Ernestine Franson
Contributor
Hope’s own Gabriella Kim held on to her title for overall low gross for the third straight year with a two-day score of 172 at the annual Hope Ladies’ Open last weekend.
Kim, who was born in Seoul, Korea, didn’t start golfing until well into middle age. She and family moved to Hope in 1992, when they bought the Inn Towne Motel, but it wasn’t until 1994 that she got hooked on golf. Never having a formal lesson, her secret to consistency and accuracy on the course is golfing three or four times a week — and experimenting with different techniques.
“Try different things to see what will be better for you,” said Kim, who also won the tournament in 2003 and 2005.
Kim joins a list of winners dating back 36 years from the beginning of the Ladies’ Open. The amateur golf tournament, originally a one-day event, was started in 1975 by Rena Titmus, who worked for Emil Anderson Construction. Mary Adams was the first Hope player to win in 1987.
Hope players fared better winning the Finning Trophy for low net, also started in 1975. Katy Westbrook, 1977; Mary Romano, 1980; Gladys Anderson, 1982 and 1989; Marg Dollis, 1985 and 1992; Elaine Marych, 1986; Ernestine Pritchard, 1987; and Colleen Knight, 1999 all shared champion status.
Ninety-five golfers from as far away as Calgary enjoyed fine weather and great golfing conditions over the weekend. Even though groundskeeper Rod MacDonnell kept the course in excellent shape, golfers were allowed to lift, clean, and place their ball on the fairway due to damage caused by flooding earlier this year.
After a full day of golf on Saturday, golfers enjoyed a banquet prepared by chef Kerry Krahn and his staff, then sang and danced to the lively music of Ron Ulrich.
Thirty-four net and gross prizes were awarded on Sunday evening, along with prizes for deuces, including an eagle deuce – a score of two on a par four – nailed by Nonie Schmid of Surrey.
Bob Hasell presented the Emil Anderson Trophy to Kim, and the Finning Canada Trophy for overall low net to Linda Bougie from Delta for her score of 136.
Hope ladies held their own by receiving nine out of 34 net and gross prizes.
Local winners included Heather Sirianni, first low gross in the first flight with a score of 175; Jenny Chung, first low gross in the third flight; and Angela Kim, first low net in the first flight.
Ellen Poole won second low gross in the third flight, while Tama Kawase took second low net in the third flight.
Colleen Knight took fourth low gross in the second flight, and Pam Smith bagged fourth low gross in the fourth flight.
Shelley Simpson won fourth low net in the second flight.
Jenny Chung took a KP prize on No. 9 on Saturday, Kathleen Nex powered out the longest drive for her flight on No. 8 on Saturday, and Alice Woods won “Closest to the Line” for her flight on No. 8 on Sunday.
The tournament was coordinated by Lois McConville and Keren Hasell, and Heather Sirianni was the MC.