A Clash of Champions
The Atlanta Club Championship Match Play Finals
The culmination of a year's worth of matches, laughs, and countless swings came to a dramatic conclusion at the Country Club of Columbus, where the Atlanta Club Championship Match Play Finals took center stage. The 1909 Donald Ross course bore witness to an epic showdown that will be etched in the annals of NewClub history.
In the Gross Division, the Atlanta Chapter's defending Champion and incoming Captain, Morgan Campbell, faced off against a resolute Scotty Rolf, who would ultimately emerge victorious in stunning fashion. It was a battle for the ages, culminating in a heart-pumping fourth sudden death playoff hole, with Scotty Rolf sinking the putt that would win him the coveted Championship Belt. When asked about the epic Final match, "It was birdies to win holes that made it so much fun. Hats off to Morgan, just an awesome match to be a part of."
Scotty Rolf's road to victory was a testament to his unwavering determination and a red-hot putter that seemed to defy all odds on Saturday. Rolf ignited with back-to-back 20+ foot putts on holes #7 and #8 during regulation of the final match, setting the stage for a nail-biting playoff. He continued his putting magic on #10 and #11, making crucial bombs to keep the match alive. But it was on the 13th hole that Rolf outlasted Morgan Campbell, securing the Championship Belt with a composed four to Morgan’s five.
This triumph marked Scotty’s first Atlanta Club Championship Belt, but his second NewClub Chapter Champinoship. His journey began in Chicago, where he reached the Championship Finals at Mike Keiser’s Dunes Club two years in a row before becoming Chicago Club Champion in 2020. Today, he lives in Georgia with his wife and dog, and stands as the first member in NewClub history to represent the club as Club Champion in two different Chapters.
His path to the Gross Finals in Atlanta was strewn with talent and grit, with players like Scott Ford, Kacy Orr, Christian Helsel, Brett Donnelly, and Andy Gonzales all fighting admirably, showcasing the camaraderie and class of the golf community we’ve built in Georgia.
In the Net Division, the competition was equally fierce, and it truly became anyone's game. The top seed, Matthew Rapoport, saw his journey halted by the formidable Terry Throm in the semi-finals. Friends on the fairways and often seen as teammates in Sunday Morning League matches, John Booth and defending Net Club Champion, Patrick Moye, were forced to face off in the first round. The battle between these two couldn't be settled in regulation, but John prevailed in a Playoff to advance to the Semi-finals. There, he would edge out Chris Annunziata, setting up a thrilling showdown with Terry in the Finals.
As the gallery grew and spectators followed the final matches, Terry Throm took an early lead, winning the first hole and halving the next three to stay 1up in the Match. But John Booth remained unshaken, demonstrating control over his game. With dialed in pace on the greens and a reliable tempo, John cut into Terry's lead. John clinched the last three holes to seize the victory. It was a remarkable comeback and a testament to Booth's relentless spirit. When asked to reflect on the day, he said "Today was a roller coaster of emotions. Everyone I played seemed to be better than the next. It was physically, mentally, and spiritually exhausting."
The Country Club of Columbus, with its majestic 1909 Donald Ross course, proved to be the perfect host for this championship event. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Club and to all the competitors who battled throughout the year to qualify for this prestigious event and to those who journeyed to Columbus to vie for our Championship Medals and Championship Belt, our Club's highest competitive honor.
As we bid farewell to this year's Club Championship, we eagerly anticipate the excitement of next year's Order of Merit. Until then, the memories of Scotty Rolf's incredible putting display and John Booth's tenacious comeback will linger on the fairways of the Country Club of Columbus.