Two local golfers, Kurtis Barkley of Williamsburg and Prescott’s Bill Minkhorst, were just one stroke off the pace set by Ottawa playing professional Jeremiah Shields at the first of six “Chase the Dream” qualifying events played on the rain-soaked Upper Canada Golf Course, Sunday.
A heavy rain fell throughout the first nine holes of this competition hosted by Evolution Golf and Event Management.
Although the rain did stop on the back nine, the already-long Upper Canada Golf Course layout (it plays 3,375 yards from the pro tees) was soaked and made for challenging conditions.
Jeremiah Shields, a playing professional from Ottawa became the first-ever Medallist for the “Chase the Dream” series when he posted a steady two over par, 74.
Next up were Minkhorst and Barkley who tied with 75s.
Minkhorst, a club professional from the Prescott Golf Club, carded his 75, despite an eight on Upper Canada’s signature hole, the 630 yard, par five 14th hole.
Amateur Kurtis Barkley, a longtime member of the Cedar Glen Golf Club east of Williamsburg who is also playing out of Upper Canada this year, also carded a 75 and Andy Rajhathy, a golf professional from Ottawa was the fourth and final qualifier at 79.
All four golfers now move on to the final “Chase the Dream” qualifier that will be played at Smuggler’s Glen on Sunday, August 26th. There they will join an elite field of 28 golfers who will play for three exemptions into The Great Waterway Classic.
“We had a great start to our “Chase the Dream” series on a very challenging day weather-wise at Upper Canada,” said David Dargie, tournament director of The Great Waterway Classic. “Despite the rainy weather, the course was in great condition and our players were able to finish their rounds. Three golfers finished only two shots out of qualifying for the August 26th event at Smuggler’s Glen showing the strong fight that they all put up yesterday in trying conditions.”
“Overall, it was what we wanted when we set up these ‘grass roots’ qualifying events – a group of golfers trying their level best to make it to the next level and hopefully get a chance to play with the Canadian Tour Pros.”
The next “Chase the Dream” event will be held at eQuinelle Golf Club in North Grenville on July 8th.
Registrations are still open for anyone who wants to “Chase the Dream” and try to qualify for The Great Waterway Classic, the Canadian Tour event which is coming to Smuggler’s Glen, this September 3-9 and to the Upper Canada Golf Course in 2013.
For Chase the Dream qualifying information or to register Igolfers can go to the tournament web site: www.thegreatwaterwayclassic.ca or phone 1-855-317-7503.
Be the first to comment