By CHAT News Today

Southeastern Open returns for 85th year this weekend

Aug 31, 2018 | 5:47 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The top golfers in the region will be descending on Connaught Golf Club this weekend, as the Southeastern Open returns for its 85th year on Saturday.

“We’re quite excited, it’s our biggest tournament of the year,” said Trevor Ellerman, executive professional at the course. “Typically, we get 100 to 120 players playing it in, and it’s looking to sort of get to that point this year, so we’re quite excited.”

Ellerman says players can expect different greens from what they normally see at the course during the season.

“I think our greens are unique in the slope from front to back on a lot of them,” he said. “Through the course of the year, our greens are set to be more playable for all golfers, and on Southeastern weekend, they tend to get a little firmer, a little faster, and suddenly, the average guy and even some of the best players may struggle a little more.”

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Ellerman adds the tournament features strong competition at all skill levels.

“You’re always playing against someone of equal calibre, and I think lots of guys still like the fact that it’s three days of competing against their buddies, and they like that idea.”

Last year’s men’s champion Dylan Bastel will try to successfully defend his championship this weekend. Other golfers on the men’s side this year include Ryan Werre and Warren Gnam, who are usually in contention for the championship.

Ellerman believes the women’s draw will likely be the most competitive area of the tournament, noting Lauren Koenig, Pat Hall and last year’s champion Becky Martin are all competing for the championship.

The tournament wraps up on Monday.