Golf Report
Saturday 8 March 2025
Saturday saw all 11 teams in the Combined Independent Schools Golf Series converge at Strathfield Golf Club for the season finale. As the top two finishers, Shore faced off against St Aloysius’ College (Aloysius) for the inaugural Marty Collins Playoff Cup—a new trophy named in honor of Marty Collins, a longtime teacher at St Ignatius’ College who has convened inter-school golf for over 20 years. With his retirement this year, the cup serves as a tribute to his invaluable contributions to schoolboy golf.
Alongside our four competitors — Zach France, Harrison Graetz, Archie Frewin, and Matthew Goddard — the entire squad was on hand to support the team. Reaching the final was a full team effort, with every player who competed throughout the season contributing valuable points along the way.
As was the case in last week’s playoff against Knox Grammar School (Knox), we had a shaky start with the team managing just one half and three losses on the opening hole. Matthew quickly responded, making birdie on the second to shift momentum in his match, before a wild par-5 third saw both players scramble to halve the hole.
Both Zach and Harrison fought hard on the front nine, but their opponents got off to fast starts. Zach found himself up against a top-seeded opponent who barely made a mistake all day. Even when he did, he found ways to recover, getting up and down to maintain control. A chip-in eagle on the par-4 14th took him to five under par, sealing a five and four win for Aloysius.
Meanwhile, Archie displayed remarkable composure. Trailing by two through eight holes, he stormed back by winning the next five straight, turning the match completely in his favour. A steady par on the 14th closed out a five and four victory for Shore.
Matthew has emerged as the team’s most in-form player in recent weeks and his performance in the final was no exception. With two birdies on the card, he took the lead on the second hole and never looked back. Playing smart, controlled golf, he secured a four and three win—guaranteeing Shore a share of the trophy.
That left Harrison’s match as the decider. If Aloysius won, the trophy would be shared; if Harrison could secure a half or better, Shore would claim it outright.
With a large crowd now gathered, Harrison had an opportunity on the 15th to square his match but narrowly missed a crucial putt. On the 16th, his tee shot found the very back of a steep greenside bunker, leaving him in an awkward stance. Despite his best efforts, he could not get up and down, going dormie two down with two to play.
A brilliant drive and approach on the 17th gave Harrison a chance to extend the match, but his opponent responded with an excellent bunker shot, forcing a curly 10-foot putt to win the hole. Harrison’s putt caught the hole but heartbreakingly stayed out, resulting in a two and one loss, and a 2-2 overall draw.
With the result, the Marty Collins Playoff Cup was shared — an outcome that felt like a fitting reflection of the hard-fought contest. Congratulations to Aloysius for their outstanding season, backing up their premiership win with a share of the inaugural trophy.
Following the final, the squad gathered for our 2024-25 season awards presentation:
🏆 Leon Li Strokeplay Champion – Zach France
🏆 Matchplay Player of the Season – Archie Frewin
🏆 Northbridge Player of the Season – Kaya Macpherson
🏆 Handicap Award Winner – Thomas Gocher
A massive thank you to all players, parents, and supporters who made this season such a success. Congratulations to the team on an excellent campaign.
Mr Hugh Morgan
MIC Golf