It's been a sensational summer for golf star Doug Penner, and after coming off winning the Steinbach Fly-In Championship recently, he's carried that strong play to the Men's Amateur in Winnipeg where he is tied for 1st after day one.
"Today was great," Penner says from his home in Mitchell. "Weather was perfect for golf, it wasn't very windy and 22 degrees. I was hitting the ball solid and making putts, it was a fun day."
Penner got off to an early start and put up a strong number, meaning he was one of the first done, leaving him to scoreboard watch, at least a little bit. "I was looking at the leaderboard, at least a little bit," he says with a chuckle. "I think there were eight or nine guys around my score of -3. I didn't stick around to watch or anything, but I was aware of where I was on the board. Lots of good scores there and lots of good players."
When it comes to where his game is at, Penner is feeling pretty well rounded and solid in all areas. "It's nice when it all comes together," he says with a humble grin. "Typically, my driver is my best part but lately, it's been my putting, I'd say."
Recently, Penner won the Steinbach Fly-In Championship, boosting his confidence even higher heading into the Men's Amateur. "It for sure helps, winning that tournament. Getting a couple wins under your belt mid season really builds confident. There's some incredible talent that is in that event. I managed to keep the ball in play, staying out of trouble. Nothing out of bounds or hazards, basically hitting golf shots and staying positive when you hit a bad one, because that happens out there."
Representing the Steinbach Fly-in, Penner says he takes a lot of pride in doing well for not just the course, but the community. "It's nice to represent Steinbach and put a good score out there. Getting our course on the map, we want more people to come out and play it. It's in beautiful shape, like it always is, and we want everyone to know it."
Heading into day two on Tuesday, Penner says the keys to success are simple. "Just take it one shot at a time, basically. Get the ball in play off the tee and hopefully hit the green, then I should be good. The course is pretty wide open, if you can hit the fairway and make some good putts, I can hopefully shoot a low score tomorrow."
After day two, there will be a round of cuts. Keep an eye on Doug Penner and all the golfers here: Home - Golf Manitoba