Preview: 2019 Alberta Senior Mens Championship
Alberta Golf (Edmonton) – The 2019 Alberta Senior Mens Championship is set to begin Tuesday at the Derrick Golf and Winter Club with 120 players competing for the provincial senior crown. The 54-hole stroke play tournament field is made up of competitors who are over the age of 55 as of the first day of the Canadian Senior Mens Championship. The event will coincide with the 60th Anniversary of The Derrick Golf & Winter Club, founded in 1957 and opened in 1959.
John Burns, Alberta Golf’s Field Manager of Membership & Competitions is this week’s Tournament Director for the Alberta Senior. Burns says “Players from across the province will play the course following an extensive $6 million dollar redesign and facility upgrade in 2015. Players will be challenged, as part of the redesign now includes 75 fairway bunkers!”
KEY INFO
Dates: July 30 – August 1st, 2019
Course: The Derrick Golf & Winter Club
Maximum Yardage/Par: 6,258 yards/70
Field: 120
2018 Champion: John Festival
2018 Super Senior Champion: Jim Russell
Format: 54 holes of stroke play
Social: #absrmens
LOOKING BACK
After three days of intense competition at the Turner Valley Golf and Country Club John Festival was crowned the 2018 Alberta Senior Mens Champion. With a challenging course setup and windy conditions, these seasoned veterans battled each round to fight for the top spot. Festival took the lead after bearing down on the back nine making three birdies throughout his round. Brian Coston finished a close second only one stroke behind Festival.
John Festival is the 2018 Alberta Senior Mens Champion! ??
Check out the final results➡️ ?️ https://t.co/mTFuPW35px pic.twitter.com/kPh8HBn8yi
— Alberta Golf (@Alberta_Golf) August 4, 2018
The 2018 Alberta Super Senior Champion was Jim Russell of Calgary. Russell had an impressive three days of play taking the top spot in this division.
HISTORY
The Alberta Senior Mens Championship was first contested in 1946.
2010 – Tom Skinner
2011 – Jim Russell
2012 – Frank Van Dornick
2013 – Floyd Kilgore
2014 – Frank Van Dornick
2015 – Floyd Kilgore
2016 – David Schultz
2017 – Frank Van Dornick
2018 – John Festival
NOTABLES
- John Festival – Defending Champion
- Frank Van Dornick – Four time champion (2009, 2012, 2014 and 2017)
- Brian Coston – 2018 Runner-up
- Brian Laubman – 2017 Runner-up
- Jim Russell – 2011 champion; Ten time Bearspaw Club Champion
- Floyd Kilgore – Two time champion (2013 and 2015)
FAST FACTS
- There are multiple contests up for grabs this week. The Senior Championship for those aged 55 & over, the Super Senior for those aged 65 & over and an overall contests for age groups (55-59, 60-64 and 65+)
- The top three competitors at weeks end will make up Team Alberta at the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship at Cedar Brae Golf Club in Scarborough, Ontario Sept 10-13 2019.
- Alberta has 23 senior quota position available for the national championship along with 2 super senior quota positions.
ABOUT THE COURSE
The Derrick’s championship golf course, newly redesigned by Jeff Mingay, has a distinct layout reminiscent of classic course architecture of the 1930s. We have invested in a top-quality golf course that will challenge and delight golfers for years to come.
Our 18-hole course is fun to play for recreational golfers, while still offering plenty of challenges for low-handicap players. Golf members can take part in leagues and tournaments, and our golf professionals (working closely with our fitness department) offer comprehensive developmental programs for players of all levels. Our nationally recognized junior program is second to none.
Even in winter, the Derrick keeps your game sharp with our two high-end virtual golf simulators.
More information on the Derrick Golf and Winter Club can be found here.
MEDIA
Kim Carrington wins 3rd Alberta Senior Ladies Championship in 5 years
Alberta Golf (Rocky Mountain House) – Kim Carrington must like odd numbered years, but it’s anything but odd that she’s this year’s Alberta Senior Ladies champion, it’s actually become quite common. Thursday at Pine Hills Golf Club in Rocky Mountain House the 2015 and 2017 champion added the 2019 title to her already amazing resume after shooting the low round of the tournament, a 1 over 74 for a 6 stroke victory over Jackie Little and Lynn Kuehn to take the title. The Cottonwood Golf & CC member also won the BC Senior Women’s championship in June and was emotional after her victory Thursday especially after letting the Calgary Senior Ladies Championship slip through her fingers last week after a mental lapse in the final round.
“I let it slip last week because I couldn’t control myself mentally and I thought I can’t let that happen today, this is my home turf in Alberta.” Said Carrington “Joanne was caddying for me and it was great, my dad Bill who used to be the pro at Pine Hills came down from Edmonton to watch with his wife. It’s very emotional, the family support was awesome.”
Alison Murdoch of the Victoria Golf Club won the Super Senior Championship by 4 strokes after posting a round of 3 over 76.
Kim Carrington, Lynn Kuehn and Barbara Flaman will make up Team Alberta that will compete at the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur and Senior Championship at Osoyoos Golf Club Aug 18-20 2019.
Carrington donated her winner’s cheque to the junior program at Pine Hills Golf Club.
Former champion Jackie Little moves to the top at Senior Ladies Championship
Alberta Golf (Rocky Mountain House) – Former Alberta Senior Ladies champion Jackie Little tied Lacombe’s Lynn Kuehn for low round of the day with a 2 over 75 at Pine Hills Golf Club in Rocky Mountain House. Little is now the co-leader with 2017 champion Kim Carrington, one shot clear of Kuehn and 2 strokes ahead of defending champion Barbara Flaman heading into Thursday’s final round at the provincial championship.
Flaman and Carrington lead Senior Ladies Championship
Alberta Golf (Rocky Mountain House) – Defending champion Barbara Flaman and 2-time champion Kim Carrington played together during round one of the Alberta Senior Ladies Championship on Tuesday. Both shot rounds of 2 over 75 to share the lead after round one on a gorgeous day at Pine Hills Golf Club in Rocky Mountain House.
Flaman and Carrington played alongside 2014 and 2015 champion Jackie Little. Round 2 of the 54 hole provincial championship goes Wednesday morning.
2019 ATB Financial Junior Golf Clinic
In conjunction with the 2019 ATB Financial Classic, ATB Financial will be conducting a Junior Golf Clinic on Saturday, August 10 at the Blue Devil Golf Club in Calgary. The clinic is for kids aged 6-12, and provides the opportunity to learn some golf fundamentals from PGA TOUR Canada Professionals.
Preview: 2019 Alberta Senior Ladies Championship
Alberta Golf (Rocky Mountain House) – The 2019 Alberta Senior Ladies Championship is set to begin Tuesday July 23rd at Pine Hills Golf Club in Rocky Mountain House with 49 players competing for the provincial senior crown. The 54-hole stroke play tournament field is made up of competitors who are over the age of 50 as of the first day of the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship.
KEY INFO
Dates: July 23-25
Course: Pine Hills Golf Club
Yards/Par: 5,675 yards/73
Field: 49 players
2018 Champion: Barbara Flaman
2018 Super Senior Champion: Alison Murdoch
Format: 54 holes of stroke play
Social: #absrladies
LOOKING BACK
Barbara Flaman entered the final round of the 2018 Senior Ladies Championship at Woodside Golf Course with a two stroke lead over a decorated champion in Jackie Little.
The 56-year-old from Sherwood Park looked to be on cruise control early on by making all pars and a single birdie through the first seven holes. After a rough patch in the middle of her round Flaman executed perfectly on the closing hole making a clutch par four to win by a single stroke over Little.
During the awards presentation Flaman credited her mentor, an eight-time Alberta Senior Ladies Champion, Diane Williams for providing sage advice that helped calm her nerves during the final round.
Flaman has already had a great 2019, winning the Mid Master championship at the Sun Life Financial Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship at The Ranch Golf & CC in Edmonton.
Flaman has also been given direct entry into the 2019 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship Aug 24-29 at Cedar Rapids Country Club in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
HISTORY
The Alberta Senior Ladies Championship was first contested in 1964.
2010–Alison Murdoch
2011–Diane Williams
2012–Alison Murdoch
2013–Jackie Little
2014–Jackie Little
2015–Kim Carrington
2016–Lynn Kuehn
2017–Kim Carrington
2018- Barbara Flaman
NOTABLES
- Barbara Flaman – Defending champion. Alberta Ladies Mid Master Champion (2018 and 2019)
- Kim Carrington – Two-time Senior Ladies Champion (2015 and 2017)
- Alison Murdoch – Two-time Senior Ladies Champion (2010 and 2012)
- Jackie Little – Three-time Senior Ladies Champion (2009, 2013 and 2014)
FAST FACTS
- There are three contests up for grabs this week. The Senior Championship for those aged 50 & over, the Super Senior for those aged 65 & over and an overall low net contest.
- The top three competitors at weeks end will make up Team Alberta at the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur & Senior Championship at Osoyoos Golf Club Aug 18-20 2019.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Pine Hills Golf Club is the perfect balance of challenge and beauty. 18 performance inspiring holes embraced by countless awe inspiring scenic views…perfectly secluded with nature. A delight to play yet difficult to master.
Pine Hills was established in 1964 originally as a 9 hole layout. In 1989 renowned Canadian golf course architect Sid Puddicombe integrated an additional 9 holes in unison with other improvements. The result…an 18 hole par 72 championship golf course that harmonizes perfectly with nature.
More information on the Pine Hills Golf Club can be found here.
MEDIA
Alberta Set to Host Two National Events
Alberta Set to Host Two National Events
When competitors in this year’s Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and Canadian Junior Girls Championship arrive in Alberta, they will not only be playing for history, they will be playing on it.
Red Deer Golf and Country Club plays host to the Amateur from July 23 to 26 and Lethbridge Country Club welcomes the Junior Girls the following week, July 30-Aug. 2.
The Amateur, first played in 1901, boasts an impressive list of champions with World Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit topping the list. Other winners include Canadian Golf Hall of Fame members Jocelyn Bourassa, Ada Mackenzie, Dawn-Coe Jones, Alberta’s own Marilyn O’Connor, and several others. Brooke Henderson won the Amateur in 2013 prior to embarking on a phenomenal pro career on the LPGA Tour.
While the Junior Girls Championship is comparatively young, dating back “only” to 1955, its roster of winners also includes some of our finest female golfers such as Sandra Post who won the title in three consecutive years: 1964, 1965 and 1966. Unbelievably, her accomplishment was outshone by Heather Kuzmich who won four straight from 1981 through 1984. Henderson won it in 2012 and other Canadian girls who went on to the pro ranks with a Junior Girls victory on their resume include Maddie Szeryk, Maude-Aimee Leblanc, and Alena Sharp among others.
Like the championships themselves, this year’s venues have impressive histories of their own.
Red Deer G&CC can trace its roots (literally) to a rudimentary six holes laid out on leased land in 1919 before moving to its current location in 1922. Similarly, Lethbridge CC was founded in 1913 before moving permanently in the mid-1920s. Each has welcomed prestigious professional and amateur events throughout the years.
Photo: Red Deer Golf and Country Club
In fact, says Brian Huculak, General Manager and PGA of Canada Executive Professional at Lethbridge CC, it was the gratifying experience of playing host to the 2012 Canadian Women’s Amateur that motivated his club to invite another national championship. Current LPGA star Ariya Jutanugarn, then 16, was the winner.
“It was a great experience,” he says. “Everyone from the players to the spectators to our members enjoyed it thoroughly. That’s why we reached out to Golf Canada for another tournament.”
Photo: Lethbridge Country Club
Don McFarlane, General Manager and PGA of Canada Executive Professional at Red Deer G&CC, says his club eagerly anticipates welcoming the Women’s Amateur for a number of reasons. The club loved hosting the Alberta Ladies Amateur a couple of years ago, for one. Showcasing their historic, beautiful and challenging golf course is another, but there is a more altruistic motive, he says.
“It’s a matter of giving back to grow the game,” says McFarlane. “In our opinion, every club is obligated to help in any way they can, so when we host any event, we feel we are doing just that. It’s not just about hosting a tournament. It’s about doing our part for the game.”
Huculak agrees, having seen promising signs of growing interest among girls and women recently. “It was tough there for a while, but we’re seeing an improvement.”
His observation is reflected by recent research by the World Golf Foundation which reports that the percentage of junior golfers who are female has doubled over the past 10 years. This increase is due to a number of factors including not only more focus on girls by forward-thinking golf facilities, but provincial and national initiatives such as Golf Canada’s Girls Club, part of the Future Links program.
“Girls Club was designed to provide a welcoming atmosphere in which girls can excel at developing their skills and interest in the sport with their female peers,” says Golf Canada. “Developed for girls ages seven to 18, Girls Club hopes to bridge the gap between the high number of boys playing golf in comparison to girls.”
Then, according to Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer, there’s the ‘Brooke Effect’.
“Certainly, from a participation standpoint, we are seeing a bump in girls interested in golf in our country because of the Brooke Henderson factor and I am sure that will surge as she continues to succeed on the LPGA Tour,” says Thompson.
So, if the trend of more girls taking up the game continues, we can thank forward-thinking clubs such as Red Deer and Lethbridge, along with progressive initiatives from Alberta Golf and Golf Canada. But golf can’t progress with just them “growing the game.” It will take a commitment from everyone who cares about the future of the game.
Alberta Set to Host Two National Events
This article was originally published in the 2019 edition of The Alberta Golfer Magazine. To view the full magazine, click here.
3rd and Final round of Alberta Mens Amateur cancelled due to bad weather
Alberta Golf (Ponoka) – The 3rd and final round of the Sun Life Financial Alberta Mens Amateur Championship have been cancelled due to bad weather. The provincial championship played at Wolf Creek Golf Resort ends after 36 holes with Andrew Harrison the champion. Prize presentation will happen at 9:30 in the Wolf Creek clubhouse.
Play suspended until Friday morning at Mens Amateur
Alberta Golf (Ponoka) – Competitors in the Sun Life Financial Alberta Mens Amateur Championship at Wolf Creek Golf Resort in Ponoka started round 3 on Thursday after a 4 hour weather delay. The leaders were mid way through their front 9 when play was suspended for the day due to heavy rain. Round 3 will resume Friday morning at 8am with the hopes of getting all 72 holes in by Friday evening. Andrew Harrison of Camrose had a 4 shot lead on Canmore’s Matt Bean at the start of round 3.
Harrison extends lead at Alberta Mens Amateur Championship
Alberta Golf (Ponoka) – Andrew Harrison of Camrose shot a 2nd consecutive 2 under 69 to extend his lead at the midway point of the Sun Life Financial Alberta Mens Amateur Championship at Wolf Creek Golf Resort in Ponoka. The 22-year-old won the Alberta Open Championship in June and had a solid Wednesday with 5 birdies and 3 bogeys including a birdie on 18.
Matt Bean of Canmore was 6 under par after 8 holes but a quadruple bogey on the back nine derailed his round until a birdie at the last kept his round in the 60s with a 2 under 69 and has him sitting in second place 4 shots back.
Andrew Harrison in his own words after round 2. WATCH: