The Canadian University/College Championship touched down in Winnipeg for the first time in the championship’s history.

In all, 154 of Canada’s top post-secondary talents vie for their respective team and individual national titles, but what many don’t know is the role the Golf Canada Foundation plays behind the scenes in supporting these universities and colleges long before they ever compete at this national championship.

Since 2004, the Foundation has been granting funds to programs across the country as a whole. Each year, schools apply to receive grants and the Foundation distributes valuable dollars to selected qualifying programs. In the past decade, the foundation has distributed over $1.6 million in grants that were either used for operational funding, scholarship funding or capital projects at Canadian post-secondary institutions and colleges.

The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades are relatively new to the Canadian University/College athletic landscape and their Head Coach Chris Bertram is grateful for the opportunities the Foundation has given his team.

“Last year was the first year we were successful in our application for the Foundation and it had a massive impact right off the bat,” Bertram said.

“We have two teams and with our men’s program we had a really strong core group of players and there were a couple of young prospects I was trying to get to come and play at the university. By getting a bit of extra money it gave us the ability to offer a few more scholarships and it gave us those extra pieces that we needed.”

In order to qualify for grants through the Golf Canada Foundation, a team needs a dedicated (full or part-time) coach and a men’s and women’s program. They need to have a competitive schedule and also show a willingness to compete in the national championship.

The Cascades Head Coach was quick to point out those dollars received played a vital part in his Cascades squad winning both the men’s and women’s CCAA National Championships earlier this season. The ability to attract some great players with more scholarships out of the gate he said made a ‘huge impact’ for both his rosters and the success his players have had is a reflection of that.

“I’ve been involved with the program for 10 years and we started really on a shoestring,” Bertram said. “The university gave us a bit of money but post- secondary budgets are getting tighter in Canada and the athletics programs really feel that and our program is no exception.”

Bertram’s thoughts were echoed at Southwood Golf and Country Club by the University of Manitoba Bisons’ Head Coach, Garth Goodbrandson.

“The Foundation has basically kept our program alive over the years, we’re not funded by the university which makes things a little tough but the fact is we’ve done a lot of fundraising and we try to keep the program together and the foundation really got us started,” Goodbrandson said. “We’ve been very fortunate, very appreciative and very proud of where the program has gone.”

As the host university, the Bisons will look to pick up their first national title in the history of the program.

“Recruiting has never been too much of an issue, financially it’s the biggest challenge,” Goodbrandson continued. “We want to make our program one that’s comparable to a U.S. program and I think over the years we’re getting closer and closer to doing so and the players are really starting to believe in staying here in Canada.”

“You can see it with the quality of the Canadian Championship how much it’s improved over the years,” he continued.

The Foundation not only benefits institutions it also provides individual players academic scholarships. Last year there were 14 scholarships valued at $51,000 awarded to players from coast-to-coast.

As a recipient of one of the 14 scholarships, Devon Rizzo of the University of Waterloo is a past individual champion of the Canadian/University Championship.  She said her decision to stay and play in Canada was an easy one.

“One of the main reasons was the program, I wanted to take Management Engineering and Waterloo is well known for their Engineering programs,” Rizzo said. “I met our coach Carla and she kind of sealed the deal because I could get the best of both worlds at Waterloo – I could compete at a high level, with a great coach and a great team and get the schooling that I wanted.”

Rizzo hasn’t only benefited from the scholarship program once, she’s been a multiple recipient and recommends any collegiate golfer in Canada apply.

“Our coach usually sends us the links, they’re very easy to apply for I recommend everyone applies for them they’re not too difficult and don’t take too much of your time and are very beneficial,” she continued. “The scholarship helps me pay for my schooling, university costs a lot of money and every bit helps and it’s fantastic.”

To find out more information on available scholarships and how athletic golf programs can apply for grants from the Golf Canada Foundation please contact Spencer Snell, Operation Manager for the Golf Canada Foundation by email at ssnell@golfcanada.ca or phone 1-800-263-0009 ext. 265. Additional information can also be found on the Foundation’s website www.golfcanadafoundation.com.

WINNIPEG (Golf Canada) – Scott Secord of the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds stole the show on Wednesday at the Canadian University/College Championship by firing a competitive course record 7-under 65.

The Calgary native’s second round was highlighted by a six birdies and an eagle on the par-5 4th hole at Southwood Golf and Country Club in Winnipeg, Man.

“It was a lot of fun today, I played with a couple of good guys and we created some group mojo and kind of pushed each other,” Secord said. “We weren’t really thinking about scores, just birdies chances.”

Secord’s Thunderbirds’ teammates also stepped up on Wednesday morning as they soared into the lead after carding a 6-under 282. Individually, UBC’s Jack Wood posted a 2-under 70 and currently shares second place at 2-under 142 alongside the University of Alberta’s Quinn Bunten-Walberg, who posted the second low round of the day after a 5-under 67. Université Laval Rouge et Or’s Samuel Rochette, Russell Bowie of Queen’s University and Alex Dumais of the Humber College Hawks also trail Secord by nine strokes in second place.

“I’m not going to underestimate anyone out here,” Secord said about his competition. “The course is excellent, the greens are great for the winter they had, so I just have to keep attacking.”

In the team competition, the Thunderbirds hold a 9-stroke lead over the Western University Mustangs. The Mustangs posted a 7-over 295 and currently sit one-stroke ahead of the University of Manitoba Bisons who carded a 1-under 287.

On the women’s side, the Thunderbirds stumbled on Wednesday but were able to hang onto their overnight lead in the team division. The squad ended the second round at 23-over 455 for the championship, 11 strokes ahead of Université de Montréal Carabins who are defending their title this week.  The Carabins rebounded on Wednesday with a 10-over 226.

Individually, the University of Victoria’s Megan Woodland matched the low round of the day on the women’s side after an even-par 72. Woodland’s round was highlighted by a 2-under 34 opening-nine and leaves her tied for the lead with the University of Toronto’s, Laura Upenieks at 5-over 149. Upenieks carded a 2-over 74 after opening with a 3-over 75 on Tuesday.

Woodland has had a couple of close calls at this national championship and hopes to continue her strong play over the final two days.

“It’s basically been my goal since my first year to come out and win one of these events,” the Vikes veteran player said. “I’ve come close the past three years and haven’t really been able to finish it off, so it’s kind of been my goal all year and I hope I can play well the next two days.”

Woodland and Upenieks currently sit one-stroke ahead of Kylie Barros of the Thunderbirds and Université Laval Rouge et Or’s Alexandra Pelletier.

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

(WINNIPEG, Man.) – The University of British Columbia Thunderbirds lead the women’s division, while the Western University Mustangs are atop the men’s leaderboard after first round play at the Canadian University/College Championship at Southwood Golf and Country Club in Winnipeg, Man.

On the women’s side, the Thunderbirds, 9-time national champions, hold a commanding lead after 18 holes of play. The squad carded a 5-over 221 opening round and were led by Kat Kennedy who fired a 1-under 71 that was highlighted by three birdies. Kennedy’s teammate Kylie Barros, the 2011 individual national champion, sits in second after a 2-over 74.

“It feels good, I was just consistent out there,” Kennedy said. “There were some up and downs but I stayed focused and held onto it until the finish.”

If the Thunderbirds can continue their strong play they will take home their 10th Canadian University/College title when the tournament concludes on Friday.

“We just want to give it our all, it’s our last tournament of the season,” Kennedy continued. “We’re going to play for the team as a team and stay strong that way.”

The University of Victoria Vikes trail the Thunderbirds by 11 strokes after posting a 16-over 232 as a team, while the Université de Montréal Carabins and Waterloo Warriors share third at 22-over. Individually, Laura Upenieks from the Toronto Varsity Blues sits in third one stroke ahead of a trio of players who are tied at 4-over par.

In the men’s team competition, the Western University Mustangs came blazing out of the gates on Tuesday morning, firing an opening round 4-under 284. The Mustangs were led by Spencer Berk and Traynor Turkiewicz, who both posted 3-under 69’s and currently sit in a 4-way tie for second at 3-under par.

“The whole team is pleased with the way they are playing which is important,” said Mustangs Head Coach, Jim Waite. “We have five guys that can really play this year. In other years we’ve had three but never five and this year we feel that these guys can give us good numbers day after day.”

The Thunderbirds hold second place at even-par 288, while the University of Manitoba Bisons share third place alongside the Humber College Hawks at 5-over 293.

Individually, UBC’s Scott Secord birdied two of his last three holes to card a 4-under 68 and break out of a four-way tie for the lead. Secord closed with a 3-under 33 and currently holds a one-stroke lead over Berk, Turkiewicz, Bisons’ Charlie Boyechko and Alex Rakowski of the University of Alberta Golden Bears.

“My putting was great, that’s the biggest key out here,” Secord said. “Tomorrow it’s just about the same thing, par or better and hopefully the wind is down in the morning.”

For more information on the 2014 Canadian University/College Championship including starting times and resultsclick here.

WINNIPEG, Man. – Canada’s top university and college golfers will convene at Southwood Golf and Country Club, from June 2-6 to compete in the twelfth playing of the Canadian University/College Championship, conducted by Golf Canada.

The Canadian University/College Championship is a showcase of the finest university and college golf programs in Canada. The event was created with the intention of giving the top Canadian university and college golfers the opportunity to compete for a national championship, as well as acting as the Canadian team qualifier for the World University Golf Championship. 

This year marks the first time The University of Manitoba has been host to this national golf event. In all, 155 male and female golfers from post-secondary institutions across Canada will vie for both team and individual titles at the par-72 Thomas McBroom designed Southwood Golf and Country Club.

“We are so thrilled to welcome the best university and college golfers to Southwood. At first sight, this seemingly flat course appears calm. When Mother Nature decides to be the equalizer you will experience prairie winds that meet no resistance,” said Gordon Hudson, Host Club Tournament Chair. “Our volunteers are eagerly looking forward to making the 2014 Canadian University/College Golf Championship a memorable one for these great players.”

The field will be comprised of 19 men’s and 11 women’s teams as well as 155 individual competitors. Following the third round, the field will be reduced to the top 10 men’s and the top six women’s teams, as well as any teams and individuals within 15 strokes of the lead.

“The field at this year’s Canadian University/College Championship shows the talent we have in collegiate golf across the country,” said Tournament Director Mary Beth McKenna. “This course will surely challenge the players and should provide a true test for the winning teams and individual medalists.”

On the men’s side, the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds will look to defend their title after securing a 21-stroke victory over Université Laval Rouge et Or at the 2013 Canadian University/College Championship at Club de golf Val des Lacs in Ste-Sophie, Que. Returning players for the Thunderbirds include, Conner Kozak and Scott Secord, along with Jack Wood.

In the women’s team division, the Université de Montreal Carabins will look to capture their second straight championship. The squad will be led by Sabrina Sapone, 2013 Individual Women’s Champion, alongside Caroline Ciot, Véronique Fortin-Latreille and Sarah-Andréa Landry. The Carabins will look to defend against the Thunderbirds who will be vying for their 10th women’s team title since the championship originated in 2003. 

Individually on the women’s side, Sapone returns to defend her six-stroke victory over the University of Victoria Vikes Megan Woodland in 2013. Sapone recently competed on the Canadian Women’s Tour in Parksville, B.C. where she finished tied for 34th against a strong field of professional and amateur players. In the Men’s division, Ugo Coussard of the Université Laval Rouge et Or will not return to defend his individual title from last season.

 Golf Canada and Southwood Golf and Country Club invite spectators and media to attend the 2014 Canadian University/College Championship. The event is open to the public and admission is free for the duration of the championship.

The following teams and individuals will be competing in the 2014 Canadian University/College Championship, conducted by Golf Canada. For a full listing of team rosters and individual players, click here.

Men’s Teams:
University of Victoria Vikes 
University of Alberta Golden Bears 
University of Lethbridge Pronghorns 
University of Calgary Dinos 
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds 
Western University Mustangs 
University of Toronto Varsity Blues 
University of Guelph Gryphons 
University of Waterloo Warriors 
Brock University Badgers 
University of the Fraser Valley Cascades 
Humber College Hawks 
Grant MacEwan University Griffins 
Université Laval Rouge et Or 
École de technologie supérieure Piranhas 
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières Patriotes 
Université de Montréal Carabins 
University of Manitoba Bisons 
McMaster University Marauders

Women’s Teams:
University of Victoria Vikes 
University of Alberta Pandas 
University of Lethbridge Pronghorns 
University of Toronto Varsity Blues 
University of Waterloo Warriors 
Western University Mustangs 
Carleton University Ravens 
Université de Montréal Carabins 
Université Laval Rouge et Or 
University of the Fraser Valley Cascades 
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds

MALMO, Sweden – Sweden’s Jens Dantorp and Eddie Pepperell of England both opened with 6-under-par 66s to share the lead after the first day of the Nordea Masters on Thursday.

Boosted by the support of family, friends and other fans in Malmo, the 25-year-old Dantorp hit six birdies and no bogeys on his home course.

Looking ahead to the second round Dantorp said: “I cannot promise another bogey-free round but I’ll try to keep playing and putting well.”

Pepperell surged to the top of the leaderboard with three birdies on the last five holes.

“I played well today and I hit the ball better, which is the main thing for me. I’ve not been hitting the ball that well over the last couple of weeks, despite some good results,” he said.

Scotsman Stephen Gallacher, Daan Huizing of the Netherlands, Northern Ireland’s Gareth Maybin and Swedes Rikard Karlberg and Sebastian Soderberg trailed the top duo by one shot.

World No. 2 Henrik Stenson hit seven birdies but four bogeys spoiled things for the Swede, who finished with a 3-under 69.

“No catastrophe, but I feel like I left a couple of shots out there,” said Stenson, who was irritated by spectators not keeping their mobile phones on silent.

“We have problems with mobile phones whether we play in China, Germany and apparently also in Sweden,” he said. “People can take as many pictures as they want, as long as they turn the sound off.”

As part of Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting in London, Ont., the association’s Rules & Amateur Status Committee has approved the use of Distance Measuring Devices (DMD’s) for all amateur championships beginning in 2014.

This Local Rule will be introduced at CN Future Links junior championships as well as Canada’s national amateur competitions. Competitors will not be allowed to use DMD’s at Golf Canada’s professional championships including Canadian Women’s Tour events, the TOUR Championship of Canada presented by Freedom 55 Financial, the RBC Canadian Open and the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open, including their respective qualifiers.

This Local Rule allows competitors to use Distance Measuring Devices that measure distance only – not those devices that can measure other conditions such as wind speed or direction, temperature or elevation.

“With recent technological advances designed to enhance the golfer experience, our Rules Committee felt that this decision to allow DMD’s was a step in the right direction without jeopardizing the spirit and challenge of the game,” said Dale Jackson, Chair of Golf Canada’s Rules & Amateur Status Committee. “We have received a tremendous amount of feedback from golfers and this decision allows us to align with all of our provincial and international partners that have moved to allow DMD’s at their respective amateur competitions.”

Since 2006, committees have had the option of adopting a Local Rule under the Rules of Golf to allow players to use Distance Measuring Devices that measure or gauge distance only. See note to Rule 14-3 of the Rules of Golf.

Recently, the R&A and the USGA Championship Committee’s decided it will allow the use of distance measuring devices (DMDs) in R&A amateur events in 2014.

For more information on the Rules of Golf, please click here.

To ask a Rules of Golf question, please click here.

For more information on how to proceed in various Rules of Golf situations, guidance on the Golf Canada Handicap System and more, please consult our Rules of Golf publications – for purchase in Golf Canada’s eStore, or at your local book retailer.

Registration opens today for Golf Canada’s Amateur Championships, CN Future Links and Canadian Women’s Tour events.

Competitors looking to play in one of Golf Canada’s eight national amateur championships, six CN Future Links stops or three Canadian Women’s Tour events can view the championship schedule and register online by clicking here.

Canadian Women’s Tour returns for its 13^th season

Golf Canada is pleased to announce the schedule for the 2014 Canadian Women’s Tour – Canada’s only women’s professional golf tour.

This season’s scheduled stops include May 12-14 at Morningstar Golf Club in Parksville, B.C., June 23-25 at Legends on the Niagara in Niagara Falls, Ont. and the Tour’s final stop set for early July in Alberta to be announced in the coming days.

New for 2014, the top five (previously the top 3) players on the Canadian Women’s Tour season-ending Order of Merit will be awarded direct entry into LPGA Stage 2 Qualifying.

In addition, the champion of each Canadian Women’s Tour stop will receive an exemption into the 2014 Canadian Pacific Women’s Open. As well, following the conclusion of play at the final Canadian Women’s Tour event, two (2) additional exemptions will be awarded to the top competitors, not otherwise exempt, on the 2014 Canadian Women’s Tour Order of Merit.

Groove Specifications for 2014 Golf Canada Championships

Golf Canada has determined our plans to implement the new groove specifications for our championships starting in 2014. The Rules Committee recently approved the following:

• Introduce the groove condition of competition for the 2014 Canadian Men’s Amateur and the 2014 Canadian Women’s Amateur.  Note: this does not automatically include the qualifying events for these championships.  Please refer to the conditions of competitions at your respective provincial amateur championships.

• Introduce the groove condition of competition at all other championships (national amateur championships, CN Future Links, and Canadian Women’s Tour events) beginning in 2016.

For more information on the groove specification: Groove FAQ for Golf Canada Championships

In the latest vote conducted by the Golf Coaches Association of Canada (GCAC), the University of Fraser Valley men’s squad and the Université de Montréal Carabins women’s team were both selected as the top-ranked male and female post-secondary golf programs in the country.

According to the GCAC Top 20 Fall Rankings, the Fraser Valley Cascades, the 2013 PACWEST and CCAA Champions, earned 41 points, edging out the University of Western Ontario Mustangs by two points. The University of Victoria Vikes (36 points) finished in third in the poll, while the Université de Laval Rouge et Or (30 points) and University of Toronto Varsity Blues rounded out the top-5.

The defending Canadian/University College champion the Université de Montréal Carabins (36 points) are the leaders of the GCAC Top 10 Fall Rankings on the women’s side. The Carabins narrowly edged out the University of Victoria Vikes (35 points). The University of Toronto Varsity Blues followed in third place (33 points), while the Cascades and the University of Waterloo Warriors completed the top-5.

he Université de Montréal Carabins and the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds captured their respective titles at the Canadian University/College Championship at Club de golf Val des Lacs in Ste-Sophie, Que., on Friday.

The Thunderbirds fired an impressive 1-under 283 in the final round to soar ahead of Université Laval Rouge et Or for the overall team title. The squad of Conner Kozak of Vernon, B.C., Kieran Standen of Edmonton, Alta., Jerry Christiansen of Air Ronge, Sask., Andrew Ledger of Toronto and Scott Secord of Calgary carded their best round of the tournament to finish at 12-over 1148, 21 strokes ahead of the defending champions Université de Laval Rouge et Or.

“It feels wonderful we haven’t had this win for a long time, I think 2009 was the last time we won,” said Head Coach Chris MacDonald “We’ve been in contention a lot of times and this week came as a bit of a surprise so we’re very excited.

Laval posted a final round 7-over 291 but couldn’t catch the Thunderbirds after they turned through the final nine at 3-under par.

The Université de Montréal Carabins overtook the Humber College Hawks to finish in solo third at 39-over 1175 after an impressive 4-over final round. The Hawks finished in fourth place at 47-over, while the University of Manitoba Bisons closed the tournament in fifth at 53-over.

Individually, Laval’s Ugo Coussaud, lead wire-to-wire to capture his first individual title. Coussaud opened the tournament with a 5-under 66 and never looked back, finishing one stroke ahead of the University of Guelph Gryphons Chris Hemmerich at 4-under 280 (66-69-73-72)

“I’m very very happy today, this is a big tournament for me,” said Coussaud. “We had a very good round today just UBC was better than us.”

Team Canada’s Hemmerich grabbed the lead at the turn on Friday but couldn’t hold off Coussaud who birdied three of his final six holes. Hemmerich finished at 3-under 281 (71-68-70-72), two strokes ahead of UBC’s Andrew Ledger who fired a 4-under 67 on Friday.

Carabins’ Mattieu Perron finished in solo fourth at even par, while Holland College Hurricanes’ Eric Locke carded a 4-over 75 to finish in fifth.

On the women’s side, the Carabins captured their first overall title after a 17-over 230 final round. The contingent of Sabrina Sapone of Montréal, Caroline Ciot of Brossard, Que., Laurence Mignault of Varennes, Que., and Sarah-Andrea Landry of Brossard, Que., finished at 51-over par 903 for the tournament.

“It feels great we worked hard all week, we played consistent and we stayed patient so it paid off really well in the end,” said Carabins’ team member and individual champion Sabrina Sapone.

The Carabins finished eight strokes ahead of the University of Victoria Vikes, who posted a 21-over 234 on Friday to finish in solo second. As the defending champions, the UBC Thunderbirds fired a 12-over 225 final round to finish in solo third at 67-over 919.

Rounding out the top five were the University of Toronto Varsity Blues in fourth at 93-over, while the University of Waterloo Warriors finished in fifth.

Individually, Sapone closed out the championship with a 3-over 74 to capture the individual title. Her 9-over 293 total (74-74-71-74), left her six strokes clear of Vikes’ Megan Woodland of Victoria who stumbled in the final round after posting a 6-over 77.

Vikes’ Brynn Tomie of Bedford, N.S., finished in third at 18-over 302 after a final round 79, while Thunderbirds’ Stephanie Wong carded the low round of the day with a even-par 71 to grab fourth. First round leader, Caroline Ciot, finished in fifth at 20-over par after a final round 81.

The University of Montréal Carabins regained the women’s division lead, while the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds soared ahead at the Canadian University/College Championship at Club de golf Val des Lacs in Ste-Sophie, Que.

On the women’s side, the Carabins overtook the University of Victoria Vikes, who led by three after the second round on Wednesday.  The contingent of Sabrina Sapone of Montréal, Caroline Ciot of Brossard, Que., Laurence Mignault of Varennes, Que., and Sarah-Andrea Landry of Brossard, Que., fired a combined third round 6-over 219. The Carabins currently sit at 34-over 673 for the tournament and hold a four-stroke lead over the Vikes heading into Friday’s final round.

“They were really patient today and I’m really proud of the how well the girls did,” said Carabins Coach Nicolas Quirion. “They fought all day and hit the ball very well. I’m really happy with where we are right now.”

Heading into the final round, the Vikes have ground to make up after a 16-over 229 in the third round. The Vikes currently sit 17 strokes ahead of defending champions, University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds.

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues sit one stroke behind UBC, while the University of Waterloo Warriors round out the top five.
Individually, Sapone leads the women’s division at 6-over 219 after an even-par 71 third round. Through nine holes Thursday, the Montréal native turned at 3-under-par but struggled with her putting over the closing holes.

Heading into Friday’s final round she holds a three stroke lead over Vikes’ standout Megan Woodland of Victoria, B.C., who posted a 4-over 75 in the third round and sits at 9-over 222 for the championship.

Overnight leader Brynn Tomie of Bedford, N.S., and Caroline Ciot of Brossard, Que., share third place at 10-over 223, while 2012 individual champion Devon Rizzo, carded a third round 3-over 74 to grab solo fifth at 15-over 228.

On the men’s side, the Thunderbirds fired a third round 3-over 287 to establish themselves atop the leaderboard. Heading into Friday’s final round they hold a 13 stroke lead over defending champions, Université Laval Rouge et Or.

The Thunderbirds’ squad of Conner Kozak of Vernon, B.C., Kieran Standen of Edmonton, Alta., Jerry Christiansen of Air Ronge, Sask., Andrew Ledger of Toronto and Scott Secord of Calgary sit at 13-over 865 for the tournament.

Head Coach Chris MacDonald is happy with the way his squads has been performing this week and isn’t planning to change much heading into the final round.

“I don’t think we’re going to change a lot, we’ve kind of had the same kind of game plan all week,” he said. “The group is having a lot of fun together and I think that’s the main thing that’s been happening, they’re really enjoying the golf course.

“We’d like to be making a few more putts but they’ve kept the ball in play and played a pretty simple game and just been steady this week,” he continued.

Trailing the Thunderbirds through the opening nine the Rouge et Or stumbled on the third day, posting 15-over 299 to sit at 26-over 878 for the championship. Humber College posted a second consecutive 12-over 296 to sit in third, while the Université de Montréal Carabins and University of Manitoba Bisons round out the top five respectively.

Individually, Laval’s Ugo Coussaud of Angoulème, France remains in the lead after a 4-over back nine on Thursday. Coussaud sits at 5-under 208, one stroke ahead of Team Canada’s Chris Hemmerich of Kitchener, Ont., who posted a 1-under 70 for the University of Guelph Gryphons.

Holland College Hurricanes’ Eric Locke of Digby, N.S., sits in third at 3-under, while UBC’s Conner Kozak of Vernon, B.C., and Hawks’ Alex Dumais of Caledon, Ont., are in a tie for fourth at 1-over 214.

Following 54 holes of play the field was reduced to the low 10 men’s teams and low six women’s teams. In addition, any individuals who were within 15 strokes of the lead return to play Friday.