Bennett’s and Janho’s dramatic finish made CG Match Play history

"He has alligator blood, keeps hanging around. Can’t kill him.” Those are the famous words from Teddy KGB (John Malkovich) to Mike McDermott (Matt Damon) in the movie “Rounders”, where he perfectly expressed the tenacious duel in their heads-up Texas hold ’em match that made the movie’s final scene so memeorable. The same can be said for the two men that made it to the Cascade Golfer Match Play Championship Match this past August at Salish Cliffs.

Sixty-four players from around the Pacific Northwest, with handicaps from Plus to 24 tested their mettle all summer. Eight golfers put a peg in the ground Aug. 26 at 8 a.m., in Shelton, Wash., and by nightfall, only two were left standing. After 36 holes, Peter Bennett and Stephen Janho were the best of the best — setting the stage for what was the greatest final two days in the history of the event.

Janho has played in the CG Match Play many times and won it in 2019. A four handicap, Janho has earned a reputation of making his competitors earn each point. Bennett (a five handicap), who had won a CG Cup event at the same venue with teammate Ben Willetts, had to win the 18th hole just to make it out of the first-round months ago — pulling a rabbit out of a hat. That trick was his win in the sweet 16 and going 19 holes to punch his ticket to Salish Cliffs. His semifinal match with Clay Belvoir, however, is something he will never forget.

Down one after losing 17, Bennett had no choice but to play ultra-aggressive versus Belvoir (four handicap) on the risk/reward par-5 18th. Belvoir had made birdie to close out his quarterfinal match on the hole and was certainly capable of getting home in two.

Although both found the fairway on the dogleg left right par 5, it was Bennett who had really got into his drive down the right side and had the advantage. Belvoir then came up just short and left with his second shot. Although he had cleared the water his stance in the green side bunker was brutal. With the door creaked open just a tad, Bennett jumped through it, throwing a dart to eight feet and a great chance to force a playoff hole.

Belvoir, did a superb job to hack out of the sand to 30 feet then did the unthinkable, pouring in the downhill breaking bomb to stun Bennett and all in attendance. However, Bennett didn’t flinch and came back right over the top by draining his eagle putt to win the hole. It was a moment both players will remember for a long time. Bennett then made birdie on the first playoff hole (No. 1) and when Belvoir’s seven-footer slid by, Bennett closed it out.

The championship match Saturday morning was all Bennett. Janho, unable to find the game that had won him so many matches previously, couldn’t regain his momentum. Bennett just stayed solid on the tough Salish Cliffs layout, finally closing it out 5 & 4. Along with 24 hours of golf they won’t forget, both players won twosomes to Gamble Sands for their finish.