It was a surreal victory for Tom McKinlay Jr.
McKinlay, 53, outlasted the field at the Lacombe Golf and Country Club to win the three-round Alberta Men’s Mid-Master Championship.
At his home course, McKinlay admitted he hadn't been playing that well early in the season, before posting a six-under-par 207 to win the overall title by four strokes over defending champion Christopher Thayer.
"It was very emotional. Coming into the week. I honestly was not playing that great. Home course, grinding away, I figured it would come together. During the back nine (on Wednesday) I got a big enough lead that it made it a lot easier," he said.
"Was kind of enjoying it at the end, other than the one double. It was fun."
McKinlay shot a 68 in the final round, his only blemish was the double on 15, otherwise he had five birdies on the day. He was in the final group last year as well, with Thayer pulling off the victory.
"I got off to a good start, but he's a heck of a player. So I knew I needed a good start today and I did that," McKinlay said.
Most of the McKinlay clan, who are as big as they come on the golf scene in Central Alberta, were out watching Tom Jr. capture the title on June 18.
"It's great. They're so supportive... even our men's open I play in those and get the odd win and they're all here watching so it's awesome to have them out here," he said.
McKinlay added that the win ranks up there with some of his biggest golf accomplishments.
"I'm 53 now, you don't win any more in these events. I do have the seniors coming up, I'm looking forward to getting involved in that, and I'll be one of the young guys again," he said with a laugh.
McKinlay added that being able to celebrate the course's 100th anniversary with a win was special.
"We're very proud of our course. One hundred years means a lot to a lot of the members. I've probably been a member here 40 years. It's always been good. It's my favourite place. I've been bugged to play in Red Deer, but this is just good enough for me," he said.
Tom's brother Bobby also played in the event and finished fifth.
Red Deer Golf and Country Club's Ken Griffth finished third overall, with a three-round score of even par 213. Griffith was the champion in the 60-plus division. Thayer was the champion in the 40-49 age group and McKinlay was the champion in the 50-59 age group.
Alberta Golf will hold several other events in Central Alberta this summer.
The Alberta Men's Mid-Amateur Championship is July 14 at Sundre Golf Club. The Alberta Men's Senior Championship is July 29-31 at Wolf Creek Golf Resort.
The Alberta U17 Championship is Aug. 18-20 at Alberta Springs Golf Course.
