Butt, Ritson and McKinlay Jr. In a Three-Way Tie for First After Round One
For Immediate Release
June 28, 2016
NEWS RELEASE
BUTT, RITSON AND MCKINLAY JR. IN A THREE-WAY TIE FOR FIRST AFTER ROUND ONE
A two-hour weather delay didn’t prevent low scoring, as the top players carded -3, 69, in the first day of the Alberta Men’s Mid Amateur Championship
 |
PONOKA, Alta. (Alberta Golf) – The second provincial championship of the season commenced with the 2016 Alberta Men’s Mid Amateur Championship. The largest field of the year, 165 competitors, (including defending champion, Kevin Temple) took to Ponoka Golf Club, aiming for a low number under threatening weather for much of the day. Other notables competing included 2015 Alberta Mid Amateur interprovincial team members, Jeff Murdoch and Brandon Markiw. Past champions within the last five years Frank Van Dornick, David Schultz and Alan Stewart are also looking to claim another provincial title. However, it would be a few stand-out performances from Justin Butt, Alexander Ritson and Tom Mckinlay Jr. that stole the show in round one.
A thunderous weather delay rolling in shortly before noon halted play for over two hours, with the competitors restarting play in a light rain that promptly turned back to blue skies. While an abrupt suspension of play can often result in competitors losing focus and failing to complete a favorable round, the inclement weather couldn’t stop Justin Butt from powering his way into a three-way tie for first.
Butt, from The Canal at Delacour Golf Course, was pleased following his 3 under score on Tuesday. He stated, “usually I shoot even – maybe a few over – so to come in at 69 is pretty good.”
When asked if there were any changes or adjustments he would like to make to his game heading into round two, he laughed and replied, “I would like to shoot the exact same number tomorrow.”
Ritson and Mckinlay Jr., who each started their round after the weather delay had been lifted, played stellar golf and earned themselves a share of first. Ritson proved consistent throughout the late afternoon, lacing together three straight birdies. He felt the wet course after the delay contributed to his success and the way he approached his play, stating “it was definitely slower for us. I wasn’t worried about being bold above the hole.”
Veteran competitor Tom Mckinlay Jr., a three-time Alberta Men’s Mid Amateur interprovincial team member, will look to break free from the tie for first in tomorrow’s round.
TOP 10 LEADER BOARD
 |
| For the full leader board, click here. |
Round two begins tomorrow, with tee times starting at 7 a.m. A 36-hole cut will reduce the field to the low 70 and ties ahead of the final round to be contested on Thursday, June 30. For round two pairings,click here.
For photos from championship, click here.
-30-
About Alberta Golf:
The Alberta Golf Association was incorporated as a society in 1912 and continues today as a not for profit Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) operating as Alberta Golf. As the PSO, we are committed to realizing the positive impacts of golf on individuals and communities across Alberta. Our vision is that through golf, Albertans will enjoy a high quality of life, improved health and wellness, a strong sense of community, economic benefits and personal fulfillment.
The Alberta Golf Association was incorporated as a society in 1912 and continues today as a not for profit Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) operating as Alberta Golf. As the PSO, we are committed to realizing the positive impacts of golf on individuals and communities across Alberta. Our vision is that through golf, Albertans will enjoy a high quality of life, improved health and wellness, a strong sense of community, economic benefits and personal fulfillment.
For more information:
Chloe Mansfield
Manager, Member & Public Relations
Alberta Golf
Alberta Golf
(c) 587-435-6334
Tyler Kemp
Coordinator, Communications
Alberta Golf
c 403.852.4954
(e) tylerkemp@albertagolf.org
