It took two full days of match play in order to crown the 2016 SCGA One-Day Series Match Play Champion. After all was said and done, Greg Allfie was able to survive the grueling 72-hole format in the One-Day Series Match Play Championship.
“I’m kind of numb,” said Allfie. “This is the first time I’ve ever won something like this.”
The SCGA One-Day Tournament Series, one of the SCGA's fastest growing programs, hosted its 2nd Match Play Championship this week at Valencia CC. The top 16 players from the year-long points list, which distributed points to participants from the series' 24 2016 events, made the match play championship and earned the opportunity to compete for this year's SCGA One-Day Match Play Champion honor.
Allfie outlasted fellow mainstay Angelo Cofino in the finals, riding a hot back nine to secure his title.
“I’m typically a back nine player,” said Allfie. “As long as I kept it close on the front nine, I was confident that I’d be able to close it out down the stretch.”
The first 12 holes of the match saw the lead change hands four separate times before Allfie began to pull away.
Not having held the lead since hole No. 5, Allfie brought the match back to all square on the par-4 13th hole. Then, on the long par-3 No. 14, he caught a lucky bounce after his shot seemingly came up short of the green, only to skip forward towards the flag. After Cofino nearly drained a 40-foot putt from the fairway, Allfie tapped in for par and a 1 up lead.
“I was able to hit some solid lag putts today,” said Allfie. “I was able to get up there and put pressure on my opponent.”
That’s exactly what he did on No. 15 as he played the par 5 by the book and ended up with a conceded putt for par. Cofino had a twisting, downhill look from about 30 feet to push the hole but the putt heartbreakingly lipped out, leaving Cofino in disbelief.
Sensing blood in the water, Allfie stuck his approach on No. 16 to about 20 feet before Cofino put his tee ball in the hazard and conceded the match, 3 and 2.
After a marathon of golf, Allfie was just happy to be out on the course.
“Well, I just really enjoy playing golf,” said Allfie. “It’s a bonus anytime I can get out here on a work day.”
A familiar face to those involved with the One-Day Series, Allfie hopes to be back next year to defend his crown.
“I appreciate everything the SCGA does,” said Allfie. “They run this series really well and the venues are top-notch. Hope I’m able to make it this far next season!”
En route to the finals, Allfie defeated Spencer Sam, George Espinoza and Nick Battaglia.
Along with Match Play Champion honors came a few extra perks. Allfie was awarded a $250 Roger Dunn Gift Card and a One-Day Series crystal trophy. For second place, Cofino was able to take home a $150 Roger Dunn Gift Card.
Also recognized at the Championship was the One-Day Series Player of the Year, awarded to Battaglia after he finished atop the Points List for 2016. Battaglia played in 23 of the possible 24 events, totaling 1110 points. For his impressive showing, Battaglia earned a $500 Roger Dunn gift card and a framed One-Day Series flag.
“It’s been a great year,” said Battaglia. “Everyone is awesome out here, from the competitors to the people at the SCGA. I highly recommend the participation.”
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.
