Angstead Steady in Win Over Smyth

Barb Angstead managed to keep a steady hand to play a strong game in defeating Marianne Smyth for the 2012 WGC Match Play Championship! It was a gorgeous morning at Scotsdale on Wednesday, August 22nd. In warming up on the putting green, the competitors were willing to call it "Good ... Good" and split the prize monies. In the spirit of the game though, they decide to go ahead and play it out. In the end, it came down to Barb's unwavering play and putting. Barb had a feel for the greens immediately and made birdie putts on 3 and 5 to put Marianne down 4 after 5 holes.

On hole #8, Barb's cart partner Wanda Barton had a difficult moment when she was tending the pin on Barb's putt. The pin was stuck in the cup and she could not get it out. She was desperate to get the pin out since Barb would have incurred a penalty had she hit the flag. Well, the flag finally came out ... cup and all! Good thing Barb's aim on this hole was a little off!?!

At the turn, Barb was up 6 and Marianne was working hard to try to turn the tide. Marianne made a good putt on 10 to take the hole. The 11th hole was halved and then came the treacherous 12th. Marianne hit a great tee shot that made the green but the pin was on the other side. Barb stepped up on the tee box and knocked her shot to within 20 feet and below the hole. Barb's solid putting won the hole and now she was dormie. On the short par 4 13th, both ladies hit wonderful tee shots. Marianne hit her approach to within 10 feet of the hole and Barb eventually conceded the hole. Barb then took over again on the 14th and the match was history. Barb had won 5 and 4.

Our congratulations to both players on making it to the final match ... and to Barb for hanging in there with her consistent play to overcome a very worthy opponent!!!