Joran Hedley has played in the Tamarack Tournament at the Clear Lake Golf Course for at least a dozen years, five of which were in the junior age division.
So just like every other year in the past more than a decade, Hedley always makes sure his game is ready for the test ahead, one that included 208 golfers in the men's division.
Living in Brandon, Joran plays at the Wheat City Golf Course in their men's night and whenever else he can get out during the week.
"I've been playing a lot and that always helps. Sometimes my game is solid and sometimes not so much, but I was playing pretty well coming into the Tamarack," said Hedley.
Joran would go out in the first round on Saturday and he made one birdie on his way to a 12 over, 84. Sunday turned out to be a special day for Joran, one that he'll never forget. First things first, Joran made one birdie on the front nine on the par 3, 6th hole. He also made a birdie on the 11th hole and he would end up shooting 79 to finish in a tie for 73rd.
"I wouldn't say I'm happy, but I'm not mad about it. I was hitting the ball pretty well all weekend, I just struggled on the greens at times," offered Hedley.
During Sunday's round, Joran was 1 under on the first two par 3's on the day. He was on the 12th tee looking to improve that and he ended up making a shot that every golfer just hopes to make. Playing roughly 130 yards downhill, Hedley took his pitching wedge and chucked the perfect shot to record his first-ever hole-in-one and second at this year's Tamarack Tournament.
A celebration lasted well into the night that also included Regan Hedley who finished in a tie for 41st.
"It was pretty cool. I hit a perfect shot and we watched it trickled down," said Hedley. "We thought it was in but I told everyone to wait until I knew it was in for sure. I got over the ball and saw it was in and we were all screaming and cheering. It was a once in a lifetime kind of thing, it was awesome."
The brackets for the matches for most of the flights have yet to be released. However, Joran does know he'll tee it up tomorrow and he's ready for the match play challenge ahead.
"It's a really great format and a ton of fun. My goal is to swing the club well and we'll see how things go," ended Hedley.
