June 3, 2024
Oliver, BC (PGA of BC) - Battling the swirling, unpredictable winds, Cheam Mountain Golf Course’s Luke Bogdan overcame the challenging conditions at Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course today to grab the lead following Round One of the COBRA PUMA GOLF Assistants’ Championship.
Even as the sun emerged from behind the ominous grey clouds of the morning, the wind continued howling and shifting direction, presenting a great test for the Assistant Professionals competing. Despite the difficulty, Bogdan was able to make adjustments and adapt to the weather.
Kicking off his round with two birdies helped him secure an early lead. Bogdan met adversity through the middle of the day, as his grip on the lead was extinguished following four bogeys in a nine-hole stretch. However, he persevered and took more risks in the closing holes. Making three birdies across the final four holes, Bogdan managed to wrestle back the lead and head into tomorrow’s final round as the only golfer under par.
“I was trying to be aggressive where I could, but for the most part I had to stay fairly conservative. Towards the end of the round, I felt like I could aim at more flags and get more aggressive,” said Bogdan.
“The game feels really good. I don’t think I need to change anything for tomorrow, I feel like I’m in the right frame of mind to play some good golf.”
Jacob Vanderpas (Point Grey Golf & Country Club), Steven Lecuyer (Seymour Creek Golf Centre), and John Shin (Northview Golf & Country Club) are currently tied in the runner-up position, one shot back of Bogdan at even-par. Five more competitors are tied at one-over par.
Lecuyer, the defending Assistants’ champion, said that he wasn’t able to play as aggressive as he would have hoped, but was able to make putts to remain in the thick of the leaderboard.
“I was definitely conservative today, I didn’t want to make a big number and put myself out of it," said Lecuyer. "I relied on my short game, it’s nice to lean on that when I need it. Hopefully I can get a bit more aggressive tomorrow, but I’m pretty pleased with my game today.”
Today’s Maui Jim Closest-to-the-Pin prizes were won by Alex Webber (Musqueam Golf & Learning Academy) on hole 5, and Nicholas Crookall (Glacier Greens Golf Club) on hole 12.
Tournament play resumes tomorrow morning at 8:30am. For the full leaderboard, please click here. For tomorrow’s draw, please click here.
Thank you to Hugh Chan and Jimmy Shular of COBRA PUMA GOLF for their kindness and humour throughout the day, and for their great support of all competitors.
