Ryder Cup run over

Nelson finally got its hands on the Ryder Cup after eight long years with a convincing 16-8 win at home over Waahi Taakaro on Sunday (Nov 13).

It was just Nelson's second victory in nine attempts in the annual match between the two clubs which is played over three 9-hole formats.

In ideal conditions it was Waahi Taakaro who made the best start in the morning foursomes, racing out to a 4-2 lead thanks to wins by intermediates Paul Tunnicliff/Jonathan Tuheke, and the two senior pairings Jasper Broad-Kolff/Keri Kotua and Pete Green/James Campion and halves from juniors Warwick King/Grant Thorn and intermediates Maurice Woodhouse/Dave Blake.

However that was as good as it got for our team with Nelson making a clean sweep of the four ball best ball matches in a format where we usually do well.

Behind 8-4 at lunch, we needed to dominate the individual matchplay to be in with a chance of retaining the trophy but it never happened with just junior Ian Hanford, Maurice Woodhouse and Pete Green winning their matches and junior Mike Murphy and Keri Kotua securing halves against a solid Nelson team who comfortably took out the afternoon ties 8-4 to complete the  well deserved victory.

We have a year to contemplate the empty space in our trophy cabinet but at least next year we have the advantage of playing on our own course.

Congratulation to Nelson captain Peter Hay and his team and thanks for your hospitality in what is one of the most enjoyable events on our calendar.