Ross Sheard Advances to Tamarack Semifinals with Thrilling Win

WASAGAMING — Ross Sheard secured a spot in the semifinals of the Tamarack golf tournament after a closely fought match against Darren Ritchie, winning 1-up at Clear Lake Golf Course on March 14, 2024. This marks Sheard’s first appearance in the championship flight semifinals, setting the stage for a challenging matchup against former champion Dustin Dyck.

Sheard, a player from Brandon, demonstrated resilience after trailing early in the match. “Certainly a lot to learn from and build off of,” he said. His nerves were evident at the start, but he regained composure to deliver remarkable shots down the stretch, including a birdie on the eighth hole and a solid approach on the seventh. “My mindset was ‘certainly not out of this,’ and just grind away,” Sheard reflected.

In the other quarterfinal match, Dustin Dyck faced Ron Cornell and delivered a dominant performance, winning 6 and 5. Dyck, who previously won the Tamarack in 2019 and defended his title in 2020, acknowledged the challenge ahead. “Ross is a great player and a very capable player … It’ll be a great match,” he said, highlighting the competitive spirit both players share.

Cal Vanderschuit also progressed to the semifinals with a 1-up victory over Josh McPhail. Despite a challenging start, Vanderschuit maintained focus throughout the match. “It’s exhausting to focus the whole way there,” he admitted, but his performance was commendable, particularly his ability to recover from a three-putt on the third hole.

Vanderschuit will now face Grady Chuback, last year’s Tamarack junior champion, who advanced after defeating Greg Misener 4 and 3. Chuback finished strong, going 4 under in his last three holes. “I really enjoyed playing with Greg; he’s an awesome guy,” Chuback said of his opponent.

As the semifinals approach, the excitement builds among competitors and spectators alike. The matches are set to commence at 08:12 on March 15, 2024, promising a day filled with high-stakes golf and thrilling performances. The anticipation is palpable, as players like Sheard and Dyck prepare to showcase their skills and determination in pursuit of the Tamarack title.