The Bermuda Match Play Championships concluded at the Port Royal Golf Course, delivering a day of dramatic finishes and crowning champions in both the Men's and Ladies' divisions.
Leseur Claims Men's Championship Title
Kenny Leseur added to his Stroke Play Championship victory by capturing the prestigious Men’s Championship Match Play title. He secured the win with a 3 & 2 victory over James Godwin in the final.
Leseur's journey to the final was filled with challenges. His Semi-Final match against Oliver Betschart, which had been suspended due to weather, resumed on Sunday morning. Leseur held a 4-up lead when play was halted on the 12th hole. While Betschart mounted a comeback, Leseur maintained his composure and secured the win on the 18th hole with a par.
The other semi-final saw James Godwin advance to the final after Damian Palanyandi was forced to withdraw due to injury.
The final match between Leseur and Godwin proved to be a tightly contested battle. Leseur's Birdie on the 9th hole squared the match after 9 holes. This shift in momentum allowed Leseur to take control, winning the 10th and 12th holes (Godwin Bogeying the 10th) and the 14th hole to establish a 3-hole lead with only 4 holes remaining. The 15th and 16th holes were halved, confirming Leseur's victory with 2 holes to play.
Burgess Wins Ladies Round Robin
The Ladies' division was decided through a 4-player match play round robin format. Tracy Burgess emerged as the champion, amassing an undefeated record of 3 wins and 0 losses. Morgan Lightbourne finished as the runner-up with a record of 2 wins and 1 loss. Darina Betschart secured third place, followed by Katrin Burnie in fourth.
Thomas Wins Men's First Flight
In the Men’s First Flight Division, Marcelos Thomas completed the head-to-head match play round robin format undefeated, winning his final match against Mackih McGowan 2 & 1 on the 17th hole.
Champions Earn North & South Championship Exemption,/b>
The victories of Leseur and Burgess have earned them a significant reward. Both players have secured exemption invitations to compete in the prestigious 2025 North & South Championship at Pinehurst, scheduled for June 22-28th, 2025.
The Bermuda Match Play Championships concluded with a thrilling mix of dramatic matches and impressive performances, with Leseur and Burgess claiming the coveted titles.
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