John Tomlinson has been a busy man on the golf course this summer. Playing men's night at the Gilbert Plains Country Club on Tuesday nights alongside Laurie Vrooman, the duo has advanced to the semi-finals on the championship side.
Tomlinson also hit the road earlier this summer where he teed it up at the Minnewasta Golf & Country Club for Golf Manitoba's amateur championships where he went 91-81 to narrowly miss the cut. As the golf season slowly comes to a close, the Dauphinite is playing some of the most consistent and best golf of his life.
Every summer he plays in the Tamarack Tournament and when tomorrow's final day takes place, John will be playing for a title. Starting with qualifying last weekend, Tomlinson shot an 84 in his first round which was followed up with a two-birdie performance which resulted in an 81 in his second round. Tomlinson's 165 total would put him in the 5th flight.
"I thought I played pretty well during those first two rounds," said Tomlinson. "I left some shots out there, but overall, I was pretty pleased with my game."
Going into the 5th flight, John was the 88th overall ranked player and he has caught fire and dominated most of his matches. He opened with a 7&6 win over Mark Chubey which was followed with a 2&1 win over Mitch Kaminsky. Only Brock Potter of Brandon was still in Tomlinson's way of advancing to the final and the Dauphin native made it happen on Friday morning in wonderful conditions at the Clear Lake Golf Course.
John drained five birdies to shoot a 74 and it was the second time he had shot 74 this week. Today's solid performance has put John one win away from winning his first-ever flighted title at the Tamarack which is in its 87th year.
"I'm just staying out of trouble and I think that's always the most important thing," offered Tomlinson. "I'm hitting the greens and making putts when needed, it's just sort of all come together at a great time."
As in any final, two solid opponents will square off and Saturday's final will present Tomlinson with his stiffest test yet this week. It will also be a battle of Dauphin as John will go up against Jerron Kyle who has had a rollercoaster of a week filled with lots of great shots and extra holes.
Kyle handily won his round of 16 match, 4&3. The two following matches have gone down to the wire and both required more than 18 holes. Jerron beat Dan Cristall in 20 holes on Thursday and on Friday morning, he dispatched of Gerry Gourlay. Tomlinson and Kyle have played together for the past three days so John has been front and centre to watch the wild ride that Jerron has been on.
"He's a nice player and a great guy. I'm happy that he's found a way to get it done," said Tomlinson.
Keeping the ball in the fairway, hitting greens, and making putts have worked so far for Tomlinson and he says the key to success on Saturday is the same thing.
"It's going to be a tough match, there's no doubt about that," ended Tomlinson. "I'm just looking forward to getting out there, playing my best and we'll see what happens."
