September 30, 2024
Nanaimo, BC (PGA of BC) - Club Professionals from across the province were welcomed to Nanaimo Golf Club for Round One of the 2024 PGA of BC Srixon/Cleveland Golf Club Professional Championship presented by Nike Golf & Mobilicab. Successfully maneuvering the tree-lined fairways and deceptive, contoured greens, Eric Wang (Victoria Academy of Golf) has jumped out to an early but commanding lead. Firing a 65 (-7), he heads into the final round with a three-stroke advantage over his closest competitor.
Wang’s day started off on the right foot, as he birdied the first and third holes. His electric play continued throughout the entirety of the round, as he compiled five more birdies. On the par-5 16th hole, on his second shot, Wang hit a three-wood to four feet, making the eagle putt.
Wang, who finished as co-runner-up at the 2023 PGA of BC Club Professional Championship, said the pleasant conditions and camaraderie of the event helped him stay relaxed.
“We had good weather, good company, and a good group of guys to play with. I had one of my best friends caddying for me, and I was able to stay loose,” said Wang.
“I drove it really well and kept it in play. The course isn’t super long, so short hitters like me can get around. I tried to limit my mistakes, made some up-and-downs, and just kept it going.”
Shooting a 68 (-4) in his opening round, Sergej Dronov (Pacific Golf Academy) currently sits in second place. Seven professionals are tied for third place at one-over par: Jamie Moran (Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community), Rob Tadey (Fairview Mountain Golf Club), Mark Kitts (Shadow Ridge Golf Club), Rob Anderson (Kelowna Golf & Country Club), Helene Delisle (Fairwinds Golf Club), Travis Busch (Fairwinds Golf Club), and Brett Burgeson (Breaking Par Golf Academy).
With 54 professionals teeing it up, this is one of the largest fields in tournament history. Past champions competing include Kitts, Anderson, Lindsay Bernakevitch (Victoria Golf Club), and Padraic O’Rourke (Marine Drive Golf Club).
The PGA of BC extends our gratitude to title sponsor Srixon/Cleveland Golf for their continued support of the event. We also thank presenting sponsors Nike Golf and Mobilicab for their patronage. Finally, we are appreciative of supporting sponsor Fresh Golf Solutions’ assistance.
Tournament play resumes tomorrow morning at 8:30am. For the full leaderboard, please click here. For the Round Two draw, please click here.