State National Championships 2008

St.Sofia Golf Club & Spa News, Oct 15, 2008

Pirin Golf Club hosted the 2008 State National Golf Championships, where the best of Bulgarian golfers competed for this prestigious title.
The 18 holes were played over the established Ian Woosnam 9 -hole design and the newer Pines course which threads its way in and out of the forest - two very different nine-hole layouts that tested the competitors’ skills.

Weather conditions could not have been better with hardly a breeze stirring the air. The format of the competition was singles medal in all divisions. This meant that players would need to hole out every shot.

Tension was running high and the golfers, playing on the new front nine found the going tough. Scores returned were fairly high with the best of the day being a 79 for Michael Kanev. He was followed by Ivan Trassiev on 80, and Roumen Anastassov and Stefan Kralchev on 82’s.

The ladies defending champion, Iliana Dimitrova returned a 91 to take the early lead in the Ladies division.

Day two and once again a beautiful day – clear, sunshine and no wind. The expected challenge from the frontrunners did not materialize and Michael Kanev held on to his first day lead, coming back in 78 to take the title of State Amateur Champion for 2008. Roumen Anastassov finished in second place with Stefan Kralchev picking up third position.

The Ladies winner was once again Iliana Dimitrova who became the State National Ladies Amateur Champion for 2008.

In the Junior Division Emil Kaloyanov won the Boy’s title and Bojana Dimitrova took the Girl’s title.

Overall, the players enjoyed the event, the keen competition, and the new venue which promised to become an excellent layout in the future.