KOMOKA, Ont. – The skies remained overcast, and Western and Laval stayed on top of the leaderboard for the third consecutive day in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively, at the Canadian University/College Championship at FireRock Golf Club Thursday.

The Western University Mustangs maintained their lead atop the standings after round three, thanks to Charles Fitzsimmons, who shot an even-par 72 and Jackson Bowery, who signed a 1-over-par 73 scorecard. The Mustangs now sit at 8-under for the tournament, six shots ahead of the University of Victoria Vikes. At one point in the day, the Mustangs’ lead over the Vikes was 12 shots.

“I’m thrilled with the way we’ve played this week,” said Western men’s golf head coach Jim Waite. “We played superbly the first two days. We hit a bit of a hiccup today, which brings us back to the field. It will be on us tomorrow to do it again with people behind us.”

In the women’s team division, Laval’s Catherine Gariépy and Anais Galas both shot four-over on day three, helping to maintain the Rouge et Or’s cushion over the field. The three-time defending champion University of British Columbia Thunderbirds are six shots behind Laval, at 40-over.

“I feel they’re doing great,” Laval women’s head coach Kevin Bergeron said of his players. “They’re driving really well. It’s a course where you need a good drive and they’re hitting a lot of greens in regulation.”

Fitzsimmons continues to lead the men’s individual competition at 7-under, but two of his opponents rocketed up the leaderboard. Mackenzie Dasti (Ontario Tech University) now sits one shot back after shooting 4-under 68, and Baptiste Mory (Laval) is at 5-under.

In the individual women’s division, Gariépy of Laval leads by two strokes after carding a 4-over 77 in round three, and the leaderboard is tight behind her. Sukriti Harjai (University of Victoria) and Shania Remandaban (University of British Columbia) sit at 11-over on the tournament, two shots back of Gariépy heading into the final round.

The Women’s and Men’s Individual winners receive an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championship.

Click here for more information on the event, including tomorrow’s tee times and full leaderboard.

KOMOKA, Ont. – The Western University Mustangs and the Université Laval Rouge et Or remained atop the leaderboard in the men’s and women’s team divisions, respectively, after the second round of the Canadian University/College Championship at FireRock Golf Club on Wednesday.

The duo of Charles Fitzsimmons and Jackson Bowery finished in first and T3 individually, helping the Mustangs to an 11-under-par 565 for the tournament, seven shots ahead of the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds in second place. In the women’s division, Catherine Gariépy put together another solid round, leading Laval to a score of 19 over par through two rounds, nine shots ahead of runner-ups Victoria Vikes.

Fitzsimmons, who is from London, Ont., held a share of the lead heading into round two, and carded 4-under-par 68 to give himself the outright lead. Fitzsimmons is two shots ahead of Guelph’s Josiah Dixon, who moved into second place with a 5-under-par 67, the lowest individual men’s score in round two.

Three players trail Dixon by one shot for second rank; Bowery, Andrew Harrison (UBC) and Gordon Gibson (University of Toronto). All three sit at 4-under par for the tournament.

Gariépy of the Rouge et Or took over first place in the women’s individual standings. Her 5-over-par performance through two rounds gives her the lead, trailed closely by Victoria’s Sukriti Harjai (+6). Gariépy’s Laval teammates Noémie Ouellette and Florence Leduc fired the low rounds of the day at even par (73).

The women’s and men’s Individual winners receive an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championship.

Click here for more information on the event, including tomorrow’s tee times and full leaderboard.

Top-5 Men’s – Team

1 Western University Mustangs -11 (565)
2 University of British Columbia Thunderbirds -4 (572)
3 Université Laval Rouge et Or +2 (578)
3 University of Victoria Vikes +2 (578)
5 Waterloo Warriors +6 (582)

Top-5 Men’s – Individual

1 Charles Fitzsimmons, Western University, -7 (137)
2 Josiah Dixon, University of Guelph, -5 (139)
T3 Jackson Bowery, Western University, -4 (140)
T3 Andrew Harrison, University of British Columbia, -4 (140)
T3 Gordon Gibson, University of Toronto, -4 (140)

Top-5 Women’s – Team

1 Laval Rouge et Or +19
2 Victoria Vikes +28
3 University of British Columbia Thunderbirds +32
4 University of Waterloo Warriors +54
5 Université de Montréal Carabins +55

Top-5 Women’s – Individual  

1 Catherine Gariépy, Université Laval, +5 (151)
2 Sukriti Harjai, University of Victoria, +6 (152)
T3 Shania Remandaban, University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, +8 (154)
T3 Noémie Ouellette, Université Laval, +8 (154)
T3 Elanna Lachaine-DeMarchi, University of Waterloo, +8 (154)

KOMOKA, Ont. – Under overcast skies, the Canadian University/College Championship got underway Tuesday at FireRock Golf Club, resulting in a  three-way tie for the lead in the men’s division. Kate Johnston of the University of British Columbia (UBC) paced the women’s division, ending the day with a one-stroke advantage.

Charles Fitzsimmons of the Western University Mustangs shot 3-under par 69 to share first place, helping the Mustangs take control of the men’s team championship, while Catherine Gariépy paced the Université de Laval Rouge et Or women to first place, with a 1-over 74.

Playing a mere 15 minutes from their London, Ont. campus, the Mustangs are four strokes ahead of the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks and the Université de Laval Rouge & Or. Western is 2 under par after round one.

Three players are nose-to-nose in the men’s individual championship. Fitzsimmons, Michael Harrison (Augustana University) and Jaron Brown (Wilfrid Laurier University) all signed off on 3-under scorecards, establishing a one-stroke lead over the field.

UBC’s Kate Johnston of Ayr, Ont., fired an even-par 73, finishing one shot ahead of Gariépy in the women’s individual competition. A UBC Thunderbird has won the individual women’s title in each of the last three years.

Shania Remandaban (UBC), Laura Upenieks (University of Toronto) and Sukriti Harjai (University of Victoria) each carded 4-over 77, and are T3 behind Johnston and Gariépy.

Laval hold a one shot advantage over the Thunderbirds in the women’s team competition. The Rouge & Or collectively registered 15-over-par 234 in round one.

The individual champions in the women’s and men’s competitions receive exemptions into their respective Canadian Amateur Championship.

Click here for more information on the event, including tomorrow’s tee times and full leaderboard.

Top-5 Men’s – Team

1. Western Mustangs, *143-143-286 -2
2. Laurier Golden Hawks, *148-142-290 +2
3. Laval Rouge et Or, *143-147-290 +2
4. UBC Thunderbirds, *145-147-292 +4
5. Waterloo Warriors, *144-149-293 +5

Top-5 Men’s – Individual

1. Jaron Brown, Laurier Golden Hawks, *35-34-69 -3
2. Charles Fitzsimmons, Western Mustangs, *35-34-69 -3
3. Michael Harrison, Augustana Vikings, *34-35-69 -3
4. Jackson Bowery, Western Mustangs, *36-34-70 -2
5. Gordon Gibson, Toronto Varsity Blues, *35-35-70 -2
6. Cameron Griffin, Humber Hawks, *34-36-70 -2
7. Nicholas Workun, Ottawa Gee Gees, *37-33-70 -2

Top-5 Women’s – Team

1. Laval Rouge et Or, *115-119-234 +15
2. UBC Thunderbirds, *116-119-235 +16
3. Victoria Vikes, *119-118-237 +18
4. Waterloo Warriors, *123-125-248 +29
5. Montréal Carabins, *121-129-250 +31

Top-5 Women’s – Individual  

1. Kate Johnston, UBC Thunderbirds, *35-38-73 E
2. Catherine Gariépy, Laval Rouge et Or, *34-40-74 +1
3. Sukriti Harjai, Victoria Vikes, *38-39-77 +4
4. Shania Remandaban, UBC Thunderbirds, *37-40-77 +4
5. Laura Upenieks, Toronto Varsity Blues, *39-38-77 +4

KOMOKA, Ont. – Canada’s top student-athlete golfers will descend on FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont. from May 28-31 for the 2019 Canadian University/College Championship.

2019 marks the 17^th playing of the event, which was established in 2003 by Golf Canada to give the country’s best college and university golfers a chance to compete at a national championship.

The Fanshawe College Falcons will host the event this year at the picturesque FireRock Golf Club.

Designed by Thomas McBroom, FireRock features captivating landforms, ragged handmade bunkers and environmentally significant Savannah grasses.

“We are thrilled to welcome the best Canadian student golfers to FireRock Golf Club,” said host club Director of Golf & Events Amanda Cosentino. “We’re looking forward to a competitive championship and showcasing our beautiful course.”

Golf Canada prides itself on conducting a top-notch tournament that is the highest level of national competition for college and university golfers in the country.

“The Canadian University/College Championship provides a unique opportunity for the best student-athlete golfers in Canada to represent their school and compete for a national championship,” said Tournament Director Dan Hyatt. “Golf Canada is proud to conduct this event to showcase the talent from universities and colleges across the country.”

In 2018, Avril Li went wire-to-wire to capture the women’s individual title and help the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds to their third consecutive Canadian University/College Championship. Li was the only female competitor to shoot under par, finishing at four-under, a full seven strokes ahead of the competition.

Daniel Campbell of the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades captured the individual men’s title by shooting three rounds in the 60s during the tournament. Campbell’s play helped UFV win the team title, becoming the first host school to win the team championship since 2014.

The 72-hole stroke play competition will feature 20 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams from across the country vying for the national championship titles.

Following the third round, the field will be reduced to the top 10 men’s teams and top six women’s teams, or any team within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within 10 shots of third place will also make the cut, or any player within the top 10. Additional information regarding the 2019 championship can be found here.

FireRock Golf Club was selected by Golf Canada as the 2018 Future Links Facility of the Year.

FAST FACTS

The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades and the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds are this year’s defending champions in the Men’s and Women’s Division, respectively.

Last year, Daniel Campbell became the first non-UBC competitor to win the men’s individual title since 2013.

The UBC women have won 13 of the last 16 team event titles – easily the most in the competition’s history. The T-Birds also have the most men’s team championships with five.

The individual men’s and women’s champions receive exemptions into the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, respectively. The top three Men’s and Women’s individual finishers qualify for the FISU Universiade Games.

For pairings and additional information, click here.

Men’s Teams

Bishop’s University Gaiters
Brock University Badgers
Fanshawe College Falcons
Humber College Hawks
McGill University Redman
McMaster University Marauders
Queen’s University Gaels
St. Lawrence College Vikings
Université Laval Rouge et Or
Université du Montréal Carabins
University of Alberta Golden Bears
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
University of the Fraser Valley Cascades
University of Guelph Gryphons
University of Manitoba Bisons
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees
University of Victoria Vikes
University of Waterloo Warriors
Western University Mustangs
Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks

Women’s Teams

Medicine Hat College Rattlers
Queen’s University Gaels
Université Laval Rouge et Or
Université du Montréal Carabins
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
University of British Columbia – Okanagan Heat
University of Manitoba Bisons
University of Toronto Varsity Blues
University of Victoria Vikes
University of Waterloo Warriors
University of Windsor Lancers
Western University Mustangs

Campbell and Li earn medallist honours

CHILLIWACK, B.C. — History was made at the Canadian University/College Championship as Avril Li went wire-to-wire to lead the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds to their third-consecutive win in the women’s team division, while Daniel Campbell helped the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades become the first host institution to win a team title since the 2014 University of Manitoba Bisons.

Once again, the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades showed that they were the team to beat, leading all four rounds of the men’s team tournament to earn a well-fought victory. Going into the final day with a spectacular 18-shot lead, the Cascades successfully held on to win the men’s team title with an overall 26-under-par 1126.

“For the guys, it was just a dream week. We got off to a hot start and got a little bit better each day,” said UFV coach Chris Bertram, the pride in his team evident in his voice. “It’s amazing. To have all our friends and family here to cheer us on makes it special.”

The University of Victoria Vikes maintained their second-place spot and finished the tournament with a 9-under-par 1143, 17 strokes behind the Cascades. The University of Manitoba Bisons scored the lowest round of the day but ended up third, with an even-par 1152 total.

Leading the way for the UFV Cascades was Daniel Campbell, who held onto his third-round lead to come out on top in the men’s individual draw. Campbell, who joined the Cascades in 2017, closed out the tournament with a final 11-under-par 277.

For Campbell, helping the Cascades win the men’s team division meant the most.

“The best part has to be winning the team event,” he said with a huge smile. “Winning the individual is extra but we’re here to win team championships.”

Vancouver Island University Mariners player Wyatt Brook fired the lowest-round of the day, a 4-under to end the tournament sharing a piece of second with Baptiste Mory of the Université Laval Rouge et Or at a tournament total of 7-under-par 281.

Throughout all four rounds of the tournament, UBC dominated the women’s team event. With a 20-stroke advantage heading into the final day, the Thunderbirds successfully defending their titles with a tournament total of 19-over-par 883. This win cements their momentous presence in the tournament, making it their 13th victory in the women’s team division.

“It was really fun. We had three freshman play pretty well and then Avril Li has played a great tournament, said UBC coach Chris MacDonald. “We’ve been away now for three straight weeks so our players are excited but ready to go home and get some rest.”

The University of Victoria Vikes ended the tournament 34 strokes back of the lead at 53-over-par 917. The Cascades jumped two spots to third, rounding out the top-three women’s teams with 58-over-par 922

In the women’s individual competition,Thunderbirds junior Avril Li earned medallist honours at 4-under to help secure victory for the Thunderbirds. The Port Moody, B.C., talent started the tournament off tied for first place with fellow teammate Kelly Hellman before claiming solo-first in the other three rounds.

“I’m so proud of my team”, said Li excitedly when asked about her day. “I was a bit shaky personally in the start but after five holes it got better.”

Sarah Dunning of the University of Guelph Gryphons got off to a rough start with back-to-back bogeys on the second and third hole but managed to hold on to second place with an overall 3-over-par 291. University of Toronto Varsity Blues’ Ana Peric finished third with a 7 over.

The women’s and men’s individual winners receive an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championship. The top three men’s and women’s individual finishers qualify for the 2019 Summer Universiade.

Click here for information on the tournament; credit to Chuck Russell/Golf Canada.

TOP-5 MEN’S TEAMS

1. University of the Fraser Valley Cascades (-26, 278-277-284-287 – 1126)

2. University of Victoria Vikes (-9, 295-278-284 – 1143)

3.University of Manitoba Bisons(E, 298-284-288-282 – 1152)

T4. University of Ottawa Gee-Gees (+5, 297-289-284-287 – 1157)

T4. Humber College Hawks (+5, 298-285-281-293 – 1157)

TOP-5 WOMEN’S TEAMS

1. University of British Columbia Thunderbirds (+19, 221-224-219-219 – 883)
2. University of Victoria Vikes (+53, 226-232-226-233 – 917)
3. University of the Fraser Valley Cascades(+58, 236-223-239-224 – 922)
4. Université de Montréal Carabins (+62, 223-230-237-236 – 926)
5. University of Toronto Varsity Blues (+65, 234-232-228-235 – 929)

TOP-3 MEN’S INDIVIDUAL

1. Daniel Campbell, University of the Fraser Valley Cascades (-11, 69-69-68-71 – 277)

T2. Wyatt Brook, Vancouver Island University Mariners (-7, 68-72-73-68 – 281)

T2. Baptiste Mory, Université Laval Rouge et Or (-7, 70-69-73-69 – 281)

TOP-3 WOMEN’S INDIVIDUAL

1. Avril Li, University of British Columbia Thunderbirds (-4, 72-71-69-72 – 284)
2. Sarah Dunning, University of Guelph Gryphons (+3, 73-77-67-74 – 291)
3. Ana Peric, University of Toronto Varsity Blues (+7, 75-73-73-74 – 295)

Click here for full scoring.

Individual leaders Li and Campbell help keep their teams into top positions heading to final day

 CHILLIWACK, B.C. – It was another momentous day for UBC and UFV fans alike during the third round of the Canadian University/College Championship at Chilliwack Golf Club on Thursday. For the third consecutive day, the Thunderbirds and Cascades lead the women’s and men’s divisions, respectively, going into the final round.

The UBC Thunderbirds are one round away from continuing their historic showing in the women’s team event after posting a collective 16-over-par 664 and earning a strong 20-stroke lead over the University of Victoria Vikes. The Vikes moved up to second with an overall score of 36-over-par 684 while the Université de Montréal Carabins sit third at 42-over-par 690. Rounding out the top-six women’s teams advancing to the final round are the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, University of the Fraser Valley Cascades and Université Laval Rouge et Or.

The Thunderbirds’ own Avril Li is definitely one to watch as she chases a potential wire-to-wire victory in this year’s women’s individual competition. Even back-to-back birdies couldn’t bring the Port Moody, B.C., talent down as she held on to her lead at 4 under.

Sarah Dunning from the University of Guelph played her heart out to recover after a difficult second round. Thanks to seven birdies and an eagle, Dunning earned the lowest round of the day (-5) and will start the final round in second with a current tournament total to 1-over. Rounding out the top three is Ana Peric of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, who fell one spot back into solo-third.

Meanwhile, host school University of the Fraser Valley Cascades are primed to follow in the footsteps of the 2014 University of Manitoba Bisons —the last host institution to win a team title— as they hold the lead in the men’s team division for the third straight round with a considerable 18 stroke advantage.

“We came into this knowing it was going to be a hard four day grind,” said Cascades coach, Chris Bertram. “Just because we have a bit of a cushion doesn’t mean we aren’t going to come out here and look to put our best foot forward with a solid effort.”

The University of Victoria Vikes go into the final day in second with a combined score of 7-under-par 857 ahead of the UBC Thunderbirds, who are in third with a team total of 6-under-par 858. They are joined by the Humber College Hawkswith a total score of 864, as well as the University of Manitoba Bisons and University of Ottawa Gee-Gees at 6-under-par 870.

The Université Laval Rouge et Or, Western University Mustangs, Université de Montréal Carabins and Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks also advance to the final day of the tournament.

It was a tight race in the men’s individual edition during the third round, but Cascades player Daniel Campbell came on top after firing a 10 under.

“The first two holes were a little rough but I bounced back from there and just played really well on the back-nine,” said Campbell who was recently named PACWEST male athlete of the year. “It always feels good to be on top, especially with only one hole left.”

Four strokes separate Campbell from fellow teammate Zach Olson, who posted a 6-under to share a piece of second with University of Victoria Vikes’ Lawren Rowe.

For more information on the tournament, please click here.

Click here for full scoring.

CHILLIWACK, B.C. – The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades and the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds remained atop the leaderboard in the men’s and women’s team divisions, respectively, after the second round of the Canadian University/College Championships at Chilliwack Golf Club.

Everyone kept their eyes peeled on the host team as the Cascades continued to dominate the men’s team competition. They sit in top position with a substantial 12-shot lead at 21-under-par 555, in large part thanks to top-three finishes by three of their golfers – Zach Olson, Daniel Campbell and Halen Davis. The UBC Thunderbirds posted the lowest team score of the day, sitting in second with a combined score of 9-under-par 567. The third spot belongs to the University of Victoria Vikes, who earned a team total of 3-under-par 573.

In the individual men’s category, the Cascades’ own Olson entered the day in a three-way tie for first and never looked back.

“I went out with the same game plan”said Olson. “I kept the ball in play and hit a lot of fairways and greens today, so it was steady.”

The Strathmore, Alta. talent ending the second round sitting in solo-first at 7-under-par 137, one stroke ahead of teammate Daniel Campbell who moved up two spots to second. Davis, also of the Cascades, shares the T3 spot with Baptiste Mory of the Université Laval Rouge et Or and UBC’s Andrew Harrison at 5-under-par 139.

The low-score of the day goes to Vikes player Lawren Rowe, who carded a 7-under 65 for an overall 140.

In the women’s division, the Thunderbirds continue their historic lead with an overall team score of 13-over-par 445. The Université de Montréal Carabins are second, 8 strokes behind at 21-over-par 453 while the University of Victoria Vikes sit in third at 26-over-par 458.

Thunderbirds golfer Avril Li began the day sharing the lead with fellow teammate Kelly Hellman. Though a double bogey on her second hole threatened her lead, Li managed to stay ahead card a 1 under to end the second round in solo-first with a comfortable 5-stroke lead.

“Overall it was a pretty consistent round, pretty similar to yesterday,” said Li. “I had one bad hole on number 2 but I didn’t let that bother me just stuck to my game plan.”

Veronique Fortin-Latreille of the Université de Montréal Carabins had a difficult front-nine with back-to-back bogeys and a double bogey but ended her day strong after an eagle on the 18th hole. Fortin-Latreille shares second with Ana Peric of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues and Victoria Vikes’ Quinn Fitzgerald at 3 over.

The women’s and men’s individual winners receive an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championship. The top three men’s and women’s individual finishers qualify for the 2019 Summer Universiade.

For more information on the tournament, please click here.

TOP-5 MEN’S TEAMS

1. University of Fraser Valley Cascades  -21(555)
2. University of British Columbia Thunderbirds -9(567)
3. University of Victoria Vikes  -3(573)
4. Université Laval Rouge et Or  E(576)
5. Université de Montréal Carabins  +5(581)

TOP-5 WOMEN’S TEAMS

1. University of British Columbia Thunderbirds +13(445)
2. Université de Montréal Carabins +21(453)
3. University of Victoria Vikes +26(458)
4. University of the Fraser Valley Cascades +27(459)
5. University of Toronto Varsity Blues +34(466)

TOP-5 MEN’S INDIVIDUAL

1. Zach Olson University of Fraser Valley Cascades *68-69-137 -7

2. Daniel Campbell University of Fraser Valley Cascades *69-69-138  -6

T3. Halen Davis   University of Fraser Valley Cascades   *70-69-69  -5

T3. Baptiste Mory   Université Laval Rouge et Or     *70-69-69  -5

T3. Andrew Harrison  University of British Columbia Thunderbirds  *72-67-139  -5

TOP-5 WOMEN’S INDIVIDUAL

1. Avril Li University of British Columbia Thunderbirds *72-71-143  -1

T2. Veronique Fortin-Latreille Université de Montréal Carabins   *73-75-148 +4

T2. Ana Peric  University of Toronto Varsity Blues  *75-73-148  +4

T2. Quinn Fitzgerald  University of Victoria Vikes   *74-74-148  +4

T5. Veronica Vetesnik  University of Manitoba Bisons *73-73-149 +5

T5. Emily Leung  Simon Fraser University Clan  *73-73-149 +5

Click here for full scoring.

Hellman, Lee, Graham, Olson and Brook top individual standings

CHILLIWACK, B.C. –An overcast first round of the Canadian University/College Championship saw five individuals sit atop the leaderboard today at Chilliwack Golf Club.

Zack Olson shot a 4-under to share a piece of 4th and give host team University of the Fraser Valley Cascades a commanding lead, while Kelly Hellman and Avril Li carded an even-par to help defending women’s champion University of British Columbia Thunderbirds top the women’s competition.

The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades men’s team earned a combined 10-under par to earn a commanding lead, building a 13-shot advantage over defending men’s team champion Université Laval Rouge et Or who posted a 3-over par. University of Guelph Gryphons are currently in third with a 4-over par.

Three players in the men’s individual championship – Adam Graham (Brock University Badgers), Wyatt Brook (Vancouver Island University Mariners), and Zach Olson (University of the Fraser Valley Cascades) – head into tomorrow in first place at 4-under par.

Thunderbirds Kelly Hellman of Nelson, B.C. and Avril Li of Port Moody, B.C. both fired an even-par 72 to earn top spots in the women’s individual competition. The Thunderbirds have won 12 of the past 15 editions of the women’s team event.

Veronique Fortin-Latreille of the Université de Montréal Carabins and Sarah Dunning of the University of Guelph Gryphons are very close behind, sitting second in the women’s individual competition one stroke behind at 1-over par.

With a combined score of 5-over par, the Thunderbirds are two strokes ahead of the Université de Montréal Carabins, who posted a team score of 7-over par on day one. The University of Victoria Vikes sit in third place at 10-over par.

The Women’s and Men’s Individual winners receive an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championship. The top-three Men’s and Women’s individual finishers qualify for the FISU Universiade Games.

For more information on the event, including tomorrow’s tee times and current results, can be found here.

TOP-5 MEN’S – TEAM

1 University of the Fraser Valley Cascades.                -10.       F          -10       278

2 Université Laval Rouge et Or                                      +3        F*         +3        291

3 University of Guelph Gryphons                                  +4        F          +4        292

T4. Université de Montréal Carabins                            +5        F          +5        293

T4. University of British Columbia Thunderbirds      +5        F          +5        293

TOP-5 MEN’S – INDIVIDUAL

T1. Adam Graham                            Brock University Badgers                                 *35-33-68 -4

T1. Wyatt Brook                                Vancouver Island University Mariners          *35-33-68 -4

T1. Zack Olson                                   University of the Fraser Valley Cascades       *32-36-68 -4

T4. Nicholas Striker                          University of Guelph Gryphons                      *34-35-69 -3

T4. Daniel Campbell                         University of the Fraser Valley Cascades      *32-37-69 +2

TOP-5 WOMEN’S – TEAM

1. University of British Columbia Thunderbirds         +5        F          +5        221
2. Université de Montréal Carabins                               +7         F*         +7        223
3. University of Victoria Vikes                                        +10       F          +10      226
4. University of Toronto Varsity Blues                           +18      F         +18      234
5. University of the Fraser Valley Cascades                 +20       F          +20      236

TOP-5 WOMEN’S – INDIVIDUAL

T1. Kelly Hellman                                    University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.  *35-37-72 E

T1. Avril Li                                                University of British Columbia Thunderbirds   *36-36-72 E

T3. Veronique Fortin-Latreille             Université de Montréal Carabins                         *38-35-73 +1

T3. Sarah Dunning                                  University of Guelph Gryphons                            *38-35-73 +1

T5. Mylène Limoges                                Université de Montréal Carabins                         *37-37-74 +2

T5. Quinn Fitzgerald                               University of Victoria Vikes                                  *41-33-74 +2

Click hereto download photos; credit to Golf Canada.

CHILLIWACK, B.C. – Canada’s top student-athlete golfers will descend on Chilliwack Golf Club in Chilliwack, B.C., from May 29 – June 1 for the 2018 Canadian University/College Championship.

2018 marks the 16th playing of the event, which was established in 2003 by Golf Canada to give the country’s best college and university golfers a chance to compete at a national championship.

The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades will host the event this year on the magnificent tree lined fairways of Chilliwack Golf Club.

Established in 1958, the course has played host to every major provincial tournament in British Columbia. The course, which celebrates their 60th anniversary this year, features a creek that meanders through the back nine and breathtaking mountain vistas in every direction.

“We are thrilled to welcome the best Canadian student golfers to Chilliwack Golf Club. We’re looking forward to a competitive championship, and showcasing our beautiful course,” said host club General Manager, Bryan Ewart.

Golf Canada prides itself on conducting a top-notch tournament that is the highest level of national competition for college and university golfers in the country.

“The Canadian University/College Championship provides a unique opportunity for the best student-athlete golfers in Canada represent their school and compete for a national championship,” added tournament director, Adam Cinel. “Golf Canada is proud to conduct this event to showcase the talent from universities and colleges across the country.”

In 2017, defending champion Kat Kennedy went wire-to-wire to capture medallist honours and lead the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds to their second consecutive Canadian University/College Championship. Her final-round 78 was the lowest of anyone in the women’s draw and helped her finish 14 over par for the tournament, 15 strokes ahead of field.

Evan Holmes of Calgary, Alta. captured medallist honours with a 5-over-par effort.  His win, however, was not enough to catapult the University of British Columbia into top spot as the Université Laval Rouge et Or walked away with a two-stroke victory at 75 over par for the tournament.

UBC returns to the tournament having won 12 women’s and five men’s titles.

University of the Fraser Valley Cascades will look to draw upon the magic of the University of Manitoba Bisons—the last host institution to win a team title—when they captured the men’s division championship in 2014 at Southwood Golf and Country Club in Winnipeg.

The 72-hole stroke play competition will feature 20 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams from across the country vying for the national championship titles.

Following the third round, the field will be reduced to the top 10 men’s teams and the top six women’s teams, in addition to any individuals within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within 10 shots of third place will also make the cut, or any player within the top 10. Additional information regarding the 2018 championship, can be found here.

FAST FACTS
The Université Laval Rouge et Or and the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds are this year’s defending champions in the Men’s and Women’s Division, respectively.

In 2016, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds swept the championship, winning all four events. It was the first time in the tournament’s history that a school won the men’s and women’s team and individual events in the same year.

UBC has won the most women’s titles with 12 out of the last 15 editions in the team event and the most men’s championships with 5.

The individual men’s and women’s champions receive exemptions into the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, respectively.

For pairings and additional information, click here.

ABOUT THE COURSE
Chilliwack Golf Club was established in 1958.

The par-72 layout has played host to every major provincial championship and was recognized as the PGA of BC’s Facility of the Year in 2013.

Course record of 61 was set in 2017 by James Allenby.

MEN’S TEAMS
Bishops’ University Gaitors
Brock University Badgers
Concordia University Stingers
Durham College Lords
Humber College Hawks
Queen’s University Gaels
University of Alberta Golden Bears
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
University of Calgary Dinos
University of Guelph Gryphons
University of Lethbridge Pronghorns
University of Manitoba Bisons
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees
University of the Fraser Valley Cascades
University of Victoria Vikes
University of Waterloo Warriors
Université de Montréal Carabins
Université Laval Rouge et Or
Western University Mustangs
Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks

WOMEN’S TEAMS
Humber College Hawks
Queen’s University Gaels
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
University of the Fraser Valley Cascades
University of Manitoba Bisons
University of Toronto Varsity Blues
University of Victoria Vikes
University of Waterloo Warriors
University of Windsor Lancers
Université de Montréal Carabins
Université Laval Rouge et Or
Western University Mustangs

The dream of every athlete is to go out on top, to go out a winner.

It’s a feat so rarely accomplished because you only get one chance at it. You only get one last tournament.

But on Sunday at the 2017 Canadian University/College Championship Kat Kennedy did just that.

As she watched her final putt drop, Kennedy walked off the green and into the arms of her teammates after a dominating 15-stroke victory in the individual women’s division, leading her University of British Columbia Thunderbirds to its second consecutive title at the event.

And she did so at her final event at the end of her university golf career.

“It feels amazing to end my last tournament of my university career on a high note and with such a good team,” said Kennedy, after securing herself and her team at the top of the leaderboard. “It feels awesome right now.”

The 22-year-old science student from Okotoks, Alta., has hung up her Thunderbirds’ gear after successfully defending her 2016 title and plans to finish her undergrad degree next year.

Like most collegiate athletes, Kennedy’s commitment to the golf team has allowed her to pursue a higher education, but the time commitment to her sport means she must pick up a few more credits in her fifth year.

“I love golf,” she said. “I love the game. I just want to keep playing as long as I can. I still have one more year left, so I have some time to decide what I want to do next. Right now, I’m going to focus on school and keep playing and improve my game as best as I can.”

The weather was not kind to Kennedy and the other players during the championship, which was held from May 29 – June 1. Two thunder delays, constant rain and a windy, cold final round lashed out at the field. But there behind Kennedy for every shot sat her parents, Tai and Len, on tiny portable stools they carried with them as they followed her around.

The two are, of course, her biggest fans and have traveled to every Canadian tournament she has played in as well as many down south in the United States. They are so committed to their daughters play that they don’t even take a hole off – even during the six-degree, extremely windy final round on June 1.

“Never,” said Tai, when asked if she was going to warm up for a couple of holes in the clubhouse after Kennedy made the turn. “She always wants us to be there. With some kids they always want their parents to stay away, but for us she’s always like, ‘I’m glad you’re here.’”

For Tai, golf isn’t just a game that her daughter plays for a way to go to university. It’s a part of her that has contributed to her growth as a human being.

“It keeps her grounded,” she said. “I’m really happy that she’s on the golf team. She works very hard and strives for the best. That’s what she tries to do every day: become a better person.”

Follow Kennedy for a couple of holes and you can see what Tai means.

Whether she’s lining up for a shot, walking to her ball or retrieving it from the cup, there is a constant laser-like focus in the way she carries herself. Even when she was leading by over a dozen strokes heading down the final fairway, that focus never wavered.

Tai doesn’t know where that work ethic comes from. “That’s just her,” she says. But it’s a major part of the reason that she has never missed a tournament in her Thunderbirds’ career – a goal she set for herself when she first joined the team.

Like many student-athletes, Kennedy started to excel at golf at a very young age. It wasn’t long until she was carding better scores than her father, Len.

“She started to pass me on the course when she was about 14 or 15,” said Len, (not at eight like Tai teased). “It made me feel really proud. She taught me real early to keep my mouth shut when making a bet with her. Don’t say you’ll give her 50 bucks to make a long birdie putt because she’ll put it in.”

As for her next step, Kennedy is still unsure.

She is going to finish her science degree next year while training and working on golf by herself. When she completes her education she is going to decide if she is ready to go pro or not.

In a true testament to her character that the game of golf helped build, she was permitted to play for the team in her fifth year, but she turned down the offer because she felt that it would be unfair to take away that spot from someone else.

Now that she’s done, Tai and Len are ready to retire their trusty stools they always carry around when following her, and they can watch as their daughter takes the next step.

“Golf put her through university,” said Tai. “I’m happy she’s going to get her degree and an education. That’s the main thing. Now I guess I have put this stool on Kijiji.”