Jacob's Scorecard: Middle School Match Play

This week is the end of Jacob's first year playing Middle School golf. He played the first half of the year on our church/school team and the second half on a team called "independent" for kids that don't have teams at their school or are homeschooled. At the end of each half of the year, there is an award given called "Living the Values". Jacob received the award both times and understands how important it is to have restraint when the game inevitably becomes frustrating. We have discovered golf to be a sport of great integrity and Jacob is lucky to have a natural ability to not let the game get the best of him.

The "values" award and a few others to end the regular season.

At the end of the season there is a "match play" format where the 16 players with the lowest stroke average for the season get to compete in a bracket style event. Jacob was the youngest of the 16 and was so happy to be in the mix.

Here's Jacob's recap of the day and picture comments:

First 6 hole match - We were evenly matched with our short games. My opponent, Mason, hit his drives farther so was able to get to the greens in fewer strokes. I had some good putts, but so did he! Only played through 4 of the 6.

Second 6 hole match - Noah and I were all square going into the second hole, hole 11. I hit it way right on my drive on 11. There was a tree in front of me, it was uphill and I had very little green to work with. I controlled it nicely and it landed right where I wanted to, six feet past the hole. A guy that lived in the house right at that tee box came outside to watch and said that was the best shot he's ever seen from that lie. I ended up missing this putt but we tied the hole again. He won the next two holes, placing me at 2 down with two to play. I ended up winning 14! Then on 15, Noah had an unfortunate bunker experience and conceded the hole to me. So, all square after six and off to 16 for a play off! Noah and I both hit it over a creek and landed on the fringe of the green. I got my first putt close to the hole and Noah's shot went past the hole. I was able to hit mine in and he missed his putt. Quite a comeback, I was really proud I never mentally gave up.