Make it two in a row for Comox pro Riley Wheeldon.
The Comox Valley golfer reeled in his second straight Battle at The Bear title on the Vancouver Golf Tour, hauling in the trophy and $2,500 top prize Monday at Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria.
“To be able to win at a place that sponsors me and a place that I love is great. It’s a great feeling and I’m happy for them [Bear Mountain officials],” he told reporters.
Wheeldon shot a final round 4-under 66 to finish at 137 over the two-day event, the first VGT major of the year.
Wheeldon finished one stroke up on Seann Harlingten of West Vancouver. He recorded four birdies on the final day and no bogeys.
Next up for Wheeldon is the VGT’s second major this weekend at Chilliwack.
Wheeldon is in his sixth year as a professional golfer. “For 2016 I am a full status member of PGA Tour Canada and finishing inside ‘The Five’ will be my goal for the season,” he wrote on his website.
“I was able to finish second on the PGA Tour Canada money list in 2013 so I know that I am capable, it’s just a matter of taking care of business.
“I feel like, at 25 years old, now is the time to realize my potential, start making true progress in my career and mature into the golfer I believe I can be,” Wheeldon said.
“The road to where I am now has been full of ups and downs, victories and losses and trials and tribulations.
“I am of the mindset that I can use all of these experiences both negative and positive to my advantage moving forward and look forward to becoming a more rounded professional and person in the days, months and years to come.”