In an epic match that provoked memories of the golfing greats who played at Beverly Country Club many decades ago, Vinny Giles, of Richmond, Virginia, won "the only senior amateur championship I ever dreamed of winning" with a remarkable, downhill putt on the 18th green to beat his good friend, John Grace, one-up. Neither player was more than one up in the match as the lead went back and forth all day. John Grace may have lost, but it wasn't for lack of heart and his remarks to Vinny Giles summoned up the "grace" that he is known for in the world of amateur golf.
The match was conducted under another day of brilliant sunshine and concluded a week of spectacular golf on the hallowed grounds of our golf course. Beverly played fair, firm and fast all week and the final match again demonstated our course's ability to identify the best golfers in the field.
Both men in the final match possess a thick golfing resume, with Giles winning the U.S. Amateur in 1972 and Grace again a bridesmaid in the '74 U.S. Amateur. Both men became fast friends when they competed on the Walker Cup together in the '70's. The friendship between the two men didn't take away from the steely determination that both demonstrated on the golf course today. It was truly a match to stir the golfing soul and the trophy presentation evoked memories of Bobby Jones congratulating Francis Ouimet after his victory in the 1931 National Amateur at Beverly.
This is the last post for the week. And what a week it was! A scriptwriter couldn't have written it up any better for the USGA or our club. Perfect weather, perfect ground conditions and a perfect match which ended with a perfect putt on the final hole.
Drama and glory have visited The Beverly Country Club once again!
Terry Lavin
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