A new season. A new group. And a strong start for the Team BC Squads.
From April 10–12, 32 athletes came together at Morningstar Golf Club in Parksville for the Team BC Regional Squads Launch. It marked the first time all five squads from across the province were in the same place, all together, bringing a new level of energy, connection, and excitement to the start of the year.
While many faces were new, including 2025 B.C. U15 Girls Champion, Emily Shi, with the Metro Vancouver Squad, there were also some familiar standouts in the group, such as Owen Beaulac, the 2025 Canadian U15 Champion representing the Vancouver Island Squad. The weekend also reflected the strength of the pathway, with alumni like Maxim McKenzie continuing to take the next step - now named to the 2026 Team Canada NextGen Squad after coming through the Fraser Valley program.
Across the three days, athletes started to settle in, learn the course to prepare for the upcoming Golf Canada NextGen Pacific Championship, and connect with teammates in ways that goes far beyond just golf.
Team BC Metro Vancouver Coach Christine Wong Works With A Group Of Team BC Players Including Returning Vancouver Island Squad Member, Emma Kral, As She lines Up Her Putt
Time on the course was hands-on, intentional, and collaborative. Coaches including Michelle McCann, Mark Valliere, Stephanie and Jacob Vanderpas, Christine Wong, Brady Stead, Connor Kozak and Colin Lavers worked alongside athletes in real time sharing insights, asking questions and creating space for learning that went beyond just the technical side of the game.
Mental performance was woven into everything. With guidance from Kim Senecal, athletes worked through strategies both on and off the course such as learning how to stay present, managing emotions during play and building routines they can rely on when it matters most.
But more than anything, the weekend was about bringing everyone together.
New friendships started, familiar faces reconnected and for the first time, the full Team BC pathway was in one place - setting the tone for what’s ahead.
With the Golf Canada NextGen Pacific Championship set for May 1–3 at Morningstar, this same group will be back on site, now in competition mode. Keep an eye out for these athletes as they look to carry this momentum into their first major test of the season.
Next stop: NextGen Pacific Championship