In the beginning - Movember
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Showing posts with label WCGG. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WCGG. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Canadian Tour Final - Grob Takes City Of Surrey Invitational
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
SOUTH SURREY, B.C., - Mike Grob fired a final round 67 and hung on to win the City of Surrey Invitational by two strokes over a charging Graham DeLaet. Grob, who pocketed $24,000 for his sixth Tour title, finished the tournament at 16 under par 272.
Click here for full field final results!
Sharing third spot at 278 is the two-time winner of this event James Lepp (68), Yohann Benson who slipped to a 74, and Zach Shriver who shot 70.
Jeffrey Rangel’s 65 moved him to a share of sixth spot at 279 with Ryan Carter (71), Brad Heaven (74) and Bryn Parry and Tim Wood, both of whom had a 67.
Having parred the first five holes, Grob exploded with five birdies over his next six holes to open up a six shot lead at one point.
Dialing it back a notch, he parred his way home.
Grob, with 18-year-old daughter Dana on his bag, acknowledged that winning at age 45 feels especially sweet.
“You never know if it’s ever going to happen again,” he said. “I only made two bogeys all week.
“I bogeyed No. 1 the first day and No. 16 (Saturday). It was a special week for me. I played great and the putter kept me going. I made a lot of nice par putts when I needed them.”
Although DeLaet made a late charge with birdies at four of his last seven holes, it wasn’t quite enough to catch the steady Grob on this day.
“This was probably my best ballstriking tournament in four or five years, or maybe my life,” said DeLaet. “I just couldn’t make any putts until today.
Faced with a six-stroke deficit at the turn, DeLaet refused to settle for second place.
With Grob watching his every move one group behind, DeLaet reeled off birdies at twelve, fourteen, fifteen and seventeen to close to within two. He got no closer.
Grob continued to play his steady game, and although he cooled off, seven straight pars to end his day sealed the victory.
“I figured if I made a few birdies coming in and maybe Mike made bogey, I still had a chance,” said DeLaet. “I played my best out there but Mike played great today and all week.
“He finished 16 under on this course and my hat is off to him.”
Third round co-leaders Adam Short and Yohann Benson struggled for much of the day.
Short bogeyed the first hole, picked up birdies at three and five, but three bogeys and a double in a five hole stretch dropped him back to a T-17 after a 77.
Benson didn’t have quite as difficult an afternoon but bogeys at one and two, followed by a double at nine, scuttled any chance of victory.
SOUTH SURREY, B.C., - Mike Grob fired a final round 67 and hung on to win the City of Surrey Invitational by two strokes over a charging Graham DeLaet. Grob, who pocketed $24,000 for his sixth Tour title, finished the tournament at 16 under par 272.
Click here for full field final results!
Sharing third spot at 278 is the two-time winner of this event James Lepp (68), Yohann Benson who slipped to a 74, and Zach Shriver who shot 70.
Jeffrey Rangel’s 65 moved him to a share of sixth spot at 279 with Ryan Carter (71), Brad Heaven (74) and Bryn Parry and Tim Wood, both of whom had a 67.
Having parred the first five holes, Grob exploded with five birdies over his next six holes to open up a six shot lead at one point.
Dialing it back a notch, he parred his way home.
Grob, with 18-year-old daughter Dana on his bag, acknowledged that winning at age 45 feels especially sweet.
“You never know if it’s ever going to happen again,” he said. “I only made two bogeys all week.
“I bogeyed No. 1 the first day and No. 16 (Saturday). It was a special week for me. I played great and the putter kept me going. I made a lot of nice par putts when I needed them.”
Although DeLaet made a late charge with birdies at four of his last seven holes, it wasn’t quite enough to catch the steady Grob on this day.
“This was probably my best ballstriking tournament in four or five years, or maybe my life,” said DeLaet. “I just couldn’t make any putts until today.
Faced with a six-stroke deficit at the turn, DeLaet refused to settle for second place.
With Grob watching his every move one group behind, DeLaet reeled off birdies at twelve, fourteen, fifteen and seventeen to close to within two. He got no closer.
Grob continued to play his steady game, and although he cooled off, seven straight pars to end his day sealed the victory.
“I figured if I made a few birdies coming in and maybe Mike made bogey, I still had a chance,” said DeLaet. “I played my best out there but Mike played great today and all week.
“He finished 16 under on this course and my hat is off to him.”
Third round co-leaders Adam Short and Yohann Benson struggled for much of the day.
Short bogeyed the first hole, picked up birdies at three and five, but three bogeys and a double in a five hole stretch dropped him back to a T-17 after a 77.
Benson didn’t have quite as difficult an afternoon but bogeys at one and two, followed by a double at nine, scuttled any chance of victory.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Canadian Tour's Round 3 Leaderboard at the Surrey Invitational and Hazelmere Golf Course
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
SOUTH SURREY, B.C., - Adam Short charged out of the pack with an eight under par 64 Saturday to claim a share of the third round lead with Yohann Benson at the City of Surrey Invitational.
Click here for the 54 hole leaderboard!
Benson, with a bogey-free 66, joins Short at 12 under par 204.
One shot back are Brad Heaven who fired a 67 and second round co-leader Mike Grob with a 68.
Lurking two behind is Graham DeLaet after a 68 while Jose de Jesus Rodriguez is another shot back after a 69.
Still in the hunt at eight under par 208 are Ryan Carter (67), rookie Joe Greiner (66), and Chris Wall, Kris Wasylowich, and Zach Shriver, all of whom shot 68.
After making par at one and two, Short put on a shotmaking clinic with birdies from inside eight feet at three, four, five and nine.
"The third hole was basically a tap-in,” said Short, who reached the green in two. “Both four and five were from about eight feet and I had a three-footer at nine.”
Parring ten, the Vineland, Ont., resident began another three-birdie run at the eleventh to move to seven under on his round and 11 under for the tournament.
“A couple more tap-ins to start,” continued Short. “The longest one of the day was at thirteen when I got a 20-footer.”
The putt at No. 13 tied him for the lead at 11 under.
However, a bogey at the next, combined with Grob’s fifth birdie of the day at the ninth, moved Grob two shots clear of the field.
Aware of the leaderboard change, Short bore down and reclaimed his share of top spot with birdies at fifteen and sixteen, both par-three holes.
Landing 15 feet from the pin, he rapped home his eighth birdie of the afternoon and followed it with a chip-in at No. 16 after flying the green.
Cooling off after his hot opening nine, Grob lost the lead with a bogey at sixteen.
“A round like this has been lurking just below the surface, just under the skin,” concluded Short.
“I’ve been working really hard to have the same mental attitude and focus whether I am two over or six under on my round.
“It’s been a long road and it’s nice to see it come to fruition.”
Yohann Benson made easy work of the par five holes on the front nine, reaching both in two and two-putting for birdie at both from close in.
“It was just a typical Benson round, having fun,” said the laid-back Montreal native.
“I just focused on hitting fairways and greens like I always do. This course isn’t particularly demanding off the tee like last week.”
He did make what he called a good par save at the par-three eighth.
Pulling his drive long and left of the cart path, he was faced with a lengthy and delicate chip to a fast green. Making solid contact, Benson hit it to five feet and poured in the par putt.
Again taking advantage of the par five holes, he came up just short with his second to No. 11, chipped to three feet and drained his third birdie of the afternoon.
Like most in the field, he attempted to drive the green at 13. Although he came up short in the bunker, he blasted to three feet for another easy birdie.
“The fifteenth was a good one,” continued Benson. “I hit an 8-iron off the tee to six feet for birdie and at seventeen I hit a 54-degree wedge to two feet, basically kick-in range.”
“I don’t have any number in mind for tomorrow, just fairways and greens and we’ll see what happens.”
AMJ CAMPBELL MOVING DAY
2008 Rolex Player of the Year John Ellis got married on Saturday.
South Africa’s George Coetzee is not related to the famous South African boxer Gerrie Coetzee.
Three of the four frontrunners from yesterday had difficult third rounds. Derek Gillespie shot 73 to drop to T-19, Kent Eger’s 74 has him T-23. Greg McAuley shot 77 to slip to T-37.
SOUTH SURREY, B.C., - Adam Short charged out of the pack with an eight under par 64 Saturday to claim a share of the third round lead with Yohann Benson at the City of Surrey Invitational.
Click here for the 54 hole leaderboard!
Benson, with a bogey-free 66, joins Short at 12 under par 204.
One shot back are Brad Heaven who fired a 67 and second round co-leader Mike Grob with a 68.
Lurking two behind is Graham DeLaet after a 68 while Jose de Jesus Rodriguez is another shot back after a 69.
Still in the hunt at eight under par 208 are Ryan Carter (67), rookie Joe Greiner (66), and Chris Wall, Kris Wasylowich, and Zach Shriver, all of whom shot 68.
After making par at one and two, Short put on a shotmaking clinic with birdies from inside eight feet at three, four, five and nine.
"The third hole was basically a tap-in,” said Short, who reached the green in two. “Both four and five were from about eight feet and I had a three-footer at nine.”
Parring ten, the Vineland, Ont., resident began another three-birdie run at the eleventh to move to seven under on his round and 11 under for the tournament.
“A couple more tap-ins to start,” continued Short. “The longest one of the day was at thirteen when I got a 20-footer.”
The putt at No. 13 tied him for the lead at 11 under.
However, a bogey at the next, combined with Grob’s fifth birdie of the day at the ninth, moved Grob two shots clear of the field.
Aware of the leaderboard change, Short bore down and reclaimed his share of top spot with birdies at fifteen and sixteen, both par-three holes.
Landing 15 feet from the pin, he rapped home his eighth birdie of the afternoon and followed it with a chip-in at No. 16 after flying the green.
Cooling off after his hot opening nine, Grob lost the lead with a bogey at sixteen.
“A round like this has been lurking just below the surface, just under the skin,” concluded Short.
“I’ve been working really hard to have the same mental attitude and focus whether I am two over or six under on my round.
“It’s been a long road and it’s nice to see it come to fruition.”
Yohann Benson made easy work of the par five holes on the front nine, reaching both in two and two-putting for birdie at both from close in.
“It was just a typical Benson round, having fun,” said the laid-back Montreal native.
“I just focused on hitting fairways and greens like I always do. This course isn’t particularly demanding off the tee like last week.”
He did make what he called a good par save at the par-three eighth.
Pulling his drive long and left of the cart path, he was faced with a lengthy and delicate chip to a fast green. Making solid contact, Benson hit it to five feet and poured in the par putt.
Again taking advantage of the par five holes, he came up just short with his second to No. 11, chipped to three feet and drained his third birdie of the afternoon.
Like most in the field, he attempted to drive the green at 13. Although he came up short in the bunker, he blasted to three feet for another easy birdie.
“The fifteenth was a good one,” continued Benson. “I hit an 8-iron off the tee to six feet for birdie and at seventeen I hit a 54-degree wedge to two feet, basically kick-in range.”
“I don’t have any number in mind for tomorrow, just fairways and greens and we’ll see what happens.”
AMJ CAMPBELL MOVING DAY
2008 Rolex Player of the Year John Ellis got married on Saturday.
South Africa’s George Coetzee is not related to the famous South African boxer Gerrie Coetzee.
Three of the four frontrunners from yesterday had difficult third rounds. Derek Gillespie shot 73 to drop to T-19, Kent Eger’s 74 has him T-23. Greg McAuley shot 77 to slip to T-37.
Canadian Tour - Packed Leaderboard In South Surrey
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
SOUTH SURREY, B.C., - Kent Eger shot a five under par 67 to climb into the share of the lead at seven under par with Derek Gillespie, Greg McAuley and Mike Grob at the City of Surrey Invitational.
Click here for second round full field scores!
Jose de Jesus Rodriguez (70), Brad Heaven (67), Yohann Benson (69), Andres Gonzales (70), Ryan Thornberry (71), and Graham DeLaet and James Lepp – both of whom shot 69 – are one stroke back.
J.C. Deacon (67), Scott Gibson (69), Wes Heffernan (69), Barrett Jarosch (73), and Liam Kendregan with a 66, are lurking two shots behind on a packed leaderboard.
McAuley, playing on a sponsor’s exemption after losing his card last year and unable to regain it earlier this season, is making the most of the opportunity after a flawless 66 on Friday.
“I live ten minutes from the golf course and finagled a sponsor invite to get into the tournament,” he said.
“I hit it well today but couldn’t make anything on my front nine, but the putter got hot and I made three in a row to start my second nine.
“The longest I made was a 20-footer at my eleventh but most of them were from close in.
“This is the kind of course that you are using your wedges a lot and I was able to make some nice up and downs.”
Unlike yesterday, Gillespie couldn’t get much going on his round, scattering three birdies and three bogeys across his card.
“It was kind of a boring round. I made a couple of nice shots and was rolling the ball well, but I just didn’t make anything,” said Gillespie.
“I couldn’t get the feel I had yesterday and couldn’t get a hot streak going. At least I didn’t shoot myself out of the tournament and I’ve still got part of the lead.”
Eger birdied the second and then drained four straight starting at the fifth hole to move to seven under for the tournament. Bogeying nine, the Regina, Sask., native got it right back at eleven before trading a birdie and bogey at sixteen and seventeen.
Grob, like Gillespie, had an off day; making just one birdie (at his tenth) against seventeen pars but it was enough to give him a share of the lead.
A group of 78 players made the cut at even par 144.
In the Clubhouse
Andres Gonzales made a hole in one at No. 16 to move into a share of the lead before bogeying the final hole.
SOUTH SURREY, B.C., - Kent Eger shot a five under par 67 to climb into the share of the lead at seven under par with Derek Gillespie, Greg McAuley and Mike Grob at the City of Surrey Invitational.
Click here for second round full field scores!
Jose de Jesus Rodriguez (70), Brad Heaven (67), Yohann Benson (69), Andres Gonzales (70), Ryan Thornberry (71), and Graham DeLaet and James Lepp – both of whom shot 69 – are one stroke back.
J.C. Deacon (67), Scott Gibson (69), Wes Heffernan (69), Barrett Jarosch (73), and Liam Kendregan with a 66, are lurking two shots behind on a packed leaderboard.
McAuley, playing on a sponsor’s exemption after losing his card last year and unable to regain it earlier this season, is making the most of the opportunity after a flawless 66 on Friday.
“I live ten minutes from the golf course and finagled a sponsor invite to get into the tournament,” he said.
“I hit it well today but couldn’t make anything on my front nine, but the putter got hot and I made three in a row to start my second nine.
“The longest I made was a 20-footer at my eleventh but most of them were from close in.
“This is the kind of course that you are using your wedges a lot and I was able to make some nice up and downs.”
Unlike yesterday, Gillespie couldn’t get much going on his round, scattering three birdies and three bogeys across his card.
“It was kind of a boring round. I made a couple of nice shots and was rolling the ball well, but I just didn’t make anything,” said Gillespie.
“I couldn’t get the feel I had yesterday and couldn’t get a hot streak going. At least I didn’t shoot myself out of the tournament and I’ve still got part of the lead.”
Eger birdied the second and then drained four straight starting at the fifth hole to move to seven under for the tournament. Bogeying nine, the Regina, Sask., native got it right back at eleven before trading a birdie and bogey at sixteen and seventeen.
Grob, like Gillespie, had an off day; making just one birdie (at his tenth) against seventeen pars but it was enough to give him a share of the lead.
A group of 78 players made the cut at even par 144.
In the Clubhouse
Andres Gonzales made a hole in one at No. 16 to move into a share of the lead before bogeying the final hole.
Friday, June 12, 2009
CJGA Heads to Next Stop on BC Tour: Belmont Golf Course
Markham, ON – This weekend, the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) will be hosting the Nike Golf Junior Series/ Stephen Ames Cup Qualifier at Belmont Golf Course in Langley, BC. All juniors competing in this event have the chance to qualify for two unique events, taking place later this season.
Official Tournament Website http://www.cjga.com/
B7- Nike Golf Junior Series/ Stephen Ames Cup Qualifier
Notable Competitors
· Michaela Abey, 16, Abbotsford, BC
· Jake Behiels, 18, St. Albert, BC
· Haley Cameron, 18, Kelowna, BC
· Thomas Jefferies-Harrision, 14, Vancouver, BC
· Donald Qiu, 13, Richmond, BC
Tee Time Schedule
Saturday June 13th: Tee times begin at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday June 14th: Tee times begin at 1:30 p.m.
Qualifying Information
The Canadian Junior Golf Association, in partnership with PGA Tour Professional Stephen Ames and the Trinidad & Tobago Golf Association, presents the fifth annual Stephen Ames Cup, to be held in August in Calgary, Alta. Stephen Ames is teaming up with his birth country of Trinidad & Tobago and his new home, Canada, to create a tournament so elite that only the top eight junior golfers in Canada and Trinidad & Tobago, aged 11-19, will be eligible to participate. The three-day event will take on a Ryder Cup format. Stephen Ames himself will be attending the tournament. The qualifying process for CJGA Team Canada will be done through CJGA Nike Golf Junior Series events on the 2009 schedule.
Weather
Saturday June 13th: 22°C, Sunny
Sunday June 14th: 23°C, Cloudy Periods
About Nike Golf Canada
Based in Thornhill, Ontario, Nike Golf Canada markets, sells and distributes industry leading Nike Golf golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories throughout Canada. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to honouring and respecting the traditions and heritage of the game, and to providing committed golfers with the absolute best equipment in the game. For more information on Nike Golf Canada, visit www.nikegolf.ca. Editors and journalists seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter.
For more information on Nike Golf Canada, visit our Web site at http://www.nikegolf.ca/
About the CJGA
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is a “registered Canadian amateur athletic association” (RCAAA) not-for-profit registered federally with Revenue Canada. The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is dedicated to providing Canada's junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf. Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit www.cjga.com.
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is generously supported by its National Founding Partner, LEXUS.
Official Tournament Website http://www.cjga.com/
B7- Nike Golf Junior Series/ Stephen Ames Cup Qualifier
Notable Competitors
· Michaela Abey, 16, Abbotsford, BC
· Jake Behiels, 18, St. Albert, BC
· Haley Cameron, 18, Kelowna, BC
· Thomas Jefferies-Harrision, 14, Vancouver, BC
· Donald Qiu, 13, Richmond, BC
Tee Time Schedule
Saturday June 13th: Tee times begin at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday June 14th: Tee times begin at 1:30 p.m.
Qualifying Information
The Canadian Junior Golf Association, in partnership with PGA Tour Professional Stephen Ames and the Trinidad & Tobago Golf Association, presents the fifth annual Stephen Ames Cup, to be held in August in Calgary, Alta. Stephen Ames is teaming up with his birth country of Trinidad & Tobago and his new home, Canada, to create a tournament so elite that only the top eight junior golfers in Canada and Trinidad & Tobago, aged 11-19, will be eligible to participate. The three-day event will take on a Ryder Cup format. Stephen Ames himself will be attending the tournament. The qualifying process for CJGA Team Canada will be done through CJGA Nike Golf Junior Series events on the 2009 schedule.
Weather
Saturday June 13th: 22°C, Sunny
Sunday June 14th: 23°C, Cloudy Periods
About Nike Golf Canada
Based in Thornhill, Ontario, Nike Golf Canada markets, sells and distributes industry leading Nike Golf golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories throughout Canada. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to honouring and respecting the traditions and heritage of the game, and to providing committed golfers with the absolute best equipment in the game. For more information on Nike Golf Canada, visit www.nikegolf.ca. Editors and journalists seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter.
For more information on Nike Golf Canada, visit our Web site at http://www.nikegolf.ca/
About the CJGA
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is a “registered Canadian amateur athletic association” (RCAAA) not-for-profit registered federally with Revenue Canada. The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is dedicated to providing Canada's junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf. Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit www.cjga.com.
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is generously supported by its National Founding Partner, LEXUS.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Canadian Tour - Gillespie Leads By One
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
SOUTH SURREY, B.C., - Derek Gillespie fired a bogey-free seven under par 65 to take a one stroke lead over Kris Wasylowich, Mike Grob and Barrett Jarosch after the first round of the City of Surrey Invitational.
Click here to view the full leaderboard!
Two shots behind after a 67 is Ryan Thornberry while Andres Gonzales, Lee Curry and J.J. Rodriguez are at 68.
A group of nine players shot 69.
After missing the cut last week, Gillespie was in fine form on a gusty afternoon.
"I had a good feeling coming here after last year,” said Gillespie, who shot 62 in the third round and eventually finished ninth. “I worked out some kinks in my swing recently and putted really well today.”
After a couple of routine pars to start the day, the two-time Tour winner hit a lob wedge at No. 3 to eight feet to birdie the par five hole and followed it with a 20-footer at the fourth.
Another birdie at No. 6 from seven feet set up a key par at the next hole.
“The seventh is a par-five hole and I pull-hooked it into the hazard,” said Gillespie. “I ended up hitting my fourth to about 25 feet and made it for par.
“That saved my round and kept things going.”
Three more pars were followed by birdies at eleven, thirteen, fourteen and fifteen.
“I landed a nice 10-footer at eleven and then hit it to about five feet at thirteen,” continued Gillespie, who drained a 12-footer at the short fourteenth after missing the green with his second.
A final 20-footer at No. 15 gave him the lead.
Like Gillespie, Kris Wasylowich was sent packing early in Victoria but came out firing on all cylinders this week.
“I worked on my ballstriking after last week and today I hit 17 of 18 greens and landed on the fringe with the other,” said Wasylowich, who began the day with seven straight pars, birdied his eighth, and then four of five.
“It was a boring round in a way. I didn’t make a bogey all day but my putter was cold early on. It seems, though, that once you make one, they all start falling in.”
Birdies at his fifteenth and seventeenth completed his 66 but what also helped was changing clubs.
“I started using a new set of irons last week but wasn’t quite used to them until now,” Wasylowich added.
“I didn’t have a putt outside 12 feet and had a lot of close looks at the hole. I also switched putters and it all seems to be working.”
Things were also working today for Edmonton native Barrett Jarosch.
“I think this is my best start,” said Jarosch, who birdied four of his last five holes after shooting 34 on the front side.
“It seemed like every birdie putt was a tap-in.”
“The only long one I made was a 20-footer at 16 but other than that, it was nothing really special today.”
Starting the day with birdies at three and five, Jarosch handed one back at six but regained his momentum with a two putt birdie at the par-five seventh.
He cooled off for a while but caught fire at 13.
“It’s drivable par four,” explained Jarosch. “I landed on the green with my tee shot and a close one – about three feet.
“Fourteen is a reachable par-five. I hit a couple of three-woods to about 20 feet and had another easy birdie putt.
“I guess the only bad one was at the last hole where I lipped out for another birdie. It would have been a nice way to finish.
“It’s early,” emphasized Jarosch, whose only blemish came at the sixth. “It’s only the first round."
Tenth last week in Victoria, Grob is seeking his sixth Canadian Tour title this week.
“I got off to a tough start with a bogey at the first. I hit my approach into the right rough and couldn’t get up and down,” said Grob. “It was just a solid round with every part of my game.”
Grob, who started on No. 1, bogeyed three and four before reaching the par-five seventh in two. Staring down a 15-footer, he nailed it into the heart of the cup for eagle to move to three under on his round.
Making the turn on that number, Grob picked up three more birdies at his next four holes before parring in.
“It’s a good feeling to start like this,” he added. “I haven’t got off to a start like this in a long while and I hope I can keep it going the rest of the way.
“The course is in good shape but it was breezy, which made club selection difficult at times. You had to factor in about half a club on some holes.”
SOUTH SURREY, B.C., - Derek Gillespie fired a bogey-free seven under par 65 to take a one stroke lead over Kris Wasylowich, Mike Grob and Barrett Jarosch after the first round of the City of Surrey Invitational.
Click here to view the full leaderboard!
Two shots behind after a 67 is Ryan Thornberry while Andres Gonzales, Lee Curry and J.J. Rodriguez are at 68.
A group of nine players shot 69.
After missing the cut last week, Gillespie was in fine form on a gusty afternoon.
"I had a good feeling coming here after last year,” said Gillespie, who shot 62 in the third round and eventually finished ninth. “I worked out some kinks in my swing recently and putted really well today.”
After a couple of routine pars to start the day, the two-time Tour winner hit a lob wedge at No. 3 to eight feet to birdie the par five hole and followed it with a 20-footer at the fourth.
Another birdie at No. 6 from seven feet set up a key par at the next hole.
“The seventh is a par-five hole and I pull-hooked it into the hazard,” said Gillespie. “I ended up hitting my fourth to about 25 feet and made it for par.
“That saved my round and kept things going.”
Three more pars were followed by birdies at eleven, thirteen, fourteen and fifteen.
“I landed a nice 10-footer at eleven and then hit it to about five feet at thirteen,” continued Gillespie, who drained a 12-footer at the short fourteenth after missing the green with his second.
A final 20-footer at No. 15 gave him the lead.
Like Gillespie, Kris Wasylowich was sent packing early in Victoria but came out firing on all cylinders this week.
“I worked on my ballstriking after last week and today I hit 17 of 18 greens and landed on the fringe with the other,” said Wasylowich, who began the day with seven straight pars, birdied his eighth, and then four of five.
“It was a boring round in a way. I didn’t make a bogey all day but my putter was cold early on. It seems, though, that once you make one, they all start falling in.”
Birdies at his fifteenth and seventeenth completed his 66 but what also helped was changing clubs.
“I started using a new set of irons last week but wasn’t quite used to them until now,” Wasylowich added.
“I didn’t have a putt outside 12 feet and had a lot of close looks at the hole. I also switched putters and it all seems to be working.”
Things were also working today for Edmonton native Barrett Jarosch.
“I think this is my best start,” said Jarosch, who birdied four of his last five holes after shooting 34 on the front side.
“It seemed like every birdie putt was a tap-in.”
“The only long one I made was a 20-footer at 16 but other than that, it was nothing really special today.”
Starting the day with birdies at three and five, Jarosch handed one back at six but regained his momentum with a two putt birdie at the par-five seventh.
He cooled off for a while but caught fire at 13.
“It’s drivable par four,” explained Jarosch. “I landed on the green with my tee shot and a close one – about three feet.
“Fourteen is a reachable par-five. I hit a couple of three-woods to about 20 feet and had another easy birdie putt.
“I guess the only bad one was at the last hole where I lipped out for another birdie. It would have been a nice way to finish.
“It’s early,” emphasized Jarosch, whose only blemish came at the sixth. “It’s only the first round."
Tenth last week in Victoria, Grob is seeking his sixth Canadian Tour title this week.
“I got off to a tough start with a bogey at the first. I hit my approach into the right rough and couldn’t get up and down,” said Grob. “It was just a solid round with every part of my game.”
Grob, who started on No. 1, bogeyed three and four before reaching the par-five seventh in two. Staring down a 15-footer, he nailed it into the heart of the cup for eagle to move to three under on his round.
Making the turn on that number, Grob picked up three more birdies at his next four holes before parring in.
“It’s a good feeling to start like this,” he added. “I haven’t got off to a start like this in a long while and I hope I can keep it going the rest of the way.
“The course is in good shape but it was breezy, which made club selection difficult at times. You had to factor in about half a club on some holes.”
Monday, May 25, 2009
CJGA Junior Worlds / Optimist Intrnational Qualifier Final Results
Choi Wins Playoff in Girls Division at Swan-e-set Bay
FOR FULL RESULTS CLICK HERE
Pitt Meadows, BC – With a thrilling finish and perfect golfing weather, the Canadian Junior Golf Association’s (CJGA) Junior Worlds Qualifier/ Optimist International Qualifier was a great success this past weekend at Swan-e-set Bay Resort Club in Pitt Meadows, BC. Jae Hee Choi (Surrey, BC) won the Girls Division in a playoff against Lauren Ashely Taylor (Nelson, BC), sinking a twenty-foot putt of the second hole to secure her win.
“This was my first CJGA tournament of the year, and also my first tournament win ever,” explained Choi. “My putting was my greatest strength. I was more consistent with it on the second day of the tournament.” Both Choi and Taylor posted great scores of 150 (+6), and earned their spots at the Optimist Qualifier. Grace Chua (Vancouver, BC) placed third, just won stroke behind with 151 (+7).
Jared Hundza (Victoria, BC) played two solid rounds to win the Boys 15-19 Division with a two day total of 141 (-3). “I played a good couple rounds, sunk 5 birdies,” said Hundza. With his low score, Hundza has earned his spot in the Optimist International for the Boys 16-18 Division. Brian Jung (Coquitlam, BC) took home second place and Adam Svensson (Surrey, BC) finished third.
In the Boys 14 & Under Division, Curtis Chan (Richmond, BC) claimed his second CJGA win of the year, with an impressive score of 143 (-1). “I am really happy with my win. I hope that it is good enough to qualify for Junior Worlds,” stated Chan. “My chipping and putting stayed consistent, which helped me throughout the tournament.” Kevin Kwon (Pitt Meadows, BC) placed second, while Brandon Ortiz (Westbank, BC) took third.
LEXUS Skills Competition
Long Drive
Boys 14 & Under: Oscar Baek
Boys 15-19: Brian Jung
Girls: Jae Hee Choi
Closest to the Pin
Boys 14 & Under: James Hunter
Boys 15-19: Andy Yang
Girls: Jae Hee Choi
About the CJGA The Canadian Junior Golf Association is a ³registered Canadian amateur athletic association² (RCAAA) not-for-profit registered federally with Revenue Canada.. The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is dedicated to providing Canada's junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf. Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit www.cjga.com.
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is generously supported by its National Founding Partner, LEXUS.
FOR FULL RESULTS CLICK HERE
Pitt Meadows, BC – With a thrilling finish and perfect golfing weather, the Canadian Junior Golf Association’s (CJGA) Junior Worlds Qualifier/ Optimist International Qualifier was a great success this past weekend at Swan-e-set Bay Resort Club in Pitt Meadows, BC. Jae Hee Choi (Surrey, BC) won the Girls Division in a playoff against Lauren Ashely Taylor (Nelson, BC), sinking a twenty-foot putt of the second hole to secure her win.
“This was my first CJGA tournament of the year, and also my first tournament win ever,” explained Choi. “My putting was my greatest strength. I was more consistent with it on the second day of the tournament.” Both Choi and Taylor posted great scores of 150 (+6), and earned their spots at the Optimist Qualifier. Grace Chua (Vancouver, BC) placed third, just won stroke behind with 151 (+7).
Jared Hundza (Victoria, BC) played two solid rounds to win the Boys 15-19 Division with a two day total of 141 (-3). “I played a good couple rounds, sunk 5 birdies,” said Hundza. With his low score, Hundza has earned his spot in the Optimist International for the Boys 16-18 Division. Brian Jung (Coquitlam, BC) took home second place and Adam Svensson (Surrey, BC) finished third.
In the Boys 14 & Under Division, Curtis Chan (Richmond, BC) claimed his second CJGA win of the year, with an impressive score of 143 (-1). “I am really happy with my win. I hope that it is good enough to qualify for Junior Worlds,” stated Chan. “My chipping and putting stayed consistent, which helped me throughout the tournament.” Kevin Kwon (Pitt Meadows, BC) placed second, while Brandon Ortiz (Westbank, BC) took third.
LEXUS Skills Competition
Long Drive
Boys 14 & Under: Oscar Baek
Boys 15-19: Brian Jung
Girls: Jae Hee Choi
Closest to the Pin
Boys 14 & Under: James Hunter
Boys 15-19: Andy Yang
Girls: Jae Hee Choi
About the CJGA The Canadian Junior Golf Association is a ³registered Canadian amateur athletic association² (RCAAA) not-for-profit registered federally with Revenue Canada.. The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is dedicated to providing Canada's junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf. Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit www.cjga.com.
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is generously supported by its National Founding Partner, LEXUS.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Canadian Tour Surrey Invitational Caddy Opportunity
The City of Surrey Open, one of the premier events on the Canadian Tour's schedule is looking for caddies. The tournament at Hazelmere Golf Course will be held from June 11th to 14th.
To view the caddy application form, click here!
To view the caddy application form, click here!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Golf Course Review - Swaneset Bay Resort
In an attempt to make good on our earlier blog, British Columbia Golf Courses we plan to play in 09, and our own personal commitment to play more golf this year, we ventured out to the Swaneset Bay Resort last week. It was the first round of the year for both of us and we managed to score a perfect day weather wise.
Swaneset has 36 holes of fantastic golf set on a beautiful piece of property in Pitt Meadows, B.C. Both courses are designed by Lee Trevino and have been around for about 15 or so years. Jeff played it shortly after it opened, in the Canadian Assistants Championship with Tara as the caddie. The anticipation for the day began at the entrance way and one of the best drives up to the gigantic clubhouse, is there a better one in the Lower Mainland?
Previously owned by Intrawest Golf, new owners the West Coast Golf Group, have made a substantial investment and commitment to capital improvements on the golf course. Most notably was the amount of new drainage on the Resort Course which we played.
Jeff's Opinion: For the time of year, I felt the course was exceptionally dry especially considering the winter we had in Vancouver this year. As far as playability, I had a lot of fun playing it again after not having had the opportunity for almost a decade and a half. The course has a good mix of holes with a number of strategic tee shots mixed with some grip it and rip shots. I really enjoyed seeing the tee shots fly against some beautiful mountain back drops. Again, for the time of year the greens were in great shape and running about 9 on the stimpmeter, which were much faster then expected (a good thing). The Golf Shop staff were professional, friendly and accommodating and that added to my experience. I'm looking forward to playing it again soon or at least not allowing 15 or so years before my next visit.
Tara's Opinion: As you know the restaurant and the golf shop are as important to my opinion of a facility as the golf course itself. We started our day with breakfast in the restaurant. The food was good and the service fast. I ordered the pan-fried potatoes which were a bit undercooked but enjoyed Jeff’s shredded potatoes instead. The golf shop was full of the season’s new products and the ladies selection was quite good, too bad I did not have more time. I played the forward tees which at just over 5,600 yards were great for me. The par five’s were a bit long but I had a chance to make par on many of the par four’s (even though I did only once). I found the landing areas quite wide and forgiving and managed to make it all the way to the 14th hole before losing a ball. I was helped by the informative tee signs that note the distance from the tee to creeks that cross the fairway, which was great for someone who has not played the course before.If you haven't been to play Swaneset in the past few years or if you have never played the course, we would highly recommend you make a tee time as it was well worth it. For more information on Swaneset or the West Coast Golf Group, click on the link.
Comments about this post, email info AT ckgolfsolutions.ca
Swaneset has 36 holes of fantastic golf set on a beautiful piece of property in Pitt Meadows, B.C. Both courses are designed by Lee Trevino and have been around for about 15 or so years. Jeff played it shortly after it opened, in the Canadian Assistants Championship with Tara as the caddie. The anticipation for the day began at the entrance way and one of the best drives up to the gigantic clubhouse, is there a better one in the Lower Mainland?
Previously owned by Intrawest Golf, new owners the West Coast Golf Group, have made a substantial investment and commitment to capital improvements on the golf course. Most notably was the amount of new drainage on the Resort Course which we played.
Jeff's Opinion: For the time of year, I felt the course was exceptionally dry especially considering the winter we had in Vancouver this year. As far as playability, I had a lot of fun playing it again after not having had the opportunity for almost a decade and a half. The course has a good mix of holes with a number of strategic tee shots mixed with some grip it and rip shots. I really enjoyed seeing the tee shots fly against some beautiful mountain back drops. Again, for the time of year the greens were in great shape and running about 9 on the stimpmeter, which were much faster then expected (a good thing). The Golf Shop staff were professional, friendly and accommodating and that added to my experience. I'm looking forward to playing it again soon or at least not allowing 15 or so years before my next visit.
Tara's Opinion: As you know the restaurant and the golf shop are as important to my opinion of a facility as the golf course itself. We started our day with breakfast in the restaurant. The food was good and the service fast. I ordered the pan-fried potatoes which were a bit undercooked but enjoyed Jeff’s shredded potatoes instead. The golf shop was full of the season’s new products and the ladies selection was quite good, too bad I did not have more time. I played the forward tees which at just over 5,600 yards were great for me. The par five’s were a bit long but I had a chance to make par on many of the par four’s (even though I did only once). I found the landing areas quite wide and forgiving and managed to make it all the way to the 14th hole before losing a ball. I was helped by the informative tee signs that note the distance from the tee to creeks that cross the fairway, which was great for someone who has not played the course before.If you haven't been to play Swaneset in the past few years or if you have never played the course, we would highly recommend you make a tee time as it was well worth it. For more information on Swaneset or the West Coast Golf Group, click on the link.
Comments about this post, email info AT ckgolfsolutions.ca
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