President’s Cup cliffhanger

NSW won its third consecutive Maccabi President’s Cup Golf Tournament in a tight competition at the prestigious Hyatt Regency Coolum in Queensland  on the ­weekend.

After three days of golf, only two points separated NSW – which finished on 13 points – Victoria (12) and Western Australia (11).

“I have captained for the last six years, but this was the closest competition that we have had because we normally know after the first two days who will win,” NSW captain Ian Sandler said. “Everyone played fantastically and the weekend is always great because you see new faces, make new friendships, and it is just a great opportunity to bring Jewish sportsmen together in a competitive and social environment.”

The team, which included Marty Knespal, David Goldin, Gary Berkal, David Greek, Clive Wasserman, Trevor Sidley, Nick Odze, Brian Harrisberg, Ronnie Geffen, Gary Slezak, Anthony Frankel and Sandler, was made to fight for every point.

“On the last day when we had the singles, everyone was on the course at the same time, so we didn’t know the score, we just knew that we had to win our games.”

Sandler said that Knespal was the player of the tournament for NSW because he didn’t lose a game.

“Everyone had moments when they could have lost their games and in the end that would have lost us the cup.

“For me and Marty, it was on the 17th hole against Michael Burd and Craig Herbert on the second day because we were all square and then I sunk a 44-foot putt to win the hole.

“I then hit a par on the 18th hole to win that game and in the end, it is one of many games that could have turned the cup.”

JOSHUA LEVI