Shandon Duncan Cup Champions

Shandon recently have repeated their 2022 success, winning the 76th version for the title of Wellington's premier Men's champion.

Shandon earned their spot in the final by beating the round robin winners Boulcott's Farm 9.5 - 5.5 at Miramar GC. Judgeford won their match against Paraparaumu Beach 9 -6  to then line up against Boulcott's Farm for the other spot in the final.

The following week at Manor Park GC, Boulcott held a small advantage late in the day after having won the morning foursomes 3 - 2. This disappeared in the final couple of singles games to leave the scores tied at 7.5 all.

Jayden Ford and EJ Nicholson then teed off in a sudden death playoff. EJ holed from 10ft for birdie on the 1st hole, with Jayden holing from 4ft. On the 2nd EJ two putted from 50ft for the half. Back to the first and EJ holed again from 12ft for birdie, Jayden followed him in again from 4ft. Back to the 2nd which would be the 4th and final playoff hole in approaching darkness. With EJ on the fringe 30 ft away, and Jayden long of the green on a down slope in the rough, with very little green to work with. Jayden proceeded to hole a miracle pitch shot, and EJ's putt slid past, to see Judgeford into the final.

On a beautiful winter's day at Royal Wellington GC, the Dion Bennett captained Judgeford team were rightly full of confidence as they teed off against the perrenial contenders and 16 times champion Shandon. With the top foursomes match a clear advantage to Judgeford and games 2 and 3 to Shandon, the 4 and 5 games would look to give a possible lead going into the afternoon singles. Those 2 games came home in a win and a half for Shandon to give the Petone team a 2 point advantage, 3.5 - 1.5 at lunch.

As expected of a good team, lead by an inspirational player at the top Judgeford came out strong and closed the overall match up around the front 9. Shandon's experience began to show through the middle of the round and with Andrew Drummond coming back from 4 down late in his match for a half and Shandon securing 3 of the bottom 4 points, it was left to captain Ryan Fahey to turn his match and be 1 up with 1 to go, ensuring the 1/2 point that meant Shandon had secured the 8 points for victory, eventually winning 9.5 - 5.5.