Wilmes, Gonzales set to face off for 56th CGA Senior Match Play title
The final match is set for the 56th CGA Senior Match Play Championship at Thorncreek Golf Course – finally.
On Thursday afternoon, Robert Gonzales of Peyton defeated 2025 Senior Four-Ball Champion Richard Bradsby of Golden 3 & 2 in their semifinal match to earn his spot in Friday’s final. However, it took 21 holes to determine who the second finalist was going to be. And after having already played the quarterfinals that morning, it made for a very long and satisfying day for for Kent Wilmes of Littleton who prevailed over 2022 champion Chris Carlson of Highlands Ranch on the third extra hole.
Chris Carson tees off while the other semifinalists watch
Against Wilmes, Carlson jumped out to an early 2UP lead, which was the score after the 11the hole. Wilmes proceeded to win the next 3 holes to take his first lead of the match on 14, only to lose the 15th hole to make the match square. Wilmes then won 16 and took a 1UP lead into the 18th hole. On 18, Carlson made par, and when Wilmes made bogey, the match went into extra holes where Wilmes was able to win it on the third playoff hole.
Wilmes held on to earn his spot in the finals
Gonzales earned his spot in the final match by defeating 2025 Senior Four-Ball Champion Richard Bradsby of Golden 3 & 2. Gonzales was dormie, 4 UP with 4 to play, but Bradsby won the 15th with a solid par to cut the lead to 3 UP. The match ended 3 & 2 when both players made par on 16.
Gonzales had his eyes on the prize all day
The final 18-hole match between Wilmes and Gonzales begins at 7:00 am at Thorncreek Golf Course.
QUARTERFINALS
In Thursday morning’s quarterfinal matches, Gonzales ousted 2006 champion and Colorado Golf Hall of Famer Kent Moore (left) of Greenwood Village 3 & 1. Moore was looking for his 12th CGA individual title.
Bradsby (left) had earned his place in the semifinals by defeating 2011 champion David Delich of Colorado Springs 3 & 2.
Wilmes got past Roger Prenzlow (pictured) of Berthoud in the quarterfinals with a strong 4 & 3 victory.
Carlson (left) had to finish with a birdie on 18 to defeat Martin Prazak of Denver 1 UP in their morning quarterfinal match to advance to the semis.
The final 18-hole match begins at 7:00 at Thorncreek Golf Course.
VIEW FULL CHAPMIONSHIP BRACKET
CGA Senior Match Play Championship – Thorncreek Golf Course
Round of 16 (Wednesday)
Chris Carlson def. Guy Mertz, 3 & 1
Martin Prazak def. Danny Thompson, 3 & 2
Roger Prenzlow def. Rob McLelland, 3 & 2
Kent Wilmes def. Douglas Rex, 3 & 2
Robert Gonzales def. Mark Donahue, 2 & 1
Kent Moore def. Victor Minovich, 2 & 1
Richard Bradsby def. Bill Fowler, 5 & 3
David Delich def. Jim Reynolds, 3 & 2
Quarterfinals (Thursday AM)
Chris Carlson def. Martin Prazak, 1UP
Kent Wilmes def. Roger Prenzlow, 4 & 3
Robert Gonzales def. Kent Moore, 3 & 1
Richard Bradsby def. David Delich, 2 & 1
Semifinals (Thursday PM)
Kent Wlimes def. Chris Carlson, 21 holes
Robert Gonzales def. Richard Bradsby, 3 & 2