Sheman wins 2022 Player of the Year Championship
The first time in 2018 was a thrilling one stroke victory over Jake McNulty.
The second time in 2021 was even better, winning in a playoff over Jakob Montemurro.
The third time’s the charm for David Sheman!
The 2022 PGA of Ontario Player of the Year Championship filled his sweet tooth once again winning this year's event at St. Catharines Golf and Country Club.
With a charging field behind him, Sheman captured the title with a one-stroke victory over James Skrypec (The Golf Academy at Deer Ridge), Jake McNulty (Oak Gables Golf Club and Learning Centre) and Gord Burns (Gord Burns Golf School), the latter with the lowest score in Round 2 carding a 67.
“I played well for the first two thirds of the tournament and had a little bit of luck coming in, that helped me hold on to the title”, said Sheman. “You know no lead is safe but the competition pushes you to be better”, eluding to the immense talent in the field.
After two double bogeys on the 16th and 17th hole, Sheman tapped in a par putt to finish Round 2 with a 73. He started his front nine at 2-under par which helped him secure the win.
“It got ugly down the stretch but I struck it well from tee to green most of the day” stating that he’s been able to practice more with the season winding down which has helped him in competition.
On a crisp fall morning on both days, the conditions on the course with wind and rain were a little challenging for all golfers but Sheman said he used it as an advantage.
“It was pretty tough the last couple days but I was secretly rooting for it,” said Sheman, adding that his game is suited for these kind of elements.
“He is going to go down with some of the greats of our Association whose names that are on that trophy”, said Michael Moniz, President of the PGA of Ontario while Sheman held the shiny glass trophy during a presentation on the 18th green.
Head Professional at St. Catharines Golf and Country Club, Cameron Thin, graciously thanked all participants for a great two days at the historic club.
“The Club is fast approaching our 125th anniversary, and on behalf of the membership, I am proud to have the opportunity to host my peers while showcasing our hidden gem”.
KING SURVIVES FOUR-WAY PLAYOFF
Four players, Danny King (The Performance Academy at Magna), David Banks (David Banks Simply Golf Academy at Hidden Lake), John Cochrane (John E.S. Cochrane Golf Schools) and Alan McLean (Echo Valley Golf Club) carded a 1-over 73 to force a playoff in the Senior Player of the Year Championship.
After all four missed their birdie putts on the first hole, it was King who sunk his 5-foot birdie to win the Senior’s title.
“It was a great finish, I had to hit good shots in the end to win and I'm glad it worked out in my favour,” said King.
“I just try to manage expectations a little bit and play my game, it’s not going to be perfect but it worked”.
DEWINTON-DAVIES WINS FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP AS PRO
Meanwhile in the Women’s Championship, it was yet another close finish.
Sadie Dewinton-Davies won by one stroke over Natalie Gleadall (London Hunt and Country Club). Dewinton-Davies credited her win to the positive feedback she receives at her home club of Kingsville Golf and Country Club.
“They’ve been supportive in my journey of playing professional golf,” said the Champion.
“I’m looking forward to the PGA of Ontario creating more tournaments throughout the season to get more women involved and competing in the game”.
CIESIELSKI WINS THE BREENIE CUP!
Our overall Player of the Year winner is Victor Ciesielski (Galt Country Club).
Victor lead the Chase for the Breenie Cup going into this weeks championship while consistently putting himself in contention throughout the season at many events.
Some of his highlights included a recent victory at the Match Play Championship at Beacon Hall Golf Club as well as four Top 5 finishes at other PGA of Ontario tournaments throughout the year. Ciesielski also captures the Apprentice Player of the Year title.
The Breenie Cup is presented annually to the Player of the Year in memory to Bob Breen, winner of over 167 Professional Events.
A TIE FOR WOMEN'S PLAYER OF THE YEAR!
Congratulations to Natalie Gleadall and Sadie Dewinton-Davies for being Co-Champions of the 2022 Women's Breenie Cup Player of the Year.
Gleadall captured the Women's Championship at the Ladies' Golf Club of Toronto with a win over Dewinton-Davies in a playoff.
Dewinton-Davies came back for more, successfully capturing her first ever title as a PGA Pro at the Player of the Year Championship.
MCLEAN CAPTURES SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Congratulations to Alan McLean for being named the Senior Player of the Year. Alan captured the Senior Championship this season at Listowel Golf Club and was in contention in many events throughout the tournament season!
Full tournament results of our Player of the Year Championship can be found HERE.