Kat Kennedy went wire-to-wire to lead the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds to their second consecutive Canadian University/College Championship, while Baptiste Mory helped the Université Laval Rouge et Or hold on to win the men’s division at Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club on Thursday.

The Thunderbirds dominated the field through all four rounds of the tournament. Heading to the final day they sat 41 strokes ahead, and on Thursday they cruised through their final round and finished 70 over for the tournament to successfully defend their 2016 title.

Leading the way for the University of British Columbia was defending champion Kat Kennedy who led all four rounds to capture medallist honours. Her final-round 78 was the lowest of anyone in the women’s draw and helped her finish 14 over par for the tournament, 15 strokes ahead of field.

“It feels amazing to end my last tournament of my university career on a high note and with a great team,” she said, after she sank her final putt. “It was tough out there today. This was the most wind we’ve had all week, but we just tried to play calm and steady and play our game.”

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues and the University of Victoria Vikes were deadlocked heading into Thursday, but the Varsity Blues prevailed after their 41-over-par 257 locked them into second place, 53 strokes behind the Thunderbirds. The Vikes ended up third, 128 over par for the tournament.

Varsity Blues’ Laura Upenieks carded a final-round 84 to bring her total score to 29 over, while Sharon Park of the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades finished at 30 over to round out the top three.

The men’s division came right down to the wire as the Rouge et or, the Wilfried Laurier University Golden Hawks and the Thunderbirds were all jockeying for position during the final round.
Eric Flockhart of the Golden Hawks made it interesting on the 18th green when he tapped in a par putt after Mory made bogey, but it proved to be too late as the Rouge et Or walked away with a two-stroke victory at 75 over par for the tournament.

“It’s incredible,” Mory said, after he and his teammates erupted in cheers following the official announcement “I thought after I made a six on 18 that we were going to go to a playoff, but it managed to be enough. It was very difficult to make the right distance today because of all the wind, but I managed to hang in there for my team.”

The Thunderbirds finished five back of the Rouge et Or in third place on the strength of Evan Holmes who captured medallist honours with a 5-over-par effort. Mory finished five back in a share of second place with Varsity Blues’ Kevin Fawcett, who shot a tournament-low 2 over par in the final round.

The top finishers in the men’s and women’s division will get an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championships, and the top three finishers in the men’s and women’s draws will qualify for the Summer Universiade Games, in Chinese Taipei, Taiwan, from Aug. 19-30.

Click here for information and here for final results.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Click here for champion photos.

Université Laval Rouge et Or overtook the top spot in the men’s draw while the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds held onto their lead in the women’s division after round three at the Canadian University/College Championship on Wednesday at Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club.

The Rouge et Or men’s team shot a 13-over-par 297 to jump to the top of the leaderboard, building a one-stroke advantage. They were sitting outside the top two as the final Laval player, Baptiste Mory, headed to the final hole.

Mory, who has been the team’s best golfer through three rounds, sank a clutch 35-foot putt for eagle from just short of the green on 18. That marker led the 20-year-old to a 2-over-par 73 on the day.

“I played very good today,” he said, shortly after his eagle putt. “It was my best day of golf. My coach told me on the fairway that I had to get an eagle to put us up one shot in the tournament. I hit a bad shot to the green, but the putt was amazing.”

The score was his best since his opening-round 71, and it moves him into a tie for third in the individual standings, four back of leader Evan Holmes from the University of British Columbia.

Tied in second, one stroke behind the Rouge et Or, are the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks and Thunderbirds. The Golden Hawks were ahead after the second round but lost their lead following an 18-over-par 302. The Thunderbirds carded the low score of the tournament with a 4-over 288, launching them up the standings from outside the top five.

Golden Hawks’ Eric Flockhart, who was No. 1 through the opening two rounds, slipped on Wednesday with a 77 (+6), his worst score of the tournament. Holmes helped carry the Thunderbirds into contention with his 1-under-par 70, good for a three-stroke cushion.

In the women’s draw, the University of British Columbia holds a commanding lead entering the final day. After a collective 15-over-par 231, the Thunderbirds sit 41 strokes ahead of the competition.

Continuing to lead the way for them is defending champion Kat Kennedy, who recorded her second consecutive 76 to bring her to 8 over for the tournament. Despite posting double-bogeys on holes nine and 18, the 22-year-old from Okotoks, Alta., maintained an 8-stroke lead over the individual women’s division heading to the final round on Thursday.

“I ended up doubling holes nine and 18,” she said, greenside after her third round. “Finishing on a double is kind of rough, so hopefully I get it back tomorrow. It’s my last round in my university career so I want to finish strong and help the team win.”

Final round of the #CDNUniCollege Championship is officially underway. Check out the pics from yesterday's action

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— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) June 1, 2017

Inside the top three are the University of Victoria Vikes and the University of Toronto Varsity Blues who are both tied at 82 over for the tournament.

Laura Upenieks sits in third place with a 5-over-par 77 to lead the way for the Varsity Blues, while Laura Ferreira is the Vikes’ low-scorer at T5 following her 8-over-par 80.

Rounding out the top six teams making the cut in the women’s division are University of the Fraser Valley Cascades, Université Laval Rouge et Or and the Western University Mustangs.

The top finisher in the men’s and women’s division will get an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championships, and the top three finishers in the men’s and women’s draws will qualify for the Summer Universiade Games, in Chinese Taipei, Taiwan, from Aug. 19-30.

More information on the tournament can be found here.

Following consecutive lightning delays in the opening two rounds, the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks jumped out to the lead in the men’s division at 17-over par and the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds held their advantage atop the women’s division at the Canadian University/College Championships at Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club.

On the men’s side, The University of Toronto Blues are second at 24-over par and rounding out the top three is the Université Laval Rouge et Or, who hold the clubhouse lead with a team score of +32. Behind the Rouge et Or are the Western University Mustangs, who are in the clubhouse at 37-over par.

First round individual leader, Eric Flockhart, from Wilfrid Laurier University is still on top. The Mississauga, Ont., product is 1 under par for the tournament through nine holes. He is three shots clear of UBC’s Evan Holmes (+2).

Holmes, the 2015 Individual champion, carded the lowest score of the day among those able to finish with an even-par 71.

“I kept it in front of me off the tee and I didn’t really make any mistakes. I didn’t putt that well today, but I made a few coming down the stretch which was nice,” said the Calgary native. “I felt like it was a pretty good round in the wind all in all.”

Holmes took advantage of the par 5’s on the back nine, carding a birdie on No. 13 and an eagle on No. 18.

“At Tangle Creek, you really have to get it in play off the tee. The greens are so severe that you also have to be good with your second shots. If you’re on the wrong spot on the green you’re three putting,” said Holmes.

Check out all the photos from Round 2's action at the #CDNUniCollege on Tuesday @TangleCreek

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— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) May 31, 2017

For the second day in a row, The Thunderbirds lead the women’s division (+25). The University of Victoria Vikes are second at 38-over par, and the University of Toronto Varsity Blues sit tied for third alongside the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades at 50-over par.

18-hole leader and defending champion Kat Kennedy, from the University of British Columbia, is in first at 4 over par through nine holes.

The University of Fraser Valley’s Sharon Park is four strokes back at +8. Rounding out the top three are Victoria Vikes teammates Hannah Diamond and Laura Ferreira, who sit at +11.

No women’s teams finished their second round; play is set to resume Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m.

Due to the weather delays, the groups will not be re-ordered after 36 holes. The pairings will be the same as Monday’s draw. After the third round the top-10 men’s teams and the top six women’s teams will advance to the final round.

The top finisher in the men’s and women’s division will get an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championships and the top finishers in the men’s and women’s draws will qualify for the Summer Universiade Games, in Taipei, Taiwan, from Aug. 19-30.

For more information on the tournament, please click here.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Click here to download photos; credit to Golf Canada.

On day one of the weather-shortened Canadian University/College Championship, defending champion Kat Kennedy of Okotoks, Alta., fired an even-par 72 to help put the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds on top of the women’s team competition. The men’s side of the draw was unable to finish the first round due to inclement weather.

After 18 holes, Kennedy holds a four-stroke lead.

“It’s a challenging course. I think learning to be patient is key here, the wind picked up on the back nine and I think just keeping the ball in play and trying to hit the green in regulation was my goal for the day,” said Kennedy, from the scoring table following her round.

With a combined score of 19-over par, the Thunderbirds are 11 strokes ahead of the second place University of Fraser Valley Cascades, who posted a team score of 30-over par on day one. The University of Victoria Vikes sit third at +32.

After starting strong with birdies on the first and second hole, Kennedy made a bogey on the third. She recorded another bogey on seven, but rebounded with a birdie on eight to make the turn at 1-under par. On the back nine Kennedy made a five-foot birdie putt to finish her round as the only player not over par.

In her final university season Kennedy had a stellar year. She was first or T1 five times and set a school record for the lowest single round score when she posted a 67 on the second day of the Grand View Battle at Primm, in Nipton, Calif., from March 20-21.

Coquitlam, B.C., product Sharon Park, a freshman at Fraser Valley, is second in the women’s individual competition at 4-over par (76). Kennedy’s teammate, 22-year-old Winnie Hyun, from Langley, B.C., rounds out the top three at +7 (79).

When play was suspended at 5:46 p.m., Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawk Eric Flockhart from Mississauga, Ont., had posted the lowest men’s score at 2-under par (69) thanks to three straight birdies to close out the round.

“I was getting the same kind of breaks on the front nine, but I just couldn’t buy a putt,” said Flockhart. “I got to the back made a good one from about 10 feet on 10, made a few good par saves and then 14 to 18, I made five putts in a row basically, so the putts started to fall.”

Flockhart had a very strong Ontario University Athletic Association (OUA) season in the fall, including a stretch where he won three straight tournaments—the Waterloo Invitational, the Guelph Invitational, and the University of Toronto Invitational.

The University of Victoria Vikes are currently the leading team at 9-over par through 14 holes of play, with the first round resuming Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. They are followed by the University of Manitoba Bisons and the Queens University Gaels, who hold second place in the weather-delayed first round at 11 over par. The Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks are the lowest team in the clubhouse at 14-over par.

Check out all the pictures from Monday’s action during Round 1 of the #CDNUnicollege @TangleCreek ?️?⛳️

?https://t.co/LUdu3ZKbRV pic.twitter.com/aenn1AIU6E

— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) May 30, 2017

The University of Toronto’s Kevin Fawcett, a product of Newmarket, Ont., was the second-lowest player to finish his round, posting an even-par 71. Lawren Rowe, (Victoria, B.C.) of the University of Victoria Vikes, is, 1 under par through 14 holes.

The top finisher in the men’s and women’s division will get an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championships and the top finishers in the men’s and women’s draws will qualify for the Summer Universiade Games, in Taipei, Taiwan, from Aug. 19-30.

The first round will resume tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. Second round tee times will begin at 8:30 a.m. For additional information on the championship click here.

Click here for full scoring.

Photos: Click here to download photos; credit to Golf Canada.

Canada’s top student-athlete golfers will descend on Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club in Barrie, Ont., from May 29 – June 1 for the 2017 Canadian University/College Championships.

2017 marks the 15th playing of the event, which was established in 2003 by Golf Canada to give the country’s best college and university golfers a chance to compete at a national championship.

The Georgian College Grizzlies will host the event this year on the windswept fairways of Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club.

Designed in 2002 by Rene Muylaert, the course is known for its combination of classic and links style features in addition to its grassy hollows and signature fescue.

“We are thrilled to welcome the best Canadian student golfers to Tangle Creek. We’re looking forward to a competitive championship, and showcasing our beautiful course,” said host club tournament chair Mackenzie Cuthbert.

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

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

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

Calgary’s Scott Secord went wire-to-wire to win the men’s division by four strokes at 11-under par and Kat Kennedy of Okotoks, Alta., claimed victory on the women’s side by four shots at 12-over par.

UBC returns to the tournament having won 11 women’s and five men’s titles—including three of the last four.

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

The 72-hole stroke play competition will feature 19 men’s teams and 11 women’s teams from across the country vying for the national championship titles.

Following the third round, the field will be reduced to the top 10 men’s teams and the top six women’s teams, in addition to any individuals within 15 shots of the lead. Additional information regarding the 2017 championship, can be found here.

FAST FACTS

UBC is the defending champion on both the men’s and women’s side.

Scott Secord, of Calgary, Alta., is the defending men’s medallist.

Kat Kennedy of Okotos Alta., is the defending women’s medallist.

UBC has won the most women’s titles with 11 and the most men’s championships with 5.

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

The top three individual men and top three individual women earn the right to represent Canada at the 2017 Summer Universiade Games in Taipei City, Taiwan, from Aug. 19-30.

For pairings and additional information, click here.

ABOUT THE COURSE

Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club was designed in 2002 by Rene Muylaert.

6,307 yards, CR/Slope: 69.7/131.

Course record of 64 was set in 2011 by Keir Smith.

In 2016, Tangle Creek hosted Golf Ontario’s Junior Boys Match-Play and the PGA of Canada’s Seniors Championship.

In 2003 Golf Digest named Tangle Creek the Best New Golf Course in Canada.

MEN’S TEAMS
Brock University Badgers
Concordia University Stingers
Georgian College Grizzlies
Humber College Hawks
Les Patriotes de l’UQTR
Queen’s University Gaels
Universitie du Montreal Carabins
Universitie Laval Rouge et Or
University of Alberta Golden Bears
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
University of Guelph Gryphons
Universit of Manitoba Bisons
University of the Fraser Valley Cascades
University of Toronto Varsity Blues
University of Victoria Vikes
University of Waterloo Warriors
University of Western Mustangs
University of Windsor Lancers
Wilfred Laurier University Golden Hawks

WOMEN’S TEAMS
Georgian College Grizzlies
Humber College Hawks
Queen’s University Gaels
Université Laval Rouge et Or
Universitié du Montreal Carabins
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
University of the Fraser Valley Cascades
University of Toronto Varsity Blues
University of Victoria Vikes
University of Waterloo Warriors
University of Western Mustangs

To view the full list of teams and other information, click here.

PARKSVILLE, B.C. – The University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds claimed team and individual honours on both the men’s and women’s sides at the 2016 Canadian University/College Championship at Morningstar Golf Club. All four titles have never been captured by the same school in the competition’s 14-year history.

UBC Coach Chris MacDonald who was named the Golf Coaches Association of Canada’s Coach of the Year for both the men’s and women’s teams, reflected positively on his team and the state of Canadian collegiate golf. “This means a lot. It’s an exciting time and we’re going in a better direction. It’s just nice to see consistent golf and to see how much this tournament has grown – not just from our team, but the entire field.”

For the second time since this tournament’s inception in 2003, UBC earned both team titles – a feat that has not been matched by another school. UBC came just shy of sweeping the four honours in 2009, only missing out on the women’s individual title. Kat Kennedy of Okotoks, Alta., ensured this year’s team would not suffer the same fate, carding a 1-over 73 en route to a four-stroke victory.

“Before we went out today, as a team, we talked about staying in our own bubble and taking it one shot at a time,” said the 21-year-old. “I think I went out there with that mindset and it helped me today. I’ve put in a lot of time and practice after some injuries this year. This was a big win for me and to see my hard work pay off is a big push for next year and for the rest of my golf career.”

The significance of the victory was not lost on the third-year science student. “Golf Canada has been a big part of my life. I have played a lot of junior golf with Golf Canada. This is a big title to have and I’m not used to it yet. It’s great to be a national champion.”

Alexandra Pelletier of the Université Laval Rouge et Or claimed runner-up honours. The Montréal native tallied two birdies and finished the competition at 16-over-par. UBC’s Barbara Neto-Bradley, of Porto, Portugal, claimed third-place with a four-day total of 22-over 310.

The UBC women claimed a 19-stroke victory over the defending champions, the Université de Montréal Carabins, and the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, who tied for second at a combined 79-over-par.

Kennedy beamed when asked about wearing the blue and gold of the UBC Thunderbirds. “It is a big honour. We have a great team. I feel like everyone is very supportive. We help push each other to be more competitive. Everywhere I go, I wear the T-bird with pride. I couldn’t be more proud of both the women’s and men’s teams.”

For the second straight year, UBC’s men’s team claimed a wire-to-wire victory. It was the fifth team title for the men’s side and their third in the past four years. The fivesome finished 2-over on the day to complete the tournament at 18-under 1134 – 45-strokes clear of the competition. The University of Victoria Vikes were 1-under on the day and placed second, while the Queen’s University Gaels finished third.

The men’s Thunderbirds were again led by Scott Secord, who registered a wire-to-wire win of his own. The Calgarian finished with rounds of 67-67-73-70 to reach 11-under 277 in the competition. All five members of the quintet finished in the Top-10 with Andrew Harrison of Camrose, Alta., taking 9^th, Victoria’s Nate Ollis finishing T7, Evan Holmes of Calgary claiming 6^th and fellow Albertan Jack Wood of Banff placing 4^th.

Secord spoke of the tight-knit group when asked about his tenure as a Thunderbird. “It’s meant a lot. I’m glad I could finish (my career with UBC) like this and as a team, as well. I’ve known Jack since he was a little tyke. We’ve had a different kind of relationship – like brothers. But that’s what it’s like with everyone. We’re such good friends with each other.”

Despite gusty conditions at times, Secord tallied four birdies on the day, including two back-to-back in a bogey-free back nine. “I was kind of steady throughout the front,” commented the champion. “It was pretty windy and it was shifting. The trees were playing tricks on us and we weren’t really certain which way it was going.”

The 23-year-old withstood the impressive play of Lawren Rowe of the University of Victoria Vikes. The Sophomore who hails from Victoria notched four birdies on the day to finish 2-under – four shots shy of the champion. Taking third was the University of the Fraser Valley’s Connor McLellan of Chilliwack, B.C., who carded the day’s low round – a four-birdie 4-under 68 showing – to finish 5-under in the competition.

Additional information regarding the championship can be found here.

PARKSVILLE, B.C. – Third-round action at the 14^th playing of the Canadian University/College Championship at Morningstar Golf Club saw the teams representing the University of British Columbia (UBC) increase their leads atop their respective leaderboards.

The UBC men’s team continued to show its dominance by posting a collective 2-under 286 for the round. The Queen’s University Gaels occupy second with a team total of 7-over 887 – 43-strokes behind the leaders. The Kingston, Ont., university is being pursued by two institutions located in British Columbia: the University of Fraser Valley Cascades and the University of Victoria Vikes, who trail the Gaels by four and five strokes, respectively.

The Thunderbirds were led by a 3-under 69 from Jack Wood of Banff, Alta. The third-year kinesiology major collected five birdies and added an eagle on the par-5 13^th hole to move to 5-under in the competition. Tied with Victoria’s Lawren Rowe of the Victoria Vikes, Wood trails individual leader and teammate Scott Secord by four strokes. The Calgary product carded a 73 after opening the competition with consecutive 67s.

For the third consecutive day, Thunderbirds Evan Holmes of Calgary and Victoria’s Nate Ollis registered matching rounds. The pair have now shot 72-71-72 and sit T5 at 1-under alongside British Columbians Connor McLellan of Chilliwack who plays for the Cascades and Richmond’s Chris Crisologo, a member of the Simon Fraser University Clan.

Completing the Thunderbird contingent is Andrew Harrison of Camrose, Alta., who sits fourth following a 1-over performance. The 19-year-old tallied five birdies, but sees the round as a missed opportunity. “Today was a little bit disappointing,” commented the kinesiology major. “I had a good chance to shoot a good number, but made some bad bogeys. It’s a nice course, but it’s very tricky. There are lots of dog-legs that can trick you into trying to cut some corners. You have to be patient and lay back on those.”

The team’s rookie reflected pensively on his first year donning the blue and gold of the Thunderbirds. “It’s been pretty good. Jack and Evan have been great. I’ve known them for a very long time from Alberta, so it wasn’t too hard fitting in with them. We have a pretty young team and they’re great guys – easy to talk to; easy to be around – so it’s been fun.”

“College is very different, it’s interesting,” added Harrison, when asked about the experience of playing in this competition. “You’re playing against men unlike junior, where you’re playing against kids. I’m really taking it all in and learning a lot from all the older guys.”

After opening the third round with a five-stroke advantage, the UBC women’s team tallied a 16-over total on the day and now lead the Université de Montréal Carabins by 12 strokes. The University of Toronto Varsity Blues climbed into third at a combined 64-over 712, led by the T6 standings of Ontarians Sarah Dunning of Waterloo and Etobicoke’s Laura Upenieks, who made a hole-in-one on the par-3 eighth hole.

Thunderbird Kat Kennedy made a significant climb up the standings for the second straight day. The native of Okotoks, Alta., carded a round of 5-over 77 and at 11-over-par, leads the competition by one stroke. After holding the 18- and 36-hole leads, the Université Laval Rouge et Or’s Alexandra Pelletier now sits one-stroke shy of the leader. The native of Montréal was 13-over on the day after opening 71-72 in the competition. Porto, Portugal’s Barbara Neto-Bradley of the Thunderbirds moved into third-place at 13-over.

The competition opened with 20 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams from across the nation vying for team and individual honours. With the conclusion of the third round, the field has now been reduced to the top 10 men’s teams and the top six women’s teams, in addition to any individuals within 15 shots of the lead.

The final round of competition will see both the men’s and women’s sides begin the day at 7:30 a.m. off split tees. Additional information regarding the championship, including pairings and up-to-date scoring can be found here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 2016 competition features 20 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams from across the country vying for national championship titles. Following the third round, the field will be reduced to the top 10 men’s teams and the top six women’s teams, in addition to any individuals within 15 shots of the lead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 2016 competition features 20 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams from across the country vying for team and individual honours. Following the third round, the field will be reduced to the top 10 men’s teams and the top six women’s teams, in addition to any individuals within 15 shots of the lead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 2016 competition will feature 20 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams from across the country vying for the national championship titles. Following the third round, the field will be reduced to the top 10 men’s teams and the top six women’s teams, in addition to any individuals within 15 shots of the lead.

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

2016 UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP – MEN’S TEAMS:

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

2016 UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP – WOMEN’S TEAMS:

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