UBC Thunderbirds look to defend their titles in both the men’s and women’s divisions at the Canadian University/College Championship
FireRock Golf Club
Lauren Christie
KOMOKA, Ont. – Canada’s best student-athlete golfers will descend on FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont., for the 2023 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO from May 29 to June 2. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent.
2023 marks the 19th playing of the event, which was established in 2003 by Golf Canada to give the country’s best university and college golfers a chance to compete at a national championship.
The Fanshawe College Falcons will host the event this year for the second time since 2019, at the scenic FireRock Golf Club.
Designed by Thomas McBroom, FireRock features captivating landforms, ragged handmade bunkers, environmentally significant Savannah grasses and the Oxbow River valley, intertwining with existing gravel spoil piles.
“We are so thrilled to be able to host this National Championship again since hosting in 2019 and partner once again with Fanshawe College & Tourism London. This is a huge event for the City of London, and we are so honoured and privileged to host an event of this caliber,” said Amanda Cookson, Director of Golf Operations at FireRock Golf Club. “FireRock Golf Club since its inception in 2004 designed by Tom McBroom has only matured into the beauty that it is today. Many say that the course is intended specifically for tournament play of this level, and our staff & volunteers are well seasoned and excited to partake in such a prestigious event. The City of London is booming with golf, and we are so ecstatic to be able to showcase it to the elite golfers coming into town for this championship.”
The 20 teams competing in the Men’s division, including three wildcard teams, represent the following conferences (number of teams in brackets):
Canada-West (6)
Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (3)
Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (4)
Ontario University Athletics (7)
The Women’s division is comprised of 12 teams, including two wildcard teams from the following conferences (number of teams in brackets):
Canada-West (4)
Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (1)
Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (2)
Ontario University Athletics (5)
In addition, a limited amount of spots are available to individuals attending a Canadian post-secondary institution not otherwise entered through a team entry. A total of 10 individual players (six men and four women) will compete in the individual competition.
After the third round, the field will be cut to the top ten (10) men’s teams and the top six (6) women’s teams, including any team within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within ten (10) shots of third place, including any player within the top 10, will also make the cut.
Golf Canada prides itself on providing an opportunity for university and college players to compete at the highest level of national competition at the end of their seasons.
The 72-hole stroke play event was played last year at Golf-Château Bromont in Bromont, Que., the first University/College championship to play since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The University of British Columbia enter this year’s tournament as the defending champions of both the men’s and women’s divisions. The Thunderbirds won the women’s team division for the fifth time in a row, and fifteenth time in the 18-year history of the event last year, while the men’s team earned their seventh banner since the inaugural event in 2003.
Aidan Schumer and Sonja Tang were crowned champions of the men’s and women’s individual events, respectively.
Last year, the Thunderbirds women’s 98 stoke triumph set the record for the largest margin of victory since 2004 and capped off a perfect season of 12 tournament wins. The team of Sonja Tang, Élizabeth Labbé, Shania Remandaban and Grace Bell finished off a wire-to-wire win with a final round 3-over par, 219.
For the men, team captain Ethan De Graaf, Aiden Schumer, Mackenzie Bickell, Russell Howlett and Dylan MacDonald combined for a tournament score of 7-under par, 1145 for an eight-stroke victory over the Université de Laval Rouge et Or (1-over par, 1153). The University of Victoria Vikes rounded out the top three at a total of 8-over par, 1160.
Multiple winners of the event include Christina Spence (2007 & 2008), Kat Kennedy (2016 & 2017) and Evan Holmes (2015 & 2017).
For more information about the 2023 Canadian University/College Championship, including the player list, pairings and leaderboards, click here.
Championship schedule to include ten National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, eight NextGen Championships fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms in addition to Canada’s National Open Championships – the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open
Golf Canada will also conduct qualifiers for several USGA Championships including Local and Regional Qualifying for the U.S. Open as well as the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Men’s and Women’s Amateurs and U.S. Junior Girls and Boys Championships
(March 15, 2023) Golf Canada is pleased to announce its 2023 championship schedule, which includes amateur and professional competitions in addition to various qualifiers hosted at venerable golf facilities across Canada.
The 2023 schedule is headlined by Golf Canada’s two signature National Open Championships — the RBC Canadian Open, June 5-11, at first-time host Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto and the CP Women’s Open to be conducted at Vancouver’s Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club Aug. 21-27.
Golf Canada’s 2023 competition calendar also includes ten National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, eight NextGen Championships fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms.
As the National Sport Federation and governing body of golf in Canada, Golf Canada conducts the country’s premier amateur and professional golf championships to support the development of the nation’s top talent through world-class competition.
“After a wonderful return to a full championship schedule for 2022, we are pleased to continue that momentum in 2023 and welcome thousands of talented athletes to our national championships,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Golf Canada Director, Amateur Championships and Rules. “Together with our corporate partners, our generous host clubs across the country, and all the volunteers that make these championships possible, we are looking forward to another great season of championship golf.”
Each of Golf Canada’s championships are set to be contested at some of Canada’s top clubs including the Canadian Men’s Amateur heading to The Pulpit Club’s 36 holes (Pulpit Course and Paintbrush Course) in Caledon, Ont. while the Canadian Women’s Amateur will be played at Ashburn Golf Club (New Course) in Halifax.
New for 2023 include the winners of both the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur and Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur receiving an exemption into the respective USGA Championships. This marks the inaugural time this is on offer for the winner of the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur, which will be, for the first time, a stand-alone event.
Each of the National Junior and Amateur Championships will include $8,000 purses with $1,200 of that going to the respective champions. Financial Assistance Grants supported by Gary Cowan Heritage Fund and the Canadian Senior Golf Association will once again be available for Juniors competing in the Canadian Junior Championships who meet eligibility requirements which can be found here.
Golf Canada will also conduct several professional and amateur championship qualifiers including five regional qualifiers into the RBC Canadian Open as well as final qualifiers for both the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open.
Other notable qualifiers being conducted for USGA Championships on the 2023 schedule include a U.S. Open Local and Final Regional Qualifier and a first-ever U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier in addition to qualifiers for the U.S. Junior Amateur and Girls’ Junior Championships, the U.S. Women’s Amateur, and the U.S. Amateur Championships.
Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off May 1 with a U.S. Open Local Qualifier at Cherry Hill Club in Ridgeway, Ont. and concludes the week of October 7 with both the NextGen Fall Series West at The Hills at Portal Golf Club in Surrey, B.C., and the World Junior Girls Championship, presented by Sargent Farms at the Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ont.
To view Golf Canada’s 2023 Championship Schedule, including all host venues, registration requirements and volunteer opportunities, click here.
2023 Championship Season at a Glance…
The 19th playing of the Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO will be held May 29-June 2 at Fire Rock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent.
The 109th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO takes place July 31 – Aug. 4 at Ashburn Golf Club in Halifax, N.S. with the champion earning an exemption into the 2023 CP Women’s Open, as well as an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. The winner also receives exemptions into the 2024 U.S. Girls’ Junior, 2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and 2024 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championships, if applicable.
The 68th Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO will be contested July 23-27 at Hampton Golf Club in Hampton, N.B. where the winner will earn an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2024 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.
The 118th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO will be contested August 7-10 at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont. The event will be played over the Pulpit and Paintbrush 18-hole layouts. A maximum field of 264 players will be cut to the low 70 players and ties after 36 holes, with the final two rounds contested at Pulpit. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, as well as an invitation to the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2024 U.S. Open, and if applicable, will earn an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Mid-Amateur, 2023 U.S. Senior Amateur or 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championships.
The 84th playing of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO will be contested August 13-17 at North Bay Golf & Country Club in North Bay, Ont. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship and 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO will be held August 20-24 at Algonquin Golf Resort in St. Andrews, N.B.
The Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship presented by BDO will be held July 24-27 at Mad River Golf Club in Creemore, Ont., the first year that the championship will be conducted as a standalone event.
The Canadian Women’s Senior Championship presented by BDO will take place August 29-September 1 at Mill River Golf Resort in O’Leary, P.E.I. The Senior Champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Senior Championship and 2024 U.S. Women’s Senior Open.
Big Sky Golf Club in Pemberton, B.C. will play host to the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship September 4-8, with the champion earning an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.
The third playing of the Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, a national championship for players with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments, will be held September 13-15 at Kamloops Golf and Country Club in Kamloops, B.C.
The NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards is a high-performance junior golf series which totals eight competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2023 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. The 2023 NextGen Championship host clubs include: Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club (Roberts Creek, B.C.), Peterborough Golf and Country Club (Peterborough, Ontario), Athabasca Golf Club (Athabasca, Alberta), Evergreen Golf Club (Nipawin, Saskatchewan), Club de Golf Venise (Magog, Quebec), and Avondale Golf Club (Charlottetown, PEI). An additional two Fall Series championships will take place in September and October, where players will compete for exemptions into their respective 2024 national junior championships.
An accomplished field of international competitors will take on Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ont. from October 2-7 for the eighth playing of the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms. Look for 25 countries playing as 3-member squads competing for both a team and individual title.
GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific, Sport Canada, Levelwear, Titleist, FootJoy and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.
UBC sweeps 2022 Canadian University/College Championship
The UBC women's golf team claimed their fifth consecutive national championship, while the men's won their seventh banner in tournament history this week in Bromont, Que.
Golf Canada
Bromont, Que. – The University of British Columbia’s golf team did it again, completing the four-division sweep at the 2022 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO and cementing their status as a dynasty in Canadian collegiate golf.
The T-Birds won the women’s team division for the fifth time in a row, and fifteenth time in the 18-year history of the event, while the men’s earned their seventh banner since the inaugural event in 2003. Aidan Schumer and Sonja Tang were crowned champions of the men’s and women’s individual events, respectively.
“We’ve probably been through as many hard times as good times […] It’s just been an incredible year – I’m very proud of them,” said head coach Chris MacDonald. “Everyone at this tournament works hard; they’re willing to put the extra time in [and] I think there’s a certain level of internal chemistry,” he said of the bond between the men’s and women’s teams.
The Thunderbirds women’s 98 stroke triumph sets the record for the largest margin of victory since 2004 and caps off a perfect season of 12 tournament wins is as many events played. The team of Sonja Tang, Élizabeth Labbé, Shania Remandaban and Grace Bell finished off a wire-to-wire win with a final round 3-over par 219.
“We work really hard, everyone here pushes each other on and off the course and it’s just really nice to have one last win in Canada,” said Tang, the 2022 Canadian University/College Women’s Individual Champion.
On the men’s side, team captain Ethan De Graaf, Aiden Schumer, Mackenzie Bickell, Russell Howlett and Dylan MacDonald combined for a tournament score of 7-under par 1145 for an eight-stroke victory over the Université de Laval Rouge et Or (1-over par 1153). The University of Victoria Vikes rounded out the top three at a total of 8-over par 1160.
Despite trailing by four strokes entering the final round, Tang pulled off the comeback, one even she didn’t think was possible.
“I still can’t believe it; I was back by four, I didn’t really think I had a chance but I just kept my head down and played,” she said. “I think I played pretty decent today.”
Decent is an understatement to Tang’s performance. After a one hour and 50-minute weather delay interrupted her final round, the Vancouver B.C., native headed back onto the course and withstood the howling wind conditions enroute to a final round 1-under par 71, to win by three strokes over her teammate Labbé. Remandaban and Bell rounded out the all-UBC top four.
Schumer held a one stroke lead entering the final round but dropped into a tie for the lead with Jacob Armstrong – one of the three second place finishers, along with Samuel Breton Gagnon and Alexis Leray – midway through his round. The Columbus, Ohio, native stepped on the gas late in his round to escape the pack and earn the title of 2022 Canadian University/College Men’s Individual Champion.
“I did have an idea [of the leaderboard] somewhat. I don’t think it was the worse thing in world. I knew the guys were struggling a little bit on the back nine, so I really felt a push to do something for not just myself, but for the guys,” he said. “I had those two birdies on five and six, that really just got me going and I put myself in a good place to comfortably come down the stretch and take it.”
For the 19-year-old, the win is no drop in the bucket.
“I am very privileged to be in this spot and I really have to enjoy it no matter what,” said Schumer. “I had to keep it in perspective, and I just focused on what I’ve been practicing my whole life.”
Schumer, who last won a tournament three years ago at the Ohio High School State Championship, says this was the biggest win in his young career as a golfer, but was quick to note that it was more than just a personal achievement.
“It’s hard to process right now, it still hasn’t fully sunken in [but] this is for the guys, this is for UBC,” he said.
Schumer’s tournament score of 277 matched the second lowest 72-hole score in tournament history, matching Lee French (2007), Scott Secord (2014) and Daniel Campbell (2018) who previously accomplished the feat.
Click here for more information including the leaderboard, final round pairings and course information.
T-Birds seek clean sweep as final round looms at Canadian University/College Championship
UBC Thunderbirds, Élizabeth Labbé (left) and Aidan Schumer (right), lead the individual divisions entering the final round at Golf Château Bromont in Bromont, Que.
Golf Canada
Bromont, Que. – It was a rainy morning, but the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds continued to shine in the third round of the 2022 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO at Golf Château Bromont.
On Saturday afternoon, the Thunderbirds will attempt the four-division sweep, looking to become only the second group in the history of the event to do so, and first since 2016. As it stands, UBC leads in the men’s and women’s team divisions, while Thunderbirds Élizabeth Labbé and Aidan Schumer sit atop the individual standings.
The T-Birds women’s team built on their notable lead in round three, which now stands at 77 strokes, just nine shy of breaking the record for the largest margin of victory in any of the team divisions at the event since 2004. That year, the Thunderbirds won by 135 shots.
The men in blue and gold stayed steady in round three shooting a combined 4-under 284, but it was the team in red and gold from Université Laval who made the biggest splash on moving day, combining for a 9-under 279.
Alexis Leray, who has flown under the radar all week, piloted his Laval team with a 4-under 68, and re-entered the conversation in the men’s individual competition. The 2021 RSEQ Champions will, however, need to make up at least six more shots on the T-Birds in the final round for any hope of a national championship.
Schumer, who finished birdie-birdie on holes No. 17 and 18 to take the outright lead, holds a one-shot advantage over Leray and Samuel Breton Gagnon (Champlain St-Lawrence) ahead of the final round.
“It’s just like with running; if you run more, you’re going to get faster. You’re to get better at anything you train, including your mind,” said Schumer on visualizing winning a national championship. “I definitely enjoy being in this position and regardless of the outcome, it’s been a really good week with the guys. Hopefully I can put together one more good round.”
Labbé stretched her lead to four strokes in the women’s individual competition with an even-par 72. Round three was a rollercoaster ride for the Lévis, Que., native, who made three bogeys out of the gate, but negated the slow start with five birdies coming in.
“I’ve been having a little more trouble settling into my last two rounds, so I’ve just been trying to be patient,” said Labbé. “Obviously the pins today were a little bit trickier and a little bit harder to reach, so I just stayed patient and I knew it would balance out.”
The Thunderbird, who has lead wire-to-wire thus far, says she feels more and more comfortable playing with the lead and for now, is simply focusing on what she can control: her own game.
As for scoreboard watching tomorrow, there won’t be any for Labbé – “I’m just going to do my thing and hope for the best,” she said.
Sonja Tang is four back of her teammate entering the final, while Shania Remandaban and Grace Bell round out the all-UBC top four in the women’s individual division.
A heavy rainfall early Friday morning delayed the start of the third round. With all hands on deck, the grounds crew took the necessary actions and the course was deemed playable at 9:30 a.m.
“Patrice Fredette and his team did an outstanding job of providing playing conditions worthy of a Canadian Championship,” said Martin Ducharme, general manager of Golf Château Bromont. Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn’t contribute to the start of the third round, but the grounds crew did the necessary work, and I would say a miracle to get the course back in shape.”
As a result of the morning delay, the gas tank on daylight ran dry and forced a stoppage to round three at 8:31 p.m. due to darkness. Play resumed at 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning and wrapped up at 8:15 a.m.
A quick turnaround is in the works as the final round is scheduled to tee off at 10:00 a.m.
Click here for more information including the leaderboard, final round pairings and course information.
T-Birds extend lead, Vikes climb leaderboard in second round at Canadian University/College Championship
Samuel Breton Gagnon (left) and Élizabeth Labbé (right) in action at the Canadian University/College Championship at Golf Château Bromont in Bromont, Que., on June 2, 2022.
Golf Canada
Bromont, Que. – The University of British Columbia Thunderbirds improved their leads in the men’s and women’s divisions in the second round at the 2022 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO.
“We brought four really good women here and there are five left at home that also could have won this event […] so [as a team] we are not here without those girls,” said Shania Remandaban on UBC’s depth on the women’s side.
On the backs of Sonja Tang’s 5-under 67 and Remandaban’s 3-under 69, UBC strengthened their grip on the women’s team division and head into the third round with a 55-stroke lead.
The men’s team also cemented their lead atop their division with a trio of 1-under par performances from Aidan Schumer, Ethan DeGraaf and Dylan MacDonald, and an even par showing for Mackenzie Bickell.
“I think resilience is number one; our coach is always trying to get us to play smart and keep grinding,” says Aidan Schumer on the strength of UBC’s men’s golf team.
The University of Victoria Vikes men’s team carded the low round of the day, shooting a collective 9-under in the team competition to jump six spots on the leaderboard into second place. Each of the five players were under par on the day: Zachary Ryujin (-4), John Morrow (-3), Aidan Craig Steele (-1), Marlon Neto-Bradley (-1) and Robin Canlan (-1).
Despite a stellar effort to etch his way back into the competition, Morrow says the best is yet to come from him and knows he’ll have to go low over the next two days to be in contention for the individual title.
“I was able to keep it respectable yesterday, but I still don’t feel like I am controlling the golf ball very well,” said Morrow. “I’m going to have to play solid, hit a lot of greens and make some putts.”
Samuel Breton Gagnon and Élizabeth Labbé continued to pace the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively.
Breton Gagnon recorded a 5-under 67 for the second time in as many rounds and holds a four-stroke lead halfway through the competition. The 18-year-old’s 10-under is the lowest 36-hole score in the event since Scott Secord’s 11-under in 2014.
Labbé’s 1-over par 73 brought her to 3-under on the tournament – two strokes ahead of Tang in second place. Grace Bell and Remandaban, also Thunderbirds, hold the third and fourth place spots, respectively.
The highlight of the day came from Remandaban at the 133-yard, par-3 11th hole. The 2019 runner-up fired her tee shot at a blind front-right hole location and knew it was good, but didn’t know how good. She would find out soon enough just how good it was.
“I didn’t see it go in, but my playing partners’ parents said, ‘Nice shot!’ and I said, ‘Thanks!’ then they said, ‘No, it’s a really nice shot – it’s in!’” she laughed. “I didn’t know at all, so it was a nice surprise picking it up.”
Thomas DeMarco (University of Windsor) recorded six birdies on the day and sits in a tie for second place with UBC’s Schumer. Alexis Leray (Université Laval) is alone in fourth at 5-under after a 69 in round two.
After the third round, the field will be cut to the low ten (10) Male teams and the low six (6) Female teams, including any team within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within 10 shots of third place, including any player within the top 10, will also make the cut.
Click here for more information including the leaderboard, third round pairings and course information.
UBC off to hot start at Canadian University/College Championship
The University of British Columbia's women's golf team on day one at the 202 Canadian University/College Championship at Golf Chateau Bromont in Bromont, Que.
Golf Canada
Bromont, Que. – Albeit three years later, the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds picked up right where they left off at the Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO: on top of the leaderboards.
The T-Birds took a commanding 26-stroke lead in the women’s division, while the men’s squad will enter round two at Golf Château Bromont with a four-stroke lead of their own.
Élizabeth Labbé and Grace Bell lead the charge for the women’s team, firing rounds of 4-under 68 and 3-under 69, respectively. The Thunderbirds duo sit 1-2 atop the leaderboard in the individual competition.
Aidan Schumer, a member of the UBC men’s team, and Samuel Breton Gagnon of the Champlain St-Lawrence Lions share the lead at 5-under in the men’s individual competition.
Labbé, a native of Québec who plays her university golf on the west coast, returned home to La Belle Province and used the familiarity of the course to her advantage.
“I think there’s a fairly good advantage to being familiar with the greens, so my putting was really good today,” said Labbé. ‘‘I gave myself a lot of opportunities and I was able to convert some of them,” added the first-year student, who says she has played multiple events at Golf Château Bromont as a junior.
The Lévis, Que., native caught fire midway through her round, rolling in a pair of birdies and an eagle during a three-hole stretch (nos. 8 to 10).
“I just tried to stay calm and roll with it” said Labbé who, admittedly, even surprised herself.
Breton Gagnon, a native of nearby Quebec City, Que., went out with a bogey-free 4-under 32 before shooting a 1-under 35 on the back nine to finish tied for the lead atop the men’s individual leaderboard.
At the mere age of 18, the Champlain St-Lawrence showed maturity beyond his years at a course he says he knows well. When asked about any possibility of an intimidation factor, Breton Gagnon was quick to shut it down.
“Absolutely not – I feel like I can beat them all, or almost all,” he said. “I’m just here to play golf and have fun.”
Hayley McCallum (Humber College) and Sonja Tang (UBC) finished with a 4-over 76 and are T3 entering Thursday’s second round. Lexie McKay (Western Mustangs) rounded out the top-5 with a 6-over 78.
Matthew Morris (Brock University) and Jacob Armstrong (University of the Fraser Valley) are neck-and-neck at 3-under par, tied for third place.
Armstrong, a third-year student, says this tournament was a long time coming for him and his team from B.C.
“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time, so to get off to a strong start was neat. After waiting so long, I’m very excited to be here this week – especially at a course like this,” said Armstrong.
Canadian University/College Championship returns for first time since 2019
Golf Canada
BROMONT, Que. – Canada’s best student-athlete golfers will descend on Golf Château Bromont in Bromont, Que., for the 2022 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO from June 1-4. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent.
2022 marks the 18th playing of the event, which was established in 2003 by Golf Canada to give the country’s best university and college golfers a chance to compete at a national championship.
The 18 teams competing for the Men’s division come from the following conferences (number of teams in brackets):
Ontario University Athletics (6)
Canada West (5)
Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (2)
Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (5)
The Women’s division is composed of 12 teams from across the country:
Canada West (4)
OUA (5)
RSEQ (2)
CCAA (1)
After the third round, the field will be cut to the low ten (10) Male teams and the low six (6) Female teams, including any team within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within 10 shots of third place, including any player within the top 10, will also make the cut.
Golf Canada prides itself on providing an opportunity for university and college players to compete at the highest level of national competition at the end of their seasons.
“The Canadian University/College Championships, presented by BDO provides an opportunity for the best student-athletes from across the country to showcase their talents and compete for a national championship,” said tournament director, Akash Patel. “After a two-year hiatus, Golf Canada recognizes the significance of the return of this event, and we are excited to get the competition underway.”
The 72-hole stroke play event – which was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic – was last played in 2019 and hosted by the Fanshawe College Falcons at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont. In contrast to recent years, there will be no official host school for this year’s event held in Quebec’s Eastern Townships.
The University of British Columbia enters this year’s tournament as the defending champions of both the Men’s and Women’s divisions. In 2019, the women’s team captured their fourth consecutive national championship with a one-stroke victory over the Laval Rouge et Or, while the men’s team erased a nine-stroke deficit to knock off the Western Mustangs in the final round via a playoff.
The UBC women have won 14 of the last 17 team event titles – easily the most in the competition’s history. The T-Birds also have the most men’s team championships with six.
Sarah Dunning of the University of Guelph was crowned champion of the Women’s individual competition and Charles Fitzsimmons of Western University took home the honours on the Men’s side in 2019. Neither Dunning, nor Fitzsimmons will be returning to defend their titles this year.
Last time the event was held in Quebec (2013), the UBC Thunderbirds won the Men’s division, and the Université de Montréal Carabins were named the Women’s champions.
Multiple winners of the event include Christina Spence (2007 & 2008), Kat Kennedy (2016 & 2017) and Evan Holmes (2015 & 2017).
For more information about the 2022 Canadian University/College Championship, including the player list, pairings and leaderboards, click here.
MENS TEAMS Bishop’s University Gaiters Brock University Badgers Champlain St Lawrence Lions Humber College Hawks McMaster University Marauders Queen’s University Gaels Université Laval Rouge et Or Université du Montréal Carabins Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières Université de Sherbrooke Vert et Or University of British Columbia Thunderbirds University of Calgary Dinos University of the Fraser Valley Cascades University of Guelph Gryphons University of Manitoba Bisons University of Victoria Vikes University of Windsor Lancers Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks
WOMENS TEAMS Brock University Badgers Humber College Hawks Université Laval Rouge et Or Université du Montréal Carabins University of British Columbia Thunderbirds University of British Columbia – Okanagan Heat University of the Fraser Valley Cascades University of Ottawa Gee-Gees University of Victoria Vikes University of Windsor Lancers Western University Mustangs Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks
2021 Canadian University/College Championship cancelled
Golf Canada
Oakville, ONT. – With ongoing developments around COVID-19, Golf Canada along with the Golf Coaches Association of Canada (GCAC) has cancelled the 2021 Canadian University/College Championship. The competition was rescheduled to take place in late October, after being postponed from its original date from May 31 – June 4.
The decision to cancel was based on logistical consideration surrounding Canadian University and College sport including the differing return-to-sport protocols currently in place in regions across the country. With a number of post-secondary institutions under the advisement to limit overnight stays and travel wherever possible, the most appropriate course of action was to cancel the 2021 championship.
Efforts are underway to finalize details and a location for the 2022 Canadian University/College Championship which is set for May 30 – June 3, 2022. Next year’s competition will mark the 18th playing of the event which was established by Golf Canada in 2003 to provide Canadian post-secondary student athletes the opportunity to compete for a national championship.
Golf Canada’s 2020 National Amateur Championships cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
(Chuck Russell/ Golf Canada)
Golf Canada
OAKVILLE, ONT. (Golf Canada) – Due to continued health concerns as well as government restrictions on travel and group gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, Golf Canada has cancelled all of its amateur golf competitions for the duration of the 2020 season.
The National Sport Federation had previously announced the cancellation or postponement of a number of its junior and amateur competitions scheduled through mid-June.
“National amateur competitions have been a proud focus throughout our 125-year history and while we share in the disappointment of competitors, our host clubs and event volunteers, the most important consideration is the health and safety of the people who come together at our championships,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Ongoing travel restrictions—both international and across some provincial borders—in addition to continued restrictions on larger group gatherings and limitations on player training were significant contributors to this decision. We are also sensitive to the needs of our host clubs to ensure a safe and healthy environment for their staff and members.”
The 107th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, one of the top-ranked women’s amateur events in the world that attracts many international athletes, was scheduled to begin in five weeks at The Royal Montreal Golf Club from July 21-24. In addition, the 116th Canadian Men’s Amateur which features a 264-player field was scheduled to take place at The Glencoe Golf & Country Club in Calgary, Alta. from August 3-6 – marking the 125th anniversary of this storied championship. The cancellations will mark the first time since the second World War where these two national championships will not be conducted.
Golf Canada has also announced that the National Orders of Merit will not be awarded in 2020. The purpose of the points-based rankings is to identify and give recognition top-performing male and female amateur and junior golfers across Canada who have achieved success in the golf season. The decision to not award the Orders of Merit was made recognizing the varying access Canadian golfers will have to domestic and international competitions, and the resulting difficulty in running an equitable ranking system. Golf Canada will look to resume the Orders of Merit on September 1st, 2020 for the 2021 rankings. For more information, please visit the National Orders of Merit page by clicking here.
Golf Canada and Golf Ontario previously announced the cancellation of the 7th annual World Junior Girls Championship, scheduled for September 30 – October 3, 2020 at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.
Golf Canada annually conducts more than 20 championships nation-wide which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf referees, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by RBC, Canadian Pacific, Sport Canada, Levelwear, Titleist and FootJoy. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/competitions.
UBC sweeps team divisions on dramatic final day at Canadian University/College Championship
Malcolm Bernstein/ Golf Canada
Golf Canada
KOMOKA, Ont. – A tight leaderboard got even tighter as the final round progressed, but it was the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds who came from behind to win both the men’s and women’s team divisions at the Canadian University/College Championship at FireRock Golf Club on Friday.
It took a playoff for the men’s team to secure the victory, after they charged up the leaderboard in the final round. The Thunderbirds erased a nine-stroke advantage held by the Western Mustangs by shooting 12 under par as a team on Friday.
Andrew Harrison drained the winning birdie putt on the first playoff hole (the 18th) to win UBC’s first men’s team championship since 2016.
“I’m just excited for them,” said Chris MacDonald, head coach of the UBC men’s and women’s teams. “It was a tremendous day, and probably our best day of the year on the golf course together, so it’s a fun thing to see.”
The men’s individual division featured a packed leaderboard, with four players having a share of the lead at one point on the back nine. A playoff was needed to separate Charles Fitzsimmons and Jackson Bowery, both of Western. The duo were sitting at 8-under-par 280 after 72 holes before Fitzsimmons went on to win the playoff on the first hole, which was the 18th.
“This is definitely the highlight, it’s been a long time coming,” said Fitzsimmons, who is in his 13th year on the Mustangs golf team. “You hate to have to decide a winner between you and a guy you’ve fought so hard with. It’s unfortunate, but somebody’s got to win. He played an absolutely incredible round to even get us in the playoff beforehand.”
In the women’s team division, UBC was paced by an even-par performance from Shania Remandaban to win their fourth consecutive women’s team title. Of their four-straight championships, this one was the closest, as their 51-over-par score on the tournament was one stroke better than Laval Rouge et Or.
“I don’t think the Canadian championship has been this tight,” said MacDonald. “These girls have had quite a year, and it’s really exciting to see them in these really difficult, tight situations pull things out.”
The women’s individual competition also came down to the final hole. As she was walking up to the 18th green, Sarah Dunning of the University of Guelph trailed Remandaban by one stroke. A birdie would have forced a playoff, but Dunning drained a 30-foot eagle to win the division. The eagle capped off a 4-under-par 69 final round for Dunning, the only round in the 60s in the women’s division during the tournament.
“I hit my seven-iron to the back of the green on 18,” said Dunning. “I had a long putt for eagle. Somehow it went in and all I remember is screaming and everyone clapping. It’s probably the best moment of my golfing career.”
As the Men’s and Women’s individual winners, Fitzsimmons and Dunning receive an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championship
Click here for more information on the 2019 Canadian University/College Championship, including full leaderboards and results.
Top-5 Men’s – Team
UBC Thunderbirds, *292-280-293-276-1141 -11
Western Mustangs, *286-279-291-285-1141 -11
Victoria Vikes, *297-281-284-285-1147 -5
Fraser Valley Cascades, *295-288-280-296-1159 +7
Laval Rouge et Or, *290-288-287-295-1160 +8
UBC wins defeats Western on the first playoff hole.
Top-5 Men’s – Individual
Charles Fitzsimmons, Western Mustangs, *69-68-72-71-280 -8
Jackson Bowery, Western Mustangs, *70-70-73-67-280 -8
Andrew Harrison, UBC Thunderbirds, *72-68-73-68-281 -7
