It was a dream summer for Boston Karlson.
When he wasn't on the course working on his game, he was in the pro shop working at the Gilbert Plains Country Club. When he wasn't greeting people in the pro shop, he was on the course.
Now the word hard work means going beyond usual efforts to achieve success, including being focused, consistent, and motivated, and promoting personal and professional growth. Hard work and Boston Karlson certainly go hand in hand.
"My summer on the golf course has been perfect," said Karlson. "I golfed with my friends every day, with my grandpa, and uncle Dale. I played well, I'm very happy how it has gone."
While Boston is an extremely humble young man, his hard work and dedication are paying off big time on and off the course. His summer started at the Dauphin Lake Golf Club as Boston teamed up with Jackson Delaurier to play in the Gary Brandon two-man best-ball tournament. Entering the championship bracket, Boston and Delaurier caught fire as they won three straight matches to win the event.
They became the youngest duo to ever win the tournament.
"That felt unreal, Jackson and I had a great connection all weekend," said Karlson. "We got the putts to sink when we needed them to, it was a great weekend."
Boston and a group of his friends then made their way to Manitoba's capital to play in Golf Manitoba's junior boys' championship at the Niakwa Country Club. Widely regarded as one of the nicest courses in the province, Boston soaked in every moment of getting the chance to compete against the best junior golfers in the province while also enjoying the experience that is provided at a private course.
An impressive performance followed for the Dauphinite as he finished in a tie for 30th in a field of 65. Karlson also saved his best for last at the event. After posting rounds of 83 and 82 over his first two rounds, Boston had three birdies in his final round shooting an 80, his best of the event.
It was Boston's fourth time playing in the junior event. He has now finished 36th or higher in each of the events with his best finish coming last summer when he finished in 23rd at the Teulon Golf & Country Club.
"It was a fun week, I didn't quite have the week I was hoping for," commented Karlson. "With that said, it was a lot of fun to go with my friends, stay in a hotel, and hang out with the guys."
Then over the weekend, Boston entered the history books at his home course. With his 1-under 70 on Sunday as the GPCC hosted its Club Championship, Karlson won both the men's and junior events.
Highlighted by six birdies, Boston was 3-under heading into his final hole; however, he made a double bogey on 15. It was still enough to hold off Dale Murray for the men's title while he held off Jesse Genaille and Cody Zurba in the junior event.
It was Boston's best round of the year, it handed him a double championship and a piece in the history books at the Gilbert Plains Country Club.
"That felt amazing, to be one of the only kids to ever do it in Gilbert, that's very special," offered Karlson. "The feeling when I won the men's event as well was crazy, my uncle Dale was very happy."
While Boston will continue to sprinkle in a few more rounds until the season comes to a close, he will soon trade his golf clubs for a hockey stick as he will play one more season for the Dauphin Clippers hockey team. There is a lot of buzz surrounding the Clippers this year as Chase Glover will be between the pipes and several other veterans are set to return, including Karlson.
It will be Boston's senior season and he can't wait to get going.
"The season is going to be great, Ronin Mouck is also coming," said Karlson. "I love playing with the Clippers and being around the guys, we're always having a blast whether it's on or off the ice."
When it comes to Boston's future plans, he hopes to get into golf management and get his pro card. That will include two years of business school followed by a year in Lethbridge or Edmonton taking a golf course management course and plenty of practice in between.
"I'm looking forward to it, I believe it will be a great career for me," ended Karlson. "I love being at the golf course, talking to members and helping them with whatever they need."
