SEPTEMBER 21, 2022
RICHMOND, BC (PGA of British Columbia) – The PGA of BC Women’s Championship presented by adidas Golf is set to draw many of the province’s top female professionals to the historic Victoria Golf Club next week to close out the Association’s 2022 tournament calendar.
The 36-hole stableford-scoring event, taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday will have a $2,700 purse on the line. If the past four editions of the tournament – which returned as a standalone event in 2018 – are any indication, there’s sure to be some great performances on display to crown this year’s champion.
Kattereya Kennedy (Simon Fraser University) looks to defend her championship this year after claiming her first PGA of BC tournament victory in 2021 when the event was held on the Ridge Course at Surrey’s Northview Golf & Country Club.
In extremely wet conditions, Kennedy claimed a three-point victory over Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club Apprentice Professional Michelle Waters, and five points over then co-worker Stephanie Wong (Point Grey Golf & Country Club), who finished in third place.
“This championship always gives me the fire to compete”, said the 27-year old Okotoks, Alberta-native.
“I am excited to play amongst the top female golf professionals in BC. Victoria Golf Club is a phenomenal and historic golf course and we are all so grateful for their willingness to host this event. It will be a good mental and physical test and I really want to defend my title”, Kennedy adds.
Kennedy has recently taken on a new opportunity, which will see a slightly different direction in her career as a PGA professional. After completing the PGA of Canada Training Academy program while an Apprentice Professional at Point Grey Golf & Country Club, she has moved into a new role as Simon Fraser University’s Men’s and Women’s Golf teams' first full-time Assistant Coach.
“Coaching at this level is something I’ve always dreamt about doing while competing (at UBC). I love the instructional side of the game and using my experience to not only help support, but also develop student-athletes is so rewarding”, she adds.
As much as the competition stands to be intense, the Women’s Championship has also become an excellent forum to bring those amongst the PGA of BC’s female membership together to celebrate their industry successes and showcase the PGA brand to the golfing community.
After a three-year hiatus, the always-popular Pro-Am component will return as part of this championship. It’s something host Head Professional Lindsay Bernakevitch said was a large attributing factor to the Club's drive in wanting to host this championship.
“It’s so neat be able to showcase the top female PGA Professionals to our club’s membership”, Bernakevitch states.
“The growth of our women’s golf program is key to Victoria Golf Club and for our members to get up-close and personal with female professionals, and to witness their great play and professionalism is pretty cool”.
This year’s championship will be extra-special for players as the event will tie-in with an annual tradition at Victoria Golf Club - the Barb Doell Pro-Am.
“This event is in memory of an incredible and influential member of our Club. Barb Doell was a proponent of making sure golf was always fun and the comraderie-factor to it. We have over 50 members who will take part this year in order to honour her”.
Three past champions are slated to compete next week. In addition to Kennedy, Christine Wong (University Golf Club, 2020) and two-time champion Ashley Zibrik (Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, 2012, 2018) will compete for the $1,000 first place prize.
Also amongst the field and making her PGA of BC tournament debut is former Golf Canada Amateur team member and past Symetra Tour player, Taylor Kim (Beach Grove Golf Club).
Tuesday's opening round and Barb Doell Pro-Am will commence with at 1:30pm shotgun. Wednesday’s final round is scheduled to tee off at 8:00am.
CLICK HERE to access full information on this event, including updates to the draw as they become available.
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About adidas Golf
For more than 80 years, adidas has been part of the world of sports on every level, delivering state of-the-art sports footwear, apparel and accessories. Today, adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry and offers a broad portfolio of products. adidas Golf boasts one of the strongest rosters of tour athletes, including Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Danielle Kang, Tyrell Hatton, Sergio Garcia and Dustin Johnson are just a few other top talents partnered with adidas Golf.
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For more information, go to their website www.adidas.ca
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For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Donald Miyazaki
Executive Director, PGA of BC
(604) 723-2247
donald@pgabc.org