October 29, 2023
Whitney Oaks GC returned to the top, and made history in the process.
The Whitney Oaks squad won the Overall 2023 NCGA Team Match title, defeating runner-up Coyote Creek GC, 20-16, on Sunday at Poppy Hills.
The title is Whitney Oaks' fourth NCGA Team Match crown, tying Spring Creek G&CC for the most since the event began in 1989. Whitney Oaks ran off three straight wins from 2012-14.
The team still features about 80% of the players from the three-peat teams.
"It's just a really good group," said Whitney Oaks captain Gary White, who has been at the helm for 16 years. "We add one or two guys each year, and lose one or two guys each year. So we have a good core. We were thrilled to get back to the finals at Poppy Hills."
Whitney Oaks, which won the Thursday League title, is made up of Ryan McDonald, Pat McDonald, Spencer Page, Bob Storm, Gary White, Scott Straub, Jeff Lafleur, Steve Schroeder, Kevin Capps, Greg Larson, Mike Schweim and Kevin Hulsey.
Coyote Creek, winners of the Saturday League, only began competing in Team Match about five years ago. The team is made up of Ryan Torres, Dan Li, Albert Conceicao, Tom Segeren, Benjamin Rand, Tuan Tran, Chiman Lee, John Caldwell, Ron Magee, James Arthur, Michael Sun and Ed Buller.
"It's still been an unbelievable ride," said Coyote Creek captain Garret Minakawa. "Getting this far has been great."
Team Match, which lasts throughout the season, currently features a Thursday League and Saturday League. To learn more about NCGA Team Match, please visit ncga.org/play/team-match-program/
In the consolation match, Kings River CC defeated Pajaro Valley, 19-13.
Team Match, which lasts throughout the season, currently features a Thursday League and Saturday League. To learn more about NCGA Team Match, please visit ncga.org/play/team-match-program/
Finals: Pajaro Valley GC vs Whitney Oaks GC
Whitney Oaks captured the Thursday title, defeating Pajaro Valley, 20-12.
Whitney Oaks jumped out to a quick 12-6 lead and never looked back.
Whitney Oaks is made up of Ryan McDonald, Pat McDonald, Spencer Page, Bob Storm, Gary White, Scott Straub, Jeff Lafleur, Steve Schroeder, Kevin Capps, Greg Larson, Mike Schweim and Kevin Hulsey.
They'll look for their 4th Team Match. From 2012-2014, they ran off three titles in a row.
Finals: Coyote Creek Vs Kings River
Coyote Creek staged a big-time comeback, defeating Kings River to win the Saturday Finals.
At one point down 14-4, Coyote Creek reeled off eight of nine wins of their own to win, 19-17.
The Coyote Creek squad is made up of Ryan Torres, Dan Li, Albert Conceicao, Tom Segeren, Benjamin Rand, Tuan Tran, Chiman Lee, John Caldwell, Ron Magee, James Arthur, Michael Sun and Ed Buller.
Team Match, which lasts throughout the season, currently features a Thursday League and Saturday League. To learn more about NCGA Team Match, please visit ncga.org/play/team-match-program/