Men’s Matchplay Championship Final 2024 – Match Report
This year’s Men’s Matchplay final would be contested between Dan Bardsley (Moor Hall) and Joe Mellor (Maxstoke Park).
Stratford on Avon was in fantastic condition and the weather was glorious and so we were all set for a great 36 hole final.
A slightly nervy start to proceedings where a par 4 on the first would be enough for Joe to take the lead, but he was soon pegged back. Courtesy of a couple of birdies from Dan and a visit to the thick rough by Joe on the 5th Dan would leave the 7th green 4 up. A nice birdie from Joe on the 9th would steady the ship and a par on the 10th with the flag in a tricky position would reduce the deficit to just 2. Holes were traded on the back 9 generally with both players taking advantage of the par 5s, halving in birdies on 15 and 17. Dan would be 3 up standing on the 18th but a birdie from Joe would see the lunchtime score be a 2 up lead for Dan.
The afternoon round and with the wind picking up slightly conditions had got a little tougher for the finalists. Dan was keeping his neck in front, but Joe was never letting him get too far ahead. Holes were traded throughout the afternoon. A crucial win on the 16th for Joe would see the match return to all square with just the last two par 5s remaining. Both players would have birdie chances on the 17th, but both would miss from inside 10 feet as the finish line grew closer.
Both players went slightly left of the 18th tee. Dan would be behind the group of trees and Joe’s ball would just about make it through them leaving him the easier of the approaches, but not without problems. Dan played courageously but the huge hook he attempted to play didn’t quite make it back and he was in the trees greenside right. Joe hit a wonderful punch out to the front edge. Dan would have one last roll of the dice attempting a shot through the tree and over the bunker when nothing else was really possible, but his ball would end up in the bunker. This left the stage clear for Joe to roll his putt up and make the 4 needed to secure the 1 up victory and the trophy for 2024.
Congratulations to both Joe and Dan on a final with fantastic golf and played in a wonderful spirit. Our thanks go to Stratford on Avon golf club who presented the course wonderfully for the players on the day and throughout the entire championship. Thank you to our match referee Mark Reynolds for presiding over the final.
L-R: Dan Bardsley (Runner Up), Joe Mellor (Warwickshire Men’s Matchplay Champion 2024), Mark Reynolds (Warwickshire Golf Union Chairman)
