Executive professional Brian McDonald from Fairview Mountain studies his shot on the 9th during the PGA of BC Championship this week. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
In a down to the wire win on Tuesday, Bryn Parry hoisted the William Thompson trophy for a third time as he claimed the title at the TaylorMade and adidas Golf PGA of BC championship held at Fairview Mountain Golf Course on August 24-25.
The tournament, played over a smoky two days, saw multiple players come within strokes of snagging first place, however, Parry’s score of 8-under 136 for the tournament would put him atop the leader board in the end.
“I felt that when I hit really good shots, I got great rewards, and when I hit mediocre shots, there was a lot of work left,” said Parry in a post-round interview on Tuesday. “Today the work turned into extra work because my putting speed was a little off. So, every time I made a mistake I had a six or seven footer left. But some of them went in… enough of them went in.”
Perhaps the most crucial shot for Parry came on the 18th green, as a missed putt would force a playoff between himself and Dave Zibrik of Capilano Golf and Country Club, while sinking it would earn him the title. The 25-footer rolled in and the rest is history.
“One of the things I’ve been trying to do is just taking a deep breath before I hit every shot,” Parry said. “I felt just a little bit unsettled on this course and never felt like I was totally in control. But after a couple deep breaths, I just asked myself to hit as good a putt as I could and it was my time, it went in.”
Representing Fairview Mountain, Rob Tadey finished with a score of 72, 73 (145), and Brian McDonald finished with a score of 74, 72 (146).
Parry has had a busy summer playing in tournaments throughout Canada. Most recently, he came tied for eighth at the Coupe Canada Sani Marc in Quebec, in addition to advancing to the quarter-final matches at the PGA Championship of Canada in Nova Scotia. 2015 marks Parry’s third time claiming the PGA of BC Champion title, his other wins took place in 2000 and 2008.
“Everything helps. You’re always practicing and always trying to get better. I think I just had more patience this time. At some of the other tournaments this year I was pushing hard and wanting a result. This time, I kind of gave myself a little bit of a breather and it worked out for me.”
For his win, Parry cashed a $6,000 cheque, while Zibrik’s second place finish earned him $4,200. Four players finished the tournament in shared third: Lindsay Bernakevitch (Victoria Golf Club), John Shin (Northview Golf & Country Club), Jeremy Johnson (Fairmont Hot Springs Resort), and Ben Griffin (Uplands Golf Club). The foursome finished the tournament at 5-under 139 and each took home $2,375.
