Dr. Phil ‘Dials in’ at the 2007 Chilliwack Open

Two days of hot temperatures challenged all golfers alike at this year’s Barton Insurance Chilliwack Open.

Having the benefit of a calm and cooler morning draw on day 1, Professional Phil Jonas shot an impressive score of 67, opening up a two shot lead over Professionals James Harper, Scott Shepherd and Matt Palsenbarg who all carded scores of 69.

With the greens firming up on day 2, Jonas found himself battling hard against Harper and Palsenbarg in the final group as well the charge that was laid down by Professional Doug Morgan of Redwoods Golf Course. Another dramatic charge was being posed by Professional Dan Swanson of Fraserview and Ryan Williams of Seymour Creek, birdying 5 holes on the front nine to place them both within mere strokes of the leader. Unfortunately, like many others, the back nine would prove too challenging for both as Swanson ended the day in a tie for 6th at 1-under par and Williams carding a 2-over par back nine to place ninth overall.

With three holes remaining on the final day, Jonas shot three back-two-back birdies to win the Championship and take home $2500 and the Winner’s trophy. It was later learnt that Jonas’ birdie on the 18th hole was the result of both skill and luck. With his drive off the tee taking a bounce off the cart path back into play and narrowly escaping OB (and a likely double bogey), Jonas pounce on his good fortune and stuck his wedge shot into 8 feet below the hole and capped the tournament off with style holing out for birdie and the win.

Harper, Palsenbarg and Morgan ended the Open tied for second place at 4-under par 138, earning $1500 each. For the first time The Chilliwack Open also contested a Junior Division, where VGT’s own Junior Daniel Webbe placed second in the Low Gross category with a two day score of 156.

Phil Jonas’ win this weekend catapults him to the top of the VGT Order of Merit with $6,630, some $1,400 clear of second place Andrew Smeeth who sits at $5,235.00. Our next VGT event scheduled will be in two weeks time with the Pitt Meadows Golf Hosted ‘The Golden Ear’s Open’. With only four VGT events remaining before the Order of Merit Champion is crowned, tension is mounting as to who will be sent down to PGA Tour Qualifying School courtesy of the Tour!