THUNDER BAY - Robert Cumming is making his mark in the Strathcona Golf Course’s record books.
After winning his first Strathcona Invitational in six years in 2018, Cumming defended his title on Monday against Scott Wilke.
The two battled through 18 holes in the match play championship, before Cumming knocked down a 15-foot birdie putt to seal the victory.
The two-hole lead was the largest margin of separation, as neither player led by more than one for the entire round.
“It was quite a match up and down. I made a lot of good shots, a lot of bad shots. So it was a little bit of a roller coaster. I’m happy it’s over,” Cumming said.
After a slow front nine, the pair combined for seven birdies on the back nine in what was a fast-paced finish.
On the 16th hole, Wilke was able to save par, capitalizing on a shaky second shot from Cumming, and tying the count.
Earlier in the day, Wilke’s father won the senior championship, and Scott was looking to add a second trophy to the family collection.
“It would have been awesome to get two today, but I can’t complain it was a lot of fun out there,” Wilke said.
After Wilke’s tee shot on the par 3 17th found the bunker, Cummins took advantage with a two-putt for par.
As the sun peaked through for the 18th hole on an otherwise cloudy, and sometimes rainy holiday Monday, Wilke had a glimmer of hope when Cumming’s tee shot ended up going past the green and under a spectator bench.
“On my tee shot I thought I had a really good drive and I was disappointed where it ended up,” Cumming said.
Nearly eight grown men assisted to move the bench back so Cumming could get off his shot.
“It was kind of like a Tiger (Woods) moment,” Wilke said. “It was pretty cool.”
“I had a little acorn buried underneath I couldn’t get rid of, so I just wanted to make sure I got it on the green.”
After getting it on the green, the stoic Cumming knocked down the clutch birdie and let out a subtle fist pump.
After clinching the championship, Cumming said he welcomed a new baby boy into the world just five weeks ago, and thanked his wife for giving him enough time to get ready for championship number six.
“My understanding wife left me just enough time to (practice) so it worked out.”
In the other competitions, Jordan Gehl was the winner of the consolation final, and Hank Wilke won the senior championship.
