| On a smoky day in Oliver, 83 professionals took on Fairview Mountain Golf Club in the TaylorMade and Adidas Golf PGA of BC Championship presented by Axis Insurance Managers. The air conditions did not seem to bother some however, as Ben Griffin of Uplands Golf Club took the first round lead at 7-under 65, with six other players following close behind, also shooting rounds in the 60's.
"It feels great, I played really well today," Griffin said in a post-round interview. "It was a little frustrating at first. I hit it really close on the first three to four holes, but couldn't make a putt. Then I rolled in a 50-footer for eagle on the par 5 fifth."
Griffin went bogey-free, following his eagle with a birdie on No. 8, then making four more on the back. Prior to today's round, Griffin had only played Fairview Mountain once - yesterday.
"I really like this course, it sets up really well for my eye. I have a new putter in the bag, so I can thank our head pro [at Uplands], Ian Stone, for letting me use his putter this week."
Two-time winner Bryn Parry of Seymour Creek Golf Centre sits one back of Griffin at 66, followed closely by Clark MacPherson (McCleery Golf Course) and Shannon Glenesk (Vernon Golf & Country Club) in shared third at 67. 26 players head into Tuesday's Championship round with a score of even-par or better.
Rob Tadey of the host club was tied for 18th at one over par, 109. Tied at 24 is Brian McDonald, also of the host club, at two over par.
