Batsel nearly sets course record

Dillon Batsel nearly picked up a course record but had to settle for a second-place finish at the PGA of Alberta’s tour stop near Ponoka.

Batsel, a pro out of Connaught Golf Club, shot an 8-under 62 at the Wolf Creek Golf Resort Tuesday. The course record is 61, held by Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Ian Leggatt.

But a double-bogey on the 15th hole of Wednesday’s final round left Batsel in second spot, edged by a stroke by Keith Whitecotton of Edmonton.

Whitecotton finished at 7under par over 36 holes. Batsel came within two feet of holing out for eagle on the 18th hole to force a playoff. He shot a 2over 72 to finish at 6-under for the tournament.

Batsel still picks up a second-place payday of $1,275 in the field of 51, which had a total purse of $11,400 available.

He’s already got a spot at nationals on his home course later this month, but this week Medicine Hat’s Ryan Hodgins’ focus is on winning a provincial junior golf title.

Hodgins, who’s already picked up a couple Maple Leaf tour wins this summer, shot a 2-over 74 at the Sundre Golf Club Tuesday and backed that up with an even-par 72 Wednesday to sit in a four-way tie for fifth place. Benjamin Farrington of Fort McMurray leads at 5-under overall.

The 72-hole junior and juvenile boys championships run through Friday’s final round. Medicine Hat’s Caleb Kinch had a 9-over 81 Tuesday and a 7-over 79 Wednesday to sit in 45th place. Sam Bratvold shot 82 and 80 for 58th place, just ahead of the cut line.

Not making the cut were Medicine Hat’s Nolan Burzminski (79-87), Connaught’s Mathieu Chapdelaine (87-80) and Redcliff’s Brady DeBoice (8693).

Medicine Hat will host the national championship July 29-Aug. 2.