Colby Friedrich took home the Men's championship at the Reliance Gregg's Central Amateur Golf Tournament over the weekend. (Submitted photo/Colby Friedrich)
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Friedrich opens golf season with tournament win in Saskatoon

Jul 4, 2022 | 4:00 PM

It was a dream weekend for North Battleford’s Colby Friedrich at the Reliance Gregg’s Central Am golf tournament in Saskatoon.

Taking place Friday to Sunday (July 1-3) at the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club, the tournament marked the 20-year-old’s first of the competitive schedule this summer, and one that will make for a lasting memory.

Friedrich opened the tournament with a strong start, finishing the first round with a 71 for birdie, and the second at 74 for two-over par, to head into the final day of action in top spot overall, with a one-shot lead at one-over 72.

Going right down to the wire with Saskatoon’s Brock Ochitwa who would finish just a shot back, Friedrich saved his best for last, securing a birdie on 17, before sealing the men’s championship with ice water in his veins on a 15-footer on 18 that found pay dirt.

Friedrich said it was an experience he won’t soon forget.

“It felt pretty cool, it’s something lots of golfers dream of, making a putt on 18 to win a golf tournament, so it was definitely the biggest win for me so far and it was a lot of fun,” he said.

For Friedrich, the key to pulling out the victory was staying positive and patient; something he credits his good friend and caddie for the weekend, Carter Beavers for helping him out with.

“Having Carter on the bag was a huge part of it, staying positive,” Friedrich said. “He was a large part of the win for sure, keeping the emotions in check and just as somebody to talk to so it was awesome having him out there and sharing that win with him.”

Ninety-six golfers took part in the Reliance Gregg’s Central Am, including over 40 in the Men’s Championship Division.

Friedrich won the tournament at one-over par, while Ochitwa finished second at two-over, and Saskatoon’s Bryan Matkowski rounded out the top three at three-over. The full results from the tournament can be found here.

Friedrich will return to action this weekend for the Saskatoon Men’s Amateur, July 9-10, and Saskatchewan Amateur Men’s Championship in Prince Albert, July 12-15.

Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1

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