On Monday, the University of Fraser Valley Cascades Pro-Am teed off under 30-degree heat and a cascade of handshakes doled out to PGA Tour pros Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin.
At the Chilliwack Golf Club, a small crowd of watchful eyes surrounded the first hole to glimpse Abbotsford products Taylor and Hadwin launch their first drives of the day.
The tournament set-up involved competing foursomes, each featuring a Vancouver Golf Tour (VGT) pro and three amateurs, playing a two-best ball team format. This year’s Pro-Am was also the event’s first as an official VGT event.
Both players were happy to be back in town, and to play golf no less.
“It’s nice to be local,” said Taylor.
“If I’m home, it’s easy to come out. It’s really a non-decision,” he added. “It’s fun to see some of the guys and support the event if I can help in any way.”
Taylor, who topped just over $1 million in earnings this season, donated a signed flag from his Sanderson Farms Tour win last November as a giveaway.
Hadwin also extended his generosity, contributing his white and dark-blue tour bag.
“It’s really great to come back, especially with the weather we’re having,” said Hadwin. “Family and friends are here, so this will always be home for me.”
Taylor and Hadwin return to the PGA Tour next week to play in the Travelers Championship, which runs June 25-28.
UFV golf coach Chris Bertram was pleased with the event. “We’ve got a terrific field of pros and we’ve got a really good supportive group of amateurs from the local community,” said Bertram. “The day is perfect; the turnout fantastic.”
Kevin Stinson was top among pros, finishing at seven-under and taking home $1,200. Hadwin and Chris Lee tied for second at four-under. Lee’s foursome also finished at the top of the leaderboard, with a cumulative score of 21-under-par. That score tied his group with Abbotsford’s Ray Stewart.
Abbotsford golfer and two-time Canadian Tour winner James Lepp finished fourth and took home $500. His foursome finished third at a collective 20 -under-par. Taylor, meanwhile, finished well back of the lead, shooting a round of 75.
For full list of results visit vancouvergolftour.com/leaderboard.