Scratch Team Progress to Quarter‑Finals

Fielding what on paper was a relatively young side, Goodwood went behind early when Dave Porter and Jack Raison, who was making his debut, found themselves six down after nine holes. Porter’s experience helped steady the ship and Goodwood won four out of the next six holes but narrowly lost 2&1.

Matt Lavington and Leo Ruggieri were billed as Goodwood’s strongest pair on the day but didn’t have things all their own way. However, some solid, consistent iron play from Lavington did enough to secure a vital point in the morning on the final green winning 1 up. This wouldn’t be the last time the final hole played its part in the match.

Chris Kerr and Ben Andrews got off to the worst possible start hitting out of bounds on the first hole but remarkably had a putt for a half on the first green, which unfortunately didn’t drop. Kerr would play a vital senior role all day long and gelled successfully with Andrews to deliver a strong finish winning 5&3 to edge Goodwood ahead.

The final and new pairing for Goodwood in the morning foursomes was Captain Nick Tull and youngest squad member Joe Sykes. Sykes was solid from the tee but the pair didn’t take advantage when they needed to missing several putts to win on the back nine and eventually lost 3&2.

Morning Foursomes: The Dyke GC 2 – 2 Golf At Goodwood

The current competition rules state that the away team will be awarded the win should the overall match be halved at the end of the afternoon singles. With the scores level at lunch, Goodwood needed to secure half the points on offer in the eight-afternoon singles matches. This would be a real test for Goodwood’s fledgling team, an afternoon’s singles session away from home is where the player’s metal is tested when competing against players with caddies, on their home course.

Porter’s opponent was blown away by solid, consistent play losing 5&4. Kerr was outstanding once again winning 6&4 and Tull was on his game and under par winning 6&4.

The pressure was on the newer and in some cases younger players to secure the final full point needed to progress to the last eight. Unfortunately, both Raison and Ruggieri lost narrowly and Andrews and Sykes were also not able to overturn the Dykes’ player’s home advantage.

With all other singles matches now finished, spectators and players watched as Lavington recovered from losing a five-up lead after twelve holes, to hole a three-foot putt on the 17th to take a slender 1 up lead up the last hole, where the whole match would be decided.

Two good tee shots allowed both players to wedge their balls into the heart of the final green. The Dyke’s Brough made a solid par four meaning Lavington needed to hole another nervy three-footer to make amends and secure the full final point to take Goodwood through, and to the delight and relief of the Goodwood team, he did.

Afternoon Singles: The Dyke GC 4 – 4 Golf At Goodwood

Final Match Score: The Dyke GC 6 – 6 Golf At Goodwood – Goodwood away winners

We would like to say a big thank you to all the caddies and numerous supporters who travelled over to The Dyke to show their support, it really is greatly appreciated.

Next up is a rare home draw on Saturday 21 July against Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club in the quarter-finals, in what will be an extremely difficult match.

All support is welcome, on what is going to be a challenging afternoon on The Downs Course. Well done and best of luck in the next round #teamgoodwood