September 22, 2023
RICHMOND, BC (PGA of BC) - The historic Victoria Golf Club will play host to the PGA of BC Women’s Championship next week. The club, established 130 years ago in 1893 and the oldest 18-hole course in Canada, is renowned for its sensational ocean views and picturesque clubhouse, which has been designated a Canadian Historic Place. Professionals from around BC will be tested on the challenging track as they compete for the title of 2023 PGA of BC women’s champion on September 25 & 26.
Located at the Southern tip of Vancouver Island, overlooking the Juan de Fuca Strait with the mountains of Washington State in the distance, Victoria Golf Club was established by British merchants and businessmen of 19th-century Victoria in what is now the Oak Bay neighbourhood. In its earliest days, golfers shared the fairways with cattle belonging to the Pemberton family, who owned the land. With the addition of the grand Tudor-style clubhouse in 1928, the club’s charm and beauty was further enhanced. Today, Victoria Golf Club is considered one of the premier golf courses in the country.
Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club Director of Golf and PGA of BC President Ashley Zibrik is the defending champion and three-time winner of the Women’s title.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play Victoria a few times. It’s beautiful, one of my favourite courses in the province. I don’t think you can be in a bad mood when you see the views on that property. I’m excited to be playing a course that I’m familiar with,” said Zibrik. “Last year, I was pretty successful on the course so I don’t think my strategy will change at all. Stick to the game plan and be prepared mentally to strategize in the windy conditions.”
Zibrik is one of five women to have won the event at least three times. Jennifer Wyatt is the all-time leader with six career victories. Along with Zibrik, 2021 champion Kat Kennedy (Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club) and 2020 champion Christine Wong (University Golf Club) are among the favourites, while Stephanie Wong (Point Grey Golf & Country Club) will look to continue her strong level of play in 2023 and spoil her sister’s title hopes.
Lindsay Bernakevitch, Director of Golf at Victoria Golf Club, said the course is in pristine condition in anticipation of the competition.
“Our course is in the best shape I’ve seen it in ten years. We’ve had an unbelievable season, it’s absolutely perfect. The most important thing is picking your angles off the tee and approaching the greens, which are firm and fast. It’s a really strong, strategic course in that regard,” said Bernakevitch.
“When you play holes three through ten along the water, those seem to be the pivotal holes. If you can navigate the oceanside holes and stay out of trouble, not get caught looking at the beautiful views or the whales swimming by, then you should be in good shape.”
Bernakevitch pointed to the importance of supporting and promoting women’s golf, and the impact an event like this has on the future generation of golfers.
“For years, we’ve been running a grassroots Junior program trying to get more girls into the sport and turn them into lifelong golfers. Young girls who can see the high-level of play from our professionals are inspired. I see the benefit that golf brings for an entire lifetime. It’s one of the only sports that you can play with anyone of any ability, play right alongside them and enjoy the sport just as much as they do. Golf is the most unique sport in that regard. I think it does a lot for the community, and when we see young girls start to get excited about it, it does so much for their confidence. I think it’s just the greatest sport ever.”
Golf professionals will compete in a Pro-Am tournament with Victoria Golf Club members on Sunday. On Monday, tournament tee times begin at 1:00 p.m. For the Round One draw, please click here. For live scoring during the Championship, please click here.
The PGA of BC extends our appreciation in advance to Victoria Golf Club, Bernakevitch and the entire team for their hospitality and hard work.
