Atkinson ASAA provincial golf champ

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Notre Dame Collegiate golfer Bridger Atkinson won the ASAA Provincial golf title banner after playing lights out golf.

Atkinson won the tournament by two strokes. He shot a 74 on day 1 and on day 2 shot an astounding 69.

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What makes this accomplishment even greater is that Atkinson is a Grade 10 student and he was competing against students from all schools across Alberta from 1A to 4A sized schools.

The talented golfer has been at the sport since he was 5-years-old. His iron game is his strength.

Atkinson took part in five tournaments this year for his school. He was also on the Maple Leaf Junior Tour, so he was getting a lot of golf in.

“The season went pretty well for me,” he said.

“But this last tournament was the best I’ve played.”

“I did better than I expected, even though I was playing good golf going into it.”

His most memorable hole and one his best results came on hole 4 on the second day.

“It was a downhill par 4 and about 320 yards and I put my drive to about 40 yards out and had to hit a flop shot over the bunker and I did that and one-hopped it in for an eagle,” said Atkinson.

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It was an amazing feeling for him after he had won.

“It was awesome,” said Atkinson.

“I called my dad after and he was pretty proud of me and that was probably the best part about it, talking to my dad after.”

To get to provincials, Atkinson got second at zones shooting an 85.

The young golfer has future aspirations in his sport.

“Hopefully I can get a scholarship and head to the States and play golf in the winter,” said Atkinson.

“Get some schooling paid for because of it.”

“If I don’t make it big in golf, I still want to be involved in the sport and maybe become a head pro or general manager at a golf course.”

Atkinson will be hitting the gym and practicing as much as possible to accomplish his goals.

His coach and school are extremely proud.

“It was amazing to watch him,” said Notre Dame Collegiate golf coach, Jeffrey Roman.

“I use the term “coach” loosely here. He has been dedicated to the sport for years and he takes it on himself to train, practice and go to competitions.”

“We talked a little bit about the mental aspect of the game, but that’s about it.”

“Just to be able to be a part of that, especially for our school, we have never sent a kid to provincial golf before and very rarely do we send kids to provincials in any sport.”

“It’s such an amazing feat for him and our school.”