Dartmouth, N.S. – On Saturday, September. 28th Acadia University competed in the inaugural Nova Scotia Golf Association University/College Golf Championships at Brightwood Golf & Country Club, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The event format was 18 holes of stroke-play with the top four of five scores counting on each team. There was a total of 38 competitors in the event, with teams from Cape Breton University, Dalhousie University, Saint Francis Xavier University, and Saint Mary’s University all competing for the chance to be crowned champions.
Acadia’s Men’s Team consisted of 5 players: Sebastian Farkas, Andrew Mackinnon, Zach Moore, Sam Quackenbush, and Cameron Waugh. In addition, Nathan Comeau was also representing Acadia as an individual participant. The women’s team consisted of one member, Courtney Cruikshank, who was the lucky competitor to hit the inaugural tee-shot in the event.
It was a windy day that Saturday, but Acadia played well despite the conditions. On the men’s side, Sam Quackenbush was the low competitor for Acadia as he fired a solid round of 75 (+7) and finished in a tie for 6th place. Cameron Waugh was the second lowest player as he shot 76 (+8), and Andrew Mackinnon rounded out the top three as he posted a 78 (+10). Sebastian Farkas, Zach Moore, and individual contestant Nathan Comeau struggled to find their games on the Donald Ross layout. On the women’s side, Courtney Cruikshank represented Acadia admirably as she was only one of two women to compete in the event.
As the sun set and the final putt was holed on the 18th green, Cape Breton University took home the Championship as they posted a collective score of +33 to defeat Saint Mary’s University by three strokes. Dalhousie University finished in third, followed by STFX University placing fourth, and Acadia settling for fifth. Individually, Cape Breton University’s Kevin George claimed the Men’s individual crown as he posted an excellent round of 70 (+2) to finish two clear of second. Sydney Erb of Dalhousie University won the Women’s title as she posted a solid round of 86 (+18).
As mentioned, this was the first ever University/College golf event to take place in Nova Scotia and was a big step in getting national recognition for the sport in the province. There are many talented men and women golfers in post-secondary in this province and it was excellent to see them show of their skills throughout the competition.
Acadia has never had a competitive golf program in its entire history, and by competing in this event Acadia will look to build its program for those interested in developing their games.
