A Chilliwack golfer has won the 2024 Kal Tire Cup Order of Merit.
The PGA of BC has announced Kevin Stinson has won the award, through his excellence at provincial and national championships and on tour.
"Stinson embodied consistency, composure and athleticism throughout 2024," a press release from the PGA of B.C. said.
Stinson's year was highlighted by a dominant 13-stroke victory at the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada, a win that cemented his place in history as the first player ever to claim all three national PGA championships in a career - the PGA Championship of Canada, PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada, and PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada.
Stinson, who plays at Cheam Mountain Golf Course, showcased consistency throughout the season, finishing T-2 at the PGA of BC Championship and adding three victories on the G&G Tour, including a stunning course-record 60 at Nicklaus North Golf Course.
The PGA of BC says this was a "standout year" for Stinson, which also saw him compete on one of golf’s biggest stages at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, an opportunity he earned after topping the 2023 PGA of Canada Player Rankings. He also was named the PGA of BC’s Stan Leonard Male Player of the Year award and was nominated for the PGA of Canada’s Mike Weir Male Player of the Year.
"I have a great team around me," Stinson said. "My wife and family, Cheam Mountain Golf Course, Cleveland/Srixon Golf and all that have helped me over the years, Brett Saunders, Nick Mueller, Dr. Kevin Dieleman to name a few. They're all a part of any success I have."
Looking ahead, Stinson has also clinched his spot on Team Canada for the 2025 Four Nations Cup, an international competition between Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In 2023, Stinson was a member of the winning team in South Africa and he now looks forward defending the title on home soil.
"I hope to play well at the Four Nations Cup in Toronto so we can keep that trophy in Canada for a couple more years," said Stinson.
Finishing just behind Stinson in the race were two of B.C.’s most accomplished professionals, Bryn Parry and Steven Lecuyer, who are both from the Seymour Creek Golf Centre.
As Order of Merit champion, Stinson takes home $1,000. The top-ten competitors will be awarded from a purse of $5,000.
