Team World Makes Final Day Comeback
Wins President’s Cup in Singles Matches 16-15
by Pat Payton, Sports Editor, Journal Argus
This year, it was Team World’s turn to make a last-day comeback in the President’s Cup golf event at the St. Marys Golf and Country Club.
Last year, Team Canada trailed by a considerable margin, but rallied to win the Earl Staffen Memorial Trophy, 17 points to 15.
The 2016 Senior's golf event was the 4th annual and the two 16-man teams teed it up in ideal weather conditions last Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 19-20.
The Chapman format was used on Monday, with two-man teams playing against each other, and Team Canada held a 5-2 points lead after the opening day.
On Tuesday, the teams played a two-man scramble for the first nine holes in the morning. Head-to-head singles matches were held on the back nine, and they again proved to be the determining factor.
Team World claimed 14 total points on Tuesday, compared to 10 points for Team Canada. Team World won the singles matches 10 points to six to pull out an overall 16-15 victory.
At one point in the competition, it was tied 14-14.
“The guys really came on in the singles,” Team World captain Mike Wraith said. “It’s a good thing they weren’t counting on their anchor,” he added with a laugh.
“One point difference,” said Team Canada captain Tom Jenkins. “We came out of the gate strong, but faded in the stretch I guess.”
Notes:
--Captains Mike Wraith and Tom Jenkins were co-organizers of the 2016 golf event.
--In the President’s Cup to date, all four years have been blessed with “great weather,” says Bill Chmura.
--Eight players from St. Marys G&CC competed in the Provincial Senior Ryder Cup golf competition last Monday, Sept. 19 at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club.
The eight men were: Merlin Malinowski, Rick Fifield, Jimmy Craigmile, Rich Parsons, Wayne Ross, Bob Mills, John Cooke and Greg Thompson.
The host St. Catharines golf team won it.
Winners from 16 regions competed in the Provincials, and it was reported that all golfers were treated royally.