Author: By V. Scott Whittaker
May 19, 2014 Hubbard Golf Course, Hill AFB, Utah
The 2014 Utah Section PGA Match-Play Championship started with the roar of a jet engine today at Hill AFB! The morning play featured 18 teams of Match-Play presenting sponsor VLCM playing for team honors in their special event pro-am. The 18 team professionals were joined by an additional 16 individual professionals vying for seeding spots in the Match-Play Championship Bracket to begin in the afternoon play.
The afternoon first round matches provided plenty of exciting competition. The days last match exampled excitement to the end. Defending Champion Chris Moody of Riverside CC defeated Troy Watkins of Riverbend GC in a 22-hole match. Moody made a clutch birdie on the 18th hole to send the match into four holes of sudden-death play, which he was then able to win.
The Watkins-Moody match was an example of the great depth of ability that Utah Section PGA Professionals have. Watkins who qualified in the 32 spot (last qualifying spot) gave the defending champ Moody all he could handle. Except for Moody’s timely birdie on #18 the 2011 Match-Play Champion Troy Watkins could be the one moving on towards the eventual 2014 Championship.
The Hubbard Golf Club at Hill AFB again proved itself as a “hidden gem” among Utah Golf. This is the fourth consecutive year that they have hosted the Utah Section PGA Match-Play event. The Hubbard Golf Course provided superb conditions for the event. Their greens are certainly some of the best if not the best in the state! The combination of great course conditions, great course staff, and the support of VLCM for the third straight year makes the Match-Play Championship a great event.
To view the 2014 Match-Play Bracket and follow the latest matches- click here