If it were up to Mike Belle, the 2014 British Columbia Men’s Amateur Championship would have been determined in less holes, not extra holes. The 22-year-old Burnaby native held the lead, whether shared or outright, throughout all four days of competition at North Vancouver’s Seymour Golf Club, surrendering it for the first time on the fifth playoff hole to 17-year-old Jordan Lu.
Lu, whose competitive confidence grew after winning the BC School Sports AAA Championship (High School Championship), began Sunday four strokes back. The teenager posted a total of five birdies in his final round – including a a clutch 4 on the par-5 18th – to fight his way back into position.
Belle seemed to have control throughout 72 holes of regular play, making only minuscule mistakes en route to a final round 73. However Lu’s 69 – which tied the tournament low score – gave him the momentum heading into extra holes.
The pair remained neck-in-neck through the first four holes of sudden death before Belle’s last small error came at the least opportune time. He posted a bogey on #10 to open the door for Lu who took the opportunity gladly, holing his par putt to claim the title.
Third place went to Jacob Vanderpas who posted a pair of 69’s on the weekend to nestle back into contention following a couple of unspectacular opening rounds. The three will represent B.C. at the Canadian Men’s Amateur in Winnipeg this summer, edging out such favourites as Adam Svensson and Kevin Carrigan from the provincial team.
