RCGA photo
QUALICUM BEACH, Canada (Aug. 22, 2008) – Dave Bunker of Woodbridge, Ont. can finally add a Canadian mid-amateur title to his already impressive golf resume.
Bunker, who finished runner-up the past two years, entered Friday’s final round with a one-stroke cushion but fired a blazing 3-under par 33 on the front-nine and an even-par 36 on the back to claim victory at the 22nd playing of the Canadian Mid-Amateur Championship.
The 43-year old finished the tournament at 5-under (70-74-70-69--283) to finish four-strokes ahead of the field at Pheasant Glen Golf Resort in Qualicum Beach, B.C.
“I was playing steadily all week,” said Bunker. “My goal was to put myself in contention heading into the final round. With a 1-stroke lead heading into today, I knew if I shot in the 60’s that would be good enough to win.”
And win he did. The newly crowned champion can add his new accolade to a trophy room that already includes hardware from his wins at the 2007 Ontario Mid-Amateur Championship, the 2003 Ontario Match Play Championship and the 2008 Ontario Amateur Championship, among others.
“This is definitely a major for me,” said the 43-year old who teaches physical education and health studies to grade 6, 7 and 8 students at Lawrence Heights Middle School in Toronto. “It feels good. I’ve got another invitational event next weekend, but I’m going to head to the cottage with my wife. After that it’s back to school and planning my events for next year.”
With the win, Bunker – a Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) public player - also earns an exemption into the 2009 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship being held at Le Club de Golf Le Blainvillier in Blainville, Que.
“It’ll be nice to get back to the Canadian amateur,” added Bunker. “This year was pretty disappointing. I really lost out because of nine holes. It happens to every golfer. I was playing solidly, but shot a 44 and it ended up costing me.”
Finishing second was Greg Koster of Courtenay, B.C., who finished at 1-under (76-68-72-71--287). Frank Van Dornick of Camrose, Alta. finished third at 4-over (74-75-73-70--292).
While the Canadian Mid-Amateur Championship is open to all male amateur golfers who have reached the age of 25 by August 19, 2008, the mid-masters championship is open to all male amateur golfers who have reached the age of 40 by August 19, 2008.
Bunker’s win also earns him his third consecutive mid-master title, making him the lone recipient of the award since it’s inception in 2006.
--Courtesy RCGA
View results for Canadian Mid-Amateur
ABOUT THE Canadian Mid-Amateur
72 hole stroke play championship.
Mid-Amateur
Any Male golfer who has reached their 25th birthday
by the first scheduled day of
the championship and the player must have a
handicap factor of 5.0 or less.
Mid-Master
Any Male golfer who has reached their 40th birthday
by the first scheduled day of
the championship and the player must have a
handicap factor of 5.0 or less.
View Complete Tournament Information