Puncher’s chance for locals

Who doesn’t love a good comeback story?

Todd Fanning, one of the most decorated golfers in Manitoba history, is attempting to author one heck of a compelling tale at his home course this week.

After falling a whopping 10 strokes off the lead at one point in the opening 18 holes of the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, Fanning has roared back to life and heads into Friday’s fourth and final round at Niakwa Country Club with a puncher’s chance.

He followed up Tuesday’s six-over 78 — a performance he told the Free Press was “kind of embarrassing” — with rounds of 71 and 70 on Wednesday and Thursday. That has him at three-over for the event, five shots out of first place.

“I’m very proud of myself. And very happy I’m continuing to chip away at the hole I dug myself on day one,” said Fanning.

The 58-year-old will need to go low — perhaps something in the range of 66 or 67 — if he wants to become the first Manitoban to win this prestigious national title.

“I think anything within five strokes is probably doable,” he said. “I’m going to do everything in my power to shoot the score that’s necessary.”

British Columbia’s Todd Wiseman has the 54-hole lead, sitting at two-under following rounds of 74-69-71. The retired Canadian Football League defensive back was two-over for the day through 13 holes Thursday, but turned things around with birdies on holes No. 14, 15 and 16.

“I was really patient and that little run kind of brought it back. I was really happy with that,” said Wiseman.

One shot behind Wiseman is Arizona’s Bryan Hoops, who is the No. 1 ranked senior amateur in the world. He won the British Men’s Championship earlier this year and now has his sights set on a Canadian title.

“I’ve got things I need to check off and this is definitely one of them. I wish I would have played better at the U.S. Seniors but it’s a very different venue, being match play instead of stroke play, which I much prefer,” said Hoops.

He shot 74 in his first round, followed that with a 69 Wednesday and then had an even-par 72 on Thursday which consisted of six bogeys, six pars and six birdies, including four in a row on the back nine.

“Started to get into a rhythm. I had hit a lot of good shots and a lot of good putts (earlier in the round) which just weren’t going in and it was frustrating,” said Hoops.

“I probably missed four putts inside of five feet. That’s not what I’m used to. But I started making some, and I feel pretty good about the momentum we changed around. I’ve been hitting it well so I feel confident.”

Hoops loves the pressure that comes with being in the mix, something he’s gotten used to during his career.

“It’s not new. I know on paper I’m supposed to win every time. I hear it all the time. It keeps me focused. It keeps me driven to want to play and do well,” he said.

“I know it’s not going to last forever. Can’t stay No. 1 in the world, can’t keep winning forever. So I enjoy it when it’s here.”

A pair of players are tied for third at one-over par, three shots behind Wiseman, including Winnipeg’s David White. He was the sole leader after his opening round 69 but has now posted back-to-back 74s. Thursday’s round included a double bogey on the 18th hole after his drive went far left into the trees, resulting in an unplayable shot and a penalty stroke.

“Overall I’m proud of myself and the way I played. Left a few shots out there. Had a tough one on the last one after a real hard fought day. But I’m happy with the round,” said White.

He was in the final group with Wiseman and Hoops on Thursday but will now be in the second-last grouping on Friday.

“It’s more about being able to play my game and being proud of what I do versus whether I win it or not. But being just a few shots back, I’m going to come out here and give it my best,” said White.

Daniel Neveu of North Carolina is also at one-over and will be in the final threesome with Wiseman and Hoops.

White will be joined by Ontario’s Don Martone — the defending champion — and Georgia’s Doug Hanzel, who are both tied for fifth at two-over for the tournament. Fanning will be right behind that group, paired with Toronto’s Dan Keogh and Scotland’s Ronnie Clark, who are also two over.

Another local golfer, David Kuik, will be in the fourth-last group, sitting tied for 12th at six-over following rounds of 76-76-70.

“Three of us (Manitobans) in the top 12 here. We’ll see if one of us can shoot a 67,” said White. “I know Todd can do it. I think David and I can possibly do it. Hopefully one of us can put some heat on.”

It’s not too early to declare Niakwa a winner. The course pushed hard to host the national event, and it paid off in spades with White, Fanning and Jay Doyle winning the Inter-Provincial Title after 36 holes this week.

“You want to show well at home. We want to do this place proudly,” said Fanning. “Every fellow I’ve talked to, every competitor out here is just over the moon about the golf course, the hospitality and the generosity. Winnipeg and Niakwa have put on a heck of an event so far.”

The field of 156 was reduced to the top 70 and ties through 36 holes. Doyle was the fourth Manitoban to make the cut and he is tied for 33rd at 11-over par after rounds of 78-75-74. Fanning, Kuik and Doyle are all Niakwa members.

“The course setup was amazing again,” said Wiseman. “Congrats to the superintendent for keeping the course in such great condition for us. It sure makes it easy to go out and play when the conditions are so good.”

The final round begins Friday at 8 a.m., with the last group teeing off at 9:50 a.m. The event is open to the public free of charge.

winnipegfreepress.com/mikemcintyre

CANADIAN MEN’S SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERBOARD THROUGH THREE ROUNDS:

1. Todd Wiseman, British Columbia -2

2. Bryan Hoops, Arizona -1

T3. David White, Winnipeg +1

T3. Daniel Neveu, North Carolina +1

T5. Don Martone, Ontario +2

T5. Dan Keogh, Ontario +2

T5. Doug Hanzel, Georgia +2

T5. Ronnie Clark, Scotland +2

9. Todd Fanning, Winnipeg +3

10. Todd Doss, Louisiana +4

T12. David Kuik, Winnipeg +6

T33. Jay Doyle, Winnipeg +11