Baltusrol, Black Oak, Mendham, Metedeconk In Hoffman Cup Finals
By Kevin Casey
On Saturday, May 7, the eight semifinalists in the 2016 Red Hoffman Cup Matches evolved into the four finalists, each as a result of convincing wins over strong teams. Two wins would qualify as expected, with perennial contenders Baltusrol GC and Black Oak GC each claiming impressive 9-3 wins over Knickerbocker CC and Spring Brook CC, respectively. Despite strong showings in capturing their groups, Knickerbocker and Spring Brook could not keep up with the unrelenting strength of last year's co-runners-up.
The other two wins clearly qualify as upsets. Mendham GTC is competing in its first Hoffman Cup playoffs, but is playing like it owns the event. After a shocking win last week over defending champion Arcola CC, Mendham repeated itself with an 8-4 win over 5-time champion Montclair GC. Then,Metedeconk National GC pulled off an unlikely 7.5-4.5 win over 2015 Finalist Plainfield CC. This win is all the more unusual because -- due to this week's green aeration at Metedeconk and Plainfield's subsequent gracious offer to host -- all four matches were competed at Plainfield. It seems obvious that Metedeconk has developed a very strong Hoffman Cup team.
Therefore, 2016 Red Hoffman Cup Finalists are Baltusrol Golf Club, Black Oak Golf Club, Mendham Golf and Tennis Club and Metedeconk National Golf Club.
The Finals will be waged at Mountain Ridge Golf Club on Sunday, May 15, with tee times starting at 1:40. A short awards reception will follow play that evening.
Many would say that this Final will be the resumption of a battle between two veteran, stacked teams -- Baltusrol and Black Oak, which is led by Brian Komline, the only golfer to win all four NJSGA "majors.". They tied for second in the Finals last year and have a history of beating each other up in head-to-head matches. But you'd have to look at the impressive play of both Mendham and Metedeconk this year to see that the Finals could easily be a four-horse race.
