Sunday, October 23, 2005
Sudden Death Playoff Thrills Gallery at Harbin Park
A bizarre sequence of events at thirteen and fourteen set the stage for another classic match between Gunnarsson and Ross. Tied headed to thirteen, Gunnarsson drove the long par four within sixty feet of the hole. Then, with thousands watching, he hit the eagle shot, sending the gallery into hysterics. Fireworks were lit, tailgate parties went into full swing, and the scrolling news ticker in Times Square relayed the news.
But the two-stroke swing -- Ross managed par on the hole -- only lasted a few seconds. On fourteen, Ross nailed a birdie and Gunnarsson bogied, resulting in yet another two-stroke swing and a tie.
The match ended in sudden death and a playoff hole (number 10). Both players drove into trees, but Gunnarsson was able to stretch through the underbrush sufficiently to get clear with his second shot. He was able to salvage par. Ross' drive had landed under a tree, completely blocking access to the hole. His second shot did not clear the treeline, resulting in a match-ending bogie.
+1 +0 Gunnarsson
+1 +1 Ross
But the two-stroke swing -- Ross managed par on the hole -- only lasted a few seconds. On fourteen, Ross nailed a birdie and Gunnarsson bogied, resulting in yet another two-stroke swing and a tie.
The match ended in sudden death and a playoff hole (number 10). Both players drove into trees, but Gunnarsson was able to stretch through the underbrush sufficiently to get clear with his second shot. He was able to salvage par. Ross' drive had landed under a tree, completely blocking access to the hole. His second shot did not clear the treeline, resulting in a match-ending bogie.
+1 +0 Gunnarsson
+1 +1 Ross
# @ 7:41 AM 
