|
Caron
Wins 2nd TBI Match Play Title
Chris Caron captured his second TBI Match Play Championship title in
three years with a 2&1 victory over Dodie Fitzsimmons at Druid's
Glen Golf Course. "It was an exciting and hard fought
match", said Chris. Both golfers shot excellent rounds in the
title match.
Dodie took an early lead, parring 2 of the first 3 holes and led 3up
after seven holes. Chris nibbled away at the lead, winning #8 and
#11 and making par on 4 out of 5 holes in the process. After the
13th was halved with pars, Chris finally got even on the par-5 14th,
nailing a birdie putt on top of Dodie's par. Both players missed the
green at the par-3 16th, with Dodie finding the bunker. A
ten foot par putt gave Chris his first lead as Dodie’s attempt at
a sand save slid by the cup.
Both players hit great drives at the par 4 17th, however Dodie's
approach shot deflected off a "carts this way" sign in the
fairway while Chris' landed pin high in the rough. From there, Chris
was able to chip on and win the hole and the match.
Chris rolled into the Finals in dominating fashion, winning his
round robin matches and first playoff match handily. With gusty
winds a factor in the semifinal at Allenmore, Kevin Denton took a
1up lead over Chris at the turn and continued to lead after 15
holes. However, Chris stormed back to win the last three holes and
advance to the final match.
Dodie also had to overcome a late deficit to punch her ticket to the
Finals. Trailing Tom Birmingham 2 down with five to play at Kayak
Point, Dodie rallied to win the last three holes and the match.
Tom Birmingham and Kevin Denton tied for Third Place in this
year’s tournament. Region winners included Steve Onustack, Chris
Caron, Dodie Fitzsimmons, Kevin Denton, and Tom Birmingham.
In the Round Robin phase, Chris Caron, Tom Birmingham, Steve
Onustack, Kevin Denton and Dodie Fitzsimmons went undefeated to
qualify for the playoffs. Kevin edged brother Steve Denton 1up in
extra holes to capture the Linden Division title, while Tom came
from behind to overtake Bert Dewell in extra holes and win the South
Division crown. Dodie defeated sister Mary Renkert 2&1 in the
deciding Kent Division match. Steve, Bert and Mary also advanced to
the playoffs.
In the North Division, Steve Onustack’s 1up win over Dan Kwong at
North Shore proved to be the difference, while Chris Caron easily
dispatched Troy Hager at Horseshoe Lake to earn the West title.
In playoff action, Steve Denton defeated Bert 2&1 at Tanwax
Greens and Dan outlasted Troy 1up at The Classic to earn entry into
the Elite Eight. Kevin Denton used home course advantage to beat
Steve Onustack while Tom Birmingham overcame Mary Renkert at her
home course. Dodie Fitzsimmons vanquished Steve Denton at Vicwood
GC, and Chris Caron smoked Dan Kwong at Sumner Meadows to fill out
the Final Four.
Click
here for playoff bracket 2003 Round Robin Results by Region |
