Les Shaw Memorial Shield
Posted on: 28 August
On Saturday 26th August the final of the Shaw Shield 4BBB handicap match play was contested. Starting with the honour on the first tee, courtesy of their position on the draw, was Brendan McManus who partnered with Mal Hardy, their opponents were Geoff and Jarrod Harris.
With a wide range in the handicaps from 1 to 27 there was a clear difference between each side’s style of golf; while Geoff and Jarrod hit most greens in regulation (or less!) they were often forced to make clutch putts to win or square a hole whereas Brendan and Mal showed their experience with some excellent chipping and solid putting. Both Brendan and Mal made good use of the shots allocated to them, testing Geoff and Jarrod’s nerve and skills. Both sides played some excellent golf in what was an exciting contest and fitting final.
Any match that goes to the 18th hole means that it was a close one; the lead was all Geoff and Jarrod’s way for the first 6 holes and then all Brendan and Mal’s way for the remaining part, where they headed down the 18th hole 1 up. The match result was decided here with some excellent golf shots, Jarrod was pin high after 2 amazing shots and Brendan was on the green for 3 having hit a second shot that any single figure marker would be pleased with. Jarrod was forced to try and make eagle from 8 metres however his putt finished short and he had to be content with birdie. Brendan then made par (net birdie) to square the hole and so the match was decided with a final score of 1 up for Brendan and Mal. Well played to all involved.
Meg Thorley
Match Referee
The “Shaw Shield” is the major men’s fourball event on the club calendar and is highly sougyt by members.
A four ball match play knockout competition first played in 1948. The trophy was donated by Member Phil Oates to commemorate the contribution of Les Shaw in developing the site at Bentleigh East. Les Shaw served on Committee in 1927 and 1928. After becoming Club Captain in 1929, he served a further term on Committee from 1931 to 1935. He provided excellent liaison between the course designer Alex Russell, the green keeper and the Committee as the course was being constructed.
Mal and Brendan won 7 matches in total to win the event over 7 weeks, a wonderful effort.
