Ten clubs still alive in quest for Team Matches Playoff

  Defending champion Commonwealth National GC puts its undefeated record, and top spot in Section 3, on the line against 1-1 Moselem Springs GC in this Sunday’s final duel.

  “We're relieved to be in a position to reach the final should we play well on Sunday,” said Commmonwealth’s team captain John Robinson. “Our guys have done a great job so far in overcoming the loss of three quality players from last year’s championship team.

  “The final is so much fun that we'll be thrilled with just getting there, whether it be with a 3-0 or 2-1 record.”

  While CNGC holds the advantage in the win-loss column, their points lead over Moselem Springs GC is only 3 ¾ points, setting the stage for what is certain to be a hard-fought match between the clubs, a fact that does not escape Robinson.

  “With a loss we could come in anywhere from first to third place. The group is that close,” Robinson said. “We know Moselem is a deep and hungry squad, with a nice home-course advantage. They remind me a lot of our first few years in Division AA.”

  Added Robinson, “It would certainly be nice not to have to worry about points should we be fortunate enough to sneak by Moselem.”

  Olde York CC shares the same undefeated record as CNGC as it faces off against Huntsville GC. And although Olde York CC has a slightly larger lead over second-place Huntsville GC than CNGC does over Moselem Springs GC (9 ¾ points), their match could come down to the wire as well.

  But let's not forget that Wedgwood CC and Philadelphia Cricket Club, in Sections 3 and 4, respectively, still have a shot to reach the top of their divisions. Both clubs need to defeat their final-week opponents handily and have the top clubs in each of their respective sections lose by slim margins in order for them to jump to the top of their section with the highest point totals.

  For the two matches in Sections 1 and 2, the point totals are thrown out the window and it’s winner take all as all four teams sit atop their respective sections with undefeated records.

  Tavistock CC is in the mix for their fourth title in five years as the Haddonfield-area club lays its undefeated record up against Huntingdon Valley CC in Section 2, while Llanerch CC and Yardley CC go at it for first place in Section 1.

  “The players at the Yard always are looking forward to try and add another Team Championship to our list of accomplishments in the GAP,” said Yardley CC’s team Captain Terry Sawyer. “We have a number of players missing from last year, but have managed to fill the spots with some youth and some experience and, as always, we will try our best.”

  All in all, it’s sure to be a great final week heading into the playoffs.

  Founded in 1897, the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) is the oldest regional golf association in the United States and serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. Its 136 Member Clubs and 56,000 individual members are spread across parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. The purpose of the Association is simple: To promote, protect and preserve the game of golf in the region.