66th annual Victoria Day Classic attracts new players and celebrates unexpected wins

Mattson says he had his eyes on a few favorites to win, such as Becky Martin and Ryan Werre, but says golf can be unpredictable.

“But, you know what, it’s golf. So anything could happen on any day, things fluctuate everyday, so yeah it’s up in the air,” he explains.

Mattson was right, as Michael Valk won mens with a score of -9, Perry Rasmussen won senior mens with +9 and Kassie Bourassa won Ladies with +17.

Becky Martin and Ryan Werre both placed second in their category.

Along with the returning golfers, the tournament also drew in a new crowd. Justin Dyck was competing in the event for the first time.

“This is my first time here actually so I’m really enjoying it, it’s something new for me even though I’m from Medicine Hat, so it’s a great morning and I’m really enjoying it,” Dyck says.

He also agrees that golf is unpredictable, which is why he entered the competition with no expectations.

“I have none, I’ve learned in golf don’t expect anything, and you’re way better off, so I don’t have any. But I’m just here enjoying and, there’s a lot of good guys out here and I really enjoy the camaraderie, yeah it’s been great,” he mentions.

Overall, Dyck says he has enjoyed the Medicine Hat Golf Club, and would play there more often if he lived closer.

“My first time here, and these guys really, they’re gnarly veterans, you can tell. Everything is pristine, like really pristine. This time of years the greens are just fantastic, and I’m not used to that at all. It’s been a bit of a learning curve being on the greens, because they’re so good, not because they’re bad,” he says.

Another highlight of the event was the closest to the pin golf simulator competition.

Mattson says a player scored a hole in one, which had not happened since they purchased the simulator over a year ago. He says outcomes like that are the reason the club continues to host the tournament.

“Like I said, it is a big effort to do this event, but we love the players smiling, they’re having fun so it’s well worth while, and feels good for us,” Mattson explains.

Although conditions were slightly smokey, wind was low and weather was warm at the annual competition.

Mattson says there are many corporate events planned for the rest of summer, including an event to support breast cancer research.

Mens Championship

1: Michael Valk (-9)

2: Ryan Werre (-3)

3:Mitch Kurtz (+3)

Sr Men’s Championship

1: Perry Rasmussen (+9)

2: Darcy Karbashweski (+10)

3: Grant Schaber (+13)

Ladies Championship

1: Kassie Bourassa (+17)

2:Becky Martin (+18)

3: Cathy Fisher (+25)

by Lisa Parent

66th annual Victoria Day Classic attracts new players and celebrates unexpected wins

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