Almost 300 golfers will chew up the finely manicured grass of the Red Deer Golf and Country Club this week but the course is ready for the onslaught.
“This course is the best anywhere,” said head professional Ken Frame, who might be just a tad bias.”I’ve never been anywhere that’s in better shape this year. Congrats to Heath Koch and Brigett McKeen ( who head up the grounds crew) and their staff for putting together a wonderful product.”
The course will be put to the test with the Guardian Capital Insurance Alberta Seniors championship which runs until Thursday and then with one day rest the 93rd Sun Life Central Alberta Amateur takes over through the long weekend.
Last year the title went to Frank Van Dornick of Camrose and this year’s field of 120 golfers is populated by many former champs like Howard Broun, Al Dowell and Floyd Kilgore, not to mention locals like Tom Skinner, Eric Brodie and the like.
“Those guys are players and they’ve probably been playing since they were teenagers,” said Frame of the senior field.
He expects spectators will be treated to some very good golf on a challenging course.
Some golf experts might say knowledge of the course might play a larger role when players reach their senior years so the locals might have a bit of an edge over the three days.
“Our local players might have a huge advantage. Just where to miss the greens, where to leave the ball below the hole and how the bunkers play,” said Frame.
With so many good players in the field it’s tough to handicap this one to pick a favorite but maybe a dark horse in the field might be Jim Russell who plays out of Calgary’s Bearspaw club.
“He won back to back Central Alberta Senior championships on this course. Mind you that was playing from the white tees and they will be playing a black/blue combo this year,” explained Frame.
The odds on favorite for the CAA might be young Kyle Morrision who shared last year’s title with Tom McKinely Jr. after bad weather caused a halt to the final nine holes with the pair tied for the lead.
“Those two guys are probably as good as any players in the province” said Frame , adding there are quite a few others who could rise to the top . “ I would give the edge to Kyle Morrison. He’s been playing very good. He just came off winning our club championship in a five hole playoff and I think he’s probably the man to beat.”
The Seniors wrap up play on Thursday and the CAA final round will go Monday at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club.
