After 18 holes with just three discs, it all came down to a couple throws between the top finishers.
Despite a double bogey on 18, Whitehorse’s Benjamin Monkman hung on for a one-stroke win at the second annual Trilogy Challenge, hosted by the Whitehorse Disc Golf Association on Sunday at the Mount McIntyre course.
“It’s difficult using just the three discs when you’re playing the course over, but I just got some lucky shots, I guess,” said Monkman.
At the event, which is one of almost 300 Trilogy Challenge tournaments taking place around the world this season, each player receives a three-disc “player pack” that includes a driver, mid-range and putter. Players can only use the three for their round.
It’s an opportunity for the manufacture to get new disc designs into the hands of golfers.
“People start throwing them and go, ‘This is good.’ They can get feedback too ... And just to get people into it because you get all three and now you’re ready to play,” said Monkman.
“It’s all about getting people into it, getting people into playing.”
Monkman topped the men’s advanced division with a one-over on the par 54 course, sinking three birdies along the way.
Last year’s rec class winner, Luka van Randen, finished two over for second and Kevin Caron three over for third.
“Kevin was close, but then he got sap on his hands,” said Monkman. “He was making a run for it, then on 14 he got it in a tree, he climbed the tree but got sap on his hands, so the disc was sticking. He probably could have been up there too.”
Monkman might have taken the advanced title, but Stephanie Pike took in the most prizes.
In addition to placing first in the women’s recreational division, Pike won the women’s longest drive and the women’s closest to the pin contests.
“I’m a little bit shocked but overall happy,” said Pike. “It was my first tournament. It was a good experience and I’ll definitely be coming back.”
Pike finished her round 12-over, two strokes up from second place’s Carole Dumont. Megan Stallabrass took third.
“I’m still learning, getting better - I’m still just playing recreationally, not very seriously,” said Pike. “I had a couple good drives, a couple nice putts.”
Jake Hildebrand carded a six-under to win the men’s rec class. Logan Fraser placed second at one over and Adrien Fortin third at plus three.
Alex Wilson, the only player in under-10 boys, won his division.
“It was a great event. They did a really good job, so I hope they continue to grow, continue to get more members,” added Pike.
Contact Tom Patrick at
tomp@yukon-news.com