WESTLOCK — The rain held off for more than 100 golfers participating in the annual Ladies Open July 16 at the Westlock Golf Club.
Close to 40 teams from across the region hit the greens for the day-long event. Team Knittig with golfters Gail Hrycyk, Tanya Knittig, Sharon Ziemmer, Bessie Stevens and Tracy Hunter took the championship title and trophy with a score of 69.
The annual event was an 18-hole Texas Scramble format with various activities, prizes and a meal to end the day.
Golf club general manager Ryan Provencal said the event is always well-attended and features groups of women who are looking to enjoy a day outdoors with friends and family.
“It’s really a good day. This is the second year that we’ve changed our Ladies Open to a team format,” said Provencal. “The ladies want to enjoy themselves and have fun. You want to be competitive, but just want it to be fun so we went to a team format.”
Women of all ages and skill level participate in the event noted Provencal, with the number of golfers up from last year.
“We’re trying to grow things and numbers have been increasing,” he said. “We just want people to come golf and have fun.”
One of those participants was Laurie Arndt of Westlock County, who has competed for several years and is an avid golfer. She said the event is a great way to support the local golf club.
“It’s a lot of fun and it’s a great day,” said Arndt. “The golf course is really nice, it’s well kept and maintained. (The event ) is well organized, and it’s a great get together with the ladies.”
She also noted how golf is an excellent sport to keep one sharp both physically and mentally.
“It’s good exercise. It’s a good physical activity, good social activity and it’s good for your mental health,” said Arndt. “It’s just all-round a good thing to do.”
In addition to the Ladies Open, the club holds a club championship at the end of the season as well as the Men’s Open Aug. 5-6.
There is a ladies league every Monday night for women including those who have never golfed or are unsure of the skill level required and Provencal encourages them to give it a shot.
“There’s myself, a PGA professional and another PGA professional on staff, Ryan Craig, and we’re more than willing to go out on the driving range and give anyone some tips and help,” he said. “Come try it. It is easy to learn to golf.”
