LA JOLLA, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2011) -- The 40th
edition of the Century Club Matches teams
began play deadlocked at 19-19-1 and
finished tied 12-12 and an overall total series
record of 19-19-2.
To say it has been evenly matched is an
understatement.
During the Individual Match play on the final
day Professional Gary Sowinski made a 15
foot birdie putt on the final hole and Pat
Duncan, Sr. matched his effort with a 8-foot
put to All Square their match and a tie in the
2011 edition. In the second to last match
Buddy Duncan halved his match with Chris
Starkjohann to setup the dramatic action on
the final hole.
"That's how close it's getting," said Pat
Duncan, Sr., playing for his 29th time in this
event. "I'm just pretty proud to be doing it
for all of these years."
Duncan was also proud to be playing with his
son, Buddy. On Friday, the duo ran in five-
straight birdies in the Pinehurst Scotch
Format first round, helping keep the
amateurs tied with the professionals after
day one. The Duncans (Senior and Junior)
defeated PGA professionals Greg Casagranda
and Chris Starkjohann 1-up in what turned
out to be Friday's featured match.
The San Diego Professionals, however, took
a 3 ½ to 2 ½ advantage during the Saturday
Four Ball format to lead 6 ½ to 5 ½ going
into the final day. Professionals Ross
Marcano and Chris Starkjohann won their
match 5 & 4. Both players combined to birdie
five holes and the back nine and were 8-
under-par through 14 holes.
That set up the exciting final singles match
finish, which amateur team Captain Joe
Wagner told the San Diego Union was
exactly how he intended it.
"There's no one else that I'd rather have in
that last group than Pat Duncan, Sr," said
Wagner.
Sowinski, who drained the key 15-foot putt
to ensure at least a tie for the pros, was
very positive about the event.
"Everybody enjoys the competition and tries
to play hard," said the professional at Swing
Works Golf. "It means a lot to both sides,
and for it to end in a tie is probably as good
as anything.
The Century Club Matches Amateur team is
selected by accumulating points throughout
the year by playing in the San Diego County
Tournament Committee and SCGA events,
and the professional team in San Diego
Chapter of the PGA of America tournaments.
2011 Century Club Matches Results
Day ... Amateur Score-Professional
Score, Format
Friday ... 3-3,
Pinehurst
Saturday ... 2.5-3.5,Better
Ball of Partners
Sunday ... 6.5-5.5,
Individual Matches
Totals ... 12-12
- The SCPGA and San Diego Union Tribune
contributed to this report
