In a Texas Scramble format, Team Gold managed to erase their deficit in the 2011 Team Ryder Cup Match Play. Captain SIMON’s line up yielded 18 points for the day out-maneuvering Assistant Captain JOHN who had to assume the duties of Captain RORY who is forever gallivanting all over the place.
With only one more match remaining, TEAM BLUE is dire in need of a great “mano-a-mano” strategy. With their Captain being away, they are starting to sing the blues. Meanwhile, with SUNNY having been reactivated from the disable list, Captain SIMON quickly seized the opportunity to match him up with the top player in the 2011 UPS Leaderboard – HAN. Although they surrendered a point to the BLUES team of ALAN & GERRY (4-5), they managed to outscore them by net 56 – 57. It enabled them to tie for the day’s jackpot with BILL & ED.
That is another story. At the first tee, ED’s drive was wild to the right while BILL’s was dead center. They had to use BILL’s position on their 2nd shot and managed to escape with a net par. On the 2nd hole, ED was again way right with his drive and had his partner to thank for a fairly easy approach. BILL did not miss the green with his approach and ED took advantage of his opportunity and creamed his 9 iron to less than 6 inches for a natural birdie. It set the tone for a frustrating day for BLUES’ ERNIE and HARRY. On so many holes in the back nine, one statement reverberated over and over again throughout the entire city of Richmond: “Good thing you got BILL for a partner!”
Meanwhile, what remains as a mystery is the horrible performance of JOE, who is one of the top Birdiehunters. His point total output of 10 for 3 RYDER CUP games is one of the reasons the BLUES are trailing the GOLDS. JOE is 0-3 in his matches. JOHN leads with 19 points with ERNIE and ALAN just shy with 18 points each. Although JOHN is 1 – 2, his 11 points during the 1st match keeps him in the lead. ERNIE is 1 – 1 with a tie. ALAN is 2 – 1.
The GOLD Team’s leader HAN is 2 – 1 and leads with 21 points. BILL strong play is also 2 – 1 at 2nd place. VINCENT is also 2 – 1 while SIMON is 2 – 0 -1 tie. These statistics could assist both Team Captains to unleash a formidable match.
This sets up a fabulous return to Individual MATCH PLAY championship on August 26. The two team captains will have to put together a line up for a successful quest of the 2011 RYDER CUP MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP.
LEADERBOARD UPDATE
Meanwhile, there seem to be no stopping the TOP TWO leaders, HAN and ED. They continue to rake in points on every tournament. ALAN at 222 point could conceivably have a chance at overtaking both leaders this Thursday at Point Roberts. BILL, JOHN, and SIMON have to put together a string of wins in the next three weeks to have a chance at closing the gap. The next 4 players would need a minor miracle to have a chance at the championship. There are 8-10 more weeks of tournament play before the official season closes at mid-October.
THURSDAY AT POINT ROBERTS
Start time is 7:30. Be there bright and early. Join us at Tsawassen’s McDonald at 6:30 for breakfast.
BIRDIE HUNTERS 