin) in a two part Ryder Cup style tournament. Holes 1-9 were played as a fourball, holes 10-18 as greensomes.
The unusual format was matched by some unusual play on the first tee. England teed off, Mike hitting far and left, and lost ball. Charlie, realising the need for a safe shot to stay in the hole put it safely just off to the left, albeit about 18 inches away from the tee. Richard and Kevin, playing in matching shirts, shorts, socks and shoes, played left as well but won the hole comfortably with a 75 yard chip from Kevin for a par. After that start, holes won oscillated back and forth. The standard was prtty high with birdies and pars required to take a hole.
Eventually, the morning's play came down to the 9th with the match all square. Mike hit short, Charlie bunkered, Richard just off the green and Kevin right. Learning from Hunter Mahan, Kevin chipped about 3 feet forward to remain positioned off the green, Charlie cleared the green, as did Mike. It was then a simple up and down for Richard and the morning nine holes was won putting the Black & Whites ahead by a point.
Heading into the afternoon session from hole 10, with time for just a quick Mars bar and Lucozade, the format was still being discussed as Richard teed up. Greensomes was decided, where both players tee off, the better drive is chosen and then alternate shots are taken.
Richard's immense hit off the tee prompted Kevin to return his driver to his bag, where it stayed for quite a few holes. Some good recovery play from Mike and Charlie and the hole was halved. Mike then commented, somewhat prohetically, that this format was going to make scoring very difficult. Mike and Charlie then lost the next four holes to a variety of hugely fantastic driving from Richard, accurate approach play and brilliant chipping from Kevin. The 15th was halved, and the match went to the Black & Whites, 2-0.
Richard and Kevin are now considering a professional career on the senior greensomes tour having shot 5 pars, 1 birdie, a bogey and a conceded hole (after a slight mess up with a rabbit hole).
The format proved popular and will, no doubt be used again soon. In the meantime, we are now trying to work out how to organise a Texas Scramble. This will most likely be a nine hole match down in Okehampton later this year, if we have enough players.
