Jackson Rothwell of Victoria won the 117th B.C. men’s amateur golf championship late Friday at Big Sky in Pemberton.
The unheralded 18-year-old St. Michaels University School graduate shot a clutch back nine to record a one-stroke victory over runner-up Isaac Lee of Pitt Meadows.
“My goal this year was to make the top 10, so this has exceeded my expectations for sure,” Rothwell said.
“It is pretty amazing. Just a couple of years ago, I was struggling to just make the cut at a B.C. Juniors and now I am B.C. amateur champion.”
Rothwell shot a one-under 71 Friday to finish the 72-hole championship at 10-under par.
By today’s standards, Rothwell could be described as a late bloomer. He served notice at last week’s B.C. Junior boys championship at Fairwinds in Nanoose Bay, where he finished third.
But no one — not even Rothwell — was picking him to win the provincial amateur.
Rothwell posted a 7-under 65 in the first round at Big Sky, which seemed to fill him with confidence.
Caddying for Rothwell was his father, Alex.
“It is awesome I get to share this with him,” said Jackson Rothwell, who is headed to play NCAA golf at Babson College, near Boston. “He was a pretty big help with emotional support, more than just shot selection. It is nice to have him there.”
Rothwell and Lee will be part of the B.C. team for the Willingdon Cup at the Canadian men’s amateur championship from Aug. 5 to 8 in Hammonds Plains, N.S.
Josh Miller of Royal Colwood tied for seventh at 287, NCAA Pac-12 Utah Utes player Tristan Mandur of Mill Bay tied for 10th at 289 and Pac-12 Oregon State Beavers player Nolan Thoroughgood of Victoria tied for 19th at 293.
