APRIL 4, 2017
DELTA, BC (PGA of British Columbia) -- Seven PGA of Canada applicants recorded qualifying 36-hole scores during Monday and Tuesday’s Spring Playing Ability Test, administered by the PGA of BC at Kings Links by the Sea, and are now Candidates for Membership within the Association.
Conditions were cool and windy at the Delta course during Tuesday’s second round as 12 players attempted to post a two-day target score of 163 or lower. The target score to qualify as a Candidate for Membership is calculated as double the course rating plus 20.
The applicants who met the the qualifying score after Tuesday’s round were:
Ben Tsai, Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club (73-78 – 151)
Gordon Jarvis, GolfTEC Vancouver (74-77 – 151)
Mason Lafrance, Arbutus Ridge Golf Club (82-74 – 156)
Jeff Johnson, Modern Golf Vancouver (80-79 – 159)
Andy Garcia, Tsawwassen Springs Golf (79-82 – 161)
David Stashuk, Capilano Golf & Country Club (77-83 – 160)
Deron Hong, OK Golf (82-80 – 162)
Click here to view full results.
The Class “A” standard is double the course rating plus 15, which worked out to 158 at Kings Links. With their scores, Tsai, Jarvis and Lafrance each met the Class “A” target and have completed their playing ability requirements in full. The four others qualified as Candidates for Membership will have five years to submit a Class “A” standard score from an eligible event.
Tsai, whose 73 on Monday marked the low round from all applicants over the two days, said it was “such a relief” to post his qualifying score after having come up short in past attempts.
“It’s so much pressure and it was really a grind, every hole and every shot, so tough,” the 28-year-old said with a grin. “But I did it.”
Even though Lafrance carded a Tuesday-best 74 to get the job done, he said it was stressful closing out his round knowing what was on the line.
“It’s something I’ve been working at for the past few years now and I’m really excited,” said Lafrance, 22. “It was an awesome experience and everyone that’s been helping me out through all of it has been really great, too. I really appreciate all the support.”
Players who did not meet the target score at this event will have multiple other opportunities to do so throughout the 2017 season. The PGA of BC will administer another Playing Ability Test Aug. 2-3 at Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club, while many other tournaments around the province are eligible PAT events.
The PGA of Canada is accepting new applicants until June 1. Click here for more information on the process.
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For more information, please contact:
Eric MacKenzie
Communications & Marketing Manager, PGA of BC
(604) 303-6766
eric@pgabc.org