Michael Valk hitting practice balls at the Desert Blume Golf Course

By Lisa Parent

Valk clinches back-to-back tournament wins for Rattlers golf team

Sep 19, 2023 | 3:55 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – On Monday the men’s Medicine Hat College Rattlers golf team was right at home competing in round two of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference Golf Regional tournament at the Desert Blume Golf Club. On that team is Michael Valk, who snagged his second-consecutive tournament win.

Valk wrapped up his weekend with a score one over par, three swings ahead of the runner-up. He also tied for first in last week’s tournament.

This local golfer is no stranger to success in the Medicine Hat scene. 2020 Alberta Amateur at the Medicine Hat Country Club and the Victoria Day Classic champion are also on his list of victories. Now, Valk has his sights set on provincials next weekend at the Alberta Springs course near Red Deer.

Valk will be competing as an individual and also on a team of five hoping to qualify for Nationals. Currently in standings they are in third place, just under SAIT and Concordia University.

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Although golf is typically viewed as a solo sport, Valk says being on a team has benefited his play.

“The cool part about it is being able to compete against each other in practice,” said Valk. “And just even little things like seeing them out there. I had a couple bad holes and I passed by a friend of mine, Jace, on the team and just being able to chat with him for a couple minutes before you head to the next hole, it really calms ya down and makes it a lot more fun.”

If the team qualifies for nationals, they will head to Quebec in October. The women’s golf team will also be at provincials and they are currently sitting tied for second place on the circuit.

Full results for the tournament can be found here.