Four of Athabasca’s best young golfers have proven they’re among the province’s best by qualifying for the Frank Lindsay Alberta Junior Boys Championships, which began yesterday.
This year’s event, which serves as the provincial championships, is being contested in Bragg Creek.
Mikkel Holt knows just what to expect from the event, having been there numerous times before. But this year he won’t be alone, as three of his fellow local golfers also made the cut; Coulton Sheets, Marc Terrien and Cody Bishop. All but Terrien will be able to make the trip to take their shot at provincial glory.
There’s lots at stake at the event, with a trip to nationals the reward for the best of the best.
Holt came tantalizingly close to qualifying for nationals last year, and he hopes to take the final step this year.
But he knows it won’t be easy.
“It’s the best tournament in Alberta,” he said. “You’ve got to be consistent and keep your mind straight. It’s four days, so you can always make it back (if you start slow).”
But the local boys would certainly prefer to have a strong start, and they’re all capable of doing just that. Sheets qualified for provincials by shooting a 76 while Terrien notched a 79 and Bishop shot 80 at a recent tournament.
Holt had already qualified for the event.
Repetition is key to success in golf, and since the weather turned warm all four have been out on the course with regularity honing their skills.
“We play every day,” said Terrien.
Everyone who plays golf can testify to it being a thinking man’s game, and golfers spend as much time battling themselves as they do the elements, the course and their competitors.
“You’ve got to keep your head clear, that’s the biggest thing,” noted Bishop.
“Go in and focus one shot ahead.”
All four athletes agree that nerves can be a factor at an event as competitive as provincials, and they’ll do their best to settle down by the time they walk up to the first tee.
And all of them will have visions of a trip to nationals in their heads.
“I really want to make the cut,” said Sheets.
