PARKSVILLE, B.C. – Clouds darkened the skies and light rains made for a wet afternoon as the 2016 Canadian University/College Championship continued at Morningstar Golf Club. The second round concluded with both the men’s and women’s squads from the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds leading the team competitions.

The UBC women’s team entered the day in third, but traded places with first-round leaders, the Université Laval Rouge et Or. UBC collected a team total of 9-over and now sit 30-over in the competition. The Université de Montréal Carabins retained second-place, five-shots back of the Thunderbirds and three strokes ahead of the Rouge et Or.

UBC’s Kat Kennedy notched four birdies en route to a 2-under 70 – the low score in the women’s division through two days of competition. The native of Okotoks, Alta., began the day with a share of 12^th, but climbed to third at 6-over. Montréal’s Alexandra Pelletier of the Rouge et Or continues to lead the competition at 1-under following an even-par second round. The Carabins’ Caroline Ciot – a native of Québec City – held onto second with a 1-over showing to sit 4-over 148.

“Today was a grind,” reflected the 21-year-old Kennedy. “My short game was pretty good today. It was steady. I just have to be patient and keep my head up and keep pushing through.”

The third-year science major finds herself as the veteran on a young squad comprised of two rookies and a sophomore, but sees the situation as an opportunity to aid in the development of the team. “In my rookie year, I definitely made mistakes here and there. I learned from the older girls. I learned how to keep focused and you pull yourself together during a round and finish strong.

“There’s a lot on your shoulders when you’re one of the older players on the team. You definitely want to play well and at the same time, encourage the other girls to keep working hard even though there are tough days. It comes with experience and I want to show them my experiences to help them.”

When asked about the effect of the UBC men’s team’s strong performance through 36-holes, Kennedy added, “It’s definitely inspirational. They’re a strong group of guys. They go out there with a great showing and we want to keep up with them, but we also want to make a name for our women’s golf team.”

A collective 8-under day from the UBC men has the Thunderbirds at 18-under – 34 strokes clear of the Queen’s University Gaels. The University of Victoria Vikes, the competition’s hosts, began the day in ninth-place, but ascended the leaderboard to third with today’s combined 3-over 291 showing.

Calgary’s Scott Secord continues to lead the men’s individual standings following a second-consecutive 67. The UBC Thunderbird began the day with back-to-back birdies and would go on to tally five more to extend his advantage atop the leaderboard to six strokes. Secord leads a team where no player sits below T7. Andrew Harrison of Camrose, Alta., sits T3; fellow Albertan Jack Wood of Banff is tied for fifth; 2015 individual champion Evan Holmes (Calgary) and Nate Ollis (Victoria) hold shares of seventh.

Victoria native Lawren Rowe of the Vikes climbed from T6 to second and sits 4-under 140. Queen’s University Gael Jordan Gregoris of Aurora, Ont., moved into a share of third at 3-under. University of Manitoba Bison Devon Schade’s 69 moved the Beausejour, Man., product to T5.

The 2016 competition features 20 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams from across the country vying for 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.

The third day of competition will see the women’s division tee-off at 7:30 a.m. The men will take to the course at 8:10 a.m. Additional information regarding the championship, including pairings and up-to-date scoring can be found here.

PARKSVILLE, B.C. – Pristine conditions set the stage for the opening round of the 2016 edition of the Canadian University/College Championship at Morningstar Golf Club. Scott Secord opened with a 5-under 67 showing as the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds seized the lead in the men’s division. Alexandra Pelletier shot 1-under to send the Université Laval Rouge et Or to the top of the day one leaderboard in the women’s division.

A dominant performance from defending champions UBC saw the school finish a combined 10-under to lead the men’s division by 20 strokes. Calgarian Scott Secord recorded four birdies and an eagle on the par-5 third hole en route to a 67 to lead the men’s individual standings. Fellow teammates Jack Wood (69) and Andrew Harrison (70) are T3 and 5th, respectively. Evan Holmes and Nate Ollis matched 72s to complete the UBC men’s contingent.

The 23-year-old Secord remained focused when asked to reflect on the effect of past success on this year’s competition. “It helps; it definitely does. But we’re trying to stay modest because there are lots of good players here and it can change every day. We’re just trying to go with our game plan and stick with it. If that works for four days, great.”

With team totals of 10-over 298, the Camosun College Chargers and the Queen’s University Gaels are knotted in second-place. Five shots separate second- to ninth-place in the men’s team standings.

Secord – the 2014 individual champion – liked what he saw of the course and appreciates the opportunity to once again represent the Thunderbirds. “Chris and the boys graciously invited me back to play. It’s nice that all the members are allowing us to take the golf course from them for five days. The course is awesome. The greens are rolling great; they’re nice and smooth – a little fast, which is nice to see. The fairways and everything are just awesome, as well. You’ve just got to be careful out there.”

Chris Crisologo of the Simon Fraser University Clan is in second-place at 4-under. The Richmond, B.C., native notched five birdies and made an eagle on the third hole. Vernon, B.C., product Brady Stead of the Camosun College Chargers is T3 after collecting four birdies.

The Université Laval Rouge et Or finished the first day of competition at 18-over 234 to lead the women’s division by two strokes. The host University of Victoria Vikes are in second, while the UBC women hold third – one stroke behind their fellow British Columbians.

Alexandra Pelletier was the lone player in the women’s field to finish below-par. The native of Montréal tallied four birdies in a 1-under 71 performance. Caroline Ciot of the defending champion Université de Montréal Carabins opened with a 75. The native of Québec City is hoping to improve upon last year’s runner-up result in the women’s individual standings. Calgary’s Quinn Fitzgerald from the University of Victoria completes the Top-3 after carding a 76.

The 2016 competition features 20 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams from across the country vying for team and individual honours. 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.

The second day of competition begins with the women’s division at 7:30 a.m., while the men tee off at 8:10 a.m. Additional information regarding the championship, including pairings and up-to-date scoring can be found here.

PARKSVILLE, B.C. – Student athletes from the nation’s top university and college golf teams will measure their mettle at the 2016 edition of the Canadian University/College Championship. The 14^th playing of the championship will be held May 31 to June 3 at Morningstar Golf Club in Parksville, B.C.

Conducted by Golf Canada, the event was created to provide Canada’s best university and college golfers with the opportunity to compete in a national event. The University of Victoria Vikes will play host as the country’s student athletes gather at Morningstar Golf Club. The Les Furber design founded in 1991 has been home to the 2009 and 2012 CN Future Links Pacific Championships, the 2010 Canadian Women’s Senior Championship and the B.C. event on the 2014 Canadian Women’s Tour.

“We are delighted to host this national championship and to welcome the teams and Golf Canada to the city of Parksville,” said Mike Loftus, Host Club Tournament Chair and Vice-President of Sales at the club. “The course is in excellent condition and this competition will add another exciting chapter to the history of our club. We look forward to the challenge it will provide these young men and women.”

“The Canadian University/College Championship is an excellent stage to showcase the talents of the country’s best collegiate golfers,” said Tournament Director Mary Beth McKenna. “It is an honour for these players to represent their schools. This championship is a culmination of their year-long efforts both in the classroom and on the course. I know they will each make their schools proud.”

The University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds men’s team looks to defend its national title following a decisive wire-to-wire win at the 2015 championship at Cutten Fields in Guelph, Ont. Jack Wood, 2014 individual champion Scott Secord and Evan Holmes will return in an effort to recreate the success which saw the team register a 12-stroke victory last year. Holmes of Calgary finished two strokes clear of the competition to claim individual honours.

Julie Brossoit, Caroline Ciot, Veronique Fortin-Latreille and Sarah-Andréa Landry of the Université de Montréal Carabins women’s team hung on to capture team honours in 2015. The quartet will return as the school chases a third national collegiate championship. Brynn Tomie of Bedford, N.S. – now graduated after having completed her studies at the University of Victoria – won last year’s individual title.

The 2016 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.

Additional information regarding the 2016 championship, including full team rosters, can be found here.

2016 UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP – MEN’S TEAMS:

• Camosun College Chargers
• Concordia University Stingers
• École de technologie supérieure Piranhas
• Georgian College Grizzlies
• Niagara College Knights
• Queen’s University Gaels
• Université du Montréal Carabins
• Université Laval Rouge et Or
• University of Alberta Golden Bears
• University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
• University of Calgary Dino’s
• University of Guelph Gryphons
• University of Lethbridge Pronghorns
• University of Manitoba Bisons
• University of the Fraser Valley Cascades
• University of Toronto Varsity Blues
• University of Waterloo Warriors
• University of Western Mustangs
• University of Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks
• University of Victoria Vikes

2016 UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP – WOMEN’S TEAMS:

• Humber College Hawks
• Queen’s University Gaels
• Université du Montréal Carabins
• Université Laval Rouge et Or
• University of Alberta Pandas
• University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
• University of Lethbridge Pronghorns
• University of Toronto Varsity Blues
• University of Victoria Vikes
• University of Waterloo Warriors
• University of Western Mustangs
• University of Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks

The University of ­­­British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds men’s team claimed a wire-to-wire victory Friday at the 2015 Canadian University/ College Championship at Cutten Fields in Guelph, Ont., while the Université de Montréal Carabins earned the national title in the women’s division.

UBC avenged last year’s runner-up finish by matching its opening-round score of 282 to secure the school’s fourth Canadian University/ College Championship win since the tournament’s inception in 2003. Team members Trent Abraham, Evan Holmes, Conner Kozak, Scott Secord and Jack Wood finished the tournament at 23-over par with a combined total of 1143.

“One of the most important things (for our team) was on day two – when we had the 50 to 60 km winds – that was very emotionally challenging. The ability for our players to refocus and come out and play really exceptional golf was very important to our team,” said UBC Thunderbirds acting men’s coach Peter Crocker when asked about a pivotal moment during the week.

The University of Victoria Vikes finished runner-up, 12 shots back with a team total of 1155. Climbing the leaderboard on the final day was the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, who finished the competition with a combined total of 1166.

UBC Thunderbird Evan Holmes posted a 1-under par final round 69 for a four day total of even-par 280 to be crowned the 2015 Canadian University/ College Men’s individual winner.

“My short game was pretty good all week and that carried on to today,” Holmes said of his victory-clinching round.  “I hit a lot of green-side shots well after some not so good shots.”

The Calgary, Alta., native’s solid short game was on full display when he stuck his approach shot on No. 18 to within a foot. “It was pretty nice just walking up to the green knowing that I kind of had it won.”

Queen’s University Gael Russell Bowie made a charge with four straight birdies from holes 12 to 15 to finish runner-up, two shots back at 2 over 282. Aaron Pauls of the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades finished third at 3 over 283.

The Université de Montréal Carabins women’s team entered the day with a one-shot lead over the University of Victoria Vikes; they managed to seal the win after a final round of 228 gave them a team-total 924. Team members Julie Brossoit, Caroline Ciot, Veronique Fortin-Latreille and Sarah-Andréa Landry captured the school’s second national collegiate championship.

“I’m really proud of my team, they worked hard all winter,” said Nicolas Quirion, the Université de Montréal Carabins women’s coach. “It’s like a family, they count on each other and it’s really fun to coach a team like that.”

The University of Victoria Vikes women’s team secured a second place finish just 3-shots back of the champions on the strength of a solid team effort. The Vikes shot their lowest team score of the tournament (227) to finish at 927. The defending UBC Thunderbirds carded a team total 12-over par 225 during the final round to finish 3^rd at 928.

Fifth-year senior Brynn Tomie of the Victoria Vikes shot a 4-over par 75 to edge out Caroline Ciot of the Montréal Carabins for the win.

“It was a total grind today,” said Tomie who finished with a four-day total of 300. “Caroline played amazing. We were back-and-forth all day. It was so fun to play with her, and things just kind of fell for me.”

Standing on the 18^th tee, the pair were knotted, but Tomie would go on to make par on the final hole to claim the championship. “We were both pretty aware of where we were and we both knew what the putt on the last hole meant,” smiled a beaming Brynn once the victory had sunk in.

Rounding out the top three was Alexandra Pelletier of the Université Laval Rouge et Or, who carded a round of 4-over 75 to finish at 304.

Conducted by Golf Canada, the Canadian University/ College Championship recognizes the exceptional talents of student-athletes from across the country. The 2016 edition of the event will be hosted by Morningstar Golf Club in Parksville, B.C.

Additional information regarding the 2015 Canadian University/ College Championship can be found here.

Guelph, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Following three rounds of play at the 2015 Canadian University/College Championship at Cutten Fields in Guelph, Ont., a great deal remains unclear. The races for individual honours are tied while the top contenders in the team championships are only separated by a handful of shots.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds men’s team kept an impressive field at bay, as several challengers took full advantage of prime conditions to register strong third rounds. The Thunderbirds – who have lead throughout the tournament – again demonstrated their consistent play, shooting a combined three over par on the day.

Peter Crocker, serving as UBC’s acting-coach for the competition, spoke to the focus and mindset of his charges in preparing for the day. “I think at a team level, we were pretty confident that we could play well and be in contention. Our goal after three rounds was to be in the top three and to be in good position on the last day.”

The University of Victoria Vikes kept pace with the leaders and vaulted into second on the strength of a combined two under par performance. The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades registered their best combined score of the tournament to claim sole possession of third after opening the round in a three-way tie for the spot.

Thunderbird Evan Holmes shot a team-low four under par with one eagle and three birdies to climb into a share of the lead in the individual competition at 1-over (70-75-66—211). Also tied with for the lead is Aaron Pauls of the Cascades, who carded a round of 68 – his best day of the competition. The University of Toronto’s Truman Tai went bogey-free to move into solo third.

The day’s stand-out performance belonged to Arthur Heinkelé who flirted with the course record of 62. The native of France registered a tournament -low 6-under-par 64 to jump from a share of 31^st to fourth place. His exceptional round featured the highlight of the day – he holed out from 146 yards to eagle the par-4 10th.

“I made some very good shots, but also some big mistakes,” admitted the Université Laval Rouge et Or student, who totaled seven birdies to accompany his eagle. He remained focused when asked what he needs to do tomorrow. “Just be patient, there’s no reason I cannot make birdies. I still have to play 18 holes and then see whatever happens; I still need to play good golf tomorrow.” Heinkelé sits T4 with defending individual champion Scott Secord who shot a 72 on the day.

In the women’s division, the Université de Montréal Carabins overtook the University of Toronto Varsity Blues after starting the day in second.  The Carabins team captain, Sarah-Andréa Landry, believes she is rounding into form at just the right time to lead her squad. “I’m really motivated and I think I brought this to the girls and helped them stay focused in the moment and take [the round] shot-by-shot.”

The Varsity Blues reversed positions with the Carabins and now sit one shot back of the leaders after a round of 229. Ana Peric of Etobicoke, Ont., shot a women’s side day-low score of two over par in a valiant attempt to keep her Toronto side close to the leaders. Rounding out the top three women’s teams is the University of Victoria who remain within striking distance at four strokes behind Toronto.

Brynn Tomie of the Vikes continued her push up the leaderboard with a score of 75 to bring her three day total to 225. The Bedford, N.S., native shot five over par to move into a share of the lead with Caroline Ciot – who held first place heading into today’s action. This is familiar territory for the two student-athletes – the pair shared third place going into the final day of the 2013 edition of this competition. Holding third is Alexandra Pelletier whose round of 77 was the team-low score for the Université Laval.

The top six women’s teams and the top 10 men’s teams have made the cut and will go on to the tournament’s finale. Players within 15 strokes advance to the final round of competition where team and individual honours will be awarded to the 2015 Canadian University/College champions. Additional information on the tournament can be found here.

Guelph, Ont. (Golf Canada) – The University of Toronto women’s golf team took advantage of pristine early morning conditions Wednesday, combining for a team total of 238 to take the second round lead at the Canadian University/ College Championship being contested at Cutten Fields in Guelph, Ont.

The Varsity Blues (230-238–468) received strong play from all four members as they snagged a one stroke lead over Université de Montréal Carabins (234-235–469). University of Victoria’s squad had the best showing in day two with a team score of 232, good enough to sit in fourth place, only four shots back.

Leading the charge for the Varsity Blues women was Laura Upenieks, a PHD graduate who shot 78. Sitting at 15 over par, Upenieks is in a four-way tie for seventh place in the individual championship, sharing that spot with her three teammates. The strong consistent play of the four women allowed them to break their first round tie with the defending University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds, who slipped to fourth.

Individually, Caroline Ciot stumbled with a six over par round, but maintained her hold on first place. Advancing up the leaderboard was Brynn Tomie of the University of Victoria Vikes who shot a day low of 72 with four birdies. The Bedford, N.S., native’s strong second day gives her a two-round total of 150 – one shot back of the lead and a share of second with Robyn Campbell, a fifth-year Queen’s University student who matched her opening round 75.

An early evening weather-related delay set back the conclusions of the majority of the men’s groupings. Despite the challenge, UBC (282-296–578) was able to fend off the second-day advance of the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks (291-29–584) who finished their round earlier in the afternoon. The University of Victoria Vikes, the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades and the Varsity Blues are tied for third with a two-round total of 589.

Golden Hawks rookie and former NCAA Division I player, Eric Flockhart of Mississauga, Ont., carded four birdies en route to a 2-under-par 68 to gain sole possession of the lead at even par.  Defending champion Scott Secord had a tough start to the day, but regrouped on the back nine shooting even par and finishing the round with a 73, good for second place.  Two shots back of the lead after shooting a 72 is Victoria, B.C., native Michael Griffin, who plays for his hometown Vikes.

The third round begins tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. with complete results and tee times available here.

Guelph, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Gusty winds proved to be no problem for the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds at the Canadian University/ College Championship at Cutten Fields in Guelph, Ont. The tournament teed up for the first round on Tuesday with the Thunderbirds men’s team soaring to the top of the leaderboard. UBC’s women’s contingent ended their day tied with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues atop the standings.

The Thunderbirds men’s team shot a combined 2-over-par to gain a slight edge in its quest to avenge last year’s runner-up finish. The Humber College Hawks sit three shots back of the lead while the University of Victoria Vikes round out the top three.

The defending men’s champion, Calgary native Scott Secord, and Humber Hawk Christian McCullough carded 2-under-par 68s to lead the men’s division. Six golfers are locked in third place, two strokes back of the leaders, including a pair of Vikes in Andrew Funk and Michael Griffin.

The reigning champion UBC Thunderbirds women’s team is joined at the top of the leaderboard by the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. UBC is eyeing its 11^th team championship in the 13 years of this competition. The leaders each registered 17 over par team performances and are four strokes clear of the third place Université de Montréal Carabins.

Third-year Carabins player Caroline Ciot has a two-shot lead after opening at 1-over-par 72 on the strength of a trio of birdies. Tied for second at 3 over par are Alexandra Pelletier of Université Laval Rouge et Or and Okotoks, Alta. native Kat Kennedy whose steady play tops the Thunderbirds squad. Playing key roles in the Varsity Blues’ co-leading position were Rylie Wilson and Sarah Dunning who each opened at 76 – good for a share of fifth place.

The second day of competition tees off with the women’s division at 7:30 a.m. while the men start at 8:14 a.m. The 72-hole competition will conclude on Friday where both team and individual titles in the men’s and women’s divisions will be awarded.

For more info regarding the championship event, click here.

Athletes from the country’s top university and college golf teams will put their games to the test at Cutten Fields in Guelph, Ont., from May 25-29 for the 13th playing of the Canadian University/ College Championship.

Conducted by Golf Canada, the Championship was created to provide an opportunity for Canada’s best university and college golfers to compete in a national event. This tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2015 World University Golf Championship. The global competition will be played between July 8-11 in Gwangju, South Korea.

The University of Guelph Gryphons will play host to this year’s event for the first time at their home club of Cutten Fields located in downtown Guelph, Ont. Established in 1931, Cutten Fields is a Stanley Thompson design recognized for its changes in elevation that provide scenic views to golfers. While adding to the course’s natural beauty, the hills and valleys also thoroughly test competitors with uneven lies in the fairways and challenging putts on the contoured greens.

“As the home of the University of Guelph Gryphons, Cutten Fields is honoured to be hosting this championship,” commented Steve Bryant, Director of Golf for Cutten Fields. “Our membership is extremely proud to share the history and legacy of Cutten with the Canadian golf community. We are thrilled at the opportunity to showcase our course to the best university and college students in the country.”

The 72-hole stroke play competition will feature 20 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams from universities and colleges across the country. These athletes will be competing for both team and individual honours. 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, any individuals within 15 shots of the lead will move on to the final round.

“The Canadian University/ College Championship is a great stage to display the talented athletes playing collegiate golf in Canada,” said Tournament Director Russell MacKay. “These student athletes will proudly represent themselves and their schools as they battle for the right of representing their country in South Korea this summer.”

The University of Manitoba Bisons men’s team is looking to defend its national title. In 2014, the Bisons won by 12 strokes on home soil at Southwood Golf and Country Club in Winnipeg, Man. Returning players from the winning squad include Charlie Boyechko, Brodie Gobin and Scott Mazur.

In individual play, University of British Columbia Thunderbird Scott Secord went wire-to-wire to claim victory. He will be in the field this year to defend his title and assist his teammates in their quest to improve upon their runner-up finish from 2014.

His fellow Thunderbirds on the women’s side have their sights set on defending their 2014 win. Winnie Hyun and Kat Kennedy will return for the Thunderbirds in an attempt to capture the university’s 11th national women’s title in this competition.

Megan Woodland – now graduated after having completed her studies at the University of Victoria – won the 2014 women’s individual title.

The following teams will be competing in the 2015 Canadian University/ College Championship. Additional information on the tournament and full team rosters are available here.

Men’s Teams:
University of Manitoba Bisons
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
University of Victoria Vikes
University of Calgary Dinos
University of Alberta Golden Bears
University of Waterloo Warriors
University of Ottawa Gee Gee’s
Brock University Badgers
Western University Mustangs
University of Toronto Varsity Blues
University of Ontario Institute of Technology Ridgebacks
Queen’s University Gaels
University of the Fraser Valley Cascades
Humber College Hawks
Université Laval Rouge et Or
Université de Montréal Carabins
Concordia University Stingers
École de technologie supérieure Piranhas
University of Guelph Gryphons
Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks

Women’s Teams:
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
University of Victoria Vikes
University of Alberta Pandas
University of Toronto Varsity Blues
University of Waterloo Warriors
Western University Mustangs
Queen’s University Gaels
McMaster Marauders
Université de Montréal Carabins
Université Laval Rouge et Or
St. Clair College Saints
University of Guelph Gryphons

Winnipeg (Golf Canada) – The University of Manitoba Bisons claimed their first national title on home soil at the Southwood Golf and Country Club on Friday,  while the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds took home their 10th Canadian University/College Championship.

In the men’s competition it couldn’t have been sweeter for the Bisons who stormed back over the final two days of the championship to win by 12 strokes over the Thunderbirds.  The local favourites posted a 4-over 292 during Friday’s blustery final round in front of a large gallery.

“I’m just so proud of these guys, proud of the program and so appreciative of all the people that have helped us over the years,” said Bison’s Head Coach Garth Goodbrandson.

Scott Mazur led the Bisons’ squad over the final 18 holes carding a 1-under 71 – the only under-par round of the day at Southwood.

“We kept on talking about it all week to stay within yourself because it’s only natural to think about the final results,” Goodbrandson continued. “I think the key was they’re an experienced group and when they found themselves getting too far ahead they came back and just stayed in the moment.”

Individually, Scott Secord of the Thunderbirds led wire-to-wire for his first national championship title. The Calgary native finished at 7-under 281, seven strokes ahead of Connor Gann of the University of Victoria Vikes and Queen’s University’s Russell Bowie who finished at even-par 288.

“One of my goals coming into this week was to be low everyday and I think I accomplished that,” Secord said. “I made good strides mentally but unfortunately our team came second so hopefully next year we’ll get the title.”

On the women’s side, the Thunderbirds cruised to their 10th national championship title after a 17-over 233 final round. The squad dominated the field finishing 35 strokes ahead of the Université de Montreal Carabins.

“It feels so great, last year we came in and we didn’t quite have the finish that we wanted but this year we had a really strong group of girls,” said Thunderbirds Captain, Casara Hong. “Our team played really well and persevered through all the conditions. We had some really good competitors out here this week, it was tough competition.”

Playing a few pairings ahead of the final group, the Vikes’ Megan Woodland carded a 2-over 74 to finish at 8-over 296 for the championship. From behind the 18th green she watched her close friend Kylie Barros leave her chip shot short to lose by one. The wins marks Woodland’s first individual title after a handful of close calls.

“It feels amazing and to be honest it’s kind of been my goal since about my second year to come here and to finally win one,” Woodland said. “I’ve come really close the last few years and to pull it off it feels great but it’s a little bittersweet having Kylie come in second but I’m really happy.”

Megan Woodland & Scott Secord

Barros finished at 9–over 297 after a final round 3-over 75, while Sabrina Sapone of Université de Montreal Carabins end the championship in solo third at 9-over par.

For more information on the 2014 Canadian University/College Championship including final results click here.

WINNIPEG – The University of Manitoba Bisons’ stole the top spot on the leaderboard at the Canadian University/College Championship on Friday after firing a 3-under 285 in the men’s team competition. On the women’s side the Thunderbirds continued their strong play and hold a 12-stroke lead heading into the final round.

On the men’s side, the Bisons’ rallied during the afternoon draw lighting up Southwood Golf and Country Club with a 3-under 285 to finish at 1-over 865 after 54 holes.

“I’m really pleased, I thought they handled themselves fantastic, it’s a different experience and something they probably haven’t been in being in the last group,” said Bisons’ Head Coach, Garth Goodbrandson. “I’m really excited at the way they handled themselves, they were composed out there and I think they enjoyed it because sometimes you get in that position and you’re scared by it.”

Josh Wytinck and Scott Mazur stepped up for the host team, both carding 2-under 70’s. The squad has never won a national championship and currently lead by two-strokes over the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.

“We just have to talk as a group and do what we did today,” Goodbrandson continued. “That was kind of our game plan today, focus on our game and not worry about them or any other team, if we do that tomorrow we’ll be just fine.”

As the defending champions, the Thunderbirds stumbled on Thursday carding a 9-over 297. They currently sit in second at 3-over for the championship, while the Western University Mustangs dropped into third place after a 7-over 295.

Individually, UBC’s Scott Secord remains well ahead of the pack at 12-under 204 after a third consecutive under-par round. The Calgary native battled back over his closing three holes, chipping in on the par-4 16th and sinking a long birdie putt on the par-5 18th.

Connor Gann of the University of Victoria Vikes sits in second at 2-under 214, while Russell Bowie of Queen’s University, Université Laval’s Samuel Rochette and Wytinck share third at 1-under par.

On the women’s side, the Thunderbirds’ squad rebounded from their second round, carding a 10-over 226 to soar ahead of Université de Montréal Carabins. The 9-time national champions were led on windy Thursday morning by veteran team member, Kylie Barros who carded an even-par 72. The squad heads into Friday’s final round at 33-over 681 for the championship, 19 strokes ahead of the Carabins. If the Thunderbirds can maintain their lead they will pick up their 10th national championship title at the conclusion of the event.

“We have a great team with four strong players,” Barros said. “We’re feeling confident but we still know we have some work left but ten would be a nice a way to finish my five years at UBC.”

Individually, Barros and the Vikes’ Megan Woodland share first place at 6-over 222. Woodland will aim to pick up her first individual national title on Friday after posting a third round 1-over 73, while her close friend Barros will look to grab her second individual title.

“We’re very close friends, pretty close as proven by our golf games today,” Barros said with a laugh. “It’s fun you always know what you have to do out there, but you also know you have someone supporting you and it makes the 4.5 hour round go by faster.”

The duo currently sits four strokes ahead of Kat Kennedy of the Thunderbirds. Kennedy posted a third round 3-over 75, while 2013 champion, Sabrina Sapone, matched Barros’ low-round of the day with an even-par 72 to jump up to solo fourth on the leaderboard at 11-over 227.

The field was cut to top-10 men’s teams and the top-6 women’s teams following the conclusion of play on Thursday. Individuals within 15 shots of the lead also made the 54-hole cut.