June 20, 2024

RICHMOND, BC (PGA of BC) - Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring mountain landscapes of Whistler, Nicklaus North Golf Course is a sanctuary of natural beauty and design. The course, crafted by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, showcases the region’s pristine wilderness. It will play host to the 2024 PGA of BC Seniors’ Championship presented by Honma Golf & Levelwear; and the PGA of BC Women’s Championship presented by Honma Golf, Levelwear & GolfBC Group, which kick off next Monday, June 24.

The course is known for its stunning views of the Coast Mountain range and its proximity to Green Lake. The fairways and greens are meticulously maintained, navigating through gently rolling terrain. Key features include its strategically placed water hazards and bunkers.

Nicklaus North Director of Golf Andrew Smart said his team has been working hard getting the course in phenomenal shape and is proud to welcome all Seniors’ and Women's competitors.

“We’re really happy with the condition of the golf course. We’ve had a great season and our superintendent, Aaron Mansbridge, has done a great job of getting the facility ready.”

The five distinct par-three holes could play a large part in influencing the outcome according to Smart.

“I really think the strength of Nicklaus North is the par threes. The person that plays the par threes the best, in my opinion, will probably come out at or near the top of the leaderboard.”

Last year’s Women’s Championship was played on Vancouver Island at Victoria Golf Club, where University Golf Club’s Christine Wong emerged victorious to mark her second career PGA of BC Women’s Championship title. Wong is not in the field for this year’s tournament, opening the door for another elite competitor to claim the championship trophy.

The field includes top players like Kyla Inaba (Predator Ridge Resort), Sandra Comadina (McCleery Golf Course), and Stephanie Vanderpas (Point Grey Golf & Country Club), who all enjoyed success at last year’s event and will be counted among the favourites next week. Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club Director of Golf Ashley Zibrik comes into the tournament as the most decorated competitor teeing it up, having won three Women’s titles in 2012, 2018 and 2022.

“I grew up in Squamish, so I’ve been playing Nicklaus North since I was a junior and I’m very excited to compete there. I think I’ll be very comfortable; I know the layout and I have a strategy on how to play the course,” said Zibrik.

“I’m really excited about the size of the field; I like a good competition and there are some great competitors coming out. It will be really cool to have our Women’s Championship at the same time as the Seniors’, so I’m looking forward to seeing everyone.”

On the Seniors’ side, Kelowna Golf & Country Club Head Professional Rob Anderson hopes to defend his title after winning in a dramatic playoff victory at last year’s event, which took place at Chilliwack Golf Club. Anderson sunk a long putt for eagle on the first playoff hole to take the title and will be looking to replicate his success in Whistler. Anderson also won the Seniors’ Championship in 2021.

He said he expects some difficult tee shots and will focus on keeping the ball in play off the tee.

“I’ll try to keep the ball out of the trees, that’s for sure. There are a couple holes that are definitely challenging for getting the ball off the tee and hitting the right spots, so playing certain holes conservatively may help a bit.”

Anderson’s participation in yoga this offseason has helped him stay limber and mobile. He said that his previous success in the Championship lifts some pressure and expectations from his shoulders.

“I’m fortunate enough to win it twice, and it takes some of the pressure off. To sink that putt last year, it was certainly surreal and unexpected.”

Joining Anderson among the favourites, two-time Seniors’ champion Doug Morgan (Richmond Country Club), 2023 Seniors’ co-runner-up Chad McAdie (Cheam Mountain Golf Course), and nine-time PGA of BC Stan Leonard Player of the Year Bryn Parry (Seymour Creek Golf Centre) will be teeing it up next week in pursuit of the Ben Colk Trophy.

The PGA of BC thanks Honma Golf and Levelwear for their generous sponsorship of the event, as well as GolfBC Group for their great support of the Women’s Championship.

The Association also extends our gratitude to Smart, Mansbridge, Executive Professional Gavin Eckford and the entire Nicklaus North team for their dedication, effort and diligence.

To view the Round One Draw for both the Seniors' and Women's competitors, please click here.

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