Bear Mountain passes the test, and then some
When it came to the tournament, and specifically the golf course, rave reviews regarding the Pacific Links Bear Mountain Championship were heard all week from players on PGA Tour Champions.
But does that mean the event will return to the Mountain Course for 2017?
“Sure, there’s a chance it could be back,” tournament director David Skitt told the Times Colonist as he awaited the outcome of the two-man playoff near the side of the 18th green on Sunday evening.
Skitt said a de-briefing will be held, players’ opinions will be gathered, but it will likely come down to whether or not it is economically viable as talks are ongoing with government officials and groups such as B.C. Tourism.
Skitt did tell the crowd on 18 during trophy presentations that: “I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing everybody next year back at Bear Mountain.”
Most players also expressed their interest in returning, including the top three finishers.
“I always treat golf courses as how many poor holes there are. This is a very good one. There’s not one poor hole on this golf course,” said champion Colin Montgomerie.
“The golf course is one of the prettiest courses I’ve ever played, especially when you get up to 13 and 14. I hope we continue this tournament here. It’s a great course and I hope we come back,” said runner-up Scott McCarron, who lost to Montgomerie on the third playoff hole.
“I will come next year, don’t worry,” said Miguel Angel Jimenez, who shot a courserecord 61 on Sunday tied for third. “No problem, I will be here.”
Total attendance was not available, but a source said the tournament drew roughly 6,000 per day and had targeted more like 10,000. The tournament was also broadcast on the Golf Channel to rave reviews. • OUT OF A RUT: It was a much better final round for Victoria’s Jim Rutledge, who finished with a 3-under 68 to place tied for 41st to grab a $10,500 US cheque.
“I finally started rolling a few on first few holes. Still had some chances and didn’t convert. A decent round overall, but when you look at the scoreboard and see those 9-unders and 10-unders — I don’t know where those are coming from,” said Rutledge, who will head to Newport Beach, California, on Wednesday to try and Monday qualify for next week’s event.
“It’s soft and no wind definitely plays a big deal out here. If it was howling wind, it would be a tough course. That’s the only defence it has right now. There isn’t any rough to speak of. With big greens and soft greens, they’re going to shoot low. I didn’t see those scores coming in here,” added Rutledge. • ARNIE’S ARMY SADDENED: News of Arnold Palmer’s death broke during late stages of the tournament here.
“Obviously, I was delighted with my own performance, but it was very sad. I had a message translated to me that Arnold Palmer had passed away during the round,” said Montgomerie. “Sky Sports, who I work with at the Ryder Cup next week, had asked for an interview to pass on one’s remarks and love to his family.
“At the same time, I said, ‘I’m in the middle of a playoff and I will be with you shortly.’ I kept missing these putts, but eventually I got one in. I’m delighted that way, but, again, this day will be remembered for very sad reasons.
“Very, very sad and the Ryder Cup will be tainted as well with Arnold’s loss,” said the Scotsman.
McCarron had tears welling up as he spoke of Palmer.
“Arnold was one of my absolute heroes and probably one of the greatest things I have ever received was right after my win in Des Moines, just a few months ago, I got a hand written note from Arnold Palmer, which meant so much to me,” he said.
“He was such an amazing guy and meant so much to everyone. He is going to be sorely missed by everyone.” • LONG DAY: Officials were beginning to worry about darkness before Montgomerie finally ended the playoff. Word was they had enough light to play 18 just one more time, but then the final putt was made.
“In the playoff, how many chances can one have? You think for, God sake, the bloody hill again,” Montgomerie said of tackling the downhill finishing hole. “Eventually, thank God, one finally goes in. It was the only one my caddy read all week. I should have used him to finish it earlier on.”
Skitt had a good line during closing ceremonies as well, stating: “Thank you for making that putt and not making us coming back tomorrow.” • THEY SAID IT: “I’d like to see a 58 to be honest. I don’t want to hear anything next week about how tough the Mountain Course is.” — Bear Mountain director of golf Jordan Ray during a 59 watch for both Jimenez and Bernhard Langer.