GOLFZON Tour Second Bracket Play Match: Element Indoor Golf Edges Out The Green
The second match of the GOLFZON Tour bracket play brought the drama, the skill, and the technology to the forefront as Minneapolis Element Indoor Golf and Chicago The Green squared off at the legendary Harbour Town Golf Links. With its reputation as one of the top golf courses in the U.S., and its ties to PGA greats like Jack Nicklaus, the venue set the stage for an unforgettable battle.
Played on GOLFZON’s state-of-the-art TwoVision simulators, the match combined one of the PGA Tour’s most iconic venues with the cutting-edge capabilities of virtual golf. With a coveted spot in the finals at the PGA Show on the line, both teams brought their A-game to compete for the ultimate prize: a $150,000 grand prize and simulator golf glory.
The Course: A Strategic Battleground
Nestled on Hilton Head Island, Harbour Town Golf Links is synonymous with precision and challenge. This par-71, 6,944-yard masterpiece, developed in consultation with multiple tournament winner Jack Nicklaus, has hosted countless iconic moments in golf history. Often described as “the golf course where you can get along with PGA professionals,” it’s a venue where the finest players in the world compete for the championship each year.
Harbour Town’s meticulously shaped fairways and strategic layouts demand both accuracy and strategy, making it the perfect stage for the GOLFZON Tour’s thrilling bracket play. From its breathtaking water hazards to its tree-lined fairways, every hole tested the players’ mettle.
The Match: Minneapolis vs Chicago
In this single-elimination bracket play format, three players from each team competed head-to-head, with the top two scores per hole deciding the winner.
From the first tee to the final putt, this match was a battle of skill, strategy, and nerve. Harbour Town Golf Links’ iconic fairways set the stage as Minneapolis Element Indoor Golf and Chicago The Green exchanged blows in a thrilling display of match play golf.
Both teams came out swinging, with Chicago’s Chad Gelinas and Dan Stringfellow taking an early lead after the first hole. But Minneapolis was quick to answer. On the par-5 second, Element Indoor Golf’s Ryan Gallagher unleashed a stunning eagle, leveling the match. The back-and-forth continued through Hole 3, with Chicago reclaiming their edge after a clutch par.
Taking Command: Minneapolis Finds Its Groove
The tide shifted on Harbour Town’s infamous par-5 fifth hole, where Gallagher delivered another jaw-dropping eagle. The momentum swung decisively in Minneapolis’ favor as they extended their lead to three up by the seventh hole, thanks to precision teamwork and ice-cold putting from Minneapolis’ Jon Tomaszewski.
Harbour Town’s narrow fairways and challenging greens proved daunting for Chicago, but they weren’t going down without a fight.
Chicago’s Comeback: A Show of Resilience
Just when it seemed Minneapolis might pull away, Chicago’s duo mounted a fierce comeback. Gelinas and Stringfellow struck back on Holes 8 and 10, narrowing the gap to just one. Their steady play under pressure reminded everyone why they were a force to be reckoned with in this year’s GOLFZON Tour.
A Nail-Biting Back Nine
As the match moved into Harbour Town’s legendary closing holes, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Tomaszewski nearly aced the par-3 14th, energizing the Minneapolis squad and regaining a crucial two-hole lead.
Chicago answered with a brilliant chip-in birdie by Gelinas on the par-5 16th, cutting the lead to one and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Sealing the Deal on 17
The penultimate hole, Harbour Town’s treacherous par-3 17th, demanded precision. Minneapolis rose to the occasion, with Rosati and Gallagher sinking clutch pars to hold their lead. Chicago’s attempt to force a tie fell just short, giving Minneapolis a hard-fought 2-and-1 victory.
Player Highlights: Profiles of Determination
Element Indoor Golf - Minneapolis
- Jon Tomaszewski: With a lifelong passion for golf, Jon’s near hole-in-one on Hole 14 was a defining moment.
- Ryan Gallagher: A former hockey and baseball player, Ryan’s eagle on Hole 5 turned the tide in Minneapolis’ favor.
- Dom Rosati: Known for his calm demeanor under pressure, Dom’s consistency anchored the team’s success.
The Green - Chicago
- Chad Gelinas: A golf enthusiast since 15, Chad’s strategic approach was pivotal for his team.
- Dan Stringfellow: A former collegiate golfer, Dan’s competitive edge shone throughout the match.
- Marc Dwyer: A tennis player turned golfer, Marc’s adaptability and steady play were key assets.
What’s Next?
With Element Indoor Golf advancing to the next stage, the excitement only intensifies as the leaderboard narrows. Stay tuned for more heart-stopping action as teams battle for a place in the $150,000 grand prize final.
Ready to experience the Tour?
Watch the full match on YouTube or visit our “Watch Now” page to relive the action.