Victoria, B.C. – In an exciting finish in difficult scoring conditions at the historic Victoria Golf Club, Dean Claggett of Two Eagles Golf Course & Academy fired rounds of 70-71 to finish at two-over par and take home the 2012 Cleveland Golf/Srixon Canada PGA of BC Club Professional Championship Presented by DSG Fleet Solutions.
Claggett edged-out over-night leader Rob Anderson (69-74=143) of Kelowna Golf & Country Club by two shots as they battled their way down the back nine of the final round. After a costly double bogey on the par three 14th hole, Claggett found himself one shot back of Anderson with four holes to play. After terrific birdies on the 15th and 17th holes, Claggett reclaimed the lead and coasted to the win with a safe par on 18th.
“I wasn’t playing well going into this event and was very close to withdrawing last week”, said Claggett, also the 2008 Champion. “After the bad double bogey on 14, I told myself I could win this if I changed my attitude and proceeded to birdie two of the next three” he added.
For his win, Claggett takes home the $2,600 first place cheque, while Anderson claims $2,000 for the runner-up finish. Finishing in third place was former Victoria Golf Club Assistant Professional Jon Kadin, who now makes his home at Gallagher’s Canyon Golf & Country Club (73-71=144), who takes home $1.650. All three make their home in the Kelowna area.
Rounding out the top five is the popular Jim Goddard of Cordova Bay Golf Club (72-73=145) and Gord Melissa of Pheasant Glen Golf Resort (71-75=146), each earning $1,100 and $800 for their respective finishes.
The event features the top Head Professionals, Head Teaching Professionals, and Executive Professionals in BC, competing for a piece of the $14,500 purse.
One of the highlights of the event was the Championship dinner on Monday night when the PGA of BC awarded its seventh Lifetime Achievement Award to longtime Victoria Golf Club Head Professional Michael Parker. A well-deserved honour for the Past President of the Association, Parker’s contribution to golf in British Columbia is visible on and off the golf course, as well the Victoria Community. He once again showed his commitment and contribution this week by being a gracious host to the Association.
The PGA of BC would like to thank Cleveland Golf/Srixon Canada and DSG Fleet Solutions for their support of the popular Championship. It was announced at the prize presentation that Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club will play host to the 2013 Championship, which is sure to be another success.