Jordan Irwin leads the 2026 Play Golf BC Assistants' Championship after Round One
June 8, 2026
Kamloops, BC (PGA of BC) - Round One of the 2026 Play Golf BC Assistants' Championship is complete, with Saratoga Beach Golf Course's Jordan Irwin taking a one-shot lead at The Dunes at Kamloops.
Despite what he described as a "not promising" swing on the first tee, Irwin started strong with a birdie. A bogey on the fourth followed, and through six holes, Irwin sat at a solid but unspectacular even-par.
His round took a sharp and dramatic turn when he birdied four straight, from the seventh through the tenth holes.
"I played seven conservatively, hit a good hybrid in the fairway," said Irwin. "Then I put my three-wood right to the front edge of the green, good swing. I got up-and-down for birdie there. I had two really nice putts on eight and nine, both from around 15 feet. It wasn't a great ball-striking round to be honest. The putter was really solid, I made a lot of five, six, seven-foot putts when I needed to."
"All of us out here, we play part-time tournament golf. We're often trying to figure out our game in a tournament situation. What will it feel like at a tournament versus playing nine holes after work? Today, it felt not great at the start, but I was able to ride the ship and figure it out."
Irwin continued to ride that momentum on the back nine, adding birdies on the 14th, 15th and 18th holes to finish his round with a 7-under 65.
Firing a bogey-free 66 (-6) today, Carson Kallis (Burnaby Mountain Golf Club) sits in second place, just one shot off the lead.
Clark MacPherson (Point Grey Golf & Country Club) and James Swan (Olympic View Golf Club) are tied for third place at 4-under.
Five professionals are tied for fifth place at 3-under: Will Barnett (Vancouver Golf Club), Zac Carson (Nicklaus North Golf Course), Michael Caan (Riverway Golf Course), Giunue Choi (Capilano Golf & Country Club), and Ethan Danish (Gallagher's Canyon Golf & Country Club).
A highlight from today came on the 290-yard, par-4 14th hole, where Quilchena Golf & Country Club professional John Jamieson's drive found the hole for an albatross ace.
The PGA of BC extends its sincere appreciation to Play Golf BC and Bruce Vermee for their sponsorship of the 2026 Assistants’ Championship. Play Golf BC is proud to support the Association and we were thrilled to have longtime PGA of BC professional Vermee join us today. We look forward to his warm presence again tomorrow.
The PGA of BC is also grateful to Supporting Sponsors Marianne DeCotiis and Brice Fraser with William Wright Commercial Real Estate for their support of the PGA of BC Assistants' Championship and all competitors. DeCotiis is currently representing the sale of tournament host, The Dunes Golf Course, an 18-hole championship golf course with development land listed through William Wright Commercial Real Estate.
The PGA of BC also extends its appreciation to Supporting Sponsor Brice’s Enterprises for its valued support of this year’s Championship. Contributions from sponsors like Brice’s Enterprises help to enhance the experience.
Finally, thank you to Head Professional Bill Bilton Jr., Director of Golf Doug Wilkinson, and the entire Dunes at Kamloops team for their tremendous hospitality and preparation.
Round Two tee times start at 7:30am. Please click here for the Draw.
Please click here for the full leaderboard.
For more information, please reach out to Communications & Marketing Manager Graham Abraham at graham@pgabc.org.