Course record leads to Northeast open win in Nipawin

Holding a two-shot lead heading into the final round, Johnson relied on patience and composure to close out the win.

“It’s not a position I’ve been in recently, but I’ve had experience with it before,” he said. “You have to play pretty conservatively here—it’s a course where a big number can come up quickly. I focused on making pars, staying steady, and not letting anything get away.”

The victory was especially meaningful for Johnson, who had previously come close on three occasions, finishing runner-up each time.

“This is definitely a tournament I’ve wanted to win for a long time,” he said. “There are a lot of great names on that trophy, and coming so close in past years only built that drive. It’s a great way to start the summer.”

The North East Open is widely regarded as one of Saskatchewan’s top competitions, consistently featuring a strong mix of elite amateur and professional talent.

“It’s probably the best field of any tournament in the province,” Johnson added. “You’ve got top PGA professionals and college players all competing, so to come out on top is really special.”

Johnson’s win comes after stepping away from professional golf last year due to a persistent wrist injury. A former Division II golfer at Southern Arkansas University, he previously competed on several pro tours around the world.

Now working as an associate at a wealth management firm in Yorkton, Johnson sid his changed perspective has helped him enjoy, and perhaps even improve his game.

“Golf now is about having fun and seeing people you don’t get to see very often,” he said. “When you’re playing professionally, it can become a grind, and you lose some of that love. This weekend reminded me what the game is really about.”

He also noted the irony many golfers experience when stepping back from competition.

“It’s funny how sometimes you play less and come back better,” Johnson said. “With less stress and more perspective, it becomes easier to focus on one shot at a time.”

Adding to the significance of the weekend, Jessie Gibson matched Johnson’s course-record round of 65 the following day.

Johnson said sharing the record made the achievement even more meaningful.

“He’s someone I’ve looked up to for a long time,” Johnson said. “To share that record with him makes it even more special.”

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

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by Ben Tompkins

Course record leads to Northeast open win in Nipawin

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