The air crackled with anticipation on the final day of the Palos Verdes Golf Club Championship. I was paired with veteran Boy Arriba, a formidable opponent from the Eaglemasters club, in the super senior division matchplay. I played under the banner of the Forefathers. Arriba means above, while Batacan means to pull. So, it’s a battle between above and pull.
The format, for those unfamiliar, is a thrilling head-to-head battle where each hole is a separate contest, unlike stroke play where the lowest overall score wins. 18 holes total.
Boy Arriba took the first shot on the opening hole, his ball settling on the right side of the fairway below the bunker. My tee shot landed beside the bunker, a slightly less desirable position. His second shot was off target, leaving him 170 yards to the green. My second shot was solid, putting me 120 yards to the green. His third shot fell short, while I skulled mine. We both managed to get our fourth shots onto the green, but both of us bogeyed the hole. Despite the shaky start, I was determined to shake off my nerves and excitement.
The ensuing holes were a fierce battle. I managed to build a two-hole lead by the ninth, but Boy fought back, taking the 10th and 12th to even the score. I lost the 13th, placing Boy above by one. I rallied, winning the 14th to tie the match again. The 15th was a stalemate, leaving three holes remaining.
On the 16th, my second shot landed a mere 30 yards to the pin, while Boy’s shot fell short by 50 yards. I pitched for a gimme, taking a one-hole lead.
The 17th was the deciding hole. With 165 yards to the green, I teed off first but grounded my shot, leaving the ball 40 yards short. Boy followed, landing his shot on the fringe. I pitched for another gimme. Boy missed his putts, settling for a bogey. I was up by two, and the 18th hole became a mere formality.
Despite trailing on the 13th, my late charge on the 16th and 17th was a lucky pull to victory.
It was a thrilling match that showcased the intensity and unpredictability of matchplay.
