Day Two - singles (afternoon)

With the score standing at 6 ½ - 3 ½ in the Pro’s favour, McEvoy was still telling his team that the morning had gone better than planned and he could see a narrow victory for Team SFG ensuing. Robinson however insisted that his Pro Challenge Team would white-wash the afternoons proceedings and was still supremely confident. 

Roger Chapman (PRO) won 6 & 5 against Liam Hannan (8) (TEAM SFG)

Roger Chapman made up for his morning disappointment with a professional display against amateur Hannan making few mistakes and ensured that there was to be no repeat of the mornings result.

Hannan, who was still beaming like a Cheshire cat insisting “I just don’t want this to end!”

Philip Walton (PRO) won 4 & 3 against Oscar Sharpe (+2) (TEAM SFG)

McEvoy had high hopes that talented youngster Sharpe could get the better of the experienced Walton and swiftly moved to a four shot lead displaying the characteristics that make him so highly talked about in the amateur game.

A composed Walton who didn't panic even when 5 down to win his match.

Walton though stormed back and seemed to play better once again when he was behind and slowly ground out hole after hole to bring the match to all square through the 12th. Once level Walton changed up a gear and produced some stunning shots in front of a good local crowd to close the match out convincingly.

Gordon Brand Jnr. (PRO) won 4 & 3 against Fred Clatworthy (7) (TEAM SFG)

Clatworthy was determined to win his first point for Team SFG and felt confident going against Gordon Brand Junior that he could achieve this feat. Brand Junior had other ideas though and quipped “You don’t get shots on this hole Fred” seconds before his opponents 1st tee shot with reference to the fact Fred received 8 shots. Fred promptly pulled his shot into a nearby tree and with some murmurs amongst the crowd this match was going to be anything but dull.

Brand Junior stayed relaxed for the round and edged the game out 4 and 3. “I absolutely loved it, superb! How do I qualify for next year?” - Fred Clatworthy (Golf Monthly competition winner) 

Jim Payne (PRO) won 2 & 1 against Scott Campbell (Scratch) (TEAM SFG)

Jim Payne made it a 100% record in SFG events with a hard fought win against the promising England junior International Scott Campbell. A combination of consistent straight hitting and knowing when to take risks in the end proved to be the decisive feature in this match.

Scott looks on as he tries to claw his way back into the match. 

Gary Wolstenholme (PRO) won 3 & 2 against Andy Wool (2) (TEAM SFG)

Recently turned pro Wolstenholme wasn’t about to lose two games in a day against Team SFG and stepped up to the 1st tee in confident fashion against PowerPlay Golf’s Andy Wool.

Wolstenholme who earned his reputation as a tough singles competitor in numerous Walker Cup matches relished the chance to show his talents. Wool to his credit fought hard and for much of the game was only a shot adrift and desperate for his first SFG point.

Alison Nicholas (PRO) won 2 up against Holly Clyburn (+2) (TEAM SFG)

It seemed the whole of Woodhall Spa had heard that Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa member and England Junior International) had been drawn to play Alison Nicholas (2009 Solheim Cup Captain) as the most watched game of the afternoon go underway.

The match was a joy to watch with Nicholas at one point having a 3 hole lead and needing a razor-sharp short game to bail her out of trouble a number of times as Clyburn utilised her length advantage from the tee. With Nicholas 1 up through 15 the match reached fever point with both competitors holding long putts on the 16th and an amazing up and down from Nicholas on the 17th after putting her ball in the deep rough from the tee. The crowds followed the competitors eagerly down the 18th with Clyburn needing to win the hole the half the match and it looked like she had a chance when Nicholas found her tee shot in the fairway bunker. Unfazed Nicholas played arguably the shot of the day from 150 yards leaving her ball no more than 12 feet from the hole to close out the match.

“Highlight for me was Alison’s final match against Holly on the 17th. When Alison was 1up and hit it in the trees, Holly in A1 spot. After much deliberation of to go for the green or not, Alison chipped it out just in front of Holly and made the most majestic up and down from 90 yards away in front of the full crowd. Then she followed it up with an amazing bunker shot from the fairway trap on 18 to secure the match.” – Andy Wool (PowerPlay Golf) 

Ricky Willison (PRO) won 1 up against Adam Carson (+2) (TEAM SFG)

Up and coming England Junior International pushed the experienced Ricky Willison all the way to the last in an epic encounter. 

Adam Carson finds trouble in one of Woodhalls legendary bunkers

John McHenry (PRO) lost 2 & 1 against Ian Davidson (7) (TEAM SFG)

Ian Davidson was buzzing after his victory against McHenry. Fresh from his foursomes victory in the morning Davidson collected his second SFG Challenge Cup point with a stunning victory against the reliable John McHenry. 

Some advice from captain Jeremy Robinson couldn't prevent defeat for the Pro.

Steve Richardson (PRO) won 4 & 3 against Richard Latham (+2) (TEAM SFG)

Steve Richardson’s power game proved to be the decisive factor in this struggle between the Pro powerhouse and Richard Latham with his local course knowledge. Tiring a little in the afternoon Richardson or ‘Rico’ as the crowd were now shouting swept to a victory hitting key shots at the most opportune moments of the match including a near hole in one at the par three 12th.

Steve 'Rico' Richardson in determined mood

Paul Way (PRO) lost 5 & 4 against Graham Smith (8) (TEAM SFG)

Paul Way continued his dismal day when amateur Graham Smith played the round of his life allowing the former-Ryder Cup star no way back in the final game of the event. Smith seemed to thrive on the pressure and gained an early lead which he retained throughout the match taking full advantage of the 8 shots which Way had to give him.

A disconcerted Way who had earlier in the day been thrashed 8 and 7 had no answer to some brilliant golf shots against the inspired amateur who closed the game out 5 & 4.

FINAL SCORE : TEAM SFG 5½ - PRO CHALLENGE TEAM 14½

The final word

Jeremy Robinson (Walker Cup 1987), Captain of the Pro Team, said: "All the old skills and competitive edge came to the fore when the games got close. I think a couple of our more 'experienced' players even surprised themselves. Some of the scoring by players like Philip Walton, Steve Richardson and Gordon Brand Jnr would not have been out of place in the Ryder Cup. It was a great match."

"My team of Single Figure Golfers saw exactly what it's like coming up against a side full of hardened professional internationals. We lost vital holes at the end but our entire team learned a lot, had a fantastic time and came out of it better golfers than when they entered into it."- Peter McEvoy (5 time Waker Cup Captain)

"It was a great pleasure for me to play with Ryder Cup and Walker Cup players. Our team spirit was just like that in Solheim Cup matches and I had the pleasure of playing Holly Clyburn, a young girl who I hope one day might play against the USA."- Alison Nicholas, Solheim Cup Captain 2009

"The general feeling was that the Pros were a little bit more streetwise, especially around the greens and when deciding when to play higher risk shots. I think the SFGs expected this to be a bit like a Pro-Am but having Peter McEvoy's captaincy - and proper team meetings and the benefit of his experience - brought a lot more seriousness to the match."- Paul Heming (SFG Chief Executive)