This year Braemar’s longstanding 8-Man Senior Team, captained by Mike Longman, was rewarded for their outstanding past play by being elevated from Class B to Class A competition. And, participating at that level for the first time, Braemar’s top Over-55 seniors demonstrated that they belong there. Their dominant regular season play vaulted them into the championship match.
Last year the team also made it to the finals— and, after finishing regulation play all square in the championship match, their 2024 season all came down to a sudden death overtime thriller. The difference between winning the championship last year and being runner-up was an opposition birdie on the fifth sudden death hole.
This year, taking on stiffer Class A competition, Braemar once again reached the finals after completing a spectacular 5-1 regular season. But, for the third year in a row, the team ended the year as the runner-up. It didn’t help that an 11th hour injury led to a scramble to field a full team by the next morning. And, fortunately, when the gun went off, eight Braemar players were on hand. But the team was not at full strength. So, even though the score was tied at 4.5 apiece after the first three matches were completed, a formidable Keller team eventually came out on top.
Contrary to the venerable adage, maybe the fourth time is the charm? Regardless, it was an excellent season for the former 8B, now 8A, Team. If they keep knocking on the door, who knows what the future may hold?
Dick Helde
Editor, The Virtual 19th Hole
helde.richard@gmail.com
612-306-3590