BELLE CLAIMS VICTORY AT THE 73rd ANNUAL OGOPOGO INVITATIONAL
A thrilling final round capped off the 73rd Annual Ogopogo Invitational, with outstanding golf on display throughout the day.
The leading foursome remained tightly contested through the front nine, but Vancouver Golf Club's Michael Belle began to pull away with birdies on holes 11, 12, and 14. Standing on the 16th tee, Belle held a three-shot advantage with just three holes remaining.
The door of victory cracked open just for a moment on the 16th hole when Belle's tee shot found a stand of trees to the left of the fairway, forcing him to chip back into play. Meanwhile, Matthew Kreutz of Vernon Golf & Country Club delivered an excellent drive and approach, leaving himself a 10-foot putt for eagle. Belle recovered to save par, while Kreutz narrowly missed the eagle attempt and settled for birdie, trimming the lead to two shots.
That would be as close as anyone would get. Both players played the final two holes in even par, securing Belle's victory.
Belle finished the 54-hole championship at 14-under par, with Kreutz finishing runner-up at 12-under. Kyle McMurphy of Predator Ridge Golf Resort posted a solid final-round 69 to finish third at 10-under par.
Among the tournament's additional award winners, the Overall Low Net honours were claimed by Kerry Grittner of Chilliwack Golf & Country Club. The Low Interior Amateur Trophy was awarded to Oakley Mayner of Kelowna Golf & Country Club, while the Low Senior Trophy went to Bryan Killins of Vancouver Golf Club.
Top honours among the Kelowna Golf & Country Club competitors went to Oakley Mayner and James Casorso, who both finished at 6-under par. Mayner also recorded the low round of the day with an impressive 67.
The championship concluded an outstanding three days of competition. Challenging course conditions, beautiful weather, and a strong field combined to make this year's Ogopogo Invitational another memorable event.
Off the course, the Annual Ogopogo BBQ raised $3,180 for the Kelowna Community Food Bank, while the Special Events Night generated $1,000 in support of the KGCC Junior Development Fund.
The success of the tournament would not have been possible without the tremendous support of the club's volunteers. Approximately 100 volunteer shifts were filled by dedicated members who proudly showcased Kelowna Golf & Country Club throughout the week... THANK YOU!
Additional special thanks go to the Club's management and staff for their tireless efforts in delivering another first-class championship, including Course Superintendent Barry Evans and his grounds crew, Head Golf Professional Rob Anderson and his professional staff, Food & Beverage Manager Sam Fisher, Chef Ted Collie, and Events Coordinator Cheryl Stecko and their F&B Teams for their exceptional service and hospitality throughout the tournament.
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