And Then There Were Two | Willow Springs to face The Creek in Interclub Finals

"Then there were two". In April 2014 the CGA Interclub kicked off its 17th season with 69 teams representing 63 member clubs from both North and South Carolina. Following the regular season which ended in August, the playoffs began in early September with a record 40 teams based on won/loss records. As of Saturday morning, 4 teams remained standing with just two regional finals left to determine who would battle for the Championship in Southern Pines.

In one semi-final match, and playing in winter like temperatures on Saturday, the (Highland) Creek Golf Association in Charlotte kept there undefeated season in tact with a close 2 point win over Rock Hill Country Club (Rock Hill, SC). When the dust settled and the final score stood at 10 to 8, the Creek earned their way to the Championship Finals for the team’s first time.

In another close battle, and in slightly warmer temperatures, the other semi-final was played on Sunday between Maple Chase CC in Winston-Salem and Willow Springs CC in Wilson, NC. Willow Springs came out on top 101/2 to 71/2 and will face the Creek GA, a team that has won 10 matches in a row (6 from the regular season and 4 playoff matches). Willow Springs’ course owner Jimmy Gurkin said "his team is very enthusiastic and excited each year to compete in the CGA Interclub and that it has been a long time coming for that second chance at the Championship". Willow Springs lost in their only other Championship Finals appearance in 2007.

Following a Friday night team social to introduce players, coaches and pairings, both teams will return to face each other in four-ball competition on Saturday on the Pine Needles course. Singles matches will follow on Sunday at Mid Pines starting at 8am. Competition both days will involve 16 players from each team competing for 48 match points. With the usual unpredictable November weather in the Carolinas, one thing is for certain, the CGA will crown a new (first time) Interclub Champion.

Follow all the action of the Carolinas Interclub Finals Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23 at this link:  https://www.carolinasgolf.org/championship/home/14interclub/year/2014