The four division Golf SA Men's Pennant season will commence on Sunday 20th May, with the Men’s top grade ‘The Simpson Cup’ being played at Thaxted Park Golf Club.
The Simpson Cup is an 8 team Competition, played over a 7 round season (each team plays each other once). The top 2 teams after 7 rounds, play off in the Final on Sunday 15th July, at The Grange Golf Club.
Glenelg champions the past two seasons will be chasing a three-peat, trying to emulate Tea Tree Gullies run from 2010-12 and The Grange 2007-2009.
With a host of state representatives (two boys and three men) and Anthony Olsen (Team of the year Captain) leading the team, Glenelg will once again be fielding a strong side.
Glenelg Team Manager Gary Thompson believes the team will be right in the mix again.
“Our squad has been working together since February in an attempt to defend our title.”Thompson said.
“We have selected a very young squad and while we have lost some experience from last year, we still expect our boys will be very competitive, but we also respect the opposition and their endeavor to bring us down. We are looking forward to the season.” Thompson added.
Kooyonga, runner up last season, will field a new look team in 2018. However, they will still have a core group of accomplished players and a top five or six to rival any team in the competition. If a few of the new comers can produce then a finals berth, once again, won’t be out of reach.
“The Kooyonga Simpson Cup team is well prepared and excited about the 2018 pennant golf. The squad has been practicing since early January and have put in a lot of hard work in the lead up to Round 1. Kooyonga General Manager Brett Lewis said.
“Heath Riches will again Captain the side and is re-joined by Joe Hodgson who is flying in from the US college system and Kyle Hayter who has been in good form. The team has been strengthened by the return of former Simpson Cup players in Nick Deutrom who spent a number of years in Sydney and Jordan Bishop who is now living back in Adelaide after a couple of years in the US College system.”
“The side has lost some experienced players in the off-season with Somerfield and Cocks turning Professional, Durnford and Baker carrying injuries, while Spiers and Inglis are both unavailable.
“Notwithstanding the player movements, we are looking forward to a successful season.” Lewis added
Another club who should feature strongly is The Grange (last title in 2014) while The Vines of Reynella, Southern District, Thaxted Park at Tea Tree Gully will all be competitive.
Royal Adelaide Men's A2 Premiers last season have been promoted to the top grade, whilst last year’s wooden spooners Blackwood have been relegated to A2.
Please refer to our season preview here for full team details and squad 'ins and outs'
(Simpson Cup Round 1) 20th May at Thaxted Park
1st Tee 11.15 am Thaxted Park v The Vines
10th Tee 11.15 am Glenelg v Tea Tree Gully
1st Tee 12.10 pm The Grange v Kooyonga
10th Tee 12.10 pm Southern v Royal Adelaide
*The Women's top Pennant Grade (A1) The 'Sanderson Cup' is a six team competition, featuring sides from Blackwood. Glenelg, Kooyonga, Royal Adelaide, The Grange and Mount Osmond. The five round season, with semi-finals (new in 2018) and a final, will commence on Sun 27 May at Blackwood Golf Club. Season preview to follow.
Div 1 Juniors 'Sharp Cup' start their season at The Grange on Sun 27th May.