Schlachter edges Phillips for Senior Match Play Title
BUCKINGHAM, Pa. - A familiar name is back on the trophy as Paul Schlachter of Nevillewood Golf Club held off Lancaster Country Club's Ken Phillips to win the 10th Senior Match Play Championship, presented by Allegheny Health Network, at Lookaway Golf Club. The win was Schlachter's fifth (2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2016) in the event, and his fourth straight year in the final match.
Schlachter started quickly by holing a bunker shot on No. 1. Phillips rallied on the second hole to even things up after a par. After Schlachter converted a birdie on No. 3, both players were in position for pars on the fourth hole. Schlachter converted his before Phillips saw his lip out.
Schlachter makes par. Phillips lips out. Schlachter remains 1up pic.twitter.com/jN4fG89dtG
— PA Golf Association (@PA_Golf) May 12, 2016
Schlachter won the next two holes with pars to go three up through six holes. After an 18-footer for birdie on the 7th hole, he extended his lead to four.
Schlachter goes to school and drains the birdie to go 4up thru 7. pic.twitter.com/Ag4uFHOM6e
— PA Golf Association (@PA_Golf) May 12, 2016
Phillips, however, rallied with a birdie of his own on No. 8 to get the deficit back to three holes.
Phillips for birdie on 8. Yes sir. Paul now 3up thru 8. pic.twitter.com/IIPstRiso3
— PA Golf Association (@PA_Golf) May 12, 2016
After routine pars on No. 9, Phillips got another hole back on the 10th as he made par and Schlachter couldn't convert the par of his own. However, the Nevillewood CC member extended the lead with a par on No. 12. After the duo traded pars for the next few holes, Phillips faced a three hole deficit with just three to play. Schlachter was able to save par after his tee shot found the rough left of the fairway. Phillips needed to make birdie from 15 feet to extend the match, but unfortunately for the Lancaster product, the ball didn't drop, giving Schlachter the crown and meaning he's won half of the championships in this event's short history!
And it hangs on the lip! Schlachter claims his fifth Senior Match Play title. Well played match pic.twitter.com/oqphxTfSIO
— PA Golf Association (@PA_Golf) May 12, 2016
The Pennsylvania Golf Association would like to thank the staff and membership of Lookaway Golf Club for their hospitality during the championship.