A memorable day at The Derrick Golf and Winter Club as 17-year-old Brett Jones had an epic battle with 2023 Alberta Men’s Mid-Amateur Champion Barrett Jarosch which saw Jones win the title on the 3rd playoff hole.
Jones, from The Glencoe Golf and Country Club in Calgary, started the day with a 2 stroke lead. Both Jones and Jarosch matched each other the first 5 holes until Jones birdied 6 and they exchanged birdies on the 8th and 9th holes and they headed to the back nine with Jones up by 3 strokes on Jarosch and Jace Ouellette.
Early in the back nine 2020 Men’s Amateur Champion Michael Valk made a move with 4 birdies in a 5 hole stretch and ended up finishing 3rd. Jarosch made his move with birdies on 10,11 and 15 to take a 2 stroke lead with 3 holes to go.
Jones made a clutch up and down from right of the 16th hole, made a great birdie on 17 and came to the 18th hole only one shot back. Jarosch pulled his tee shot into the trees on 18 and had to punch out, then hit a fantastic 3rd shot which set up a 10 foot par putt for the victory which just lipped out and we were headed for a playoff.
On the 3rd playoff hole Jarosch’s approach slid off the back of the green in a tough spot and he couldn’t get up and down.
Brett Jones tapped in for par and the victory and a round of hugs with his dad Clint who was his caddy, his mom Erika, his grandfather and a dozen fellow players who stuck around to watch the playoff and congratulate him.
Recap courtesy of Alberta Golf