The Pen High Lakers golf team won its first Okanagan Valley championship in 20 years on Monday.
Playing at Spallumcheen Golf and Country Club in Vernon, the Lakers won with a combined score of 306. In second was Vernon Secondary School scoring 319. They will join the Lakers at provincials in Abbotsford in two weeks.
Lakers coach Gord Barnes said it is pretty satisfying to win a valley championship.
“It is really tough to beat large schools like South Kamloops, Kelowna Secondary and Mt. Boucherie,” said Barnes. “I also can’t say enough about the support that Terry Montgomery (Penticton Golf Club general manager), Guy Dow (Penticton Golf Club head professional), and Jeff Hollman (Penticton Golf Club associate professional) has given the golf team over the years. The club, and these gentlemen in particular, provide us with terrific access to the golf course, allowing the team to play the course for free and are always interacting with the players providing insight, advice, and support. It is without question the team would not have won the valleys without the support of Penticton Golf Club.”
Cam Davie led the Lakers by shooting three-over par 74. He was followed by Jordan Simpson’s five-over par 76.
“Cam Davie picked a terrific time to play his best round of the year,” said Barnes. “He has been struggling a little bit lately so posting a real low number was very gratifying for him and will provide him with plenty of confidence for the provincials. Cam loves golf and plays the game the right way. I anticipate more success for him in the future.”
Simpson, who finished in a four-way tie for 47th (86 golfers) in the CN Future Links Pacific Championship in Kamloops over the weekend, shot five-over par 76. Barnes said Simpson continues to provide solid round after solid round.
“He is the hardest working player I have ever coached,” said Barnes. “His round at Spallumcheen could have been even better, but he suffered from a balky putter.”
Jackson Coates and Declan Riddle both shot seven-over par 78.
Barnes said one of the reasons the team played well is the Spallumcheen course is similar to the Penticton Golf Club course in terms of tightness and out of bounds and hazards. While the other teams got a little unnerved playing the tight course, the Lakers were able to swing freely because of their experience.
Part of the Lakers’ preparation for provincials will include fundraising. Barnes said with limited funding available for extra curricular sports in the school system, they will try to raise as much money possible to reduce the financial burden for the team members and their parents. Barnes plans to speak with the men’s night committee at the Penticton Golf Club and organize a chipping contest and/or 50/50 draw.
Kelowna Secondary School finished third with a score of 334.
