Kevin Stinson dominates to win the 2026 Axis Insurance PGA of BC Championship presented by GOLFTEC, Levelwear, and Replay Golf Supplies
August 26, 2026
Kamloops, British Columbia (PGA of BC) - Setting a new Kamloops Golf & Country Club course record in the first round, matching the PGA of BC Championship par-72 single-round scoring record, and setting the all-time PGA of BC Championship 36-hole scoring record, Kevin Stinson (Cheam Mountain Golf Course) picked up his second Axis Insurance PGA of BC Championship presented by GOLFTEC, Levelwear, and Replay Golf Supplies title.
Stinson held a six-shot lead after his course-record 62 (-10) in the first round Monday, which saw him make eight birdies and an eagle. Seven-under through 15 holes, Stinson made three consecutive birdies to close his day and break the course record.
Dave Zibrik (Point Grey Golf & Country Club) fired a 68 (-4) in the first round to sit tied for second place with Justin Towill (Harvest Golf Club) and Aidan Goodfellow (Nanaimo Golf Club). Stinson and Zibrik matched birdies on the second, but Zibrik clawed a stroke back on the par-3 third when Stinson's tee shot found the bunker, forcing a bogey. Both Stinson and Zibrik made birdies on the 5th and 6th holes, but another bogey from Stinson on the 7th brought Zibrik to within four strokes.
Despite the momentum, Zibrik's double bogey on the par-3 8th hole dropped him back to five-under. Towill, meanwhile, made birdies on the 5th, 7th and 8th holes to make the turn at seven-under, four strokes behind Stinson.
“Golf can be crazy. You have a big number somewhere, someone gets hot, it can turn really quickly,” said Stinson. “I had a couple loose swings on the front nine, which actually kind of helped me kick into more of what I was doing the day before. Just trying to execute and hit aggressive shots, not necessarily to aggressive targets but to safe targets with an aggressive swing on it. If you take things for granted and play it too safe, it can work against you, so I tried to keep hitting those good, aggressive swings.”
Stinson extended his lead with a birdie on the 11th, before Towill responded with an eagle on the par-5 12th. Stinson also made birdie on the 12th to keep the gap at four strokes.
A bogey from Towill on the 13th gave Stinson additional breathing room. Stinson made birdie on the 14th to reach 14-under and stretch his advantage to six. He made four consecutive pars to close, while Zibrik added a birdie on the 16th to move back into second place.
With the Championship firmly in hand, Stinson sank his winning putt to complete a final-round 68 (-4) and a 14-under total of 130.
“I just love playing and competing,” said Stinson. “When good rounds like that happen, it's pretty cool, because it doesn't happen all the time. It goes back to how good the golf course was, how well they set it up, all the conditions were perfect. Kamloops did a fantastic job.”
Stinson's victory adds a second William Thompson Trophy to his resumé after he previously won the Championship in 2018.
“You look at the list of champions and there's so many great players, and there's so many current great players in the Association,” said Stinson. “Anytime you can have your name on a trophy like that, it's an honour and it's a privilege to be able to play. Mentors of mine like Bryn Parry and Phil Jonas, those guys that have their names on the trophy a lot, those are the guys I look up to, and it's cool to have my name on there again.”
Stinson was joined at the 18th green by his wife Alley and son Billy, whose presence offered perspective throughout his record-setting performance.
“Golf is definitely different now that we have a full family,” said Stinson. “What I find really cool is whether I shoot 62 or I shoot 82, my son doesn't think of me any different, I'm just Dad. It kind of grounds you a bit, makes you realize what's actually important is not a golf score, which is pretty freeing and nice. I think it's really helped my golf. They're a great support group, and they're awesome to have out there with me.”
Stinson earned $7,750 for his victory. Zibrik finished in solo second at 8-under, earning $4,350. Four competitors tied for third place at 7-under, earning $2,387.50 each: James Swan (Olympic View Golf Club), Luke Bogdan (Ace Performance Centre), Goodfellow, and Towill.
Seventy-seven competitors participated in the Round Two optional skins game. Congratulations to Benjamin McKendrick (Capilano Golf & Country Club) on his birdie on 4, and to Lionel Taylor (Monte's Golf Shop) for his eagle on 18. McKendrick and Taylor take home $770 each.
The PGA of BC proudly recognizes Title Sponsor Axis Insurance and Account Executive Lee Fulsher for their enduring commitment to the PGA of BC Championship. Their support has helped elevate the event and reinforce its place as a highlight of the Association’s competitive calendar.
The Association offers its sincere thanks to Presenting Sponsors GOLFTEC and COO & VP Dean Larsen, Levelwear and Director of Sales Canada Bob Else, and Replay Golf Supplies and Owner/Operator Lee Burgham. Their investment in the Championship and the PGA of BC membership played an important role in delivering an exceptional experience for this year’s competitors.
The PGA of BC is also pleased to recognize Supporting Sponsors Marianne DeCotiis and Brice Fraser of William Wright Commercial Real Estate, along with Brice’s Enterprises, for helping make the Championship a success.
The Association thanks referees Brian Schreiner, Joe Trofananko, and Les Chimko for contributing their time and expertise to ensure the Championship was conducted fairly and professionally.
Finally, the PGA of BC extends its sincere appreciation to General Manager Alec Hubert, Head Professional Andrew Bentley, and the entire Kamloops Golf & Country Club team, including the members who graciously volunteered, for their hospitality and the tremendous work that went into hosting the field. The course provided an outstanding stage for the Championship and was presented at the highest level throughout both rounds.
For the full leaderboard, please click here.
For more information and all media inquiries, please reach out to Communications & Marketing Manager Graham Abraham at graham@pgabc.org.
