If you’re planning to be on the links this summer, watch out for Canmore’s Tommy Sluka.
Sluka, 12, is fresh off a second place finish at the MJT National Championship in Kisimmee, Florida, where he competed against the top bantam golfers in Canada.
“I’ve been training all year for this tournament,” Sluka said. “I have to say I was striking the ball pretty well.”
Sluka shot 79 on both days to secure the second-place finish and gain valuable experience at the tournament, which also attracts the country’s top teenage golf prospects. Away from his Rocky Mountain courses, he adapted well to the undulating hills and wide-open fairways of Florida.
The second-place finish caps off an excellent year for Sluka, who’s been dominant this year. He won the MJT event by six strokes at the Banff Springs Golf Course, shooting a 79 and 81 for the win. He followed that with an eye-catching 15-stroke win at the Jasper Park Lodge MJT event, shooting a 77 and 73.
After conquering the mountain courses, he placed first in the bantam division at the Country Hills course in Calgary for the McLellan Ross Junior tour event, were he shot a 76. Playing against golfers as old as 19, he finished fifth overall. That result allowed him to qualify for the Junior Tour Championship at Wolf Creek, where he was second in the bantam division behind Ethan Choi of Pincher Creek. Against 120 of the top teenage golfers in the province, Sluka was 24th.
Sluka is also a strong hockey player, having played AA in Cochrane, but this winter he’s committed himself to spending more time playing golf. He’s still playing Tier 1 hockey in Canmore this year.
“Obviously, I’d like to play in the PGA one day,” Sluka said.
His father/coach Jim is his most frequent playing partner.
He said, “golf is like juggling. It’s something you’re born with. Since he was two, he was definitely a golfer. He was always a good hockey player, but he can excel at golf,” Jim Sluka said.
The tournament in Florida only strengthened young Sluka’s resolve to pursue golf. He got to meet Retief Goosen at the tournament, and plans to lower his handicap from seven to two next year. He lists Rory McIlroy as his favourite golfer and said he’s always just loved golf.
“It’s an outdoor sport and I just love being outside,” Sluka said. “My dad would drop me off at the Canmore golf course, and I’d play all day.”
Next year’s Canadian championship is in Texas, and Sluka has every intention to be there again.
“I want to win every tourney I am in.”
