TEEING OFF: Defending champ Howarth back at Grey Owl
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Darcy Howarth has never arrived at the Grey Owl expecting to win, or even considering the possibility.
His mindset is no different this time as the defending champion at the 64th annual golf tournament beginning Friday at Clear Lake Golf Course.
“Expectations are a little bit higher, I guess, but still coming up here just to rekindle with a few buddies and have a good time. For me, how I play doesn’t determine my weekend,” the MacGregor product said.
Darcy Howarth, right, accepts the Grey Owl golf tournament trophy from president Tyler Thompson last June. The MacGregor native is back to defend his title starting on Friday. (Supplied)
“I come up here and have a good time, and whatever happens, happens. If I golf well, great. If not, it’s still an amazing weekend.”
Howarth had a shot at winning in 2024, opening with a 1-under 71, but following it up with a 94 on Sunday.
He had only played a few rounds so far that year, recovering from a shoulder surgery the previous fall while battling a torn labrum in his other shoulder.
“The 71 I shot the first day was more surprising than the bad number,” Howarth chuckled.
But he still learned from it and approached last year with no expectations. Not before his first round, and not entering the final round in the lead after firing 69 on Friday.
He watched two-time defending champ Jay Thiesen shoot 72 on Saturday while he focused on his duties as a tournament director, then battled the elements on a cold, rainy Sunday to card a 76 and win by three.
“I learned not to put too much pressure on myself. That’s what I did last year and had a decent Sunday in the rain,” Howarth said, adding the conditions didn’t get to him.
“I’m not a fair-weather golfer. It was definitely tough; I had a couple of three-putts in some puddles on a few holes, but I just go out and play.
“It’s the same for everybody.”
For the most part, the Grey Owl is the same for everybody as far as the championship flight goes.
While everyone in the massive, sold-out field of 288 players can choose which two of the three days they play, anyone who wants a shot at the title needs to play their second round on Sunday.
Howarth prefers the day off in between so he can be as helpful as possible, setting up the Grey Owl Howl dinner on Saturday evening.
The whole weekend is a big undertaking for the directors, led this year by president Sean Ashton.
He noted the event is sold out for the first time in a few years, and has been since April.
The jump in numbers is, in part, thanks to about 60 first-time players.
“We’re excited about the weather, super excited we sold out and we have a bunch of new, younger golfers attending,” Ashton said.
NOTES: Ron Cornell is the defending Greyer Owls champion (60-plus) … A record three players have free entry this year after making holes-in-one in 2025. Rob Van Kommer aced the third hole last year, while Kris Collacott and Brady Nault carded ones on the 12th … In other tournament action, Chris Coulter and Denise Andres shot 79 to win the Pleasant Valley ladies 50+ two-player scramble on Wednesday, with Sharon Chapman and Cathy McMurrich one shot behind.
» tfriesen@brandonsun.com