Hugo Bernard wins Canadian amateur title in Ottawa

Canadian women may be stealing the show in Rio, but here in Ottawa this week, lost somewhat in the glare of the Olympics, two of Canada's most promising young male athletes have been on display.

While Wimbledon junior champion Denis Shapovolov mowed through the field at the Gatineau National Bank Challenger tennis tournament in Gatineau, 21-year-old Hugo Bernard stunned the field with a dramatic win Thursday at the Canadian Men's Amateur golf Championships at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club.

Bernard, a native of Mont St-Hilaire, Que., who earlier this summer won the prestigious Lord Alexander of Tunis event at the Hunt Club Golf Course, shot a final round of 65, five under par, to finish the tournament at 11 under par — two shots better than runner up Andy Zhang of Florida.

"I was just very patient." Bernard said afterwards. "On the front nine, I played so good. I just shot three under, but my ball striking was unreal."

The six foot three inch, 200 pound lefty was a first team All American at Saint Leo University in Florida this past year.

Bernard 's goal is to play at the top level in the world and he'll now have that chance having won an exemption courtesy of his victory this week to play in both the United States Golf Association amateur championship and the PGA Canadian Open.

"It means a lot. I've got my spot for next year at the Canadian Open and I'm pretty excited about it," he said.

Third round leader Blair Bursey of Gander, N.L. fell into a tie for fifth place after a final round 73.

The top local competitor was Mark Coldham of Ottawa who shot a 69 to finish at three over par.

The last Ottawa born golfer to win the Canadian Amateur Championship was Greg Olson in 1980.