READING, PA. - The 2023 Lions Cup came down to the final hole with Albright needing a birdie on hole #18 to seal the win for Albright. After his drive on the par 5 18th hole, Kyle Vonderlinden hit one of the best shots you will ever see, landing his ball on the green and two putting for a birdie. The birdie secured the Lions Cup victory for Albright taking the 2-day Cup 5.5 to 4.5 over PSU Berks.
The 2023 Lions Cup came down to the final hole at the Fox Chase Golf Club on Wednesday afternoon. Kyle Vonderlinden stepped up to the 18th tee box knowing exactly what he needed to score. Vonderlinden was one down in his singles match and needed to win the hole to tie his singles match.
Since PSU Berks won last year's Lions Cup, Albright needed to finish with more total points than PSU Berks to win the 2023 Lions Cup.
Vonderlinden's drive found the right rough and had about 271 yards left for his second shot into the green. With a slight breeze and a decent lie in the rough, Vonderlinden turned to coach Eric Lamm and said, "Do you want me to go for it?" and without hesitation coach Lamm said, "Yes, why not."
Next, Vonderlinden hit one of the best shots of his life landing his ball on the green giving him a look at eagle. Vonderlinden's eagle putt came within two feet of the cup putting pressure on PSU Berks. After PSU Berks missed their par putt the door was open for Vonderlinden with just two feet left for birdie. And sure enough, Vonderlinden was up to the occasion once more and secured the two putt birdie to win the hole.
The birdie on 18 allowed Vonderlinden to tie his singles match giving Albright a half point to win the Lions Cup 5.5 to 4.5 over PSU Berks.
Vonderlinden was given the opportunity to be the hero due in large part to the strong play from the rest of the team. Playing in seven total singles matches as a team, the Lions were in every match battling throughout the day to give them a chance at the end.
SINGLE MATCHES RESULTS
Match 1
PSU Berks John Harrison defeats Connor Fields 1 Down
Match 2
Sam Elsen defeats PSU Berks Derek Jopp 2 &1
Match 3
PSU Berks Josh Gardner defeats Evan Twyman 1 Down
Match 4
Ben Egin defeats PSU Berks Drew Morris 2 & 1
Match 5
Nick Smerek defeats PSU Berks Reese Renninger 4 & 3
Match 6
PSU Berks Kolin Grogesky defeats Colby Gaylor 3 & 2
Match 7
Kyle Vonderlinden Tied vs PSU Berks Rob Pasquarella Even
