It was Shelly Stouffer’s turn.
The Fairwinds golfer has basically been alternating with Port Alberni’s Christina Proteau as champions of the Mount Brenton Golf Club’s ladies’ amateur tournament the last several years.
With Proteau away playing in the B.C. Mid-Amateur at Osoyoos Sunday that conflicted with Mount Brenton, it gave Stouffer a clear shot at the title. She took full advantage with rounds of 74 and 71 for a 151 total that gave her a 15-stroke win in low gross.
Stouffer first won the tournament way back in 1993 under her maiden name Comadina. Since 2008, only one player other than Stouffer or Proteau has captured top spot at Mount Brenton.
Proteau won in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2018, with Stouffer prevailing in 2012, 2015, 2017 and now 2019.
Young Alexandra Foston of Nanaimo, just 20, and Holly Saunders were well back of the leader, tied at 166. Sally Dobler from Morningstar had a 170 while Darleen Michel of Mount Brenton and Colleen Wheatley tied for fifth at 177.
Sandra Deptford from Mount Brenton was the low net leader at 144, one ahead of Linda Wall. Georgina Hermans from Cottonwood had a low net 146.
Stouffer, 49, is on the verge of becoming a senior and will be able to play in the B.C. Mid-Amateur (25 and over), Mid-Master (40+) and Senior (50+) tournaments next year.
“I’m looking forward to it,” she said. “There’s lots of tournaments.”
Stouffer missed Proteau at Mount Brenton since the two have engaged in so many recent head-to-head battles. She just focused on her own game and played consistent golf during both 18-hole rounds Saturday and Sunday.
Stouffer almost had an eagle on No. 13 Saturday, but finished with five birdies the first day and three Sunday.
“I got new clubs so that helped,” she said. “They go farther. I had to make adjustments that way.”
Stouffer has the Mount Brenton event marked on her calendar every year.
“I enjoy this course. It’s fun,” she said. “Some of the holes are frustrating, especially if you hit trees or whatever you do.”
Stouffer has improved to a +1 handicap from one last year.
“I think I’ve been putting better,” she indicated. “As we age, we get a little smarter, too.”
There were just 50 players in the field, but organizers were grateful to the golfers who enjoyed the tournament and hope they can all bring a friend next year to elevate those numbers again.
Mount Brenton Golf Club members gave up the club for two days to the ladies and many offered volunteer help to make it all happen. The greens crew had the course in fine shape, with a few tough pin placements.
Vancouver Island Caterers at the club prepared fabulous meals and provided great service.
The ladies raised $400 during the tournament for the Haven House Women’s Shelter in Nanaimo.
