Cumming wins

It took six years, but Robert Cumming has claimed his third Strathcona Invitational victory.

Cumming faced off against seven-time champion Barry Caland and broke his four-year winning streak with a 5-2 victory on Monday. Cumming took an early lead with two pars at the second and third holes and a birdie at the sixth.  

Caland won the seventh but any real chances to turn around his game was over after he won the 11th hole.  A few good putts were all Caland could do to keep himself in the game.

By the end of the 16th hole, Cumming had claimed victory.

“It feels fantastic,” Cumming said. “This is the tournament that I look forward to the most each year and to be able to come out with a win is just great. The match started really poorly for both sides. I felt better when I had a three ahead that’s for sure.”

Cumming said his game improved after the ninth hole and was able to get five birdies, which helped secure his win.

The last time Cumming won Strathcona was in 2005. Having a win under his belt just gives more validation to all the hard work he put in, he said.

Caland said he disappointed that he didn’t play his best and lost his chance to turn around the game at the 12 and 13 hole.

With the invitational over, Caland said he wasn’t sure if he would return for future tournaments. He had an MRI scan on Thursday on the shoulder he had surgery on last year.  

He said if he has to go through surgery again then this will be the last year he plays in the Strathcona Invitational.

“I know I’m getting towards the end of my career, Caland said. “I’m not 21 anymore, I think the age, and the fitness level is catching up to me. If I need another surgery that’s it I’m done. If I have another surgery this fall then I know that will be it for me. Hopefully I don’t to have to have one.”

With the results still weeks away, Caland can stand tall knowing that he has accomplished a lot in his career.   

“When I put my head on the pillow I still have the record for the most wins,” he said. “If I look back on my career on what I have done there is a lot I can be proud of. I’ve had a pretty darn good career.”

He added that he would still play golf and would participate in the fall amateur tournament.