WATER VALLEY – The top junior golfers in the province descended upon the Water Valley Golf Club to compete in the 2025 Alberta U19 Championship that was scheduled for July 8-10.
“Two weather delays, a course record and a playoff that wrapped up with the sun setting defined a memorable day,” reads part of Alberta Golf's recap.
Saylar May, from Pine Hills Golf Club, continued her ongoing winning streak following her previous U15 and U17 victories after setting a course record of 6-under 66 to add the U19 title to her trophy case.
“The Pine Hills golfer from Rocky Mountain House blistered the course with seven birdies and a bogey for the course record and an eight-shot victory.”
On the boys’ side, the competition came down to the wire in a tight tie-breaking nail-biter.
Jalen Apedoe made a great up and down on 18 to force a playoff with Tobias Buffam. In that playoff round, Buffam was blocked out on his second shot and could only get to 88 yards with Apedoe on the green in two about 25 feet away.
Two members of area golf courses were also in on the action.
Brae Rogalczyk of the Olds Golf Club finished in a three-way tie for 16th place with a combined score of 222 from the three rounds.
Sean Kelley of the Innisfail Golf Club finished in a three-way tie for 43rd place with a combined score of 234 from the three rounds.
With staff from his Valley Ridge Golf Club cheering him on, Buffam managed to make the up and down of his life while Apedoe was unable to two-putt, opening the door for Buffam to claim the title after a three-under 69 and a par on the first playoff hole.
Alberta Golf hailed the club in Water Valley as a great host for the championship, with owner Jeremy Dueck offering a few words at the prize presentation. The first person he thanked was Ross Parsons, the superintendent who had the course in sublime shape.
Organizers also expressed appreciation to all of the volunteers who helped make the weekend a success.
