Results of the Canadian Open Hickory Championship

The 2018 Canadian Open Hickory Championship was held the week of August 13-17 at the Legends G.C. Sherwood Park, Alberta. The hickory event included a 2-day road trip on Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday Scramble, Thursday USA/Canada match (Ryder Cup format) and Friday Championship tournament. The road trip included 18 holes at Trestle Creek GC just west of Edmonton, an overnight in Edson and then 18 holes at the renowned Jasper Park GC in the Rockies. The smoke from the wild fires in British Columbia couldn’t dim the enthusiasm and camaraderie of the group! The Wednesday scramble really marks the beginning of the tournament because you get to play the home course, meet new players, pony up some cash and get the competitive fires burning. After the round players and other invitees visited a local home for a BBQ and a viewing of a golf memorabilia collection. This year’s Thursday Casey Cup competition featured a record number of 22 players from the US. It included a lunch after the first nine and then following 27 holes of friendly US/Canada competition in Ryder Cup format all met at the Golf Car Museum for a meal and tour of the museum. Oh, and yes, the Canadian team emerged victorious. On Championship Friday, the champions division was won by Ben Plaunt with a sterling 4 under par over 18 holes. The Senior Division was won by Jim von Lossow of Washington, followed closely by locals Rob Taylor and Chris Ream. The Ladies Division featured a repeat win by Kim Filipan. The Chinese hickory champion was Kenn Looten and Rick Boudreau won the First Nations Division.  This year’s Junior Champion was 12 year old Ethan Ream shooting an impressive 112 in his first 18 hole round with the Hickories. Each year in conjunction with the Canadian Open Hickory Championship, The Legends honors an Albertan who has made significant contributions to the game of golf in Alberta. This year’s honoree for the ‘Legends of Alberta Golf’ award is Jackie Little. Little, who grew up in Edmonton, belonged to the Glendale Golf and Country Club.  Her remarkable resume includes two Alberta Women’s Amateur titles, two Alberta Junior Girls championships, three Alberta Senior Women’s crowns and three Canadian national titles. After moving to British Columbia she captured five B.C. Women’s Amateur titles, five B.C. Senior Women’s Championships and three B.C. Mid-Amateur Championships. Jackie Little was inducted into the British Columbia Golf Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Pacific Northwest Golf Association Hall of Fame in 2017. The 2019 Canadian Open Hickory Championship will be held the week of August 12-16, 2019.  This will mark the 25th anniversary of the Legends Golf and Country Club – a time to celebrate!. Many come up a few days early for the annual two day pre-tournament road trip. All are welcome! For more information contact Ron Lyons at email hidden; JavaScript is required, the golf course at 780-449-4911 or check the Legends website at www.legendsgolf.ca