Young golfer earns his first traditional sip from the boot as the champ of season-opening tourney in memory of his grandfather
Brayden Sappier put together a great day on the links under ideal conditions on Saturday, June 1, at the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club to capture the season-opening tournament named in memory of his grandfather.
Sappier won the men’s division with his first tournament championship, while multi-time winner Pauline Pelkey captured the women’s title at the 2024 Frederick John Sappier Rubber Boot tournament.
“It was a great day for golf,” said Brayden’s father, Shawn Sappier, head organizer and competitor in the annual tournament, which traditionally kicks off the golf season at the Woodstock course.
He said the warm temperatures, bright sunshine and slight breeze delivered almost perfect golfing conditions.
Brayden said the course was in great shape. He shot a 64 to earn the 2024 title with a two-stroke lead over a group sharing a net 66 on the day.
Bob Wilson earned second low net on the day on a tie-breaker over several golfers delivering the same net score. He was followed in order by Paul Kitchen, Shawn Sappier, Fred Seca, Dean Reddyoff and Brian Shaw, who all shot 66 on the day.
Pelkey earned her title with a tie-breaker over runner-up Angela Welch and third-place Tammy Polchies, who all completed the day with a net 68. With a 69, Debbie Grant captured fourth, followed by Debbie Tapley with a 73, Lison Chandler with a 73, and Wendy Giberson with a 75.
Brayden Sappier and Polchies earned the Kelti Burnett Memorial Shoot-Out titles on the day.
Jeff Clowes earned the Jack Kitchen Memorial Award for closest to the pin in the men’s division. Giberson took the “closest to the pin” honours in the women’s division.
Shawn Sappier said the great weather led to a good turnout for the season’s kick-off tournament, with 53 participants comprising 42 men and 11 women.
He said 2024 marked the 28th year of the Frederick John Sappier Memorial Tournament.
