December 3, 2024
Richmond, BC (PGA of BC) - The PGA of BC Simulator Series presented by Club Champion debuted in spectacular fashion as professionals embraced the challenge of virtual competition. The series' first event, which took place at St. Andrews Links, Old Course, concluded with a commanding performance by Matthew Palsenbarg (Point Grey Golf & Country Club) who claimed victory with an impressive 8-under-par 64.
"I knew the bar to beat was 4-under, and that 10-foot circle was all that mattered," said Palsenbarg. "I hit 18/18 greens and even drove the ninth to 68 feet for the 3-putt par. I was really happy with it and I can't lie, the nerves were real on the home stretch knowing that OB right was on every hole coming home."
Palsenbarg posted a bogey-free round and added eight birdies. He emphasized the strategic demands of simulator golf, noting how the format rewards players who trust their numbers and make confident decisions.
"I think the best part of sim golf on Trackman is you just have to stick to the numbers. Hit it solid and stick to the math. If you know your yardages, you will be fine. Adjusting for the slopes and wind is crucial for that 10-foot circle. I think you also get to be more aggressive off the tee. I hit driver on every hole except the par 3s."
"You can really just cruise and stay in the zone. The next shot and next hole happens so fast that it feels like it's over before it starts. That can work both ways. When you start hot, it's easy to just keep the pedal down," added Palsenbarg.
Palsenbarg’s flawless play on the virtual course secured him a comfortable four-stroke margin over a trio of competitors tied at 4-under-par. Brett Burgeson (Breaking Par Golf Academy), Sergio Barba Moreno (Modern Golf Langley), and Dave Zibrik (Point Grey Golf & Country Club) shared second place, each firing a 68.
Cory Renfrew (Pacific Golf Academy) and James Presnail (Shadow Ridge Golf Club) rounded out the top five, carding scores of 69 to finish in a tie for fifth place. A total purse of more than $3,200 was distributed, with Palsenbarg taking home $550 for his victory.
Presnail won the Closest-to-the-Pin competition on the eighth hole, while Dean Kuntz (Pitt Meadows Golf Club) took the KP on hole 11 with a precise strike to three feet. Presnail and Kuntz were awarded $80 each for their KP wins.
The event included 32 competing professionals from across the province, from Bowen Island to Cranbrook, with three of the Zone’s four regions represented. Point Grey Golf & Country Club’s professionals demonstrated their appetite and aptitude for simulator golf, with seven of their professionals competing in the event.
The Simulator Series offers an innovative opportunity for professionals to compete in a high-tech, controlled environment, pushing the boundaries of competitive golf. The unique format also allows for participation from multiple locations, highlighting the inclusivity and adaptability of the series.
Professionals will have another opportunity to showcase their skills when the series resumes on December 13. The playing window will remain open for that event until December 27. Competitors can register during the playing window, however we encourage members to sign up as soon as possible to ensure you receive the invitation link before the close of the window.
To view the full leaderboard from Event #1, please click here. To register for the next event, please click here.