Braemar’s 16 Man Team sailed into the playoffs this year after completing their regular season in style. In the MPGA’s Class A, South, Division, they scored three overwhelming victories against a single, narrow loss. That solid record led them to a playoff match against New Richmond. Their conclusive playoff win, 17.5 – 6.5, vaulted them into the 2025 championship match.
The championship match was contested on September 28 against Links at Northfork, the Class A, North, Division champion. And it was a real battle, right down to the final two pairings.
Throughout the season, for each 16 Man match, captain Bryan Francis created eight two-man teams who would compete in eight separate matches, each one with the customary three points: one for the front, one for the back and one for the 18, with a half-point for draws. Twenty-four total points. And for each match Captain Francis selected from his entire roster the 16 players with the lowest handicaps who are available to play.
In the championship contest against Links at Northfork, a pair of Braemar’s twosomes brought home crucial 3-point shutouts: Steven Kraft/ Michael Kraft and Captain Francis/ Daniel Niemi. Two more twosomes added 2.5-point victories: Mike Wangen/ Cutter Tylia and Drew Bosley/ Ronan Burns. And in the penultimate grouping, David Matlock and Matt Boehne took 1.5 points, giving Braemar the lead with just one match still in progress. But with the lead at a mere one point, everything rested on the shoulders of Drew Bosley and Ronan Burns. Their 2.5 points sealed the deal.
Congrats to all members of the 16 Man Team— and not just those who played in the championship match. The team’s commanding play all year was sparked by scintillating performances by many truly stellar golfers.
And check out the photo below, which features the members of the championship squad who were able to stick around for the photo shoot following completion of the championship match. Holding the trophy is Captain Francis.
Dick Helde
Editor, The Virtual 19th Hole
helde.richard@gmail.com
612-306-3590
Braemar’s 16 Man Team captures the 2025 Class A Championship