KELOWNA, JULY 15, 2025 (excerpted from PGA of BC and Similkameen Spotlight)
The 2025 Jack McLaughlin Memorial PGA of BC Pro-Junior Championship Series teed off its Interior leg on July 15 at Michaelbrook Golf Course in Kelowna, where Shadow Ridge Golf Club emerged victorious in a standout field of rising junior stars.
Led by PGA of BC professional Mark Kitts, the Shadow Ridge team of Asher Arychuk, Henry Sutherland, and Luke Haas posted a net score of 19-under in the two-net best-ball format, securing a four-shot victory in the first of four regional championships.
The Winning Squad From Shadow Ridge
Runner-up honours went to Okanagan Golf Club, whose team included professional Conner Kozak, Autumn Lapp, Tierra Elchuk, and Velvet Haynes. Notably, Lapp carded a hole-in-one on her very first swing of the day at the par-3 7th, which was the team's starting hole in the shotgun format.
The Harvest Golf Club finished third at 14-under, represented by Justin Towill, Charlie Grant, Bennett Lisk, and Braydon McKechnie.
The event marked the kickoff to the Jack McLaughlin Memorial Pro-Junior Championship Series, named after the long-serving Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club professional known for his dedication to junior golf development. The series, founded in 1992, pairs one PGA of BC professional with three junior players from their facility for a fun, team-based 18-hole competition. The net scoring system enables players of various ages and skill levels to contribute meaningfully.
All teams followed a strict dress code and competition format: no alcohol, no caddies, and no golf cart use unless specifically approved. Attendance at the post-round function was mandatory for the top five finishers.
In addition to team accolades, professionals vied for a share of the prize purse, which was distributed based on individual totals of birdies and eagles recorded during play. Junior competitors were rewarded with prizes provided by presenting sponsors Sundog Eyewear, Blue Tees Golf, and Adidas Golf Canada.
Following the Kelowna event, the series continued to Fort Langley, Victoria, and Windermere, with winners from each region earning recognition in their respective championships. In total, 40 teams participated province-wide, making this one of BC's premier junior development initiatives.
Unless otherwise noted, all images are credit — courtesy facility / organization.
Related Links
PGA of BC - Regional Pro-Junior Series