Simpson Cup (Men's A1) & Sanderson Cup (Women's A1)
The 2017 Golf SA top grade Metropolitan Pennant finals will be held on Sunday 9 July at Royal Adelaide Golf Club.
> Full Schedule for finals at Royal Adelaide here
For the ninth year running, the state's two premier interclub competitions, the Simpson Cup (Men’s A1) and Sanderson Cup (Women's A1) will be held at the same venue on the same day. In a further celebration of the inter club competitions, Sunday's play will also feature finals for Women’s A2 (Pike Cup) and Men's A2 grades.
In total 24 individual match play contests will be played on the day in what promises to be an exciting culmination of the 2017 Metropolitan Pennant season.
In the Simpson Cup final, Glenelg will play Kooyonga in what promises to be an enthralling contest.
After finishing third in 2015, defending champions and minor premiers Glenelg has won 14 of its past 15 contests and halved the other, which was against Kooyonga in round six last season. To say they have momentum is a major understatement.
Led by skipper, Anthony Olsen, who hasn’t been beaten in three years, that’s 22 matches without a loss, Glenelg will be looking to secure its 11th title and third flag since 2003.
Their likely team will be chosen from the following players; Lachlan Barker (who missed last year’s final due to overseas playing commitments), Sam Earl, Sam Burton, Jackson Kalz, Josh Hayes, Anthony Olsen, Michael Munn and Ben Layton.
“After having a great minor round winning all 7 matches the Glenelg team are taking nothing for granted for the final. To play Kooyonga, a high quality team will be a tough challenge with both teams evenly matched. With the squad working very hard over the last 4 months to get to the final there is no complacency in our team’s quest to gain back to back Simpson Cup wins.” said Glenelg Team Manager Geoff Attenborough
Kooyonga, champions in 2015, are gunning for their 37th title. Kooyonga has played off in five of the past nine finals for two wins and three losses and have been a powerhouse team the past decade.
The Kooyonga seven will likely be chosen from the following players; Heath Riches, Joe Hodgson, Will Somerfield, Daniel Speirs, Kyle Hayter, Tim Baker, Sam Inglis, Joel Durnford and Jason Cocks.
“Kooyonga is very pleased to be back in the Simpson Cup final after the disappointment of missing out in 2016. Notwithstanding Glenelg’s superb season, we are quietly confident that our best golf will ensure a close finals match and one that we would love to win. Both teams are evenly matched and respect each other. We are sure that the match will be played in great spirit and will showcase the great talent present in both teams.“ said Kooyonga Team Manager Tim Sennett
When the sides met in round six, Glenelg triumphed 5.5-1.5, with the bottom five matches going the distance. If a similar contest unfolds, it should be an epic final.
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In the Women's A1 final, The Grange plays Glenelg for the Sanderson Cup in what is expected to be a gripping final.
Defending champions, The Grange will be gunning for its third title in a row and seventh premiership overall.
In the past four seasons, The Grange has won 19 matches, halved one and lost two, with the halve and losses coming against Glenelg. The only victory over Glenelg by Grange in this period was in the 2015 final 3.5-1.5 and earlier this year in round one by the same margin.
After some early season ins and outs The Grange team has been settled in recent weeks and the likely line-up will be; Ella Adams, Jin-young Yun, Caitlin Roberts, Louise Glennon and Jean Foo with the bottom three players all undefeated.
“The Grange Sanderson Cup team has had a very successful season being the only side that has won all 5 rounds. This takes us into the final feeling confident but also respecting that the Glenelg team will be tough competitors. Captain Jean Wei Foo is looking forward to the challenge with confidence that we can win the title once again.” Team Manager Kris Tapp said.
Glenelg will be looking to claim its 22nd title and first since victory in 2014 when it won three in a row. After a slow start to the season, Glenelg has hit form and a great final is expected.
Glenelg’s team will consist of five of the following players; Elysia Yap, Charley Jacobs, Josie Gale, Sarah Crocker, Matilda Wheare and Jill Hodge.
“The Glenelg Sanderson Cup Team have had a great season and are looking forward to taking on the unbeaten Grange girls. We have worked very hard to get to the final once again and we will have to play our best golf of the season. We are excited about the challenge and believe our mix of youth & experience will assist us for having a great contest on Sunday at Royal Adelaide.” Team Manager Jill Hodge said.
When the sides met in round one, The Grange triumphed 3.5-1.5 with three matches decided on the 18th. With the winner only requiring three wins to claim the title, this could go either way.
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Spectatorsare welcome at Royal Adelaide throughout the day on Sunday to support their respective club sides.
Golf SA will have onsite score boards for each of the four finals, located at the pavilion between the 8th and 12th tees. There will also be a sausage sizzle operating at this location with other light snacks and drinks available for purchase. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase from the clubhouse.
Car parkingwill be at a premium, we request that where possible players and spectator’s car pool where possible. Overflow car parking will be available through the top carpark towards the green keepers’ compound and also on the practise fairway adjacent to the pitching green. Please do not park beyond the roped areas.
Periodic score updates available throughout the day via:
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The remaining Golf SA Pennant Finals on Sunday 9 July will be held at Flagstaff Hill Golf Club.
> Full Schedule for finals at Flagstaff Hill here
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TEAM OF THE YEAR!
For the first time ever, in conjunction with News Corp, Golf SA will be naming the 'TEAM OF THE YEAR' for the Sanderson Cup (5 players + res) and Simpson Cup (7 players + res) to be published in this weekends Sunday Mail – Sun 9 July and via Golf SA Social Media.