At the end of the Maxie Cup, Dornick Hills and Lakeview participated in a trophy trade-off.
In the annual clash of the clubs, Lakeview won back the Maxie Cup title 12-8 while Dornick Hills outscored Lakeview 17-3 for the senior title.
“It seems the way it’s been going the last few years,” Dornick Hills professional Steve Ramsey said of the tournament split.
Despite Lakeview professional Doug Hargis walking off with the big wooden Maxie Cup trophy propped proudly on his shoulder, Ramsey said the event showcased play worthy of the tournament’s namesake, Dornick Hills member Max Williamson, who died of cancer in February.
“It’s been a few years since we’ve gone down that close,” Ramsey said. “It makes it a little more exciting ... keeps the spirit alive. I know Max would have been happy.”
Lakeview’s Chase Todd sank a six-foot putt on the 18th hole to wrap up his club’s seventh title since 2000. The seniors from Dornick Hills won for the first time since 2006.
Players teed off in three formats over the two-day tournament. The senior participants played in foursomes on Friday, with alternating shots between partners, while the non-seniors played two-man four-ball matches, with the pair’s best ball winning the hole. The two divisions switched events to start Saturday, followed by the final format — head-to-head singles play.
After day 1, Lakeview led 3-2 in the Maxie Cup, and Dornick Hills had a 31/2-11/2 lead in the senior division.
By midday Saturday, however, Dornick Hills had captured 8 1/2 of the possible 20 points in seniors and Lakeview was up 6-4 in non-senior play.
In his first year playing in the Maxie Cup, Dornick Hills senior Jeff Gelona swept his three matches, combining with James John for four-ball and foursome wins while winning his head-to-head matchup as well. Each win, regardless of format, earned the respective clubs one point.
“The last several years Lakeview has won, but the matches have been more competitive this year,” Gelona said. “The weather was outstanding both days. I did all I could do.”
Gelona’s fellow members did as well, as Dornick Hills dominated day 2 without losing a match. The Dornick Hills seniors swept the four-ball matches 5-0 and outscored Lakeview in singles 8 1/2-1 1/2, with Lakeview’s only points coming from ties in three matches.
In the non-senior division, things were a bit closer. With Lakeview up 6-4 heading into singles, Dornick won four of seven matches to cut its deficit to 9-8. But Lakeview swept the final three holes to avenge last year’s 13-7 loss.
No club has won consecutive regular Maxie Cups since Lakeview in 2003.
erik.horne@ardmoreite.com
Erik K. Horne
221-6522
