Full field set for senior open

A full field of 90 golfers will descend on Kitchen Creek tomorrow for the annual senior men’s open.
“I’d prefer to play with my fellow older guys,” said Freddie Beck, 66, who will return to the 64-plus age division after missing last year’s tournament due to injury.
“You can’t keep up with these young squirts.
“The other day, I was playing with this younger guy who hit a driver on [the par-five second hole], reached the green with an eight-iron, and putted for eagle.
“Meanwhile, I’m using a five-wood, three-wood, and a pitching wedge just to get on [the green].”
But these guys can still swing when it counts. Defending champion Dan Livingston (50-63 division) will be looking for his fourth overall title tomorrow.
He claimed last year’s championship in a two-hole playoff against Jim Ballard after both carded a 72 after 18 holes.
Poncho Krantz of International Falls, the senior’s champ from 2000, also will compete tomorrow, as will the defending 64-plus division co-champs Merdo Krawchuk and Jim Ortleib.
The open begins with a shotgun start at 9 a.m.
In related news, there still are 30 spots available for next Thursday’s “Anniversary Tournament.” Registration is $60, and those interested should call the pro shop at 274-4653.
Meanwhile, Christin Thomson carded an 81 yesterday in the first round of the three-round Manitoba Ladies Golf Association Amateur/Senior golf championship at Breezy Bend.
Thomson, the defending local ladies’ champ, was seven shots behind leader Bobbi Brandon of Saskatoon heading into second-round play this afternoon.