A more beautiful day could not have been had as golfers made their way to the Nakusp Golf Course for the annual Leland Mixed Doubles Golf Tournament.
Starting at noon, golfers made their way around the nine hole course in groups of eight. About 44 golfers took part, coming from Nakusp, New Denver, Burton and even as far as Vernon.
This is the sixth year for the doubles tournament.
Originally, it was a tournament for husbands and wives, but because fewer couples are choosing to get married, it was disbanded several years ago.
Six years ago, Dan Watt, owner of the Leland Hotel, decided to revive the tournament.
“We just revamped it and turned it into a couple’s tournament instead of husband and wife,” he said.
Along with the normal nine rounds, a couple of holes had a grand prize of $5,000 if a hole in one was scored. In the six years of the tournament, that has never happened, but golfers continue to hold out hope for a winner.
“It’s one of the funner tournaments every year,” said Kyle Jones. “It’s all about golfing, and coming out and having fun.”
John Kraft agrees.
“It was an awesome tournament put on by the Nakusp Golf Course,” he said. “There were good people out there, good service, and I’m just proud to come up here to this beautiful town and enjoy a lovely game of golf with the lovely people today.”
Participants started making their way back to the club house around 3 p.m. After everyone had made it back and the scores were tallied, a three way tie was announced, each with a score of 33. While a tie breaker was held for the final teams, others made their way to the Leland for dinner and the announcement of of the winners and prizes, which included Bluetooth speakers, a free room at the Leland, tee shirts, and more.
This year’s winners were Brian and Debbie Roberts, and Steve and Patsy Brinker.
Watt said the goal for next year’s tournament is to have 72 golfers.
