Countering the slacker attitude associated with many disc golfers, the best from across Western Canada were playing for keeps at the 12th annual Big Bear Disc Golf Tournament on May 21-22.
Kris Pereira won his third Big Bear title, solidifying his reputation as one of the top disc golf chuckers in the province.
Pereira faced tight competition from across Alberta and British Columbia, but at the end of the day beat out 79 competitors over four rounds of disc golf at the Canmore Nordic Centre. He held a one stroke lead going into the final nine and was able to hang on for the win over a hard-charging Luke Horstad.
Relying on his patented ‘thumber’ overhand delivery, Pereira catapulted to the top
“I used to be a pitcher and found that (delivery) was easier on my shoulder,” Pereira said.
Pereira plays the Nordic Centre course almost daily, but said everything came together for this year’s win.
“In the past year I learned to putt,” he said. “I kept my shots tight and my drive on the fairway, so that helped.”
After missing last year’s event, he said he received a lot of ribbing from his fellow competitors, so the pressure was on for the 2011 tournament.
Sonya Ewaniuk of Edmonton recorded the win on the women’s side. Ewaniuk, a lefty, picked apart the course, securing victory in what was a small women’s field.
“Being a lefty sets me apart. What are harder shots for others aren’t as tough for me.”
Although she lists the Big Bear as her favourite tournament, she says she’s ready to attempt a tournament at the Professional Disc Golf Association level.
“I intend to do one in the near future. It’s on the list,” she said.
The key to her win was lots of practice on the leadup to the tournament.
“I practiced a lot and had healthy competition. My drive was pretty good today,” she said.
Playing in Edmonton, Ewaniuk is accustomed to courses with wide-open fields and well-groomed fairways. Tossing discs through the trees on a mountain slope is completely different, but a challenge she relishes.
“I love coming down here. It’s my favourite tournament.”
According to organizer Steve Fitzmorris, president of the Bow Valley Disc Golf Association, the Big Bear Tournament is among the largest in Alberta.
Word of mouth is the biggest factor in its growth, along with strong support from local sponsors.
“People come from all over Alberta and B.C. to participate in this tournament,” Fitzmoriss said. “It’s in pretty good shape.”
Canmore’s next disc golf tournament will come in fall, when the Ace Race arrives in town.
That tournament ranks third in the world for attendance.
