Lewis, Howarth lead 62nd annual Grey Owl men’s golf tournament

Shilo’s Ty Lewis and MacGregor’s Darcy Howarth were the lone golfers to break par Friday during first-day action at the 62nd annual Grey Owl men’s golf tournament, presented by IG Wealth Management, at Clear Lake Golf Course.

Lewis went out in 3 under par on the front nine and shot a 2-over-par 38 on the much tougher back nine to fire a 1-under-par 71. Howarth, meanwhile, carded nines of 35 and 36. They have a one-shot lead over Wheat City’s Nolan Ritchie, who had nines of 34 and 38. Calgary’s Jack McDiarmid, who won the Grey Owl 50 years ago this weekend, opened with a 74, as did Wheat City’s Jason Thorpe. Breezy Bend’s Todd Slatnik shot 38-37—75.

Eleven-time Grey Owl winner Garth Collings of Breezy Bend opened the tournament with a 76, as did Shilo’s Dylan Williamson, Wheat City’s Jarod Crane and Portage’s Owen Gillespie. Another former champ, Russell’s Brad Clement, opened with a 7-over-par 79.

The tournament consists of 36 holes over three days. The low 16 and ties after the first round will make up the championship flight, which will tee off on Sunday morning.

The rest of the field, including reigning champion Jay Thiesen, will play their first rounds on Saturday, and some players will complete their second and final round in the 36-hole tournament.

Saturday’s tee times and more information can be found at thegreyowl.ca.