from Mark Harper, Jr-Captain

On September 13th, Team Tanglewood took on our “white whale”–Sapona Country Club–in the Semifinals of Regular Interclub Playoffs. We have played them 3 times in the playoffs over the last few years, and once this year after being transferred into a new pod with them. All matches have resulted in losses. Last year in the semi finals losing by 1 point. Would today be different??

First Match at Tanglewood was myself and BJ Richardson. We lost the first 2 holes with them making bombs, thought it was going to be a repeat. We were able to win the next 2 holes to tie. Making the turn at all square. We were able to get some putts to drop on the last few holes. Tanglewood winning the first match 2up (shooting net 64 best ball).

First Match away was Mark Harper Sr and Brady Rockey. They got off to a hot start winning the first 3 holes. Losing 3 of the next. Sr birdied 8 to make the turn 1 up! It was alot of halves on the back, putters cooled off a bit but was able to finish all square and earning a huge “halve” on the road. Tanglewood guys up 3 after two matches!

2nd Match at Sapona was a tale of the opposite. David Summers and Zach Bryan lost 3 of first 5 holes. They answered strong by winning the last 4 holes on the front 9 to take the lead at 1up at the turn. They ended up splitting every hole but 2 on the back 9 at Sapona losing those 2 holes to birdies. Losing the match by 1 hole. Which at Sapona who has a strong home field advantage to only lose 3 total points(2 for the match win) kept us in a really good position. All tied after 3 matches.

Last match or 2nd at Tanglewood was Josh Dalton and Patrick O’Shields. This match was nothing exciting unless your are Team Tanglewood. It was a butt whooping. We won 4 of the first 9 holes before the only loss to Sapona at hole 10. Josh & Patrick didn’t like that, so they decided to win the next 3. Winning the match by 7 and with the 2 extra points for a total of 9 points. They shot a net best ball of 71 and Josh shot and incredible 73 on his own ball.

Tanglewood advances to the Semifinals of the playoffs to face off with Mooresville Golf Club. Very proud of everyone today, lot of grit and overall really good play from everyone today. Everyone shot within 1 of their low handicap or better. That makes us a hard team to beat. If we can win one more we will finally get back to the final four for the 2nd time. TANGLEWOOD!!!!