The Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort Club Championship is in the books. Yesterday, I played a match play round against my friend Misha for all the marbles. Not surprisingly, it was a very close match that came down to the last hole. As we battled back and forth, it was clear that neither of us was giving an inch and it would take a great shot or two to close the match. Regardless of the results, it was a fun competitive match that was a highlight of my 2023 season.

To removed the suspense, I won the match 2 up to be crowned the Club Champion for the second year in a row.

I had never played a round with Misha in the past, however we have had several conversations that were very pleasant. As our round unfolded, it became very apparent that Misha is a very nice young man with a strong golf game. Looping the course we engaged in polite conversation and the whole experience was gratifying. I hope we have the opportunity to play more rounds in the future.

Misha is a long ball hitter that out drove me 90% of the time. On the par 8 eight hole, he hit his ball 60 yards (not a typo) farther than I did. He hit is long irons very well and had a nice touch around the greens. He quickly proved that I needed to be at the top of my game to have a chance to win. The one hitch that held him back was putting. His line was very good, however distance control proved to be his challenge of the day. As a matter of fact, both of us did not have a great putting day. That happens sometimes and thank goodness for me we both were off at the same time.

I played my usual game. Fairways and greens for the most part. I did struggle with my chipping a bit as I skulled two chips where one cost me the hole. I hit the ball fairly long, but my biggest strength of the day was my approach shots. I hit the green slightly more than normal and that was my advantage of the day.

After all the back and forth on the score, I was up 1 heading into 18. Misha hit another booming drive and was 75 yards from the green on an uphill lie. I was 105 yards to the green which is a perfect distance for my PW as I was hitting uphill to a small green. Being the first to play, I hit the shot of the day and my ball came to rest 8 feet from the pin. Misha struggled to hit the green because of his difficult lie. Being on the green in 3 only 3 feet from the pin, Misha decided not to concede (I would not either; never concede a putt to lose a match) and wanted me to earn the crown. Well, I made a strong putt and sank it for birdie. It was a strong finish and as a result I won the match.

Our round was full of great shots and counter punches. It was a perfect finish to the Club Championship! I want to thank all the players who participated this year and look forward to seeing you can win the prized parking spot next year.

I also want to thank Mike and Brenda for hosting the event this year. The prize of a reserved parking spot and has created a great deal of conversation.

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