The second leg of the the Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort versus Osprey Links is in the books. Yesterday, the Osprey Links team venture to Mattawa to try and close out their 9 to 5 lead they developed during the first round of this event. My partner, Ray, were matched up against Don and Don again for a fun competitive round. The match did not disappoint because as in previous rounds a great time was held by all! There was a big surprise to this year’s friendly competition that made everyone smile!

Playing golf at Mattawa is always fun. It offers a challenge off the tee and around the greens that toughens the course. When Ray and I played last week at Osprey Links, we split the match with each team receiving 1 point each. Ray and I were hoping to at least tie again or sneak out a second point for our match. To do this, Ray was the wild card. If he plays well then there was a very good chance that we would win the entire match!

As the round started, we started off strong by taking a one hole lead after the third hole (we started on 7). On our third hole (9th on the course) we were sitting about 35 feet from the pin. The approach shot is tough because it is uphill and I always under club. Anyway, Ray and I surveyed the shot and it was a straight slightly uphill putt. I mentioned to Ray to ensure he hit his ball to the hole and he did just that because it went in! making this birdie putt created our lead that we did not lose for the rest of the front nine. Interestingly, from that point on, Ray’s game elevated to a point where he saved our bacon on several shots later in the round!

I hit a majority of the shots, however on the fifth hole of the front nine, Ray stuck his shot to within six feet off the tee. It was a great shot that increased our confidence moving forward. Ray stepped up to the putt and easily sank it. We were 2 up with four to go. After more back and forth playing, we finished the front nine 2 and 1.

The back nine was a bit different. Don and Don stepped up their game. They were hitting the ball better and their approach shots helped them win a few holes on the back nine. Their putting was the great equalizer on the back nine. Don B sank three clutch putts for either a tie or a win. These putts made it a challenge for the entire nine holes. Like boxers who could not land the knock out punch, Ray and I were up 1 with one hole to play. It is a short par 3 that poses the potential for a high score. Well Ray was undaunted and hit his ball to about 10 feet. Don and Don missed their birdie putt and conceded the hole and match. Ray and I took the back nine and we were thrilled to walk away with two points for our team.

Throughout the round, Ray’s game improved. He was the difference maker for yesterday’s round. At 78 years young, he is not a long ball hitter. However, he was in play more yesterday and in previous rounds we played together. Hence, he was in better position off the tee for at least a third of our approach shots. On several occasions, I was out of play and Ray delivered. Remember the two shots of his I mention earlier in the article, well he won a prize for closest to the pin and longest putt. A big boon for our team!

Being down by four points at the start of the round with 14 up for grabs, it was a tall order for Mattawa to win this year’s home and away. Well, sadly we did not win, but we did play well enough to tie the match. Yup, Mattawa won 9 points to even the score at 14. It was a great way to finish and everyone was thrilled at the tie. This was a great event and we are looking forward to playing again next year.

On side note, I want to thank Rheal and Mike for organizing this fun event. Without dedicated volunteers like these two brothers, nothing would happen. Also, a big shout out to Mike and Brenda for hosting the event. The meal was fantastic and the serve superb. Congratulations to all!

Lastly, I mention that the Golf Historical Society of Canada (GHSC) is coming to our area on 25 and 26 August. Osprey Links will host a hickory stick day on the 25th and Mattawa on the 26th. I hope many of the players from the home and away will come out and play with hickory sticks. Myself and Bill are organizing these event and as in previous years, it will be a fun event that offers an opportunity to step back in time and play golf with older vintage clubs.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!