The Metropolitan Golf Association have retained the Governor Hugh L. Carey Challenge Cup after a 10-10 tie against Golf Ireland at Carton House.
Tied at 5-5 after the opening day, the team split the ten Singles matches, with Mark Costanza winning the final two holes against David Kitt to gain the crucial half point. Speaking on the 18th green afterwards, Costanza admitted he didn’t know his result retained the title for the MGA.
“I knew it was big, but I didn’t know it was the last match on the course. It was nerve wracking though. David and I both played really well today. I tried to hit some good shots on the way in, and have two short birdie putts on 17 and 18. We’re happy to get the job done. It was a tight, tight match. I’ve never been more determined to win a match than I was today.”
Kate Lanigan was delighted to remain unbeaten throughout her three matches after she halved with MGA’s Alexis Hios.
“We’re disappointed as a team not to win the trophy, but from an individual point of view I couldn’t have asked for more in the past two days. This is my first time playing for Ireland at Senior level. We got on well with the American girls, and we all knew the significance of being the first women to compete in the event.”
Ina Kim-Schaad was first out for the MGA in all three sessions, and won all her matches including a 5&3 win over Rachel Thompson in the Singles.
“The standard of golf from both teams was great over the two days. Megha [Ganne] and I played really steady yesterday, and I kept that up today against Rachel. As a team we loved coming to Ireland this week. It’s a different set of skills we needed here, compared to at home. It was a brilliant few days.”
Richard Knightly made his Ireland debut and was unbeaten in his three matches, including a 3&2 win over Darin Goldstein. The Royal Dublin golfer loved his first experience representing his country.
“It was looking bleak on Tuesday morning, but to rally back yesterday and get a few wins was great. Today was brilliant against Darin. It was tight all day.
“I played really solid on the back nine, and was delighted to close it out. I’m over the moon to be undefeated for my first Ireland cap. It’s been a fantastic experience.”
The 10-10 tie is the third occasion in the history of the event the Carey Cup has been tied, but the MGA will take the Cup back to America, hoping to retain the Cup once more in 2023.
MGA 10-10 Golf Ireland
Wednesday Singles
Ina Kim-Schaad beat Rachel Thompson 5&3
Noelle Maertz beat Paula Grant 4&3
Alexis Hios halved with Kate Lanigan
Megha Ganne beat Aideen Walsh 2&1
Brad Tilley beat Marc Boucher 3&2
Sam Goldenring lost to Robert Moran 3&2
Mark Costanza halved with David Kitt
Darin Goldstein lost to Richard Knightly 3&2
Garrett Engel lost to Hugh Foley 6&5
Trevor Randolph lost to Jake Whelan 5&4
Tuesday Afternoon Four Balls
Ina Kim-Schaad and Megha Ganne beat Paula Grant and Aideen Walsh 4&3
Noelle Maertz and Alexis Hios halved with Kate Lanigan and Rachel Thompson
Darin Goldstein and Brad Tilley lost to Robert Moran and Marc Boucher 3&1
Mark Costanza and Trevor Randolph lost to David Kitt and Jake Whelan 5&4
Sam Goldenring and Garrett Engel lost to Hugh Foley and Richard Knightly 1hole
Tuesday Morning Foursomes
Ina Kim-Schaad and Megha Ganne beat Aideen Walsh and Paula Grant 3&2
Noelle Maertz and Alexis Hios lost to Rachel Thompson and Kate Lanigan 1hole
Darin Goldstein and Brad Tilley beat Robert Moran and Marc Boucher 2&1
Sam Goldenring and Garrett Engel halved with Hugh Foley and Richard Knightly
Mark Costanza and Trevor Randolph beat David Kitt and Jake Whelan 5&4
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