VIDEO: Vancouver duo completes three-peat, local teams round out podium

The grass was green, skies were blue and golf balls were being hit, with a few choice words that followed depending on how well the ball was struck.

On Monday, golfers from across British Columbia were in Kelowna for the 2023 PGA of BC Tournament of Champions (ToC), which was hosted at Gallagher’s Canyon.

The annual tournament returned to Gallagher’s for the first time since 2004 and saw a strong turnout of 41 duos composed of a club professional playing alongside a current club champion or a designated amateur.

All eyes were on the two-time defending champions Dave Zibrik and Jeff Dagg from Point Grey Golf and Country Club. They were looking for a three-peat and they accomplished just that by shooting nine-under.

But it did not come easy, as the local pros gave the Vancouver pair a run for their money.

Shadow Ridge Golf Club’s Mark Kitts and Justin Faase finished one shot behind in the final standings and in third place was Rob Anderson and Mike Byland from Kelowna Golf and Country Club, who were two shots behind the champions.

“My partner and I played good partner golf today and when I wasn't very good, he was good and we just picked each other up and ham and egged it around there,” Byland told KelownaNow.

The tournament was played as a best ball format, with the best score between the duos on each hole being counted.

“It was great, the course was in good condition, weather was great, greens were rolling fast, I think we both felt pretty good out there,” said Dagg.

The winning duo came to Kelowna with very little experience at this particular golf course, but that was not a concern for them, as they played with a relaxed demeanor en route to their third straight championship win.

“We had an awesome day out here at Gallagher's Canyon Golf and Country Club, weather was absolutely perfect, the golf course has been in fantastic shape,” said Mark Strong, PGA of BC executive director.

“It sounds like everyone had a great time out there.”