Medicine Hat's Michael Valk shot a -6, 65 on Thursday to tie a course record and win the 2020 Alberta Men's Amateur Championship (Photo courtesy of Scott Roblin)

By Scott Roblin

Provincial Champion

Medicine Hat’s Valk ties course record, wins provincial amateur title at home

Jul 23, 2020 | 3:30 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Earlier this week, Medicine Hat’s Michael Valk said his strongest play at the Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club came on the back nine.

Valk proved that beyond a doubt on Thursday, winning the 2020 Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship in his hometown and setting a course record in the process.

“It’s super cool,” said Valk. “Obviously with no spectators, it’s a little bit of a different feeling. But, to be able to do this at home in my favourite place on earth, it’s unbelievable.”

The local product destroyed the competition on his final nine holes with four birdies and an eagle, shooting a 65 to win the provincial title by a five-stroke margin.

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It was finding that groove is what separated Valk from the rest of the pack.

“Once I got to nine I made a longer one and then they sort of all started falling in,” said Valk. “Hit it really close on 10, hit it nice and close for eagle on 11, just kept rolling them in. So, it was nice to get that going at that point in the round and separate myself early.”

Valk came into Thursday’s final round as co-leader with Carter Graf and Brady McKinlay at three-under, but turned on the jets to wrap up the shortened three-day tournament at nine-under par.

The University of British Columbia star said it’s easily the biggest moment of his golfing career.

“Definitely ranks number one for me,” said Valk. “Obviously, being at my home course it’s a little bit of a different situation. To win this big of a tournament especially at home is a great feeling.”

Alberta junior provincial champion Hunter Thompson finished as runner-up after firing a two-under, 69 on Thursday.

“I’m super grateful to have a second place finish here,” said Thomson. “I wasn’t even sure if I was really going to be able to play tournament golf this year because of COVID. So, I’m super grateful for the opportunity to play in this and it just means a lot to come out with second place.”

Locally, MHGCC member Matt Taylor was able to secure a top-10 finish with a score of one-under to conclude the week at even par.

“I haven’t played a ton of big tournaments in the past,” said Taylor. “So, it’s definitely good in that sense of gaining experience and a bit of confidence that I can play in these big tournaments.”

Mitch Kurtz and Nolan Burzminski were able to secure top-30 finishes as well, with Kurtz shooting a four-over on Thursday to tie for 14th place while Burzminski ended his week at nine-over to rank tied for 28th.

Fellow junior Ryan Hodgins dropped five places following his final round to finish 32nd overall at 11-over par, followed by Ryan Werre and Sam Bratvold who each tied for 40th at 14-over.

The local contingent was rounded out by Will Wood, Jordon Forsythe and Lanny Seefried, who shot scores of five-over, seven-over, and six-over on Thursday.

Valk said it’s encouraging to see so much local talent not only place as well as they did, but to enjoy the game together.

“From guys that I’ve looked up to the last few years to some guys I’m trying to be a role model to, it’s really cool to have us all together and competing against each other and all playing well,” said Valk.

All 10 local competitors were able to make Wednesday’s cut and play all three round this week at home.