September 26, 2024

RICHMOND, BC (PGA of BC) - Designed by legendary Pacific Northwest golf course architect A.V. Macan, Nanaimo Golf Club is a scenic and challenging course set against the backdrop of Vancouver Island’s natural beauty. With its lush, tree-lined fairways and manicured greens, the club provides sweeping views of the coastal mountains and the Georgia Straight. The club welcomes 54 competing professionals from across the province for next week’s Srixon/Cleveland Golf Club Professional Championship presented by Nike Golf & Mobilicab, running September 30-October 1.

Chris Wilson is the Head Professional at Nanaimo Golf Club. He offered some strategic advice to those who will be playing the course for the first time.

“The ball breaks towards Departure Bay, so being below the hole is key. You can spray it a little wild here and end up in another fairway and get away with it. But if you’re in the tree line, that’s a tricky one and you’ll have to take your medicine,” said Wilson.

“I’m absolutely honoured to be hosting this event. It’s been a goal of mine for a couple years to host a PGA of BC tournament, and I look forward to welcoming everyone to Nanaimo.”

Last year, Dave Zibrik took the victory at his home course, Point Grey Golf & Country Club. That win was Zibrik’s second career Dick Munn Memorial Trophy, a joint-record. While Zibrik won’t be teeing it up in Nanaimo, two-time winners Mark Kitts (Shadow Ridge Golf Club) and Lindsay Bernakevitch (Victoria Golf Club) will be competing in hopes of winning the event for a record third time.

Kitts, the 2019 and 2022 champion, will seek his third title in a familiar environment.

“I should have some good experience there because I used to play for the Malaspina University-College, before it was Vancouver Island University. I played on the golf team and the home track was Nanaimo Golf Club. I probably have close to 50 or 60 rounds there,” said Kitts. “I won the Nanaimo Amateur in back-to-back years in 2007 and 2008 at the course, so I do have some winning experience there.”

Another past champion in the field is Padraic O’Rourke (Marine Drive Golf Club), whose 2021 Club Professional Championship victory also came on Vancouver Island, at Royal Colwood Golf Club. Despite his unfamiliarity with the course, O’Rourke is confident that his experience on other Macan designs, including his home course, will translate.

“I have zero experience at Nanaimo Golf Club. It’s an A.V. Macan design. Having been at Marine Drive for a couple years, and winning in 2021 at a Macan, I believe it sets up similar to Marine Drive and I’m feeling good,” said O’Rourke.

“I’ve been driving it really well off the tee and will try to use that to my advantage. My strategy will be conservative targets and aggressive swings, and I’ll hit my driver as much as I can.”

The PGA of BC thanks title sponsor Srixon/Cleveland Golf and sales representatives Jon Kadin and Mark Lindsay for their continued support of the Club Professional Championship. We are grateful to presenting sponsors Nike Golf and Mobilicab for their contributions. Finally, we thank Fresh Golf Solutions for their supporting sponsorship. The support of our title, presenting and supporting sponsors helps drive an exceptional competition and event.

The Association extends its gratitude to Wilson and the entire Nanaimo Golf Club team for their efforts and diligence in advance of the Championship.

Following Round One of the Club Professional Championship, there will be a banquet with a special presentation for all attendees.

For more information, please reach out to Membership & Events Manager Doug Titterington at doug@pgabc.org. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

With many elite and accomplished competitors teeing it up at Nanaimo Golf Club, the following group has demonstrated their winning ways throughout this season and across their careers. These golfers will be among the favourites next week:

Kevin Stinson, Cheam Mountain Golf Course

Kevin Stinson won the 2018 PGA of BC Championship and is the 2021 and 2023 PGA of BC Stan Leonard Player of the Year. Last year, he emerged victorious in the PGA Championship of Canada in a thrilling playoff. His strong play earned him a spot in the 2024 Canadian Open, marking his second time competing in the event. Earlier this season, Stinson shot an 11-under 60 to set the course record at Nicklaus North Golf Course, his third G&G Tour victory of the year. Last month, Stinson finished as co-runner up in the PGA of BC Championship. Stinson became a Head Teaching Professional this year and will compete in the Club Professional Championship for the first time.

Mark Kitts, Shadow Ridge Golf Club

Mark Kitts has won a joint-record two titles at the upcoming Club Professional Championship, taking the championship trophy in 2019 and 2022. Kitts spent three years competing on the PGA Tour Canada (2008-2010) and has added three top-five finishes on the Interior PGA Tour this season. He won the 2007 and 2008 Nanaimo Amateur at Nanaimo Golf Club.

Lindsay Bernakevitch, Victoria Golf Club

Lindsay Bernakevitch is the reigning PGA of BC Championship winner, which he took in a dramatic playoff victory in August. Bernakevitch’s accomplishments include the 2011 and 2024 PGA of BC Championship, the 2015 and 2017 PGA of BC Tournament of Champions, and the 2015 and 2018 PGA of BC Club Professional Championship. Like Kitts, Bernakevitch will look to add a record third Dick Munn Memorial Trophy in Nanaimo.

Mark Bicknell, Gorge Vale Golf Club

Mark Bicknell has been in electric form in 2024, with a string of impressive results. In May, Bicknell tied as runner-up at the PGA of BC Tournament of Champions. He took the victory at the first Vancouver Island Club Pro Tour event this year and added a second win at their latest tournament. He sits in third place on that tour’s Order of Merit.

Rob Anderson, Kelowna Golf & Country Club

The 2007 Club Professional Championship winner and two-time runner up, Rob Anderson’s resume at Association tournaments is outstanding. In addition to his CPC victory, Anderson won the 2021 and 2023 PGA of BC Senior’s Championship, the 2010 PGA of BC Pro-Assistant Championship, and the 2004 PGA of BC Tournament of Champions.  

Brett Burgeson, Breaking Par Golf Academy

Brett Burgeson has an impressive winning record throughout his career. Burgeson won the 2003 PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada, as well as the PGA of Alberta Championship in 2000, 2011 and 2013, and the PGA of Alberta Club Professional Championship in 2003, 2004 and 2011. More recently, Burgeson finished as runner-up in the 2022 and 2024 PGA of BC Seniors’ Championship.