May 17, 2024

RICHMOND, BC (PGA of BC) - The 2024 Tournament of Champions presented by PING Canada & Motocaddy kicks off the PGA of BC’s championship season next Tuesday, May 21 at the gorgeous Vancouver Island track, Highland Pacific Golf. The scenic course, with views of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Thetis Lake Park, takes advantage of the surrounding natural beauty and presents a unique and memorable challenge for competitors.

The rolling hills and ocean breeze of Highland Pacific will serve as host to 36 teams made up of a Club Professional and a current club champion or other designated amateur from their facility, competing in an 18-hole Best Ball format. Highland Pacific Golf will be hosting the Tournament of Champions for the first time, after hosting the PGA of BC’s Jack McLaughlin Memorial Pro-Junior Championship in 2019 and 2023. The weather forecast calls for cloudy skies and 16 degrees, with a chance of showers.

Highland Pacific Golf Head Professional Callum Ashby said the club looks forward to showcasing their fun and welcoming atmosphere and hopes to create a special experience for competing pros and amateur club champions.

“I think what’s going to resonate most is the sense of arrival. When you pull up, you’ll feel that love and feel welcome. The maintenance crew has been working super hard to get the course up to a gold standard to really showcase our property. The fun aspect is what we really live for. I want everyone to know that when they show up, they’ll feel like they’re at home and they know they’ll have a good time,” said Ashby.

“The awesome thing about our golf course is the risk-reward is amazing. You don’t always have to hit driver; you can lay back a little bit and hit iron off the tee and actually feel like you’ve gained a significant advantage. It’ll be cool to have all these club champions out and see how the course holds up to some of the best golfers in BC.”

Point Grey Golf & Country Club’s Dave Zibrik and Jeff Dagg have teamed up to win the tournament the last three years in a row, but will not be competing in this year’s event, opening the door for a new team to emerge as champion. Several former champion professionals are in the field and will be among the favourites: 2015 and 2017 winner Lindsay Bernakevitch (Victoria Golf Club) and teammate Huf McIntyre; 2013 champion Mark Thirtle (Capilano Golf & Country Club) and partner Ben Basran; 2010 victor Brian McDonald (Fairview Mountain Golf Club) and teammate Gene Lockerby; and 2004 winner Rob Anderson (Kelowna Golf & Country Club) and partner Jason Monteleone.

Bernakevitch shared some insights into his strategy and approach going into the tournament.

“Team events are tricky, you kind of hope that you and your partner don’t birdie all the same holes, that you spread them out. I think the key is just being comfortable with who you’re playing with,” said Bernakevitch. “I’ve had a few different partners over the years, different club champions. Coming to the event, we keep it light-hearted and we’re there to enjoy the day. That goes a long way to making sure we’re in a good frame of mind to play well.”

Playing locally at a familiar club helps the Victoria Golf Club Director of Golf stay confident and calm.

“It’s always nice to play a course you’re familiar with. There are a few tee shots out there that are tricky lines visually, but I’ve played it enough to know which line to take and to know where I can miss shots and still be ok.”

The Tournament of Champions is made possible with the generous support of our presenting sponsors, PING Canada and Motocaddy. The PGA of BC extends our gratitude to these great advocates of the Association and of golf in BC.

Competing teams will tee off at 10am PT in a shotgun start. The draw for the Tournament of Champions has been released; to view the finalized draw, please click here.

For more information, please reach out to Membership & Events Manager Doug Titterington at doug@pgabc.org or visit the tournament page located on our website.