Wayne Mattson, PGA of Canada head professional, says the group this year at the Victoria Day Golf Tournament is super strong and competitive. (Bob Schneider/CHAT News)

By Jesse Gill

67th annual Victoria Day Open Golf Tournament tees off Saturday at Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club

May 17, 2024 | 3:35 PM

The 67th annual Victoria Day Open Golf Tournament tees off on Saturday at the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club.

Over 140 golfers, with over 120 men and over 20 women will compete in three days and three rounds, totalling 54 holes of stroke play competition.

There is a strong local group in the field that includes golfers from across Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Eighteen golfers competing have a handicap of shooting par or better.

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Wayne Mattson, PGA of Canada head professional, said the group this year is super strong and competitive.

“The winning score is going to be under par, we’re pretty sure of that, because these guys are such good players,” Mattson said.

“We have some real local favorites, and Ryan Werre, Mike Valk, two of my former employees Nolan Burzminski and Ryan Hodgson, so all incredible golfers, all coming in as sort of the favorites of the field.”

The public is welcome to come watch throughout the tournament.

Both the men’s and ladies’ championship flights tee off at 1:30 p.m. Monday.

Michael Valk had the best score at the end of last years tournament shooting nine-under-par.

Mattson said there are a few other added features for the golfers outside of regular part of the competition.

“We have a horse race on Saturday where we team up players of two, and they play against all other players, and we go out in like a 10 or 12-some. We knock one team off every hole as a high score, so it’s kind of a unique event,” Mattson said

“This year, we’re doing a cash shootout on Sunday. It’s team players of two in a cash scramble, so they’re playing in twosomes.”

Mattson said the long standing tournament hasn’t missed a year.

“Even through COVID we hosted it. People look forward to it every year,” Mattson said.

“We send invitations out, but it’s usually the same people keep coming back time and time again,” he added.

“Especially from out of town, because our golf course has a big advantage in the spring. We get warmer weather, our course conditions are better than in Calgary and Edmonton, and they love coming down and playing in those great conditions.”