CUGC Secures First Varsity Victory Since 2018

For the first time since 2018, Cambridge University Golf Club (CUGC) have emerged victorious in the University Match. On Saturday 29th March at Royal North Devon Golf Club, Cambridge secured a resounding 11.5-3.5 win in the 136th edition of this historic event bringing the total tally to 66 – 62 to Cambridge, with eight halves.

The week began with a bang as the Stymies claimed a 10-5 victory over the Divots. Not to be outdone, the dinner match pair of Andrew McLarnon and Archie Smith secured a flawless 3-0 record on Thursday with dominant wins of 6&5 in the morning foursomes and 6&5 and 7&6 in the singles in the afternoon. The Cambridge Ladies team put up a valiant fight but narrowly missed out, falling 4-5 in a closely contested encounter.

The Blues’ impressive performance was showcased over two days of competition, culminating in a dominant finish. After the opening foursomes on day one, Cambridge held a slight edge, leading 3.5-1.5. All the drama occurred in the last hour however, as CUGC’s pair three won four of the last seven holes to secure a half on 18 as ex-captain and veteran Matt Roberts holed two clutch putts on 17 and 18 to keep the game alive. Meanwhile, in the two games behind, both CUGC pairs were all square on the 15th tee. Winning both 15 and 16 respectively, the Mezger & Chumas and Balch & Pinnell pairings brought home 2&1 wins to give Cambridge the two point lead heading into singles.

This momentum carried into the Saturday singles, where the team won an outstanding 8 matches out of 10, sealing an emphatic overall win of 11.5-3.5. Special mention must go to Chloë Royston on winning her captain’s singles 6&5, becoming the first woman to win her singles in the University Match and also continuing the now nine-year streak of CUGC captains going unbeaten in their Varsity singles.

George Webster capped off his four-year CUGC career in style with an incredible comeback. After being four down, he fought back to win the match on the final hole, sinking a clutch 10-foot putt to secure a 1-up victory. Matt Roberts and Jonathan Pinnell are also to be commended, rounding out their Cambridge golf careers with singles victories, and 6.5/8 and 5/6 records respectively.

A huge thank you is extended to everyone involved in organising this fantastic event, with special appreciation to Royal North Devon Golf Club for hosting all three teams. The players and supporters had an incredible experience and eagerly anticipate the 137th University Match in March next year.

For full scores and further details, please refer here.

Thank you to Nick Saunders and Varsity1827 for the photographs.