Courtenay's Brian Benedictson is coaching a four-player contingent from British Columbia that has their sights set on capturing the 44th Eddie Hogan Cup Team Matches being hosted by Riverside Golf and Country Club in Portland, Ore. from Aug. 10-12.
An annual event hosted by the Oregon Junior Golf Association, the Eddie Hogan Cup Team Matches is a 36-hole stroke-play competition that showcases the best junior-aged golf talent from the Western United States and British Columbia.
Representing B.C. are 2012 Summer Games gold medallist Curtis Chan of Richmond, 2012 CN Future Links Pacific champion Zach Anderson of Nanaimo, 2010 B.C. Bantam Boys' champion Jordan Lu of Vancouver and 2012 CN Future Links Pacific runner-up Jared Dutoit of Kimberley.
Leading the team as coach is former touring professional and inventor of the Swinkey Golfers Toolbox Benedictson, a graduate of British Columbia Golf junior events in years past.
"I was really fortunate back when I was a junior to play in BC Golf events. I never had a chance to play in an event like the Eddie Hogan but the team format is important, it's essentially the same as college," stated Benedictson. "These matches are a good warm up and transition for these kids before they head off to school."
Speaking to the solicitation of Benedictson's help as a rookie team coach, managing director for player development with BC Golf Debbie Pyne stated the effectiveness of international events for both golfer and coach.
"Brian has the potential to be a great coach in British Columbia. International exposure provided by events like the Eddie Hogan Cup Team Matches not only provide our players with experience but they also give our aspiring coaches a much needed avenue for development," stated Pyne.
"I have basically just started my teaching career over the past few months and I really enjoy helping people with their golf games," said Benedictson. "I like sharing my experience and I love the game so if I can help people play better, it will be very satisfying for me."
The Eddie Hogan Cup Team Matches are slated to begin today with the practice round and players' banquet. The 36-hole competition commences the following day and will conclude on Aug. 12 with the three of four lowest scores from each team member counting towards the team total.
An awards ceremony will follow the final round with medals being given to the top three teams and individuals. Other teams participating in the event hail from Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Northern California (reigning champions), Southern California, San Diego, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
– BC Golf