Enthusiastic crowds, perfect weather and first-rate golf.
That was the combination that made the 2016 Sun Life Financial Alberta Men's Amateur Championship another great success.
The annual event, last held in town in 2002, was hosted by the Innisfail Golf Club from July 19 to 22.
Jim Boomer, head professional at the club, said he was beyond pleased with the championship tournament, highlighting the combined effort from staff and volunteers and the quality performance by Innisfail golfers.
“It's a public golf club but we're always very proud of the fact that we're said to have private club conditions, which showed up in spades this week,” said Boomer. “We had over 90 members volunteer to help us with the week.”
He noted the committed help with everything from caddying, spotting for drives, shuttling participants and guests to and from locations, and helping provide lunches for the competitors. “The Alberta Golf Association looks after these tournaments so professionally. It really came together as a tremendous overall effort for us,” said Boomer.
Four local golfers competed in this year's championship tournament. Colby Massignan, Ron Harder, Brandan Lyster and Kyle Neilson put forth a great performance on the greens.
“It was a tough week, but it was great. The golf course was in spectacular condition and the weather was unbelievable,” said Harder. “I was happy to see all four Innisfail boys make the cut. We're proud of that fact. We represented Innisfail well and we're proud of the guys.”
All four Innisfail golfers made the cut after Day 2 of the four-day championship tournament and competed on July 22, the final day of the event.
Lyster was the top Innisfail golfer in the tournament finishing in 27th place overall out of 124 participants.
“I'm really pleased. The last two days were really tough but that's the way golf is,” said Lyster, noting it was his fourth Alberta Men's Amateur Championship. “When I competed in my first year I was 17.”
Over the past four years Lyster has improved his play, moving up in rankings – from not making the cut in his first year to an impressive finish this year. It is his best finish and most complete effort since participating in the championship tournament.
“It feels good,” he said of his finish. “It's a great course. In the four years I've played (Alberta Men's Amateur Championship) I believe it's the best course.”
He noted the support from the Innisfail community, friends and family during the event, as well as the overall calibre of talent competing in the championship.
While Lyster hopes to improve some aspects of his game in the coming years, the 2016 championship was deemed a success.
“I want to get a little more consistent with the putter,” said Lyster. “Other than that I was happy with how I played.”
Jim Boomer, head professional
"It really came together as a tremendous overall effort for us."
