Pedden, Wilton win Open titles

Mac Olsen
South Peace News

Ninety-four golfers participated in the men’s and ladies’ open tournament at the High Prairie & District Golf Club on the Labour Day long weekend, the largest number in eight years. Dave Pedden, of Falher, placed first in the men’s championship flight, while Lorraine Wilton placed first in the ladies’ championship flight. All the winners received cash prizes and the first place winners in each flight received sport jackets. Pedden says he felt confident going into the tournament. “The competition was good. But it wasn’t easy out there,” Pedden says. He pulled the wrong clubs out a couple of times, and wound up with a couple of bogeys he did not want. Nevertheless, he did not acquire any doubles or triples, which he calls the “killers,” resulting in a three-stroke win over Lee Hunt. Sanford Gauchier, another player in the men’s championship flight, had to play with a broken thumb. He aggravated it on the first day of the tournament, and it swelled up that night, making it stiff on the second day. Gauchier struggled to keep the ball out of the rough and had to put muscle into some of his shots. Nonetheless, he was pleased to finish the tournament and commended the other players. “The guys played really well. Even if I was in top form, I don’t think I could have touched Dave. He was playing pretty good, making no mistakes,” Gauchier says. Wilton says she had to work hard for her win, but she enjoyed the tournament. This is only the second time she has participated in this tournament since she began golfing six years ago. She also participated in the Grande Prairie Ladies Annual Open a couple of weeks ago and won first place in the first flight. Wilton and her friends put in a lot of practice time, and she focuses on her approach shot to the green, which are 80-90 yard shots, as well as putting. “I just like being outdoors and with friends. It’s all about competing with yourself, to try to be better,” Wilton says. Organizer Dave Temple says he is pleased with the turnout for this tournament. “People had fun at this tournament. It’s the one tournament of the season that everybody looks forward to,” Temple says. A maximum of 120 golfers can participate. Temple expects a larger turnout next year.

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