Preview: PING Canada Tournament of Champions presented by Maui Jim Sunglasses

May 23, 2025

Richmond, BC (PGA of BC) - The PGA of BC’s 2025 competitive schedule makes its season debut with the PING Canada Tournament of Champions presented by Maui Jim Sunglasses, set to take place Monday, May 26 at Fairview Mountain Golf Club.

Fairview Mountain is carved into a south-facing bench just above Oliver in the South Okanagan Valley. The routing follows the natural hillside, so fairways rise, fall, and twist with the slope rather than fighting it. Elevation changes are steady but manageable and many tees offer clear views across the valley’s vineyards toward the surrounding mountains. Wind gusts that funnel up the valley add another layer of challenge, especially on the higher, more exposed holes.

Fairview Mountain Head Professional Rob Tadey offered insights to help competing teams inform their strategy. Tadey stressed the need to familiarize yourself with the undulations of each green and read putts from every angle. While the greens pose a challenge, Tadey said the course is forgiving off the tee.

“You can bomb it basically everywhere.”

Tadey also expressed his excitement in showcasing the improvements to the club in recent years.

“We’re very excited to host all the professionals and club champions, and to show off our facility. There have been a lot of improvements in the last few years: a new irrigation system, a new teaching facility, a new members-only practice facility,” said Tadey. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone.”

A competitive storyline that jumps out is Point Grey Golf & Country Club’s chase for five consecutive Tournament of Champions titles. From 2021 to 2023, the duo of Dave Zibrik and Jeff Dagg went back-to-back-to-back as champions. Last year, Clark MacPherson and Ben Bay continued to fend off the rest of the province as they secured the club’s fourth straight victory. With the 2020 edition of the event cancelled, Point Grey’s dominance is such that no other club has won the Tournament of Champions this decade.

Zibrik, who returns to the event with teammate Kenner Astles, has enjoyed success at Fairview Mountain and is hopeful the duo will find themselves walking into the Point Grey clubhouse Tuesday morning, trophy in hand.

“The streak is a point of pride for the club, and it goes to show how many great players we have as members at Point Grey,” said Zibrik.

“I’ve actually finished runner-up at Fairview Mountain in both the PGA of BC Championship and the Club Pro Championship. I’ve played a fair amount of golf up there, it seems to suit my gameplay well, so I’m looking forward to getting back up there.”

Looking to dethrone Point Grey, several competing teams are led by professionals who have earned Tournament of Champions runner-up honours in recent years. The professionals representing those teams include Lindsay Bernakevitch (Victoria Golf Club), Mark Kitts (Shadow Ridge Golf Club), Brian McDonald (Fairview Mountain Golf Club), and Ryan Tofani (Sandpiper Golf Club).

The PGA of BC extends its appreciation to the sponsors who make this event possible through their generous support of the Association and its members. Thank you to PING Canada General Manager Dave Wilson and Sales Representatives Terry Graham and Adrian Deakin, and to Maui Jim Sunglasses General Manager Jeff Speiran and Sales Representative Kenny Talpa.

The Association is grateful to Head Professional Rob Tadey, Executive Professional Brian McDonald, and the entire Fairview Mountain team for their time and effort in advance of the tournament. Fairview Mountain has consistently demonstrated their support for and dedication towards the Association over many years. We look forward to their fantastic hospitality and the use of their gorgeous facilities.

To access the Tournament Draw, please click here.

For more information, please reach out to Communications & Marketing Manager Graham Abraham at graham@pgabc.org.