San Diego Cup: Amateur Team wins behind furious final day rallly

The amateur team defeated the professional team 17-6 in the 2023 San Diego Cup matches at Vista Valley Country Club in Vista, Calif.

On the first day in the alternate shot format, the amateurs defeated the pros 5-1, with Michael Griffin and Mark Geddes securing the line point for the pros.

"On the first day, Craig Davis and Aaron Goldberg birdied the last five holes to come back and win the Pinehurst format, which was amazing," Amateur team captain Joe Wagner said.

The amateurs won the better ball competition on the second day, 4-2. The amateurs won three of the six matches and tied two of them. Mark Geddes and Tim Parun secured the lone point for the pros.

During the Sunday singles matches, the amateurs came in with a 9-3 lead and kept the gas pedal down, winning the singles 8-3. The amateurs won seven of the matches, tied two of them, and the pros won three matches. Mark Geddes recorded three points for the pros on the weekend.

"The matches were very competitive, more than the final score indicated," Wagner added. "At one point today, we were down in eight matches. The amateurs played great and really turned it on each day on the back nine."

Joe Ryon won three points on his home course.

The San Diego Cup matches are an annual team competition between the top 12 amateur players and the top 12 PGA Professionals in San Diego County. All participants enjoy a spirited competition, team camaraderie, and experience that must be similar to the “Ryder Cup”.