Corey Hilditch won the Penticton Golf and Country Club Men’s Open for the second year in a row and has picked himself up a lucky charm.
“I am five-for-five when (Curtis Fontinha) caddies for me,” said Hilditch of the junior golfer.
Besides the Men’s Open, Hilditch has claimed the club championship twice, the B.C. Amateur qualifier, last year’s men’s open and the Osoyoos Rattlesnake Open tournament, all with Fontinha standing with him.
Hilditch said he has shot better scores on the course but he was happy with the tournament. Part of that could be the scorching temperatures Penticton had on the weekend.
“The heat was kind of draining but other than that I played well and did what I had to do to win. I had a three stroke lead and knew everyone would have to shoot really low to catch me so I had to play even throughout the day and be steady,” said Hilditch.
Playing catch-up behind Hilditch was PGCC member Matt Hopkins who had the runner-up low gross with a score of 212 (71, 69 and 72 in the three rounds). Kurt Dixon of Pontiex Golf Club had the overall low net with 191. Hilditch’s started the tournament shooting a 68.
“I just hit it straight and took my opportunities when they happened. I played even three birdies and a bogey. I hit the ball really well and didn’t hit as many putts as I would have liked but still happy with that as a first round score,” he said.
Hilditch said his second round (69) was more up and down but he battled back after an early double-bogey to end up shooting one under. The heat set in for the third round on Saturday.
“I made a few mistakes and I was tired but I was always able to bounce back with a birdie after a bogey and keep my lead,” said Hilditch.
Next up for the Penticton golfer is focusing on the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur championship being held in Spruce Grove, Alta., from Sept. 3 to 6 at the Blackhawk Golf Club.
“Curtis will be coming with me to that one,” said Hilditch, adding he would like to thank all the coaches and everyone who has helped him.
Division results:
Division 1 (0-5 Handicap) low gross was Campbell Watt, PGCC, 215 (Scores 72,69,74) and low net was Rick Gartel, Belmont, 210.
Division 2 (6-11 Handicap) low gross was Russ Torlage, PGCC, 223 (Scores 74,75,74) and low net was Steve Smith, Delta, 201.
Division 3 (12-17 Handicap) low gross was Craig Tache, PGCC, 244 (84,81,79) and low net Kelly Grimm, PGCC, 204.
Division 4 (18+ Handicap) low gross was Ron Gladish, PGCC, 264 (87,91,86)
and low net was Shane Coniff, PGCC, 210.
