BRASELTON, Ga. – Trailing for most of the day, Team GSGA made a furious comeback but fell just short to the Georgia PGA professionals in the Billy Peters Cup Matches, 16.5-15.5. In an effort to win the competition for the first time since 2009, the GSGA finished day one leading 8.5 -7.5, but a day of singles matches saw the team of professionals prevail. The 41st playing of the biennial event took place at The Legends at Chateau Elan, October 16-17.
On the the final day, Team GSGA won seven singles matches, while Georgia PGA won nine, equaling a GPGA 9, GSGA 7 day-two score.
John Engler Jr. of Augusta put the first singles point on the board for Team GSGA with his win over Georgia PGA’s Matthew Evans, 2 and 1. Rob VanGorder Jr. of Acworth defeated professional Joseph Finemore, 2 up. Chris Hall of Marietta topped Drew Pittman of the Georgia PGA, 4 and 3. Bob Royak of Alpharetta beat professional Mark Anderson, 2 and 1. Team GSGA picked up three lopsided victories in singles matches. GSGA’s Jeff Belk of Marietta defeated Clark Spratlin of the Georgia PGA, 5 and 3. Michael Standard of McDonough beat professional Hank Smith, 5 and 4. Cameron Hooper of Atlanta topped Bill Murchison, 5 and 4.
The Billy Peters Cup Matches, formerly known as the GSGA-GPGA Challenge Cup, changed its name in 2007 to honor Peters’ contributions to the game. Peters, of Blakely, is a former president of the Georgia State Golf Association and honorary vice president of the Georgia Section PGA. He was inducted into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame in 1993. This competition began in 1962 and was held annually until 1987 when it became a biennial event. The GSGA trails the all-time series, which is now 23 ½ – 16 1/2.
Go to the following link to view complete results:
https://online.golfgamebook.com/leaderboard/2us-4yws
Final Points: GPGA 16.5, GSGA 15.5