Young cousins contest final

FAMILY TIES: Cousins Lachie McDonald and Jacob Hughes after they finished first and second respectively at the Marton Golf Club's Men's Senior Championship final on Sunday.PHOTO/SUPPLIED

It was a family affair during Marton Golf Club's final of the Men's Senior Championship on Sunday as Lachie McDonald claimed his fifth senior title and fourth on the trot.

However this time the 22-year-old was facing stiff competition in the bolter from his own brood as 16-year-old Jacob Hughes, McDonald's cousin, was the other finalist. It is believed this was the youngest-ever final for the senior Marton title, as well as being the first time two cousins have contested the prize.

Hughes has been playing the game for only three years and this year represented Marton in the Men's A Grade Pennants, playing at No2 behind McDonald.

After the qualifying rounds, McDonald was top qualifier with rounds of 66 and 68 while Hughes was second.

Playing in a more serious manner than when the cousins usually have a round together, Hughes claimed the opening hole of the day with a fine birdie, but it would be another 13 holes before he won another.

McDonald was in excellent form as he shot 33 on the front nine, then had five birdies on the last seven holes to finish in 32, and held a 9-up lead with 18 holes to go. After Sunday lunch the older cousin didn't let up and the match concluded on the 8th hole for a 12&10 win.

Club captain Colin Williams stated Hughes had nothing to be embarrassed about as he played well to make the final.

Given McDonald's current advantage from over a decade's experience and having won local and regional-level tournaments, it's likely Hughes' time will come.

It is his first year in the seniors, playing off a six handicap and getting some coaching from Andre White.

There was a true family gathering in the gallery as the support crews on Sunday included both sets of parents, five grandparents, other relations, friends and fellow club members. Russ McDonald caddied for Lachie and Jacob's grandfather, Bruce Poppe, caddied for him.