Once again, TheSocialGolfer.com – the online golf club and social golf network – held its 11th TSG Matchplay Championship Final (sponsored by Golf News & GogogoSport) at the popular South London Golf Club, Farleigh, on Sunday 24th September 2023…
The TSG Matchplay Championship ran similarly to an FA Cup style knockout with participants arranging each round of matches at a course of their choice throughout the summer.
The finalists Dave Johnson (Essex) and Mark Crane (Kent) both worked their way through a field of 64 to secure their place at Farleigh, having played six matches across the year. In addition, the two losing Semi-finalists Gary Wilson (Kent) and Rob Webb (Essex) competed in the third-place play-off.
The final began with Johnson taking an early lead going 3 up after 3. But Crane (former Champion in 2014) fought back to stay in the match, but it looked all but over when Johnson went Dormie on the 13th green. Five up with 5 to play.
However, as the shoulders tightened with victory in sight, Johnson lost the next three holes, re-teeing on every occasion, forcing the game to the 17th. Sadly, Crane left it short, while Johnson holed out for Par, to take the title, 2&1.
The third-place play-off was won by Gary Wilson on the 18th Green.
Meanwhile, in another competition, running alongside the event on the day.
10 teams competed for the inaugural Social Golfer Pairs Trophy, named after long-term TSG member Gary Wilson’s Daughter, who he lost to Cancer, aged only 21.
The competition was played using combined Stableford score of both players, meaning every shot counted.
And rather fittingly, The Kirstie Cup was again won by Dad, Gary Wilson, and Rob Webb.
Johnson, commenting on his win said “Many thanks to The Social Golfer for all the time and energy they put into organising this competition. Mark pushed me all the way, and I don’t mind admitting, I thought I had thrown it away at one point. However, after losing in the final in 2021, this win was all the sweeter, I am thrilled to be the new champion!
Ian Mullins, Editor of TheSocialGolfer.com said “As The Social Golfer membership has grown this has become one of our most popular competitions. Big thank you to sponsors Golf News & Gogogogo Sport for their on-going support of our event!”
The Social Golfer website was visited by more than 240K golfers in the last 12 months, and they held over 650 golf events.
By Ian Mullins
