The Auckland Match Play Championships were played at Titirangi over the weekend.  Saturday morning started with the Round of 16 and we had Rakesh Patel, Matthew Cormack, Daniel Freeman and Steven Oh playing in that round after qualifying in the Stroke Play earlier in the year.

 

Rakesh lost to Jerry Ren (5/4) and Matthew Cormack lost to Johnny Tynan (3/2) to be eliminated.  However Daniel Freeman beat Dell Bain (now from Titirangi) by 4/3, and Steven Oh beat Victor Chua 3/2.  In the Quarter Finals on Saturday afternoon Daniel beat Josh Leitch (1up) and Steven Oh had a huge win over Joshua Bai by 7/5.  Daniel's win over Josh Leitch is particularly meritorious as Josh has been a regular Auckland Senior Rep and did well reaching the latter stages of the NZ Amateur just a couple of weeks ago.

 

Down to the semi finals and Daniel and Steven were drawn against each other - so one Remuera member was going to reach the final guaranteed!  Daniel finally won this match on the last hole (1up) and progressed to meet Johnny Tynan on his home course in the Final on Sunday afternoon.  Steven moved on the 3/4th play-off against Jerry Ren.

 

Daniel was beaten by Johnny Tynan on the 2nd extra hole after being tied up after 18 holes.  While Daniel was no doubt disappointed to lose, he must be very proud of his achievements this weekend, as should Steven!  Steven also lost in the 3/4th play off match to Jerry Ren by 1down.

 

While we have lost Connor Barker and Cameron Harlock to their golf scholarships in America from our Bissett Shield team - we will no doubt be welcoming Daniel and Steven into the team in 2020.  Congratulations, guys.