BRIGGS TO TACKLE MOSSOP IN SHOWDOWN

Open final- Jeremy Briggs vs John Mossop

Jeremy Briggs will take on John Mossop in the battle to become the Patrick of Coonawarra Penola Golf Club Open champion on Sunday. Both are chasing their first title after previously being the bridesmaids in recent years. The absence of seven time winner, Jock Agnew, due to a career threatening shoulder injury, has no doubt paved the way for either Briggs or Mossop to claim their first title. However, each  is worthy of being crowned champion after winning their way into the final in emphatic style. 

Briggs accounted for Greg Hutchesson in the morning round with a comfortable victory, before playing very solid golf to defeat a tired Don Ferguson in the afternoon. Ferguson didn’t do himself any favours, however Briggs would have been hard to beat in any circumstances given the way he played. 

Mossop  defeated Storer in the morning  round finishing on the 15th. He took on number one ranked Nathan ‘Schnitzel’ Williams in the afternoon.  Mossop got away to a solid start and was three up at the turn. A rare three putt on the 10th from Williams put Mossop four up and the writing was on the wall. By the time the 13th was played, Williams was dormy five. However, a spirited fight back in front of a growing gallery saw Mossop only two up with two to play. He coolly drained his 3 foot part on the 17th for the half which was enough to see him into the final. 

The final should be a great contest to watch and is a hard one to pick the winner. Briggs would start slight favourite given current form, although Mossop’s mental toughness and desire to win will make him hard to shake. 

B-Grade Final  - Peter Walker vs George Kidman

This match will see the battle of power vs precision. Peter Walker has had plenty of experience and has probably played more rounds at Penola then Kidman has sheep in his paddock. Walker will be solid all day with anything more than a bogey a rarity.  Kidman will be long off the tee all day, but how accurate will be the issue. Both players had a bye in the quarter final and comfortable wins in the afternoon semis. 

Walker accounted for Mikey Redman and Kidman disposed of Tony Gleeson with a few holes up his sleeve. This game could go either way with the lead set to change at any stage. Kidman will be keen to take home his first Penola GC title, but with Walker being a stalwart of the club, it may not be a popular win! 

C-Grade – Paul Harmer vs Bill Cheers

As in the B-Grade, this match sees the number one and two qualifiers play off in an even contest. Harmer went within an inch of winning the B-Grade title last year, and back a grade in C-Grade sees him with a realistic chance of winning. Cheers has been solid off the tee all year, but the confidence, or lack of, with his putter could be the difference. 

Both players had solid wins in their quarter and semi finals to advance to the final. Cheers defeated Blue Kuhl in the morning and David Boyd in the afternoon, whilst Harmer had wins over Mal Redman and Ant Mathys. This will be another tight contest, with either a good chance of taking out the title. 

D-Grade: Allen Meyer vs Trevor Williams

This match sees Glencoe vs Tarpeena in a classic battle. Meyer from spud country,  has a solid game and uses his strengths to great advantage. He is a previous winner and would have to start favourite for this match. Meyer had a bye in the quarter final after a few late withdrawals and his job to win through to the final was made easier by John Foggo and Mark Edwards battling it right out to the 21st hole, with Foggo the victor. He couldn’t keep his winning form going as Meyer cruised to a comfortable win. Williams had to win two games to get through and solid wins against Lee Bateman and John Gregory gave him a chance to win his first title. The punter’s money would be with Meyer, but championship golf can throw up some interesting results. 

All finals will be played over 36 holes starting from 8:30am  with presentations at the conclusion of the last match, about 4pm. Spectators are welcome.