Renfrew and Lecuyer lead the 2025 COBRA PUMA Golf Assistants' Championship after Round One
June 9, 2025
Pitt Meadows, BC (PGA of BC) - The first round of the PGA of BC’s 2025 COBRA PUMA Golf Assistants’ Championship concluded as a crowded leaderboard took shape to set up a riveting final round tomorrow. Cory Renfrew (Pacific Golf Academy (Richmond)) and two-time defending champion Steven Lecuyer (Seymour Creek Golf Centre) each fired a 5-under 67 to assume a share of the lead. Hosting the event, Meadow Gardens Golf Club tested competitors as they maneuvered around water hazards and across deceptive greens.
Renfrew sunk two early birdies but found some trouble with back-to-back bogeys on the 7th and 8th holes. Remaining composed, he proceeded to birdie the next three holes, and five of the last ten.
“I hit it well off the tee, the warm weather helped the ball go pretty far. I had a lot of wedges and short irons in, and I kept it pretty relaxed out there,” said Renfrew. “The birdie streak really propelled me. I hit a couple good shots on 9 and made a putt. 10 was fun with the tees up, I was able to drive it near the green for a chip and putt. Another birdie on 11, and after that I was playing super solid.”
Lecuyer, who won the Assistants’ Championship in 2023 and 2024, enjoyed a stellar round today that saw him make five birdies, as well as an eagle on the par-5 11th. He said his approach on the 11th served as his most crucial shot of the day.
“I made a really bad bogey on 9. On 11, I hit a great 8-iron on my approach and made the putt for eagle. That kickstarted thoughts of, ‘Ok, we can salvage this round and get to 4 or 5 under.’ That was the hole that turned things around.”
Despite coming into the week with a risk-averse strategy, Lecuyer quickly adjusted.
“I was planning on being more conservative, but I didn’t stick to that plan. I hit a lot of drivers that got way down there, and I think I’m going to do that again tomorrow!”
Hoping to overtake Renfrew and Lecuyer, Savage Creek Golf Club’s Matthew Daniel (-4) sits one stroke back of the lead after his closing eagle on the 18th. Daniel is riding the momentum of his excellent recent form in qualifying events.
“I played the U.S. Open qualifier and finished second in a three-man playoff for one spot. At the Canadian Open qualifier, I got through the regional and then played the Pulpit Club in Toronto for the final, a real beast. I missed that by three, but I come out here and I’m kind of in the mode. It’s made me more comfortable.”
Three competitors are tied for fourth place at 3-under par: Michael Caan (Riverway Golf Course), who shot 59 at Meadow Gardens Golf Club in 2021; John Shin (Northview Golf & Country Club); and Zac Carson (Nicklaus North Golf Course).
The PGA of BC extends its gratitude to Title Sponsor COBRA PUMA Golf, Sales Representative Hugh Chan and COBRA Master Fitter Brian Miller for their support and presence at the event.
Thank you to Hoyne Brewing for their patronage in providing complimentary beer to competitors.
Our appreciation goes out to Head Professional Craig Barr, Director of Golf Joe Schuster, and the entire Meadow Gardens team for their hospitality.
As a reminder, there will be an optional $20 Skins Game for all competitors tomorrow. We encourage all interested professionals to come prepared with cash. We extend our appreciation to all competing members for their pace of play today.
Per Environment Canada, the forecast tomorrow projects 26°C and mainly sunny.
The Assistants’ Championship Title Presentation will take place following the conclusion of play tomorrow. Attendance at the Title Presentation is mandatory for all top-five finishers, and participants are asked to remain until the ceremony has concluded.
For tomorrow’s draw, please click here. Play resumes at 7:40am PT tomorrow.