SEPTEMBER 18, 2017
VICTORIA, BC (PGA of British Columbia) – Jesse Crowe is in the driver’s seat heading into Tuesday’s final round of the Cleveland Golf/Srixon Canada PGA of BC Club Professional Championship presented by Oakcreek Golf & Turf thanks to an even-par first round of 70 at Victoria Golf Club.
The Head Professional from Salmon Arm Golf Club will have to fend off several challengers for the Dick Munn Memorial Trophy, as Crowe holds a one-stroke lead over four players – Phil Jonas (Philip Jonas Golf Academy), Matt Palsenbarg (Northview Golf Academy), Jim Goddard (Cordova Bay Golf Course) and Padraic O’Rourke (Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club). In total, there are 18 players within four shots of the lead.
Having spent his share of time around Victoria Golf Club during his days with the Camosun College golf team, grabbing the overnight lead Monday was the latest of many good memories that Crowe has made at the historic oceanside course in Oak Bay.
“I was just happy to get to make a trip to the island to play my favourite golf course, so to shoot even par today is fantastic,” said the 37-year-old, who’s sitting on his first-ever lead in a PGA of BC event.
“It’s pretty cool.”
Crowe hadn’t played a full round of golf in several weeks before Monday due to injuries, last teeing it up at the PGA of BC Championship at Capilano Golf & Country Club in late August. The layoff didn’t seem to hurt him at all, as Crowe made five birdies on the day while playing both nines at even par.
“I’ll just go out and have fun,” Crowe said of his approach for Tuesday. “We had a blast out there today … and whatever happens, happens.”
Though the weather shifted between sun and rain throughout the day, conditions at the club were relatively calm for Round 1, helping several players put themselves in position to make a final-day charge.
Jonas overcame a trio of three-putts in his first five holes by playing the back side at 1-under, despite a bogey at the par-4 18th.
“Overall, I’m pretty happy with 71, but I certainly wish I putted better and had hit some better shots,” said Jonas, who’s won several PGA of BC events but is playing his first Club Professional Championship. “But it’s such a great course to play that it was a lot of fun.”
Although Palsenbarg was left feeling a bit frustrated about his 71, which included a triple-bogey at the par-4 11th hole, he also rolled in six birdies on the day, three of which came over his final five holes.
“I was making birdies on holes you’re not supposed to,” said the 36-year-old, whose round featured birdies at the difficult seventh and ninth holes on the way out.
Four more players finished at 72 on Monday, while six others carded a 73 to sit three behind, including defending champion Dave Zibrik (Point Grey Golf & Country Club).
Tuesday’s tee times will begin at 7:00 a.m., with the final group of Crowe, Goddard and Jonas set to tee off at 9:20 a.m. The winner will take home $2,700 from a prize purse of more than $15,000.
Click here to view full first-round scores.
About PGA of British Columbia
The Professional Golfers' Association of British Columbia is an association comprised of nearly 700 golf professionals who work at and operate golf courses, driving ranges and other facilities across the province. Its mandate is to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. The Zone Office is located in Richmond, BC. For more information, visit www.pgabc.org.
About Cleveland Golf/Srixon Canada
Cleveland Golf, founded in 1979, is a leading equipment manufacturer specializing in short-game technologies and solutions that benefit all golfers. Srixon, with more than 80 years of golf ball manufacturing experience, is committed to producing the highest quality, technically innovative golf balls which offer maximum performance to golfers of all levels of ability, while also offering a full range of clubs, balls and accessories. For more information, visit www.clevelandgolf.com and www.srixon.com.
About Oakcreek Golf & Turf
Oakcreek Golf & Turf is Western Canada’s full-service distributor of Toro Commercial Turf Care Equipment, Toro Golf Irrigation Equipment and Yamaha Golf Cars, plus all additional related products. The company proudly offers the very best quality products and professional service and support to golf courses, municipal parks, independent landscapers and private individuals. Oakcreek Golf & Turf has been in business since 1969 with six locations throughout Western Canada. For more information, visit www.oakcreekgolf.com.
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For more information, please contact:
Eric MacKenzie
Communications & Marketing Manager, PGA of BC
778-995-3331
eric@pgabc.org