AJT Canmore Junior Open
By Dunc Mills:
What do you get when you combine a wonderful golf course in superb condition, some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world, carefully orchestrated pre-event organization, 100 eager junior golfers from across the province, incredible weather, volunteers everywhere to help out, generous prizes, and a fabulous post-tournament dinner? Welcome to the Canmore Junior Open, 2023 edition!
Head Professional Rick Eichele and Director of Golf Darren Cooke have always rolled out a terrific golf experience for junior golfers over the immaculate fairways and slick greens of the Canmore Golf and Curling Club. The event’s permanent trophy is littered with many of the top names in Alberta Junior golf over the last quarter-century, as players have always flocked to the Canmore layout to enjoy the scenery and test their games. This year was no different, as a sold-out field of 100 juniors was on hand on Monday under perfect conditions. The host committee also retained the services of a local pottery artist, who created two stunningly beautiful engraved bowls for the overall boys’ and girls’ champions. What a thoughtful gesture as the two champions will have those mementos to admire for the rest of their lives.
Charles Greaves of Banff Springs GC successfully defended his 2022 championship, firing an even-par 71, good for a two-shot margin of victory over Gavin Wrathall of Lakeside GC in Chestermere. Three players tied for third overall with 74s: Avery Shadbolt of Sylvan Lake, along with Tristan Dotchin and Colton Stadnyk of the host Canmore club. Greaves fired four birdies in his round, with only a double-bogey 6 on the tough 6th hole being the major blemish on his card.
Age group winners included: Benjamin Lau (U10), Brooks Newfield (75) of the Red Deer GCC in the boys U13 flight, Kade Trefanenko of The LInks at Spruce Grove, whose 75 was top score in the U15 age group after Greaves’ overall first-place score, Wrathall in the U17 age group, with Dotchin and Stadnyk tying for first place in the U19 division.
In the junior girls’ flight, the aforementioned Jadyn Gracie of Priddis Greens toured the Canmore layout in 74 blows, seven shots clear of runner-up Rien Solodan of the host club. Kudos to Solodan’s father, who is the Superintendent of the course! Nicole Rohr of Camrose was another shot back in third overall with an 82, which captured the girls’ U17 flight in the process. The U15 winner was Cherry Wang (95) of The Hamptons, with Danica Horcica (88) of the Edmonton CC coming out on top of the girls’ U13 division.
Charles Greaves and Jadyn Gracie
The Tour moves north of Calgary on Tuesday to the Carstairs Community GC, with a third event in the Calgary area coming up on Thursday in Nanton. Please visit the Tour’s website at www.albertagolfjuniors.org for entry information for the remaining tournaments on tap in August. It’s not too late to get in on the fun and some great junior golf competition.
