The lush fairways and manicured greens of Sturgeon Valley Golf and Country Club were abuzz with excitement as the club hosted its men's and ladies' championship tournaments.
The highly anticipated showdown had dozens of local golfers demonstrating their prowess on the links, with Sandra Fisher claiming victory in the ladies' event with an impressive score of 149, and Evan Matty sealing the deal in the men’s category with a score of 209.
"The championship flight was a 54-hole, three-day stroke play event, while all other flights played a 36-hole, two-day event,” said Jordan Dekens, the Sturgeon's general manager.
“All members were eligible to play.”
This iterative format allows club members multiple opportunities to showcase their talent and vie for the coveted title. This is not the club's only championship of the season and a previous club championship was also held in July.
"It's the same tournament, but tailored for the ladies’ and men's divisions," Dekens said.
This year’s competition was replete with talent, said Matty.
“There are a lot of good players at Sturgeon capable of posting low scores,” said the young golfer, who also won the Sturgeon's club championship three years in a row as a junior, from 2018 to 2020.
“To come back and be a member at the club and compete in the men's championship with some great guys that I’ve known for a while has been a truly incredible experience.”
“I worked back shop for five years at the club as well, starting when I was 14 years old, so to win the club championship at the club that I basically learned how to golf at and grew up at is something special. Overall, I just have a lot of respect for the guys that competed in the event and appreciate all the staff at the club that could make the event possible.”
Dekens believes the tournaments aren’t just about crowning the best players; they're about community, bonding, and a shared love for the sport.
"The club championships are a prestigious event which brings our members together for a fun but competitive golfing experience.”
For St. Albert's burgeoning golf community, events like these serve a dual purpose. Not only do they celebrate the game and its best players, but they also bolster the vision and reputation of the club.
"Part of our vision is to be the best semi-private golf course in Alberta,” said Dekens.
