Beattie wins Invitational in playoff

Andrew Beattie left waves to the crowd after winning a playoff against Pickering's Andrew Ximinis (far right). Photo by Blake McChristie.

Andrew Beattie had a chance to win in 36 holes but ended up securing the victory on the first playoff hole to win his first ever North Bay Men's Invitational Championship on Sunday at the North Bay Golf and Country Club.

Beattie was in a tight battle with Andrew Ximinis of the Cherry Downs Golf and Country Club in Pickering.

Ximinis was first in the clubhouse and Beattie was on the 16th hole when he found out Ximinis' score.

"I made a boagie on 16 and was told he boagied 18. I knew I had to go par, par," said Beattie who finished tied with Ximinis which a 36 hole score of 152.

But the playoff didn't last long as both went to re-play the dangerous dog leg 18th hole. Ximinis missed the elevated green on his approach while Beattie had a more difficult approach shot but landed on the green in regulation.

Ximinis could not get down in two from the side of the green on the short par 4 and Beattie drained his par putt as the former assistant professional at the North Bay Golf and Country Club captured his first title at his home course.

"It was important to me to do well," Beattie said after calmly walking off the green knowing he was the victor.

Ximinis was also pleased with his performance especially with this being his first tournament at The North Bay Golf and Country Club.

Defending champion Ricky Allen finished the event in third spot with two-day score of 153.