There is a unique fascination with golf, unlike other games. A golfer may at any time hit an extraordinary shot as well or even better than the greats of the game.
So it was with Castlegar’s 23-year-old Nik Jmaeff (Creston Valley Bakey owner Yuri Jmaeff’s nephew) in the Creston Golf Club’s 2014 Blossom Open, when he sank a six iron for a score of two on the par five 11th hole — an albatross or double eagle! (For non-golfers, an explanation: it involves launching a golf ball over a quarter-mile into a hole four inches in diameter in two shots.)
To place this miraculous feat in perspective, we only have to examine the performances in major championships of the “legends of the game”. They had thousands of opportunities to match Jmaeff’s achievement, but after 1936 not a single one has managed it.
Less spectacular, but also notable were some impressive performances on a local level by younger golfers. Josh Colleti from Nelson won the low gross championship in fine style, low net in the championship flight was Curtis Huscroft, and teenager Braydon Czar earned a score of 76 on his first round to win the first flight low gross. In the ladies’ division, Lecara Davidson, after leading on the first day, came within two shots of her first championship. We hope that these fine young golfers will inspire other Creston youngsters to take up this most popular of lifetime sports through the fine junior program.
Of course, there were some impressive performances from the more experienced players. Cherie Baker was ladies’ champion for the outstanding 14th time, while the second low gross prize went to Leslie Harbison. In the men’s division, veteran Greg Caldwell from Cranbrook scored 153 after 36 holes to tie Colleti, only to lose the playoff for the championship. Also, Bryan Smithson led the first day with a very tidy 74, and Ron Young, with a low gross of 164 with a 17 handicap, was low net champion.
Visitors commented on the surprisingly excellent condition of the course after such a severe winter and the “awesome” hospitality of local golfers and the restaurant. Kudos to Don Price, his committee and the pro shop with Brian O’Keefe for their usual smoothly run tournament.
Scoring
Ladies’ flight: Gross: Cherie Baker, (166), Leslie Harbison, (second, 174). Net: Lecara Davison (148), Linda Price (second, 149), Janet O’Keefe (third, 153).
Championship flight: Gross: Josh Colleti (153), Greg Caldwell (second, 153), Jared MacMillan (third, 155). Net: Curtis Huscroft (141), Leigh Walker (second, 142), Bryan Smithson (third, 143), Don Vaillancourt (fourth, 143).
First flight: Gross: Brayden Czar (157), Cec Chernoff (161), Len Mosher (165). Net: Dave Handy (137), Dwayne Mayer (second, 142), Larry Walker (third, 142), Real Emond (fourth, 145).
Second Flight: Gross: Ron Young (164), Dan Kinney (second, 170), Kevin Stevenson (third, 176). Net: Tom Proud (140), Tony MacKinnon (second, 142), Ken Karlander (third, 147), Greg Ignatieff (fourth, 148).
Third flight: Gross: Leo Marche (192), Jackson Wood (second, 193), Ted Moffat (third, 193). Net: Danny Santori (147), Les Stevenson (second, 147), Bill Mayer (third, 149), Harry Brownfield (fourth, 151).