Defending champs back for Labor Day golf

By DAVID LESNICK

The Daily Inter Lake

Seven and counting …

That's how many Labor Day Golf tournament titles Dan Kiley of Seattle and Gaylene Donald of Calgary, Alberta, have won over the years.

Both are also defending champions and will be looking to claim more titles - men's and women's - when the 54-hole stroke play event gets underway today at 7:30 a.m. at Buffalo Hill Golf Club.

This is the 69th edition of the tournament and this year's field totals 195 players.

"A little above average," said Dave Broeder, the head golf professional at Buffalo Hill, of the entries.

"This year, we have a good turnout."

All golfers will play all 27 holes at Buffalo Hill.

"We have a real strong field in both the men and women this year," Broeder said.

"The course is in great shape."

In addition to Kiley and Donald, a host of former champions are back and will be in the hunt for the championship.

For the men, the list includes Scott Desmarais of Calgary, a champ two years ago; Dave Morberg of Whitefish, Tom and Rene Desmarais, both of Calgary, and Howard Brun, also of Calgary.

Whitefish's Josh Gold was a runner-up here a year ago.

Other players to watch are Ryan Santa of Kalispell, Logan Lindholm of Kalispell and Mike Shearburn of Dallas.

On the women's side, Kalispell's Debbie Boreson is a former winner and is always in contention.

Kathy Keyser and Jerie Clark, both of Kalispell, could also make some noise.

"We have several gals from Washington and Calgary coming in," Broeder said.

"New players who have an excellent chance to win.

Broeder said spectators are welcome all three days of the tournament.