UBC Thunderbirds Men’s and Women’s teams in the lead after the first round of the 2024 Canadian University/College Championship

UBC’s Aidan Schumer and Grace Bell lead men’s and women’s individual championships

SUDBURY, Ont. – The University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds Men’s and Women’s teams find themselves in familiar territory following the opening round of the 2024 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO. Both teams hold the lead heading into the second round on Tuesday.

The UBC Thunderbirds Women’s team are seeking a seventh consecutive national championship which would mark 17 total in the tournament’s 20-year history. The men’s team will be looking for their eighth title.

Played was initially delayed by 90 minutes on Monday due to heavy fog at the Idylwylde Golf & Country Club in Sudbury, Ont. Once play began the UBC Thunderbirds Men’s team got off to a flying start and finished the day with a 20 shot lead over a pair of teams after a collective score of 14-under. Aidan Schumer of Columbus, Ohio led the way for the Thunderbirds, firing a 5-under 67 which also leads the men’s individual standings.

“I could tell the guys were really calm before the round and I think we all sank in really easily to our rounds and the boys had an awesome day today,” said Schumer. “Really looking forward to trying to keep the pace up these next three days for myself and the boys as well.”

Schumer opened his round with three straight birdies from his first nine and two more to open his second nine, recording eight in total on the day. He credited his fast start to a good warm-up and work with a trainer, allowing his body to get into action on Monday.

“I took it one shot at a time and stayed in the present. When I made a mistake, I didn’t let it bother me and had a lot of opportunities. I was in some tough places today, but I had great opportunities to practice aspects of my game I don’t usually encounter out on the west coast. The golf course is in great condition,” said the opening round men’s leader.

Behind Schumer are teammates Mackenzie Bickell of Richmond, B.C. at 4-under 68 and John Paul Kahlert of Maple Ridge, B.C. at 3-under 69. Maguire Lines (Victoria Vikes), Anthony Jomphe (Montreal Carabins) and Samuel Breton Gagnon (Champlain St-Lawrence Lions) are also tied for third with Kahlert at 3-under.

The race in the women’s individual championship is shaping up to be one to watch this week. Grace Bell of Calgary, Alta. (UBC Thunderbirds) currently holds a one-shot lead over three other competitors. Bell ended her round with nine consecutive pars to shoot an even-par 72. Teammates Bo Brown of Mississauga, Ont. and Una Chou of San Diego, Calif. are one back after both posting rounds of 1-over 73. Julia Alexander-Carew of Oakville, Ont. (UBC Okanagan Heat) also sits at 1-over.

UBC Thunderbirds Women’s team take a ten-shot lead over their provincial rival, UBC Okanagan Heat. The Thunderbirds sit with a collective score over 2-over, while the Heat are 12-over.

Added excitement on Monday evening came courtesy of Bryden Dilley of Barrie, Ont. (Georgian Grizzles). Dilley recorded a hole-in-one on the par-3 4th hole; she finished her day T13 at 8-over.

In the team championship, four daily scores count towards the men’s team total with three scores daily in the Women’s division. After the third round, the field will be cut to the low nine (9) men’s teams and the low six (6) women’s teams, including any team within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within ten (10) shots of third place, or any player within the top-10, will also make the cut.

Men’s Team Championship – Top 5

Women’s Team Championship – Top 5

Men’s Individual Championship – Top 5

Women’s Individual Championship – Top 5