Barnard Castle’s John Matthews and Ray Pipe win the Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs
After a year of closely fought matches across the North East and North Yorkshire, Barnard Castle’s John Matthews and Ray Pipe were crowned Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs champions for 2023 following victory in the event’s final at Seaton Carew Golf Club.
John, who plays off a handicap of eight and 17-handicapper Ray overcame Durham City-based pair Kevin Stubbings and Darren Curtis in the final to add their names to the trophy in the event’s 22nd year, and win the £600 prize.
“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the whole Match Play Pairs experience, and winning the final is the icing on the cake,” said Ray after the Barnard Castle pair secured a 4&3 victory after being 2dn through six holes.
“The competition has been an adventure right the way through – from the first win at home back in round one to our trips to Beamish and Longhirst, and of course Seaton Carew for the final. Beating two very talented players from Longhirst, both of whom hit it miles, was a good feeling and gave us a lot of confidence going into the final stages – and that proved key.”
Frequent playing partners for more than 30 years, first at the original Blackwell Grange course before moving to Rockliffe Hall and then Barnard Castle, John and Ray’s long friendship led to them competing together in the Match Play Pairs event for the first time this season.
“Playing together in the event for the first time was all down to Ray, and the decision to give it a go has turned out brilliantly,” said 61-year-old retired police officer John. “We’ve been lucky at times, and we’ve played very well at times – that’s what matchplay golf is all about.”
“Matchplay is a great leveller and I’d recommend giving this a go to every golfer, whatever their age or handicap,” added 72-year-old Ray, who retired in 2008 having worked in contract catering.
In the final, Kevin made a superb start – almost holing his second shot and setting up a tap-in birdie to take the Durham City pair 1up. A string of halved holes followed before Darren doubled his team’s lead with a comfortable par at the short, but tricky, sixth hole. The Barnard Castle pair answered straight back, getting their first win on the card as John made the only par at the demanding seventh on the Bishop Course layout at Seaton – a feat made more remarkable by the fact he arrived for the final without a putter and had to buy one from the pro shop before teeing off.
After John’s birdie at the par five eighth was matched with a nett birdie by Kevin, the Barnard Castle pair produced a superb run of golf which ultimately led to victory.
They drew level for the first time at the ninth, John once again leading from the front as the low player in the fourball betterball match – his two-putt par enough to head to the turn all-square.
Another well-made par from John, with the Durham City team both in trouble, at the par three 10th gave the Barnard Castle pair their first lead in the match. The lead was soon doubled when John birdied the 11th – holing a 20ft putt after a superb approach.
While he had played a supporting role and allowed John to take the lead through the early holes, Ray took centre stage at the 12th with a superb approach to setup a nett birdie to hold onto his team’s 2up lead as Kevin made an equally impressive nett three.
Ray, now in full flow, comfortably won the 13th for his team after John, Kevin and Darren made mistakes on the par five – his birdie being conceded to take the Barnard Castle pair 3up.
With their backs against the wall, Kevin and Darren gave it their all at the 14th, but once again Ray stepped in to make a nett par and thwart any chance of a comeback. He then saw out the 4&3 victory with another solid par at the Cosy Corner par three.
“The way Kevin and Darren started in the final, Kevin nearly making eagle at the first, I knew the match wasn’t going to be easy,” said Ray. “Turning into the wind proved to be a big moment in the match – John carrying us through those early holes before I managed to contribute a few good shots on the back nine.”
“That teamwork, filling in when your partner is out of the hole, has been so important to our matches and was vital again in the final,” added John. “Ray was there when I needed him once again, hitting great shots when the pressure was on. When you get that in a team, you’re hard to beat.”
John and Ray’s route to the title was not easy, playing three of their five matches to reach the Seaton showpiece away from home. Following a home win over another Durham City pair in the opening round, they won matches at Beamish Park and Longhirst to reach the semi-finals – beating Houghton-le-Spring’s Martin Mayoh and Steve Eltringham 2up to book a place in the final.
Meanwhile, Kevin and Darren – who received a £100 prize as runners-up – reached the final with a 2up victory over the Beamish Park-based pair of Alan Clark and Bob Richardson.
“While it’s obviously disappointing to lose out at the final stage, we’re delighted to have come so far,” said Darren. “We knew it would be a tough game around the brilliant Seaton Carew, and that our opponents would be up for it having made it through all this way as well. Congratulations to John and Ray on a well-deserved win.”
“We’ve had a lot of fun this year and while it’s a shame to miss out in the final, I’ve loved it,” added Kevin, who played football with John as a teenager. “The opportunity to meet people from other clubs, visit new courses and play some competitive golf away from home has been great. The spirit we’ve played every game in – taking the event seriously, but always enjoying the match and the company of our opponents – has been spot on and we’ve had some great matches.
“After a great start, including that birdie at the first, we had our chances, but all the credit goes to John and Ray for sticking in and pulling us back with some super golf of their own on the back nine.”
Having hosted the final for the first time over the famed links of Seaton Carew, club secretary Roy Leonard said: “Congratulations to John and Ray on winning the Match Play Pairs tournament. We’re very proud to have hosted the final of another successful year of the event, and continue our longstanding partnership with Northern Golfer. It’s always a pleasure to showcase the course, and to receive such high praise from the players who took part.”
A huge thank you to all the players who have been part of this year’s tournament, which once again saw six rounds of matches completed between May and October with no delays. Northern Golfer’s thanks also go to all the clubs across the region which have given courtesy to visiting players – your support is very much appreciated by our team and all those who visit you. A special thank you also goes to the committee, management, greenstaff, and clubhouse team at Seaton Carew for hosting us – and to Shaun Cowell of Custom Fit Golf for supplying this year’s prize vouchers.
For full results visit www.northerngolfer.co.uk/match-play-pairs-2023
