McCrae masters Individual Matchplay

Paul McCrae had even more reason for a celebratory drink or two on Saturday (June 20) after he edged Andy Isle in an absorbing final of the Individual Matchplay.

In what was a high quality battle full of banter off the blue tees in the winter sunshine, both men played at or below their handicap with neither being able to establish any more than a tenuous one-hole lead.

Paul won the first but Andy - who had to give him 11 shots - was soon back on level terms. Some clutch putting saw him sneak ahead only for Paul to draw level with a monster putt before Andy won the 8th with a par to go to the turn one-up. It was all square again on the 10th when Andy lipped out a short putt and a weak chip gifted Paul the lead on No 13. They shared No 14 after Andy's birdie putt shaved the hole and Paul got up and down expertly. Andy tied it up again on No 15 after Paul had tree trouble, but a wayward drive from Andy and a missed putt from gettable range allowed Paul to grab the lead again on No 16. Paul couldn't capitalise after another loose drive by Andy on the 17th so they went to the last with Paul only needing a half to win the match. He went one better with a nervousless bogey, while Andy left his second short of the green and chipped up short to concede the hole and the match 2 up.   With a nett 69, Paul was a deserved winner as he was the steadiest golfer right through the competition.

In the match of the day,  a par round off the blue tees, Aaron Kotua warmed up for the Sloan Trophy on Sunday by topping the field with an excellent +2 in the heavy conditions. Warren Carey returned to form with +1 to finish second on countback from the in-form Ian Hanford. Jack Denton claimed fourth with an all square round ahead of Peter Watson and Steve Russell on countback. There was a logjam on -2 with Jim McMullan, Bryan Ramsey, Lewis Wilson, Warwick King, Dave Blake and Keri Kotua all recording that score.

Peter Watson scooped the twos money with the only one of the day on No 14.

Next week the Shootout begin and it is also a Barkman Trophy round.

ends