February 24, 2025
Richmond, BC (PGA of BC) - The inaugural PGA of BC Simulator Series presented by Club Champion wrapped up in thrilling fashion as Jacob Vanderpas (Tour Development Academy) claimed victory in Event #3, while Matthew Palsenbarg (Point Grey Golf & Country Club) secured the season-long Order of Merit title. With strong participation and impressive performances throughout the series, the PGA of BC extends its appreciation to Club Champion for their support in making the opening season a success.
Vanderpas delivered a composed virtual round at Quail Hollow Club, host venue of the 2025 PGA Championship, firing a 4-under-par 68 to win by two strokes. The final event saw strong competition, with runners-up Dave Zibrik (Point Grey Golf & Country Club) and Stephanie Vanderpas (Point Grey Golf & Country Club) each posting 2-under 70s. Jonnie Motomochi (Morgan Creek Golf Course) and Cory Renfrew (Pacific Golf Academy) shared fourth place at 1-under.
For Vanderpas, the victory was not only a satisfying way to close the season but also a meaningful moment on a personal level.
“Taking the victory in the final Sim Series event was a nice way to cap off my time at Point Grey, having resigned earlier that day,” he said. “Being one of the last to play the event, I heard that [Point Grey Director of Golf] Dave Zibrik was leading at 2-under, which may have been a little extra motivation to focus on each shot. He sent me a funny text acknowledging my win the next day.”
Palsenbarg, meanwhile, capped off a stellar season by topping the Simulator Series Order of Merit standings, determined by total purse earnings across all three events. His consistency was evident throughout the series, securing victory in Event #1 and a runner-up finish in Event #2. His season-long success earns him an additional $500 prize, courtesy of Club Champion.
Palsenbarg noted that the competitive nature of the series pushed him to maintain a high level of play throughout the season.
“It was great to get the first-round win, and it definitely gave me confidence to play well in the next two events,” he said. “There was also pressure to back it up and prove it wasn’t just a one-off round of golf.”
With simulator golf offering a different kind of challenge, Palsenbarg found the format suited him well.
“Maybe because I haven’t played much outdoors this year, it was easier to transition. By the time these events came around, I had done more indoor than outdoor golf at Haus of Golf. Plus, my body isn’t in great condition, so a 30–40 minute round with less walking makes for peak physical performance!”
Zibrik, who earned second-place in two of the events this season, finished as runner-up in the overall Order of Merit, earning an additional $300.
Motomochi secured a third-place Order of Merit standing through his consistency, finishing within the top-seven in all three events.
Jacob Vanderpas finished in fourth place, while Renfrew rounded out the top-five on the season-long points race.
The PGA of BC expresses its gratitude to Club Champion for their incredible support in launching the Simulator Series, as well as to all professionals who competed in the inaugural season. With strong engagement and competitive fields, anticipation is already building for the next edition of the series.
The Association shared a survey with all Simulator Series competitors, as well as all members who have competed in a PGA of BC tournament in the last three years. The survey is designed to gather feedback on the Series and help the Association improve and enhance future events.
For more information and all media inquiries, please reach out to Communications & Marketing Manager Graham Abraham at graham@pgabc.org.
