Morning Star Staff
Keith Vandenbrink of Hillview did his best to stay hydrated while pocketing $900 for third place in the PGA of BC Seniors’ Championship presented by My Turn Health and Fitness Inc.at the Kamloops Golf & Country Club.
Vandenbrink guzzled eight or nine bottles of water in the scorching desert heat and carded rounds of 72-70-142 to finish 2-under.
“I never needed a bathroom break either round; I think it (water) bled out of me,” joked Vandenbrink. “I was the only one walking in the final six guys. Seniors are allowed power carts and my competitors took advantage of that.”
Phil Jonas (Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club) defended his title at 65-71 for $1,500, while Murray Poje (Tsawwassen Springs Golf) finished two strokes back at 69-70, earning $1,100.
Vandenbrink was sixth after the opening round, where he played in the Jonas threesome.
“I had an interesting day with five birdies, a few bogeys and a double bogey to shoot even par 72,” said Vandy. “Phil had a great round of 65.”
On Day 2, Poje finished birdie/eagle on the last two holes to take over second spot.
“Jonas did not have a good second round, but after hitting it all over the place, his Tour experience forged a 1-under final round to take the title,” said Vandy.
Vandenbrink was even on the front nine Tuesday and drained a 30-footer for eagle on the par-5 12th hole to reach 2-under. He made pars on the final two holes.
“The course was in excellent condition with large, fast undulating greens,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wyatt Brock of Rivershore in Kamloops shot 79-71-159 to win the Zone 2 Junior Tour championship last weekend at Gallagher’s Canyon in Kelowna.
Jordan Simpson of Penticton placed second at 75-77-152 by retrogression over Bantam-aged Tiegan Taylor of Kelowna, at 78-74-152.
Marcus Apchin of Kelowna carded 74-79-153 for fourth spot, while Parker Wadsworth of Vernon posted 155 with rounds of 76-79.
George Wilkins of Predator Ridge also went 155 at 79-76, while Braeden Cooper of Vernon produced 81-77-158 for sole possession of eighth place in the field of 47.
Terry Cousineau of The Dunes in Kamloops won the season-long Order of Merit and finished at 84-76-160. Taylor took the girls Order of Merit title.
Brandon Chai fired 81-83 for 164, while Jaden Steinke went 87-86-173 and Dexter Weiten of was 91-81-173, rounding out local golfers.