Pitting an amateur against a pro in a one-hole playoff might sometimes seem like an unfair golf contest.
Considering Olympic View GBC Golf Academy pro Matt Matheson and visiting amateur Kyle Grant both finished 36 holes in 1-over 139, having them go head-to-head to determine a clear cut winner in the 2015 Metchosin Men's Open might not have been such a bad idea.
Matheson, whose opening round 67 on Saturday held as the tournament low, held off his fellow pros by shooting 72 on Sunday to take the top prize of $950. With a number of the players following down the No. 1 fairway, Matheson birdied the par-4 playoff hole while Grant managed a par.
Metchosin club captain Bernie Ash said the pro vs. amateur playoff was rare for the tournament, which generally keeps the two groups separate, but it did lend some excitement to the event at the end.
"I guess this way you've got the ultimate Metchosin Open winner," he said.
Grant, who is in the area visiting from Australia and is mostly playing out of the Bear Mountain club, captured the low gross title by shooting 71-68. He finished four strokes ahead of second low gross Mike Belleau (72-71–143), while Mike Hodgetts was next at 145 (72-73). David Flynn (73-73) and Bill Quin (75-71) tied for fourth low gross at 146.
On the low net side, Metchosin club member Hans Raagner topped the handicappers field with a 130, one better than Dell Hook and Bob Sweline. Dany Davis was fourth low net at 133, while George Rowland was fifth at 134.
Among the pros, Olympic View's Kevin Maxwell shot 1-under 68 on the final day but still finished one behind Matheson at 140. Lance McCulloch was next at 142 (70-72), while first-round leader Aaron Hall paired a 75 with his opening 69 and fell to fourth.
Hodgetts, who is also the course superintendent, gained kudos from the players for how the tricky little nine-hole layout played on the day, Ash said.
"The course was in great shape. It was basically a links course because it's been so dry, but the greens were in excellent shape," he said.
The tournament attracted 65 golfers in all and featured a prize table worth about $6,000 for the amateurs, purchased with the proceeds from 50/50 draws held every weekend, Ash said.
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