So, the lads re-united for a Middleton Cup tiebreaker at the home course, on a very windy September monthly medal (Ed Note: We started on the back nine this time around). North America had talked themselves into a better showing on the commute out to the course, but unfortunately for them, they picked up right where they left off – giving away the first three holes. Foltz, in particular got off to a strong start (um, ‘strong’ as in odour). And just like last time, the candyman and his putter were on their game, making some nice putts on the first 10th, 11th, and 13thholes. Byrne was marginally steady and quiet, but besmirched by his new course hdcp of 18 (that makes the math easier for Matt, a good thing as he’s typically confused by your more complex numbers).
Anyway, north america didn’t totally cave (as predicted by a certain very long-hitting, five-putting kiwi) as they picked up wins on the 14th (both foltz and christie had birdie putts mysteriously not fall – we demand a recount!) and the 15th (where byrne drains a long putt off the green for a win – a recurring theme it turns out). A couple of swapped holes on the 16th and 17th along with a half on the 18th, gives the world have a 2-hole lead at the turn. Both North Americans are, miraculously, on a triple digit pace again. Oy!
Christie and the candyman take the first two holes on the back side (sounds dirty?) to go 4-up, while Foltz mutters to himself about an early ride home and Byrne quietly asks the boys from the world team if he can import a new partner for the next match. Things look grim for an even remotely interesting finish.
However, just when all drama seems lost, NA take the 3rd, the 4th and halve the next three (thanks to a couple of missed shortish putts on 6 and 7 – some call it surprising, others call it sporting) to set up a semi-dramatic finish. The North Americans are now down two with two to play but get a shot on both the penultimate and finishing hole. Could a dramatic comeback to halve the match and keep the MC tied be in the works?
Round of the match: Roger shot an 87 for a net 73 on very trying conditions from the back tees. This man will not be denied his middleton prize!
Um, no. As if on cue, a spanner in the works! Ward drains a one-armed 70 footer for birdie from off the green on #8 to seal another victory for the world: 3 & 1. Honestly, it was only fitting that North America would go down on a drained putt from the candyman.
Next up: Unknown – First weekend in October if Matt is around – otherwise, after club champs and top dog? Or perhaps we’ll all flame out early in the match play and play then. Or, gulp, not qualify!
Good luck in club champs. Kate is expecting us to do the cup proud.
