Dan Dupuis is the early favourite to win the Malaspina Men’s Amateur at Myrtle Point Golf Club on Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26, even though he has not played the tournament for several years.
Dupuis is the former Canadian Professional Golf Association (CPGA) assistant pro at Myrtle Point. The Powell River resident recently regained his amateur status, which allows him to play the Malaspina.
According to Steve Phillips, CPGA general manager at Myrtle Point, Dupuis could be the golfer to beat.
“Could be,” agreed Dupuis. “I won it in my 12 years working there from 1998 to 2010. I won it, I think, seven times as a professional.”
Dupuis also holds the Myrtle Point course record (63) at nine under par. He has been practicing twice a week and said his game is not too bad at the moment.
Phillips hopes to have 100 players registered for the two-day tournament.
“They’re coming from Vancouver Island, Vancouver, a few from the South Coast and, of course, Powell River,” said Phillips.
According to Phillips, other players who could give Dupuis a run on the leaderboard are Josh Legge, Jason Groshak, Robbie Potesta and Zach Brach, all from Powell River.
“Robbie has been playing well,” said Dupuis. “He’s a good friend of mine, so he’ll be gunning for me. Jason finished second last year, so I’m sure he’s determined to try to get a win.”
Groshak lost in a playoff last year to Barry Casparie for the title; Casparie will not be returning to defend.
