Seventy-eight players from many parts of Western Canada enjoyed two days of excellent golfing in the 2011 Creston Golf Club Senior Open tournament. The men’s division was especially strong and featured several former champions; the top 10 low handicaps average was less than six.
The men played in four flights according to age. Winner of the 70-plus flight was Derek Bennett from Cranbrook Golf Club. Wes Deitz took the 65-69 flight, Jim Sutton the 60-64 flight and, finally, the “youngster” flight, 50-59, was won by Dennis Brown of the Creston Golf Club. The ladies’ champion was Cherie Baker from the Creston Golf Club, winner of the “ageless” single flight.
“The bigger the challenge, the greater the triumph” fits senior men’s champion Sutton’s achievement well as men’s champion. Twenty pounds lighter after four years of chemotherapy, Sutton fought off fatigue and a strong field to win the trophy. Taking a three-shot lead into the final round, he found himself tied with defending champion John Holland after nine holes but hung on to win by three strokes from local Dennis Brown and former champion Bob Langin from Cranbrook Golf Club.
Sutton, a long time supporter of local tournaments who finished his cancer treatment only six months ago, commented on the improvements to the course and that the greens were the best in the area. He had only 27 putts in his opening 71.
The ladies’ low gross championship featured perennial rivals Cherie Baker and Joyce Johnson. After the first round, Johnson led Baker and Virginia Harder by three shots. After nine holes the gap was narrowed to one, after 16 holes Baker led by two, and after 17 holes Baker and Johnson were tied. The drama on the 18th hole ended in Baker’s favour as she finished the round with a steady 78 to Johnson’s 84.
The low net championship was won by two popular local players. Ross Blair, our retired smiling butcher, is now an even happier golfer as he fulfilled his considerable potential with two consistent 84s to take the low net championship. Leslie Harbison, our flower lady, finished strongly with a net 70 to win the ladies’ trophy.
Although entry numbers were reduced this year, visitors commented on the friendly atmosphere, excellent course condition and club house hospitality.
Kudos to Don Price and his organizing committee, course superintendent Devan Davidson and his staff, Randy Panton and his staff in the pro shop and Dennis Munro and his staff in the clubhouse for a successful 2011 seniors’ open.
Ladies Flight
First gross, Cherie Baker
First net, Leslie Harbison
Second gross, Joyce Johnson
Second net, Yvonne Larsen
Third net, Kitty Lemay
Fourth net, Linda Price
70-plus Flight
First gross, Derek Bennett
First net, Bill Mayer
Second gross, Don Price
Second net, Bill Dyck
Third net, Gord Johnson
Fourth net, Barry Proud
65-69 Flight
First gross, Wes Deitz
First net, Tom Proud
Second gross, Leif Petersen
Second net, Garth Oko
Third net, Steve Dault
Fourth net, Don Nogier
60-64 Flight
First gross, Jim Sutton
First net, Don Harbison
Second gross, Bob Langin
Second net, Dave Handy
Third net, Vern Ronmark
50-59 Flight
First gross, Dennis Brown
First net, Ross Blair
Second gross, Danny Spring
Second net, Brian Ronmark
Third net, Cecil Chernoff
Fourth net, Don Low