Yohann Benson shoots bogey-free 67 at PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf to take one-stroke lead
(Enfield, NS) – We are in for a doozy of a final round tomorrow at the PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf.
Yohann Benson moved ahead – ever so slightly – with a bogey-free 67 on Wednesday at Oakfield Golf & Country Club to take a one-stroke lead over Josh Landine, Mitchell Fox and Ryan Curran.
James Swan, Khan Lee, Dillon Batsel and defending champion Wes Heffernan are just two strokes back, which should lead to a dramatic finish Thursday afternoon.
The 18th hole on Tuesday marked Benson’s only bogey of the week – he rebounded with four birdies and an eagle on Wednesday to sign for the low score of the tournament thus far.
“I struck the ball nicely, yesterday as well,” said Benson, who has claimed a PGA of Canada national title each of the past two seasons. “I just tried to keep it simple… It’s a very interesting golf course. It’s firm and fun to play, but you have to think your way around where to land the ball.”
Those who have played with Benson know that when you’re paired with him, you’re sure to have some laughs in addition to witnessing some great golf. Though between shots Benson is quick to make conversation and make a joke or two – when it is time to hit the ball, it is all business.
“I don’t do this for a living, I did it, but not anymore, so I take these events very seriously, but I may as well enjoy myself,” said the Le Mirage (Club de Golf) Teaching Professional. “I was paired up with two other very good players (Andre Savoie and Colwyn Abgrall) and we had fun out there. I think it’s easier when you’re enjoying yourself rather than being miserable out there.”
Benson, who won this event in 2023 and claimed the PGA Championship of Canada in 2024, has been in the hunt nearly every time he tees the ball up in a national event. Earlier this month, he was a member of the PGA of Canada’s Four Nation’s Cup team which won the trophy on home turf.
“This year was weird because even though I’m in Florida in the wintertime, with my TV schedule and travel, I didn’t play that much,” said Benson, who is RDS’ golf analyst, covering many PGA TOUR events. “I really started my season In July, so for me, I don’t get to play and practice much, but now I’m in playing mode.”
Benson will be joined in the final group at 11:10 AM with Landine and Fox, who, while still seeking his first national title, has finished no worse than third place in his past four PGA of Canada events.
“I just have to focus on what I do,” said Benson. “If I shoot a good score and get beat, then hats off to whoever wins, but I put myself in the mix on a regular basis and I’m going to play my own game and see where it folds at the end.”
The two-round Inter-Zone championship wrapped up on Wednesday, with the PGA of Alberta – Mitchell Fox, Wes Heffernan, Dillon Batsel and Jordan Bean – winning by nine strokes over the Atlantic Zone.
The 12th hole was selected this week as the E-Z-GO ‘It’s Good to Go’ hole of the week. All players who make eagle this week will be put into a draw for a $250 cash prize. Thomas Keddy, Alex McDonald and Paul Bonenfant eagled the hole on Tuesday, while Heffernan, Brodie Shields-Tyler, Luke Bogdan and Aaron Wagner eagled the hole on Wednesday.
Final round tee times begin at 7:30 AM on Thursday.