Locke Wins Playoff Thriller and Bruce Claims Wire-to-Wire Victory in Langley
LANGLEY, B.C. — Eric Locke captured the PGA Head Teaching Professional Championship of Canada supported by UpSwing Golf after a dramatic back-and-forth battle with Kevin Stinson ended in a playoff, while Adam Bruce completed a wire-to-wire victory at the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf at Redwoods Golf Club.
Locke, representing Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club, and Stinson, of Chilliwack Golf Club, finished regulation tied at nine-under-par before Locke secured the national title on the first playoff hole with a superb bunker shot that left him a tap-in for victory. Meanwhile, Bruce of Northern Bear Golf Club maintained his four-stroke overnight advantage to win the Head Professional Championship at six-under-par.
Locke Claims First National Title After Dramatic Playoff
Locke and Stinson traded blows throughout the final round of the Head Teaching Professional Championship, with Matthew Mah of Mill Woods Golf Course adding pressure from the group ahead with a round-of-the-day 66.
Mah made an eagle on the par-five 14th to move within two strokes of the lead, setting the stage for a pivotal stretch. Locke answered with an eagle of his own on No. 14, while Stinson made birdie to give Locke a one-shot advantage.
The momentum continued to swing over the closing holes. Locke three-putted the 16th to surrender his lead, while Stinson had opportunities to move ahead but missed short putts on Nos. 16 and 17. Both players remained deadlocked heading to the 18th, where Locke had a chance to win in regulation but missed his putt, sending the championship to a playoff.
On the first extra hole, Locke found the greenside bunker but produced an exceptional recovery, leaving himself a tap-in for the victory. Stinson's lengthy birdie attempt from approximately 15 feet missed, allowing Locke to claim his first national championship.
“It's just beyond words, to be more than honest,” said Locke, who had won his share of Zone events but had never captured a national title. “It's something I never really thought I was going to do or have an opportunity to do.”
Despite the pressure of the final holes and the playoff, Locke said the competition was as enjoyable as it was intense.
“Kevin and I were driving up to the green and we just looked at each other and said, ‘How much fun is this?’” Locke said. “Just competing, going back and forth.”
Locke also credited Stinson's ball-striking throughout the back nine, acknowledging that his opponent created plenty of opportunities but couldn't quite convert enough of them.
“He hit the ball beautifully on the back nine, had tons of opportunities and hit a lot of good putts,” Locke said. “Sometimes it's just the way it falls.”
The victory was especially meaningful for Locke because of the support waiting for him at home. His wife stayed behind to care for their two-year-old daughter while he competed in Langley.
“She's been nothing but supportive this whole week,” Locke said. “This was definitely for them.”
Locke finished the championship at nine-under-par, with Stinson also at nine-under-par. Mah's closing 66 secured third place at seven-under-par, capping an impressive final-round charge.
Bruce Goes Wire-to-Wire at Head Professional Championship
While the Head Teaching Professional Championship came down to the final putt, Bruce delivered a composed performance to secure the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf.
Starting the final round with a four-stroke lead, Bruce faced early pressure from playing partner Sam Kirkness of Inglewood Golf & Curling Club, who birdied the second hole. Bruce admitted that nerves affected his ball-striking early, but he stayed patient, continued finding greens in regulation and relied on his putting to keep the round on track.
His first birdie of the day came at No. 8, and a Kirkness bogey briefly extended Bruce's advantage to five strokes. From there, Bruce focused on protecting his lead rather than forcing the issue, making pars and maintaining control through the back nine.
Bruce finished at six-under-par to claim the championship by four strokes over Kirkness, who finished second at two-under-par. Ron Kenesky of Twenty Valley Golf & Country Club placed third at even par.
“Very unexpected. I'm kind of over the moon,” Bruce said of becoming a national champion. “I'm sure it'll sink in more tonight.”
The victory carries additional significance for Bruce and the Northern Bear community. The Edmonton-area club has faced challenges in recent years, including a fire in 2024, making the championship an opportunity to bring some positive news back to his home course.
“I'm so excited to get back to my staff and my members. I hope they're proud of me,” Bruce said. “Hopefully this will lead to better things.”
Bruce also praised the experience of competing at Redwoods, highlighting the opportunity to showcase a Canadian golf facility while spending the week alongside fellow professionals.
“I love that it's in Canada. We get to showcase one of the great facilities that we have here. Unbelievable track,” Bruce said.
A Memorable Finish at Redwoods
The two championships offered contrasting finishes but delivered memorable performances from Canada's PGA professionals.
For Locke, the playoff victory marked the culmination of years of competing in Zone events and chasing a national title. For Bruce, a steady final round completed a wire-to-wire championship and delivered a moment he hopes will resonate with his colleagues and members back home at Northern Bear.
Mah's final-round 66 added another highlight to the day, while the battles across both leaderboards underscored the depth of talent among Canada's PGA professionals.
Locke and Stinson shared Birdie Juice Birdie Race honours, making 15 birdies each at the championship, splitting a bonus $250.