Ottawa duo crowned as national champions and earn an exemption into 2027 national finals
CALEDON, Ont. – Trevor Luedee and Jamie Pilkington won on the first hole of the playoff to be crowned as the national champions of the 2026 BDO National Golf League Saturday at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (Heathlands course) in Caledon, Ont.
After finishing 18 holes with 38 stableford points along with Jeff Best and Richard White of the Princeton Golf Club (Princeton, B.C.) the duo from the Carlton Golf and Yacht Club in Manotick, Ont. proceeded to the 18th hole of the North course for a playoff to crown the third national champions.
As the players worked down the fairway, Pilkington and Luedee put themselves in prime position to win. Luedee chipped to roughly 25 feet, giving a chance for a two due to the two strokes he had as part of the scoring format. After a missed chip, Pilkington’s putt from off the green struck the pin flag, giving him an easy tap in.
Luedee sunk a short second putt for a net score of three (gross score of five) to secure the championship.
“Really just unbelievable, the whole day was a challenge, the wind was a challenge, the course is tough…we were in for it,” said Luedee. “Through some struggles and adversity, ham and egging and help from the caddies, it was a great time and still don’t actually believe it.”
Pilkington echoed his partner’s words, “when Trevor was down, I picked him up, when I was down on 18, Trevor picked me up. I couldn’t be prouder; it’s one of those things that you think can’t happen. In the short time we’ve known each other we’ve gotten very close as good friends and now, we’re National Golf League champions, it’s unbelievable.”
As the duo approached the playoff hole, the pressure didn’t seem to affect Luedee.
“I was telling Jamie before my drive, I wasn’t nervous and I hit a fantastic drive, best of the day and that’s when I got nervous.”
The pressure turned to jubilation after the final putt went in, “then it was a deep breath finally,” said Luedee with a smile.
While they will now forever be known as national champions, the duo has only golfed together for two years, where their partnership began at a similar event at their home Club.
“Trevor and I were starting to become friends, and I said let’s do this. We won that event, went to the Provincials in Quebec and won that event and I said, I think we got something going here,” said Pilkington.
Even more impressive is that both Luedee and Pilkington are relatively new to the sport. Luedee, an intellectual engineer has been playing for three years and got into the sport with his family. Pilkington, a mortgage broker is in his fifth season playing golf and took up the sport after moving close to his home course.
“We moved with the intent that I could play golf because I work from home and I took it head on. It’s now a real passion, hopefully my wife has seen all the hard work and extra rounds have paid off and I’ll still be allowed to play as much as she lets me,” he said with a laugh.
Both have enjoyed the experience of playing and competing in the BDO National Golf League.
“Playing men’s leagues through to provincials and now nationals and having the opportunity for the average golfer to compete, that’s what’s awesome about it,” said Luedee.
“We had guys from our club that participated and had nothing but great things to say and to be given the opportunity to come and experience it, everyone at Golf Canada put on a good event,” added Pilkington.
In addition to winning the national championship, the Ottawa duo have also earned an exemption into the 2027 BDO National Golf League National Championship.
The third playing of the BDO National Golf League Championship featured 108 golfers and 54 teams from across the country. The final was contested over 18-holes, using a best ball net Stableford format.
Launched by Golf Canada ahead of the 2023 season as a nationwide, season-long competition to enhance weekly recreational league experiences for men, women and junior golfers. The NGL has seen substantial growth since the inaugural season, with 271 leagues now set to compete this coming season, up from 130 leagues last season; and over 30,000 participants having competed since launching in 2023. The additional of several indoor member facilities across the country and simulator qualifiers has brought forward a number of new players into the league.
Those who participate in the NGL season play a lively role in growing the sport in their community as well, with 100 per cent of the league’s proceeds benefiting First Tee – Canada in their respective provinces around the country. To learn more about First Tee – Canada programming and ways to support, please visit firstteecanada.ca.
For the final standings from the 2026 BDO National Golf League finals, click here.
For more information on the BDO National Golf League or to register, please visit nationalgolfleague.ca.
