Shootout final October 16, 2021
- 17 October 2021
- Peter Watson
Peter Watson outlasted his rivals to win the Shootout final for the second successive year on Saturday.
But the the veteran leftie - who only just qualified in ninth place - had to play near his best to get over the line, carding an even par 36 playing off the white tees, to see off his eight challengers.
With Steve Russell withdrawing because of injury, the first hole acted as a warm up.
Alan Church was the first to depart in a four-man chip off at No 2. Despite Warren Carey losing a ball, top qualifier Paul Tunnicliff was the next to go after making a hash of No 3.
With Jim McMullan's early departure, No 4 was deemed another practice hole. A poor tee shot and missed short putt proved fatal for Peter Green at No 5, while Neil McLaren paid the price for some mishits on No 6.
Dave Blake forced another four-man chip off after sinking a 18 foot putt for par on No 7 which Lindsay Brooks lost after coming up short.
There was more drama on No 8 after Warren Carey sunk a par putt from the fringe to survive. That left Dave and Peter to chip off. They both duffed their first attempts but couldn't be separated after a measure so a replay was ordered which Peter won.
Both Wazza and Peter drove strongly down No 9, but Wazza's lay-up ended up short while Peter was in prime position under the ridge before the river. However, Wazza powered a 5-wood just right of the green to stay very much in contention. Peter put his wedge 20 feet short of pin but Wazza answered with a fine chip to five feet away. Peter narrowly missed his birdie putt and tapped in for a five. Wazza left his putt to force a deciding chip off agonisingly short.