Thiesen wins fourth Grey Owl

Jay Thiesen on Sunday came from behind to win his second straight—and fourth overall—Grey Owl men’s’ golf tournament, presented by IG Wealth Management.

Thiesen, playing in the second last group of the championship flight, fired a 1-under-par 71 in the second round for a two-round total of even-par 144 at breezy and cool Clear Lake Golf Course. That was good enough for a two-stroke victory over first round co-leader Ty Lewis of Shilo (71-75—146).

Thiesen joins Elmhurst’s Jimmy Doyle as a four-time champ. Only two other golfers have more titles: Breezy Bend’s Garth Collings is the career leader with 11 victories, while Saskatoon’s Jim Scissons has seven.

Thiesen was steady throughout on Sunday, shooting 35 on the front nine and cruising to his title with an even-par 36 on the much tougher back nine. Lewis and MacGregor’s Darcy Howarth were the first-round co-leaders thanks to opening 71s. Lewis shot 39 on the back nine Sunday, while Howarth carded a 92 to fall out of contention.

Wheat City’s Nolan Ritchie (72-75—147) and Elmhurst’s Patrick Perrin (74-73—147) tied for third, while Clear Lake’s Jared Jacobson (73-75—148), a two-time winner of the event, placed fifth.

Collings won his fourth Greyer Owl title—and second in a row—for those age 60 and over. Collings (76-76—152) won the first playoff hole against Calgary’s Jack McDiarmid (74-78—152), who captured his one and only Grey Owl title 50 years ago this weekend.

There was no media flight this year due to a lack of entries.

All final scores will be available at thegreyowl.ca.

FINAL
Jay Thiesen, Russell 73-71—144
Ty Lewis, Shilo 71-75—146
Nolan Ritchie, Wheat City 72-75—147
Patrick Perrin, Elmhurst 74-73—147
Jared Jacobson, Clear Lake 73-75—148
Todd Slatnik, Breezy Bend 75-74—149
Marcus Friess, Estevan SK 77-72—149

(submitted article)