AJ Armstrong captures first pro title at Alberta Open at Wolf Creek
Alberta Golf (Ponoka) – The final round of the Alberta Open Championship presented by SVR Lawyers saw the first real drama this season at an Alberta Golf event after a number of blowout victories in 2020. By the back nine at Wolf Creek Golf Resort during the final round it looked like a two horse race with Edmonton products Wilson Bateman and AJ Armstrong tied at 8 under par 3 shots clear of the field. Defending Champion Andrew Harrison made a back nine charge and his final round 67 tied the low round of the day with Calgary’s Mitchell Fox and got him into the clubhouse early at 6-under-par. Harrison finished runner-up with Fox in a tie for 3rd.
The Championship turned in a 5 minute stretch on the back nine when Bateman missed a 2 foot par putt on 14 and then couldn’t find his wayward drive on the next tee box at 15, those 3 shots lead to a tie for 3rd place for Bateman.
This day belonged to AJ Armstrong, the 23-year-old from Edmonton made a clutch bogey save on 16 and then a great 2 putt from 30 feet on 18 for a one stroke victory and his first ever professional victory and a nice pay day of $7,000.
“The pay cheque is awesome but I’m more pumped to get my first win,” Armstrong admitted. “It’s a great confidence boost with a great field this year, so awesome to get the win.”
WATCH FINAL ROUND FOOTAGE AND INTERVIEW WITH AJ ARMSTRONG
Max Sekulic of Grande Prairie birdied his last 2 holes to win the Amateur portion of the event and The Morse Cup.
Bateman and Armstrong lead heading to final round of Alberta Open
Alberta Golf (Ponoka) – 10 players are within 5 shots of the lead heading to the final round of The Alberta Open Championship presented by SVR Lawyers. Another hot day at Wolf Creek Golf Resort in Ponoka saw 3 competitors, Max Sekulic, AJ Armstrong and Wilson Bateman shoot the low round of the day 68. AJ Armstrong and Wilson Bateman both from the Edmonton are co-leaders at 5-under-par with proven winners from the Alberta Golf scene right behind them with one round to go.
WATCH 1 ON 1 WITH CO-LEADER WILSON BATEMAN
15-Year-Old Zach Haydamack from The Mickelson National Golf Club in Rocky View County just west of Calgary is the youngest player in the field and shot an impressive 2-over-par 73 to make the cut tied for 25th.
WATCH 1 ON 1 WITH 15-Year-Old Zach Haydamack
The professionals in the event will battle for a purse of $27,000 with $7,000 going to the winner. Currently Max Sekulic leads Brendan MacDougall by 4 strokes in the amateur competition.
Holmes and Chicoyne top leaderboard after hot first round at Wolf Creek
Alberta Golf (Ponoka) – A clear blue sky day with little wind and temperatures in the 30s is not normally what you would expect at Wolf Creek Golf Resort in Ponoka but that’s exactly what the 120 competitors faced during round one of the Alberta Mens Amateur Championship presented by SVR Lawyers.
The tough Links Course still stood up as only 9 golfers shot under par. Jakob Chicoyne of Calgary continued his hot play, a course record tying 65 his last round in Medicine Hat last week at The Alberta Mens Amateur Championship followed by a 4 under 67 today for a share of the lead and the only amateur to shoot under par.
Jakob Chicoyne’s 4 under 67 scorecard
Sharing the first round lead is Evan Holmes who grew up in Calgary, the 2016 Alberta Mens Amateur Champion is now a professional and also shot 67 with 6 birdies and leads the professional side of the tournament by 1 shot over defending champion Andrew Harrison of Camrose. The professional purse is $27,000 with $7,000 going to the winner.
Evan Holmes 4 under 67 scorecard
The tournament is being played on The Links Course at Wolf Creek Golf Resort.
WATCH: HEAD PROFESSIONAL AARON MILLER ON THE WOLF CREEK LAYOUT
Preview: 2020 Alberta Open presented by SVR Lawyers
Alberta Golf (Ponoka)- The 2020 Alberta Open Championship presented by SVR lawyers is set to begin on Tuesday on The Links Course at Wolf Creek Golf Resort.
The Alberta Open was first contested in 1935. Legendary Canadian golfer Stan Leonard won the event a record 9-times between 1937 and 1955. The event was a regular stop on the Canadian Professional Tour at Wolf Creek Golf Resort for 13 years in the late 1980’s and 1990’s.
This year a field of 120 amateur, junior, PGA of Alberta professionals as well as veteran professionals on various developmental tours will compete for a purse of $27,000 with $7,000 going to the champion.
6-time champion Wes Heffernan is in the field along with defending champion Andrew Harrison who not only won last years Alberta Open at Trestle Creek as an amateur he also won The Alberta Mens Amateur Championship on The Links Course at Wolf Creek. Harrison has turned professional and can’t wait to tee it up in his fist event since March.
WATCH 1 ON 1 with Andrew Harrison
A last chance qualifier was held at Ponoka Golf Club on Monday July 27th with these 12 players qualifying
KEY INFO
Dates: July 28-30th, 2020
Course: Wolf Creek Golf Resort (Links Course)
Yards/Par: 6,666 /71
Field: 120
2019 champion: Andrew Harrison
Format: 54 holes of stroke play with a 36-hole cut to the low 60 and ties
Social: #abopen
HISTORY
The Alberta Open Championship began in 1935. There was a brief pause in the tournament from 2000–2002 which ended with the next Open champion being awarded in 2003. The distinguished Championship continues to bring together some of Alberta’s most outstanding touring professionals, club professionals, amateurs and juniors vying for the coveted “Alberta Open Champion” title.
2008 – Wes Heffernan
2009 – Ryan Yip
2010 – Jamie Kureluk
2011 – Wes Heffernan
2012 – Wes Heffernan
2013 – Riley Fleming
2014 – Riley Fleming
2015 – James Love
2016 – Brett Hogan
2017 – Dustin Risdon
2018 – Wes Heffernan
2019 – Andrew Harrison
NOTABLES
- Wes Heffernan– 6-time Alberta Open champion (2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2018)
- Andrew Harrison – 2019 Alberta Open and Alberta Amateur Champion
- AJ Armstrong – 2018 Alberta Mens Amateur Champion
- Riley Fleming – 2-time Alberta Open champion (2013, 2014)
- Michael Valk – 2020 Alberta Mens Amateur Champion
- Evan Holmes – 2016 Alberta Mens Amateur Champion
- Brendan MacDougall – National Amateur Squad Member
- Scott Stiles – 2011 Alberta Mens Amateur Champion
- Hunter Thomson – 2020 u19 Champion
ABOUT THE COURSE
More information on Wolf Creek Golf Resort can be found here here.
ABOUT THE SPONSOR
Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP is a multi-service law firm based in Calgary, Alberta. Since its establishment in 1986, Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP has become one of Calgary’s leading legal service providers, focusing on delivering high quality, efficient solutions for clients. The partners, associates and staff of Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP come from a wide range of backgrounds, and this experience enables us to offer responsive, effective and creative legal solutions to our clients.
MEDIA
Michael Valk wins Alberta Mens Amateur Title blocks from where he grew up
Alberta Golf (Medicine Hat) – UBC Golfer Michael Valk had this week circled on his calendar and was worried in March that the 2020 Alberta Mens Amateur Championship wouldn’t happen this year on a golf course blocks from his home in Medicine Hat. But using Covid-19 protocols both The Medicine Hat Golf and CC and the players wanted this provincial championship to run and what a spectacular week it was.
The 21-year-old Valk who plays out of the Desert Blume Golf Club lives right beside The Medicine Hat Golf and CC and has played it hundreds of times, and that experience paid off during a course record tying 65 on Thursday that included a 6 under stretch from holes 9 to 14 to secure the 2020 Alberta Mens Amateur Title on the famed track founded in 1913.
“It’s a feeling I’ll probably never get again,” admitted Valk. ” To literally be a couple streets over and wake up in my own bed coming down here and get the win, it’s quite the feeling.”
MICHAEL VALK’S COURSE RECORD TYING 65
17-year-old Hunter Thomson from The Glencoe Golf and Country Club has had quite the couple weeks, winning the Alberta U19 Championship 2 weeks ago in Spruce Grove, winning on the MJT Tour last week and runner up this week after a final round 69 to finish at 4 under.
“Super happy with the way I’m playing,” Thomson said. “Means a lot for my hard work to pay off and I’m excited to head into the Alberta Open next week at Wolf Creek with 3 good weeks of golf behind me.”
WATCH ALBERTA MENS AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL ROUND RECAP AND INTERVIEWS
Jakob Chicoyne of the Glencoe Golf and Country Club in Calgary also tied the course record with a 65 in the final round. The Interprovincial Team is made up of Champion Michael Valk along with Hunter Thomson and Chandler McDowell of Red Deer who shot a final round 66 to tie for 3rd with Carter Graf.
Packed leaderboard heading into final round of Alberta Amateur Championship
Alberta Golf (Medicine Hat) – The final round of the 2020 Alberta Mens Amateur Championship is shaping up for a wild finish with 6 golfers within a single shot on the leaderboard on a hot day at The Medicine Hat Golf and CC. There’s a 3 way tie at the top at 3 under between local product Michael Valk from The Desert Blume Golf Club and 2 Central Alberta stand outs, Carter Graf from The Red Deer Golf and CC and good friend Brady McKinlay from The Lacombe Golf and CC.
WATCH 1 ON 1 WITH CO-LEADER BRADY MCKINLAY
There was some cheering on the 4th tee box and after checking it out, you guessed it, the first ever ace for Edmonton’s Zach Carr, a 6 iron from 197 yards.
WATCH ZACH CARR CELEBRATES HIS FIRST EVER ACE !
Chandler McDowell leads the way after round 1 in Medicine Hat
Alberta Golf (Medicine Hat) – Only 9 golfers were able to keep things under par on the short but tough layout at historical Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club during round one of the Alberta Mens Amateur Championship. 2018 Alberta Junior Champion Chandler McDowell showed the form that gave the Central Alberta product from Red Deer an 11-stroke victory at the Sundre Golf Club 2 years ago, McDowell posted 6 birdies and only one bogey Tuesday for a 5-under 66 and the first round lead.
Chandler McDowell shoots 5 under 66 in round one.
Brady McKinlay from the Lacombe Golf and CC had a bogey free round with 4 birdies for a 67, one shot off the lead heading into the second round on a very hot and mostly wind free day in Medicine Hat.
The 54 hole Championship event is being played on the historical course in Medicine Hat founded in 1913 and moved to it’s current location in 1934.
WATCH STAFF AND MEMBERS TALK ABOUT HOSTING THE CHAMPIONSHIP
Preview: 2020 Alberta Mens Amateur Championship
Alberta’s best golfers to compete for Alberta’s top prize at historical Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club
Alberta Golf (Medicine hat) – The 2020 edition of the Alberta Mens Amateur Championship tees off Tuesday at The Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club, one of the oldest courses in Alberta founded in 1913 and relocated to it’s current location in 1934. 131 players comprise the field that will compete in hopes of adding their name to the history books.
KEY INFO
Dates: July 21-23
Course: Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club
Yards/Par: 6,377 yards/Par 71
Field: 131
2019 Champion: Andrew Harrison
Format: 54 holes of stroke play competition; cut to low 60 players and ties after 36 holes
Social: #abmensam
NOTABLES
- Carter Graf – 2019 Alberta Junior Champion
- Matt Bean – 2019 Alberta Mens Amateur runner-up
- Brendan MacDougall – 2019 Alberta Golf Player of the Year
- Brandon Markiw – 2018 Alberta Mid Amateur Champion
- Jesse Galvon – 2019 Alberta Mid Amateur champion
- Max Sekulic – 2019 Alberta Match Play Champion
LOOKING BACK
Andrew Harrison won the rain-shortened Alberta Mens Amateur Championship at Wolf Creek Golf Resort to cap off an amazing summer that saw the Camrose product also win the Alberta Open Championship presented by SVR Lawyers. Harrison has turned professional and wont be in the field this week to defend his title.
HISTORY
The Alberta Mens Amateur Championship was first contested in 1908. Sun Life Financial has been a proud sponsor of the event since 1991.
2010 – Steven Lecuyer
2011 – Scott Stiles
2012 – Riley Fleming
2013 – Riley Fleming
2014 – Tyler Saunders
2015 – Brett Hogan
2016 – Evan Holmes
2017 – Brett Hogan
2018 – AJ Armstrong
2019 – Andrew Harrison
ABOUT THE COURSE
More information on the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club can be found here.
MEDIA
Alberta Golfer Magazine: Medicine Hat Golf & CC hosts Mens Amateur
Don’t get fooled. The Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club, which will host this year’s Alberta Mens Amateur July 21-23, ‘only’ plays 6,700 yards from the tips. But the stately, pristine, tree-lined course can get the better of you in the blink of an eye.
“It’s not that long but it’s not that easy either,” said general manager Cam Jacques. “It’s a fair test and when the wind blows, like it can here, the greens get firm and it can be more about positioning and picking your spots. You’ve got to think your way around this course. The landing areas on most holes are only about 25 yards wide. And when we let the rough grow up high and nasty, well, you definitely can’t just pull out your driver and let it fly.”
That’s for sure.
“There are a lot of trees that come into play – more than at any other course I usually play,” said Darrell Hodges, the club’s President. “It doesn’t favour one particular shot. It doesn’t set up for a fade or a draw. You have to be able to hit both shots. You’ll need to be able to hit every club in your bag and every shot in your arsenal. It’s tough and it’s beautiful. I love this place.”
The Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club’s refusal to wince under pressure from the best players in Canada is well documented.
When the course hosted the Alberta Mens Amateur in 2012 Riley Fleming, known for going very low, won with a score of just 1-under 283 for the four days – two rounds of which were played in very blustery conditions. When some of the top Canadian kids came to Medicine Hat in 2018 for the Canadian Junior Boys, Quebec’s Christopher Vandette won with a 2-under score.
But it can be had too. The tournament record of 65 was set by Kelly Risling in 2016. Vandette equalled that score in the Canadian Junior Boys.
“If it’s nice and the wind doesn’t blow, I expect somebody to get to minus-8,” said the course’s head pro Wayne Mattson, who is entering his 22nd year at the Medicine Hat Country Club. “If it’s windy then even par will be a great score.” “We’re a little like the courses they play on for the British Open,” concurred Jacques. If the wind doesn’t blow then the players can eat it up. But when it blows the course shows its true character.”
Originally founded in 1913 just outside the city, the course relocated to its present site in 1934 in the heart of the city. “Along with the Calgary Golf and Country Club, the Edmonton Country Club, Lethbridge and Fort McLeod, it’s one of the oldest courses in the province,” said Mattson.
Perched high above the South Saskatchewan River, Mattson said the course has it’s own Amen Corner – holes 13, 14 and 15.
“No. 13 is a 400-yard par 4 with water down the left side and out-of-bounds down the right.
“No. 14 is a 210-yard Par 3 with the same water hazard that is on No. 13 on the left and it usually plays into the wind.
“No. 15, a slight dog-leg left which plays uphill is the most difficult hole on the horse in my opinion,” said Mattson. “It plays 460 yards and you need to hit a big drive down the right side of the fairway or you will be blocked out by the giant poplars on the left side. The green is very difficult with a slope that runs half way up to the green. Par is exceptional. “A lot of matches are decided on those three holes.” Hodges agreed. “No. 13 is pretty tight; No. 14 has a long green and there can be some tricky pin placements and as for No. 15 if I come away with a bogey I’m tickled pink,” Hodges said. “I play that hole as a Par 5.”
An argument can easily be made that No. 17 will be the hardest on the course for the Amateur. Playing as a Par 5 during regular play, No. 17 – which is 487 yards long – played as a Par 4 during the Canadian Junior and it is expected it will also play that way for this summer’s Alberta Mens Amateur, “We like to try and make it as challenging as possible during big tournaments,” said Hodges.
But it’s the overall impression that is most important to its management and members. “Our grounds superintendent, Mark Begin, does a great job on the greens and fairways. They’re always in what I like to say is fabulous shape. It’s something we take great pride in. “The other thing about our course that is outstanding is the service and the staff in the clubhouse,” said Hodges. “We’re very friendly; we get a lot of compliments.”
Two greens on holes 9 and 10 were recently changed. “We redid the green complexes on those two holes two years ago,” said Mattson. “While the greens are much bigger, now it’s much more difficult to hit those two greens because of different bunkering and false fronts on both of those greens. And there is a lot more slope.” Continuing to always improve the course, five years ago the grass on the greens were changed to T-5 bent. “There used to be a lot of poa – up to 70 per cent – and it was often a struggle to get through the winters,” said Jacques. “The new grass is great. It allows us to keep the speeds of the greens up and not have to worry about disease.”
As well as the 2012 Alberta Mens Amateur and the 2018 Canadian Junior Boys, the Medicine Hat Country Club also hosted the 2016 CN Future Links Junior and the 2004 Alberta Ladies Amateur. “We like to show off our course,” said Jacques. “I’d like to see us host the Canadian Womens Amateur in the next three or four years. We’ve talked to Golf Canada and put our name in for it. “We like hosting big events; our members like it,” said Jacques. “We’re very excited to show off our course again this year.”
Kim Carrington defends Alberta Senior Ladies Championship
Alberta Golf (Edmonton) – For the 4th time in the past 6 years Kim Carrington of Calgary stands alone in Alberta as your Senior Ladies Champion. The 2019 champion defended her title with a very solid 1 over par 73 at The Glendale Golf and Country Club for a 5 shot victory over 2016 champion Lynn Kuehn. Carrington had 2 birdies and 3 bogeys on the front nine and then locked it down with 9 pars to finish to claim the title. Carrington didn’t even play golf in 2016 after undergoing foot surgery so she’s won 4 of the last 5 Alberta Senior Championships she’s entered.
Kim Carrington shoots 73 to capture 2020 Alberta Senior Ladies Championship
Joanne Ladner of Strathmore won the Marg Ward Trophy winning the stableford competition with 102 points.
The interprovincial team is made up of the Carrington who plays out of the Cottonwood Golf and CC along with Lynn Kuehn from the Lacombe Golf and CC and Heather Lee from the Edmonton Golf and CC.
Jean Nitchke from Connaught is the Super Senior Champion.
