Waskesiu’s historic golf course is getting set to host the Senior and Men’s Lobstick tournaments in June.
Over 500 golfers from Saskatchewan, Western Canada, Ontario, and the United States will travel to the course within Prince Albert National Park for the Senior Men’s Lobstick and the Men’s Lobstick. The Senior’s event runs from June 5 to 7, Waskesiu Golf Course (WCC) general manager Tyler Baker said the participants will marvel at the shape of the facility.
“We came through the winter really well,” Baker said. “The golf course is in great shape, the greens are perfect, fairways are really good, there is a couple of spots in the rough but other than that you wouldn’t think it’s the end of May right now.”
Northern Saskatchewan was dealing with several large-scale forest fires early on this spring, but Baker said the smoke didn’t affect the course or golfers thankfully. He credited the park staff for their work and communication.
The Lobstick tournaments that include Pepsi Junior tournament and the Ladies’ Lobstick started in 1935 with the Men’s event. The course was opened that same year. The name comes from a tree on the fairway of hole one that was left by course designer Stanley Thompson. Baker said the story of the tree is well told.
“When Stanley designed the course they left that in the middle because there was one downtown at the time and they wanted a twin. It is unique to stand on the first tee and see a tree in the middle of the fairway but that is how the Lobstick got its name,” he said.
Registration is closed for the Senior’s event; 240 golfers will participate. The Men’s tournament has 223 signed up for both the Open and Match Play event, another 25 are registered for just the Open portion. In all, over 800 golfers will participate in the four events. The Men’s is scheduled for June 11 to 16. The Junior and Ladies’ tournaments are in August. Baker said the event has drawn people to it for up to 40 years. He said the fellowship and social aspect is a huge reason for the success and longevity.
“I want to say it’s the competition but it’s just the comradery and friendships. A lot play in both the Senior’s and the Men’s so they are here for two weeks. This is the only time they get together throughout the year so it’s pretty cool,” Baker said.
Previous Lobstick winners include hockey legend Gordie Howe and Pat Fletcher, the last Canadian to win the Canadian Open on the PGA tour. For more information on the events click here.
The Lobstick events are Order of Merit (OOM) sanctioned tournaments generating points in the standings. Golf Saskatchewan’s OOM governed events are fast approaching as well, the 100th Amateur Ladies’ Championship and the 55th Senior Women’s event begin June 29. Registration details can be found here.