Men's Club Championship - Matchplay Preview

News Posted: 28th May 2019

Only four shots separated the top eight who qualified for the men's club championship matchplay finals. The qualifying standard was very high, with a score of 148 needed. There will be no easy route for the eventual winner. Good luck to all playing. Here is captain Ramsay Hogg's preview of the quarter finals:

QF 1 - Robert Geddes (1) vs Mike Stein (8)

The Highest handicapper but lowest qualifier, Robert Geddes, in his first ever trip to the Match play finals for the club championship will take on Ex Captain Mike Stein. Expect a close encounter between the two steady players. Geddes may be out for revenge against the ‘rocketman’ for a defeat he suffered at the hands of the Ebony and Ivory torturing Stein, during a Final of the Mcvitie and Price match play in 2017.

QF 2 - David Mckenzie (4) vs Kieren Fraser (5)

2nd Newcomer David Mckenzie, was the 2018 Shetland Open winner. Hopefully see more competition play from the Elgin native this season as he looks to continue his in-form start to the season. He will be up against it as he plays the defending Champion, Kieren Fraser, who will be looking to mount a strong defence of his title. I expect plenty of gamesmanship between the defensive teammates in the Whitedale FC dressing room as they play for bragging rights also.

QF 3 - Ross MacDougall (2) vs Ernie Smith(7)

Two of the most consistent and steady players on their day in the club, and expect this match to be a battle. Ross who has found a bit of form this last few week when he needed it, has competed at this stage previously and was unlucky to lose to Ramsay in the semi-final last year after extra holes. Ernie has strong calibre in this event and is a previous champion in 2016, where he defeated Alan Harcus in the final. Possible the fiercest character in the Top 8, and will have a point to prove against the ‘younger’ generation as he looks for his 2nd title.

QF 4 - Alan Harcus (3) vs Ramsay Hogg (6)

Former winner and multiple finalist Alan will be hoping to get back to that stage as he looks to win his 2nd title. Qualified on the back of 3 good rounds, improving each time and playing well. Men’s Captain Ramsay, who lost the final last year to Kieren will be hoping to go 1 better and use the previous experiences to clinch his first Title. Expect a lot of halved holes with birdie, and halved holes with bogey as their similar style could cancel each other out. Like the other matches, hard one to call and best player on their day wins.