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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more info regarding the championship event, click here.

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

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

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

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

The 72-hole stroke play competition will feature 20 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams from universities and colleges across the country. These athletes will be competing for both team and individual honours. Following the third round, the field will be reduced to the top 10 men’s teams and the top six women’s teams; in addition, any individuals within 15 shots of the lead will move on to the final round.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Megan Woodland & Scott Secord

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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