It was a day when rainy July relented, adorning the Paddle River golf course with the colours of summer.
Everything looked pristine: greens, fairways, water hazards, trees set against the brilliant blue of the sky, and the flower-decorated façade of the clubhouse.
Then there was the golf.
While scores may not have matched the perfection of the weather, the Paddle River Golf &Country Club young and old tournament achieved something else … a fun time for families, friends and strangers.
Thirteen two-person teams ventured out last Wednesday morning to pit their wits and skills against the testing nine-hole, 2,399 yard-course. Each team had a golfer aged 55 or over and 16 or under.
The youngest was six-and-a-half-year-old Hayden Little, while the oldest was in his 80s.
Over 18 holes the teams played Scotch two ball. This meant both players drove, switched for the second shot, then took alternate shots until the hole was finished.
When the last putt was drained in the early afternoon sunshine, with the temperature reaching 25 degrees, Topanga Kosterbok and Charlie Hartt were declared winners. They were awarded a plaque in a ceremony on the clubhouse balcony.
Fourteen-year-old Topanga enjoyed her first tournament victory.
“It feels good,” she said. “It is actually quite surprising.”
Topanga, who attracted widespread media attention last year for hitting a hole-in-one at the Paddle River’s fifth hole, said she and her playing partner had found the back nine a lot easier than the front.
“Overall I think we played pretty well,” she said.
The Barrhead Composite High School student has continued to improve her game under the watchful eye of Paddle River green keeper Tracy Pess.
“He has been helping me a lot with my driving,” she said.
Topanga, who began playing seriously about four years ago after getting her first full set of clubs, is now hoping to qualify for the McLennan Ross Sun Junior Tour Championship at the Wolf Creek Golf Resort, north of Red Deer.
Her victory last week capped a good day for the Kosterbok family, with 11-year-old sister Keyanna winning junior category prizes for the longest putt and getting closest to the pin.
Asked whether she would like to be a professional golfer, Keyanna replied: “That would be cool.”
As for the youngest competitor, Hayden had a memorable day being driven around in his cart by mum, Johanna.
Equipped with his own set of clubs and already a three-year veteran of the game, he showed that all the practice at his Sandy Beach home has been worthwhile.
“He practises a lot with putting machines,” said Johanna. “He also drives balls into the lake.”
Hayden’s main sports are baseball, basketball and golf. And currently golf is his favourite.
Does he have any golfing idols?
“Tiger Woods and Mike Weir,” he said.
Mariet Kosterbok, assistant manager and in charge of the Proshop, said she could not have asked for better weather for an annual event that honours Wally Tharp.
Tharp, who lived just off the Paddle River course, had envisaged teams of young and seniors enjoy a day of golf. Sadly he died before realizing his dream.
Taking part last week were Ralph Badry/Jaryd Luberda, Frank Gray/Keyanna Kosterbok; Sam Cartwright/Cody Kosterbok; Marcel Lafleur/Seth Hladilo; Victor Peloquin/Catalina Peloquin, Richard Coghill/Austin Ulrich; Charles Rondeau/Bryce Fraser, Blaire Abercrombie/Bryce Andres; John Busch/Blake Busch, Mike Webb/Hayden Little; Charles Hartt/Topanga Kosterbok, Richard Rau/Kade Rau, and Henry Lappin/Joyden Kramer.
There were several mini contests, including:
• Closest to the pin Seniors on #5 and #14: Marcel Lafleur
• Closest to the pin Juniors on #5 and #14: Keyanna Kosterbok
• In the water on #6 and #15: Mike Webb/Hayden Little
• Longest putt Seniors on #9 and #18: Ralph Badry
• Longest putt Juniors on #9 and #18: Keyanna Kosterbok
• Longest drive Seniors on #9 and #18: Charles Hartt
• Longest drive Juniors on #9 and #18: Topanga Kosterbok
Prizes included hoodies, straw hats, water bottles, balls, Barrhead Golf Club passes, umbrellas, mugs, and money clips.
Of course, the biggest prize was a great day out at a great little course. What better way to pay tribute to Wally Tharp?
