SEPTEMBER 28, 2021
SURREY, BC (PGA of British Columbia) – Five days ago, Christine Wong wasn’t sure if she’d be able to defend her title in the PGA of BC Women’s Championship presented by Dexim Golfwear. Now, she finds herself atop the leaderboard with 18 holes left to play at Northview Golf & Country Club.
The Apprentice Professional from University Golf Club recorded 34 stableford points in Tuesday’s breezy opening round on Northview’s Ridge Course to take a one-point lead over Kat Kennedy (Point Grey Golf & Country Club) and Michelle Waters (Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club).
Wong was injured in a car accident a little over a week ago and was left with whiplash and bruising that put her participation in this week’s 36-hole championship in jeopardy.
“I couldn’t move for like four days,” Wong said after wrapping up her opening round. “I think (the desire to play) is what’s been able to get me through this last week of recovering.”
Wong, who cruised to a 10-point victory in this event last year, said she was “a little bit out of sync” Tuesday as she recorded four birdies against six bogeys Tuesday to reach 34 points. Under the stableford format, players receive one point for a bogey, two for a par, three for a birdie, and so on.
“I tried to hit the ball as best I could,” said the 29-year-old. “Putting, I felt, was definitely off today, but I was just trying to stay positive out there.
“If I just get my putting going for tomorrow, I think I’ll be OK.”
Should Wong manage to repeat as champion Wednesday, it would wrap up a 12-month stretch that’s seen her collect nearly $30,000 in earnings, thanks in large part to 2021 victories at the DCM PGA Women’s Championship of Canada and the Glencoe Invitational in Alberta. She’s hopeful to put the bow on a brilliant season by taking home another title, especially considering the difficultly she’s faced following the accident.
“That would be really cool – a little bit of a comeback,” she said.
Kennedy played alongside Wong Tuesday and though she made just a single birdie, it was a crucial one that came at the par-5 18th to cut the deficit to one heading into the final round.
“It was a good confidence putt for me heading into tomorrow,” said Kennedy. “I wanted to be in contention for the last day so that was definitely a big putt.”
The 26-year-old said she had a “good grinding day” to keep within reach of the lead.
“I didn’t make any big mistakes out there, I just kept going through my process and committing to my shots, so I was pretty happy with that,” said Kennedy. “The condition of the golf course is really good out there, so we’re really fortunate to be playing at Northview.”
Waters posted the best back-nine score of the day, earning 20 points on the homeward half with birdies at the two final holes. That included a hole-out from 110 yards on the par-4 17th despite a wayward tee shot.
“It was considerably better than my first round last year, so I’ll just build off that and have some fun tomorrow,” said Waters, adding that there’s a relaxed atmosphere around the tournament thanks to the camaraderie amongst the players.
“It’s a small group but we all know each other so well that it’s almost like you’re coming out to play with your friends.”
Asked what it will take to chase down Wong for the title Wednesday, Waters didn’t hesitate.
“A lot of birdies,” said the 25-year-old. “She’s a force to be reckoned with out there.”
CLICK HERE to view complete first-round scoring and second-round tee times.
Two-time Women’s Champion Ashley Zibrik (Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club) finished with 31 stableford points in the opening round to rank fourth and will join the final group of four teeing off at 9:10 a.m. Wednesday. Stephanie Wong (Point Grey Golf & Country Club) recorded 28 points and sits in fifth place.
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About Dexim Golfwear
In 1989 Canadian company Dexim Sportswear entered the field of women’s apparel, creating and tailoring garments achieving a mix of performance and style. Now known as Dexim Golfwear, its lines are recognizable by their sporty cut, casual and chic, and for keeping ahead of the curve in golf fashion. Over the years, the Dexim Golfwear collection has proudly distinguished itself from its competitors through the use of high-quality fabrics that are both durable and reliable. Dexim Golfwear’s collections are conceived, designed and manufactured entirely in Canada and at competitive prices defying import. Today, Dexim’s offerings are distributed through more than 400 stores, golf shops and other renowned boutiques specializing in sports across Canada. For more information, please visit deximgolfwear.com.
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For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Eric MacKenzie
Communications & Marketing Manager, PGA of BC
604-303-6766
eric@pgabc.org