On September 8th, 2018, the last day of the 7th annual Merrill Master’s Cup commenced. An elite group of four golfers had worked their way into the lead. Early in the morning Paul Ogden, Frank Patrick, Peter Martin, and Maddie Merrill took off in four separate golf carts. Each hoped to earn both fame and glory; having their name inscribed on the notorious Merrill Cup Trophy. 

       As the first eighteen holes neared the end, Paul lead the group by a single stroke. Content to let fate work her magic Paul headed in to rest as Maddie went out to improve her score. Despite off and on rain and lightning warnings Maddie was determined to complete another eighteen holes, totaling thirty-six holes by 3:00pm. After many more grueling hours on the golf course with no break for food or even a mojito Maddie walked off the course holding the lead. This was a truly impressive feat considering she was required to take a whopping three stroke handicap (as decided by the chairman of the board). 

       Watching from his balcony just above the driving range Paul Ogden’s eyes glimmered with a competitive twinkle. Loading up the cooler and swinging his golf bag over his shoulder Paul headed back out to the course. Maddie was quick to follow. 

      The two chased one another through the rain for another eighteen holes, bringing Pauls total to thirty-six and Maddie’s to fifty-four! The two focused on their honing their game, both pushing one another to play some of the best golf the Merrill Cup has ever seen. As they came upon the eighteenth hole crowds gathered eagerly awaiting the final scores. Paul Ogden howled as he “let the big dog eat”, making his way down the fairway with Maddie hot on his tail. 

        Shaking hands on the green, the two exchanged scores. Ultimately, when handicaps were taken into account, Paul Ogden maintained his title as the Merrill Cup champion, three overall titles and two consecutive championships. And while the announcement was exciting, it was the tradition of the tournament and the moments spent together over the past week that gave these final moments of the tournament a beautiful melancholia feel as the two embraced. Both players walked off the green knowing they would return to challenge one another the following year.