John Pak lifts the Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open trophy after winning the tournament shooting 21-under. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW staff)

By Logan Lehmann

Golf

John Pak wins 2023 Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open

Jun 25, 2023 | 4:45 PM

John Pak was standing alone at the top of the leaderboard on Sunday after claiming the 2023 Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open title.

The American shot 21-under to win the tournament, finishing ahead of fellow American’s Chris Korte and Connor Howe who each shot 17-under.

Following the win, Pak said he’s overcome a lot of adversity over the last year having had surgery on his wrist in March 2022, so being here and lifting the trophy is a special victory for him.

“It’s pretty emotional, overcome with joy,” he said moments after the win. “I worked really hard to get back to where I am right now. I know a lot of people have their doubts, I’ve had my doubts, but this just kind of proves to myself that I can still get it done.”

Pak sinks the final putt to claim the tournament championship. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW staff)

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Going into the final hole, Pak held a four-shot lead above second place and although he already had the win pretty much secured, he said the nerves were still alive and kicking.

“I was still very nervous,” he said. “Having a four shot lead coming into 18 feels nice especially out here, it’s a tight tee ball and you can hit one wayward and everything can change but I stuck to my process and hit a good two iron right down the middle and just trusted my game from then on.”

All in all, Pak said he was proud of his performance this past weekend and is excited to celebrate with his family back home.

“My girlfriend told me – its really sweet maybe a bit corny, but she said that she will love me no matter what I do, so that was reassuring.”

“It’s emotional,” he continued. “My parents have been there – my whole life, they are always pushing me to get better, they all support me, it’s just very emotional and I love them very much.”

As for how the Canadians did, Noah Steele placed the highest finishing at 14-under, Ziggy Nathu came second out of the northerners with 12-under, and rounding out the Canadian podium was Jimmy Jones at 10-under.

A full list of the final standings can be found by clicking here.

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @lloganlehmann