Michael Martel claims New Hampshire Stroke Play in Playoff
Michael Martel
(NHGA Photo)
CONCORD, NH (August 10, 2016) -- It was quite the 36-hole New Hampshire Stroke Play final day for Michael Martel at Beaver Meadow Golf Club. Martel began the day 1-over and trailing by a stroke before surging in the final round with a 7-under 65 to tie for the lead at 6-under, setting up a third hole playoff victory over Damon Salo.
The playoff holes were No. 10 and 18 and after both players made par on each hole they returned to the 10th for a second time. Both players missed the green with their second shots; Salo in the rough and Martel in the bunker. From their Martel was able to get up and down for the winning par.
Martel began Wednesday with a mundane even-par 72 before catching fire during the afternoon fourth round. The round began with five front nine birdies on Nos. 1, 3, 5, 6 and 8 to turn in 5-under 31. The strong play continued on the back nine but birdies were a bit more difficult to come by.
Martel birdied the 10th and 12th holes but also bogeyed Nos. 11, 14 and 15 to fall off the pace a bit. The run of bogeys didn't waver Martel's confidence as he finished with three consecutive birdies to finish 6-under and in a playoff with Damon Salo.
Salo made quite the recovery as he was able to recover from a 7-over 79 first round that included four double-bogeys, three straight to conclude his round. From there Salo rebounded thanks to tallies of 67-65 before wrapping up with a 1-under 71.
Bryant's Ryan Tombs was third and one shot out of the playoff at 5-under. Jim Cilley and 36-hole leader Cam Salo were tied for fourth at 2-under.
View results for New Hampshire Stroke Play
ABOUT THE
New Hampshire Stroke Play
Tournament is 72 holes stroke play, 18
holes
for each of the first two days; field will be
cut
to low 40 plus ties and anyone within 10
shots
of the lead after 36 holes.
Entries are open to male members in good
standing of member NHGA clubs who are
legal
residents of New Hampshire.
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