Seacoast Christian Golf Club Outing

Arrowood GC, September 17, 2010

Quarter Finals Round - 2010 Seacoast Cup Championship

The 2010 Seacoast Cup Playoff Season is now in it's Quarter Finals round as the Top 12 have been now narrowed to 8 players.  Our top 4 players have taken their "bye" week as the bottom 8 players have battled in the Wild Card round for the 4 spots to play in the Quarter Finals.    Below are the match ups and the results of their match play competitions.

Coykendall def. Hopson   6 and 5 -  This match ended up being dominated by Kent Coykendall from the start.  Kent didn’t made very few mistakes and when he opened the door for an opportunity for Jim Hopson to walk in to get any momentum in the match, he quickly closed the door with a spectacular shot.  Jim Hopson tried his best to play his game and match Kent’s play today, but Kent seemed to be playing with more energy and zest in his game.  Going into the 7th hole Kent had a 2 up lead and drove his drive left into the flower bed.  Jim thought this was the break he needed and felt that this hole would be his.  When Kent was able to find his ball and employed the generous local rule (free drop out of flower beds) he proceeded and knocked his second shot close to the hole and tapped out for par.  Jim shook his head in amazement and thought…”what is it going to take for me to ever win a hole from this guy?”  The match continued to cave in for Jim Hopson, when Kent began the back nine with 2 consecutive birdies which pretty much closed out the match for a win over Hopson at 6 and 5.  Jim could only appreciate the fact that he played a guy who was on fire today.   Jim’s regular steady golf somehow took the day off today, and today’s performance was not a match against Kent’s incredible play today. 

In the post round  interview Jim said…”I knew Kent was good as he took Curtis Chan down in the last round, and Curtis warned me about Kent’s play…but I didn’t get warned about how Kent can turn his game into a whole new level where he didn’t hardly give me a chance today.  Even if I parred holes, he  was there to match me shot for shot, or slam dunk a long putt for birdie….he was totally on fire today.

Kent was all business like and made a few comments….”I have new clubs that I’ve become more familiar with…I didn’t think I’d play well today…as I had to play a round yesterday in a charity event…but for some reason my game really clicked today…I made some incredible putts and was able to recover well when I missed the fairways.  Jim was a great opponent, but I somehow had my game in a different gear today…it really felt good and I’m happy to make it to the Semi Finals.”

Fitzgerald def. Brackett   1 up –  This match was going to be a “nail-biter” from the beginning.   First off, one could only guess that it was going to have a “dramatic” ending when you knew that Bill Brackett was coming off shoulder surgery and making a come back to participate and play in the playoffs.  We did indeed end up with a “dramatic” ending but one with a very interesting twist.  In fact the tournament committee had to consult with several PGA Rules officials on how to rule on the final outcome.

 Both players agreed to play at Riverwalk GC.  Lee would have to give 3 stokes to Bill.  Both players have been playing great golf during the year.  Bill of course would be the unknown factor as no one knew how or at what level of golf he would be playing after shoulder surgery.  Bill is an experienced player and knows how to handle pressure.  For the majority of the front nine, Lee took control of the match by getting a 3 up lead.  But Bill kept his cool, knowing that golf is 18 hoes, and by the 8^th hole he was able to chip away at Lee’s lead and made it an  ALL SQUARE  match.  Lee was a bit tentative about his own game today…knowing that Bill had been laid up for a few weeks and was “nursing “ his surgically corrected shoulder, Lee was quite surprised how mobile and fluid Bill’s swing looked today.  Lee knew he had to play his own game and if he executed well, he would have a chance to win.  The match took a turn in Bill’s favor as they played the back nine holes and by the 14^th hole, Bill had a 2 up lead.  But then on the 15^th hole, Lee made a crucial putt to save bogey which enabled him to win the hole and cut Bill’s lead to only 1 up.

 The 16^th hole will forever be etch in Bill Brackett’s golf replay memory bank, as certain events took place that changed the outcome of the match.  First off, Bill and Lee both hit their drives, Lee being the longer of the two drives.  After arriving at Bill’s drive, Bill proceeded to hit his second shot to the green which he successfully executed. As they were arriving up to Lee’s ball, two players on the adjacent fairway came up to Bill to inquire whether he might have hit their ball.  Bill looked around and came to the realization that he did hit their ball and then found his tee shot nearer to Lee’s drive in the 2^nd cut of rough.  Lee and Bill were not sure how to handle this, so they proceeded to play their balls now that they had sorted out which ball actually belonged to Bill.  Bill played out and “parred” the hole to win against Lee’s bogey.  This gave Bill a 2 up lead.  The 17^th hole went to Lee and they both tied on the 18^th hole, which seemingly gave Bill Brackett the win with a 1 up lead.  But this is GOLF and there are rules for every situation.  Both Lee and Bill went into the Pro Shop to get some clarification on how the situation on #16 was to be played….still perplexed by the answer they got from the pro shop they scanned their scorecard and submitted it to the tournament committee for review.

After interviewing each player as to what exactly took place, and then by applying RULE 15-3 from the USGA Rules and Decisions book, and then by confirming the ruling with PGA Rules officials, it stands that hole #16 was incorrectly documented as a Win for Bill Brackett on the score card..  Since he hit another ball while playing this hole, he actually incurred a penalty which results in loss of hole on #16.  This in turn results in a change in total outcome of the match as the match actually became ALL Square instead of 2 up.  The next hole #17 was won by Lee Fitzgerald to make it 1 UP for Lee,  and then the final hole #18 was halved, leaving the match at 1 Up for the winner Lee Fitzgerald.

Post Match interviewers were graciously given by both players and this is what they had to say:

 Lee Fitzgerald – “I almost don’t feel like I won the match, however I hit two tee shots in the water on two different holes that warranted penalties, so I paid my dues there.  I stuck to my game plan and told myself if I play to my best ability, then I would have a chance to win.  Unfortunately for Bill, the rules of golf, became the focal point of the match and I’m sorry that it had to end this way. “ 

Bill Brackett: “ I can’t say I’m thrilled about the results but that is to be expected.  I respect the rules of the game as well as anyone and I can live by them even when they work, seemingly so unfairly, against me.  It is the same rule for everyone and that is as it should be.  It’s all part of what makes golf what it is and why we all love the game so much.  This time “Murphy’s Law” caught up with me.  But you just wait ‘til next year!  ….Lee was a most worthy opponent and a perfect gentleman about the whole thing.  I wish him well as the playoffs continue.” 

Note:  Hole #16 – Bill Brackett acknowledge that he played a wrong ball on his 2^nd shot to the green.  Rule 15-3 of the USGA is applied in this situation and therefore, Bill Brackett loses the hole even though he found his own ball and played it out for a “win.” 

Grow def. Anderson   1 up –  Dan Anderson got to the course early with a few of his buddies to warm up his swing and to get a feel of the roll of the greens.  Bill Grow was no were to be found.  But 10 minutes before the tee time, Bill Grow was finally spotted unloading his clubs from his Expedition and hurriedly tying his shoelaces.  When he finally checked in and got to the tee box he declared to Dan…”these are not my regular clubs…but I’m ready to go!!”.   He then explained to Dan that he just returned back from a long trip to Pennsylvania (that’s why they had to reschedule this match) and that his golf clubs were somehow misplaced.  He couldn’t find them when he left for the course today and had to throw a mixture of clubs together to have at least something to play with today.  Dan started off with a par and took the first hole as Bill had difficulty feeling the speed of the greens and 3 putted for a bogey.  By the 3^rd hole Bill was still thinking of where his normal set of clubs were and couldn’t believe that he was playing a quarter finals match without his regular set of club…how could he let that happen..but then he realized that he had to work with what he had.  Dan kept pressing with his normal game and by the 5^th hole, he had a 3 Up lead on Bill.  But then on the 6^th hole, Bill seemed to have found his tempo with his “Scotty Cameron” putter which was laying around in his garage.  He rolled in a putt for par and finally won a hole.  For the next 3 holes, Bill rolled in putt after put to win more holes and by the time the 9^th hole was complete, he had a 1 Up lead on Dan.  With this Dan was seeing something that he didn’t want to see.  Here he was 3 up only a few holes back, and now facing 9 more holes he was 1 down.  Dan took a deep breath and told himself that he needed to buckle down, play his game and don’t let the “old man Bill Grow” take him out of the game.    The back nine was a true battle as both players fired great shots and sea-sawed wins taking the match to the final 2 holes.  By the time they finished the 17^th hole it was All Square.  Dan took a sigh of relief that he was able to bring the match to the final hole, but was a bit weary that Bill still had a stroke coming to him on the 18^th (handcap #4) hole.  Dan realized that he had to make birdie to put any pressure on Bill.  Both players made it to the green in regulation, but again Bill’s “new” putter shined once again and found the bottom of the cup for par.  Dan tried to make his birdie but missed and the par was not enough as Bill stroked and won the hole for the match.   

In the post interview conversation  Dan explained: “ I really thought I had a great chance to win today, especially when I saw Bill show up late to the course just in time to tie his shoes and tee it up.  Then to realize he didn’t have his regular clubs...it kind of gave me some comfort that I had a bit of an advantage…but boy was I ever wrong… As you can see by the score card, it took him a couple holes to get adjusted to what he had in his bag..  Bill found a new fairway wood that he said he ha  never used and I’m sure it will be in his bag from here on out.  He also was using a new Scotty Cameron putter that will likely be in his bag as well..Bill is an incredible player and one thing I learned again…which I already have known for years….when it comes to playing Bill Grow in match play….don’t ever count him out….he will be there to the end.   I wish him well in the next round.”    

 Bill Grow was contacted by phone after his round and he was in disbelief at his win.  He said…”I really don’t know what happened today…it was the weirdest thing when I discovered that I couldn’t find my clubs….I then realized that possibly Jim Hopson had them and somehow never got them back to me…I didn’t have any time to call him so I just grabbed what I could and put together some old sets of clubs that I had laying around…I also tossed in a 3 wood that I won in a tournament 5 years ago. It still had the wrapping on it.  Then for some reason I pulled out this Scotty Cameron putter which today I seemed to find the sweat spot on it because it was very kind to me.  I really felt confident with it after 5 holes.  I was a bit worried that Dan was going to take me out of the game early, but when I finally won the hole on #5, I somehow turned the corner and began to play my game.  I think Dan must have felt the pressure as he took an 8 on #9 and from there the battle took off.  I’m very fortunate that I made the putts when I really needed them and was able to match Dan all the way to the end for the win.

Herman def. Freitas – tie breaker – this match had the word “upset” all over it from the opening hole.  Jim Freitas had his work cut out for him as he met with the current 2009 Seacoast Cup Champion in the quarter final match today.  Jim fought hard and was able to play steady golf and keep his game under control.  By the 8^th hole, Jim had a sense of accomplishment as he racket up a 3 up lead when he tapped out for par (net birdie) to win the hole.  He noticed Bret getting a bit frustrated at how Jim was not opening any doors today.  But then Bret came back with a nice solid par on the next hole to bring Jim’s lead to 2 up.  With this Bret felt that as long as he could keep it  within 2 he might have a chance.  But Jim’s play was exceptional today has he match Bret shot for shot.  But then on hole #12, the opening that Bret was longing for came up as Jim failed to save bogey, and Bret now found himself only 1 down.  Then the wheels came off his game as Bret took an unsettling 9 on the 13^th hole by losing his drive to the right.  Jim again padded his lead to 2 up.  By the 15^th hole, Bret began to see the writing on the wall…as long as Jim kept up this level of play up for himself, Bret didn’t see any way he could take him down today.  With that, Jim made a net par on the hole and took a healthy 3 up lead with 3 holes left.  Then something changed in the match as it has happened many times on the infamous hole #16 at Arroowood.  Both players had decent drives and both had big decisions…go for it …or lay up.  Bret realizing that he had to press and put the pressure on Jim, decided to go for it…but failed and saw his ball go into the water.  Jim Freitas seeing that the match was in his hands was witnessing the fall of a champion.  But then, Bret somehow put an idea in Jim’s mind that Jim wishes he never acted upon.  When Jim saw Bret’s ball fall into the water, he asked the playing group…”should I lay up or go for it?”  .  Of course, the group encouraged Jim to not “whimp” out and “be a man and go for it !”..Jim felt he needed to prove himself and decided to go for it …plus he had been playing well, striking the ball nicely and having some confidence built up that he was taking out the 2009 Seacoast Champion….Jim felt confident that he could close out the match right here and now…so he went for it…but then he also found the water.  With this, Bret saw a glimmer of hope…and he took full advantage it by placing his next shot right next to the cup to tap out for a “much needed” bogey and the win.  This proved to be the turning point in the match as Jim Freitas had difficulties on both the 17^th and 18^th holes, losing both of them to Herman.  Herman somehow managed to tie up the match after 18 holes.  With this, the tie breaker was settled by going to the card, and the #1 handicap hole  (hole #4) was won by Bret Herman !! 

In the post match interview Bret declared…” I thought for sure that Jim was going to win today.  I couldn’t get a lead at all in the match today.  Jim played really well and didn’t give me any chances until he put his ball in the water on 16.  If he ties me on this hole…it’s game over for me.  But somehow he decided to go for it and it cost him dearly.” 

Jim’s post game comments were:  “I was going to play it safe on 16 with a stroke on the hole and Bret in the water I was going to lay up on my second shot. I kind of asked the group if they thought that was a good idea and I got a response from everyone that might be a little wimpy. I should have done what I was thinking but when your manhood is questioned you have to respond. I proceded to hit it into the water and rimmed out my putt  to lose the hole… Really it was nobody’s  fault but my own.  I really should have listened to the voice of reason and my gut feeling to lay up…and not listen to anyone else…this was a costly error.. Those last 3 holes at Arrowood GC have haunted me before and once again they got to me….Oh well…that’s Golf !!!

Championship Quarter Finals Matches Results

Players Bracket -–In addition to the top 12 players squaring off to determine our 2010 Seacoast Cup Champion over the next few events, a "“layer'’ Bracket"”match play competition also got underway.  All players who are not competing in the Championship Bracket, are welcomed to participate to compete in "“atch play"”format in the "“layer'’ Bracket."” Below are the guidelines and rules for this bracket.

Player’s Bracket Overview and Rules

1.  Player’s Bracket is the playing format for those players who are not competing in the Seacoast Championship Bracket.  Each week players in this bracket will be competing in “match play” competition.  Points will be earned for wins and participation.  Only players who are not in the “Championship Bracket” may participate in the “Players Bracket” to earn points.  A player who loses a match in the Championship bracket may participate in the Player’s bracket in the next round.  Points for the loss in the Championship Bracket will be given to the player equal to the amount allocated for that previous round.   As the playoffs progress towards the end of the year, each event will have a higher value in points.  The player with the most points at the end of the Championship Round will be declared the winner of the Player’s bracket. 

2.     Before each round, the tournament committee will rank participating players according to: points earned and monthly index.  Players will then be matched up in order to compete in match play for the next rounds given points.  Players without an official index may participate, but will be assigned an index for the round.  If there are an uneven amount of players so that a player is without a match opponent, the tournament committee may assign another player from the “Championship” bracket for competition sake, or a blind draw will be utilized from the field.

Points Table

Player’s Bracket Matches – Quarter Finals Round

Player’s Bracket Results -–Wild Card Round

2010 Players Bracket Points

Sept 3 - Wild Card Matches  / Rancho Bernardo Inn

Sept 17 - Quarter Final Matches / Arrowood GC

Oct 1 - Semi Finals Matches / Encinitas Ranch GC

Nov 5 - Championship Final / The Crossings at Carlsbad

Dec 3 - Breakfast of Champions / President's Cup - TBA

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