Features Profiles
Fall Classic Cup remains in Canada

I hate to say it, but we got our asses kicked,” lamented Scott Dodson, captain of the Western New York Golf Superintendents Association, after his team was annihilated 30-10 at the hands of the Western Ontario Golf Superintendents Association, Oct. 16 in the 17th annual Fall Classic.

The cross border match play golf competition marked the Canadian team’s fourth consecutive victory, narrowing the overall U.S. series’ lead to 9-8. Ten separate matches were played by teams of 20 golfers at the Orchard Park Country Club near Buffalo, N.Y. The margin of victory represented the most lopsided score in the history of the Fall Classic.

“The Americans are launching a full inquiry into their drubbing at the hands of the Canadians,” quipped WOGSA team captain John Taylor in a post-tournament email to his team members.

Canada’s fourth consecutive victory tied a four-year run the Western New Yorkers enjoyed from 2004 to 2007.

Of the 10 individual matches, in which four points apiece were at stake, the Canadian side won seven and tied three, including three victories with a perfect 4-0 score. It was the first time in the 17-year history of the Fall Classic that a team didn’t surrender a single match to their opponent.

Taylor, however, believes the matches were much closer than the results indicated.

“I know a few matches came down to the final hole and happened to go our way at the end,” he said. “If a few go the other way, it is a whole different result.”

One point was awarded for each match’s winning twosome in scramble play (first six holes) and best ball (middle six holes) while two points were at stake for victories in each partner’s singles match (final six holes).

“It was a wonderful experience out there,” Taylor, property manager at the Grand Niagara Golf Club in Niagara Falls, said after being presented with the Fall Classic Cup by Dodson. “We look forward to seeing you next year in Canada…somewhere.”

The event alternates every year between a U.S. and Canadian venue. The 2018 Fall Classic will be played at a yet-to-be-determined Canadian golf course. Taylor hinted a past host superintendent has already offered his course for next year’s matches, but added a new venue may also be pursued.

The selection of golfers to each team is based on their support of the association, whether it is by hosting an association event or by continued attendance at such events. Taylor remarked last year that the friendly competition is not about stacking teams with the best available low-handicap golfers.

“Our team has had the same core of players for the past few years which has solidified our lineup,” he said. “We have some great players and competitors in that group.”

In an exchange of emails among Canadian team members, it was facetiously suggested the Fall Classic Cup reside temporarily in each member’s hometown during the next 12 months, similar to what is done each year with the Stanley Cup by the winning team’s members.

Match results

• Craig McCutcheon & Andrew McQuillan (Canada) tied John Fleck & Jack Leising (U.S.), 2-2
• Gavin Kellogg & Dan Sliasas (Canada) tied Adam Mis and Jim Baldwin (U.S.), 2-2
• Mark Prieur & Mike Jiggens (Canada) defeated Gary Hughes & Brian Conn (U.S.), 4-0
• John Taylor & Mike Slack (Canada) defeated Scott Dodson & Thad Thompson (U.S.), 4-0
• Don Liska & Ang Capannelli (Canada) defeated Luke Rogers & Aaron Campbell (U.S.), 3½ – ½
• Steve Phillips and Duane Schmitz (Canada) defeated Eric Tuchols and Nick Ciaccio (U.S.), 2½ – 1½
• John Gall & Craig Robinson (Canada) defeated Jim Frey & Jon Cuny (U.S.), 3-1
• Dan Lavis & Trevor Hunter (Canada) defeated Alex Ludwig and Matt Plosila (U.S.), 3-1
• Aaron Campbell & Paul Lenantowich (Canada) tied Bob Kelly & R.P. Stringfellow (U.S.), 2-2
• Jeremy Julie & Ryan Surette (Canada) defeated Gary Kepell and Dave Meeter (U.S.), 4-0