varsity news
For Immediate Release
Sunday, June 29, 2008
LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR WILL MITCHELL AT THE ATB FINANCIAL CLASSIC
CALGARY, Alta. – Dustin Risdon fired a 6 under par 65 to carry a three shot lead into the final round of the ATB Financial Classic.
Risdon sits at 19 under par 197 after three trips around Cottonwood Golf Club.
In second spot are Kris Wasylowich (65) and Mike Sica (67) who are tied at 16 under par while Jim Seki (67), Derek Gillespie (67) and Jordan Krantz (66) are 15 under 198.
Sharing seventh spot are Steve Conway (68), defending champion Mike Grob (66), Josh Habig (66), Ricky Romano (67) and Andy Walker (65).
Former Durham College varsity golfer Will Mitchell (Whitby, Ont.) spent the day trading birdies with Risdon but was disqualified for a rules violation following his round.
Mitchell’s caddy had been inadvertently standing behind him on several shots and Mitchell, unaware of Rule 14-2b that states “In making a strike, a player must not allow his caddie or his partner’s caddie to position himself on or close to an extension of the line of play or the line of putt behind the ball,” had not added the two penalty strokes for each violation onto Friday’s scorecard. He was thus disqualified for signing for a lower score.
“It actually first happened yesterday and it was my fault,” said Mitchell.
“I didn’t know the rule and for signing an incorrect scorecard I was disqualified.
"It is a lesson learned and I should know the rules. It’s kind of a harsh learning curve but that’s the rules.
“I obviously feel really bad for him,” said Risdon, “and I hope he can get over it and maybe come back and win one later in the year.
“It’s too bad because Will and I were walking down 18 and talking about how much we were looking forward to playing together again tomorrow.
"Obviously, that’s not going to happen now."
Yet, the misfortunes of his playing partner shouldn’t take away from Risdon’s fine play today.
Risdon began his day with two birdies on the first three holes and made the turn in 33. The Calgary native then birdied 10 and 12 and then drained three in row before finishing with a pair of bogeys.
"I made a couple of mental mistakes out there at the end but all in all in was a good round of golf.”
“This golf course really suits my game. You can hit a lot of drivers and if you keep it straight you have a wedge into the green. Once you get there you hope the flatstick is working well and it makes a few birdies for you."
Despite a three shot lead, Risdon knows the course is vulnerable to low scoring.
“A three shot lead on this course is nothing,” said Risdon. “That kind of a lead can be made up in one or two holes and I have to keep attacking and make as many birdies as I can out there.
“Last year I had a two shot lead after three rounds in Edmonton so this isn’t much different."
Derek Gillespie shot 67 but was disappointed with his round.
“I really didn't play that well," said Gillespie.
"I left some shots there and probably need to shoot a 61 or something like that to have a chance the way some of these guys are playing."
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.721.3117 (F)
scott.dennis@dc-uoit.ca
John Berkovich - Media Director
Canadian Professional Golf Tour
1333 Dorval Drive Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
Canada L6M 4X7
1-877-226-8687 ex 484
www.cantour.com
(Courtesy of CANTOUR.com)
