Lively captures 2014 Ryder Cup

Tied for the lead after two days of competition and with double points available on Sunday on their home course, the Lively Golf & Country Club squad picked up victories from John Hastie, Tom Cunningham and Rich Heslop, snapping a two-year winning streak for Timberwolf Golf Club in capturing the 2014 Ryder Cup.

Alex Watier, Adam Hayes and John Palys each earned a draw on Sunday, giving Lively 4.5 points on the day and breaking a deadlock between themselves and Timberwolf, with both clubs tied at five after play on Saturday.

Cunningham and Hastie both finished with a flawless record of 3-0, with Watier not far behind with two wins and a draw, a mark that was matched by Tom Clark of Timberwolf.

The two-time defending champs opened in good shape, taking three of their four alternate shot matches on Friday at Idylwylde, earning an even split in best ball play the next day at Timberwolf.

With scores of Timberwolf (5), Lively (5) and Idylwylde (2), it would all come down to Sunday afternoon, just as it most often does, with Lively reclaiming the trophy for the first time since 2011.

"The newer guys did well," said Lively captain John Hastie, with his team returning five members of their 2013 crew. "Those are the points they get that are a big bonus."

With several familiar faces between the three teams on hand, Hastie was non-committal as to the extent to which Ryder Cup experience can provide an advantage once competition starts on Friday.

"Sometimes, the guys who have played a lot tend to get complacent, and the new guys are really excited to play," Hastie explained. "As long as the new guys don't get too excited, they're fine."

Representatives from the three competing teams included:

Lively: John Hastie, Tom Cunningham, Alex Watier, Brian Ceaser, Brent Hatton, John Palys, Adam Hayes, Rich Heslop.

Timberwolf: Sam Yawney, Tom Clark, Scott Wing, Nick Quesnel, Brian McGarry, Chase Woitowich, Cory Vaillancourt, Matt Akerman, Jay Jewett.

Idylwylde: Paul Schweyer, Dave Petryna, Jay Quesnel, Sid Segsworth, Matt Bortolotto, Shawn Stevens, Ryan Abresch, Chris Montgomery.