On a beautiful sunny day with temperatures hitting 19 degrees, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) rivals Red Deer College (RDC) and Medicine Hat College (MHC) battled for first place on the women’s side. The men’s side saw a close game between Humber College and Cégep André-Laurendeau.
“The tournament started off with a chilly morning that turned into a beautiful day in the coulees. The wind has certainly been a force to be reckoned with, but there have been some impressive scores, so it will be interesting to see how the golfers battle the rest of the week,” says Adam Chinel, tournament director for Golf Canada.
For the women, RDC finished the day with a one-stroke lead over MH, with Cégep André-Laurendeau holding down the third spot. Red Deer finished with a total of 20 over par 164, while the Rattlers were ate 21 over par 165, and André-Laurendeau was one stroke back at 22 over par 166.
On the men’s side, the Humber Hawks finished the day in first with a five over par total of 293. André-Laurendeau is in second at six over par 294, followed by Champlain St. Lawrence in third at 11 over par 299.
In the women’s individual race, Emily Romancew from the John Abbott Islanders holds a two-stroke lead over Elizabeth Labbé from Champlain St. Lawrence and Becky Martin from the Rattlers. Romancew shot an impressive three over par 75.
“I feel good. With the wind conditions today, it was tougher than we thought but it was fun. I was in a fun group. I know I need to stay patient with three rounds left -patience and grind. I can’t get too ahead of myself. It’s a tough golf course,” says Romancew.
On the men’s individual side, three golfers were able to break par in their opening rounds. Olivier Ménard from André-Laurendeau fired a two under par 70 to take the first round lead. Solomon Coupal from Champlain St. Lawrence and Conner Watt from the Humber Hawks were both one stroke back after shooting one under par 71’s.
“The opening round of the 2018 PING CCAA National Golf Championships is in the books. MHC is excited to host this great event, and look forward to seeing a high level of competitive golf as the week progresses,” says Terry Ballard, manager of sport and wellness at MHC.
New to this year championship, MHC is giving out individual and team of the day awards.
The men’s individual of the day was Reid Woodman from the MacEwan University Griffins who eagled the par four 15th hole with a shot from the fairway.
The women’s individual of the day was Emily Romancew from the John Abbott Islanders who’s 75 was good for a two stroke lead heading into day two.
The team of the day was awarded to the Boomerang d’Andre-Laurendeau whose teams finished second on the men’s side and third on the women’s. As a team, they are always smiling, having fun and the brought their own team flag.
Medicine Hat College would like to congratulate each of today’s winners and looks forward to handing more awards as the tournament moves forward.
Men's Team Leaderboard
Women's Team Leaderboard
Men's Individuals Leaderboard
Women's Individuals Leaderboard
Photos