Preview: PING Canada Tournament of Champions presented by KAILANI Outdoors
May 22, 2026
Richmond, BC (PGA of BC) - The PGA of BC’s 2026 competitive schedule makes its season debut with the PING Canada Tournament of Champions presented by KAILANI Outdoors, set to take place Monday, May 25 at Black Mountain Golf Club in Kelowna.
The Tournament of Champions features two-person teams made up of a PGA of BC professional and their club champion, bringing together many of the province’s top professionals and amateur players in a one-day best-ball competition.
Black Mountain is carved into the Okanagan landscape, using the natural mountainside topography to create steady elevation changes, tight fairways and several demanding approach shots. The surrounding cliffs and views of Kelowna give the event a striking setting to open the Association’s tournament season.
Black Mountain General Manager Russ Latimer said the club is proud to welcome PGA of BC professionals and club champions from across the province.
“I have been at Black Mountain for 15 seasons now, and I’m extremely proud of our staff, our golf course, and the culture we have built here. The Tournament of Champions is another great opportunity to showcase not only our golf course, but the entire experience Black Mountain and Kelowna provide. Hosting industry leaders and club champions from all over the province is an exciting opportunity to showcase everything Black Mountain has to offer while competing for a prestigious trophy.”
Latimer, who will be competing in the event, believes the course will reward discipline off the tee and smart positioning into the greens.
“The course is not long, but there are many tight fairways and dangerous green locations, so putting yourself in position off the tee is crucial, and wayward shots into some of these greens can be detrimental. Keeping both balls in play will certainly lead to less of a glute workout.”
The defending champions enter with a chance to make event history. Victoria Golf Club’s Director of Golf Lindsay Bernakevitch and Men’s Club Champion Craig Doell captured last year’s Tournament of Champions title at Fairview Mountain Golf Club, giving Victoria Golf Club its fourth Tournament of Champions victory and tying Point Grey Golf & Country Club for the most all-time by a club.
Bernakevitch said Black Mountain should suit the defending champions’ approach if they can stay disciplined and give themselves enough looks at birdie.
“I have played Black Mountain a few times over the years. It seems to be a ball striker's course, which sets up well for us. We have always had a strategy of trying to both be in play and have as many birdie looks as possible. If we can drive it well and keep it below the hole, I think we are both good putters and will have a chance!”
The PGA of BC extends its appreciation to Title Sponsor PING Canada and Sales Representatives Adrian Deakin and Terry Graham for their longtime support of the Association and its members.
The Association is also grateful to Presenting Sponsor KAILANI Outdoors, National Sales Manager Curtis Butler and BC Sales Representative Clay Atkinson for joining the PGA of BC as a partner this season and for their spornsorship of the Tournament of Champions.
Finally, the Association extends its gratitude to Latimer and the entire Black Mountain Golf Club team for their preparation, hospitality and support in advance of Monday’s tournament.
To access the Tournament Draw, please click here.
For more information and any media inquiries, please reach out to Communications & Marketing Manager Graham Abraham at graham@pgabc.org.