Butte Creek Men’s Invitational Golf Tournament Crowns Champions

The 59th Annual Butte Creek Men’s Invitational Golf Tournament concluded on October 7, 2023, with a robust turnout of 56 two-man teams competing in a series of matches. This year’s event featured a unique format consisting of 9-hole round-robin play across ten flights, culminating in a shootout to determine the overall champion team.

Participants engaged in a practice round on Thursday, divided into four flights based on team handicaps. The scoring format for this round was best-ball, which allowed teams to maximize their individual strengths. As play progressed into Friday and Saturday morning, teams faced off in match play, leading to an exciting shootout on the 18th fairway, which was converted to a par 3 for the final showdown.

The practice round yielded impressive performances. In the first flight, Tyler Collier, the 2025 Chico City Golf Champion, teamed up with Cole Chavez to achieve a low gross score of 63, which also tied for low net at 65 after a card-off. Other notable teams included Chris Kobz and Jeff Fowler, who finished with a gross score of 66 and low net of 65, and Bob Leckinger with Jeff Hauer, who scored 65.

The tournament maintained a competitive atmosphere throughout, with teams in various flights demonstrating skill and strategy. In the second flight, Adam Harrison and Colby Harrison also turned in a strong performance, finishing with a gross score of 63. The third flight saw Don Fowkes and Lee Watrous take first place with a score of 64, while Austin White and Adam Stever led the fourth flight with a score of 62.

As the tournament progressed to the weekend, the focus shifted to the shootout, where the winning teams from each flight battled for the championship title. After an intense competition, the team of Blake Barstow and Mark Sanner emerged victorious, earning the honor of having their names engraved on the perpetual trophy displayed in the clubhouse.

In addition to the Butte Creek Men’s Invitational, other golf events took place in the region. The Table Mountain Women’s Golf Club hosted its Annual Invitational Tournament, featuring 92 players from twelve surrounding clubs. The tournament theme, “Putt Now, Whine Later,” added a playful element to the competitive atmosphere. Participants were divided into three flights, competing in a 4-woman, two best-ball format.

The first flight of the Table Mountain event was won by Christine Gluas, Kris McGee, Pam Weichert, and Kerrie Wood, who finished with a score of 119. Meanwhile, the second flight was claimed by Cindy Krug and her team, who scored 116. Various contests throughout the event, including closest to pin and longest drive, highlighted participants’ skills and added excitement.

At the Canyon Oaks Country Club, the Women’s Golf Club hosted a “Swing into Fall, Guests and Friends Day,” attracting 58 members and guests. The event also featured a 4-woman, 2 best-ball net format, with teams competing in two flights. Winners included Cathy Edgar and her team, who finished with a score of 123 in the first flight.

As the golf season continues, players and clubs are gearing up for upcoming tournaments. The Oroville City Golf Championship is scheduled for October 25 and 26, with an entry fee of $40 and a format of 36-hole individual stroke play. The tournament promises to attract a competitive field, with different flights for men and women based on tee selection.

The spirit of competition remains strong across the various golf clubs, as players continue to showcase their talents and passion for the sport. The recent tournaments not only highlight individual and team achievements but also foster a sense of community among golfers in the region.