May 30, 2024

RICHMOND, BC (PGA of BC) - The PGA of BC’s COBRA PUMA GOLF Assistants’ Championship gets underway June 3-4 in the Southern Okanagan, as the field of Assistant Professionals will compete for the title at Nk’Mip Desert Canyon Golf Course in Oliver.

Nk’Mip’s stunning desert landscapes and challenging design are nestled within the traditional lands of the Osoyoos Indian Band and showcase the natural beauty of the Southern Okanagan region. The course offers breathtaking views of the desert terrain, vineyards and surrounding mountains for a picturesque setting. Owned by the Osoyoos Indian Band, the course integrates elements of Indigenous culture and history.

Head Professional Todd Tweedy said the landscape presents a unique experience and set of challenges.

“I think what’s really going to resonate is the beauty of the area. Truly cut out of the desert, you get some nice views of the town, nice views of the valley. All you see is sagebrush on either side with the fairways cut right out of it. It’s really just a beautiful and stunning area,” said Tweedy.

“It looks very tight off the tee. Our landing zones are quite generous, but visually it doesn’t set up that way, which makes it a challenge. People often try to fit a shot in there when they don’t have to. If you can get that out of your head, you’ll swing a lot smoother and give you more opportunities for birdies.”

This will be Nk’Mip’s second time hosting a PGA of BC tournament, and first in over 15 years. The course served as host of the 2008 Pro-Assistant Championship. Last year, they held the inaugural Indigenous Championship British Columbia.

“I take huge pride in hosting a championship like this. I’ve always wanted to show Nk’Mip off more than it has been,” said Tweedy. “Once people come out and see it and experience it, they’re hooked. Being able to promote and showcase what an amazing facility we have here, I’m very proud of that and so honoured to be hosting this event.”

Seymour Creek Golf Centre’s Steven Lecuyer is defending his title, after winning the 2023 Assistants’ Championship held at Chilliwack Golf Club. Lecuyer also emerged victorious in the season-long 2023 Kal Tire Cup Order of Merit, recognizing elite play over the course of the entire season.

Lecuyer is excited to defend his title, and said that his offseason training will hopefully translate to a more well-rounded game.

“I was very appreciative and grateful that I won last year. I don’t know how I pulled it off, and this year I hope I have a bit more confidence in my ball-striking and not have to rely as much on my short game. My mindset for this year is to put myself in a position to win every time I tee it up,” said Lecuyer. “This offseason, I worked with Vancouver Golf Performance to get stronger and faster. I’ve definitely improved my distance off the tee, which is a huge benefit. That was a part of my game last year that was lacking, and I’ve added some speed and am hoping to capitalize on that.”

A wealth of consistently great competitors will be teeing it up at Nk’Mip in hopes of wrestling the title from Lecuyer. 2021 Assistants’ champion Conner Kozak (Okanagan Golf Club), three-time Assistants’ runner-up Cory Renfrew (Pacific Golf Academy), and 2024 Tournament of Champions winner Clark MacPherson (Point Grey Golf & Country Club) are among the favourites competing next week.

The 2024 Assistants’ Championship is proudly sponsored by COBRA PUMA GOLF. The PGA of BC thanks COBRA PUMA GOLF for their continued support of the Association.

To view the Round One Draw, please click here. For more information, please visit the Tournament Page on our website, or reach out to Membership & Events Manager Doug Titterington at doug@pgabc.org.