Links lovers did not let smoky weather ruin a couple days at the course during the Senior Men’s Tournament last weekend (Aug 11-12).
Sixty-five contestants 50 years of age and older competed at one of the Quesnel Golf Club’s most anticipated events of the season.
It has been taking place since the mid-eighties and draws golfers from as far away as Vanderhoof, Prince George and Williams Lake, some of whom brought their trailers and camped in the course’s parking lot for the weekend.
Club Captain Rob Gobbi says this year was actually not as hazy as last.
“We had a lot more smoke last year,” he says. “People couldn’t even see the ball on the Saturday. At least this year it cleared up a little.”
The Low Gross Champion for the two-day event was Quesnel local James Pedersen, who shot a 75 on Saturday and followed it up with a 69 on Sunday for a total score of 144.
Gobbi says Pedersen has won before, but there were a few others who were capable of taking the title this year.
Tony McDonald, who is also from Quesnel, was the Low Net Champion, meaning his handicap was figured into his score. He shot a 76 and a 77 but since he had a handicap of eight, his total score was marked as 137.
A big dinner was provided for the players on Saturday, and Sunday’s fare was catered by Granville’s Coffee.
Lots of prizes were available to the contestants but the most sought after went un-won.
A hole-in-one on the par-three 14 hole would have netted a lucky contestant $100,000.
Dennis England of OTH Enterprises Inc., a local trucking company, purchased insurance to cover the prize if it was won.
This upcoming weekend will see women get their shot at the course as the Ladies Best Ball Tournament takes place.
They will not have as big a cash prize for a lucky hole-in-one shooter, but there will be a car provided by Fraser River GM and AC&D Insurance, if someone zeroes in for the shot of a lifetime.
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