The golf team entered the BC AA Championships as defending champions. With longtime stalwarts Sean Buckles, Michael Kennedy and Sandee Park leading the way there was great optimism about the potential for a repeat. Unfortunately, this was not to be, but our golfers still put in a tremendous effort and finished a very respectable 4th against stiff opposition. Here is Coach Bruner's report:
The Collingwood golf team returned to AA provincials to face eleven other teams at the Pheasant Glen Golf resort in Qualicum, BC. Our five athletes included Grade 10 golfers: Will Zhang and Sam Fuller, both who have had a great season and are participating in their first provincial tournament. This year we are blessed with three grade 12's, Sandee Park, Michael Kennedy and Sean Buckles, all who have all had multiple provincial appearances.
The team entered the championship with momentum after capturing the North Shore's and Vancouver Zone's in first place overall. Even though the course this year was shorter than expected, the challenge lay in the thick rough, tricky greens and deceptive fairways.
We faired well our first day, scoring a total of 322 strokes, leaving us in 5th place heading into the final day. The final day brought wind and rain, making playing conditions unfavourable to most. With a smile, our team fought through adverse moments to score a combined 312 strokes; with Sean B and Michael K shooting 73, one stroke above par. Despite a solid effort, the team finished 4th at provincials.
As coaches, we are very proud of the athleticism, focus and an unwavering ability to adapt to course conditions and yardages. This tournament gave our athletes an amazing experience that each player will value in the years to come. We will miss our graduating players, Sandee Park, Michael Kennedy and Sean Buckles. They all have given multiple years to the program and are off on incredible adventures.
The 'Dynamic Duo' of Sean Buckles and Michael Kennedy. The golf coaches will always remember these two for their trademark 'big smiles' and amazing ability to shoot low when it counted.
Sandee Park has been a key member of the team since was in Grade 9. She will definitely be missed.