Thrilling Showdown at Mountain Woods: PGA Atlantic Professionals Compete for 2024 Champion Titles

Written By: Skylar Jardine, Communications, Marketing, and Event Management Coordinator, PGA of Canada Atlantic

An exciting couple of days unfolded at the Mountain Woods Golf Course in Moncton, New Brunswick. Over forty PGA Atlantic Professionals came out to compete for the 2024 Atlantic Champion title.

Much like last year’s championship tournament, the forecast predicted harsh conditions. Despite heavy rainfall during the practice round, players were pleasantly surprised by the relatively clear skies over the two days.

With the Seniors, Women’s, Assistants, and Playing Ability Tests all commencing on Monday, June 24th, it was undeniably a busy afternoon. However, the event ran smoothly thanks to the efforts of Andre Savoie, Director of Golf, and the team at Mountain Woods Golf Course. Not only did Savoie help facilitate the event, but he also competed, achieving an impressive 4th place finish.

The Senior Division teed off at 12 PM, concluding with Jim Ogilvie (Brightwood Golf and Country Club) taking the lead after putting up six birdies for a 2-under finish (70). The defending champion, Gordie Smith (Ashburn Golf Club), also had a solid performance, finishing even to sit in second place.

The Women’s Division followed, with Anne Balser (Oakfield Golf & CC) taking first place after shooting 74. New professional Morgan Matchett (Miramachi Golf and Country Club) wasn’t far behind, sitting in second with 77 after Round One.

The Assistants Division had an intense first round, with five players shooting under 70. Justin Caron (The Links at Brunello) and Josh Landine (Ashburn Golf Club) both shot five under for T1. Defending champ Thomas Keddy (Miramachi Golf and Country Club) sat in third place with –4.

The PATs closed the day with ten hopeful golfers aiming to shoot 79 or under. Four players achieved their goal:

Braden Duffley, Westfields Golf Course (75)

Yanick LeBlanc, Petitcodiac Golf Course (77)

Blake Alexander, Cabot Cape Breton (79)

Blake Flinn, Mountain Woods Golf Course (79)

Congratulations, fellas!

Round 2 had an early start, especially challenging for those who watched the Stanley Cup Final the night before. It was a tough morning to be an Oilers fan.

History repeated itself as Gordie Smith carded 72-71 over two rounds for the win. It was a familiar feeling for Smith, marking his fourth or fifth repeat.

“I have a passion for the game that will go on forever, so even when you get here and you haven’t played much and you start playing half decent, it’s that competitive feeling that you have,” said Smith when asked about the secret to his success.

It was the second year in a row that Smith claimed the title by one stroke, with Todd Bishop (Dormie) coming in second place.

“It was really close; Todd and I have had a good battle the last two years, and you know I’ve just nipped him by one or two,” said Smith, reflecting on the round.

Not long after the Seniors Division concluded, the Women’s Division crowned its winner. Anne Balser faced a close contest with Morgan Matchett, with the outcome hinging on the final hole. Both players finished the round with a birdie, but Balser came out on top by one stroke.

“The course conditions were great, the greens were fantastic, but it was tough; it’s a tricky little course,” said Balser about her experience at Mountain Woods Golf Course. “You have to put yourself in good positions.”

In the Assistants Division, the live leaderboard was dynamic throughout Round 2, making it anyone’s game until the very end.

Justin Caron, Thomas Keddy, and Shaun Margeson (Oakfield Golf & CC) were all tied for first place down the stretch, sitting four under par. Keddy and Caron, paired in the final group, faced a tense finish. After Keddy missed his birdie putt, Caron knew he had to sink his putt to win or go into a playoff.

“I was really nervous, but I had a lot of other putts today that were similar to that one, so I felt confident in the read and made a good stroke, and it found the bottom,” Caron said about the decisive moment.

This victory was particularly special for Caron as it marked his first professional win.

Congratulations to the 2024 PGA Atlantic Champions!

A huge thank you to Troy Henneberry, representative of Golf Trends with Skylex Brokerage, for supporting the Assistants Division, and to Mountain Woods Golf Course for hosting the event.

We look forward to being back next year!