Marchini wins Merced Golf & Country Club championship

Richard Marchini birdied the final hole to edge Marc Smith in the 18-hole match-play final to win the Merced Golf & Country Club Men’s Club Championship on Sunday.

The two-day event started with 12 participants, with the top eight advancing from stroke play to match play.

Marchini defeated R.J. Lorenzi 4 and 2 in the quarterfinals and then defeated Keith Hunter 3 and 2 in the semifinals.

Smith defeated Mike Brendal 3 and 2 in the quarterfinals and then picked up a 5-and-4 win over Tim Arnsberg to reach the final.

Smith defeated Marchini in last year’s final.

This time, it was Marchini taking home the crown in a close match. Smith birdied holes 10 and 11 to pull even. Marchini again took the lead on No. 13, but Smith birdied No. 15 to pull even again.

The match moved to No. 18 all square, where Marchini made a 15-foot putt for the victory.

This story was originally published August 10, 2015 at 6:14 PM with the headline "Marchini wins Merced Golf & Country Club championship."