It took two full days of grueling match play in order to crown the 2017 One-Day Series Match Play Champion. After the dust settled, Bob Modrich of Temecula Creek Inn was able to survive the 72-hole format in the One-Day Series Match Play Championship.
“I came out with a goal to play solid golf,” said Modrich. “The name of the game is to just survive.”
The SCGA One-Day Tournament Series, one of the SCGA's fastest growing programs, hosted its 3rd Match Play Championship this week at Red Hill CC. The top 16 players from the year-long points list, which distributed points to participants from the series' 2017 events, made the match play championship and earned the opportunity to compete for this year's SCGA One-Day Match Play Champion honor.
Modrich outlasted fellow One-Day regular Kelly Faulkner of LA City Firefighters, staying steady through a back-and-forth final match.
After Faulkner jumped out to a 1up lead, Modrich bounced back to square the match on No. 6. The eventual champion extended his lead to 2up with a par on No. 8 but after a shaky few holes, Faulkner clawed his way back to AS after 13 holes.
It looks as if Faulkner would pull away with a par on No. 14, moving the match to 1up, but Modrich dug deep in response. On the par-3 No. 15, Modrich faced a lighting fast downhill putt for par to win the hole.
“I received a tip from a member before the tournament,” said Modrich. “The way you have to play some of these downhill putts is to hit it right off the toe. My wife read that putt perfectly.”
With local wisdom and a pair of sharp eyes on the bag, Modrich drained the putt to square the match. With three holes to go – everything was still on the line.
On No. 16, Modrich blocked his driver right and proceeded to hit his second shot into tree trouble. Unfazed, he miraculously hit his third shot to about two feet and took the hole.
With nerves still high, Modrich hooked a drive left into the trees on No. 17, but taking advice of his better half on the bag, he laid up short of the green and made a fantastic up-and-down to seal the match and the well-earned championship.
“It was a tough test,” said a tired Modrich. “But I’m still standing and it feels great.”
A familiar face to those involved with the One-Day Series, Modrich looks to be back next year to defend his crown.
“I’m definitely looking forward to coming back,” said Modrich. “My wife and I play in as many of these as we can and the SCGA does a great job. It’s just the best value for the money.”
En route to the finals, Modrich defeated Andre Blaine, Chris Albers and Miguel Beltran.
Along with Match Play Champion honors came a few extra perks. Modrich was awarded a $250 Roger Dunn Gift Card and a One-Day Series crystal trophy. For second place, Faulkner was able to take home a $150 Roger Dunn Gift Card and a pewter plate.
Also recognized at the Championship was the One-Day Series Player of the Year, awarded to Tina Schmid after she finished atop the Points List for 2017. Schmid played in 23 events, finishing with 1115 points, just 5 points more than Faulkner. For her dedicated season, she’ll get a framed flag and a $500 gift card to Roger Dunn.
SCGA One-Day Series is open to all SCGA members, regardless of Handicap Index. Events contain both net and gross flights, and range from individual to team competitions. Learn more about the program here.
