It was a dream start to the new season for the Heat men's golf squad as they captured both the team and individual titles at the University of Alberta Invitational at the RedTail Landing Golf Club.
Led by Cole Wilson, who captured the individual title thanks to rounds of 67 and 70, and all five of the UBC Okanagan golfers finishing in the top-10, the Heat took the team event by 12-strokes with a two-day total of 566.
The team score of 566 (-10) is a new school record for the lowest 36-hole total in golf program history. Impressive showing for their first-ever Canada West tournament, after playing the past 11 years in the PacWest conference of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).
On day-one Wilson's score was the low total for that round, following that torrid pace for the Heat was Oliver Rizun. The fifth-year senior finished third overall thanks to a day-two low of 68, following a one-under 71 to open the Invitational.
Lefty Ethan Hunt fired a two-day total of 143 (-1) to finish in alone in fifth place while Nik Federko (73-74) and Marcus Apchin (73-77) rounded out the five for UBCO, both also finished inside the top-twelve individually.
An opening round of 283 (-5) would have the Heat tied for the lead with the Calgary Dinos. A birdie barrage early on Monday during round two for UBCO put away the team title on the front nine, and the Okanagan squad would cruise to the team competition victory by 12 shots.
⛳️MGOLF | Heat men capture their opening tournament after setting a new school record for lowest score over two days at -10. The rookie Cole Wilson captured the individual title as well thanks to rounds of 67 and 70. #goheat #feedtheflame pic.twitter.com/A2HCYmF83U
— UBCO Heat (@UBCOHeat) September 17, 2019
The individual title was no cakewalk for Wilson, who had to make a 15-footer for par on the 17th to hold onto a one-shot advantage. He followed that up with what he called "the best drive of my life" on the 18th. Measuring 425 yards from the tee, Wilson had nothing more than a flip wedge into the final hole and was able to two-putt for the victory.
"It was great to see our group of guys perform at such a high level this weekend," said Wilson after his tournament victory. "10-under as a team is an excellent score, and it has me really excited to see what else we can accomplish this year. It is a lot of fun playing alongside this group of guys, and I can't wait for our future together."
The men will have a week off before they travel back to Alberta for the Lethbridge Invitational in two weeks (Sept. 27-29). This will be the final tune-up for the squad before they host the inaugural Canada West Golf Championship, which goes October 4-6 at the Okanagan Golf Club. Their final event of the season will be in mid-October at the Vikes Shootout in Victoria.
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