Riley Wheeldon was seven shots off the pace after first round play Thursday at the PC Financial Open at Point Grey Golf & Country Club in Vancouver.
The Comox golfer shot 74 in a round that included two birdies and four bogies. Bryn Parry and Nyasha Mauchaza shared the lead with 5-under 67s. The Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada tournament continues through to Sunday.
Vancouver Sun golf writer Brad Ziemer picked Wheeldon to win the event, noting: "The Vancouver Island native tied for 15th last year at Point Grey and is coming off a win on Vancouver Golf Tour."
Wheeldon, who recently moved to Bear Mountain in Victoria, won the inaugural Battle at the Bear two-day (April 27-28) tourney by three shots over Seann Harlingten (Capilano) and James Allenby (Royalwood).
The 24-year-old Wheeldon, who is sponsored by Bear Mountain, shot 68 and was one back after the first round on the Valley Course, then battled fierce winds the second day on the Mountain Course. After opening with a bogie, Wheeldon birdied #11, #13 and #17 for a second round 68 and two-day total of 5-under par.
The win was worth $2,500.
"It couldn't have worked out better," said Bear Mountain director of golf Jordan Ray of having his sponsored player come out on top.