May 22, 2024
VICTORIA, BC (PGA of BC) - The 2024 Tournament of Champions presented by PING Canada & Motocaddy saw 36 teams battle the elements in pursuit of the title, with the duo from Point Grey Golf & Country Club emerging victorious – albeit with a new look. Professional Clark MacPherson and club champion Ben Bay overcame the blustery, cold rain to shoot a 5-under 66 for a one-stroke victory at Victoria’s Highland Pacific Golf.
This marks the fourth straight Tournament of Champions title earned by a team representing Point Grey Golf & Country Club. MacPherson and Bay continued their club’s dominance following three straight victories by the duo of Dave Zibrik and Jeff Dagg. A stellar bogey-free round propelled MacPherson and Bay to the top of the leaderboard as they avoided all mistakes despite the challenging conditions. The duo had five birdies throughout their round, including back-to-back on the 15th and 16th holes. Pheasant Glen Golf Resort’s Gord Melissa and Kyler Bourgeault, and Gorge Vale Golf Club’s Mark Bicknell and Shelby Dreher tied as runners-up, with both teams shooting 67 in valiant efforts that came up just short.
“We ham and egged it really well today. Benny made a really clutch par on our 17th hole today, we really needed that to avoid a playoff,” said MacPherson. “We played well, obviously tough conditions today but we’re very happy.”
The team was able to successfully adjust to the test posed by the weather and maintain their composure, said Bay.
“We had a practice round yesterday, but it didn’t really factor into today. The ball wasn’t going very far, we had to adjust our lines off the tee and just remember that everyone else is playing the same conditions. It was a really fun day overall.”
MacPherson said the victory means a lot to the Point Grey community and he’s proud to bring the title back to the club for another year.
“Ben’s been a member for 20 years and this is my seventh season at the club. We both love Point Grey, it’s a great place to be. Ben is a big part of the club and hopefully everyone’s excited. It’s certainly nice to carry on Dave and Jeff’s run here.”
To view the full Tournament of Champions leaderboard, please click here.
The PGA of BC would like to thank our generous sponsors, PING Canada and Motocaddy, for their phenomenal support of the Tournament of Champions and all competing professionals and amateur club champions. We encourage members to reach out to PING Canada representatives Terry Graham and Adrian Deakin, and Motocaddy (Mkrak) representative Steve Graham, for your club’s retail needs.
The Association also extends our gratitude to Head Professional Callum Ashby, General Manager Jeff Palmer and the entire Highland Pacific team for their exemplary hospitality, kindness and warm reception.
The next event scheduled as part of the Association’s Championship season is the Assistants’ Championship, taking place June 3 & 4 at Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course in Oliver. The Assistants' field has limited space available, please click here to register today. For more information on all upcoming tournaments, please visit the Association’s Schedule of Events page.
