One Last Hurdle For David Sheman In Match Play Finals; How He Won It All (Again)

September 24th, 2021

"It was a long road here," says David Sheman (Emerald Hills Golf Club) in his customary white arm sleeves. He had just finished his final round at the 2021 Match Play Championship at Beacon Hall Golf Club and unlike many tournaments this season where long-sleeves might have been unnecessary with the heat, on this September afternoon, it seemed as if Sheman was the coolest player out there. 

He beat out 41 other pros from around Ontario to get here, a bracket that lasted an entire season; talk about keeping cool. 

This is Sheman's second consecutive Match Play Championship title after winning last year (2020) at Beacon Hall. 

QUESTIONS LINGER BEFORE TEE-OFF

A massive amount of rain fell in Southern Ontario on Wednesday night and Thursday morning, causing havoc at golf courses all over the region. 

"I wasn't sure we were going to play today," explained Sheman. "I woke up, checked social, and all I saw were courses telling members they were flooded."

The heavy rain this week had already forced the rescheduling of the Chapter Four-Ball Finals at Maple Downs Golf & Country Club. 

It was 6 AM when Stacey received the call from Beacon Hall Head Pro Dustin Kerr-Taylor. The ground crews were able to irrigate the course, which, of course, means they were up and working before 6 AM to get the course in good shape. 

Following the leaders, you would have never known the region was drenched the night before. 

"The grounds crew did a great job today, the course was handling great considering the circumstances," said Ed Maunder (Oakville Indoor Golf Centre). 

In addition to hosting all 4 players, 4 rounds of golf, and lunch for all the players, Beacon Hall also gave each player a gift to remember their experience playing in the finals.

Thank you to Beacon Hall Golf Club and their staff for all the work you put in, it certainly made a world of difference. 

CONDITIONS PLAY INTO STRATEGY FOR SHEMAN

Beacon Hall, not known for being the easiest course even on a good day, was going to be a challenge. With a few lost balls, a few in the water, and even some stuck in puddles from the rain, Sheman knew all it was going to take was one slip-up to lose his title. 

"Me and Ed, in our first match, were joking we weren't necessarily trading blows, we were trading slip-ups," laughed Sheman. "I felt lucky to survive that first match. Although I played here last year, when you play two rounds in a day, you tend to do more research into the course your first run-through." 

Maunder, being the only righty in the field, had some pride to play for. However, Sheman, lefty, edged him in the semi-finals by one hole in extra holes.

On the other side, Branson Ferrier (Vespra Hills Golf Club), the 2021 PGA of Canada Assistants' Champion, won his match over James Skrypec (The Golf Academy at Deer Ridge). 

"Branson is such a good player, so before we even left for our second round, I knew I had to get a lead early and play steady," said Sheman. 

Played steady he did indeed. 

Branson, after losing the first hole, could be seen taking a few more risks in an attempt to claw back. Namely a long drive on hole 6 that landed him in the sandtrap. Sheman, leading, hit iron off the tee and set himself up for a clear approach and single putt, in one case. 

Despite preferring playing in the wind, Sheman said his putter was the key to his game in the final match-up. 

"I found myself, in order to just play even when I was up, having some good looks on the green, so I really tried to focus on my putter," said Sheman. "It was sort of ironic because I was not putting well against Ed this morning." 

"I had a good putt on that par 3 (hole 7) that put me up 2 holes on Branson, and I knew after that I had the power in my hands to make those putts if I put myself in good spots," explained Sheman. 

It took all but 14 holes to secure the win after Ferrier was unable to match Sheman's birdie putt.

Congratulations to David Sheman for being named the Match Play Champion for the second straight year. Congratulations are also due to Branson Ferrier who came in second and Ed Maunder who finished in 3rd after defeating James Skrypec in the consolation match. 

"I would like to thank Emerald Hills and Titleist for being so supportive of me in getting out and playing with these guys," detailed Sheman in his victory speech. 

"I would also like to thank my mom who caddied for me today," said Sheman with a smile. "Due to COVID-19, it's been a while since she has been able to come and see me play, so having her support today made a world of difference."

Those looking for photos from the event will find them on the PGA of Ontario Facebook page. 

Competitors also receive Professional Recognition Points (PRP) for taking part in tournaments like this one. Interested in learning more about PRP points and what they mean for your credentials? See HERE.

Our final (and most popular) event of the season, the Fall Scramble, is happening on October 4th and is SOLD OUT.

It is sure to be an exciting day so make sure to follow us on social (@PGAofOntario) for highlights as they happen!