Jeremy Johnson, golf professional at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, carded a 68 Sept. 19 to finish third at 2-over in the PGA of BC Club Professional Championship.

Phil Jonas separated himself from the field to win the Cleveland Golf/Srixon Canada PGA of BC Club Professional Championship presented by Oakcreek Golf & Turf on Sept. 19 at Victoria Golf Club.

Jonas (Philip Jonas Golf Academy) fired a tournament-low, 4-under-par round of 66 on the esteemed Oak Bay course to finish with a 36-hole total of 3-under-par 137, beating out Matthew Palsenbarg (Northview Golf Academy) by two strokes to claim the Dick Munn Memorial Trophy. The 55-year-old was making his first appearance in the annual event, which is open to all Head, Executive and Head Teaching Professionals of the PGA of BC.

“I really wanted to win this tournament, given it being my first attempt. And as I’m getting older, I have to win whenever I can,” Jonas said with a laugh. “It’s very satisfying.”

Playing in the final group and starting the day one stroke off the first-round pace set by Jesse Crowe (Salmon Arm Golf Club), Jonas got off to a quick start by making a chip-in eagle on the par-5 first hole. That gave him an early lead that he would never relinquish.

“I played well the first few holes, then kind of got a bit scrappy for a few holes, then played well again,” said Jonas. “And I was pretty solid down the stretch, although I was pretty nervous. It doesn’t seem to get any easier (to win).”

Needing a two-putt par 18th hole to secure the victory, Jonas rolled in a 20-footer for one of his four birdies on the day. He collected the winner’s share of $2,700 from a prize purse totalling more than $15,000.

Palsenbarg finished as the runner-up for the second consecutive year, closing with a bogey-free 68. Playing in the group ahead of Jonas, Palsenbarg briefly held a share of the lead while playing Victoria Golf Club’s iconic oceanside par 3s that close out the front nine, but the tie was broken for good when Jonas made birdie at No. 8.

“I hit 15 greens and hit the ball really well. You can’t fault the putter when you’re burning edges and the greens are hard to read,” said Palsenbarg, who birdied the 1st and 17th holes while parring the rest. “I made an eight-footer on No. 1, then just lots of two-putts.”

Fairmont’s Johnson, formerly part of Victoria Golf Club’s Professional staff, carded a 68 Tuesday to finish third at 2-over. Defending champion Dave Zibrik (Point Grey Golf & Country Club) placed third at 4-over, while Luke McKenzie (Eaglequest Golf Centre at Coquitlam) rounded out the top five at 5-over.

The Club Professional Championship has been contested annually since 2006, and has traditionally been held at one of the province’s premier courses near the end of each season. Competitors raved about this year’s venue, with Jonas calling Victoria Golf Club his favourite course in British Columbia.

“It’s 6,000 yards of pure joy,” he said. “This course never feels short, it has so many great holes … it’s in magnificent condition. Every time I play here it’s such a treat. There’s nothing better.”

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