Host professional Tony Harris managed to hang on throughout a rainy and difficult day Tuesday to win
the Callaway Golf PGA of BC Club Professional Championship at Bear Mountain Resort’s Valley Course.
Harris shot a five-over-par 76 to go with his first-round three-under 68 for a two-over-par total of 144. He earned $1,750 for the win.
“I scrambled for a lot of good pars on the back nine today, It was tough out there,” Harris said after the round. Local knowledge played a large part in Harris’s win. The Valley Course greens feature some extreme undulations and knowing where to place the ball on approach shots makes a big difference in scoring. Even then, Harris said, he had two three-putts Tuesday.
Finishing a stroke back was Rob Anderson of Shadow Mountain Golf Course, whose one-over 72 Tuesday game him a two-round total of 145. He earned $1,200.
A three-way tie for third spot included Dave Bolton of Savage Creek Golf Centre, Kyle German of Point Roberts G&CC and Bill Kelly of Glacier Greens GC. They earned cheques of $733.
Tied for sixth were Daryl Stubbs of Cove Links GC, and Brian MacDonald of Fairview Mountain GC, who earned cheques for $475.
Rounding out the top 10 were Ian Henson of Sun Rivers GC, who shot the low round of the day with a two-under 69, and Cec Ferguson of Vernon G&CC, who shot 150 and won $412.50, and Scott Dickson of Shaughnessy G&CC, whose 151 total earned a cheque for $375.
Click here for final results and money!
Cold and blustery conditions, including some heavy rain through the final round, made for very challenging conditions for the field.
This was the fourth year of the Callaway Golf PGA of BC Club Professional Championship, open to Head Professionals, Executive Professionals and Head Teaching Professionals. It is one of 10 major championships conducted each year by the PGA of BC for its 700 members at facilities throughout the province.
The PGA of BC expresses its sincere gratitude to Callaway Golf Canada for sponsorship of the event.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Canadian Tour - 2009 Season Concludes This Week
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
NAYARIT, Mexico – The Canadian Tour wraps up its 2009 season this week at the US $125,000 Riviera Nayarit Classic presented by IDN.
The tournament is being played at the stunning Pacifico Course at Punta Mita Club de Golf, a Jack Nicklaus design.
The course is set amid vistas of white-sand beaches and the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains and takes full advantage of its seaside location – eight holes border either the Pacific Ocean or Banderas Bay.
The event returns to the Canadian Tour after a one year hiatus; Wes Heffernan captured the 2007 title by five strokes over Anthony Rodriguez.
The Calgary native is back and looking for his first title of 2009 as he gears it up for PGA TOUR Q-School in a few weeks.
Heffernan has enjoyed a solid season with six top tens, and, aside from a missed cut in Saskatoon, his worst finish this year is a T-18 at the ATB Financial Classic in his hometown.
Don’t be surprised if Rafael Gomez makes it two in a row this week. The winner of more than 20 worldwide didn’t get rattled on Sunday as he watched his lead erode.
Scott Gibson added another top ten to his 2009 Canadian Tour portfolio last week, finishing third at Riviera Maya.
It was his third top-three finish of the season and what better way to cap off a great season than with a victory at the final event.
He may be jetlagged from his trek to Estonia, but Stuart Anderson could be a threat.
Now living in Victoria, B.C., and playing with tremendous confidence, the big man is having an even bigger season. He won Montreal and has three other top tens on his 2009 resume.
Brock Mackenzie has the game to earn his first Tour title. He finished T-4 in Victoria and T-10 in Montreal and was a Nationwide Tour regular in 2007.
Like many players this week, he will be using the tournament as a final tune-up for Q-School and a win would be a tremendous boost.
Keep an eye on Mitch Gillis this week. The Williams Lake, B.C. native has three consecutive top tens and earlier this year he stated that his goal was to win a tournament this season.
He has one chance left and he may just do it.
NAYARIT, Mexico – The Canadian Tour wraps up its 2009 season this week at the US $125,000 Riviera Nayarit Classic presented by IDN.
The tournament is being played at the stunning Pacifico Course at Punta Mita Club de Golf, a Jack Nicklaus design.
The course is set amid vistas of white-sand beaches and the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains and takes full advantage of its seaside location – eight holes border either the Pacific Ocean or Banderas Bay.
The event returns to the Canadian Tour after a one year hiatus; Wes Heffernan captured the 2007 title by five strokes over Anthony Rodriguez.
The Calgary native is back and looking for his first title of 2009 as he gears it up for PGA TOUR Q-School in a few weeks.
Heffernan has enjoyed a solid season with six top tens, and, aside from a missed cut in Saskatoon, his worst finish this year is a T-18 at the ATB Financial Classic in his hometown.
Don’t be surprised if Rafael Gomez makes it two in a row this week. The winner of more than 20 worldwide didn’t get rattled on Sunday as he watched his lead erode.
Scott Gibson added another top ten to his 2009 Canadian Tour portfolio last week, finishing third at Riviera Maya.
It was his third top-three finish of the season and what better way to cap off a great season than with a victory at the final event.
He may be jetlagged from his trek to Estonia, but Stuart Anderson could be a threat.
Now living in Victoria, B.C., and playing with tremendous confidence, the big man is having an even bigger season. He won Montreal and has three other top tens on his 2009 resume.
Brock Mackenzie has the game to earn his first Tour title. He finished T-4 in Victoria and T-10 in Montreal and was a Nationwide Tour regular in 2007.
Like many players this week, he will be using the tournament as a final tune-up for Q-School and a win would be a tremendous boost.
Keep an eye on Mitch Gillis this week. The Williams Lake, B.C. native has three consecutive top tens and earlier this year he stated that his goal was to win a tournament this season.
He has one chance left and he may just do it.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Canadian Tour - Gomez Captures Second Tour Title
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico – Rafael Gomez stumbled home with a four over par 76 but hung on to win the US $100,000 Iberostar Riviera Maya Open by one stroke over Antonio Maldonado who closed with a 71.
Gomez, who started the day with a six shot lead, double-bogeyed the final hole to finish the tournament at 12 under par 276.
Click here for the final round leaderboard!
Scott Gibson fired a two under par 70 to grab solo third at eight under 280, one ahead of American John Douma who had a 69.
Sharing fifth spot at 282 are Brock Mackenzie (67) and David Jackson who had a 72.
Hoyt McGarity shot his second consecutive 69 to grab a share of seventh at 283 along with Paulo Pinto (69) and Liam Kendregan who fired a 71.
“This is a big win for me and a real confidence booster going into Q-School,” said Gomez, who took home US $16,000 and his second Canadian Tour title of the season.
“It was difficult to start with such a big lead. I have had big leads to start last rounds before, but not this big."
It showed. He staggered out of the gate with back-to-back bogeys but with Maldonado bogeying the second, the lead was still five.
Righting the ship, Gomez birdied four and five but stumbled again with bogeys at eight and nine, cutting the lead to four at the turn.
Maldonado then sliced the lead to three with a birdie at ten but it jumped to five with a Gomez birdie and Maldonado bogey at No. 13.
“I played conservatively all day and even though Antonio (Maldonado) was getting a bit closer in the middle of the round, I wasn’t too worried,” said Gomez.
“He was the one who had to get aggressive, not me.
Having bogeyed No. 15, Gomez arrived at the 18th tee with a four stroke lead over Maldonado and what appeared certain victory.
However, the duo had to endure a lengthy delay for the two groups ahead of them before they were able to tee off.
“I just wanted to hurry up and finish and I got anxious,” said Gomez. “I lost my concentration and pushed my tee shot way right into the mulch.
“I had to take a penalty drop from there but I wasn’t worried because I still had a big lead.”
Gomez advanced the ball back onto the fairway and then hit what he called an incredible shot to 15 feet from the pin.
Although Maldonado birdied to put some pressure on Gomez, the Argentine would not be denied, calmly two-putting for the victory.
“I’ve been playing very good golf all year and to do this right before qualifying school is very important,” he concluded.
RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico – Rafael Gomez stumbled home with a four over par 76 but hung on to win the US $100,000 Iberostar Riviera Maya Open by one stroke over Antonio Maldonado who closed with a 71.
Gomez, who started the day with a six shot lead, double-bogeyed the final hole to finish the tournament at 12 under par 276.
Click here for the final round leaderboard!
Scott Gibson fired a two under par 70 to grab solo third at eight under 280, one ahead of American John Douma who had a 69.
Sharing fifth spot at 282 are Brock Mackenzie (67) and David Jackson who had a 72.
Hoyt McGarity shot his second consecutive 69 to grab a share of seventh at 283 along with Paulo Pinto (69) and Liam Kendregan who fired a 71.
“This is a big win for me and a real confidence booster going into Q-School,” said Gomez, who took home US $16,000 and his second Canadian Tour title of the season.
“It was difficult to start with such a big lead. I have had big leads to start last rounds before, but not this big."
It showed. He staggered out of the gate with back-to-back bogeys but with Maldonado bogeying the second, the lead was still five.
Righting the ship, Gomez birdied four and five but stumbled again with bogeys at eight and nine, cutting the lead to four at the turn.
Maldonado then sliced the lead to three with a birdie at ten but it jumped to five with a Gomez birdie and Maldonado bogey at No. 13.
“I played conservatively all day and even though Antonio (Maldonado) was getting a bit closer in the middle of the round, I wasn’t too worried,” said Gomez.
“He was the one who had to get aggressive, not me.
Having bogeyed No. 15, Gomez arrived at the 18th tee with a four stroke lead over Maldonado and what appeared certain victory.
However, the duo had to endure a lengthy delay for the two groups ahead of them before they were able to tee off.
“I just wanted to hurry up and finish and I got anxious,” said Gomez. “I lost my concentration and pushed my tee shot way right into the mulch.
“I had to take a penalty drop from there but I wasn’t worried because I still had a big lead.”
Gomez advanced the ball back onto the fairway and then hit what he called an incredible shot to 15 feet from the pin.
Although Maldonado birdied to put some pressure on Gomez, the Argentine would not be denied, calmly two-putting for the victory.
“I’ve been playing very good golf all year and to do this right before qualifying school is very important,” he concluded.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Canadian Duo Head To China After Winning World Cup of Golf Qualifier
Submitted by Canadian Tour And European Tour
JOELAHTME PARISH, Estonia – The Canadian team of Graham DeLaet and Stuart Anderson managed an even par 72 but it was enough to capture the Omega Mission Hills World Cup Qualifier by two strokes over Wales.
The duo finished at 19 under par 269 to book a spot in the main event in China from Nov. 26 – 29.
Scotland fired a final round 66 to grab the third qualifying spot, three ahead of fourth place Portugal.
This is the second consecutive trip to the World Cup for DeLaet, who partnered Wes Heffernan to a T-13 finish last year.
Anderson’s previous trip was in 2004 when he and Darren Griff represented Canada in Seville, Spain.
Buoyed by their victory in the qualifier, Canada were feeling confident about their chances when they tee it up at Mission Hills Golf Club in the World Cup final in November.
“When Graham and I are both on form, we can definitely contend. We played pretty well today.
“We had got ourselves far enough in front that we could cruise along today. It is great that we won but our first goal was to qualify this week,” said Anderson.
“We came here to get the job done and finish in the top three and we did it,” added DeLaet.
“We are very excited to have the chance to play in China and we have a great chance to really compete when we get there.”
“It’s always exciting to put your country’s bag on your bag and stride down the fairway.
“Growing up as a kid in Canada you dream of representing your country at ice hockey.
"Golf is the only sport that I will have the chance to fulfill that dream with and I am really proud.”
JOELAHTME PARISH, Estonia – The Canadian team of Graham DeLaet and Stuart Anderson managed an even par 72 but it was enough to capture the Omega Mission Hills World Cup Qualifier by two strokes over Wales.
The duo finished at 19 under par 269 to book a spot in the main event in China from Nov. 26 – 29.
Scotland fired a final round 66 to grab the third qualifying spot, three ahead of fourth place Portugal.
This is the second consecutive trip to the World Cup for DeLaet, who partnered Wes Heffernan to a T-13 finish last year.
Anderson’s previous trip was in 2004 when he and Darren Griff represented Canada in Seville, Spain.
Buoyed by their victory in the qualifier, Canada were feeling confident about their chances when they tee it up at Mission Hills Golf Club in the World Cup final in November.
“When Graham and I are both on form, we can definitely contend. We played pretty well today.
“We had got ourselves far enough in front that we could cruise along today. It is great that we won but our first goal was to qualify this week,” said Anderson.
“We came here to get the job done and finish in the top three and we did it,” added DeLaet.
“We are very excited to have the chance to play in China and we have a great chance to really compete when we get there.”
“It’s always exciting to put your country’s bag on your bag and stride down the fairway.
“Growing up as a kid in Canada you dream of representing your country at ice hockey.
"Golf is the only sport that I will have the chance to fulfill that dream with and I am really proud.”
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Bryn Parry Continues Great Play at the Canadian Assistants' Championship
Coming off his victory last week at the Vancouver Open held at the Vancouver Parks Golf courses, North Vancouver's Bryn Parry was in Quebec City this week for the Titleist & Footjoy Canadian PGA Assistants' Championship. As if to show he deserved the $5,000 bonus that came from the Vancouver Golf Tour to help him pay for the first stage of PGA Tour Qualifying School, he got off to a record start in Quebec. His first round 63 broke the course record at Golf de la Faune by two shots and left him with a four shot lead after round one.
While Parry didn't win this week, he closed with rounds of 74 and 70, he did manage a very respectable tie for second place and earned $5,000 for his efforts. Not a bad couple of weeks. With $15,000 in earnings in his past two events, Parry is looking to be Canada's next best hope to make it on the PGA Tour. Let's hope he can continue his great play into November!
Congratulations to Matt Palsenbarg of Northview Golf and Country Club on his victory in the Titleist & Footjoy Canadian PGA Assistants' Championship. Palsenbarg fired rounds of 70, 67 and 69 for a one stroke victory and earned $9,000 with a par on his final hole.
Click here for the full field final round results!
While Parry didn't win this week, he closed with rounds of 74 and 70, he did manage a very respectable tie for second place and earned $5,000 for his efforts. Not a bad couple of weeks. With $15,000 in earnings in his past two events, Parry is looking to be Canada's next best hope to make it on the PGA Tour. Let's hope he can continue his great play into November!
Congratulations to Matt Palsenbarg of Northview Golf and Country Club on his victory in the Titleist & Footjoy Canadian PGA Assistants' Championship. Palsenbarg fired rounds of 70, 67 and 69 for a one stroke victory and earned $9,000 with a par on his final hole.
Click here for the full field final round results!
Golf Course Review - University Golf Club
I had a chance to play University Golf Club a couple of weeks ago for the first time this year. Myself and a dozen other local Club Pros were playing in our monthly skins game which is always great fun and it is good to catch up with everyone and see how their year has gone.
Jeff's Opinion: I always like going to UGC, in part because of its close proximity to downtown, we always have a memorable and fantastic experience. On the golf course side it is a fun layout, not overly difficult and always in good shape. This day was no exception, while they had a tough start after an unusual spring and suffered some damage to their fairways, they have completely recovered and have been in excellent condition for most of the summer. The greens, as always, were in terrific shape and rolled very true. I will admit I do have a hard time putting there; it seems that there are some subtle but hidden breaks in every putt. The staff are fantastic and do a really great job in all departments, which is one of the reasons we always stay for a meal and seem to leave with a purchase from the Golf Shop every time.
Tara's Opinion: I did not play golf on this day, in fact I have not yet played at the course even though I seem to be there at least on a monthly basis. We do attend quite a few events at the golf course but it is also our favorite course in the city to visit to use the range, dine in the restaurant and to shop. As Jeff has mentioned, the main reason for this is the staff. The service level is great in all departments and the food is always good. The menu has enough diversity that you can eat at the facility often and always have something to choose from and the selection and amount of clothing in the golf shop make it my favorite course to shop at.
Overall UGC is an excellent golf operation and we would recommend that you go out and play a round, or even use the range or go for lunch. Oh and yes, I was shut out in the skins game.
Jeff's Opinion: I always like going to UGC, in part because of its close proximity to downtown, we always have a memorable and fantastic experience. On the golf course side it is a fun layout, not overly difficult and always in good shape. This day was no exception, while they had a tough start after an unusual spring and suffered some damage to their fairways, they have completely recovered and have been in excellent condition for most of the summer. The greens, as always, were in terrific shape and rolled very true. I will admit I do have a hard time putting there; it seems that there are some subtle but hidden breaks in every putt. The staff are fantastic and do a really great job in all departments, which is one of the reasons we always stay for a meal and seem to leave with a purchase from the Golf Shop every time.
Tara's Opinion: I did not play golf on this day, in fact I have not yet played at the course even though I seem to be there at least on a monthly basis. We do attend quite a few events at the golf course but it is also our favorite course in the city to visit to use the range, dine in the restaurant and to shop. As Jeff has mentioned, the main reason for this is the staff. The service level is great in all departments and the food is always good. The menu has enough diversity that you can eat at the facility often and always have something to choose from and the selection and amount of clothing in the golf shop make it my favorite course to shop at.
Overall UGC is an excellent golf operation and we would recommend that you go out and play a round, or even use the range or go for lunch. Oh and yes, I was shut out in the skins game.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Canadian Assistants Championship - Belbin and James Dominate Leaderboard Heading into Final Round
QUEBEC CITY, QC – It’s a good day for Alberta, as Darryl James of National Golf Academy and Mike Belbin of Royal Mayfair Golf Club, AB capture the provincial championship and share the leaderboard heading into the final round of the 2009 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Assistants’ Championship presented by Simmlands Insurance.
Both at nine-under-par with their combined rounds, Belbin 68-67, and James 67-68, hold a one-stroke lead over Dave Levesque of Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, ON, John McCann of Fairtree Golf Centre, ON, Serge Thivierge of Vallee du Richelieu, QC and Kevin B. Tremblay of Les Dunes, QC.
Belbin posted six birdies and one bogey today, hitting every green and missing two fairways all day. “We were definitely lucky with the draw today, this morning the guys had the unfortunate weather, this afternoon, the conditions were very favourable, although it was a little tough to see because of the fog settling in the last few holes,” stated Belbin who played on the Canadian Tour with full status for five years.
Belbin had a successful year in Alberta placing third on the 2009 PGA of Alberta Players' Tour Overall Earnings list and claiming the 2009 Alberta PGA Match Play Championship, the first event on the Tour. He continued to play solid on the Tour, losing in a playoff in the second event, and then got some devastating news regarding the health of his father, naturally restricting the amount of competitive golf he could play. With all of the low scores posted over the past two rounds, Belbin knows that it is going to be a battle in the final round. “Tomorrow will be a war, because this is the type of course where birdies can be found, and they are there for taking if you want to grab them as long as you keep the ball in play.”
Sharing the lead with Belbin is fellow Alberta teammate Darryl James who is very familiar with the need to keep the ball in play. Whether it was the red eye flight, the intense wind, or just the narrow course bordered by marshes and environmental hazards, James’ first practice round found him searching for 12 lost balls. He quickly shook that out of his system after posting a five-under-par, then four-under-par today for a consistent two day total of nine-under-par 135.
“Today I just took just it one shot at a time, and tried to focus solely on each stroke,” stated 48-year-old James, “I honestly didn’t think my game was in the shape it needed to be in before I got here, so it has been a pleasant surprise over the last few days, but I can tell you that I am working really hard in each round, and it has been pretty mentally draining.”
Tied at eight-under-par and only one shot off the lead are four outstanding competitors all vying for the National championship title.
John McCann of Fairtree Golf Centre in Markham, ON climbed the leaderboard with a solid seven-under-par 65 today to add to his 71 yesterday. It was a turn of events as McCann, who was paired with Bryn Parry and Carl Desjardins, took charge today as opposed to yesterday when he was trailing the group throughout the round. “It was pretty funny, yesterday, I felt like I was playing poorly compared to those guys because they were at six and nine-under and I was fighting to make par,” stated McCann who lost the 2008 Assistants’ Championship in a playoff against Remi Bouchard. “Even when I eagled the 11th hole yesterday, I didn’t get the honours once off the tee the entire day, so we joked this morning after playing the first few holes well that it wasn’t going happen again.”
Past champion, Serge Thivierge of Vallee du Richelieu, QC (1977, 1979, 1980) matched his first round score of 68 today. He battled a dizzy spell on the first three holes, where he lost his focus while standing over his putter. He is looking to add another National championship 29 years later, and claims this may be his last as he looks to attain retired status next year.
Dave Levesque of Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, ON posted a 66 today to add to his first round 70 to include himself in the running for the title. This is a familiar spot for Levesque as he was leading the Championship last year, heading into the final round where he finished tied for third, only one stroke off the playoff. Today, Levesque found the course to be difficult and “was fighting in the corners” to save par after experiencing a few difficult lies in hazards.
Kevin B. Tremblay of Les Dunes, QC posted the low round for the day at 64 to add to his even-par-72 yesterday. Tremblay attributes his stellar play to a consistent driver after taking a few tips from friend and co-competitor Greg Cuthill on the range before his round.
Bryn Parry of Seymour Creek Golf Centre, BC struggled today, finishing with a two-over-par 74 to add to his course record-63 yesterday. “Every time I hit the ball I went left and I ended up in the hazards five times in seven holes just trying to be aggressive,” stated Parry. “Like yesterday, guys will make up eight or nine shots out here on the course, it’s very reachable and guys are going to change places every day.”
The Alberta Zone captured the the InterZone team competition, after competing against each zone across the country. Going into the final round with a two shot lead over Ontario, the Alberta team (Belbin-68,67, Black-68,71, Kureluk-68,70, James-67,68) arrived victorious with a final score of 408 over the Ontario team (Groves-67,72, Levesque-70,66, Maunder-69,72, Smith-69,69) with a total score of 412, and Quebec (Dumouchel -67,70, Houle-76,72, Morin-75,71, Tremblay-75,70) at 428. The score is determined by the calculation of the best three scores in each four man team. The purse for the InterZone competition is $5000, with $500 going to each player on the winning team, $400 to each player on the second place team, and $350 going to each player on the third place team.
The final round of the championship will take place tomorrow, with 63 players making the cut at 149 or better. The first tee time will commence at 8:42AM with the last group departing at 12 noon. For pairings and results please visit www.cpga.com
The total purse for the championship is $60,000 with the champion receiving a $9,000 first place cheque.
Golf de la Faune, a links’ style course, is set in an astonishing natural environment. With eight water hazards, 45 sand traps, and oversized greens, the course will be pose a difficult challenge to the top Assistant professionals across the country.
About the Canadian PGA:
Established in 1911, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 3,500 golf professionals across the country with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. The National Office is located in Acton, Ontario with nine Zone Offices across the country. For more information, visit www.cpga.com
Both at nine-under-par with their combined rounds, Belbin 68-67, and James 67-68, hold a one-stroke lead over Dave Levesque of Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, ON, John McCann of Fairtree Golf Centre, ON, Serge Thivierge of Vallee du Richelieu, QC and Kevin B. Tremblay of Les Dunes, QC.
Belbin posted six birdies and one bogey today, hitting every green and missing two fairways all day. “We were definitely lucky with the draw today, this morning the guys had the unfortunate weather, this afternoon, the conditions were very favourable, although it was a little tough to see because of the fog settling in the last few holes,” stated Belbin who played on the Canadian Tour with full status for five years.
Belbin had a successful year in Alberta placing third on the 2009 PGA of Alberta Players' Tour Overall Earnings list and claiming the 2009 Alberta PGA Match Play Championship, the first event on the Tour. He continued to play solid on the Tour, losing in a playoff in the second event, and then got some devastating news regarding the health of his father, naturally restricting the amount of competitive golf he could play. With all of the low scores posted over the past two rounds, Belbin knows that it is going to be a battle in the final round. “Tomorrow will be a war, because this is the type of course where birdies can be found, and they are there for taking if you want to grab them as long as you keep the ball in play.”
Sharing the lead with Belbin is fellow Alberta teammate Darryl James who is very familiar with the need to keep the ball in play. Whether it was the red eye flight, the intense wind, or just the narrow course bordered by marshes and environmental hazards, James’ first practice round found him searching for 12 lost balls. He quickly shook that out of his system after posting a five-under-par, then four-under-par today for a consistent two day total of nine-under-par 135.
“Today I just took just it one shot at a time, and tried to focus solely on each stroke,” stated 48-year-old James, “I honestly didn’t think my game was in the shape it needed to be in before I got here, so it has been a pleasant surprise over the last few days, but I can tell you that I am working really hard in each round, and it has been pretty mentally draining.”
Tied at eight-under-par and only one shot off the lead are four outstanding competitors all vying for the National championship title.
John McCann of Fairtree Golf Centre in Markham, ON climbed the leaderboard with a solid seven-under-par 65 today to add to his 71 yesterday. It was a turn of events as McCann, who was paired with Bryn Parry and Carl Desjardins, took charge today as opposed to yesterday when he was trailing the group throughout the round. “It was pretty funny, yesterday, I felt like I was playing poorly compared to those guys because they were at six and nine-under and I was fighting to make par,” stated McCann who lost the 2008 Assistants’ Championship in a playoff against Remi Bouchard. “Even when I eagled the 11th hole yesterday, I didn’t get the honours once off the tee the entire day, so we joked this morning after playing the first few holes well that it wasn’t going happen again.”
Past champion, Serge Thivierge of Vallee du Richelieu, QC (1977, 1979, 1980) matched his first round score of 68 today. He battled a dizzy spell on the first three holes, where he lost his focus while standing over his putter. He is looking to add another National championship 29 years later, and claims this may be his last as he looks to attain retired status next year.
Dave Levesque of Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, ON posted a 66 today to add to his first round 70 to include himself in the running for the title. This is a familiar spot for Levesque as he was leading the Championship last year, heading into the final round where he finished tied for third, only one stroke off the playoff. Today, Levesque found the course to be difficult and “was fighting in the corners” to save par after experiencing a few difficult lies in hazards.
Kevin B. Tremblay of Les Dunes, QC posted the low round for the day at 64 to add to his even-par-72 yesterday. Tremblay attributes his stellar play to a consistent driver after taking a few tips from friend and co-competitor Greg Cuthill on the range before his round.
Bryn Parry of Seymour Creek Golf Centre, BC struggled today, finishing with a two-over-par 74 to add to his course record-63 yesterday. “Every time I hit the ball I went left and I ended up in the hazards five times in seven holes just trying to be aggressive,” stated Parry. “Like yesterday, guys will make up eight or nine shots out here on the course, it’s very reachable and guys are going to change places every day.”
The Alberta Zone captured the the InterZone team competition, after competing against each zone across the country. Going into the final round with a two shot lead over Ontario, the Alberta team (Belbin-68,67, Black-68,71, Kureluk-68,70, James-67,68) arrived victorious with a final score of 408 over the Ontario team (Groves-67,72, Levesque-70,66, Maunder-69,72, Smith-69,69) with a total score of 412, and Quebec (Dumouchel -67,70, Houle-76,72, Morin-75,71, Tremblay-75,70) at 428. The score is determined by the calculation of the best three scores in each four man team. The purse for the InterZone competition is $5000, with $500 going to each player on the winning team, $400 to each player on the second place team, and $350 going to each player on the third place team.
The final round of the championship will take place tomorrow, with 63 players making the cut at 149 or better. The first tee time will commence at 8:42AM with the last group departing at 12 noon. For pairings and results please visit www.cpga.com
The total purse for the championship is $60,000 with the champion receiving a $9,000 first place cheque.
Golf de la Faune, a links’ style course, is set in an astonishing natural environment. With eight water hazards, 45 sand traps, and oversized greens, the course will be pose a difficult challenge to the top Assistant professionals across the country.
About the Canadian PGA:
Established in 1911, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 3,500 golf professionals across the country with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. The National Office is located in Acton, Ontario with nine Zone Offices across the country. For more information, visit www.cpga.com
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