Highs & Lows in Okanagan Valley Golf...

Over the past week there have been two major stories in golf that have consumed those of us who play the game.

Firstly, the President's Cup provided an opportunity for many of us to watch the world's best go head-to-head in formats other than 72-hole stroke play tournaments. The USA defeated the Internationals and retained the Cup.

Secondly, the messy saga unfolding at the Kelowna G&CC has become the stuff of gossip and hearsay. Depending who one elects to listen to, long-time head professional Greg Pidlaski either cooked his own goose or he has been dealt a a lousy deal by the powers that be. "Pid" is a mature, knowledgeable guy who has always treated me with the utmost respect, even though I am not a member of the Canadian PGA. He has mentored many young CPGA golf professionals in the Okanagan Valley over the years and has always been a willing sounding-board for many.

HOWEVER, the brightest note this week has probably received the least play in the region. That is, Chris Baryla (pictured) of Vernon has won a Nationwide Tour event!!!

This is huge! Barayla's win at the Chatanooga Classic moved him from 57th to 20th on the Order of Merit with over $184,000 in earnings. With two events remaining, he is in a great position to advance to the PGA Tour for 2010. The top 25 players on the Nationwide Tour's money list all avoid the long road associated with Q-School. Baryla fired a two-under-par 70 on Sunday at the Black Creek GC in Chatanooga, Tennessee to finish at -19 for the tournament...good for a one-shot victory!

Click here for a radio interview with Baryla, courtesy of PGATour.com.