SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
RICHMOND, BC (PGA of British Columbia) – Christine Wong (University Golf Club) holds a commanding lead at the midway mark of the PGA of BC Women’s Championship presented by Dexim Golfwear, up on the field by five heading into Wednesday’s final round at Richmond Country Club.
Wong managed three birdies and a single bogey in Tuesday’s opening round, finishing the day with 38 par points in the stableford-format tournament.
Three-time winner Jennifer Greggain (Chilliwack Golf Club) and defending champion Salimah Mussani (Riverway Golf Course) are tied for second with 33 points.
Wong, who was runner-up in the Women’s Championship one year ago at Point Grey Golf & Country Club, has put herself in excellent position to capture her first title in the event. Though the 28-year-old distanced herself from the rest of the field, Wong felt she had some frustrating moments on the greens.
“On 16, I hit my putt and it literally sat on the edge, just sat there, which was the story of my round – putts weren’t rolling in,” Wong said when recalling her lone bogey of the day. “I’m hoping it’s foreshadowing for tomorrow that everything will just go in.”
Wong closed her round with a tap-in birdie at the par-5 18th to go along with birdies at Nos. 1 and 7 on her outward nine.
“I didn’t have any expectations today because I’ve just been trying to hit a few balls here and there in between teaching lessons. I just wanted to go out there and just have fun,” said Wong, adding that the camaraderie and familiarity amongst the players in the field made for a comfortable day on course. “I’m playing with girls I grew up playing with, so it feels less like a tournament and more like a catch-up.
“I’ve played a few other events earlier this year where I’ve been very, very nervous, but today I was very calm.”
Greggain, who last captured the Association’s Women’s title in 2017, ended her day with back-to-back birdies to build some momentum heading into Wednesday’s closing round.
“Some weird things happened out there, like on No. 16 I hit the flagstick and it (bounced) 20 yards off. So to have those couple of birdies to finish was nice,” she said.
With little playing time of her own this season thanks to a busy teaching schedule, Mussani said she came away from her round satisfied aside from a couple of loose shots that got away from her.
“It’s just fun to get out and play golf,” said Mussani, adding that she’ll need to be a bit sharper Wednesday to have a chance at reeling in Wong.
“I’ve got to get in the headspace to trust what I’m doing a bit better and see if I can give Christine a bit of a run tomorrow.”
Making her pro debut, Lindsay Manion (Northview Golf & Country Club) opened with 31 points Tuesday and sits in a tie for fourth place with Kyla Inaba (Predator Ridge Golf Resort). The players in contention represent the cross-section of talented PGA of BC members entered into this year’s championship, with a mixture of veteran Professionals and up-and-coming Apprentices in the fray.
“It’s a pretty stacked field, to be honest,” said Greggain. “Looking at the tee sheet, I thought, ‘Any one of us could win this.’ With some of the young players coming up, it’s exciting and encouraging to see – Lindsay is a great example. Just getting everyone out here is always really special because we don’t get to do it that often.”
Though there’s still lots of golf left to go, Wong said she’d place “huge significance” on a victory should she hang on for the title tomorrow.
“It would be really meaningful for me,” said Wong, who’s making her third start in the event. “I was kind of upset last year (at finishing second) but thought, ‘It’s OK, my time will come when it’s the right time.’
“But it’s still one hole at a time for me.”
CLICK HERE to view first-round scoring. CLICK HERE to view the final-round draw.
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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