BOW VALLEY – The battle of Alberta stepped away from the ice and onto the greens.
Wrapping up the high school golf season, the 2022 ASAA Provincial Golf tournament got underway on Sept. 26-27 at Turner Valley Golf Course and Highwood Golf Course, both south of Calgary.
Showcasing the top young golfers in the province, individual athletes and teams from the Bow Valley have shined on the big stage in previous years.
One familiar to the links being Canmore Collegiate High School's (CCHS) Rien Solodan, who was the top local, finishing 16th and shooting 182 (93, 89) over two rounds. Solodan has a knack for big results, and is also this year's club junior ladies champion at the Canmore Golf and Curling Club.
Edmonton's Mya Rowan was first place for the girls at provincials, shooting 144 (74, 70).
CCHS' Tristan Dotchin was the top placing male, finishing 38th overall 158 (77, 81) in a large field of 130 athletes.
The Grade 11 linksman, who's been competing in golf for two years said provincials – and its stakes – were high over the two days.
"There was a bit of nerves on the first hole, but once you hit the tee shot and you get going with the round, it goes away," said Dotchin.
"I normally shoot better than that ... but I could have played worst, so I'm happy with it."
An active player in the Maple Leaf Junior Tour, Canada's top junior tour, Dotchin played to his strengths: wedge shots and driving – averaging around 300 yards – and he said the weaker parts of his game followed.
"I played my practice rounds [at the provincial courses] so I knew what I was doing, it was just pretty much playing to my strengths," said Dotchin.
Banff Community High School's Liam Williams shot 195 (83,112) in the male division, and the Banff boys team finished 11th.
Calgary's Charlie Gillespie was first overall for the boys, shooting 136 (68, 68).
