from BJ Richardson, Regular Inter-club Co-captain
Tanglewood played their first Regular Interclub playoff match of the season against Meadowlands on Sunday, August 6 th . In the playoff format, 2 teams are sent away, and 2 teams play at home. This is
Meadowlands first year in Regular interclub and their captain is “all in” we were told. These guys played well during the regular season, and we knew we had a tough match ahead.
The first group out at Tanglewood was Kenny Davis and Jeromy DeBord. Kenny and Jeromy were having to give up 2 strokes. This was a good match with the scores staying close on the front 9, and with Kenny admittedly not having his best stuff, our guys were one down after 9. Kenny’s par on 10 got the match back to all square, and the teams went back and forth on the back 9, with Meadowlands ultimately coming out on top with a 2 up victory.
The first group out at Meadowlands was Mark Sr. and Patrick O’Shields. Mark and Patrick were giving up 3 strokes, and when playing away, that can sometimes be a tall task. Turns out Mark and Patrick were up to the challenge. After a rocky start on the first 2 holes, our guys were 2 down early. Then it was time for Tanglewood to go to work. With some coaching from the captain, Patrick started making a run and after 9 holes, our guys went from 2 down to 2 up. With good play from both Patrick and Mark on the back 9, they were able to extend their lead and closed it out with a 4 up victory. This was a big win for this match being away and giving up strokes and proved to be crucial for Tanglewood. Great playing!!
The second group off at Tanglewood was Stephen Dunn and Mark Jr. They were facing the captain of Meadowlands and apparently a tortoise. We heard from Meadowlands that one of these guys was the slowest player at Meadowlands. This was going to be a challenge for Jr. (Challenge Accepted). Dunn and Jr. played well on the front and made 3 birdies. Their opponent’s birdie on the 9 th got the match back to all square at the turn. Jr. then goes par net birdie on 12 and birdie net eagle on 14 for a 2 up lead! Dunn’s par on 17 wins that hole and our guys close the match out with a 3 up win. Way to finish it off!!
The second group off at Meadowlands was Kenny Flynn and BJ Richardson. I couldn’t help but feel like I was walking in Meadowlands with a rock star, with the flowing hair and everyone greeting Kenny by name. We were going up against some strong Meadowlands opponents, and it was time to jam!! Until… it wasn’t. Meadowlands birdies 3 out of the first 4 holes and we quickly found ourselves 4 down after 5. Kenny and I had to speak a couple of birdies into existence on the front and finished up the front 9 only 3 down. The back 9 was just as tough and we were 4 down after 14. Kenny then birdies 15 and they miss a short birdie putt. Three down with three to play. I birdie 16 to their par. Two down
with 2 to play. (Seeing a pattern here) Two pars from Tanglewood on 17 to 2 bogeys. One down with one to play. Like any good concert, the rock stars play their finale and BOTH sink birdies for the win and the crowd ( Sr. and Patrick) goes wild… ok so they clapped.
This was a big win for Tanglewood, with Meadowlands proving to be a tough competitor. At one time, we were down in the majority of our matches (some more than others). As a team, we rely on each other and we don’t give up, and regardless of the results, this will continue to make Tanglewood successful. Our next match with be against Bermuda Run, Colonial, or Statesville CC. Stay tuned.
Go Tanglewood!!