Brandon Gaw has stamped his name on the Alexandra Golf Club senior men’s competition after he claimed his third consecutive club championship on Sunday - reportedly the first time the feat has been accomplished since the 90s. 

The Alexandra Senior Men’s Club Championship, a knock out competition, is played over a few weeks, then finishes off with a 36-hole final. 

Brandon, one of the younger golfers at 28, beat opponent Paul Anderson after he won 11 holes with only 10 left to play on a blustery day which featured northwesterly wind gusts. 

Youth could be part of his secret, as his competitors are regularly a decade or more older. 

“The conditions were tough, especially in the afternoon,” Brandon said. “I just focused on keeping the ball in play and making pars, then try to take advantage on the holes that were downwind. 

“I managed to get off to a quick start by making birdies early, I didn’t make too many mistakes and only lost one hole to Paul in the morning round. 

“I had a big lead going into the afternoon so I just had to focus on playing solid in the windy conditions and ended up winning the match on the 26th hole. 

“This is the 4th time now and my third consecutive. I just love match play. It’s head-to-head, score and handicap don’t matter. You’re just trying to beat your opponent.” 

The club championship is often a light-hearted but highly contested affair, as golfers take on players they’ve been sharing fairways with for years. 

“(I’ve) played a lot of golf with Paul over the years in club and team events,” Brandon said. 

“We had fun playing the match with a bit of banter throughout the day. 

“Unfortunately, he just made a few early mistakes, I’m sure it would’ve been a different game if he started well.” 

Alexandra Golf Club president Malcolm Moore congratulated golfer Brandon Gaw on his third consecutive Senior Men’s Championship win. 

Brandon said his lead-up to the final was to focus on two main areas in order to “iron” out his game. 

“I was mainly working on chipping and putting to prepare for the final, I think it’s the part of the game that comes under the most pressure in match play. 

“I was just happy with the way I handled the conditions and winning three titles in a row. 

“It hasn't been done in the club since the late 90s. 

The final competitors were followed around the course with a host of onlookers who provided healthy support. 

Brandon’s fiance Libby Hamilton caddied for him, lending her support.

“It was awesome to have the support out on the course from my partner Libby and family,” Brandon said. 

“It was great to see so many club members out following the matches.” 

It has been a long round since his first golfing experience, but Brandon said inspirations spurred him to pursue the sport. 

“I started tagging along with dad when I was 11 years old and got hooked pretty quickly. 

“Tiger Woods and how he dominated the sport inspired me growing up and still does today.” 

As for how Brandon chose to celebrate the win, he kept it pretty low-key as he turns his gaze ahead to the next few hurdles. 

“A few beers in the clubhouse and catch up with the other champions,” he said. 

“I’ve got a couple of local tournaments in the next few weeks and then start getting ready for my wedding early next year.” 

Elsewhere in the Alexandra Golf Club Championships, Ian Grant grabbed the Men’s Intermediate, Adrian Crawford took out the Men’s Junior, while Bruce Roberts claimed the Men’s Junior B for the second year in a row.

In the ladies, Mary Hore nabbed the Ladies Silver,  Lesley Clague claimed the Ladies Bronze, Sarah Patterson took home the Ladies Bronze 2 and Jackie Redfern grabbed the Ladies 9-hole.

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