2012 Ponce X in Saint Andrews: The U.K. Defeats U.S.A 19-16
Tournament Summary
U.K. WINS PONCE DE LEON MATCHES 19-16
Nick Hyde – U.K. MVP Award (2-0-2)
Michael Palmore – U.S. MVP Award (3-0-1)
Wes Battle – “Champagne” Tony Lema Award
Dom Clive – Tony Jacklin Award & U.K. Captain
Neil Thomson – U.S. Captain and Chairman Emeritus
JUNE 7-10, 2012
Saint Andrews, Scotland
The Old Course, Carnoustie Golf Links, Crail Golfing Society – Balcomie, the Castle Course and Kingsbarns
Chairman – Wes Battle
Hashed out over a few pints at the Open Championship at Royal St. Georges in 2011, Chairman Battle, eventual U.K. Captain Dom Clive and Silver Stick In-Waiting Kirk Bedell made the 10th edition of the Ponce De Leon one for the ages. 14 Americans trekked across the pond to play a four-round tournament over three days against 14 players from the U.K. Evening events at the Ben Hogan Suite at Carnoustie Golf Links, Saint Andrews Golf Club and R&A capped off some great days of golf in and around Saint Andrews.
The U.K. were apparently unfazed by the American caddie bibs and came out and blitzed the Yanks on the first day in blustery conditions at Carnoustie, winning five, halving one and losing only one match. The Americans would come back on day two, winning five of the seven matches to make it anyone’s golf tournament. As the matches shifted to Kingsbarns, the U.K. rebounded for a 4.5-2.5 win in alternate shot and the singles matches were ties at 7 apiece, giving the matches to the U.K. 19-16.
Thanks to Chairman Battle for leaving no stone unturned in what many described as simply the best golf trip ever. It is only the beginning.
Congratulations to the U.K. for winning the first international PDL matches. The Americans look forward to the rematch in 2014.
Tournament Players Guide 2012 (PDF)
Photos
Watch the Opening Ceremony Introductions by Captains Dom Clive and Neil Thomson in the Hogan Suite at Carnoustie
Click here to view and download all the photos from Ponce X (Dropbox)
The 28 players meet after the first round at the clubhouse at Carnoustie for a group photo.
The U.S. team poses with the Claret Jug and the Conquistador Helmet.
Michael Palmore thinks about the driver with his caddie in match play.
Scotch Winn poses with his long, lost twin caddie at Kingsbarns
Old Tom Morris makes an appearance at St. Andrews Golf Club.
Great banquet at the St. Andrews Golf Club.
Winn, Palmore, Birkert & Carroll at the Swilken Bridge on the Old Course.
Hyde vs. Winn and C. Thomson vs. Short during Singles matches at Kingsbarns. (Both matches would finish on 18 1 up with Hyde & Thomson victorius.)
Michael Palmore and Nick Hyde – Team Most Valuable Players – show off their hardware with U.K. Team Captain Dom Clive.
The Brits revel in their 19-16 Victory and belt out some ridiculous tune.
Rupert Finch shows off his award- the wooden spoon while Nick Hyde proudly wears the Conquistador helmet.
Hey Dom – where’s the helmet?
Toaster! Toaster! Toaster!
Charity
The 2012 Charity is the Keepers of the Green, an international golfing fellowship, founded in 1995 and based in St Andrews, whose mission is: “To promote the game of golf and to improve lives through powered mobility”. The Ponce is proud to present a check this year of £1400 or over $2100. Since its formation, Keepers of the Green’s extensive fundraising activities have resulted in life changing experiences for over 200 individuals who have been presented with powered wheelchairs (worth approx £700,000). Our main wheelchair presentation takes place, through the generous co-operation of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, at each year’s Open Championship. Additional presentations are made following the Members’ annual Spring and Autumn Meetings when they play with the authentic 5 hickory clubs on one of St Andrews seven courses – an arrangement greatly assisted by the kind cooperation of the Links Management Committee of St Andrews. We also very much appreciate the support of the St Andrews Golf Club which provides our office base. The Patron of Keepers of the Green is the internationally renowned Golf Historian, David Joy, best known as “the man who plays Tom Morris”, portrayed internationally on stage and screen. Honorary Members include Peter Alliss, Peter Thomson, Sir Michael Bonallack and Emil Pacholek. The Keepers of the Green Foundation (as a registered charity) is our vehicle for accepting and using donated funds and has, over the years, discovered and developed many friends and kindred spirits throughout the world ready to help us in our quest to increase mobility for others. In line with our objective to promote the heritage of the game of golf, “Keepers” was also established as the first ever golfing tribute to Old Tom Morris, who made such an outstanding contribution to the game during his lifetime. It is therefore fitting that Tom Morris should be the figurehead of this unique golfing organisation and also particularly appropriate given that one of his sons was severely disabled but that did not prevent him working in his father’s club makers shop overlooking the 18th green of the Old Course.
Past Philanthropy
The PDL is proud of its commitment and tradition of philanthropy. Past charities have included The Davis Love III Foundation, The National September 11th Foundation in honor of “Deeg” Sezna, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and The Wounded Warrior Project.