Chris Reed (Shanklin & Sandown) has retained the IWGU Singles Matchplay title by defeating Osborne's Matt Williams in an exciting final played at Freshwater Golf Club.
Chris started quickly and a couple of mistakes from Matt saw the Shanklin player 3 Up after 3 holes. It might have appeared that the Island champion was on for a run away victory but a missed short putt at the 4th hole allowed Matt back into the game and he seized some momentum by sinking a 30' birdie at the 5th. At the 6th hole Matt made a good up and down from about 25 yards right of the green to bring the match back to all square. Chris however, gained the lead back at the 9th as Matt missed the green but this time was unable to get his Par.
On the back nine both players picked up their game. A birdie from Chris at the 11th extended his lead. At the 13th Matt holed from about 15' for a birdie and might have hoped to get the hole back but Chris was equal to the task and sunk his birdie putt from 9' to keep his 2 hole lead.
The next 2 par 3 holes were halved in Par and at the par 4, 16th both players went for the green with their drives. Chris was just on the fringe but Matt's ball snagged in some much longer rough on the slope just left of the green. Matt was unable to move the ball with his first attempt but then got the ball to the edge of the green. Chris chipped to about 3', but Matt holed his long Par attempt to put some pressure back onto Chris. He was able to sink his birdie and claimed the match 3&2.
Photo: Chris looks on as Matt putts for birdie at the 5th hole
