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Smaller than usual turnout for Faro Open

Despite a new set of wheels on the line, numbers weren’t up to par this past weekend at the 11th annual Faro Open Golf Tournament held at the…

Despite a new set of wheels on the line, numbers weren’t up to par this past weekend at the 11th annual Faro Open Golf Tournament held at the Faro Golf Club.

For the first time in the tournament’s history, participants had the chance to drive home in a new SUV, a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser, the prize for the hole-in-one contest.

Still, participation at the championships was down roughly 60 golfers from the previous year.

“It probably has to do with the weather and other events that are happening in the Yukon,” said Gary Jones, president of the Faro Golf Club.

“The Dustball, normally they hold the tournament another weekend. This year, because Softball Yukon hosted the Junior World Championships, they decided to move it to a different weekend.”

Last July, about 130 golfers, making up 30 teams, played in the tourney. This year about 70 golfers, comprising 17 teams, came out for the open.

However, just as low scores are good in the game, perhaps they aren’t so bad in tournaments too.

“(The numbers) were down a little bit, but we sure had a great time,” said Jones. “The highlight was the 2008 Cruiser.”

After 18 holes of golf, the foursome Helen’s Heroes won the best-ball tournament, shooting 58 for a score of 4-under.

“I’m the only woman on the team and I’ve got to keep these guys in line,” said the foursome’s captain, Helen Wagantall, explaining her team’s name. “We decided to name it after that old TV show Hogan’s Heroes.”

Also on Helen’s Heroes are Kerry Wagantall, Dean Holmes and Gerry Kimpimski. This was the third time the foursome united for the tournament.

Last year, Helen’s Heroes tied for second with two other teams and the previous year they finished third.

Not only did Helen’s heroes win the scramble, but team member Kerry Wagantall won the longest-drive contest that took place on the second hole, hitting the ball about 250 yards — uphill.

“I’m very proud of my team,” said Helen Wagantall.

“They do the long drives and I do the short putts,” she added.

No one got a hole-in-one to win the Toyota.