Nanaimo Wins Pro Jr. At Shaughnessy

From Left: Nanaimo Golf Club's Eli Greene, Kirit Lalh, Sasha Farenholtz, and Professional Chris Martens. (Photo/PGA of BC)

PRESS RELEASE

The team from Nanaimo Golf Club led by Professional Chris Martens captured the Jack McLaughlin Memorial PGA of BC Pro-Junior Championship presented by COBRA PUMA Golf on July 23rd.

This marked the first-ever title for Nanaimo in the event's 27-year history with Meadows Gardens ending two shots back.

Martens and three junior members (16-year-olds Eli Greene and Sasha Farenholtz, and 15-year-old Kirit Lalh) combined for a 22-under-par total to claim the victory over 31 other teams in two-net best-ball play at Shaughnessy G&CC. Lalh was the star of the team for Nanaimo Golf Club, as the team's youngest member recorded four net eagles on the day.

"It's fantastic for us," said Martens. "… I think this will be a big step forward in growing our program and pushing junior golf on Vancouver Island."

The Pro-Junior is a unique event in which PGA of BC members team up with three juniors from their facility. Net scoring allows all players to contribute to their team's success.

Host Shaughnessy ended third… a nice tribute to Jack McLaughlin, longtime Head Professional at a club that has hosted the Canadian Open 4-times.

Every participating junior earned a piece of a prize table valued at more than $10,000 and a backpack filled with gifts courtesy of PUMA Golf. Professionals split a $4,000 cash purse divided up for each individual birdie and eagle made during their rounds.