Taylor Fletcher is no stranger when it comes to posting low rounds on the golf course.
Not only is he one of the top golfers in his hometown of McCreary, but Fletcher is one of the top golfers from the Parkland region. At the 2024 Diamond Athletic mid-amateur championships at the Minnedosa Golf & Country Club, Fletcher was one under after his first six holes and finished the front nine at 1-under. He shot an even-par 72 in round one. He ended that championship in a tie for 22nd.
That earned him a return trip to the event earlier this summer. The 2025 event was played July 2 to 4 at the beautiful St. Charles Golf and Country Club. Fletcher was dialled in entering the tournament, especially with his approach shots.
"My putting has not been too bad," said Fletcher. "The biggest thing is figuring out my driver. It's been hot and cold. Other than that, everything seems to be working pretty well right now."
The mid-amateur is for those aged 25 and above. Highlighted by his 62 on day one last year, Allan McDonald won the event by two strokes. While he didn't go that low this year at St. Charles, McDonald had back-to-back under-par rounds to finish the tournament and successfully defended his title, winning by two strokes.
Fletcher, meanwhile, improved on his performance from one year ago. He shot rounds of 76, 74, and 76. He finished in a tie for 20th, up two spots from last year. He had eight birdies in his three rounds. As a result of finishing in a tie for 20th, Fletcher has earned an automatic invitation into next year's mid-amateur championships.
"I thought I played pretty well, definitely happy with my game. I putted really well," said Fletcher. "I kept the ball in play. Fairly simple and rolled it well on the greens. That's what saved my game."
On Monday morning, Fletcher boarded a flight and is taking his talents to one of the top golf courses in the country. Fletcher is playing in this week's Canadian men's mid-amateur championships, presented by BDO. The entrance fee for a full member is $78,750.00, and the monthly fees are $633.60. It's Taylor's debut on the national stage, and he's ready to show his talents against the best field he's ever gone up against.
"It's going to be pretty cool. I'm thinking it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play in an event like this on that golf course," offered Fletcher. "I'll be happy if I make the cut, you always want to be a part of the top 70. The plan is to keep it straight and stay out of trouble. If I get in trouble, I can't overreact. Have to scramble and make as many pars as possible."
Now in North Vancouver, Taylor will play a practice round on Monday before his first round on Tuesday at 2:20 p.m. His first swing will come on the par-4, 10th hole. It's 376 yards. The course plays 6,548 yards and is a par 71.
"If I'm in the right position off the tee in the fairway, I think I can be fairly aggressive," said Fletcher. "Don't want to get too crazy. If there are tucked pins, just play to the centre of the green and two-putt. Anything that's getable, I think I have to attack it."
There's no doubt that the community of McCreary will be visiting the leaderboard over the next few days. There's a cut after 36 holes, and as Fletcher looks to play all four days, he's feeling the love from back home.
Now it's up to him to make the most of it. There's no doubt that Taylor has the talent.
"I've got a lot of support here. From my friends and family, and the golf club here has been extremely supportive," ended Fletcher. "I appreciate everything that has come from everyone. The biggest thing is representing McCreary, and I'll do my best to make everyone proud."
Stay tuned to CKDM Sports over the next few days to keep tabs on Taylor.
