It was a long day of golf, but Daryl Herchuk needed nearly all 36 holes.
Herchuk made a late surge to win the match play final of the Hillcrest men’s club championship over Doug Gillies.
Herchuk was three-up with a hole to go, but trailed or was even against the defending champ most of the day.
“Doug was ahead most of the (match). We were square at times,” said Herchuk.
Gillies was ahead by two holes on a couple of occasions before Herchuk climbed back to level. While the pair were close for the duration, Herchuk pulled ahead for the first time on the 33rd hole.
“Then on hole 34 I basically went two up,” said Herchuk.
Winning those two holes suddenly gave Herchuk a two-shot lead with two holes left to put him in control of the match.
While it was cool to start the final, Herchuk noted that it was hot and humid for the final 30 holes.
“It was just an average round. I didn’t do anything spectacular,” said Herchuk. “I’ve definitely shot a lot better.”
The men’s championship at the Hillcrest follows a 16 golfer match play format that is spread over a couple of weeks.
The format rewards consistency and also slightly changes the way the golfers approach their games.
“You’re just concerned about trying to win the hole or not lose it,” said Herchuk. “You may decide to play a safe shot. It’s a little cat and mouse.”
The Hillcrest club championship comes on the heels of Herchuk winning his first men’s city title in July.
“It’s been a really good summer for me,” said Herchuk.
