Junior golfers and professionals from around the province came together for a great day on the links Monday at the Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club (SCGCC).
The B.C. Professional Golf Association (BCPGA) held its annual Jack McLaughlin Memorial Pro-Junior Championship, which brought together more than 30 teams.
The Sunshine Coast was well represented with two teams from the SCGCC, two teams from Myrtle Point in Powell River and one team from the Sechelt Golf and Country Club (SGCC).
"It's a great opportunity for junior players to experience golf through a professional's eyes," said Jim Pringle, head pro at the SCGCC. "This event really promotes junior golf and gives us as professionals a chance to come together, play some golf and share ideas on how we can promote the game better within our own clubs."
Pringle said the BCPGA asked the club to host the event this year.
"We were thrilled and honoured to host such a high-calibre event," Pringle added. "This has been a tremendous year for us so far and the whole Sunshine Coast for that matter. The membership has really stepped up, and this event is just another feather in our cap."
Each of the teams involved in Monday's tournament consisted of a pro and three junior players.
The Golf Academy at Westwood Plateau in Coquitlam won the event with a final score of 118.
The SCGCC foursome of Pringle, Dylan Cappadocia, Koty Haikonen and Dustin Christmas finished with a 130 total, the other foursome of Brad St. John, Andrew Husband, Kris Liddicoat and Tony Dill finished with a score of 132 while the Sechelt team of Kevin Krake, Sean Patton, Adam Cote and Graydon Benner finished with a score of 135.
"We were a couple of shots short of the prize table and the kids were a little disappointed, but I think everyone had a good time," Pringle added.
One of the juniors didn't come away empty handed though, as Tony won his division in the long-drive contest.
"We struggled a bit, but I think the kids had a fun day," added Krake, head pro at Sechelt. "The BCPGA needs to be congratulated for all their work for junior golf."
