UBC Thunderbirds and Fraser Valley Cascades top the leaderboard at the Canadian University/College Championship
Hellman, Lee, Graham, Olson and Brook top individual standings
CHILLIWACK, B.C. –An overcast first round of the Canadian University/College Championship saw five individuals sit atop the leaderboard today at Chilliwack Golf Club.
Zack Olson shot a 4-under to share a piece of 4th and give host team University of the Fraser Valley Cascades a commanding lead, while Kelly Hellman and Avril Li carded an even-par to help defending women’s champion University of British Columbia Thunderbirds top the women’s competition.
The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades men’s team earned a combined 10-under par to earn a commanding lead, building a 13-shot advantage over defending men’s team champion Université Laval Rouge et Or who posted a 3-over par. University of Guelph Gryphons are currently in third with a 4-over par.
Three players in the men’s individual championship – Adam Graham (Brock University Badgers), Wyatt Brook (Vancouver Island University Mariners), and Zach Olson (University of the Fraser Valley Cascades) – head into tomorrow in first place at 4-under par.
Thunderbirds Kelly Hellman of Nelson, B.C. and Avril Li of Port Moody, B.C. both fired an even-par 72 to earn top spots in the women’s individual competition. The Thunderbirds have won 12 of the past 15 editions of the women’s team event.
Veronique Fortin-Latreille of the Université de Montréal Carabins and Sarah Dunning of the University of Guelph Gryphons are very close behind, sitting second in the women’s individual competition one stroke behind at 1-over par.
With a combined score of 5-over par, the Thunderbirds are two strokes ahead of the Université de Montréal Carabins, who posted a team score of 7-over par on day one. The University of Victoria Vikes sit in third place at 10-over par.
The Women’s and Men’s Individual winners receive an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championship. The top-three Men’s and Women’s individual finishers qualify for the FISU Universiade Games.
For more information on the event, including tomorrow’s tee times and current results, can be found here.
TOP-5 MEN’S – TEAM
1 University of the Fraser Valley Cascades. -10. F -10 278
2 Université Laval Rouge et Or +3 F* +3 291
3 University of Guelph Gryphons +4 F +4 292
T4. Université de Montréal Carabins +5 F +5 293
T4. University of British Columbia Thunderbirds +5 F +5 293
TOP-5 MEN’S – INDIVIDUAL
T1. Adam Graham Brock University Badgers *35-33-68 -4
T1. Wyatt Brook Vancouver Island University Mariners *35-33-68 -4
T1. Zack Olson University of the Fraser Valley Cascades *32-36-68 -4
T4. Nicholas Striker University of Guelph Gryphons *34-35-69 -3
T4. Daniel Campbell University of the Fraser Valley Cascades *32-37-69 +2
TOP-5 WOMEN’S – TEAM
- University of British Columbia Thunderbirds +5 F +5 221
- Université de Montréal Carabins +7 F* +7 223
- University of Victoria Vikes +10 F +10 226
- University of Toronto Varsity Blues +18 F +18 234
- University of the Fraser Valley Cascades +20 F +20 236
TOP-5 WOMEN’S – INDIVIDUAL
T1. Kelly Hellman University of British Columbia Thunderbirds. *35-37-72 E
T1. Avril Li University of British Columbia Thunderbirds *36-36-72 E
T3. Veronique Fortin-Latreille Université de Montréal Carabins *38-35-73 +1
T3. Sarah Dunning University of Guelph Gryphons *38-35-73 +1
T5. Mylène Limoges Université de Montréal Carabins *37-37-74 +2
T5. Quinn Fitzgerald University of Victoria Vikes *41-33-74 +2
Click hereto download photos; credit to Golf Canada.
Canadian University/College Championship heads to Chilliwack Golf Club
CHILLIWACK, B.C. – Canada’s top student-athlete golfers will descend on Chilliwack Golf Club in Chilliwack, B.C., from May 29 – June 1 for the 2018 Canadian University/College Championship.
2018 marks the 16th playing of the event, which was established in 2003 by Golf Canada to give the country’s best college and university golfers a chance to compete at a national championship.
The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades will host the event this year on the magnificent tree lined fairways of Chilliwack Golf Club.
Established in 1958, the course has played host to every major provincial tournament in British Columbia. The course, which celebrates their 60th anniversary this year, features a creek that meanders through the back nine and breathtaking mountain vistas in every direction.
“We are thrilled to welcome the best Canadian student golfers to Chilliwack Golf Club. We’re looking forward to a competitive championship, and showcasing our beautiful course,” said host club General Manager, Bryan Ewart.
Golf Canada prides itself on conducting a top-notch tournament that is the highest level of national competition for college and university golfers in the country.
“The Canadian University/College Championship provides a unique opportunity for the best student-athlete golfers in Canada represent their school and compete for a national championship,” added tournament director, Adam Cinel. “Golf Canada is proud to conduct this event to showcase the talent from universities and colleges across the country.”
In 2017, defending champion Kat Kennedy went wire-to-wire to capture medallist honours and lead the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds to their second consecutive Canadian University/College Championship. Her final-round 78 was the lowest of anyone in the women’s draw and helped her finish 14 over par for the tournament, 15 strokes ahead of field.
Evan Holmes of Calgary, Alta. captured medallist honours with a 5-over-par effort. His win, however, was not enough to catapult the University of British Columbia into top spot as the Université Laval Rouge et Or walked away with a two-stroke victory at 75 over par for the tournament.
UBC returns to the tournament having won 12 women’s and five men’s titles.
University of the Fraser Valley Cascades will look to draw upon the magic of the University of Manitoba Bisons—the last host institution to win a team title—when they captured the men’s division championship in 2014 at Southwood Golf and Country Club in Winnipeg.
The 72-hole stroke play competition will feature 20 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams from across the country vying for the national championship titles.
Following the third round, the field will be reduced to the top 10 men’s teams and the top six women’s teams, in addition to any individuals within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within 10 shots of third place will also make the cut, or any player within the top 10. Additional information regarding the 2018 championship, can be found here.
FAST FACTS
The Université Laval Rouge et Or and the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds are this year’s defending champions in the Men’s and Women’s Division, respectively.
In 2016, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds swept the championship, winning all four events. It was the first time in the tournament’s history that a school won the men’s and women’s team and individual events in the same year.
UBC has won the most women’s titles with 12 out of the last 15 editions in the team event and the most men’s championships with 5.
The individual men’s and women’s champions receive exemptions into the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, respectively.
For pairings and additional information, click here.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Chilliwack Golf Club was established in 1958.
The par-72 layout has played host to every major provincial championship and was recognized as the PGA of BC’s Facility of the Year in 2013.
Course record of 61 was set in 2017 by James Allenby.
MEN’S TEAMS
Bishops’ University Gaitors
Brock University Badgers
Concordia University Stingers
Durham College Lords
Humber College Hawks
Queen’s University Gaels
University of Alberta Golden Bears
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
University of Calgary Dinos
University of Guelph Gryphons
University of Lethbridge Pronghorns
University of Manitoba Bisons
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees
University of the Fraser Valley Cascades
University of Victoria Vikes
University of Waterloo Warriors
Université de Montréal Carabins
Université Laval Rouge et Or
Western University Mustangs
Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks
WOMEN’S TEAMS
Humber College Hawks
Queen’s University Gaels
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
University of the Fraser Valley Cascades
University of Manitoba Bisons
University of Toronto Varsity Blues
University of Victoria Vikes
University of Waterloo Warriors
University of Windsor Lancers
Université de Montréal Carabins
Université Laval Rouge et Or
Western University Mustangs
Thunderbirds’ Kat Kennedy ends university career with a bang
The dream of every athlete is to go out on top, to go out a winner.
It’s a feat so rarely accomplished because you only get one chance at it. You only get one last tournament.
But on Sunday at the 2017 Canadian University/College Championship Kat Kennedy did just that.
As she watched her final putt drop, Kennedy walked off the green and into the arms of her teammates after a dominating 15-stroke victory in the individual women’s division, leading her University of British Columbia Thunderbirds to its second consecutive title at the event.
And she did so at her final event at the end of her university golf career.
“It feels amazing to end my last tournament of my university career on a high note and with such a good team,” said Kennedy, after securing herself and her team at the top of the leaderboard. “It feels awesome right now.”
The 22-year-old science student from Okotoks, Alta., has hung up her Thunderbirds’ gear after successfully defending her 2016 title and plans to finish her undergrad degree next year.
Like most collegiate athletes, Kennedy’s commitment to the golf team has allowed her to pursue a higher education, but the time commitment to her sport means she must pick up a few more credits in her fifth year.
“I love golf,” she said. “I love the game. I just want to keep playing as long as I can. I still have one more year left, so I have some time to decide what I want to do next. Right now, I’m going to focus on school and keep playing and improve my game as best as I can.”
The weather was not kind to Kennedy and the other players during the championship, which was held from May 29 – June 1. Two thunder delays, constant rain and a windy, cold final round lashed out at the field. But there behind Kennedy for every shot sat her parents, Tai and Len, on tiny portable stools they carried with them as they followed her around.
The two are, of course, her biggest fans and have traveled to every Canadian tournament she has played in as well as many down south in the United States. They are so committed to their daughters play that they don’t even take a hole off – even during the six-degree, extremely windy final round on June 1.
“Never,” said Tai, when asked if she was going to warm up for a couple of holes in the clubhouse after Kennedy made the turn. “She always wants us to be there. With some kids they always want their parents to stay away, but for us she’s always like, ‘I’m glad you’re here.’”
For Tai, golf isn’t just a game that her daughter plays for a way to go to university. It’s a part of her that has contributed to her growth as a human being.
“It keeps her grounded,” she said. “I’m really happy that she’s on the golf team. She works very hard and strives for the best. That’s what she tries to do every day: become a better person.”
Follow Kennedy for a couple of holes and you can see what Tai means.
Whether she’s lining up for a shot, walking to her ball or retrieving it from the cup, there is a constant laser-like focus in the way she carries herself. Even when she was leading by over a dozen strokes heading down the final fairway, that focus never wavered.
Tai doesn’t know where that work ethic comes from. “That’s just her,” she says. But it’s a major part of the reason that she has never missed a tournament in her Thunderbirds’ career – a goal she set for herself when she first joined the team.
Like many student-athletes, Kennedy started to excel at golf at a very young age. It wasn’t long until she was carding better scores than her father, Len.
“She started to pass me on the course when she was about 14 or 15,” said Len, (not at eight like Tai teased). “It made me feel really proud. She taught me real early to keep my mouth shut when making a bet with her. Don’t say you’ll give her 50 bucks to make a long birdie putt because she’ll put it in.”
As for her next step, Kennedy is still unsure.
She is going to finish her science degree next year while training and working on golf by herself. When she completes her education she is going to decide if she is ready to go pro or not.
In a true testament to her character that the game of golf helped build, she was permitted to play for the team in her fifth year, but she turned down the offer because she felt that it would be unfair to take away that spot from someone else.
Now that she’s done, Tai and Len are ready to retire their trusty stools they always carry around when following her, and they can watch as their daughter takes the next step.
“Golf put her through university,” said Tai. “I’m happy she’s going to get her degree and an education. That’s the main thing. Now I guess I have put this stool on Kijiji.”
Thunderbirds, Rouge et Or hold on to win Canadian University/College Championship
Kat Kennedy went wire-to-wire to lead the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds to their second consecutive Canadian University/College Championship, while Baptiste Mory helped the Université Laval Rouge et Or hold on to win the men’s division at Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club on Thursday.
The Thunderbirds dominated the field through all four rounds of the tournament. Heading to the final day they sat 41 strokes ahead, and on Thursday they cruised through their final round and finished 70 over for the tournament to successfully defend their 2016 title.
Leading the way for the University of British Columbia was defending champion Kat Kennedy who led all four rounds to capture medallist honours. Her final-round 78 was the lowest of anyone in the women’s draw and helped her finish 14 over par for the tournament, 15 strokes ahead of field.
“It feels amazing to end my last tournament of my university career on a high note and with a great team,” she said, after she sank her final putt. “It was tough out there today. This was the most wind we’ve had all week, but we just tried to play calm and steady and play our game.”
The University of Toronto Varsity Blues and the University of Victoria Vikes were deadlocked heading into Thursday, but the Varsity Blues prevailed after their 41-over-par 257 locked them into second place, 53 strokes behind the Thunderbirds. The Vikes ended up third, 128 over par for the tournament.
Varsity Blues’ Laura Upenieks carded a final-round 84 to bring her total score to 29 over, while Sharon Park of the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades finished at 30 over to round out the top three.
The men’s division came right down to the wire as the Rouge et or, the Wilfried Laurier University Golden Hawks and the Thunderbirds were all jockeying for position during the final round.
Eric Flockhart of the Golden Hawks made it interesting on the 18th green when he tapped in a par putt after Mory made bogey, but it proved to be too late as the Rouge et Or walked away with a two-stroke victory at 75 over par for the tournament.
“It’s incredible,” Mory said, after he and his teammates erupted in cheers following the official announcement “I thought after I made a six on 18 that we were going to go to a playoff, but it managed to be enough. It was very difficult to make the right distance today because of all the wind, but I managed to hang in there for my team.”
The Thunderbirds finished five back of the Rouge et Or in third place on the strength of Evan Holmes who captured medallist honours with a 5-over-par effort. Mory finished five back in a share of second place with Varsity Blues’ Kevin Fawcett, who shot a tournament-low 2 over par in the final round.
The top finishers in the men’s and women’s division will get an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championships, and the top three finishers in the men’s and women’s draws will qualify for the Summer Universiade Games, in Chinese Taipei, Taiwan, from Aug. 19-30.
Click here for information and here for final results.
NOTE TO MEDIA: Click here for champion photos.
Rouge et Or, Thunderbirds top leaderboard heading into final round at the Canadian University/College Championship
Université Laval Rouge et Or overtook the top spot in the men’s draw while the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds held onto their lead in the women’s division after round three at the Canadian University/College Championship on Wednesday at Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club.
The Rouge et Or men’s team shot a 13-over-par 297 to jump to the top of the leaderboard, building a one-stroke advantage. They were sitting outside the top two as the final Laval player, Baptiste Mory, headed to the final hole.
Mory, who has been the team’s best golfer through three rounds, sank a clutch 35-foot putt for eagle from just short of the green on 18. That marker led the 20-year-old to a 2-over-par 73 on the day.
“I played very good today,” he said, shortly after his eagle putt. “It was my best day of golf. My coach told me on the fairway that I had to get an eagle to put us up one shot in the tournament. I hit a bad shot to the green, but the putt was amazing.”
The score was his best since his opening-round 71, and it moves him into a tie for third in the individual standings, four back of leader Evan Holmes from the University of British Columbia.
Tied in second, one stroke behind the Rouge et Or, are the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks and Thunderbirds. The Golden Hawks were ahead after the second round but lost their lead following an 18-over-par 302. The Thunderbirds carded the low score of the tournament with a 4-over 288, launching them up the standings from outside the top five.
Golden Hawks’ Eric Flockhart, who was No. 1 through the opening two rounds, slipped on Wednesday with a 77 (+6), his worst score of the tournament. Holmes helped carry the Thunderbirds into contention with his 1-under-par 70, good for a three-stroke cushion.
In the women’s draw, the University of British Columbia holds a commanding lead entering the final day. After a collective 15-over-par 231, the Thunderbirds sit 41 strokes ahead of the competition.
Continuing to lead the way for them is defending champion Kat Kennedy, who recorded her second consecutive 76 to bring her to 8 over for the tournament. Despite posting double-bogeys on holes nine and 18, the 22-year-old from Okotoks, Alta., maintained an 8-stroke lead over the individual women’s division heading to the final round on Thursday.
“I ended up doubling holes nine and 18,” she said, greenside after her third round. “Finishing on a double is kind of rough, so hopefully I get it back tomorrow. It’s my last round in my university career so I want to finish strong and help the team win.”
Final round of the #CDNUniCollege Championship is officially underway. Check out the pics from yesterday's action
?https://t.co/zYvK6yPK9Y pic.twitter.com/VAP2IQTOiY
— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) June 1, 2017
Inside the top three are the University of Victoria Vikes and the University of Toronto Varsity Blues who are both tied at 82 over for the tournament.
Laura Upenieks sits in third place with a 5-over-par 77 to lead the way for the Varsity Blues, while Laura Ferreira is the Vikes’ low-scorer at T5 following her 8-over-par 80.
Rounding out the top six teams making the cut in the women’s division are University of the Fraser Valley Cascades, Université Laval Rouge et Or and the Western University Mustangs.
The top finisher in the men’s and women’s division will get an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championships, and the top three finishers in the men’s and women’s draws will qualify for the Summer Universiade Games, in Chinese Taipei, Taiwan, from Aug. 19-30.
More information on the tournament can be found here.
Laurier leading men’s draw, UBC women on top at Canadian University/College Championship
Following consecutive lightning delays in the opening two rounds, the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks jumped out to the lead in the men’s division at 17-over par and the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds held their advantage atop the women’s division at the Canadian University/College Championships at Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club.
On the men’s side, The University of Toronto Blues are second at 24-over par and rounding out the top three is the Université Laval Rouge et Or, who hold the clubhouse lead with a team score of +32. Behind the Rouge et Or are the Western University Mustangs, who are in the clubhouse at 37-over par.
First round individual leader, Eric Flockhart, from Wilfrid Laurier University is still on top. The Mississauga, Ont., product is 1 under par for the tournament through nine holes. He is three shots clear of UBC’s Evan Holmes (+2).
Holmes, the 2015 Individual champion, carded the lowest score of the day among those able to finish with an even-par 71.
“I kept it in front of me off the tee and I didn’t really make any mistakes. I didn’t putt that well today, but I made a few coming down the stretch which was nice,” said the Calgary native. “I felt like it was a pretty good round in the wind all in all.”
Holmes took advantage of the par 5’s on the back nine, carding a birdie on No. 13 and an eagle on No. 18.
“At Tangle Creek, you really have to get it in play off the tee. The greens are so severe that you also have to be good with your second shots. If you’re on the wrong spot on the green you’re three putting,” said Holmes.
Check out all the photos from Round 2's action at the #CDNUniCollege on Tuesday @TangleCreek
?https://t.co/vdUv2Z1k12 pic.twitter.com/Rhwlmfd6NY
— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) May 31, 2017
For the second day in a row, The Thunderbirds lead the women’s division (+25). The University of Victoria Vikes are second at 38-over par, and the University of Toronto Varsity Blues sit tied for third alongside the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades at 50-over par.
18-hole leader and defending champion Kat Kennedy, from the University of British Columbia, is in first at 4 over par through nine holes.
The University of Fraser Valley’s Sharon Park is four strokes back at +8. Rounding out the top three are Victoria Vikes teammates Hannah Diamond and Laura Ferreira, who sit at +11.
No women’s teams finished their second round; play is set to resume Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m.
Due to the weather delays, the groups will not be re-ordered after 36 holes. The pairings will be the same as Monday’s draw. After the third round the top-10 men’s teams and the top six women’s teams will advance to the final round.
The top finisher in the men’s and women’s division will get an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championships and the top finishers in the men’s and women’s draws will qualify for the Summer Universiade Games, in Taipei, Taiwan, from Aug. 19-30.
For more information on the tournament, please click here.
NOTE TO MEDIA: Click here to download photos; credit to Golf Canada.
Thunderbirds leading the women’s draw, men’s delayed after round one of the Canadian University/College Championship
On day one of the weather-shortened Canadian University/College Championship, defending champion Kat Kennedy of Okotoks, Alta., fired an even-par 72 to help put the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds on top of the women’s team competition. The men’s side of the draw was unable to finish the first round due to inclement weather.
After 18 holes, Kennedy holds a four-stroke lead.
“It’s a challenging course. I think learning to be patient is key here, the wind picked up on the back nine and I think just keeping the ball in play and trying to hit the green in regulation was my goal for the day,” said Kennedy, from the scoring table following her round.
With a combined score of 19-over par, the Thunderbirds are 11 strokes ahead of the second place University of Fraser Valley Cascades, who posted a team score of 30-over par on day one. The University of Victoria Vikes sit third at +32.
After starting strong with birdies on the first and second hole, Kennedy made a bogey on the third. She recorded another bogey on seven, but rebounded with a birdie on eight to make the turn at 1-under par. On the back nine Kennedy made a five-foot birdie putt to finish her round as the only player not over par.
In her final university season Kennedy had a stellar year. She was first or T1 five times and set a school record for the lowest single round score when she posted a 67 on the second day of the Grand View Battle at Primm, in Nipton, Calif., from March 20-21.
Coquitlam, B.C., product Sharon Park, a freshman at Fraser Valley, is second in the women’s individual competition at 4-over par (76). Kennedy’s teammate, 22-year-old Winnie Hyun, from Langley, B.C., rounds out the top three at +7 (79).
When play was suspended at 5:46 p.m., Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawk Eric Flockhart from Mississauga, Ont., had posted the lowest men’s score at 2-under par (69) thanks to three straight birdies to close out the round.
“I was getting the same kind of breaks on the front nine, but I just couldn’t buy a putt,” said Flockhart. “I got to the back made a good one from about 10 feet on 10, made a few good par saves and then 14 to 18, I made five putts in a row basically, so the putts started to fall.”
Flockhart had a very strong Ontario University Athletic Association (OUA) season in the fall, including a stretch where he won three straight tournaments—the Waterloo Invitational, the Guelph Invitational, and the University of Toronto Invitational.
The University of Victoria Vikes are currently the leading team at 9-over par through 14 holes of play, with the first round resuming Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. They are followed by the University of Manitoba Bisons and the Queens University Gaels, who hold second place in the weather-delayed first round at 11 over par. The Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks are the lowest team in the clubhouse at 14-over par.
Check out all the pictures from Monday’s action during Round 1 of the #CDNUnicollege @TangleCreek ?️?⛳️
?https://t.co/LUdu3ZKbRV pic.twitter.com/aenn1AIU6E
— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) May 30, 2017
The University of Toronto’s Kevin Fawcett, a product of Newmarket, Ont., was the second-lowest player to finish his round, posting an even-par 71. Lawren Rowe, (Victoria, B.C.) of the University of Victoria Vikes, is, 1 under par through 14 holes.
The top finisher in the men’s and women’s division will get an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championships and the top finishers in the men’s and women’s draws will qualify for the Summer Universiade Games, in Taipei, Taiwan, from Aug. 19-30.
The first round will resume tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. Second round tee times will begin at 8:30 a.m. For additional information on the championship click here.
Click here for full scoring.
Photos: Click here to download photos; credit to Golf Canada.
Canadian University/College Championship heads to Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club
Canada’s top student-athlete golfers will descend on Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club in Barrie, Ont., from May 29 – June 1 for the 2017 Canadian University/College Championships.
2017 marks the 15th playing of the event, which was established in 2003 by Golf Canada to give the country’s best college and university golfers a chance to compete at a national championship.
The Georgian College Grizzlies will host the event this year on the windswept fairways of Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club.
Designed in 2002 by Rene Muylaert, the course is known for its combination of classic and links style features in addition to its grassy hollows and signature fescue.
“We are thrilled to welcome the best Canadian student golfers to Tangle Creek. We’re looking forward to a competitive championship, and showcasing our beautiful course,” said host club tournament chair Mackenzie Cuthbert.
Golf Canada prides itself on conducting a top-notch tournament that is the highest level of national competition for college and university golfers in the country.
“The Canadian University/College Championship provides a unique opportunity for the best student-athlete golfers in Canada to compete for a national championship. Golf Canada is proud to conduct this event to showcase the talent from universities and colleges across the country,” added tournament director, Mary Beth McKenna.
In 2016, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds swept the championship, winning all four events. It was the first time in the tournament’s history that a school has won the men’s and women’s team and individual events in the same year.
Calgary’s Scott Secord went wire-to-wire to win the men’s division by four strokes at 11-under par and Kat Kennedy of Okotoks, Alta., claimed victory on the women’s side by four shots at 12-over par.
UBC returns to the tournament having won 11 women’s and five men’s titles—including three of the last four.
Georgian College will look to draw upon the magic of the University of Manitoba Bisons—the last host club to win a team title—when they captured the men’s division championship in 2014 at Southwood Golf and Country Club in Winnipeg.
The 72-hole stroke play competition will feature 19 men’s teams and 11 women’s teams from across the country vying for the national championship titles.
Following the third round, the field will be reduced to the top 10 men’s teams and the top six women’s teams, in addition to any individuals within 15 shots of the lead. Additional information regarding the 2017 championship, can be found here.
FAST FACTS
UBC is the defending champion on both the men’s and women’s side.
Scott Secord, of Calgary, Alta., is the defending men’s medallist.
Kat Kennedy of Okotos Alta., is the defending women’s medallist.
UBC has won the most women’s titles with 11 and the most men’s championships with 5.
The individual men’s and women’s champions receive exemptions into the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, respectively.
The top three individual men and top three individual women earn the right to represent Canada at the 2017 Summer Universiade Games in Taipei City, Taiwan, from Aug. 19-30.
For pairings and additional information, click here.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club was designed in 2002 by Rene Muylaert.
6,307 yards, CR/Slope: 69.7/131.
Course record of 64 was set in 2011 by Keir Smith.
In 2016, Tangle Creek hosted Golf Ontario’s Junior Boys Match-Play and the PGA of Canada’s Seniors Championship.
In 2003 Golf Digest named Tangle Creek the Best New Golf Course in Canada.
MEN’S TEAMS
Brock University Badgers
Concordia University Stingers
Georgian College Grizzlies
Humber College Hawks
Les Patriotes de l’UQTR
Queen’s University Gaels
Universitie du Montreal Carabins
Universitie Laval Rouge et Or
University of Alberta Golden Bears
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
University of Guelph Gryphons
Universit of Manitoba Bisons
University of the Fraser Valley Cascades
University of Toronto Varsity Blues
University of Victoria Vikes
University of Waterloo Warriors
University of Western Mustangs
University of Windsor Lancers
Wilfred Laurier University Golden Hawks
WOMEN’S TEAMS
Georgian College Grizzlies
Humber College Hawks
Queen’s University Gaels
Université Laval Rouge et Or
Universitié du Montreal Carabins
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
University of the Fraser Valley Cascades
University of Toronto Varsity Blues
University of Victoria Vikes
University of Waterloo Warriors
University of Western Mustangs
To view the full list of teams and other information, click here.
UBC Thunderbirds make history in sweeping team and individual titles at Canadian University/College Championship
PARKSVILLE, B.C. – The University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds claimed team and individual honours on both the men’s and women’s sides at the 2016 Canadian University/College Championship at Morningstar Golf Club. All four titles have never been captured by the same school in the competition’s 14-year history.
UBC Coach Chris MacDonald who was named the Golf Coaches Association of Canada’s Coach of the Year for both the men’s and women’s teams, reflected positively on his team and the state of Canadian collegiate golf. “This means a lot. It’s an exciting time and we’re going in a better direction. It’s just nice to see consistent golf and to see how much this tournament has grown – not just from our team, but the entire field.”
For the second time since this tournament’s inception in 2003, UBC earned both team titles – a feat that has not been matched by another school. UBC came just shy of sweeping the four honours in 2009, only missing out on the women’s individual title. Kat Kennedy of Okotoks, Alta., ensured this year’s team would not suffer the same fate, carding a 1-over 73 en route to a four-stroke victory.
“Before we went out today, as a team, we talked about staying in our own bubble and taking it one shot at a time,” said the 21-year-old. “I think I went out there with that mindset and it helped me today. I’ve put in a lot of time and practice after some injuries this year. This was a big win for me and to see my hard work pay off is a big push for next year and for the rest of my golf career.”
The significance of the victory was not lost on the third-year science student. “Golf Canada has been a big part of my life. I have played a lot of junior golf with Golf Canada. This is a big title to have and I’m not used to it yet. It’s great to be a national champion.”
Alexandra Pelletier of the Université Laval Rouge et Or claimed runner-up honours. The Montréal native tallied two birdies and finished the competition at 16-over-par. UBC’s Barbara Neto-Bradley, of Porto, Portugal, claimed third-place with a four-day total of 22-over 310.
The UBC women claimed a 19-stroke victory over the defending champions, the Université de Montréal Carabins, and the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, who tied for second at a combined 79-over-par.
Kennedy beamed when asked about wearing the blue and gold of the UBC Thunderbirds. “It is a big honour. We have a great team. I feel like everyone is very supportive. We help push each other to be more competitive. Everywhere I go, I wear the T-bird with pride. I couldn’t be more proud of both the women’s and men’s teams.”
For the second straight year, UBC’s men’s team claimed a wire-to-wire victory. It was the fifth team title for the men’s side and their third in the past four years. The fivesome finished 2-over on the day to complete the tournament at 18-under 1134 – 45-strokes clear of the competition. The University of Victoria Vikes were 1-under on the day and placed second, while the Queen’s University Gaels finished third.
The men’s Thunderbirds were again led by Scott Secord, who registered a wire-to-wire win of his own. The Calgarian finished with rounds of 67-67-73-70 to reach 11-under 277 in the competition. All five members of the quintet finished in the Top-10 with Andrew Harrison of Camrose, Alta., taking 9th, Victoria’s Nate Ollis finishing T7, Evan Holmes of Calgary claiming 6th and fellow Albertan Jack Wood of Banff placing 4th.
Secord spoke of the tight-knit group when asked about his tenure as a Thunderbird. “It’s meant a lot. I’m glad I could finish (my career with UBC) like this and as a team, as well. I’ve known Jack since he was a little tyke. We’ve had a different kind of relationship – like brothers. But that’s what it’s like with everyone. We’re such good friends with each other.”
Despite gusty conditions at times, Secord tallied four birdies on the day, including two back-to-back in a bogey-free back nine. “I was kind of steady throughout the front,” commented the champion. “It was pretty windy and it was shifting. The trees were playing tricks on us and we weren’t really certain which way it was going.”
The 23-year-old withstood the impressive play of Lawren Rowe of the University of Victoria Vikes. The Sophomore who hails from Victoria notched four birdies on the day to finish 2-under – four shots shy of the champion. Taking third was the University of the Fraser Valley’s Connor McLellan of Chilliwack, B.C., who carded the day’s low round – a four-birdie 4-under 68 showing – to finish 5-under in the competition.
Additional information regarding the championship can be found here.
UBC Thunderbird Squads extend advantages at Canadian University/College Championship
PARKSVILLE, B.C. – Third-round action at the 14th playing of the Canadian University/College Championship at Morningstar Golf Club saw the teams representing the University of British Columbia (UBC) increase their leads atop their respective leaderboards.
The UBC men’s team continued to show its dominance by posting a collective 2-under 286 for the round. The Queen’s University Gaels occupy second with a team total of 7-over 887 – 43-strokes behind the leaders. The Kingston, Ont., university is being pursued by two institutions located in British Columbia: the University of Fraser Valley Cascades and the University of Victoria Vikes, who trail the Gaels by four and five strokes, respectively.
The Thunderbirds were led by a 3-under 69 from Jack Wood of Banff, Alta. The third-year kinesiology major collected five birdies and added an eagle on the par-5 13th hole to move to 5-under in the competition. Tied with Victoria’s Lawren Rowe of the Victoria Vikes, Wood trails individual leader and teammate Scott Secord by four strokes. The Calgary product carded a 73 after opening the competition with consecutive 67s.
For the third consecutive day, Thunderbirds Evan Holmes of Calgary and Victoria’s Nate Ollis registered matching rounds. The pair have now shot 72-71-72 and sit T5 at 1-under alongside British Columbians Connor McLellan of Chilliwack who plays for the Cascades and Richmond’s Chris Crisologo, a member of the Simon Fraser University Clan.
Completing the Thunderbird contingent is Andrew Harrison of Camrose, Alta., who sits fourth following a 1-over performance. The 19-year-old tallied five birdies, but sees the round as a missed opportunity. “Today was a little bit disappointing,” commented the kinesiology major. “I had a good chance to shoot a good number, but made some bad bogeys. It’s a nice course, but it’s very tricky. There are lots of dog-legs that can trick you into trying to cut some corners. You have to be patient and lay back on those.”
The team’s rookie reflected pensively on his first year donning the blue and gold of the Thunderbirds. “It’s been pretty good. Jack and Evan have been great. I’ve known them for a very long time from Alberta, so it wasn’t too hard fitting in with them. We have a pretty young team and they’re great guys – easy to talk to; easy to be around – so it’s been fun.”
“College is very different, it’s interesting,” added Harrison, when asked about the experience of playing in this competition. “You’re playing against men unlike junior, where you’re playing against kids. I’m really taking it all in and learning a lot from all the older guys.”
After opening the third round with a five-stroke advantage, the UBC women’s team tallied a 16-over total on the day and now lead the Université de Montréal Carabins by 12 strokes. The University of Toronto Varsity Blues climbed into third at a combined 64-over 712, led by the T6 standings of Ontarians Sarah Dunning of Waterloo and Etobicoke’s Laura Upenieks, who made a hole-in-one on the par-3 eighth hole.
Thunderbird Kat Kennedy made a significant climb up the standings for the second straight day. The native of Okotoks, Alta., carded a round of 5-over 77 and at 11-over-par, leads the competition by one stroke. After holding the 18- and 36-hole leads, the Université Laval Rouge et Or’s Alexandra Pelletier now sits one-stroke shy of the leader. The native of Montréal was 13-over on the day after opening 71-72 in the competition. Porto, Portugal’s Barbara Neto-Bradley of the Thunderbirds moved into third-place at 13-over.
The competition opened with 20 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams from across the nation vying for team and individual honours. With the conclusion of the third round, the field has now been reduced to the top 10 men’s teams and the top six women’s teams, in addition to any individuals within 15 shots of the lead.
The final round of competition will see both the men’s and women’s sides begin the day at 7:30 a.m. off split tees. Additional information regarding the championship, including pairings and up-to-date scoring can be found here.