Winnipeg golfer wins Neepawa Senior Open

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Published on Thursday, July 14, 2016

Photo by Eoin Devereux. Landon Cameron (on left) congratulates Jim Franklin of Winnipeg, who shot a two under par 70, to win the 2016 edition of the Senior Open.

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

There are some days on the links in which you simply can do no wrong. For Jim Franklin of Winnipeg, that day just so happened to coincide with his run towards his first ever Neepawa Senior Open victory.

The long time competitor at the event, which is held annually the Neepawa Golf and Country Club (NGCC), was able to conquer the course in dominant fashion, on Monday, July 11, with an impressive two-under par 70. That total was four shots better than the nearest competition and three shot better than last year’s winning score.

Franklin noted that he was able to find his rhythm quickly out there on the course, providing him with a great opportunity at the title. 

“I’ve played the Open about four or five times before. This time, everything I went for out there, I made. I ended up with four birdies on the day. I just really was able to hit the ball well. Everything just went in,” said Franklin. “Sometimes you just get in that zone. It was a tremendous challenge out there on the course, but I ended up playing some pretty good golf.”

NGCC general manager and CPGA golf pro Landon Cameron said he was pleased with the event played and the overall response from the players to the course layout.

“The ground staff should take some personal pride for the response to the course. I think the golf course is in exceptional shape. The greens were receptive. You can make putts here and be aggressive. The course held up very well and it’s in as good a shape as I’ve ever seen it,” Cameron commented. “As for the tournament,we had about the same number of participants compared to last year. There was a few late drop outs, but overall, as a golf club, we are very fortunate to have such a following for this event. There’s a waiting list [of interested participants] for the Open every year. It’s really nice to see it grow in stature every year and have so many players come back year after year, from across the province.”

Cameron also thanked the staff in the clubhouse, as well as the grounds staff for their hard work, ensuring the day was a success.

As for the leaderboard, finishing just back on Franklin in the Championship Flight were Rod Klassen (74), Dennis Vande and Gary Barber (77).  Greg Fleck won the first flight, with a score of 83. Dave Soroka (87) was on the top of the second flight and Dennis Nodrick was the leader of the third flight, with a round of 89. A total of 139 competitors from across the province participated in the 2016 edition of the Open.