Sudden Valley Golf Club Hidden Gem SHORT GAME

Even if you might not be a basketball fan, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard of March Madness, the annual NCAA tournament that engenders as much intensity as it does insanity in its win-or-go-home format.

For Cascade Golfer, our Match Play event might not be in March, but it brings out just as much chaos. One shot can steal a win from the jaws of defeat. That’s what makes it so fun.

A 64-player field begins play at the end of May. The field is then whittled down to the Elite Eight, who advance once again to Salish Cliffs for a two-day tournament in August. This year marks the tournament’s 11th edition.

Like the NCAAs, players are seeded in regions. Your opening match will be against someone in your area with a similar handicap. You and your opponent decide what course to play, and which tees to use. The winner moves on and plays a match every four weeks. Keep winning and the prizes only increase, with the final eight duking it out for two days at one of the great match play courses in our state, Salish Cliffs, where we cover your green fees.

Yes, it’s competitive, but everyone can play because of the handicap system. A qualified handicap is therefore necessary to participate. Low handicappers need to play at their best throughout the tournament because the higher handicappers can occasionally spring up with an exceptional round for the upset.

But consistency pays off as one bad round can lead you to the exit. Whatever the skill level the tournament puts a premium on clutch play. Can you hit the shot when you are tied sitting in the 18th fairway?

The cost to enter (and a Salish Cliffs 2-for-1 deal — a $100 value) is only $90. Keep winning and the prizes only get better. Enter at CGMatchPlay.com and let the fun begin. Log on to CGMatchPlay.com to learn more and register, or email Cascade Golfer Tournament Director Simon Dubiel at simon@cascadegolfer.com with questions. We will see you in the bracket. The only question is how long can you survive?