REVELSTOKE, BC (PGA of BC) - Zach Olson (Chilliwack Golf Club) captured the 2023 PGA of BC Championship presented by Axis Insurance yesterday, posting scores of 68 and 66 over two rounds at Revelstoke Golf Club. Olson started the final round tied with Lindsay Bernakevitch (Victoria Golf Club) in third, two strokes back of Mark Kitts (Shadow Ridge Golf Club) and one stroke behind Max Cohen (Langley Golf Academy). Olson’s stellar play yesterday helped vault him past his competitors and secure his first PGA of BC Championship title.
Olson got off to an electric start, making an eagle on the first hole. Despite bogey hiccups on Holes 2 and 7, he stayed composed and was always able to bounce back with greater determination. Another eagle followed on the ninth, his fourth of the tournament, and a bogey-free back-nine which saw him add three birdies meant his foot was firmly on the pedal until the finish.
“My putter was pretty good for most of the day, that helped me out a lot. I didn’t really miss any short ones where I felt that I should have made it, so the putter kind of kept me in it,” said Olson. “It’s a pretty tight course here, you’re going to lose some left or right a few times, but I managed to keep it in play for most of the day and focused on hitting greens.”
The victory was especially meaningful to Olson. At last year’s PGA of BC Championship, he held the lead after Round 1, but couldn’t hold on for the win. This year, Olson was able to come from behind and clinch the victory.
“I got a little ahead of myself last year, and almost played too protective out of the gates. I tried to just not look at the leaderboard and play it one swing at a time like I usually would.”
This wasn’t Olson’s first win at an Association tournament. Last year, he emerged victorious in the PGA of BC Assistants’ Championship at Sandpiper Golf Course, as well as the Pro-Assistant Championship alongside Chilliwack Golf Club’s Ryan Tofani. For his exceptional play, Olson was awarded the 2022 PGA of BC Stan Leonard Player of the Year award.
Earning second place in the 2023 PGA of BC Championship was two-time champion Doug Morgan (Richmond Country Club). Morgan posted scores of 69 and 67 to finish the tournament at 8-under-par. He made two eagles during the second round to solidify his position among the leaders. Morgan’s incredible resume includes wins at the 1995 Assistants’ Championship, 2003 Tournament of Champions, 2004 Pro-Assistant Championship, and 2017 and 2022 Seniors’ Championships.
Steven Lecuyer (Seymour Creek Golf Centre) and Max Cohen (Langley Golf Academy) tied for third place, each shooting a cumulative 6-under. Lecuyer, along with Nigel Sinnott (Cheam Mountain Golf Course), won the pre-tournament Horse Race on Sunday evening.
The PGA of BC is proud to award a purse of $40,000 to the top-49 and ties in the 2023 PGA of BC Championship. As champion, Olson was awarded $7,500, while Morgan took home $4,750 and Lecuyer and Cohen each won $3,250.
The PGA of BC Championship was made possible by the generous support of Presenting and Local Supporting Sponsors. We extend our deepest appreciation to Presenting Sponsor Axis Insurance for their continued contributions to the Association.
We also thank all the Local Supporting Sponsors. Several Revelstoke businesses showed fantastic passion for the event and their enthusiasm and assistance is greatly appreciated.
Finally, we are so grateful to our spectacular host facility, Revelstoke Golf Club. Executive Professional Dean Jackson, Head Professional Charles Beneteau and the entire Revelstoke team provided a formidable experience for all.
