Dorset County

Hampshire Vs Dorset

Venue: Liphook Golf Club
Date: Sunday 8^th May 2022

After a 2 year and 8 month wait, the Dorset County 1^st Team finally had the chance to compete in a full South East League match. Our opponents, Hampshire, took us to the impeccably presented Liphook Golf Club, England Golf’s chosen venue for the 2022 Logan Trophy. Having lost their previous league match against Kent the week prior, we always knew Hampshire were keen to bounce back with a win at home. Despite picking a strong team with both experience and youth, we knew it would be a tough day. But we are in the South East League for exactly that reason; to test ourselves against the best in the Country… and that’s exactly the test we received.

As the morning foursomes got under way, a tight opening salvo saw both teams take early advantages. After 4 holes Hampshire led in the 1^st and 3^rd matches, Dorset in the 2^nd and 4^th. In the top match, Adan Yates and Will Holland were up against the formidable pairing of Toby Burden and Ryan Moody and despite a spirited fight, the new Dorset pairing struggled against the barrage of birdies from the Hampshire pair. A final result of 7&6 not flattering the Hampshire pair at all; 7 birdies and a 5-under par score through 12 would suffice to beat all challengers on any day.

In the second match, the young pair of Tom Bastow and Jenson Bull (making his Dorset debut at 15!) were paired against the seasoned campaigners of Tom Robson and Mark Burgess. Experience here would prove the difference; Tom and Jenson’s combined age (33) being the same as Tom Robson’s, not to mention Mr Burgess. Any early hope from a 1-up lead for the Dorset youngsters was soon extinguished. A miraculous shot from the trees setting up birdie on the 9^th, followed by a 30-foot birdie putt on the newly created 10^th hole gave the Hampshire pairing a 2-up lead they would not relinquish. They would eventually run out 4&3 winners. 

In another tight match, Andy Robson and Oscar Hein were up against the Hampshire pair of Colin Roope and Darren Wright. This match would never have more than 1-hole in it. A stunning 2-iron to 3 feet on the 7^th from Hein showing the quality that this match provided onlookers. The match would continue swinging from one direction to another throughout the morning until a dramatic finish. A costly 3-putt from the Dorset pair on 16, would immediately be followed by a bounce-back birdie 2 on 17 leaving the match going A/S down the last. Hein & Robson would have one final chance to win, but a downhill 8-foot birdie putt would slip by; the match finishing A/S.

In the last match, Gregg Sutcliffe and Matt Sandy took on Ryan Henley and George Saunders, the latter returning from college in Tennessee earlier in the month. Despite an early 1-up lead from Dorset, it looked as though Hampshire had secured the point with a 3-up dormy lead. A birdie, birdie, birdie finish, including 2 holed 30-footers and a stunning bunker shot from Matt at the last would not be enough for a ½ point, Saunders (Hampshire) rolling in the same slippery 8-footer on the last for a 1-up win. Hampshire would take a 3½ - ½ lead into the afternoon singles. 

A mountain to climb for Dorset in the afternoon, and one that would ultimately be unattainable. Despite some misplaced optimism from the Captain, Hampshire would take early leads in many of the matches that they would not relinquish. Yates, Bastow, Hein, Robson and Holland all struggled early on, and despite “never say die” attitudes, all would ultimately end in defeat giving Hampshire the comfortable victory their mistake free play deserved. Jenson Bull, despite also losing 1down, should take heart from the fact that he took a former Challenge Tour Professional to the 18^th. If it wasn’t for one bad bounce from a good drive on the last hole, a ½ point would have surely been well deserved. A fine debut from the young Parkstone man. The first full point of the day for Dorset would come from Strokeplay Champion Gregg Sutcliffe, holding on to win 1up. The final match of the day would be halved, Matt Sandy finding the trees off the tee to end both his, and the teams frustrating, but educational day.

The golf from the Dorset squad is and has always been of an exceptional level. One thing this team does not lack is pride, team spirit, sportsmanship and a never give up attitude. Unfortunately, at this high level, it is often the smallest mistake, whether in execution or course management, that makes the difference between success and failure. Nevertheless, this team never fails to impress me, and Dorset should be very proud of its golfers. We move on, as one… #teamdorset.

Match report by Andy Rideout (Dorset 1^st Team Captain)

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