By Scott Roblin

Redcliff’s Werre wins Victoria Day Open in dominant fashion

May 22, 2017 | 9:08 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It’s not the May long weekend without a little bit of golf, as the 61st annual Victoria Day Open wrapped up from the Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club on Monday night.

Redcliff’s Ryan Werre came into the final round with seven shot lead, and was able to shoot a two-under, 70 on Monday to win the Victoria Day title.

Dominating the field over the course of the tournament, Werre finished nine shots up on runner-up Dillon Batsel and 12 shots ahead of bronze medalist Mike Valk.

Werre said he didn’t have to make too many risky shots over the course of the tournament.

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“I just kind of plotted my way along and built myself a cushion for [Monday],” said Werre. “I figured as long as I don’t do anything crazy, just keep making pars, play conservative and pick my spots when I can, then I’d be okay.”

The senior men’s tournament wrapped up on Monday morning, while the men’s and women’s fields both began with a shotgun start in the afternoon.

Werre said he’s pleased with his final round on Monday, despite missing a few shots.

“It definitely could have been better, but at the same time I wasn’t taking any chances,” he said. “I didn’t want to give any openings to the guys behind me, especially Dillon, you never know what he’s going to do. He hits it so far and he’s so talented that I definitely didn’t want to crack the armour at all. So, I just kind of stuck to my game plan and executed it, and it worked out well.”

It was a great turnout over the course of the weekend, with 155 golfers taking to the fairways and greens.

He added it’s extra sweet to pick up the tournament win on a hometown course.

“You definitely want a local guy to take it,” he said. “But that being said, it’s nice to have a stronger core of competition too. So, I would like guys to bring their buddies too, the better players [means] the better for us.”

Becky Martin dominated the field in the ladies category to pick up a 34 shot victory, while Ferg Shields outlasted Carl Vaters in the senior men’s bracket to claim the Victoria Day tournament victory.

CHAT Sports’ own Mitch Bach meanwhile was named the champion of the men’s 1st flight, beating Matt Taylor by a single stroke.