History was made at last week’s Canadian University/College Championship as the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades become the first host institution to win a team title since the 2014 University of Manitoba Bisons.
UFV hosted the tournament on their home course at the Chilliwack Golf Club, and went wire-to-wire, leading through all four rounds of the men’s competition.
Going into the final day with a spectacular 18-shot lead, the Cascades 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. “It’s amazing. To have all our friends and family here to cheer us on makes it special.”
Leading the way for the Cascades was Daniel Campbell (Bellingham, WA), 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.
“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.”
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.
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.
UBC dominated the women’s team event. With a 20-stroke advantage heading into the final day, the defending champs retained their title with a 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.
Rounding out the top-three women’s teams were the Cascades, who jumped two spots to third with a total 58-over-par 922.
The women’s and men’s individual winners receive an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championship. The top three men and women qualify for the 2019 Summer Universiade.