Living in the Kootenay version of Shangri-la obviously means for some, “We don’t get older, we get better!” The champions of Creston Golf Club in 2012 were both seniors and both won for the first time. (For the 2011 champs, click here.)
“It’s about time!” yelled the crowd, as multiple tourney winner Don Price stepped up for the coveted men’s club trophy. Price, a longtime open tournament chair and juniors coach, was delighted with his first time men’s championship win. He probably felt a lot like this with his first win well over a half a century ago
His two steady rounds of 75 triumphed over Wes Deitz who, with an even par 72 on the final day, needed a birdie to tie for the lead. Even with a bogie on hole 18, Deitz’s total of 152 was good enough to take the senior trophy. Other notable rounds were first-round totals of 74 for Dean McCready, Cecil Chernoff with 75 and Curtis Huscroft with 76. Ken Karlander was presented with the low net prize.
The ladies’ championship also featured a first-time winner. Joyce Johnson, two-time senior ladies’ champion, with her steady play fended off challenges from three other ladies “of a certain age”, Donna Bussi, Leslie Harbisson and Cherie Baker. Johnson, with her steady play, had the low round of the tournament on the first day. The final round was very close, one shot separating the top three. Bussi won an exciting playoff for the senior championship from Baker. Marilyn Kettle was presented with the Doreen Carruthers trophy for the higher handicapped ladies.
For the first time, the junior club joined the men’s and ladies for their championship. What they lacked in numbers, they made up in talent and colourful attire. After the first day, Clayton Fenwick led with a fine score of 75, followed closely by Reegan Czar with a 76 and Nathan McTeer with a 77. On the second day, Fenwick needed a birdie to tie Czar on the final hole but fell prey to the deep bunker on the final hole. Both Fenwick and Czar are off to college now. We wish these two fine young gentlemen all the best in their academic and sporting endeavours.