August 11, 2023
RICHMOND, BC (PGA of BC) - The 2023 PGA of BC Championship presented by Axis Insurance will take place in a gorgeous mountain-ringed setting along the Columbia River at Revelstoke Golf Club on August 14 and 15. Competitors can expect warm, sunny conditions and a sky free of clouds, with forecasts calling for a high of 31 degrees Celsius. The Norman Woods-designed, 6,500-yard course will play host to 99 PGA of BC professionals from across the province competing in a two-day, 36-hole stroke play event. The peninsula course offers spectacular views and natural beauty along with pristine facilities.
More than 100 years ago, the Revelstoke Turf Association established a racetrack on the club’s current grounds. With the decline of horse-racing during World War I and a rising interest in golf, the building was converted into a clubhouse and the surrounding property into a golf course. The next several decades saw the club grow, with movie star Richard Arlen even setting the course record in 1936 while in town filming The Great Barrier. In 1974, the club saw significant transformation under the direction of course architect Woods, becoming an 18-hole, par 72 layout. This will be the historic club’s first time hosting a PGA of BC tournament, with Executive Professional Dean Jackson saying they are thrilled to welcome competitors to the picturesque region.
"We're quite honoured here as a club to host the event, the whole community included. We've put the volunteer call out and the response has been quite impressive. The whole community is excited to welcome 99 professionals to Revelstoke and we're excited to showcase our beautiful mountain town."
Jackson also offered some insight into course strategy, emphasizing the contrast between the front and back nines.
"The front nine, you definitely want to keep it on the fairways. If you hit it in the trees, you'll be taking your lumps and chipping. The back nine is the original nine, it's a little more open so the wayward shots can be found easier," said Jackson. "Our superintendent is working really hard to get the course in great shape and the greens are going to be rolling quick."
Last year, Nate Ollis (Cordova Bay Golf Course) emerged victorious at the 2022 PGA of BC Championship which took place at Pitt Meadows Golf Club. Ollis was able to overcome runner-up Bryn Parry (Seymour Creek Golf Centre) in a thrilling playoff to secure the win.
"My preparation process and mindset is more or less the same for this tournament as others. I'm going to prepare as best as I can, I'm going to do my work in the practice round and then I'm going to play the best golf I possibly can," said Ollis. "I'm not really wanting to set outcome goals. I want to set process goals, and if I do my process, then hopefully the outcome puts me near the top."
Favourites coming into this year’s event include Ollis and four-time champion Parry, as well as 2023 PGA Championship of Canada winner Kevin Stinson (Cheam Mountain Golf Course), 2023 PGA of BC Assistants’ champion and Kal Tire Order of Merit leader Steven Lecuyer (Seymour Creek Golf Centre) and 2020 PGA of BC champion Keith Martin (Tower Ranch Golf Club). Parry, one of the most accomplished golfers in Association history, is tied with Life Professional Scott Minni for the most all-time PGA of BC Championship titles and will be motivated to earn his record-setting fifth William Thompson Trophy. Parry has been a perennial contender for over 20 years, winning or finishing as runner-up on eleven different occasions.
"Nate and I have become very good friends. He's asked for some help over the years, and beat me in the playoff last year," said Parry. "I'd like to beat him, but I'm also cheering for him. I'd like to see him continue on his winning ways and put in another dominating performance and prove to all of us what he's capable of. So, as much as I'd like to do well, I'm hoping he puts on a good show."
Parry said he has many great memories of the tournament, but his favourites include winning at Whistler Golf Club in 2019, a "magical" and "special" victory, as well as a story Parry has told many times where he accidentally hit a pitch shot straight off the hozzle into his friend John Randle's back.
Professionals will compete for a total prize purse of $40,000. The PGA of BC championships would not be possible without the generous support from our sponsors. The Association extends our gratitude to Axis Insurance for their sponsorship of the event and support for golf in British Columbia. We would also like to thank Revelstoke Golf Club, Jackson and Head Professional Charles Beneteau for their gracious hospitality.
This event is also presented in part by several local supporting sponsors. We extend our gratitude to the following Revelstoke businesses:
- Artisan Drywall Contracting Ltd.
- Cedar & Spruce Consulting Ltd.
- Days Inn & Suites Revelstoke
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Revelstoke
- Mt. Begbie Brewing Co.
- Ramada by Wyndham Revelstoke
- RE/MAX Revelstoke Realty
- Skookum Bike & Ski
- Summit Cannabis Co.
- Super 8 by Wyndham Revelstoke
Please click here for estimated yardages. Please click here for the draw and live scoring.