Alberta Golf (Lethbridge) – By Dunc Mills

Firsts are fun!

Your first new car.  Your first home. Your first job.  Today’s ‘first’ belonged to 14-year-old Parker Riou of Strathmore who earned his first McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour win.  The slightly built youngster breezed around the wonderfully-conditioned fairways and greens of the Henderson Lake GC in Lethbridge with a steady round of 1-over par 71, three shots clear of Lethbridge CC’s Jaden McIntrye.  Not only was his effort today Riou’s first Tour win, it was his career-low round in competition.  Two over at the turn, Riou toured his back nine in 1-under to not only get his maiden win, but punch his ticket to the season-ending Tour Championship at Wolf Creek Golf Resort in the process. McIntyre’s round topped the boys U19-17 flight and also got him a spot in the field for Wolf Creek.

Parker Riou / Junior Boys Champion at Henderson Lake

The Tour has been coming to Henderson Lake since its second season in 1997, and this was perhaps the calmest day we have ever had for this event. Some of the kids struggled to stay hydrated in the 32C temperatures, but their pace of play was outstanding. Virtually every group completed their round in four hours or less, including a few youngsters who were competing in their very first tournament of ANY kind.  Kudos to all the kids for their brisk pace!

We had six junior girls on hand today, and The Winston’s Olivia Leung posted an 80 to snag another Tour win.  Shelby Robinson of Inglewood GCC was only two shots back in solo second with a fine 82 of her own.  But perhaps the happiest girl on the course today was third-place finisher, Vulcan’s Taryn Sanderson, who snagged the available girls’ Tour Championship qualifying spot with a 95, as both Leung and Robinson have previously qualified.

Other Tour Championship spots today went to:

Boys U19-17

Seth Murphy, Paradise Canyon (78)  Wild Card

Max Chan, Magrath  (79)  Wild Card

Boys U13

Connor Riou, Strathmore (79)

Look out for the Riou brothers on Thursday as the Tour moves north to Strathmore, their home course.  But a quick glance at the draw for the tournament on Thursday indicates there will be plenty of top-notch competition to contend with.  Go low or go home!

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