Calgary (Dan Kinvig) – The University of the Fraser Valley golf teams dominated the Calgary Invitational, with both the men’s and women’s squads cruising to double-digit margins of victory at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club.
In the final pre-Canada West championship tune-up for both teams, the Cascades men posted a combined score of +12 to out-distance the host Calgary Dinos (+26), Manitoba Bisons (+31), Alberta Golden Bears (+48) and Lethbridge Pronghorns (+63). Individual winner Eli Greene led four Cascades in the top eight overall.
On the women’s side, the Cascades held a two-stroke lead after Sunday’s Round 1, but saw it expand in Monday’s Round 2. They finished at +62 as a team, ahead of Calgary (+74), Alberta (+167) and Lethbridge (+177). All four Cascades finished in the top six individually, led by runner-up Alex Brunner.
Up next, the Cascades golf teams head to Squamish Valley Golf Club for the Canada West championships, Oct. 4-5.
Priddis Greens, which hosted an LPGA Tour event in 2016, proved a tough test, particularly amidst high winds on Monday.
Greene, who notched a runner-up individual finish at the Cascades Invitational last week, continued his strong play. The Nanaimo product followed a round of two-over 74 on Sunday with a one-under 71 on Monday, birdying the last two holes to get to +1 for the tournament, one stroke better than Calgary’s Ethan Banks.
Jacob Lucki (71-76), the co-leader after the first round, and Jackson Jacob (73-74) were part of a three-way tie for third at +3, Jacob Armstrong (72-79) was eighth at +7, and rookie Hudson LaFayette (77-77, +10) tied for 14th.
“Two of the cool things, for me, from the event were, first of all we got to play a really good golf course,” UFV men’s head coach Aaron Pauls said. “It was more of a test than the courses we usually play. The greens were fast with undulation, and it was windy today. I think it was a good learning experience for the guys, as far as where we can improve in terms of strategy and being disciplined, sticking with it mentally.
“The second things was, Eli winning the tournament. It’s awesome for our team, and for Eli personally. He was a couple strokes back on the final holes, and he kept battling. Any time one of our players has one of those experiences, it’s beneficial because they know they can get the job done.”
Victoria Tse of the Dinos carded rounds of 75 and 81 for a seven-stroke victory in the women’s individual, but the Cascades were otherwise the class of the field. Brunner (82-81) was second, Lucy Park (81-83) took third, Emery Bardock (87-83) finished fourth, and Coral Hamade (84-93) was sixth as the UFV squad picked up its first team win of the campaign.
Head coach Cody Stewart felt there was room for improvement in terms of his team’s scores, but noted that going into the CW championships on a winning note was very positive.
“It was a great opportunity to come out here and play a tough track,” he said. “The course really required your full attention, especially with the change in temperature and altitude and other factors like that. It was nice to play something that made us a little more uncomfortable as we prepare for Canada West. I’m proud of the way we grinded.
“There’s room for improvement, but it’s nice to get the win. Hopefully it’ll serve us well as we head to Canada West.”
Cascades’ Greene is Canada West athlete of the week
Eli Greene of the University of the Fraser Valley has been named the Canada West men’s golf athlete of the week, in recognition of his victorious performance at the Calgary Invitational.
Greene, who joined the Cascades for the 2020-21 season but is still in his first year of eligibility, carded a 74 on Sunday and 71 on Monday at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club, finishing at +1 for the tournament, one stroke better than Calgary’s Ethan Banks.
The Nanaimo, B.C. product led four Cascades golfers in the top eight in the men’s individual standings, propelling the squad to the team title. Their combined score of +12 was 14 strokes better than the runner-up host Calgary Dinos.
Greene is the second UFV men’s golfer to earn CW athlete of the week honours, following in the footsteps of Jackson Jacob, who got the nod on Sept. 20.
Up next for Greene and the Cascades golf teams: The Canada West championships, hosted by UBC at Squamish Valley Golf Club, Oct. 4-5.
