“Don’t ever say you’re sorry.” Those are the words that Brent Brockermeyer and Dick Engel lived by to come out victorious at the 11th SCGA Foursomes Championship.
The Foursomes (alternate shot) format is always considered to be one of golf’s toughest tests. Combine that with a demanding course like Red Hill CC and you’re sure to come across many scenarios where partners will “feel sorry.”
“You always feel so badly for any mistake you make because you’re not just playing for yourself – you’re playing for your partner, too,” said Brockermeyer. “We promised each other we’d never say sorry because we’re a team.”
During a competition that saw only two 18-hole scores under par (two one-under par 71s), the duo of Brockermeyer and Engel managed an impressive two-day total of 1-over par, 145 (71-74) and a one stroke victory over Jerry and Jim Chang.
“This is what you practice for,” said Engel following the round. “To win against this field of players is what it’s all about.” Brockermeyer and Engel have been long time SCGA tournament participants, however, Tuesday marked the first SCGA championship win for either player.
Teams had to decide prior to play each day which teammate would tee off on the odd holes and which teammate would tee off on the even holes, creating an extra strategic element to this championship. “We strategized to each of our strengths,” said Engel. “Brent is great at hitting fairway woods, so I wanted him to have the chance to go for the reachable par-5s on the back nine in two.” It must have worked as the side birdied both of them during the final round. “My strength is my wedges, so we wanted me (Engel) to hit the approach shots into the short par 4s.”
In true Foursomes fashion, the event boiled down to a dramatic finish. Going into the 18th hole down by one stroke, the Chang brothers were left with a difficult shot at getting up and down, while Brockermeyer and Engel found the putting green in two but had a sharp breaking birdie putt ahead. After Jim Chang chipped to within five feet of the hole, Engel proceeded to leave the side’s birdie putt three feet short. Jerry Chang was able to convert his side’s putt for par, which put all the pressure on Brockermeyer to make the snaking three-footer for the win. “I was shaking like a leaf,” said Brockermeyer. “Now I know what those guys feel like on TV.” As the teammates watched Jerry Chang drain his par putt, Engel admitted to telling Brockermeyer, “Come on, this is what you live for.” Brockermeyer proceeded to drain the putt and captured the Foursomes Championship.
Rounding out the top five were John Kollus / Gary Robinson (147 – 3rd place), Tyler Crawford / Joe Sanders and Kevin Marsh / John Pate (148 – T4th place).