It came down to the wire but Edmonton’s Ryan Garbutt came out on top to win the 101st Central Alberta Amateur.
From Saturday to Monday some of the best amateur golfers from across Alberta competed in the three-day tournament at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club.
Garbutt won the tournament in a two-hole playoff against Jordan Krulicki and defending champion Dan Soley.
“It feels amazing,” Garbutt told The Advocate. “I got off to a bit of a rough start this week but just kind of kept myself in it… Obviously, all the hard work paid off, and it feels really great to win such a big event.”
The 16-year-old competed in the long-standing tournament for the first time this week and said the course was in great shape.
He shot 75 and 76 through the first two days to position himself at seven over par heading into the final round. On day three he made up some serious ground shooting one-under-par to cap off the tournament.
“I just had to stay in the moment and take it one shot at a time. Playoffs can be pretty nerve-wracking especially when there are three guys who can take it home at any moment,” he added.
Red Deer’s Ken Griffith was crowned the senior men’s champion and Hugh McPherson took home the senior men’s match play title.
The flight champions were also named which included (1st) Kevin Rudosky, (2nd) David Kendall, (3rd) Mike Kooman, (4th) Russ Hall, (5th) Stuart Poulin, and (6th) Dustin Olsen.
