KELOWNA, B.C. (July 21, 2014) - The Gallagher's Canyon Golf & Country Club team captained by host professional Peter Hopley won the 2014 Jack McLaughlin Memorial PGA of BC Pro-Junior Championship presented by PING in convincing style Monday on their home Canyon Course. The featuring juniors Chris Matte, Andrew Gorges, and Peter's son Matt Hopley, finished at -23 for the two-ball event, a convincing six shots ahead of teams from Spallumcheen Golf & Country Club and Tower Ranch Golf & Country Club .
Matt Hopley, a ten handicap, fired his best ever round of 79 to support his father's four under par 68 - performances which were key to the team's strong finish. Chris Matte and Andrew Gorges also made well-timed contributions to the team total.
"We played well together," said an excited Matt Hopley "It was like every time two of us had a bad hole, the other two were making eagle."
Each of the juniors from the winning Gallagher's team takes home a PING I25 Driver for their efforts - just part of the lavish prize table presented by PING Golf Canada.
The field included 22 teams from across British Columbia, consisting of four-person teams captained by one Head, Executive, Head Teaching Professional or Assistant Professional and three junior members who are members of the club where the professional is employed and are under 18 years of age.
Teams are encouraged to dress alike - a suggestion which has led to some wild outfits in tournament history. This year's best-dressed team award went to Seymour Golf & Country Club's Colin Lavers, along with juniors Sean Buckles, Brendan Lee, and Carson Prokopuik. The team emulated British Open winner Rory McIlroy's Sunday outfit - a pink and grey Nike ensemble. For photos of team outfits - click here.
The award for team that traveled the furthest goes to Alberni Golf Club, where professional Brian Rands along with juniors Jeremy Robson, Nick Robson, and Carson Rhodes traveled 8 hours and 560 kilometres to compete in this tournament.
The tournament honours the memory of Jack McLaughlin, a pioneer and leader of junior golf in the province. This year marks the 33rd year it has been contested.
For full results on pgabc.org - click here.