THUNDER BAY - Robert Cumming wasted no time capturing his fifth Strathcona Invitational on Monday.
In a dominant showing, he knocked off Jordan Gehl in the match-play final in just 12 holes.
It’s the first time he’s won the club championship since 2012.
“I got off to a good start, I had a good run of holes... and Jordan [Gehl] struggled early.”
The first hole indicated a sign of things to come.
Cumming knocked down a long putt to save par, while Gehl missed a short birdie putt.
“In a match like this you’d think there’s no turning point, but if there was one that’d be it,” Cumming said.
It ended up being Gehl’s best opportunity to get one on Cumming. He ended up not winning any of the 12 holes on the day.
“It’s like suffocating,” Gehl said laughing.
“He didn’t give me any windows. He made me take a few risks and I didn’t make the shots,” he continued. “That happens. It’s golf.”
Once Cumming established a rhythm, he left no room for Gehl to catch up. After birdies on No. 6 and No. 7, Cumming was five up.
He went into the back nine with a six-shot lead, and after Gehl hit into the bush on No. 12, it was curtains for Cumming.
“I’ve played here ever since I was a kid,” Cumming said. “It’s definitely my favourite course.”
Gehl held no remorse in defeat.
“I had a blast. It was a great weekend,” he said. “The fact I made it to the championship flight, that’s great in my books.”
Gehl’s most impressive win came against the three-time reigning champion Brett Shewchuk on Sunday.
Wins over Dave Joubert and Jeff Hunter gave him a spot in the championship.
Meanwhile, Cumming was on his A-game all weekend with wins over Jordan Potter, Casey Niemi, and Barry Caland.
Jeremy Kirk, fresh off the Keg District Open championship and Staal Open qualification, took home the consolation final with a win over Colin Sobey.
Meanwhile, Randy Robinson won the senior championship, and Ryan Untinen won the Super Senior.
