If this is what life after 50 breeds, “Snake” Krawchuk will take it.
The first-year senior golfer fired a two-under par 70 yesterday to capture top honours in the 50-64 division at the annual senior men’s open at Kitchen Creek—his first-ever singles crown here.
“The old saying goes you have to take it as it comes. It doesn’t matter how old you are,” said Krawchuk, who turned 50 last fall.
His score, which included six birdies, was five shots better than the three-over 75 carded by Ian McLennan (Fort Frances), Lynn Ellenson and Poncho Krantz (both of International Falls), and Kerry Westlund (Kenora).
Defending champion Dan Livingston shot an 84.
In the 65-plus division, Conrad Lemieux’s 78 topped the field—three shots better than Dave Ammundson (International Falls).
Jim Ortleib and Merdo Krawchuk, co-champs of the 65-plus division last year’s, carded scores of 85 and 86, respectively.
A total of 115 golfers competed in the tournament, thanks largely to late registration from players from Atikokan, Kenora, and Minnesota.
In related news, Kitchen Creek’s Glen Mills and Brian Johnstone earned top-15 finishes at a Manitoba Assistants Association tournament at Larters’ Golf and Country Club in Winnipeg.
Mills shot a two-day total of 149 (77-72) while Johnstone carded a 153 (74-79).
Meanwhile, Christin Thomson, the defending local ladies’ club champ, shot a 250 total (81-85-84) this week for a share of 19th place at the three-round Manitoba Ladies Golf Association’s amateur/senior championship, also in Winnipeg.
And Robert Atatise of Kitchen Creek missed the cut after yesterday’s second round at the Manitoba Junior Golf Championship at the Pinawa Golf Club.
He shot an 89 yesterday to finish with a two-day total of 180.
Scores of 159 or better moved on to the third and fourth rounds today and tomorrow.
