|
An Introduction to the SJGA Men’s Match Play League
In 2007,
the SJGA revived and expanded its Men’s Match Play League and
completed a successful season that was enjoyed by all. In the fall
of 2008, we look forward to another great year of competition and
good sportsmanship
A little
background: Many years ago, there was a Men’s Inter-Club League that some have said was comparable to the 40-team league that
the women have today. However, the most recent Men’s Inter-Club
League ran from 2002 to 2004. It was organized by Rich Picardi from
Mays Landing and when he left in 2005, it just stopped. This League
was a more modest affair involving just four teams (Mays Landing,
White Oaks, Springfield, Golden Pheasant and later Centerton).
Rich put the
emphasis on everyone having a good time and being able to compete.
He set up a six-player match-play format using FULL HANDICAPS. With
the goodwill of everyone involved and the great attitude of
low-handicappers occasionally challenged to their limits by giving
strokes, the league produced a lot of enjoyment for all
participants. Many individual matches came down to the final putts
and quite a few team victories were won on the final holes by
extraordinary shots. Matches won or lost at 6-5 or 5-4 were rare.
This is the model
for the current Match Play league. In 2007, we had twice as many
teams as the older version. Eight teams competed with six players
to a team. Each team played four matches and, yes, there was a
championship match at the end of the season.
The matches were
played in September and October on weekdays. Courses were asked to
waive green fees for guests but all players were required to take
carts. Visiting players were encouraged to eat lunch at the host
club after the morning match but there were no elaborate reciprocal
luncheon plans as the women have or as the GAP Men’s matches have.
Playing rules on the course seemed to take care of themselves under
USGA rules with only minor modifications. Golfers over 70 years of
age were allowed to play the forward tees. Teams were split into
North and South divisions. All team scores and the weekly standings
were reported on the SJGA website. Interest was high and no matches
were forfeited.
If you are
interested in this kind of program (I know you are out there),
contact me by e-mail at
allenmiller@verizon.net or call at 609-267-8630. Or pass this
information to someone you know who has expressed interest. Of
course, you must also check with members at your club on their
interest and availability. Please feel free to ask all the questions
you need answered. For further information, please click on
the links at the top right of this page.
Al Miller, Chairman
Team Match Committee
|
