Keating Jr. takes Keg District Open title, earns way into Staal Foundation Open

THUNDER BAY – Walter Keating Jr. is headed back to the Staal Foundation Open for a fourth time – and added a fourth Keg District Open title to his resume to boot.

The 41-year-old southpaw fired a one-under 107 over 27 holes on Sunday at Whitewater Golf Club for a one-shot win over veteran Hank Wilke, who at 58 had a four-foot putt on his final hole that would have earned him a shot at the championship in a playoff.

Keating Jr., a former Canadian Tour pro who has teed it up in all three previous Staal Foundation Opens, said coming down the stretch he knew exactly what he needed to do to win and played boring golf that ensured he came out on top.

“It could have been a lot more, but once I learned I only needed one-under par to win, I played kind of conservative coming in and made sure I didn’t make too many mistakes. It’s always nice to know where you’re at,” Keating Jr. said.

“I like to know where I’m at because it changes the clubs you select into the greens. On eight I made sure I hit it on the front and two-putted. Nine, it was the same thing. You’re just trying to minimize your mistakes because you have strokes to play with. Being stupid doesn’t get you anything.”

Keating Jr. bogeyed his final hole, but still emerged on top.

It was a marathon day on the links, the tournament shortened to 27 holes after rainy weather wiped out Saturday’s scheduled 18 holes at Fort William Country Club.

Keating Jr. said he's happy to get another chance to try his luck against some of the world’s most up-and-coming golfers at the Staal Open, where he’s missed the cut in all three previous tries.

“It’s always nice to earn your way in,” said Keating Jr., who was forced to cancel a planned family vacation to qualify this week  for the McKenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada event after professionals were ruled out of last month’s Thunder Bay District Golf Association qualifier.

“I’m looking forward to playing with the kids again. I’m always the oldest guy. Except for Fuhrsie (Grant Fuhr)."

He’s bound and determined to make it to the weekend this time around – and if not, Keating Jr. is hopeful either qualifier Evan DeGrazia or a yet-to-be-named third local exempted player – can make it through the Friday cut.

“I think it would be amazing for the community. If we could have someone make the cut, we’d have a lot of people out here,” Keating Jr. said.

Wilke, who was two-under on his round at one point, said he played well from tee to green, but needed to find at least one more shot out there.

“There were a couple of putts that I missed, but otherwise ball striking was unbelievable today. I just missed a couple of short putts and would have, could have, should have. You’re trying to stay in the moment, but I’m happy for Walt,” Wilke said.

Chris Gardner finished in third, coming in at one-over 109. Jordan Sinclair was another shot back at 110, with Andrew Scavarelli rounding out the top five at three-over 111.